With the Aether Synthesis Chamber online, the Obsidian Heart Fortress experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity. The Core's AP reservoir, thanks to the limitless synthetic fuel production, was recovering at an alarming rate, quickly surpassing the 5,000 mark.
The next strategic investment was clear: upgrade Naiad to Tier 4, creating an elemental counterweight to Bulwark's physical might.
The Elemental Crucible
I summoned Naiad, the Tidal Lord, and placed the five Mana-Weaving Artifacts—shimmering pieces of ancient Elven crystal—around him. These artifacts were pure conduits for high-tier magic, a perfect catalyst for his natural water affinity.
"Naiad, the Empire relies on machines and steel. Their weakness is raw, unrefined power—the power of nature. I will fuse your control over the waters with the pure Mana of these Elven artifacts. You will become the master of the storm."
I dedicated a significant portion of my rapidly accumulating energy, channeling it through the Elven crystals and directly into the Lizardman's highly specialized aquatic Aura-center. This was the riskiest evolution yet, integrating alien magic (Mana) with the monster's inherent power (Aether).
— AETHER CORE POWER DRAIN: 4,500 AP —
TARGET: Naiad, the Tidal Lord
INITIATING: TIER 4 EVOLUTION: APEX ELEMENTAL INTEGRATION
APPLYING: [Tidal Command] \times [Elven Mana-Weaving Artifacts].
EVOLUTION SUCCESSFUL!
NEPTUNE STATUS UPDATE:
RACE: Evolved to Lizardman Elemental General (Apex Commander)
AURA POWER: 3,800 (Permanent Tier 4 increase.)
UNIQUE SKILL: [Tidal Command] (Evolved to [Absolute Maelstrom] – Tier 4. Can manipulate atmospheric moisture and local water sources to create localized hurricanes, tidal waves, or solid constructs of ice/water. Range: 1\text{km}.)
NEW UNIQUE SKILL ACQUIRED: [Mana-Aether Synchronization] (Passive. All elemental attacks gain 50\% piercing damage against technological and magical defenses.)
NEW ROLE: Neptune, Elemental General of the Core Legion.
The transformation was spectacular. The water in the Fortress's run-off canals erupted into a vortex. Naiad's scales brightened to an azure blue, and a crown of perpetually swirling, solidified water appeared above his crest. He now stood taller, his presence radiating the calm, terrifying strength of the deep ocean.
He was no longer Naiad. He was Neptune.
Neptune rose, flexing his hands. The air around him grew instantly colder, condensing into a fine mist that obeyed his slightest thought. "My Lord," he hissed, his voice now carrying the low roar of a distant wave. "The Empire's furnaces will be quenched by the very air they breathe."
The Core's Final Command
The Core now commanded two Tier 4 Generals: Bulwark (3,500 AP, Physical Defense/Command) and Neptune (3,800 AP, Elemental Offense/Control). The entire army was equipped with Aether-Steel and Aether Rifles. The [Strategic Command Matrix] provided all necessary intelligence.
The target was the Imperial Capital. There could be no more delays.
"Bulwark, Neptune, the time for skirmishing is over. We have broken their supply lines and neutralized their technology. The capital is a hard shell with a soft core—a central command structure reliant on communication. We will not siege it; we will disable it from within."
The Core's assimilated data had revealed the Capital's greatest weakness: the main Defense Command Center was located in an antiquated sub-level bunker, separated from the Senate of Magitech by a complex, multi-layered defense array.
"We need to execute a clean, silent decapitation strike to sow maximum chaos before the main force arrives."
I turned my focus to the two commanders best suited for extreme stealth and specialized close-quarters objectives: Ranga, the Sentinel, and Shade, the Shadow Sentry. They would form the Core's Elite Infiltration Unit.
I ordered Gimlak to focus all resources on outfitting them with specialized, ultra-lightweight Aether-Stealth Gear, based on the refined Tier 3 Power Armor Design.