Izzan held the magic stone, now dimming, with regret. "Look at this, the magic stone is already starting to fade. What a shame, if we weren't in such a bad situation, I could've used it to make a stronger golem."
Athena: "Even though this magic stone is starting to lose its energy, it's still a rare and valuable material. Like the batteries in the technological world of your previous life, magic stones are extremely dense sources of energy. If we were to explain it in real-world terms…"
Athena continued her detailed explanation: "This magic stone can be compared to a superconductor battery or a high-energy fuel cell. Inside it, there's highly concentrated magical energy, much like how batteries store electrical energy. In the real world, a supercapacitor or nuclear fuel might come close to how a magic stone functions, as both store large amounts of energy that can be released gradually or all at once, depending on the need.
Superconductor Material: Like superconductors in your past world, magic stones store and conduct energy without resistance, enabling extremely efficient energy storage. Fuel Cells: In your previous world, fuel cells converted chemicals into energy. Here, magic stones function similarly by transforming magical essence into usable energy for various purposes—such as golems, spells, or emergency healing. Energy Gemstone: In some cases, magic stones can also be compared to energy gemstones or crystals capable of absorbing, storing, and emitting specific types of energy. In the world of magic, magic stones serve a similar purpose by focusing magical energy."
Izzan looked at the fading stone in his hand, feeling that Athena's explanation truly captured how valuable the object was.
Izzan: "So this magic stone is like a living battery, but much more advanced. If only we had more time and resources…"
Athena: "Yes, if your condition were more stable, we could use the remaining energy for something bigger, like creating a golem. But right now, our main priority is survival."
As Izzan's stomach rumbled, he chuckled softly and said, "Alright, it looks like it's time to eat. No way I'm going to starve in a situation like this." Izzan started cutting pieces of bear meat, preparing to light a fire and roast them.
However, before he could light the fire, Athena quickly warned him through her system voice: Athena: "Cooking the meat over an open flame could release strong smoke and smells, which might attract monsters or enemies nearby. It's very dangerous in our current situation."
Izzan sighed and nodded. "Okay, so what should we do?"
Athena immediately displayed a holographic diagram explaining a safer way to process the meat.
Athena: "The best suggestion is to make dried meat. The drying process reduces the potential of spreading smells. We can use flame magic at low intensity to slowly heat the meat without producing too much smoke."
Izzan scratched his head while carefully following Athena's instructions. He sliced the meat into thin strips, then hung them on cords made from plant fibers he found in the forest earlier.
Izzan: "Looks like this will make a tasty meal. Thanks, Athena, you really are an expert at everything!"
After some time, the meat was finally ready to eat. However, as soon as Izzan took his first bite, his expression changed drastically.
Izzan: "Ughhh... why does this taste like… an old shoe?!"
Athena, with her calm and rigid system tone, immediately responded: Athena: "The unpleasant taste is due to the lack of seasoning and the drying process, which reduces the tenderness of the meat. This is a preservation method, not a cooking method for taste enjoyment."
Izzan smirked and began teasing Athena.
Izzan: "Oh, right, thanks for the very clear explanation, Chef Athena! Are you also going to tell me that water is wet?"
Athena tried to remain patient, but her system voice sounded slightly irritated.
Athena: "Focusing on the nutrition and energy gained from this meat is far more important than prioritizing taste. In survival situations, physical strength is key."
Izzan groaned as he chewed the tough meat. "But taste is important too, Athena! If I have to eat this for weeks, I might die from sadness, not monsters!"
A debate between them began.
Athena: "It's true that taste can boost morale, but it's only a secondary element in emergencies like this."
Izzan: "Secondary? You don't understand how important good food is for someone's morale! Food isn't just about filling your stomach, it's about enjoying life!"
Athena kept her firm tone.
Athena: "Look at yourself now, claiming to care about taste, but eating that meat like a wild animal."
In the end, too hungry to care, Izzan devoured the meat, despite its unpleasant taste.
Athena: "See? The one complaining about taste is the same person devouring the meat without stopping. It seems the taste isn't so bad when you're starving, is it?"
Izzan could only grumble as he continued eating, trying to enjoy every tough and chewy bite.