Sidon looked at him, confused.
—A…?
—Nothing —Eric replied—. Just a passing thought.
Sidon snapped his fingers in front of his face.
—Hey. Come back.
Eric blinked.
—My father —Sidon said— is wondering when you plan to start building the carts you promised.
Eric sighed, lowered his gaze… and opened the system panel.
---
Available Points: 25,000
---
Eric smiled.
—I suppose… —he closed the panel— it's time to get to work.
Sidon clapped enthusiastically.
—That's what I wanted to hear!
Eric stood, rolled his shoulders, and cast one last look toward Vah Ruta.
—Someday… —he thought— I'll have a giant dragon that inspires more fear than the Demon King himself.
He stopped watching the rain.
With a now-automatic gesture, he opened the system shop.
The familiar blue hologram unfolded before him.
[SHOP – ZONAI TECHNOLOGY]
Zonai Energy Cell
Cost: 10,000 points
Eric confirmed without hesitation.
---
[PURCHASE CONFIRMED]
–10,000 points
Energy Cells: 2 (Total)
---
He felt a faint pulse along his right arm. Nothing new. Nothing alarming. Just additional power now available.
—Good —he murmured—. Now we can scale production.
He returned to the shop.
[ZONAI MOBILITY PACKAGE]
Includes:
Large wheels
Small wheels
Steering handles (directional controls)
Extra batteries
Cost: 8,000 points
---
[PURCHASE CONFIRMED]
Remaining points: 15,000 → 7,000
Eric closed the interface.
And for the next five days, Mount Ruto became an open-air workshop.
Reinforced wood.
Adjusted axles.
Wheels tested under real rain.
Steering handles calibrated for Zora hands.
The result was clear.
Ten carts, nearly complete.
Large and small alike. Rough, but functional. Capable of moving across rocky paths. Capable of transporting dozens of wounded. Capable of carrying enough supplies to sustain any tribe for an entire month.
Sidon watched from an elevated platform, soaked but smiling.
—This is incredible! —he exclaimed—. With these we can patrol routes, move supplies, even evacuate the wounded quickly!
Eric nodded as he adjusted an axle.
He straightened and looked at the ten carts lined up beneath the rain.
The wheels turned once more, testing the ground.
The final assembly was the heaviest.
Eric kept his right arm extended for a long while as Ultrahand held a thick, rain-soaked wooden beam suspended in midair.
The runes beneath his skin glowed intensely.
Sweat ran down his brow.
—Just… a little more… —he murmured.
He adjusted the axle. Locked the wheel in place. Aligned the steering handle.
The energy settled and snapped perfectly into place.
The tenth cart lowered gently onto the stone floor.
Eric dropped his arm and exhaled softly.
—Done.
A deep clap echoed behind him.
—Clean work —said a deep voice—. Very clean.
Eric turned.
Before him stood Dento, the Zora Domain's blacksmith.
His robust body was marked by years of forging, and his gaze assessed the cart the way one studies a finely tempered blade.
—Everything in order? —Eric asked.
Dento nodded.
—More than that. The shipment is ready.
He gestured toward a covered area.
—One hundred Zora spears, fifty swords, and one hundred shields. Steel treated to resist water, impact, and time. Armor included.
Eric's eyes widened slightly.
Then he smiled.
—Thank you —he said—. Truly.
He felt a twinge of embarrassment. Had he known the Zora would be this generous, he would have added a few ice emitters to deal with monsters… maybe even a couple of cannons.
He resolved that the next time he returned to the Zora region, he would include a few weapon upgrades.
Dento watched him for another moment.
—You don't just keep your word —he added—. You work like someone who respects tools… and those who wield them.
He turned and took something from a nearby rack. An armor piece unlike the others.
A bright blue garment, its finely worked scales reflecting light even through the rain.
—Here —he said, holding it out—. —It's only fair.
Eric accepted it carefully.
—This is…?
—The Zora Tunic —Dento replied—. Part of our ceremonial set. —With it, you can climb waterfalls.
Eric looked up, surprised.
—Climb… water?
Dento smiled, proud.
—Just launch yourself and keep your body aligned. The current will do the rest.
Eric looked at the garment… then at the endless waterfalls of the Domain.
—This would've saved me a lot of detours earlier —he admitted.
Dento laughed.
—Back then, you weren't trustworthy, boy. But now it belongs to you. Because you helped the Domain —he continued—. And even if you don't think much of it, with these giant fellows— Dento patted one of the massive carts— terrestrial mobility will improve greatly.
—Ever since Ruta began unleashing her fury years ago, the Lizalfos have plagued the region. Now even our waters are infested, and it's difficult to traverse them unless you're agile enough—
—At least on land, operations will be easier now—
Eric nodded and added,
—I put special effort into the defenses. Those Lizalfos pests and their poor curved blades won't even scratch these guys. They're like walking fortresses —he said, patting his creation—. I also installed insulation to counter their electrical attacks—
He then slung the tunic over his shoulder and nodded in thanks.
—I'll use it well.
After descending the mountain,
Eric watched in silence as the Zora loaded the carts with supplies.
Crate after crate of fish.
Dried fish. Salted fish. Smoked fish. Fish… very fish.
Along with a few local ingredients and natural spices.
Only what the rain had allowed them to preserve.
Eric crossed his arms, assessing the cargo with a critical eye… then smiled.
—Well —he said, amused— looks like Hateno will be having fish for breakfast for quite a while—
A nearby Zora tilted his head.
—Only breakfast?
Eric slowly shook his head.
—Breakfast, lunch… and dinner.
Laughter followed immediately.
Sidon, leaning against one of the carts, placed a hand over his chest.
—That's the spirit of survival! —he exclaimed—. Fish strengthens the body!
—And the character —Eric added, looking at Sidon—. Especially the character— he said, with a layer of sarcasm Sidon didn't even catch.
The convoy departed shortly after, heading back to Hateno.
The few villagers who had accompanied Eric were genuinely reluctant to leave the Domain.
Especially after the warm welcome they had received.
Nearly a full day later….
The wheels creaked as they came to a stop in Hateno's main square. The sky was clear. Eric had truly missed this biome.
Villagers stepped out of their homes one by one. Then in groups. Then in a rush.
The rustic carts, caked in mud and water, looked like tired animals… but victorious ones.
—They're back!
—Look at that!
—They're Zora!
The Zora climbed down from their carts with enthusiasm.
They touched the axles, the wheels, the steering handles. They spoke among themselves with open excitement.
—Look how it turns!
—I can drive it!
—No, it's my turn!—
One of the Zora climbed into the driver's seat with a huge grin.
—Like this? Is this how you steer it?
—Gently —Eric replied—. —… you're not swimming in it—
The vehicle rolled forward a few meters.
The Zora let out a laugh that echoed across the square.
—This is incredible!
The first to arrive were Eric's siblings.
They came running from the house as soon as they saw the convoy stop, then froze when they noticed the tall, red figure walking beside Eric.
—Is that… is that a Zora?
—He's huge!
—He has a hero's smile!
Sidon leaned down slightly, amused by the attention.
—Greetings! —he said cheerfully—. I'm Sidon.
The children's eyes shone like golden rupees.