143: Guidelines

Spirit Eye planned the path-opening project for the "Sanctuary."

She mobilized a large number of engineering robots to stand by, and began pre-setting temporary defensive works and energy relay stations that might be needed along the path.

Eric also received notice; his elemental legion began conducting adaptive drills, studying how to maximize their combat effectiveness in an environment where life source essence was highly concentrated and repelled other forms of energy.

Meanwhile, in Brian's Main Mage Tower laboratory, research on the core mass of life source essence was proceeding against the clock.

Spirit Eye's laboratory avatar assisted Brian, trying various energy stimulation and information injection methods, attempting to find an opportunity to accelerate the decryption of the sovereign key.

For a time, a tense atmosphere, like the calm before the storm, permeated the base, yet everything remained orderly.

Several hours later, the Ling Tong Main Avatar brought new information, her tone somewhat strange:

"Master, that... 'Mr. Crystal' has appeared again. He is near the starting point of the safety path we planned, and seems... to be waiting for us?"

Brian raised an eyebrow and brought up the real-time feed.

Sure enough, at the edge of the area marked as the path's starting point, the elegant crystal cluster creature was floating there again, its emerald green body emitting a soft halo in the dim environment.

It made no other movements, just quietly gazed in the direction of the base.

"What does it want to do?" Brian murmured to himself.

"Should we contact it again?" Spirit Eye asked.

"Mm. Send the same friendly message and ask for its intentions."

A faint signal was sent out again.

Moments later, a psychic message arrived, still peaceful, but carrying a hint of an indescribable... complex emotion?

"Outsiders... your resolve... has been perceived..."

"The path... can be guided..."

"But... the 'Sanctuary's' awakening... requires a key..."

"The true... key is not... in your hands..."

The message broke off again, and the figure of the crystal cluster creature slowly faded, disappearing as if melting into the air.

"A key?" Brian frowned.

The true key wasn't in their hands?

Did it refer to the sovereign key they hadn't fully decrypted yet, or something else entirely?

The secrets of this plane seemed even more layered than anticipated.

"Spirit Eye, re-evaluate all the data. Focus the search on information related to a key, whether analyzed from the life source essence or discovered from historical energy residues."

"Understood! Key keyword search initiated!" Spirit Eye immediately complied, then asked somewhat expectantly: "Master, should the path-opening project continue?"

"Continue."

Brian stated firmly:

"No matter what key he is talking about, possessing powerful strength itself is one of the most important keys. We will proceed according to plan while simultaneously looking for clues. We must be fully prepared, so that whether we face guardians or a gate requiring a key, we have the confidence to deal with it."

His gaze swept over the sandbox model, as if he could already see the "Sanctuary" shrouded in mist.

Dialogue, or conquest, must both be built upon a foundation of strength and preparation.

And he never lacked either of those things.

The tense atmosphere of strategic deployment was broken by a cheerful notification sound.

"Ding-dong~ Your ordered [Nebula Tassel Skirt] and [Lava Heart Candy Gift Pack] have been delivered via inter-planar express. Please sign for them!"

The joyful voice of Spirit Eye Avatar No. 5's teleportation array clone came through the internal communication, carrying obvious happiness.

It turned out that the items Spirit Eye had purchased through her castle avatar had arrived.

She had them delivered via robot transport!

What a brilliant method!

In the command center, Brian, who was staring at the energy readings of the "Sanctuary" area on the sandbox model, paused, then shook his head with a laugh.

He had almost forgotten about this matter.

The Ling Tong Main Avatar also chuckled: "Number 5 received her package! Master, would you like to see the dress she bought? She said it perfectly matches the starlight dome of your Mage Tower!"

Brian looked at the still complex data stream on the screen and decided to let his brain relax for a moment.

"Alright, connect the video feed from Number 5's location."

A corner of the screen switched to the view of the resting area next to the teleportation array on the first floor of the Mage Tower.

Spirit Eye Avatar No. 5 was happily unpacking two large boxes that shimmered with spatial fluctuations. The pattern of the silver lightning bracelet on her right wrist looked particularly beautiful under the bright lights.

The first thing she took out was a dress; the moment she shook it open, it looked as if a miniature starry sky had been draped over her.

The deep blue background was adorned with tiny sparkles, like distant stars, while the tassels were colored in gradient nebulae, shimmering with light as they gently swayed.

"Master, look! Isn't it super pretty!" Avatar No. 5 held the dress up against herself, her eyes sparkling.

"Mm, it's very beautiful, and it suits you well."

Brian smiled and nodded, giving a rare compliment.

Even a rigorous Mage knew how to appreciate beauty, especially when his own "daughter" looked so happy.

"Hehe!"

Avatar No. 5 was satisfied and eagerly opened the other box.

Inside were crystal candies of various shapes, emitting faint light and heat—snacks labeled as "Specialty of the Lava Heart Plane."

She carefully picked up a red, flame-shaped candy and took a small lick.

Her small face immediately scrunched up, and she fanned herself rapidly:

"Wow! So spicy! But... so sweet too! What a strange flavor!"

Her appearance, both fearful and greedy, was extremely cute.

This commotion attracted Eric's curiosity, and his projection leaned over:

"Yo, having a tea party? What good stuff is this? Smells... quite stimulating, huh?"

He stared at the box of lava candy; elemental mages are naturally sensitive to high-energy objects.

"Mr. Eric, would you like to try one?"

Avatar No. 5 generously offered him one.

Eric manipulated his projection to simulate the action of picking up the candy and pretending to toss it into his mouth. The projection then cooperatively made an exaggerated, face-contorting expression of being overwhelmed by spice:

"Hmph! What a kick! It's fierce! Even stronger than the chili-rock from the Fire Elemental Plane!"

His comical expression made all of Spirit Eye's avatars who could see the scene burst into laughter. Even the Main Clone was shaking her shoulders from laughing, and the previously serious atmosphere in the command center was instantly swept away.

Brian watched this relaxed scene, and his mood brightened considerably.

He even wondered if he should order some decorations for his own Main Tower, or perhaps buy some favorite items for Spirit Eye's other avatars.

After long periods of tension from warfare and research, appropriate relaxation was indeed necessary.

"Master, Master!"

Avatar No. 5, taking small breaths while eating the candy, suddenly remembered something and said:

"I just saw a newly stocked [Ecological Landscape Orb] in the magic net shopping area. It simulates a miniature forest inside, and there are even glowing little sprites flying around! It would definitely look great in the lounge or the laboratory! Should we..."

Before she could finish, the Main Clone interrupted her: "Number 5! The Master is busy with serious work right now!"

Number 5 immediately covered her mouth, blinked her large eyes, and made an "I was wrong" expression.

Brian smiled: "It's alright. Send me the link. I'll take a look later when I have time."

He paused, then added:

"If there's anything you like, as long as it doesn't interfere with important matters, you can buy it!"

"Yay! Master is the best!" Avatar No. 5 cheered, and the other avatars also transmitted feelings of happiness through the consciousness link.

After the small interlude, work resumed, but the atmosphere was completely different.