Chapter 669: Crimson Bay

Although Ezra had begun learning Alchemy Systems and had even used them to create his heat-stimulating bandage tapes, he was still far from understanding how vast Alchemy System Programming could become.

His knowledge was limited compared to what the system could achieve.

The tapes were useful, but creating them had not required him to understand every part of the programming behind more advanced devices.

After seeing the toys in Toy City, however, Ezra had gained a better idea of what he was dealing with.

Alchemy System Programming was, in many ways, similar to coding.

At least, that was how he understood it.

The main difference was the use of Alchemy Symbols and the drawing formats that had to be followed before an Alchemy Circle could be integrated into a system.

A mistake in the arrangement could prevent the circle from working as intended, so understanding the symbols was only one part of the process.

He also needed to understand how they were arranged and how the resulting system would carry out its instructions.

It was a little more complicated than the coding he remembered from his past-self life.

Ezra had also been struggling with another problem.

He wanted to understand the field of Artificial Intelligence, but he had no reference materials from his past-self’s world that he could directly use.

So, Ezra thought he might have to create the codes that served as the foundation for Artificial Intelligence from scratch.

That alone would be troublesome.

However, there was something else worth considering.

His world already had devices that served the same purpose as the mobile phones and tablets from his past-self life.

The designs and methods behind them were different, but their functions were familiar enough for him to understand.

Even when it came to advanced digital technology, his world had already developed far beyond his past-self world.

The real problem was not whether technology had advanced far enough.

It was understanding Alchemy System Programming, which was now the medium he needed to work with if he wanted to develop AI.

And among the things he had seen in Toy City, the moving toys offered him the best starting point.

They were physical creations that could be programmed to perform certain actions.

Studying how their Alchemy Systems worked might help him understand the principles behind more advanced forms of programming.

For now, that was the most practical path available to him.

Ezra leaned back slightly in his seat, his black eyes resting on the cup of tea before him.

The tea had already lost some of its warmth, but he took another sip anyway.

He had a lot to learn.

Still, there was no reason to rush into something he did not fully understand.

He could begin with the systems already understands and work his way towards more complex applications.

The customers’ lounge of Wendy and Ralph Toy Craft remained busy, though the noise was kept to a comfortable level.

Low voices overlapped as customers talked among themselves.

Every so often, a family would hear their name called over the speakers, prompting them to stand and collect their custom-made toys.

Some left the lounge carrying carefully packed boxes, while others continued waiting for their orders.

Staff members moved between the tables, serving drinks and snacks to customers who had chosen to sit down while their toys were being made.

The air held the faint scent of tea, fruit juice, and polished wood.

Through the entrance, Ezra could see the main shop floor, where customers examined figures displayed on the shelves.

A staff member passed by carrying a tray, while another helped a customer look through the available customization options.

It was an ordinary scene, but the shop had a steady rhythm to it.

Everyone had something to do.

Lucy, meanwhile, was in the toy-crafting room with Latifa.

Latifa was working on Lucy’s figure, using her Real View to help with the process.

The wooden figure was being made to resemble Lucy herself, including the dress she was wearing.

While Latifa worked, the two occasionally exchanged a few words.

Their conversation had touched on Ezra and Cyrus more than once.

Latifa was particularly curious about Lucy’s relationship with Ezra Ashenlocke.

She also wanted to know what Ezra’s true relationship was with the Flowers of the Kingdom.

And, more specifically, she was curious about Lady Vera Ashenlocke.

Lucy answered what she could, though the two did not spend every moment talking.

Latifa still needed to concentrate on the figure she was crafting, and Lucy was more interested in seeing the finished result than in interrupting her work.

Back in the lounge...

The conversation between the two young alchemists continued.

"Well, you are right about that."

Cyrus replied, nodding once in agreement.

He remained seated opposite Ezra, his posture relaxed.

One arm rested on the table while the other lay across his lap.

His lazy expression had returned, but he was paying attention to the conversation.

"If AI is what I’m thinking of, then you should be able to gain a better understanding of it by learning how to program movement and the small tasks toys can perform with Alchemy Systems, but..."

He paused, looking at Ezra with curiosity.

His gaze shifted briefly towards Ezra’s gloved hands.

"You’ve already created some gadgets, like those explosive daggers and explosive cards. Not to mention those sticky or web bombs you used against Desmond. And then there are the magnetic gloves."

Cyrus recalled the various gadgets Ezra had displayed during the Combat Festival.

Each one had served a different purpose, and he had seen enough of them to understand that Ezra was not relying on his firearms alone.

His eyes lingered on the gloves for a moment before returning to Ezra’s face.

"Those were made with Circuit Systems."

Ezra replied plainly.

"Oh, I remember an analysis program talking about them being Circuit-made."

Cyrus said, leaning back in his chair again.

He seemed to recall hearing about the technology before, though he did not dwell on the details for long.

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest as he considered what Ezra had told him.

"So, we’ll basically be exchanging knowledge."

He added calmly.

Ezra gave a small nod.

They each had something the other could learn from.

Ezra wanted to understand how Alchemy System Programming could be used to develop AI, while Cyrus was interested in the ideas behind the field and the possibilities they might offer for his toy crafting.

There was little point in trying to explain everything in one sitting.

"We should continue this talk when the Second Semester resumes."

Ezra said, lifting his cup for the last sip of tea.

He finished the drink and placed the cup back on its saucer.

The small sound drew no attention from the other customers, who were still occupied with their own conversations.

"All right."

Cyrus replied with a bright smile.

He did not seem disappointed by the decision.

If anything, the thought of continuing their discussion later appeared to suit him just fine.

After all, there would be more time to discuss the subject once they returned to the Academy.

Cyrus glanced at the time.

Lucy should be reaching the end of her toy-crafting session soon.

He had already spent a fair amount of time talking with Ezra, and there was no need to keep them in the shop longer than necessary.

He looked back at his friend.

"So, where are you guys going after this?"

He asked curiously.

Ezra turned towards the tour guide, who had been sitting quietly beside them.

The guide’s expression brightened almost immediately.

At last, they were discussing something that fell within his area of expertise.

Until now, he had mostly listened while the two young nobles talked about subjects he could barely follow.

Their conversation about programming and Alchemy Systems had left him with little chance to contribute.

Now, he could finally explain something about Thornwick himself.

"We will be going to Crimson Bay."

He replied calmly.

The guide reached into his bag and took out a map of Thornwick.

He unfolded it carefully before placing it on the table, turning it so that Ezra and Cyrus could see the marked locations.

The map showed the cities and surrounding regions of Thornwick, along with the routes connecting them.

Several areas had been marked to help visitors find the places worth seeing.

The guide placed a finger near the coastal region.

"Crimson Bay..."

Cyrus repeated the name, looking towards Ezra.

"That’s a cool place with some nice history."

He said with a faint smile.

Ezra lowered his gaze to the map.

"A crimson sea that meets up with the normal, clear sea, marking one of the borders of this kingdom."

He remarked plainly.

His finger moved across the map, following the stretch of coastline.

"The Crimson Sea also stretches from the end of Thornwick all the way to Metallica, then enters the Velc Forest."

He added.

Ezra traced the route with his finger, moving it past the map completely.

As if the Metallica map was also imprinted on the Thornwick map.

His gesture followed the sea’s course as he imagined how it passed through the different regions.

The guide nodded excitedly.

"Yes."

He replied, pleased that Ezra already knew something about the place.

"There are many nice sea creatures to view in the Crimson Sea, especially if we view them in the evening."

He explained.

The guide took the map from the table and folded it back into his bag.

His enthusiasm was clear now that they were discussing one of their next destinations.

Before he could continue, a voice echoed through the speakers in the lounge.

"Mr. Ezra Ashenlocke."

The announcement signaled that Lucy’s toy-crafting session was complete.

Ezra rose from his seat.

Cyrus and the tour guide stood up as well, and the three of them left the customers’ lounge together.

They greeted the staff members and a few customers on their way out before making their way back into the main shop.

The shop was still busy as always.

Several people stood near the display shelves, while others waited at the counter to ask about their orders.

A child was examining a small toy carriage as one of the staff members explained how it worked.

The clicking sound of the miniature train could still be heard from its display.

Ezra paid little attention to the surroundings as he searched for Lucy.

He found her standing near Latifa.

"Master, look!"

Lucy called out to him.

She held up a wooden figure, her face bright with excitement.

The figure wore the same dress as Lucy.

Its shape, clothing, and general appearance had been carefully carved to resemble her, down to the smaller details that made it look like a miniature version of the young maid.

Ezra stepped closer.

He took the figure from Lucy and examined it in his hands.

The craftsmanship was impressive.

The wooden surface had been smoothed carefully, and the carved details were clear without looking rough or uneven.

Even the folds of the dress had been shaped to give the clothing a natural appearance.

The joints were another matter.

The figure had movable joints, yet they were crafted so neatly that they were not easy to notice at first glance.

They had been fitted into the design without spoiling the appearance of the doll.

Ezra turned it slightly, inspecting the work from another angle.

It was a well-made piece.

As he examined it, he picked up faint Cognis fluctuations coming from the figure.

His gaze shifted towards Latifa.

So, she’s a Wood Alchemist.

The subtle fluctuations gave him a clue about the alchemy used in the crafting process.

Latifa had not simply carved a figure out of wood.

Her skill as a Wood Alchemist had helped her produce a result with such fine details and carefully made joints.

Ezra returned his attention to her.

"Thank you."

He said calmly.

Latifa’s face turned red almost immediately.

"Ahh... Than... I mea... No... What was I about to say?"

Her voice broke apart as she struggled to form a proper response.

She had been able to work on the figure without trouble, but now that Ezra Ashenlocke was thanking her in person, the words refused to come out properly.

Her hands shifted against the front of her apron, and she looked as though she wanted to say something else but could not decide what it should be.

Cyrus glanced at her.

"She’s thanking you."

He helped her reply.

Latifa slowly turned her head towards him.

The look she gave Cyrus was that of someone imagining his murder.

Cyrus ignored her.

He appeared perfectly satisfied with himself, as though helping Latifa had been an act of kindness rather than an excuse to tease her.

Lucy, meanwhile, had already taken the figure back from Ezra.

She held it up again and looked over the details, turning it slightly to see how the light fell across the carved dress.

Her excitement had not faded in the slightest.

"It looks so cool! I can’t wait to brag about it and show the other girls back at the Ashenlocke Estate."

She said enthusiastically.

Lucy smiled at the figure, clearly pleased with the result.

She had come to the shop wanting a custom-made doll of herself, and now she had one that looked just like her.

She could already imagine showing it to the other girls at the estate.

The tour guide returned from the counter after completing the payment.

He had used the black finance card provided by The Eclipse for Ezra and Lucy’s sightseeing, so Ezra did not need to handle the transaction himself.

"I’m done paying, Mr. Ezra Ashenlocke."

He reported calmly.

Ezra nodded.

"Okay, let’s leave."

He said.

He turned towards Cyrus and Latifa, raising a hand to wave goodbye.

Latifa, who had been standing near Cyrus, moved behind Cyrus as though using him to block her view from looking at the other Youngman.

Her face was still red, and she avoided looking directly at Ezra

"Bye, Miss Latifa, and bye, Mr. Cyrus."

Lucy said excitedly.

She lowered her head politely before following behind her master.

The guide was already approaching the exit, leading the way out of Wendy and Ralph Toy Craft.

Ezra and Lucy followed.

Just as they were about to leave, Ezra suddenly placed a hand on Lucy’s head.

He gently turned her face away from the entrance.

Lucy blinked in confusion as Ezra guided her to look towards the other side.

He then stepped in front of her, blocking her view while continuing to walk.

She looked up at him, puzzled by his sudden action.

Master?

Lucy had no idea what he was doing.

The entrance was just ahead, and the tour guide was already approaching it.

Yet Ezra had turned her away from the door as though he did not want her to see what was outside.

Before she could ask him why, the door opened.

Voices from outside reached them clearly.