/
Ding dong.
[A new optional skill has been unlocked.]
[Design Skill Option ③ : Simulation Mode – Creates a terrain in the virtual design space based on the topographic data obtained from Survey that is able to be manipulated. This skill enables the user to observe various physical changes that will occur when the terrain is manipulated.]
‘Huh?’
Lloyd blinked.
Was it because the beads of sweat running down his forehead had entered his eyes? No, that wasn’t the reason.
It was because the contents of the notification that popped in front of his eyes was a bit unbelievable.
‘Oh my, what is this?’
A Design Skill Option had been unlocked, it said?! And the Skill Option in question enabled him to run a simulation, the one he so desperately wished for?!
It was an unexpected and baffling result.
However, this wouldn’t make Lloyd that mesmerized this time.
Through the growth of Survey Skill to Design Skill, and even Asrahan Core Technique, Lloyd had properly felt the power of Skill Options. It was also the case this time.
‘Seeing is believing, isn’t it?’
He’d have to try reading the manual for 100 days in the future and doing the tutorial all day long.
The basic idea was that hearing a lot of profanities while playing a game was way better than being bad because he rushed to do an actual battle.
Lloyd immediately activated his Design Skill.
‘Design.’
Bzzttt..!
A virtual hologram was created in front of Lloyd’s eyes. The virtual design space was only visible to Lloyd; others would never be able to see it.
He then entered Maritz Wetlands’ topographic data obtained from the Survey Skill.
Bzzt!
The terrain of the Maritz Wetlands began to appear in the virtual design space.
Up until this point, the process had been the same as the usual survey to design process he had gone through numerous times. However, there was a single thing that had changed. Under the virtual space, there was a button that could be selected.
[Simulation Mode On]
‘This is it.’
Just by a glance, Lloyd knew he needed to press it. Thus, he did just that.
[Design Skill Option ③ : Running Simulation Mode]
[Designating current topography data loaded in the virtual design space as the target of the simulation.]
Bzztt! Paats!
The background of the virtual design space brightened. Numerous dots and lines appeared on Maritz Wetlands’ terrain that was floating inside the virtual design space. This felt as if looking at a graphic divided by and composed of polygons.
‘The controls should be the same with simulators.’
Lloyd thought that might be the case. So, he reached out his hand and pinched a line that formed a mound with his fingers. Then, he pulled it upwards.
Rumble rumble.
The terrain stretched upwards as much as he pulled.
A hill was created on a part of the Maritz Wetlands inside the virtual design space. Then, the mud and muddy water that was there previously began to flow down to the lower ground around the hill.
‘Oohhh.’
It felt as if he had become a god. If not, it felt like he was editing it using a terrain manipulator in a simulation game.
‘This is amazing.’
Lloyd gulped.
He was a civil engineering student, and civil engineering was more than just constructing a building.
‘I mean, constructing a building is architecture students’ business. Civil engineering is not only about a single building, the scale is a lot bigger.’
Which famous movie was it again, that had this line?
The wind isn’t something to be calculated, but to overcome.
The way civil engineering thought about terrains, in his opinion, was similar to that line.
‘Well, it’s not exactly the same though, because we simultaneously calculate and overcome the terrain.’
In a nutshell, it could be said that civil engineering was about planning and improving numerous terrain to enrich human life and activities.
For example, digging a hole and building a tunnel in the mountain, building a harbor so the jagged coastline could be utilized, calculating and overcoming numerous terrains to build connecting roads and railways, designing water and sewage systems, filling a hole in the ground, occasionally doing a construction, and building bridges over steep cliffs to connect humans with each other.
Since ancient times, civilization had continued to evolve.
To Lloyd, civil engineering was a field of study that had the greatest impact on humanity.
Therefore, in order to achieve such a scale, close calculations and experimentations regarding the terrain were absolutely essential.
‘However, it is indeed me who has just gotten the tool to do just that.’
Lloyd clenched his fists tightly.
After that, Lloyd took apart the model of Maritz Wetlands he had just built in the backyard. He took a bath to clean off the mud on his body, and locked himself in the bedroom for five days.
During those five days, countless embankments and waterways were dug, deconstructed, and built in the Maritz Wetlands inside the virtual design space by using the Simulation Mode Skill. Lloyd ran as many simulations as he could.
Just like that, the design for the wetlands development project was meticulously devised and checked. As a result, Lloyd could polish and tidy up his successful first construction model, which he obtained by running analog simulations in his backyard.
Of course in the meantime Javier had to practically take care of Lloyd on his own.
“Lloyd-nim, it is already time for lunch.”
“Yeah, leave it there.”
“I believe it is best if Lloyd-nim eats it right now.”
“Umm, but I’m still busy right now, can’t you see? Don’t talk to me, okay?”
“But you haven’t eaten the breakfast I brought a little while ago yet, have you?”
“Oho, I see. You’re nagging me right now, huh?”
“I am saying this because I am concerned.”
“Concerned? You? To me?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. You’re concerned about me? Hey! Who are you? Where did you lock up our Javier?”
“….”
“Just kidding. Can’t you see I’m concentrating right now?”
“Yes.”
“Can’t you see my serious expression and eyes?”
“I can not see it, but-” Javier sighed deeply. “I would like to tell you that all I can see is the eccentric behavior of a money-crazed madman flailing his arms wildly in the empty air all day long.”
“Ah, seeing that you sneakily chewed me out with words like that, you are truly our Javier. But, what do I do? I’m not crazy,” Lloyd replied casually, still flailing about his hands in the air like before.
Javier’s statement was, in fact, understandable.
‘I’m the only one who can see the virtual design space created by the Design Skill.’
Actually, even now, Lloyd was still carefully manipulating Maritz Wetlands’ terrain, which had been entered into the Simulation Mode. Just like that, he was experimenting different ways to apply the Vertical Drainage method.
However, Javier would never be able to see it. He must’ve only seen Lloyd flailing about, making strange gestures in the air.
“I’m just trying to figure something out. People said that all of the nerve endings in the whole body gathered at the hands.”
“And?”
“Actively moving your hands in this manner stimulates your nerves and activates your brain. Anyway, I genuinely need to concentrate.”
“But Lloyd-nim, you must not skip meals.”
“Ah, really. You’re not my mother.”
“If you keep doing this, I will notify the Baroness that Lloyd-nim continues to skip meals and drink water.”
“… Tsk, you can’t do that.”
“Sorry?”
“I can’t do this with your loud babbling, you always-righteous man. Okay, then, will you please sit down in the armchair here?”
“What are you trying to do?”
“If you sit still, I’ll eat my lunch.”
“Is that true?”
“Did this one exist solely to deceive you?”
“… I understand.”
Javier then sat down in the armchair. A cunning smile formed on Lloyd’s mouth.
“That’s right, good boy. Take a little break for a moment. In principle, the Pack Drain (PD) method is similar to the Sand Drain or Paper Drain…. Blah blah blah…. After simultaneously pressing and fitting in 4 or 6 casings 12 cm in diameter attached to a dedicated machine for that into the ground…. Blah blah blah…. The depth of the installation can be up to 35 m when the diameter is 12 cm, allowing it to function…. Blah blah blah….”
“Huh? What is this-”
Shaaa.
It was a surprise lullaby service. Lloyd recited diligently the contents of his major’s textbook.
Javier’s expression gradually became blank, his eyes began to feel heavy. His body tilted as he began to nod off.
Lloyd gently extended his hands. He supported Javier’s slumped body and pushed him backwards so Javier leaned on the back of the armchair. Lloyd continued his powerful lullaby service until Javier fell asleep peacefully.
“Plastic Board Drain, or PBD,is broadly classified into two types. The first one is made from a non-woven fabric drainage material. The width of the needle needed to push in the non-woven fabric that was approximately 5 mm thick is about 100 mm wide. You’re doing well. Sleep tight, bye~”
“…. Zzzz.”
Before he knew it, Javier had already fallen into a deep sleep. After performing environmental maintenance(?), Lloyd was able to continue to concentrate on his simulations in the Simulation Mode.
A day, two days, and eventually three days had gone by.
Javier’s nagging and Lloyd’s lullaby service became routine each passing day.
In the meantime, plans for the reclamation of the Maritz Wetlands were steadily taking shape.
“It’s finished,” Lloyd said.
On the fifth day, a satisfied smile finally bloomed on Lloyd’s lips.
Now, it was time to form work groups and organize the heavy machineries(fantasy species) suitable for the construction plan.
“Ppodong? Bangul?”
“Ppo-dong!”
“Ba-ngul!”
On a bright night illuminated by the moonlight, Lloyd came out to the mansion’s backyard. Obviously, Javier was still deeply asleep.
“Right now, I’m thinking of summoning a new friend for you both.”
“Ppo-dong?”
“Ba-ngul?”
“Anyhow, it seems that it’d be better if you guys watched the summoning session together with me.”
Lloyd grinned.
Tonight, he was going to summon a new fantasy species for the reclamation of the Maritz Wetlands, which would begin soon.
“If possible, I hope a fantasy species that has an ability related to water comes out. But, well, it doesn’t really matter if it’s not. I just need some that could turn gigantic like you guys.”
For the reclamation of the Maritz Wetlands, Lloyd was planning to use the vertical drainage method.
Fundamentally, the Vertical Drainage Method was a method of drilling numerous vertical holes in the bottom of the wetlands and inserting drainage pipes into it to consolidate the soil.
‘Based on the result of the survey, it can be concluded that the topography of the Maritz Wetlands is similar to the Netherlands prior to the reclamation project.’
A lowland region where mud and muddy water had accumulated for a long time. The thick layer of peat1Peat: the surface organic layer of a soil that consists of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mostly from plant material, which has accumulated under conditions of waterlogging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency. soil was filled full of water, forming a soft, prone-to-collapse terrain.
However, what if he succeeded in draining the water?
‘Things’ll be easier.’
Due to the characteristic of the peat soil layer, when the water was drained, the soil would be compressed downwards by its own weight. This phenomenon was called consolidation.
‘In short, the most important thing that needs to be done is to drain the water. But, I don’t have the equipment required for vertical drainage. I don’t even have the pump to drain the water.’
Of course, there’d be alternative solutions.
Javier’s Mana Blast could be used to drill holes in the ground. The fantasy species could pump out the water in the wetlands. This was the reason why Lloyd was trying to summon an additional fantasy species right now.
“Ppodong? Bangul?”
“Ppo-dong!”
“Ba-ngul!”
“I hope the newly summoned little one can pump out water as much as you can,” Lloyd said wholeheartedly.
Ppodong and Bangul were exceptional at pumping water out. Ppodong’s both cheeks had huge capacity. Bangul’s stomach size was huge, it could stretch impressively.
They could carry a considerable amount of water and even outperformed a water tank. Basically, it was thanks to their ability to transform into giants after eating a red sunflower seed.
‘Naturally, other fantasy species would also have the same ability to turn gigantic. Having some other fantasy species that could grow big to Ppodong or Bangul’s size is enough.’
Each fantasy species had its own set of skills and abilities. Moreover, the majority of them could transform their body to become gigantic.
Lloyd planned to make full use of the big lil’ one’s abilities that’d soon be summoned.
‘It doesn’t matter what its special ability is. Of course, it’d be a cherry on top if it had water-related abilities, but I don’t have that kind of luck. So, let’s go for a big one! So big that when it transforms, it can carry a lot of water, whether it’s in its mouth or body!’
It was all about chance.
‘Actually, I’ve been very lucky so far.’
Ppodong and Bangul, both of them had the best and most fitting abilities just when he needed them the most. However, he better not expect such great luck again this time.
Lloyd, who had psyched himself up, opened the random pull window.
Ding dong.
[Fantasy Species Random Pull]
[You can use RP to summon a fantasy species.]
[A powerful and unique fantasy species that will be absolutely loyal to the summoner and offer a variety of abilities.]
[Random Pull Cost (3rd Pull) = 100 RP]
‘Hmm.’
The cost was 1.5 times higher than the second random pull when he summoned Bangul.
‘But it’s okay, I’ve been saving up a lot of RP for a while.’
Lloyd checked the amount of RP he had saved. He had saved a whopping 931 RPs. He had gotten an additional 20 RPs after the recent picnic(?) in the swamps with the Baron.
‘I have enough RP.’
Whenever he obtained some RP, the desire to do some impulsive purchase did arise instantly. So, when that happened, he regarded RP as his final weapon and saved it. Lloyd thought it was a wise decision.
‘The target is to pull about 4 more fantasy species that could grow to Bangul or Ppodong’s size and able to carry water.’
What if the cost of the random pull increased by 1.5 each pull? It seemed feasible to do so with a total of 800 RPs.
‘Let’s do this.’
Lloyd determinedly gazed to the bottom part of the window.
[Would you like to do a random pull?]
[YES/NO]
Without hesitation, Lloyd chose ‘YES’.
[Summoning a random fantasy species.]
Paatss…!
A magic circle was formed in mid-air. Dim light emanated from all over the magic circle. The space then fluctuated, revealing an unfamiliar silhouette.
The first thing Lloyd noticed was its round body. The head that was next revealed was also round, so was the bottom and legs. Its overall silhouette was round, just like a ball.
‘No way, it’s not going to be the same type as Ppodong, right?’
Lloyd focused all of the nerves in his eyes on the new fantasy species he had just pulled. And finally, after a tingling shockwave, the identity of the third fantasy species was revealed.
Pajijik!
“Ha-mang!” it shouted adorably. It then flew towards Lloyd’s arms to hug him.
Lloyd caught the new fantasy species with both of his hands.
On his palms, Lloyd could feel something plump and soft. As soon as he felt the touch, he checked the fantasy species’ appearance first.
Soon, Lloyd’s eyes opened wide. He then murmured involuntarily, “… No way, this, why does a hippopotamus that can drink so much water at once come out of there?”
“Ha-mang!”
‘Hamang,’ a small and chubby baby pink hippo on Lloyd’s palm, looked up at him and smiled brightly.
Author’s note: Let me introduce the third fantasy species, Hamang ^^
Tl/n: another one or two chapters will be coming soon.
1Peat: the surface organic layer of a soil that consists of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mostly from plant material, which has accumulated under conditions of waterlogging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency.