Chapter 4 - Ch4

Rowan's father sat in his secluded stronghold, nestled near a waterfall and surrounded by two massive boulders. Nearby lay the town of **Stonehollow**, not too large but bustling with activity. This ecosystem revolved around slaves, prostitutes, gambling, and underground fighting, with Rowan's father, **Eldric Blackthorne**, serving as the overseer of this shadowy realm. Though the area was plagued by radiation, it posed no threat to the inhabitants due to a specialized method of dealing with it.

Behind Stonehollow lay the modest **Glittergem Mine**, largely overlooked by larger organizations but still a source of danger. The mine was ultimately owned by a rank 2 Magus known as **Magus Seraphine Vardis**, and Rowan's father managed its operations, adhering strictly to a magical contract signed in the presence of a higher being. The mine's labor force consisted of captured mortals who were lured with false promises of eventual freedom in exchange for hard work. Given their short lifespan due to the radiation, there was no need to use magic to control them, as new workers could always be found.

Within Stonehollow, the weakest residents were level 1 apprentices, who formed the bottom rung of the hierarchy. Though some mortals were spared, such as knights kept for trade and those with magical potential trained and brainwashed into serving their masters, most were sent to the mine. The fighting arena was a hub of excitement, where victors claimed the losers' possessions and received rewards like herbs and magic crystals. These fighters, kept popular by their victories, helped maintain the crowd's interest, which in turn fueled the betting that lined Eldric Blackthorne's pockets.

While most matches were genuine, Eldric occasionally resorted to underhanded tactics, as long as he could keep them hidden. The winners would then spend their earnings on Stonehollow's pubs, brothels, and other forms of entertainment. Though not as renowned as Everlight City, Stonehollow's allure made Eldric Blackthorne a prominent figure among his peers. The slave market thrived here, with people selling themselves into bondage, and outsiders often finding themselves ensnared by the town's allure.

Eldric Blackthorne had several wives, all expected to be obedient and avoid any power struggles. His treatment of former troublemakers served as a cautionary tale for others. His relationship with his son was distant; Rowan was a tool to be used when necessary. Political connections maintained his power, and he aimed to grow stronger, aligning himself with Magus Seraphine Vardis.

Rowan's father also had a daughter whom he used as a political pawn. His wives, often former princesses turned slaves, served his desires, a cruel reality of Magus life. Eldric Blackthorne conducted human experiments on par with the darkest Magus practices. Little did he know, his son's future actions would shake the foundations of the place he had built, facing dire consequences as a result. He will be facing the infamous Model~C20 biochip, known as "the Thousands Plan" for its ability to calculate various possibilities and predict opponents' and people's moves, becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The Model~C20 biochip, known as "the Thousands Plan," is a highly sought-after biochip among cautious individuals who wish to minimize risk and avoid unnecessary trouble. This advanced biochip is prized for its ability to calculate multiple scenarios and predict various possibilities, making it a vital tool for those who prioritize their survival and strategic advantage.

theses are how the Model~C20 biochip provides help:

1. **Enhanced Situational Awareness**: The biochip continuously analyzes the surroundings, identifying potential threats and opportunities. It offers real-time feedback on nearby people, including their emotional states and intentions.

2. **Predictive Analytics**: By processing vast amounts of data, the biochip can forecast opponents' moves and intentions with remarkable accuracy. It suggests the best courses of action to take in response, whether to engage, retreat, or avoid confrontation.

3. **Strategic Planning**: The biochip creates comprehensive plans and strategies for various situations. It evaluates different tactics and their potential outcomes, allowing the user to make informed decisions.

4. **Health Monitoring**: The biochip keeps track of the user's health and vitals, providing immediate alerts if any concerning changes occur. It can also suggest medical or magical remedies for quick recovery.

5. **Information Gathering**: The biochip can access and analyze data from various sources, such as surveillance systems and other information networks, to provide the user with up-to-date intelligence.

6. **Communication Optimization**: The biochip can optimize communication channels and protocols, allowing the user to stay connected and receive information efficiently while minimizing the risk of interception.

And these are some samples of other types of biochips available in the market:

1. **Model~A10 "The Quicksilver"**: This biochip focuses on enhancing the user's reflexes and reaction times, making it ideal for those who excel in combat or sports.

2. **Model~B15 "The Scholar's Mind"**: Tailored for academics and researchers, this biochip augments memory, processing speed, and cognitive abilities to aid in complex problem-solving and knowledge retention.

3. **Model~D40 "The Sentinel"**: Designed for security and surveillance professionals, this biochip provides advanced threat detection and defensive measures, making it easier to anticipate and counteract dangers.

4. **Model~E25 "The Charmer"**: This biochip enhances charisma and persuasion skills, making it a favorite among diplomats, negotiators, and those in positions of influence.

5. **Model~H50 "The Healer's Gift"**: Created for medical practitioners and healers, this biochip offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, significantly improving the success rate of treatments and surgeries.

The earthling taking over the dealer body :have the same name:

Rowan, having taken over the body of the slave dealer , began to assimilate the memories of the deceased body. This seamless transition allowed him to blend into his new surroundings without raising any suspicion from the nearby slave knights.

Assessing his situation, Rowan carefully formulated a plan to seize control of his father's empire and secure his own future. His immediate goal was to establish a stronghold within the **River Plains Secret Plane**, a vast and fertile area that eventually will be discovered in the Eternal River Plains.

The secret plane was an untapped resource with a high density of elemental particles and multiple entrances, making it highly valuable. It was here that Rowan saw his opportunity to change the course of events and control the unfolding chaos. He knew the plane's discovery would eventually trigger the Third Magus War, once word of its existence spread.

Rowan aimed to gain control over the seven gates that provided access to the secret plane. By securing and controlling these entrances, he could prevent others from entering and exploiting its riches. His plan was to eliminate anyone who attempted to approach the plane, thereby keeping its location and its resources a secret.

_"I must move quickly and quietly,"_ Rowan thought to himself. _"The first step is to take control of the seven gates. Once I have secured them, I can protect the plane's resources and keep its existence hidden."_

Rowan planned to use his **Model~C20 biochip**, "the Thousands Plan," to calculate the most efficient approach for each gate. He would employ his experience from his past life on Earth and leverage the biochip's analytical abilities to anticipate potential threats and eliminate them.

**"The key is discretion,"** **Stella** advised, echoing Rowan's thoughts. **"Eliminate those who come near the entrances without drawing attention. Keep the plane's existence a secret until you have full control."**

_"Right. Discretion is paramount,"_ Rowan agreed. _"I can't afford any slip-ups. I must secure all seven gates before anyone learns of the plane's potential."_

With his father's absence due to business in Everlight City for the next three to five years, Rowan had the perfect window of opportunity to carry out his plans. He knew he needed to act swiftly to establish control over the secret plane and its gates, ensuring he maintained the upper hand and paved the way for his future success.