Chương 69: Beast Processing Factory
Mana beast corpses were a treasure trove of valuable resources. The most prized of all was their mana core, which could be used as a source of purified mana to enhance one's mana rank before reaching <Integration>-rank. Beyond the core, every part of a mana beast had its uses: meat for healing and replenishing mana reserves, blood for creating mana runes, and bones, skin, fur, and teeth for various applications.
After the Industrial Revolution, specialized factories were established to efficiently process these beasts. Understanding beast physiology was a crucial part of our theory lessons at Mythos Academy, and today's field trip would take us to one such factory.
As we approached, I squinted at the imposing metal structure before us. The factory, a large steel cube, stood in stark contrast to the spiritual ambiance of Nimran. It was capable of processing mana beasts up to 6-star, a significant feat given the complexities involved.
Even in death, a beast's mana core continued to pulsate, reinforcing the body and making it incredibly tough to process. Factories typically either waited for mana atrophy to weaken the corpse or removed the core to facilitate processing. However, higher-level beasts presented unique challenges. Without mana cores, processing 6-star beasts often required waiting for natural atrophy or using astral energy, which could slice through their reinforced bodies effortlessly.
We stepped into the colossal metal cube of a factory, the air filled with the faint hum of machinery and the scent of processed mana.
"Thank you for coming," greeted a young blonde woman at the reception. Her deep blue eyes shone with professionalism, and her hair was neatly tied in a bun. She wore a well-fitted grey suit that complemented her poised demeanor.
"Thank you for having us," Nero responded, shaking her hand with a smile. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she turned and gestured for us to follow.
"Please follow me," she instructed.
We formed a long, single line and trailed behind her. Despite the size of our group, the vast factory felt spacious and uncrowded.
"A lot of procedures are taken into consideration when dismantling and processing monster and beast corpses," she began as we walked. "This plant is responsible for dismantling 1-star to 6-star beast corpses. As most of you know, the stronger the monster or beast, the harder it is to process. This is because their skins and bones become tougher to remove and cut. Additionally, many higher-ranked beasts possess poisonous properties that could instantly kill everyone in the room. Therefore, we currently only have a license to process monsters and beasts between 1 and 6-star. For higher-ranked beasts and monsters, a special facility with top-notch equipment would be required."
Her voice echoed slightly in the vast space, drawing our attention to the intricate details of the plant. Conveyor belts stretched out like veins, transporting various parts of mana beasts to different sections of the facility. Automated arms moved with precision, dissecting and sorting components with mechanical efficiency.
Large vats of bubbling beast blood stood in one area, where workers carefully inscribed mana runes. Drying racks held hides and furs, while piles of bones were sorted by size and type. The air was thick with the mingling scents of blood, mana, and the earthy aroma of beast hide.
As we walked, she continued to explain the plant's features and operations. The history of the plant was mentioned briefly, but I found myself more absorbed in observing the bustling activity around us.
Workers in protective gear moved with practiced efficiency, each task a vital part of the complex process of transforming raw beast corpses into valuable resources. The combination of cutting-edge technology and arcane knowledge was impressive, a testament to the advancements in beast processing.
As we proceeded deeper into the facility, the scale of the operation became even more apparent. Massive storage areas held neatly organized sections of processed materials, ready for distribution and further use. The factory's design, a blend of industrial functionality and magical reinforcement, spoke to the critical role it played in our world.
Now, it was time to see how monsters were cut up and processed directly.
The corpse of a 4-star wolf-like beast lay on the processing table, its size and form imposing even in death.
"Please pay attention to how we process this beast," the blonde woman said with a clap of her hands.
First, a series of specialized machines moved into position around the corpse. These machines, equipped with razor-sharp blades, began to meticulously cut away the beast's fur. Unlike normal trimmers, these blades moved at an extraordinary speed, glinting as they sliced through the thick, mana-infused fur with mechanical precision.
As the machines worked, the woman explained, "The mana core of the beast is still inside, and not enough time has passed for mana atrophy to set in. This means the fur retains its strength, requiring high-level equipment to process it."
With the fur removed, the next stage focused on extracting the mana core. A set of robotic arms, each tipped with precise instruments, carefully made incisions around the chest area where the core was located. The process required delicate handling to ensure the core was not damaged. Finally, the core was extracted and placed into a containment unit, its pulsating glow a testament to the raw mana it held.
"Extracting the mana core is crucial," the woman continued. "It not only allows us to process the rest of the beast more easily, but the core itself is an invaluable resource for enhancing mana capacities."
With the core safely stored, the next phase of the disassembly began. Another set of machines, equipped with powerful saws and clamps, moved in to dismantle the beast's body. The saws, enchanted to withstand the resistance of the beast's reinforced bones and flesh, sliced through the carcass with ease. The mechanical arms guided the saws along precise lines, ensuring minimal waste and maximum efficiency.
As we watched, the beast's body was systematically disassembled. The organs were carefully extracted and placed into separate containers, each designated for specific uses. The bones were sorted and piled, ready for further processing into various alchemical ingredients and crafting materials. The flesh was cut into slabs, destined to become potent sources of healing and mana replenishment.
"The entire process is designed to maximize the utility of each part of the beast," the woman explained. "Every component, from the bones to the blood, has a specific use. The fur can be turned into durable clothing or armor, the bones into potent alchemical reagents, and the flesh into restorative consumables."
As the demonstration progressed, I noticed the care taken in handling the beast's mana core. Encased in a protective barrier, it was carefully extracted and placed into a containment unit.
The efficiency and precision of the entire process were mesmerizing. Each step was executed with practiced expertise, ensuring that no part of the beast went to waste. The blending of advanced machinery and magical enhancements was a testament to the sophisticated techniques developed to handle these formidable creatures.
By the end of the demonstration, the beast was entirely processed, its components neatly sorted and ready for their respective uses.
"The fur and hide will be bleached, then used to make armor," the guide explained with a light chuckle. "People love customizing the colors. Stylish armor is all the rage now."
A student raised a hand. "What about the mana core?"
"It's a 4-star mana core," she replied. "It will likely be sold to a business or a guild."
4-star mana cores are highly valuable, second only to the rare 5-star cores, since 6-star and above beasts don't have mana cores at all.
"This information is all important," one of the professors interjected suddenly. "You'll be tested on it in the upcoming mid-terms and end-of-year exams."
The previously relaxed expressions of the students tensed up significantly at the comment, including the typically aloof Ren and Ian.
I noticed Ren's shoulders twitch slightly, and I had to force down a chuckle. It seemed he was still traumatized from the mid-year exams.
The guide continued discussing the intricacies of the plant, delving into the various processes and machinery involved. After a few more hours, the tour finally concluded.
"Alright, I think I've said enough for today. Thank you very much for coming," she said with a polite smile.
I wasn't the only one rejoicing that the tour had ended; nearly everyone around me looked reenergized, relieved to be done.
"Thank you very much for this experience," Nero said, shaking the guide's hand. He glanced at his watch and announced, "Alright, we will take a ten-minute break before heading to the hotel to rest for the day."
"Meet me where the bus previously dropped us off in ten minutes. If you need to use the bathroom or stretch, do it now. The ride to the hotel will take approximately 20 minutes, provided there's no traffic—which I honestly doubt."
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