The Treasury Chamber hummed with latent energy.
Spark Nighthawk stood still in the middle of the room. His Framepath and Soulcraft were in solid Tier-3 now. The next step was bringing his Technomind gears up to par. He needed them sharp and ready.
First, the Power Rifle. It was a reliable piece even against higher tier opponents. But if he could upgrade it, he would. Stronger weapon would help him better after all.
Spark retrieved the rifle from the technomind void. A heavy, intimidating black gun humming with potential energy. He set it down on a reinforced workbench.
He took necessary components for upgrade from several different vaults. And put them nearby. Refined Shiverion Alloys. Potent Eldritch Liquid Crystals. Standard Mystic Silver Bars. Hellfire Grease Oil.
Spark concentrated and prepared the precise mental blueprint he had already designed. Leveraging on the vast rune knowledge now embedded in his mind.
Taking a deep breath, Spark focused his will. Energy surged from his core. Manifesting as the Black Vortex Flame above his open palm. His unique Technomind ability.
It was a void flame of pure energy. A swirling vortex of absolute fusion and creation. Capable of bending reality itself to forge and reshape matter.
He took the rifle, blueprint, and materials. And threw it within the controlled torrent of blazing darkness.
The process began. Spark's mind linked with the flame. Guiding the intricate fusion and restructuring. It wasn't simply melting and reforming. It was a profound manipulation of the materials at a molecular and runic level.
The blueprint acted as the template. The command structure for the chaotic energy of the Black Vortex Flame. Spark felt the strain. A sharp focus required to maintain the precision needed for such a complex upgrade.
Sweat beaded on his tanned brow. His massive muscles tensed under the effort. The air in the chamber grew heavy. Crackling with raw power.
Hours passed. The Black Vortex Flame pulsed. Drawing energy from Spark and the surrounding environment. The components dissolved and reformed within its embrace. Guided by the mental blueprint and Spark's unwavering will.
Finally, after a few hours, the process concluded. The Black Vortex Flame receded. Vanishing back into Spark's core. Left on the workbench was the upgraded Power Rifle.
Superficially, the change was subtle. It was slightly thicker in the barrel and receiver. With slightly longer and lighter-colored silencer part.
Its weight had increased significantly. But it should still be manageable. As his physical power had also increased significantly as he reached the current tier.
The heft felt dense, packed with condensed power. Spark lifted it. Testing its balance. It felt solid. Reliable. Powerful.
He ran a diagnostic pulse through it with his Technomind. The internal structure was a marvel of engineering and runic integration. Far more robust than before.
The power output readings were nearly double. As was the effective range.
The more intricate explosive runes were now integrated into the bolt chamber. Responsible for kinetic acceleration. They were significantly more potent. Capable of propelling modified rounds with terrifying force.
The focus of this upgrade hadn't been adding flashy new functions. But a brutal optimization. Stronger framework. Harder hitting bullets. Longer reach. Simple. Effective.
After the taxing mental exertion of the rifle upgrade. Spark took a short break. He grabbed a nutrient paste. A bland but energy-rich concoction. And quickly consumed it.
Next on the list... the Spatial Belt. Not a weapon. But arguably just as crucial. It held his grimoires, supplies, tools, emergency resources, and several other things.
He first emptied it out. And placed the belt on the workbench. The contents lay in neat piles nearby. Equipment, rations, valuable artifacts, collected materials, and even his precious grimoires.
Again, he prepared the mental blueprint. This one was simpler than the rifle's. Focused primarily on expanding the spatial dimensions. Within the belt's embedded rune matrix.
The required materials were different too. Space Crystals. Stardust Fragments. Void Orbs. And Liquid Chronoglass.
He summoned the Black Vortex Flame once more. This time, the process felt less physically draining than the rifle upgrade. Which required complex restructuring and energy channeling.
The Spatial Belt upgrade was more about expanding and reinforcing an existing spatial pocket. It took longer time. But it required significantly less drain on his mental reserves.
He directed the Flame. Dissolving the materials. Weaving them into the belt's existing dimensional fabric under the guidance of the blueprint.
The spatial pocket shimmered within the flame. Stretching. Expanding. Spark monitored the process. Ensuring stability. Preventing tears or distortions in the fabric of space.
Hours passed. The hum of the Black Vortex Flame was a constant presence in the chamber.
Finally, the flame dissipated. The Spatial Belt lay on the workbench. Outwardly unchanged. The buckle was the same dull black metal. The leather strap indistinguishable from before.
But when Spark linked his mind to it, he felt the difference immediately. The internal storage space had doubled in size. Capable of holding significantly more bulk. Simple, as designed. Effective. Efficient. Another Tier 3 upgrade complete.
He still had one empty gearcore integration slot. It sat dormant within his Technomind core. Waiting. He wouldn't fill it yet. The plan remained the same. The sky ship.
He had acquired the necessary sky-ship-type gearcore at the Great Auction. Once the vessel was completed, he would integrate it. Turning the entire ship into his Technomind Gear. A massive, mobile platform tied directly to his will.
Unfortunately, that would take a couple more weeks. Maybe longer. Patience was required here.
With the upgrades complete for now, Spark packed the objects around him back to his Spatial Belt. And left the Treasury Chamber.
He made his way through the familiar halls of his mansion. His destination was his bed chamber. A space of calculated privacy and, for the most part, control.
He entered the room. And sat on the side of his huge bed. He picked up the Slave Grimoire out of his Spatial Belt. It was the key to his most valuable, and potentially dangerous, acquisitions.
He opened it to the page designated for his latest captive. The former Princess Kissara. He had trapped her inside. Modified her loyalty, personalities, and appearance. Now, it was time to bring her out.
Focusing his will, he activated the summoning rune on the page. The Grimoire glowed. And a portal of shimmering energy opened in the air before him. From it stepped a figure, solidifying into reality.
She was beautiful. Fair complexion. Smooth and unblemished. A slender build. Graceful and elegant. A marked contrast to Spark's own imposing mass.
Her eye-catching hair was a lustrous cascade of dark red. It framed her pretty face. Falling in waves past her shoulders.
Her eyes were deep green like hidden emeralds. They held a surprising intensity and eagerness. And there, just below her left eye, was a small, noticeable beauty mark. A subtle imperfection that enhanced her striking appearance instead.
Spark regarded her for a moment. Observing the changes. The successful execution of his will upon her very being.
"Report your condition." He stated in his deep voice. Amiable on the surface but carrying an undercurrent of absolute command.
She clasped her hands loosely in front of her. A posture of respectful attention.
"I am well, Master." She replied briefly. Her tone held no trace of reluctance. No hint of the resistance or indignation one might expect from a former princess. It was a simple, factual statement.
"Do you remember your past identities?" He pressed on. Testing the limits of the modification.
"I remember everything." She confirmed. Her green eyes were steady. "The palace, the nobility, the schemes, the summoning... the Land Dragon. I remember being Princess Kissara."
Her gaze softened slightly. Though not with regret. More like looking back at a stranger's past. "But I am no longer her. That person is gone. I am... whatever you desire me to be now."
Spark felt a flicker of satisfaction. The process had worked as intended. She retained the memories, the skills, and the knowledge. But the core identity that drove her was gone. Replaced by loyalty to him.
It was a delicate balance to strike. But the Slave Grimoire, combined with his rune knowledge, was a potent tool to do that.
"Good." Spark said. Standing. Moving closer. He reached out. His massive hand gently, almost incongruously, lifting her chin. Her skin was smooth and cool.
"Princess Kissara is indeed gone. You require a new name. A new purpose." He studied her face. "You are now Scarlett. Scarlett Eventide."
He paused. Letting the name settle. "And your purpose will be to manage my security. You will check and handle the maintenance of all security runes and protocols here. You are my new Security Manager."
Scarlett Eventide inclined her head. "I understand, Master. I will serve you as Scarlett Eventide. Your shield and your eyes." Her expression remained composed. Accepting.
Spark nodded. A hint of a satisfied smile touching his lips. He had acquired a valuable asset. A deadly weapon disguised as a refined lady.
He looked at her. Then at the large, inviting bed behind him. The day had been productive. Upgrades were completed. A new, beautiful, and capable slave added to his roster. There was only one thing left to do with a promising new acquisition.
Without another word, he reached out. His powerful arms easily encircling her slender form. He swept her off her feet. Lifting her effortlessly against his chest.
Scarlett offered no resistance. Instead, she enthusiastically placed her hands around his immense shoulders. Her eager green eyes were meeting his.
Spark turned and strode towards the bed. His steps were firm and purposeful. The night was just beginning.