Chapter 152

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Chapter 152: Hey! It’s Three O’clock!

After a brief moment of thought, Lolth finally pieced together what was happening.

“It’s the Plane Magic Tide…”

This phenomenon, one she had only read about in books, was unique to the main plane. The Abyss, her native realm, had no such fluctuations.

The Abyss constantly roiled with unrelenting magical surges; there was no ebb and flow, no moment of calm. In contrast, the main plane’s magic tides were periods of fluctuating magical intensity and properties.

Scholars of the Wizard Association and ancient civilizations had varying explanations for these occurrences. The prevailing theory was that the magical concentration and nature of each alternate plane differed. These differences, combined with the incomplete barrier between planes, caused the main plane to experience changes when interplanar distances shifted. These shifts manifested as magic tides and surges.

Lolth recalled an example: the Abyssal Demons had managed to open a permanent planar channel at the Mercury Ruins during a significant Plane Magic Tide in the northern mainland.

Still, she wasn’t overly concerned. The buildings in Hillenbrand Town were constructed with materials meeting Abyssal standards, and the torture tower, brought directly from Demon King Castle, was virtually indestructible. A typical magic tide posed no threat to her structures.

At most, Lolth needed to warn the townsfolk. Though magical tides rarely affected non-magical materials or people, concentrated magic of a specific type could sometimes cause unusual phenomena—like spontaneous combustion during a fire-element tide.

“If the situation worsens, I can always set up some magic circles to stabilize the area,” she thought.

Resolving to handle it pragmatically, Lolth turned her attention to drafting a letter.

The Demon Army had taken note of the Church of Light’s movements, prompting Lolth to send a preemptive warning to the Demon King.

The message was straightforward:

“The Church of Light’s actions on the New Western Front are merely a diversion. Don’t let those servants of the God of Light mislead you—they have ulterior motives.”

She added, “They might be planning to open an otherworldly channel during the magic tide.”

Lolth didn’t know their exact goal but trusted the Demon King to figure it out. The Church’s movements were suspicious, and if nothing else, this claim would keep the Demon Army busy and reduce her own workload.

Satisfied, she sent the letter off to Demon King Castle.

Now, her attention shifted to the residents and workers of Hillenbrand Town.

Despite her confidence in the durability of the enchanted tools and materials, Lolth adhered to a simple principle: “Safety first, no shortcuts; accidents can cost lives.”

To that end, she decided to halt all construction activities during the magic tide. Overwork wasn’t an option either. What kind of leader would she be if she lazed around while her people toiled away? A tyrant? A cruel landlord?

“A proper job includes meals, accommodations, fair pay, and humane hours,” she reminded herself.

She began drafting an official announcement:

To the Construction Teams and Residents of Hillenbrand Town:

Due to the upcoming magic tide, Phase Two of the Western Development Zone project will pause starting tomorrow.

The magic tide is expected to last 5-7 days. Work will resume only after it has fully subsided.

During this break:

The cafeteria will remain open as usual.

Salaries will be calculated at 60% of regular workdays.

If any accidents or unusual events occur due to the magic tide, report them immediately.

Magical facilities in the Southern District should be used sparingly.

Safety is paramount. Do not resume work or conceal incidents on your own.

Signed,

Lolth

Satisfied, she sealed the document and posted it on the bulletin boards in the town square and at the entrance of the Western Development Zone.

Afterward, Lolth headed to the construction site. The dwarves, human superoperators, and civilians were diligently working along the riverbanks, oblivious to her arrival. She took out a large white horn she hadn’t used in ages.

“Hey—work is done! The magic tide is coming; that’s it for today!”

Her commanding voice echoed across the site.

“Everyone, head to the cafeteria for tea or play cards in the Southern District! Stop working!”

“For the next few days, beer—both dark and light—is half price and limitless!”

The workers paused, surprised.

“What… is a magic tide?”

“It affects magical tools and materials, so we have to stop.”

“Let’s check the notice…”

“These materials can handle level three or four spells. Why worry about a magic tide?”

“Well, the lord said so. Anyway, beer’s on sale. Let’s go!”

Though the workers obeyed, Lolth couldn’t shake an odd feeling.

“Why are these people so reluctant to take a break?” she wondered.