As Alex was reading the grimoire Comoron handed him, he remembered the spells Comoron had used before.
Alex thought, What would happen if he hybridized the coat of arms magic with other spells? He could reformulate it. He had to say it to Comoron.
"Comoron, I had an idea. Before I do the coat of arms and accept you as my vassal, I would like to modify the spell. Can you share that spell you used with the guard so he could read Harper's ID?"
"Yes, I can. What are you planning exactly?"
"If I understand the spell language, I can try to modify the spell itself, so the coat itself will become better."
"I know that you are a genius, but I don't think that it will be that easy. After you create the coat, it becomes definitive."
"I understand that. But even though I would like to try something I had planned,"
As Alex said it, Comoron cast the spell he used in the guard, and a few seconds later, Alex could read the spell formations.
He saw what the spell itself said: basically, the main coat of arms could create other coats subordinate to itself, and these subordinates could at any moment send a help signal to the main coat, asking for help. It was some sort of long-range Morse code. It surely was inefficient, but the spell base could be read. There were a lot of words that he couldn't translate, but the context itself made them readable. No wonder the magic in that world isn't that great; these guys couldn't even read their magical language correctly. But even so, Alex understood the language quite well and was able to modify it as he wanted.
"Alright, I think that I can remove this part; I can add this here; I can modify this part here."
Alex was speaking to himself. Comoron, Harper, and Michael started to look at Alex with odd expressions. They didn't understand what he was doing, but somehow it was somehow... cringe. Alex was working with a big smile on his face; he probably liked what he was doing. Even so, he was doing it for quite a while.
As 40 minutes passed, Alex finally finished.
"Comoron, I finished my modifications. To be honest, it was quite funny, so I added a few more things to the coat. I don't have to create the coat manually anymore. I just have to draw a symbol on paper and say some words that the coat will be automatically created on my own. I can freely give it away to vassals. Also, I added a feature that allows magical borrowing. I really worked on this thing; maybe you guys will be able to create portals now. It is basically that now the subordinate coat is done using the main, so it is linked by more than a mere pear-to-pear connection. Well, the process itself was very inefficient, so I modified a few words, and it runs smoother now! Also, I added a feature that allows me to modify my coat of arms, like an update. In the future, we can add more things. The coat even grants physical advantages, mental advantages, and 50% more magical power. It was surely well done. I am proud of myself."
Harper and Michael understood Alex's words. They were amazed by all of these advantages, but they didn't read the original spell, so they couldn't really understand what Alex had done. Comoron, on the other hand, was truly in shock. He asked Alex to create a coat of arms for him, because even without Alex being a king himself, he would still gain advantages from the coat. Basically, it works as a network; the more individuals subordinated to one another, the more they would be powerful. Alex had immense power, so a coat of arms would be advantageous for both of them. He would receive power, and Alex could have a loyal subordinate.
Comoron was shocked because the coat spell was somehow definitive. It was a very hard concept to understand, and Alex simply modified what took hundreds of years to make. He even added more things that Comoron didn't understand. Peer to peer, what did it mean? Comoron asked as Alex said what he had done. He didn't understand the concept behind what Alex made, but it was surely amazing.
As no one said anything, Alex continued.
"Alright, time to test my new toy!"
Then, Alex went into a photo editor and created his coat of arms. He took some vectors from the internet and made something that describes him perfectly. A crossed gun with a skull in the middle. A portal behind it and a tactic helmet in the skull. It became pretty good, so he printed it and cast the spell above the image.
The image disappeared, and only blank paper remained. The coat magic was successfully cast. Alex felt like it worked somehow. Perfect!
"Harper, you were always there for me, since I was 8 years old, to be specific. I would like you to be the first."
"Ok, Alex, I trust you."
Harper said.
Then Alex created a coat of arms using a little different image than before. The image was done using white tones because of Alex's magic power color. He created three subordinate coats using the new function he added to his own coat. Alex then tried to give away one of these coats to Harper.
Harper could feel that something was trying to enter him—some kind of energy that he instinctively understood what it was. It was magic—to be specific, Alex's magic. He felt that somehow he could accept or deny this magic, so he allowed it. Harper became officially the first under Alex's coat. Harper could understand the powers he had gained now, and he even understood magic! Guess that the coat of arms intern knowledge had helped him a lot!
"Michael, it seems like a success. You are the next, ready?"
"Always ready for action!"
"Hahaha, even though it isn't an operation, you are quite excited, aren't you?"
"Yes sir!"
Michael was the funny guy in the group. He would always joke about anything he could. It was good to have him around; he could easily reduce the tension the group felt back in the day.
Alex gave away the second coat of arms he created using his own to Michael. He could understand Harper now. This feeling was exactly the same: he felt Alex's magic, he felt that he could choose, and he accepted the gift. He officially became the second under Alex's command.
As the two of them could finally understand magic, Comoron's time came. Alex did the same, but Comoron was already used to magic. But unlike before, this new coat of arms made him the first generation. His old one was inherited from his father, so he didn't accept it or deny it. Now, he chose. He instantly felt the difference. This new coat was far superior to his old one. He probably holds more authority than the king himself if both coats conflict with each other's.
Comoron became the third subordinate under Alex. Alex could feel the trust Comoron felt in him, just as Comoron could feel Alex's trust. They are linked now. Brothers in blood and soul, and Alex was the older brother, the big brother.
Alex's relationships with Michael and Harper also got stronger. They already trusted each other with their lives, but now it was like they had become brothers. This new sensation is surely something else.
"Thank you, Alex. It means a lot to me."
Comoron thanked Alex. Alex could only say that he's welcome and things in that line.
But now they had to test that coat.
"Harper, Michael, and Comoron. If everything goes right, you guys are able to summon a portal."
Alex said it. But they didn't expect Alex's next move.
He used mana to throw the three of them against the wall. They were moving really fast, and the kinetic energy they would release if they hit that wall would be enough to break some of their bones. Their thoughts were racing extremely fast; milliseconds felt like minutes, and they tried to use all of their bodies to resist it. They couldn't understand why Alex did it to them, but they would ask after they survived this imminent collision. Harper was desperate, and he felt something, like a new limb. He tried to move that limb, and a portal opened behind him, and he teleported in front of Alex. The other two of them would hit the wall, but in the last second, Alex's mana softened their backs, and now they are safe and sound.
"Guess that only Harper could do it..."
Alex said.
They were shocked. Harper had 2 seconds to breathe before them, so he was calmer. But still, he was amazed by the fact that he could also open portals now.
"Harper, try to imagine somewhere that you were before, and focus on that new limb you felt."
Alex said.
"Ok, Alex, but... why?"
Harper really trusted Alex, but he thought that his method now was strange. But he couldn't blame him, because, after all, they weren't in any danger.
"The first time I opened the portal, I was in a similar situation. I tried to think as hard as I could, and somehow I could open the portal. In your case, I've cast a spell that I've read in Comoron's grimoire that accelerated the thought speed."
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"I... Understand... I guess that this is the best way. Let me try."
Harper imagined himself in Hudson Bay. He was there as a kid and liked that place. He imagined himself there and focused on that "new limp" he felt. A portal opened. This portal was different than Alex's. The portal was just a blue membrane, nothing like Alex's portal, which was a red circle made from lightning and a green membrane that could teleport him everywhere. This portal was simpler, and its size was fixed.
Harper entered that portal. Alex followed him. They were in a snowy place, with a grayish, dark blue ocean in front of them. The soil was rocky, and there was cold air piercing them. They were somewhere close to the artifact.
"Where are we?"
Alex asked.
"We are in Hudson Bay. My father and I went here when I was a kid to fish. We took a large salmon with an incredible 40 kg. We had a great dinner that day... I miss these days."
Harper answered.
He was happy that he could use the portal now.
They went back to Alex's basement. Michael and Comoron stayed there, waiting for them.
"Where were you guys?"
Michael and Comoron asked.
"Hudson Bay, north of Canada."
Harper answered. He was smiling, and it was quite odd; his appearance was really feminine. Well, they could tell that he is a guy, so there's no problem after all. They were happy that Harper's was happy.
"So, you could use Alex's portal after all? How it felt?"
Michael asked Harper.
"The sensation is the same as when you gain a new limb. You can't describe it in another way."
Harper said. Alex agreed with him, using his expression. Michael and Comoron had to train a little more before being able to summon a portal.
Alex started to train them. His training process was tough, yet effective. They were finally starting to understand. But even though their process is going smoothly, it would take them a day at least. Harper had the day free. Even though he was free, he also had work to do.
"Alex, Michael, remember that $250k each of us gained? Could you guys give me 200k each? I'll create a shell company so we can earn more money. By the end of the day, the company will already be registered. Also, I'll get Comoron a green card. He can't fully operate in the US if he doesn't have one, can he?"
"Yeah, you are right, he can't, hahaha. I don't have any problem giving $200k to you; I also think that Michael also doesn't, as you were the one who almost won it all."
"Yes, I don't have any problem either."
Alex and Michael answered. Both of them transferred the money to Harper. He surely had business to do now.
...
..
Las Vegas, Nevada State, United States of America.
Harper teleported to Las Vegas; he had work to do. He walked the city and entered the Gold Digger's casino.
"Hello, sir, how can I help you?"
The receptionist greeted him.
"Hello, Miss, can you arrange a meeting with the Gold Digger?"
"Sorry, sir, but Mr. Gold Digger is busy right now."
"Tell him that the dragon's hair came."
"Alright sir. I'll say it for him. But don't expect an answer."
The receptionist called someone, and after 5 minutes, her phone rang. She accepted the call, and a voice came.
"Let him enter."
The phone call ended. She understood that this guy wasn't someone ordinary and led the way.
"Sir, follow me. I shall drive you into Sir Gold Digger's meeting room."
Harper followed her. They entered the room, Harper took his seat, and she left.
Five minutes had passed since then, and finally, the Gold Digger entered the room.
"Dragon's hair—what a good surprise! I have to say, the gold you and your friends sold me that other day was incredible! Anything wrong with the payment?"
"Actually, everything went well—so well that we want to expand! I've come here to ask you for two things."
"Straight into business, aren't you? Well, that's how I like it. What may be these 'two things'?"
"First of all, remember that guy with the hat at the party? He is stateless, and I would like you to help him get his green card."
"Oh, the green card... We have different ways to get there. For example, our usual service costs about 12k, but our VIP service costs 120k. The usual is just the green card, and it isn't long-term reliable, but our VIP service offers a guarantee that even if you become some crazy billionaire, people won't be able to dig enough to find that you have a weird background. We cover everything."
"I'll take the premium service. Our friend is stateless, so we also need to grant him citizenship from elsewhere."
"Well... Looking at your friend, he is extremely white, so Africa won't do it... We can make him Russian; your friend doesn't need to speak Russian to be Russian. If he was born in northern Siberia, we can arrange for his citizenship and also apply for his migration. We have some contacts in the American consulate there, so he will enter as a permanent citizen as soon as he applies. Everything is covered by us. As an old friend and client, we will grant you a discount of 20k, so you will only pay 100k."
"Thank you very much, Gold Digger. For the second service I would like to request, we need a shell company to do our money laundry. Something that we can use to raise a lot of money quickly. As for the shares, there are four parts of 25% each. I will own one of them, and each one of my friends will own another one."
"In this case, instead of creating your business from scratch, it is better to buy an already established company. How much can you spend?"
"I have $600k in me right now. As I already set aside 100k for the green card stuff, I can spend 500k."
"Hmm. That is good. I have the perfect idea. There's a nightclub in Los Angeles. The old owner died, and his two sons couldn't manage the place. As the time passed, fewer and fewer clients went there. It is quite unfortunate, but if you are looking for the ideal place, you can buy that nightclub. They have tons of alcohol, light equipment, and the ideal acoustic space. And as the descendants of the previous owner were quite incompetent, they started to lose money, and we loaned them. They couldn't pay the debts, so we took their place as promised in the contract. That place has been closed for quite some time now, so we are willing to sell you that place for 500k dollars, taxes included. Are you interested?"
"How much time to prepare everything?"
"We can start the selling process now, but it will take at least a month to complete it and register the business in the name of the four of you guys. As the place itself is in good shape, you can start business right after the purchase, but I wouldn't recommend it. If the profit suddenly starts to grow very quickly, the authorities will start to investigate, and we don't want that. Before you open business, I recommend you guys do a reform there, contract new employees, keep that place good, and maybe get some more alcohol. You guys can also turn that place into a luxurious nightclub. I guess that it can justify high profits."
"Then I'll go with it. For the money, I'll transfer it into your account right now."
As Harper said, he transferred the money into the Gold Digger's account. Everything went according to plan, and the Gold Digger would transfer the company into their name in at least a month. As for the green card stuff, it could be done in one week. Unfortunately, Comoron had to be in the consulate for the whole thing to work, but it was still better than nothing; at least he wouldn't have to step into Siberia.
Harper now has only $50,000 for the time being. He would reform that nightclub into something good. With Comoron and Alex's magic, the work would be done quickly, and they could be open to business in 2 months from now on.
Harper left the casino; the gold digger was waving him goodbye. He went to that same alley they were in before, and Harper teleported himself to Alex's basement.
...
..
Alex was training Comoron and Michael into opening the portal. They were almost there. When Alex grabbed them and threw them again against the wall, Harper appeared in front of the two, and they almost collided. Harper was quick to evade them.
"What the fuck?"
Harper shouted. He had just returned, and two human projectiles almost hit him. These guys were fucking kidding with him?
"Oh, sorry. We were training the portal. Michael had indeed summoned it one time, but he seems to not be able to remember how he did it now. I am just doing some work for him to remember it."
"Okay, Alex, guess that is how that works... It worked with me; it should work with them also, right?"
Harper noted. Alex agreed with his expression, but Harper wasn't here to observe them.
"Alright. I bought the necessary things. In one week, you will meet someone in the consulate. We have a background for you. Try not to mess with the whole thing, please. You won't have us there, so good luck. Start to train your speech and learn about your new 'Background'. And as for our new shell company, instead of creating one, I bought an already established one. It is easier to raise money that way. The company itself is a nightclub that is declining. As I heard, it is in East Hollywood. It isn't as good as West Hollywood, but it is close, so it's still viable. The place is probably quite a mess because they are close for a time, so we will have to clean."
Harper said.
"Alright. I think that the idea is good, don't you think, guys?"
Alex said.
"Yes, I think that the place is ideal to raise a lot of money really quickly. Just don't drink all the stock, Alex.
Michael agreed; he even joked a little.
"I don't understand what a nightclub is, but it may be a good idea."
Comoron said it.
As he said it, the three friends looked at him and started to laugh.
"Comoron, we will bring you to a night house when your green card is ready."
Alex said it, laughing. Harper and Michael only looked at him and started to laugh, too.
They would spend the next week working on their portal summon skills, and as for Harper, he would learn some spells.
One week passed, and Alex trained Michael and Comoron so they could use the portal now. As for Harper, he trained himself and is now able to use the four elements at a good level. He even exploded a shed they had prepared in the plains of the kingdom. They used the Demonic Forest to train themselves, and they also took advantage of the situation to grab some panacea. It was good to have them around, and they would need it to engage in the cyberpunk world. It is better to have a way to cure themselves instantly if they find any trouble there. They would also learn the language there.
Alex finally learned about spatial magic. He could store his guns easily now. He couldn't understand Comoron's explanation because he lacked knowledge of modern science. After Alex read the spell in the grimoire, he finally understood that it was simple. He had to put that box into a fourth dimension. It was something like placing the inventory of a 2D player above him, using the third-dimensional advantage. He somehow already grasped a little of the fourth dimension. His portal was a link between him and that dimension. He modified the spell then to accommodate near-infinite storage. If he placed layers of third dimensions, he could create infinite storage, unlike the small cube. He called that "universal storage." He also managed to input that knowledge into his coat of arms, so every subordinate had access to the storage. They would still have to request that Alex use things that aren't theirs, for example, something that Alex placed there, but they could place their own things and take them freely. Alex could also take and place things that another person had put there. It was good, almost like a whole world was created to store things as they wanted.
Alex also learned the four main elements and is now able to cast advanced magic with ease. He even learned two special magics: the light magic to cure wounds and the dark magic that works in the mind. The spell Comoron used to translate was dark magic, apparently. At least they could now communicate with people from that cyberpunk world.
As for Michael, he had to spend time with his wife. She didn't know anything about magic or things yet, but she was worried about him. He spent days out with his friends. He told her that they actually won a bet and each one of them earned 250k, but they spent 200k each to buy a nightclub. Jenifer was quite happy with the news. Her husband could finally leave his boring job and have some fun. As for her brother, he finally made something! After earning money in the Middle East, he just closed himself up in his home and never did anything like work. Guess that $2 million for him was enough to live his whole life with ease. He still has half of it, unlike Michael and Alex.
Michael learned the four elements and is now able to cast intermediate magic. Nothing as great as Alex and Harper, but still good enough.
As for Comoron, he learned how to summon the portal and also learned some science with Alex. They spent days re-writing the spells in Comoron's grimoire.
The four of them planned to explore the slums in that tech dictatorship world, but they would have the nightclub running before. And in 2 days, Comoron will have his interview with the consulate, so they have plenty of time to get ready before going to that place and starting a new business.