In the fourth month,
Ray decided to create various elements, including sound.
It wasn't difficult. The Matrix helped him. It always did. All he had to do was speak through the wristwatch, and the system responded. A soft glow pulsed from the screen when a new option appeared: Enable sound from the system?
There were only two choices—'Yes' or 'No.'
He tapped "Yes" without hesitation.
And there it was—the moment it clicked. Crystalline orbs flickered to life, and suddenly, sound poured forth from the crystal ball they'd painstakingly created. A soft chime, then a low hum, and the room filled with resonance. The magic-infused tech had come alive.
But creating a camera—now that was a different beast entirely.
Ray envisioned a lens embedded into the wristwatch, a way to broadcast to the whole kingdom using a network like the internet. He didn't just want to create it for himself. He wanted a system—something the whole kingdom could use, worn on the wrist like a piece of the future fused with magic. But there would be packages, just like the world he left behind. Monthly fees. Per-minute calls. Services people would pay for—at least in the beginning.
Of course, he knew someone would eventually create a free system. Someone always did. Just like the Earth's social platforms—instant messaging, video calls, and group chats that cost nothing but attention and data. He imagined a world where networks branched off and others started creating their own ecosystems. But he—Ray—would be the first.
He also knew the truth: there were many who had come from Earth to this realm—like Jack—but most had given in to this world's temptations: sorcery, swordplay, and titles. They wanted to be the hero of the tale.
But Ray? He was different.
He didn't want to be the main character. He preferred the shadows. A side character with amazing-like tech. One who built systems, not swords.
And so, with the help of Diana and Selene, Ray spent half the month creating a camera using talismans and ancient formations, layered with logic from the Matrix. The lens they designed was sleek and familiar—eerily Earth-like in appearance—but pulsing with magical runes from the matrix and powered entirely by enchantment. A camera of two worlds.
As he brought one technology after another to this realm, piece by piece, he did it quietly—low-key. Always low-key.
With his projects finally taking form, Ray turned his attention to the next step: advertising. But he wanted it done with style. His plan? His plan was to introduce the king himself to the public through the new technology. A grand reveal. A spectacle.
But first, he would need to see the king.
Before that, he would need to mass-produce hundreds of crystal balls and cameras. A daunting task—but he did it. Alongside his team, they worked tirelessly, and it took them an entire month to complete.
During this time, he gave both his mother and third mother a well-earned break.
In the fifth month,
Ray allowed himself a rare luxury—a break. Just a few days. He missed the library, the scent of ancient tomes, scrolls, and books, and the silence filled with whispers of knowledge. The weight of unread books had been gnawing at him for months.
So, before seeking an audience with the king, he made his way there.
The caretaker stood in the library, sweeping the floor, when Ray greeted him. The man, aged and wise-eyed, introduced himself with a soft smile.
Alfred Worthington Hale.
It was the first time Ray learned his name.
With a gesture, Alfred granted Ray access to the Time Formation. The magic thrummed in the air as Ray stepped inside, the world outside slowing while his mind accelerated.
Four days passed in what felt like a breath.
Ray read endlessly. Not just for knowledge, but for clarity. For peace. For cultivation. As the days slipped by within the bubble of slowed time, his soul refined itself. He could feel it—he was close. So close to reaching the fourth stage.
Once the formation faded, Ray left with renewed clarity and a sharpened edge.
Then came the audience.
He wanted to thank the king. To express his gratitude for the land and the relic he'd been gifted after the war. He had prepared something in return—a new invention.
He called it Crystal Vision.
Or CV, for short.
When Ray asked to meet the king, he was told he didn't have to wait—King Daymond was already in the dining hall with his wives and children. The invitation came swiftly.
Ray hesitated for a beat. Is it appropriate to interrupt a royal lunch? Not the best timing. He nearly smacked his forehead in regret. But once invited, turning back wasn't an option.
The large oak doors creaked open, and the smell of roasted meat and sweet herbs filled the air.
He stepped into the golden-lit room. Plates clinked. Laughter echoed. Royal children sat in orderly rows while the king, seated at the center, looked up with a warm glint in his eye.
Ray greeted the king with the kingdom's formal salute.
"Ah, little Ray," the king said with a smile. "I was told by the library caretaker that you were already here."
Ray was motioned to an empty seat. A maid adjusted the chair for him while Butler Norris ensured a meal was served swiftly. Though the atmosphere was relaxed, Ray could feel several eyes on him—the curious gaze of royal children who had never met him before. All except Alice, who offered a small, familiar smile.
"I came to read, Your Majesty," Ray said calmly, "but I also wanted to offer my thanks. The gift you gave me after the war... it helped me a great deal."
The king laughed heartily. "A small thing, Ray. Compared to what you gave us? You saved lives. The lives of my soldiers. They speak of you with reverence. Whatever I gave you was merely a token."
Ray nodded in appreciation and subtly tapped a message into his wristwatch.
The king's wristwatch vibrated.
He glanced at it—and his eyes widened slightly in surprise.
'I have created another invention that will shock the world. Even more than the wristwatch.'
A pause. Then the king chuckled softly and replied,
'Come to the conference room after lunch.'
Ray looked up and nodded. They exchanged no more words, but something had shifted. The future was coming—and the king knew it.
The children had noticed the silent exchange, though they couldn't decipher it. But the sharper ones? They saw opportunity. Ray wasn't just a mystery—he was valuable.
Ray didn't care.
But one pair of eyes bore into him with silent fire: Lucas Richard.
The prince that had once lost in a duel to Ray.
Lucas had been warned by Queen Elizabeth—befriend Ray. Align with him. But pride was a poison that still burned in Lucas' veins. He wanted revenge, not alliance.
Ray felt the gaze. He looked back. Met it with a serene smile.
Then looked away.
After lunch, the king departed with his wives—except for Alicia, the third concubine, who approached Ray with Alice beside her. Courteous words were exchanged, and Ray soon found himself walking with Alice, their conversation light and familiar.
Some of the other royal children watched with envy, others with interest. Alliances were forming in their minds. Schemes too.
But Ray? He wasn't here for any of them.
He parted ways with Alice when she was taken by her caretaker, Rena, and turned to follow Alicia toward the conference room.
The time had come.
It was finally time to introduce Crystal Vision to the kingdom.
And the world would never be the same again.