Chapter 74

Pila led the way to the alchemy tower, talking enthusiastically. It seemed he was worried that I might change my mind at any moment.

"The most important thing for alchemists is creativity. Technology and knowledge have already developed as much as they can. Now, we need to create something very unique that others can't think of. When other alchemists tear their hair out over such dilemmas!"

He straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin high.

"My mind is a boundless spring of creativity! I just lack the funds to realize it."

He seems to have a very high sense of self-esteem. How many people can proudly boast of their excellence to others without feeling embarrassed? He is smart and skilled, but he laments his lack of financial support in various versions. Before I knew it, we had arrived at a tall building.

The alchemy tower was a bit different from what I had imagined. I had expected something like the Tower of Babel soaring into the sky, but it was only as tall as a typical high-rise apartment, not even as tall as the 63 Building.

However, the building was not uniformly straight; it had protrusions here and there, and it looked as if it might collapse at any moment. Large, thick tree trunks wrapped around it like supports.

"This is the alchemy tower of the 18th Terrarium. Security is tight, so not just anyone can enter."

He was right. I was stopped at the entrance. At a semi-circular desk that resembled a bank counter, many people were working with solemn expressions.

When I entered, the person closest to me suddenly looked up and scowled. At the same time, large men blocked my path. However, when our largest, Mesquite, stepped forward, they hesitated and moved back.

A person who had come out from behind the desk started to fuss.

"Surely you're not planning to fight in the alchemy tower? No combat is allowed here!"

"Calm down! This gentleman is my patron! He is so impressed by my outstanding research that he is willing to sponsor me! I must show him my research right away!"

I had only thought of making a simple investment to get a hornet, but when did I become a patron?

Pila's words made the desk clerk scrutinize me carefully. It seemed he was trying to gauge my abilities. I felt he might look down on me, as I had felt during the auction for the administrative position in the 28th Terrarium.

Although I had moved beyond the beginner look, I still wore a dirty, convenient black robe. I didn't look impressive enough to be someone with so much money that they could offer to be a patron.

Here, my high position as an administrative officer in the 28th Terrarium was not visible, and even the impressive and strong dryads were not enough to be a clear indicator of wealth.

"To become a patron of a personal researcher in the 18th Terrarium alchemy tower, you must first make a donation to this alchemy tower. The researchers belong to the alchemy tower, which has long supported their research. You can then qualify to sponsor a personal researcher."

That's quite strict. If I were to stop sponsoring independently and only donate to the alchemy tower, I know the money would not go to Pila. Of course, a nominal amount would return, but most of it would go to more skilled and higher-ranking researchers.

At that moment, Pila whispered.

"Sir, don't take it personally. They also guard against the possibility that someone might lure away a researcher with money."

"Hmm... Alright. I'll make a donation."

The 18th Terrarium is really all about money, here and there. It's not surprising that they are trying so hard to extract something from an administrative officer. It seems that even to become an administrative officer in a typical terrarium, one has to go to such lengths to earn the maintenance costs for the branches of the World Tree.

"Thank you. The diamonds you donate will be used precious for the prosperity of the alchemy tower and the terrarium."

From his words, I got the feeling that the minimum donation amount would be quite high.

The clerk returned to the desk in a businesslike manner and brought a booklet. He flipped through the pages and showed me the part related to donations.

[World Tree's 18th Terrarium Alchemy Tower Membership System Guide]

Seed 1 - Monthly donation of 10 diamonds

If maintained for more than 3 months, the following benefits can be obtained.

(Use of the alchemy tower lounge, grade upgrade after 12 months)