Chapter 624: Prototypes

Walker and Gil had their head on a swivel. They saw that many of the apprentices were working on unique golems. Unlike the same mass produced golems they had seen as guards and patrols on the surface and so far in the caves, these were all prototype experiments. 

"My apprentices are not allowed to use any existing design without building it themselves and modifying it. I hate the same thing done over and over, there is no point and it creates a stagnant future." Grey looked like he was about to spit at the idea of making the same golems over and over. It was clear that there was another place in the high forge that created the parts for the normal golems. 

"Walker, look. That golem over there is being made in to a serpent." Gil had spotted a golem with many interlocking segments. The large head of a snake at the front gave it away and made it very interesting. 

"You found that interesting? It is a common challenge to take on since the apprentice needs to perfectly build each [art to lock in and flow properly. Only five or six have apprentices attempted and succeeded all based them on different serpent or snake monsters. That is a model of the giant swamp python. I believe an adolescent model to be exact." Grey had posed the challenge a long time ago since it was a good chance to learn about how parts needed to mech perfectly to get the optimal design. 

"I really don't get how all the gears and parts come together. I am a little out of my depth since we don't use things like this in our kingdom. But we also rely on magic more. I wonder what else you could make in to a golem like that." Walker was looking at many other golems and found that an apprentice making a small bird golem was working on the wings. 

"How are the hollow tin feathers going? Are they light enough?" Grey knew exactly what the apprentice was working on and the apprentice jumped when being spoken to. They had believed they were going to be told to go get materials but instead were being asked about their work which brought a serious and business like demeanor to them. 

"The feathers are light enough for flight but are easily bent by force. I want them to be stronger but I can not find a way to do it. I also don't know if they will work in the strong winds of plains or mountains. Using them for communication could be challenging." The apprentice had been testing multiple ways to make the feathers stable for flight but found they were too heavy, brittle, light, or even flammable. 

"Try adding more iron to the alloy mix. They overlap the feathers to give them support and tell me how they work. I expect you to have the problem solved in a month. You have the ability." Grey walked on but the look of determination the apprentice had after receiving advice was more than he had prior. 

"I didn't know you have golems that could fly. I think that would be a sight to see." Gil was imagining the small clicking gears in a tiny bird as it flapped through the air. 

"We have made some but they always fail sooner than others. There are higher mana requirements for flight than for those on the ground. It comes down to the faster movements required to keep something in the air. The golem that apprentice is making is the most efficient yet if it can fly and survive the process." Grey spoke like this was an average thing but in reality, it was a breakthrough that could help the dwarves with their communication to other kingdoms and merchants. 

"Miss Midnight, your party members are over there touring the apprentices with master Grey. Thank you for your assistance in lighting a unique forge fire for us." The royal guard gave a slight bow to Midnight after putting the six ice jade charms around her neck. She proceeded to prance through the work area drawing attention from nearly every single apprentice who had been at work just a moment ago. 

"Sorry to call you away, I know you were probably having fun with the fire down there. But Grey has decided he needs a model to craft a dragon golem after and you win as the best dragon around." Walker made sure to praise Midnight so that she would be happier to help. Yet, it didn't appear that it was needed because Midnight was already in an outstanding mood from the experiences and learning at the furnaces. 

"You look like you found some nice jewelry. You will need to have Onyx explain them to us later." Gil was examining the ice jade pendants around her neck and could feel the cool feeling around Midnight. He knew that there was more to them than he could see and wanted an answer right away, but he held himself back since there was more to do at the moment. 

"Yes! You will be the perfect model. I can copy the shapes of your scales and allow them to fall away when damaged. Your wings will be perfect for my experiments if I want the golem to fly like a real dragon. I wonder if I can add elemental mana crystals to add flames like you can breathe. This will be a lot of fun!" Grey saw Midnight and knew that his decision to make a dragon golem with the qualities of a shedding golem was correct. 

Midnight was confused but knew that this was a good thing. She could tell that Grey was impressed by her and that was really all she needed. "The golem he is making is something that would be unique due to the model he makes it after. Meaning it will almost be as brilliant looking as you." Walker made sure to get Midnight fully invested in this before Grey tried anything else. Seeing her head raise higher he knew he succeeded. 

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