During his absence, Sanjay had made sure everything ran smoothly. Every day, he scheduled training sessions for the soldiers in the training ground he had built outside the fort. It wasn't just about preparing them for battle—it was about discipline, structure, and keeping morale high.
The additional 5,000 workers had finally arrived, bringing the total workforce to 10,000, with 2,000 designated as soldiers. Alisha, as the head of the servants, had handled their settlement efficiently. She had a natural talent for management, ensuring that everything was in order without a hitch.
To accommodate the growing numbers, the workers constructed simple wooden houses outside the fort. However, the women were still sleeping in the courtyard within the fort walls. I'll need to build proper homes for them soon, Sanjay noted. It wasn't a long-term solution, and he knew he had to make better arrangements.
Understanding the importance of education, he had also established a temporary school. It wasn't much, but it was a start—just enough to teach the basics. During the day, the workers tended the fields and carried out their daily tasks, and at night, they gathered under the glow of electric lights, learning from those who already knew how to read and write.
The first time they saw the artificial light, people had been stunned, eyes widening in awe at the glowing orbs on the ceiling. To them, it was like a tiny sun had descended into their world. But soon, they began to accept it as just another wonder of the nobility—something beyond their understanding but not theirs to question.
As for the soldiers, Sanjay analyzed them through his interface. While they were strong, they still weren't at the level where they could handle unexpected threats on their own. He made a mental note to improve their training. They'll need to be much stronger if they're going to protect this place properly.
A full month had passed since his arrival. In that time, he had already sent 10 tons of steel to the capital, along with food supplies for Rajiv and fine clothes for Tarun. He wasn't eager to get involved with the king, but staying on his good side—and maybe even earning some favor—was a smart move.
Rather than waiting for royal orders, he had taken the initiative himself. He also sent a former merchant, now a slave, who was well-versed in trade. A resourceful man like him could help smooth things over in the capital.
Though the roads were far from safe, he wasn't too worried. The convoy was escorted by 200 of his soldiers—more than enough to handle any trouble along the way.
Sanjay stood at the edge of the fort, gazing at the land he was now responsible for. This is a medieval era. The same world, but centuries before the future stored in my database.
"Iris, can you create a plan to develop this place?"
[Affirmative, Host.]
A detailed, step-by-step plan appeared on his interface. The first step? A proper survey of the land. But to do that, he needed better tools—something from the future.
After making sure everything was in order, he bid farewell and headed to his study. The room was massive, the size of a grand hall, but completely bare except for a large table and a luxurious chair he had brought from the modern world. The bookshelves stood empty, waiting to be filled.
Without wasting time, he activated his ability. In an instant, the medieval world vanished, and he reappeared in his hotel room in the future.
"Iris, connect to the internet and find some drones."
[Sure, Host. What kind of drones are you looking for?]
The search results flooded in. There were drones for civilians, industrial use, surveillance, and even specialized drones for agriculture and mapping. However, due to regulations, he could only purchase civilian models for now.
Even within that category, the options were vast. Some drones were designed for high-speed travel, others for terrain mapping, and some even had built-in AI assistance.
Sanjay carefully browsed through the options, selecting a few survey drones—each no bigger than a tennis ball. They were compact, efficient, and perfect for mapping out the terrain.
Next, he chose several carrier drones capable of lifting objects up to 200 kilograms, which would be invaluable for construction and transportation. Finally, he picked civilian perimeter drones, designed to secure an area and equipped with non-lethal stun guns to deter trespassers.
He smirked. These are some seriously cool gadgets.
"Iris, are there any weapons available for purchase?"
[Sorry, Host. Any kind of weapon designed to harm humans is strictly restricted.]
Sanjay expected as much but pressed further. "What about weapons from the 20th century? Can we get those?"
[Host, those weapons were discontinued centuries ago. While some still exist in museums, they are not available for sale.]
Figures. He tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking. "Is there any way I could get someone to build them?"
[There is a way, Host. You can create basic 20th-century weapons using an industrial 3D printer.]
" Oh, what is a industrial 3D printer?"
[An industrial 3D printer is an advanced manufacturing machine capable of creating complex items using various materials like metal, plastic, and ceramics. It comes in different sizes, but only medium-sized models are permitted for civilian use.]
Sanjay's eyes lit up. "Now we're talking. Show me the available blueprints."
A list of old weapon designs appeared on his interface, and one caught his attention—the PKA1 Carbine Automatic Rifle. It was simple, reliable, and exactly what he needed.
He frowned slightly. "Iris, why is this weapon allowed for manufacturing but not for sale?"
[Host, these weapons date back to the 21st century. Due to their complete ineffectiveness against modern protective shields and body suits, they became obsolete. However, selling them is still prohibited under Article 20A of the Constitution.]
Body suits? Shields? That was something he needed to look into later.
"So, I can make these weapons for personal use but not sell them?"
[Correct, Host.]
"Got it." Sanjay leaned back, exhaling slowly. That means I can use them in the medieval era without any restrictions. But then another thought crossed his mind.
"But if I introduce this technology in the medieval world, will you report me to the authorities in the future?"
[No, Host. Under Article 67C of the Constitution, personal AIs cannot be used as a medium for prosecution, as it would violate privacy laws.]
Sanjay chuckled. Wow, people in the future really take privacy seriously. Works out great for me.
An hour later...
After finalizing his purchases, it didn't take long for everything to arrive at the warehouse. The efficiency of the futuristic delivery system still amazed him. He also transferred another 100 kilograms of gold to the warehouse and sent Maya a message, granting her a one-time access code to retrieve it.
Back in his medieval study room—his private space where no one else was allowed—he began unpacking the shipments. One by one, he examined the technological marvels before him.
The industrial 3D printer was enormous, about the size of a mid-sized car. It only required raw materials, and with the right blueprint, it could construct almost anything.
Next, he unboxed a small fusion reactor core, an egg-shaped device about three feet tall. It was a civilian-grade fusion reactor, powerful enough to generate energy for an entire 21st-century city for thousands of years. According to the specifications, it was completely safe and strictly used for industrial purposes—not a weapon.
If they're selling it to civilians, it must be foolproof.
Then, he pulled out the quantum server, which looked no bigger than a standard router box. Sanjay ran his fingers over its sleek surface, shaking his head in wonder.
"How do they even build these things?"
Finally, he turned to the drones. Each came with batteries that could last for hundreds of years without recharging. That reminded him—his futuristic phone had no visible charging port, and he had never seen a charging station in the hotel.
Did they eliminate external power sources entirely?
A thought struck him. Can I buy those light bulbs?
The generator he used in the medieval world was silent—but not completely silent. And it needed a constant supply of diesel. If he could switch to a more advanced energy source, things would become far more efficient.
With everything set up, he got to work.
He connected the 3D printer to the fusion reactor. The connection was wireless, just like the quantum server. As soon as he powered them on, all three devices hummed to life. There was no loud whirring, no mechanical grinding—just an eerie, almost unnatural silence.
This thing makes less noise than my generator.
Sanjay loaded steel and aluminum into the material compartment of the 3D printer. Iris immediately processed the input, uploaded the weapon blueprint, and initiated the manufacturing sequence.
Within seconds, a PKA1 Carbine Automatic Rifle materialized on the output tray. A second later, another one followed.
Sanjay stood frozen, unable to process what he had just witnessed. His gaze fell on the rifle in his hands. It was sleek, sturdy, and perfectly functional.
He ran his fingers along the cool metal, still in disbelief. Did I really just make this?
"Iris, can you print some bullets?"
[Affirmative, Host.]
Meanwhile, the industrial 3D printer continued its work at an astonishing speed. In just a minute, sixty rifles had already rolled out onto the conveyor belt, each identical to the last. The efficiency of it all left him speechless.
A few seconds later, one thousand bullets emerged, neatly packed inside an ammunition can. Sanjay bent down, picked up a magazine, and began loading the bullets, following the step-by-step tutorial displayed on his interface.
He took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
Snapping the magazine into place, he raised the rifle and aimed at the far wall. His finger hovered over the trigger for a brief moment before he squeezed it.
"Tat-Tat-Tat!"
A sharp burst of gunfire erupted, and bullets tore into the wall, leaving small smoking holes in the stone surface.
Sanjay's heart pounded. His hands tingled from the recoil, but his excitement surged.
"Holy shit."
He had never fired a gun before—never even held one outside of virtual simulations. But now, here he was, standing in a medieval fortress, wielding an automatic rifle like it was straight out of a war movie.
A grin crept onto his face. The rush was exhilarating, unlike anything he had ever felt before. His testosterone spiked, sending a thrill through his body.
He took aim again.
"Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat!"
Bullet casings clattered to the floor as he emptied the entire magazine within two minutes.
Then, from outside—chaos.
The fortress erupted in a frenzy. People were screaming, soldiers were shouting, and the unmistakable sound of panicked footsteps echoed through the stone halls.
Sanjay's grin faded. Oh… right.
He had been so caught up in the thrill that he hadn't considered how the deafening thunder of gunfire would sound to people who had never even heard of gunpowder, let alone automatic weapons.
Outside, the confusion grew worse. Soldiers rushed around in alarm, their hands gripping swords and spears. Civilians fled, whispering about an angry god or a sudden storm—despite the fact that the sky was completely clear.
The era had never seen cannons, let alone a fully automatic rifle.
A loud knock on the door broke him from his thoughts.
Sanjay quickly set the rifle down and opened the door. Nirav stood there, his face tense with worry.
"Sir, are you okay?" Nirav asked, his eyes scanning Sanjay for any injuries.
"Yeah, I'm fine. What's going on?" Sanjay replied, playing dumb.
Nirav's gaze shifted behind him, locking onto the strange metal object resting on Sanjay's shoulder. His brows furrowed. Is that thing responsible for the noise?
"Sir, we heard thunder, but there are no clouds. The people are panicking," Nirav explained. "I had to make sure you were safe."
Sanjay sighed. Of course, they'd react like this. He had just shattered their understanding of warfare without meaning to.
"Tell everyone there's no need to panic. The sound came from something I was working on."
Nirav hesitated but nodded.
Sanjay added, "Also, inform the soldiers to gather at the training ground tomorrow morning. There's something important I need to show them."
The confusion on Nirav's face deepened, but he didn't question it. "Understood, Sir. I'll make the arrangements."