Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 237 Weapon Price List: The Wisdom of the Elf

For the elves, this batch of bows was excellent, truly superb.

During subsequent testing, the elven archers, after conducting simple experiments, truthfully reported their experiences to the two elven elders.

First, let's talk about the disadvantages.

It's ugly!
Is this a drawback? It really is.

It's important to know that the term "humanoid" race didn't exist on the original Starry Continent. It was a term later coined by the "shameless" human race. In the distant ancient times, "spirit-like" was the highest evaluation for other intelligent beings.

As a race known for its outstanding temperament, elves have a characteristic that even if they are reduced to scavenging, they will still pay attention to their gait, posture, and even hand gestures.

Unlike the previous batch of sparkling nine-colored rainbow bows, this batch of composite bows only came in black and silver-white, and both were matte.

The structure of a compound bow is somewhat complex. The numerous components on the bow handle and limbs at the front look very fragmented. The bowstring, cable control rod, cable stopper, control cable, beak cable, yoke, and slider at the back also feel very cumbersome.

Compared to the elegant longbows traditionally used by elves, adorned with various ornaments and interspersed with feather designs, the compound bow looks like a messy jumble.

The monotonous color and complicated structure make this weapon look rather unappealing, and many elves can't help but frown when they first see it.

The second major drawback is the rate of fire.

Without channeling enchantments, saving time on holding the bow, and relying solely on arrows for damage, the composite bow's rate of fire is much slower than the elven longbow.

Elven archers like Loma Windrunner can achieve extremely fast draw and release bursts, or even rapid fire of multiple arrows from a single bow, through skill alone. However, compound bows cannot do this; the numerous mechanical buffer components prevent them from being fast.

Well, actually, compound bows have another drawback: they are relatively heavy. However, this has no impact on the elves of the Starry World.

Next are the advantages, and there are too many to list.

Even if you don't like this kind of elf archer's design, you'll find yourself falling in love with it after trying it out once.

The arrows are fast-firing, have a long range, and are highly accurate! Without enchantments, their destructive power easily surpasses that of a longbow with the same draw weight. Not to mention, their core value lies in the ability to hold the bow for extended periods with minimal effort while enchanting it.

This version from Dongxia also includes a tripod, allowing the bow to be placed directly on the ground when the bow is stopped.

An elf who was also a bow maker discovered another blind spot.

"The craftsmanship of these bows is astonishing. Weapons with the same markings have no difference in bow posture and power."

"I tried more than twenty bows, and the feedback and feel of each one were almost exactly the same!"

"This is a technology that we cannot achieve, or even understand!"

The mark the bow maker is referring to is a symbol on the side of the bow handle that represents the draw strength level of a compound bow. To distinguish them concisely, it is simply represented by short lines, with each additional line indicating a higher draw strength level.

Elven archers are very sensitive to the power of their bows. Due to the traditional workshop-style manufacturing, each bow will have slight differences due to the materials and craftsmanship. Therefore, there is a saying that "bow training" is necessary. You have to try three to five arrows to find the best performance of the bow in your hand.

Compound bows also require training, but the Elf Archer discovered that once you get the feel for your first bow, switching to other bows of the same type won't change the feel at all. This saves archers a lot of time and effort in getting used to the bow.

According to this archer's summary: "Give me a squad of compound bows, and given enough distance, I can suppress at least five times the number of longbowmen of the same level!"

"This is a weapon of a much higher level than we expected. Lord Han Hai is a man of great taste!"

After receiving comprehensive feedback on the use of the new weapons, the elven elders became even more determined to continue their cooperation.

The most important thing now is to take advantage of the good relationship between the two sides and finalize the next cooperation as soon as possible.

Negotiations for cooperation proceeded swiftly, and this time, both sides approached the negotiations with great sincerity.

The elves' sincerity is self-evident; their attitude is that you name your terms, and as long as it doesn't affect our bottom line for survival, we can discuss anything.

Chen Mo also showed great enthusiasm for the collaboration.

Chen Mo felt somewhat indebted to the elves from their last collaboration.

Based on the overall value of the Tree of Life seeds provided by the elves, let alone a mere thousand bows, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the price would be a hundred times higher. And Dongxia did indeed prepare accordingly, providing all kinds of bows and weights, essentially meaning that the elves could choose whatever they wanted.

However, after careful consideration, Chen Mo decided to use these thousand bows to declare the previous transaction over.

The logic is simple: in order to cultivate the World Tree, Dongxia may need a large amount of Fountain of Life. If 100,000 bows are handed to the elves, what bargaining chips will they have to trade with the elves in the future?

I had shown the elf so many things before, but this was the only thing that interested the elf. If it was satisfied, how could we talk about anything else?
This is also why they supply finished bows directly instead of parts.

By getting the elves used to "buying what they need," we freed them from the complex and time-consuming bow-making system and instilled in them the idea that "it's better to buy than to make."

Chen Mo even had an idea that if the relationship between the two sides could remain friendly for a long time, he would also keep the "after-sales service" of the compound bow in his own hands.

The bow from the elves has a problem and needs to be sent to the Vast Ocean for replacement parts, repairs, and maintenance. They can even offer a direct trade-in.

In short, both parties have a strong desire to cooperate. The only issue that needs to be discussed is the terms of the transaction.

What are the needs of the Lord of the Vast Ocean?

"We in the Vast Ocean Territory naturally welcome cooperation," Chen Mo smiled, indicating that he still needed to consider it. He then said to the two elven elders, "As for the terms of the deal... I haven't decided on the specifics yet. Perhaps you two could take a look and see what resources your noble family can offer?"

Then, just as the other party was considering, "tool person" Liu Shuang came online again.

The girl carefully controlled her strength, gently tugged at Chen Mo's sleeve, and said timidly in a low voice that everyone in the room could hear, "Fountain of Life!"

The sound wasn't loud, but it instantly attracted everyone's attention.

The little girl seemed a little shy under their gaze; her pretty face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head without saying a word.

Upon hearing Liu Shuang's unprecedented request, Chen Mo waved his hand and said, "Alright, then let's exchange it for the Spring of Life!"

As everyone knows, Chen Mo has always unconditionally supported Liu Shuang's requests, without even needing to ask why.

Of course, none of you should ask. Our little princess wants it, so don't worry about what she wants it for. Whether she wants to water the flowers, take a bath, or even use it to raise sea creatures, it's none of your business!

Just state your conditions!
The two elders of the Elven race first excused themselves and went outside to talk privately for a while. When they came back in, they had already agreed on the terms.

"The life spring of my elven race is divided into two types: before purification and after purification."

"The life spring water before purification is called 'Moon Spring.' It is taken from the place where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathers in the Silver Moon Forest. It is formed by the elven priest drawing the moonlight into the water. The main function of this spring water is to nourish all things and benefit all living beings."

"The spring water of life, purified by the Tree of Life, is called 'Source Essence'. It can be used to heal injuries, restore spirit, and replenish spiritual energy. It is also an important raw material for various medicinal herbs of the Elven race."

After Ysera finished explaining carefully, her lake-like eyes swept over Frost's face, and she asked, "I don't know, which one do you want?"

Liu Shuang blinked, seemingly not quite understanding, and turned to look at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo was a little embarrassed. "You wanted the spring water, why are you looking at me like that..."

Sigh, as expected, having exceptional martial arts talent comes at a price—you got your brain replaced, didn't you!
The young lord, forcing a smile, replied, "I don't understand this Frostfall, and neither do I. Let's each have half for now!"

The elves offered their terms: according to them, the annual production of the Fountain of Life was limited, and after deducting necessary consumption, the maximum amount they could free up was 160 bottles of Moon Spring and 40 bottles of Source Essence.

In exchange, the elves hoped to trade this for at least six thousand composite bows.

The deal was thus concluded, and both parties agreed on the time and quantity for the next transaction, finally bringing this major event to a close.

The elven elders led their guards south overnight to return to Silvermoon Forest to prepare supplies. The Lord of the Vast Ocean escorted them all the way to the outskirts of Vast Ocean City, where both sides bid each other a reluctant farewell.

Once they reached the heart of the vast desert, and could no longer see the banners of the Sea of ​​Desire, Ysera, who was over three hundred years old but still considered a young girl in front of Eona, finally couldn't help but speak.

"My poor little Liushuang, with her unparalleled talent, is completely outmatched by a novice mage..."

Iona chuckled, her face radiant: "It couldn't be better if they were both willing. Why are you worrying? Your child's future status and achievements will be no less than yours or mine!"

"I just think that kid is too cunning. He clearly wanted it himself, but he used our Liushuang as a scapegoat..."

Seeing Iona smile without speaking, Elder Ysera hesitated several times before finally unable to hold back and asked, "Elder, do you think... that Industrial Lord, the Cyber ​​Lord behind Chen Mo, has somehow activated our Tree of Life seed? Is that why..."

Iona's smile faded slightly as she looked up at the slowly setting sun. The light illuminated the Elder's sharply defined profile, which left Ysera mesmerized.

"Ysera, some things don't need to be thought through so clearly!"

"We can't even protect our own World Tree. If we continue to decline like this, and our enemies grow stronger every day, if we hide in the forest and wait to rot, perhaps even the Tree of Life will abandon us."

Why bother about things that happen thousands of miles away?

"But..." Ysera was still somewhat unwilling: "But..."

"Okay, okay, no more buts!"

"What has been given away, no matter what happens to it, is no longer related to us! Only what we can truly hold in our hands is our own power."

"Remember, this matter must never be mentioned again!"

Isera remained silent.

She knew the reasoning behind it all, but there was always a hurdle in her heart that she couldn't overcome.

The relationship between the Tree of Life and the Elven race is actually a bit awkward.

After all, it was thanks to the blessing of the World Tree that the Elf race was able to dominate the Starry Continent for so many years, but ultimately they were wiped out because they could not be protected.

However, at the same time, the young Tree of Life needs a large amount of "Moon Spring" to nourish it, and the creation of "Moon Spring" is still the supreme magic of the Elven race.

The reason why the moon elves have been able to retain their royal status even after so many years of self-reflection and atonement is because of this closely guarded secret.

The Tree of Life now is like a child raised by the elves from a young age, but when it reaches middle school age, the elves can no longer support its education. With the new Tree of Life's somewhat "simple" intelligence, it doesn't resent it, but it certainly doesn't feel close to it either.

Faced with this situation, the thought that somewhere beyond the stars, her own Tree of Life seed might have received the protection of a plane's ruler and might grow into a new World Tree filled Ysera with a heart-wrenching sorrow.

As a young woman, she couldn't yet be as magnanimous as the Chief Elder.

The jungle shadow leopards sped along in the sunlight, clearly feeling very uncomfortable in the desert, their heads down as they ran, wanting only to leave this lifeless, scorching place as quickly as possible.

After crossing another high sand dune, Silvermoon Forest came into view in the distance. Ysera broke the stalemate and called out urgently, "Elder Eona!"

"what happened?"

"We...we promised to give away nearly 30% of the Fountain of Life every year without going through the collective resolution of the Silvermoon Elders Council...How are we going to explain this to the Elders Council when we get back?"

Ysera frowned. "Those damned 'Slime' faction will definitely cause trouble for you, and even many of your comrades may find these conditions hard to accept. What should we do if they strongly oppose it?"

The term "Slime Faction" is a derogatory term used by elves to refer to the so-called "peace faction," or, to put it bluntly, the "appeasement faction." It is mainly used to describe the other party as soft, weak, and lacking in principle and form.

Of course, conversely, the other side also privately referred to Ysera and her group as the "Bone Slag Faction".

It's useless except for being hard!
"Isera!"

Iona gently patted the head of the Shadow Panther beneath her, and the clever creature immediately understood, making a graceful movement by raising its front legs high and standing upright, causing the Elf Elder's long hair to dance in the air in a breezy arc.

"Isera!"

"What do you think the opposing lord wanted in advance to send me these thousand bows?"

"If even a short-lived species that's only twenty years old can understand this, how come you can't?"

(End of this chapter)