Vol. 2 – Chapter 63 – Plans of the Sewing Machine
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It was one day since he settled down the first steps for his project inside Satisfy, which meant that swiftly about three days passed there, where Mathias was required to continue on with his daily life, and only enjoy his free time in Satisfy after finishing his job and spot by the Gym.
He didn't take much of his time inside the Gym, only opting for one hour and a half, where the coach began teaching him about jiu-jitsu holds along with another trainer, and a beginner partner. Overall, this session was scheduled on a Tuesday and focused mainly on the jiu-jitsu ground game, where Mathias' partner experienced the swift movements of this seemingly normal guy, the same age as him.
The old coach could only guide Mathias from behind, with a patient mindset, even though he suggested to him many times to quit his job and fully join the Gym, and train seriously.
Such discussions were ended rather rapidly by Mathias who rejected such an idea, because he wasn't financially stable to indulge himself in such privileges, of only going to the gym and not working to earn his bread. In the end, once he arrived back to the Satisfy world, such worries and conversations were shoved in another part of his mind, where they wouldn't disturb him.
Arriving fresh, and waking himself seated on the chair beside the counter, he looked around to see if Vek returned, but there were still no signs of him around.
'That kobold, what is he doing, don't tell me he found some gold mine underneath Titan? Old Hay, do you know what lurks below the city foundations?'
{That … Obviously I know, it is the vein of a Mana Source belonging to the Earth. Why do you think I would settle down in this location if it didn't hold anything important?}
'There should be something more that might have attracted that kid.' remarked Mathias after having his greetings with Haycien, who scratched his white hair until his eyes turned big, quickly saying.
{That little dog, don't tell me he stumbled upon the Black Mithril Mine. There's no way he can get inside the mine since I sealed it with a dwarven mechanism and elven enchantments that only those who know the password can enter, which means only my descendants can enter.}
'Hah, it will be fine. If you say there's no way for that little guy to enter, he will probably return once he stumbles on the door that isn't open for him.'
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Sorting out his thoughts, later going to Fayrene's private room, to see if she was there, he failed to meet her, since she wasn't there, being absent, which made him ask her privately using the chatting interface what she was up to.
@Fayrene: I am outside with Jeanne looking around the Grand Market for possible materials for the Workshop. Sorry for not being home to welcome you.
@Mathias: Is there even a reason to say that? Don't worry. Do you want to meet there, after I sort out the end of my troubles for the project?
@Fayrene: Yes, we can wait for you and continue looking from there on.
@Mathias: Then it is settled.
Ending his conversation with Fayrene, he placed his Chaperone Hat and donned a simple set of clothes, along with a winter coat. They weren't like the Victorian Black Suit that would garner the attention of almost everyone he would pass by, and soon after finishing his preparations he exited the house and walked in the direction of Nelmon's shop, ignoring anything else going in his vision.
The winter was settling down rather rapidly with each day welcoming the snow, making the people of the city start working together to clean the main streets and ease up the traffic of people that still didn't chase from traversing the vast city of Titan.
Mathias' thoughts went in split directions when looking at the people working to clean the streets, and he could even see the Immortals give a hand in clearing out Edmon's Tavern, the Raven's Tavern with Corvus glancing at them from the building entrance. As if he sensed that someone was staring at him, Corvus glanced at Mathias to only see the man passing by give him a nod, continuing on, undisturbed, arriving in front of a building called [Nelmon's Blacksmithing Forge].
This place looked exactly like he expected, without any changes since his first visit, a decently sized building that released a lot of fire smoke from the forge inside, and with a slightly burned exterior, signaling to Mathias that it suffered quite some burns. Not far from the building, Mathias noticed the Clark Syndicate Thugs, lazing around, watching the people pass by, without gesturing any arrogance as if they were there to do their job of watching over Nelmon's shop.
Entering the shop's door, the first thing that he felt was the hot temperature blasting on his face, which was a good sign, the forge was going strong, thus it assured Mathias that Nelmon was taking orders and making weapons.
After the first heat blast, stepping inside the shop, he could see a group of 6 players lining up to get their chance at buying weapons from a boy, that was 12 years old acting as the cashier, asking the players what else they wanted from the shop
Among them, he also saw a familiar guy who in the past behaved like some almighty person who could boss around the NPC, right now waiting in line for his chance to order from Ralph.
[Samuel - Lv. 38]
'I guess you aren't just talking, and keep on grinding those levels, but you are far cry from the top, that Kraugel guy has reached level 54 already.'
"Come on boy, show me around your sword weapons that goes in the range of 10-25 gold, I want to buy the best this small shop can offer." mentioned a player who Mathias could see had level 40, placing pressure on the young boy who quickly dashed off to pick some swords that he placed on display for the player.
The player checked the items and looked at Ralph as if he was joking with him, remarking in a sarcastic tone.
"What is up with these scraps? I could get a much better sword in the Inner City for the same price."
""Sir, my father is busy with the forge. Even if I go there to tell him you are here and want to talk with him, he will not care. You either tell me what you want or go to another shop." commented Ralph glancing at the player, who frowned, annoyed by the reply.
"Listen here, you little shit."
"Dude, move on, are you buying or what? Why bother quarreling with an NPC, are you retarded?" remarked Samuel, in a pissed tone, feeling that his time was wasted by this guy quarreling with the boy.
Turning his head, the guy called [Priceless] noticed who was speaking to him, Samuel, a member of Snake Guild, which quickly prompted him to make fun of his lower level, before throwing 20 gold coins at Ralph which hit him and picking up a greatsword from the counter, before leaving the shop.
The boy gestured the pain he received from this act, but didn't react more than his initial gesture, however, once [Priceless] passed by Mathias waiting in line, he felt a strong force blasting him toward the exit door, which he passed by like a fly.
'Trash.'
[Fighting isn't allowed inside Nelmon Blacksmith Shop]
"What happened to that guy? Was he sent out by the system for throwing a fit with that NPC?" asked one of the players waiting in line.
They looked around the shop, but couldn't find anything strange, Mathias was similar to the players looking around with a confused expression, but he fully knew what happened, using a light speed leg kick that sent the guy flying.
'I guess this should be the case only when I have all my Red Energy stored in my body.'
{Which is something you will not be able to achieve in a serious fight. At most, you will reach half your resources, but usually, you will be pretty low.} commented Haycien, to what Mathias thought.
{You tried the 'Raising Sage Leg', but you still haven't learned the technique, only the movement was so-so, and you used your raw strength to push that person.}
'I didn't really try to execute that kicking technique of yours, I just repaid that fucker for his arrogance.'
Things slowly calmed down, and the order process was going in a peaceful way, with the players giving some time for Ralph to gather, and soon they're gonna their orders and bought what weapons they desired. Even Samuel, who Mathias was expecting to react as some idiot, quickly mentioned what he wanted to buy, and immediately moved out from the shop, only to glance at Mathias when he exited.
"Bigmouth?"
"Idiot?"
"So it was you big mouth, I thought you dropped the game since I never spotted you around Titan. Did you get any progression done? Want some advice?"
{What's with this kid?}
'His ass itches him, and he doesn't know how to get relieved.' said Mathias to Haycien while glancing at Samuel.
Samuel, someone who was quite tall, standing at 1,86 meters, with a tanned skin similar to latin americans, stared at Mathias's face as if he wanted to beat him but couldn't.
"No need, but it looks to me you learned to act human."
"Meh, I learned that not quarreling with those bots is better for the future. Once you say something to a high-level NPC it will come to hunt you later on, since they remember whoever antagonized them even after getting killed by one of them."
"That's good to know, now if you excuse me. I also got business to do here."
"Hah, you think I would waste my time with you, I just saw a familiar face and thought to say some things to you, scumbag."
Mathias ignored Samuel who didn't waste his time to have some cheap talk with him, having a rank to maintain, unwilling to lose out to the rest of the players in this grind for the best status. Seeing him leave the shop, made him chuckle a bit, finding this interaction funny.
"It's like when some highschool bullies ages and meets you again, and he couldn't do shit to you now because of different circumstances."
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When Samuel was out of the shop, Ralph gazed at the exit door and later on breathed out relieved saying to himself, while noticing Mathias approaching him in a friendly way.
"I thought that guy would punch me in the face."
"He can't do such a thing inside the shop, so don't worry about your safety." replied Mathias while inspecting the weapons placed on display for the public.
"It is still scary dealing with those weird people. Can I help you with something big brother?" asked the boy from behind the counter, while Mathias simply smiled a bit at him, telling in a calm way.
"You actually can do something for me. Could you tell your father that I would like to have a word with him about something important for me?"
"Sorry but I can't. Dad told me not to disturb him while he works in the forge." replied the boy to Mathias, with an expression that told 'Sorry mate, can't help you'.
Mathias wrapped his hands around his chest, and while tapping with his feet on the ground, seeming to think about something, he asked Ralph in a playful way?
"Not even after I show you a magic trick?"
This immediately generated a reaction from the boy who looked interested in Mathias, pondering, before asking him.
"What magic are you talking about here? The ones used by the thieves to scam people or the real one?"
Hearing that childish remark, Mathias extended his right hand that began shining in a dark-purple light, where step by step it grew in intensity, and the particles of the arcane energy began scattering around Ralph, where the boy could see that dark-purple light form around into some wild beasts that he saw in his journey toward Titan, from the most peaceful to the ruthless Roc to the dignified Gryphon.
"Whoaa, this is real magic! Show me more."
"If you call your father, I will show you more, but first I also have to solve my problems."
"Fine, getting scolded by dad would be worthed if I can see a real magician show me his spells since I always dream of becoming a mage."
Afterward Ralph dashed toward another room of the building, where he shouted something that made Mathias chuckle a bit.
"DAD, AN MAGE WANTS TO TALK WITH YOU, CAN YOU STOP FOR A BIT AND TALK WITH HIM SO HE CAN TEACH ME SOME OF HIS SPELLS?"
{Such an interesting child. You know him, little Mathias?}
'Indeed, this boy is Ralph, someone who helped me a lot in the first part of my journey by linking me to Ragnius'
Nelmon's voice resounded, as he continued hitting on the iron, unsure what his son wanted from him.
"RALPH, IF THIS IS A JOKE, I WILL MAKE YOU FORGE 10 SWORDS! I'LL PAUSE THE WORK IN TEN MINUTES. GO HIT SOME TALK WITH THAT CUSTOMER IF IS NOT SOME OUTLANDER."
Soon Ralph appeared in the main room and could only smile awkwardly at Mathias while saying.
"You heard him, sir? Could you show me those magic spells you were talking about while we are waiting?"
"Why not?"
In the meantime, he had to wait for Nelmon, Mathias began showing off some of his Arcane manipulation skills, and also Red Energy manipulation skills that made the young boy watching close by excited, constantly asking him about all sort of things if he wanted to take him as a disciple, if he could teach him some spells, if it was hard to learn magic and so on, to which Mathias could only ruffle the boys head, and mention.
"Soon, you will have the chance to learn magic from someone greater than me. However, she is still not confident enough in her skills, and you will have to wait until she gets courageous to see her dream come to life. But to answer your other questions, you will be able to learn magic, as long as you study hard and remain diligent. So, you have to listen to your father and don't look down on the profession he does because it takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication to be an accomplished blacksmith, more than you can imagine, little one."
"You are indeed correct, Mage. If that child wants to achieve something in life, he first needs to learn discipline, and be patient. You wanted to talk with me, how may I help you?" asked Nelmon who appeared standing beside his son at the counter, and placing his calloused hand on his small head.
Not wasting both of their times, Mathias took out from his coat pockets the sketches for the tailoring equipment Fayrene had seen when she visited the Inner City Boutiques, along with the drafts he took from his modern world about technology that could be said to be dating from 18th century to 19th century, something that someone as skilled as Nelmon could build if he put the puzzle pieces together.
"Ohh, sir magician, are you by chance looking for me to forge such equipment? Let me guess, this should be tailoring equipment."
"My name is Mathias, and you are correct, this are your classical tailoring equipment." responded Mathias, in a calm way, which made Nelmon shake his head while he was pointing at the weird-looking device on the paper that was fully detailed from the smallest component.
"I have never seen such a thing in my life. Not even in Talima. What's that, Lord Mathias?" asked Nelmon with great interest, addressing Mathias with a lot of respect, believing he was a Great Mage of sorts for cooking up such a complex device.
On another hand, Mathias on inside turned tense, not knowing if Nelmon was truly capable of building the sewing machine, the Singer Sewing Machine, a hand-turned variant because he was sure if the treadle one could be achieved yet, which apart from having the mechanism that turned the thread actioning the spindle which was linked to the needle. There was also a wooden platform required for holding the machine itself, something a craftsman like Nelmon couldn't be possibly challenged.
"That's what I call, a sewing machine."
"Sewing Machine … Let me see, right, the mechanism simulates the movement of hand sewing. Incredible. Lord Mathias, is this a magical device, or is simply a device powered the movement of the mechanisms inside it?"
"This is a machine powered by the hands of a person, think of it similar to the closing mechanism of gates."
Nelmon who was studying the patent transcribed by Mathias after brainstorming for ways to improve the success of Fayrene and his project, he could only get excited by such a device, and quietly taking note of all the small components and larger components it would require.
Mathias waited patiently, but Ralph was too young and impatient and quickly asked his father in a curious way.
"Dad, you seem interested by that weird-looking thing. Are we going to build it? I am sure mom would love this thing since she always spends time sewing."
Nelmon shifted his attention on Ralph and tapped his head, before mentioning to him.
"This is the plans of the magician, we can't simply build it without his approval because it is immoral. As craftsmen, we have pride in our craft and will not infringe in other's property without permission. But, Marlene would be indeed pleased knowing there exists such a device that could ease her work."
Next, he asked Mathias a basic question.
"Lord Mathias, I don't know for sure if I can build this sewing machine, but the rest of the tailoring equipment I can easily make for you since it is not like I am not familiar with them because my wife would constantly force me to make small things for her."
"Sir Nelmon, we can give it a try. This is why I first knocked on your door because I am sure, a craftsman of your class, would be capable of making this dream of mine become reality. In fact, if things are successful and everything works right with the sewing machine, I would like to offer you a contract."
"A contract?" asked Nelmon intrigued by this young man who had a pristine fashion sense he only saw in the rich merchants and nobles that would come to give him contracts for different jobs, as crafting the legacy armor of the Red Knights.
Mathias took another piece of paper which appeared magically in his palm to Ralph surprise and excitement, seeing another magic trick, and presented the Craftsman with a contract he drafted, with how much money he would offer him for working alongside him, for this project of building his equipment for the workshop.
"Moonlight Workshop? Are you by chance trying to open a tailoring boutique like the ones from the Inner City?"
"More or less, sir, but the whole idea for my endeavor is different. My and my associate aren't part of the Tailors Guild, thus we have no relations to that branch." replied Mathias, while Nelmon continued reading the contract carefully, in doing so also finding Mathias name, the number of proposed sewing machines and sets of tailoring equipment, along with the final number of the contract, a staggering 100.000 gold which was a lot even for himself a Craftsman."
"Lord Mathias Arundell, your proposal is really enticing, but can we sign this contract once I can build the first machine? I would step on my honor as a Craftsman if I would give false hopes to a customer, who graced me with the first chance of building something so great."
"Anything that you are fine, sir Nelmon. But, even in the unlikely case you aren't able to build the machine, I would still want to contract you on building the classical tailoring equipment."
"As long there is challenging work for me, I will be up. My skills turned slightly rusty since I started my family, and people seemed to forgot who Nelmon of Galest truly is, beside a small circle of friends who I remained in touch."
Mathias extended his hand at the craftsman, for a handshake which the middle-aged man instantly returned in gesture, fully on board with this project thrown in his hands like hot potatoes.
"I don't know how long it will be, but you can visit me whenever you want, and I will inform you at what stage I got."
"Splendid. Sir Nelmon, all I can wish for are my best wishes. There's no reason to hurry, since my Workshop is still building up. Right now I am preparing my equipment. Later on I will need to advertise the hiring for my enterprise."
"You are looking for tailors specifically?" asked Nelmon, as if he probed to find what the specifications for the job Mathias wanted to offer the people was.
"Hah? I would get bankrupt if I was looking only for tailors. I am looking for people who know how to sew, regardless if they are tailors, or people who are doing this for a hobby. If the sewing machine is a success, such people with lesser experience compared to a tailor would be able to complete their work at a faster speed than a Master Tailor."
"Understood, this is a good approach. I believe you will be successful because there are a lot of people in Titan who are struggling to feed their families. Apart from the stigma of the Monarch of Cities, Titan doesn't bring a lot of chances to everyone, especially those who come with a bright dream, that later on gets crushed."
"Fully aware of this aspect, sir. Now, I will not keep you busy anymore."
"Wait, how can I contact you of my doubts and questions?"
"Right, I almost forgot about the biggest thing. Here, this is my address." mentioned Mathias while he handed Nelmon something akin to a visit card, where the location of Fayrene House was imprinted in a calligraphy style.
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Soon after ending his first tasks on his large list, he turned to look around himself in the snowy landscape of Titan, and continued on his journey with one target in mind, the Grand Market. All things seemed to go smoothly this day, but on the same alley of the Nelmon's Shop, and other utilities shop, there was a group of 5 Clark Syndicate Thugs all having levels between 30-35, that were encircling two young boys whose levels were rather lower, sitting at 26 respectively 28, with the overall appearance of early teens who held their weapons in their hands which made Mathias frown a bit by such shameless tactics of the Syndicates.
'I thought they stopped acting like the bosses of the streets and acting to kill people left and right. What's now?'
{Are you going to become a hero?}
'Yea sure, give me a break. Still, I can't just pass by and leave those kids to die at the hands of those rats.'
Vol. 2 – Chapter 63 – Plans of the Sewing Machine
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It was one day since he settled down the first steps for his project inside Satisfy, which meant that swiftly about three days passed there, where Mathias was required to continue on with his daily life, and only enjoy his free time in Satisfy after finishing his job and spot by the Gym.
He didn't take much of his time inside the Gym, only opting for one hour and a half, where the coach began teaching him about jiu-jitsu holds along with another trainer, and a beginner partner. Overall, this session was scheduled on a Tuesday and focused mainly on the jiu-jitsu ground game, where Mathias' partner experienced the swift movements of this seemingly normal guy, the same age as him.
The old coach could only guide Mathias from behind, with a patient mindset, even though he suggested to him many times to quit his job and fully join the Gym, and train seriously.
Such discussions were ended rather rapidly by Mathias who rejected such an idea, because he wasn't financially stable to indulge himself in such privileges, of only going to the gym and not working to earn his bread. In the end, once he arrived back to the Satisfy world, such worries and conversations were shoved in another part of his mind, where they wouldn't disturb him.
Arriving fresh, and waking himself seated on the chair beside the counter, he looked around to see if Vek returned, but there were still no signs of him around.
'That kobold, what is he doing, don't tell me he found some gold mine underneath Titan? Old Hay, do you know what lurks below the city foundations?'
{That … Obviously I know, it is the vein of a Mana Source belonging to the Earth. Why do you think I would settle down in this location if it didn't hold anything important?}
'There should be something more that might have attracted that kid.' remarked Mathias after having his greetings with Haycien, who scratched his white hair until his eyes turned big, quickly saying.
{That little dog, don't tell me he stumbled upon the Black Mithril Mine. There's no way he can get inside the mine since I sealed it with a dwarven mechanism and elven enchantments that only those who know the password can enter, which means only my descendants can enter.}
'Hah, it will be fine. If you say there's no way for that little guy to enter, he will probably return once he stumbles on the door that isn't open for him.'
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Sorting out his thoughts, later going to Fayrene's private room, to see if she was there, he failed to meet her, since she wasn't there, being absent, which made him ask her privately using the chatting interface what she was up to.
@Fayrene: I am outside with Jeanne looking around the Grand Market for possible materials for the Workshop. Sorry for not being home to welcome you.
@Mathias: Is there even a reason to say that? Don't worry. Do you want to meet there, after I sort out the end of my troubles for the project?
@Fayrene: Yes, we can wait for you and continue looking from there on.
@Mathias: Then it is settled.
Ending his conversation with Fayrene, he placed his Chaperone Hat and donned a simple set of clothes, along with a winter coat. They weren't like the Victorian Black Suit that would garner the attention of almost everyone he would pass by, and soon after finishing his preparations he exited the house and walked in the direction of Nelmon's shop, ignoring anything else going in his vision.
The winter was settling down rather rapidly with each day welcoming the snow, making the people of the city start working together to clean the main streets and ease up the traffic of people that still didn't chase from traversing the vast city of Titan.
Mathias' thoughts went in split directions when looking at the people working to clean the streets, and he could even see the Immortals give a hand in clearing out Edmon's Tavern, the Raven's Tavern with Corvus glancing at them from the building entrance. As if he sensed that someone was staring at him, Corvus glanced at Mathias to only see the man passing by give him a nod, continuing on, undisturbed, arriving in front of a building called [Nelmon's Blacksmithing Forge].
This place looked exactly like he expected, without any changes since his first visit, a decently sized building that released a lot of fire smoke from the forge inside, and with a slightly burned exterior, signaling to Mathias that it suffered quite some burns. Not far from the building, Mathias noticed the Clark Syndicate Thugs, lazing around, watching the people pass by, without gesturing any arrogance as if they were there to do their job of watching over Nelmon's shop.
Entering the shop's door, the first thing that he felt was the hot temperature blasting on his face, which was a good sign, the forge was going strong, thus it assured Mathias that Nelmon was taking orders and making weapons.
After the first heat blast, stepping inside the shop, he could see a group of 6 players lining up to get their chance at buying weapons from a boy, that was 12 years old acting as the cashier, asking the players what else they wanted from the shop
Among them, he also saw a familiar guy who in the past behaved like some almighty person who could boss around the NPC, right now waiting in line for his chance to order from Ralph.
[Samuel - Lv. 38]
'I guess you aren't just talking, and keep on grinding those levels, but you are far cry from the top, that Kraugel guy has reached level 54 already.'
"Come on boy, show me around your sword weapons that goes in the range of 10-25 gold, I want to buy the best this small shop can offer." mentioned a player who Mathias could see had level 40, placing pressure on the young boy who quickly dashed off to pick some swords that he placed on display for the player.
The player checked the items and looked at Ralph as if he was joking with him, remarking in a sarcastic tone.
"What is up with these scraps? I could get a much better sword in the Inner City for the same price."
""Sir, my father is busy with the forge. Even if I go there to tell him you are here and want to talk with him, he will not care. You either tell me what you want or go to another shop." commented Ralph glancing at the player, who frowned, annoyed by the reply.
"Listen here, you little shit."
"Dude, move on, are you buying or what? Why bother quarreling with an NPC, are you retarded?" remarked Samuel, in a pissed tone, feeling that his time was wasted by this guy quarreling with the boy.
Turning his head, the guy called [Priceless] noticed who was speaking to him, Samuel, a member of Snake Guild, which quickly prompted him to make fun of his lower level, before throwing 20 gold coins at Ralph which hit him and picking up a greatsword from the counter, before leaving the shop.
The boy gestured the pain he received from this act, but didn't react more than his initial gesture, however, once [Priceless] passed by Mathias waiting in line, he felt a strong force blasting him toward the exit door, which he passed by like a fly.
'Trash.'
[Fighting isn't allowed inside Nelmon Blacksmith Shop]
"What happened to that guy? Was he sent out by the system for throwing a fit with that NPC?" asked one of the players waiting in line.
They looked around the shop, but couldn't find anything strange, Mathias was similar to the players looking around with a confused expression, but he fully knew what happened, using a light speed leg kick that sent the guy flying.
'I guess this should be the case only when I have all my Red Energy stored in my body.'
{Which is something you will not be able to achieve in a serious fight. At most, you will reach half your resources, but usually, you will be pretty low.} commented Haycien, to what Mathias thought.
{You tried the 'Raising Sage Leg', but you still haven't learned the technique, only the movement was so-so, and you used your raw strength to push that person.}
'I didn't really try to execute that kicking technique of yours, I just repaid that fucker for his arrogance.'
Things slowly calmed down, and the order process was going in a peaceful way, with the players giving some time for Ralph to gather, and soon they're gonna their orders and bought what weapons they desired. Even Samuel, who Mathias was expecting to react as some idiot, quickly mentioned what he wanted to buy, and immediately moved out from the shop, only to glance at Mathias when he exited.
"Bigmouth?"
"Idiot?"
"So it was you big mouth, I thought you dropped the game since I never spotted you around Titan. Did you get any progression done? Want some advice?"
{What's with this kid?}
'His ass itches him, and he doesn't know how to get relieved.' said Mathias to Haycien while glancing at Samuel.
Samuel, someone who was quite tall, standing at 1,86 meters, with a tanned skin similar to latin americans, stared at Mathias's face as if he wanted to beat him but couldn't.
"No need, but it looks to me you learned to act human."
"Meh, I learned that not quarreling with those bots is better for the future. Once you say something to a high-level NPC it will come to hunt you later on, since they remember whoever antagonized them even after getting killed by one of them."
"That's good to know, now if you excuse me. I also got business to do here."
"Hah, you think I would waste my time with you, I just saw a familiar face and thought to say some things to you, scumbag."
Mathias ignored Samuel who didn't waste his time to have some cheap talk with him, having a rank to maintain, unwilling to lose out to the rest of the players in this grind for the best status. Seeing him leave the shop, made him chuckle a bit, finding this interaction funny.
"It's like when some highschool bullies ages and meets you again, and he couldn't do shit to you now because of different circumstances."
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When Samuel was out of the shop, Ralph gazed at the exit door and later on breathed out relieved saying to himself, while noticing Mathias approaching him in a friendly way.
"I thought that guy would punch me in the face."
"He can't do such a thing inside the shop, so don't worry about your safety." replied Mathias while inspecting the weapons placed on display for the public.
"It is still scary dealing with those weird people. Can I help you with something big brother?" asked the boy from behind the counter, while Mathias simply smiled a bit at him, telling in a calm way.
"You actually can do something for me. Could you tell your father that I would like to have a word with him about something important for me?"
"Sorry but I can't. Dad told me not to disturb him while he works in the forge." replied the boy to Mathias, with an expression that told 'Sorry mate, can't help you'.
Mathias wrapped his hands around his chest, and while tapping with his feet on the ground, seeming to think about something, he asked Ralph in a playful way?
"Not even after I show you a magic trick?"
This immediately generated a reaction from the boy who looked interested in Mathias, pondering, before asking him.
"What magic are you talking about here? The ones used by the thieves to scam people or the real one?"
Hearing that childish remark, Mathias extended his right hand that began shining in a dark-purple light, where step by step it grew in intensity, and the particles of the arcane energy began scattering around Ralph, where the boy could see that dark-purple light form around into some wild beasts that he saw in his journey toward Titan, from the most peaceful to the ruthless Roc to the dignified Gryphon.
"Whoaa, this is real magic! Show me more."
"If you call your father, I will show you more, but first I also have to solve my problems."
"Fine, getting scolded by dad would be worthed if I can see a real magician show me his spells since I always dream of becoming a mage."
Afterward Ralph dashed toward another room of the building, where he shouted something that made Mathias chuckle a bit.
"DAD, AN MAGE WANTS TO TALK WITH YOU, CAN YOU STOP FOR A BIT AND TALK WITH HIM SO HE CAN TEACH ME SOME OF HIS SPELLS?"
{Such an interesting child. You know him, little Mathias?}
'Indeed, this boy is Ralph, someone who helped me a lot in the first part of my journey by linking me to Ragnius'
Nelmon's voice resounded, as he continued hitting on the iron, unsure what his son wanted from him.
"RALPH, IF THIS IS A JOKE, I WILL MAKE YOU FORGE 10 SWORDS! I'LL PAUSE THE WORK IN TEN MINUTES. GO HIT SOME TALK WITH THAT CUSTOMER IF IS NOT SOME OUTLANDER."
Soon Ralph appeared in the main room and could only smile awkwardly at Mathias while saying.
"You heard him, sir? Could you show me those magic spells you were talking about while we are waiting?"
"Why not?"
In the meantime, he had to wait for Nelmon, Mathias began showing off some of his Arcane manipulation skills, and also Red Energy manipulation skills that made the young boy watching close by excited, constantly asking him about all sort of things if he wanted to take him as a disciple, if he could teach him some spells, if it was hard to learn magic and so on, to which Mathias could only ruffle the boys head, and mention.
"Soon, you will have the chance to learn magic from someone greater than me. However, she is still not confident enough in her skills, and you will have to wait until she gets courageous to see her dream come to life. But to answer your other questions, you will be able to learn magic, as long as you study hard and remain diligent. So, you have to listen to your father and don't look down on the profession he does because it takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication to be an accomplished blacksmith, more than you can imagine, little one."
"You are indeed correct, Mage. If that child wants to achieve something in life, he first needs to learn discipline, and be patient. You wanted to talk with me, how may I help you?" asked Nelmon who appeared standing beside his son at the counter, and placing his calloused hand on his small head.
Not wasting both of their times, Mathias took out from his coat pockets the sketches for the tailoring equipment Fayrene had seen when she visited the Inner City Boutiques, along with the drafts he took from his modern world about technology that could be said to be dating from 18th century to 19th century, something that someone as skilled as Nelmon could build if he put the puzzle pieces together.
"Ohh, sir magician, are you by chance looking for me to forge such equipment? Let me guess, this should be tailoring equipment."
"My name is Mathias, and you are correct, this are your classical tailoring equipment." responded Mathias, in a calm way, which made Nelmon shake his head while he was pointing at the weird-looking device on the paper that was fully detailed from the smallest component.
"I have never seen such a thing in my life. Not even in Talima. What's that, Lord Mathias?" asked Nelmon with great interest, addressing Mathias with a lot of respect, believing he was a Great Mage of sorts for cooking up such a complex device.
On another hand, Mathias on inside turned tense, not knowing if Nelmon was truly capable of building the sewing machine, the Singer Sewing Machine, a hand-turned variant because he was sure if the treadle one could be achieved yet, which apart from having the mechanism that turned the thread actioning the spindle which was linked to the needle. There was also a wooden platform required for holding the machine itself, something a craftsman like Nelmon couldn't be possibly challenged.
"That's what I call, a sewing machine."
"Sewing Machine … Let me see, right, the mechanism simulates the movement of hand sewing. Incredible. Lord Mathias, is this a magical device, or is simply a device powered the movement of the mechanisms inside it?"
"This is a machine powered by the hands of a person, think of it similar to the closing mechanism of gates."
Nelmon who was studying the patent transcribed by Mathias after brainstorming for ways to improve the success of Fayrene and his project, he could only get excited by such a device, and quietly taking note of all the small components and larger components it would require.
Mathias waited patiently, but Ralph was too young and impatient and quickly asked his father in a curious way.
"Dad, you seem interested by that weird-looking thing. Are we going to build it? I am sure mom would love this thing since she always spends time sewing."
Nelmon shifted his attention on Ralph and tapped his head, before mentioning to him.
"This is the plans of the magician, we can't simply build it without his approval because it is immoral. As craftsmen, we have pride in our craft and will not infringe in other's property without permission. But, Marlene would be indeed pleased knowing there exists such a device that could ease her work."
Next, he asked Mathias a basic question.
"Lord Mathias, I don't know for sure if I can build this sewing machine, but the rest of the tailoring equipment I can easily make for you since it is not like I am not familiar with them because my wife would constantly force me to make small things for her."
"Sir Nelmon, we can give it a try. This is why I first knocked on your door because I am sure, a craftsman of your class, would be capable of making this dream of mine become reality. In fact, if things are successful and everything works right with the sewing machine, I would like to offer you a contract."
"A contract?" asked Nelmon intrigued by this young man who had a pristine fashion sense he only saw in the rich merchants and nobles that would come to give him contracts for different jobs, as crafting the legacy armor of the Red Knights.
Mathias took another piece of paper which appeared magically in his palm to Ralph surprise and excitement, seeing another magic trick, and presented the Craftsman with a contract he drafted, with how much money he would offer him for working alongside him, for this project of building his equipment for the workshop.
"Moonlight Workshop? Are you by chance trying to open a tailoring boutique like the ones from the Inner City?"
"More or less, sir, but the whole idea for my endeavor is different. My and my associate aren't part of the Tailors Guild, thus we have no relations to that branch." replied Mathias, while Nelmon continued reading the contract carefully, in doing so also finding Mathias name, the number of proposed sewing machines and sets of tailoring equipment, along with the final number of the contract, a staggering 100.000 gold which was a lot even for himself a Craftsman."
"Lord Mathias Arundell, your proposal is really enticing, but can we sign this contract once I can build the first machine? I would step on my honor as a Craftsman if I would give false hopes to a customer, who graced me with the first chance of building something so great."
"Anything that you are fine, sir Nelmon. But, even in the unlikely case you aren't able to build the machine, I would still want to contract you on building the classical tailoring equipment."
"As long there is challenging work for me, I will be up. My skills turned slightly rusty since I started my family, and people seemed to forgot who Nelmon of Galest truly is, beside a small circle of friends who I remained in touch."
Mathias extended his hand at the craftsman, for a handshake which the middle-aged man instantly returned in gesture, fully on board with this project thrown in his hands like hot potatoes.
"I don't know how long it will be, but you can visit me whenever you want, and I will inform you at what stage I got."
"Splendid. Sir Nelmon, all I can wish for are my best wishes. There's no reason to hurry, since my Workshop is still building up. Right now I am preparing my equipment. Later on I will need to advertise the hiring for my enterprise."
"You are looking for tailors specifically?" asked Nelmon, as if he probed to find what the specifications for the job Mathias wanted to offer the people was.
"Hah? I would get bankrupt if I was looking only for tailors. I am looking for people who know how to sew, regardless if they are tailors, or people who are doing this for a hobby. If the sewing machine is a success, such people with lesser experience compared to a tailor would be able to complete their work at a faster speed than a Master Tailor."
"Understood, this is a good approach. I believe you will be successful because there are a lot of people in Titan who are struggling to feed their families. Apart from the stigma of the Monarch of Cities, Titan doesn't bring a lot of chances to everyone, especially those who come with a bright dream, that later on gets crushed."
"Fully aware of this aspect, sir. Now, I will not keep you busy anymore."
"Wait, how can I contact you of my doubts and questions?"
"Right, I almost forgot about the biggest thing. Here, this is my address." mentioned Mathias while he handed Nelmon something akin to a visit card, where the location of Fayrene House was imprinted in a calligraphy style.
.
.
Soon after ending his first tasks on his large list, he turned to look around himself in the snowy landscape of Titan, and continued on his journey with one target in mind, the Grand Market. All things seemed to go smoothly this day, but on the same alley of the Nelmon's Shop, and other utilities shop, there was a group of 5 Clark Syndicate Thugs all having levels between 30-35, that were encircling two young boys whose levels were rather lower, sitting at 26 respectively 28, with the overall appearance of early teens who held their weapons in their hands which made Mathias frown a bit by such shameless tactics of the Syndicates.
'I thought they stopped acting like the bosses of the streets and acting to kill people left and right. What's now?'
{Are you going to become a hero?}
'Yea sure, give me a break. Still, I can't just pass by and leave those kids to die at the hands of those rats.'
