Chapter 322
Watching the two work in sync reaffirmed that it was futile to pursue Thea. With this in mind, they returned to work. All the lumber was collected and hauled up the mountain. Having the supplies, and space needed for expansion they immediately put it to use.
"You don't have to wait for us," Thea told Zack.
Circling each other in the center of the array was the earth, water, and wind orb. Two of them plunged into the earth as a grinding sound echoed through the forest. Those standing in the vicinity of Rolen's spell work became parched, and some of the aquatic species became itchy. Everyone retrieved water from their rings, but nothing could quench it till the array was finished.
"Sorry." Zack relayed.
"That's on me I didn't think it would take that long." Rolen addressed the crowd.
While the earth orb tore up the foundation the water orb was rapidly absorbing moisture from the area. Zack slapped his hands together as the land morphed. While tearing up the formation, and forming boulder Zack was gradually replacing the soil below. All the sand absorbed from the outpost was filling the earth. The wind orb exploded as Zack altered the air pressure in the atmosphere.
The observers were captivated by Zack's work, but this was only possible due to Rolen. If not for the spellwork making up the array the effects of the orbs would alter Eden. Space within the array was separated from the rest of the world, and this aided Zack's efforts.
"I told you it was worth the trip," Aisha told Isabel.
"Can't really blame her." Jasmine slithered up.
"Who's this?" Isabel smiled at the child peeking out from behind Jasmine.
"This is Cyrus. He's the reason we moved." Jasmine replied.
"How was your stay in the guest house?" Aida asked the girls.
"It's nice to see the buildings accommodate our frames," Aisha replied.
"Thank you for setting everything up." Isabel approached Aida.
"When master finishes the district I can get started on your houses," Aida stated.
"Are you sure we can't pay you?" Jasmine asked.
"I'm sure you've heard by now, but we don't have much use for it," Aida replied.
By the time Zack finished the new district he had a full audience. The usual residents were familiar with the rumbles by now, but the otherworlders took an interest. Wesely's group made it just in time to witness the transition from the forest into the desert. It was also the first time Wesley witnessed their construction methods.
"You've seen our schematics. Do you think Zack could pull something like that off?" Wesley asked Valan.
"With his stamina renovating the buildings would be a breeze. From what I hear he has an event with the children after this. I'll talk with him about it, and see how he feels." Valan replied.
Wesley had blueprints for renovating the plumbing and infrastructure within the city. He understood they desired to stay close to nature, but it wouldn't hurt to have a shower and better lighting upon the streets. This desire came after a trip to the couples' bath, and a stumble upon the steps. The lanterns of mana were useful, but they were scarce.
'I wonder if Nanu will reconsider now.' Wesley smiled as he left for the waystation.
Zack was adding the finishing touches of the day by connecting the new areas to the waterways when school let out. The students with parents rushed off to secure permission for today's lesson. Learning to ride a horse was a luxury most of them could only dream of before Eden.
Zack's household left the school chasing after Helena. They knew she could always pinpoint her papa and would make the search easier. While the children were catching up Zack was talking with Brian.
"It's probably gonna blow up in your face." Miguel cautioned.
"My concern is breaking them." Zack examined the batteries in his hand.
With a light trickle of electricity, Zack felt the odd materials, and how they contained energy. He carefully applied power before placing them down. With two fingers he continued to power them with a small arc. Those with a lightning nature watched closely but were concerned they would fry it.
"That should do it, but give it a minute before touching." Zack cautioned.
"Thank you." Brian prayed that his footage was still intact.
"You're lucky you found everything. Those assholes broke most of our stuff, and some stuff we never recovered," Taylor stated.
"Our battle at the camp would've been easy to notice. The ones who skulked away had your stuff more than likely." Octavia replied.
"The perimeter is secured," Andrea announced before landing next to Zack.
"Thanks for the help," Zack told Andrea.
"You know that dungeon is within the border now." Andrea cautioned.
"I'll station sentries right away," Aida stated.
"Thank you," Zack replied.
"It was intentional right?" Vicente approached.
Vicente hoped Zack was ready to return to the guild, but secretly feared he would start his own. Their forces weren't something the guild could compete against. If it came to a separate guild he was hoping to form an alliance, and currently looks for ways to convince Zack.
"We're gonna need it," Zack replied.
"You know the heart is broken," Vicente stated.
"Did you not tell him?" Zack glanced at Octavia.
"It's not my fault he hides in the bath. Useless guild leader if you ask me." Octavia glared at Vicente.
'Always with the low blows.' Vicente sighed.
"What condition is it in?" Aida investigated.
"Each valve was severed, and the core was fractured," Octavia replied.
"It could be operational in two days, but I'll need several dolls and these ones." Aida pointed at Rolen and Thea.
"It's dangerous down there." Octavia cautioned.
"No harm will come to them I promise." Aida declared.
Thea looked up at Rolen for his input.
"I trust Aida, and she won't be the only one protecting you." Rolen smiled.
Vicente was still looking at Aida in a daze unsure if his ears betrayed him. Fixing a dungeon heart has been attempted by many guilds, but those who tried wiped the floors. Guilds were typically content with the regular farm rate, and the lower levels still possessed riches for those brave enough to explore. If you possessed a few of them they could even be traded for a functioning dungeon, but a few guilds auctioned them off.
'No wonder she's been ambitious lately. This place is great, but it's easy to grow soft. It's time to get back to work.' Vicente eagerly went to the dungeon.