Chapter 116: Unleashing Ideas – The Return of the King of Schemes

The Month of Deep Winter had arrived. Almost imperceptibly, an overnight snowfall had draped Green City in a glittering, icy gown. The followers of the Goddess of Ice and Snow were ecstatic, wildly cheering on the streets of Green City. The priests of the Temple of Ice and Snow, clad in white robes, joyfully distributed food to beggars along the roads. It seemed as though the biting cold, which everyone despised, was viewed as a blessing from the goddess. A thin layer of ice now covered the cobblestone streets of Green City, and the number of pedestrians dwindled as the snowflakes drifted down. The usual hustle and bustle of the city seemed to have been paused the moment the heavy snow fell. Meanwhile, within the Crimson Mage Tower, kept warm by its magical arrays, life continued undisturbed. On the third floor, inside the study, Li De looked at the neatly stacked pile of magic scrolls on his wooden desk with satisfaction. Small Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Magic Shield. Currently, the magic factory only produced these three types of scrolls. Today was December 1st, the first day of the Month of Deep Winter. After days of continuous production, the total number of these three types of magic scrolls had reached an astonishing 800 copies. Their value amounted to nearly ten thousand Gold Pucks. After the initial adjustment period, the factory’s output had significantly increased, averaging 200 scrolls per day. Compared to the hundreds of mage apprentices involved, this number might not seem impressive. However, when contrasted with the productivity of other mages, it was nothing short of astonishing. In the world of Glory, independently crafting magic scrolls wasn’t easy. Theoretically, Levels 2-4 Beginner Mages could attempt it, but in reality, only Level 5 Intermediate Mages or higher could successfully produce them. Moreover, the process of creating a single scroll often took two to three days, and there was still a high failure rate. Mage apprentices didn’t even dare to touch a scroll, let alone attempt to make one. These novices, who struggled to control mana, couldn’t even complete a full magic model in half a year. This was because creating scrolls had a time-sensitive requirement: if the final step—infusing mana to activate the scroll—wasn’t completed within five days of drawing the magic nodes, the scroll would become useless. With their poor control over mana, mage apprentices simply couldn’t draw complete magic models. But Li De, unfettered by conventional thinking, had employed modern assembly-line production methods. Each apprentice was responsible for drawing 5-8 magic nodes. Once done, they immediately handed it off to the next person to continue. Step by step, all the magic nodes were completed, and finally, a formal mage infused mana to activate the scroll. From the first step to completion, the entire process took less than a sun-hour. Once proficient, even apprentices with minimal mana could complete over a hundred scrolls per day. Thus, those who originally had no qualifications to produce magic scrolls became crucial laborers. In the world of Glory, magic was sacred and inviolable. Producing sacred magical artifacts as industrial products was unimaginable for most mages. Their fixed mindset dictated that only Intermediate Mages, with sufficient mastery of magic, could truly craft magic scrolls. Furthermore, the technology for producing magic scrolls was considered a closely guarded secret of each mage tower, accessible only to mages of significant status. Teaching scroll-making to apprentices? A dream! Therefore, Li De’s unconventional approach was enough to leave outsiders in awe. Such was the power of modern factory production methods. “Teacher, can I start learning magic now?” The sweet, innocent voice of the girl beside him interrupted Li De’s thoughts. Turning his head, he looked at Isha, who, though she had gained some weight, still appeared frail. He smiled. “Isha, don’t rush. Tomorrow, you’ll go to the magic factory for training. In half a month, I’ll formally begin teaching you.” Li De had intentionally focused on strengthening Isha’s foundation during this time. He hadn’t allowed her to practice real magic, not even something as simple as Mage Hand. His goal was to ensure that this girl, with her Golden Bloodline, had a brighter and more enduring future. And indeed, Isha, bright as snow, absorbed knowledge at an astonishing pace, leaving Li De deeply impressed. He also taught her many unconventional ideas about magic, refusing to constrain her imagination with the rigid magical thinking of this world. “All right, Teacher,” Isha said with a sweet smile. Her crimson eyes curved into crescent moons. It must be said that after spending half a month constantly by Li De’s side, this once shy and timid girl had become much livelier. At the very least, she no longer spoke to him with such caution. “Lord Li De, the magic scrolls we’ve produced have already been certified by the Green City Mage Guild. When do you plan to release them to the market?” Vina, dressed in a blue mage robe and radiating enthusiasm, entered the study. During this time, everyone in the Crimson Mage Tower watched as the magic scrolls rolled out of the factory, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This was the result of everyone’s hard work and dedication. Li De revealed a meaningful smile. “No, I don’t intend to sell this batch of magic scrolls.” Vina looked at Li De with confusion. Not selling them? “Yes, to be precise, not during winter,” Li De stood up and walked to the closed glass window, gazing at the snow-covered streets of Green City outside. “Who uses magic scrolls the most?” “Mercenaries, adventurers, armies, and various merchant guilds.” “Correct. But during the Month of Deep Winter, will adventurers venture out as frequently to hunt magical beasts? Will armies engage in battles? Will merchant guilds conduct large-scale commercial activities?” Upon hearing this, admiration flashed in Isha’s eyes as she gazed at Li De’s back with affection. The clever girl instantly understood Li De’s intentions from their conversation. The Month of Deep Winter was not the ideal time to sell magic scrolls; spring was far more suitable. “So, do you plan to sell them in the spring, during the planting season?” Li De turned his head to look at his little maid and chuckled lightly. “When spring arrives and the harsh winter fades, won’t those adventurers and mercenaries, who’ve spent all their money during the winter, rush out to hunt magical beasts and undertake other dangerous activities? Won’t armies consider launching campaigns against bandits and other enemies? Won’t merchants transport goods as soon as possible? At that time, facing a perilous world, will they hesitate to spend a few Gold Pucks on a life-saving magic scroll?” Turning his head to look at little Isha sitting on the stool, her small face utterly adorable, he gently pinched her cheek. “However, to prevent unforeseen circumstances, we can first spread the word that the Crimson Mage Tower’s magic scrolls are nearing the production stage. By early spring, we’ll be able to sell a portion of the magic scrolls. We need to send people to spread the news among organizations like the Mercenary Association, Mage Guild, and Thieves Guild. At the same time, issue tasks to acquire materials and items needed for making magic scrolls. And emphasize one point: when selling magic scrolls, they can be exchanged for magical materials.” The Crimson Mage Tower didn’t lack Gold Pucks for the time being, so there was no need to rush the sale of magic scrolls. Moreover, magic scrolls were valuable assets. Things that Gold Pucks couldn’t buy could potentially be exchanged for magic scrolls in the future. Li De’s gaze grew distant, as if he could already envision the scene next spring when mercenaries and adventurers in Green City would flock to exchange Gold Pucks and various magical materials for magic scrolls. It was truly something to look forward to. Li De stroked his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps in the future, he could open a store in the Crimson Mage Tower specifically for acquiring magical materials. There could be an option to exchange magical materials for magic scrolls. And maybe even introduce a points system... If that were the case, this store could serve multiple purposes. With his mind racing, Li De began to unleash a torrent of creative ideas, spawning all sorts of innovative thoughts. Little did the adventurers and mercenaries of Green City know that the magic shop they would both love and hate in the future was conceived and established on this very day. Li De, the King of Schemes, quietly returned to action.