"[It’s working,]" Lassim said, a grin spreading across his face. "[The rod is drawing in mana and amplifying it. Look, you can almost see the flow becoming more coherent and directed.]"
Tolen inspected the effect, his one good eye narrowing in concentration. "[Good, good. The rod’s frequency seems to be in harmony with the mana here without any needs for adjustment. The initial settings used before the plane was corrupted seem to match the cleansed mana.
We’ll need to replicate this at each node, but we’ll set up auxiliary rods around this room to create the full barrier.]" He made a few notes in a small, worn notebook he carried.
Sanvra, meanwhile, discussed potential patterns for rod placement. "[If we configure them in a geometric layout, perhaps in the shape of this sigil, it could enhance their collective effect.
This sigil was designed to channel and balance energies according to Khaalseru’s guidance and is one of the many sigils in our priesthood’s holy tablet.]" She sketched a few designs in the dirt, showing a circular pattern with intersecting lines.
Lassim nodded, intrigued by the idea of incorporating cultural symbols into their technical solution. "[Let’s try that. It feels right to use a sigil of Khaalseru, Sanvra. Since we’re getting rid of the corruption, I hope it can get rid of some of Khaalseru’s corruption too!]"
As they finalized the placement of the rods, Lassim, Sanvra, and Master Tolen stepped back to survey their work.
The underground cavern had been transformed into a nexus, each rod strategically placed at power nodes mapped by Sanvra and reinforced by Tolen’s expert advice on structural integrity of the sigil shape.
Lassim, prepared to energize the system. He took a deep breath, focusing on the dense, enhanced mana that filled his reserves, and began the process of channeling his lightning energy into the mana storage gems they had decided to use.
Zaphy assisted by controlling the mana from the surroundings to speed up the charging process, Lassim thanking her in return.
With precise, controlled bursts of lightning, Lassim filled each gem. The air crackled around him, the energy palpable as each stone absorbed the power, glowing brighter with every charge.
After a few intense minutes, he had charged all the gems. He carefully placed each one into its corresponding rod’s power cell slots, ensuring a secure fit.
Master Tolen, with a solemn final nod to Lassim and Sanvra, began the activation sequence.
He approached the main rod which would serve as the control point for the entire network. His hands moved with practiced ease, adjusting dials and murmuring ancient incantations under his breath.
As he completed the sequence, an illusory wave of light shimmered between the poles, creating a visible network of energy connections that traced geometric patterns in the air.
The sight was mesmerizing, the ancient Drow technology coming to life under the watchful eyes of its descendants and Lassim.
Tolen made a final adjustment on the main rod, and the translucent barrier began to transform. The light that had formed solid lines between the poles now dispersed, becoming a more radiant-like energy that spread out like a thick protective mist over the area.
The trio watched as the energy mist first enveloped the storehouse, sealing it in a cocoon of glowing light. Then, as if testing its limits, the energy continued to pour out of each rod until it reached out into the uncleansed hallway outside the storehouse.
Lassim, Sanvra, and Tolen observed with bated breath as the barrier interacted with the still corrupted environment. Where the radiant energy met the murky, tainted air of the uncleansed hallway, a remarkable transformation occurred.
The corruption seemed to recoil, retreating from the light mist. Some of it was converted and cleansed in the process as well.
Bit by bit, the surfaces of the cave rock and the air began to clear, a tinge less red, as if the darkness was being scrubbed away by the radiant energy of the barrier.
"[It’s working... it’s actually working!]" Lassim exclaimed, hardly believing the efficacy of their efforts. The oppressive, dark energy that had dominated these passages was slowly being replaced with something purer, lighter.
Sanvra, noted the changes meticulously on her hide where she had been keeping notes on the transformation. "[This is beyond what I hoped for! The barrier not only protects but purifies just like you suggested my star! We need to monitor this closely to see how far it can cleanse and how often you’ll need to recharge the crystals to maintain this is over time.]"
Master Tolen, though initially gruff about the whole plan, couldn’t hide his pride in their accomplishment. "[I haven’t seen such craftwork function in ages. It’s like the old tales come to life, but even better since I made it! Ha-ha-ha! Who’d have thunk it that we’d be making history here at my old age.]"
After the initial setup and activation of the barrier, Lassim, Sanvra, and Master Tolen spent the next few hours closely monitoring the performance of the barrier and particularly the energy consumption of the mana storage crystals.
The underground caverns were quiet except for the occasional drip of water, creating a serene backdrop as they observed the soft glow of the crystals and the subtle changes in the environment.
Sanvra, equipped with her knowledge of the Drow’s ancient systems and a keen analytical mind, took meticulous notes on the rate at which the crystals depleted their stored mana.
After some calculations, she shared her findings with a hint of optimism in her voice. "[Based on the current rate of energy consumption, I estimate that the entire system should sustain itself for an entire week before needing a recharge.]" She looked up from her notes, her eyes meeting Lassim’s. "[This is promising. It means we can maintain the sanctuaries with minimal intervention on your part.]"
Lassim, who had been intently watching the interplay of light and energy, nodded in agreement.
He was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the barrier. "[That’s excellent news. It means I can focus on charging the crystals during my downtime, and we won’t have to worry constantly about the barriers failing.]" He considered the logistics of expanding the network.
"[As we install more rods and expand the cleansed areas, the demand on my mana will increase, but it’s a manageable rhythm if we keep the consumption this stable. Also, at the rate that I’ve been advancing in cultivation levels, it should get easier as we go along as well.]"
Mari, who had been silently observing the interaction of the purified mana with the barrier, interjected with a thoughtful suggestion, her voice echoing gently in Lassim’s mind. "Lassim, this continuous cycle of absorbing and expending mana to charge the crystals might also serve as an excellent method for you to refine your own mana.
By repeatedly using this purified mana, you could replace the old reserves and last vestiges of the previous mana in your system entirely with this higher-quality energy. It would not only enhance your abilities but also stabilize this higher-tier mana in your mana veins and heart world."
Lassim considered Mari’s advice seriously. "That makes a lot of sense, Mari. It’s like killing three birds with one stone; I help maintain the cleansed areas, I absorb the cleansed, more potent, mana and I refine my mana cultivation in the process." His voice carried a note of determination and optimism.
The trio agreed that the current setup was a strong foundation to build upon. They felt encouraged about the potential for scaling up their efforts. The rest of the day was spent in planning the next phases of installation, ensuring they could cover more ground with the barriers and extend the sanctuaries throughout the Drow underground.
Their goal was ambitious but clear: to extend the reach of the sanctuaries, making them encompass the entire underground network.
Each day from that point on, the trio, along with a growing team of Drow volunteers, worked tirelessly. They drilled into the structure of the caverns, installing the charged rods at calculated intervals to maximize their effectiveness.
Sanvra coordinated the efforts, using her deep knowledge of the underground’s mana flows and ley lines to advise on optimal placement, while Master Tolen ensured that each installation was structurally sound, capable of withstanding the environmental pressures of the underground, and that each rod was carefully calibrated to project the cleansing mist.
Lassim’s role was pivotal. His ability to charge the crystals with his refined mana not only powered the barriers but also continued to refine his control over his abilities. Each pulse of lightning that he and Zaphy channeled into the crystals further bonded him to the realm’s energy, accelerating his growth and understanding of the purified mana.
As weeks turned into months, the network grew, slowly weaving a web of purified mana throughout the Drow’s subterranean world. Each new barrier brought them closer to their goal, each activation spreading the light of purified mana further into the dark recesses of the underground.
Sanvra meticulously documented their progress, her charts and maps filling with notes on the conditions before and after each installation.
The transformations were remarkable; areas that had once been hubs of corruption now thrived with renewed life and cleanliness, their dark, oppressive atmospheres replaced with the lightness of cleansed air and energy.
Master Tolen, who had initially been skeptical about the potential of Lassim’s plan, grew increasingly enthusiastic as he witnessed the tangible results of their work. His craftsmanship became a cornerstone of the project.
The Drow community, initially uncertain, gradually came to support the project wholeheartedly. The visible improvements in their living conditions, the return of clean water, and the resurgence of plant life they could grow in mini gardens within their sanctuaries rallied their spirits.
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They volunteered in greater numbers, aiding in installations, and maintaining the barriers by digging up more of the mana storage crystals and transporting them where needed.
Finally, as they reached the six-month mark since Lassim’s arrival, the last piece of the network was put in place. The trio and a large gathering of Drow stood in the central cavern, a space that had once been a symbol of their plight but now stood as the heart of their revitalized community.