NOVEL NEXT Chapter 166: Soul Stone
"These enchantments will absorb impacts up to mid-Transcendent levels," he explained as I observed. "Beyond that threshold, you'll need commander-rank specifications which would triple the cost."
"Mid-Transcendent is sufficient for now," I confirmed, knowing I could upgrade later if necessary.
Additional enchanters worked on privacy and security measures - wards that would prevent magical surveillance, barriers that blocked unauthorized entry, and detection systems that would alert me to any intrusion attempts.
"The spy-proofing enchantments are military grade," one enchanter noted with professional pride. "Even Royal-rank observation techniques would struggle to penetrate these wards without triggering alarms."
Throughout the day, I moved between work areas, answering questions, providing clarifications from my reference materials, and ensuring everything proceeded according to specifications. The smartphone proved invaluable for quick reference - I could pull up specific details instantly rather than relying on memory or physical drawings.
By late afternoon, the basic structural work was well underway. The main combat training room had received its reinforced flooring and was being fitted with wall enchantments. Specialized equipment chambers were taking shape in the basement. The outdoor training grounds were being prepared with proper boundary wards.
The speed and quality of work reflected both the craftsmen's expertise and their genuine enthusiasm for the project. Having promised them smartphones had apparently transformed this from routine construction into a personal investment in learning new techniques.
"We'll work through the night in shifts," Marcus informed me as evening approached. "At this pace, everything should be completed by tomorrow evening."
I nodded with satisfaction, watching dozens of skilled workers coordinating seamlessly to transform a small portion of my mansion into a world-class training facility.
This investment would pay for itself many times over through the training efficiency and privacy it provided.
Today had been relatively calm with the workers managing construction independently, so I decided Changing Star deserved a change of scenery. She'd been cooped up in the mansion since hatching, and while the space was comfortable, a young dragon needed stimulation and new experiences.
The challenge was taking her outside without revealing her true nature.
I retrieved a specialized concealment enchantment I'd prepared earlier, a small charm that would suppress her draconic aura and make her appear as a common magical pet to casual observation. Nothing too sophisticated could penetrate the disguise, but it would fool normal people and elite-rank awakeners easily enough.
"Hold still," I instructed as I carefully attached the charm to a simple collar around her neck.
Her distinctive dragon presence immediately dampened to something resembling a Noble-rank magical creature - unusual enough to be interesting but not alarming.
I also donned my mask, the one that transformed my appearance to show my original Earth features. No point in Adrian Blackwood being seen walking around the city with a mysterious pet when that would just invite questions and attention.
Despite the construction activity at the mansion, there was no risk of connecting this property to the Blackwood family. Our workers were hired by dozens of wealthy clients throughout the capital, and one more private residence receiving renovations wouldn't draw unusual scrutiny.
Wearing my Earth face and casual clothing, I left the estate through a side entrance and made my way into the city proper.
Changing Star's small head peeked out from my jacket pocket, positioned so she could observe everything while remaining mostly concealed. Her big round eyes glinted with fascination as she took in the urban environment for the first time.
She made soft sounds of wonder as we walked through the bustling streets. The capital was alive with afternoon activity - merchants calling out their wares, carriages navigating cobblestone roads, awakeners in various ranks going about their business, street performers entertaining crowds.
Everything was new and exciting to her. The smells of food from street vendors made her nose twitch. The sounds of conversation and commerce captured her attention. The visual spectacle of colorful buildings and diverse people kept her eyes constantly moving.
"Stay quiet and still," I reminded her gently through our bond. "We're just observing today."
Her acknowledgment was soft and obedient, though her tail swished excitedly inside my jacket.
We passed through the merchant district where shops displayed everything from magical equipment to exotic fabrics. Changing Star's eyes widened at a jewelry store's glittering display, the precious stones apparently triggering some instinctive draconic appreciation for treasure.
The day ended with me carrying several bags of purchases that totaled nearly a thousand golden coins - an amount that would make most people wince, but felt entirely justified given Changing Star's reaction.
I'd bought her a collection of polished gemstones from the jewelry district that she'd been absolutely mesmerized by.
Her draconic instincts had been drawn to them like a magnet, and watching her eyes light up with pure joy as I allowed her to select which ones she wanted had been worth every coin.
There was also a magical cushion enchanted for comfort that she'd shown interest in, several high-quality meat treats from a gourmet beast provisions shop, and a decorative collar with protective enchantments that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The look on her face throughout the shopping expedition - pure happiness radiating through our bond with each new acquisition - made every purchase worthwhile.
Our connection was deeper than I'd initially anticipated. This wasn't just a strategic partnership or a master-pet relationship. There was genuine affection developing between us, a bond that transcended simple utility.
As we headed back toward the mansion, weaving through the evening crowds with Changing Star contentedly nestled in my pocket with her new treasures, the familiar notification pulsed through my consciousness.
[Daily Login Available!]
[Would you like to claim your daily reward?]
[Yes | No]
I selected yes mentally while maintaining my walking pace, curious what the system would provide after yesterday's magical engineering knowledge.
[Congratulations! You have received: Soul Stone]
[Soul Stone]
[Rank: Transcendent]
[Details: A crystallised stone containing soul power equivalent to a complete Transcendent-rank creature. It can be absorbed directly to advance cultivation and strengthen soul foundation. A single use consumable.]