"Coward!" Kellen shouted, his face red with a mix of anger and lingering pain.
Marcus leaned forward, locking eyes with the swordsman. "Coward, you say? No, this is efficiency. I'm here to get answers. You can give them without going through this again, or…"
He raised his hand slightly, as if preparing to signal for the shocks to resume.
"Wait… stop," Garran said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
Marcus lowered his hand, his expression patient. "Good. I'm listening."
Garran lifted his head, meeting Marcus' gaze with a mixture of fear and reluctant respect. "We were sent by Viscount Eremund… under orders from Marquis Vandemar."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Marquis Vandemar? Why?"
"We don't know the details," Garran admitted. "The Viscount only said there's been strange activity in Dralven. Explosions, sudden changes… they wanted to know who or what's responsible."
Marcus jotted down notes on his clipboard before looking back at the group. "And did you report anything before we captured you?"
"No," Lyria said, her voice trembling. "We were still on our way. We don't know what's really happening here."
Marcus paused, scrutinizing their words. "Alright. If that's all you know, then there may still be hope for you to leave here alive."
"So… you'll let us go?" Aldrin asked, a flicker of hope lighting his weary eyes.
Marcus gave a faint smile but offered no definitive answer. "That depends on what Director Cero decides."
A short while later, Marcus stood in Cero's office, delivering his report.
"They admitted to being sent by Viscount Eremund under orders from Marquis Vandemar," Marcus began. "It seems the Viscount was acting on higher orders without much personal knowledge. They also claim they hadn't reported anything before we apprehended them."
Cero, seated with a calm yet piercing demeanor, tapped his fingers against the desk. "So, they're just tools. Adventurers on a simple reconnaissance mission—nothing more."
"Correct, Director," Marcus agreed. "But their presence indicates that Marquis Vandemar already has an interest in Dralven, which could escalate into a larger issue."
Cero leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming rhythmically on the wooden surface as his sharp gaze bore into Marcus. "Interesting," he murmured. "This was inevitable. Even if their flow of information is slow, we must assume that if these scouts don't return on schedule, Delos will send forces. No matter how remote this region seems."
Marcus nodded. "I agree, Director. However, the incoming winter will likely delay any major response. The Glynthar Mountains aren't forgiving in bad weather."
Cero fell silent, his mind clearly calculating. He closed his eyes and spoke softly, almost to himself. "System, I need an analysis. Predict what will happen if Delos decides to send troops. Consider the terrain, the winter season, and the time they'll need."
[Processing…]
The system's cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind, momentarily drawing Marcus' attention.
After a few seconds, the system delivered its verdict:
[Analysis complete. Given geographical conditions and the approaching winter, the likelihood of a large Delos force reaching Dralven soon is minimal. The Glynthar Mountains will pose a significant barrier during the winter season. Small reconnaissance or sabotage teams may be deployed, but a full-scale military response is unlikely until after the snow melts—approximately three months from now.]
[However, if their scouts fail to return, Delos is likely to elevate the region to a strategic priority. The risk of a large-scale assault rises to 78% by early spring.]
Cero nodded slightly, digesting the information. "So, we have three months before any serious threat arises. That's enough time to fortify our defenses."
Marcus frowned. "What's our next move, Director? Should we strengthen our positions in Glynthar?"
Cero shook his head, his gaze fixed on a map of the Dralven region hanging on the wall. "No. Our focus remains on Dralven and its infrastructure development. This is a long-term investment we can't abandon just because of a minor threat."
Marcus listened intently. "Still, Director, isn't this an opportunity to take preemptive action against Delos?"
Cero smirked faintly, raising a hand as if to calm Marcus. "I don't see our neighbors as an immediate threat. While our technology gives us a significant advantage, arrogance is a dangerous game. Ignorance of their plans is the real threat. If we don't know what they know, we risk walking into a trap."
Marcus nodded slowly. "And the prisoners? What do we do with them?"
"Release them when the snow falls," Cero said without hesitation. "Let them return to their territory. I'm confident their kingdom won't send a large force in the middle of winter. Even if they report back on what they've seen here, the information will be delayed by the terrain."
Marcus hesitated briefly but refrained from arguing. "Understood, Director. I'll ensure your orders are carried out."
"Good," Cero said, signaling the end of the conversation. "Return to your duties, Marcus. Keep patrols in the Glynthar Mountains tight—I don't want any surprises."
Marcus saluted briskly before exiting the room, leaving Cero to contemplate the next steps in silence.
Moments after Marcus left, Cero pressed a button on the communication device on his desk. "Sarah, come to my office. There are a few matters we need to discuss."
It wasn't long before Sarah arrived, clipboard in hand, her composed demeanor exuding the efficiency that had become her hallmark.
"Director," she greeted, standing attentively before the desk.
"Sit," Cero said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. He met her gaze with a focused intensity.
Meanwhile, in the sprawling laboratory of the main base, the air buzzed with unparalleled energy. The hum of machinery, the crackle of electricity, and the lively debates of scientists filled the expansive room.
In the midst of it all stood Charles Volta, the head of the lab. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he stared at a monitor displaying the latest analysis results of the Aetherial Core.
"Magnificent!" he exclaimed, pointing at the screen. "This thing is essentially a condensed miniature sun!"
The researchers around him exchanged glances, some nodding in awe, while others remained skeptical but intrigued. Standing slightly apart from the crowd, Isvel silently reviewed a set of complex diagrams in her hands. Despite the language barrier, her magical expertise allowed her to provide invaluable insights.
"Charles," called Dr. Lenna, a younger scientist responsible for energy simulations. "This is incredible, but are we sure it's stable? The energy fluctuations are extreme—mishandling it could lead to an explosion stronger than any nuclear weapon."
Charles turned with a wide grin, the gleam of intellectual madness evident in his expression. "Lenna, you know what they say: great risks bring great rewards! But don't worry—I've already implemented protocols to stabilize it."
"So, will you report this to the Director?" Lenna asked, her tone cautious.
Charles nodded, snapping his clipboard shut with a flourish. "Of course. The Director needs to know. This isn't just progress—it's a leap toward the future."
Several hours later, Charles stood in the main conference room, accompanied by Sarah, who diligently jotted down key points. At the head of the table sat Cero, dressed in a sharp military uniform, exuding an air of calm authority. A projection of laboratory data illuminated the large wall-mounted screen, drawing everyone's attention.
"Director," Charles began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "What I'm about to present isn't just another discovery—it's a revolution. This Core…" He gestured toward the energy graph displaying massive spikes, "…is an unlimited energy source beyond anything modern science has ever achieved. It could serve as the foundation for every technological advancement you've ever dreamed of."
Charles took a deep breath before continuing. "The Aetherial Core generates energy akin to nuclear reactions—but without radioactive waste. By using specific electromagnetic resonances, we can stabilize its output for virtually any application."
He pointed to the list on the screen:
Power Generation: "Imagine our base in Dralven no longer relying on fuel-powered generators. This Core could power an entire city—or even a nation."
Energy Weapons: "With proper modifications, we could create focused energy weapons. The resulting blasts would rival thermonuclear bombs, but with far greater precision."
Advanced Transportation: "The Core's compact size makes it viable for integration into land, air, or sea vehicles. We could build an unparalleled fleet."
Dimensional Experiments: "With this much energy, we could potentially open interdimensional rifts. It's still hypothetical, but with Isvel's expertise in magic, it may be possible."
Cero leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Charles as he stroked his chin. "Fascinating, Charles. But tell me—what's the downside? A technology of this magnitude doesn't come without risks."
Charles offered a thin smile, as if anticipating the question. "Of course, Director. There are risks. The Core is highly unstable if removed from its controlled environment. A failure in stabilization could result in a catastrophic explosion—far worse than a nuclear detonation."
"So, we're not just creating a solution," Cero said evenly, "but also a potential disaster."
"Exactly," Charles admitted, his eyes briefly flicking to the energy graphs. "But with proper protocols, the risks can be minimized. I wouldn't propose advancing this Core's development if I weren't confident in its potential success."
Cero nodded, though his expression remained guarded. Folding his arms across his chest, he contemplated the possibilities. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Charles, have you reached the point where you can identify what elements make up this Core?"
A wide grin spread across Charles' face, brimming with excitement. "Absolutely, Director! We've successfully analyzed most of its composition. There are familiar elements like hydrogen, helium, and carbon—but they exist as highly unusual isotopes. Beyond that, we've discovered entirely new elements that modern science has never documented!"
"New elements?" Cero's interest was piqued. "Elaborate."
Charles nodded, activating a new projection on the large screen. A complex molecular diagram appeared, showcasing an unfamiliar structure. "Take a look at this," he said, pointing to a specific part of the diagram. "We've named it Aetherium-91."