Karni and Siduo finally had the time to relax in the academy park. Their very first day of their month-long holidays. Winter holidays, though this area of the continent wasn't that cold. It was usually busy around here, but now that holidays have begun, the park was comfortably quiet. Only a few people were around, most had gone home for the holidays. The two chose a spot on a bench under a tree. They were leaning on each other.
Karni had his eyes closed. He was circulating his Bloodline, which worked best when he was in a relaxed pose, not a meditative one. At the same time, he was circulating his Mysterious Heaven Method. The pose was not efficient for its circulation, but when combined with the Bloodline, it was smoother than normal.
Ever since he started regularly circulating it during the trip to Star Luo Continent, everything had smoothed out in his cultivation. He didn't even cultivate without the bloodline anymore. In the past, his circulation was a combination of green, gold and normal blue soul colour stream in his system. Now everything was just fused smoothly. It was a long and gradual process, but his Bloodline and Soul Power were now connected.
He needed almost a full year to reach this point, constantly working on it in the background through simple, consistent and diligent cultivation… which was really just being in a sleeping position a lot and circulating Soul Power. Some would think he was lazing around. But if he had to be honest, if it were not for Shrek, he would have likely needed longer. This past half year the pressure of Shrek really helped him stabilise everything.
Siduo was in a very similar situation. She didn't get any truly new techniques, but the pressure helped. She also gained mastery over Battle Armour. Though right now, she had begun the process of integrating the alloyed version. After the exam, Karni and her, with the help of Tang Wulin, finally finished her first piece. Armguard. Siduo needed a good rest afterwards—just like Ye Xinglan did—despite them borrowing Xu Lizhi for help as well.
At their current pace, Karni's own Armguard should be finished in two months, when the holidays end. Though they could go faster, Battle Armour cost money, something that Tang Wulin constantly complained about when they were discussing what materials to use. Karni's Armguard would hence end up being an alloy of Honey Titanium and Meteoric Nickel, forming Honey Nickel.
The Battle Armour that covered the body would all be made from Honey Nickel, which would give a small boost to his spiritual prowess, durability, but its most important feature was being great at transmitting Sound due to its elasticity.
Tang Wulin also approved of the idea that Karni's headpiece should be different. An idea that had been formed long ago. Much like them, he immediately thought of Deep Sea Spirit Lead, but the face he made while thinking of the price told them a lot about the difficulty of bringing the piece to life.
The headpiece was put on hold. Karni decided he'd start saving up to get some Deep Sea Spirit Lead ore. It was too good not to use it in his Battle Armour. With the passive income he'd now started getting thanks to AR Glasses, he'd be able to buy the ore in a few months through the Tang Sect. Hopefully.
Their peaceful time of rare relaxation was interrupted by a ringing phone. It was Karni's Soul Communicator, and the ringtone was quite intense. Karni recorded it by playing the drums with his Drumsticks recently. Karni opened his eyes. "I'll need to change that. Put it on my alarm and record a song with Sonic Rhythm instead."
Siduo still had her eyes closed, but nodded. "Mm. Now answer the phone already, I wanna go back to sleep." She was sleeping, not even cultivating. It really was a rare time of relaxation. Then again, her cultivation technique is normal, so her being asleep wasn't much of a surprise.
Karni stood up lazily, picking up the phone. "Hey, Tie Tiao. Everything okay?"
Karni could hear from the other side. "Okay? Did you forget about us setting up a store in Shrek City? Please tell me you two made some preparations."
Karni was silent for a second, then he turned towards Siduo who stretched and opened her eyes. She looked at him with a too serious face. "We forgot." She heard what was said on the other side.
"Well, we have to think of somethi-" Karni was disrupted by another ringtone. This time it was Siduo's. It was Karni singing Wonderwall when he was little. Karni had been trying to get her to change it for literal years. She never did.
"Hello? Dad?" Siduo answered and moved a bit away from Karni with an apologetic look.
"How are you doing sweetheart?" Wu Jianguo asked Siduo.
… … …
The two got off the Soul Communicators after 10 minutes.
"We have trouble." Karni started.
Siduo nodded. "We can think of something about the store. The problem will be juggling two things at once."
Karni gave her a look, a 'just tell me already' look.
"My family is visiting for two days."
Karni made an odd face. "That shouldn't be that bad."
"My parents are also leaving Jianyu here for the holidays while they're travelling to this hot spring place up north for the month."
"Can't they take him with them?" Now Karni got worried. That would be trouble. They would essentially end up being babysitters. In Shrek.
Siduo sighed. "Apparently it's a great winter camping spot, since the snow piles up softly… creating a romantic atmosphere." Siduo sighed. "And the things there are," Siduo made air quotes, "not for children."
"Dammit."
"Yeah. I just hope I won't get another sibling. Little Jian is all I need. And you, of course." She winked at him.
"Thanks." Karni smiled, eyes twitching. "But your flirting really doesn't help us with this situation."
… … …
"Big sis! Big sis!" Jianyu jumped into Siduo's embrace.
"Hey there big guy! You've grown in the past half a year."
Jianyu jumped off, suddenly pouting. "Big sis! You didn't visit us! I heard you were in Star Luo City sometime ago!"
Siduo cringed. Last time she told her parents she won't be able to visit due to danger. They understood, but apparently they told on her. She turned toward her parents, who didn't even step out of the train, they just waited. The train led straight through to their destination.
She stared at them intensely, covering her little brother's ears and not answering his question. "Just so you know. I do not want another sibling."
Her parents blushed, while giving a quick hug to their daughter in goodbye. "And Jianyu, listen to you sister okay? She agreed to take care of you because she couldn't visit last time."
Siduo smiled at her brother, nodding. It was true. She was willing to take in Jianyu for a time due to her parents not keeping their mouths shut. They could have had a nice little joint holiday, but noooo.
Siduo rubbed her eyebrows after saying goodbye. Now for their next problem. She dialled a number. Tang Sect had been a bust. They couldn't use it for cooperation. They had two days to think of an idea, and they did have one. Karni thought of it. Now it was time for Siduo to make use of a solid friendship. "Hey, Liu Liu, I have a deal for you."
… … …
"Absolutely not."
Karni frowned. "I didn't even tell you yet, can't you give it a listen at least?"
Shishi's face remained neutral. "No. Let's not even begin with the fact that you've brought an outsider here." She glanced at Jianyu. "Without permission I might add. You also brought back one of our former students."
She turned to look at Liu Liu, and Shishi's face couldn't help but soften. Though she quickly returned it to a stern one when looking at Karni. "It is forbidden to bring back a former member. The location of the orphanage is meant to be secret even from those who used to be here."
"But we could help many orphans here!" Karni started explaining anyway. "Those who don't have an arm, missing a leg, even an eye, or those needing augmentations, because of other levels of problems. We could directly he-"
Shishi raised her arm to stop him from speaking. She sighed. She did want to give him some chance, if only because they were friends with Liu Liu and somehow had clearance access above the Shrek leaders. "Child. Do you really think that we do not offer them such things? Besides, we are also close to the Tang Sect, you should know how advanced they are. Do you think they don't help us?"
Karni's eyes twinkled all of a sudden. She just offered him a candy and she wasn't even aware of it. "Of course I know."
"In that case-"
"I myself am part of the project that focuses on those very things. The Human Augmentation Project." He was willing to say it out loud. The Project wasn't secretive enough that someone like her wasn't aware of it.
"You're part of it?" Shishi was, of course, aware of the project. They were one of their biggest benefactors. A lot of orphans in Shrek City were found hurt in some way or another. Shrek Orphanage was also the sole orphanage of the whole city. Hence its size as well as its secrecy.
Shrek managed to directly include the education that the orphanage offered into the workings of the city. It was part of its ecosystem, and helped make Shrek City further independent.
Karni had a certain glint in his eye, knowing that he got the hook in, now he only had to pull on it. "Not only that, but the recent progress and models you've seen, the ones that emulate muscles, are based on my designs. I have some privilage-"
She stopped him again, sighing. "Let's say I believe you. So you have some say in its development. I don't believe you can sway its development to suit a niche like ours."
Karni stopped to think. That's not quite right either. He cannot sway the development, but that is not why he's here. He won't be doing this through the Tang Sect, but through the Tie Family.
"I have some rights on the designs I helped create, I can-" She raised her hand, now for the third time. Karni was getting annoyed.
"Instead of discussing it here," Shishi smiled all of a sudden. "Let's go take it to Tang Sect and see exactly how much sway you have."
Karni nodded. That would be best. They could negotiate with exactness, not just some words. Good, good. This was going his way. He turned to Siduo, who gave him a thumbs up. His plan could work, Liu Liu's presence lowered Shishi's hostility as well. Everything went well up till now.
"Little Liu and that boy can stay here. You two come with." She pointed at Siduo and Karni.
… … …
"Ma'am, that's quite impossible." The project manager here in Shrek City Tang Sect shook his head, while giving Karni side-eye. "The original designs that advanced the research of the project were from Star Luo Continent. Not from here."
Shishi eyed Karni, who sighed. He's met the project manager a few times, though he didn't have many interactions with him. Here he didn't get much funding from the sect for his ideas in the Human Augmentation Project. He always put it to the fact that he was on Douluo and in Shrek, where the level was much higher. Or at least he did on that first interaction. Only now was he realising that it might be because they weren't aware that he was the inventor.
Well, perhaps inventor wasn't really the right term. Karni rarely invented anything. He was just more open minded on what he could apply advancements someone else invented. He had an open mind exactly because he came from a different world. He had a talent for combining things that someone hadn't thought of yet to combine. Technology of a Mecha into Prosthetics for example.
He was quite proud that he had such ideas and dared to try and research them. It was still something he himself designed, inspired by multiple things combined. He didn't let the ugly look he received from the project manager here dismay him.
Karni straightened his back. Alright, time to take this seriously. "A year ago, when the advancement was made, I was on Star Luo Continent. The President of the Star Luo Branch personally found me." He put on his AR Glasses and tapped something. "You can check my records."
The project manager almost spited the young man, but noticed Shishi's look. He begrudgingly took a look. Shishi also put on AR Glasses and they checked Karni's records together. She seemed to have a high clearance.
"Contract written by President of Star Luo Branch, Hu Jie. Val Karni is given the rights to his original designs to redistribute as he pleases, this right also extends to designs deemed to have been designed by Val Karni at least more than 50 percent." Below the contract was the list of all the designs that Karni had full rights to. There were around 20. All but one came from Star Luo Continent. The last one was made some time ago, though it wasn't nearly as intricate as the designs Karni made on the other continent. Karni hadn't focused on it much here.
Shishi hummed softly to herself. "There's no release clause. Meaning," she turned to Karni, "you have completely free reign over these designs, including the originals."
She then turned to the manager. "Also meaning, should Karni take away our rights, many of the designs currently produced, that still aren't a greater variation, would be impossible to keep producing, even if Karni doesn't have full rights to them." Suddenly, there was a bit of worry in Shishi's voice. The teen had more influence here than she actually thought.
She had heard about his influence in the AR Glasses department, but as the AR Glasses were turned into something mandatory, there was a special contract connected to it. On the other hand, Karni joined the Human Augmentation Project with the intention of helping. Because of that, the contract was less strict.
Karni did forget some of the intricacies himself. "I would never actually take those rights from Tang Sect away. The sect is still the most suitable to develop all of this." He turned to Shishi. "What I was trying to tell you, is that I would like to develop things separately from the sect as well, one that would help the orphanage specifically, with the few designs I have. I am already developing some with partners. The Tie Family."
Before he could continue, she put up her arms once more, though she winked at him this time.
Karni smiled. He got her. Hook, line and sinker.
She turned to the project manager. "I'll speak to the project lead about the lack of information between the manager and his staff. Hopefully such a thing does not repeat?"
The manager seemed frustrated. It was true. He mostly spent his days wrapped in research as well, not leading the team, despite the second being equally important at his position. It wasn't the lack of his skills as a researcher, but lacking the qualities of a leader that caused this.
… … …
"I see." Shishi nodded. "Mm. Fine. I think Shrek will approve of partnership with the Tie Family, not that they have much say, but there will be some limitations."
Karni felt a bit nervous.
"For starters, seeing as it is a collaboration with outsiders, the secrecy of the orphanage needs to be kept. Land in Shrek City is expensive even in the outskirts, if people constantly travelled between the locations, there might be problems."
Karni was really curious. Why was there such secrecy around the orphanage? Even if it did house every orphan in the city, would that warrant this level of secrecy? It would warrant a high level of security, wouldn't it? It was to the point where normal people weren't even supposed to see it. Seemed a bit much.
"So how can we help guarantee the secrecy?"
"We would need to establish a workshop inside the orphanage. Though this would require someone always being here to lead it from this Tie Family of yours. I'll also provide you information on the two safest passages between the Shrek Academy and the orphanage. We don't want you to always just waltz right in, open for everyone to see." Shishi sighed.
Karni stayed silent, thinking over the situation.
"It should be fine." Siduo finally chimed in. "I'm guessing that you also want to recruit some of the orphanage students?" She looked towards Shishi.
Shishi nodded. "Not just that, most of them will be the ones to help with this. As for the money, it will go to the Tie Family. Another part of this contract should be that the students have some future in the Tie Family business as well. We always work with a goal to bring independence to our graduates." She suddenly smiled. "It would allow for expansion of the business, no? Eventually they would be able to truly expand somewhere close, so it would allow for continuous business."
Quite shrewd from her. This was a win-win situation. Both sides would get multiple benefits.
Siduo added a comment as well. "That would indeed be perfect. I think Kexin will agree with that," she made eye contact with Karni, who agreed. "Though I would say that that expansion you're talking about would likely need some… what… 10 years at least, based on the prices of the housing in the surrounding area. That is if we are successful."
Shishi nodded. "I cannot deny that, but with our funds—Shrek's funds—do you really think you would be unsuccessful?"
Karni and Siduo turned to look at each other and voiced at the same time. "No." This might be a guaranteed success.
… … …
"Yes. That is indeed quite troublesome. Fine. He will be removed from the position, though he will stay as one of the lead researchers. His talents are not to be wasted."
Shishi nodded. "That's fine then. Thanks. I'll take my leave."
"Wait a minute, before you go."
Shishi turned back to look. She was at the same level of clearance in the sect as the woman in front of her. The project lead. The project lead of the whole Human Augmentation Project on Douluo Continent. The only difference was that Shishi didn't hold any important positions otherwise.
"How about you become the manager in Shrek City? Of the Human Augmentation Project I mean. I heard you've recently made a deal with some young folks for a private project."
Shishi rolled her eyes. "Looks like I'll need to scold some of the caretakers. Their loud mouths."
"Now now. Give this a thought, don't change the subject." The project lead put on her AR Glasses and sent something to Shishi, who also put on her AR Glasses.
After a while of reading, she raised her eyebrows. "So. Free choice of outside partners for the project, as well as power over direction in development of this branch?"
The project lead nodded.
"Well I can't say no to that."
Tang Sect was a bust before. It seemed that everything just took a turn. Karni and Siduo just didn't know it yet.
… … …
Karni, Siduo, Shishi and Jianyu stood on the train station platform. Jianyu in particular looked bored out of his mind. These past few days have been so uneventful. The orphanage was fun, but after the first day, he wasn't allowed to return. Since then he had stayed locked up in Siduo's dorm, or he had to go around following them with their business. Today was just the same.
When would they go out and have some fun? Siduo kept on promising. To just wait, that she'd have time soon. But it never came. A whole week he'd been here with nothing happening.
The train soon arrived. Three people stepped out: Tie Tiao, Ma Fai and Tie Kexin. Tie Kexin was standing, though she didn't look too comfortable. She wasn't used to long distance travel. This wasn't something as simple as going between Green Tiger Town and Star Luo City.
Shishi glanced at the young woman, a tad surprised at the prosthetics she was using, but also immediately gaining an understanding. "Greetings. The name's Shishi. I'll be your business partner from now on. But first, let's move to somewhere more private and comfortable."
She led them to the orphanage through one of the more secure entrances. Once settled down in the room everyone relaxed with a cup of tea. Tie Kexin instinctually took off her mechanical legs and stretched. Only then did she realise how unprofessional that was.
"Don't worry about it. Relax. Comfort comes first." Shishi smiled. "Besides, we'll be business partners from now on."
Tie Kexin nodded. Fully relaxing, yet turning serious at the same time. "I would like to discuss some of the finer details regarding the trade. As well as the terms you offered."
Shishi smiled once again. "A straightforward one I see. I like that. Okay, let's go over everything."
Reproduction prices came first. Development, distribution, future of the partnership, and all the other details came afterwards. Even Karni and Siduo had to admit that they got confused in between. Neither of them had a knack for trading, nor did they study for it. Tie Kexin on the other hand seemed well in her element.
"Finally, the last point." Tie Kexin knocked on her knee, "I'll be the one staying here."
Shishi was a bit surprised. She turned to look at Ma Fai and Tie Tiao. She thought that the two came because one of them would be staying.
Tie Tiao answered. "We're both still in school—the Advanced Academy of Star Luo City Academy. We cannot leave our studies. Neither of us is good enough to be accepted into Shrek either."
Shishi eyed them. "There do exist entrances with special purposes."
"Would they accept two?" Ma Fai wondered.
Shishi shook her head. "That might be too much for such a thing. Unless you have good talent for designing, then I could make a case."
Tie Tiao shook his head. "Neither of us do. I just know how to lead the project, while Ma Fai has become a blacksmith and has reached 2-star level. She has reached Soul Elder recently however."
Shishi shook her head. "I am sorry to say that it would not be enough to accept you with special circumstances. You might have had the chance if you had taken the exam the first time around."
Ma Fai felt a bit bitter, but there was a reason she wasn't chosen. She simply wasn't strong enough compared to the others chosen that time. Not all made it from the Star Luo City region.
"Besides," Tie Kexin interrupted. "I am most suitable to lead the project. I know of its inner workings. Tie Tiao helps me at home, so he should have the ability to lead the project from there, but not here."
Shishi nodded. "Well, if you guys decide so, then it is fine. I do have one final announcement. The project will be supported from the Tang Sect. There will be collaboration."
Tie Kexin's eyes suddenly shined. "Let's discuss that in detail as well." She crossed her arms happily. She had to squeeze everything she could from this.
… … …
"How're the prosthetics?" Karni asked Tie Kexin. They just stepped out into the city. Finally, they had some free time. Who would have expected the beginning of the holidays to be so busy.
"They're great. Much more comfortable than the old ones."
"That's perfect." Siduo was also all smiles. They created the set especially for Tie Kexin before she arrived in Shrek City.
Tie Tiao was also smiling. "What's perfect is the way my sister just made that deal. This will be great! I give us at most 10 years before we can further expand in the city."
"It might be sooner now that the Tang Sect will help." Siduo added. Even before the sect decided to help, they thought it might take less than 10 years.
"Mm. Mm." Tie Tiao was relaxed. "Even better."
The city was bustling. Unlike the academy, which was empty during the holidays, the city was at its liveliest. This world's equivalent to Christmas decorations everywhere. Together with it, it celebrated some Ice Spirit Douluo symbols as well. Every day could be called a festival during the winter. Merchants came in bundles, there were constant celebrations, inner students organised different events throughout the city to show Shrek's achievements. So on and so forth.
Siduo turned to her little brother. "Jianyu."
"Hm?" The boy who retained some life now that they were out and about looked curiously at his sister.
"Let's have some fun."
Jianyu's eyes shined bright. Finally. He could finally have some fun!