The Association's advanced materials laboratory was unlike anything Bron had experienced. Whereas his forge focused on practical crafting with limited resources, this facility represented the pinnacle of modern crafting technology. Specialized chambers maintained precise environmental conditions for sensitive materials. Molecular manipulation devices allowed for crafting at scales invisible to the naked eye. Energy containment systems permitted work with unstable or reactive components that would be impossible in a standard workshop.
Bron spent his first two days simply learning the capabilities of the equipment available to him. Though he maintained the appearance of an E-rank crafter unfamiliar with such advanced technology, his SSS-rank perception and intelligence allowed him to rapidly master the systems. When technical staff offered assistance, he asked questions that gradually decreased in frequency, giving the impression of someone competent but still learning.
By the third day, he was ready to begin serious development work on the expedition equipment. Commander Frost had assigned him a dedicated workspace separated from the main laboratory—ostensibly for project security, but Bron recognized it also provided him privacy from constant observation.
The workspace contained terminals with access to all previous expedition data and material specifications. Bron spent hours analyzing the failure patterns of previous equipment, identifying where conventional design approaches broke down under the extreme conditions of the deep Gate.
Standard environmental suits functioned through layered protection—outer shells for physical threats, middle layers for temperature control, inner systems for atmosphere regulation. This approach worked for normal Gates but failed catastrophically when faced with the dimensional instabilities of the Sovereign Gate. The layered boundaries became points of weakness when reality itself fluctuated.
Bron's prototype gauntlets had succeeded by using an integrated approach rather than layered protection. The challenge now was to scale that concept to full-body equipment while maintaining the same level of performance.
On the morning of the fourth day, Dr. Evren entered Bron's workspace without announcement. The S-rank researcher carried himself with the confidence of someone used to being the most knowledgeable person in any room.
"Commander Frost insists your prototype represents a breakthrough," he said without preamble. "I remain skeptical. The testing conditions were controlled simulations, not the actual chaotic environment of the deep Gate."
Bron looked up from his design terminal. "Your skepticism is reasonable. Simulations can't fully replicate reality, especially with dimensional anomalies."
His calm acceptance seemed to catch Evren off guard. The researcher had clearly expected defensiveness.
"That's... a surprisingly rational perspective," Evren admitted. "Most crafters are overly protective of their creations."
"A design isn't successful until it performs in the field," Bron replied. "The prototype performed well in testing, but that's only the first step."
Evren studied him with new consideration. "What's your approach for the full environmental system?"
Bron activated the holographic display, showing his current design concept—not a conventional suit, but something more organic in appearance, with flowing lines and interconnected components that seemed to form a unified whole.
"The fundamental flaw in previous attempts was treating environmental protection as a barrier between the wearer and external conditions," Bron explained. "That creates defined boundaries that become stress points under dimensional fluctuation."
He adjusted the display to show the internal structure. "Instead, I'm designing a system that creates graduated transition zones rather than hard boundaries. When reality warps, the equipment warps with it, maintaining protection through adaptation rather than resistance."
Evren leaned closer, genuine interest replacing his initial skepticism. "The material requirements for such a design would be extraordinary. Conventional composites can't provide both structural integrity and dimensional flexibility."
"That's why we need to move beyond conventional composites," Bron said, bringing up material specification data. "My research shows that certain combinations of materials, when fused at the molecular level rather than layered, can maintain coherence even as their fundamental properties shift."
For the next hour, they discussed technical specifications and theoretical limits. Bron was careful to present his ideas as hypotheses based on observation and intuition rather than the certainties his Material Insight skill provided. Evren, despite his initial attitude, proved to be both knowledgeable and open to unconventional approaches when supported by sound reasoning.
"Your background is unusual for a crafter," Evren noted as their discussion concluded. "Most come through the Academy system with standardized training. Your mining experience gives you a different perspective—more practical, less theoretical."
"Different backgrounds lead to different solutions," Bron agreed.
Evren nodded thoughtfully. "I'll have additional materials transferred to your workspace. Some of my personal research samples might be useful for your transition zone concept."
After the researcher departed, Bron allowed himself a small smile. He had expected resistance from the S-rank specialist, not collaboration. Perhaps Project Deepdive's previous failures had made even the most orthodox researchers more open to alternative approaches.
Over the next week, Bron's workspace transformed into a hub of focused activity. The two A-rank Hunters, Kaiden and Reyna, began visiting daily to provide input on mobility requirements and functional needs. Dr. Evren contributed specialized materials from his own research, including several rare compounds not available in standard Association stockrooms.
Even Commander Frost made regular appearances, though she focused more on overall progress than technical details. During one such visit, she brought along the expedition's medical specialist—an A-rank Healer named Dr. Linh whose soft-spoken manner belied a razor-sharp intelligence.
"The previous suits monitored basic vital signs," Dr. Linh explained during her first consultation. "But we need more comprehensive biometric tracking in these extreme conditions. The dimensional instability affects organic systems in unpredictable ways."
Bron nodded, making notes. "What specifically would you need to monitor?"
"Beyond standard vitals? Neural pattern stability, cellular integrity, quantum resonance between body systems." She hesitated. "The last expedition... one Hunter's biological systems became temporally desynchronized. Different organs operating at different time rates. By the time we detected it, the damage was irreversible."
The gravity of what they were attempting struck Bron anew. They weren't just fighting against hostile environments or monsters, but against the breakdown of the fundamental rules governing existence itself.
"I'll integrate comprehensive monitoring systems," he promised. "With alert thresholds that trigger automatic containment protocols if biological stability begins to degrade."
As the collaboration continued, Bron found himself in an unexpected position. Despite being officially the lowest-ranked member of the project team, his unique approach to crafting had made him a central figure. The others brought their specialized knowledge to him, and he integrated it into designs that evolved daily.
Working within the Association facility presented both challenges and opportunities for Bron. The advanced equipment allowed him to craft at levels impossible in his personal forge, but the constant presence of high-ranked personnel required careful control of his abilities. He developed a routine of working on basic assembly during regular hours, saving his most advanced techniques for early mornings or late evenings when fewer people were present.
During those private hours, Bron used Sovereign's Grasp to enhance his crafting, channeling his SSS-rank abilities through the masterwork gauntlets while maintaining awareness of the facility's monitoring systems. His Material Fusion and Material Enhancement skills reached new levels of precision, allowing him to create components that appeared conventionally crafted but contained properties beyond standard manufacturing capabilities.
Ten days into the project, Bron completed the first full prototype of what he had designated the "Adaptive Environmental System" or AES. Unlike traditional environmental suits with their bulky, rigid appearance, the AES resembled a sleek second skin made of flowing, iridescent material that shifted colors subtly as it moved.
Commander Frost assembled the full project team for the initial presentation. As Bron unveiled the prototype on its display stand, the room fell silent.
"That's our environmental protection?" Kaiden finally asked, skepticism evident in his voice. "It looks like ceremonial armor, not expedition gear."
"Appearance is secondary to function," Bron replied. "The AES is designed from the inside out for performance in dimensional instability, not for visual intimidation."
He activated the prototype's internal systems, causing patterns of energy to flow visibly through its structure. "The outer layer integrates Abyssal Frost Crystals in a geometric configuration that creates a stability field around the wearer. Unlike previous designs, this field isn't static—it constantly adjusts to external conditions through this network of responsive channels."
Bron guided the team through each component of the system—the neural interface that allowed intuitive control, the adaptive life support that could operate in various atmospheric conditions, the integrated monitoring systems that Dr. Linh had requested.
"Most importantly," he concluded, "the entire system functions as a unified whole rather than discrete components. There are no hard boundaries between subsystems that could become failure points under dimensional stress."
Dr. Evren approached the prototype, examining it with critical precision. "The material integration is... remarkable. I can barely distinguish the seams between components."
"That's because there aren't traditional seams," Bron explained. "The materials are fused at the molecular level using a modified version of Association bonding techniques."
This was a careful half-truth. The bonding was actually accomplished through his Material Fusion skill, but he had ensured the results could plausibly be attributed to advanced conventional methods.
"When can we begin testing?" Commander Frost asked.
"Tomorrow," Bron confirmed. "I'll need tonight to complete final calibrations."
"Excellent. We'll prepare the environmental chamber for full spectrum evaluation." Frost turned to the team. "If this prototype performs as designed, we proceed to individualized fittings and final adjustments. Expedition launch remains on schedule."
As the team dispersed, Reyna lingered behind. The A-rank Hunter had been the most actively involved in the design process, providing practical insights from her extensive Gate exploration experience.
"It's beautiful," she said, studying the prototype. "But beauty doesn't guarantee survival in a Sovereign Gate."
"No," Bron agreed. "Only proper function does. Beauty is just a side effect of efficient design."
Reyna gave him a questioning look. "Most crafters I've worked with pride themselves on aesthetic elements. You seem focused entirely on function."
"When lives depend on my work, priorities become clear," Bron replied simply.
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. "We've lost good people to equipment failures. If your design performs half as well as you believe it will, you've done something extraordinary here."
After everyone had left, Bron locked the laboratory doors and retrieved Sovereign's Grasp from their secure storage. With the masterwork gauntlets enhancing his abilities, he began the final calibrations on the prototype.
Using Material Insight at its highest level, he examined every aspect of the AES, identifying minuscule imperfections and potential stress points. With Material Enhancement, he strengthened these areas, pushing the materials beyond their natural limits while ensuring the changes would appear to be the result of precise calibration rather than supernatural intervention.
The shard near his heart pulsed rhythmically as he worked, its energy seeming to harmonize with the Abyssal Frost Crystals integrated throughout the prototype. Bron had noticed this resonance effect growing stronger as the project progressed, as if the shard recognized something familiar in the ancient materials.
When the calibrations were complete, Bron activated his status panel:
[Name: Bron Black]
[Class: Sovereign Forge Master]
[Rank: SSS]
[Level: 5]
[Health: 170/170]
[Mana: 210/210]
[Shard Resonance: 49%]
[Threshold for Permanent Skill Acquisition: 50%]
The resonance had increased again, now just 1% away from the threshold. Bron suspected the final push would come during tomorrow's testing, when the prototype faced conditions similar to those that had triggered the shard's emergency protocol during the Mantid encounter.
As he prepared to leave for the night, Bron took one final look at the AES prototype. It represented his finest work yet—a true masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of what was possible with current materials and technology. Yet he knew it was still just a stepping stone toward what he might eventually create as his abilities continued to develop.
The true test would come tomorrow, when the prototype faced the simulated conditions of the Sovereign Gate. If it succeeded, the expedition would proceed with equipment that gave them a fighting chance against the impossible environment. If it failed, they would be back to square one, with the launch date rapidly approaching.
Bron closed the laboratory with quiet confidence. He had poured everything he currently understood about materials and dimensional stability into this design. The rest was up to the testing.
The environmental testing chamber had been reconfigured overnight to create the most extreme conditions yet attempted in the facility. Technical staff made final adjustments to equipment that would simulate the gravitational anomalies, temperature fluctuations, and dimensional instabilities recorded in the deep Gate.
Commander Frost oversaw the preparations personally, her normally composed demeanor showing hints of tension. "This will be a comprehensive evaluation," she informed Bron as he arrived. "We're pushing the simulation parameters 20% beyond what was recorded in the actual Gate to establish safety margins."
Dr. Evren approached with a datapad. "The monitoring systems are calibrated. We'll track every aspect of the prototype's performance, down to molecular stability."
The test subject would be a specialized mannequin equipped with synthetic biological systems that mimicked human responses. Bron helped the technical team fit the AES prototype onto the mannequin, making small adjustments to ensure proper alignment of all components.
"All monitoring systems online," a technician announced. "Mannequin biosystems functioning at normal parameters. Ready to begin testing sequence."
The team moved to the observation room, a reinforced space with transparent walls that provided clear views of the testing chamber. Displays showed real-time data from dozens of sensors monitoring both the prototype and the simulated environment.
"Begin phase one," Commander Frost ordered. "Standard environmental stressors."
The chamber activated, subjecting the prototype to rapidly changing temperature conditions, from near absolute zero to extreme heat, then back again in oscillating patterns. The AES responded as designed, its adaptive systems maintaining stable internal conditions despite the external chaos.
"Internal temperature variance less than 0.3 degrees," Dr. Linh noted, monitoring the biosystem readouts. "Well within safe parameters for human physiology."
"Proceed to phase two," Frost directed. "Gravitational anomalies."
The next stage introduced shifting gravitational fields that alternated between crushing pressure and near-zero gravity. The mannequin was subjected to forces that would pulverize unprotected flesh, yet the AES distributed the stress across its entire structure, preventing localized failures.
"Structural integrity at 97%," Dr. Evren reported. "Minor stress indicators in the joint articulation points, but well below failure thresholds."
Bron watched intently, noting the performance patterns. The prototype was functioning as designed, but he could already see opportunities for improvement in the next iteration.
"Proceed to phase three," Frost said after reviewing the data. "Dimensional instability field."
This was the critical test—the condition that had caused catastrophic failures in all previous designs. The chamber activated specialized equipment that created a localized distortion in space-time, causing visible warping of the testing environment. Reality itself seemed to flutter and fold, like fabric caught in a chaotic wind.
The prototype immediately activated its stability field, the Abyssal Frost Crystals glowing with inner light as they established a counter-field around the mannequin. Where previous suits had begun to disintegrate, the AES adapted to the fluctuations, its structure flowing and reforming continuously while maintaining its protective integrity.
"Remarkable," Dr. Evren murmured, studying the readings. "The prototype isn't just resisting the dimensional distortion—it's adapting to it, establishing a localized stable zone that moves with the fluctuations."
"Biosystem readings show minimal stress response," Dr. Linh added. "The transition zones are functioning as designed, preventing shock to organic systems."
The testing continued for hours, with each phase becoming progressively more extreme. Throughout it all, the AES maintained functionality, though stress indicators gradually increased as the conditions pushed beyond the design parameters.
Finally, Commander Frost called for the ultimate test. "Combine all environmental factors at maximum intensity, sustained for five minutes."
The technical staff exchanged concerned glances before complying. The chamber erupted into a maelstrom of conflicting forces—extreme temperatures, crushing gravitational pressure, and violent dimensional instability all occurring simultaneously.
This was the scenario that had killed A-rank Hunters in previous expeditions, their equipment failing catastrophically under the combined assault. All eyes were fixed on the monitoring displays, watching for the first signs of failure.
The AES's external appearance became almost fluid, its surfaces rippling and flowing as it continuously adapted to the impossible conditions. The internal stability field fluctuated but held, maintaining a protected zone around the mannequin's vital systems.
"Three minutes sustained," a technician announced. "Structural integrity at 86% and holding."
Bron felt the shard near his heart pulse with unusual warmth as the test continued. It seemed to be responding to the extreme conditions, perhaps recognizing similarities to the environment that had formed it.
"Four minutes sustained. Integrity at 82%."
The prototype was performing beyond anyone's expectations, but Bron could see the mounting stress in the material matrix. The current design would hold, but with minimal safety margin.
"Five minutes complete," the technician finally announced. "Test sequence concluded."
As the chamber powered down and returned to normal conditions, the team erupted into spontaneous applause. The AES had withstood conditions that had destroyed every previous attempt, maintaining functionality throughout the most extreme testing ever conducted in the facility.
Commander Frost turned to Bron, genuine approval in her expression. "Congratulations, Specialist Black. Your prototype has just redefined what we consider possible for deep Gate exploration."
The technical team entered the chamber to retrieve the mannequin and prototype for detailed analysis. Initial reports confirmed what the monitoring had shown—the AES had maintained critical protective functions throughout the test, with only minor stress damage that could be addressed in the final design iterations.
As the team celebrated this breakthrough, Bron felt a sudden surge of energy from the shard. A notification appeared in his vision:
[Shard Resonance: 50%]
[Threshold Reached]
[Permanent Skill Unlocked: Material Embodiment (Active) Lvl 1]
[Description: Take on properties of a known material temporarily]
[Mana Cost: 90 per activation]
[Duration: 30 seconds per activation]
The temporary emergency ability that had saved his life against the Mantid was now permanently available to him. Bron controlled his expression carefully, maintaining a professional demeanor despite the excitement he felt at this development.
"The prototype exceeded expectations," he acknowledged to the team, "but there are still improvements to be made before the expedition. The stress patterns during the combined testing revealed several areas that need reinforcement."
Dr. Evren nodded, examining the preliminary analysis. "The adaptive capabilities were particularly impressive. I've never seen materials respond to dimensional instability with such resilience."
"How quickly can you produce specialized versions for each team member?" Commander Frost asked.
"Seven days for full custom units," Bron replied. "Each system needs to be calibrated to the individual's biometrics and movement patterns for optimal performance."
"Make it five days," Frost directed. "I'll authorize whatever resources you need. The expedition launch remains on schedule."
As the team dispersed to prepare for the next phase of development, Reyna approached Bron. "I owe you an apology," she said quietly. "I doubted your ability to deliver something that would actually keep us alive in there. I was wrong."
"No apology needed," Bron replied. "Skepticism is healthy when lives are at stake. The prototype performed well in testing, but the real Gate may present challenges we haven't anticipated."
"Still, what you've accomplished in two weeks..." She shook her head. "Most A-rank crafters couldn't match this in months. Whatever your official rank, your skills are exceptional."
After the team departed, Bron remained in the laboratory to begin preparations for the individualized systems. Each expedition member would require a custom-fitted AES calibrated to their specific body metrics, movement patterns, and functional requirements.
As he worked, he contemplated his newly unlocked skill. Material Embodiment would allow him to temporarily take on the properties of materials he was familiar with—becoming as hard as steel, as flexible as rubber, as heat-resistant as ceramic. The combat and survival applications were significant, though the relatively short duration would require careful timing.
More importantly, this development confirmed his theory about the shard's function. It wasn't just a catalyst for his awakening or a source of power—it was a conduit for abilities that evolved in response to specific conditions and challenges. The extreme testing environment had pushed the shard's resonance past the threshold, suggesting that further exposure to unusual conditions might trigger additional development.
The upcoming expedition to the Sovereign Gate represented both opportunity and risk on unprecedented levels. Bron would be venturing into an environment that defied normal physical laws, accompanied by A and S-rank personnel who would be observing him closely.
Yet something about this mission felt inevitable, as if he had been on this path since the moment the red stone shard had pierced his heart. The term "Sovereign" connected his class to this ancient Gate in ways he didn't yet understand but couldn't ignore.
Bron activated his new Material Embodiment skill experimentally, focusing on a small patch of skin on his forearm and visualizing the properties of the Harmonic Steel he had been working with.
His skin shimmered and transformed, taking on a metallic sheen with the distinctive iridescent patterns of the specialized alloy. When he tapped it with a tool, it produced a faint resonant tone—the defining characteristic of Harmonic Steel.
The transformation held for precisely thirty seconds before reverting to normal flesh. Short-duration, but with tremendous potential if applied strategically. Another tool in his growing arsenal of unique abilities.
Bron deactivated the skill and returned to his design terminal. His focus now was creating seven masterwork environmental systems, each perfectly tailored to its user. The Sovereign Gate expedition would venture into the unknown with the best protection he could provide—and perhaps discover answers about the connection between these ancient structures and his own mysterious awakening.
The true test of his crafting abilities was about to begin.