The Twin Mage

As they work, the Crucible stands revealed—a vast, circular chamber. Its centerpiece is a stone walkway encircling the room, bordered by a high railing. Below, molten magma swirls as if stirred by an invisible, giant ladle. It brims with world energy, pulsating in waves that ripple through the chamber.

Sebastian explained, "The Crucible is the final floor, requiring the world's lava to operate. The intense heat melts and purifies metals, stripping common impurities while world energy seeps through the liquefied forms, refining them. The enchantments in the room ensure that the silver vapor from Orichalcum condenses back into liquid form and rebinds with Adamant. With each cycle, the silver component is tempered and its structure rearranged by the absorbed energy, transforming Orichalcum into Adamant. If silver is added, it will progress to Orichalcum, then Adamant, and finally Davross. The Crucible mimics a natural mine but operates faster and more efficiently, even refining pre-mined materials. Metals align into veins based on their nature, with the size of each vein—silver, Orichalcum, Adamant, and Davross—determined by their abundance. The refining process is accelerated as the tower channels bursts of world energy to nudge Adamant toward its next stage."

Morgan nodded. "Next, the Crystal Mine."

Sebastian continued, "The Crystal Mine is always the second-lowest floor, positioned close to the mana geyser to draw from its energy flux. The tower's walls naturally condense and focus world energy, enabling magical gemstones to grow at an accelerated rate. Raw crystals grow as if untouched, hastening the formation of new crystalline branches. Even cut crystals benefit, as the mine can refine them further, recharge their energies, and enhance red, orange, and yellow gemstones that might otherwise be discarded. The effect on raw crystals is greater, as the mine nurtures and amplifies their growth."

Arthur interjected, "And then there's the Greenhouse?"

Sebastian smiled. "The Greenhouse serves to study and preserve mystical plants. It resembles a cultivated field, where even within the tower, the sun appears fixed at noon. The Greenhouse allows for the study of these plants, understanding their life cycles and cultivation requirements. Over time, the tower learns how to grow them at will. However, the process is delicate—plants are living beings, and hastening their growth risks damaging their magical properties. Most natural treasures require specific nourishment and care, including precise pruning and tailored feeding schedules. The Greenhouse can replicate any environment, accommodating even the most demanding flora."

Morgan looked thoughtful. "Let's move on to the Spark."

Sebastian explained, "The Spark refines materials even after Forge Mastery. It produces a mana flow equivalent to a violet-tier Awakened, but ten times faster. One day within the Spark equals ten days of continuous refinement. However, the Spark only functions when the Crucible, the Mines, and the tower's Hands are all active."

Arthur frowned. "The Hands?"

Sebastian clarified, "The Hands are four mystical constructs—the Ears, Eyes, Mouth, and Hand. Each possesses unique abilities:

The Hand: Crafts powerful relics using Spirit Magic, fuels its master's spells, controls world energy to disrupt other spells, and sustains or overlaps magical arrays.

The Mouth: Stores additional spells and maintains active runes after a spell is cast.

The Eyes: A unique interpretation of dragon eyes, offering unparalleled perception.

The Ears: Detects the flow of world energy and enables the crafting of blade artifacts."

Morgan raised an eyebrow. "Blade artifacts?"

Sebastian nodded. "Artifacts that allow their wielder to cast blade spells. Unlike normal spells, which rely solely on the mage's mana and willpower, blade spells channel the artifact's full potential, integrating its runes and crystals as extensions of the caster's body."

Sebastian continued, "The Factory, Workshop, Forge, and Ground Floor are interconnected. They use materials stored in the Crucible as templates for experiments, enchanting, and Forge Mastery. The Factory automates the production of items below blue-core grade, while the Forge and Alchemy labs focus on crafting. Living quarters with private facilities are also located here."

Arthur chuckled. "I should've asked earlier, but I assume the Bottle Room is the tower's combat mode?"

Sebastian confirmed, "Yes."

Morgan interjected, "We're renaming that floor to the Prime Engine."

Sebastian's voice adjusted seamlessly. "Designation rewritten."

He continued, "The Mirror Hall features bookshelves, mirrors, and a large globe over half a meter in radius. The globe is a Warping Mirror, enabling personal travel across hundreds of kilometers to previously visited locations. Familiarity with the destination reduces the strain and visualization difficulty. The Surveillance Mirror, framed in gold, acts as a scrying device, allowing real-time observation and listening within a 25-meter radius when connected to the tower. While in range, the Eyes' life vision enhances this ability."

Sebastian gestured toward the shelves. "The Library manifests as the Archives, accessible to designated individuals. It stores and processes data from the Eyes, cataloging spells, equipment, and opponents. The Grimoire deciphers old enchantments, converts them into modern runes, and works alongside the Firing Range to test weapons and spells. Even failed experiments provide invaluable data for refinement."

He concluded, "The Heart is the tower's control center, allowing you to manage its magical formations with a thought. The Watchtower, meanwhile, detects powerful energy signatures across kilometers, synchronizing with the Mirror Hall and Eyes of Lightwood for comprehensive surveillance."

Arthur and Morgan exchanged glances, then stepped into the Mirror Hall to explore its vast capabilities.