With the strongest staff assembled and Callista offering her gravity magic (for a price), preparations for the generator installation began. Aric surveyed the group, mentally calculating how best to utilize their strengths.
First is the generator then the wiring process. I will teach on how to make the power-grid and also giving my tools with magic to help speed up the process.
If everything is according to plan and my matter manipulation isn't dogshit, her estate will soon have electricity and all the wonders of the modern world.
[And please don't forget to give her a charger for that toy.] Ivy said half sarcastically.
[I wouldn't want her to start changing gravity all of a sudden.]
Speaking of that, what is this planet's name anyway? Or whatever plane of existence I'm in.
Ivy facepalm herself and dragged her hand down her face,
[Your priorities are all over the place. Just be confident, focus on getting the job done and then we can talk about this world.]
The walk to the river stretched longer than expected, taking nearly twenty minutes even at a brisk pace. The path wound through Callista's sprawling estate, flanked by vibrant flowerbeds that seemed almost unnaturally colourful under the midday sun.
Butterflies fluttered around them as they walk towards the river. When they finally reached the riverbank, Aric paused momentarily to take in its beauty.
Woah...
The water flowed steadily over smooth stones, creating gentle ripples that sparkled like liquid diamonds. A narrow wooden bridge arched elegantly across the stream, adorned with hanging magic crystals. It was serene yet undeniably sensual.
"This is where the water flows nearly all year round."
Callista murmured softly, gazing at the flowing water,
"It's also why I chose this spot for my private retreat."
Aric nodded thoughtfully, already pulling up his mental blueprint. He visualized a water-powered generator infused with magical amplification—a hybrid design ensuring it wouldn't rely solely on science but would instead harness both natural elements and enchanted energy.
Ivy now playing a game on her tablet while watching him through the screen, [Impressive.]
With a sharp exhale, Aric extended his hands toward the river. Blue light flickered around his fingertips as he materialized the generator—a sleek metallic contraption.
It landed with a loud thud directly in the middle of the stream, its base anchored securely onto the riverbed despite the current. Thin fins protruded along its sides, designed to catch the flow of water.
Next came the turbine—a modified version powered by both hydraulic force and magical resonance. Aric conjured it mid-air, watching as glowing runes etched themselves onto its surface. These runes amplified the water's kinetic energy, channeling it efficiently into the generator core.
"You're making solar panels too?" Evelyn asked while raising an eyebrow as Aric turned his attention to the vast flat field beside the river.
"It's backup." Aric replied simply, gesturing toward the open expanse.
"Relying only one source of energy is a sure way to failure. Just like all things in life, relying on only one thing is guaranteed to disappoint you."
Oops I think I spoke too much.
"Huh. Aren't you philosophical?" Seraphina said sarcastically.
Rows of solar panels sprang into existence, their reflective surfaces gleaming brightly under the sun. Thin wires connected them seamlessly to the main generator, ensuring dual power sources for maximum efficiency.
Finally, Aric focused on connecting the turbine to the generator itself. Using matter manipulation, he fused the components together, adjusting insulation layers to prevent any risk of interference or damage.
After about a minute of concentrated effort, the entire system hummed to life—a steady vibration resonating through the air as electricity began coursing through newly formed conduits.
Now came the challenging part: transporting the thick insulated cables leading from the generator back to the mansion.It's a 20 minute walk and this shit is heavy.
Each cable was nearly as wide as Aric's forearm, heavily reinforced with protective coatings to handle high voltage loads.
Aric grabbed one end experimentally, straining slightly as he tried to lift it. Despite his recent training, physical strength wasn't exactly his strong suit.
THIS GODDAMN BODYYYY! I TRAINNN AND DO PUSHUPS TOO! I NEED TO GET A STAT UPGRADE ON MY PHYSICALITYYYYYYY. IVY!
[Sorry, can't just give you points for doing the bare minimum. Try actual combat or train your martial arts then I'll consider. Just like how you survive against Seraphina's wrath.]
UGH.
"You've got to be kidding me." Seraphina said with her arms crossed as she watched him struggle.
Callista leaning casually against a tree,
"Perhaps next time you should create something lighter—or stronger arms for yourself."
Before Aric could respond, the petite maid stepped forward silently. Her name was Selena and without hesitation, she hoisted the massive wire effortlessly with one hand, holding it aloft as though it weighed nothing more than a feather.
Aric's jaw dropped so wide it might have fit a dwarf or two,
"How… how are you even doing that?"
Selena shrugged modestly,
"Well I have strengthening magic but this is not heavy enough for me to use it."
Callista chuckled behind him, "Told you she's practically a warrior. Don't underestimate my staff."
Realizing brute strength wasn't his forte, Aric shifted tactics. He knelt beside the ground, placing both palms flat against the earth. Closing his eyes, he envisioned pathways forming beneath the surface—smooth trenches lined with reinforced material capable of housing the thick wires safely.
Just like how he saw Thorin did it, blue light pulsed faintly from his hands as the ground shifted obediently, carving precise channels that snaked back toward the estate. Holes that were big enough to enter if needed.
YES! IT WORKED! HAHA!
Occasionally, he jumped between sections, fine-tuning angles and depths to ensure stability and then sealing it off with his matter manipulation. Behind him, Callista followed closely, using her gravity magic to maneuver the heavy cables into place whenever they threatened to slip.
[I'm impressed.] Ivy chimed in unexpectedly,
[Considering you've only practiced Matter Manipulation for a few hours, this level of control is remarkable.]
Aric replied mentally, Don't jinx it.
Indeed, the task was far from over—but progress was undeniable. As the group moved steadily closer to the mansion, it was evident to see that outside is nearly done and even Seraphina seemed marginally less irritated.
It took Thorin minutes to do this but I needed nearly two hours to get the pathways inside right. At least the grounds are covered up nicely.
I also made a door for Callista where only she has the key, so she can check on things whenever she wants.
[Well, you overthink alot. 'Oh what if I fuck this up.' 'What if the flow isn't right.' You would've been done an hour ago if you had even half the confidence you showed during that negotiation...or when you pitched the whole idea in the first place.]
It's hard, okay? I don't usually mess with matter manipulation. It's exhausting and mentally tiring.
"Well." Callista purred, glancing approvingly at the setup.
"Looks like our dear Vayne isn't entirely useless after all."
Aric ignored her jab, too focused on completing the job to care. For once, the chaos surrounding him faded into the background, replaced by the satisfying rhythm of creation and problem-solving.
[You do realise that you would need to do this again, but in the house right?] Ivy asked sincerely,
Nope can't hear you. I am doing a good job.
[But you do realise manipulating the house paint, pathways and everything else is 20x harder right?]
Yes, yes I know but let me have my small victories okay. I don't wanna think about that yet.