After teleporting back Akira saw, the glow of the teleportation circle faded, its vibrant light becoming dull and lifeless. Akira frowned and added a surge of mana, reigniting the circle's luminescence. "Is it what I think it is?" Akira mused in his mind, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"Yes, Master," Alfred replied in Akira's mind. "Our current understanding of teleportation circles is limited. We only know how to create circles that require mana replenishment after each use."
Akira sighed. "Then, Alfred, I want you to start researching teleportation circles. Solve the issue of mana replenishment and find a way to draw mana from the atmosphere."
"Understood, Master. I will begin analyzing all data on the circles and create new patterns to address this issue, but it will take time."
"Start now," Akira commanded.
Alfred hesitated. "Master, I am currently manipulating the mana within your body. If I focus on the circles, I will have to cease assisting you with your tasks."
Akira nodded, determination in his eyes. "I won't be doing anything that requires intricate skill. You can work on the circles; I will manage. I'll notify you if I need assistance."
"Very well," Alfred agreed, retreating into a deep analytical state. Immediately, Akira felt the strain. A wave of exhaustion washed over him, his mana leaking uncontrollably, accompanied by a dull headache. Akira didn't sleep all night and that Alfred is doing something else, the effects are catching up to Akira.
Akira sat down, crossing his legs and assuming a meditative posture. The hobgoblins and Deltagob watched with curiosity but remained silent, mimicking Akira's seated position. It took several minutes, but Akira eventually managed to control the leaking mana. Just as he did, Lesley's voice called out, "Master, the food is ready."
His stomach growled in response, and he opened his eyes. Though some mana still leaked, it had diminished to a manageable level. Akira stood and headed into the house, eager to satiate his hunger. Jarvis, now fully transformed and muscular, served Akira his meal, then went outside to give food to the ogres and hobgoblins.
After eating, Akira retrieved the weapons he had crafted the previous day and placed them in the dining area. He then called for Jarvis and Lesley. "Jarvis, take these weapons and use the horse to go to the town. Take Lesley with you and sell all these weapons to Alvin Smith, the weapons dealer. Tell him you are Fate's associates. With the money, buy the land on both sides of our property. If it gets late, find a room in a tavern. Also, visit the tailor for new uniforms. You two look like you're stuck in your clothes." He chuckled lightly. "But please, eat before leaving. You haven't eaten since yesterday, and your bodies need nutrition more than ever now."
Akira handed Jarvis 25 of his remaining 30 gold coins, keeping only five for himself. "I really need to sleep," he yawned, the toll of the night's activities evident.
Jarvis accepted the task, and Akira stepped outside where the hobgoblins awaited. From his inventory, Akira pulled out the mana core he had obtained from the lich. He connected the core to the teleportation circle. "This will work for now," he said. "The mana core will continuously charge the teleportation circle."
He addressed the hobgoblins and Deltagob, explaining how the teleportation circle worked. They placed the carriage on the circle and, after five seconds, were teleported to the cave. Akira watched as the mana core charged the circle, taking around 13 seconds to recharge it.
Stepping onto the circle himself, Akira was teleported to the cave. He instructed Deltagob to move the carriage away from the circle to prevent accidental activation. Akira then sealed the cave entrance, ensuring its secrecy. Satisfied with the goblins' ore-gathering progress, he teleported back to his room and collapsed into bed, his body yearning for rest.
Meanwhile, Jarvis and Lesley prepared for their journey. In the front yard, they admired the horse's powerful muscles, saddled it, and set off. The hobgoblin on guard opened the gate, and Jarvis urged the horse into a run. The transformation was astonishing; the horse, now a warhorse, reached the city in just an hour and it was not even tired like last time.
First, they visited the tailor to measure for new clothes. Then, they proceeded to Alvin Smith's weapons shop. Upon hearing they were Fate's associates, Alvin greeted them with respect. Jarvis presented the weapons, one by one, and Alvin inspected them with keen interest.
"These weapons will fetch you over 120 gold coins," Alvin declared.
"Even though they are of good quality, 120 gold coins is a lot. Why is that?" Jarvis asked.
"There is a high demand for weapons in the lord's army," Alvin explained. "The lord is gathering many weapons for some reason."
"A lord gathering weapons usually means two things," Jarvis mused. "Either the king is preparing for war, or the lord is fortifying for a battle here."
With the transaction complete, Alvin handed them a hefty bag of gold coins. Jarvis counted them and then left the shop. It was getting dark, and Jarvis and Lesley decided to find lodging for the night. They rented two rooms at a nearby tavern, planning to complete their tasks the following day.
As they settled into their rooms, Jarvis and Lesley couldn't help but marvel at the rapid changes in their lives. From mere servants to empowered warriors, their journey under Akira's command was just beginning. The night was still, but the air buzzed with anticipation for what lay ahead.