Chapter 157: [156] Breakthrough of the Times
That day, the sky over the Penal Plains was a gentle gray, thin mist draped across distant mountain ridges. Amid a cleared forest clearing, Ren focused intently on installing the core system of his new base: the main power reactor. The device was a massive cylinder constructed of a titanium‑compressed core, carbon‑ceramic energy shielding, and a lattice of glowing blue plasma cables—literally the heart of every piece of technology that would sustain his life here.
Ten spherical drones buzzed around him with precise coordination, like a swarm of trained bees. They lifted panels, soldered connections, and calibrated power levels according to Ultro’s instructions—Ren’s AI assistant, now personified by a central drone that managed field operations.
Beside him, the three Kitsune children watched with wide eyes, overflowing with wonder. Though small, their curiosity was vivid. Ren let them assist with light tasks: sorting screws by colored coating, handing over simple tools, or tallying metal parts. But what they loved most was simply watching Ren in action.
With an open palm, Ren pressed a tarnished piece of metal onto the reactor wall. A silver‑blue glow formed, the surface melted and merged perfectly—as if welded by divine hands. Then he drew a steel rod, and in moments it reshaped into a flawless threaded cylinder as if machined by the finest mill.
"Oh my..." one of the Kitsune whispered. "He really is magical... but from another world."
Ren grinned at their astonishment. He stood, wiped sweat from his temple, and glanced at the master drone.
"Speaking of that... Ultro, have you finished the hyper‑refined titanium shielding layer?"
[If you’re referring to that protective layer, yes. I completed it thirty minutes ago, Master.]
"Excellent. Then tonight we can finalize the main power circuitry."
[Of course. I admit, if someone built a reactor like this on Earth... they would never pay another electricity bill.]
Ren chuckled. "Told you—made one back in Kyoto. But... shrug... I kept quiet. The Japanese government would faint if they found out."
[Honestly, this reminds me of humanity’s two favorite fictional characters: Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark.]