***
There were two people on the training ground, the younger brother stood confidently and with a proud look, and next to him, right on the ground, sat the older one, folding his palms together and closing his eyes.
«It works,» Balthazar said in shock. It feels like you're flying...
«This is temporary, soon you will get used to the controls and the unusual feelings will disappear,» Aaron said.
— And how does it work, how could you create something like that? — recalling the magic apparatus back, and successfully planting it, the older brother asked a question. «Damn, you're a goddamn genius if you could come up with something like that!»
«Well, I kind of already said...» the boy sighed. «Believe me, it's not about you, I would explain, but this device is really complicated, even I had to spend a lot of time and effort to create this prototype.
— Prototype? Balthazar snapped. «Are you saying that this magic device can still be improved?»
«Quite,» Aaron nodded. — In addition to the basic functions, flight control and observation from the air, I managed to add only the recording of visual information. When we start mass production, it will be possible to set up, in principle, a ready-made user identification function. There is simply nothing more to improve, since a scheme with one magic crystal will not pull a further increase in the number of functions, and adding another crystal is not profitable, because it will immediately increase the cost of the product at times. And besides, it can cause system instability.
«I see...» the elder brother squeezed out of himself, obviously not understanding half of what was said. — And what is this last function? What is it called...
«User identification,» the inventor clarified. — It is needed to protect the device, with it, the device can only be used by those who know the password. In fact, it will look something like this... After starting the device, by introducing magical energy and folding hands, you need to mentally enter a password, for example, consisting of a combination of nine digits, after which the identification system will check the correspondence of the incoming data and those already entered into the system. If the data is entered correctly, the device will start, otherwise the device will not work.
— Why is it needed at all? asked Balthazar, narrowing his eyes skeptically. — You can do without it, you know...
«This device provides a lot of advantages, it can be used in times of war, to ensure the safety of travel, in reconnaissance, when penetrating into protected areas, in construction ... And this is only at first glance,» Aaron stated confidently. Now imagine that your enemy has the same...
All benefits will be lost...
«That's right, so we won't be distributing this invention,» Aaron clarified. «But if it is stolen, or otherwise obtained into their hands, then our enemies will not be able to use it, because they do not know the identifier.
«Then why mass production?» the older brother asked. «A couple of dozen such devices are enough for us.
— For personal use, for the first time, several devices may be enough, but in the event of a war, this will not be enough ...
— Then how to recoup production? Balthazar added doubtfully.
«You don't have to sell the Watcher to earn gold,» Aaron said confidently. — We can monetize the results of its use.
— «Vigilant observer», is that something like a name? — having accepted the arguments, drew attention to Balthazar.
«That's right, and this device will help us finally close our weak spots...»
— Weak? What do you mean? the older brother asked, anticipating yet another revelation.
«Our clan is strong brother, we had five demigods not so long ago,» Aaron declared. «Don't make a fool of yourself... Obviously, we became a target, which is why our parents died... No one will tolerate a clan like ours that has overwhelming personal power, but lacks political influence, connections, wealth, and long history. However, if we take full advantage of the Vigilant Watcher, we can protect ourselves and get revenge on our enemies for killing our parents!
«So I wasn't the only one who found all this strange...» Balthazar sighed. — Our parents died at the hands of enemies ... But why didn't grandfather do anything?
«I won't be surprised if this old bison already knows everything,» the younger brother dismissed. — Most likely, his hands are simply tied ... We need resources and connections to enable him to avenge his beloved daughter and son-in-law.
«Okay, I convinced you...» the older brother nodded, and then sighed adding: «Let's carry out our plan and destroy our enemies, together...»
«Well, well, someone becomes like the head of the clan,» Aaron chuckled at his brother.
***
At the same time, in Bradomir's office, Jane, along with her grandfather, stood by the window and watched two brothers talking enthusiastically on the training ground.
What were they thinking? — the girl voiced aloud a question that had been in the air for a minute.
«Aaron, after his birthday, began to constantly train and do some research of his own,» the old man sighed. He is always busy with something and hardly rests. To be honest, I have been wondering for a long time what this boy came up with, but I decided to wait for the right moment ... Apparently, the time has come ...
«Most likely, Aaron was waiting for the return of his brother, and he wanted to show him the fruits of his labors,» suggested Jane. «It's a shame, I thought he loved me more than Balthazar.
«So it is, that's why I chose my older brother,» said Bradomir. — I give a tooth, this is some kind of dangerous adventure ...
Do you think since I am a woman, then I need to be protected?
«They just don't want to lose you... Our clan is in a difficult situation, your parents are dead, and I'm already old. If things continue like this, you will most likely have to get married and find a new family...
— Why?! — the girl was indignant.
«Aaron and Balthazar, most likely, understood this ...» the old man decided not to remain silent. «We're at our throats, and if things continue like this, as soon as I hand over my position as head of the clan to Balthazar, we will start to have serious problems...»
«It's all because of me,» Jane said suddenly, looking down at the floor. «If only I hadn't awakened the divine spark... Mother and father, they would...»
«You are not to blame for anything,» Bradomir immediately waved him off, interrupting her. — I was just too naive and could not foresee such a development of events. Don't you dare even think about such nonsense... The awakening of a divine spark is the best thing that can happen to a person. Believe me, if this had not happened to me, I would have lived the life of a useless orphan, a peasant or even a slave!
Jane carefully looked into Bradomir's stern purple eyes, and immediately realized that she had froze stupidity ... Since childhood, her grandfather had taught her that despair and surrender to something ephemeral, like fate, is a manifestation of cowardice and weakness, weakness of spirit and will.
«I'm sorry, I just...
«Nothing, what I said was not to spoil your mood,» the old man said, replacing his sternness with a smile. «Look at your brothers... Do you think they will let you leave the clan?»
The girl looked out the window, where her brothers were shaking hands and grinning. She immediately understood what her grandfather was trying to tell her.
«No, they're too stubborn to allow something like that,» Jane snorted. «If they don't grow up, then I will never be able to get married in my life...»