Chapter 3
First AI Assisted Experiment.
The morning fog clung to the forest like a shroud.
Sam had slept little, though exhaustion did not touch him the way it used to. His mind was alert, calculating. Grief still lingered, but it no longer dominated him — it had transformed into purpose.
He rose from beneath the oak. The grave of the elder lay behind him, quiet and untouched. He had learned patience. Now it was time for observation.
He stretched his hands, feeling the faint pulse of mana beneath his skin. Weak. Unstable. Still enough.
"Analyze local flora for combustible materials," he murmured.
AIRS
Scanning environment…
Combustible plant density: 47% within 10 meters.
Recommended candidates: dry reeds, pine needles, resinous bark.
He nodded. Precision mattered. Wasted energy was unacceptable.
Sam collected the materials efficiently, keeping movements silent, almost imperceptible. Every branch snapped underfoot was noted in his mind.
He arranged the plants in a small pile, carefully layering them with resin-soaked bark for ignition.
"This world's fire magic is crude," he muttered. "But chemistry can enhance it."
AIRS
Suggestion: Thermal ignition optimization using minimal oxygen channeling. Estimated flame stability increase: 260%.
He concentrated. With his hands cupped, he ignited a small spark.
The flame flickered, weak and unsteady. He adjusted the arrangement.
AIRS spoke calmly, mechanically:
AIRS
Flame instability detected. Ambient oxygen insufficient. Recommended manual airflow channeling.
Sam nodded. He shifted a small stick, fanning the spark. The flame steadied.
A controlled fire. Not large, not loud. Perfect.
He allowed himself a faint smile.
This was the first step. Observation first. Experiment second. Action third.
He crouched beside the flame, eyes scanning. The forest seemed unchanged — still, silent, indifferent.
AIRS
Local fauna presence: minimal. No threats detected within 50 meters.
Mana fluctuations: nominal.
Good. Safe.
Sam traced the energy flow around his spark, noting the subtle effects. Mana reacted weakly, but predictably.
"So magic responds to intent," he whispered. "Controlled energy… predictable outcomes."
AIRS
Analysis: Current output efficiency 72%. Potential maximum: 241% with layered combustion and thermal focus.
He leaned back, thinking. This world's magic was inefficient because no one understood rules — only instinct.
But he did.
This spark was more than survival. It was knowledge. Power. Potential.
Hours passed. Sam repeated the experiment, improving efficiency, reducing mana leakage. He learned, calculated, adjusted.
The forest whispered, leaves brushing against each other in the wind. It did not care for grief. It did not care for genius.
But Sam was patient.
And he was ready.
By dusk, the flame burned steadily in a controlled circle, almost like a miniature sun in his hands.
He stood.
The forest stretched endlessly before him. Kingdoms warred beyond its borders. Magic users squandered energy. Nobles fought for power.
And he had time.
Time to observe. Time to learn. Time to build.
He turned his gaze to the distant horizon.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, "we push further."
AIRS
Recommendation acknowledged. Monitoring continued.
End Of Chapter 3
To Be Continued....