Chapter 91: Meeting for a cause

"Greetings, King of Etia, Faris Drough."

A guard dressed in elaborate plate armor greeted the king as he approached. He bowed respectfully before making a small hand gesture and opening the grand doors behind him.

Today was the day when representatives from across the Southern Continent would gather to discuss their future. With the threat of the demonic forces becoming increasingly serious, the leaders could no longer afford to act independently.

Inside the grand meeting room were the current Elven Chief of West Vinea, Asyn Rootil, and his counterpart from South Vinea, Tyr Rootil. Beside them sat Karba Estas, the leader of the dwarves, Efia, the leader of the griffons, and Rido the Second, the current King of the Lizardman Kingdom of Tonan.

They had gathered within a prestigious building in the Tonan Kingdom, specifically prepared for the continent’s most influential leaders. The room itself was enormous, with elegant decorations surrounding a large round table where the representatives sat.

Each leader wore formal clothing created by their respective people, displaying the traditions, wealth, and prestige of their homelands. Behind them stood several prominent representatives, including members of Gajia Academy, the Pero Merchant Group, Majica, and other influential organizations.

Rido the Second eventually stood from his seat and looked around the table. His expression was serious as he prepared to address the representatives.

"Fellow leaders of the Southern Continent, we are all aware of what has occurred over the past few years. From the attacks carried out by the werewolves to the assault on Mubin Port, we have witnessed firsthand the overwhelming strength of our enemies."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"These incidents have demonstrated a simple truth. If we continue to fight separately, none of our kingdoms or organizations will be able to withstand the forces gathering against us."

Rido placed both hands on the table. "Therefore, we are gathered here today to hold the first united meeting of the Southern Continent. With the most influential leaders and organizations of our continent present, we must put aside our differences and determine how we will face the threat together."

His voice became firmer as he continued.

"Our purpose today is to discuss our preparations, our available resources, and the strategies we will use to defend our continent. We must ensure that every race and every settlement is prepared for the war that approaches us."

Rido looked toward the representatives seated around him.

"Now, let us begin with our first agenda."

He raised one finger. "Mass production of weapons."

Rido gave a small signal toward one of the servants standing nearby. The servant immediately stepped forward, carrying a strange weapon and placing it carefully on the table.

"This weapon was developed by the magical organization Majica. It is a specialized bow capable of producing an attack comparable to that of a Tier 3 mage."

The representatives immediately focused their attention on the weapon.

"More importantly, it does not require a mage to operate."

The leaders began examining the weapon, carefully observing its structure and the concentrated magical stone attached to it. After several moments, Efia, the griffon leader, finally spoke.

"It is certainly powerful, but how much does a single weapon cost to produce?"

A representative from Majica stepped forward. "Despite its capabilities, the production cost is surprisingly low. A single weapon requires only ten gold coins."

"Only ten gold?!"

The room erupted with surprise.

"How is it so cheap?"

"That price is outrageously low!"

The Majica representative raised his hand, allowing the room to settle down.

"Although the materials themselves only cost ten gold coins, the true difficulty lies in production."

He pointed toward the concentrated magical stone.

"We require three Tier 3 magicians to create the core component, which is a stone containing highly concentrated magical power. After that, another hour of continuous magical manipulation is required to produce a single usable projectile."

The excitement in the room immediately diminished.

Efia leaned back in her chair. "In the Mouna Mountains, we only have around one hundred Tier 3 magicians. At our current capacity, we could produce a minimum of twenty weapons per day."

Faris scratched the bottom of his chin as he considered the numbers.

"Etia has the largest population among the human settlements, and we currently have around three hundred Tier 3 magicians."

Asyn Rootil spoke next. "West Vinea has approximately one hundred and fifty Tier 3 magicians."

Tyr Rootil nodded. "South Vinea has roughly the same number."

Rido looked around the table before giving his own number.

"Tonan has approximately two hundred."

The representatives exchanged glances as they calculated the combined number.

"That gives us a total of nine hundred Tier 3 magicians across the major powers present here."

Rido paused before continuing.

"If we dedicate half of them to weapon production, we can assign four hundred and fifty Tier 3 magicians to the project."

The Majica representative quickly calculated the possible production rate.

"With five magicians required for the complete production process of each weapon, four hundred and fifty magicians could produce approximately ninety weapons per day."

Ninety weapons per day.

The number caused several of the representatives to exchange hopeful looks. Even if the weapons were not enough to equip every soldier, such production could eventually create a significant reserve.

However, Rido did not allow the discussion to end there.

"Leaders, there is no need to rely solely on this weapon. We have also made another important discovery."

The room immediately became quiet.

"During an expedition into the Northern Continent, our explorers discovered something beneath the frozen lands. Deep within the region, where ice covers the ground like an endless sea, they discovered a massive reserve of magical crystals."

Several representatives immediately leaned forward.

"Magical crystals?"

The Majica representative nodded.

"With these reserves, we could potentially create even more magical weapons and greatly increase our production capabilities. However, extracting the crystals is not a simple task."

He looked around the room.

"We require at least five hundred individuals to assist with the expedition and extraction process. The Northern Continent is extremely dangerous, and our current forces are insufficient to handle the operation alone."

The representative lowered his head in a respectful bow.

"We ask for your assistance. If we work together, these resources could become one of our greatest advantages in the coming war."

He remained bowed for several seconds.

"For the sake of the Southern Continent."