123 Crystal Mine

A murmur of approval went through the guests.

"The Deldor Company is happy to announce that we have found a crystal mine in the Seven Trail Mountains.", he had barely finished his sentence, when an uproar started in the hall.

"Wow, they are just too lucky."

"A crystal mine? Damn, their luck is just to good."

Like this, many exclamations could be heard. Of course while many were excited, hearing this news, there were also some that didn't feel the same way.

A small amount didn't understand the importance of a crystal mine, while an even smaller amount just didn't care. Of course, there were also some that were unhappy about the news. These were the ones that owned a crystal mine themselves, so the new crystal mine would have a direct impact on their business. Sure, the impact wouldn't be that big, since crystals were always in demand, but it would still be there.

"How come everyone is this excited?", Ivan asked the ones around him. None of whom were as excited as the rest of the guests.

"Right, you might not know.", Lara started to explain, "The crystal mines he is talking about is a mine managed by the system, so it is a bit different from classical mines. For example, it is much easier to extract the resource, and even better the resource will grow back. If not they wouldn't make such a huge move for it.

Now, why are crystals so important? First of all one of the types of crystals commonly found in crystal mines are the so-called Programmable Clear Crystal, as well as the Image Displaying Crystal. Besides these two there might also be other rare crystals, but they are the most important."

Ivan hadn't heard about these crystals before but from their names, he could make a guess at their usage.

"So they are used for our technology?"

"Yes. PCC is used for the processors in our devices, while IDC is used for displaying information. There is barely any device, that doesn't make use of it."

"Well, that is only in this realm.", Keira threw in.

"What do you mean?", Ivan asked.

"The programming of PCC requires one to either use mana or Qi. In this realm, there are enough mages, who would do the job, so it is possible for there to be a real high-tech industry. But in the higher realm, first of all, there aren't really any mages. And those that can use Qi feel that it is beneath them to use it for something as mundane as programming PCC.", Keira explained to those that had never been to the upper realms.

"Not only that. I'm not so sure why, but their basic development is low too."

"Then the energy source to these devices, what are they?", Ivan had gotten interested in these devices. Maybe he should look a bit more into them?

"That depends on the device. The best ones are crystals as well but these are rarely found. Another common way is to use PCC to create an energy gathering circuit. These circuits can collect energy from around them, just like we do during training, and then use it to function. Although they are very comfortable in that you don't need to recharge them, their output is to low for most applications.

The most common method is to use a mixture of crystal dust and some herbs and minerals to create a mana battery which can be recharged and discharged easily, without losing capacity."

"Can they be used by humans too?", Ivan asked curiously.

"Yes, but the amount that can be stored is just too small. The devices aren't really using a lot, so it is ok for them, but for a mage, it is only a small drop of mana, they can store this way. At least that is the case for anything except some exceptionally rare crystals. But these are seen as a strategic resource by the empire, so you will most likely never see them."

"Oh.", Ivan can only be disappointed. It seemed like he wouldn't be able to get his hand on something as practical as a battery for his mana. But nevertheless, he still wanted to look into programming and such a bit more.

After this big announcement, the host gave some more information about the project, including the information, that they were searching for some more partners.

When the guests heard this, once again some weren't able to keep calm. They instantly called their secretaries or vices, to prepare a proposal for their partnership.

After a while, everything calmed down and the gala continued in an orderly manner.

Ivan and the others kept on chatting. All of them were very nice and made for a comfortable environment.They were only interrupted when a pair came towards them.

"Hey, Teddy, Keira.", they greeted, when they came close. The man then proceeded to hug Teddy, while the woman did the same with Keira. Not only did they hug each other, but they also kissed each other.

Seeing the confused looks on the faces of the others in their small round, Teddy smiled cheekily. "This is my boyfriend, Olaf and his wife Larissa.", he then introduced the two of them, only furthering the confusion.

Larissa laughed happily when she saw the look on their faces.

"Olaf is my husband, but at the same time Teddy's boyfriend. Since both of them aren't quite straight, that is just the way it developed.", she then explained.

"Then you and Keira?", Tess asked, still confused.

"Well, we aren't strictly straight either, so while these two are together, why shouldn't we do the same?"

"Besides it is fun for all of us to be together too.", Keira said cheekily.

"Sounds like a mess.", Key said.

"Sometimes it is.", Larissa admitted, "But it is really fun as well."

"I don't think it is anything for me.", Tess said.

"Well, what brings the two of you here?", Keira asked.

"Can't we just come over to greet you?"

"As if you would ever do something as simple as this. Wherever you go, you have at least two plans ready."

"Haha, you would know it right?", Larissa teased Keira. But then she got serious. "Of course there is something else. Not only did we want to meet your other friends, but we also want to invite the two of you. Of course, the others are invited as well."

"Then how about you first tell us, what you want to invite us too?", Keira asked exasperated. That woman's style of acting was sometimes really annoying.

"It's a free for all party."

"Huh?", the others asked confused. Only Keira and Teddy seemed to know what was meant and their faces lit up.

"Really? You are organizing it again? The last one was so much fun.", Keira happily exclaimed.

"Hey! Could you explain what all this is about?"

"Of course. A free for all party is a party, where we can freely change our partners to have some new experiences. As long as all participants accept, everything is possible. From BDSM to having an orgy. It is really fun. You should really try it out."

As soon as she finished her explanation, Tess and Lara hurriedly shook their head.

"No thank you. We really aren't swinging this way.", they declined while throwing their husbands a stern look, just so they got no strange idea.

Key wanted to decline the invitation as well but was interrupted by his fiancee. "Thank you for the invitation. We will surely come."

"What???", Key exclaimed shocked. "What do you mean?", he then confronted Yevina.

"Calm down. If it is just checking it out, what is the problem?"

"The problem? Why would you even think about it?", Key asked still angry.

Before they could start a full-blown argument, Lara hurriedly intervened. "Calm down. You can argue as much as you want after you get home, but mind your image here."

Hearing her admonishment, Key forcible calmed himself down. "Alright, we will talk about it after we get home."

"So no one else is interested?", Larissa asked slightly disappointed.

"Seems like it.", Olaf said.

They soon left and everyone's eyes turned towards Keira and Teddy.

"The two of you are really unusual.", Lara said and the others nodded wordlessly.

"So what? We both enjoy it.", Keira said defiantly.

"I didn't say it was bad. If you enjoy it, then why not. It is just so different from what we are used to."

"Well, you should really try it out. Maybe you too will enjoy it.", Keira couldn't help but say, only to earn a glare.

"There is no way, I will let another man touch me.", she assured.

"Then what about a woman?", Keira asked slyly.

This time Lara didn't directly answer. Instead, she thought about Tanya and her confession, as well as her talk about a threesome.

"Haha, you have thought about it.", Keira laughed.

"So what?"

"Nothing. I just think it is fun. You shouldn't just think about it. How about we try it out? You, me and Ivan?", Keira once again came back to her offer before.