Chapter 135: Spiritual Success!

Adrian didn’t hesitate when asked. "Nah, I’d pass," he replied, scooping another spoonful of porridge into his mouth.

Eli blinked, clearly surprised. "Oh? Well... I suppose you’ve earned some rest after your journey. Understandable."

Adrian paused, setting his spoon down gently. "It’s not that, papa. Rest isn’t really on the agenda today."

He tilted his head, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Actually, while I have you... do you have any close friends? Ones who are skilled at construction or craftsmanship?"

Eli’s surprise shifted into curiosity, then pride.

"Of course! How could I have forgotten to tell you about Jeffery and Charles? They’re brothers, both 3-Star Earth Mages, and they specialize in construction. Top-notch craftsmen.

They even managed the stonework for the Duke’s new coastal road project last year. Impressed the nobility, they did."

A fond smile spread across Eli’s weathered face. "Known them since we were apprentices sweating over anvils together. Got caught in more than one tavern brawl defending each other’s honor, back in the wilder days!"

He chuckled, launching into a story about how Charles once used a precisely shaped earthen ramp to redirect a runaway cart laden with iron ingots, saving Jeffery’s stall and his legs.

"They’re good men."

As Eli finished his tale, his eyes narrowed playfully.

"So, why the sudden interest in builders? Planning to put down roots here with some grand workshop? Or maybe a tower?" He winked.



Adrian offered a noncommittal smile, picking his spoon back up.

"Just exploring possibilities... Nothing concrete yet. But I’d like to meet them. How easy would that be?"

"Easy as breathing!" Eli declared. "They live right here in Tulia. I could take you over right after breakfast if you like?"

Adrian shook his head. "Not just yet. I’ve got... something to finish first. Later today, perhaps? I’ll let you know when I’m ready."

Eli’s curiosity was evident, but he respected Adrian’s boundaries. He leaned back, a knowing grin spreading.

"Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. Though I’d wager half the ingots in my storehouse you’re cooking up something that’ll make those Earth Mages’ jaws drop. You always do." He laughed warmly.

Before Adrian could respond, Mara’s voice, sharp with exasperation, sliced through from the kitchen doorway.

"ELIAS! Will you PLEASE let Adrian have his food in peace? Honestly, telling the boy stories while he’s barely touched his porridge!"

She stood with her hands on her hips, though her eyes held affection beneath the scolding.

Eli flinched, offering Adrian a sheepish, wry smile. "Right, right. My apologies, lad."

Mara’s expression softened instantly as she turned to Adrian, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur.

"Adrian, dear? That heater... it’s truly wonderful. I’ve never seen water boil so fast, and the flame is so steady. Your water for washing is ready whenever you are." Her eyes shone with gratitude and a touch of maternal awe.

Adrian smiled back. "Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad it’s helpful."

She beamed and retreated back to the kitchen. Adrian returned to his meal, savoring the simple, perfect flavors of home, his mind already drifting back to the unfinished project waiting in the ephemeral space of the Factory.

The comfort of the moment was precious, but the pull of creation was stronger.

***

The familiar, almost imperceptible shift in reality deposited Adrian back in Factory, and he approached the workshop in no time.

Before him stood the skeletal form of the vehicle, bathed in the sterile light.

It was almost complete, a testament to his frantic efforts before the last cooldown snatched him away. The large, prominent "AD" logo on the side panel seemed to silently demand completion.

"Right," Adrian muttered, rolling his shoulders. "No time to waste."

He strode towards the fabrication console, his focus laser-sharp. The remaining pieces, intricate suspension components forged from a lightweight, magically resonant alloy materialized with a soft chime from the printer.

***



For over an hour, the workshop echoed only with the soft clinks of metal, the whir of tools, and Adrian’s focused breathing.

He moved around the vehicle like a sculptor applying the final strokes.

Finally, Adrian stepped back after applying the final touches of paint, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

He circled the completed vehicle. It looked finished. It felt incredibly potent in life as well. Yet, Adrian knew. It was like a beautifully crafted sword before the final tempering.

His hand rose almost instinctively, fingertips brushing the cool metal surface of the prominent "AD" logo.

He closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath. This time, he didn’t need to struggle to believe.

His will flowed effortlessly, a torrent of focused intent channeled directly into the anchor point he’d prepared within the design itself.

There was no resistance, only a welcoming resonance. His soul energy, his unique signature, surged into the metal. It wasn’t just imprinting; it was awakening.

[Soul Imprint Successful!]

[Your Invention now bears your Presence!]

The message flashed in his mind, but Adrian barely registered it visually. He felt it. A jolt, like a completed circuit snapping into place, surged through him and into the vehicle.View the correct content at

His eyes snapped open. The air around the invention seemed to thicken, charged with an invisible energy.

The blue-black paint seemed deeper, the lines sharper, as if the vehicle had subtly aligned itself more perfectly with reality.

The hum of the dormant engine core shifted pitch, becoming a deeper, more resonant thrum that vibrated in Adrian’s bones. It wasn’t just alive; it was aware on a fundamental level, thrumming with his own essence.

"A drop of water... compared to a cup," Adrian breathed, awe washing over him.

The presence emanating from this creation dwarfed anything he’d felt from his previous imprinted works.

The imprint on the design had created a deeper vessel, ready to be filled. The result was profound, a tangible connection that felt almost symbiotic.

The familiar glow of the System interface blossomed before him, demanding attention.

[You have completed an Invention!]

[Analyzing Invention: Magi-Tech Transport]

[Type: Magical Tool]

[Functionality: A+]

[Practicality: B+]



[Complexity: A-]

[Integrity: B+]

[Autonomy: D+]

[Overall Grade: B+]

[Remark: A remarkably resilient and potent traversal tool that focuses on mana efficiency and better control interfaces that would yield substantial improvements. The pre-fabrication spiritual anchoring shows exceptional foresight.]

[Reward: +7000 EXP | +8500 TP]

A flicker of disappointment touched Adrian at the B+ grade. He’d poured everything into this.

Yet, the System’s logic was undeniable. He had figured that the grades were judged based in his skill level, and compared to the masterworks he aspired to create, this was a stepping stone.

But the Remark... the Remark banished any lingering dissatisfaction. It acknowledged the depth of the imprint, the success of his experiment with the design-phase anchoring. It validated his intuition.

Before Adrian could fully process the evaluation, another prompt shimmered:

[You have created an Invention of profound spiritual integration!]

[Name Your Invention!]