26. Man Cave(s)

Jake consults Hank about building an alchemy lab. Hank warns the cellar can’t withstand escalating toxicity and proposes a deeper, second cellar with absorbent wooden layers and magical warding. Jake suggests linking it to the dungeon cavern for access and containment; Hank agrees but notes it requires triple‑digit meters of excavation and a larger crew. They discuss timelines, ventilation, and Haven’s expansion, with Hank noting his adult children now work at the Fort.

After Hank leaves, Jake pushes ahead with crafting, producing more uncommon Potent Necrotic Poison for dungeon use and brewing fungicide in anticipation of mushrooms. He intends to avoid overpolluting the area and can later remediate with nature magic if needed.

Jake then travels rapidly to the Fort using One Step Mile to handle two tasks: consult Arnold about tech needs and browse for a replacement weapon. He has already transmuted his Windsoar Bow into the Windsorrow Bow, sacrificing wind blessings for extreme durability via Arcane Immutability to safely channel his powerful shots.

At the Fort, Jake observes major growth around the workshops and a bustling market. He inspects Neil’s partially rebuilt teleportation circle room, saturated with space mana, learning it is being upgraded toward transporting living beings.

Finally, Jake enters Arnold’s upgraded workshop, filled with drones, weapon prototypes, and constructs. Drones respond to Jake’s arrival, prompting Arnold to turn and, without preamble, ask Jake to help make bombs, setting up their next collaboration.