Chapter 18 : The Mineshaft

Vetior, holding a handful of combat methods, greeted DAVID as he entered the study. DAVID, in response, initiated a secondary program to save the contents of the books in the room into his vast memory, ensuring that the valuable information wouldn't be lost.

DAVID, his mechanical eyes gleaming with anticipation, turned to Vetior with a thoughtful expression. "Grandmaster Vetior, I'm in the process of planning an underground laboratory. I need your expertise to find the optimal location. What do you suggest considering the geography of our territories?"

Vetior, intrigued by the proposition, replied, "An underground laboratory, you say? That's quite an ambitious endeavor. For seclusion and security, I would recommend a location near the southern mountains. The terrain is rugged, and it's less frequented by practitioners. Additionally, the abundance of metals in the mountains would be advantageous for your material needs."

DAVID nodded, processing the information. "Good point. Security and resource accessibility are crucial. Any specific spot you have in mind?"

Vetior, tapping his chin in thought, suggested, "There's a cave system not far from the dwarven territory. It's well-hidden, and the dwarves' expertise in mining could be beneficial for your project. Plus, the strategic location allows easy access to both seclusion and necessary resources."

DAVID considered Vetior's input, appreciating the practical insights. "Thank you, Grandmaster Vetior. I'll explore that area and assess its suitability for the laboratory. Your guidance is invaluable."

As dawn approached, DAVID had made significant enhancements to Vetior's combat method, fine-tuning its techniques and improving its overall efficiency. With the upgraded combat method given to Vetior as a book, DAVID gathered the other grandmasters to share his plan.

"I propose to set off to the southern mountains," DAVID explained, projecting a holographic map. "There, I'll construct the underground laboratory in collaboration with Vetior's suggested location. It will be a hub for advanced aura research, benefiting us all. I'll ensure to maintain the secrecy and security of the area."

The grandmasters, having discussed the matter, agreed to DAVID's plan. Vaela, Korin, Lirion, Nirun, and Aric offered their support and assistance, each recognizing the potential advantages of such a facility.

Before departing, DAVID donned the baggy clothing provided by the grandmasters, concealing his doll-like appearance. With an identity token in hand, he set off towards the south, blending in with other practitioners as he journeyed to the chosen location.

As DAVID embarked on his journey to the southern mountains, the grandmasters turned their attention to the ongoing training of Vetior. With the enhanced combat techniques provided by DAVID, Vetior delved into mastering the refined methods, pushing the boundaries of his abilities.

Days passed, and Vetior showed remarkable progress. The other grandmasters, satisfied with the semi-mastery of the combat techniques, began their preparations to return to their respective temples. Vaela, Lirion, Nirun, and Aric bid farewell to the central temple, each carrying the knowledge and advancements gained from the collaboration with DAVID.

However, Korin and Vetior prepared to venture beyond the territory for the diplomatic meeting with the Vraerian empire. Before setting off, they exchanged final words with the other grandmasters, emphasizing the importance of unity and vigilance in their absence.

About a day later, DAVID reached the designated location—a dormant mining shaft nestled on the border between Vaela's forest and the dwarven mines. His robotic form, unburdened by the need for sleep or rest, allowed for swift travel. As he surveyed the area, confirming the chosen spot, memories of the mine's eerie reputation surfaced.

The mine had been abandoned due to mysterious deaths within its depths. Non-practitioners who dared to enter experienced an inexplicable dizziness, succumbing rapidly to an unknown force. Vetior, suggesting the site for its inherent aversion to non-practitioners and its remote location, had chosen it as the ideal location for DAVID's underground laboratory.

Activating material detection, DAVID meticulously probed the mining shaft for any traces of poisonous chemicals. While he had no fear of death, the potential corrosiveness of such chemicals to his metallic frame posed a significant concern. Determined to ensure the viability of the location for his laboratory, he meticulously examined the composition of the mine.

A sigh of relief escaped DAVID as the results revealed the presence of carbon monoxide. While deadly to humans and undetectable without specialized equipment, it posed no threat to his robotic form.

The potential danger averted, DAVID continued his exploration to the depths of the mineshaft, reaching its end after descending about 2 kilometers. The material detection highlighted a significant increase in carbon monoxide concentration in this area. It led DAVID to theorize that the miners might have unintentionally released a trapped pocket of carbon monoxide from an interconnected underground cave system. The sinkhole at the end of the shaft hinted at the possibility of a complex network beneath the surface.

Despite DAVID's advanced echolocation capabilities, the intricate details of the entire cave system eluded his precision. However, he discerned that the sinkhole at the mineshaft's end extended downwards for approximately 500 meters. The rest could not be detected.

Satisfied with the chosen location, DAVID ascended the mineshaft with measured steps. At the surface, he recalibrated his baggy attire to maintain a low profile as he set off for the dwarven kingdom. The realization had dawned that the construction and mining work needed skilled practitioners, and dwarves, renowned for their expertise in these domains, appeared to be the ideal candidates. DAVID aimed to enlist their assistance for the construction of the underground laboratory.

Before setting out, he made a brief stop at Vaela's temple to secure funds for the dwarves' wages. The currency would serve as a tangible incentive to recruit their specialized skills for the ambitious project ahead.