Treasures of the Lost World: A Men’s Adventure LitRPG, page 18
“Which is why you want Tier 4 upgrades before going back,” Siobhan said.
“Exactly,” I said. “We handled twelve fire elementals, but barely. If that thing can field hundreds of coordinated units, we need better equipment and better tactics.”
“What kind of upgrades are you thinking?” Ava asked.
“Better armor, better weapons, and maybe if you get the drones there some troops of our own,” I said. “
Steam began rising more actively from the furnaces as the first gold ore finished smelting. Mechanical arms transferred glowing gold bars onto the next conveyor belt, carrying them toward the wire-drawing constructor.
“First bars coming through,” Ava announced. “Production rate looks optimal.”
I watched the gold bars disappear into the constructor, which immediately began the wire-drawing process. The output belt started carrying thin gold wire toward the final assembly point, where it would meet the solder and other components.
“This is going to work,” I said, more to myself than anyone else.
“Of course it is,” Vanessa said, bumping her shoulder against mine. “Your industrial plans always work.”
“Most of them,” I said. “Sometimes I miss obvious problems.”
“Like what?” Siobhan asked.
“Power requirements, material compatibility, production bottlenecks,” I said. “Complex systems have a way of revealing unexpected issues.”
“Or you forget to attach power,” Ava said.
I sighed, although my smile undercut the faux frustration. “One time. In training. Once.”
Ava gave me a smug grin. “And that’s why it’s the first time I’m bringing it up since we got here. One time. Per…month, let’s say.”
The first solder started emerging from the tin processing constructor, joining the gold wire on parallel belts as they converged on the final assembly point. Silicone and steel from our existing production lines completed the four-input configuration.
“Moment of truth,” I said, watching as the four materials disappeared into the processor constructor.
The machine hummed for several seconds, internal mechanisms combining the diverse components according to the programmed recipe. Then the output belt started moving, carrying the first completed processor toward the upgrade card assembly area.
“Success,” Ava said, her projection practically dancing with excitement. “Processor production is online.”
I picked up the finished processor, examining the compact device. It was about the size of my palm, with gold wire tracery visible through the transparent silicone casing. Steel components provided structural support, while solder joints connected the various elements into a functional unit.
“Looks good,” I said, placing it on the upgrade card assembly table. “Now for the integration process.”
I pulled a Tier 3 upgrade card framework from my inventory, laying it next to the processor. The framework was primarily mithril circuits and crystal matrices, designed to channel magical energy efficiently. Adding computational capability would create something entirely new.
“How do they connect?” Vanessa asked, studying the two components.
“Carefully,” I said, accessing the specialized tools needed for the integration. “The processor handles logical operations, the mithril circuits manage magical conductivity, the crystals store and channel energy.”
The integration process was more hands-on than the automated production line. I had to physically connect the processor's gold wire outputs to specific points on the mithril framework, creating bridges between technological and magical systems.
The upgrade card looked substantially different from the Tier 3 versions. Where those had been elegant but simple arrangements of circuits and gears, this looked like an actual modern computer part.
“Ready for testing?” I asked Ava.
“More than ready,” she said. “Insert it into analysis slot three.”
I walked over to Ava's primary analysis station, sliding the new upgrade card into the designated slot. The card clicked into place, and immediately the entire analysis array began glowing with increased intensity.
“This is incredible,” Ava said, her voice filled with wonder. “The computational enhancement is exactly what I needed to handle complex magical materials.”
“Such as?” I asked.
“Dungeon Bricks, Drake Scales, Lunerium. All the exotic materials we've been collecting but couldn't properly analyze.”
I let out a sigh of relief. Part of me had been expecting further delays.
More processors were emerging from the assembly line, providing materials for additional upgrade cards. I set it up so the cards would automatically be added to Ava’s feed line.
“What should we analyze first?” Vanessa asked.
“Lunerium,” I said immediately. “It's the most stable material, and I want to understand its properties before we start working with the more volatile stuff.”
“Smart choice,” Ava said. “Beginning Lunerium analysis now.”
“How many cards do you need to fully break it down?” Siobhan asked.
“A couple hundred easily,” Ava said. “More for finding out what I can do with it - weapons, armor, other specialized applications. I’ll be at this all night.”
She said the last few words to me, pointedly. “I look that tired?” I asked.
“Like death,” Vanessa said helpfully.
“Well, like death warmed over,” Siobhan added. “Go join Kyrela and Naomi. Get some sleep. We’ll join you in a bit.”
There was nothing else to do, and I was too tired to argue. So, after a token objection to salve my ego, I headed to bed.
Chapter 20
I woke slowly, pulled from sleep by the warmth pressed against both sides of my body. Siobhan lay curled against my left side, her dark hair spilling across my chest, while Vanessa had claimed my right, her fox tail draped possessively over my leg. Both women stirred as I shifted, their breathing changing from the deep rhythm of sleep to something more aware.
“Good morning,” Siobhan said, her voice husky with sleep. She pressed a soft kiss to my collarbone, her lips warm against my skin.
“Morning,” Vanessa echoed, tilting her head up to nuzzle my neck. Her tail swished lazily, the tip trailing along my thigh in a way that made my pulse quicken.
“This is a nice way to wake up,” I said, tightening my arms around both women.
Siobhan's fingers traced idle patterns on my chest, her touch light but deliberately teasing. “I could get used to this arrangement.”
“Just used to it?” Vanessa asked with mock indignation, propping herself up on one elbow to look at the demon. “I was hoping for enthusiastic approval.”
“Perhaps more than used to it,” Siobhan said, a rare smile playing at her lips. She pressed another kiss to my chest, this one lingering.
Vanessa grinned and leaned down to mirror Siobhan's actions, her lips finding the spot just above my heart. “Much better.”
The sensation of both women kissing my chest sent heat racing through my veins. Siobhan's kisses were soft and measured, each one placed with deliberate care. Vanessa's were more playful, accompanied by the occasional gentle nip that made me chuckle.
“You two are going to be trouble,” I said, running my fingers through Siobhan's silky hair.
“We prefer the term 'delightfully challenging,'“ Vanessa said between kisses. Her hand joined Siobhan's in tracing patterns across my skin, the dual sensation making it hard to focus on anything beyond their touch.
Siobhan lifted her head to meet my eyes, her red irises bright with mischief. “Is that a complaint?”
“Not even close,” I said, leaning down to kiss her properly. She melted against me, her lips parting under mine with a soft sigh.
Vanessa made a small sound of protest. “Don't forget about me.”
I broke away from Siobhan and turned to capture Vanessa's lips, her kiss more aggressive than Siobhan's, full of the confidence that marked everything she did. Her tail wound around my leg more tightly, claiming me even as her mouth moved against mine.
When we parted, both women settled back against my chest with satisfied expressions. The morning light streaming through the windows painted everything in warm gold, and I could think of worse ways to start the day.
“This is perfect,” Vanessa said, her fingers walking across my ribs. “We should make this a regular thing.”
“I won't object,” Siobhan said, pressing one more kiss to my shoulder. “Though I suspect our schedule might interfere.”
“Speaking of schedules,” I said, though I made no move to get up, “we should probably-”
A familiar shimmer in the air cut me off as Ava's holographic form materialized near the foot of the bed. Her projection flickered slightly as she took in the scene, and her grin turned wicked.
“Oh,” she said, her voice breathier than usual. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything important.”
“It's fine,” I said, though Vanessa made a show of pouting at the lost moment. “What's going on?”
“Breakfast is ready,” Ava said. “Naomi's outdone herself this morning, and I thought you'd want to hear about the Lunerium analysis while the food's still hot.”
Siobhan sat up gracefully, apparently unbothered by Ava's presence. “Analysis results?”
“Fascinating ones,” Ava said, her excitement overriding any lingering embarrassment. “You're going to love what I discovered.”
Vanessa stretched like a cat, her movements deliberately languid. “I suppose we should get dressed then.”
“Unfortunately,” I said, stealing one more kiss from each woman before rolling out of bed.
The scent of eggs and fresh herbs filled the main hall as we made our way downstairs. Naomi stood at the cooking station, her white wings folded neatly as she tended to a large pan filled with what looked like the most perfect omelets I'd ever seen.
“Good morning,” she said, glancing over her shoulder with a warm smile. “I hope you're hungry.”
“Starving,” I said, moving to wrap my arms around her waist from behind. She leaned back against me with a contented sigh.
“Kyrela found some eggs during her morning scout,” Naomi said, tilting her head to accept my kiss on her cheek. “Plus the Harvesters have been producing the most wonderful vegetables. I couldn't resist trying something new.”
The omelets were works of art, fluffy and golden with colorful vegetables visible through the translucent egg. Steam rose from each plate as Naomi transferred them to the table, the aroma making my stomach rumble.
“This smells incredible,” Vanessa said, taking her seat. “Where did Kyrela find eggs?”
“There's a grove about two kilometers north where some of the native birds have started nesting again,” Naomi said, settling beside me with obvious pleasure. “She was very careful to only take a few from each nest.”
Kyrela chose that moment to arrive, her scales still carrying the cool touch of morning air. “The birds didn't seem to mind,” she said, stealing a piece of omelet from my plate before I could protest. “In fact, they were quite curious about me. I think they've never seen a dragon before.”
“They probably haven’t,” Siobhan said, cutting her omelet before eating. “Just other animals and monsters - and you’re not a monster.”
“I wish it was for a better reason but… it’s wonderful that animals don’t fear people.” Naomi said, her expression soft. “The forest feels alive.”
I took a bite of the omelet and had to suppress a groan of pleasure. The eggs were perfectly cooked, creamy and rich, while the vegetables added bursts of fresh flavor. “This is amazing, Naomi.”
Her cheeks flushed . “Thank you. I've been experimenting with some of the herbs the Harvesters cultivate.”
“Speaking of experimentation,” Ava said, shimmering into existence beside the table, “wait until you hear what I learned about Lunerium.”
“Finally,” Kyrela said, leaning forward with interest. “I've been curious about that material since we first found it.”
Ava's expression shifted to one of scientific excitement, her hands moving as she spoke. “The analysis revealed something completely unexpected. Based on the isotopic composition and crystal structure, Lunerium didn't form on this planet.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, setting down my fork.
“I mean it formed in space,” Ava said, her voice rising with enthusiasm. “Specifically, in an environment with unfiltered solar radiation and zero atmospheric pressure. The mineral composition is impossible to achieve within a planetary atmosphere.”
Vanessa tilted her head, her fox ears perking up. “How would it have gotten underground then?”
“That's where things get really interesting,” Ava said, pulling up a holographic display that showed mineral analysis data. “There are no signs of atmospheric entry or impact. No shock metamorphism, no crater formations, no heat damage from atmospheric friction.”
“So it didn't fall,” I said, following her logic.
“Exactly,” Ava said. “My best theory is that it was teleported or phased directly into the planet's crust. Some kind of magical transport that bypassed normal physics entirely.”
Siobhan's expression grew thoughtful. “Teleportation magic on that scale would require enormous power. Far beyond what most creatures could manage.”
“Unless it wasn't teleported by a creature,” Kyrela said. “What if it was some kind of natural magical phenomenon?”
“Or,” Naomi added quietly, “what if it was placed there deliberately by something with the power to move materials between worlds?”
The table fell silent as we considered the implications. The idea that something had the capability to transport materials across space and phase them into planets was both fascinating and unsettling.
“Do we have any way to determine which theory is correct?” I asked.
Ava shook her head. “Not without more data. We'd need to find other deposits, analyze their distribution patterns, maybe locate any associated magical signatures. For now, it remains a mystery.”
“Well,” Vanessa said, breaking the contemplative mood, “at least we know it's useful.”
“More than useful,” Ava said, her excitement returning full force. “Which brings me to the best part of my analysis. The applications.”
She gestured, and the mineral analysis display was replaced by something that made my breath catch. A three-dimensional blueprint of power armor floated in the air above the table, every detail rendered in perfect clarity.
“Functional power armor,” Ava said, her voice filled with pride. “Something humanity has never achieved before.”
The design was elegant and practical, featuring a mithril outer shell for magical conductivity and protection, with Lunerium components visible through transparent sections. The mechanical systems were intricate but comprehensible, like a marriage of magic and technology.
“How does it work?” I asked, studying the rotating hologram.
“Lunerium serves as the mechanical muscle system,” Ava explained, highlighting different components as she spoke. “It responds to electrical impulses with incredible strength and precision. Combined with mithril circuits and our new processors for control systems, we can create armor that enhances the wearer's natural abilities exponentially.”
“For all of us?” Naomi asked, her voice filled with wonder.
“For all of you,” Ava said, her smile widening. “Each suit will be customized for its wearer's specific capabilities and fighting style.”
The hologram shifted, showing a sleek suit designed with draconic elements. Wing attachments gleamed with integrated heat dispersal systems, while the chest piece featured a complex array of magical focusing crystals.
“Kyrela,” Ava said, “your armor will dramatically increase both the power and heat of your dragonfire. But more importantly, it will allow you to use mana crystals to change your flame's energy type entirely. Fire, frost, lightning, even exotic energy types we haven't discovered yet. Excess mana will also be routed into your body - helping you regain your full strength.”
Kyrela's eyes lit up with predatory excitement. “I could breathe lightning? That's incredible. The kind of weapon of legends.”
The hologram changed again, showing armor designed with sleeker lines and integrated shadowy elements. Dark energy conduits ran through the frame like veins, pulsing with contained power.
“Siobhan,” Ava continued, “your armor will augment your natural hellfire abilities while dramatically increasing your teleportation range. More importantly, it will allow you to actually cast hellfire spells in combat instead of just applying it to weapons.”
Siobhan's eyes widened slightly, the first time I'd seen her truly surprised. “Hellfire spells? I thought those were beyond my capability.”
“Not with Lunerium enhancement,” Ava said. “The armor will channel and amplify your demonic energy to levels that should allow for area attacks, sustained flame barriers, even hellfire constructs.”
“Constructs?” I asked.
“Weapons and barriers” Ava explained. “Think of it as giving Siobhan access to her full demonic magical heritage.”
“I’ll have the power of an archdemon,” Siobhan said.
“Not at first,” Ava said. “But like Kyrela, this will help you get there.”
The armor design shifted again, this time showing a suit with elegant curves and wing integration points. Wind current visualizations flowed around the hologram, showing how air would move across the suit's surface.
“Naomi,” Ava said, “your armor will enhance your natural flight capabilities while providing perfect synchronization with wind currents. You'll be able to control air pressure, wind direction, and atmospheric conditions within a significant radius.”
