Hunters, former hunters and humans prepared for the upcoming war. Toy city lived normally with only those tens of thousands in the army castle training with all their might.
The soldiers are currently learning the method of coating the entire body with mana which was found in the manuals.
They each have to achieve full body coverage and then learn to do it on instincts. This will gradually make them have armor in special times. It will save their lives in crucial moments during battle.
Mikel has the training schedule and tries to also assimilate it in his own schedule. He has already mastered the level one fire ball attacking spell, the basic wind blade, lightning strike, earth spike, ice spikes and using plants to form thorny vines and tighten them around an object.
Mikel mostly learned these spells to know how to defend against them. As time moves by, the pace in the base slows down because of the seclusion. No outsiders coming in for business or looking for a place to live.
After the visit from those blood clan elders, Mikel is even thinking of closing Toy city indefinitely until after the war.
Mikel is trying to imbue mana stones with spirit formation magic. It will grant each golem an independent spirit able to make reasonable judgment and follow orders coming from the AI instead of only being henchmen.
If they are made into puppets, it is possible to turn them into a formidable army capable of complicated formations during battle.
With April behind them as the major general, each golem soldier will be used to the best of their abilities. However, these golems only respond to orders coming from Mikel.
If a single mana stone is processed, then imbued with the spell before being implanted into each golem, they will essentially become magical robots capable of bringing down empires.
While Mikel is working on the mana stones in his space, he is not neglecting the school that trains young talents.
The golems have been bringing in powerful mutated beasts into the training mountains which allows the students to gain actual combat experience and sharpen their instincts.
The soldiers mana channels have all been expanded to at least four times that of normal humans outside the army. Therefore, they have denser mana and because of the other resources used to replenish their mana reserves, they have purer mana than others.
An example is Zhu Ping who was previously a young master of a small family before the apocalypse. His mother turned and drain his father of all his blood leaving him an orphan.
On the way to Toy city when the city first invited people to come and join, he joined a group of his former underlines and his girlfriend to travel and take care of each other.
Mo Xiu is one of his underlings who was loyal and stubborn in the past, so Zhu Ping used to teach him a lesson every now and then.
On the way, Mo Xiu and his girlfriend both awakened and started fooling around feeling superior to him now that they have super powers and he doesn't.
They humiliated him, even forced him to watch as they got intimate. As soon as they reached the base, he had separated from them and even joined the base army.
After taking the two injections he could manipulate fire and lightning which is the two elements between his ex girlfriend and Mo Xiu. He trained hard and on a normal experience grinding, he met them in the forest fighting a pack of wild wolves.
Seeing him wearing the base army uniform, looking sharp and nothing like the down and out person they used to bully, the two people started to mock him as they felt uneasy seeing him doing so well.
Back then, they had refused to join the army as they had awakened abilities on their own, they believed themselves to be superior to those who did so with injections.
They don't know about the resources given to the soldiers and think it is giving up their freedom. Two weeks after the lock down, Mikel had given the mana heart pill to half of the soldiers in the army castle, which included Zhu Ping. He now has a 3% mana heart which is many times more power than those who are still gathering mana for their mana palace.
The two old friends started to attack Zhu Ping when they saw his contempt at meeting them here. He even looked disgusted when they started speaking.
Their power surged and they simultaneously aimed their powers at him hoping to get rid of his smug expression in one move.
Zhu Ping raised both his hands and accepted the offered mana into his own body. The two are too weak, and because of their recklessness, Zhu Ping used a special skill of having a mana heart to pull their power from inside their mana palace.
The old friends screamed in terror. They have never heard of anything like this happening. Their mana channels became cracked and every time they tried to cultivate, they felt pain all over their bodies.
Had they not acted so over bearing at that time, they wouldn't have suffered so much. They are not crippled just injured and have to heal before trying to draw in mana again.
News travelled fast and the entire city learned of the power in the hands of the toy city army. This encouraged more people to join the army, it is anticipated that Mikel will have to build another army castle very soon.
Mikel comes out to collect the unprocessed mana stones from the mine and store it inside his space.
He also collect the earnings from the many bases who have practically bought several batches of large scale barrier technology.
Mikel feels very giddy when he thinks about the piles of mana stones in his space. These days, he spends a lot of time in deep meditation inside his space to take advantage of the thick mana fog in his space.
When his level reached mana heart, the space also upgraded. A month outside space is four months inside. This facilitates his cultivation and most importantly his arcane weaponry refinement.
Mikel is learning puppetry from the book of spells. This particular spell is special. It is very long and complicated. Not to mention it should be imbued into a processed mana stone.
Items imbued with magic require a magic circle inside the processed mana stone. Mikel started with an easy spell that imbued wind magic inside a dagger. It took many tries and when it finally succeeded it only became a low level weapon. Mikel decided to purify the mana stone first, by putting it inside mana dew until all impurities are completely removed from each mana stone.
The previously crude crystal stone would leak mana from all the rough edges on the surface. However, after being inside mana dew for an hour, all the impurities will dissolve, leaving each mana stone smooth and without any opening for mana to seep through. The quality of each stone will also increase making the artifact even more valuable.
The usual way of processing a mana stone includes casting a purifying spell that will polish each stone while closing all the cracks. Using mana dew is expensive but more efficient.
The next step is carving the spell for whatever the stone is being used for. That dagger has a neutral mana stone on the hilt. Its effects can be felt as soon as you pick it up. The body will become lighter, movements may be so fast, the enemy will not see you coming.
Mikel has been looking forward to increasing his mana heart so he can use high level spells. This way he can create that army he is dreaming about all the time.
Mikel used these processed mana stones to let the students in the training school learn how to inscribe spells into objects.
The task requires high level spirit power along with mana levels from second level. If he is lucky, many people will soon sell artifacts online using this knowledge. It will increase the chances for the humans to win the war.
Mikel succeeded in inscribing level two wind spells inside a mana stone. He then tried to insert the stone into a golem just so it will be able to use the wind spell.
The result was unexpected, the golem is full of wind mana but now able to access the mana because it still lacks a spirit. Imbuing spirit into items is not conventional and may back fire on the one casting the spell.
Another possibility is creating a monster. Mikel needs to find a way to find a way to create a spirit for an artifact. This is not unconventional magic as it usually serves to make weapons more powerful and capable of choosing a master.
His golems already belong to him so they will belong to him. He is not worried about them choosing another master.
In the central base six weeks after the seclusion on Toy city.
"I still can't believe he would give away something like the mana heart pill to a bunch of soldiers for free." Lu Pei grumbled, this is a small meeting between him and his brother, Lu Song.
"You forget, he used magic to bind them with contracts. They have to work for him for a specific time and he will give them resources to grow stronger. Plus, he can afford it." Lu Song offered.
"The two evolution injections, blood moon pill, now he has the most sort after Mana heart pill. Where does he get so many recipes?" Lu Song wondered out loud with a thoughtful expression.
"He wouldn't tell me." Lu Pei spoke honestly. The Mikel now is leagues above the Mikel who pined over him like a love struck fool.
"I will meet him myself. Perhaps I can convince him to sell me the recipe. Maybe I can bring my wife." Lu Song suggested.
"He seems to hate them both. I wouldn't recommend it." Lu Pei advised.
Lu Song rubbed his chin in thought. "Perhaps if we exchange something he would agree. Call Lu Aang to come with. Perhaps you should also come along just in case." Last time they met Mikel, Lu Song saw something in Mikel's eyes whenever he looked towards Lu Pei.
It may be dangerous to play the pieces in his hands, but Lu Song is not a man who plays it safe. He will take this chance. After taking Lu Aang along, the three people and several armed bodyguards drove out of the central city.
"Lu Aang, we need you to offer some of the items in your space for exchange with Mikel later." Lu Song said as soon as they entered the car.
"The problem with him, is he seems to have everything." Lu Song spoke while looking at his younger brother who is completely ignoring Aang. It seems they had a fight.
"This Mikel, I've seen his pictures. We seem to be related?" Lu Aang asked in a tone full of unease.
"This is a question best suited for your mother." Lu Pei snorted.
"I think mother has her own difficulties." Lu Aang said but frowned when he heard a cold laugh from Lu Pei.
"Tell that to the one dumped on a trash can." Lu Pei ridiculed.
"Alright enough. Lu Aang, it's best you don't speak about your kinship with Mikel at this moment. He may still harbor resentment." Lu Song cautioned. N
"Yes uncle." Lu Aang agreed. His well behaved appearance made Lu Song pat his head with a doting expression. Seeing this, Lu Pei pulled his little lover into his arms away from his brother.
Looking at his empty hand, Lu Song raised it and smacked Lu Pei at the back of his head. A soft giggle escaped Lu Aang's mouth after seeing this scene.
They drove to the main gate of Toy city. Even though visitors are restricted, high profile personnel such as the Lu brothers may be allowed inside.
The city below from a balcony on the ninth floor looks particularly dazzling at night. The city is even more lively at night than during the day. Even an ice-cream shop with a roof made from a giant cream with sprinkle that sparkles in the night sky is still open.
"This place.." Lu Aang couldn't help but exhale in pure surprise.
"It's vibrant isn't it? It's practically brimming with life. The people here are all living a good life. Apparently those who teach in the school, the guards who keep the street safe and the office worker taking care of the well being of the people, are being treated as royalty here." Lu Song said looking into the city in a daze.
"As soon as we entered this place, I felt like I had entered another time line. How can he be this capable?" Lu Aang looked very confused. He felt unsettled as if things are not supposed to be this way.
Having this city is no doubt a good thing for the people, not only did Mikel create a safe haven that is covered by a barrier impenetrable by advanced weapons or artifacts, but he invented a medicine that pushed humanity's evolution forward. So, why was it that he felt incredibly unbalanced?
Was it because Mikel is suspected of being his own twin brother? Is he comparing himself to Mikel and suddenly coming up with excuses dislike him?
"What's wrong?" Lu Pei asked him looking concerned. Lu Aang hesitated but in the end he took a deep breath and spoke.
"I think that I am a bit envious of my brother. It's a new feeling that I am not quite used to, I know, its too selfish. But, uncle, you knew him too, and you were even close to him before." Lu Aang said all his thoughts with a shaky voice.
"That's in the past, there's nothing close about our current relationship. We need you here to help negotiate with him when the time comes, whatever personal feelings you may experience after seeing him, don't let him catch a whiff of malice." Lu Pei warned with a bit of coaxing.
In the past, he may have outright said harsh things about Mikel to coax Lu Aang, but that was because Mikel was at his disposal and Lu Pei had absolute confidence about Mikel's feelings for him. But now, displeasing Mikel even a little is not an option.
That boy would calmly face powerful hunters and poison them without lifting a finger. Not long ago he made the willful and notorious Ming Ye lose face,having him beg in front of many base leaders.
The fact that Mikel has not excluded the Lu family from buying his products is a surprise considering how scornful Lu Pei used to be towards him. Therefore they can not afford any mistakes.
Lu Aang nodded and excused himself saying he is tired. When it was just the two of them, Lu Song patted his brother on the shoulder giving him a slight nod of approval. They really can not afford any mistakes at this time.
Inside Mikel's space.
"I have already reached 7% mana heart!" Mikel exclaimed in excitement.
After reaching 10 percent he will be able to cast spells with a single thought. It might take an average vampire 200 years to have a 10 % mana heart. The important part is the accompanying natural element.
When a mana user has 10 percent mana heart, they will be naturally able to use one of the five elements as if it were their natural power.
Huo Chen awakened as a 'Blackwell' which makes him have a natural affinity with the element of darkness.
However, after taking the 'blood moon' pill and condensing 10% mana heart, he may find himself able to use wind as easily as he can use the power of darkness.
Mikel is a toy maker, his natural power is outside of the basic elements and therefore has less attack power. But when he has 10% mana heart, he may be able to condense ice crystals and use them in a fight like an ice mage. In other words, he will gain an active power. Mikel is giddy with happiness at this thought. He wonders which element will he awaken first.
After coming out of his space to take away mana stones from the city vault and the back mountain mine. He is greeted by April with a surprise.
"Sir, you have visitors from the central city. They have been here for three days." April quickly reported as soon as Mikel came out of his space.
"Who is it?" He asked nonchalantly.
"The Bai family eldest daughter, April, her brother Bai Ping, Wei Han and the Lu brothers together with a Lu Aang."
"What an impressive lineup. I guess I can postpone my seclusion for a few hours."
Mikel has been using his crystallization power more aggressively this time after he reached 7% of mana heart. His skin is smooth and soft but incredibly hard when attacked.
His Muscles have been abused to the extreme making them shrink to be even more compact and stronger than before. After two months in his space this time, he had been consuming mana dew, cultivating using the scroll and using his power on his body after waking up from deep meditation. He is now 6'3 which is seven inches taller than his previous height.
The problem is the weight, he has gone back to being a slim again. He hadn't eaten much food. His features have even turned sharp from the previous beauty with a dimple. "Still so good looking, in fact I feel more manly now." He sent a kiss to the Mikel on the mirror.
"How embarrassing.." April said from the speakers on the wall.
Mikel made himself a nutritious shake and drank it all after taking a shower and brushing his teeth.
"Sir, its been over 45 minutes and the guests are becoming restless. Especially that miss April."
"I remember she invented an energy weapon. I wonder if she is now willing to give me the weapon blueprint." Mikel wondered as he walked to the meeting room.
Six pairs of eyes fell on Mikel with surprise, some with curiosity but Lu Aang's eyes widened in shock. His lips trembled as if on the verge of bursting forth in a scream. Before he could say anything, Mikel let out a chuckle. n
"Good morning. No need to ask how you are all doing, I can see in your eyes how high spirited you are, so I guess what I mean is.. how can I help you today?" Mikel saw April gritting her teeth in anger. The room descended in silence, Mikel saw that and smiled.
"Do you need a moment to decide why you came to the Toy city this time?" Mikel is really hateful, and still so glib tongue.
Wei Han spoke first. "Mikel, the Wei family would like to buy the copies of ability breathing techniques." Mikel raised an eyebrow. How straight forward!
The other people around the table also became nervous. Mikel pretended to be nonchalant and smiled. "The other's, are you all here for the same thing?" Mikel asked the rest of the visitors. The room became silent.
"This is not impossible." He saw visible relief in the eyes of the people around the table. "I have enough mana stones now, what you want to use as payment?" Mikel saw the dread dawn on them.
"Now, I'm thinking about only selling one set of copies." These words made everyone grind their teeth in anger. The last time Mikel did this, several enemies had to words together or risk retaliation from other families.
"Haha.. I'm merely jesting. Why don't you all tell me what you are willing to exchange for the breathing techniques?" He leaned back on his chair.
Bai Ping made a gesture. "The energy weapons blueprint."
'Bang!' Mikel slapped the table in happiness. "Sold." He then gave the rest a disdainful look. "I don't think any of you can top that." He got ready to leave. But Lu Pei stopped him.
"We heard you have a mana heart pill. Can you sell the recipe to us?" That made Mikel laugh. A genuine amusement shown in his light brown eyes. Then a peculiar expression appeared on his face.
"You're serious!" Mikel's rich expression seem to make Lu Pei grumbled in annoyance.
"Of course I'm serious. That pill can turn any person into a powerhouse, even those not born with the potential to awaken. I am not joking Mikel. Sell that formula to help us in this war." Lu Pei spoke with a lot of passion in his eyes.
"Sigh..." Mikel gave Lu Pei a pitying expression. "I thought CEOs are supposed to have vision. In any case, don't be greedy. The two injections are more than enough." He made a gesture to dismiss all of them.
"Wait!" Lu Aang finally spoke. He looked at Mikel with eyes full of mix unrecognizable emotions. "I can pay." He said taking out a small bottle of spring water, giving it to Mikel.
When the people in the room recognized the thick undiluted mana in the form of liquid, they all grew restless.
Mikel on the other hand simply glanced at the mana essence and confirmed it is only one third as potent as the mana dew in his space. This male lead probably diluted it or Mikel's own mana dew is many times stronger.
"Impressive. But I don't need it." Mikel's words made everyone in the room green. Is this showing off?
.....