Innova8

Ethan, a man from the modern world, awakens in a medieval land ruled by swords and magic. With no powers of his own, he refuses to be just another commoner. Instead, he wields the greatest weapon of all—knowledge.

From the forge to the fields, he introduces steel stronger than any sword, machines that change farming forever, and ideas that shake the foundations of power. But progress breeds enemies. Nobles and warlords fear his influence, and ancient forces stir as the world resists change.

With allies by his side and rivals in his path, Ethan embarks on a journey to revolutionize an entire world—one invention at a time.

But in a realm where power is dictated by strength, can one man’s knowledge reshape destiny?

Empire of Innovation

Ethan rode back from Baron Aldric's estate with a heavy mind. The baron's offer—protection and resources in exchange for advanced weapons—was tempting, but it came with risks. Nobles played power games, and Ethan was a foreigner in this world, both in origin and ideas. One misstep, and he'd be crushed before he could build anything lasting.

Back at the forge, Ronan waited with arms crossed. "Well?"

Ethan sighed. "He wants weapons. Better than what his rivals have. In return, he offers protection and resources."

Ronan grunted. "A noble's 'protection' lasts only as long as you're useful."

"I know," Ethan said. "That's why we need to be careful."

Ethan spent the next few days working with Ronan and his apprentices to refine their forging process. He knew he couldn't just hand over superior weapons without ensuring his own security first.

Instead of giving Aldric everything at once, Ethan planned a slow rollout—small improvements that would keep the baron satisfied but not powerful enough to dominate completely.

At the same time, he turned his mind to another project: improving farming tools. A stronger plow or better irrigation could win over the common people, ensuring he had more than just nobles interested in his work.

As he sketched out ideas, a knock came at the forge door.

A young woman entered, dressed in traveling leathers, her auburn hair tied back in a simple braid. She carried herself with the ease of someone accustomed to movement—perhaps a mercenary or a messenger.

"You're Ethan, the blacksmith with strange ideas," she said, more statement than question.

Ethan wiped his hands on a cloth. "That depends. Who's asking?"

She smirked. "Call me Selene. I work with people who are interested in… change. We hear you're making waves."

Ethan's senses sharpened. This wasn't just a casual visitor. "What kind of change?"

Selene leaned against the doorway. "The kind that upsets nobles. The kind that makes life better for those beneath them."

Ronan tensed beside him, but Ethan kept his face neutral.

"And what do these people want from me?" he asked.

Selene smiled. "For now? Just to talk. You have ideas, Ethan. Ideas that could shift the balance of power. We'd rather see those ideas in the right hands."

Ethan knew he was walking a fine line. Baron Aldric wanted his weapons, but now there were others watching—people who wanted change from the ground up.

Was there a way to play both sides? To push progress forward without being crushed in the process?

One thing was certain. The deeper he went, the harder it would be to turn back.

Chapter 6: Negotiating Power