118: Chapter 118 is complete.

Inside the purchased workshop, Zhang Mu operated a machine tool, processing a cylindrical piece of metal.

Judging by the large pile of irregular metal scraps on the floor by his feet, the process of learning how to use the equipment was not going very smoothly.

Zhang Mu stared at the metal cylinder as it transformed into a strange shape under the cutting of the rotating alloy bit, his face showing joy.

"Finally, it's done."

Over the past week, this was the first successfully manufactured internal component for the Owl.

It wasn't that Zhang Mu's skills were poor, but rather that Puppet Art had incredibly bizarre requirements for the shape of the components.

The precision didn't need to be too high, and external parts like claws and beaks were easy enough to make.

But the internal components had strange and peculiar shapes.

Most were various non-standard arcs; a single component might have several arcs of different sizes.

A skilled worker might not find it difficult, but for a self-taught novice like Zhang Mu, it wasn't so easy.

As for why it was like this, the reason was simple.

The working principle of Puppet Art was not mechanical control, but using suitable materials to form a Magic Array inside the puppet, driven by magic power.

That was why there was a huge difference between it and the internal workings of industrial products from Blue Star.

Fortunately, after grinding for seven days, he finally made the first one. With successful experience, the rest would be much easier.

Wasting no time, Zhang Mu grabbed another metal cylinder, placed it on the machine, and continued working.

Another three days passed. He went from a success rate of one in ten to a high yield of nine out of ten.

Zhang Mu felt it was about ready. He took out the materials prepared in his inventory and processed them on the machine tool.

He didn't put much effort into the appearance components; as long as they looked the part, a few flaws didn't matter.

Because the function and quality of Puppet Art didn't have much to do with the external shape.

The shape of the puppet was entirely up to the creator's whim and didn't affect actual operation.

The core that determined function and quality was the Magic Array installed inside.

Magic Arrays ranged from simple to complex, and their functions varied accordingly.

Low-level ones simply let the puppet move, with stiff expressions and mechanical speech.

Better ones could eat and drink normally and perfectly express various emotions.

Beyond that were combat puppets.

Through composite Magic Arrays within their bodies, puppets were given the practical ability to release magic and use Knight Techniques.

They also possessed a certain level of intelligence and could fight autonomously.

The one Zhang Mu was making was slightly better than the lowest level; the puppet would show a certain amount of "spirituality," which was very suitable for animal-type puppets.

Before long, the external parts of the Owl puppet were finished. He focused his attention and began processing the Magic Array components.

In the previous few days, he had taken the time to dismember the Violent Bear and the Earth Venomous Scorpion. Now he only needed to put the prepared materials onto the machine tool.

Fine debris was tossed aside by the cutting head as Zhang Mu occasionally adjusted the blade distance.

He worked without sleep or rest until the next day, when the components for a single Owl were finally complete.

Excitedly, he gathered the large pile of finished parts and placed them on a smooth workbench nearby to begin assembly.

About three hours later, the beam of light falling through the door crack onto the concrete floor of the workshop had climbed up the wall before stopping.

Holding it by the thighs with both hands, he lifted the lifelike Owl to examine it.

It had snow-white feathers, a black beak, and large eyes with a pale yellow ring surrounding black pupils.

This was a species of Owl—the Snowy Owl, which was also the species that appeared in the movies.

Zhang Mu channeled magic power, letting it flow from his palm into the core located in its abdomen.

As the core was charged, its dull eyes suddenly became lively.

He used his Mental Energy to communicate with the core, gaining control and commanding the Owl to flap its wings and soar, circling under the ceiling.

After flying for an hour, he let it land back on his shoulder.

Observing the remaining magic power in the core, he estimated the maximum endurance to be three days.

If it were on the Saul Continent, there would be no such thing as maximum endurance. The Magic Array inside its body could automatically absorb free magic power from the air as replenishment.

Next, Zhang Mu controlled the Owl to fly out of the workshop and stand on the roof to monitor the surroundings.

Through shared vision, he could clearly see the surrounding asphalt roads, the occasional passing car, and a few pedestrians.

Feeling confident, he hurried back to the machine tool to get busy.

Another three days passed. All the prepared materials were exhausted, and he had made a total of twenty Owls of varying species, colors, and sizes.

Zhang Mu stood up straight and stretched his arms high: "Busy for nearly half a month, but it's done."

He turned and ran to a corner, grabbed a thermos of hot water to make a cup of instant noodles, and returned.

While the noodles were soaking, he slurped them down while looking at the twenty Owls crowded onto a single machine.

This should be enough for now. He would set off for Ying Country shortly.

Hmm... candidates for the interview letters...

Recalling the crowd at Kings Cross Station that day, the only ones who left a deep impression were those two enthusiastic young men.

Zhang Mu frowned as he chewed his noodles. Where could he find them?

London wasn't exactly small. Finding two strangers he had only met once was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Forget it, he'd figure it out once he got there.

After finishing his noodles, Zhang Mu put all the Owls into his inventory, activated his Shadow Technique, and rushed toward the Jiu Jin Mountain urban area.

The next morning.

Wearing the face of a white man, Zhang Mu walked out of London International Airport.

"That guy really has some skills, even managing to get a fake passport."

Muttering to himself, he hailed a taxi to London's city center and got off near Kings Cross Station.

After wandering the streets for a while, he walked into the same restaurant where he had eaten during his last visit.

With his good memory, Zhang Mu recognized the girl behind the counter at a glance; she was the same one from last time.

Only, compared to then, he didn't receive a warm welcome this time.

When paying the bill after his meal, Zhang Mu pretended to be a foreign tourist and asked, "I heard that Platform Nine and Three-Quarters from the Harry Potter movies is around here, is that right?"

"Yes, sir."

"So, are there any related events?" He put on an interested look.

The cashier girl's attitude wasn't exactly cold, but it wasn't enthusiastic either: "You mean the annual Muggle Test?"

"It's already over for this year."

Muggle Test?

Thinking of the fans lining up to run into the wall, Zhang Mu couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

Actually, it was quite fitting.

Hmm? Muggle Test...

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Mu smiled and thanked the girl before walking out of the shop.

Sigh... the event won't be held until next year. Where should I go to find them?

While pondering, he walked along the street and unknowingly reached the entrance of Kings Cross Station.

Looking up at the station, which maintained its last-century style, Zhang Mu thought that since he was already here, he might as well go in and take a look.

He walked into the station and arrived at that wall.

It was no longer as lively as his last visit. Only occasional passing passengers or tourists who came specifically for this would stop briefly for a photo before leaving.

If it really didn't work out, he could only pick new people.

Scratching his head, Zhang Mu turned around, intending to leave the station.

But just as he turned, he was surprised to see the two familiar young men walking toward him side-by-side, chatting.

They walked all the way to the wall, first putting their hands together and chanting something, then raising their hands to tap and pat the wall for a long time. Seeing no unusual movement, they hung their heads and headed back the way they came.

Finding them without any effort at all, the corners of Zhang Mu's mouth curled up as he followed them inconspicuously.