Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons

Chapter 206 - Tamers Expedition - Finals Preparations - 2

Isaac studied the proboscis and the nymph liquid with new appreciation. ”Would this neutralize the internal acid? Interesting approach. We could create an injection mechanism with the container... But I still think it wonʼt work.”

”Why do you say that?” Ren asked, his mushrooms pulsing with curiosity.

”Someone from the craftsmenʼs guild managed to extract the acid once... but the monsterʼs mouth was still barely resistant, just a bit less than a common sword and the method is expensive,” Isaac explained, running a calloused finger along the proboscisʼs edge.

Ren smiled, his eyes lighting up. ”Itʼs not just about extracting it, itʼs about transforming it. The hollow, porous structure isnʼt very resistant on its own, the deep assassin uses the liquid as support and micro-vibrations… err, I mean fast and small movements to bury its proboscis into rock and through the chitinous armors of its prey.”

”I understand, seems like you know what youʼre doing... But I donʼt think you can make it ʼvibrateʼ like that then.” Isaac stroked his beard.

”No, but the result of neutralizing the acid will turn what will be the tip of my spear into a harder, more elastic structure. Plus, small hard crystals will emerge on the surface, facilitating cutting and increasing damage.”

”Interesting theory. Iʼm beginning to eagerly await the result,” Isaacʼs eyes sparkled with professional curiosity.

”One more thing,” Ren added. ”I also need a good dagger for dismantling beasts up to Bronze 2. Can you recommend one or make it for me before the 15th?”

Isaac smiled, clearly intrigued by the challenge, his entire demeanor shifting from skepticism to engagement. ”I can do both. For the injection mechanism, we just need to reinforce the interior with chromatic Stone Lurker minerals.”

”Exactly,” Ren confirmed, his mushrooms pulsing with approval. ”The extract doesnʼt react with that material and maintains its corrosive properties.”

”You know more about this than I expected,” Isaac commented, studying Ren with renewed curiosity, leaning back against his workbench. ”Most students donʼt even know that the cleaner contains nymph extract.”

”Letʼs just say I have many books in my head,” Ren responded with a small smile, tapping his temple lightly.

”I see,” Isaac nodded, though his expression suggested he wasnʼt completely convinced. ”As for the dagger, for Bronze 2 beasts youʼll need something special. I have an iron alloy with silver-glow mineral that would be perfect. Not cheap, 150,000, but itʼll last years if you take good care of it.”

”How much for everything?” Ren asked, mentally preparing himself for the impact on his savings.

Isaac calculated quickly, his fingers twitching as if counting invisible crystals. ”For the bow with Sarracenia string 10,000, the 100 arrows with worm tooth tips 500 since you brought the materials, the injection mechanism 4,000, incorporating the proboscis into a basic spear 500, and with the dismantling dagger... 165 thousand crystals, including labor.”

Ren whistled softly. It was a considerable sum, but necessary for his plans.

”How long would it take?”

”Since you want it for Zhaoʼs excursion, I can finish it in the two remaining days,” Isaac responded, already mentally organizing his workflow. ”I could rush some things so you could test it before going, but I wouldnʼt recommend it. Especially with the bow, we need precision.”

”Thatʼs fine, use all the remaining time then,” Ren nodded. ”Can I help with any part of the process? Iʼm interested in learning.”

Isaacʼs eyes brightened with genuine interest. It wasnʼt common for students here to want to learn the craft; most just demanded their items as quickly as possible and left after hearing an acceptable date. Ren was different and a breath of fresh air for him.

”Actually,” he smiled, revealing slightly crooked teeth stained from years of metalwork, ”we could start right now with the arrows. Itʼs an easy process that just requires some precision.”

Ren smiled, his mushrooms pulsing with anticipation. ”Perfect.”

While Isaac prepared the work area, Ren reflected on his decision to invest in conventional weapons.

Most students here focused exclusively on developing their beastsʼ abilities, considering traditional weapons inefficient or even a sign of weakness.

Why depend on external tools when you could cultivate power within yourself?

But Ren considered versatility as important as pure power and more important than the pride of the rich and noble.

A powerful beast might be magnificent in certain situations, but useless in others. Well-chosen weapons could compensate for specific weaknesses, offer tactical options, and in Renʼs case, provide time while his beasts continued evolving.

Besides, there was something elegant about a well-designed tool. Something that perfectly complemented the meticulous and analytical approach Ren applied to his cultivation.

”All right,” Isaac interrupted his thoughts, placing precision tools on the table with a metallic clink. ”Letʼs begin.”

Ren nodded, focusing on the task at hand.

♢♢♢♢

After spending time helping Isaac with arrow crafting, Ren decided it was time to resolve the financial aspect of his project. His mushrooms pulsed softly as he walked toward the academy bank, mentally calculating how much he would need to withdraw.

The bank was relatively empty at that hour, so Finch spotted him immediately, his expression lighting up as if heʼd just received a gift, practically bouncing in his seat.

”Look who honors us with his presence!” he exclaimed dramatically, causing Theodore to look up from his ledgers. ”The mushroom magnate in person!”

”Good morning, Finch,” Ren greeted as he approached the counter, the familiar scent of ink and paper filling his nostrils.

”I need to make a withdrawal.”

”THEODORE!” Finch turned to his assistant with exaggerated enthusiasm. ”Prepare the special book! Our favorite client is going to make some moves!”

The mouse quickly pulled out a specially marked book, his whiskers trembling with anticipation.

”How much will it be this time?” Finch asked, leaning over the counter conspiratorially. ”Ten thousand to fill your room with sweets?”

”I want 170 thousand crystals,” Ren responded calmly.

Finch blinked, his smile faltering slightly. ”170 thousand? So much... but... that... that will reduce your balance to less than four hundred thousand...”

He pronounced the figure as if it represented a personal calamity. Theodore even let out a small squeak of dismay, his tiny paws clutching the ledger.

”Itʼs for an important project,” Ren explained.

”But...” Finch compulsively adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the light. ”This is the first time your account has decreased so much since you started your deposits! The first setback in the saga of the mushroom magnate!”

”Donʼt worry,” Ren smiled slightly. ”I have plans for this month. Iʼll recover that and much more.”

Finchʼs eyes widened behind his glasses, practically bulging with excitement.

”THEODORE!” Finch exclaimed, startling the poor mouse who nearly jumped out of his fur. ”WRITE THAT DOWN! HE WHO DOESNʼT RISK, DOESNʼT WIN!”

The mouse wrote frantically, his tiny paws barely keeping pace with his tamerʼs enthusiasm.

”Could you give me a hint?” Finch leaned even further, lowering his voice to a whisper. ”Is it a new business? A secret investment? Perhaps an alliance with one of those noble families Iʼve heard have been following you lately?”

”Just the crystals, please, Finch,” Ren responded kindly but firmly.