Chapter 440: The Introduction of the AK-12 Assault Rifle

Immediately after Ezra stepped into his room, he closed the door behind him and walked toward his study table, where he then placed his Space Bag down before taking out the Starlix 11 he had kept inside.

Although it had remained with him the entire time he was in seclusion, Ezra had never once taken it out to check for missed calls, messages, or news. His attention during that period had been completely focused on his training, leaving him with little reason to concern himself with whatever was happening outside the seclusion room.

He then took out his Zphone Tablet and placed it on his bed beside the Starlix before changing into something more suitable for relaxing at home.

Afterward, Ezra took out the nylon bag containing the dirty clothes he had folded neatly after using them throughout his long period of training.

He had intended to wash them immediately.

However, before doing that, Ezra suddenly remembered that he had been away from his Starlix for quite some time.

So, instead of heading straight to wash his clothes, he switched on the Starlix and dropped the nylon bag beside his bed.

Then he sat down.

His finger moved across the screen as he began checking the notifications he had received during the time he had been away.

There were many messages from Gena and Blake.

A few had also come from Veda and Cyrus.

As for Vera...

Ezra could see that she had only sent him one message before apparently going off her Zphone 14 as well.

***

’Safe Training, not that I care for your safety.’

Jewel_of_Ash.

***

Ezra’s plain black eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at the message.

There was no need to think too deeply about who had sent it.

Vera.

The words sounded exactly like something she would write after deciding that showing genuine concern too openly would somehow be too embarrassing for her.

Ezra looked at the message for another second before simply moving on.

His finger continued down the screen as he checked the rest of his notifications.

Then...

His eyes stopped.

Fifty Missed Calls from Elder Ivanhoe Ashenlocke.

Ezra didn’t need to think twice.

He immediately tapped the call button.

A holographic image materialized above the Starlix. It was the image of a green-colored phone surrounded by glowing green arcs that moved outward like waves, spreading from the holographic object before fading away and repeating the same motion.

The call began ringing.

Ezra waited quietly on his bed.

After a few seconds...

The holographic image changed into a screen.

The first thing Ezra heard was the loud sound of heavy machines working in the background.

Clang!

Metal struck metal somewhere behind the holographic screen.

There was also the constant grinding sound of machinery, followed by the deep noise of something mechanical operating at full force.

Ezra looked at the screen with a plain expression.

"Ezra boy!"

Elder Ivanhoe’s voice rang out.

The Elder sat down in front of the holographic display with a bright smile on his face while the sound coming from the facility reduced. His craftsman’s outfit was covered with dust, and there were traces of oil on his face and hands, making it clear that Ezra had interrupted him while he was still working.

"Good morning, Elder."

Ezra politely bowed his head.

"I have been calling you for a while now, but Vera told me that you had gone into seclusion. So, you’re back now."

Elder Ivanhoe spoke while cleaning his hands with a white napkin.

"Yes. I’m sorry if it seemed like I was avoiding your calls."

Ezra replied before giving another small bow.

His tone remained as plain as ever, but his manner still carried the visible politeness he always showed towards people of age and status.

"It’s fine..."

Elder Ivanhoe waved his hand, showing that he hadn’t been offended by Ezra missing so many of his calls.

"I know you all have the Grand First-Year Combat Festival to prepare for, and everyone in the family is really excited to see all you children of Ash perform during the festival."

His smile became even brighter as he continued.

"Just like how it was nice seeing you and the other kids represent your clubs during the presentations, I even heard that you ranked third in your first practical test."

Elder Ivanhoe raised one hand and gave Ezra a thumbs-up.

"I’m really proud of you, Ezra."

"Thank you, Elder."

Ezra replied calmly.

"We will all be coming to watch the festival."

Elder Ivanhoe continued, still sounding pleased.

"Although, the Duke himself won’t be coming. He actually entered seclusion the day after watching your video display during the Club tournament."

Ezra’s eyes moved slightly.

"Thanks to my video display?"

"That’s what happened."

Elder Ivanhoe nodded.

"Although, I don’t know what exactly caused the enlightenment, but I could see the attraction in the firearm you used."

He tilted his head slightly, placing one finger against the side of his jaw while looking at Ezra with an expression that gradually became more interested in what the firearm Ezra used was.

The firearm Ezra had used during the battle against the Elder Ghost Crawler had only appeared briefly.

However, Elder Ivanhoe had still noticed it.

And apparently, he hadn’t been the only one.

"It’s an assault rifle, as you already guessed."

Ezra replied calmly.

"It is an upgraded model of the AK-47, and I call it the AK-12."

As Ezra spoke, Elder Ivanhoe’s eyes widened slightly.

The excitement on the Elder’s face became more obvious.

"An upgrade of the AK-47?"

He repeated the words.

"That’s really great."

His voice carried the same excitement Ezra remembered hearing during the period when he and Vera had worked with him in his office to create the Colt 1911 and the E-V 26 MK.II.

"The AK-12 Assault Rifle is lighter and easier to control than the AK-47, which allows a Gun Alchemist using it to increase their combat speed by a considerable amount."

Ezra continued explaining.

"Also..."

He raised his hand and pointed toward his own shoulder with his index finger.

"Its stock is adjustable, which makes it easier to use for Adept Gun Alchemists of different builds. That is one of the main features we can begin adding to more assault rifles from now on."

Ezra finished his explanation.

However, Elder Ivanhoe had already begun writing down the important points.

The moment Ezra started describing the differences between the two rifles, the Elder’s hand had moved toward the papers beside him.

By the time Ezra finished speaking, several lines had already been written down.

Elder Ivanhoe lowered his Quill-pen and seemed about to ask another question.

"I have the full written breakdown of the AK-12."

Ezra spoke before the Elder could say anything.

"The schematic, the outer and inner design, the Alchemy Circle, the magazine, the optic scope Alchemy Circle... everything needed to begin mass production."

"You already have all of that?"

Elder Ivanhoe looked at Ezra with even more surprise.

He slowly placed his writing tool down.

"I didn’t know you would be this ready. It kind of makes me feel like you were already expecting this."

He stroked his beard while looking at Ezra.

"I created the rifle to increase my strength and help hunt the Elder Ghost Crawler, but I also made sure to write down the entire work process involved in creating the AK-12 for the sake of the family."

Ezra replied, while adjusting his folded legs on the bed.

Elder Ivanhoe became quiet for a while.

He simply looked at Ezra through the holographic screen.

Then...

A pleased smile appeared on his face.

"Thank you for your hard work."

There was no teasing or excitement in his voice this time.

His words sounded genuinely appreciative.

"I will be sure to discuss with the other Elders and the family board about a proper reward for you."

He leaned back against the chair.

"Who knows? With the Duke’s sudden achievement in enlightenment, he could reward you with more than you imagine."

"I look forward to that, Elder."

Ezra replied simply.

He didn’t say much more than that.

Although Ezra remained calm, the possibility of receiving another reward from the Ashenlocke Family wasn’t something he would reject.

Especially after the amount of money he had spent on buying Lucy a Sixth-Grade Ese.

"Oh, also..."

Elder Ivanhoe suddenly raised his index finger.

"Before I go."

Ezra looked at him.

"The Young Lord mentioned that you need Adept Gun Alchemy manuals when he came to greet us Elders at the stadium stands."

The Elder pointed toward Ezra through the holographic display.

"Why didn’t you report to the family that you had already reached the Adept Alchemist Rank?"

His expression became slightly stern.

"You know you will need Adept-Ranked Guns to truly show the strength of your Alchemy during the Combat Festival."

Elder Ivanhoe was clearly scolding him now.

"Although, I do know..."

His tone gradually softened.

"You might have been reluctant to speak because of how Elder Fredricks would most likely claim that you were lying, and it would become a headache having to constantly defend yourself."

He paused before continuing.

"But remember that you are a Child of Ash."

His smile returned.

"And as a Child of Ash who survived the Trial of Steel..."

Elder Ivanhoe looked at him with a warm expression.

"You are truly special to us."

The words carried more weight than Ezra expected.

Not that he was touched.

He was just amazed by how easily dedicated the family could be to those who are useful to them.

"Speak about your growth so that we can send you the important things you need to continue growing."

Ezra remained quiet for a brief moment before bowing politely.

"I will note that, Elder."

"Alright..."

Elder Ivanhoe’s bright smile returned.

"Bye, Ezra boy."

He waved his hand.