RUMBBLLLLEEEEEE RUMBLE RUMBLE
The ground shook with vigor, tremors running all throughout the place and clouds of dust brewing like a turbulent storm. Massive boulders were hurled one after another, ditches and trenches dug as tons of earth was heaved from the ground.
Trenches became large excavations, shaped geometrically, some cylindrical and some cuboidal, lengthy lines running along the ground, connecting every massive segment and section and creating a web of connections.
A couple figures moved their hands, and the large masses of earth danced to their tune. They weighed tons upon tons worth of soil and stones, yet neither of them broke a sweat, their eyes relatively calm as they continued to wave their hands.
THUD THUD THUD THUD THUD
A young lady waved her hands downwards and the massive blocks of dirt and stone piled up on the ground. They were stacked on top of one another, making large and heavy pyramids of condensed stone, dirt, gravel, silt, and organic matter.
It was a sight to behold, all eyes on the figures before them, unable to believe such a sight unfolding before them. All their mouths hung open in agape, all of them frozen, barely moving from their spots as they tried to take in the current situation.
"Crazy... Just crazy... And I'm supposed to believe they're just teenagersー No, not even veteran mages can do this... You must be kidding me right now." ［Cedric］
"Waah～! Amazing! Big Bro Grey and Big Sis Yuna are so amazing! Father, is this how our mansion was made too?!" ［Galvin］
"Haha... Not at all... This is nothing short of ordinary..." ［Cedric］
"Really? Th-Then! Can we ask Big Bro Grey and Big Sis Yuna to make us another mansion? That way, we could play house and have lots of fun!" ［Galvin］
"Oh dear... Another mansion, huh..." ［Cedric］
Cedric could only mumble as he listened to his younger son's words. It seems like before he knew it, his common sense and sense of reality had already been twisted by Grey and Yuna. He is not excited by something which should have confused him.
Other than Galvin, everyone else pretty much wears the same expression as Cedric. All of them were in disbelief, flabbergasted rather. After all, it is not everyday that you see such large buildings get constructed before your very eyes.
Well, the act of constructing buildings itself was normal, however, the same couldn't be said for the rate and efficiency of construction. They weren't just fast, they were extremely fast, able to make several days' worth of work in just a few minutes.
Of course, those figures were none other than Grey, Yuna, their familiars and spirits. They are now showing off their insane skills in construction, honed by several trials and errors inside the Sanctuary, building the Mall as efficiently as they could.
"Earth magic... I didn't know Their Highnesses are also capable of it... And to think that they are this proficient as well..." ［Melchor］
"Even High-Rankers specializing in earth-attribute shouldn't be able to do that. I can't believe this isn't a dream... Haha... Truly fantastic..." ［Barrion］
"They also made quite a spectacle before. Just how powerful are they..." ［Teresa］
"More powerful than we could ever hope to imagine." ［Melchor］
Right now, they are simply digging dirt and creating an outline for the sewage tunnels and sewer system, but before Grey and Yuna started figging and molding, they first performed something unbelievable, everyone greatly in awe.
The construction site of the shopping mall... It was once the property where the city theater stood, and a large area where all sorts of heavy structures were built. It was heavy, yes, heavy, but still not heavy enough.
The whole area of the theater weighed over a hundred thousand tons, but it was nothing for Grey and Yuna. With just a little bit of wind and earth magic, they were able to move the whole theater to a new location in just a few minutes.
Of course, they could have just demolished it. It would have been much easier. But how could they have the heart when, not only was the theater a masterpiece of art and architecture, but also held a lot of memories for many people.
In the end, the two decided to just move it to another location they just bought recently in light of the situation. They even had time to reconnect the theater to the sewer and sanitation system of the city, practically editing it to a new location like a digital game.
After such a ridiculous stunt, Grey and Yuna then started constructing a building from the ground up. They created a sewer system in just a matter or several minutes and laid out the foundation of everything after a couple more minutes.
"Amazing! I want to be like Their Highnesses too when I grow up!"
"Ohh! As expected of Their Highnesses! So this is what S-rankers are capable of!"
"I can't wait to see what they'll make! I bet it will be awesome!"
"Hahaha! I'm looking forward to it! Let's also give it our all!"
It was absurd, too absurd to even consider debating on. Everyone simply gave up on thinking and just decided to go along with whatever the hell was happening. It is Grey and Yuna they're talking about, after all. Common sense doesn't apply to them.
Of course, Grey and Yuna also made sure everyone was safe during the construction process. They already erected a multi-layered barrier to prevent unnecessary injuries and damage to other properties, making sure everything was secured.
To make things even more secure, they also made sure to ask Cedric to lend them some knights. Their job is to make sure no one gets too close to the construction site. It was perfectly safe, but there was no harm in being too careful.
"Haha... So that's why they said they didn't need any construction workers... I thought they were still in the planning stage, but it looks like I was wrong." ［Cedric］
"Hm? You did not know of this as well, Father?" ［Elnart］
"Of course, I didn't. You know how spontaneous Grey and Yuna are... At this rate, we'd be able to finish everything in less than a month." ［Cedric］
The tons of materials to be used, the transportation cost, the hiring of architects and engineers, the labor costs, and many more. The Kingdom had given more funds, but even then, it would never be able to suffice the cost of building the mall.
Of course, as the feudal lord, Cedric was willing to lend a large amount of money for the construction of the mall. After all, it was something which won't simply just help the refugees, but many citizens, and the city's economy as well.
Even then, he wasn't sure how much funds he could pour in. At most it would be, at most, 200 million kiels, 5 years' worth of profit of the whole County. barely making half along the donation of the Kingdom.
Though, as it seems, his worries were all for naught as Grey and Yuna are already shouldering all the costs themselves, reducing the needed cost by over 80%, making everything incomparably cheaper than before. It was mind blowing.
"Haah... Let's not think about it anymore... Elnart, Galvin, return to your studies at once. Make sure to listen to your tutors and study hard." ［Cedric］
"A-Ah! Father! Once we're done with our studies, can we go to Big Sis Yuna and Big Bro Grey later?! I promise I'll study hard!" ［Galvin］
"... Haah... Sure, let's go with that. As long as you behave yourselves, we can drop by the construction site later. Make sure to keep your word, alright?" ［Cedric］
"Yaay～! Thank you, Father! You're the best!" ［Galvin］
"Yes! I will also make sure to work my hardest!" ［Elnart］
There was no use thinking too much about Grey and Yuna's oddities. After seeing a bit of the performance the two made, they all headed back to their respective rooms and continued on with their works, making sure to give it their all.
Well, they aren't the only ones giving their all. In the center of the city, there are also a number of figures pouring all their blood and sweat into a single project. Magic and strength was used, progressing further by the second.
It was none other than our protagonists, now starting at the ground floor level. They held a number of papers in their hands, containing the rough sketches of the floor plans of the shopping mall which took them several days to decide on.
Of course, neither Grey nor Yuna are really experts on construction. However, they have already built several dozen structures in the Sanctuary and have built up quite a bit of experience. Along with some opinion of real experts, they were able to devise the perfect floor plan both in theory and actuality.
"Master, I've already finished with the main pillars. Should I start with the details? Or should I just leave it be?" ［Arcturus］
"Leave it blank for now. This is quite a massive structure and we still have a lot to do. Let's just add the details once we're done with the important structures." ［Grey］
"Understood. Then I'll start with the rough partitions first." ［Arcturus］
"Master～! We're already finished with the slabs and tiles for the ground floor! Should we lay them out now?" ［Vega］
"Ah, no, just keep on making them. We'll do those along with the details laterー Oh, and, can you start clearing out the useless debris and rubble?" ［Grey］
"Roger～! You can count on us!" ［Vega］
Grey took up the role of the foreman and also the leader of operations, making sure to guide everyone while he also does his part. He instructed them of all the necessary things needed to be done and made sure all the urgent areas are worked on first.
Meanwhile, the others worked under his command, harmoniously working together and finishing off the ground floor by sections. Many familiars and spirits may not be able to use the attribute useful for construction, but they are by no means useless.
After all, with their immense physical strength, there really was nothing they couldn't do. Moving along tons of rubble, crushing stones into powder, and molding stones with their bare hands, wasn't a difficult task at all.
"Grey, it looks like all the materials have already arrived outside. I'm gonna talk to them, okay? Can you lend me some money?" ［Yuna］
"Alright. How much was it again?" ［Grey］
"I didn't really specify how much to buy. I just told them that we'll buy as much as they can procure as soon as possible... But 5 Moon Crystals should be enough." ［Yuna］
"5 Moon Crystals... Alright, here you go." ［Grey］
"Thanks! I'll come back quickly, so don't worry!" ［Yuna］
5 Moon Crystals, the same amount required to build 5 large mansions and also equal to over a year's worth of profit throughout the whole Territory. It was an astronomical sum of money, yet Grey didn't even bat an eye when he handed it over to Yuna.
Soon, the young lady took her leave and headed outside the barrier. There, a number of people were waiting for them, and behind them were heavy loads of materials that they asked from a certain company several days ago.
"Master, We already finished smelting the glass. Should we add a tint?" ［Altair］
"A tint... Could you try a bunch of them in a grayscale? We've already settled with bright gray, but we could experiment which tone would fit the theme better." ［Grey］
"Understood. We will make sure to deliver." ［Altair］
Not even an hour ago, they were still at the inn discussing matters with the head of the refugees, and now, they are already undergoing construction. The reason for such a sudden whim was none other than the arrival of the construction materials.
The shopping mall, like previously planned, will be a gothic-victorian architecture style with little hints of fantasy elements from Merusia. As such, they will need all sorts of stones and mineral materials to make everything pretty.
Most of the materials needed to make the mall could easily be mined, quarried, and even be created with magic, however, there are also some which are hard to come by in nature like metallic alloys and already processed items.
In order to get such materials, they struck a deal with the company, and signed a few documents. It has always been their goal to finish the shopping mall as quickly and efficiently as possible, to make time for other parts of the plan.
Thankfully, the company delivered to their promise and the materials were delivered relatively quickly in large containers and crates. Good news came knocking on the doors of the inn, and now, they are beginning construction.
"So, how did it go?" ［Grey］
"It went well. Though, it seems like the total is only about 2 million kiels. They were really surprised when I showed them the Moon Crystals." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I could imagine..." ［Grey］
Of course, they would be shocked. After all, there is a large difference between 2 and 50 million kiels. Even if Yuna didn't mean it, it was bound to make others speechless, everyone utterly confused and bewildered when she took out the payment.
Yuna only realized her mistake when she was handed the receipt for everything, and much to her surprise, it was surprisingly small compared to her estimation. She was just as surprised as everyone, for an entirely different reason.
"Hey... What's with that look... I didn't mean it, you know?" ［Yuna］
"No... Nothing... It's just... Your estimation was way off, My Dear..." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I know it already... You didn't have to remind me, Dummy..." ［Yuna］
Jokes aside, Grey and Yuna, along with the familiars and the spirits, continued their work and built even more of the foundation of the ground floor. Soon enough, after a couple hour's work, they were finally done.
Grey and Yuna, after acquiring more plots nearby for the project, have secured an area about 30 thousand square meters, laid out almost rectangularly. The ground level is divided into 4 main parts, namely, the parking area, the outer stalls, the outer plaza, and the main building's ground floor.
The parking area, like the name suggests, will be an underground area with shaded entrances and exits by the far sides of the mall. It is where all carriages and horses will be staying, stairs connected towards the ground floor.
It is an area over several thousand square meters and should be able to service over a couple hundred carriages and several hundred horses, a place where delivery wagons will be parking as the workers unload the raw materials and ingredients.
The next area, the outer plaza, will be a small plaza located directly in front of the main building, and surrounded by the outer stalls. It is complete with a fountain, a number of benches, small gardens, street lamps, and other little details.
Then there's the outer stalls, which, separate from the main building, will sell food and souvenirs to the customers. They will be rented stalls just a little bit more pricey than the spots in the central market, yet fully enjoying the traffic of the mall.
Lastly, it would be the main building's ground floor, which will offer a variety of goods from groceries, to cosmetic products, to instant foods, and even baby products. There will also be services like massage, hair cuts, and even a gym.
"Ohh～! The plaza turned out real pretty! This is the best one yet!" ［Yuna］
"Well, it's the one only worth looking at right now, after all." ［Grey］
"Geez! You're spoiling the fun, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Sure, sure, I am... But, you aren't just loitering around to stall for time, aren't you? Our break was already long over about 3 minutes ago." ［Grey］
"Urk...!" ［Yuna］
Of course, as everyone was simply working on the foundations. The steel rods have already taken their place, cement then stone filling in soon after, and then there was reinforcement magic made by the array Grey placed along the plot.
This only means that the whole area was rough and coarse, the columns, walls, and all sorts of partitions looking no different than cave walls. They could easily smoothen them out using earth magic, but for now, they just left it be.
With a grumbling Yuna, everyone soon continued their construction project, and it may be because they only had to work on the 2nd floor, it only took them about an hour to finish the next floor, and a couple more hours for the next ones as well.
Before long, every single floor was finished and the inner layout of the floors had also been finished, partitions built everywhere and stairs also built one after another. There are also certain areas which were completely hollow by design.
"Grey, these are the areas for the elevators and escalators you mentioned, right? Are you sure you can finish them all?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I already tried out some things on a smaller scale, so all I have to do is scale things up. There shouldn't be any problems if I follow everything correctly." ［Grey］
"Hm? What about the mechanical parts? I'm sure it will require a lot." ［Yuna］
"I already made a request to the Blacksmiths' Guild and sent them samples of the pieces I want. They should be done in two weeks or so." ［Grey］
Elevators and escalators, two mechanical contraptions found in almost every mall on Earth. They are a staple for moving about in the mall, and something which is very important to entice the customers to move between floors.
Personally, Grey would like to make all the parts himself, but with so many things to do, there's only so much he could do. Thankfully, there are also other trusty smiths which he could entrust everything to. The power of money, baby!
"That's quick! Don't they have other orders?!" ［Yuna］
"They do, but I didn't just go to one Guild, you know? I also visited other towns and cities and posted requests there as well. That would be much faster, no?" ［Grey］
"Ehh...? By 'other cities'... You don't mean..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah. I also visited Avalon. They have the most blacksmiths in the places we've been, after all. I didn't get to visit the Royalー Hm? Is something wrong?" ［Grey］
"No... It's just... My fiancé really is amazing, huh..." ［Yuna］
Escalators were relatively easy to make since they were only a conveyor belt of moving plates, folding at certain angles. Grey only needed some sort of reinforced chained mechanism, constantly rotating gears, and an engine, and he was finished.
As for the Elevators, they were a bit tricky, partly because there are control buttons needed to be sorted out. Grey thought of doing them as well, like the ones back on Earth, however, it wasn't long before he realized how tedious it was.
In the end, Grey decided to have a programmed elevator which stops by a floor for about 30 seconds before closing the doors and moving up or down a floor soon after. It was slow and inefficient, but it does the job for now.
"Mmn... We could have just jumped this height, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... Not everyone is like us, and didn't we already agree that jumping between floors is forbidden in the mall?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... But it's just so tedious... Can't we have exceptions? We're the owners, after all! Shouldn't we have a bit of privilegeー Urk!" ［Yuna］
"What a naughty child. Do you want to get hit?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... But you already hit me though..." ［Yuna］
Well, it's not like Grey doesn't really understand Yuna. While it would be efficient for some people, it might only cause trouble for the normal civilian, or worse, it might lead to some accidents happening inside the mall.
Thanks to Yuna pointing it out, Grey had realized a flaw in the designs. He had been designing it like a mall from his memories, and completely forgot about one small, but important detail. He was not on Earth anymore, but rather, Merusia.
It is a place where magic exists and people could easily lift boulders with more than enough training. To prevent such accidents, he also needs to use magic and make sure to prevent such from happening... It was more work for him...
"Haah... This is more of a pain than I thought..." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm sure you deserve it, Dummy... That's what you get for hittingー Oww!" ［Yuna］
Yuna had been anticipating a chop to the top of her head, covering her crown whilst she tried to annoy Grey. However, contrary to her expectations, Grey didn't deliver a chop to her head, but rather, a light flick to her forehead.
"Oww! That hurt! Why did you do that?!" ［Yuna］
"Well, umm... I heard a revelation from God." ［Grey］
"Uuu... You bully! Take this! And that! And this too! And this again!" ［Yuna］
Grey really didn't think much about it, his hands moving all of a sudden before he even realized it. In exchange, she received quite the aggressive pounding from a pouting Yuna, the young lady puffing her cheeks all the while.
Flirting and shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna finished their break and continued on for the final stretch of the day. With the backbones and foundations now over, it was time to lay out some of the details and pretty everything up.
They smoothened out the floors, walls, columns, ceilings, slabs, and partitions with Earth magic, then added glass to the window, tiles to the floors, and added the roof as well, then adding quite a few arches, spires, holes, and indentions here and there.
Everyone wasn't able to add the fine details like the carvings, chisels, runes, and all sorts of little things, but just touching up the whole place made it look like an entirely different area. The transformation was phenomenal.
Before long, the sun finally set over the horizon and their work was finally done for the day. They also got a visit from Cedric and the kids about an hour ago, livening up their day a little bit. It was such a busy day.
"Mmn～! We're finally done～! We can finally take rest," ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's right. We could finally relax." ［Grey］
"Right, speaking of which, what would you like to eat for dinner, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Oh? Is my Dear Fiancée going to be the one cooking?" ［Grey］
"Un! I want to treat you tonight!" ［Yuna］
"Oh! Lucky me!" ［Grey］
The black sky with patches of residue amber from the sunset, the little stars slowly showing appearing in the night sky, the wonderful moon above, the gentle and chilly winds, and the ambience of the city at evening,
The streets were filled with wonder, peace and serenity looming over the two. They took their steps and vanished off towards the horizon. It was an exhausting day, yet also one just as satisfying. A memorable day is what it was.
"Ehh?! You want to eat that many?!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. We worked a lot, after all... Good luck, My Dear." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I'll show you... Just you wait, Grey! I'll cook you the best meal!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I look forward to it." ［Grey］
A memorable day, indeed...
CHAPTER 459 END