Determined to continue my experiments, I focus on attempting to create something from nothing using my mana. I start with a pebble, using my mana like clay to mold and shape it. However, instead of a pebble, I end up creating a thick, blue, slime-like substance. Undeterred, I try again, this time focusing on forming my mana into dust. With great effort, I manage to connect the dust particles together, slowly piecing them into a small pebble. However, this process consumes a significant amount of mana, and I can only create a pebble the size of a pea before my mana is depleted.
Although I had hoped for a skill to accompany this achievement, none manifests. It seems that I may only acquire specific skills rather than through all endeavours. Regardless, I patiently wait for my mana to recharge and continue my work. After countless days of perseverance, I finally succeed in creating a pebble, albeit with five cracks. Despite its imperfect nature, I am pleased that it remains intact, even if its colour remains a persistent blue hue that I cannot alter. Consequently, I decide to hand it over to the crafter for practical use, recognizing that at least I can create objects from mana alone.
Having been wholly absorbed in my experiments, I realize it's time to catch up on the progress my minions made during my intense focus.
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You Have Slain Bird x 6
You Have Slain Big Spider x 15
You Have Slain deer x 2
You Have Slain wolf x 1
Reward: 125 EXP
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It appears that my warriors have achieved significant kills. However, I am now curious about the skills more currently.
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Congratulations
Your Monsters have learned new skills
Mana Burst (0)
Strength Enhance (0)
quick eye (0)
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It appears that my minions have indeed acquired new skills. The mana burst ability seems to be attributed to my intelligent minion, while strength enhancement belongs to my less intelligent minion. Additionally, one of my warriors has developed the quick eye skill.
Upon observing my intelligent minion, I notice that he can manipulate mana by drawing it into his core and then dispersing it in every direction, creating a powerful wind-like effect that pushes everything back. However, I find it intriguing that his mana does not push him outward, possibly because the mana is inherently a part of him and does not affect his own movement. This is my current hypothesis, though further investigation may be needed.
Shifting my focus to my other minion, he seems to channel mana directly into his muscles, similar to what I do. However, when his mana depletes, his muscles weaken temporarily but return to normal after approximately 30 minutes. This is intriguing as, in my case, such depletion would result in death, but for them, it only leads to temporary weakness. It raises questions about whether my mana is too potent for a normal body to handle, but I am uncertain at the moment and can only speculate.
Regardless, I now need to concentrate on creating a new creature for the next floor of my dungeon, one that is more inclined towards magic than the previous floor. Rather than using humans, as I struggle to even create a brain on its own, I consider evolving the Gobwolves or perhaps designing a lizard-like creature. It seems I will have to purchase a monster from the monsters tab to fulfil my desired vision.
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Monsters
Total EXP: 690
Monster I Cost
Mouse I 100 EXP
Lesser Bird I 120 EXP
Lesser Wolf I 300 EXP
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As night turns to day, I eagerly anticipate the actions of my warriors. Instructing them to "Kill any snakes you find," I patiently wait for their return. However, I realize that my current minion roster lacks archers, which could prove useful for the second floor. Although I had hoped for a lizard-like creature, it seems that option is currently unavailable.
Finally, the day arrives, and my warriors rush out in all directions. While I divert my attention elsewhere, focusing primarily on my new and improved mage, I suddenly hear voices. It turns out to be a group of adventurers, and upon closer inspection, I recognize them as the same duo who fled when their comrade was killed. However, this time, they are accompanied by additional individuals, totaling five in number.
My heart sinks as I realize that my warriors have vanished, leaving only the two mages who are currently training and relying on their mana reserves. Reluctantly, I issue the command, "Get ready to fight; adventurers are coming," to both of them.
They promptly rise and position themselves at the cave entrance, allowing their mana to recharge while keeping a watchful eye. Meanwhile, I quickly assess the traps that have been set up. Fortunately, there are five traps placed between the adventurers and my minions, providing some defence. As for me, I am located on the second floor but have not set up any additional traps, an oversight I now regret.
Aware of the potential need for direct confrontation if the adventurers manage to bypass the traps, I steel myself for the possibility. However, I hope it does not come to that. Judging by their preparedness, including a dedicated individual carrying various supplies such as potions, scrolls, weapons, and food, it is evident that they are ready for any situation.
In the meantime, I issue the command to all my external minions, instructing them to "Return and stop the humans." However, the distance between the adventurers and my minions remains uncertain, so it may take some time for them to reach the cave. All I can do now is buy time, confident that I have enough Gobwolves to handle a mere five adventurers. I fervently hope that my assumption is correct.