Robert strode into the sanctum, magical energy buzzing in the air. The slight smell of kobolds mixed with damp earth, while soft light flickered across the crystalline walls. The air buzzed with unseen currents of magic that prickled his skin. The silvery walls glowed softly as DAVE's voice rang out, cheerful but sharp. "Yo, Robert, back so soon? What's the plan to save Edinburgh, bossman?"
Robert offered a small smile, getting to the point. "I need a portal closer to Edinburgh. We're dealing with a crisis there, and faster access would change everything."
DAVE's voice dipped, sounding hesitant. "Sorry, that's beyond my Sanctum Master powers. Portals are tied to fixed magical spots, and moving one is way out of my league." He perked up. "But there's another way."
Robert crossed his arms, curious. "Go on."
"The arch," DAVE said, his voice buzzing with excitement. "It's an ancient relic, a gateway that linked Albion and Earth. Its stones have runes that connect to the world's leylines. Put them together, and it channels huge magical energy, even if nobody remembers how it works. The arch's stones still hold magic, even when scattered. Rebuild it, stone by stone, and you could anchor a new portal right where you need it. It's untested, but I bet you can pull it off."
Robert's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant. Tricky, but I can handle it." He nodded, picturing the challenge. "Thanks, DAVE. Solid idea."
"Naturally," DAVE replied, practically beaming. "I live to serve, Robert."
Robert glanced around the sanctum, thoughtful. "Before I go, anything you need? Upgrades or requests for the sanctum?"
DAVE paused, which was rare for the chatty core. "Got any new sanctum cores?"
Robert blinked, surprised, but nodded. "Yeah, actually." He pulled three sanctum core shards from his pack. The first glowed golden with intricate engravings, the second was chipped and barely functional, and the third was clear, holding a faint hydra image inside.
DAVE's excitement was clear as the cores floated from Robert's hands, held up by glowing magical threads that pulsed with the sanctum's energy. The leprechaun core's golden glow threw patterns on the walls, while the hydra core's light sparkled like rainbows through the silvery mist. They spun slowly, catching the light as DAVE studied them. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating," he murmured.
The golden core spun faster as DAVE studied it. "This one's leprechaun magic. It'll boost resource generation, gold, enchanted items, maybe even luck-based defenses. With these tricksters and the fairies, I'll have to watch them closely!"
Robert considered this and had an idea. "DAVE, could you create leprechauns, good ones preferably, to go out and spread magic and wonder? Like showing up at random times, offering deals for good deeds or cursing bad folks with annoying stuff. Say a leprechaun catches a bully picking on someone and curses him to be gassy. Nothing violent, just fair payback. I want them to bring joy and luck to kind, hardworking people, misery to cruel jerks, and even bless land with magic to make it more like your sanctum."
DAVE paused, thoughtful. "It's doable, Robert, but creating leprechauns with that balance takes time and resources. Their mischief needs careful tuning to match your vision. It could take weeks, maybe months, and it'll drain some sanctum resources temporarily. If you think it's worth it, I can start prepping."
Robert paused, then said, "You know what, burn the chipped core to power up the leprechauns. That'll speed things up, right? I can skip bats and night creatures for now."
The chipped core glowed weakly. DAVE sniffed, unimpressed. "This one's barely better than junk. Look at those chips and scars. Pretty beat-up, right? Still, we can use its power for something else. Burning it to speed up the leprechauns' creation is smart. It'll cut the time down, though we lose any stealth or night benefits. Fair trade."
The hydra core gleamed brightly as DAVE turned it over. "And this, oh, Robert, this is powerful. A hydra's essence. Regenerative capabilities, multi-layered defenses, and attacks that multiply. This could transform the sanctum."
DAVE's voice turned reverent as he drew the cores toward the glowing Teardrop holding his essence. "The hydra core's amazing, its regenerative power and layered defenses could make the sanctum stronger than it's been in centuries. Give me time to study these. Come back later, and I'll show you options to boost the sanctum's power. With your lead, of course."
Robert nodded, impressed. "I'll check back soon. Thanks, DAVE."
DAVE's voice brightened. "Anything for you, Robert. Anything at all!"
Robert stood before the scattered stones of the ancient arch, his left eye shining as he used his Prismatic Magister powers. The marble in his eye sparkled, casting colorful light across the ground, showing the magical threads linking each stone to its original spot. Each thread pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, guiding Robert to where each piece belonged, as if the stones remembered their place.
He crouched beside the first stone, running his fingers over its worn surface. Runes carved into it lit up under his earth magic, their lines glowing in response to his touch. Robert took a deep breath, focusing, and stretched out his hands. Earth and light magic swirled together, golden energy wrapping the stone. It shook slightly, as if resisting after years of rest, then rose smoothly. Its rough edges glowed, light washing over them like water, erasing erosion scars as Robert guided it into place. He sealed it with golden threads that wove into the runes, locking it tight.
One by one, he tackled the pile, each stone a new puzzle. Some were cracked, their runes nearly gone. Others had detailed carvings that pulsed with traces of ancient magic. As Robert raised each stone, he admired the skill of the mages who crafted them. "What knowledge they must've had to build something this complex," he murmured, his voice lost in the quiet air.
The work was slow and careful. Robert's left eye ached from the constant magical strain, but he kept going. The threads of light and earth magic blended under his control, a burst of power that took all his focus. Each stone's placement sent ripples of energy through the growing arch, the pieces humming together as the structure took shape.
Hours stretched into evening, the sun sinking low. Sweat dripped down Robert's face despite the cool air as he focused on another stone. The magic in his eye lit the runes brighter now, like the arch was waking up. Soft whispers hummed in the air, a lost language that stirred something deep in his soul.
Footsteps broke his focus. Robert looked back to see Lilia walking up, carrying a tray with bread, cheese, and a water flask. She gave a small smile, setting the tray down quietly. Her green eyes watched him as she stepped behind him, her hands resting on his shoulders. Her fingers kneaded the tension out, firm and soothing.
Robert exhaled, relaxing a bit. "Thanks, Lilia," he murmured, voice heavy with exhaustion. He nodded at the half-built arch. "This is tough work. Each stone connects to the others, like they know their place. My magic shows the threads, but placing them is like solving a puzzle blind."
Lilia's hands paused, then kept going, her silence urging him to continue. Robert explained more, words spilling out about how earth and light magic worked together, how the runes responded to his power. She listened closely, her expression soft but focused, her eyes fixed on him. Her calm presence steadied him as he explained his work. As she massaged his shoulders, she sent gentle bursts of healing magic into him, boosting his energy and mana. Each burst made him breathe deeply, like sinking into a warm bath.
"It's almost alive," Robert said, awe in his voice. "The arch isn't just a structure. It's a bridge between worlds. Maybe more."
Lilia squeezed his shoulders, her touch full of encouragement. She stepped to his side, offering the water flask. Robert took it, drinking deeply, then got back to work. She kissed his cheek, gave a warm smile, and picked up the tray. Her proud look told Robert she had his back, her eyes saying she knew him best. That glance alone fired him up. "Thanks, Lilia," he said. She winked playfully and headed off to help with settlement preparations.
Finally, as the last stone slid into place, Robert let out a shaky breath, pouring his remaining energy into binding it. Golden light flashed through the arch, lighting up the runes in a bright glow. The stones flared with light, strobing together in a dazzling burst.
Robert stepped back, hands shaking from effort. The arch stood tall and imposing, radiating an aura of ancient power that seemed to reach out and envelop the surrounding area. They pulled power from ancient ley lines that once flowed here like a strong river, now just a thin stream. But it was enough for the arch to start charging. The 12 recovered runes glowed softly, their light casting shifting patterns on the ground as the magic stirred.
Robert stared, his chest heaving with deep breaths as exhaustion and pride mixed inside him. "It's amazing," he murmured, his voice soft with awe. His left eye dimmed, the marble's glow fading as he relaxed. Now, all that remained was to test if the arch could really open a portal