The Adventurers' Guild hall erupted at once.
Gathering Philanemo Mushrooms was never easy. Many adventurers ran around Mondstadt's surroundings all day and returned with only a handful. What stood before them now looked as if an entire Philanemo resource node had been carried into the guild. Even veteran adventurers leaned in with skeptical, envious eyes to take a closer look.
"Kid, where did you find so many?" asked a light-armored adventurer, his voice betraying both shock and envy. "You did not happen upon a new Philanemo cluster, did you?"
"I ran through Windrise yesterday and barely found a few," another muttered. "This amount is ridiculous."
"Look, there are ores and other specialties as well…"
"How far did you run last night? This is absurd."
Voices rose and fell; amazement and covetousness spread through the crowd. Kael Arclight smiled faintly and said nothing. He had not expected the Biowave Prospector to turn up so many Philanemo Mushrooms right inside Mondstadt. The city was large, and some resource points were well hidden. With the device in hand, however, he had been able to find pockets no one usually noticed.
Katheryne blinked and regarded Kael with a mix of surprise and professional calculation. She was not doubting his skill. Many seasoned adventurers possessed their own gathering techniques, but a single haul like this remained rare.
She took a breath, composed herself, and began to appraise the materials with practiced efficiency.
"Philanemo Mushrooms… excellent quality." She held one to the light and ran a thumb gently over its cap. "Moisture content is good. No signs of weathering. Freshly harvested. Market price can be increased."
She checked the dandelion seeds and the other items in turn, then tallied the total.
"These resources will exchange for… one hundred ninety-eight thousand Mora."
One hundred ninety-eight thousand Mora.
A collective intake of breath swept the hall. "Nearly two hundred thousand Mora. That's more than running dozens of low-level commissions," someone exclaimed.
"So the real adventurer isn't the one who fights monsters, but the one who gathers."
"Now I understand. Gathering specialties is the true path."
Envy and inspiration mixed on many faces. Some already began planning a trip to gather Philanemo Mushrooms at their first chance. Still, everyone present understood that finding such a volume in a short time was not easy, even for veterans.
"Mora will do," Kael said after a moment of thought. "Task points are not useful to me right now. Give me Mora instead."
Katheryne did not press further. She produced the Mora and logged the transaction with her usual polite efficiency.
"Trade complete. Thank you for your contribution. Good luck on your adventures."
Kael pocketed the Mora and inclined his head slightly. The Adventurers' Guild ran like clockwork. Whether tasks, information, or material trades, the system was smooth and reliable.
"I also want to commission a sword," he said. After a short pause, he outlined his needs. Katheryne listened and nodded as she recorded his request.
"Single-handed sword. Not a heavy slab of iron, but a balance of strength and agility."
She indicated he should continue.
"The blade material should be high-grade magic ore, preferably mixed with materials that resonate well with elements — amethyst segments, forge-grade ore, perhaps rare elemental ore. It must have high durability. I do not want a blade that cracks after a few uses. It must withstand intense combat. If possible, it should have some conduction properties for elemental energy."
Katheryne's pen paused. "You mean a blade that can carry and channel elemental energy? That kind of consideration usually belongs to those with a Vision."
Most ordinary adventurers sought only a strong forged blade. Magic ore and elemental minerals were materials for elemental weapons, valuable mainly to Vision bearers. Kael nodded.
"Not just carry, but endure. It must not shatter in a short time. And if it can conduct energy, even better."
Katheryne recorded the details with a thoughtful expression. "This is a high requirement. Ordinary smiths cannot manage it. At least one master craftsman would be needed."
She kept a calm smile. "I will contact Mondstadt's premier blacksmith, Wagner, on the guild's behalf. He is the most reputable smith in the city. If anyone can forge such a weapon, it is him."
"Thank you," Kael replied. Arranging through the guild saved time and trouble. He was not worried about the cost.
Katheryne mentioned the deposit and estimated price with a professional reminder. Ten thousand Mora deposit, and the final price would likely exceed two hundred thousand Mora. Kael agreed without hesitation. With the Biowave Prospector, he did not fear lacking Mora. Time was the only concern. The sword would not be forged overnight, but in the meantime he could keep using the prospector to find more materials.
"Also, I want to check some external commissions," he added. Katheryne nodded and began to search the guild's listings.
At that moment, a clear, penetrating, youthful voice rang through the hall: "My faithful subjects, seeing you anxious for trouble again, the villains will surely come to test Mondstadt's peace."
Noise faded for a breath. Everyone turned toward the voice. For an instant, the Guild hall fell into a curious hush.