The City of Invention, Augustus Aurela

Chapter 24 - The City of Invention, Augustus Aurela

-

Starting from morning, the carriage, with some occasional rest, ran continuously until evening. Despite the long and tedious ride, we've only manages to cross passed outside the countryside.

We stopped at a small town located at the border between the rural and the urban area of the of the Southern Country. The Town was pretty normal and didn't really have anything worthy of interest, so we just took a rest from its Inn then left immediately at sunrise.

Anyways, I was getting pretty bored, so I started to having conversations to Mr. Driver, asking him questions as to ease our boredom for a while. It has actually some merit into it. I can get some useful information and some insights from him in case there's something I missed. I might have the knowledge of the Game but that's only from the Game's progression. I only have a handful of knowledge regarding the norms of this world, which oftentimes left me relying from Luna.

The travel was getting tedious but fortunately according to Mr. Driver, only 8-hours and we'll be able to reach our desired destination. My ass is aching from hours of sitting so it was a very good news to us.

Anyways, as I've mentioned before, our destination is a City known for its inventions. I'm quite familiar with the place but who knows, I might discover something new since this world was made from all of the MODS added, merging into once, thus creating this world.

On the other hand, the girls were either appreciating the beauty of our journey or having their girl's conversation. Oftentimes, I tell them some stories or teach them something to ease our boredom. Looking at our journey so far, I can't help but be amazed how the girls always had their myriads of stories to tell. Like how?! I'm pretty sure I experience more than their lives but how come they can tell so many topics?!

* * *

We finally arrived at the City at noon. It only took us a 6-hours estimate which is in favor to us. Like finally, me and my ass is incredibly happy.

We bid our farewell to Mr. Driver who generously drove us until we reached our destination. As our appreciation, I gave him a large tip which he thanked me dearly then left after. If not for him then we would've gotten here pretty late. He deserves it, I'd say.

This City is called 『Augustus Aurela』 and is also known as the "City of Invention". The name "City of Invention" really lives of to its name. This place vibes me a of a Sci-Fi world Steampunk thanks to its aesthetic of steam powered machineries. You can see some people with their working clothes and is walking around the city, holding their created fabrications. I can even see a blimp on the sky and some vehicles that's currently at the process of its creation.

"Amazing..." Luna's eyes swam around, looking at the place in astonishment. "This is the first time I saw something like this..."

"Me too..." Lily agreed. Having the same expression as Luna. "Life really is full of surprises, isn't it?"

I can't help but smile at their delighted expression. Nonetheless, the girls were right. Even I was in awe at the sight of this place. It was so beautiful just like in the game that it feels surreal.

"Now then..." I put my hands in my waist and did a big stretch, releasing all the fatigue accumulated from our travels. "Let's walk and get some reservation at the station while we sightsee."

According to Mr. Driver, there are only a handful of Trains stationed here. By that means, that it'll be hard for us to board a Transport since it will take a long while for the Trains to get here. Which is why, the earlier the better.

We head through the Train Station's Agency and finally booked our reservations. Though...

"I'm sorry, Sir." The brown-haired meek receptionist apologized. "There came some problems that happened earlier, so we were currently doing a maintenance. I'm afraid It will take a while before the problems has been fixed."

"I see." I replied. Unfortunately, there seems to be some complications relating to the transportation according to the receptionist. For that reason, it seems like our appointed time will be moved the next day in early morning.

Hm, that's quite the bummer. But we can't really do about it. Looks like it will be a waiting game once again... Fortunately for us, there won't be any hours of sitting anymore. Like man, give me my ass a break!

* * *

Transactions finally done, we decided to take our rest to the City's plaza. We took a rest on a bench just beside the fountain. We just got out of sitting too long on the carriage and now were sitting again... Ugh, no!!!

"And here I thought we would be able to arrive to the Capital immediately." I mused, breathing a sigh. "It's kind of a letdown, isn't it?"

"I-Is that what you think, Master?" Luna reluctantly asked. "This City has many quirks you might fancy, Master. Would leaving immediately kind of a waste...?"

"Luna is right." Lily added. "As for me, this is my first time here so I'm enjoying the experience. Do you not like it here, Sai?"

"N-No. I actually like it here. It's just, I'm being wary..." I explained. "Lily, even though I said it's only a hunch, that doesn't mean your guaranteed safety."

To my remark, Lily came to realize her situation and become tense, visibly worried. Luna also had the same response. Lily's reaction made me realize my mistake. Man, what a way to ruin someone's delight. Sigh, maybe I'm being too stiff. Ugh, this is what happens when my ass hurts!

Okay, I'll stop with the ass jokes. But I'm not kidding, it really hurts so I'm just venting by making ass jokes. Sorry...

"B-But well, you two are kind of right." I took my statement from earlier. "It would be a waste not to explore and experience everything while we're here."

Taking my remark, Luna and Lily's dejected faces immediately subsided. I'm glad. Well, since we're here, we'll just have to explore and enjoy this place while we wait. After all, appreciating every moment in a journey was just as important.

Capitulating to the girls' desire, we went from many stores and places and enjoyed ourselves from various entertainment and inventions. While sightseeing, I found a store that sells the 『Steampunk Boots』 and other equipment that's pretty useful for combat. After some brief searching, I was told that a pair of 『Steampunk Boots』 cost [3-Platinums] which made me shock in utter disbelief.

So expensive! No, it's too much! It's not even worth that much in the game! It's only [5-Gold] if I remember. But well, I don't really have much of a choice, do I? Being a cheapskate can only possibly endanger Lily after all.

"Thank you for your patronage!" The receptionist bid me with a smile that curves upto his ears. It costs me quite the amount, so I left the place while scowling. Damn you and your absurd products!

Not that it really matters for me, though. After all, I can duplicate the money if I want to. I'm just refraining from it because it might cause a massive inflation...… But I might later, Hehe~

I went back near the Fountain and saw Luna and Lily on the bench, eating an Ice Cream. Oh? So, Ice Cream exist here... I see.

"Ah! Master," Luna who saw me immediately greets me. "Where did you go, Master. Did you buy something?"

"Yep. Here," I gave Luna and Lily each the 『Steampunk Boots』 I bought earlier. "It will be useful in mobility and combat so please use this."

In response, both of them looked into each other, dumbfounded.

"Eh?! I-Is this really okay, Master?" Luna was stunned, flush crept up her face. Nice reaction!

"You just gave me your Bow and now this... I-Is it really okay, Sai?" Lily had the same reaction as Luna. Though, ear pointy ears had also flushed red as her cheeks. Realizing this, Lily covered her ears in embarrassment. That's my first time seeing that but woah! That's so cute!

"Yes," I nodded, scratching my head bashfully. "Sorry, it's not really a kind of romantic gift for the both of you. Though, I hope you use it from now on."

""Yes"" The girls replied cheerfully in unison.

Man, it was embarrassing giving them something that's only for the sake of my concern...since you know, their girls. But it looks like it made them happy... So great, perhaps? I guess it was okay.

* * *

Our fun had lasted until the sun had finally set down the horizon. We head into one of the Hotels nearest to us and ordered a room for one night. I decided to rent a separate room but this time, the girls stubbornly insisted and refuse my offer. Come on, girls! I'm doing it for the sake of both of us...

Understanding the message between the girls' stubbornness, the Female Receptionist offered us a large room that accommodates 3 large separate beds. It looks like it fancied the girls and ask me to accept it so here we are.

"Wahh!! So beautiful!" Luna's eyes glitters with her mouth agape. It really is beautiful. The room was filled with majestic luxury, making us feel like were a VIP or something. I guess the 10-Gold rent was worth it, then.

Luna roams the room in enthusiasm. The Crimsonheart Mansion was actually grand, but not really as comfortable as this. I kind of get Luna's excitement. After all, that place was so stiff even for me.

"She's so full of energy, isn't she? Fufu~" Lily remarked.

"Yeah," I replied. "I hope she'll always this happy from now on."

Lily on the other hand, didn't really much made an impactful of an impression. Well, she was once a noble after all. Nonetheless, her seeing Luna's delight made her smile in response.

Once Luna had begun to calm down, the three of us took a bath each and went to take a sleep. Hm, ever since we came here, I really wanted to sleep on a comfy bed. Hah, this is bliss...

* * *

"...….I can't sleep."

Man, I'm pretty sure I'll fall asleep sooner, but it doesn't seem to be the case. My mind earlier is telling me to rest but now... Ugh, my mind is in shambles. Hm, yeah. That's probably it. My mind is so lively that I can't seem to feel any tiredness at all.

Breathing a sigh, I slowly get out of my bed, silently as not to wake-up the girls. It's 10:00 o'clock right now. Lily and Luna were already fast asleep, probably tired from the travel.

I changed my clothes and left the room as silent as possible. I thought, maybe taking some fresh air might help me process my mind currently in shambles.

Once I left outside, all other places were close. It was eerily dark and quiet, with only the lamp post presently open to lighten the place. I imagine that this City is a type to never sleeps, but...

"Unexpected, huh..." I mused, then went and sat on a bench illuminated by a lamp post.

The cold air of the night lingers throughout my body, shaking me instinctively. But nonetheless, it made me relax for some reason. Night walk truly is an amazing experience. It sets my mind in ease.

But then, since my mind have finally calmed down, I then remembered something.

It was about ⟨⟨Skills⟩⟩

⟨⟨Skills⟩⟩ in this world is a factor I'm currently clueless about. It was never implemented in the game. Neither is any Mod as far as I know. In the game, you can only assess the player's strength by their Weapons and Equipment. If the player has stronger Weapon that yours, consider yourself losing the battle.

But things are different right now. A mechanic called ⟨⟨Skills⟩⟩ exist in this world. After fighting my brother, I realized something: ⟨⟨Skills⟩⟩ now play a very huge factor in battles. You won't be able to win if you only have weapon, strong or not. ⟨⟨Skill⟩⟩ was just as important.

Now for the question: How is skill attained?

One theory I was proven is, that you can attain ⟨⟨Skills⟩⟩ by following the process of something you wanted to obtain. An example of that is the ⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩. By exposing my eyes to a [Mana Pool], I managed to get it, with only a "what if".

Alright. Right now, let's do some test. A first experiment I can think of would be... Ah! Let's talk about the sense of awareness. In other words, the feeling of fear—an intimidation.

How can I create a sensation of fear, you say? It doesn't need to be fear. An intense feeling or something... Air... Density... Ah, what about the Mana?

I rose into my seat and took a deep breath. Concentrating, I began to find and feel the Mana inside me. Finally sensing it, I began to control it as careful as possible. It was thanks to Luna I was able to understand the fundamentals of Mana so this one is for you, Luna.

Now for the experimental part, instead of pouring the Mana in a certain point and releasing it, I tried to spread it throughout my entire body. Alright, its going great!

Skill obtained: ⟨⟨Bloodlust⟩⟩

It worked! I was astonished into myself, mouth agape when I knew that I got it. To my perspective, I saw my body began to get imbued with blue aura. Cool!

"So, this is my Mana..." I mused, dumbfounded. "Amazing..."

It was a success. Now that I've proven it, I'll teach it to the—

"Boy, you better turn down that intimidation or else, I'll be force to eliminate you." Suddenly, I was threatened by a woman who came out of nowhere. "I can feel it even in far away, you know?"

"Oh! My bad. I was just experimenting. I didn't mean to." I apologized. Regardless, the place was pretty dark. I can't see the face of the woman. Hm, suspicious. "Um, is there something I can do for you, Miss?"

"No. I just came here because I felt something." The woman replied. "I was just walking around, taking a breather when suddenly, I felt that eerie pressure."

Oh, so she's also here to take a breather, huh.

"Sorry for disturbing your time, Miss; I won't do it again." I said, then sat down from my seat.

"May I sit with you?" The woman asked. Oh? She's suddenly friendly... Alright, got to be vigilant.

"Of course," I replied, moving myself aside.

Finally receiving my consent, she began to approach me. I kept myself in an alert state as to be ready for any possibilities. Call me paranoid but I'm just being cautious.

It's finally time. The woman had finally walk to the ray of light, fully exposing her identity. I was surprised. An Elf with a beautiful silver hair that reaches to her waist stood before me. She boasts a pair of elegant sky-blue eyes that will make any man fall for her immediately. She's on the younger side but other than that, she shows demeanor that you won't feel in any normal teenage woman. If I were to describe it, it's a motherly feeling? Regardless, she was beautiful.

"My, this is a surprise. You hold an absurd amount of Mana on you, boy." The Elf Woman said. "Probably on par with the 『Princess』 and the 『Guardian』.

Princess and the Guardian? Who? I've never heard of such name in the game. I like they're name, though. I'll take note of them just in case.

"Boy?" The Elf Woman said.

I was lost in thought, when the Elf Woman bring me back to earth. Wait, I'm not in the earth anymore, am I? Nonetheless,

"Ah! Sorry. I was just thinking of something." I replied. "Anyways, it's getting late now. I'm sorry but I need to go now. My friends might get worried. See you, then."

I hurriedly left the place as I waved her goodbye. I'm sorry but I'm not joking when I say I need to go now. I hope she won't find it disrespectful...

"Oh really? Fufu, that's unfortunate." The Elf Woman replied. "Well then, until we meet again."

When I turned to see the Elf Woman, she was nowhere to be seen anymore. Scary! S-She's not a ghost, right...?

* * *

I slowly went inside the room as not to wake-up the two. When I saw that they're still in their slumber, I breathed a sigh of relief and silently went back into my bed.

I don't know why, but this time, I starts to feel sleepy and wondered why I didn't before. At any rate, it was unnecessary to think about it, so I started to close my eyes, and shortly after, my consciousness begins to fade away.

————————————————————————————————————————————

『Sai Crimsonheart』 Current Stats:

『HP: 240』

『MP: 200』

『Armor: 0』

『AGI: 275-550』

『DEX: 100』

『ENDURANCE: 250』

Armor: None

Weapon and Equipment:

『Kusanagi』 『Katana』 『Spore Staff』 『Beaver Shark』

Accessory:

『Steampunk Boots』 『Antipathy Gloves』

Skills:

⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Battōjutsu⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Bloodlust⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Dash⟩⟩