He delved deeper into the interface. First, a connection with the network appeared, which opened up new opportunities for Alex.
Now I can buy whatever I need, right from here… without leaving the Igloo. Outstanding!
He mentally asked Jokeiro, What do you think about this issue?
Sorry, Alex. There is nothing in my databases. I have generated a request to search the Commonwealth web. No results. May I continue?
Yes. Report the results to me.
Yes, master, Jokeiro answered.
Alex returned to exploring Igloo’s complex interface. However, As soon as Alex went to the tabs with features, the internal interface blinked and disappeared. An inscription appeared in the air:
.
Attention, Phoenix!
At this stage, you may choose only one direction of Igloo development.
Available directions:
Building
Modifications
Transformations
Start-up recommendation: Building
Make a choice. 0.29, 0.28…
.
Alex knelt, grabbed fistfuls of snow, and rubbed his face and head with it. What to do? What did the spontaneously emerging spell develop into? Is this our heritage? A gift from all-powerful distant ancestors, realized according to incomprehensible laws?
He found himself unable to make a choice, which seemed unequal to him…
“I choose ‘Building’,” he finally decided.
Space vibrated. A raspy voice said, “Congratulations. The following option is available to you.” A giant inscription appeared in place of the previous one:
.
Ice Mule (indestructible) — 10 units
Fast moving, transport (snow, ice, mountains)
Mountain trail maker (development — maximum)
Tunnel maker (development — maximum)
Mining (development — maximum)
Builder (development — maximum)
Guide (development — maximum)
Sparring partner (magic of ice and cold, development — maximum)
Create: Yes / No
Minstrel of Stone Plateaus (indestructible) — 1 unit
Divine design (development — maximum)
Demiurge of game spaces (development — maximum)
Territory control (development — maximum)
Attention Phoenix! The creation of the Minstrel of Stone Plateaus is only possible in suitable territory. The nearest possible point is 126 miles away.
.
Alex Phoenix and his associates stood motionless, gobsmacked.
“Player Phoenix! The Igloo is waiting for your decision. Agree or refuse.”
“Create Ice Mules,” Alex said.
There was a loud crash. The earth trembled as if in the throes of an earthquake. None were able to remain on their feet. Rectangular pieces of ice flew into the air, darkened, and transformed into long-armed giants.
They don’t look like mules… more like futuristic ice gorillas! Picasso would have appreciated them. Alex marveled at the gleaming giants, lined up in a row. They seem to have the skill of transporting…
Alex rose to his feet and addressing the silent giants, “Take us to the nearest Minstrel creation point.” He flinched at their bellicose response.
“Yes, master!”
The mules grabbed his clan members in their arms. An instant later, all visible space was covered with a circular blizzard. In another moment, people found themselves in a picturesque place among rocks, forests, river, snow, and majestic mountains.
“C-c-commander,” Talker stammered. “I can’t figure out if we are in rr-reality or where?”
“Don’t worry about whether this is reality or something else. As Rene Descartes said, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ We are, and this is the main thing. We have much to do. This place is the most suitable for our tasks.”
Then he ordered the recreation of the Minstrel of stone plateaus. Nearby, something whistled subtly. A small, red-hot circle appeared on the flat rock surface. A moment later, bubbling lava rose to form the shape of a man.
“I am a Minstrel of Stone Plateaus,” he said in a melodious tone. “I greet you, player Phoenix, head of the Ice Vigor clan. I request permission to begin performing my duties.”
“List your responsibilities,” Alex said.
The lava statue, despite its frightening appearance, spoke softly. “I undertake complete control over the territory entrusted to me. I will create the most favorable conditions for the host and his guests. Maximum efficiency is achieved via access to the material resources of the Ice Vigor clan and with the correct master’s introductory.”
Alex grunted, confused. “Minstrel, what do you mean, the correct introductory?”
The lava idol trilled amusingly. “What would the master, Alex Phoenix, like to spend time on, having visited the Igloo lacuna with his guests?”
Alex pondered this, considering Minstrel’s mind-blowing skills – Divine Engineering and Demiurge of the Game Space. Collecting himself, he answered, “We need to create a single, powerful block of spells for strengthening, defense, and attack, with the ability to transfer to third-party users. I will divide our time here into two parts. The first is five hundred and forty days, with a break for work outside the Igloo. The second — five hundred and forty days before the arrival of the Star Jumper into Earth’s orbit. Additionally, the Minstrel of Stone Plateaus gets full access to the warehouses of the Ice Vigor clan.”
The Minstrel thundered, “It’s taken up. Thank you for your trust. I authorize your return to the original position. Construction will be carried out here, which will likely prove unsafe. The completion date of each object is twenty-four hours. I approve the commencement of the project Acquisition of the Magic Basis.”
The Ice Vigors watched the countdown. Ten, nine, eight… At the rumbled ‘seven’, they found themselves in the same snowy valley as before.
The crew members peered intently at the horizon line as the countdown continued. “Six, five, four, three, two, one. Go!” they shouted. Somewhere to the north, the construction rumbled like a cannonade. Lightning flashed. Fire, smoke, and steam rose high into the air.
“This construction resembles a grand spectacle” a fascinated Anna said.
“It’s a shame there are no more shows and concerts,” Kate Mordor said with a sigh.
“Don’t be sad, ladies,” Shizdets uttered. “We have us. The clan includes three hundred million brothers and sisters on Earth, as well as our allies. We have the will and hope. That
