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FEB 1st.
"I just can't get over how stunning it looks," Aron exclaimed, admiring the finished engravings on the third plate.
[It is more aesthetically pleasing if it were crafted by a machine,] Nova remarked, having had experience with a machine-assembled version.
"Beggars can't be choosers, and in the present world, there is nothing capable of manufacturing them anyway," Aron responded as his hands gently caressed the plate.
The completed plates resembled an enlarged chip, with the conventional microscopic wirings replaced by intricate mana circuitry. The mana pathways connected each rune to another, forming a complex network within the medium.
At its essence, the integration module functions as a translator and intermediary, bridging the gap between the realm of runes and the digital world. The circuits facilitate the transfer of mana to the runes inscribed on the plates, enabling their activation whenever they are required.
Among the numerous white runes adorning the plate, one particular symbol captured the most attention. Positioned at the center, it stood out from the rest due to its larger size.
The rune at the center happened to be the rune of conversion. However, in this instance, it was going to be employed in a completely different context than its creator had originally intended.
Typically, the conversion rune is utilized by rune users to transform neutral mana into affinitized mana. This process enhances the effectiveness of a rune, especially when the converted mana shares the same affinity as the rune being employed.
For example, if a runic user were to convert neutral mana into mana with a fire affinity, and then employ a fire rune, the effectiveness of the rune would be doubled compared to using the same amount of mana in its neutral state.
This feature was not particularly useful for Aron, as he possessed what could be considered boundless reserves of mana. Consequently, he never bothered with converting neutral mana into a specific affinity before utilizing it to activate the runes.
However, the conversion rune inscribed on the plate served a different purpose. Its role was not to convert mana but to act as a translator, transforming signals originating from a computer. Based on the instructions provided, it would manipulate the other runes on the plate according to the desired outcome specified in those instructions.
While the remaining runes on the plate were also created using runic intent, their sizes varied in proportion to the number of instructions they were imbued with during their crafting process.
"It's time to begin crafting the final parts of the mediums," Aron declared, reopening the box that had once contained Tanzanite's gemstones sent to him by Rina. However, this time, instead of intact gems, the box held nothing but a fine powder.
He had instructed one of the guards to take the Tanzanite gemstones and have them crushed at a company equipped with the necessary machinery for such a task.
He began pouring the powdered Tanzanite into the specially crafted glass containers that had been ordered by Nova specifically for him. Once all three containers were filled, he sealed them shut.
Aron then resumed his seat and, akin to his process of engraving runes on the medium, he began inscribing two runes onto each container.
However, this time, it took him merely an hour to complete the engraving on the first container, while the remaining two containers required an additional two hours each to finish the engraving.
This was because, in contrast to previous instances, this time Aron was imbuing a minimal amount of instructions into the runes using his runic intent.
As soon as he finished, Aron placed his hands on top of the runes inscribed on two containers and began infusing mana onto them with relentless fervor, as if there were no tomorrow.
A radiant glow emanated from the runes and in a matter of moments, a delicate shield materialized within each of the two containers, effectively isolating the Tanzanite powder within. Shortly thereafter, the powder itself began to emit a luminous glow, signaling the absorption of mana into its essence.
Gradually, the two containers began to fill with mana, with a significant portion being absorbed by the Tanzanite gems acting as mana stones, storing the magical energy that Aron poured into them. Once he finished filling the first two containers, he moved on to the remaining one, completing the process in a remarkably short span of time.
Content with his progress, Aron stood up and made his way to the machine room. There, he carefully removed the final components from the machines and carried them to a table that had been utilized for storing the completed parts numerous times over the past month.
"Tell them to come and move these machine parts," Aron instructed Nova. The parts needed to be transported to the same warehouse where the previous machined components had been sent when the table became filled with them.
[Finally, it's time to assemble the machine,] Nova exclaimed, her voice brimming with unmistakable excitement after she passed the order.
The ARES members entered the room and started handling the machine parts with utmost care and precision. They understood the significance of their task, knowing that whatever they were carrying held enough importance for their boss to dedicate over a month of his important time to their production.
Aron followed closely behind the ARES members as they made their way to the new building. This was where the previous machine parts he had crafted were relocated, and it was now the destination for the newly produced components as well.
As Aron stepped inside the building, he was greeted by a sight that filled him with joy. The impeccably crafted components lay before him, their surfaces gleaming under the light. Carefully arranged on a clean carpet, they awaited his skilled hands to assemble them.
The ARES members proceeded to carefully place the machine parts on the floor, mimicking the same meticulousness they had demonstrated when initially bringing them into the room. With utmost caution, they ensured that each piece was positioned securely and in its designated location.
"Now, let's commence the final assembly," Aron declared to himself, his excitement palpable.
Left alone in the room, he eagerly rubbed his hands together before swiftly and methodically collecting each part. Moving with precision, he transported them to the empty area of the room, where the culmination of his efforts would come together as he started the assembly.
Due to having practiced this procedure more than ten times within the universal simulation, Aron had practically memorized the precise locations for each part, eliminating the need for him to consult the instructions provided by Nova. His extensive familiarity with the assembly process allowed him to proceed with confidence and efficiency, effortlessly placing each component in its designated position.
Every individual piece seamlessly found its rightful place in the intricate puzzle of assembly. The mechanical components were carefully fastened using screws, bolts, and meticulously crafted connectors, ensuring their secure and precise fit.
The electrical and electronic elements were integrated with the utmost delicacy, their intricate wires guided through meticulously designed channels. With the deftness of his fingertips, Aron ensured a flawless fit, achieving a seamless harmony between form and function.
Gradually, the skeleton of the machine began to take shape, revealing its underlying structure. In tandem, a web of wires emerged as Aron skillfully managed the wiring, organizing, and securing them. As new parts were introduced, they gracefully concealed the carefully managed wires, contributing to the machine's evolving form.
For over three days, Aron continued with his precise and methodical assembly, meticulously joining together over fifteen thousand parts of varying sizes and shapes.
Finally, as the final piece was put in place, the assembly was complete, unveiling a colossal rectangular box akin to the size of a school bus. The entire structure glistened with a flawless, mirror-like surface, composed of perfectly flat aluminum panels on all sides.
However, one particular area stood out—a conspicuous opening that signaled the intended insertion of a container within it.
[Congratulations sir] Nova exclaimed, expressing her admiration for Aron's accomplishment as he took a seat after completing the three-day-long assembly process.
"Thank you, Nova," Aron expressed his gratitude upon hearing her congratulations for completing the assembly.
"Now, we can consider your most pressing issue solved," Nova remarked, her excitement still evident in her tone.
"We can't be certain if it's functioning until we power it on," Aron admitted, although his beaming expression hinted at his underlying happiness upon completing the task.
[Don't worry, sir. Everything was made according to my standards, and I ensured that no mistakes were made,] Nova reassured Aron confidently.
"Then let's proceed with the testing," Aron said, rising from where he was sitting and making his way to the machine, clutching one of the mana containers in his hand.
Upon reaching the machine, Aron carefully inserted the Mana container into the designated opening, ensuring a secure connection. He then proceeded to link the machine to the electrical system of the building, establishing the necessary power supply for the upcoming test.
