Today is the day. The sun begins to rise, showering the planet with its love. A beautiful sun as always. A nice morning breeze, with me yawning as it hits just the right spot to make anyone drowsy. I slept earlier than usual yesterday in preparation for today, but it's still not enough. This morning breeze just makes me want to skip this meeting altogether. The head maid gets angry with me when I keep saying just five more minutes.
It's a large gathering, with those involved in the center, while those who have come to say goodbye to their family members watch from afar as Aunt Amleth, Duchess Eisheth and Akela take the stage. The three of them must have woken up early by the look of them. Do they sleep at all?
"My subjects, be they knights, adventurers, researchers, students and those who volunteer. I thank you all for your help in this great international project, the first of its kind. A project that will not only bring prosperity to all, but also a way to fight the devil once he awakens from his slumber. The time is getting closer, closer to seven years from now. A terrible time, but I believe that we and the other countries are prepared, and this, this is one of the preparations" [Amleth].
None of us said a word. This is true. The Devil King is getting closer and closer to being reborn. After almost seven years, I don't feel like I'm getting stronger. I know they told me to, but somehow I know it's not enough. Besides, I still remember that horrible feeling when THE THING... Just forget about it. Think positively. Look, it's now the two Duchesses' turn to speak. Before I get called out for not paying attention, I better listen to what they have to say... Or pretend to hear what they have to say. I'm sure it's just a wors if thanks as well as the procedure. After all, there are those who have never participated in previous projects, so they must once again emphasize the step and procedure, or else the budget will be ruined.
While the first project that connects Amleth to Emas has us digging a five-meter square cube on the ground before placing the mana core responsible, this time the size has been increased by seven-meter cubes. This is because the size of the mana core is larger than the one used previously. Not only that, but the security measures to prevent someone from stealing it have also been increased.
Previously, it's through my Penta-Barrier spell, which is Mirage Mana: Quintet Mirage Barrier consisting of Barrier of Ignorance. Barrier of Nightmare. Barrier of Confusion. Barrier of Delusion. Barrier of Alarm. That barrier, made of my Mirage Mana, that prevented anyone from ever successfully stealing, whether their mind went astray or they were lured into a never-ending nightmare is now a ladt ditch effort. It's still there because Einstein and the others thought it was still necessary, but the researchers in the Magic Department have come a long way since then.
Numerous traps, such as electrocution, suffocation, and petrification traps to prevent them from stealing. The petrification trap is a new one, courtesy of Mimic from the new dungeon in Emas. Basically, Sister Ophelia, upon learning that a special mana core was being produced by the Mimic, made a hasty purchase and through her power that governs the land of Amleth, she replicated it. Of course, even with her power, there's still a limit. The original one is far too powerful to use, as it can cause petrification at the slightest touch. So she downgrades it both intentionally and unintentionally (through her inexperience and the limitations of her power) to make it usable.
The method of activating the core remains the same, though with further research, the mana requirement has been successfully reduced while making it last even longer. Truly, their hard work is paying off. You can see the smug face of the fatty minister from the Ministry of Magic. He didn't contribute anything, and yet he wanted to take all the credit! How annoying!
The last process of placing in rods made of emarald and gold has been replaced. Previously, through alchemy and electrophoresis, it is believed that the two aforementioned materials are the best, but through real life test between Emas and Amleth, a cheaper and more sustainable material is used, that's mainly to prevent even more attempts of stealing. Of course, both the core and the rods are precious, but there have been isolated cases where some thieves are indeed able to get away with few rods, causing havoc and loss.
"Therefore, please be sure to follow the instructions very carefully" [Akela].
"There are numerous members of the Researchers as well as others who have experience with this, consult them if there are any problems" [Eisheth].
"Be safe, and may the Goddess be with you throughout your journey" [Amleth].