I reincarnated in game

38 Plan B

Back at the inn, in the privacy of Hugh’s room, they sat down to discuss strategy.  Obviously, the mostly human population of Aldo had biases against Crystals of mixed race.  Their anxiety most probably stemmed from their fear that the mixed-race individuals had greater magic powers than ordinary human beings, and because of their inability to fully control that magic, they could harm themselves and others.  Some mixed race even lost their minds after losing control of their heightened magic abilities; this made them unpredictable. 

“I have to find a way to keep my Crystal lineage hidden.  Any of the security forces around Bishop Paul would be quick to challenge me, as they did today, because of my mixed race,” Hugh stated.

“What if we built a magic machine to make you less noticeable? Would that work?  I could help you.  I know where Pa and I used to get materials for the machines we made,” suggested Kenneth.

“That actually is a very good idea, Kenneth!” Hugh exclaimed.

Judi smiled at Kenneth’s reaction to Hugh’s praise.  “Your Pa would be very proud to know you came up with that plan, and that you will be able to help pull it together using the skills he taught you.”

Kenneth recalled a machine that he and his father had made.  “Pa and I once had to build something similar to what you will need when a prosperous businessman in Sdel asked us for help in shielding his considerable wealth.  We constructed a machine that was powered by an energy source to emit invisible rays which altered the perception of the covered target; it made gold objects and valuable artwork appear as if they were made of cheap iron and wood.  We made several copies of the machine and mounted them to posts and walls around his home.  The machine could be turned on and off at will so the homeowner could appreciate his affluence in its true form whenever he wanted to.”    

Picking up on Kenneth’s lead, Hugh said, “We can probably use that same technology for our situation.  We will just need to make it portable with the ability to create an aura that will surround my body and shield my Crystal heritage from view when I am wearing the device.”

Hugh was anxious to get started.  “Let’s go now and see what we can come up with … You can lead the way to the nearest shop.  We will need to work on it this afternoon.  We don’t know how long Bishop Paul will be staying in the city; it will likely be at least until the ceremony when they are to announce the engagement but we can’t waste any time!”

The three friends donned their outerwear and followed Kenneth through the streets to the business district and to the shops carrying the materials they would need,  They were surprised at how quickly his short legs carried him … he was obviously inspired by the thought of getting active in his father’s business once again.

At the shop, Kenneth took charge of identifying the parts they wanted to buy.  Hugh reminded him to inquire about a power source to charge the magic crystals Kenneth had already selected from the store’s inventory and also, to include a large spool of insulated wire.  He then turned to Judi and said, “I am going to need some type of harness; something that will support the camouflage device and keep it secure, and in contact with my body.  Why don’t the two of us look for some leather strapping and pouches while Kenneth finishes up over here?”

Together he and Judi picked out a selection of leather belts long enough to go around his body and over his shoulder.  They found a perfect little pouch that was able to be expanded or reduced by loosening or tightening the lacing around the three closed insides.  They rejoined Kenneth at the check out counter and paid for all the materials.  They then hurried back to the inn to start constructing their device.

“When Pa and I built the machine for the man in Sdel, we connected to the power source he used to supply his house.  Since our device has to be portable, I picked up a crystal that will need to be charged up using solar energy,” said Kenneth.  He pulled the object out of the supplies and handed it to Judi.  “Maybe you can find a sunny spot on the window to start building up its energy.” 

“Absolutely … I am happy to help,” she replied.  Kenneth’s shy smile did not escape her notice … he definitely liked the idea of being in charge.  She smiled back at him.

Kenneth set about constructing the actual device.  He assembled parts to magnify and enhance the signal which would emanate from the charged crystal, using a series of magnets to create an energy field.  He set up a cone receptacle to focus the magnetic flux onto a wire grid with four connection points.  He then picked up the pouch that Hugh had selected and inserted the apparatus into it.  A framework was devised to hold the solar powered crystal in such a way that the bottom part fit securely into the magnetic component while the upper end protruded out the opening in the top of the pouch.  The intention was that a bubble of invisible energy from the crystal would form an arc over Hugh’s head from its position on his chest, thereby camouflaging his Crystal features. 

Hugh had come up with the idea to braid some insulated wires together into four leads to conduct the magic energy created by Kenneth’s contraption to his extremities.  “Judi, I will need you to help me with this.  I need you to assist me in determining the correct length of each lead.  They will need to extend to each ankle and wrist.  We will connect the one end of the lead to the wire grid and secure the other end at each extremity using a cloth tie.  That way, the aura of energy from the camouflage device can extend over my whole body.”         

While Judi helped to make and measure the leads, her thoughts ran back to the personal aspect of Hugh’s desire to satisfy his grudge against the bishop.  The danger of what he hoped to do was very real.  She was concerned for him.  At the same time, she didn’t want to raise Kenneth’s awareness of just how crucial this device would be in keeping Hugh alive during his mission … Kenneth’s migraines were worsened by worry.  In a low tone, she spoke to Hugh.  “I know how much it means to you to be able to take revenge for the priest’s actions against you.  Please do me a favour and make sure that you don’t allow your feelings to cloud your judgment … you will need to keep your wits about you and be vigilant to the danger all around you,” she whispered.  “I don’t want to lose you,” she added, almost imperceptibly.

Hugh was touched by Judi’s disquietude.  “I appreciate your concern, Judi.  This is very personal for me but I will not let it blind me to the danger I will be in.”  Reaching down to where she was kneeling to take the leg measurement, Hugh put his finger under her chin and raised her head up until their eyes met.  “I promise I will be careful.  I wouldn’t want to lose you either,” he added softly.

The moment was broken by Kenneth’s cry of “Eureka!”  They both looked back at him to see what the cause of the outcry had been … he was holding up the completed assembly of the camouflage device … only the finishing touches of the harness and leads were needed; that and a test to make sure that it worked.

Together they contrived the harness and fit it to Hugh’s frame.  It looked impressive.  The three of them completed braiding the wires to the appropriate lengths.  Once the leads were completed and attached to the wire grid, Hugh tried it on.  The leather straps were slipped over his shoulders with the pouch holding the device positioned squarely in the center of his chest.  The loose ends of the leads were stretched and fitted; one on each wrist and each ankle.  Kenneth excitedly explained the design and how it worked to Hugh. “And here is the on/off switch on the side here,” he said, as he pointed to it.  Hugh adjusted the straps so it fit as snug as possible to make sure that he would be able to put it under his cloak without it looking too obvious.

“OK, let’s put the crystal in and test it out,” Hugh said as he donned his winter wear and put the hood up over his head.

Hugh turned it on. There was a very low hum which could be heard coming from the machine itself, but it was so faint, you would have to be up close to hear it. 

“Wow, Your skin changed right before my eyes,” Judi said softly.  “No one would ever take you for a Crystal of mixed race just by looking at you now.  That really works!”

Kenneth smiled ear to ear, beaming with pride for a job well done.  Hugh walked over to the mirror that was in their room; it was true, his Crystal features were not visible … his skin looked like pure human being!

“Great job, Kenneth!” Hugh exclaimed as he powered down the gadget to save the energy from the crystal inside for when it would be truly needed … the real test would come tomorrow.