Materials and Troubles

"In that case I may have an idea for the main material!"

The other three looked towards Willowstone expectantly. 

"A metal known as Rubar. It's a bit on the heavy side, but it's especially good for reducing damage taken."

Rodrick frowned, "Isn't that mostly used for shields though?"

Suddenly Rodrick's eyes brightened as he came to a realization, "It's used for shields because of the reduction in damage! Since we don't need the other aspects of usual Defender armor its perfect!"

Ully asked, "I'm unfamiliar with this material. What's it used for normally?"

"It's very tough so it's usually used in an alloy for shields. However all the alloy compatible metals are Fourth Stage.", Willowstone explained, "Typically it's alloyed with Tyrstone for its incredible absorptive quality. A very expensive combination but the shields the alloyed metal makes are of top quality and high demand of the Fourth Stages. However Rubar loses some of its defensive properties when alloyed with Tyrstone. If you were to use it normally I believe the damage it could withstand would be far above what a Third Stage would ever face. It could even withstand Fourth Stage level attacks. Of course this is assuming Miss Tilia can survive the blow herself."

Tilia spread open her hands in a helpless gesture. Yet one thing puzzled her, "If that's the case why did you ask about a shield?"

"I believe that you could make a set with the armor and the shield together. The more pieces of a set the greater the effects become. If my foreign Stonebrothers and sisters are willing to create you a set with the synchronization of your War Sight the set could far surpass anything this old one is capable of."

Vivi nodded along but provided a counter argument, "Rubar is hard to find due to its high demand within Fourth Stage. Obtaining enough to create a whole heavy set of armor along with a shield is going to be a difficult task."

"How much would it cost?", Tilia asked.

Rodrick was the one to answer with a shake of his head, "It's not even a matter of cost. Any mine that holds Rubar within is usually held under control by various Kingdoms. You couldn't get within a hundred yards of the mine without some sort of permit, much less lay eyes on Rubar."

Tilia felt a headache sprouting. The only King that would be willing to permit such a thing was none other than Kayne. The very Kayne who was currently missing! Isn't this setting her back to square one?! 

No not quite. Tilia quickly rationalized to herself. With knowledge of the Rubar and the Terry Tops she now had a goal regarding her personal equipment. Writing down this information in the group chat Tilia asked, "Where can I find Terry Tops?"

Rodrick pondered for a moment before saying, "Deep within any forest really. They usually grow near the top of the tallest trees. They're spherical in shape and often look like tan fruits. I'd recommend harvesting them whole and having them processed by a professional."

Vivi added, "Avoid the ones that are dry to the touch. Those ones are ready to burst and spread their spores. The more pliable they are to the touch the better. To harvest them simply grab them with two hands, twist, and it should pop right off. They're not that difficult to obtain, just a bit rare to find."

"Do keep in mind that they're often guarded by Tree Runners. Pesky birds, they're not much of a threat though.", Ully warned.

Tilia finished her notes and nodded along. Once she ensured she understood everything she asked, "Do you all happen to know some who are knowledgeable in equipment for Priests, magic classes, and summoners?"

"For Summoners and magic classes you'd have to visit the Arcane Academy, they should have resources on mana compatible plants for weaving a good set of equipment. As for Priests visit the Church Coalition.", Willowstone explained.

"Then I can only give you my utmost thanks."

"Haha, whenever you commission that armor piece do bring it so I can see. I'm intrigued on how such a combination could turn out with an expert's touch."

Tilia eyed a notification regarding a simple quest from this request. With a nod she accepted, "I can do that much."

Rodrick clasped his hands together, "Then great job everyone! Back to work!"

The four split up silently and without conversation. It was clear that this kind of gathering was common just by their actions. Tilia watched them depart as she stored her old equipment. With a sigh she moved towards the Church Coalition. 

As she was about to leave the building she noticed Givale wasn't by the entrance. Searching about she quickly spotted Givale near a blacksmith watching the process intently. Approaching Givale Tilia asked, "Did you want to stay here longer?"

"Is it time to go?"

"I have more information to gather. If you want to stay here I can come get you when I'm done."

Givale did not turn down the offer, "Okay!"

Chuckling Tilia left the young dragon and returned on her journey to the Church Coalition. The trip took mere seconds since it was directly across the road.

Reaching the entrance she extended a hand towards the large double doors to open them, but they swung open before she could touch the door. A Priest stepped out and paused, "My apologies, I hadn't meant to be so rude."

Tilia stepped out of the Priests path, "No need for an apology."

The Priest nodded along and scrutinized Tilia, "You're a Semi-Immortal?"

"I am."

"If you're here regarding the curse from the Undead we cannot cure it."

"I'm here for information regarding Third Stage Priest equipment.", Tilia corrected.

"That would be an even worse bit of luck for you. Currently demand is high and every kind of Saint Flower is harvested. There won't be any more until next season. You'd have to find a Church that would be willing to part with some of their fabrics or their supply of Saint Flowers. The Semi-Immortals have taken quite a bit."

"That is unfortunate to hear, I thank you nonetheless."

The Priest nodded and left swiftly. Tilia watched their fading figure before opening the group chat.

Tilia: @Yielya No luck on Third Stage equipment for you right now. Apparently players have taken a lot of the resources needed.

Yielya: I'm willing to bet its the Guilds preparing for an influx of Third Stage players. Unfortunate.

Yielya: Currently making a trip to the Holy Realm, I can see about perhaps obtaining material there. Do you know what the equipment is made of?

Tilia: Flowers. A Priest called them 'Saint Flowers', but also mentioned different types. They can be woven into fabrics which make the equipment.

Yielya: That's different than normal blessed fabrics. Third Stage is really demanding!

Tilia: Tell me about it.

Closing the group chat Tilia turned and moved towards the Arcane Academy. Information regarding Priest equipment was easy simply due to the fact that it wasn't available right now. Perhaps Yielya's luck would play at such a moment?

Up next was both Kan'na and Jarvis. Reaching the Arcane Academy she was about to enter the doors when somebody stopped her. They glanced at her and smiled, "Mountainous Tenacity, we welcome you to the Academy. Pardon me from stopping you."

"No problem. Is there an issue?"

"Just procedure. You may enter."

Walking into the doors she looked about and suddenly felt puzzled. Where exactly was she to obtain information regarding equipment for a summoner class and mage class? 

So she toured the grounds by herself. Her exploration bore little fruit however. There wasn't really a sign that gave directions to what she searched for. Much less a lecture titled 'Materials for Third Stage equipment' she could listen in on.

It remained this way until she found the library. Seeing such a thing made her ponder. Perhaps she didn't need to ask anybody? Deciding to enter the library she searched about until she found a Librarian. Approaching them she asked, "Excuse me, do you happen to have any books regarding Third Stage materials for magic classes or summoners?"

"One second please.", the Librarian answered.

They lifted a stone tablet and swiped across various magic symbols. Turning around they raised a palm over a spherical object for a moment. After a few seconds the Librarian returned, "You're in luck, various entries regarding this very subject were returned earlier this week. Are you a member of the Academy?"

"No.", Tilia answered honestly.

"In that case you cannot check out any of the books, but you are free to read them inside the library. You can find them here.", the Librarian pulled out a paper slip and imprinted an address with mana.

Receiving the slip Tilia looked towards the rows of books and thanked the Librarian. Walking through the halls she eyed the aisles of books. They varied in size, thickness, and quality of binding. There was both grand leather bound tomes and rustic ruffled notebooks. She could spot pamphlets, articles, and news clippings. Most importantly was just how tall the librarian shelves were.

They were unrealistically high. Towering far beyond what she could see directly. As she found herself lost in the maze of knowledge she glanced towards her paper slip. Was she really expected to find the books like this??

Surely not! A place this well studied in magic wouldn't use such a simplistic method. Following her instincts she channeled a bit of mana into the paper slip. Sure enough it began to glow and a small orb of mana flew out and began to move towards a specific direction.

Tilia could not keep her sigh of relief escaping her. If she had to find the books manually she had half the mind to quit and leave such research to Kan'na!

It took her a few minutes to find the right aisle, and another minute of using her War Sight to fly upwards before she found the book she desired. For a moment Tilia wondered why they didn't simply teleport books, but perhaps that was simply because she was desensitized to the idea of teleportation.

Kan'na was easily blamed for that. That magic genius usually made a lot of complicated things seem easy.

Finding the books Tilia removed them from the bookshelf and sat upon the kite shield provided by her War Sight. Flipping open the pages she quickly found out that it was a published study by a mage who's name she did not recognize.

Taking a moment to view the other books she noticed they were also published studies by other mages and sorcerers. Considering the Arcane Academy was a center point of study and sharing of knowledge it shouldn't come to a surprise that these kinds of books were in the library.

Returning to the first picked book she began to read. Very quickly she began to understand the reasons why the dwarves weren't confident on making something good for Kan'na. It was simply too ingrained in magic. Process were explained with jargon she couldn't quite comprehend like 'manattune' and 'cryweave'. She felt like she could just understand what they meant as words but the process and knowledge regarding them was just out of her expertise.

Thus she asked Kan'na.

Tilia: @Kan'na I'm reading some books regarding Third Stage magic equipment and found some jargon I don't know about.

It took a few minutes before Kan'na answered.

Kan'na: Really? Where'd you find the books?

Tilia: The library at the Arcane Academy.

Kan'na: You passed their test?

Tilia: Test?

Kan'na: Oh do they allow you to read the books without becoming a member? Usually to enter the Academy you need to complete a test.

Tilia: I had no such thing. The individual at the entrance called me by my Epithet and let me pass.

Kan'na: What! I guess Third Stages are given access. I had to flaunt my Mark of the Arcane to bypass the test. 

Kan'na: Anyway just send me a message about anything you're confused about and I'll help where I can.

Tilia: Thank you.

It felt nice to have someone proficient at this nearby! This must be why the Arcane Academy started. With such an opportunity at hand, might as well use it to the fullest! 

Thus Tilia spent the next few hours studying the books. Occasionally she would prompt Kan'na to explain something. Yet setting aside these small interruptions time passed quickly.