With Arthur's current wealth, it was possible for him to purchase the Rank 2 wood essence fae outright.
The amount of origin essence stones Arthur had in his possession exceeded 500. Arthur might only get three origin essence stones a week, but the revenue from Robert's store and the three Fae Formula he had given him was an enormous amount for a measly Rank 1 Fae Master.
He wouldn't need to ask his Father, or any of his older siblings in order to exchange the Fae for him.
All he would need to do, is head towards the Lecture Hall, and ask Elder Vova to take him to Elder Anatol, and exchange the appropriate number of origin essence stones for the wood essence fae.
Arthur didn't even miss a single moment, as he exited his underground home and headed back towards the Lecture Hall.
As he walked through the streets, Arthur saw at least five groups of three, all of whom were patrolling the streets of Parachenko Village, all of whom were at least Rank 2.
This gave quite a fright to some of the Fae Masters from small towns or villages throughout Winter Rain Mountain. The sheer number of Fae Masters that the Kovacs Clan possessed, even though they were mainly Rank 1 and Rank 2 scared them.
Every year, usually only around 30-35 Fae Masters would have their talents awakened. From a combination of old age and deaths during combat, around about 80 Fae Masters a year were killed from various different reasons.
Arthur's generation possessed close to 50 Fae Masters, which was the most in recent years. There were also quite a few talented individuals, so this particular batch had a large amount of hope and resources placed on them.
The number of people living in Parachenko Village was probably around about 9,000 to 10,000 people.
Those who bared the name "Kovacs" were about 1,500 to 2,000.
Around about 20% of that weren't Fae Masters.
That still meant that if the Kovacs Clan had 2,000 members, only 400 of them weren't Fae Masters. Such a ratio was extremely good, even in larger Clans and Sects.
It was part of the reason why the Kovacs Clan was a big fish in such a small pond as the Winter Rain Mountain. Their Bloodlines were extremely potent, despite being so weak.
Some of the guards that Arthur were familiar with, or were familiar with his brothers and sister, gave Arthur a small nod as he walked towards the Lecture Hall.
Not only was Arthur a talented fighter, but from what they knew, he was also quite.... gentle when it came to his family and the Clan. He may seem cold, but in actuality, he placed others wellbeing above his own.
Most of them knew that Arthur remained behind in the main stretch of Parachenko Village, and would more than likely fight when the time came.
If a Rank 1 Fae Master was willing to fight in order to protect their home, how could they, a bunch of Rank 2 Fae Masters let down their juniors?
Some of them were slightly jealous of Arthur, for both his talents and his abilities, as well as his closeness with Andrea, but they knew that their relationship was blessed by the Clan Elders.
There was nothing they could do about it.
Arthur entered the Lecture Hall and immediately headed towards Elder Vova's office.
He knocked on the door twice before hearing a familiar sounding voice.
"Come in".
Arthur opened the door and noticed Elder Vova sitting down at his desk, a book that Arthur could clearly discern as the
Elder Vova noticed where Arthur's eyes were drawn to, and smiled slightly before gesturing for Arthur to come in.
"Arthur. Your presence here is.... surprising to say the least".
Elder Vova knew that despite Arthur's appearance and demeanour during his Lectures, the young man comprehended everything that the Elders taught them, and never failed to answer a question whenever he was asked.
His eyes may be drawn to the window beside him, but his mind was never too far from the Lectures.
Not to mention that he was Dominic's younger brother. Someone who he had taken in as a disciple. It was only natural that he showed Arthur some favour.
Arthur stood in the centre of the room, his hands behind his back.
"What can I do for you Arthur?".
The fifteen year old nodded before biting his lower lip.
He never once dared to let up his façade.
Arthur took in a deep breath before speaking.
"I would like to ask Elder Vova to help me request a Fae from the Clan Reserves. Specifically the Rank 2 wood essence fae".
Elder Vova's eyes widened and his mouth dropped slightly before he nodded.
The Kovacs Clan Elder paused for a moment before opening his mouth to speak.
".... I see. I won't bother asking whether or not you have enough money to request such a thing, but.... I do want to know why you need such a Fae. The importance of the wood essence fae isn't exactly small, now is it Arthur?".
Arthur shook his head, letting out a deep breath of air.
"I know what is coming Elder Vova. The rising waters will lead to a mass exodus of land beasts, trying to find any sort of land which they can escape from the water to. They will inevitably come here. With the wood essence fae, I believe I will gain the strength, to at the very least assist in the defense of my home. The strength to protect everything I hold dear".
Elder Vova nodded, somewhat expending such an answer.
But then-.
"But... also....".
Arthur's cheeks turned slightly red.
"I know that Andrea is destined for greater heights. Her strength and potential is limited in the Kovacs Clan and she will eventually leave in order to better herself.....".
Arthur opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words to use. He paused, letting a slightly sombre aura fill the room as he let out a self-depreciating smile.
"At that time.... I don't want to stay behind. If Andrea is destined to reach the apex of the Azure Envy Continent then I want to follow her on her path to glory".
Elder Vova raised an eyebrow.
"Even if you'll get hurt in the end? The Boundless Forest Yearning would have no small number of suitors Arthur. Even someone of your talent, your ability might not be able to compare to those geniuses from those large Sects and Clans. You might be left behind, or worse, forgotten".
Arthur's smile seemed.... strange to Elder Vova.
Elder Vova never married, and never had children in his lifetime, instead, dedicating his knowledge and body to the next generation of Kovacs.
He had taken in Dominic and felt the same way a Father would whenever he taught, or punished Dominic for misbehaving.
Vova had never found love in his life, but he did have those he could call "children".
The young man in front of him.... the young man whom he respected as a talented "child" of his, seemed to experience something.... he couldn't quite understand.
Arthur nodded.
"It doesn't matter what happens to me. All I know, is that nothing in this world could ever stop me from feeling the way I do. Call it love. Call it obsession. Call it lust. I don't care. Even if I end up all alone at the end of days, it won't change the way I feel".
Elder Vova's eyes widened and he froze for a moment before nodding and standing up.
"I understand your resolve Arthur. I'll go and retrieve the wood essence fae for you now".
Arthur's eyes widened and he gestured to the bag of origin essence stones at his waste, but was stopped as Elder Vova raised his hand.
Vova shook his head, letting out a small smile.
"Everyone must walk their own path, and I do believe you have found yours Arthur. As your teacher, as well as your elder, it is my duty to help guide the next generation.... And if you must thank me, just remember to help Dominic when you two grow older. Please?".
Arthur's breath hitched and he bowed deeply towards Elder Vova.
The Kovacs Clan Elder left Arthur alone in his office, completely alone, only visible through the faint light of candle fae.
It may have just been a trick of the light, or something wrong with the placement of furniture in the room but....
The faintest hints of a smile could be seen on Arthur's face.
Arthur's figure.... cast a much deeper shadow than what should've been possible.