Chapter 57: The Wheel of Construction Turns
Tian Heng stood at the center of the glittering Ether Cave, the cold and transparent aura surrounding him now more intense and serene. He had spent several additional hours solidifying his new power as a "Core Maker - Beginner," getting accustomed to the sensation of the frozen core steadily rotating within his Dantian, feeling the increasing control over the pure icy ether, as well as the dormant yet powerful current of dual dragon energy (white and black) symbolized by the tattoos winding around his arms.
"Rise, Lilith," he said calmly, his voice now carrying an icy depth that sent an uncomfortable shiver even through the ether-saturated air.
Lilith immediately rose, kneeling briefly before standing, her crimson eyes burning with absolute loyalty mixed with awe. She clearly felt the qualitative leap in her master's power. He was no longer just a powerful ether gatherer but a being radiating organized, cold power in a terrifying manner. Tian Heng gave a brief nod to her, silently acknowledging her loyalty during his isolation.
He then opened a mental channel directly with the distant central core and felt that the connection had become clearer and more stable now due to his enhanced strength.
[Core, comprehensive status report. Energy level? Condition of subunits? Any critical alerts?]
The reply from the core came almost immediately, with even greater efficiency than before:
[Energy level of the central core is stable at 15.3%, receiving a steady flow from the Southern Regulatory Node (currently operating at a low rate to maintain stability). Subsystems (data processing, energy regulation) are functioning within normal parameters after the previous strain. No current critical alerts. Periodic survey reports have been received from external biological units (Faela, Lyra, Elara).]
Everything was stable. It was time to accelerate the pace. Tian Heng sent a mental command to open a communication channel with Faela in the far northeastern tunnels.
[Faela, brief report on your exploration of the northeastern sectors. Any significant discoveries or immediate threats?]
Faela's reply came after a few moments, dry and succinct as usual, but containing the necessary information:
[The tunnels are vast and complex, with clear signs of ancient construction but heavily damaged. Several mineral deposits have been identified (high-purity quartz, traces of copper, and basic iron ores). The 'Field-processed Smoky Quartz' required has not been found yet. Recent signs of significant biological activity (potential Rank 4 or 5) have been detected in deeper tunnels, though we avoided approaching them. No immediate threats in the surveyed paths so far.]
He then sent a similar inquiry to the temporary base near Okhafen.
[Elara, Lyra, report on base status, condensed ether reserves, progress on data decryption, and any notable activity in or around Okhafen.]
Their hesitant and fearful reply came:
[The base is secure, Master Tian Heng. The condensed ether reserves are slowly increasing (currently around 85 standard units). Good progress has been made in translating and understanding the basic Builder language and manufacturing unit protocols, thanks to Mistress Elara's continuous efforts. Okhafen is still under the influence of the princess's visit; the guards are more vigilant, but rumors of bandits and corruption persist. No activity has been directly targeted at us.]
Tian Heng quickly analyzed the reports. Faela had not yet found the required material to properly repair the node, but she had identified other raw resource locations. The elves at the base were doing their work, and condensed ether was accumulating (albeit slowly). Progress on the decryption was good. The situation in Okhafen required caution.
The new plan formed clearly and coldly in his mind:
Activate the Factory Now: He now had the power and control necessary to safely and reliably activate the basic manufacturing unit (Level 1) using the condensed ether reserves they had gathered.
Manufacture the Perfect Alloy: Once the factory was running, the alternative "Iridium-Arcanite" alloy (or the best possible substitute with available materials) would be produced according to the precise specifications derived from the data.
Repair and Upgrade the Node: Return to the Ether Cave with the perfect alloy, perform a complete and precise repair of the regulatory node, and possibly upgrade it if the schematics allowed, to ensure a stable and powerful ether flow permanently.
Activate Other Facilities: Using the stable energy, the water purification unit would be activated first, followed by the nutrient compound unit, then the lab, and so on, based on priorities he determined.
"Lilith," Tian Heng said, "We will leave this cave now."
He then sent his orders through the core: [Faela, return immediately to the designated meeting point near the manufacturing unit. Elara, prepare to move from the temporary base to the manufacturing unit site within the next few hours, bring all the translated data and condensed ether stored. Lyra, you will stay at the temporary base and continue monitoring and gathering basic supplies until further orders.]
Before leaving the Ether Cave, Tian Heng approached the main entrance that had previously been sealed with rocks. He raised his left hand, the one bearing the white dragon tattoo, and focused for a moment. With a cold, icy blue glow, a thick, transparent wall of solid ice, as strong as steel, formed, not only sealing the entrance completely but also merging with the surrounding rocks, creating a semi-permanent icy seal that was difficult to breach. It was a quiet, chilling display of his new control over the ice element.
"Let's go." He said simply, and he and Lilith set off down the side tunnel, heading back to the main network of tunnels, towards the manufacturing unit site, where they would meet Faela and Elara to begin the crucial next phase of their plan.