The chest opened as a surge of mana struck the city, and a bright purple light flooded Zack's barrier. The two forces colliding caused the entire city to quake, and the citizens look towards the arena. They had no idea what was going on inside, but for the city to respond this way was unusual.
Elizabeth and Lixue were already in the market and started flying towards the arena when the light was fading. As they were racing to the badlands they could see a naked woman with curly scarlet hair and glowing violet eyes.
The two were closing in fast when the woman lifted her hand in their direction. Her forearm morphed into a railgun as a purple beam rapidly gathered. The flashing purple light was disorienting making it difficult to see the impending danger.
"Stand down," Zack ordered.
The beam had already grown six feet in diameter and was condensing into a refine blast when the mana dissipated. They landed cautiously behind Zack for that level of magic was causing their skin to tingle. After hearing the serious tone the woman dropped to a knee before Zack.
"Sorry master they appeared hostile, and the standard protocol is to detain the threat."
'She's already in sync with the sentries, and her body matches a human perfectly.' Zack examined her closely.
"That was a little excessive for detaining," Zack stated.
"The dragon tribes can rival the celestials, and I only applied the appropriate force to hinder their movements. Their bodies can withstand severe trauma, and being a celestial you could repair any damage after. Should I adjust the protocols?"
"No, but in the future let the sentries perform the duties. Their weapons are capable of binding people more humanely." Zack replied.
The mysterious woman went quiet for a brief moment, but the expression she had seemed like a person communicating. She lifted her hand producing chains of mana from the palm of her hand before they dissipated.
"I understand. Forgive the error." The woman got up bowing at the two.
"Who is that?" Lixue asked.
"And why is she naked?" Elizabeth added.
"I am master's tool to be used as instructed. I connected with my predecessors to maximize my ability to do so and acted on their directives. If this was inappropriate behavior please administer punishment."
The woman blushed and took a pose towards Zack. When the chest opened the woman sprung out, and scanned the area thoroughly. When it finished it relayed a message to Zack. She was constructed by Altair and served at his side for centuries. It was meant to be the ultimate doll, but she resembled a human a little too well.
'What was that man thinking?' Zack wiped the blood from his nose.
"P-put this on." Elizabeth declared giving her a dress.
"I only take orders from the master, and I'm currently waiting for punishment."
"Please put it on, and there is no pu-punishment." Zack turned around.
After the doll got dressed they left the arena to see his companions gathered. They grew concerned about Zack and rushed over to take action. When they saw Rolen asking a mysterious woman questions about Altair they tagged along.
At first, she was reluctant to answer. After a simple nod from Zack, she wouldn't quit with information until instructed. It seemed to be spewing an autobiography, and Rolen had to be precise in his questioning.
"Why create the dolls instead of relying on our people to protect the ruins?" Rolan investigated.
"The descendants dwelling in Elfheim turned against him. It's why he fled the city and became an adventurer. Leaving his people left Altair conflicted, and he created the 'ruins' to ensure there would be safe havens in a dire moment."
"How did you get inside a dungeon?" Zack asked.
"Any dungeon with a heart was modified by us to use as a shelter."
'I've always wondered how the loot got down there.'
"Someone would've noticed that," Elizabeth stated.
"We constructed a method of transportation on the bottom floors that connects them."
"He must've been formidable to fight off that many elementals," Zack replied.
"They didn't see us a threat."
"Wait a minute," Octavia said while grabbing the woman.
"Yes?"
"You're saying you built the dungeon hearts?" Octavia investigated.
"I created them with his instructions, but I've committed the schematic to memory."
"Has anyone seen Vicente?" Octavia asked.
Zack closed his eyes to pinpoint his aura. While they were stopped Wesley was passing by on his way to the waystation.
"He's in the mountain district at the mixed bathing," Zack told Octavia.
"Of course he is. Thank you." Octavia kissed Zack before taking off.
"I wanted to know if there is a certain etiquette to visiting another village," Wesley asked Zack.
"If they agreed to the waystation they welcome visitors from our city," Zack replied.
"Who are you going to see?" Lilith teased.
"I wanted to check on the deathstalkers, and try to make up for the misunderstanding," Wesley replied.
"You're a solid liar," Lilith smirked.
"I told you to be honest," Miguel told Wesley.
"He has a thing for Nanu, but our courting methods are a little different," Miguel stated.
"We acquired some livestock for them, but we're still trying to find an excuse for giving it to them," Dyna told Wesley.
"It was hard enough to convince Karim about the horses," Zack stated.
"You think if it comes from my people it would be accepted as an apology" Wesley replied.
"That's the plan, and it gives you a reason to stop by." Zack patted Wesley on the shoulder.
"Do you have your clipboard?"
"Who's this?" Wesley asked.
"She never gave us a name. What did Altair call you?" Zack investigated.
"He called me Aida." She smiled.
"Here you go," Dyna told Aida.
Aida grabbed the clipboard as a purple light emitted from her eyes. She was scanning the pad and flipping through the pages at an accelerated rate. Once she finished Aida handed it back with a smile.
"The animals are being gathered by the idle fieldworkers and will be waiting by the waystation."
"I have to notify...
"Corra and Grigor are receiving messages right now," Aida stated.
All the dolls in the city are now in sync with Aida. The sentries constantly monitor the city, and she used their surveillance to study the city's routines. Entire months of data analyzed while answering their questions, and roaming the streets. With the data, and control of the dolls sending a message was done in the blink of an eye.