Chapter 651

20-01 A New Beginning

On Penglai Island, the Old Man reported to Jin, specifically about his interactions with the merchant Oliver and the progress of their plan. This took place on November 20th, 3457.

—

On the promised day, the 14th, just before noon, the Old Man arrived at Oliver’s shop with his portable device “Laojun” and Deus Ex Machina, now known as Jon Diniu, as per their agreement with Jin.

“Oliver-san, are you here?”

“Oh, Sr. Laojun, it’s been a while. And who is this?”

“Yes, this is Jon, the MagiCraft engineer we discussed earlier.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jon Diniu.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Oliver, a merchant.”

After exchanging greetings, Oliver turned to Laojun and began to speak.

” Sr. Laojun, I would like to begin by fulfilling our agreement regarding the Sandworm Leather.”

“Huh? But we haven’t finished discussing Jon’s contract.”

“Yes, that’s true, but Sr. Laojun, you held up your end of the deal. Sr. Jon’s contract is our business. So I’d like to honor our agreement first.”

Oliver was quite principled. Laojun accepted his offer and bought 50 pieces of Sandworm leather at the discounted price of 25,000 thals. That was half the market price.

Sandworm leather was known for its elasticity and durability, making it a suitable material for mid-level golems.

“Now, I’ll take my leave.”

Laojun had noticed Oliver’s intention to keep the conversation about Jon’s contract private, so he decided to leave the scene.

“Jon, I’m leaving now. If you have any problems, feel free to contact me. I hope everything goes well with the contract.”

“Yes, Lord Laojun, thank you for your help. If we cross paths again, please extend your guidance.”

The two said their goodbyes, and although Laojun was the one who had orchestrated everything, their parting seemed natural.

So Laojun left Oliver’s shop.

(I guess there’s no need to use the double puppet of Jin here.)

He had prepared a double puppet of Jin just in case, but there was no need to reveal it. Laojun went back to the carriage and sent the 50 pieces of sand worm leather to Penglai Island.

—

Now let’s focus on Oliver and Jon.

“Sr. Jon, why did you accept my invitation?”

Oliver’s question was justified. It wasn’t every day that someone willingly accepted vague requests, no matter how curious they might be. Of course, the old man who orchestrated this situation had already prepared an answer.

“I want to see a new world.”

“A new world…?”

Of course, Oliver didn’t immediately understand the meaning behind these words.

“Yes. To create something new with magical technology is one aspect of it. And using my powers in an unexplored world is another.”

At the mention of an unexplored world, Oliver’s expression subtly changed.

“…Sr. Jon, are you interested in the land beyond the desert?”

“…Yes.”

Jon gave a straightforward answer that left Oliver somewhat surprised.

“Are you aware that there are various tribes living beyond the desert?”

“I’ve heard rumors.”

“Aren’t you afraid? If you do something that benefits the enemy, you could be considered a traitor and punished.”

Jon laughed at Oliver’s concern.

“Who is the enemy you are talking about? I haven’t engaged in any combat or hostile action.”

Oliver was even more surprised by this answer.

“…Well, that’s true, but…”

He hesitated for a moment and then said, “You are different.”

And with that, he held out his hand.

“You are quite unusual.”

He continued, “Welcome aboard.”

Jon shook his hand.

—

After this exchange, the old man reported to Jin, who nodded in agreement.

“You did well. What’s the plan for the next phase?”

“Yes, Lord Master Mylord. According to Oliver-san, he plans to take a ‘little trip’ in ten days.”

“Ten days, huh…”

“Indeed.”

Jin warned himself not to rush; patience was the key in this situation.

“I’ll have to take it slow on my end… I have my own tasks to take care of.”

Then he turned to Reiko.

“Reiko, can you help me with something?”

“Yes, Father.”

Using Mithril, Adamantine and Dark Attribute magic crystals, Jin quickly created a small MagiMachine. It was the realization of his long-held dream: the “Force Generator.

It had the ability to generate force in any direction and magnitude, much like the “Recoil” they had recently tested. Jin wanted Reiko to test it.

“Reiko, this is a MagiMachine that generates ‘force’. I’m going to attach it near your center of gravity. It should allow you to… hmm, what did I call it again? Ah, right, ‘3D Mobility.'”

He transmitted detailed instructions to Reiko via “Transinformation”.

“Understood, Father. So, I’m supposed to test the practicality of this device, right?”

“Yes, exactly. Can you do it?”

“Of course, Father. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

With that, Jin attached the “Force Generator” just below Reiko’s abdomen.

He connected the mithril-silver MagiNerves and adjusted the distribution of magical energy from the MagiReactor.

“Alright, it’s done. Reiko, ‘activate.'”

“Yes, Father.”

“How does it feel? It should have added about a kilogram.”

“It doesn’t seem to affect my balance at all.”

“Good. Are you ready to try it?”

“Yes.”

They walked to a square in front of the lab.

“Okay, let’s try it here. But don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Yes, father.”

Reiko’s figure disappeared after her answer, followed by a loud crashing sound.

Looking in the direction of the sound, Jin saw a large hole in the outer wall of the lab.

Reiko had effortlessly punched through the sturdy, rock-like material known as “Chart” that was used for the lab’s outer walls.

“W-Wait, Reiko, are you okay?”

Worried, Jin shouted loudly, and Reiko emerged from the rubble.

“Father, I apologize for my actions.”

She prostrated herself on the ground in front of Jin.