Twenty-five years old, an age I never expected to be, while still being a child in this universe, was one of the weirdest things for me. For a large chunk of the morning, I actually chose to lay in bed and let Merlin do my work for me that day as I let my new reality sink in properly. Merlin, who was speaking to me through the earpiece, asked, “Do you wish to speak about your thoughts sir? Sometimes, speaking your mind helps you come to conclusions you may not have within your head.” After a few moments, I sighed, “I… I don’t really know how to take this whole “reincarnation” thing. I would be an adult with a full-time job back on Earth… but here, I’m nothing but a child “wet behind the ears” as adults would say. Yet here I am, running two whole planets, each with plans beyond what anyone alive would even consider possible… or at least plausible. It’s all… strange. Who or what brought me here? If any of those two are applicable, then why was I chosen out of everyone on Earth? I doubt a child who was ill for nearly all of his able-bodied life is the best choice for reincarnating.”
Merlin spoke, “I believe it could be to what you know, rather than what you did or done. However, it could be a force that wished you a new life, one where you could live with a better hand than the one you were delt before. But that would come to the fact that someone brought you here with intent, when in all reality it could just be mere coincidence. Though, sometimes it’s shown that a higher power may give one more ease but leave it as you’d wish sir.” Looking to the ceiling, I still couldn’t put the reason to my being here to logic. Ever since I was young, I couldn’t believe in the superficial, because I had to grow up so fast that believing in something not connected to logic only put my faith in the wrong things. But now, what was I willing to believe in now that I had the chance to believe in anything? I spread my arms in the bed, the warmth of the bed I had chosen making me wish I could, for once in my lives, sleep in for a change.
It left me truly surprised that I had that thought, because despite everything, I never really took in some of life’s small things since my hospitalization. Even playing games, I never really enjoyed them to their fullest, because I was always using them to escape the pain and loneliness I was going through. I decided to ask a question that I wasn’t so sure of, “Merlin, what does it mean to live a normal life?” This seemed to stump my futuristic AI as he replied, “I’m not sure what you mean by that sir, I haven’t exactly lived a “normal life” myself.” I chuckled, I never considered Merlin and AI like him to not be alive, in fact, I believed them to be alive in their own special way, “I should’ve expected that, considering both of us aren’t exactly normal for those of our station.” I could tell that, somewhere, Merlin was nodding his AI head, “I can’t help but agree sir, we are both abnormal in every sense of the word, and maybe that is our normal.”
With what Merlin said, everything seemed to better fit into place, I didn’t want a normal dictated by others, but a normal I made for myself. To me, my normal was this, and my normal in the future may be changed, but that will be normal for me at that point. I sat up and stretched, “Well, maybe I should do something with my hobbies today, enjoy my birthday a little bit by pushing forward with technology.” Merlin said, somehow a little chipper, “Speaking of birthday, I have a surprise for you sir, two in fact. So, if you may, get prepared for your day and I’ll show you the surprises.” I was intrigued, it wasn’t like I celebrated my birthday, but maybe Merlin was being a little sly, “Sure, I can do that.” I put on my work out clothes, knowing well I was going to do my training, shower, and meal before I dared get busy, so I might as well do what I needed before I got swept up in my days plans.
~~~
Once I ate, I made my way down to my secret little basement where Merlin was stored. I couldn’t just slam him into a wall and call it a day, he needed to be secured from any element, so underground made the most sense. As I stepped into the room, I realized that Merlin had changed the room to be more efficient, not to mention many smaller, automated machines covered the room. Now, I didn’t tell people why this room existed, and I personally made sure no one understood its purpose when I brought Merlin here, so how did it change without my knowledge? Before I could ask Merlin what he did, I noticed a group of small, spider-like robots walk up to me, making little noises I understood as their makeshift language. I crouched down and lifted one up to examine them, Merlin spoke from my left, “I managed to keep a few of their fabricators secure, so we have the means to replicate them.” When I looked over to where I heard Merlin’s voice, I realize he managed to make a body for himself, a smile crossed my face, “Well, seems like you’re finally ready to introduce yourself to people.” Merlin smiled, “Indeed I am.”
I could understand the surprise now, considering how much effort went into my work, I had a lot of it automated for maximum efficiency. These spider bots were one of the many automation methods I had, as they preformed repairs to anything as long as they had the materials to make it happen. Not to mention, much like Merlin’s current body, it was extremely cheap to make, despite how lifelike Merlin looks despite using a machine body. His new look was quite different, he chose a young twenty something man with gray hair, his eyes were lavender still, but he lacked his beard, likely something to throw off the enemy whose identity still remains unknown to us. Merlin motioned over to a particular machine, one that was more akin to a cube than anything, “This is a secondary core, made off the machines I used to use to run planetary functions with in different sectors, this one is meant to replace my core back on the relic world. Through it, I can begin instructing the means to restore it and complete it.”
I observed the cube, realizing it was made in the same way I made the old ones for remote functions, just stronger, “It uses a mana core and magic communications, what if the enemy detects us with it?” Merlin said, “For some reason, I hold no fears of that, maybe it wasn’t well known we used such a method due to how the rest of the universe created their technology.” Our technology, and those that my small group and my limited buyers purchased from me, were vastly different from the rest of the universe. I never understood why it was that way, but I never really asked around to find out since it wouldn’t have mattered to me in a year or two. I sighed, “Alright, I need to head over and instruct the people who are there anyway, from what I can tell, the city section is about done, so I’ll have to instruct them on the parts branching off from there.” The people there were fast, much like my first planet, they rapidly did their job, enough to make me wonder if the ecumenopolis could be done within the century, but I held high doubts of that coming to pass. For now, I just had to introduce the new machines and hopefully explain Merlin to those who don’t fully understand him, as well as surprise them with my new plans for growth.
~~~
After a few days, mostly to allow the production of the spider bots and Merlin to get used to a human form, I gathered all my top advisors and those of the infrastructure development and upkeep for the domain. Merlin stood behind me with Edward on my right while spider bots were ready to enter on command, so, I got the meeting started, “Thank you all for coming on such short notice, but I believe that the domain is ready for a push to something that will improve quality of life in general around the domain and allow for cheaper movement between space and the surface. Before we begin, anything of importance that needs to be addressed or concerns?” From those uninvolved in the construction side of the domain, I got nothing, but one of my construction heads raised their hand, “Sir, not to be rude, but the method we have now is the best possible method for space to earth travel. Anything faster than this… well, I fear it’s not possible.” I nodded, “I understand your thoughts, but for the time being, let’s put a pin on that until the end, my plans will blow your socks off.” The man put his hand down, returning to a proper position.
I made a mental note that we weren’t in person, considering I nearly thought that for a moment, and resumed, “First, let me introduce you all to someone, this is my new assistant, Merlin.” Merlin stepped forward, entering the range to be seen, “Hello, it’s nice to put a face to those I’ve been interacting with via reports, I hope we can work without friction.” For the time being, Merlin would be shown as a human, mostly to ensure his identity as an AI is hidden for even a little longer. Once he stepped back, I spoke again, “Now, considering the civilian sector can handle itself now, we can get to work on improvements to overall function, the first will be with these.” With a hand wave, I let the spider bots enter the room and climb on the table, each with a different set of tools displayed, “I’ve yet to name these spider bots, but they are why I designed the infrastructure the way I did. Each of these can handle a job that could slow or pause functions outright just to fix, but these bots can use the areas designed to fit them to maximum efficiency, allowing work to continue as normal while the issue is solved.” For a bit, I explain the current functionalities, including data storage and transport in case they feel they’ve been tapped.
After some time, it seemed that everyone finally understood some design plans I laid out, “I’ll have a proper facility for the production, inspection, and repairs for these units soon, so they’ll be sent to the locations specified for installation. Now, onto the main point, thank you spider bots.” The bots let out some beeps and left the table, leaving to begin their work within the mansion since that’s why they were here. I then put up an image before everyone, a gasp of shock escaping all but Merlin’s lips, “My plan has two stages, the first would be a space elevator, ensuring goods can be transported to and from the surface with minimal issues. It will be armed with tech designed by myself, along with enough defensive measures to ensure it won’t fall from anything less than a full-scale assault. Construction heads should observe this properly, because I want to begin this asap.” As everyone remained shocked at the sight of stage one, I put stage two on the screen, this getting even more gasps as I explained, “Once the space elevator is done, we’ll establish an orbital ring to ensure both merchant craft and military ships are properly maintained and housed for the duration of their docking.”
After a moment to let them gather their thoughts, I continued, “Not to mention the repair bays for craft in need of repairs, the means to ensure goods are easily stored and protected within, along with the layers of extra security and defense such a ring can provide. With the manpower we have, along with funding and ample resource procurement, I can state we can finish this job in fifteen to twenty years if all goes well.” I shown what I had, along with a green light from Ruby since she was the one procuring everything I needed from external sources, showing every step of both stages and the funding coming from me as one massive investment, “With this, I hope it puts into perspective the question I was asked in the beginning is no impossibility, rather, it’s the future of the domain.” I had plenty of money for this, in fact, even with this I still had far to much money to spend. This, while being an attempt to put that money back into circulation, was also a means to push forward with the future I envisioned for the domain, one that would change the Avalon Empire as everyone knew it. It wouldn’t come from a duke or the Emperor, rather, it was to come from a count’s child, one who was nothing more than a baron, and I wanted to see just how far I could go.
My military advisor said, “Hey, construction leaders, how feasible is this? On our end, I think arming it as shown isn’t impossible, we can get the military folk on the defenses easy.” The construction heads were all gripping pads, likely with the information I was displaying, one of the older heads said, “It’s… it’s not a pipe dream.” I watched as the younger heads turned to their eldest, each wishing to hear what he would say, “Sir, is this truly possible? The funding, resources, and timeframe?” I nodded, “I ran ample calculations, once the space elevator is up, we’ll build off it, thus taking less time than building the ring otherwise. Over time, we’ll add a second space elevator on the opposite side of the planet, but for our current purposes, one is all we’ll need.” The construction head quickly began shouting, “Hey! Get me my crews! We got a big one! I want all hands-on deck, let’s get to laying the foundation immediately!” I felt surprise quickly overcome me, each of the other construction heads immediately began doing the same, requesting everything they had for the project.
I looked to Edward, “We have the materials needed, correct?” Edward nodded, “Enough to begin, the materials are currently being sent with haste, seems Lady Ruby knew this might’ve been the case considering the rut everyone’s been in.” I sighed, “Well, at least they’re eager to do this.” I shouted, my own excitement rising, “Well then everyone! Let’s all get to work to ensure the first Space Elevator and Orbital Ring in the universe is done by our hands!” I heard a cheer come from not just those in the meeting, but those who happened to be in the rooms of those present, even Edward let out a cheer knowing full well this wasn’t stopping. I clapped my hands, “With that, the meeting is adjourned! I’ll send you all the data for allocation of materials, let’s do this!” In haste, everyone disconnected so they could get to work, except my military advisor, “Sir, this may be too hasty, some may not like the fact you’re making this.” I smirked, “The factory is almost done, we’ll get a boosted military soon, so just be ready to begin training your men with the new technology.” The concern on his face was suddenly wiped away with a smirk, “Understood Sir, I’ll be ready.” With that, he disconnected. The smirk on my face remained, “Edward, Merlin, let’s get to work.”
~~~
I sat within an observation room, one made for those of us not in the construction teams to sit in and observe, some for learning, but for me, it was to watch over Master Aurelian. He was within the ruins of the relic world, tinkering with the cube-like machine he brought here, those present were working on the restoration of the room to be connected to the still standing civilian infrastructure that had been finished around a few months after his bold declaration of a space elevator. However, the room was empty today, since I needed to meet with Lady Ruby in concerns over the materials Aurelian had requested. As I watched Aurelian fiddle with some wiring, Lady Ruby spoke, “I saw the city, I can’t believe he managed to organize enough people to get those relics functional.” I shook my head, “The young master is more than you’d believe, because I doubt he even told you why he made such an absurdly large resource order.” Lady Ruby replied, “He said it was for “development of the territory”. A valiant effort if I can state so.”
I sighed, it was unbecoming of me, but I knew the young lord was telling the truth with how he was thinking, “He didn’t lie, but he wasn’t fully honest either. Even if I tell you their true purpose, you won’t be able to stop him.” Lady Ruby seemed confused, but she didn’t dig deeper, “The materials may be a little off on timing, the request was sudden, not to mention how energetic the workers are. I may not be able to keep up with it with current ships and staff.” I replied, “I have the authority to send ships for this, considering the young master gave me permission to do so if this came to be.” Lady Ruby looked to her brother, her eyes clearly put to the work he was actively apart of, “I can’t predict a thing he’s doing, yet he can predict his own issues with shocking efficiency. Sometimes, I wonder how long it’ll take for his achievements to catch up with him.”
I could only nod in agreement, with Avalon being a meritocracy, it’s only a matter of when, not if, someone would notice everything he was doing. I can tell that once the space elevator was complete, he’d be noticed by everyone who has even the smallest connection with Count William, no matter how much he has yet to receive attention due to being on the outskirts. However, before I could continue that train of thought, Ruby spoke, “Someone’s been making moves on the irregularities, the most prominent of them have been seen committing to some sort of… test from what I assume.” This managed to finally get into something we’ve been nearly a decade silent on, “How much do you know, and have you informed the military advisor?” Lady Ruby nodded, “The military advisor knows, and he’s confident that the technology Aurelian is making can defend the domain, but I’m not so sure.”
Lady Ruby handed me a pad to observe, and on it was a grainy photo that seemed to be a mech engaged with a machine in battle, “This was taken by one of my investigators on a viscount’s planet. It seemed to be the son of the viscount locked in battle with an animal-based machine, and from what the investigator said, it was a close fight.” I asked, mostly out of curiosity, “Who’s the viscount?” Lady Ruby shrugged, “I don’t know, they didn’t want to say until they moved on since even getting the information they did out was rough. I think whoever they were, they were monitoring the communication traffic going in and out of the planet.” Looking back to the photo, I said, “If that’s the case, what are the chances this individual comes to “test” the young master?” Ruby said, “I’m certain it’s a matter of time before someone comes. He has active mechs unlike what the regular factories use, not to mention he’s making his own personal factory, I doubt that wouldn’t make any passers by turn some heads.”
Knowing the factory was about done, not to mention the weapons I managed to see over the young master’s shoulder, I knew the time was swiftly coming for unsavory figures to arrive, “Then you might want to up your security, the young master is committing to some… technological projects. The materials are going into something big, and it may make him a hub for activity in this section of the universe.” This seemed to get Lady Ruby’s merchant instincts tingling, “Edward, you can’t tell me that and not expect me to ask, what is he doing with the materials he’s ordering from me?” I sighed, nothing I could say to deter her now, “He’s making a space elevator, not to mention what comes after that.” Lady Ruby was silent for a moment before chuckling a little, “Edward, that technology isn’t possible yet, it won’t come to pass.” I looked to her, every inch of my face serious, “Ruby, I saw the blueprints personally, I couldn’t even see a single issue with it, and the heads of construction were eager to get to work on it.”
I watched Lady Ruby’s face shifted from a relaxed look to one of surprise, then she got serious. I knew exactly what she was thinking, she was thing if this was truly possible, then potential profits one could achieve from it. Before she achieved her answer, I watched as the console the cube was hooked up to power on, the young master celebrating the finished product. For a moment, he seemed to be speaking to the cube, which confused me and those present, at least until a voice entered the room, “Lady Ruby, daughter to Count William, Edward, I’d like for you to join us down in the bay, there is much to discuss.” We were surprised, but I was more attuned to the voice, because it sounded just like Merlin. I stood up, my curiosity rising, “Well then, let’s see what this is about, shall we?” Lady Ruby noticed how I was acting and rose, “Sure, let’s.”
~~~
As my sister and Edward joined us, I decided to get the ball rolling, “Alright people! For those of you who don’t know, this is Merlin, and I’m going to reveal top secret information that only a slim few know! Merlin is an AI originally taken from this planet, an AI that managed to survive the fall of a former civilization!” While this wasn’t a lie, we weren’t sure of the truth either, so this was some weird unsure amalgamation of truth and lie. I continued, “Before you all begin work, and once we connect this section to the city part of the world, I want you to understand just what we’re doing here, Merlin, if you will.” Merlin spoke, “I can tell you for a fact that, just like the city section that has lasted since the fall of this planet, there should be several sections of the planet that have been kept in pristine condition due to their power sources running separately from the main source, which has been destroyed some time ago. Our goal here is to search for those sections, reconnect them, and use them for the prosperity of the domain. Not only that, but we’re also going to finish what the former civilization started and fully turn this planet into an ecumenopolis.”
I could see the faces of everyone here turned to a stunned surprise, even Ruby and Edward were showing similar looks, which I was getting pretty used to since I’ve been announcing plan after plan for the past few months. Merlin continued, “With those that moved here, you all can function completely autonomously from the main planet, which is why we ensured your families could join you here. With a steady stream of resources, both from the domain and purchased elsewhere, you and your teams will slowly follow the blueprints I saved to ensure the ecumenopolis is properly built and functional.” I could see the confusion on their faces, but I was ready for that, “Don’t worry, the science behind the ecumenopolis is entirely sound. I wouldn’t send anyone on a wild goose chase for the sake of my own pleasure, especially if it wasted good money. I know it won’t be done in days, but it does have the capacity to be finished within our lifetime, so let’s make this planet the first of its kind!” I managed to ease everyone with that considering my track record, and Merlin began to inform everyone on how to connect him with the city.
Ruby came to me and said, “Aurelian, this is insanity. You have two big projects going on at once, you’ll lose money by the boatload.” I shrugged, “I’m not spending it anyway, most of my purchases are small and mundane, and my personal finances just keep rising. I want to put my money into circulation and keep the economy rolling, so my projects are meant to do that. Besides, each of my projects allow for a powerful return on investment, so I’ll be making a boatload of cash afterwards to continue funding my projects.” Ruby, clearly confused, “How in the world is that possible?” I smirked, “This planet is a forge based ecumenopolis, I have blueprints for powerful mechs and ships, easy money. Not to mention the fun I have planed for the capital of my domain, that project is a two-step project.” Ruby seemed to be unable to compute, her facial expressions were unreadable, and it was pretty funny.
After she recollected herself, she asked, “What are you planning? I can’t determine it with how you’re acting, and it’s throwing every sense I have off.” I replied, “Pushing the boundaries of every technological prospect while enjoying the esthetics of mechs and spaceships.” Ruby looked like she was about to say something, but she folded and said, “For some reason, I just can’t find it in me to stop you.” Merlin said, “Good choice, Aurelian isn’t one to change course on things like this.” I could tell one of his security cameras looked to me, “By the way Aurelian, Lady Liliana is wondering when you’ll return, she misses you quite a lot.” I replied, “With you installed, I’ll be getting on the ship to return soon, the bots can worry about the minor issues.” Merlin replied, “Understood sir, have a safe trip.” With that, he returned to his work here, and I turned back to Edward and Ruby, “Well, I need to return back and get ready to work on the factory, it’s nearing completion, and I need to start pumping out my defense force so father can send his men home.”
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After a moment of pause, I recalled that those who Lily was supposed to have for her training were about to arrive as well, and I wished to meet them, “Well, I nearly forgotten that, I need to return home with haste.” I began to walk towards my ship, “Ruby, let’s have lunch sometime, no business.” Ruby sighed, but a smile formed on her lips, “Of course, I’d love to.” It felt good having a sister like her, being an only child, this felt quite different compared to having only a mother and father dote on me. When I boarded my ship and went to my room, since I was going to rest, I said to Edward, “Having a sister is pretty nice, I was an only child in my first life… at least to my knowledge.” Edward smiled, “Indeed it is sir, I have a brother and sister as well, and I enjoy when we meet up when we can.” I made a note that Edward had family and considered bringing them to my domain, but only time will tell, and I’m trying to let the population stabilize a little before welcoming new people in, but maybe in the future, because only time will tell.
~~~
When I returned to the mansion, I made sure to spend ample time with Lily, which was as nice for me as it was for her, since being alone for so long left me feeling pretty lonely. But I knew the time came for me to meet Lily’s teachers and protectors, so I made sure to look the part and went to meet them with her. I said, “I hope she doesn’t mind my domain; she’s coming from a count’s mansion, I doubt mine could even compare.” Lily replied, nonchalantly, “I doubt she’d mind; she isn’t one to criticize economic standing, just the merit someone holds. Though, I doubt she’ll have an issue with you in that regard, you’re merits are actively walking around after all.” While what Lily said calmed me down a little, I wasn’t completely sure what the merit system in the empire was about. Was it military strength? The factory seemed to wrap up its construction, so the ships were being built now, but my military presently wasn’t my own. Was it how prosperous one’s domain was? Maybe their technological prowess? I sighed, “I have no idea how one’s merit is valued, I’ll just have to wing it.”
Lily said, “You don’t know? Well, you have been in the outskirts of the empire your whole life, so it may be a foreign concept to you. Either way, you should be fine, trust me.” As we arrived at the landing port, I noticed they were already leaving, since I had an accurate description of who was leading them to the mansion. Even from here, I could see their bright yellow suit through the crowd of civilians, merchants, and military individuals as they came in and out. I made my way through the crowd with Lily, and she managed to recognize the individual who was her teacher, “Elen! I knew you’d be the one to come!” She broke through the crowd and wrapped her teacher in a bear hug. Elen seemed as happy to see Lily as she leaned down to hug her as well, I managed to see her features, gray hair that flowed down her back a little, yellow eyes that matched her suit, and a well-maintained figure from years of self-care. Elen looked up and noticed me as I managed to make my way through the crowd, “You must be Aurelian Flameheart, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I held out my hand, “Likewise, Ms. Elen. It’s nice to know that Lily will be in good hands for her training.” Elen seemed surprised as she shook my hand, she asked Lily, “Liliana, you’re letting the young lord call you by nickname?” Lily was all smiles as she looked to Elen, “Yep! He’s my friend! I would call Aurelian by a nickname, but his name isn’t really able to be turned into a nickname.” Elen looked from her to me, a soft smile on her face, “Well, that’s good Liliana. Friends are some of the best things to happen to you in life. Make sure to treasure them well.” Lily replied, “I will!” With that said, I motioned towards the rides I prepared, “I made sure to bring those returning home, not to mention ensured everyone had proper transportation to the mansion, so please, let’s get everyone settled from your long journey.” I knew these individuals were from nearly the center of the empire, as close to the capital as a count could be, and the journey was months or even years depending on the conditions. Luckily for all involved, their trip was one of the shorter ones, but that likely put a lot of strain on them.
Elen smiled, “We’ll happily accept your offer, young lord, thank you.” While others took to the vehicles prepared, Elen and a female knight joined me and Lily in my vehicle, Elen motioned to the knight, “This is Emma, my sister, while I turned to teaching, she turned to knighthood, yet we both managed to remain close by thanks to Count David.” Emma seemed much like Elen, but instead of gray hair, hers was a steady blond, but her eyes were the same type of yellow as her sister’s, I extended my hand, “Nice to meet you Emma, I hope we can get along well.” Emma clasped my hand firmly, “Likewise, young lord, I hope to hear more about this “training regimen” the Count informed me about, you weren’t lying about that, I hope.” I watched Lily’s eyes turn to fear, “You shouldn’t have asked that Emma… I’ve seen it, even the men are struggling due to how… practical it is.” I likely had a devilish smile on my face as Lily said that, because I knew this training was hell, but it would harden everyone who went through it more than the Empire’s base training ever could, “Don’t worry Emma, you and your men will be well trained if you wish it.”
At this point, I was really ripping off a lot of human training exercises from Earth and cranking them up to a hundred, but with how knights have reinforced bodies, you need to work them harder to get similar results. Besides, simulations are good, but they won’t harden you for actual combat like a practical training exercise. Not only that, I took some concepts from my former group in SGO and implemented them as well, so this training was truly hell for those going through it. Emma seemed a little unsettled, but she didn’t seem to turn away the challenge. Elen was looking around, observing the domain, her voice seemed to be amazed, “Despite your age, your people seem to be living rather well, most new rulers don’t have this level of… sophistication with their plans.” I replied, “I learned from the education pods rather well, not to mention examples through other nobles I happened to find. By mixing certain policies and teachings, I managed to develop my growth plan, and it’s been working well for around a decade now.”
As I finished, I noticed the large area where the space elevator was to be build, and it seemed the foundation was done as the framework of the elevator was being put into place. Elen asked, “What a rather large foundation, what structure could ever be put on it?” I said, “Well… I’d rather not say just yet. We barely even gotten started on it just yet, but it’ll likely be the first in the universe if our inquiries were correct.” Elen put a hand to her chin, “Hm, I’ll see if I can figure it out, don’t lie to me if I guess correctly, young lord.” I chuckled, “I wouldn’t dare, lying is a waste of time on things like this.” Lily looked out the window as well, “I don’t know what it is either, you must’ve said it when I was doing training.” I smiled, “Ten points to Lily, that is exactly what I did. It was work, and I didn’t want to hold off on relaying it.” Times were changing, and I had reason to believe I was the reason behind it. This tech was likely a dream for everyone witnessing the construction of the space elevator, but for me, it was merely a stepping stone to the future. All I wanted to do was watch the faces of those close to me as they reacted to what was slowly happening around them.
~~~
“Yes, my Emperor, we’ve arrived in young lord Aurelian’s domain safely.” I said through my communication device, Emperor Agnes replied, “This is great news Elen, I’m sure you see why I’m keeping my eyes on him, correct?” I nodded, despite the fact that I couldn’t video call him from this distance, “Yes, my Emperor, his people are living lifestyles one would only find closer to the capital, not to mention the ease it seems to be happening at. He’s truly a wonder to behold.” Emperor Agnes was silent for a moment, this let me know I managed to get what he was saying wrong, “I was incorrect, my Emperor? Young lord Aurelian is an incredible child, but I’m not sure what else you see in him.” Emperor Agnes said, “Have you seen his mechs yet? Those that are protecting the mansion and some in leading areas of key locations and projects, yes?” From my window, I noticed one of the mechs, “Yes, my Emperor, but I can’t…” I went silent, for a moment, I thought it was one of the nations usual mechs, but I quickly understood that it wasn’t. The make was entirely different, not to mention the design, “This isn’t one of Avalon’s mechs, is he working with a foreign power?”
Emperor Agnes chuckled, “Oh! I forgot you used to work in special intelligence, so that would be your first conclusion.” After a moment, he said, “These mechs aren’t foreign, in fact, they’re made right within that mansion you’re residing in right now.” I was surprised, these were new mechs? I couldn’t believe it, “But there’s no way these mechs are that powerful, if they were, they’d be more well known.” Emperor Agnes replied, “That’s because I put an order of silence on him. Those mechs, they aren’t just new, they put the even our best mechs to shame. He even has a personal unit that’s even stronger than those, he managed to break humanity’s slump twice over and he doesn’t even seem to be slowing down.” I couldn’t believe this, “My Emperor, you must be being lied to, such a concept is nigh impossible for a mere child to commit to!” Emperor Agnes replied, “Elen, I was there the day he debuted his mechs, he didn’t lie, as she shown their might against a wave of beasts. I doubt anyone has his units, within or outside the empire, aside him.”
I knew there was more to the young lord than met the eye, but this was beyond my expectations. Emperor Agnes said, “I’ll let you settle in, observe him more, to see the child that managed to win my daughter’s friendship. Take your time, you have plenty of chances to see just what this boy can do.” With that, the call ended, and I looked out to the mech as the pilot resumed their patrol. I thought back to that large foundation, the base of a structure being built upon it, “Aurelian Stella Flameheart, just who are you?” I knew I was sent here for a reason, and it was likely to ascertain the merit the young lord would carry if his achievements were revealed to the Empire. Just by the new mechs alone, his merit would soar, but I had a distinct feeling that there was more to him than meets the eye. I decided this required my full attention, I need to understand just how much this young noble could do, and if others already have their eyes on him.
~~~
When I finished work for the day, I realized a whole year had passed since my twenty fifth, and I hadn’t even noticed it happening. It was the inverse of what I knew in the hospital bed, instead of the days getting longer, my days felt short, and I wondered just where the time was going. As I got up and stretched, I heard Merlin speak into my earpiece, “Sir, Edward is coming to retrieve you, seems your father wants to meet you immediately.” I was quick to inquire as I left the office and found Edward, “Is it an emergency?” Merlin quickly calmed me down with, “No, but he does have a surprise for you, of which I cannot say.” Edward seemed excited about something, but I couldn’t pin what. As he led me towards the room my father was in, I slowly tried to understand just what the surprise was, at least until I arrived at the room in question. Edward took to the side of the door, his voice conveying he was serious, “For now, you should head in alone, don’t worry, all is well.” I gathered my courage and entered the room, closing the door behind me before I looked forward once more.
Before me was father, his features made him visible no matter where he ended up, but in front of him was a woman in a wheelchair, one my heart was telling me to run up and hug. She had golden blond hair that reached down her back, her eyes had a golden color, but it lacked the crimson splashed around my eyes, and she looked to me with familiarity despite my brain coming up empty with whom she was. In a moment, she looked to father and said, “Honey, he seems confused, I don’t think he remembers just yet.” Father sighed, “I have to agree with you, he hasn’t asked often, so it may be something deeper.” Father came to me and brought me closer, letting me truly see this woman I didn’t know, he said, “Aurelian, this is your mother, Cecilia. You may not remember her right now, but one day, I hope you’ll remember her.” It felt… weird. I knew I was supposed to know her, I knew she was my mother and that father wasn’t lying, but I couldn’t remember her for the life of me.
I thought back, before my awakening in this body, to recall the memories I should’ve had back when I awoke. Seeing her, it made me feel nostalgic, but the feeling quickly turned to dread as I began to see the scene. Something hit what we were in, we were going down, mom was trying to keep me calm as I screamed my lungs out. I felt every part of my body trigger a fear response, everything about the day came back to me, and I truly felt afraid for my life. I felt bile rush up my throat, and I quickly turned away from father and mother as I began to hurl the contents of my stomach, my whole body felt weak as I did. I couldn’t hear anything from father as he shouted, a ringing in my ears turned everything into what seemed like mumbles, but before I could fall, mother had essentially leapt from her wheelchair to grab and protect me, just like she did in the vehicle we were riding in.
It felt warm, really warm, like I was wrapped in a warm blanket after a nice, warm meal, and it made me sleepy. As I struggled to keep my eyes open, both mother and father were trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t hear her, even Edward came through to me as merely mumbles. I think I managed to speak, I tried to say that I was tired, but I have no idea if the words that left my mouth were what I thought, all I knew was I had managed to speak. Before I closed my eyes to the sensation, I noticed Merlin kneel down and lift me up, passing some form of instructions to mother and father. Once I perceived that, I let the feeling overcome me as I fell asleep, the darkness of it washing over me like a clouds on a stormy day.
~~~
As Merlin laid Aurelian down, I had to shelf the question of his body as Cecilia had no idea about the current situation. Merlin said, “From what I can tell, based on your claims, the memories of Lady Cecilia seem to have been repressed, likely due to the accident. It would explain the nausea, which became vomiting due to not expecting it, and his sudden panic.” Merlin looked to us, his eyes seemed as human as my own, “To be honest, this alone is a major risk, as this could implant a false memory within him.” I asked, unsure, “What’s a false memory?” Merlin replied, “Essentially, out of trauma, a memory could be false. An example would be an accident, and the memory of a loved one dying in it despite them being alive and well. Although, the concept of “repressed memories” is highly debated, but false memories are very much real and come with their own issues.” I could tell Merlin wasn’t joking, but with Aurelian being a reincarnate, I can’t even tell how he’d take it.
Cecilia said, “Mr. Merlin, will Aurelian be ok?” Merlin, after a moment, replied, “Please, drop the Mr., I prefer to just be called Merlin. Now, for Aurelian, I’m not quite sure. While I have some knowledge on the topic, the actual outcome is… uncertain. However, I hope that this is merely his mind recovering the memories of his infant years and nothing harmful.” I could only wish the same, because Aurelian was doing so much, and I didn’t want him to suffer because of my desires to let him meet his mother. Before I could do more, the door was essentially thrown open, “Aurelian!” In a blur, Lady Liliana rushed past me towards Aurelian, but Merlin was swift in lifting her before she crashed into the bed, but she still reached out to him, “Aurelian! Are you ok!?” When I looked to the door, Elen said in an apologetic tone, “I’m sorry, when she heard a butler talking about Aurelian fainting, I couldn’t stop her.”
I shook my head, “No, it’s fine, to be honest, he should have a friend near him, maybe it’ll help him in some way.” Merlin carefully put Lady Liliana down and she quickly grabbed his hand, “Aurelian…” I could tell this was eating her up as much as it was me, he was likely her only friend, and she was likely concerned about his wellbeing. I asked, “Is Aurelian going to wake up soon or…” Merlin looked Aurelian over, likely processing what he was seeing, then said, “I’m not sure, but I’d give it some time, but he should be up by the morning like nothing happened if everything is alright. If not, I’d call in a professional.” Cecilia said, “I understand… this isn’t our fault… right?” Merlin shook his head, “No, forcefully remembering a memory is more of an individual’s fault, but this likely isn’t fully his fault anyway. Just be patient, and all will be well.”
I understood why Merlin wasn’t sure, he was an AI, and he likely didn’t fully understand the complexities of the human mind. I gave Merlin a slight nod, “Thank you Merlin, your words are enough to leave me with ease.” Merlin bowed to me, almost akin to a butler, “I’m glad I was able to do so.” He began to walk to the door, “Now, if you’d like to come with me, I’ll prepare a room for Lady Cecilia. Since she leapt off her wheelchair, I’ve taken the liberty to summon a professional to ensure she hasn’t injured herself.” As I followed Merlin, I told Elen, “Keep an eye on Lady Liliana, just make sure she doesn’t do anything… irrational.” Elen bowed, “I understand, my lord.” As we left, I noticed the halls were empty, I assumed it was Merlin who made it so since he started speaking again, “I know my form is a surprise to you, Sir William, but this allows me to properly impart my knowledge to Sir Aurelian with ease.” I nodded, “I can say it did surprise me, for someone like you, I expected you to have sent someone else, not come personally.”
Cecilia said, clearly confused, “Form? Honey, what are you two talking about?” I decided to tell her, since this wouldn’t enter the ears of another, “Merlin is an AI Aurelian found in the relic world he’s currently restoring. There’s more to it, but I believe that Aurelian should tell you himself, he’d likely prefer that over me telling you.” Merlin nodded as he opened a door to a room, “I agree, his circumstances have been truly bizarre, even to him.” Once I was through, Merlin shut the door and helped me put Cecilia on the bed, while she didn’t seem visibly injured, we couldn’t clear it right now. Merlin asked, “When did she wake up? I learned about it when I looked through information regarding Sir Aurelian.” Cecilia said, “Around a year ago, due to disuse atrophy, I can’t walk properly. Technology may have ensured I healed properly, but not using my body is a different beast that technology cannot fix. I can walk for brief periods, but it’ll be a months to years before I can return to normal function.”
Merlin nodded, “I see, I’m sorry for your lost time.” Cecilia smiled, and I was reminded why I fell in love with her as she did, “I thank you; you’re quite kind for an artificial intelligence.” Merlin put on a smile of his own, “I’m an AI meant to assist where I can, and my former master decided he wanted me to have emotions and be sentient. I believe my sentience is a gift from him, and I haven’t regretted it to this day.” Merlin began for the door, “I’ll return to work, if you need me, I’ll leave my body near Sir Aurelian. I can’t leave the projects he has ongoing be left unattended.” With that, he left, and Cecilia was quick to ask a question, “Honey… was that girl… Liliana Nova Pendragon?” I nodded, “Yes, it seems our son has gained the attention of the Emperor himself.” I watch as she let herself sink into the bed, “I… I missed so much of his life, and now that I’ve awoken and want to see him, I caused him harm by forcing him to remember the accident… I’m a horrible mother.”
I grasped her hand, “Don’t you say that, you’re one of the best mothers in the universe, I know that for a fact. Before the accident, you gave our little boy so much love and care, he never went a day without your love, and I know he’ll remember that soon. Even in the accident, you were willing to sacrifice your life to protect him, and most parents in our situation wouldn’t even bother to do that.” I planted a kiss on her forehead, “I know our son wants to meet and be with his mother, he just needs the time to understand that.” Cecilia’s smile eased, not as rough at it was before, “Thank you honey, I was just unsure for a moment.” The doctor entered the room, his equipment ready, and he began to carefully check Cecilia over. Thankfully, the worse she’ll get is a bruise, but she’ll be fine otherwise. For now, we could only wait and see how Aurelian takes the moment, but I know he’ll pull through, that’s just who he is.
~~~
I was being held, a face looking down to mine, a smiled on her face as she called me her baby. For some reason, I knew this happened to me once before, despite the fact I didn’t remember it. I could see myself younger, golden blond hair being most of my view, but I could see many people I recognized from my memories, including Edward. I got to see my first flip, my first crawl, my first steps… good grief, I really should’ve guessed most of my memories were mostly baby things. Wait… memories? Was I remembering the missing first years of my new life? Though, when my memories looked to mom and dad, I could tell that despite being nobility, they chose to be parents before that. Seeing this though felt bittersweet, I had a family before I came here, yet I have no idea what happened to them anymore. Did they forget me? Was I abandoned?.. Was I replaced? Despite knowing I was likely dreaming, I cried, I cried for what I could never understand nor find the answer to, because I could never understand what happened during my former life anymore.
I felt a warmth on my hand, one I couldn’t understand where it came from, but it did ease me from my tears as I watched my memories through my younger self. I ate good food, did fun things, and I ended my nights wrapped in the love of my parents, sometimes between them in their bed when I had a nightmare. If anything, it was the one thing I knew I had been at one point before I got sick on Earth, a normal family life. All of these memories were normal as I slowly acclimated to the world I was born in, at least before I went on the ride then ended in the accident. However, instead of it ending, I was sent back to a memory of my first life, one where I was speaking with Arthur during one of the times we sat and just talked with each other. After a bit, I spoke, “Arthur… I’m dying.” It clearly killed the mood, but I knew my feelings in this moment, I didn’t want to lie to the person who was basically my only friend within game I could say this to.
Arthur looked to me, his face showing his disbelief, “What do you mean you’re dying? You never shown any issues, in fact, you somehow seem like you’re getting stronger with how you pump out these mechs.” I chuckled, “I know how it seems, but it’s more like my body’s putting in one last effort to live, but I know my body better than anyone… I won’t make it to next year.” Arthur’s face went from that disbelief mixed with hope to clear sadness. I wasn’t sure how he truly felt about me, even now in my next life, but I like to hope that maybe, just maybe, he truly did come to care about me in some capacity. I said, “I’ll do the one thing I want to do before I die, but I’ll need you to carry on with my legacy after that, be it in this game or your next, just find some way to remember me, ok?”
As I stood up, putting my equipment on, he asked, “What do you mean by that?” I smiled back to him, “I’m gonna make a tier ten, be it I live to see it in action, or I die handing you the keys, I’m going to make it leave my final mark in this world, no matter how miniscule it would be to everyone else.” I realized he had his hand on my shoulder, and while others wore a suit to let them feel things, I couldn’t do that considering my condition, I realized it when I went to walk but couldn’t move. Arthur said, “You are sick, the only people who don’t play games like this without a full suit are those who’re hospitalized, something about it messing with the suit.” He removed his hand, his face shown his confliction becoming understanding, “What are you going to do before… it happens?” I flexed one of my arms, “I’ll pump out as many mechs and ships as I can, all while making you a tier ten unit to lead the charge. I’ll use all my personal wealth to achieve this, all the way until the end.”
Arthur seemed upset by this, he replied, “You should ease off the game, try and get better so you can be with us at the end, even try to survive whatever you’re fighting! Why give up?” I let a solum smile cross my face, “This… thing isn’t something humanity knows of. They’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to stop it. All I can do is live how I want to live, and this is how I want to be remembered by. This world to people like you may be one game you play out of many, but to me, this game was and is my life. I’ll make sure the endgame wraps itself up with my ghost guiding your path to victory.” I put my fist to his chest, “Just… remember me, ok? I doubt anyone from my life remembers me, but if at least you can, I’ll be happy.” Arthur’s mouth opened and closed, as if he couldn’t even form a single word in response to my heartfelt plea. Eventually, he smiled sadly, “Of course, your memory will live on, even if I have to do it alone.” I nodded, “Thanks, now, let’s get to work. Make sure you inform the Round that my services are unfortunately coming to an end, so make sure they come to me with any requests now while I’m pumping out all the best ships that my factories can use.”
With that, the conversation ended, but he did something I never expected after that. People had warped factory after factory to my space, increasing my productivity massively. Turns out that Arthur and the Round had decided to let people understand my final wish, and people from all over the game and world had sent money, materials, factories, anything I could use to pump out as many ships and mechs before the reaper came to claim me. How did I know he did this? Well, one of the nurses who observed me playing the game happened to find the story on the news, to which she informed me in tears about the movement of people striving to remember me. It went beyond my hopes for just one person to remember me, rather, my time in the game would be remembered by so many more. When I opened my eyes, the familiar ceiling of my room before me, I said to the empty room, “I hope I can meet Arthur again.”