Chapter 297: Ch 296: Magic Greenhouse

"Sir, what do you mean by this? How can something like this be possible? Are you trying to play a prank on us?"

No one seemed to believe the fact that Kael could use magic, and it felt like he was an entirely different person from his past life. The most he had gotten in his past life were looks of disbelief at his age, and not at his abilities.

It was far from a refreshing experience, and it served to make Kael feel like he was being questioned.

He knew why he was being questioned like this, which at least helped to calm him down a little.

"Tsk, if you all are going to question me, then you might as well see what I am talking about. Kael, you can show them what I am talking about."

Kael almost wanted to hold back from showing his abilities, but he decided against it. After all, he did not want to come off as someone who prioritized pride over the bigger picture.

However, revealing all of his abilities was out of the question.

"Can I take an artifact in order to recharge it?"

Officer Tylor threw a small ring at Kael, which tried to suck in his magic. But Kael’s magic quickly snapped it into submission.

He only put in as much magic as was needed to keep it functioning for 10 more times and gave it back to Tylor.

"You can attack me now."

Tylor looked the ring over before he told the scientists. But their shocked expressions told Kael that they had no intention of following his orders.

"But, sir...! I know that you trust yourself, but this is—"

"Hey, let it go. How many people get a chance to fire openly at their boss? Let’s take it."

A few people pulled the first scientist back before bringing out guns and starting to shoot at Tylor. But the artifact that lit up blocked any attack from reaching Tylor.

"Shit! That artifact did come back to life. Does that mean our energy issue will be resolved now?"

Someone asked, and Kael shook his head.

He likely wouldn’t be able to fulfill all the energy requirements for this world. Especially since there was a lack of mana flow in this world, and there was only so much he could do without mana.

But the fact that he could pull even this much meant that something was changing in the very foundation of this world.

Mana was slowly starting to enter this world.

But if this world was under the management of a god, then what happened to that god? Did he allow such a change because he wanted more recognition from the people?

"What a hassle."

Kael complained, but everyone else was too busy to notice what he said. So he waited for the others to be done looking at the recharged artifact in awe and finally paid attention to him.

"Hey, what do you think about some experimentation? If we can figure out how magic works, we might be able to replicate this. Is it a new gland? Is it something inside your body—"

"I am afraid that it is not something humans can imitate. As far as I know, humans are not granted this blessing. Wait! Does that mean I am not human? I might need to check this later."

Kael muttered to himself, ignoring the people around him. He was having a lot of ideas about this, which meant that he needed to experiment. But to do that, he needed ingredients that he would need to grow.

But before that, he would need to conjure the seeds for this...

"Tsk, this is turning into a mess now."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

Officer Tylor looked back at Kael with a curious expression, but Kael just shook his head to show that it was nothing.

"It is nothing. I am just worried that I won’t be able to handle the energy problem alone. There is not enough mana in this world, and I can only use so much before I run out and have to rest. That being said, the situation is not as terrible as we all think."

Kael’s words gave everyone around him hope.

"You mean—"

"I can try growing some mana-rich plants that we can use to extract mana essence from. That can be used as a fuel for these artifacts. However, it is going to take some time and effort, and I will also need some space for the greenhouse, along with some specific ingredients—"

"The cost and materials don’t matter! As long as you can help us recharge these artifacts, we are willing to provide any help you might need. Hurry! Tell us what you want."

The scientists looked excited at the fact that they might be saved. They were willing to assist Kael in any way possible, which was nice...but also burdensome at the same time.

Their enthusiasm was a little too forthcoming.

’Have I ever gotten such a response from anyone? People whom I help are mostly grateful, but they are also mindful.’

It must have been the change in the world and circumstances.

In Kael’s previous world, people knew that even if Kael did not help, they had ways to make him agree. Moreover, there were more options, even if they were expensive.

But this time, Kael was their only option for resolving their long-lasting problem. And that made a lot of difference.

It was a weird feeling to have everyone depend on him without having a just cause.

’Is this how Leon felt all the time? It sure is burdensome...’

But at the same time, Kael felt a sense of belonging here. It even felt a little nice, which almost made Kael bash his head in.

’I should not be thinking that this is a nice situation. There are people who are dependent on me being able to do this.’

"Kael, draw up a list of ingredients you will need, as well as how much space you need and under what conditions. I will find a way to approve the budget for you."

Officer Tylor told him, and Kael quickly focused on the task he was assigned with.

There was a lot he needed, and a few things that they did have but had no way of identifying.

In the end, Kael just told them to allot him the budget, and he would handle things himself.

The scientists were still not sure whether he could be trusted or not, but they relented in the end. After all, Kael was their last hope, and they were all aware of this fact.

...

"This is the greenhouse that we acquired. As per your request, we have already changed the glass on top and arranged the water lines according to the layout. Is there anything else you need us to do?"

Officer Tyson asked in a strained but curious voice. He also had dark circles under his eyes that made him look much older.

Looking at him reminded Kael of his first life, when Leon had been far too tired to continue fighting, but he still had to do it for the sake of humanity.

Right now, Officer Tyson looked exactly like Leon, who had the burden of this world on his shoulders.

Kael knew he was not in any position to sympathize, but it was hard for him to ignore his once-student’s face looking like the world was ending right in front of him.

"This should be all I need. I will inform you if there is anything else I need from you."

But even if Kael did need something, he doubted these kids with their half-baked knowledge would be able to provide it.

In the end, he would have to find a way to acquire what he needed on his own.

Tyson likely knew that as well, and that was why he was content to leave him all alone.

Kael used the morning to set up his lab, and he had a pretty comfortable setup by the end of the day. He also used the remainder of his magic to make the equipment that would help him. But because the mana was so thin, it took him a lot of time and effort.

By the time he was done, Kael had half a mind to just stay at the greenhouse and not head back. But the comfort of his home called to him...

No, that was bullshit! He had paid money to buy a house, and he wanted to be able to use it. It was his hard-earned money, and Kael deserved to enjoy it.

So, after locking the greenhouse, he made his way back. And that was when he instantly noticed that the night fog was getting thicker.

"Darn it! Not this again. I don’t even have the strength left to make a shield."

He complained while looking around. But unfortunately, the fog did not seem to care about his comfort as it overtook his senses and dragged him down.