Spirit Taming

Chapter 457: Builder Pride

The sheer size of the massive cavern that allowed for such a huge city to be built was astounding within itself. But furthermore, was the fact that the structures within the city were all made with incredible care and detail.

Many of the large buildings boasted stone carvings with information that helped travel. Streets were named along with buildings numbered. It was much more detailed than most other cities since they would have to use wooden signs or other means to identify locations.

However, this all made sense. The underground city was limited to the space of the massive natural cavern that had once been just that, a natural cavern. Therefore, the utmost care went in to building every single little part of the city. Detailed plans to make sure they used the space as best as they could. That was why the organized sight of every single area made the entire group impressed.

It was all too clear how much intelligence was needed to keep this place in such an ideal condition.

The cleanliness was only reinforced as the group rode the car down to the lower levels and toward the docking area where people were waiting to come up again. Many people were moving around sweeping and keeping the area clean in general. This was still a job in every city. Yet, Terra City seemed to have triple the staff to fill this position.

They watched the high foot traffic areas like haws for any small piece of dirt or trash.

Before Clark could leave the cart with the guide that was insisting on showing them to the exit of the large transportation building, he managed to see the small metal beast that was helping the carts move.

'Metal mite- common

The metal mite is a very weak beast. They are somewhat similar to gnomes or other beasts since they tend to be of similar size. However, they have the name mite because they are known to burrow into natural ores. While they are common, they are often easy to train and will do a single job for a fair amount of food. They don't even need to be tamed often times.

They have a very limited growth potential, but have been known to manipulate metals when in a group. Sometimes swarms of them are considered a nuisance but easily handled with a slightly more powerful beast. Even with their metal typing, they are weaker on offensive and defensive abilities.

Most of the time they are very social and will communicate with other peaceful beasts. They are very friendly with children of all species as well making many adults not worry about them becoming violent for any reason…'

The usage of these beasts was brilliant. They had enough control of metal to be able to manipulate the metal karts that helped bring down people from the surface to the real city. But they were also able to properly live in peace with everyone in the city which was even more outstanding.

"Clark, I will need you to tell me about those little beasts later. I have never seen one or read about it before." Ella didn't even hesitate to tell Clark that he would have a job later. But this was expected. Terra would have plenty of beasts that none of them had ever seen before.

"Please feel free to come here again. The same service will be available at all times. Because of the unique placement of our home, the sun setting does not stop the city from operating. That's also why we have the title as the sleepless city. But that does not mean that the mana crystals installed in the ceilings do not change their glow.

Be aware that they will dim at certain hours to help some of the population sleep better." The woman finally gave them a wave and left to return to her job.

However, the fact that one of the attendants paid so much attention to the group of students made a few people pay attention. They weren't sure who the group were or what they were doing, but some people always stayed around this area for their jobs. It was always good to scout out good or new merchandise coming through. That was one reason why some of the captured beasts were covered in dark cloth.

Their cages could attract a crowd and even some buyers. It was just smarter to hold a few secrets.

"So we head for the inn, right? What was it, the hidden opal inn?" Grace was absolutely ecstatic after seeing the city from up high. Not that she was the only one. Reese and Maria were also very energetic. Brad seemed distracted when he had looked at the metal mites. He was sure that more metal type beasts would be around and there would be some interesting materials to strengthen his partner.

It was just his new focus as of late.

"Oh yeah, the baths. We should get cleaned up. All the dirt and stuff." Brad tried to be focused though. It was his way of showing that he wouldn't be ignoring everything to hyper focus. Lately he had lost some of his slower and foolish actions while his mind was elsewhere. It was just a very clear proof that he was growing a lot more.

But it also came with the fact that he was quieter, talking less and thinking more.

"I want to stop here and there later but yes, we should go to the inn. I have very few business connections here that I can use. My father has some but they know that the Rollly family sends children on their own. I can't use the same connections as I did in Nebula. At least there they trusted immediately that I knew what I wanted and could do with business.

Here the merchants like to see things more stable and tested right away." Isa knew the general business scene here. She didn't feel it was right to hide the difference in attitudes.

"So what you're saying is that Clark might not have many clients for beast growth planning unless some good rumors already made it here?" Jerold looked at Clark and shrugged while he spoke. He figured that if the attendants could recognize them, that many others would also spot them and understand who the rumors were about.

"Pretty much. But they might not trust us since they only heard rumors. We should go to an auction or maybe one of the lower bulk selling merchant houses. They take a lot of materials, items, and wherever they can get their hands on. Then they sell it in groups. Basically, you rush there before anyone else and hope you find something good."

"Isa, isn't that where people's items go if they sell to the city to get rid of debt? Won't that mean places like that could have really good but usually really bad things? Mostly broken or already used?" Maria caught on to what Isa meant by bulk selling. She had been to one in Nova when she had been kicked out of her family.

There she had managed to find a few good things to keep her warm for the time being.

"That is exactly what the palace is for. But there is at least a little organization. People will sell beast eggs, tools from sold businesses, and if we are lucky, some very valuable books that look just like useless paper to some people." The way that Isa put it all was clear and simple. Things only had value if you could put that value to them.

And with Clark's nack for that, they would be able to do so.

Following the map while they all talked about the places that they would have to investigate, Clark managed to take in the surroundings more and more. He saw a few beasts but mostly looked at the buildings. They were very well made, some of them were even having improvements done which showed off the care that builders put in to things.

From the way that people greeted the builders, it appeared that a builder was a very respected profession here. Most likely because they ensured the safety of the buildings and also of the entire city.

Living underground would be normal for some people, especially for those that had lived in Terra their entire lives. But for those that were not familiar with it, this palace was scary. The ceiling of the natural cave might collapse. Therefore, the quality of builders that made sure this would not happen was very important.

Soon the familiar scent of soaps and herbal oils penetrated their nostrils. The group found a slightly larger one square that led right to the grand entrance of the hidden opal inn. The fountains in front had running heated water that people were washing their hands in as they passed. But there were also unique plants outside that clearly thrived in the warm waters and dim lighting of the city.

It was the perfect showcase of luxury and peace in a bustling city square. Certainly a great place to rest.