One month had passed since Lord Verlaine offered the contract proposition, and the workshop had become Alex's proving ground in ways he hadn't initially anticipated.
Four failed prototypes sat scattered across his workbench, each one teaching him something valuable about precision and uniformity. The first attempt had wooden spheres too irregular, rolling unevenly and creating more problems than they solved. The second had grooves too shallow, causing the balls to slip and bind against each other. The third used wood with grain running the wrong direction, cracking under pressure within hours of testing. The fourth came closest to success but still failed because he'd miscalculated the spacing between the grooved tracks. the ai had even mocked him on this level of incompetence
Now, on the fifth attempt, Alex carved wooden balls with meticulous care, testing each one against the others to ensure consistent size and roundness. The work required concentration that made his fingers ache and his eyes blur, but he persisted because failure was simply another form of progress.
Master Henrik stood several paces away with arms crossed, watching without comment for the past hour. Other craftsmen had gradually drifted over during their breaks, drawn by curiosity about what the boy had been obsessing over for three days straight. Some watched with skepticism visible in their weathered faces, others with genuine intrigue, but all of them waited to see if this attempt would differ from the previous failures.
The morning sun slanted through the workshop windows, casting long shadows across workbenches cluttered with clay and tools and half-finished projects. Somewhere in the back corner, an apprentice ground minerals for glaze while humming tunelessly. The familiar sounds of the workshop continued around Alex, but he barely registered them as he fitted another wooden ball into place and tested its smoothness against his palm.
Henrik finally broke the silence with his usual directness. "Fifth attempt, boy."
Alex nodded without looking up from his careful assembly, positioning the wooden spheres into the grooved wooden track he'd carved with painstaking precision. His hands, bleeding, moved with practiced steadiness despite his relative youth, decades of experience from another life practically in his palm, the blueprint feature as he thought had a major flaw, while it showed him exactly how to create certain things, it did not directly give him the skill, neither corrected his flaws.
He completed the mechanism piece by piece, the inner grooved ring fitting snugly inside the outer one with the wooden balls held between them in their track. Then he attached it to a simple axle mock-up he'd constructed days ago and tested the rotation.
The difference was immediately obvious. Without the ball mechanism, turning the axle required noticeable effort, the wood rubbing directly against wood and fighting the movement with stubborn resistance. With the balls in place, the axle spun smoothly with minimal force, the spheres rolling between the surfaces instead of sliding.
Several craftsmen leaned forward involuntarily, their skepticism shifting to interest.
"What's it for?" one of the younger men asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
Alex demonstrated with a cart wheel mock-up he'd prepared, showing how the mechanism fit between the axle and wheel housing. "When surfaces rub directly against each other, there's resistance - wood fighting wood, metal fighting metal. Movement becomes difficult, requires more force than it should. These balls roll instead of sliding, which means much easier movement for anything that needs to turn."
He spun the wheel once without the mechanism, then again with it. The difference in smoothness was dramatic enough that even the skeptical craftsmen couldn't dismiss it.
Henrik approached the workbench and tested the mechanism himself, his weathered hands feeling the grooves. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed his recognition of genuine innovation. "Any wheel, any rotating mechanism..."
"Mills, carts, pulleys, gears, anything that needs to turn smoothly," Alex confirmed simply, keeping his explanation practical rather than theoretical. "The applications are extensive once you understand the principle."
A craftsman with graying hair and scarred hands examined the mechanism more closely, turning it over to inspect the grooved tracks. "Wood won't last though, will it? All that rolling and pressure."
"No," Alex admitted honestly. "Wood will work but it'll need regular replacement. Metal versions would be far superior - longer lasting, handle more weight.. But I'm not experienced enough in metalworking and smelting yet to create metal ones. These wooden versions prove the concept works."
Henrik nodded slowly, still testing the smoothness of the rotation. "And you figured this out how exactly?"
Alex had prepared for this question, knowing it would come eventually. "Thinking mostly, about how things move. Watched mill wheels strain against their housings, saw how much effort it takes to push heavy carts. I started wondering if there was a way to reduce that resistance without completely redesigning everything."
It was true enough without revealing the Earth-knowledge behind the concept. Ball bearings hadn't existed in this world yet, which meant he could claim independent discovery without raising too many questions about impossible knowledge sources.
One of the younger craftsmen, a man perhaps twenty-five with an earnest face and curious eyes, spoke up from where he'd been watching intently. "You know, they say people who show this kind of mental prowess - seeing things others miss, understanding principles without being taught - have better potential as awakened. Ever thought about becoming a Puppeteer, Alex?"
The question hung in the air for a moment, and Alex paused his work to consider how to respond. He'd been hoping someone would eventually bring up the topic, recognizing an opportunity to learn more about the world's power system through natural conversation rather than questioning.
"Honestly?" Alex set down the wooden ball he'd been smoothing. "I don't know much about Puppeteers beyond that they have a lot of authority. I've never been awakened obviously, and I haven't been around many Puppeteers to observe them properly."
The craftsmen exchanged glances, some surprised by his admission, others seemingly pleased to have a chance to educate the clever boy who'd been producing innovations. Henrik gestured to the older craftsman with scarred hands, giving a slight nod of permission.
The older man settled onto a nearby stool, he struggled a little, old joints not working like they used to. "Ethereal strings exist everywhere in this world, boy. The essence of heaven, earth, and hell. Invisible to the normal eyes, they are uncountable and incomparable in their variety. Most humans have the potential to connect with these strings, to become what we call Puppeteers."
Henrik added matter-of-factly, "I'm a Rank 1 Puppeteer myself, have been for thirty years now. Never bothered advancing beyond that - I'm a craftsman by nature and inclination, not a warrior or cultivator, and the costs to advance are frankly insane for what I'd gain from it."
Alex filed that information away carefully , Henrik was Rank 1, which meant the master craftsman had been awakened at some point but chosen to remain at the basic level. That suggested something blocked his advance.
"What do the ranks actually mean?" Alex asked, wanting to understand the hierarchy from people who lived within it.
Another craftsman, middle-aged , explained, "Rank 1 is the most common among those who awaken. Lots of people at that level - servants who want longer lives, guards who need minor physical enhancements, craftsmen like Henrik who benefit from the improved body. But here's what you need to understand, and this is important - even becoming Rank 2 makes you fundamentally different from those without any rank at all."
The older man nodded emphatically. "That's the truth of it. Once you awaken, once you actually become a Puppeteer, you're not a normal mortal anymore. Your body changes in ways that can't be undone, you live decades or even centuries longer depending on how far you advance, you're simply superior."
"How so?" Alex pressed, wanting specific details.
Henrik answered this time, his tone carrying the weight "Strength, resilience, healing. Even at Rank 1, I can work longer hours without exhaustion, recover from injuries faster, no minor illnesses affects me, It's not dramatic like you see with higher ranks, but it's noticeable. A Rank 2 Puppeteer could easily overpower three or four normal men without using their strings actively."
"Rank 3 is where real power starts showing," the middle-aged craftsman continued. "Usually experienced fighters, martial artists who've perfected their techniques and reached beyond human limits and more, mages, paladins, even demi humans. These people have dedicated years to cultivation and combat training. You meet a Rank 3 in a fight, you're not walking away"
The younger craftsman who'd started this conversation added, "My cousin serves in the capital guard, he made it to Rank 3 after ten years of service and cultivation. Last time he visited, he demonstrated by lifting a cart full of jade stones single-handedly. Not using strings, just his enhanced body. Said most of his fellow guards were stuck at Rank 2 because they couldn't afford the refinement resources for advancement."
Alex processed this information carefully, noting how even within ranks there seemed to be significant variation in capability. "What about Rank 4?"
"Rank 4 has knights certainly," Henrik said, "but don't make the mistake of thinking it's only knights at that level. Weapon masters who've spent decades perfecting their craft, body cultivators, long-range magic specialists who can level villages from half a mile away. Many different paths to combat power, not just sword and armor."
The older craftsman's expression grew more serious. "And Rank 5 is high status territory. Elite warriors, powerful martial artists, officers in noble armies, they are the one truly recognized by the empire Rank 5 means you've reached genius and beyond the kind that makes nobles as valuable as shit"
A hush fell over the gathered craftsmen at the mention of higher ranks, the kind of reverential silence that suggested they were approaching topics beyond their normal experience.
Henrik's voice dropped lower, almost reluctant to speak the next part. "Rank 6 is where it becomes incomprehensible for people like us. The difficulty spike from Rank 5 to Rank 6 is larger than all the previous rank advancements combined. You could probably count the number of Rank 6 Puppeteers in this entire region on your fingers.. These are people who've dedicated their entire lives to cultivation and paid prices most of us can't imagine, prodigies raised by the nobles from birth, monsters whose prowess are immeasurable"
"What about higher than Rank 6?" Alex asked quietly, already suspecting the answer.
"Rank 7 is legend territory," the older craftsman said with something approaching awe. "The Emperor is rumored to be Rank 7, though nobody really knows for certain since he never demonstrates his power publicly. I've never even heard a credible story of someone personally meeting a confirmed Rank 7 Puppeteer. They're like myths walking among men."
Alex felt a chill run through him at that information, understanding just how vast the gap was between his current position and real power in this world. Seven ranks with exponential difficulty increases, and he hadn't even reached the first one yet.
He asked carefully, keeping his tone casual, "How does someone actually become a Puppeteer? What's the awakening process like?"
Henrik straightened slightly, "You need to come in contact with what's called a Divine String - massive ancient strings that exist throughout the world. They're incomparably larger than normal strings, practically alive in their own way. The nearest Divine String to us is in the capital, where the Emperor resides."
The middle-aged craftsman continued the explanation. "You make physical contact with a Divine String during a ceremony, and it opens your body to what they call the true world. During that time, your worth is decided. When awakening, compatible strings of many types attach themselves to you during that opening, drawn to you based on your nature, your experiences, your fundamental essence as a person. It's not really something you can control or predict."
"The core strings from awakening are special," Henrik added. "All of them bind to your soul itself rather than to individual anchors. That's the only time strings share a binding point like that. After awakening, any additional strings you acquire must be bound to something valuable - a possession, a body part, a memory, anything that matters to you dearly. But those first core strings are soul-bound from the moment they attach."
Alex processed this carefully, understanding that the number and quality of strings obtained during awakening would fundamentally determine a person's potential. "And the number of strings matters significantly?"
"Everything," the older craftsman confirmed. "Someone who awakens with five strings has far greater capacity to draw forth power than someone with only two, even if they're at the same rank. The strings determine how much essence you can channel, how many different abilities you can develop, how far you can potentially advance. Quality matters too, but quantity creates the foundation."
"After awakening comes the real work," Henrik said with a bitter laugh. "Refinement, cultivation, advancement. That's where most people get stopped dead. Even refining a single Rank 1 string requires resources most commoners save for years to afford. materials, meditation aids, sometimes minor sacrifices. And that's just to improve one string slightly at the lowest rank."
Alex thought about those costs, imagining what would be required to reach even Rank 2, and felt the weight of the challenge ahead. But at least now he understood the system's fundamental structure and the resource bottlenecks that kept most people trapped at low ranks.
The younger craftsman brightened slightly, apparently wanting to end on a less depressing note. "Though if you go south, things work differently. The Southern Region is filled with sects and cultivation clans instead of our monarchy system. They have their own Divine String locations, different advancement methods, more opportunities for talented individuals without noble birth. but in the end, they are all the same, only letting their clansmen awaken"
The older craftsman looked at Alex directly, his scarred hands folded in his lap. "The point is, if you keep innovating like this, keep proving your value, Lord Verlaine might eventually see benefit in having you awakened. A Puppeteer craftsman is worth substantially more than a regular one, even at just Rank 1. The vitality alone means you could work longer hours, produce more, handle more complex projects. From his perspective, it would be an investment rather than an expense."
Alex nodded slowly, understanding the implicit message. His path to awakening lay through continued demonstration of value, making himself indispensable enough that Verlaine would pay the costs involved.
The craftsmen gradually dispersed back to their own work as the morning wore on, leaving Alex alone at his workbench with the successfully completed ball bearing mechanism. He waited until the workshop noise covered any quiet conversation before addressing the System.
"Status update," he murmured barely above a whisper.
The familiar interface appeared in his mind's eye, visible only to him.
[Quest Update: Phase 1 - Demonstrate Value]
[Progress: 70/100]
[Innovation #2 Complete: Ball Bearing Mechanism]
[Reward: 150 points]
[Current Points: 385]
Alex kept his expression professionally neutral despite the satisfaction he felt. Halfway through Phase 1 already, with points accumulating faster than he'd initially projected.
"Scan the workshop area for notable materials," he said quietly while pretending to examine the ball bearing.
[Scanning complete. Notable materials detected:]
[- Ironwood samples (rare, natural self-lubricating properties)]
[- High-carbon steel samples ]
[- Fine copper wire ]
[- Bronze ingots ]
[Recommendation: Current metalworking skill level insufficient for metal ball bearing fabrication. Estimated learning period required: 3-4 months for basic metalworking competency, 6-8 months for precision work necessary for metal bearing construction.]
Alex considered the timeline carefully. Six to eight months felt like a long time, but rushing and producing inferior work would be worse than taking the time to learn properly. "Any shortcuts available through System assistance?"
[Basic Metalworking Guidance Module available for purchase: 200 points]
[Provides fundamental techniques, safety procedures, material properties understanding]
[Advanced Metalworking Techniques Module: 500 points]
[Master-Level Metalworking Knowledge: 1000 points]
With 385 points currently, Alex could afford the basic module but it would leave him with only 185 points remaining. He needed to save resources for potential emergencies and future opportunities.
"Not yet. I'll learn metalworking through traditional methods for now . Continue passive scanning for opportunities and unusual materials."
"One step at a time," Alex muttered, turning his attention back to the physical ball bearing mechanism.
Late afternoon arrived with Lord Verlaine entering the workshop unexpectedly, his presence immediately commanding attention from every person present. Henrik straightened from his work, bowing respectfully, Alex too set down the ball bearing carefully before doing the same.
Verlaine crossed directly to Alex's workbench without preamble, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp with focused interest. "I hear there's been another innovation worth examining."
"Yes, my lord," Alex replied simply, gesturing to the assembled mechanism.
"Show me."
Alex demonstrated the ball bearing system without elaborate explanation, letting the function speak for itself. He spun the axle without the mechanism first, letting Verlaine feel the resistance, then installed the balls in their grooved track and demonstrated the dramatic reduction in friction.
Verlaine's hands exploring the mechanism with surprising gentleness for someone of his status. He spun the axle repeatedly, testing the smoothness from different angles, his mind clearly calculating potential applications and economic value.
Verlaine set down the mechanism carefully, his expression remaining measured but his interest clearly piqued. "Production timeline?"
"Wooden versions could be produced within weeks once we establish proper standards and templates. Master Henrik's craftsmen are skilled enough to replicate these with proper instruction. Metal versions would require me to learn metalworking first, which would take considerably longer but produce far superior results."
Verlaine nodded once, his decision apparently already made. "Henrik, you'll work with Alex to establish production standards for the wooden versions. I want these tested in our estate mills first - thorough testing, documentation of improvements. Once we've verified their value internally, we'll begin licensing the design to merchants and potentially other estates."
"Yes, my lord," Henrik responded immediately.
Verlaine studied Alex for a long, evaluating moment. "Your finally showing some worth after all."
Alex bowed lower. "Thank you, my lord. I hope to continue proving my value."
"See that you do. Henrik, include him in smelting projects moving forward. If he's going to work on this, our profit will be higher."
After Verlaine departed, the workshop gradually returned to its normal rhythm of work and conversation. Henrik approached Alex's workbench, his weathered face showing a degree of respect that hadn't been present a month ago.
"You've managed something rare, boy - you've caught Lord Verlaine's attention in a positive way. That's simultaneously valuable and dangerous, understand?"
"I understand," Alex replied honestly. "Expectations increase with every success, and failure becomes increasingly costly."
Lord Verlaine coughed, interrupting the two " that being said, Alexander..... two days from now, i will send you with my son to be awakened"
And everything else was chaos
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That night, alone in his quarters , Alex allowed himself to properly review everything he'd learned today.
The Puppeteer ranking system was even more complex and expensive than he'd initially realized. There are seven known ranks till now, with more to uncover. each representing fundamental increases in a humans ascend to godhood. on top of that, the life of a puppeteer required exponential money, apparently these 'string' had to be constantly maintained even when you dont refine it, just to stay attached to you, you had to give them resources, the vast majority of awakened individuals stuck at Rank 1 or 2 for their entire lives were due to having no money. Even reaching Rank 3 would require either noble backing or extraordinary luck and determination.
Core strings bound directly to the soul during awakening determined the potential of a person, it also determined how much essence they would have in their cores. Additional strings required individual anchors. Everything required constant refinement and resources that most people simply couldn't afford.
The Divine String was located in the capital, it was weeks of travel away, with an expensive awakening ceremony fees. But Verlaine would take care of that part...
He had 385 points accumulated now, halfway through Phase 1 of the System's progression path.
He thought about the Southern Region with its sects and cultivation clans, different structures creating different opportunities. Perhaps they held useful knowledge for the future, but currently it was irrelevant to his immediate circumstances. Focus on what could be controlled, ignore distractions from the primary path forward.