Volume 11 Chapter 4 Research Tower Part I
As Al got closer to the giant rock on the mountain, he noticed more details around the research tower. The white stone walls were clean but had some chips and holes. A wide stone path circled the tower with no grass, but the inner fields were overgrown with plants, making the area look unbalanced.
While he was observing this scene, he was about a hundred meters away from the circular stone wall around the research tower when a red light suddenly flashed at the top of the central tower.
"Huh? What?"
Al quickly stopped in mid-air and looked around.
"Sir Malachi said it detected an unexpected visitor and said there's no problem since we used the code."
Patricia said, lightly placing her hand on Al's shoulder. It seemed this ancient ruin still had some functions left. From behind the plants, he saw a giant doll about 3 meters (10 feet) tall moving toward them. It wore a white mask with just a well-shaped nose. It was probably the same as the guardian golem that protected Tempest's grave. However, this approaching guardian golem was missing its left arm.
Was it due to age like the advanced work golem at the grave, or had it fought someone? But the fact that the guardian golem was still active meant that the risk of being illegally occupied by barbarians was low.
"Thanks. Then, I'll get closer. Is it okay to go to the path in front of the central tower?"
Seeing Patricia nod, Al started moving towards the tower again. He could see not only the tower and the buildings on the north side but also some shorter buildings and a wide path. On the path, there was a golem that looked like a square box, about 1 meter (3 feet) tall, moving around.
"Are there a lot of bugs?"
Patricia waved her hands in front of her. Joanna also looked a bit uncomfortable. This area felt even warmer and more humid than the border city of Lester. The birds here were all brightly colored and unfamiliar.
"Well, according to Sir Malachi, it wasn't like this before. When it was floating in the sky, there were hardly any bugs, and it was cool and comfortable."
Patricia explained as they reached the front of the tower. As they got closer, the tower looked more like a gray stone square box. There were shutters here and there, so there must be windows. Counting the levels, there were 8. On top of it, there was a silver sphere about 10m (33ft) in diameter. Al took out a doll golem and a high-level work golem from his magic bag. He received Malachi's assistant device from Patricia and hung it around the doll golem's neck.
"Thank you, Al."
The doll golem (Malachi Golem) walked back and forth lightly and waved its hands a few times. It seemed to be checking its movements.
"What is that sphere?"
Al quickly pointed at the sphere on top of the tower and asked.
"That is the mana transmission network's magic receiving antenna and mana generation device. I see, one of those devices might be malfunctioning. A lot of mana is needed for this huge rock to float in the air. If the magic receiving antenna is broken, it could be serious. I can understand this situation."
"Mana transmission network?"
Al tilted his head. As far as he knew, magic tools and larger magical devices operated using mana stored in magic stones. You could give mana or adjust its effects using the 'Magic Power Control' spell, but transmitting it? The ancient use of mana might be very different from how it is now.
"I'm sorry. I don't know much about that either. When Sir Tempest was alive, there were some magicians skilled in mana control, just like how the Lord was good at handling golems. They supplied mana using their techniques, but the details were a secret of their clan."
In response to Al's question, Malachi the golem shook his head.
"So, if that's the cause, does it mean this ruin, this research tower can no longer float in the air?"
"Is there no clan skilled in 'Magic Power Control' in this era?"
Al's further question was met with a question from Malachi the Golem. Al knew that there were high-ranking noble families that passed down powerful spells, like the Anti-Magic Field spell, which were known as the Fourth Tier Spell. However, he had never heard of any nobles skilled in the 'Magic Power Control' spell. In fact, not many people knew that the mana for magic tools could be replenished using the 'Magic Power Control' spell.
"I see, then it might be difficult. But since we are not creating a new magic device, just repairing it, we might figure it out if I or Al look into it."
"Is there a possibility?" Al nodded while thinking. It would be nice to float in the sky and investigate. But what mattered most was that Patricia could be safe and that Tempest's body could rest peacefully. It had been four days since they lost their pursuers, and he wondered how Guildmaster Levy and Orson were doing.
"I understand. I heard there were gardens and livestock here, but could they be self-sufficient?"
If that were the case, setting up a tent here might be safe, Al thought.
"When Sir Tempest was still young and had just built this place, he often stayed inside, so it should be somewhat fine. I believe they brought in some salt and certain luxury items, but not in large amounts. However, for that, the working golems and magic tools need to function properly. Also, I'm worried about the damaged guardian golem."
The work golems were built for specific tasks, each with a unique purpose. Those in the facility for maintenance, wine production, and in the garden or barn were all different. They decided to check the tower first. When Al cast the 'Magic Sense' spell, he noticed many blue and white glows around the area, making him curious about how many there were.
"Alright, let's proceed. Is it all right if you takethe lead, Mr. Malachi?"
"Yeah, let's guide everyone in an orderly fashion. We'll commence with the tower."
Malachi the golem initiated the climb up the stairs at the tower's entrance.
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