Reborn With A Technology System In A Fantasy World

"Ahem. At least, that's what your age is meant to be. Though I, for one, refuse to believe it. Goddess only knows what you truly are."

Adrian wasn't focused on Charles's parting words. This wasn't the first time the members of his inner circle had bothered him on this matter, casting doubt on the nature of his existence.

He chose to ignore the jab as his mind was instead seized by the core of Charles's argument.

His entire strategy had been based on maximizing work hours against a fixed deadline. He had treated morale and the human spirit as minor, inefficient variables to be managed.

Charles's point reframed the equation entirely. Hope was not a distraction; it was a force multiplier.

Ten years, for a broken and terrified populace, was a countdown to annihilation. Ten years, for a united and motivated people, was an eternity to prepare. He saw the flaw in his cold calculations.

Within milliseconds, a new strategy began to form in Adrian's mind. It was not a vague idea but a beautiful, intricate plan. After a moment of internal processing where he stress-tested the concept against a dozen variables, Adrian had a clear path forward.

He looked up and the others watched him with apprehension and hope. They expected him to argue and dismiss their concerns with cold, hard logic.

But finally, he spoke, his voice as level as ever, yet carrying a new approach. "Your assessment is not without merit."

The tension in the room eased by a fraction.

"My previous calculation was flawed," Adrian continued. "It prioritized a linear model of production and failed to account for the exponential variable of sustained morale. Long-term stress degrades cognitive function and collaborative efficiency. A demoralized populace is a liability. Your proposal, while emotionally driven, has a logical basis."

Eli blinked and a slow wry smile spreading across his face. "So… you're saying we can have the festival?"

"We are," Adrian confirmed, and a wave of relief washed over the room. Before the celebration could begin, however, he raised a hand. "But it will not be a simple festival. It will be the single largest strategic mobilization this place has ever seen."

Confusion immediately replaced the former relief. It was Varyn, with his experience running a duchy, who voiced the immediate concern.

"An outstanding plan for the capital, Adrian. But the Kingdom of Zarion is vast. How can a single festival in New Haven unite everyone. Many will feel left out, and it could breed resentment instead of unity."

Adrian offered a slight nod, having anticipated the exact point. "Nice observation. What I am about to propose for New Haven is merely the pilot program. The true initiative will encompass all of Zarion. We will not be holding a single festival. We will be launching a kingdom-wide event. We will call it The Gauntlet."

A holographic schematic came to life from the System onto the table, displaying a map of the entire kingdom.

"The Gauntlet will have three phases," Adrian explained, his voice taking on the clarity of a general outlining a campaign. "Phase One: The Royal Proclamation. I cannot be everywhere at once, but my voice can be. I'll produce about a hundred of these."

A three-dimensional image of a glowing, fist-sized crystal orb appeared.

"This is an invention I've had in mind recently. I'll call it a Proclamation Orb. Like the Mark 2 Communicators, they will be magically linked to a master orb here in the command center. At a designated time, I will make an address, and my image and voice will be broadcast from every orb in every major town square simultaneously. For the first time, the people of Zarion will hear from their king as one."

The sheer audacity of the idea was stunning. Eli's jaw was slack, and even Charles looked impressed.

This wasn't the first time Adrian had shown to be capable of such mind-blowing innovation. The transmission tower by the mountains was a perfect example.

But they saw this as something entirely different. It was akin to video communication. The potential of what he said was a game changer!

"Phase Two: The Local Gauntlets," Adrian continued, tapping the map, causing dozens of towns to light up.

"Every town will be instructed to hold its own Gauntlet, following a set of rules and guidelines sent from the capital, New Haven. This empowers local leaders and fosters healthy competition. Papa," he looked at his foster father, "your security forces will oversee the tournaments of arms, identifying the strongest warriors. Jeffery, your logistical corps will manage the innovation expos, seeking out the cleverest crafters and engineers. Mama, you will draft the guidelines for a different kind of contest... one of debate, problem-solving, and community projects, designed to identify natural leaders."

"And Phase Three," Adrian said, zooming the map back to New Haven, "The Champions' Summit. The winner of each category from each town does not merely get a local prize. They win the highest honor: an invitation to the capital to represent their home. They will be brought here, to New Haven, for a final round of evaluations."

He let the brilliance of the final move settle in. He wasn't going to waste months traveling the kingdom to find his best assets.

He was creating a system where the most talented, ambitious, and powerful individuals in the entire nation would be motivated to come directly to him.

Varyn looked completely humbled. "In twenty years of rule, I never conceived of something on this scale. This… this is how you build an empire."

Eli slammed a fist on the table. "A kingdom-wide tournament? This is awesome, lad! When do we start?"

"Immediately," Adrian replied. "I'll lay down the guidelines for the execution very soon. It's left for the rest of you to discuss the organization. I'll handle the orbs as expected."

Adrian hesitated for a moment before deciding to add what he considered another brilliant idea.

"While the kingdom celebrates and competes, the festivities will provide the perfect cover for our most critical infrastructure projects. Charles, you and I will oversee the installation of the Kingdom wide magic network conduit—"

"Hold on, boss."

"Is there a problem with the objective?"

"None at all. It's brilliant," Charles admitted. "But I think you misunderstood the point of our little talk. This whole thing... it isn't just for the people. It's for you, too." He gestured around the table at the others, who all nodded in agreement.

"I'd love to work, you know I do. But not this time. You'll be out there. You'll watch the tournament, you'll judge the inventions, and you will join in on the festivities as well."

Behind his mask, Adrian's lips curved into a wry smile. His immediate, instinctual response was to refuse.

He could monitor the events remotely while accomplishing a dozen other tasks. But as he looked around the table, he was met with a united front of expectant stares.

They weren't just suggesting it; they were demanding it. He was cornered and to refuse now would be to undermine the very principle of morale he had just logically conceded to.

Adrian let out a sigh in resignation.

"Alright. Let's do this."