Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 353 Choice
There were no complaints. Weighing the investment weight among each promising individual is a basic quality of a mature group and is beyond reproach.

His mentor, Tyrantir, was quite generous, since he was currently the only one left in the family, and the cost was manageable. The condition was that he had to return to Highhold to cultivate in seclusion.

Actually, this is quite an excellent option. Being able to learn from a master of magic and enjoy a good research environment and abundant resources in the mage tower is like a graduate student in the past becoming a disciple of a Nobel Prize scholar and participating in a huge project invested in by the mentor. You would have to eat your fill and take big bites.

Logically speaking, there is almost no reason to give up such a windfall. Zhang Yuan himself hesitated and weighed the pros and cons before finally making up his mind after a long talk with his teacher.

"You understand what I mean, and it's good that you put aside the temptation of promotion and power and chose to settle down and accumulate experience."

Tyrandeur's expression remained calm, though a hint of relief flickered in his words. But this gentleness vanished in an instant, his tone suddenly turning stern:

"But your idea is as outrageous as ever. Remote work? How did you even come up with that idea? Is it another unique feature of your world?"

"I suppose so, teacher. As long as a permanent portal can be built between my territory and the mage tower, I can not only study under you, but you will also have a private backyard."

However, all his attempts to please and flatter had no effect whatsoever, and the archmage's eyebrows were practically standing on end.

"Leaving aside the cost of building the portal, what do you think my Highhold is? Something you can come and go as you please?"

Zhang Yuan didn't dare to say a word. When he saw Tyrantir stand up, he quickly stood up to accompany him.

"Remember, every fixed portal placed inside the mage tower needs to be carefully considered. These semi-permanent teleportation channels will leave indelible traces even after they are closed or destroyed. When setting up such a portal to your own core, you can never be too careful."

"Not to mention it's set up in territory where you yourself know absolutely nothing, it's utter nonsense!"

After being scolded, Zhang Yuan was no longer the flustered student caught red-handed by the teacher. He quickly admitted his mistake and served him some freshly brewed hot tea, while changing the subject to his vision for the future of the territory.

Tyrantir tried a few sips of the fresh, hot drink and found it surprisingly good. After his disciple finished speaking, he put down his teacup and said:
"In my opinion, I do not recommend that you develop any so-called power right now, especially for a spellcaster. No power can compare to one's own strength."

"But your situation is special, and I can't dismiss your idea based on my own preconceived notions. How about this,"

The Grand Master's gaze fell on his disciple's face:
"You can stay in the North if you want. At your current level, you won't be able to explore the mysteries of the origin anytime soon. Besides, the academy's support is enough."

"But when you reach a higher level, well, no one can walk your path for you. You must measure it yourself with your own footsteps."

On the day he saw his teacher off, Zhang Yuan felt a little melancholy. This was a rare sorrow he felt when he was not thinking of his hometown. But since he had made this choice, there was no room for regret.

It wasn't that he was arrogant or acted arbitrarily, but rather that he needed a platform to allow his supporters from another world to showcase their talents.

Everyone has their own expertise. Master Zhang wasn't that arrogant. He relied on his experience in stirring up trouble in the gang to govern his territory, but he couldn't resist the capable people under his command.

At the meeting where the team members and representatives of the three-star chess pieces who could project their consciousness into this world were gathered, almost everyone unanimously hoped that Captain Zhang would take control of the territory and give them a chance to participate. Lawrence and Kegan, the two most stubborn guys, were the loudest. However, what truly made Zhang Yuan decide was the statement from Tinker and Vengeful Spirit.

Zhang Yuan, who had promised the repairman to sponsor a laboratory, hadn't even had a chance to fulfill his promise yet. Seeing the repairman's growing influence, Old Bausch immediately raised his expectations.

"Hey Chanem, now that you're a lord, surely you can build a metallurgical plant for poor old Bausch?"

???

has a problem!
Upon hearing the words "alchemy factory," Mr. Zhang instinctively clutched his purse tighter and asked with considerable suspicion:

"Wait a minute, what's the initial construction budget, and how much will be needed for subsequent investments?"

"Actually, it's not much; we can do what we can, depending on the situation..."

The shrewd old man, Bausch, chuckled and tried to bluff his way through the situation, but Zhang Yuan wasn't buying it. He kept pressing for answers, and finally, Old Clockwork couldn't stand it anymore and told him the truth.

"Based on the prices in this world, we estimate that the initial construction investment will be about eight thousand gold coins, and the subsequent monthly maintenance cost should not be less than seven hundred gold coins."

"what?!"

Master Zhang jumped up and down on the spot, glaring at the cunning old man, Bausch, with eyes like daggers.

After arriving at the academy, the Dota heroes, who occasionally had the opportunity to go out and relax, tried to learn about some basic aspects of this world.

In the mage academy, although some people were a little curious about their appearance, it was not surprising. After all, who doesn't have a summon or alchemical equipment?

Thanks to these advantages, the two master craftsmen of the Keen tribe were able to learn a great deal about alchemy, forging, and the creation of rare artifacts by taking advantage of Zhang Yuan's identity and authority, and began planning the establishment of an alchemy factory.

The price of eight thousand gold coins was not made up. In fact, compared to a real research institute that integrates forging, alchemy, enchanting, and even construct functions, eight thousand gold coins was an unimaginable bargain.

The fact that the Keanes were able to drive the price down to this level is not because their valuation skills are exceptionally high, on par with Vol'jin's; rather, it's a choice made out of necessity.

As early as when they were modifying the Seawolf, the two master craftsmen had already discovered that the two worlds had completely different systems in mechanical manufacturing and alchemy. This was normal, and there were ways to work around it.

At least based on current understanding, the surface physical laws are still largely the same, and the operation of energy can be reset. As for the underlying microscopic world and the foundation of laws, that is not something they should be considering at the moment.

On the other hand, this also means that most of the infrastructure equipment, and even tools and raw materials, must be obtained by ourselves, so that we can be self-sufficient.

Thank you for the monthly pass from Wanliutongyuan!
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(End of this chapter)