Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 547 Completion of Modification and Trial Deployment
The Grand Master was monitoring the life signs of the giant through various probe instruments. He took a moment to tilt his head and gesture to the somewhat messy workbench. A sensible disciple hurried over and, while tidying up, asked the questions that had come to mind.

"I've prepared all the necessary materials for the spells and rituals, as well as the humanoid experimental samples, over the past two days. I'll also practice after the modification surgery the day after tomorrow."

The subsequent cleanup work was completed as the master and apprentice finished their after-class Q&A session. The archmage then left Shadowcliff Castle for Winterless Academy after giving a single instruction.

It seems the luxury suite that was originally arranged will be useless, and even Master Zhang's own lord's bedroom and the delicate siren lady will be empty tonight.

Since the instructor has instructed us to prepare thoroughly, there is no room for carelessness. If we are not skilled enough and an accident happens in the future, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

The right thing to do is to endure hardship and work hard late into the night.

Ten days later, the first five power armor users underwent successful adaptation surgeries, with the final one being the modification of Kegan.

This short fellow, overjoyed to receive the honor of being personally prepared by the lord, not only showed no gratitude, but instead displayed a terrified expression, like the second brother tied to a chopping board.

"Boss, could we switch back to the Grand Mage to preside over the surgery?"

"Boss, I think I can actually wait a little longer. Doesn't Vicania also want this opportunity? We can give it to her, give it to her!"

"Ouch! Please, my stomach hurts!"

Kegan's protest was naturally suppressed by the lord's ruthless iron fist, who very considerately presented the facts and reasoned with him:

"What's the panic? Your boss has undergone ten days of intensive training. Trust me, I'm a professional."

"Besides, the teacher is watching right here, and there's also advanced restoration magic. What are you afraid of?"

These words of comfort seemed to have little effect; the short man still stubbornly clung to the edge of the workbench, refusing to lie down, as stubborn as a rock in a latrine.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him with words, Zhang Yuan's eyes flashed with malice. He stomped on Kaigen's toes and, just as the other man let out a loud shout, grabbed the anesthetic and gulped it down the dwarf's throat.

"Boss, you...you plotted against me..."

"Hmph, you don't know what's good for you."

Holding the scalpel—no, the surgical knife—Zhang Yuan chuckled twice, but his movements were meticulous and cautious as he began the pre-operative preparations.

He was a little nervous, as if he were doing a practical demonstration of his graduation project in front of his supervisor, but his hand holding the knife was extremely steady, showing a composure that would not falter even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him.

He started as a sword saint, and he hasn't lost his original signature skills.

Therefore, although his experience and expertise were far inferior to his teacher's, he was still quite skilled at wielding a knife.

Time ticked by as the clock hands moved, and Zhang Yuan, who was completely focused, finally understood the feelings of his teacher, who had been the chief surgeon in the previous operation. However, the latter was mainly physically exhausted, while he was mostly under psychological pressure.

No matter how impressive the boast, actions speak louder than words.

Even though he had mentally simulated the process many times beforehand and set up contingency plans, and even specially brought an orc from the academy to practice on, he still couldn't help but feel nervous when the time came.

Fortunately, he had a solid foundation, excellent aptitude, and some knowledge of necromancy. Although there were some flaws, he still managed to deliver a passable answer to his mentor. The next day, at the High Cliff Training Grounds, a wide, flat area located halfway up the mountain where the castle was situated, the training grounds for the Canaanites were renovated and used exclusively. At this time, all the high-ranking members of High Cliff, the artisans of Keen, and even Master Tyrantir himself were present.

On the playground, dust rose and sand trembled, as if a giant hammer was striking the earth, and the sand and dust on the ground danced and swayed with the deep, booming sound of the hammer beating a drum.

Surrounded by onlookers was a figure in black armor, Morty, who was wearing the first power armor.

The already tall ogre appeared even more imposing after being fully clothed. Its unpainted ceramic steel surface was dark black, making it look like a black steel golem.

The power armor without the anti-gravity rune is unusually heavy, making even a full-body suit of armor seem light in comparison. Moreover, Morty, who is trying the equipment for the first time, will need some time to adapt and break in.

The earth-shaking, dust-filled movements as they run and jump seem imposing, but in reality, they are a manifestation of the wearer's inability to freely control the sudden assistance from the metal muscle fiber bundles.

"Are you even capable? You look like a bear rolling around when you try to do a somersault."

Just two days ago, Kegan was knocked down by the mage and lay on the operating table like a dead pig. Now, he is full of energy and watching Morty's performance from the side.

"Boss, when can I wear this power armor?"

The shorty jumped up and down, shouting to his old buddies on the field, then turned to the mage, eagerly asking for his power armor, which was still just on paper.

"Didn't you say you were willing to give the opportunity to someone else? Well, I happen to be free these few days, so performing another surgery is just a side job."

Not far away, Viconia, who had been watching the Black Giant's clumsy performance with envy, now had her pair of pointed ears perked up and spun around like radars detecting some incredible information.

"No, boss, it's all my fault, please don't try to absolve me of this!"

Kegan immediately became agitated and almost jumped up.

Fortunately, the mage was just joking and quickly moved on. The dwarf breathed a sigh of relief but glared angrily at the dark elf who was clinging to the leader, only to be met with a cold laugh.

"What are you doing wearing power armor with that physique? Are you going to crouch inside a chestplate and pilot a golem? You could just crawl into a metal barrel and it would be the same."

"You black bean sprout, what right do you have to talk to me? You're all black skin, but if you peel it off, you'll see black bones. What kind of reformation are you talking about?"

One was feisty and the other stingy; neither was easy to deal with. After a few words of jabbing at each other's sore spots, sparks flew, and it looked like it was about to turn into a physical argument.

"The prerequisites for the modification surgery are extremely demanding. Unless one is exceptionally talented, even ordinary melee professionals would find it difficult to endure. As far as I know, you Drow are not known for your physical prowess, are you?"

"As for you, Kegan, do you think I went to all this trouble just to make this a toy for you? Power armor maintenance must be done in a special workshop and approval must be applied for every deployment."

The mage, who had dampened Viconia's scheming mind with a bucket of cold water, turned to berate the dwarf, who slumped over with an old face like a mole.

Once they calmed down, the two were finally able to refocus their attention on the drills on the field, their eyes still revealing longing, envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Thank you to Wandering in the Wasteland, After the Rain Stars 2, Book Friend 20180504105347803, Jakiro_J, and Book is My Fate 2 for your monthly ticket support, thank you!

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(End of this chapter)