The warm glow of the setting sun filtered into Kael's study, casting long shadows across the meticulously organized workspace. Scrolls, sketches, and tomes filled every available surface, a testament to his tireless efforts. Yet, at the center of it all lay his latest endeavor—a blueprint for the workshop that he had previously requested from his father.
Kael leaned over the large drafting table, his quill gliding across the parchment with precision. His engineering background came alive as he sketched out the design. At first, he envisioned a modern structure reminiscent of Earth, complete with systems powered by electricity. The heart of the workshop would feature two massive mana crystals serving as a power source, connected to a web of enchantments.
He detailed the first enchantment to continuously absorb ambient mana, ensuring a perpetual energy supply. The second enchantment would convert mana into electricity, powering devices and tools throughout the workshop. Kael's mind raced with possibilities as he outlined these innovations, each stroke of his quill bringing his vision closer to reality.
But then, he paused. A realization struck him, stopping his hand mid-stroke. Why am I converting mana into electricity at all?
He leaned back, frowning thoughtfully. On Earth, electricity was essential—it powered everything. But here, in a world teeming with magic, mana was more versatile and efficient. If he could bypass the need for electricity entirely, he could simplify his designs and make them more compatible with the magical infrastructure of his domain.
"If I want light, why not enchant crystals to illuminate? If I want cooling, why not create a direct enchantment to produce cool air?" he mused aloud.
The idea was both exhilarating and humbling. He realized he needed to abandon his Earthly paradigms and fully embrace the magical potential of this world. This was not just an engineering challenge—it was a shift in perspective, a step closer to mastering the unique fusion of magic and science that defined his vision.
As Kael reached for a fresh sheet of parchment to revise his design, a knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," he called, setting his quill aside.
The door opened to reveal Oswald, the family's steward. The older man carried himself with his usual composed demeanor, though his expression betrayed a hint of concern. In his hand, he held a finely embossed envelope.
"Young master Kael," Oswald began, stepping into the room. "This arrived just now. An invitation from Count Gregor."
Kael's eyes narrowed as he took the envelope, breaking the wax seal with practiced ease. The invitation was for a hunting incursion in Gregor's domain, set to take place in the sprawling forests to the south.
His lips pressed into a thin line. The memory of Gregor's behavior at the capital banquet surfaced—his probing questions, his barely concealed greed. There was no doubt in Kael's mind that the Count had ulterior motives for this invitation.
"He's planning something," Kael murmured, his tone laced with suspicion.
"Shall I prepare a polite refusal?" Oswald inquired.
Kael shook his head, a faint smile curling his lips. "No. Refusing outright would be seen as an insult, and I have no intention of giving Gregor that satisfaction. Besides..." His smile deepened, a spark of intrigue lighting his eyes. "If he is planning something, I'd like to see it for myself. Send a reply—we'll accept the invitation."
Oswald bowed. "As you wish, Master Kael."
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The Hunting Incursion
The day of the hunt dawned with golden hues streaking across the sky, casting long shadows over Count Gregor's sprawling domain. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of pine and damp soil as Kael and Victor approached the assembly point. Nobles milled about in a clearing near the forest edge, their finely crafted bows slung over their shoulders and their guards standing alert beside them.
Kael dismounted his steed, smoothing the folds of his practical yet elegant hunting attire. Victor, ever watchful, remained a step behind him, his twin swords, Nightsbane and Dawnbreaker, gleaming faintly in the morning light. Kael's gaze swept over the gathering. Though the nobles exchanged pleasantries and laughter, their eyes darted to him with thinly veiled curiosity.
Count Gregor stood at the heart of the group, his presence commanding but suffused with an edge of calculation. He approached Kael with a broad smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Lord Kael, you honor us with your presence," Gregor said, his tone warm but insincere.
Kael inclined his head politely. "The honor is mine, Count Gregor. It's a pleasure to join such esteemed company."
Gregor's smile tightened as his gaze flicked briefly to Victor. "I see you've brought your formidable guard. I hear tales of his prowess that precede him."
Kael smiled faintly. "Victor is reliable, and reliability is invaluable in uncertain terrain."
Gregor chuckled, though the sound held no mirth. "Quite so."
The nobles were soon guided into the dense forest, their guards flanking them protectively. The vibrant green canopy above let in shafts of light, painting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The distant calls of birds and the rustling of leaves created a symphony of nature, punctuated only by the crunch of boots on undergrowth.
As they pressed deeper into the woods, the atmosphere shifted. The cheerful banter of the nobles faded, replaced by an uneasy silence. The air grew heavier, and the once melodious forest sounds were replaced by an eerie stillness.
Kael's steps slowed, his senses sharpening. Victor noticed the change and leaned slightly toward him. "Something feels off," Victor murmured, his voice low and cautious.
Before Kael could respond, a guttural roar shattered the silence. From the dense shadows emerged twenty towering ogres, their grotesque forms looming over the hunting party. Their thick, grayish skin glistened with sweat, and their eyes burned with primal fury. Clubs fashioned from tree trunks rested in their gnarled hands.
Panic rippled through the group as nobles stumbled back, fumbling with their bows. A scream pierced the air as one of the beasts charged, its thunderous footsteps shaking the ground.
Kael moved swiftly, his demeanor calm but focused. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his Gauntlet from his infinite storage. The artifact materialized in a shimmer of light, latching onto his right hand. It pulsed faintly, amplifying his mana as it synchronized with his energy.
Victor drew his twin swords, their enchanted edges glinting ominously. The inscriptions along their blades glowed faintly—Nightsbane exuding an aura of shadowy lethality, while Dawnbreaker radiated a soft, golden light.
"Victor, with me," Kael commanded, his voice steady.
Victor nodded, his lips curling into a determined smirk. "As always."
The first ogre lunged toward Kael, its massive club swinging down with terrifying force. Kael extended his gauntlet-clad hand, bypassing incantations to unleash a spell. A gust of wind spiraled upward, forming a protective barrier that deflected the attack. The club splintered upon impact, sending shards of wood flying.
Kael followed up with a precise strike—a razor-sharp gust of wind slicing through the ogre's thick hide. It howled in pain, stumbling backward.
Meanwhile, Victor moved like a blur, his enhanced speed catching the ogres off guard. With one fluid motion, Nightsbane slashed across an ogre's abdomen while Dawnbreaker drove into its chest. The beast collapsed, its lifeless body hitting the forest floor with a resounding thud.
The other nobles froze, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.
"How... How is he casting without chanting?" one whispered.
"And that guard—he's not human!" another stammered, his wide eyes fixed on Victor's lightning-fast strikes.
Kael ignored their murmurs, his focus unyielding as he unleashed another spell. Invisible tendrils of force coiled around an advancing ogre, lifting it off the ground before slamming it into a nearby tree.
Victor leapt into the air, using a low-hanging branch as leverage. He descended like a storm, driving both swords into an ogre's skull. Blood sprayed as the creature crumpled beneath his weight.
The battle raged on, the forest echoing with the roars of ogres and the cries of nobles. Despite the odds, Kael and Victor fought with calculated precision, their synergy a testament to countless battles fought side by side.
As the last ogre fell, silence returned to the forest. The nobles stood in stunned silence, their bows still raised but forgotten.
Count Gregor approached, his expression a mixture of awe and thinly veiled greed. His gaze locked onto Kael's gauntlet, lingering on the intricate designs etched into its surface.
"That… gauntlet," Gregor began, his voice low and reverent. "I recall you mentioned it was a family heirloom. Truly a remarkable artifact."
Kael met Gregor's gaze, his own calm and unreadable. "It is. A relic of great sentimental value."
Gregor's eyes narrowed slightly, his hunger for power evident. "I would pay handsomely for it. Name your price."
Kael's reply was firm, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "It is not for sale."
Gregor's smile faltered, his frustration barely concealed. "A shame," he muttered, turning away.
Kael watched him go, his mind racing. Gregor's greed is dangerous. He's not just curious—he's plotting.