"The next time when we meet, I will win."
Ethan's declaration was firm and unwavering, and Will could clearly see the determination burning behind those words along with a spark in his eyes that refused to be extinguished.
There was no arrogance in Ethan's voice, only stubborn resolve, the kind that refused to bend even when reality had just slapped him across the face.
To Will, it was the sound of a boy who had tasted defeat for the first time and decided to carve it into his future rather than run from it.
Inside Will's mind, the system reacted immediately.
[Ugh!! So cringe.]
Will did not react outwardly, but internally he sighed.
"I do not think that is cringe. I said something similar myself after I recovered memories of my past life. The only difference is that he is extremely shortsighted right now and does not understand that there are other things to aim for in this world than defeating someone"
While Will was mentally commenting on Ethan's declaration, reality intruded in a far more physical manner.
Ethan stepped forward and shook Will's hand with more force than necessary, gripping tightly as if trying to imprint the promise into Will's bones.
For Will, it was childish, emotional, and entirely pointless.
He looked down briefly at their joined hands, his expression cold and indifferent, before pulling his hand free without ceremony.
"Whatever," he said flatly, dismissing the moment entirely, before turning away from Ethan and toward the approaching figure of Brian.
Brian moved with his usual calm stepped forward and extending a storage ring toward Will. His expression was neutral, but his eyes were sharp, evaluating, measuring, and memorizing.
"Inside the ring are healing potions, stamina recovery pills, mana restoration resources, and several recovery artifacts,"
Brian explained in a clear tone.
"Consider the extra artifacts as a goodwill from Lord Klaus. The Abyssal Node entry token is also inside. Present it at the entrance and you will be granted immediate access."
Brian paused briefly before continuing, his voice lowering slightly.
"My lord asked me to convey that you should take care and grow stronger. He sees you as a future leader and a potential ally to humanity."
Will accepted the ring without ceremony and nodded once. He did not express gratitude or surprise.
The fewer words he exchanged, the faster he could leave and continue the journey that had already been delayed far too long.
Brian studied Will for a moment longer, clearly wanting to say something else, but eventually he simply said, "Take care," before turning away and walking back toward the ornate carriage waiting nearby.
Ethan lingered for a moment, casting one last look at Will, his face showed a mixture of emotions like frustration, admiration, and unresolved rivalry, before finally turning and following Brian.
Within seconds, the carriage disappeared down the road, leaving Will alone at the edge of the capital.
Will exhaled slowly.
**sigh**
Instead of heading toward the main road that led away from the city, he turned and walked directly toward the forest. Although dangerous he preferred to take shortcuts, moreover he had something that could help in his journey this time.
***
After a few hours, deep inside the forest away from the capital and prying eyes....
"Argh!! This is so frustrating."
[No, host. You cannot use a spacecraft for travel. The powerhouses of this world will intercept you on sight. Too much attention.]
Will clenched his teeth. "Then why did you let me buy it, you idiot!!"
[Buying and using are different things. You never asked about applications of such things when you bought it]
Will stood still, irritation written plainly across his face.
Inside his hand rested a strange metallic orb etched with shifting mechanical patterns. It was the Bio-Mech Transformation Orb, an item he had acquired through one of his monthly free purchases.
At the time, he had found the description intriguing, but now it was turning into a headache.
The system described it as the upgraded version of a device used by the machine race.
Will was surprised since in this Universe according to his knowledge the so-called Machine race did not exist.
But then the system had told him that objects from across the multiverse were available inside the shop which made him quite thrilled.
The orb itself was deceptively simple in function.
It contained two compartments, one for a target blueprint and another for an energy source.
Once both were inserted, the orb would transform into the selected machine or bio-mechanical construct.
The energy requirement varied based on the blueprint, and nearly any power source could be used.
The system had explained that monster cores worked well for smaller transformations such as vehicles, aircraft, or even low-grade spacecraft. To avoid unnecessary danger, Will had purchased a C-rank monster core instead of hunting one himself.
The problem was that even a low-powered spacecraft would still emit an aura strong enough to attract attention according to the system.
"I just want to travel without dealing with idiots every few kilometers," Will muttered.
[Then pick something subtle.]
Will stared at the orb for a long moment before finally giving in. "Fine. If spacecraft does not work, then why don't you suggest some blueprints."
The system let out an exaggerated sigh.
[Sigh!! Fine.]
A holographic interface appeared in front of Will, displaying several blueprint packs categorized by utility and stealth.
[bio-mech land beast blueprint pack] : cost 50 SP
[bio-mech army vehicle blueprint pack] : cost 70 SP
[bio-mech auto-weaponized vehicle blueprint pack] : cost 100 SP
...many more expensive options
Will stared at the options briefly before pointing at the third one. "Purchase the third option."
[Understood.]
[Opening auto-weaponized vehicle blueprint pack…]
Hundreds of vehicle schematics flooded the interface, each designed for different terrain, combat scenarios, and logistical needs.
"Filter the list," Will said calmly. "Keep vehicles suitable for tropical and marshy forest regions."
The list instantly condensed to fewer than twenty viable options.
"Show me the most comfortable and spacious one. The journey will be long."
[I suggest the SATD-V.]
Will blinked. "What is that?"
[You will be delighted if you are cultured like me, hehe!!]
Will frowned. "What the hell does that mean?"
The interface suddenly shifted, displaying a massive vehicle that resembled a heavily armored tank fused with a living creature.
Thick, reptilian-scaled plating covered its body, and enormous reinforced tires made from what looked like monster hide supported its immense weight.
Mounted on its frame were cannons, lasers, machine guns, and various heavy and light weapon systems.
The name flashed boldly across the screen.
[SATD-V][SUPER-AMPHIBIOUS-TITAN-DESTROYING-VEHICLE version-5]
"^_____^!!"
Will stared at the screen in stunned silence before finally asking, "Are you absolutely sure this will not attract attention?"
[Hahaha!! Who cares? This thing can blast a city. Oh, and it requires multiple C-rank cores to operate q(≧▽≦q)]
Will's face turned red with fury. "You bastard!!! You wanted me to get this from the start, didn't you?"
[Oh!! No, by mistake I already retrieved it.]
"What the fuck? Stop!!!"
[Oh no!! I purchased extra C-rank cores by mistake.]
Will stared blankly at the orb in his hand, his eye twitching.
"(T_T) You are not going to stop, are you?"
[Host, why don't you activate the orb now ○( ＾皿＾)っ Hehehe…]
Will looked at the orb, then at the forest around him, and finally up at the sky.
"…I swear one day I am uninstalling you."