[Automata] was immersed in the process of sifting through thousands of potential prototypes, meticulously considering which form would be the most efficient for the third and final prototype. The design had to be flawless; they had already expended enough time on two failures. This one had to stand as the ultimate product, the culmination of all the previous setbacks and efforts—a final [Golem] adept at managing the challenges posed by the [Ice] outside and more.

Building the [Golem] with a sole focus on dealing with the [Ice] outside would render it obsolete once the task was completed. [Automata] was averse to such an outcome; flexibility was paramount in the construction process. The new [Golem] was envisioned to handle more than just [Ice]—ideally, it would be capable of executing attacks from below and above while also proficient in cleaning up any waste that might prove too challenging for conventional means of disposal.

The final [Golem] turned out to be too large for the existing [Golem station]. Consequently, [Automata] and his two other minds found themselves back at the drawing board, contemplating how to resolve this issue. Constructing a larger [Golem station] was dismissed as an impractical solution, as it would require an abundance of resources not readily available at the current moment. It was only during the examination of [Automata]'s name selection process that [Iteration [2] and [Iteration [3] stumbled upon the holy grail of growth and adaptation—cells.

Cells proved to be fascinating, and [Automata] had only scratched the surface of what could be learned from them. What he did grasp, however, was the ability to grow over time—or rather, the concept of it—without external inputs, relying solely on energy and preprogrammed instructions.

[Automata] and his other minds worked tirelessly to make the tools to implement this concept and eventually came up with a set of tools that they built with the new [V2 Builder Golems]. Though they had taken a long time to design and build, they were totally worth it, with the [V2 Builder Golems] featuring a semi-circular body boasting deployable legs and wings and a small crystal of [Frost Mana] and [Automation Mana] embedded within it.

Using the new [V2 Builder Golems], they eventually constructed the [Mana Condenser], a complex device with a simple purpose—to pull in ambient [Mana]. Next in line was the [Mana Solidifier], connected to the [Mana Condenser] via iron pipes. The [Mana Solidifier] extracted [Mana] from the [Mana Condenser] and solidified it into a tangible, movable form. The resulting solid blocks of [Automation Mana] were then conveyed on [Conveyor Belts] to the [Mana Infuser]. This intricate device, drawing inspiration from the understanding they had about cells and utilizing [Growth Mana] in a similar manner, blended both [Growth Mana] and [Automation Mana].

The final step involved sending the programmed solid blocks of [Mana] into the [Mana Crystallizer], where they underwent crystallization before being dispatched to the [Golem Station] for integration into the [Golem].

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Despite the complexity of the process, it took less than two minutes for the entire sequence to be completed. While the speed could be enhanced in the future, [Automata] and his other minds were quite pleased with the finished product. The programmed mana crystal seamlessly assumed control once integrated into a [Golem], eliminating the necessity for numerous internal components. A sufficiently large crystal could replace entire internal systems responsible for specific tasks, marking a novel achievement and a significant stride toward automation and efficiency.

Before, they had to cram the [Golem] with internal components and systems to ensure it would perform as intended. In the initial stages of its development, a simple link with the [Golem] sufficed. However, as [Automata] grew in power and complexity, and the demand for more intricate tasks increased, this approach proved to be inefficient.

If he hadn't discovered this technique, there was a very high possibility of him needing larger and larger [Golems] for very specific tasks, requiring an escalating number of internal components as the list of tasks grew. With this technique, [Automata] could imbue the properties of any type of [Mana] into [Mana crystals]. Subsequently, once these crystals were integrated, any [Golem] or building could function similarly. The existing crystals contained rudimentary instructions that facilitated the growth of the [Golem] it was placed into overtime.

[Automata] aspired to extend this technique to other aspects of his domain; its versatility and utility were too significant to overlook. An example of this adaptation could be seen with the [V2 Builder Golems]. The small crystal of [Frost Mana] below the crystal of [Automation Mana] served as evidence. Programmed with the destructive properties of [Frost Mana], this crystal, coupled with the instructions in the crystal of [Automation Mana], enabled rapid construction and deconstruction of various elements.

This was an immensely potent ability, especially in the realm of construction—one that [Automata] intended to extend to other facets of its domain when the opportune moment arrived. The introduction of the [V2 Builder Golems] significantly altered some of its plans. For instance, the plan to upgrade the [Production Room] with [Frost Iron] was expedited substantially and completed within a day, leaving only the installation of the walls pending.

The walls to be installed were designed to possess special functions, yet [Automata] and his other minds hadn't fully determined how to implement them. Thus, they remained in the initial phases of development, undergoing refinement for eventual mass production.

Redirecting his focus to the freshly crafted [Golem], [Automata] examined it with profound contemplation. This was their ultimate creation, and they harbored certainty in its functionality—it encapsulated all their efforts. The [Golem] boasted a worm-like body adorned with blue and brown spiked tips distributed randomly along its form. It exhibited white [Iron] teeth, a brown, flesh-like exterior crafted from [Automata Iron], and deep blue, void-like eyes.

The design diverged from its typical humanoid forms, but that was intentional. This [Golem] was crafted to evolve as it consumed [Ice], expanding its capacity to store and transport [Ice] in the process. It was a flawless design.

With a mental command, the [Golem] came to life and dug into the ground, disappearing as it went on a mad hunt for [Ice].