Mythical Creatures Strategy Guide

Chapter 109 Living Ore

"That's right. Although Pegasus can't fly, their speed and endurance are among the best of all pack animals in the empire. Centaur cavalry are the most elite troops in Pegasus Territory and an important defensive line on the empire's northern border. But if the metal monsters invented by the Dwarf Kingdom can replace animal power, or even human power—"

"Then the value of animal power will drop drastically, and the entire animal husbandry industry will gradually become meaningless." Arthur immediately understood and continued, "The cost of raising Pegasus is too high. The entire Pegasus Territory's economy is built on animal power. Once animal power depreciates, the Pegasus Territory's economy will suffer a major blow!"

Mrs. Mira glanced at her, a hint of approval in her eyes: "You're absolutely right."

Arthur couldn't help but feel admiration for this female lord once again.

How many people can be as farsighted as Lady Mira in planning for a rainy day? Most of the empire's lords are nothing but lazy good-for-nothings.

Amber Heard pondered for a moment: "Then what does this have to do with cave exploration?"

Mrs. Mira turned the map to the other side. This side showed a more detailed diagram, marking the general structure inside the mine.

The mine tunnel extends downwards from the main entrance, branching into several forks in the middle section. One of these forks ends with a question mark drawn on it.

"Before this ancient mine was abandoned, a rare ore was discovered in the silver mine's associated veins," Mrs. Mira said, pointing to the location of the question mark. "The local miners called it the 'living ore.'"

""

"Living ore, as the name suggests, is a type of ore that has a strong repulsive reaction to holy light, but it also possesses a very special property. Under certain conditions, it can spontaneously produce physical movements similar to muscle contraction."

"Spontaneous movement?" Arthur's ahoge twitched. "You mean this ore moves on its own?"

"It's not just that it moves," Lady Mira said seriously. "According to the miners' notes from back then, when the live ore comes into contact with a certain frequency of striking sound, it will automatically assemble into simple geometric structures and can continue to move for more than an hour. This property is very similar to the metal monsters that move on their own in the dwarf kingdom."

Chu Sheng and the other two exchanged glances, all seeing a hint of seriousness in each other's eyes.

However, Chu Sheng's eyes held more suspicion. He didn't doubt the existence of living mines, but rather that the dwarves weren't using living mine technology at all.

But he hadn't seen the actual metal monster, so he couldn't say much and could only continue listening.

"So you suspect that the core technology of those metal monsters in the dwarf kingdom is related to this active mine?" Arthur asked.

"It's worth investigating," Mrs. Mira nodded. "I've reviewed all the records left by the miners. Mining of that active vein ceased shortly after its discovery due to the depletion of the silver mine."

"The miners only recorded the strange properties of this ore and did not continue digging. If they could find any remaining samples of the living ore, they might be able to figure out how those metal monsters in the dwarf kingdom work."

Upon hearing this, Chu Sheng also wanted to show off: "With a sample, even if the technology of the Dwarf Kingdom is already mature, Pegasus Territory can make targeted adjustments to its industrial structure and prepare new economic pillars in advance."

The three women looked at him at the same time, clearly not understanding his technical terms.

"I think I understand what you mean." Lady Mira was incredibly intelligent and quickly grasped Chu Sheng's meaning. She even put forward a more radical idea: "Simply preparing for industrial transformation in advance is not enough. If the active mine can really be used to manufacture those metal monsters, then the Tianma Territory can completely control this mine before the Dwarf Kingdom does. No matter how advanced the Dwarf Kingdom's technology is, without raw materials, it's like water without a source."

What a ruthless woman.

Chu Sheng bared his teeth.

But it's still well worth the trip. Although there might be some dangers lurking in the ancient mines, the rewards are equally substantial.

Chu Sheng had absolutely no interest in technological innovation or the industrial transformation of Tianma Territory; he came to this world for only three things.

Monet, court, court court.

Aside from women, only the Sacred Tree Free Trade Market could get his attention, after all, it was a promise he made to Amber.

Mrs. Mira pondered for a moment, as if recalling something: "According to the records, there was a small collapse before the mine was abandoned. After the collapse, the miners reported hearing strange noises deep in the mine, like something was knocking on the rock walls."

"At that time, the silver veins were basically exhausted, and no one was willing to risk going down into the mine to explore, so the matter was dropped. After that, the mine was officially abandoned and remains so to this day."

"The sound of something striking the rock wall?" Arthur frowned. "Could it be a magical beast?"

"Possibly. But after thousands of years, even magical beasts would probably be extinct," Lady Mira said truthfully. "However, just to be on the safe side, I hope you will all come with me."

Amber smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, my lord, I will accompany you."

Lady Mira looked at Ambermind: "I am deeply grateful that Your Majesty is willing to help."

Arthur put down his teacup as well: "The Imperial Knights have an obligation to assist territorial lords in handling emergencies that may threaten the security of their territories, and I will go as well."

Chu Sheng raised his hand: "If you all go, I'll go too. I don't want to be alone in an empty room."

The atmosphere finally eased a little.

"Then it's settled." Mrs. Mira stood up. "I'll go arrange for people to prepare the equipment needed for the cave exploration. If no one else has any plans, we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

Arthur also stood up: "I'll go explain to Ella and Silverleaf, and tell them not to run around."

Chu Sheng suddenly remembered something: "That's right, Ella has a very keen sense of smell. If there really are some magical beasts lurking in the mine, she should be able to smell them in advance."

"Then let Silverleaf stay at the lord's manor," Arthur thought for a moment. "She's too young to go down into the mines."

"160 years old is still young?" Chu Sheng pointed to his nose. "What about me?"

"Then you go tell her yourself," Arthur said expressionlessly, passing the buck back to her.

Chu Sheng immediately shut up.

Lady Mira folded the sheepskin map again and put it in her pocket, then bowed slightly to the group: "I apologize again for tonight's events. After this is over, I will prepare a gift for each of you to express the Lord's apologies and gratitude."

Her gaze finally settled on Chu Sheng.

"Especially Chu Sheng." Her voice softened. "I hope you won't take tonight's events to heart."

Chu Sheng was stunned, then smiled.

"My lord, you are overthinking this." He couldn't resist his witty remark, "However, if there are any more succubus auras infecting you next time, please be sure to contact me immediately."

Mrs. Mira looked at him, her ears turning slightly red.