Capital Gain

As days turned into months, the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks was livelier than ever. The first batch of students showed tremendous potential after all of them managed to successfully activate their Gears

Words spread across the continent of the town's achievement, attracting the interest of various parties, including those in the capital of the Qeddah Sultanate.

The intrigued Sultan Areef al-Naufal was fascinated by the development, and he decided to pay a visit to the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks. Accompanied by his trusted advisors and a small entourage, Sultan Areef arrived at the town, where he was greeted by Mayor Rachmat and the town's council members.

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"Greetings, esteemed Mayor Rachmat."

"I have heard remarkable tales of your accomplishments, and I wished to witness the wonders that you had achieved in this town, firsthand."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Your Highness, we are honored by your presence."

"We are delighted to showcase the potential of our students and the advancements in magical engineering."

The students, equipped in their Gears, stood before Sultan Areef, their Gears gleaming with power and possibility. The sultan walked passed them, as he inspected the Gears one by one.

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"These Gears are truly extraordinary, a testament to the ingenuity of your academy."

"Tell me, young ones, what drives you to pursue this path and wield such power?"

Zanno, representing Class 1 Red, stepped forward, his wheelchair-like Gear emanating a quiet strength.

「 Zanno 」

"Your Highness, we believe that with great power comes great responsibility."

"Our Gears are not just tools, but extensions of our spirits and the bond we share with our eidolons."

"We strive to harness this power for the betterment of our realm and the protection of those in need."

Sultan Areef nodded, impressed by Zanno's words.

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"Wise and noble aspirations indeed."

"The Sultanate is always in need of brave and capable individuals who can safeguard our lands and uphold justice."

"The Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks has shown great potential, and I am pleased by the resilience and ingenuity of this town."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Your Highness, we are humbled by your praise."

"Our academy is dedicated to nurturing the talents of our students and guiding them towards becoming skilled sorcerers who can make a positive impact."

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"I see. Mayor, I propose a partnership between the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks and the Defense Ministry of our country."

"Let us work together to further develop and refine these remarkable Gears."

"I believe that they hold the potential to enhance the capabilities of our royal guards and protect the Sultanate with even greater efficiency."

Mayor Rachmat, along with the rest of the representatives exchanged excited glances, realizing the significance of Sultan Areef's proposal.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Your Highness, we would be honored to collaborate with the Defense Ministry."

"Together, we can push the boundaries of magical engineering and forge a future where the power of Gears can be harnessed for the greater good."

Sultan Areef smiled, satisfied with the response.

「 Sultan Areef al-Naufal 」

"Excellent. Let it be known that the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks shall embark on a journey of cooperation and innovation with the capital."

"The potential of these Gears is not limited to the boundaries of Cardinal Peaks, but it shall extend throughout our country."

With the partnership established, the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks entered a new era of growth and recognition. The students of Class 1 Red, along with the future generations, would play a crucial role in the advancement of magical engineering and the protection of their realm.

As the sun set over the academy, casting a warm glow on the students and their activated Gears, the possibilities seemed boundless. The combined efforts of the academy and the Qeddah Sultanate's Defense Ministry would shape the future of Gear technology and establish a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.

The students of Class 1 Red, along with their fellow students from other classes at the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks, threw themselves into their studies and training with renewed determination. The partnership with the Defense Ministry brought forth a wealth of resources, knowledge, and opportunities for the academy.

Under the guidance of skilled engineers and experienced magic users from the Defense Ministry, the students delved deeper into the intricacies of their Gears. They learned about the magical circuits that powered their constructs, the enchantments that enhanced their capabilities, and the ways in which they could synchronize their Gears with their eidolons for even greater synergy.

Workshops and training sessions became more intense and focused. The students honed their combat skills, learning to wield their Gears with precision, agility, and tactical prowess. They practiced in specially designed arenas, engaging in simulated battles that pushed their limits and allowed them to explore the full potential of their Gears' abilities.

As the months passed, the students' skills grew by leaps and bounds. They became adept at harnessing their Gears' unique affinities, whether it was elemental manipulation, defensive barriers, or support magic. Each student's Gear reflected their individual strengths and personalities, showcasing the diversity and versatility of the academy's advancements in magical engineering.

Outside the academy, the reputation of the Qeddah Sultanate grew generally, and the Gear Academy of Cardinal Peaks specifically. The royal guards of the sultanate began incorporating the new Gear technology into their ranks, bolstering their defenses and ensuring the safety of the realm. The Gears proved invaluable in combating zak'nagi threats and protecting the citizens, earning the admiration and trust of the people.

Alongside their rigorous training, the students also engaged in community outreach initiatives. They visited neighboring towns and villages, sharing their knowledge and demonstrating the capabilities of their Gears to inspire and encourage future generations. The students became ambassadors for the academy, spreading the message of unity, progress, and the potential that lay within every individual.

◈◈◈

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"He is doing well if I would say it myself."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Indeed he is, Jengo."

"But, something still cracks me up..."

"When will you guys stop the charade?"

"Haha."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Haha... Don't tease him too hard Nath."

"He might not have any clue of what you are talking about."

Jengo was having teh tarik at the local Marmark stall with Mayor Rachmat and the sheriff after their weekly council meeting. Sheriff Nathkin's words caught Jengo off guard.

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"I... I don't understand what you mean, Nath."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Aww... Come on."

"Haha..."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Aye..."

"You played along brilliantly also, Nath."

"Instructing the academy to design the 'Armored Wheelchair' for Zanno."

"Hehe."

Jengo finally caught up with the two. They were talking about his son, Zanno. Deducting from Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin's conversation, he finally managed to conclude.

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"So... You guys knew?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Jengo... I have lived for a very, very long time."

"As a bonecan, I have learned a lot since the first time I understood the meaning of the word sentiment."

"Hahaha..."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Wow... Nath."

"You wanna go all the way back?"

"Haha..."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"It is okay, Jengo."

"I know you have your reasons."

"But pretending to be crippled is only limiting your son's capabilities, in my opinion."

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"Well... we decided to go with it so that others won't be alarmed."

"A crippled leg miraculously healed is not something you see every day you know..."

Jengo had nothing more to hide as he knew that Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin were well aware of Zanno's condition.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"In my opinion, you should widen your circle, Jengo."

"It's tough to bear the burden with just the two of you."

"You could always trust me and Nath."

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"Zanno went through a lot."

"I just want him to be safe."

"That is all."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"I understand."

"But, if you ask me..."

"The 'play' can be solved quite easily."

"An old friend of mine is a Grandmaster Healer."

"I am sure she wouldn't mind if we use her name, claiming that she is the one who healed Zanno."

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"Are you sure, Nath?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Yes. I am sure Marris wouldn't mind at all."

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"Mmm... Marris Johnson?"

"The Royal Physician?"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"You did go all the way back, Nath..."

"Hahaha."

The confused Jengo chuckled, as the three of them finished their teh tarik. The weight of Jengo's secret seemed to lighten with the support and understanding of Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin. They had been friends for years, and their bond had only grown stronger over time.

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"I appreciate your offer, Nath."

"If your friend Marris is willing to help, then it might be a good solution."

"Zanno deserves a chance to live without the constraints of his condition."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"I'll reach out to Marris and explain the situation."

"I'm confident she'll be more than willing to lend a hand."

"After all, she's always had a soft spot for children."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Indeed."

"And once the news spreads, it will alleviate any concerns people might have about Zanno's sudden recovery."

"They'll believe it was Marris's expertise that brought about the healing."

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"It's a relief to have such understanding friends like you both."

"Zanno will be ecstatic when he finds out."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"He's a remarkable young man, Jengo."

"With his determination and the support of those around him, I have no doubt he'll achieve great things."

As he finished his teh tarik, Jengo felt a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. With the help of Marris and the understanding of the community, Zanno's true potential could finally be realized. The burden they had carried for so long would be lifted, and a new chapter would begin for Jengo and his zon.

「 Councilor Jengo 」

"Thank you, both of you."

"Your friendship means the world to me and Zanno."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"We're here for you, Jengo."

"Always have been, always will be."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"That's right..."

"We're a team."

"And together, we'll ensure a brighter future for Zanno."