The professors and administrators of the Academy held a meeting about how to handle the water dragon's carcass.
More precisely, it was a discussion about how to process the byproducts of the water dragon and who would receive the most benefits.
The body of a spirit creature like a water dragon was itself an enormous source of money and research materials.
"I believe I should have the largest share," Professor Grad from the Knight Department argued passionately.
"I drew the water dragon's attention from the front and inflicted critical wounds. Thanks to that, we were able to hunt the water dragon relatively easily."
No one could deny that he was the first to rush at the water dragon to prevent student casualties, and that he had faced the dragon head-on, leading to a relatively easy hunt.
But in the face of greed, such things became somewhat trivial.
"Wait a moment, Professor Grad. Without my lightning magic, the water dragon would have rampaged for much longer."
"It was my spear that pierced the water dragon's heart, Grad."
"If contribution is measured solely by who killed the dragon, I would be wronged, as I evacuated as many students as possible."
As the voices of the professors at the scene grew louder, the head of the General Affairs Department tried to calm them down.
"Isn't it more important to decide who to sell it to, how, and for how much, rather than distribution? We can divide it afterward."
"...That's not incorrect."
"I agree."
Since the value of a spirit creature's body decreases over time, some professors nodded in agreement.
"You'll handle that for us?"
"Of course. The sale will be in the Academy's name, so naturally we should step forward."
"And?"
"We don't ask for much. Just a small fee for our trouble..."
"That's absurd!"
"Stop this nonsense!"
While the General Affairs Department generally oversaw matters within the Academy, they couldn't claim rights to the byproducts of monsters that appeared during practical training.
The department head, who had tried to subtly step in, was rebuffed and folded his arms.
"But aren't you professors busy? Selling something like this isn't a trivial task and requires considerable effort."
"Hmph, the Academy is overflowing with nobles and wealthy families."
Even the wealthiest family on the continent had students at the Academy.
"No, wait. I don't want to sell it. I'd like to receive the byproducts directly."
"Me too. Especially the water dragon's mana hole..."
"Then buy it with money. At the market value."
"That's absurd!"
The professors were divided between those who wanted the byproducts distributed directly and those who wanted to sell them at the highest price possible before distributing the proceeds.
After quite some time, they finally reached a conclusion.
"Let's sell the water dragon's carcass to whoever offers the highest price. If you want the byproducts, pay more than that. The money will then be distributed to everyone according to their contribution."
"Let's do that."
The first contact priority was, of course, the Goldenheim family.
***
The sun rose. With the chirping of sparrows, Gerhard finally stretched, loosening his stiff body.
Knock knock-
"Come in."
"Did you not sleep at all?"
"I've always pictured it in my head, but when I actually try to create the blueprint, there are numerous obstacles."
Dozens of papers and empty ink bottles were scattered throughout Gerhard's room.
"Well, it is quite an ambitious project..."
A colossal golem reaching 10 meters in height.
Many parts of its body composed of mithril and adamant.
Functions that seemed almost godlike.
Plus an ego that could judge and move on its own.
There were numerous problematic areas.
"But it's a golem made of adamant and mithril. Without these functions, it would be a waste of ore, a white elephant."
"That's certainly true, but I wonder if an ego golem is really possible..."
An ego golem was something that had never appeared in this world.
If it had been possible, it would have been invented already, and if it did appear, it would be akin to a revolution in the magical world.
"Don't doubt. I have seen the possibility."
The proof was the Ego Sword of "Lord Gardner Alpenfassen" left by the first emperor.
If mithril, an ore that could contain even souls, could house a soul in a sword made from it, there was no reason it couldn't dwell in a golem.
"Certainly, I didn't know mithril had such potential..."
Magic dealing with souls was an exceedingly complex field to begin with.
"Assuming it's possible, what kind of soul and how will you insert it?"
That was the biggest issue in Hyde's view.
It was questionable whether there would be a soul that voluntarily wanted to become a golem, and if it was forcefully inserted, whether it would obey Gerhard was also a concern.
"I'll insert layers of obedience imprints. It's unthinkable that something I created would refuse my orders."
"If you insert the soul of a living person, the magical world might immediately label you a demon."
Occasionally there were madmen who ignored ethics and such, but like all organizations, the magical world also outwardly emphasized not crossing certain lines.
"Don't worry, would I just insert any soul?"
"...I still have a lot of life I want to live."
Hyde took a step back.
"...Don't talk nonsense."
"Then who are you thinking of?"
"A spirit."
Gerhard didn't even know magic that could capture and insert the soul of a living human.
Such talent didn't exist even within the vast network of the Goldenheim family. If such a thing were possible, it would likely be called a disaster rather than a talent.
But spirits were different.
They were soul entities to begin with, and they possessed a certain level of intelligence. One couldn't deny they were perfectly suited for an ego golem.
"...Indeed, with spirits there might be some possibility. But..."
Just then.
"Young Master."
A new visitor arrived. It was an employee of the Golden Turtle Company.
"What is it?"
"A visitor has come to the company."
"Visitor?"
"Well..."
Somehow, Gerhard felt like the scent of money was wafting through his nostrils.
***
"I expended a lot of effort for you, Gerhard. Everyone said the Goldenheims would drive down the price, but I said there was no way you would do that."
Gerhard quietly savored his coffee.
He had wondered what the conversation would be about when suddenly called to meet, but if it was this topic, he was always welcome.
"They accused me of taking money from you, but I told them it makes sense to sell to the wealthiest merchant."
"Indeed, you've never received money from me."
He had merely picked up a money pouch that had fallen in his house.
"Exactly. Those who don't properly understand keep saying I took money from you and all that, ugh."
Grad brazenly affirmed it.
Without such a thick face, he wouldn't have been able to continuously take money from Gerhard anyway.
"So to conclude, our family is the first choice, right?"
"Yes. I came as the Academy's representative."
"But is it appropriate to contact a student separately like this?"
At those words, Grad made a dumbfounded expression.
"That's rich coming from you, who contacts staff separately more than anyone."
"I wonder."
"The Academy has already officially sent a letter to the Goldenheim family."
This meant the meeting with Gerhard was a means to make the deal more certain.
"A water dragon. There are some parts I'm interested in."
"We're not selling it by parts. If you want to buy, you have to buy it all."
"Then that changes things a bit."