Shiro's intuition

The meeting came to an end. They were ecstatic, but they still had much work to do, though they could now share the good news with the rest of the players. Although this first circle was a minor matter for the level Ikky's mana cores had reached, it would be a major breakthrough for many players, and when they managed to advance to the next circle, the effective power of the humans would grow exponentially.

The Vertrans who had accompanied the Grand Elder for the construction tasks demonstrated their efficiency; although they lacked the ease humans demonstrated in manipulating stone, their advanced construction techniques using modular technology had allowed them to erect a small, futuristic-looking palace in the rustic citadel.

The Grand Elder excused himself and left so he could visit his chambers and rest, before the players gave him the keys to a private room in the hot springs for his complete enjoyment.