Chapter 23: Exploring

Wei was seated in his underground base, adjusting the systems while reviewing what he had learned about the new world. The integration of magic and technology had been part of his initial projects, but runic crystals had already proven to be a powerful and flexible energy source. However, Wei knew he needed more of that technology to thrive here.

"If I really want to establish myself, I need a front to interact with the locals," Wei said as the Ghost analyzed the data on the HUD.

"I agree. Buying a plot of land and building a house will be the first step to fully integrating into society. Additionally, this will give us time to continue developing an underground base without arousing suspicion," the Ghost replied.

Wei looked at the map of the village and surrounding areas, recalling something he overheard during a conversation at the Adventurers' Guild: rumors of ancient ruins to the north, where magical treasures might be hidden. "First things first, I need more Eris coins. Guild missions and those ruins will solve that problem."

Wei left his base and headed to the Adventurers' Guild, where he received a mission that matched the rumors about the ruins. "Recover magical artifacts for a local collector," the contract read. He knew this could lead to the money needed to buy land in the village.

He set off shortly after, equipped with his Hand Blaster, Light Fragment, and one of the T-7 Support Droids for assistance.

The ruins were on a hill surrounded by ancient trees. A partially destroyed temple rose in the center, with worn statues and runes etched into the walls. The place seemed abandoned, but Wei knew that was rarely the case in worlds like this.

"The energy levels here are eerie," said the Ghost. "I detect underground movement. There may be creatures guarding the site."

Wei cautiously entered, passing through a broken archway that led to the main hall. Inside, he found a group of Magic Slimes wandering across the floor.

[Alert: Enemies Detected]

Magic Slimes (Level 6)

Wei activated his Hand Blaster, firing energy bursts that evaporated the slimes. The enemies were slow, but each of their deaths released a sticky substance that needed to be avoided. After clearing the hall, Wei found a pedestal in the center, holding a Giant Runic Crystal glowing brightly.

"This will come in handy," Wei said, picking up the crystal and securing it in the Support Droid's compartment.

Continuing through the ruins, he encountered more enemies and magical traps.

[Resource Collected:]

Runic Crystals x5

Ancient Magical Artifacts x2

Back to the Guild: Reward and Planning

Upon returning to the village, Wei delivered the magical artifacts to the guild collector, earning a substantial sum in Eris coins.

[Reward Received:]

Eris Coins: 20,000

"This is more than enough to get started," Wei said. He used part of the money to buy a plot of land on the village outskirts, near the forest where his underground base was hidden.

Wei opened the HUD to design the house. He decided to build something modern and unique, a façade that would draw attention in the medieval village but also serve as an access point to his underground base.

[Blueprint: Modern House with Underground Connection]

Exterior Structure: Glass, polished wood, and modern stone for a futuristic look. Interior Layout: Simple rooms to interact with locals, yet comfortable. Secret Entrance: A hidden panel in the floor leading directly to the underground base. Defense System: Discreet but capable of repelling local attacks.

Wei immediately began construction, using droids and a modular construction tool to accelerate the process.

After days of intense work, the house was complete. Its glass walls gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the surroundings. Inside, the minimalist design contrasted with the village's rustic cottages but was cozy and inviting.

Wei admired the house proudly. "This will definitely turn heads. When Kazuma shows up, I'm sure he'll want to know who lives here."

The Ghost hovered beside him. "Meanwhile, we can use this façade to continue our missions and interactions with the locals."

The house connected to the underground base via a secret tunnel equipped with security systems and automatic lighting.

Wei descended the secret tunnel linking his modern house to the underground base. As he walked, the automatic lights illuminated the reinforced walls and a monitoring system integrated into the Command Tower of the base.

"Now we have a discreet yet functional front," Wei told the Ghost, inspecting the connections between the house and the base. "The villagers will see just an eccentric with a unique house, while the real work happens down here."

The Ghost emitted a soft glow. "This gives us a strategic advantage. We can continue exploring the opportunities in this world without raising suspicion."

Wei knew the house would attract adventurers and curious locals. He even planned to monitor local events, especially with the imminent arrival of key figures from this world, like Kazuma and Aqua. But before that, there was more to do.

Wei began using his new residence to integrate more closely with the village inhabitants. He frequented the Adventurers' Guild, engaged in casual conversations at the tavern, and occasionally helped with simple missions. His strategy was clear: to become a known yet unsuspicious figure.

During a guild conversation, he overheard rumors about a nearby dungeon containing a rare magical artifact. "If I can get that, it'll be another asset for my arsenal," Wei thought.

New Mission: Exploring the Local Dungeon

Equipped with his Hand Blaster, magical crystals, and a T-7 Support Droid, Wei set off for the dungeon. The entrance was guarded by a magical door with glowing runes. Using knowledge from the village mages and the Ghost's analysis technology, he deciphered the symbols and unlocked the path.

[Alert: Enemies Detected]

Dungeon Guardian (Level 7)

Runic Phantoms (Level 6)

Wei fought the enemies with a combination of magic and technology, using runic crystals to amplify his attacks and the Light Fragment for defense. After an intense battle, he reached the dungeon's main hall, where a pedestal held a Magic Amplification Crystal.

"This will be perfect for integrating into the base system," Wei said, retrieving the artifact.

Back in the underground base, Wei began integrating the Magic Amplification Crystal into the energy core. The Ghost fine-tuned the calculations to merge the magical energy with the technological systems.

[System Updated: Enhanced Hybrid Energy Core]

Functions: Increases base energy capacity by 50%. Enables automated defensive spells.

"This should give me an edge against unexpected attacks," Wei said, satisfied with the results.

With the underground base expanded, the modern house built, and his presence in the village solidified, Wei knew the next steps were crucial. He needed to fortify his defenses, learn more about the local magic, and prepare for the arrival of new figures.

"When Kazuma shows up, he'll definitely want to investigate my house," Wei said with a grin. "And maybe I'll surprise him with what's really going on here."

The Ghost hovered beside him, softly glowing. "We're just getting started, Wei."