On the morning of Imis, 21st, I began my day as I always do, following the familiar rhythms of my daily routine. However, this particular day held a distinct air of significance, for not one, but two pieces of mail arrived at my doorstep. Among them was a letter from the head construction worker, bearing news that marked the culmination of months of effort and anticipation.
The letter declared the completion of the construction work, a project whose progress I had closely monitored. Furthermore, it addressed a subject I had previously discussed—a renovation job I had ordered to commence following the finalization of the bank's construction. This correspondence signified the seamless transition from one ambitious endeavor to the next, and with it, the promise of new beginnings.
The Normandy Mall, specifically its Caledon Branch, stands as a monumental feat of architectural ingenuity and urban planning. Strategically positioned in the heart of Caledon, the mall was constructed by seamlessly interlinking several substantial buildings, thereby creating a single, cohesive structure that exudes grandeur and practicality.
The finished edifice boasts an impressive floor area totaling 41,000 square meters, a sprawling space skillfully divided across eight individual levels. Each floor spans approximately 5,000 square meters, ensuring a balanced allocation of space for various purposes, from retail establishments to leisure amenities.
Furthermore, the mall's design emphasizes vertical space, with each level rising to an impressive height of eight meters, or about 24 feet. This architectural choice not only enhances the mall's aesthetic appeal but also accommodates a sense of openness and grandeur, reinforcing its status as a central hub within the bustling city of Caledon.
The rationale behind this strategy was twofold, each aspect carefully designed to maximize both economic success and societal impact. Firstly, the mall would serve as a marketplace for goods manufactured using my cutting-edge technology.
These innovative products, unmatched in quality and functionality, were expected to generate substantial sales and profit, firmly establishing the mall as a lucrative commercial hub.
Secondly, the mall would exclusively accept paper currency as the sole method of payment. While this might initially result in marginal losses due to its limitation on alternative payment methods, the long-term benefits were projected to outweigh these drawbacks.
By mandating the use of paper currency, the mall would actively contribute to its circulation within the economy, reinforcing its role as a primary medium of exchange. This dual-purpose approach not only ensured profitability but also supported broader financial and economic objectives, positioning the mall as both a commercial powerhouse and a catalyst for monetary stability.
The second letter bore the insignia of the Chief Operating Officer I had personally selected for the bank, Theresa Goodman. A seasoned professional with a reputation for excellence, Theresa had proven her capability in overseeing critical administrative functions.
In her correspondence, she formally informed me that the hiring process for the remaining staff of the bank had been successfully completed. This development marked a significant milestone in the operational readiness of the institution.
Enclosed within the letter were meticulously organized copies of the mana contracts, representing the formal agreements for each new hire. These contracts outlined the unique terms and obligations under which the staff would operate, reflecting both the bank's high standards and the specialized skills required for their roles.
In total, the staff additions numbered approximately 200 individuals—a workforce carefully curated to ensure efficiency, professionalism, and alignment with the bank's prestigious image.
After carefully reviewing a few of the mana contract copies, my attention shifted back to the letter from the head of construction. This letter, meticulously written, provided an optimistic update on the project's progress. The construction head explained that, given the nature of the task—a remodeling effort combined with the integration of multiple buildings into a single, unified structure—the work was advancing smoothly. Despite the complexity of connecting the buildings, the team had maintained an impressive pace, adhering to a rigorous schedule.
The letter further assured me that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, the project would still be completed before the 35th. This level of efficiency was attributed to the unwavering commitment of the construction team, whose tireless efforts ensured that momentum remained at full speed. The update was not only a testament to the workers' dedication but also a reflection of the meticulous planning and coordination that had gone into this ambitious endeavor.
After absorbing the information from the letter, I immediately turned my focus to Sabith. Summoning him over, I began to meticulously document a comprehensive list of the technologies and items I envisioned creating. With clarity of purpose and a vivid imagination, I filled five full pages of paper, detailing every concept with precision. Each idea represented a step toward innovation and progress, a testament to the potential of my designs.
Once my list was complete, I entrusted Sabith with the critical responsibility of bringing these concepts to life. I tasked him with identifying skilled individuals or teams capable of producing the items outlined in my plans. Moreover, understanding the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, I instructed Sabith to ensure that all collaborators signed mana contracts. These agreements were meticulously designed to protect against the theft or unauthorized use of my technology, thereby securing the integrity of my creations.
After entrusting Sabith with the detailed documentation of technologies and items I intended to create, I proceeded to hand him a sturdy bag containing 600 Ran. The gesture carried a deliberate purpose, as I instructed him to utilize these funds strategically—whether for the production of the items themselves or for the acquisition of companies or factories capable of supporting the enterprise. This monetary investment was more than just a transaction; it represented a pivotal step in turning ambitious concepts into tangible realities.
The list of items I intended to sell showcased the diversity and sophistication of the envisioned product line. Each category was carefully curated to reflect both high demand and exceptional quality. Among the offerings were rich and decadent chocolate, True White porcelain renowned for its elegance and purity, and high-quality silk prized for its luxurious texture. Exotic spices promised to tantalize the senses, Beauty products such as makeup, Intricately designed jewelry captured timeless beauty. The selection also included high-end furniture and clothing, embodying craftsmanship and refinement, alongside a variety of alcoholic beverages and gourmet foods to cater to diverse palates. Additionally, the product line extended to essential goods for daily living, alongside paintings and fine arts that celebrated creativity and aesthetic excellence.
With this vast assortment of goods encompassing nearly every conceivable item one might wish to purchase, coordinating the intricate network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors would be an insurmountable challenge for most individuals. The complexity of establishing these connections and securing the necessary arrangements could easily deter even the most ambitious entrepreneurs. However, for Sabith, this task was well within reach.
Armed with sufficient funding and afforded the necessary time, Sabith possessed an extraordinary ability to navigate the labyrinth of logistical and business challenges. His resourcefulness and determination enabled him to forge strategic connections, identify reliable suppliers, and even acquire companies or facilities essential to the production and distribution of these items.
After Sabith departed to carry out the tasks I had assigned to him, I turned my focus toward designing the paper currency I had envisioned. I began by defining its precise dimensions: 15.24 cm in length, 7.62 cm in width, and 0.15 mm in thickness. These specifications ensure consistency and practicality for everyday use.
I also established detailed measurements for the coins. The smaller copper and silver coins would have diameters of 20 mm and 22 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the larger denominations—the 50 Mill coin and the 100 Mill coin—would measure 24 mm and 26 mm in diameter, respectively. All coins would maintain a uniform thickness of 2 mm, balancing durability with ease of handling.
These carefully calculated dimensions reflect my unwavering dedication to both uniformity and functionality in the design process.
The material for the currency would be a high-quality paper that I planned to manufacture myself. To ensure its durability, I decided to integrate engraved earth magic directly into the fibers of the paper, embedding them with magical reinforcement during the formation process. This approach would strengthen the bonds between the fibers, resulting in a level of durability that was 50 times greater than ordinary paper. The final product would serve as a testament to both ingenuity and meticulous craftsmanship.
The design of the currency featured eight distinct sections, each contributing to the bill's functionality and aesthetic appeal. The first two sections included a nearly white background—the base color of the bill—with the denomination prominently displayed in the top-left corner. Beneath this was the phrase "Issued by the Bank of Apollo for the people and business," followed by my signature and printed name. At the bottom of these sections, a metallic foil minting seal was embossed with mana etching to further enhance its authenticity.
The next four sections paid tribute to historical figures who have shaped various spheres of influence. Monarchs, such as kings and queens, symbolized leadership and heritage. Religious leaders represented spiritual significance and cultural unity. Scientists and social reformers celebrated the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of societal progress. These individuals were depicted in a central graphic, accompanied by the denomination displayed prominently beneath the illustration. Each series also included the year of printing, with the inaugural series set in 1442.
Additionally, each section incorporated a unique serial number system for authenticity and tracking purposes. The serial number comprised 16 digits, split into two equal parts: the first eight digits positioned at the top left and the remaining eight at the bottom right. These digits were followed by a single letter at each end, resulting in a total format of 16 digits and 2 letters (Example, 00000000A-00000000A to 99999999Z-99999999Z). This configuration allowed for an astounding 32.5 quintillion unique combinations per annual series.
The final two sections introduced practical and security features. A dotted line provided instructions for reissuing bills that were no longer in optimal condition, ensuring usability over time. The denomination was displayed prominently in the top-right corner of the eighth section, which also contained an embedded security thread. This transparent thread made counterfeiting the currency extremely difficult.
The paper itself possessed an off-white hue, a result of the earth magic infused within its fibers. The ink, however, stood out as a distinctive feature. Colored in dark yellow (Hex: BA8E23) and black with infrared properties, the ink was deeply pressed into the paper fibers, ensuring it would not fade or rub off unless the paper began to deteriorate.
On the reverse side of the bill, the design emphasized the authority and identity of its issuer. The denomination was accompanied by a detailed graphic of the Bank of Apollo, adorned with intricate artistic elements. Below this graphic, the phrase "Issued by the Bank of Apollo for the people and business" was elegantly printed. The background seamlessly incorporated mana and ink-based security features, combining magical properties with advanced printing techniques to safeguard against forgery and tampering.
The currency, now named Sol, would be backed by gold and valued at 0.1 grams of gold, approximately 10 USD, 9 Euros, or 1/10 of a Ran. Bills would be issued in denominations of 0.1. 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Sol, with the larger denominations serving as reserve bills.
Coins, which would replace the Thal, followed a similar structure and were named Syroso (0.001 Sol), Klan (0.005 Sol), Cerian (0.01 Sol), Dofel (0.025 Sol), and Lenprial (0.050 Sol), and Gunie (0.1 Sol),
Having completed the initial drafts of the bills and coins and their accompanying design concepts, I paused for reflection. While I felt a sense of accomplishment, I recognized the importance of collaborating with a skilled graphic designer to finalize the artwork and bring my vision to life.
These drafts would serve as a foundational blueprint for the minting process, which Sabith had ventured out to arrange a few days prior. I eagerly anticipated how the final product would take shape, as it would represent not only our ideas but also the intricacies of the minting process we had undertaken.