"You both may leave for a while. I will summon you if needed," Cynthia said, making her way back to the central table.
"Understood, Young Miss," both Jennifer and Opal responded in unison. They bowed respectfully before exiting the room, gently closing the door behind them.
Cynthia lowered herself into her seat once more and closed her eyes, drawing in a steady breath as she began to meditate. The hum of the room faded into silence, and soon her mind descended into the depths of her consciousness.
At first, there was only darkness an endless, quiet void. But gradually, a white space bloomed into existence, light radiating softly from every direction. Before her, intricate blueprints and schematics shimmered into view, floating midair in precise order. The structural design of Vesan's model had manifested, detailed in glowing lines and rotating forms.
"Mhm... this will require exact precision," Cynthia murmured to herself, walking slowly around the holographic projection. "Depending on the chosen model, I'll likely need a sizable facility to handle the manufacturing process."
As she scrutinized the design breakdown, a voice echoed from her left.
"What types of Sentinarchs do you envision, so that I may generate initial sample models aligned with your objectives?" came Vesan's voice.
Cynthia turned to see his familiar mechanical form materializing beside her, even here within her subconscious.
"You take that form even in my inner world, I see," she said, slightly amused.
"I believe a consistent appearance promotes stability and recognition," Vesan replied.
"I've no issue with that," she answered, returning her focus to the central display. "Your presence here must mean you've finished assimilating all the knowledge from the Lexicon?"
"Correct," Vesan confirmed.
"For now, start with two types Scouting units and Retrievers," Cynthia instructed, her mind already calculating application needs.
"Should these units follow a specific aesthetic, such as humanoid or beast-like forms?" Vesan inquired, analyzing her intentions further.
"I'm not concerned with form," Cynthia answered. "Whatever is most practical. If a beast-like design functions better in a given environment, use it. If humanoid offers better dexterity or subtlety, then so be it. Efficiency and purpose are all that matter to me."
"Understood," Vesan replied. "Command received. Sorting all traits and aspects from the Lexicon to identify prime anatomical candidates for optimal functionality."
As his words echoed, a new projection slowly formed before Cynthia. At first, it was a blur of shifting components, but gradually, the shape of a butterfly emerged. Its delicate wings shimmered with prismatic detail, and its body glowed with refined energy lines drawn from arcane schematics.
Cynthia tilted her head, examining the design closely.
"Vesan... is that based on the Edri Butterfly, by any chance?" she asked, her tone curious.
"Correct," Vesan replied. "A docile Mystic Beast. Commonly underestimated and rarely seen as a threat. However, with proper training, they exhibit high observational awareness and flight agility. Their unassuming nature makes them ideal for scouting purposes."
Cynthia tapped her fingers against her arm thoughtfully. "Hmm... They're native to the Eldorian Continent, if I recall correctly. And yes they've long been regarded as peaceful and rarely provoke conflict. That... could actually work well."
She gave a small nod. "You might be right about this one, Vesan. Proceed with development."
"As you command," Vesan responded, the butterfly projection now beginning to expand its structure, folding outward as components and modular enhancements began to take shape under Cynthia's watchful gaze.
Soon, the projected blueprint of the Sentinarch continued to evolve. Glowing lines reminiscent of the alchemic strip Cynthia had drawn earlier began to etch themselves across the construct's form. These intricate, luminous circuits branched outward like a vascular system, threading through the design with precision and purpose.
"It's not quite the same method Father used," Cynthia murmured, her eyes sharp and focused. "But it still works. I followed the formula and the principles you recommended. I tried them earlier, and the results were promising."
She watched closely as the internal framework reached completion, the mana circuits pulsing with a soft, steady glow alive with potential.
"Based on simulated trials and adjusted probability metrics," Vesan replied, his tone analytical yet composed, "the expected outcome has improved. The structural enhancements are viable. While the mana core designed for this Scout unit will surpass any currently existing natural core, it retains a confirmed rate of further improvement."
As he finished speaking, the blueprint shimmered and solidified in its final form. The butterfly-inspired Sentinarch hovered gently in the air before them, its arcane patterns glowing with subtle elegance, as if anticipating its first command.
"Test it," Cynthia instructed, folding her arms. "I want to see how it gathers information."
"Understood," Vesan responded.
At once, the butterfly's wings began to flutter. With a delicate motion, it lifted and glided away from her, leaving a faint shimmer in its wake. Moments later, Cynthia's eyes narrowed slightly images began to flicker across her consciousness. Still frames at first, like photographs captured through the creature's vision, followed by short bursts of motion brief, silent sequences like fragments of a memory.
"So... it delivers in segments," she said aloud, thinking through the sensation. "Not constant, but enough to monitor."
"Yes," Vesan affirmed, hovering nearby. "I prioritize network efficiency. These fragmented visuals are easier for your mind to process without disruption. When the situation requires, you may issue a command for full live broadcast but only then."
"I see," Cynthia said, her tone thoughtful. "Efficient and adaptable. A good start."