Chapter 80: Obsolete carriages.

‘blast’ 10 seconds later, ‘Blast’ and another 10 seconds later ‘blast.’ “God this is boring, I should make a better grinding spell. Having spent the better part of the morning mindlessly digging a large hole.

Falling back into the loose earth, I'm so bored. Earlier I hit level 30 but afterwords the experience has been a trickle where it was once a torrent. The steady increase of my mana capacity is the only thing keeping me on track but my will is still wavering. Listening to my dragon radio did little to ease my boredom, yet I feel I’m on the cusp of level 31.

Sitting up with renewed vigor, “Level 31 it is.” Using the energy to shoot that damnable dig spell at every chance, hearing the subtle ‘crack’ indicating level 31, “finally!” I doubt most ars magica spell users even keep track of the levels. Although since I know about its origin and what it represents I feel it prudent to keep track of it. The arcane compendium has done away with the ‘recommended level’ for certain bosses. In favor of lightly glossing over their skill set and warning you to live within your means.

It doesn’t exactly say that but with a scientific breakdown of how the boss will whoop your ass, it clearly spells that meaning. Still, ever grateful for the host of information kept within the craftable books; Origen books I suppose it an adequate name for them.

Aside from entertainment, a lot of these books have a very scientific and logical approach. The witchery books for example, while detailing the lives and research of witches like diaries; included scarily controlled experiments. If they found an indication something would happen with some kind of material they would change the ratios of ingredients within a gram of difference. Brutal carefulness that would leave a lot of scientists and mathematicians impressed, while also being a great read.

Shaking out my daydream of the experimentations detailed within the books, “I have a day to continue after all.”

Heading home to shower and eat some food, cannot neglect bodily needs after all. Before getting onto my next task, I attempt to organize my golden bag… it didn’t go well. Not only is there a good dozen golden bags within each full to the brim with random materials, but they also lack meaningful organization.

Settling for a basic theme organization and moving all my most used items into the primary bag, I get a semblance of order within the entropy. Gazing into the bag, I wince in mental anguish at the realization that it's still a mess. Just a slightly prettier mess I suppose. Slight OCD is still a thing apparently, who'd have thought?

Going through my large array of chests to stock up my golden bag with useful and meaningful items. Adding ender pearls, flying belts; other tradable items, and a whole host of materials. My food bag has enough food held in stasis to stock an army pantry. Mouth salivating as I gaze over my stock of beef, all the best cuts of course; picanya, silverside, rump, and fillet mignon. The cow has a massive range of meats and great cuts but, settling for some of the common ones I like seemed wise.

Golden bag restocked, and realizing I've not done my island maintenance, “sigh; always something to do.”

With haste and diamond hoes I've restocked my farm, refilled my polymer clay, and checked over my island for all general things. I could use a helper for this stuff, needing to organize my farm storage as it's getting rather full of massive quantities of ores, materials, and gemstones. Yeah, a great issue to have but it doesn't lessen the annoyance.

“Is that everything? Well, I suppose the pets could use some attention, but I will save that for the evening; I've gotta get moving.” Slumping at my self-imposed busy day, “why do I do this to myself?”

Shaking my head in the hopes of my procrastination leaving, I head into town. Walking down the familiar worn cobbled paths, it would have been nice living in the high-class area with well-maintained roads; but being able to fly does make it a little redundant. Shrugging before taking flight, watching as the buildings shrink quickly underfoot. Spotting the occasional wowed child and curious onlooker as I soar through the stony streets. Flying over the bustling market, hearing the loud shouts of businessmen from high in the air.

Spotting an unusual structure within the market, I descend out of curiosity. Seeing a large array of cages covered with a cloth canopy; a man shouting out prices with a massive signboard. Looking within, I spot a massive variety of animals caged. At first, my heart winced at the thought but seeing some of the furry residents with lush and healthy fur, lazing around. Along with birds with well-pruned feathers, suppose they are taken care of.

Coming closer and properly analyzing the array of animals I come to the startling realization I cannot identify half of them. Several varieties of cats, wolves, and parrots are hosted within some cages, all with unique and interesting characteristics. Aside from the easily identifiable species variants of already known mobs, I spot a whole host of large cats, some kind of canid appearing creature, and some reptiles; all completely foreign. Looking into the largest cage, I spot a familiar and interesting creature; Chocobo's. A couple yellows eating out a dish full of gysahl’s. Their favorite food, I've not come across so far.

“Hello sir, I’m interested in those chocobo’s.”

The strong-voiced merchant speaks, “A good eye sir, they are extremely healthy and robust, making excellent mounts.”

“I’ll take a breeding pair and a small supply of their food, how much?”

The merchant freezes for an almost imperceptible moment. Undoubtedly expecting to have to reel me in some more. “A gold each, food included.”

“40 silvers, I’m no fool.” I absolutely have no idea how much they are worth but hopefully, that bluff works.

“48 silvers,” he says quickly.

I just laugh, “44.”

“46, not a silver less.”

And with that, I walk away with some chocobo’s to which I store within a golden lasso for the future. Not that they are needed but everyone needs a hobby and producing the rare subspecies sounds like a bit of fun.

Continuing on the path towards the mayor, walking along the notably more well-maintained cobblestones. Watching as the buildings shift from mostly wood to mostly stone like a gradient. Occasionally a sore thumb sticks out, noting a strange building made out of a type of teak. Shaking my head at the gaudy design before coming towards the office building.

Stepping through I find my good old friend… clerk. “Hey buddy, how are you?” Utilizing my supreme skill of avoiding people's names. Cultivated during my education due to my distinctly poor name memory.

In a cheery voice, I hear, “I’m excellent, thank you; what you here for today? Or just going to cause the mayor trouble?” Wincing at the vicious sarcasm before nodding, walking past the clerk towards the mayor's office.

Knocking lightly on the unassuming door, “Come in,” I hear from the other side. Finding the mayor with a distinct lack of paperwork, “Hi; thought you could use some more paperwork.” Dropping my business plans on the table followed by a deep scowl. He hasn’t even looked; I best be careful before he attempts to skin me alive.

He leans back, face softening; “and I damn near had a break too.” Moving his head in disappointment. “So… what's this?” Pointing towards the unopened package of paper.

“Just felt like being a good samaritan. I noticed people are still using carriages; how barbaric.” Slipping some humor in before continuing. “Enclosed are details about the recipes to construct cost-effective and affordable airships. Along with the blueprints, I could draw to the best of my capabilities; rules for how the structures fly and a few other small details.” Taking a deep breath, “I also included a few ideas on how to introduce these ideas to both improve the town, both our reputations and how to avoid a monopoly.”

He simply opens the paper and begins looking through the documents I detailed to the best of my ability. “I can work with this, so what do you want? money?”

Waving my arms in a negative gesture, “No, no, no, I simply want to improve things around here. Having a huge personal wealth yet not using it for any good. The only thing I want from all this is reputation. It will help when I attempt to introduce other quality of life improvements.”

He nods appreciatively, “It's rare someone reveals recipes. I will get these sent out in a month for distribution among the populace.” Pausing for a moment to think, “I will use my personal savings to open this business and help in the construction of some demo vehicles. With some valuables donated from you to make this whole thing more greatly connected to you.” We will do this, “I will manage the people and get all this off the ground and you will help in the construction; a building leader I suppose. You will also help publish this new means of transportation.” His face droops slightly, “I’m helping you in good faith; people have tried this before. Different flight methods of course, but the risks of flying mobs I great. I love the idea for onboard feather fall spells but I think a means of defense is important.”

Finally getting a chance to speak. “So… what's stopping you from adding a few ballistas to the ship? I detailed the balloon ratio to weight; it should be possible.”

He looks down and parses through the document once more, scrutinizing the flight limit. “It would be expensive but If we make passenger vessels and guards, dividing the ship type to fly in groups. Would cut the cost in half while still including good protection. Although, we would need to think of an extremely cheap passenger vessel to make it affordable to the common man. I think we can make this work.” Writing a few notes to the side, thinking and overwriting before turning to me. “Okay, your job is to create 3 demo vessels. One for the dirt poor; tons of people crammed together for cost-effectiveness. A second for higher-class people, the one you made blueprints for suffices, and finally a guard vessel with mount points for heavy artillery. Ideally, archer points and any defensible materials you can cram in while keeping the cost down the best you can.”

“That sounds great, I will get that done soon.” Happy with this outcome.

“Tell me when they are finished so I can get a builder to write a half-decent blueprint.” As he scrutinizes my chicken scratch drawing. “They will help optimize it while creating a step-by-step blueprint for making more.”

Averting my eyes in shame, I am a man of many skills. Angular and exact design plans are not among them. Mentally shrugging, can't do it all I suppose; at least I can paint. To be fair it's not terrible, but it's more a painting sketch rather than a careful builders plan.

“Thank you, I’m glad we can do something to improve the world, see you soon.” Waving him goodby as I escape his office. Not getting roped into paperwork again.

I can almost sense his forehead hitting the desk, well he took the job after all. Walking outside to grab some stall food before creating the airships. Although, looking into previous attempts at this business idea would be wise to not make the same mistakes. Next stop food, second stop library; I do love a plan. Quickly finding a stall selling tomatoes stuffed with spiced rice. Finding them melt in my mouth good, the skin having been removed so all that remained was tender flesh. A simple but effective trick, score the skin and boil the tomatoes; cooks the tomato, and the skin just falls off.

Now, let's hope the library has some decent books.