Chapter 13: The Vision

Chapter 13: The Vision

After returning to the castle, Bran ran to the library. He found maps of the castle’s surroundings and various architectural documents, and began thinking about how to draw up a grand plan. For several days in a row, aside from his regular Knight skills training, Bran spent all his time in the library. He needed to understand the general collection, processing, transportation, and trading methods for materials like stone and wood.

Bran annoyedly thumped his head. He realized he only had a superficial understanding of everything. In his original world, that information society, many things were like that—heard and then immediately forgotten. It seemed like he knew and understood everything, but when it came to detailed investigation, it was just like now, he knew nothing. He only regretted not studying enough when it was time to use the knowledge, just like now. He originally planned to come up with a rough plan in three days, but over ten days had passed, and Bran still hadn’t finished.

During dinner, the Duke looked at Bran shoveling food into his mouth bite by bite and asked in a teasing tone, “Bran, how is the territory development going?”

Bran was thinking. He casually took out two metal balls from his person. Under everyone’s gaze, the metal in his hands slowly changed shape. First, an outer protective wall formed a circle, then inside, tiered platforms rose layer by layer. By the third level, a two-story Attic with flying eaves stood atop it. The entire model was exquisitely carved as if made of jade. Upon closer look, one could see various forms of cats entwined on the railings, appearing on the ground and the steps, each one vivid and lifelike. Everyone stared at this delicate model, their eyes shining.

After finishing this, Bran was panting a little; creating this model made him feel somewhat strained. But Bran didn’t pay attention to that. He placed the model on the table, casually wiped the sweat from his forehead, and began to explain: “I want to use the hill to build three-tiered platforms, then divide it into four areas.” Bran’s hand drew a cross above the model.

“The second and third levels are rest areas.” He then pointed to the bottom level, tapping the four areas one by one, saying: “Blacksmith’s shop, warehouse, stables, and Kennel. There are some more details I need to think about.”

At this point, Bran looked at his father: “I need stonemasons and carpenters.”

The Duke spread his hands, making a helpless expression: “The castle in the territory needs repairs this year. The family’s vassals have also requested stonemasons to repair their castles. Moreover, after they have completed their own compulsory labor service, I have no right to commandeer them without pay.”

Listening to the Duke’s explanation, Bran grumbled inwardly, skilled talent is scarce everywhere! He then raised his hand, intending to destroy the model, but the Duke stopped him in time with a voice: “Leave it. It’s quite nice.”

The Duke hesitated, then pointed at the model and asked: “How did you do this?” He made a bending motion with his hand. “A few days ago, you needed to use your hands to shape it.”

Bran thought for a moment and replied: “It’s just a habit. I’m used to using my hands, so when I first Awakened, I subconsciously used my hands. Actually, what works is the ability; it has little to do with the hand movements.”

After a pause, Bran continued: “During my studies these past few days, I was organizing some materials. I made some mistakes while recording, got a bit angry.” Bran made a smashing motion. “Then all the papers turned into a sky full of paper scraps.”

Bran casually lifted his Dinner Knife. The Dinner Knife slowly turned into a spoon, then slowly returned to its original shape. Bran laughed proudly: “Just like this, the operation of Mana doesn’t need hand commands; it’s more about consciousness.” Bran didn’t notice at all that at this moment, he was like a child who had gotten a new toy, constantly showing off and boasting to the people around him.

He had already forgotten that he was ready to con his older brothers and sisters into contributing money if they had money, and people if they had people, to act as a seasoning in the grand plan he had just drawn up. The climax of the dinner was when Bran, using the black cat Black Cat Huahua as a model, turned his Dinner Knife and other utensils into exquisite Statues of varying sizes and gave them to his brothers and sisters. Finally, amidst a chorus of praise, Bran, having overused his Mana, staggered away from the dining table…