Rowan's mind buzzed with anticipation and excitement as he contemplated his plans. He knew that Leylin would arrive in this world in about three to four years, giving him ample time to execute his plans and secure ownership of the **River Plains Secret Plane**.
_"By the time Leylin arrives, I will already have established myself as the owner of the secret plane,"_ Rowan mused. _"I need to gather data on how secret planes are created, maintained, and protected. If I understand the intricacies of these planes and how to secure them properly, I can ensure my ownership is flawless, with no loopholes."_
He imagined himself as the South Coast's largest secret plane owner, his mind flooded with visions of the immense profit he would make. Rowan daydreamed about the wealth and power he would gain, making rough estimates of how much more efficient and cost-effective his robots would be in managing the plane.
As he daydreamed, he discussed his plans with **Stella**, his **Model~C20 biochip**. **"With the robots' help, my secret plane will be managed with unparalleled precision,"** Stella chimed in, matching Rowan's enthusiasm.
_"Exactly,"_ Rowan agreed, a pleased smile crossing his face. _"Their efficiency will be unmatched. The cost savings alone will be remarkable, and the resources I can gather will multiply my profits."_
He allowed himself a moment to relish the thought of his success, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Rowan's biochip was far superior to Leylin's AI chip, giving him a distinct advantage. His biochip's capabilities were a thousand times more advanced, providing him with insights and calculations Leylin could only dream of.
_"Leylin may have his AI chip, but mine is far superior,"_ Rowan thought confidently. _"Not to mention, I have the head start. By the time Leylin arrives, I'll have already established my position and control."_
Rowan's knowledge of the plot and the world he was now a part of only added to his confidence. He understood the intricacies and dynamics of the world around him, and he knew how to manipulate events to his advantage.
_"All in all, I truly am the luckiest person in this world,"_ Rowan concluded, a sense of pride and satisfaction settling over him. He knew the path ahead would be filled with challenges, but he was confident in his abilities and his biochip's guidance to navigate them successfully.
Rowan sought out Isadora, his father's wife who managed the slave business, to discuss the intricacies of the trade. Though he was already familiar with the general price ranges, he wanted to gain a clearer understanding of the exact values from Isadora, who was known for her expertise in the field.
Rowan found Isadora in her private study, meticulously going over ledgers and business records. She looked up as he entered, offering him a small, measured smile.
"Rowan, what brings you to my study today?" she asked, setting aside her work.
"I wanted to discuss the specifics of the slave business with you," Rowan began, taking a seat across from her. "I understand the general price ranges, but I need more exact figures to better manage the estate."
Isadora nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. Mortals without potential are sold for gold coins, typically depending on their skills and health. Mortals with potential to become magi or knights command higher prices, starting from one magic crystal and going up to tens, depending on their potential."
"That's what I expected," Rowan confirmed. "And the prices for apprentices—level 1 starting at five magic crystals and going up to tens, while level 2 apprentices start at fifteen and can go up to the hundreds?"
"Exactly," Isadora agreed. "The prices increase according to their abilities and the demand for their particular skill sets."
Rowan nodded, taking in the information. "And level 3 apprentices? They're rare, but how much do they go for these days?"
Isadora shifted in her chair, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "Level 3 apprentices can start at 750 magic crystals, sometimes more if their potential is particularly high. Grand Knights are similarly valuable, fetching comparable prices."
"That's quite a sum," Rowan remarked. "It's clear why the demand is high for them, but the scarcity makes it a challenging market."
"Indeed," Isadora responded. "Acquiring level 3 apprentices or grand knights is not an easy feat, and the prices reflect that. It's a delicate balance of supply and demand."
After discussing the slave business, Rowan and Isadora moved on to other, unrelated topics to keep their conversation natural. They chatted about the recent changes in the territory, including new trade agreements and the influx of traders from neighboring regions.
"Have you heard about the new herbalist shop in town?" Isadora asked with interest. "They've been offering some rare ingredients that have piqued my curiosity."
Rowan nodded. "I have heard some talk about it. It's good to see new businesses flourishing. It's a sign of healthy commerce in our territory."
"Indeed, it's promising," Isadora agreed. "We should keep an eye on them and see if there's potential for collaboration."
As their conversation continued, Rowan felt a sense of ease in their discussion. Though they weren't particularly close, the natural flow of conversation and mutual respect allowed them to work together effectively for the estate's benefit.
As Rowan left the meeting with Isadora, he felt a sense of relief. His conversation with her had gone smoothly, and he now had a clear understanding of the current state of the slave business, along with the exact values of potential magi and knights. As he made his way back to his private quarters, he initiated a conversation with Stella, his biochip.
"Stella, now that we've secured the necessary data from Isadora and have an understanding of the business landscape, it's time to move forward with our own experiments," Rowan said, his mind already working through the possibilities.
"Affirmative, Rowan," Stella responded in her robotic, monotone voice. "You have acquired sufficient data on the slave trade and the power dynamics within the estate. You may proceed with your planned experiments."
Rowan nodded, entering his private lab within his quarters. "I will use the data from my father's experiments to save time and understand the capabilities of a rank 1 official magus. This will give me a baseline to work from as I explore my own research."
"Understood," Stella replied. "Your biochip is continually evolving as your rank increases. You do not need to be concerned about potential hacking or interference, even if you were to return to Earth."
Rowan set up his lab equipment, preparing for his next steps. "The main focus of my experiments will be on souls and their manipulation. It's an area of study that my biochip lacks data on, and I'm eager to fill that gap in my knowledge."
"Proceed with caution," Stella advised. "Studying souls can be unpredictable, and the ethical implications must be considered."
Rowan considered Stella's words but was resolute in his decision. "I'll start with the mortals in the mine. They are plentiful, and my private lab is secure enough that I won't need to worry about any noise from the test subjects."
"Your lab is equipped to handle the experiments," Stella confirmed. "Ensure proper safety measures and containment protocols are in place."
Rowan's expression was one of cold determination as he set up his experiments. He knew he needed to proceed carefully and methodically, as his research could lead to significant breakthroughs in his understanding of souls. By keeping his work private and ensuring his lab was secure, he could conduct his research without interruptions or the risk of discovery.
As he began his experiments, Rowan's mind was already focused on the potential outcomes and advancements he could achieve. His calculated approach and access to advanced technology made him confident in his ability to push the boundaries of his knowledge and power.
Rowan's first year was marked by intense experimentation. He focused on the study of souls and magical herbs, aiming to uncover valuable knowledge that would aid his quest for power.
As Rowan conducted experiments in his private lab, he often discussed his findings with Stella, his biochip. Together, they analyzed the effects of various magical herbs. One herb, they noted, increased mental clarity and concentration, making it valuable for refining potions. Another had potent healing properties, which they discussed could be used in creating advanced medical treatments.
Stella provided Rowan with precise data on the efficacy of each herb and its potential uses. They meticulously planned how to integrate these findings into potion formulas to enhance their strategic value.
In addition to his research, Rowan continued crafting robots for his personal use. He developed human-shaped fighting robots to serve as soldiers, while surveillance robots took the form of stone, tree branches, and other natural shapes, blending into their surroundings and gathering intelligence.
Despite his cold, methodical approach to his work, Rowan maintained a façade of normalcy. His interactions with the maids in the estate were casual and friendly. He enjoyed their company and sometimes engaged in intimate relationships with them, though these encounters were not based on genuine emotion.
Rowan's calm demeanor and sociable interactions with the estate's inhabitants masked his true nature as a mad scientist. To everyone else, he appeared as a competent and successful leader, efficiently managing the estate and its various aspects.
As the year progressed, Rowan remained dedicated to his work, carefully balancing his experiments with his social responsibilities. His ability to blend into the estate's daily life allowed him to pursue his goals without raising suspicion, while he moved closer to mastering the dark arts and laying the foundation for his future ambitions.
After a year of intense study and experimentation, Rowan successfully broke through to the level of a level 3 apprentice. His biochip, Stella, also underwent an upgrade, allowing for even greater analysis and efficiency in his work. This advancement brought him closer to his goal of becoming an official magus.
Rowan knew that taking the next step to become an official magus would require finding a suitable elemental magus part. He was aware of the limitations of bloodlines and wanted to avoid the snake bloodline as much as possible to maintain the original plot and prevent significant disruptions to the timeline.
Despite this, Rowan remained resourceful. He began searching for other methods and alternative bloodlines that could aid him in reaching his goal. His advanced biochip allowed him to carefully analyze and compare different options, weighing their potential benefits and risks.
Rowan's cautious approach to finding the right path to becoming an official magus demonstrated his strategic mindset. He understood the importance of choosing wisely and took his time to gather information and plan his next steps.
As he explored various possibilities, Rowan remained focused on his ultimate goal of mastering magic and gaining power. His biochip provided him with the data he needed to make informed decisions and navigate the complex world of magus studies without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
Over the past year, Rowan had been meticulously preparing for his future endeavors. He crafted a formidable army of 50,000 robots, including fighting robots and surveillance robots of various shapes and sizes. The abundance of metal in the area made it easy for him to manufacture these robots, ensuring that he had a significant force ready for any situation.
His primary goal was to take over the secret plane, and his robotic army would provide him with the power and efficiency he needed to succeed. Rowan knew that staying in his current position was no longer beneficial to him, and he began planning his next move with great care.
Rowan's strategy included faking his own death to disappear without a trace. This would allow him to avoid suspicion and gain freedom to carry out his plans. He also continued to mine magic crystals in secret using his robots, wary of the rank 2 magus who owned the mine. If he were to be caught, it could spell disaster for his plans.
Stella, his biochip, played a crucial role in his planning. It began providing him with potential scenarios and risks associated with his actions. The biochip warned him of possible trouble ahead, advising him to proceed with caution and calculate every move to minimize risk.
Rowan took Stella's warnings seriously and reviewed the data carefully. He analyzed various options to fake his death convincingly while ensuring his plan to take over the secret plane remained on track. He understood the importance of staying undetected and keeping his plans hidden from his enemies.
With his preparations complete, Rowan felt ready to take action. His army of robots, his secret mining operations, and his ability to manipulate situations with precision all contributed to his confidence. As he prepared to execute his plans, he kept his mind focused on the potential risks and challenges ahead, relying on his biochip's guidance to navigate the complex path toward his ultimate goals.