The final step before the competition was to submit the Mechanical Body's list of materials and cost analysis for review.
In the finance office on the first floor of the Black Tower of the Forge, Allen placed a sheet of paper with the material list on the counter.
Behind the counter, the bald man named Barton Thorn was slumped over the desk, letting out soft snores. He looked like a stone statue weathered by the years.
Allen even suspected the man was engaged in some unique form of Meditation.
He curled his knuckles and rapped them on the countertop twice.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
The sound echoed in the empty room.
Barton's head bobbed, and his eyelids reluctantly peeled open a crack.
"You again... Allen Wesren," he mumbled indistinctly.
"I'm submitting my entry materials for the Black Tower New Star Cup."
Allen pushed the paper in his hand further into the window.
Barton slowly sat up straight and picked up the list.
