I Received System to Become Dragonborn
Chapter 959 - 959: The Factory

In the other world, far from Arty's newfound control, the air was heavy with the scent of oil, metal, and electricity.

A faint hum echoed through the vast structure. It was an enormous factory nestled in the heart of a military complex, shielded by towering walls and watchtowers that loomed like silent sentinels.

Erend stepped through the front gates alongside Billy, Adrien, and Jessica. All of them were clad in regulation coats and uniforms bearing military insignia.

They were led past rows of armed personnel and mechanical loaders into the main chamber, where the machines for the Magic Assimilation Project were being constructed.

The factory itself was alive. Sparks flew from overhead rails as robotic arms welded large cylindrical units into shape.

Dozens of technicians in white uniforms moved briskly between stations.

At the far end stood a group of higher-ranking figures—among them, were Thomas, the lead scientist from the previous project and this project, and Conrad, who now had become one of the tactical engineers who'd designed much of the core interface. Because he was one of the most knowledgeable people about how the power of Magic works.

Both were deep in discussion until a voice cut through the noise.

"Welcome," boomed a man in a dark green uniform. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and had the unmistakable air of a military commander. "I'm Colonel Rask. I lead the operations here. Glad you made it on time."

Captain Adrien Boartusk nodded, eyes scanning the massive chamber.

"Yes. We came after we finished with the candidates," he said.

"Yes," Thomas added, stepping forward, his coat already stained with grease and soot. "I heard there were twenty in total and the trials begin next week.

Adrien nodded.

"But before that, you need to understand how the machinery works," Thomas said next.

He motioned toward one of the large metallic pods currently being examined by a team of technicians.

"This is the core of the system. We call it a Manifold Chamber. Each subject is inserted inside and once sealed, the pod activates a layered simulation using artificial projections of elemental Magic fields drawn directly from our custom generators."

Conrad stepped beside Thomas. He also got the job to explain to them.

"The machine mimics the conditions of a high-Magic environment and we also infused a little bit of the Magic power inside it. Think of it as a pressure cooker for the soul. It strains and aligns their inner energy to synchronize with elemental currents first. If the subject can survive the strain they'll come out able to use Magic to a small extent."

Billy raised a brow. "What if they can't?" Billy asked.

Colonel Rask didn't hesitate. "Then they will just become too tired and not able to continue. Sometimes they will suffer minor injuries."

Jessica crossed her arms, lips tightening. "I see that you're minimizing the risks."

"Yes, Major. While we're preparing them," Thomas replied flatly. "Unfortunately, there's no other way to bridge humans from our world into the power of Magic without any risk."

Erend stepped closer to the pod, running a gloved hand along its surface. It vibrated faintly.

"Let's just hope you're right," he muttered. "Because if this fails and too many people get hurt, we may need to try another method. Or maybe cancel the entire project."

They all stiffened at Erend's words. Even Colonel Rask's commanding presence seemed to waver for a moment.

Though Erend's rank wasn't as high as theirs in the conventional chain of command, they all understood what his presence meant.

General Lennard had made it clear that Erend holds the highest authority in this project. No one outside of a very small circle knew why, and those who did wouldn't dare speak of it.

But the order was absolute. His word could pause, alter, or shut down the entire operation, and not even Rask could override it.

The tension lingered in the air until Conrad stepped forward with a straight face.

"I'll personally ensure the Manifold Chamber and the other machines run at peak condition and as safely as possible," he said. "No corners will be cut. You have my word."

Erend gave him a brief nod. "Good. Keep it that way."

With the matter settled for now, the group continued their tour of the facility.

They moved deeper into the labyrinthine structure, passing rows of machinery still being assembled like the modular converter units, elemental fuel regulators, and Magic energy filters, all connected by thick cables and reinforced pipes.

The rhythmic clang of tools and hiss of hydraulic presses filled the air like an iron heartbeat.

As the others walked ahead, Erend's sharp eyes subtly scanned the workers. Most were focused, disciplined, heads down and eyes on their tasks.

Some were clearly military-trained engineers who were moving with practiced efficiency. Others seemed like civilian contractors who looked less rigid in posture and more expressive.

Erend took note of one young man whose gaze lingered too long on the group. He wore the same uniform as the others, but something about the way he moved that looked too cautious and too aware stood out.

Then there was a woman further down the assembly line. Her face was calm, but her eyes kept flicking toward the chamber they had just examined, as if watching it with a sense of anxiety, or intent.

Erend stored those faces in memory. In a place like this, one risk left unchecked could burn the entire plan to the ground.

Erend was certain a security issue would surface sooner or later. No matter how secretive the operation was, the sheer number of personnel meant some spies could slip through unnoticed.

With so many faces, they couldn't guarantee all of them were loyal. He'd need to brief the others soon and perhaps conduct his own sweep of the area.

Eventually, they reached a reinforced corridor that led them down into the factory's lower levels.

Rask gestured toward a wide, sealed bulkhead.

"This is the basement," he said. "All trials will be conducted here. It's the most secure and isolated part of the facility."

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