Batches of people took the lifting platform to arrive at the construction front line.
At the roadside, the first thing that caught their eyes was the brilliant sea of trees reflecting golden radiance. This magnificent and beautiful scene dispelled many people's fear of being at such dizzying heights.
In the end, most people stayed. Only a scattered few became dizzy when looking down and shook their heads before withdrawing from the project.
"I'm truly sorry, I... I have no problem walking on roads, but once I get to the edge, I can't even breathe properly..."
Some people with severe acrophobia left the construction site with obvious regret.
However, those who remained were also quite nervous looking at this high altitude, thinking that working here would certainly be quite dangerous.
Perhaps dwarves would be more suited to this place, since there were also many steep cliffs in the mountains.
Though the places where dwarves lived couldn't see natural sunlight, there were plenty of locations requiring high-altitude work.
After initially screening a batch of relatively reliable road workers, project supervisor Bard began arranging specific construction plans.
During construction, workers needed to be in groups of at least two, with "safety ropes" tied securely to their bodies. Of the two people, one was responsible for managing the rope and maintaining stability, while the other performed the actual road construction work.
As each safety matter was established, the road continued extending bit by bit.
Transport minecarts glided along rails from Lake-town and even Dale, bringing batches of materials up to maintain the smooth progress of the ambitious project.
As the road construction project proceeded, this commotion also alerted Thorin in the mountains. He hurried to inquire about this matter, and Bard explained Levi's ambitious plan.
"Hiss..."
Since the quest to the Lonely Mountain, Thorin and Bard stood side by side in Lake-town again after several months, both looking up at that magnificent sky road together.
Regarding this suddenly launched massive project, Thorin didn't seem very surprised, more amazed than anything.
In matters of construction, dwarves had considerable authority to speak.
"I can see that your road workers here aren't very skilled."
Thorin looked at the workers on the side who were still tentatively laying road and shook his head with obvious disapproval.
"Yes, this is their first time coming to such heights. Previously, no matter how high, they wouldn't go higher than the palace. This is somewhat unexpected."
Bard explained, but Thorin's lips curved slightly upward.
"This might seem very high to you, Master Bard."
"But if you could visit the mountain depths or some deep pits, you'd find this height isn't much at all."
"We often work in such places. The biggest difference between here and those mineral-filled canyons is just that it's brighter."
Sky versus mountain caverns, green forests versus stone spikes and underground streams. When comparing these in terms of danger, the latter was even more hazardous.
"The industriousness and bravery of dwarves cannot be matched by any other race."
"Alright, alright."
Bard admitted his limited experience and said: "Then what insights does the King under the Mountain have regarding our project?"
Thorin smiled slightly with obvious satisfaction.
He said: "As mutually supportive allies, I cannot sit and watch you continue working with such inefficient methods."
"The clumsy methods you've devised are just following our old paths. But watching you grope through darkness on roads we've already traveled, that's not what allies do."
"Why not seek advice from those with more experience?"
Thorin adopted the posture of someone experienced, reaching out to pat Bard's shoulder. However, due to insufficient height, he awkwardly stopped halfway in mid-air.
Bard obviously noticed Thorin's embarrassment. He quite naturally extended his own hand and shook hands with Thorin.
Maybe next time we can discuss matters while sitting...
Bard thought to himself.
That way Thorin could reach him.
"Much appreciated, respected King under the Mountain. I will remember this kindness."
Facing this proud king, Bard obviously knew what to do.
In his previous exchanges with Thranduil, he had accumulated sufficient experience.
When talking with this type of person who liked to help others indirectly while not liking to admit it, just go along with them.
Thorin was obviously quite pleased with Bard's respectful and modest attitude.
He said: "Don't be polite. After all, I didn't come specifically for this matter."
This phrase felt somehow familiar, as if heard somewhere before.
Bard wanted to speak but hesitated.
"I'll arrange for Erebor's most industrious dwarves to help you adapt to this project and show you how we usually work."
In just a few sentences, a technical assistance arrangement was completed.
Following this topic, the two discussed food cooperation for a while, including various meats and wines, plus various specialties of Dale or Lake-town.
After discussing these matters, Thorin suddenly asked:
"Where is Levi?"
This project didn't look like it had been going on for very long, but where was the project's initiator?
"Levi returned to Roadside Fort. He said he had collected enough 'Vis' and now needs to research some things."
"Sounds like our old friend has taken up the wizard's trade."
"It is somewhat like a wizard, and sometimes he says things more mysterious than those wizards."
Mysterious indeed.
After confirming the project could proceed smoothly, Levi hurried home and began his follow-up research.
At this moment, all types of aspects had been unlocked, and knowledge points had accumulated considerably. It was time to research those unknown knowledge areas.
Holding pen and ink, Levi opened the Thaumonomicon, turned the cover, and examined the knowledge recorded within.
Chapter One: Fundamentals.
Fundamentals, as the name suggested, recorded all the basic common knowledge of thaumaturgy.
There were few things requiring research in this chapter, with most being introductions to various common thaumaturgical objects and materials.
Only those involving specific methods needed research.
For example, 'Node in a Jar'. This was magic that could put a node in a jar and take it away. Its research involved five aspects and 13 connection steps.
"Familiar feeling, it's back, all back..."
Levi sighed and copied down the first research note with pen and ink.
Thaumaturgical research, rather than being called research, was more like a puzzle game. One just needed to connect two or more aspects from start to finish using aspects related to them.
For example, 'Water' and 'Earth'. To connect these two aspects, one needed to place a 'Life' aspect in between, because life was composed of water and earth.
Only related aspects like this could be connected.
After successful connection, the copied note would become a completed research note. Using the note would allow one to learn the corresponding knowledge.
But if the connection failed, that note was wasted, and another had to be copied to research again.
Initial research was always simple, completed in just a few steps.
Later on, more aspects needed connecting, and solving steps became more complex, often causing headaches.
In the past, Levi was accustomed to using specialized tools or websites to calculate optimal connection combinations, or at worst could copy others' answers.
But now, there were no such tools available. Everything depended on him.
Fortunately, this type of puzzle game was still quite simple. With a little brain work it could be figured out. Plus Levi had collected enough aspects during this time that waste didn't matter. Worst case, start over.
Thus began the tower problem-solver's journey of solving puzzles.