Chapter 47

So, what news did you have to report about the project?" Shai asked.

The glass had been cleaned up, and Akil was taking care of his hand. He winced when it stung but seemed undistracted otherwise. "Ah, right. When I read 'Magic Within the Core,' I discovered a connection between different kinds of crystals and cores, and mana. It seems different types of cores have different types of mana, while the tiers are the concentration of mana. For crystals, the color and opacity determine the type and quality."

Shai nodded along but didn't quite make the connection between their goal and this discovery. His silence urged Zale on. "So, if we can manage to find pure mana from among all the various cores and crystals, we would be able to use that to potentially achieve our own tier 1 core."

When it connected, it was like lightning in Shai's body. He almost jumped up, but the sudden pain in his hand and a chiding warning from Akil settled him. "That is phenomenal news! Exactly what I needed at a time like this," he exclaimed with renewed vigor.

"Well, it is great news, but I'm not sure how much closer it puts us to the goal. I'll set the team in two groups, though," Zale mused, "one for inspecting the market of all cores and crystals, and one for looking into the races a bit deeper."

Shai cocked his head, raking fingers through his long dark locks with his good hand. "Why the races?"

Zale smirked at the knowledge that he was able to one-up Shai at times as well. "Well, the former is simple. We need to see if there is anything on the market that might have the mana we are looking for. How to measure that…well, maybe I'll leave that up to the team. I don't know yet. For the second group, I'm worried about using primal, or demon, or any other mana that isn't…well, human. Or neutral, at least. There's no telling what could happen. Not that I know if this will work anyway."

Shai nodded along. "I see your point. That is an astute observation. I'll be sure to get the team on that then. I-"

"No, no. I'll take care of it. You've got plenty of shit on your plate as it is. Just focus on what you have to do first. Then you can join us again."

Shai smiled and shook his head while mentally checking himself. "You are right. I appreciate the consideration. It has been up and down tonight, but I have enjoyed your company. Once again, I apologize for my episode earlier," he said, raising his bandaged hand as Akil finished.

"Don't mention it. Sometimes you have to blow off some steam. Some people move to Egypt; some people smash tables. To each their own, really," Zale jabbed with a light chuckle.

Shai joined with his own laugh, and Akil smiled quietly at his master's joy. "I suppose so. Thank you again. I'm going to retire early for tonight, though. I believe I need some rest."