Chapter 16: The Academy Foundation
The purchase was completed in less than twenty-four hours, executed entirely by the **Aetheric Solutions, LLC** shell company controlled by the **Earth System**. Money, Carter learned, could move faster than magic, provided the System was running the transaction.
The target was a defunct, sprawling industrial complex in the rust belt outside a major city. The site included acres of empty warehouses, abandoned rail lines, and the geological mana conduit that the System needed.
Carter arrived in a generic, black SUV purchased with cash. He was still wearing his anonymous hoodie, cap, and shades. His driver, a professional mercenary named Frank hired through a discreet, anonymous security firm (a service Earth insisted upon), was a mountain of muscle who asked no questions.
The entire property was enclosed by high, rusting chain-link fences, and the air smelled of stale oil and damp concrete.
"This is it, boss," Frank grunted, stepping out to open Carter's door. "The legal firm said you bought everything, down to the dust mites. Place is a hazard. What exactly does 'Aetheric Solutions' plan to do with a former chemical plant?"
*"Frank's query is standard human curiosity,"* Earth whispered in Carter's mind. *"Engage in the pre-approved cover dialogue."*
Carter adjusted his shades, taking in the desolate landscape. It was perfect. The sheer size provided the seclusion he needed, and the gloom mirrored the seriousness of his new mission.
"We clean energy," Carter said, his voice low and confident. "This site sits on a massive, untapped source of **electromagnetic potential**. We're building the future, Frank. Think bigger than solar, think bigger than wind."
Frank just shrugged, unimpressed but satisfied. "Right. Well, security's all been set up remotely. Cameras, fence sensors. The local mayor is already on the phone offering tax breaks. They're ecstatic about the 'billion-dollar investment.'"
*"The local government believes you are creating thousands of jobs and restoring an eyesore,"* Earth confirmed. *"Our cover is solid. Now, to business. The first priority is to secure the basement levels and begin phase one of the Academy's construction. We need to turn this factory into a fortress."*
Carter dismissed Frank to the perimeter and walked toward the largest of the abandoned warehouses. The building was immense, dark, and filled with old machinery.
"How do we start, Earth? We can't exactly hire contractors to install **Mana Core Dampeners** and **Aura Generators**."
*"We use your wealth to buy the materials and your magic to install them,"* the System replied. *"The first layer of defense must be built by you alone. We need an undetectable, reinforced central bunker to serve as the Academy's operational core and your living quarters."*
Carter found a heavy, steel maintenance door leading down to the sub-levels. He wrapped his hand around the rusty, defunct handle.
He paused, focusing his dual affinities. This wasn't a show for the internet; this was the first physical act of building the new world. He channeled his **Light Magic** into the metal—a pure, white glow that silently dissolved the rust and stress-fractures, reinforcing the steel to impossible standards. Then, he channeled his **Dark Electric Energy**, using the power to instantly charge and cycle the door's ancient electrical motor.
The door groaned, the mechanism whirring to life for the first time in a decade, and then swung open on silent, magically restored hinges.
Carter stepped into the cold, dark depths of the factory's foundation. The air here was strangely vibrant; the mana conduit was close. He pulled out the phone, now acting as his blueprint.
"Start the schematics, Earth," Carter commanded, his voice echoing in the gloom. "I want the walls poured with reinforced concrete, titanium supports, and a layer of Dark Magic energy insulation. If I'm going to save this world, I need a place where I can train the next generation without anyone ever finding them. **It's time to build the Foundation.**"