Bear School Astartes

Tishaya de Veris, known in the Wizard Realm for her calm composure and meticulous nature verging on the pathological.

At this moment, she was uncharacteristically slightly parting her thin lips, staring blankly at the Demon Hunter across the table.

After quite a while, she finally blinked and forcibly brought her expression back under control.

"Hmm... The market for anti-magic gold, enchantments, and hiring rogue mages is good, mainly because the sense of crisis among those great aristocrats drives them to upgrade the equipment of themselves or their nearby guards. The metal you brought, in nature, is undoubtedly superior to all known steel billets now. If it enters the market, it will definitely become a hot commodity. However..."

Tishaya first responded to Lann's question based on the market information at hand. But as she spoke, she couldn't help but cast a suspicious glance at the Demon Hunter.

"Did you really get the formula? Is this metal artificially... manufactured?"

Tishaya wasn't doubting the Demon Hunter's ability or character, but rather—

Did he truly understand what it meant to possess the formula for a high-value metal never seen before!?

This metal, even in its raw, unrefined state, could probably overshadow all the finished swords and knives currently on the market!

And if the cost is only half that of standard anti-magic gold ingots, with ample supply... This will be a product that could cause ripples in the entire continent's currency market!

In Lann's home world, there's a specific term for this kind of product—revolutionary product!

Currently, at the northernmost end of the continent, lies a country called 'The Kingdom of Kovir and Bovis.'

This country is now the richest on the continent, but almost every household in its territory has a miner.

Therefore, when people see someone from Kovir or Bovis on the street, calling them a 'miner' is most likely not wrong.

They have mined 80% of the gold currently in circulation, and three-quarters of the desirable anti-magic gold comes from there.

Although the land of the mines cannot grow food, leading to a terribly high cost of living in the kingdom—so high that even a shoeshiner must pay hundreds of Marks to join the shoeshiners' guild.

But undeniably, these abundant mineral resources make the people there extremely wealthy.

With the market expectations for anti-magic gold soaring due to the storm Lann stirred, Kovir's wealth rises with every shipload of ore exported.

And if this metal that Lann brought is indeed man-made, with him in possession of the complete formula...

He effectively holds the technological core that could become a pillar industry of a nation!

The wealth contained within is immeasurable!

Even though Tishaya has lived for over four hundred years, almost witnessing human development up till now, she's never encountered such a situation.

Lann leaned back in his chair, nodding in confirmation.

"This is the metal formula I obtained during my previous journey to another world. It's just that after returning, I was completely immersed in our crystal cultivation project, and didn't get a chance to give you a heads-up."

"This really is..." Tishaya rarely touched her own chin, still a bit dazed.

"Alright, I accept the reality. I can somewhat sense your intentions."

Coming back to her senses from the shock, Tishaya quickly understood Lann's reason for coming over.

He's just a Demon Hunter.

Although very strong, he's always alone.

Yet, commercial activities aren't something one can handle alone. Initial investment, sourcing raw material suppliers, product promotion, contacting buyers, opening channels... It requires a massive network to handle thoroughly.

Especially when it involves a hugely profitable revolutionary product.

If Lann wants to profit from this metal, he must find a qualified partner.

Airetusa Academy is an excellent choice.

Using concepts from Lann's home world—he has the technology, but commercializing it requires getting a bank loan and using the bank's network to integrate the industry chain.

"To be honest, this technology isn't solely led by me. This metal, during the ore refinement stage, uses spells. This spell was deciphered and completed by Margaret, so Airetusa Academy and she herself naturally have the right to profit from this knowledge."

Tishaya nodded with reserved grace.

"I've never doubted Margaret's talent in enchantments. She can certainly pull this off."

"So, I understand your idea. I'm officially notifying you, does your... this kind of steel have a name?"

Tishaya took out a document and began writing with a quill, then suddenly looked up and asked.

Lann straightforwardly reported the name.

"Valyrian Steel."

"Alright, 'Valyrian Steel Production Technology,' this project will be handed over to Airetusa's logistics department for discussing commercial viability, and a preliminary cooperation intent letter will be drafted after the discussion ends."

After Lann gave the name, Tishaya smoothly finished the last few notes. This way, the document could be filed into relevant units in Airetusa's internal records.

Tishaya placed the document in an envelope, writing the document's business category in cursive on it, then dripped sealing wax and stamped her emblem.

"For business matters, to prevent potential dissatisfaction between you and Airetusa in the future, I must inform you in advance, Lann."

The Demon Hunter naturally nodded, recognizing that calculating accounts beforehand benefits both parties, so he had no objections.

Seeing Lann nod, Tishaya continued.

"This matter is significant, and this technology is astounding. You only provided the technology, and this technology includes substantial contributions from Airetusa's current dean, so your best scenario is to hold just a thirty percent share in the future."

"Of course, this is a metallurgical technology that can bring a wave of wealth, enough to tempt most kings in this world. You shouldn't worry about expenses in your long life ahead."

"Can you accept that? If not, I'll destroy this document."

Lann nonchalantly spread his hands.

"I can completely accept it."

Just providing technology, even the technology wasn't provided entirely independently, can at most be considered as 'assisting in research,' and it's already a good share.

"Besides just the share issue, it's highly likely the reputation for this technology won't be given to you, because the crisis sense among the nobility is stirred by you. If your name is associated with the production technology of this metal, it definitely won't sell well."

When Tishaya mentioned this, her gaze at the Demon Hunter was even more serious than when discussing shares.

Based on her previous experience cooperating with Lann on the crystal cultivation project, she thought this Demon Hunter was different from most fools in this world.

He felt proud and cherished for his intellect, believing his wisdom's value to be immensely precious beneath his approachable exterior.

In other words—he possessed a kind of academic pride. A subtle, almost inherent arrogance that few noticed.

"Don't worry, Tishaya."

Surprisingly to the Female Warlock, Lann appeared quite relaxed about this.

"Metallurgical technology isn't my academic obsession; this technology is just something I initiated and brought back some materials. I don't care about the naming rights at all. In fact, after you allocate me the thirty percent share, I'll take out half to give to the Master Blacksmith who ultimately replicated the sample."