Chapter 101: A.I. Cloud

"Only an experienced eye could see its true value." Shane repeated.

It was unfortunate that even with his level 10 Metalworking and Mining Skills, he still didn't have that experienced eye to see the true value of the ores.

Nonetheless, Leo was able to discern the true value of these ores, allowing him to gain confidence with the new items he could have from such precious materials.

With Leo's help, he was able to learn what they could do!

[ Starlight Silver Ore:

Description: A rare metal that shimmers with the ethereal glow of captured starlight, revealing intricate patterns of celestial origins to the discerning eye. Its purity and resilience hint at untold potential for crafting extraordinary artifacts.

Effects: Crafted weapons from Starlight Silver Ore possess the innate ability to enhance precision, granting a higher chance of critical hits against foes. Armor forged from this ore offers enhanced agility and speed to the wearer, allowing swift maneuvers in battle. ]

[ Abyssal Iron Ore:

Description: As dark as the depths of the abyss, this ore exudes an aura of unyielding strength and impenetrable fortitude. Its weight foretells of its exceptional density, harboring the essence of ancient mysteries waiting to be forged into formidable armaments.

Effects: Weapons crafted from Abyssal Iron Ore bestow increased defensive capabilities, providing a shield against enemy attacks. Armors fashioned from this ore offer heightened protection and resilience, reducing damage taken in combat. ]

[ Phoenix Copper Ore:

Description: Radiating a gentle warmth and adorned with a flickering flame-like luminescence, this ore embodies the fiery spirit of the legendary phoenix. Its malleability and enchanting glow signify a transformative essence, promising the creation of weapons or armor imbued with resilience and vigor.

Effects: Crafted items from Phoenix Copper Ore grant the wielder or wearer an elemental advantage, infusing attacks with a fiery essence that burns foes over time. Armor made from this ore provides increased resistance to fire-based attacks, shielding the user from flames and heat-related damage. ]

"What are your thoughts, Sir Shane?" Leo asked after Shane confirmed all the effects of the ores he obtained.

Shane examined the appraised ores, each with its own unique allure and potential.

After completely understanding their purpose, he turned to Leo, the blacksmith, as his mind raced with possibilities.

"These Starlight Silver Ore weapons... they could turn the tide in a battle with their additional benefit. If my guess is right, it gives additional attack speed or maybe agility, and also critical hit rate. I'm thinking of a set of lightweight throwing knives, perfect for quick, silent takedowns. And if I'm going to make armor out of it, it will be a recon suit that allows for stealth and speed.

But I already have the Crawler Set... What do you think, Leo?" Shane asked after some thoughts.

"With five ores, we can consider making a light chest plate for two ores and the three others can be used for hidden weapons., Master Shane. The Starlight Silver's luster will make the knives almost invisible in the night, and the recon suit will be as light as a shadow. I'll ensure they're both crafted to perfection." Leo replied after giving considering the sizes of the ores.

To be honest, the ores were really quite a huge chunk.

"Right... That's great, Leo. Now, this Abyssal Iron Ore, with its defensive properties... A shield against Zombies might be helpful. It doesn't have to be a huge shield... If there's enough for light armor, something that can absorb the brunt of any attack, consider it as well.

Remember that Anna might use it while foraging outside the estate." Shane suggested, as he also realized that the ores indeed have a good size.

"For Anna, huh... Very well... The Abyssal Iron will serve well for such purposes. A shield that can withstand any onslaught and armor that will make the wearer comfortable during foraging tasks or when doing complicated movements..." Leo nodded repeatedly as he listed the items that he had to make.

He navigated the labyrinth of lasers with an agility that could only be achieved way above his current level.

His movements were precise and calculated, and he certainly did not make a mistake as he continued on his way.

Then, at the corridor's end, he saw a formidable obstacle: a massive metal door, its surface bristling with an array of defensive mechanisms.

"Wow... Why do I feel like I entered a science fiction now..." Shane muttered as he recalled that this government made Project Z truly an advanced civilization. It was completely different from what he originally thought after seeing the dilapidated manor.

Anyway, Shane surveyed the door, his eyes narrowing as he assessed its vulnerabilities. It was then that he called upon Cloud, his A.I. Assistant, now housed within the sleek form of a wristwatch.

"Cloud, scan the door. We need an entry point." Shane said.

This was the reason why he was confident that he would be fine getting into this place. He didn't come unprepared!

[ Scanning now, Shane. Please stand by. ]

"Got it... Take your time." Shane replied.

The watch emitted a series of soft beeps as it interfaced with the floor's security network.

[ That red panel on the door three times. ]

"Alright..." Shane replied as he did what he was told.

After tapping it three times, nothing happened.

However, Shane wasn't impatient.

Moments later, a small panel on the door's surface clicked open, revealing a nest of wires.

"Whoaaa... How did you do that?" Shane muttered.

[ We have located the central wiring hub. Connect me, and I will initiate the hacking sequence. ]

"We can do that?" Shane raised his brows, but he still placed the watch near the nest of wires.

His fingers deftly exposed the core wires. With a swift motion, he connected Cloud to the system.

The A.I.'s presence within the network was like a whisper, bypassing firewalls and decrypting codes with an efficiency that only an Anima-forged intelligence could achieve

"Awesome..."

[ Hacking in progress... Security protocols are complex, but not beyond my capabilities. ]

The door's defenses began to falter, one by one, as Cloud's algorithms tore through them. Lights flickered, alarms silenced, and the once-impenetrable door yielded to Shane's will.

"Well done, Cloud. Let's see what secrets this floor holds."