Their attention wasn't on the machines that were taking multiple readings, but on what looked like some kind of beast factory at the other side of a transparent double door.
'Animal rights need to be introduced into this world.' Blake's expression was that of pity as the trio walked into the room.
The room was the size of a small warehouse and all around it were conveyor belts carrying strapped beasts in and out of what looked like a furnace that produced Black flames.
At the top of the furnace was a tube that led to a larger tube that housed a darkish-brown metal plate that had a very complex array inscribed on it.
"What the hell is that?" Blake asked with a twisted look on his face as he took a closer look at the furnace.
Whenever a beast went through the furnace, they wouldn't experience any physical damage, but their eyes seemed empty on their way out of it.
"Is this what I think it is?" Blake was dumbfounded.
[If you are thinking of a soul extractor then you are correct and if your guess is that that is forbidden magic then you are also correct.] The system confirmed Blake's guesses.
[The black flame burns the beast, causing its life essence which you call a soul to evaporate into the tube. Then the life essence gets transported to the metal plate which condenses it into different colors of crystals based on the beast used.]
With the help of Blake's vision and its knowledge, the system was able to figure out and explain the entire process.
"Is the crystal another form of energy source?" Blake couldn't help but ask when he sensed a great amount of energy in each crystal.
[You are correct in a way, but I don't think one would go through the trouble of gathering beasts and setting all these up for another source of energy.] The system said.
[The crystals contain a large amount of energy because the process takes away the energy of the beast's core and also the life essence is a special form of energy that we don't understand much.
The reason why I said there is more to the crystals is that I can feel the consciousness of each beast in those crystals.]
"What?!" The trio was shocked by the revelation.
[I don't know how, but maybe because I am also a consciousness I can feel them.] The system said.
"The question now is what will one be using the consciousness of beasts to do?" After recovering from the shock, Blake couldn't help but ask.
[Theoretical, they can be used to forge a weapon, armor, golem, basically any non-living thing and possibly place into a corpse of living things.] The last part of the system's words sent chills down their spine.
"Theoretically?" Brian asked with a raised brow.
[Yes. The only reason they haven't been confirmed is that manipulating life essence without forbidden magic is extremely difficult and if care isn't taken might turn someone into a vegetable.] The system explained.
[I don't know how else to stress this, but whoever owns this place can't be a nobody in both fame and power.
It has to be someone that has been at the top of their era because the knowledge and resources seen here are above what is in this present age.] The system had a name in mind, but it was just a wild guess.
(AN: At the end of this arc, the name will be revealed. So, make your predictions ;)
"Who the hell owns this place?" They couldn't help but ask the same question because the more they explored the facility, the more their minds were blown.
"Now we know what was responsible for the beast massacre and where the golems were at the beginning of our arrival." Castiel said as they saw beasts from the Bulian hills strapped to the conveyor belts.
They ranged from wargs to Rugors and although their power levels differ, they were so weak that they couldn't break out of their bondage.
"Does the black flame have any effects on their physical body?" Blake asked as he saw the empty corpse being conveyed out of the room through a hole at the other end of the room.
[No. It only affects the soul.] The system replied.
"So, it's safe to eat?" The question sounded cringe to all of their ears but for survival, Blake was ready to go the extra mile.
[Yes, perfectly safe.] The system replied after running a scan.
"Then it's time to restock." Blake said as he approached a drained warg.
Although it wouldn't taste as good as a perfectly seasoned one, it would go a long way.
After refilling their dimensional space with different types of meats, the trio decided to have dinner but they didn't have much appetite left after what they had done.
While they were resting, Blake began recollecting how much of a stressful day it had been. Then he remembered the series of events that had led them to where they are.
From leaving school, to fighting in a battle of demigods, to meeting Tessie and then accepting this mission, but that was when something hit.
"From the level of massacre we saw at the top, it is quite clear that the golems are on another level, but why do they feel… weak?" Blake asked causing Castiel and Brian to ponder about it.
"I thought It was only me that felt the same way." Castiel said.
From the moment they had been seeing corpses and the effects of the displacement, they had all thought that only a king-tier beast could do this.
But now they were able to calm down and think about it, although it was good for them it was quite disappointing.
[I also noticed it. For a research facility to contain so much knowledge, its security is meant to be top-notch, meaning you guys are meant to be dead the same day you arrived here.
That means something is definitely wrong here.] The system said.
…
At the lowest floor of the underground facility. The large pink thranium crystal projected the progress of the re-booting process.
[Re-booting: 98%]