EP_Estalani

[WSA 2025 Entry]

Ivan Mendoza, a world-renowned robotics engineer, met his end at the hands of those who feared his genius. But death was not the end. Awakening in the body of Kael Valtieri, heir to a destitute border territory in the magical kingdom of Ardania, Ivan finds a second chance in an unfamiliar world driven by arcane forces.

In this realm, magic reigns supreme, yet it is woefully inefficient and bound by antiquated traditions. Armed with the knowledge of advanced robotics and engineering from his past life, Kael sets out to merge science with sorcery, aiming to revolutionize the very fabric of magic. His quest? To uplift his impoverished territory and safeguard it against the lurking dangers beyond the border.

But Kael’s journey takes a thrilling turn when he stumbles upon the remnants of an ancient, forgotten civilization. Hidden within their ruins lies golem technology—astonishing constructs far superior to anything Earth’s science could fathom. Driven by curiosity and ambition, Kael deciphers their secrets, melding ancient ingenuity with his modern intellect to forge unprecedented defenses.

As Kael uncovers the dark history of this world, he learns of rifts that once unleashed monstrous beings from other dimensions, nearly annihilating humanity. Though a powerful artifact sealed these rifts, its strength is waning, and an impending cataclysm looms.

Now, with time running out and the continent teetering on the brink of another monstrous invasion, Kael must wield his hybrid mastery of science and magic to confront the rising tide of darkness. Can one man, armed with the knowledge of two worlds, avert a catastrophe and carve out a new destiny?

Prepare for an epic tale of innovation, mystery, and survival in a world where the past and future collide.

Reinventing Magic: An Inventor's Tale

Kael and Alice wasted no time reaching the cave entrance. With the continuous use of Blink, they teleported across the forest terrain, their figures vanishing and reappearing in bursts of blue light. While such a spell would have drained most mages within minutes, Kael's Arcane Gauntlet of Aetherium significantly reduced the mana cost, allowing him to sustain the ability far longer than usual.

Kael landed gracefully at the mouth of the cave, his enhanced speed still active, keeping his reflexes sharp. He turned to Alice, who stood beside him, her silver-gray hair flowing behind her like liquid metal. Her spirit crystal pulsed faintly, responding to the ambient mana in the air. Without needing to be told, Alice extended her senses, scanning the depths of the cave.

"There are magical signatures deeper inside," she reported, her voice calm but alert. "A battle is in progress. Multiple life forms—Lucien and his team, along with a single, high-level entity."

A Test of Power and Resolve