Chapter 48
Haap!
With a spirited shout, a bright yellow light surged forth, ceasing even the faint intermittent vibrations that had been trembling through the tunnels.
Good. I will sustain the tunnel. Use the golems.
Upon Claytons command, the disciples standing behind him stepped forward in unison, each taking out a fist-sized blue crystal from within their clothes.
Magic crystals!
Logans eyes gleamed as he saw them.
As they chanted incantations with eyes wide open, they threw the magic crystals at the collapsed pile of rocks at once.
Grrr-grrr-grrr.
Accompanied by a grating noise, a significant part of the rock pile before their eyes was reborn into ten stone giants, each over 2 meters tall.
Ooh!
Truly magic!
The astonished voices of the onlooking miners could be heard.
Logan watched the magicians with a similar sense of awe.
Just creating golems has cleared out several meters worth of rock pile.
Moreover.
We dont know the condition of the people. Hurry!
Yes!
As soon as the disciples responded robustly to Claytons order, the stone giants, the golems, began to move forward, lifting the rock pile one after another.
Thud. Thud. Grrr-grrr-grrrr.
The stone giants moved much faster than the miners, and they possessed the monstrous strength to easily lift boulders as big as a human body.
As they exhibited their incredible strength without worrying about a secondary collapse, the work naturally progressed much faster than it would have with dozens of human miners involved.
Oh!
Logan, who had only seen battlefield mages in his past life, was newly impressed by the usefulness of the golem school magicians.
As if responding to his admiration, the golems swiftly cleared the collapsed rock pile, and within not even two hours, Logan was able to face the survivors.
Were alive!
Ivan! Pomarov!
Robel, youre alive too!
When the survivors embraced other miners with cheers.
Logan, too, checked on the fallen Hammers condition and sighed in relief.
Just some bruises and minor internal injuries. He must have passed out from the shock. How fortunate.
Once his primary concern faded, Logan was freshly astounded by the scene before him.
A mining collapse of significant scale had been swiftly resolved within five hours.
Considering that over three hours of that time were spent on Logan being informed, and on Clayton and the mages coming to the mine for support, the actual time spent on the work was less than two hours.
Definitely impressive.
As the work of lifting the rocks was completed and he saw the golems aiding the victims, Logan couldnt help but express his admiration over and over.
I want it.
Being a mage of the earth, others might not know, but surely Clayton must have realized that this was a gold mine.
When Clayton had momentarily flinched while using the magic to stabilize the earth and locked eyes with Logan, he realized that Clayton had caught onto the mines true identity.
An employed individual with extraordinary skills was aware of his secret.
The best way to mitigate that was to make him a full ally.
But how can I deal with a tower elder from the Mage Tower
Despite racking his brain, Logan couldnt find an answer immediately.
All he could do was hope that Clayton would keep the secret to himself.
As Logan was chewing on his lips, lost in thought.
Young Master Logan, by any chance, would you happen to need a tower for your domain?
What?!
To Logans astonishment, Clayton, who seemingly didnt fit his fierce appearance, threw out an unexpected suggestion.
What do you mean by that?
Caught off guard by the subject of his concerns approaching him first, Logan couldnt help but feel perplexed.
I feel it is about time to become independent. As youve seen, my relationship with the current tower master isnt good. And for Young Master Logan, or rather this domain, it seems to have ample resources to nurture a small tower.
Claytons eyes, sweeping the surroundings, radiated both greed and hope.
Own a tower?
Not many domains within the kingdom had their own Mage Tower.
At first glance, having a Mage Tower seemed beneficial to the domain, but in reality, there were many difficulties.
Normally, mages from towers wouldnt get involved unless there was a war; typically, they were no more than a money-consuming entity. Thats why, when mages were absolutely necessary, most domains would request assistance from other towers.
But now, with war looming next year?
Its definitely a benefit.
Logan recalled the giant golems that Clayton had demonstrated at the dam construction site.
While they may not be suitable for combata premise he thought applied when facing knightsthere were indeed countless ways to utilize such monsters in war.
If we have magic crystals, they become much stronger, right?
Turning his head slightly, Logan saw golems still carrying exhausted and shocked victims in each arm.
Logan pondered various strategies on how to utilize them in war.
It was a question that seemed to have a predetermined answer.
How much support do you need? Or rather, what do you need?
Logan was exceedingly proactive in his response, to the point where even Clayton, who had initiated the conversation, appeared taken aback.
* * *
The cause of the mining accident was quickly revealed through Hammers frank confession upon waking in the palace.
You fell asleep using a collapse scroll?
Thats right. Ive been overworking myself lately.
Although Hammer turned his head away in embarrassment even while lying down, Logan couldnt blame him.
After all, he was the one who had overworked him.
Dont worry. We can resume construction soon.
Better yet, take a week off and fully rest. No, until you fully recover, just completely
I can shake it off and get up in a day What?
What?
Their gazes awkwardly crossed while hearing unexpected words from each other.
Did you say to rest?
Did you say its okay not to rest?
I, I will rest! I definitely will rest!
Afraid of the possibility of a different response, Hammer shouted as if screaming for his life.
Logan patted his shoulder, gave a bitter smile, and turned around.
Dwarf, confused by his masters retreating back, was spinning one hand around his head.
After Logan left Hammers room and closed the door behind him, he saw Clayton waiting outside.
During a time when the few healers of the rural domain were too busy attending to the injured miners, Clayton healed Hammer with earth magic.
Though it was not his specialty and merely rejuvenated his vitality, Logan bowed to him once more in gratitude.
Thank you for your help. Thanks to you, weve saved the lives of Hammer and the other miners.
Claytons features softened into a gentle smile in response to the sincere thanks.
Its natural to help save lives. Theres no need to thank me for anything so expected.
False modesty isnt necessary. Youve done a commendable act. I will not only express my thanks but also make sure to compensate you sufficiently.
Ha ha. Its fine. For such a small matter
You dont have money, do you?
Cough!
Caught off guard in the middle of the pleasantries, Clayton choked and coughed.
Just using the symbol of your school, golem magic, costs a fortune each time.
One blow.
And its difficult to justify its combat utility because its cost-effectiveness is so poor.
Two blows.
Since its not a lineage that can produce artifacts, the tower is always in the red.
Three blows.
In the end, supporting large-scale construction like this becomes your specialty, and thats why the Earth Tower keeps sending you out.
Blunt words from Logan hit Clayton hard.
Why, Young Master? Why such talk all of a sudden
Seeing that resentful look, Logan chuckled lightly.
Thats why you mentioned the tower, right?
Khem, well, that may be so but
Despite looking out of place, Clayton indeed seemed like an honest and good person.
Logan allowed a natural smile to spread without restraining it.
Then let me ask again. Are you and your disciples, including yourself, Mr. Clayton, suggesting youll settle down in our domain?
Of course.
Hmm, as Ive said, I welcome it. However, Im a bit concerned whether you can part with the Earth Tower without any issues.
Thats no problem at all. That dog No, tower master will be pleased. There wont be any issues, definitely.
Claytons answer was firm, and Logan nodded with a smile.
There was still one crucial question left.
So, how much support do you require?
Ha ha ha. I just need it to be better than what I received from the Earth Tower.
That goes without saying. But isnt there anything else you wish for?
It was an offer of recruitment that they hadnt hoped for.
Logan was ready to open his purse strings as much as needed.
But.
I trust in Young Master Logans character and abilities. Just provide me with whatever is reasonably necessary.
Really?
Praise that even the person in question couldnt understand.
Logans bewildered face and Claytons smiling visage were the warm end to their conversation.
* * *
When did you secretly start developing a mine without telling me! Even the workers there didnt know what kind of mine it was?!
Dwayne blocked Logans path, his eyes blazing with fire.
The key miners were acquired from the Teslon Palace, and the main house was not informed.
Thinking it better they didnt know, he had deliberately kept it a secret.
Aha!
Logan pretended to remember only then, smacking his palm with an oh.
Sorry. I forgot.
How could you forget such a thing!
It happens. Ive been busy, you know.
Grrr. Fine, fine. Then just answer this: What kind of mine required so much attention? Are the deposits large? Iron? Copper?
Dwayne ground his teeth, yet Logan was struck with a sudden playful impulse.
Why do you think its one of those? Take another guess.
Grrr. Young Master, as the steward in charge of finances, I have a duty to inspect the income for the future of the domain. Please stop joking and just tell me.
It could be a silver or gold mine, you know. Who can say? Maybe even diamonds or mithril.
Thats impossible! With our standing
Ah Whats wrong with us, man!
Logan, momentarily angered, managed to maintain his composure and casually replied.
It could be.
Dont kid me. Really? Could such fortune befall this cursed family?
Seeing the demoralized steward, Logan felt a further urge to tease.
In truth, its just a copper mine. Might last for three years of mining?
Grrr. I knew it! I knew thats what it was! Damn, whats the expected profit?
What about one billion gold a year?
Huh? Ah, one million gold a year. But why bother mining for that?
Not a million, a billion. One billion gold.
Hah. Are you still joking around! What copper mine
Its a gold mine, sorry.
Logan watched expectantly for a reaction, but Dwayne just pursed his lips and glared at him.
Why are you looking at me like that? Its true this time.
Really?
Yes.
Really, really?
Yes, really.
Truly, really, really?
Yeah, really!
Finally, Logans loud affirmation convinced Dwayne, who seemed to have snapped back to reality.
Heugh.
Dwayne?
Waaahhhhhh!
Woah!
The dazed Dwayne suddenly screamed.
Young Master! Youre not lying, right? If this is a lie, I swear Ill just grab a knife and end it! Youre telling me its really a gold mine?
Yes, thats right
Waaahhhhhh! Were saved! Praise the ancestors! Praise Maclaine! How can such fortune come to this cursed family!
There you go, cursing us again.
But Dwayne seemed oblivious as he went on shouting.
Thank you! Thank you! Young Master, I bow to you! No, double bowing isnt polite, is it? What does it matter? Accept my bow!
Amidst his raucous joy, Logan looked at him with delight.
I shouldve told him earlier.
A vassal so joyful over the improvement of the familys finances, which wasnt even his own money.
He couldnt help but feel pleased as a high-ranking noble of the family.
There was just one thing that bothered him.
The gold mine is on my private land, right? It belongs to me, not the family.
And he had no intention of giving the entirety of the profits to the family.
However
Now I dont have to wrack my brain over nonexistent budgets! Funding from Kyrios? Toss it to the dogs! You wretched beasts! Waaahhhhhh! I offer my thanks to the nine supreme gods who watch over the world! I will live honorably from now on!
Watching the administrator, calling upon gods seldom invoked, roaring out loud, Logan found it difficult to break the news to him.
Well, Ill tell him later. Hes so happy like that.
With Logans smile, a complex and turbulent day came to a gentle close.
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