Chapter 520 - 463. Play-of-Color
"Is it about time?"
"Yes."
We were waiting in the Large Transfer Room for White Dragon Princess and her attendant, El-san.
It should be about time, but...
"Kururu~♪"
"~ ~ ~ ♪"
"Oh, Sweee-chan..."
The brooch I messed up, I naturally presented it to Mion, and she put it on. Raz and Sweee were praising it with nuances of "amazing, amazing" and "that's love~"... which was a little embarrassing.
By the way, the (temporary) name sounded lame, so after consulting Mion, we named it [Brooch of Pure Innocence]. Apparently, it's one of the gem meanings for opal.
"My mother told me that precious opals hold creative power."
Opals with play-of-color are called precious opals, and their ability to shift into various hues is said to possess the power to unleash creativity.
It's apparently a popular gem among artists and musicians, making it perfect for Mion.
"Ah..."
"Looks like they've arrived."
The Transfer Magic Circle at the back of the room, connected to the Dragon Capital, glowed faintly, and as it subsided, two figures appeared.
"Snacks~♪"
"Princess. Greetings first."
"Yeah. Hello!"
White Dragon Princess bowed her head, and El-san, next to her, bowed similarly.
"I apologize for the sudden request."
"No, no. On the contrary, we've been relying on you for guild matters."
We shook hands, and I added the two to our alliance.
While we exchanged greetings, White Dragon Princess held Mion's hand and seemed to be talking to Sweee, who was on Mion's shoulder.
"Um, it doesn't seem like we can all go at once, so Lupi and I will go first."
"Understood."
So, we went first.
By the way, Pan isn't here today. He said he'd be consulting with the Ghillie Dhu about Chagatake and Sabumaro.
My companions are too hardworking...
"Heave-ho! Alright, alright, move, move."
As soon as the transfer ended, we immediately moved off the Transfer Magic Circle.
We waited for White Dragon Princess and El-san to arrive... and they were fast.
"Um, I think it should be fine, but the first time we came, there were golems beyond the door."
"Understood. Even if something happens, I will protect White Dragon Princess, so don't worry."
El-san seems strong, so there shouldn't be a problem.
Even now, she was holding White Dragon Princess with her left hand, and she had a spear equipped on her back.
"Alright, Mion."
"Yes. Blessing."
Mion's character level had risen quite a bit, and perhaps thanks to the brooch increasing her [Holy Magic] by +2, her blessing properly applied to everyone.
And what was with Sweee, who was now acting all proud about it...
"Opening the door."
I opened the door cautiously... and they weren't there. Yeah, I knew it.
Next,
"Lupi, please."
"Woof!"
I don't think it's likely, but I also needed to confirm that the large Black Digapuant ants we encountered on the way to the lower floor before weren't here...
"Woof."
Yeah, no problems. Was I too worried? Still, White Dragon Princess is here too.
The Transfer Elevator door opened, and we all got in. I pressed the button for the 1st floor above ground, and we arrived almost instantly.
"Whoa!"
"Oh, sorry. Did I startle you?"
When the Transfer Elevator door opened, Azure-san, Bell, and Seth were waiting in front. Azure-san must have hurried them, as both Bell and Seth had wry smiles.
"Lord Azure. Her Highness's request takes precedence."
"Ah, yeah. About that..."
Since White Dragon Princess, not awakened, would find exploring the Ancient Ruins boring, he suggested we split into two groups.
"Ah, in that case, Sweee-chan and I will go."
Mion and Sweee offered to guide White Dragon Princess and El-san to the Armra grove and entertain them. Meanwhile, we would explore the Ancient Ruins.
"Hmm, that sounds good. Then, Shal, will you also go as a guard?"
"Nya."
Next to us, Leda and Roy were consulting about something,
"Bow."
"Hm? Leda will also come as a guard. Thank you."
Roy seemed to have decided to come with me. I vaguely felt like I just witnessed their power dynamic...
Well, today's exploration will be from the top floor down, but the guard golems are already deactivated, so there shouldn't be any intense battles.
"Alright, I'm off for a bit."
"Yes. Have a good trip."
I've given Mion Armra (mango) and Alekesu (coconut) milk sorbet, so that should be fine too...
...
...
...
And so, I, Azure-san, Bell, Seth, Lupi, Roy, and Raz arrived at the top floor.
We didn't necessarily have to come here; we could talk to Hitomi-san anywhere within the Ancient Ruins, but it was quick via the Transfer Elevator.
"Hitomi-san. Could you tell us the situation?"
"Yes. Currently, no equipment malfunctions are found within controllable range. However, the remaining Mana in the Emergency Magic Crystal Stone is low, so replenishment is recommended."
"""Eh?"""
The Mana is low... wait?
I thought once it restarted, it would collect Mana on its own and be self-sufficient.
"Hmm. Perhaps it would be best to ask first?"
"Yes. Um, Hitomi-san. I thought the Emergency Magic Crystal Stone's Mana wouldn't be used after restarting, but is that not the case?"
"Yes. Originally, the Power Section would collect the Mana needed for facility maintenance, but currently, communication with the Power Section is disconnected."
"Ah-oh..."
So, the Power Section is beyond the disconnected area? In that case, we'll have to manually replenish Mana until those ants are defeated.
"Um, if the Emergency Magic Crystal Stone is replenished to 100% Mana, how long can it be maintained?"
"Checking... Complete. With minimal operational status, approximately 30 days of maintenance are possible."
Hitomi-san's 'minimal' operational status, it means up to managing herself, the Transfer Elevator, and the guard golems.
It's not much different from the Preservation State, but there's the benefit that the guard golems won't attack, so it feels sufficient.
"So, we can't use the equipment in the rooms then?"
"No. You can use them by utilizing the Emergency Magic Crystal Stone in each room, or by supplying Mana directly to the equipment itself."
"Hmm. That seems sufficient for the time being."
Seth's words were echoed by Bell, and Azure-san's stance was that it would be fine as long as Bell remained the manager.
So, what I was worried about was,
"If, for some reason, the Emergency Magic Crystal Stone runs out of Mana, will it revert to the Preservation State again, and the manager will also be reset...?"
"That would be troublesome for me."
"If it's once a month, it wouldn't be strange for there to be some reason to come to the Necropolis."
"Yes. I will think of some reason to ensure it's maintained reliably."