While the crusaders entered Floor One, Xiaoyao balanced the deposit box.
“Ticket sales are strong,” he said. “So are the eggs. Ling Yue bought six and asked if we license cooling equipment.”
Austin smiled. “Fifty spirit stones for an egg that costs three copper bits to boil. That is a 99.6 percent profit. She is already a better customer than the man who wanted to burn the mountain.”
A hum rose in his chest. The energy of a thousand fighters moving through the underground grid had stirred his Level 55 core. Magnetic loops tightened around it and fed solar fire back into its center.
Text appeared before his eyes.
Austin stepped off the porch before the breakthrough hit. Golden arcs curved from his shoulders and returned to his chest. The air smelled of rain and hot metal.
His boots pressed hard into the paving stones. He swapped two 25-pound weights on his belt for 50-pound bars until his balance returned.
Above the valley, huge loops of fire rose from the Second Sun and folded back into its surface. Their shape held steady in the wind.
Xiaoyao stared upward. “Is it safe?”
“Safer than before. The loops reduce drift and improve charging.” Austin checked the new blueprints. “We also get magnetic sorting chutes and self-cleaning screens.”
Tie Kuang ran up from the machine shop. “Every compass turned.”
“Core realignment. Reset them after lunch.” Austin picked up his wrench. “I am more concerned about the tour. They have reached the conveyor hall.”
A crash sounded below, followed by cheering.
Tie Kuang looked at the blast doors. “Should we stop them?”
“The line is at walking speed and the rollers are guarded. I will keep a hand on the emergency stop.” Austin headed for the stairs. “But after Zhao Ba’s morning, I am adding a second gate attendant.”
Xiaoyao closed the ledger. “And a clearer ticket diagram?”
“With bigger arrows.”