Standardization

The next day, as the first faint light had yet to fully dispel the chill of Evernight City, the Magic Crystal Workshop in the western district welcomed a low-key yet profoundly significant “opening ceremony.”

The workshop began trial operations today, and Vivian had specially invited Lucia, Aria, Lucia, and other core members to observe.

“This is the project you’ve been busy with lately?”

Lucia held little Luna, curiously examining the brand-new building.

“It looks… very special.”

Of course it was special—it lacked the ferocious spikes of traditional demon architecture and the elegant curves of elven creations. Built entirely from gray-black stone and alloys gleaming with metallic coldness, its lines were simple and rigid, brimming with a sense of power and an unprecedented beauty of order.

“More than special—it’s cognition-shattering.”

Aria approached a mana-guided machine, touching its cold metal shell, her face full of curiosity.

“I’ve never seen anything like this—Lord Demon, do these things really work?”

“Of course they do.”

Vivian smiled confidently.

“Let me show you now.”

She walked to the power zone and activated the central magic array.

“Hummm—”

A deep, powerful hum instantly resounded, like a slumbering beast awakening. The central composite magic array lit up layer by layer, deep blue and silver-white light streams rapidly spreading along precisely etched patterns, like blood flowing into veins.

Immediately after, the pre-laid mana conduction pipelines began to glow, precisely delivering stable and surging energy to every corner of the workshop.

In an instant, the entire workshop seemed to come alive.

Machines in the processing zone started operating—sounds of cutting, grinding, and stamping rising and falling. After half a day’s familiarization, dozens of craftsmen were already proficiently handling the rudimentary equipment, turning raw materials into standardized parts.

Craftsmen in the assembly zone put these parts together, and soon, a brand-new mana plow was completed.

From raw materials to finished product, the entire process took less than a quarter of an hour!

“This… this is too fast! How is this possible?”

Lucia’s eyes widened.

“Before, forging a plow took at least half a day! This… how long was that?”

“This is the advantage of standardized production.”

Vivian explained.

“Breaking complex processes into multiple simple steps, each craftsman handling only what they’re best at, then assembling—this not only boosts efficiency but stabilizes quality.”

She walked to the finished products area, picked up the newly completed mana plow, and handed it to Aria.

“Try the feel.”

Head maid Aria took the mana plow and swung it a few times—the weight was lighter than expected, yet the structure exceptionally sturdy.

“Light but strong.”

She carefully inspected the plowshare, fingers tracing the sharp blade, sensing the subtle energy flow from the enchantment, her eyes filled with even greater amazement.

“And this magic array layout… it really can improve plowing efficiency! A miracle, Lord Demon!”

“It’s no miracle—just turning ideas into reality.”

Vivian said with a smile, though inwardly a bit proud—after all, seeing her designs successfully operate brought unparalleled satisfaction.

Just then, the workshop suddenly shook violently. The previously stable magic light streams flickered erratically, and everyone froze.

“What’s going on?”

Vivian frowned.

Fernando rushed over, panic on his face.

“Lord Demon, for some reason, the energy output suddenly became unstable! And the cause seems to be energy disturbance from underground!”

As he spoke, Vivian also sensed the vibration—or rather, the energy fluctuation coming from the mine’s direction—

This made her heart tighten.

Deep in the mine…

“Stop operations immediately!”

Vivian decided decisively.

“Shut down all equipment and cut off energy transmission!”

Fernando complied at once. The workshop’s operating sounds gradually ceased, but the energy fluctuation from the mine did not stop—in fact, it grew stronger.

Lucia hugged Luna tightly, warily looking toward the mine.

“Vivian, over there… something feels like it’s awakening.”

“I know.”

Vivian took a deep breath.

“It seems I can’t delay anymore. Tonight, I must go deep into the mine to see what’s really happening.”

Head maid Aria immediately said.

“I’ll go with you!”

“Me too.”

Lucia jumped in.

Vivian looked at her loyal head maid and the Frost Banshee, thought for a moment, then shook her head.

“No, you stay here—if something’s wrong with the mine, Evernight City needs you to hold the fort. With so many affairs now, you can’t all leave with me. I’ll go alone; that’s enough.”

With that, she turned to Lucia.

“Lucia, you…”

“I’ll go with you.”

Lucia said without hesitation.

“Luna can stay with Aria for now. It’s too dangerous for you alone.”

She even blinked—probably meaning,

Vivian was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Fine.”

Having Lucia accompany her would indeed put her at ease—this was the former Hero, after all.

After a while, the energy fluctuation from the mine finally stopped—but Vivian knew this was only temporary calm. Regarding the mine anomalies, she truly couldn’t delay; she had to investigate.

After all, it concerned the most crucial resource production site for Evernight Territory’s current development.

She and Lucia set off without another word, and half a day later, Vivian and Lucia arrived at the mine entrance, preparing to delve deep for exploration.

“Vivian,”

Just before stepping into the darkness, Lucia suddenly spoke softly, her tone carrying rare hesitation.

“Have you considered that something capable of causing such a reaction in the entire mine… might not be benevolent?”

“I have.”

Vivian said calmly.

“Before, I explored here and found a [Mine Core] had formed inside. All this commotion is that little guy’s doing. But I had set up many warning and detection magic arrays, and the reports were all normal… But good or bad, I must go down and figure out exactly what’s going on—”

Lucia nodded, her light wings unfolding slightly behind her, emitting a gentle and holy glow that dispelled the darkness ahead.

“Then let’s go down. No matter what we encounter, I can handle it with you.”

“…Hey, look at you showing off.”

The two shared a smile and stepped together into the depths of the dark mine.