Ray followed Alicia slowly down the stone corridor leading to the castle's grand conference room, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. The air was cool, tinged with the scent of incense and old parchment. There was no need for conversation between them; the silence was thick, but not awkward—merely the quiet before a carefully laid plan unfolded. They had already spoken before arriving—Ray had briefed Alicia on the upcoming invention, and she, as always, had agreed to be the face behind his dealings in the court.
As they entered the vast chamber, tall arched windows allowed sunlight to stream in, casting golden shafts across the marble table. The king sat at his elevated seat, regal and unreadable. Around him, his queen and concubines were already seated, their gazes shifting with curiosity as Ray and Alicia took their places.
Ray stood, his voice calm but filled with intent.
"I have created a product that allows people to see you from far away," he began, letting his words linger in the air like a spark before the flame. "And I want Your Highness to advertise my invention by talking to the people of your kingdom while staying within your castle walls."
The room shifted. Brows furrowed. Whispers stirred like a gentle breeze. Confusion crept onto the faces of the royal women and the king alike. Sensing the tension, Ray said nothing further. Instead, he reached into his bag and placed two items on the polished table with deliberate care—a sleek, polished camera and a glimmering crystal ball, smooth as still water.
He activated the crystal ball first. It shimmered faintly but remained blank. Then, with a flick of his hand, the camera powered on. Instantly, the crystal ball projected an image—their own reflections, captured live in the glowing magical screen.
A collective gasp echoed through the room.
Now they understood. He wasn't just showing them a device—he was proposing a revolution. A way to speak, to be seen, to connect across distances without ever leaving the castle.
The king leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly.
"And what do I gain in return?" he asked, his voice deep, testing.
Ray's answer came swift and composed:
"Respect from the people who never get to see Your Highness except during times of war. More affection, more loyalty. Nobles see you often, but commoners? Never. They would feel more connected to you… to your royal family."
A flicker of satisfaction lit in King Daymond's eyes, but he was a ruler. He wanted more.
"That is good and all… but I want more."
Ray's gaze hardened slightly, his tone sharpening.
"If you are talking about any rights and all, I'm not giving them. If you want a branch to sell my items, I've already made a deal—with your third concubine, Alicia. She'll be one of my three official distributors."
The king clenched his jaw, clearly tempted to push further. But he wasn't a fool. Any more pressure, and Ray would simply walk away—and take the invention directly to the people. The queen gaining access through Alicia meant the palace would benefit regardless.
The queen and concubines exchanged glances. Envy simmered in their eyes as they looked at Alicia—who sat composed, a quiet confidence resting on her lips. She had made a powerful ally with Ray, and now, the others realized too late that they had fallen behind. Their children—lazy, entitled—had failed to form the bond Alice had nurtured effortlessly since her last birthday.
Finally, Daymond spoke, his voice calmer.
"Then we will allow the video to be done on the birthday of Alice. It's in a week."
Ray nodded, expression unreadable, but a spark danced behind his eyes. He then launched into the next phase, explaining in detail how the process would unfold, step-by-step, and how the invention would be revealed to the world—how the people would bear witness to something never seen before.
When the meeting ended, Ray gave a special salute respectfully and left the castle grounds, the sun casting a warm glow as he made his way home, the plan already in motion.
The Next Day
A fresh wind stirred the trees as Ray walked toward his private land. The scent of wood, stone, and fresh earth filled the air. Birds called in the distance, but all Ray could focus on was the sprawling sight ahead.
His little city was nearly complete.
Buildings stood proud, their outlines matching the blueprint he'd given to Ricky Martin. Ricky and his fellow inventors had done more than just follow instructions—they had breathed life into the vision. Among the structures, their homes and workshops stood, brimming with promise and innovation. One new addition stood tall—a sleek Inventor Guild Hall, designed as a central point for meetings. It hummed faintly with arcane energy, a place where brilliance would gather.
Inside, receptionists were already preparing to take on incoming tasks. Most logistics would now be handled by staff, allowing inventors to focus solely on their creations.
Ray turned to his mother and asked her to begin the formation process—an invisible barrier that would protect the city. She nodded, and within moments, glowing runes began to trace the ground beneath their feet.
He then activated a series of hidden cameras, fixing them strategically across the city. Their magic was unique—only those bearing a special token could pass unseen. Using his Matrix Magic, Ray had crafted thousands of these tokens. The system was flawless. Anyone without one would trigger an alert, notifying the guards immediately.
The camera's magic ran deeper than sight—it could detect souls. If an extra soul, like that of a parasitic entity or hidden intruder, entered the area, the guards and higher-ups would know in seconds. The crystal ball interface allowed them to monitor everything. From threats to anomalies, the city would remain secure.
Next, he summoned the triplets—three shadow guards he had taken under his wing. They arrived swiftly, their auras crackling with new power. Their cultivation had soared, now reaching the Qi to Iron Stage—a remarkable leap in just a few months.
Ray's stern expression softened into satisfaction.
"Good work," he said, pride clear in his voice. "But remember—speed means nothing without a solid foundation. Steady progress wins the long road."
The triplets nodded fervently, eyes gleaming. No one had ever praised them like this before. The words struck deep, stirring a loyalty that ran to the bone. Quietly, they made a vow—to follow Ray to the death.
Once they had calmed, Ray gave them their next mission:
"Take the rest of the shadow guards. Spread the crystal vision to every region. Show the people what's coming. Let them know that on Princess Alice's birthday, they must come outside and witness something... extraordinary."
The triplets bowed deeply. Without a word, they stored the equipment into their storage rings and disappeared into the shadows to gather the others and execute the task.
Ray, now alone, returned home.
Three days remained until the plan began.
The room was still as he sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, the scent of sandalwood drifting through the air. He closed his eyes, forcing his thoughts to slow.
His mind was racing, heart thrumming with excitement.
But now wasn't the time for celebration.
He breathed deeply, entering meditation.
The storm was coming—but for now, he needed calm.