Chapter 44: System Factory

Chapter 44: System Factory"The... pressure, like a mountain sitting on your chest? Master Von walks in, and it’s like the room’s gonna crush us! How’d you not feel it? I know you’re weird, but come on!" Karl continued to push, earning a blink from Adrian. "Oh," he said with an understanding tone. "I see." Internally, he reached out to the system. ’Tech Core, what’s he rambling about?’ The system’s response was instant, its voice clear in his mind: [Aura is a manifestation of a powerful individual’s mana or soul strength, often radiated by high-ranking mages or knights. It can induce fear, pressure, or submission in others. Intensity increases with rank and intent.] Adrian nodded slightly, absorbing the explanation. "That’s new," he murmured, then asked, ’Why didn’t I feel it?’ [You have a stronger soul,] the Tech Core replied in matter-of-factly tone. Adrian’s lips twitched, unsurprised but curious. "So I won’t feel pressured from his aura?" he asked, already knowing the answer. [No. Only at deeper intensities,] the system confirmed. Adrian nodded and his focus returned to his plate. ’Good to know,’ he thought, filing the information away. Karl was still talking, his voice a mix of awe and frustration. "—and it’s like, everyone else felt it, right? You’re telling me you just sat there, staring, like nothing was happening? You’re not normal, Adrian, I swear." "Yeah," Adrian said absently, finishing his last bite of bread. He stood, brushing crumbs from his jacket, and grabbed his tray. "I’ll be at the room." He didn’t wait for Karl’s response, weaving through the cafeteria to deposit his tray. The other knights were still buzzing about Master Von, some mimicking his scowl, others debating what his aura meant. Adrian ignored them, slipping out into the cool night air. The courtyard was quieter now, as all the students were in the cafeteria. The flame torches lighted the paths ahead, guiding him back to Room 6. S~eaʀᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He unlocked the door with a key, the Mana Bulbs’ soft glow welcoming him. The fans still sang, the air fresh, and his tailored desk sat ready for work. Adrian flopped onto his bed, the mattress creaking under him. ’Finally,’ he thought, pulling up the Tech Core’s interface. The [System Factory] tab glowed, its promise of new crafting options calling. "Let’s see what this is all about." He mentally clicked the tab, and the system’s voice spoke clearly in his mind: [Would you like to visit the Factory?] "Yeah," Adrian said with a nod. The moment he spoke, the world dissolved. Sight, sound, the feel of the bed beneath him — all vanished into a void, like plunging into a starless night. Then, as if waking from a blink, he opened his eyes and stood in a place that defied reality. The scene was surreal, a dream woven into existence. A vast plain stretched before him, its grass a vibrant green that shimmered under a sky swirled with violet and gold, as if dawn and dusk had collided. In the distance, a massive complex loomed, its design alien and breathtaking. ’This is the Factory?’ The Tech Core’s voice resonated, not just in his mind but from the air around him: [Welcome to your System Factory] [Would you like to access the Factory’s interface?] [System Factory Interface] [Level: 1] Access Time Remaining: [01:59:32] Two hours was a tight limit, but it was still unreal to have a world to himself where he could create. "This is my domain." He stepped toward the Factory, the grass bending under his boots. The doors slid open silently, revealing an interior that defied comprehension. The main chamber was immense, its ceiling lost in a haze of glowing mist, its walls lined with shiny workbenches. Sleek assembly arms hung from overhead tracks, poised to craft with flawless precision. A central console pulsed with light, its touchscreen surface a map of the Factory’s capabilities. Adrian wandered deeper, his boots echoing on the polished floor. Side chambers branched off, each housing specialized equipment. Some doors were sealed, their panels flashing [Access Restricted: Level 2+] [Access Requirements Not Met] "As expected." The Factory was a treasure trove, but its full potential was locked behind levels, a challenge for his future self. Curious, he clicked on the interface. [Level 2 - 100,000 TP] Adrian’s jaw dropped. "One hundred thousand TP?" he said, his voice echoing in the empty chamber. "That’s insane." His 4000 TP felt like crumbs in comparison. He returned to the central console, its interface prompting him to test the Factory’s automation. The system spoke: [Basic Assembly: Produces inventions, time varies by complexity. Input blueprint and materials to begin.] Adrian scrolled through his stored blueprints, before pausing on the Communicators. The Association in Tulia had been relentless, demanding more since his early sales gained traction. ’Perfect test,’ he thought. Communicators would sell more, and they were in demand already. He uploaded the upgraded blueprint, the console rendering a 3D model of the Communicator, its components highlighted. [Sourcing materials from Inventory...] [Specify quantity.] Adrian paused, calculating before deciding. "Ten," he said, inputting the number. The console beeped and the system spoke again: [Production Rate: 1 Communicator per hour. Total time for 10 units: 10 hours.] Adrian’s eyes widened, a grin tugging at his lips. "One per hour?" he murmured. "That’s very good." The system continued: [Automated Fabrication Array activated. Production will continue until paused, a limit is set, or materials are exhausted. Each completed invention will be added to your Inventory. Confirm limit: 10 units.] Adrian considered pushing for more but remembered he didn’t have enough of some resources. "Let’s say 200," Adrian decided. He confirmed, and the console whirred, assembly arms springing to life, shaping the first Communicator with eerie accuracy, while another got the Magic Crystal ready. The system announced: [200 units confirmed] Adrian checked the Factory’s clock: [01:28:49] ’I’ve seen enough. I have to get some rest now.’ Willing himself to exit, he felt a tug, like sinking into darkness, and the Factory dissolved. The void returned, brief and disorienting, before he blinked and found himself back on his bed, the Mana Bulbs’ glow unchanged. Kael’s snores rumbled across the room as he slept while hugging his spear tightly. He sat up, heart still racing from the Factory’s wonders. A question tugged at him, and he spoke to the Tech Core: ’What happened to my body when I was there?’ [Your body remained in the physical world. Only your consciousness was transported to the Factory.] Adrian’s brow furrowed. "That’s dangerous," he said, picturing his defenseless body left vulnerable. "Note for later," he muttered, resolving to use the Factory only in secure moments. Adrian stood up to turn off the lights before lying back to sleep. "I wonder how tomorrow will play out..."