The flickering arcs continuously traveled into the trunk, then through the black wires connected to it, into a device resembling a slot machine.
The slot machine-like device was actually an Energy Controller. After being adjusted, it distributed the energy to Laboratory No. 2 next door and other locations, where it could be put to use.
After Richard entered carrying a metal case, he first checked the Energy Controller. Once he confirmed that the gauges showed normal readings, he looked toward Tinwood, the Ancient Tree Species. After watching it for several seconds, he gave a slight nod.
Tinwood's trunk twisted for a moment, revealing a human face. It spoke irritably, "Kid, there's no need to look. I've been following our contract the whole time and haven't violated anything. You can rest assured."
"That's for the best." Richard bent down, set the metal case on the floor, and opened it. He took out a strange creation resembling an iron tower.
The entire tower was about half a meter tall. It was supported by metal rods as thick as fingers, with palm-sized pieces of magic-pattern alloy embedded across its surface. At the very top was a sharp point over ten centimeters long, like a spearhead.
After taking out the iron tower, Richard began looking around as though choosing a suitable place to set it down.
Tinwood watched Richard's movements curiously. After a while, it asked warily, "What is that thing you're holding? Don't tell me it's some new device meant to monitor me? Kid, I've told you already, I won't do anything that violates the rules. You're just wasting your effort."
"Heh, this isn't some monitoring device." Richard finally found a suitable spot, a little over a meter away from Tinwood. He walked over with the iron tower and carefully placed it down.