The year passed in a blur of progress, long nights of calculations, and bursts of inspiration. By the time I turned eight, my life had transformed beyond recognition. I wasn't just the young son of Count Merendez anymore; I was becoming a force to be reckoned with in the kingdom.
The first few months after my eighth birthday were filled with experimentation. Magic had always been an elusive concept to me, something I viewed as secondary to the technology I was developing. But the world I was born into had magic woven into every facet of life, and it was only a matter of time before I couldn't ignore it any longer.
Business Expansion and the Inventions of the Year
My workshop had flourished. The soap and deodorant were now staples among the merchant class, and I had expanded the product line to include basic cleaning products like laundry soap and stain removers, which were sold to every merchant, soldier, and worker in the kingdom. The technology behind the soap had improved thanks to Adeon's guidance, and I'd learned to modify the production process to make it more efficient.
But I wasn't satisfied with just cleaning products. I needed to push the boundaries of what was possible—so I did.
The First Camera:
I had heard whispers of a device that could capture images, a fantastical notion that sounded like something out of a fairy tale. Cameras were a century away in the future, but I wasn't about to let that stop me. After months of studying light, lenses, and the principles of capturing images, I finally succeeded in creating a crude but functional camera. It wasn't perfect, but it could capture a simple image on a special plate.
I showed it to Father, who raised an eyebrow in astonishment.
"You made this?" he asked, incredulous.
"Just a little project," I replied nonchalantly. "It can be used to record important moments, or even create portraits for nobles who don't have the skill or time for traditional paintings."
He nodded slowly, looking impressed. "This could change the way we preserve history."
I smiled. It would.
The Printing Press:
Next, I turned my attention to mass communication. I had heard about the use of scrolls for documenting information, but they were slow and expensive. What if I could create a press to mass-produce written words?
The first prototype was a disaster. The press broke down more than it worked, and I was left with more ink stains on my hands than I could count. But after months of tinkering with gears, ink, and paper, I succeeded in creating a basic printing press that could produce multiple copies of a single document. It wasn't as efficient as I wanted it to be, but it worked.
I made a deal with local scholars, selling them the press to publish educational materials. Soon, pamphlets about the newly-invented soaps, deodorants, and other products spread across the kingdom.
The String Machine:
My next invention was a machine to weave string and fabric more efficiently. The kingdom's textile industry was stuck in the past, relying on manual labor. I envisioned a machine that could automate the process, freeing up workers to focus on more important tasks.
It took several months of trial and error, but I eventually had a machine that could weave cloth at twice the speed of manual laborers. Word of my invention spread quickly, and I had textile guilds begging to buy it.
Magical Awakening: The Second Circle
Magic had always intrigued me, but it wasn't until I turned eight that I felt the first stirrings of power within me. I had been practicing the basics with Adeon—simple spells like light manipulation, minor telekinesis, and the like. But one evening, as I was alone in my workshop, something unusual happened.
I had been working on a new design for a more efficient steam-powered engine, trying to perfect the use of pressure and heat. The machine was balking, and I was frustrated. In a fit of anger, I raised my hand and, without thinking, cast a simple spell—Fireball.
It was small, barely the size of my hand, but it was enough to ignite the pile of scrap metal on my workbench. I quickly extinguished the fire, heart pounding.
That was when I felt the change. It was subtle at first, but undeniable. I could feel the magic inside me, like a well waiting to be tapped. It was the spark of the second circle.
I sought out Adeon, eager to confirm my newfound power.
"You've unlocked the second circle," he said, his eyes gleaming. "That's no small feat. Fireball is a basic spell, but it's a spell of the second circle."
I grinned. "Does this mean I'm a genius?"
Adeon chuckled. "Perhaps. But now you must learn to control it. The second circle grants you access to more complex spells, spells that can affect the world in ways you couldn't imagine."
A Year of Growth
By the time I turned nine, my empire of inventions was thriving. The soap and deodorant business had expanded into other areas, and my printing press was in high demand. I had also begun to dabble in creating more complex machines—automating processes, improving transportation, and crafting tools that made life easier for the average person.
I had earned the title of "genius" from the nobles, and my inventions were being used across the kingdom.
But magic, too, was starting to shape my future. I was learning spells at an accelerated rate, unlocking more abilities with each passing month. The magic, once foreign and distant, was becoming just another tool in my arsenal.
The Spark of Greater Ambitions
One day, as I was sitting in my study, sketching designs for a new invention, Father entered with a look of purpose.
"Akio," he said, "I've been watching you closely these past few years. You've surpassed expectations, and more importantly, you've helped the family's fortunes rise. It's time you took on more responsibility."
I looked up, curious. "What do you mean, Father?"
"I'm placing more trust in you, my son. You're not just a brilliant inventor; you're the future of this family. You will take over the management of the estate and the business operations. Elias will focus on his magic studies, but you will lead us into a new era."
My heart raced as I absorbed his words. This wasn't just about inventions anymore. This was about power, influence, and a future that was entirely in my hands.
"Thank you, Father," I said, feeling the weight of the title settle on my shoulders. "I won't let you down."
These chapters take me like an hour to plan and make so please give some power stones it will be very appreciated friends
Love you guys and gals reading this