An Unprecedented Meeting
The northern outskirts of Lucentia.
Nestled deep within a dense forest stood the weapons development laboratory of Mystic Arts.
This was the birthplace of every magic weapon sold under the Mystic Arts brand, the heart of their research and development.
Under normal circumstances, outsiders were strictly forbidden from entering, but today was a rare exception as a crowd gathered.
In the conference room on the top floor of the laboratory.
A space that would usually be quiet and empty was bustling with activity.
Every single chief developer of Mystic Arts had assembled.
The one who had summoned them all was none other than the CEO, Elena.
An emergency meeting of this scale was an extremely rare occurrence.
Tension hung heavy on the faces of the researchers.
They all seemed to sense that something monumental had happened.
Secured in the center of the conference room was a sword emitting a faint blue glow.
It was the Kraken's Sword.
Various mana analysis tools were set up around the weapon, and countless magic circles floated in the air, continuously gathering data.
The chief developer stepped forward and spoke.
"Of the two products we acquired, we prioritized analyzing the sword, as its structure is relatively easier to decipher than the staff. In the case of the sword, we have confirmed that a specific metal has been coated onto the surface of an existing weapon."
With a wave of his hand, an enlarged projection of the sword materialized in the air.
"If you look closely at the surface structure..."
A blue light flickered at the chief developer's fingertips, visualizing the mana sensitivity.
As the light flowed along the surface of the blade, its microscopic structure was clearly revealed.
"Please pay attention to this area right here."
Everyone's eyes locked onto the projection.
"Looking at this micro-structure, we can confirm that trace amounts of mana are continuously being generated here. What is even more astonishing is that this structure appears to absorb ambient energy from the atmosphere and convert it into mana."
The chief developer's explanation sent a wave of shock through the room, eyes widening in disbelief.
In the projection, tiny particles of blue light were clearly being absorbed into the sword's surface, converting into mana and circulating through its interior.
"Recharging via atmospheric mana? How is such a thing even possible?"
Someone asked, unable to hide their sheer astonishment.
It was a mechanism completely unheard of until now.
The chief developer nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. This method has never been documented in academic circles. We will need much more research to fully comprehend the principles behind how this structure functions."
The chief blacksmith's eyes bulged.
"I've been in this business for over thirty years, and I've never seen a metal like that. Have you?"
The researcher next to him shook his head.
"No, it's a first for me too."
Murmurs of shock rippled through the entire conference room.
"This is... truly an extraordinary metal. It must have been crafted from an extremely rare or precious material. The cost of production must be astronomical."
At the chief blacksmith's words, Elena's expression stiffened.
A shadow of deep concern fell over her eyes.
The chief developer spoke up again.
"These micro-structures are organically linked to form a main pathway. It appears that mana circulates through the interior of the sword along this channel."
The chief developer paused to catch his breath before continuing.
"During this process, a certain amount of mana seems to be stored inside the sword. We have confirmed that an incredibly sophisticated mana inscription was used to create this complex structure."
As the projection zoomed in further, a mana circuit composed of countless tightly interconnected structures was revealed.
The microscopic yet exquisitely linked network resembled a complex biological tissue.
"To perform such detailed craftsmanship on such a minuscule scale... It's like looking at blood vessels. Are you telling me this mana circuit wasn't formed naturally?"
The chief blacksmith's astonished voice echoed.
Elena nodded silently as she listened.
There's no doubt about it. This is definitely a mana inscription intentionally carved by someone.
Her sharp eyes traced the microscopic patterns of the mana circuit.
She paid special attention to the unique structures visible at the intersection points of the circuit.
This part... naturally formed circuits wouldn't intersect like this.
These were not circuits that could naturally manifest from the raw materials.
It was an artificial structure designed intentionally and with extreme precision by someone.
How is such an inscription even possible...?
Elena couldn't help but be astounded.
She had spent her life researching countless spells and magic inscriptions.
She had also analyzed countless products from rival magic weapon manufacturers, but she had never seen a structure like this before.
When it came to mana inscriptions, every artisan left behind a distinct style—a sort of personal habit or signature.
Elena possessed the ability to identify the creator of a weapon just by looking at its mana inscription.
But this time was different.
She couldn't even begin to guess who the owner of this inscription was.
Just who on earth is this...?
Doubt and wariness bloomed simultaneously in Elena's heart.
Exhaustion was etched deep into the faces of the chief developers.
Deep dark circles, bloodshot eyes, and stubble from days without shaving spoke volumes of their grueling ordeal.
They had been pulling all-nighters for days, analyzing the Kraken's Sword.
As a result, they had succeeded in deciphering the structure of the spell inscribed on the sword, Dance of the Storming Waves.
However, the identity of the metal used in the Kraken's Sword remained shrouded in mystery.
Even if they wanted to copy it, they couldn't because they had no idea what the metal was.
The development team tried to replicate a similar weapon based on their analysis.
But without access to this special metal, the efficiency was abysmal.
To replicate it using Mystic Arts' methods, they had to use top-grade magic stones. Doing so pushed the production cost to the level of their high-end product lines.
"This is pointless."
One of the researchers sighed.
"Who would buy an expensive product that doesn't even auto-recharge?"
Furthermore, copying the spell itself posed a problem.
They risked being branded as a massive corporation that plagiarized a budget weapon.
As the premier magic weapon brand, they couldn't afford to tarnish their reputation like that.
Thus, they shifted their focus to the staff.
If they could figure out how it imbued the caster's magic with a specific attribute, they could apply it to various spells beyond the Kraken series' wave-flame.
Through this, they could develop Mystic Arts' own unique attribute magic series.
This would allow them to create a magic staff with infinite potential to hold new spells.
It would avoid accusations of plagiarism, and even without the Kraken series' special metal, they could create a high-value product using premium magic stones.
Though the price tag would be steep, it would be highly competitive in the market as a high-end magic weapon boasting Mystic Arts' signature originality.
Yet, even after ten days of the chief researchers and blacksmiths racking their brains, they couldn't crack the method.
Unlike ordinary magic weapons, this wave staff had an additional layer made of a special material coating its mana circuits.
It was different from the inscription method used on the sword.
The chief developers spent nights injecting mana in reverse into the inscription to map out its structure.
Whatever method was used, even mana sensitivity couldn't peer through the coating. They had to inject their own mana as if casting a spell and analyze the returning vibrations.
It was like a dolphin in the deep ocean using echolocation to map its surroundings.
Or like navigating a complex maze blindfolded, feeling the walls with one's hands.
They tried to peel off the coating, but the moment they did, the mana circuit sparked and melted away.
"How on earth did they make this..."
A researcher muttered in despair.
"Lady Elena, you came in person."
The chief researchers spoke in surprised voices.
Deep lines of stress were etched onto Elena's face, her usual elegance completely gone.
"Is it still not done?"
Urgency bled through her voice.
Every step she took toward them was filled with anxiety.
The chief researcher bowed his head and replied.
"We are doing our best, but as we reported... the mana inscription method is just too unusual..."
"This is driving me mad. Move aside."
Elena waved her hand, pushing the researchers out of the way.
Her eyes held an anxiety and restlessness never seen before.
"Secretary!"
At Elena's sharp cry, her secretary rushed over in a panic.
"Go to the Academy right now and secure about five more of the Kraken series! Hurry!"
The secretary's face turned pale.
"B-but... even if we line up the night before, they're almost impossible to get now..."
"Just go! Unless you want to watch our brand go under!"
Elena's voice boomed through the laboratory.
She seemed startled by her own outburst for a moment, but quickly hardened her expression again.
The secretaries scrambled out in a panic.
Running down the hallway, they whispered to each other.
"I can't believe it... The gentle Lady Elena, acting like this..."
"I've never seen her like that either..."
Elena stayed behind at the laboratory and pulled an all-nighter.
Blue mana flickered at her fingertips, enveloping the staff.
But no matter how many times she tried, she couldn't unlock its secrets.
This is... a truly mind-boggling level of inscription. How is this even possible?
A mixture of awe and frustration warred within Elena's heart.
She was renowned as a master of mana inscriptions, yet this level of technique was entirely foreign to her.
Slam!
Elena slammed her fist onto the table.
"I can't take this anymore!"
Fatigue and anger flashed alternately in her eyes.
"Who on earth made this?!"
Elena's scream echoed through the silent laboratory.
Inside the Academy, Elena's private laboratory.
A place that was once neat and dignified now looked as if a hurricane had swept through it.
Documents were scattered messily across the desk, and empty coffee cups rolled around the floor.
Elena herself was in no better state.
Her usual pristine appearance was nowhere to be found; her disheveled hair and crumpled clothes laid bare her extreme exhaustion.
She had only returned to the Academy because of her classes, but every spare second outside of teaching was spent in her lab, analyzing the mysterious weapons.
"The mana flow splits here... and it amplifies at this defect. Then it merges back together here..."
Elena muttered to herself, drawing complex magic diagrams.
Though her eyes seemed out of focus, her hands still moved with practiced precision.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
A knock shattered Elena's concentration.
Deep in her research, she let out a sigh and lifted her head.
"Lady Elena..."
Her secretary's cautious voice drifted in.
"The Third Princess has arrived to see you in person."
Elena's eyes snapped wide open.
A jolt of tension cut through her fatigue.
"The Princess...? Right now?"
She hesitated for a moment before making up her mind.
"Yes... show her in."
A moment later, the door opened, and the Third Princess stepped inside.
Her elegant posture and dignified stride seemed to shift the very air in the room.
The Princess naturally glided toward the seat of honor on the sofa. Once she sat down, her personal attendant served tea with graceful movements.
Elena quickly adjusted her clothes and bowed politely to the Princess.
"Your Highness... to visit the Academy so suddenly in person... Has something urgent occurred?"
Elena's voice was a mix of worry and apprehension.
The Princess elegantly lifted her teacup, took a sip, and smiled.
"Elena, there is no need to be so tense," the Princess said softly.
"Is everything going smoothly with the Weapon Crafting Department? To be honest, I felt a bit guilty. Placing a successful CEO into a professor's seat so suddenly..."
The Princess paused, gauging Elena's reaction. She then smiled again and continued.
"So, since I had business at the Academy anyway, I decided to drop by. How is life with the students?"
Her tone was light and friendly, but her sharp gaze was meticulously analyzing Elena's condition.
"Ah... yes, I see. Life with the students is... quite interesting."
Elena's reply was saturated with exhaustion, her voice lacking its usual strength.
The Princess raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Oh my? You look far more exhausted than I expected. Is everything truly alright? You haven't been overworking yourself because of the department, have you?"
"No... not at all. It is merely a bit of fatigue."
Contrary to her words, Elena's eyes flickered with anxiety.
Just then, a frantic knock sounded, and the secretary rushed in, panting for breath.
"Lady Elena! I am terribly sorry, but I have an urgent matter to report. It is extremely important..."
Elena looked at the Princess, her face tight with awkwardness.
The Princess waved her hand elegantly with a smile.
"It is fine, Elena. Go ahead. I will enjoy some more tea here. If it is urgent, you should attend to it first."
With a sigh of relief at the Princess's permission, Elena stepped out.
Once Elena left, the Princess scanned the laboratory, her gaze eventually halting at a specific spot.
A pair of weapons emitting a soft blue glow caught her eye.
"Hmm... Is this a new product Mystic Arts is developing lately...?"
After checking to ensure she was alone, the Princess quietly stood up and approached the weapons.
Up close, the blue light radiating from the weapons was even more vivid.
She slowly circled the weapons, observing them in detail.
Her eyes widened. A smile spread across her lips.
"Well... isn't this going to be interesting?"