diff --git a/code/modules/antagonists/eldritch_cult/eldritch_book.dm b/code/modules/antagonists/eldritch_cult/eldritch_book.dm
index 7b3a088ab84..705a3f9d1da 100644
--- a/code/modules/antagonists/eldritch_cult/eldritch_book.dm
+++ b/code/modules/antagonists/eldritch_cult/eldritch_book.dm
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@
 				if(initial(EK.name) != ekname)
 					continue
 				if(cultie.gain_knowledge(EK))
-					charge -= text2num(EK.cost)
+					charge -= initial(EK.cost)
 					return TRUE
 
 	update_icon() // Not applicable to all objects.