The construction began before I even realized the true weight of the decision I had made. When I gave authorization, I thought it would just be another investment. Something logical, necessary. But when I saw the floor of the mansion being opened, stone by stone removed, it became clear that this went beyond that.
I was changing the way I handled everything.
The chosen room quickly lost its ordinary appearance. In just a few days, it became a place of constant work. Tools, wood, iron, ropes. The sound of hammers and excavation became part of the routine.
Lyannis watched while leaning against the wall. "You brought half the city inside the house."
"There was no other way."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "At least they're working fast."
Scarlett carefully analyzed the process. "Efficient execution."
Elara added: "Proper organization."
Vespera said: "No wasted movement."
Liriel slowly walked across the room, looking at the hole already opened in the floor. "This is going to be really deep…"
"It needs to be."
The builder appeared shortly after, holding a few papers in his hands. He had already started drawing the internal levels of the vault.
"Initial excavation completed," he said directly. "Now the structure begins."
"How long?"
"If everything goes well… a few weeks."
I nodded.
There was no rush.
But there was also no room for mistakes.
The following days were consumed by construction. I maintained my training and mission routines, but whenever I returned to the mansion, I spent some time observing the progress.
The excavation advanced quickly. The underground space was already beginning to take shape. It was not just a hole — it was a solid, reinforced foundation.
Stones were placed with precision, forming resistant walls. Support structures were installed to prevent any risk of collapse.
Lyannis commented while looking down. "It's getting way too big."
"It's necessary."
Rai'kanna said: "You're thinking far ahead."
"Yes."
Scarlett analyzed the newly formed walls. "High structural resistance."
Elara stated: "Durability guaranteed."
Vespera completed: "Low probability of failure."
Liriel tilted her head. "And no one is going to notice this?"
"The access is hidden."
I showed the specific point in the room where the entrance would be installed.
"When it's finished… no one will notice."
Lyannis gave a slight smile. "You really thought of everything."
"Almost everything."
The builder kept the pace steady. There were no delays. He knew exactly what he was doing.
One day, I went down into the construction area to observe more closely. The space was already deep enough that natural light could no longer fully reach it. Some lanterns had been installed to illuminate the area.
I stepped onto the firm ground, feeling the solid structure beneath my feet.
"It's good."
The builder approached. "It's not finished yet."
"But it's already stable."
He nodded. "Foundation ready. Now comes the most important part."
"Security."
"Exactly."
Lyannis, who had come down with me, commented: "Now the interesting part begins."
Rai'kanna came right after. "Let's see how far this goes."
Scarlett analyzed the space. "High capacity."
Elara added: "Efficient distribution."
Vespera said: "Space well utilized."
Liriel looked around curiously. "It's bigger than I thought…"
"It needs to be."
I turned to the builder.
"And the access system?"
He took a deep breath. "That's going to be the most complicated part."
"Explain."
"A normal door won't work. Neither will a normal lock. If you want something based on mana… we'll have to integrate it directly into the structure."
I nodded. "Do it."
He crossed his arms. "It's going to require precision. Any mistake… and it might not work."
"Then don't make mistakes."
Lyannis laughed quietly. "Straightforward."
Rai'kanna commented: "He won't accept failure."
"No."
The builder simply nodded. "Then I'll need you here when we start that part."
"I'll be."
The days continued passing, and the construction advanced steadily. The internal structure was practically complete already. Divisions had been created to organize the space, specific areas for storage.
Nothing was random.
Everything had a function.
I continued following the progress, adjusting small details when necessary. It wasn't just a construction project — it was a personal project.
An extension of my own strategy.
Lyannis commented one day while we observed from above. "You're taking this more seriously than a lot of things."
"Because this matters."
Rai'kanna said: "Money doesn't solve everything."
"No."
I looked at the room under construction.
"But it helps."
Scarlett stated: "Essential resource."
Elara added: "Foundation for expansion."
Vespera said: "Guarantee of continuity."
Liriel remained silent for a moment before speaking. "You're thinking about what comes after."
"Yes."
She looked at me carefully. "After the war."
I didn't answer immediately.
But she already knew.
"If we make it there… we'll need more than strength."
Lyannis nodded. "Makes sense."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "So you're preparing from now."
"Yes."
A few days later, the most important part began.
The door.
The access point to the vault was defined. A specific location in the room, seemingly ordinary, but hiding the entrance.
This time, the builder brought different materials. Stronger metals, more complex mechanisms.
"This part cannot fail."
"I know."
He started working with precision, installing the door structure. It wasn't only physical. There was space for the mana activation mechanism.
"When it's finished… only you will be able to open it."
I nodded.
Lyannis observed with interest. "This is new."
Rai'kanna said: "I've never seen anything like this."
Scarlett analyzed it. "Uncommon technology."
Elara stated: "Exclusive system."
Vespera completed: "High security."
Liriel looked curiously. "And how is it going to work?"
I looked at the still incomplete structure.
"Simple."
I paused for a moment.
"Only I… can open it."
The sound of tools continued.
The work advanced.
And at that moment, it became clear to me.
I wasn't just building a vault.
I was creating something that would guarantee control over everything that came after.
I took a deep breath, watching every detail being assembled.
And I thought to myself:
"Now… there's no turning back."