The moment Ben’s butt cushioned into the driver’s seat, he twisted the key in the ignition. As usual, Val’s stat screen emerged. Glancing at the fuel level, it read [40%]. He wasn’t desperate to fill his tank but didn’t want to be in a situation where he would run out in case he needed to escape danger.
He opened the [Mechanical Mage] skill tree and selected the skill.
[Refuel Mk.1 is now unlocked.]
[Valkyrie is now level 1.]
[The Upgrade Menu for Valkyrie is now available.]
***
The upgrade menu allows the system user to purchase upgrades for their active vehicle using currencies based on precious metals. The system will automatically convert the currency stored in your [Currency] inventory to the correct amount needed for the transaction. If the user does not have the required amount, then a predetermined number of skill points may be used instead.
When the upgrade menu is opened, the available upgrades are specific to the active vehicle and can’t be used on other vehicles. The system user must level up their vehicle to unlock more proficient upgrades. Multiple variants of the same upgrade may be available, but only one can be active. The user should select the most applicable upgrades based on their circumstances.
Caution: The system does not accept returns and refunds once upgrades have been bought.
***
What! The system allows me to upgrade the van. Besides, the returns policy is stingy.
When Ben backed out of the skills menu, he noticed two more options had been added to the vehicle stat screen. Ignoring [Refuel], his mind darted to the [Upgrade] option.
***
Vehicle: Valkyrie Level 1
***
Bull Bar Mk.1: A basic bull bar is added to the front of your vehicle. This upgrade adds more protection against head-on collisions. It can also be used to run over enemies. Cost: 5GP or 1SP
Armor Plating Mk.1: The body of your vehicle is reinforced with additional Armor. Armor Rating: +25 Points. Cost: 10GP or 2SP
Off-Road Tires: A full set of off-road tires. These tires will allow you to drive over most terrain types effortlessly. Cost: 4GP or 1SP
Fuel Efficiency mk.1: Improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by 10%. Cost: 5GP or 1SP
***
Struck by awe, Ben raised his eyebrows. The upgrades seemed useful, especially since they improved Val in one way or the other. The one that stood out to him the most was the [Bull Bar Mk.1].
It's a perfect match with my method of killing creatures, not to mention the wonders it would do for vehicle condition degradation.
He held back the urge to spend a skill point and buy it immediately.
Hmm. I don’t want to misvalue the currency these people use here and waste points that could be better suited for allocating to the skills. Before making concrete decisions, I must figure out more about their currency.
Outside, the sky was starting to get darker.
Yawning, Ben glanced at the time and discovered he had been awake for a few hours longer than usual. His eyes were hurting almost to the point of having a migraine, and his body ached with all kinds of back and shoulder pain he normally experienced when driving for long periods.
“I should get some rest.” He said, wiping his forehead with the back of his palm and feeling the slimy sweat and dirt transfer over.
Urgh! I need a shower before I sleep. Looks like there’s no chance of that around here.
It had been one of the things he didn’t have the space to install when he had refurbished the van. Normally, he would have used the sanitary facilities at the delivery warehouse or gone to one of the local gyms where he had a membership.
I guess it’s time for ‘Plan B’ then—wet wipes!
Shrugging, he switched the engine off and made his way to open the side door. That was when the plopping of steel horseshoes emerged from the castle entrance. Distracted, Ben turned and noticed four mounted knights coming towards him.
What’s going on now?
They stopped near his van when Ben noticed the one in front was Alfred.
Alfred removed his helmet. “I hope my knights did a great job guarding your van. You know, It was great meeting you today. I hope one day, we may have the opportunity to see each other again.”
Ben grinned. “They did an excellent job. It was great meeting you, too. Hang on, I thought you would be training me up.”
“That was the plan, but the situation has changed.” A troubled look filled Alfred’s face as he glanced towards the gatehouse before speaking. “I’m afraid I can't share many details. I’ve been tasked with an urgent mission, and as you may have noticed, we must travel in haste. The reason why we stopped here is so that I can relay a message from Le’Vieux. He asked me to let you know that he will see you at first light. Don’t be late. Between me and you, not many people have had the opportunity to be trained by the Grand Marshall, so you should consider yourself lucky.”
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“Don’t worry about that. I’ve learned to make the most of my chances. I wish you and your knights good luck on your mission.” Ben gave them a thumbs up.
“We bid you farewell.” Alfred finished before putting his helmet back on.
The four rode in formation to the gatehouse opposite the castle entrance. It looked like the gate took some time to raise before the group kicked their horses into gear and galloped beyond.
Even though it had been a few hours since Ben had met Alfred, he found the man likable. How he had commanded the situation when he first arrived in the courtyard, and how the men followed his orders without question. Alfred had also personally taken them to the Grand Marshall’s office, even though he could have ordered one of the other knights to do that. Not to mention how he did a great job of explaining things at the meeting.
Ben admired people with whom he shared similarities—people who did their jobs well and selflessly helped out. He had a feeling that he would become good friends with the Knight-Captain.
Until we meet again.
Shifting his attention back to the van, he pulled on the latch and slid open the door.
What the heck?
Ben’s mouth dropped in shock at what he saw. His storage boxes had all fallen out of their places, and some had even opened, scattering his belongings everywhere. The fiasco with the scorpions was no doubt to blame.
He grabbed his things, put them back in place, and placed the boxes more securely so they wouldn’t topple again.
Rubbing his twitchy eyes, Ben let out a long, drawn-out yawn. Glancing at his bedside alarm clock, it had been almost twenty-four hours since he’d gotten any sleep. No wonder it felt like his body was on the verge of shutting down. He didn’t waste time and cleaned himself up before dropping on the mattress.
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[Sleeping replenishes health at a rate of 20% per hour.]
A metallic clang resounded on the Van’s body, breaking Ben’s slumber.
“What the fuck was that?” He mumbled, still tired and groggy. Lifting his head from the pillow, he glanced towards the shut curtain at the window. Small amounts of dark bluish light flowed in from the edges.
“It’s morning already?” He mumbled.
When he moved, he could feel the soreness in his muscles. At that moment, he wanted to rest his head on the pillow's softness again but was interrupted by another similar sound.
“Come on! I said first light, not mid-afternoon, so get your backside out of there at once!” Le’Vieux’s muffled voice yelled from outside.
“I’ll be out in a moment!” Ben yelled back.
Feeling like a zombie, he rushed out of bed, nearly tripping over something in the process. In a flash, Ben tidied his appearance and went outside.
Le’Vieux was standing nearby, his arms crossed and an expression that looked like he had been waiting for some time. “Finally, he’s awake! Follow me so I can take you to the lavatory. I doubt you like holding it in.” He pointed towards a little outbuilding near one of the guard towers.
When looking over there, Ben noticed the courtyard was more active than the previous day. Some knights were training their men at arms while others were running along the perimeter of the ramparts. There were even a few melee bouts with small congregations of soldiers observing.
Civilian castle staff, wearing black clothing with white embroidery, undertook various tasks. Some were transporting goods around, while others ensured the place was clean. Judging from the efficiency of the work, it was a tight-knit operation.
“Just don’t take too long. We have much to do.” Le’Vieux muttered as they arrived at the entrance.
“It takes longer when I’m under pressure,” Ben smirked before heading inside.
A small slit high up on one of the walls dimly lit the outbuilding. Across the room was a stone seat with a hole in the middle. It was simple in design, and Ben half expected the smell of feces to hit his nostrils. But it never did, leading him to believe it must have been cleaned regularly. What reinforced that notion was the fountain where clean water flowed from a small pipe into a stone washbasin. There was even a towel and a fragranced soap bar near it.
Hell yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!
----------------------------------------
After thoroughly washing his hands, Ben stepped out and noticed Le’Vieux standing nearby.
A maid was also waiting there, holding a wicker basket by the handles. Ben couldn’t see what was inside as it was covered with white cloth, but she moved it forward so he could grab it.
“I apologize for my lack of hospitality last night.” Le’Vieux started, “I should have offered you something to eat before you slept.” He then pointed at the basket.
Ben leaned forward and looked into it. The moment the aroma of the food hit his nostrils, saliva started to fill his mouth, and his stomach grumbled like a hungry lion. The last time he got to eat was when he took a little break while delivering his parcels.
“A bottle of our finest cold-pressed apple juice taken from the officer's refectory. And for breakfast, a couple of Apples, some pears, berries, cheese, and a fresh bread roll.” Le’Vieux explained.
“Thanks for this.” Ben nodded, almost snatching the basket.
Each item looked like its counterpart on Earth except for the berries that were a little larger than he expected. The most important thing about the little breakfast bundle was that he could make a cheese sandwich. If only he had some pickled onion, that would have been the cherry on top.
When they arrived back at the van, Ben had already made his sandwich and started munching away.
Le’Vieux took a closer look at the van. He first walked around it, then went closer to the parts that intrigued him the most. Then, he removed one of his gauntlets and touched the various materials on its exterior. It looked like he wasn’t too surprised by the painted metal panels, but he took extra time with them when he reached the plastic parts.
Finally, his mouth dropped wide open when he reached one of the tires. He rubbed his hand across it. “This material is different. I can smell it. Something I’ve not encountered before.” He got up, kicked it several times, and watched his feet bounce off the rubber. He then looked at his hand, which had black and blue marks.
Urgh, the van needs a clean. That blue goo must still be floating around in the crevices. Regardless, what a damn tire kicker!
“It’s a very sturdy machine, I'll give you that.” Le’Vieux grinned with raised eyebrows. “The wheels are much smaller than the ones we use on our transport carts, but I assume that’s because they are made from metal. And the material surrounding them seems miles better than our wooden ones. This blue stuff looks like scorpion blood.”
[Eating food and drinking beverages replenishes Stamina Points.]
By then, Ben was halfway through his snack. He gulped down a bite before grinning and nodding. “That’s where over a century of mechanical engineering gets you. The metal part of the wheel is made from an alloy. The bit you kicked is called a tire, made from steel wires and covered in a softer material called rubber. Between them is a gap filled with compressed air, which, as far as I know, reduces the rolling resistance when driving.”
A confused expression filled Le’Vieux’s face, and he shrugged. “I’m not sure what half of that means, but I hope we can one day craft machines to take on the scorpions as you did. I’m curious to see how it performs in combat situations. I believe I have the perfect thing in mind for that.” Le’Vieux chuckled.
Ben gulped down another bite and washed it down with the apple juice. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.” He placed the basket inside the van for later before adding. “Alright! Let’s get started then.”