Information flickered across Jack sight. It was cryptic but promising...
[Object: Spatial Amber]
[Danger Level: Very Low]
[Properties: Highly stable. Stores and resonates with spatial energies perfectly.]
Jack grinned widely behind his spectral mask. The [Spatial Amber] was an incredible find. Its properties, 'highly stable' and 'stores and resonates with spatial energies perfectly', confirmed its immense value.
This wasn't just a unique mineral. It was a cornerstone for future projects. A foundational element. One that would elevate Jack Night's Steamrune Engineering to new heights.
He immediately created some plans. Jack Night already had a [Spatial Backpack]. But its storage space was quite limited. He would need to check whether he could enlarge it with the new material. If it could, his operations as Jack Night, would be far more efficient.
Beyond that, a spatial utility belt should be his new project. His human form was a Steamrune Engineer. He would be far more formidable with greater number of weapons. Or with single powerful machine gun.
But constantly carrying multiple firearms, or a heavy machine gun, or various tools, was cumbersome. As for carrying them in his Spatial Backpack? It was possible, but drawing them in emergency situation would be troublesome.
A utility belt that could instantly materialize whatever he needed, whenever he needed it, would be a game-changer.
And then, there was the grander vision. Teleportation objects. His [Nine-Anchor Portal Ring] was his personal artifact. A unique object granted by his system.
If he could engineer similar functionality. Even on a smaller scale. Using the [Spatial Amber]... The strategic implications were staggering. The possibilities hummed in his mind. A symphony of gears and spectral energy.
Rune, his silent fairy companion, flitted around the larger [Spatial Amber] deposit. Its golden glow intensified with each pass. As if celebrating the discovery alongside him.
Jack didn't need further prompting. He reached out. The telekinetic power of his [Mysterious Anomaly] carefully began to extract the gemstone pieces. He was a ghost. He didn't need mining tools. Updates are released by novel⸺fire.net
With a thought, several fist-sized chunks of the [Spatial Amber] detached from the larger matrix. Hovering gently before him.
He then shifted his [Nine-Anchor Portal Ring]. Using its power, he re-anchored the last portal points into this location. Right beside the richest vein of [Spatial Amber]. This ensured easy access later.
It had already long passed midnight. His [Nine-Anchor Portal Ring] had already reset. Thus, with the new gemstones secured, Jack activated the ring again. The familiar spatial distortion shimmered around Rune and him. And in the next instant, he was back in his familiar bedroom. In Lonestone City.
Rune zipped around him with blue glow. A tiny, glowing beacon of fortune. Several [Spatial Amber] floated around him. Held firmly by his [Mysterious Anomaly] power.
Days blurred into a focused rhythm.
Jack maintained his vigilante presence in Lonestone. As Racer Jack, he'd dealt with several petty crimes and an attempted arson.
At night, as Jack Mystery, he continued his grim work of judgment. His invisible spectral form glided through the city's districts. Delivering retribution to the truly guilty. And consolation to the truly worthy.
The bulk of his daily time, especially when in his Jack Night form, were spent hunched over his workbenches. Surrounded by blueprints, gears, and the newly acquired [Spatial Amber].
He experimented tirelessly. The amber was indeed stable. Surprisingly easy to integrate with his existing rune arrays.
His strong and calloused hands meticulously carved the gems. He polished, and bound them with enchanted wires and intricate conduits.
He started small. Creating a contained spatial pocket within a simple metal sphere. Testing its capacity and stability. The success invigorated him.
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Next came the expansion of his [Spatial Backpack]. He carefully disassembled the existing artifact. Integrating processed shards of [Spatial Amber] into its core. Re-calibrating the runes. And weaving new circuits.
The result was an incredible [Spatial Backpack]. It looked physically unchanged. But it was now extremely huge inside. Capable of holding far more than before.
The spatial utility belt was a more complex endeavor. It required not just storage. But instantaneous retrieval. Jack envisioned a series of small, integrated spatial pockets. Each linked to a specific item.
A touch to a specific part. A silent mental command... and his Steamrune Shotgun, or other type of objects saved there, would appear. Ready for action.
He spent hours designing the interface. Ensuring seamless connection between his will, touch, and the spatial portals.
It was intricate work. Demanding absolute precision in rune etching and energy channeling. But he had completed the task successfully.
Currently, he were working on his weaponry. Increasing the numbers, power, and versatility. And trying to incorporate [Spatial Amber] for increasing the bullet capacity for each weapon.
It was already evening. The last rays of the sun had disappeared behind the elegant, renaissance architecture of Lonestone's upper districts.
Reina entered Jack's workshop. Her long, black hair cascaded over her shoulders. Framing a face that was both beautiful and intelligent.
She held a freshly printed newspaper in her hand. Its pages crackled slightly as she approached. Her scent, a mix of exquisite floral fragrance, always had a calming effect on Jack. Even amidst the chaos of his workshop.
"Dear!" She extended the newspaper. The headline was prominently displayed. "You might find this one quite interesting."
Jack wiped grease from his hands with a rag and took the paper. It was the Aether Daily. The prominent newspaper catering specifically to the transcendent community. His eyes scanned the headline she indicated. Then quickly devoured the accompanying article.
Symphony Garden Appears! One of the Ten Transcendent Havens for Art Manifests Near Logcreek Village!
The article elaborated further. Detailing the sudden, almost magical, appearance of a celestial garden. It was described as a place of breathtaking beauty. Where ethereal flora bloomed and the air shimmered with latent magic.
The core of the attraction was the seven human-sized goddess statues that stood sentinel within the garden. These statues, carved from what was described as luminous marble, were not merely decorative.
Ancient lore, the article explained, spoke of a profound challenge associated with them. With great blessing as the winning prize. Unfortunately, there was no recent evidence for the claim of the lore.
The Symphony Garden was different from the other Transcendent Havens of Art, which appeared regularly. The time of the garden's appearance was random. And so was the location.
The last recorded appearance was seventeen years ago. And no one received a blessing then. In fact no one had received a blessing in the last three hundred years.
"It says here..." Jack read aloud. "... that anyone who can play music, music touching enough to stir the emotions and 'move' at least one of these goddess statues, will receive a 'Blessing of Symphony'."
He looked up at Reina. A thoughtful glint was in his eyes. "A permanent, overall improvement of one's existence." He quoted from the paper. His tone was neutral. But his mind was already working through the implications.
Reina nodded. Her expression was keen. "Indeed, Dear. Such blessings are incredibly rare and highly sought after. They affect not just one's powers, but one's very being. Enhancing physical resilience, mental clarity, and overall potential across the board."
She crossed her arms. A subtle curve appeared to her lips. "This is not just a competition. It is an opportunity for fundamental growth."
Jack's gaze returned to the Aether Daily. His eyes were tracing the details. Logcreek Village. It was not far from Lonestone City. Only about five to six hours ride on his hoverbike.
The article also stated a crucial detail. The Symphony Garden was currently dormant. Its gate was sealed by a shimmering, invisible barrier. It was predicted that it would fully manifest and be open to all transcendent participants in precisely three days.
He hummed. A low, contemplative sound. A permanent overall improvement. That was significant. He understood the value of fundamental power boosts.
This wasn't about gaining a new spell or a stronger skill. It was about improving the very foundation upon which all his abilities rested. Attributes!
As for art? Music? Jack was many things. But a musician wasn't high on his list of proficiencies.
He could play flute and guitar. But it didn't mean that he was an expert. Furthermore, this world didn't seem to have guitar as far as he knew. Lute? Yes. Guitar? He hadn't seen one.
Yet, the challenge intrigued him. He had always adopted new skills. Mastered new forms. Why not music?
"Three days." Jack murmured. Turning the newspaper over in his hands. "Three days. That should be enough time."
He wasn't a virtuoso by any stretch of the imagination. But he was resourceful. He had much greater dexterity with his fingers here. Compared to his past life.
He had a deep understanding of resonance and energy manipulation. Thanks to his Steamrune Engineering. Music, at its core, was about vibration, frequency, and emotional transmission.
He could approach it like a problem to be solved. An engineering challenge with an artistic veneer.
"Symphony Garden." Jack repeated. A slow, determined smile spreading across his lips. "It seems we have a new destination, Love. By the way, do you play any instrument?"
She chuckled softly. A melodious sound. "I can sing. Or conjure some enchanting melodies with my illusions and mystic arts. But a physical instrument... not really."
He looked at Reina. His eyes were alight with newfound purpose. "Well, we'll do a duet then. Later. You sing and I play music. But, I need to prepare my instrument."
Reina smiled. A soft warmth was in her gaze. "Whatever you need, Dear. I will find more information."