We were guided outside by Roban, far enough that we exited the palace's premises.
"Can you take us to technology town?" [Fettle]
"Of course. Follow me." [Roban]
He took us to what I recognized as a parking lot.
("This place looks pretty modern.") [Solace]
Their cars were rather… box-like. They were like cars you would see in cartoons. The only difference in designs were coloration, and the numbers engraved into the front and back.
("They must be relatively new then.") [Solace]
Their civilization must have started trying out a bunch of stuff recently. Considering how much progress they have now, they're pretty advanced in this world.
"Have any of you been in an A.M.C. before?" [Roban]
"A.M.C.?" [Solace]
"Do you mean these metal boxes?" [Fettle]
"Considering their structure, they're similar to carriages, no?" [Fina]
Roban smiled.
"They're called Automatic Mana Carriages. Using the power of machinery and manastones, we can drive these carriages without horses." [Roban]
"Interesting. So we will be using this as transportation to Technology Town? '[Fettle]
"Correct." [Roban]
We basically spent the next few minutes learning about how the A.M.C. kind of works. It worked just like a normal car, with handles to open doors and seats that adjust. Fettle and Fina seemed pretty interested in it, but I just let them have their fun since I've already seen all this on Earth.
"Okay, that should be enough explanations. We should get moving now." [Roban]
Entering his car- I mean, A.M.C., we drove along a paved road throughout the city. I looked out the window to see the passing cars and people, reminding me of my times as a human.
("This is… nostalgic.") [Solace]
We drove about 15 minutes with almost no traffic, which makes sense since it appears that A.M.C.s weren't readily available for the public. Either that or it was costly. We soon entered an area filled with factories, which I couldn't sense a thing from at a distance.
("That place is… devoid of mana?") [Solace]
It stuck out like a sore thumb. It was like looking at a gaping hole within the city. It wasn't until we stepped out of the vehicle and walked into one of the factory's premises that I was hit with an immense amount of mana.
"Hurk!" [Solace]
It was so great that I felt like I couldn't breathe.
("Me?! A spirit?!") [Solace]
I shouldn't need to breathe, so why do I feel so suffocated?
"Are you alright, Alt?" [Fina]
"Y-Yeah, give me a sec." [Solace]
It took me a few seconds to adjust. The overflowing mana in the air didn't feel like it came from the world, but more like from a living being. If I had to put it like an analogy, I'd say it felt like breathing in someone's breath rather than taking in fresh air.
("It's unpleasant, but I can handle it.") [Solace]
Whilst enduring the mana, Roban guided us through the factory.
"Excuse me, Sir Roban. What are those?" [Fina]
"Those are automated mana machinery. They can work tirelessly for the people as long as maintenance is performed along with the addition of a few manastones." [Roban]
("...Robots?") [Solace]
There were assembly lines of everyday goods being put together by robotic arms, and even robotic individuals that could move around to work. Well, none of them were humanoid though.
("It kind of reminds me of Ivanda's palace. It's just… the maids and servants were real people.") [Solace]
"These factories are equipped with automated mana machinery, meaning there isn't a single living person nearby. With the exception of their creator." [Roban]
"Which is who we're going to be meeting, correct?" [Fettle]
"Indeed." [Roban]
We stopped at a heavily reinforced door, or gate. It was also quite large too for some reason and required an access key of some form to enter.
"Before we go in, I'd like you all to be informed first." [Roban]
"Is there something dangerous in there?" [Fettle]
"No. This doesn't exactly concern you, Spear King. I'm saying this for the boy and girl." [Roban]
"For us?" [Solace]
"Yes. The creator is… not very good at speaking with people. So please don't be too pushy when speaking to him." [Roban]
("Sounds like an introvert.") [Solace]
It looked like something clicked for the Spear King.
"Oh… It's "him" isn't it?" [Fettle]
The Spear King laughed.
"Alt, you're about to meet your senior brother." [Fettle]
"...Just to make sure, it's not Nakros right?" [Solace]
"No, the only one you haven't met." [Fettle]
I had to ask just to make sure. Nakros is pretty random with where he shows up.
"I'll introduce you all first, then take my leave. Is this understood?" [Roban]
We all nodded.
"Good." [Roban]
He took out a metal card and tapped it against the door, causing mechanisms within to churn and open. Roban took us inside, revealing what looked like a mix of a chemists' lab and an engineer's garage. I could see there were other doors inside, but I didn't concern myself with that at the moment. Working at one of the tables was a man wearing both a lab coat, and a blacksmith's apron on top of that. With my |Unbound Mortal|, I could tell he was the source of mana that was suffocating me.
("How could one person possess so much mana…?") [Solace]
With his back turned, Roban approached him.
"Working on something?" [Roban]
The man jolted, turning to reveal that he was covered in dirt and grime. At least he had protective glasses on though.
"...Roban?" [???]
He took off the glasses, revealing his eyes to be purple just like his hair.
"I've brought guests." [Roban]
"Guests?" [???]
The man's eyes locked on to us, eyes narrow like a glare.
"...The Spear King? …And… Who are they?" [???]
"Allow me to introduce them." [Fettle]
Fettle stepped in-between Fina and I before placing his hands on our shoulders.
"This girl is Fina. A close friend of my daughter. The boy is Alt, your junior brother." [Fettle]
The man flinched.
"...Another junior?" [???]
I could see him looking me up and down, inspecting me like I'm a threat.
"You…wouldn't have any preference of violence, would you…?" [???]
"...Pardon?" [Solace]
"I mean, you're not like Nakros and Ivanda, right? Those two are a little… crazy." [???]
"I dunno about Ivanda since I've just met her, but Nakros…?" [Solace]
I scratched my chin.
"Not too sure. I feel like he tries to imitate Master when he's around me." [Solace]
"...Hah." [???]
The man chuckled.
"You too?" [???]
"Too? He does that to you too?" [Solace]
"Not anymore. It was only when I was new." [???]
The man approached me before offering a handshake.
"The name's Lascavall, but you can call me Lasc." [Lascavall]
I was about to accept the handshake, yet found myself freezing the moment I saw it covered in dirt and grime.
"Uh…" [Solace]
"Master, please don't put your guests in difficult situations." [???]
Heavy footsteps entered the room, not from behind, but from one of the farther rooms. I saw an incredibly beautiful and unnaturally symmetrical woman approaching us with a towel in hand. She had blonde hair tied up into a ponytail along with green eyes. She also wore a maid uniform, which was more like the cosplay we see in modern day. The maids at the palace wore more Victorian clothing.
("The flow of her mana is so… rhythmic. So… steady. Almost like she's not human.") [Solace]
As a matter of fact, I could see tiny gaps in her joints. It was then that I realized she was a robot.
"Please use this first, Master." [Robot]
She presented Lascavall with the towel.
"Oh, thank you Number Zero." [Lascavall]
As he wiped his hands with the towel, the robot turned to me.
"Pardan the late introduction. I am Number Zero, Master's first creation." [Number Zero]
"...Um, hello Zero." [Solace]
"Please, call me Number Zero." [Number Zero]
Lasc extended his hand again once he cleaned it. This time, I shook it.
"Hey, are you going to give Ze- I mean, Number Zero a real name?" [Solace]
Lasc raised a brow.
"Huh? Number Zero IS her real name." [Lascavall]
"What? That's a digit. A name is something like… I dunno… Jessica or something? Something to give it meaning." [Solace]
"Number Zero is a name with meaning. It means they're my first creation." [Lascavall]
"But that's…" [Solace]
Although I would have liked to continue, I could feel Number Zero's eyes burning into me. Like, how do I explain this…? You know those horror movies with those creepy dolls just staring at the camera? Like that. Actually, it was exactly like that.
"Since you've all introduced yourselves, I'll be taking my leave." [Roban]
"Huh?! W-Wait, you're leaving me? Here? Alone?!" [Lascavall]
Roban gave him a strange look.
"You're not alone though?" [Roban]
"B-B-But I barely know these people!" [Lascavall]
For a second I actually doubted that he was an introvert. I guess it was one of those things where you have courage when there's people you know around you.
"You know the Spear King. Also, that's your junior disciple. You'll know him for a long time anyway." [Roban]
"I mean, yeah… But I don't know that person!" [Lascavall]
He pointed at Fina.
"Alt, do I… Look intimidating?" [Fina]
"...Not really?" [Solace]
Fina was a girl of short stature without a lot of muscle mass. Well, she's a little toned if anything really.
"She's a girl though! You know I'm scared of women!" [Lascavall]
"...Isn't Number Zero a woman as well?" [Roban]
"What are you on about? She's Number Zero." [Lascavall]
He looked at Roban like he was stupid.
"...I wanted to look professional in front of the guests. However… fuck this, I'm out." [Roban]
As soon as Roban left, Lasc looked like he was about to have a nervous breakdown.
"I-I-I-I uh… Wo-would you like a d-d-d-rink…?" [Lascavall]
("What the fuck?") [Solace]
It was like his personality made a 180. It wasn't until Number Zero pulled him close to her chest.
"Shhh… Master, I'm right here. Number Zero is by your side." [Number Zero]
Is she… IS SHE FUCKING CODDLING HIM?!
("Maybe I should get into robotics.") [Solace]
"You can do anything, Master. You can do this." [Number Zero]
"Y-Yeah… I-I can…?" [Lascavall]
"Mhm. You're amazing. You're an important individual in this country. Your junior disciple is the Lord of Naballia. You are someone who can turn this crisis around." [Number Zero]
Crisis? Are we being for real right now?
"I'm… important…?" [Lascavall]
"Remember who you are, Master. You're my creator. You're none other than Vincent Reid's second disciple." [Number Zero]
Lasc bounced back within an instant.
"You're right! I'm Master's second disciple! I can do anything!" [Lascavall]
("…What the fuck did I just watch?") [Solace]
Lasc had a proud look on his face as Number Zero applauded him happily.
"Ahem…! Sorry you guys had to see that. Anything you guys need?" [Lascavall]