Reinventing Magic: An Inventor's Tale-Chapter 70: Legacy in Transition

With his new role secured, Alric knew he had unfinished business in Liora. Before fully committing to Bryndis, he needed to put his affairs in order.

Born an orphan on the streets of Liora, Alric learned early that survival depended on wit and adaptability. He scoured the alleys for scraps, watching merchants haggle and barter, absorbing their tactics like a sponge. His first opportunity came when he cleverly negotiated a small deal for a fruit vendor, securing him a higher price for his goods. Impressed by his sharp mind, the vendor offered him work, giving Alric his first step into the world of commerce.

As he grew, so did his ambitions. He took odd jobs at different shops, carefully studying trade flows, supply chains, and pricing strategies. He realized that information was power and used it to outmaneuver competitors. His first breakthrough came when he secured an exclusive contract to supply rare spices from the southern isles, undercutting established traders. The deal was a gamble, but it paid off, catapulting him into Liora’s merchant elite.

With each success, his empire expanded—textiles, metals, luxury goods—until he controlled a vast network of trade routes. His ability to anticipate market shifts and manipulate supply and demand turned him into an unstoppable force in the business world. However, power attracted enemies, and many sought to bring him down. Through a combination of calculated risks and strategic alliances, he thwarted attempts to undermine him, further solidifying his position.

Now, at the pinnacle of his success, he had to take the next step. He could not rule Liora’s market while also guiding Bryndis’ economic transformation. After much deliberation, he chose a capable successor—a trusted protégé he had mentored for years—to oversee his empire in Liora.

Sitting across from his successor, a young but sharp-eyed merchant named Edwin, Alric leaned forward and placed a sealed document on the table.

"This contains everything you need—contacts, trade agreements, contingency plans. The network is strong, but it requires careful hands."

Edwin picked up the document, running his fingers over the seal.

"You’ve built an empire from nothing, Master Alric. It’s an honor to carry it forward. But are you certain about this? Bryndis is... uncharted territory."

Alric smirked. "That’s exactly why I’m going. A stagnant business is a dying one. Bryndis is an opportunity beyond anything Liora could offer. And you, Edwin, you’re ready for this."

Edwin nodded, determination settling in his gaze. "I won’t disappoint you."

With his affairs settled, Alric prepared to depart, eager to begin his new role in Bryndis and help shape the future envisioned by Kael. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Upon his return to Bryndis, Alric was met with a sight that made him question his own senses. Standing near his lord’s modern workshop, he beheld an impossible contraption—a vessel, neither carriage nor anything he’ve ever seen, yet it hovered gracefully above the ground, seemingly defying the very laws of nature.

It was the Aetherwing Skiff, one of Kael’s greatest inventions.

Alric’s mind raced as he took in the marvel before him. The vessel was sleek and aerodynamic, crafted from shimmering Mythril, its hull adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes that pulsed with latent energy. The air around it shimmered with a soft glow, an effect of the powerful anti-gravity enchantments woven into its very frame. He noticed the twin thrusters at the rear, each inscribed with wind runes that glowed with a soft azure light. The craftsmanship was beyond anything he had ever seen.

As he stood in awe, Baron Bryndis and the Duke’s chamberlain emerged from the workshop, their expressions filled with pride and anticipation. Alric immediately straightened and greeted them with a respectful bow.

"My lord," Alric began, his voice tinged with barely contained curiosity, "if I may ask... what is this?" He gestured towards the floating vessel, his merchant’s mind already working through the implications of such a creation.

The Baron chuckled, crossing his arms as he regarded the Aetherwing Skiff with admiration. " Ah.. This, Alric, is the Aetherwing Skiff. A vessel that defies the constraints of land and sea, soaring through the skies with the grace of a bird. It is one of my creations."

Alric’s eyes narrowed as he took in the details of the skiff once more. "It flies?"

"It does much more than that," Kael said, stepping toward the vessel. "It’s an innovation beyond anything this kingdom has seen—one of many yet to come."

Alric stepped closer, observing the runes along the hull, the subtle hum of magical energy beneath the surface. "A ship that hovers... without the aid of beasts or wheels. This could revolutionize trade and travel." His gaze flickered to the Baron. "How does it work?"

"The anti-gravity enchantments allow it to float, maintaining perfect balance and stability," the Baron explained. "Wind enchantments power the thrusters, allowing for precise movement and speed. It is controlled via a crystal interface inside, seamlessly connected to the ship’s enchantments."

Alric’s mind whirled with possibilities. "The implications are endless... No need for roads, no reliance on weathered sea routes. This could change everything."

Gideon, who had remained silent thus far, inclined his head toward Kael. "The Duke will be most pleased. The last batch of engineers has arrived to aid in the development of Bryndis. He sends his regards."

Kael turned to him with a nod of gratitude. "Please send my thanks to the Duke. Once things are settled here, I will be heading to the Duchy to visit him personally."

Gideon gave a respectful bow. "I will relay your message, Lord Kael." Without another word, he stepped onto the deck of the Aetherwing Skiff, his expression unreadable as he took his seat. The runes along the hull pulsed, and with a hum of energy, the ship began to ascend.

Alric, who had been listening intently, watched as the chamberlain prepared for departure. His mind turned over questions he dared not yet voice—particularly, what exactly was the Baron’s relationship with the Duke? There was a familiarity in the way they spoke of each other, something deeper than mere formality. But before he could linger on the thought for too long, he turned to Kael.

"My lord, where exactly is the chamberlain taking the skiff?"

Kael folded his arms, watching as the ship climbed higher. "I sold it to the Duke. It now belongs to him and will be housed in the Duchy."

Alric’s face fell, unable to hide his disappointment. He had envisioned endless possibilities for the skiff in Bryndis—trade, transportation, even military applications. To see it leave so soon felt like a loss.

Kael, ever perceptive, chuckled at his reaction. "Don’t look so grim, Alric. The facility where the next generation of skiffs will be built is already under construction. Once completed, production will begin in earnest."

Alric’s eyes lit up, his disappointment swiftly replaced with excitement. "A full production line? You plan to manufacture them in bulk?"

Kael nodded. "And not just for the Duke. Bryndis will be at the forefront of magical engineering, and I intend for us to lead the way."

Alric exhaled, a smile forming on his lips. The sheer potential of what lay ahead sent a thrill through his veins. His instincts told him that he had made the right choice—Bryndis was not just an opportunity; it was the future. And he intended to shape it alongside Kael.

---

Kael led Alric through the developing parts of the territory, areas still under construction. The streets were filled with workers, engineers, and craftsmen, all working tirelessly. The sight before him made Alric pause.

Rows of modern houses were being built, each boasting a design unlike anything he had seen in Liora or even the royal capital. The structures were uniform yet elegant, featuring sturdy materials, well-insulated walls, and what seemed to be a built-in ventilation system. These homes were unlike the cramped and often poorly ventilated dwellings of common folk in other cities—these were designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.

"With winter approaching, I want to expedite the construction of these homes," Kael explained. "Now that the last batch of engineers has arrived, we can ensure our people have shelter before the cold sets in."

Alric nodded, impressed. "This will set a new standard for urban living. Even Liora’s wealthiest could not boast of such practical designs."

After surveying the residential district, Kael took him to another part of the territory—one reserved for his key vassals. Here, the houses were different, larger, and designed with an added level of sophistication.

When they reached Alric’s new home, the merchant-turned-advisor was rendered speechless. The structure exuded both prestige and innovation. The air inside was refreshingly cool, unlike the stifling heat often trapped in conventional homes.

"The same air cooling system I installed in my workshop is used here," Kael noted with a smirk.

What amazed Alric even more was the plumbing system—running water, a fully functional toilet, and a shower unlike anything he had ever encountered. He turned one of the taps and watched in awe as clean water flowed freely.

"This... this is unlike anything in Liora," Alric admitted, his voice filled with admiration.

Kael clapped him on the back. "Get used to it. Bryndis is just getting started."

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