"Our wisdom is our greatest weapon. We learned to drive away the cold with fire, keep beasts out with houses, build and thrive with tools, and stop blades with armor..."
"Is that why you want me to come with you to see the Elf Mentor?" Michael stared wordlessly at Annan, who had been holding forth ever since he walked in.
"I'm not going looking for trouble."
Annan fixed Michael with an icy stare as he turned to leave. "If you won't help me, don't expect me to fund your research again!"
Knock, knock, knock—
More than ten days later, Annan knocked on Mentor Irelanze's Oak Door once again. Recognizing him by the rhythm, the Elf Mentor gave him a crushing hug.
Annan struggled to raise a hand and held up one finger toward Michael.
"Mentor Irelanze, Annan and I have something important to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"Uh... I'll let Annan tell you." Michael, who could smash a Ratfolk skull without batting an eye, looked like a frightened quail.
The Elf Mentor released Annan. His flushed cheeks—whether from lack of air or embarrassment—rose and fell as he caught his breath. "Please don't squeeze me so tightly next time..."
"But little Annan is too adorable. I can't help myself."
"...I'm working on a magic item called a Magic Newspaper..." Unable to handle her, Annan turned to business. He explained how the Magic Newspaper would work, along with the most important points: it would be cheap and could be made in batches.
"The cheapest magic item was the Trickster Fright Night Magic Gift Box from the Duchy of Keating in 935. Open the gift, and an illusion prepared with the Deception Spell pops out. One Deceiver could make hundreds in a day, and each cost only a pinch of