Since I got really bored one day, I decided to do some research about familiars.

According to the books, familiars are actually creatures from a world different from Marzenthura and Earth. They are formless spirit creatures that have different strengths and personalities like humans do. They can only take form when a magician creates a contract with them through the > Ritual.

This piqued my interest at that time, but since I got busy, I forgot.

But today, not only that I remembered it, I also got a free time do experiment with it.

The familiar summoning spell has a standard and fixed complex logic and algorithm that no other magicians can alter even before it was created. However, I’m an exception. Because of my ring, I can convert the [Magic Array] into [Runes], read them, enhance some of them, and even alter them if possible. And because I got such power, rewriting the > spell is just a piece of cake.

There are two main parts of the > spell.

The first one is the mana source. The spell itself is considered taxing to the mana capacity of every magician. This is quite normal since the requirement of summoning forth life requires life also. But because of the magic, the requirement is changed from life to mana instead. And because of that, if a magician summons a familiar, it will reflect the capability and will always be of the same element the magician is compatible with. Because of this, I was slightly confused as to why was Shell has a strength cap even though I’m infinite.

This is where the second part of the spell comes in, the familiar’s loyalty. Most of the time, familiars tend to get rebellious to the ones that summoned them. That’s why there’s a few number of magicians who have familiars, Cherry included. In order to show dominance to the familiar, one must show his or her power. I’m slightly puzzled as to how normal magicians could do that after getting drained by the summoning.

But when I thought about that part deeply, an idea hit me in the head. What if the reason why Familiars are rebellious is because they don’t like to get dominated? Maybe that’s the reason why Shell is so loyal towards me. Or he could have recognized me as superior due to the [Infinite] inside me.

After a day of rewriting the original spell, I finally finished it by sundown. It took me that long since I have to write them down and chant them before I could record them into the ring.

Instead of having my own mana getting used for the summoning, I changed it into a [Catalyst Sacrificial] type spell and have a [Magic Core] become the catalyst to summon a familiar. The second part is very different from the original spell. Instead of dominating the summoned familiar, I will give it its freedom. I just had to test a little theory of “What if they don’t become rebellious if they are not dominated by force?” Not only that, I changed that part of the script with [Appearance Modification] which allows me to choose what the appearance of my familiar. However, I had to make the appearance become compatible to what the familiar originally is. This part consumed a lot of time to make since I didn’t learn any [Mind Magic] other than >.

And because of all that effort I poured into creating the magic spell, I ended up creating Ellom.

Ellom is like a floating blob of semi-transparent gel with a magic core in the center. Yes, he looks like slime, but he isn’t sticky. Instead, the outer layer of his gel feels like a silky smooth cloth. Not only that, he likes putting himself into tight places. For example,

“Ellom, get out of there! I need to take some documents.”

Somehow, he managed to fit himself inside my desk’s compartment. I tried using force like magic, but yet for some reason, he’s immune to magic. I didn’t set him up like that when I summoned him. But still, I’m thankful that he’s a playful familiar.

I wanted to return him to his world, but I forgot to include in the magic script the way to return him. For now, he can stay in this world for as long as he likes.

“Is he inside the compartment again?”

Without knocking on the door of my office, Ghena comes in with a tray of Coffee and Macaroons.

“Yeah. Can you help me?”

Without answering my request, Ghena takes one macaroon and dangles it above Ellom. The moment Ellom notices it, he immediately jumps out blowing the papers away and absorbed the macaroon into his gel body along with some of Ghena’s hand.

“W-wait! Wait a second! Nyaa ah!”

It seems that the way Ellom eats away the macaroon tickles Ghena. Her expression becomes flushed and she’s having a hard time standing properly. I got to admit, it turned me a bit on.

After Ellom finished the macaroon, Ghena immediately hugged Ellom tightly with a very satisfied expression. She really likes how Ellom feels.

“He’s glowing pink again!”

“Yeah. Perverted jelly ball.”

“Did you say something?”

“Nope!”

Ghena might not notice it herself, but I could see Ellom playing with her chest. I had to look away.

I don’t know where he got that personality comes from!

After I picked up the papers that are scattered around the floor, I sat back on my chair while reading some of them.

“Actually, I have a messenger arrived just now. He said that the King wants to meet you in the [Golden Gala], preferably alone.”

While trying to prevent Ellom from getting away, Ghena told me so while squeezing him tightly. This perverted jelly ball is glowing pink more! I’m envious!

“Did he? Did the messenger say it’s urgent?”

“There’s a fancy carriage outside, maybe it is?”

When Ghena said that, I immediately looked outside the window. Just by the edge of the gate outside, there is a Fancy Carriage with two horses parked outside. It is fancy, but it’s no ordinary carriage.

“Wait, isn’t that a Royal Carriage!?”

***

Arriving here in front of the Golden Gala’s huge golden gates, I was welcomed by Teldarg. Though he was warm and all, it didn't overshadow Geral's begrudging stare.

“Did you enjoy the Royal Carriage?”

“I did. It made my short journey really comfortable that I was reluctant to leave.”

“Haha! You jest.”

“No I'm not. When I raise my peerage, I would love to have one made similarly to it.”

Fun fact: In the Valeshtyre’s Nobility Law, using a high-class carriage when your peerage is just Chevalier Class is considered a crime. Though I used a high-class carriage when we came here in Berigious, I had special permission because I'm a retainer of a duke.

However, using a Royal Carriage despite being just a chevalier could mean beheading. But in this case, it was the King who offered the opportunity. Since he was obviously the one with the higher status, I can't turn down the offer.

“I was told that you called me for something important. Am I causing problems?”

I tried to be discreet asking about it, but I can't think of any line other than this.

“Well, you did cause quite an uproar last week. But that's just normal here in Berigious. Trust me, we've experienced worse.”

A person fighting against a God is considered here as something trivial. I want to ask about the things that happened in this city before, but he looks like he has no plans on answering something that's too sensitive.

“Anyway, I called you here because I want to have a talk with Geral. Since you're Godfre's grandson and successor, I think you have the right to know.”

This sounds really interesting.

While we walk towards the huge golden gates, they slowly open with sounds of metal hitting metal.

And for some reason, Ellom who's hiding under my robe is shaking. It seems he hates those kind of sounds.

“What’s that under your clothes?”

Teldarg asked me while looking curiously at the bulging part of my robe.

“It's my familiar. Don't worry, he's not something that could hurt.”

After the gates have opened widely, not just us, a lot of people started going into the Golden Gala.

Oh right, this time of the day the gates regularly open up. Though I've been staying in this place for almost three weeks already, this is the first time I've visited this place.

At first, I was puzzled in why we walked instead of riding the royal carriage. Now, I understand why.

“Your reaction is something we people of Berigious would consider as a compliment.”

I didn't look at Teldarg's face, but I can tell that he's making a proud face just by listening to his voice. After all, what I'm seeing right now is something I would never see if I was still in earth.

Starting with the path, not only that they’re made of marble bricks, some of them are actually golden blocks. Pillars of gold that isn't just beautifully carved, some also emits light that illuminates the surroundings. Not only that they're made of rare minerals, ores, and gold, they're also huge. According to Teldarg, these buildings are actually bazars for new master dwarven blacksmith and craftsmen. Teldarg says that the farther I walk, the better quality the crafts and weapons are.

“We keep it like this to inspire and fuel the competitiveness of our people. Yearly, we hold a one week competition to judge who will be ranked higher in our Golden Street. We held it in the middle of the year.”

“Is that so? But I can't see it since I'm on a journey. Tough luck I guess.”

“Well, he celebrates its yearly. You can visit here anytime. I can even treat your household as VIP!”

“No, no, no! That's too much of an offer.”

“It's good that you know your place better than your grandfather.”

While me and Teldarg were having a nice chat, Geral suddenly slip in with a merciless line.

Because of that, we fell into an awkward silence.

“Ehem! I just remembered. I actually called you for a specific reason.”

Immediately the awkward atmosphere, Teldarg snapped his fingers and called for a carriage.

***

Since the street of the [Golden Gala] is becoming crowded by people from different races, the Teldarg had to use his guards to make way to the place his taking me.

Right now, I, Teldarg, and Geral are having a discussion about something called “Sentry Project”. We've been talking about it for almost 20 minutes already and it seems there are more to mention.

I haven’t fully understood what it is yet, but it seems to be a project that was made by Grandpa and Geral together with Teldarg's supervision.

And ironically, this is also the reason why they hate each other.

“So these are the ideas and outline both of you created. It's very elaborate.”

“This is why no one would underestimate a dwarf’s meticulous personality.”

While I'm reading some of the scrolls and books shown to me in the carriage, Geral says a line filled with pride. Looking at him now, this is the first time I've seen him not grumpy.

“Well honestly, I think it's just you Gel.”

Teldarg half-jokingly said to teased Geral.

Leaving their bromance aside, these plans for the [Sentry Project] is really interesting. This project's goal is to create strong golems without the use of magic creation or summoning, thus called “Sentries”.

These so called “Sentries” are autonomous mechanical magic-fueled magic golems. According to the plan, they are supposed to be made of materials that could withstand strong magic attacks or so. I don't know what the main goal is, but I think Geral's plan has an obvious fatal flaw.

“If your goal is to create golems that could withstand a magician’s attack using this, it's not only mobility will be an issue, power and magic consumption would be too. All I can say is, this one’s a ”

After I said that, Teldarg wore a surprised expression. But Geral, he's massaging the temple of his head.

“What? What did I say?”

“You said the exact same thing as your grandfather.”

I look at Geral since he looks like he has something to say.

“Just like Godfre, you also missed the point. Not only that you looked like him, you also sound like him,. Are you sure you're not him?”

Damn, I must have touched a sensitive part there. He looks slightly melancholic while looking at me. Though melancholic, it's mixed with irritation too.

The carriage suddenly shakes. It seems that we have already reached our destination.

When the door was opened, I was welcomed by dwarven people wearing dirty clothes. It's not rugged, just dirty. Every one of them bowed to me—err, to Teldarg I mean. However, there was one dwarf running towards us while wearing a pale expression.

“Y-your Highness! I'm *pant* I'm very—”

“How many times do I have to tell you, dirty clothes isn't a problem!”

“B-but, didn't you say we'll have visi-?”

“Silence!”

Before the dwarf could finish his words, Teldarg interrupted him while crossing his arms. Because Teldarg's voice was slightly raised, he becomes paler and bowed while shaking.

“Listen, everyone, especially the new ones, if you work, it is normal to get your clothes dirty. And if your clothes become dyed of dirt, it means you are working hard. In other words, dirty clothes represent hard work. And because we are blacksmiths, what's our motto?!”

“GULDAVARRA BERIGIOUS!”

Teldarg spoke to his people with a stern, proud, and prideful voice. His words were filled with dignity like a king should be. And because of his words, the eyes of his people lit up with inspiration. Especially the one who is bowing in front of him.

Since Teldarg acts all chummy with me most of the time, I actually forgot the he was a king. My respect towards him increased after this.

“That was one inspiring speech. But what did that last line mean?”

“You mean our motto? It means ‘A craftsman beautifies the world'. It's not in Marzenthurian standard language but Ancient Dwarven language, that's why you didn't understand.”

So that explains it huh. Well, it's a nice meaning for a loud sentence.

Before we proceeded to the room where Teldarg and Geral wanted to have a discussion, I was greeted by some dwarves who told me that they we're acquaintances of grandpa.

I was told that Godfre, my grandfather was a great magician (already knew that), and a kind person to others and is willing to help without anything in return. Not only that, grandpa also used to have an orphanage outside of Berigious. “Used to have” since every one of the children grandpa took in grew up and left the orphanage. I'm quite shocked to know that, but I think it's within expectation because grandpa was a wealthy man.

There are still more stories about grandpa, but I can't listen to every one of them since I'm in a hurry.

After I got into the room, office I mean, Teldarg and Geral were already laying out some scrolls and books on a very large table.

Since we have still time, I decided to scan the whole room.

There are a lot of books, scattered weapons of random variety, probably magic tools, monster part(quite unexpected), and a large thing hidden under a huge thick cloth.

“Actually, this is the office of your grandfather and Geral. This is where they brainstorm their ideas and clash with each other's opinions.”

Interrupting my thoughts, Teldarg spoke with a melancholic tone.

I immediately went to them since the preparations were complete it seems.

“So these are the plans me and your grandfather made for the Sentry Project. The right side are mine while the left side is his. Since you've already read the final compilation of my work in the carriage, you can read what your grandfather has made when he was still alive.”

As Geral instructed, I took a few books and let them float with >. I arranged them by volume since there are 8 of them. But since most of them have pages falling off, I had to scan them quickly.

It took me quite some time to finish reading and analyzing every plan that was written by grandpa. But I was able to understand what he wanted to create.

Even Ellom became so bored that he decided to get out from my robe and greeted Teldarg and Geral.

Grandpa's version of the sentry project is very different from Geral's version, yet it had the same purpose. Grandpa's version was a combination of Magic Formula, mainly arithmetic logic system which could result in a magic tool that uses magic on its own accord. In short, he was trying to create an AI magician.

There are a lot of advantages in my grandpa's plans, but there is one huge flaw that could overshadow the good parts.

“This is actually good, but if it's an autonomous magical tool that uses magic, it needs enormous amounts of mana just to maintain itself. It is powerful and all, but it's pretty much useless if it can't work continuously. We can also consider using powdered magic cores for fuel, but that's too expensive if we're talking in long term performance. If I'm going to rate this from 1 to 10, I'll give this a 4.”

After I said that, Teldarg and Geral had their jaws drop while looking at me.

“Did I say something weird just now?”

“N-no, actually, that's also our opinion of it. I can't accept his idea since the magic consumption rate of his version of the sentry was too much to maintain. Much more, [Magic Cores] supplies are getting less and less every month since the number of bandits interrupting the suppliers is increasing.”

Low supply means more demands, and more demand means increase in market prices. Is the Kingdom even trying to get rid of the bandits? Of course, I won't say that. It might be understood as lese majeste and get myself decapitated.

Well leaving that aside, I need to know why I was brought here.

“You made me read both plans and ideas of Geral and grandpa. Surely, you're expecting something from me.”

“Just like you're grandpa, you're pretty sharp for a man your age.”

Teldarg said so with an impressed expression. But can you please stop this ‘just like your grandpa’ thing? It's starting to get in my nerves.

“Actually, we wanted your help to continue this project.”

“And why would I do that? But before that, why me? Surely, it's because I'm his grandson isn’t it.”

Before he answered my question, he started laughing like I said something really funny. Did I really say something that funny?

“No young lad, but yes it's also because you’re his grandson. However, that's not the sole reason why we wanted your help.”

Before continuing his words, he walked towards me and pointed—poked my stomach.

“It's because you came from earth.”

What? Did I mention that I came from earth? I'm pretty sure that I haven't told anyone that yet. The only ones that know about me are Sora, Cherry, Matt, and Ghena.

“Judging by your reaction just now, you probably didn’t expect me to see through you.”

“How did you know I wasn't from here?”

“Well, there are a lot of factors, but the most obvious one was your reaction when we opened the gates. Normally, the people from other countries look forward to the stalls that are selling weapons and jewelry. But you, you didn’t even show slight interest in them. You just looked at them with amazement instead of wanting to visit them.”

Was I really that easy to see through? Damn!

“Just get to the point already!”

After I said that, Teldarg made a very sinister grin. I'm feeling a slightly bad premonition from this.

“They say that Earth is a world that did not rely on magic, yet its more advance than this world. Because of the Great Magic Council's law, not a single human from earth is allowed to spread their technology.”

I think that was mentioned to me before. Was it Sora or the headmaster who said it?

“Especially since I'm a king, I cannot break this rule. However, it doesn’t stop me from getting help from a person who is exposed to such innovative world.”

“So, what are you implying?”

“I'm just saying that you don't need to share your world's technology, I'm just asking for your help in advancing ours. Surely, with a genius like you, it'll be easy for you.”

I’m feeling flattered. But all these effort, what’s this guy's goal?

“If I did help you with the project, what will you use it for?”

When I said that, his expression suddenly changed. His usual smile suddenly disappeared and became something I'm not really familiar with. He turns his head and then lightly touches the plans.

“Have you ever heard about Galdius?”

That name…

“Isn't that the God of Evil? What does he have to do with this?”

“Everything.”

He immediately answered my question like he expected it.

“He isn't just the God of Evil, he is also the Demon God. He is the reason why I want this project to succeed no matter what the cost is. I want to create a weapon that is capable of protecting our people.”

“How can you be so sure that he's coming?”

If I remember correctly, the reason why gods cannot come to the mortal realm is because they would lose their divinity.

Teldarg looked at me with an expression that says “It can't be helped.”

“I really can't blame you for not knowing. Yes, by what you already know, gods cannot come down to the mortal realm, not only that they would lose their divinity, their existence alone could destroy the balance of our world. However, Galdius is different. He is not divine anymore. Even so, he is immortal like any other gods.”

So Galdius isn't a god that's divine. I can understand that. After all, he wouldn't have fallen if he did not step into the mortal realm. But he's still immortal. I hope he isn't bulletproof too.

“You sure know about Gods.”

“Well, I wouldn’t if it weren’t for your grandfather. Its still fresh in my memory what happened 16 years ago. When gods were about to set foot in this realm, this world was thrown in chaos.”

He says it with exaggerated expression. But looking at Geral's expression, I can't tell if it's really just an exaggeration.

“If the world was really thrown into chaos, it's amazing that I can't find any remains or ruins of it's aftermath. Even if 16 years has passed its impossible to recover this fast.”

After I said that, Teldarg and Geral wore complicated expressions.

“Actually, we ourselves didn't know what really happened after that. The only thing we knew is that after your grandfather’s battle against the gods, it was like time itself reverted to everything to how it should be. Yes, your grandfather was a very strong magician capable of battling the gods head on. But something of a world wide scale magic. Even he could die using such powerful magic.”

A magic more powerful than the [Infinite] inside me that's even capable of manipulating time itself at global range? I can't think of anything besides mine.

We fell into silence once again. We deeply think about it because no matter how you think about it, nothing is more powerful than the [Infinite].

All of a sudden, the silence was broken by the sound of metal falling on the floor. When we turned our heads, it was just Ellom trapped inside an oversized helmet.

“Looks like we veered off topic again.”

“Yeah.”

We gave it a little laugh while I took the helmet off Ellom. But for some reason, Ellom wouldn’t get out of the helmet. Hmm? I think I just got the perfect idea.

“So, what about it? Will you pick up where your grandfather left?”

While I carried Ellom who’s inside the helmet, I answered Teldarg’s question.

“I accept the task, and I just had the perfect idea in what to make. But before all that, I want to hear what you guys offer in return. Ideas don't come in free you know. They always have a price.”

Of course, I'm not asking for money. I've got more money that I could spend my whole life and these guys are pretty well aware of that.

But just as I expected, they did not expect me to say something like that.

“What? You thought I was as generous as my grandpa? I'm sorry, he and I are totally different people.”

Both of them looked at each other with dumb expressions. But in the next second,

“BWAHAHAHAHA! Oh man! It's really like watching a ghost coming back to life.”

“Agreed! It's been a while since I got my funny bone got tickled!”

Both of them burst into laughter. Their laughter is so loud that it echoed inside the room, and it’s probably audible outside the office too.

“Did you really think that you and your grandfather aren't the same? Did it ever occur to you as to where do all of his riches came from?”

Now that he said it, how did grandpa amass such wealth?

“All of his money came from the fruits of his research. He travels around the world searching, creating, and studying magic. And because he was a peerless genius, it did not take him long to become rich beyond imagination for a Baron.”

“Damn, I feel so pathetic acting mighty and all. I’m so embarrassed!”

“Well, embarrassment is just temporary. But like you just said earlier, you are accepting the job right?”

Feeling defeated, I nodded to his question.

“And since your asking for a reward, I could help you raise your peerage. Sir Flordist told me beforehand. It seems that you need to become a Baron like what your grandfather was once all for the sole reason of marrying the daughter of an Earl and the granddaughter of a Viscount.”

“Sora told you that? He never said anything to me about helping me.”

“Just ignore the small details. But because of that, I can actually help you with your problem.”

Later after this, we had a drinking bout with the whole company of smiths and craftsmen outside the office. Of course, with Cherry and Matt's permission. Also, I dragged Sora with me as a payback for keeping secrets from me. I'm going to drown him in dwarven rum. He's a lightweight so it'll be easy.

-End of intermission-