Two days later, Vaerik led Bradley, master craftsman Valentin, and other professional miners along the mountain path deep into the heart of Crimson Tide Domain.
Bradley still harbored doubts at this point, believing there shouldn't be large-scale magical marrow mines in this place—that Vaerik was exaggerating.
After crossing through the forest, their view suddenly opened up, revealing a massive mining area before everyone.
Outside the mining area, several knights stood ready in formation.
They wore heavy iron armor, alertly scanning their surroundings.
When they saw Vaerik and Bradley's group arriving, the knights immediately bowed: "My lord, all is normal in the mining area."
Vaerik nodded and continued leading them inside.
When they truly entered the mining area, everyone couldn't help but gasp in shock.
The magical marrow mine reserves here were actually so astonishing?!
Walking into the vein, the temperature here was slightly higher than outside, with the ore surfaces carrying traces of warmth.
The vein's rock walls displayed an eerie dark purple color, faintly shimmering with magical luster, weak energy fluctuations floating in the air.
Valentin, as an experienced mining master, almost instinctively reached out his hand, gently caressing the rock wall.
His fingers trembled slightly, his eyes filled with fervor.
"My God..." He turned back to look at Bradley, his tone unable to hide his excitement. "This... this vein could rank in the top twenty among all magical marrow mines in the Iron Blood Empire!"
The other craftsmen around were also shocked by the scene before them, whispering among themselves.
"These reserves are too exaggerated!"
"The magical marrow purity also looks very high. If we dig deeper, we might even find high-grade crystallized magical marrow!"
"My lord... this is heaven-sent wealth!"
Several veteran craftsmen gazed with burning eyes, their hands unable to resist caressing the mine walls, as if stroking the skin of a capital courtesan.
Bradley frowned and sternly reprimanded: "Quiet! Don't treat this place like a marketplace!"
The craftsmen quickly fell silent, but the excitement on their faces remained hard to conceal.
Seeing so much magical marrow ore, Bradley's heart was also stirred by tremendous waves.
There really was this much magical marrow ore—Vaerik hadn't lied.
He began reassessing the value of this territory.
Magical marrow wasn't just raw material for making magical explosives.
Magical marrow powder could be fused into weapons, enchanting blade edges to make them cut through iron like mud.
Alchemists needed magical marrow to create powerful potions.
The core materials for magical arrays also required high-purity magical marrow essence.
...
Its value far exceeded ordinary magical minerals—it was strategic-level mineral resources that could influence the entire Northern Province's balance of power!
The scale and value of this vein far exceeded his and Duke Tudor's imagination!
Bradley rode his horse closer to Vaerik, lowering his voice: "Young master, it's best not to let too many people know about this vein."
Vaerik quietly looked at Bradley, waiting for him to continue.
"Although the Tudor family is one of the empire's eight great families, and ordinary petty criminals wouldn't dare target you," Bradley paused, his gaze becoming sharp.
"But this is the Northern Province, too far from the family. The family's influence may not reach here. Inevitably, some will take desperate risks, and this magical marrow mine is worth it to them."
At this point, he looked at Vaerik's expression, wanting to see this young master's attitude toward this matter.
However, Vaerik's expression remained composed, even showing a calm smile.
"I understand." He nodded lightly, his tone peaceful. "Aside from mentioning it to father in my letter, I haven't told anyone else about this."
After hearing this, Bradley carefully observed Vaerik's expression and found he wasn't lying, but truly had discretion.
Only then did he slowly nod, secretly resolving in his heart: he must clearly report the situation here to the duke and have him send more knights.
This vein was worth doing so.
On the other side, Valentin said to Vaerik: "My lord, according to current survey results, this mine's reserves are indeed astonishing, but it's also much more dangerous than ordinary mines.
I suggest first detecting the entire mining area's boundaries and finding the most stable regions as initial extraction points."
"Mm, then I'll leave it to you," Vaerik nodded.
Valentin led the craftsmen into the mine tunnel, holding mining hammers, carefully tapping the rock walls, listening to the echoes from different areas.
"The ore color here is deep purple, indicating extremely high magical marrow content." Valentin crouched down, pointing to a piece of ore on the rock wall that faintly glowed with dark purple luster.
"Especially these crystallized areas indicate high-purity veins. However, it also means they're too fragile—the slightest carelessness will cause them to shatter."
He then tapped a nearby rock layer, producing a deep, heavy sound. "Here the structure is stable, suitable for excavation."
After walking a few more steps and tapping a different location, the sound was somewhat hollow. "But this won't work—the geology is too fragile. If we mine rashly, it might collapse."
The craftsmen all nodded, marking the mine walls.
Vaerik stood to the side with arms crossed, quietly observing.
Although he wasn't proficient in mining, he could see that Valentin's professional level was extraordinary.
"It seems the craftsmen the family sent this time are all experts," Vaerik's tone carried some admiration. "Your professionalism has opened my eyes."
The craftsmen were stunned upon hearing this, then showed some pride.
This was their area of expertise, and being personally praised by the lord indeed made them feel proud.
Bradley nodded lightly, his face still showing an unperturbed appearance, but he sighed inwardly.
This young master was indeed not an incompetent person—he knew how to win people's hearts.
Valentin continued analyzing: "Since magical marrow ore releases magical fluctuations, miners staying here for long periods might experience magical poisoning.
We must establish ventilation plans to prevent magical power accumulation in the mine shafts."
"What should we do?" Vaerik asked.
"We need to open air shafts in different areas to create air circulation. We'll also establish partition passages inside the mine shafts to prevent harmful gas accumulation."
Valentin drew simple diagrams on parchment as he spoke. "Use black birch wood for support frames, with one support point every five meters to ensure the mine tunnels won't collapse.
Main tunnels three meters wide, secondary tunnels one and a half meters—this way transport won't be crowded."
"I can see you're very professional in this area," Vaerik praised.
Upon hearing this, Valentin immediately puffed out his chest, his tone carrying some pride: "Of course! I'm an old craftsman who's been mining my whole life! I could walk through mine veins with my eyes closed and not get lost!"
Vaerik smiled and patted Valentin's shoulder: "Then I'll leave the extraction planning for this vein to you."
Valentin grinned: "Thank you for your recognition, my lord."