Reborn With A Technology System In A Fantasy World
Chapter 139: Departure

Chapter 139: Departure

"Good," Adrian stated simply. He rose from the chair, the movement signaling the end of the audience.

"Time is a resource we cannot squander. You have five days."

Charles sprang up instantly. "Five days? To pack up our lives? Right, right..." he mumbled, already mentally cataloging.

Adrian continued, cutting through Charles’s muttering.

"Five days to conclude all affairs here in Tulia. Settle your business, say your farewells, gather what you deem irreplaceable. We depart at dawn on the sixth day."

Charles appeared to think for a while before asking.

"How? I mean, travel. The Corrupted Lands are days away, even by fast horse! Should we... commission a reinforced carriage? Or...?"

He trailed off, his eyes darting toward Adrian who immediately saw through the unspoken question, figuring that the rumors of a ’moving metal box’ must have reached him already.

"Don’t concern yourself with the how of travel," Adrian replied as he moved towards the door. "That is already arranged. Focus on your preparations. We will meet again during these five days. All of you and the others joining us. I will explain everything."

"Others?" Jeffery asked in surprise. He hadn’t considered there might be more recruits.

"Yes," Adrian confirmed, his hand resting on the door knob. "We won’t be a large party, but a capable one. A few more key individuals. Hopefully, their commitments will be secured by tomorrow."

He opened the door and glanced back at Eli, who had made no move to rise. "Papa?"

"Gonna stay a while, lad," the blacksmith said, settling back into the couch with a contented sigh. "Catch up properly with these two rascals before I return."

Adrian nodded. "As you wish. I’ll see you soon."

With a final nod encompassing them, Adrian stepped out.

As Adrian walked, the time frame solidified in his mind. ’I have to make proper use of every hour I have.’

Producing more inventions and integrating the team were his major goals during this time.

’I’ll make the necessary calls tonight,’ he decided as he approached home.

Adrian pushed the door open to a warm, fragrant blast of spices, roasting meat, baking bread.

There were jars of stewed fruits, loaves of bread being sliced and wrapped, and large cuts of meat that were being carefully packed into the cooler.

She didn’t gone to the stall; she’d dedicated the day to preparing and storing food, leveraging the cooler’s magic technology to its fullest.

Adrian paused in the doorway, feeling a wave of pride on how much impact it had on her.

"Adrian! You’re back earlier than I thought." She announced the moment she noticed his gaze.

Adrian nodded, before finding a chair at the dining.

Mara immediately scooped a generous portion of rich, fragrant venison stew from a pot simmering on the heater, accompanied by a thick slice of crusty rye bread still warm from the oven.

She placed the steaming plate before him with a decisive thud. "There. Now you have no excuse not to have lunch."

Adrian looked down at the heaping plate, the savory aroma making his stomach rumble despite not feeling hunger.

A genuine chuckle escaped him. "Point taken."

He conceded, picking up the spoon. "I’ll eat. But... can we talk about something first? Before I dive in?"

Mara wiped her hands thoroughly on her apron and pulled out the chair opposite him go sit down. "Of course, dear. What is it?"

"Have you heard... of the Corrupted Lands?"

***

Five days passed quickly in a haze of activity, and in no time, the dawn of the sixth day arrived.

Twenty-one persons were all ready to join Adrian into the quest of the Corrupted Lands.

Jeffery and Charles. Eli and Mara. Then came seven other women, Mara’s closest friends that made up the best of Tulia’s talents.

They were all single, and masters of their crafts, and Adrian saw in them the perfect foundational threads for the society he envisioned.

Though taking so many key figures from Tulia felt significant, the town’s reaction had been one of overwhelming support.

Adrian’s parting generosity – gifting every household with communicators, heaters, and coolers – had cemented their love and well-wishes.

The townsfolk saw not abandonment, but a daring venture they were proud to be connected to, showering the departing group with blessings, hugs, and promises to keep their homes warm.

The final ten were the surprise, the crucial reinforcement Adrian had hinted at.

They were the Craftsmen he’d taught during his time at the Borin mansion.

Contacting them through the Borins had been a gamble, but every single one had accepted his invitation.

They’d left their prestigious positions and established lives, drawn by the memory of Adrian’s genius and the sheer, terrifying audacity of his new vision.

Now, they were all ready. Essential belongings had been efficiently stored within the spacious interiors of the two imposing Trailblazers.

Anything too bulky or delicate had vanished into the unfathomable depths of Adrian’s [Inventory].

Adrian had also visited the Adventurer’s Association yesterday, selling off his remaining stock of inventions.

The vehicles gleamed under the rising sun. The two massive, blue-black Trailblazers, bearing the AD mark proudly.

Jeffery sat behind the wheel of one with a focused expression, while Eli occupied the driver’s seat of the other.

Adrian had spent hours over the past days instructing them and a few others on the basics of operation

Behind them, Adrian’s Rover waited, a silent predator ready to lead.

Adrian moved towards the Rover, the emotional tide of the gathered crowd washing over him.

Every child in Tulia seemed to be there, waving frantically alongside parents, elders, and friends. Shouts of "Good luck!", "Come back safe!", and "Make us proud!" filled the air.

Mara’s friends wept openly, embraced by neighbours. Eli exchanged gruff nods with fellow smiths.

The Borin craftsmen observed the raw affection with quiet awe.

Adrian paused at the Rover’s door. He turned back, raising a hand. A hush fell, hundreds of eyes fixed on the slight figure who held such impossible dreams.

His voice, amplified subtly by his will, even without magic, carried clearly over the crowd.

"Thank you! For your trust, your hearts, your home!" He paused, letting the gratitude sink in.

Then, the promise, ringing with absolute conviction:

"This is not goodbye forever. When we return... you will join us in this world we build. This, I swear."

A roar erupted – cheers, sobs, applause. It was a wave of pure, unadulterated hope and love. Adrian held their gaze for a long, poignant moment.

Then, he slipped into the Rover.

The powerful engine purred to life, with its activation rune drawn.

He overtook the Trailblazers to stay ahead after which Jeffery eased the first Trailblazer forward. Eli followed suit, the massive vehicle moving with surprising grace.

The waving figures grew smaller in the rearview mirror as the three vehicles formed a small convoy.

Dust plumed gently behind them, as Adrian controlled the yoke.

He didn’t look back again. Ahead lay the challenge and dream.

As the road stretched out before him, Adrian could feel it deep within his bones.

He could feel the profound, exhilarating, terrifying certainty that he was driving headlong into the opening pages of an entirely new volume of his existence.

[Congratulations! You’ve Completed a Second Volume: Forged Paths!]