Tech Hero in Another World

Ren stood before the matte-black steel capsule, his eyes locked onto the elegant yet brutal shape of the Techno Armor Mark 3 sleeping inside. The armor's surface, forged from Damascus Steel, reflected the soft light from the cave's ceiling—like a relic from a future that hadn't yet arrived.

But Ren merely let out a quiet sigh.

"This time... I can't use it."

Ultro's deep voice—now fully integrated into the base and all of Ren's combat systems—came from the main speaker to his side.

[A logical decision, Master. As you previously stipulated, this armor must be forged manually, without assistance from your transmutation ability. And due to Damascus Steel's unstable nature under alchemical manipulation...]

"Yeah, I know," Ren cut in, raising a hand toward the capsule, then pulling it back as if resisting temptation. "I made a promise to myself. I can't keep relying on Transmutation. Not just because of the risk... but because the more I use it, the duller my creativity becomes as a designer."

He glanced at the metal gauntlet already equipped on his left arm—the latest model of the Plasma Gauntlet Enhanced-Type, developed after a technical failure in a prior battle. Not as powerful as full armor, but far more flexible.

"This upgraded version hasn't been tested in real combat," he muttered quietly.

[Risk factor stands at 17%, but plasma output has increased by 220% compared to the previous prototype. This is currently your only viable option.]

Ren clenched his fist, and the blue lights along the gauntlet's edge lit up, pulsing slowly like a mechanical heartbeat. A gentle warmth spread along his arm—a sign the mini-reactor within was online and ready.

"In that case," he said, taking a deep breath, "I'll make every strike count."

Ren turned to the weapons rack, grabbing a lightweight chest plate made from mithril composite and nanofiber—a blend of modern technology and fantasy-grade metal. Though not as durable as his full combat armor, the gear was enough to withstand one or two fatal blows from mid-tier monsters. He then suited up in an all-black combat outfit made of flexible Kevlar, fitted with light armor across vital points.

Once the base gear was on, Ultro's voice echoed from the ceiling speakers.

[Your tactical vehicle, the trail bike unit, has been optimized. Suspension adjusted for forest terrain, engine power boosted by 15%.]

Ren gave a small nod and walked to a side garage tucked in the cave's west wing. There, a dark-black trail bike awaited him, its gas tank adorned with a glowing blue lightning bolt logo. The vehicle looked sleek, yet solid and cutting-edge—a blend of military engineering and futuristic flair.

"This bike wasn't even finished yet. I didn't get to test the transmission because I was too busy with the TPO project," Ren muttered, checking the manual indicators.

[I completed it last night. However, one caveat—the vehicle still runs on conventional fuel.]

Ren smirked. "Yeah, I know. Good thing I grabbed crude oil from the Samsara desert—"

[A full tank will cover a round trip within a thirty-kilometer radius. But I advise against using full acceleration mode more than five times.]

"Noted." Ren pulled the throttle slightly, listening to the smooth growl of the engine. "Either way, this isn't Tokyo Drift. I'm using this to infiltrate—not race."

[To my knowledge, you do not possess a driver's license.]

Ren chuckled. "Ultro, this is another world. There are no traffic cops. So who cares?"

Just as he was about to fire up the engine, the sound of small footsteps echoed from behind. He turned to find Kumara, already prepared in light travel clothes, wearing a beige scarf and simple leather shoes. Behind her, her two younger siblings stood quietly, looking anxious.

"I'm ready," Kumara said, trying to sound firm despite the hesitation in her voice.

Ren checked the small pack on her back and the emergency supplies she carried. "Make sure you two stay in the base," he said to the other two children. "Ultro will take care of you."

Kumara glanced back briefly, locking eyes with her siblings, then gave a slow nod before climbing onto the rear seat of the bike.

Ren pulled the throttle, and the engine let out a louder roar.

"Alright then," he murmured, slipping on his lightweight combat helmet, "time to go save our big cat."

The trail bike surged forward out of the cave, leaving behind a deep rumble that quickly faded into the quiet morning air of the Penal forest.

The rescue mission had begun.

---

Starford Academy, a majestic institution of magic perched on a small island off the western coastline, stands as a symbol of elegance and learning respected across the Five Western Kingdoms. The island lies a mere three hundred meters from the mainland and is connected by a sturdy stone bridge imbued with early magitek.

Here, Kiriya spends his days on a mission he cannot ignore—tracing the secret of Summoning Magic. Not the sort used to call familiars or minor spirits, but the kind that bridges worlds… magic that bound his fate to this realm.

That magic was first developed by Elanor La Voisin, the legendary Golden Witch, who graduated top of her class from Starford more than two centuries ago. Though her age has surpassed mortal limits, she has not reached transcendence—the mystical state where a witch is no longer bound by time. Even among a thousand sorcerers, only one might touch that level.

Kiriya spends hours in the main library of the academy, studying ancient scrolls, brittle manuscripts, and aging lecture notes. Yet none provide a concrete method to return to his world.

Growing frustrated, he finally summoned the courage to speak with Olivia, the young but respected White Witch and headmistress of Starford. To many students' surprise, Kiriya addressed her as though she were an old friend.

"I haven't mastered that level of understanding yet," Olivia admitted honestly, addressing her senpai by name. "Even Elanor only laid the foundation. She never perfected the summoning-and-return theory."

Kiriya let out a heavy sigh. "So… all those heroes summoned from other worlds—they're just summoned, used, then abandoned? Where's the reciprocity in this magic? It's like a one-sided contract."

"I know you feel this world is unjust. But you're not the first to arrive here with hopes of returning." Olivia rose from her seat and gazed out the tall window overlooking the academy gardens. "Use your time here to learn, integrate, and build connections. Perhaps another student's insight can help advance return magic."

Kiriya stared at the fine gravel courtyard with a troubled expression. "But…I think everyone in this academy is trying to keep their distance from me."

Olivia offered a small, serene smile—a gesture full of unspoken meaning. "People naturally guard against newcomers. Just give it time."

"Understood, Teacher…" Kiriya replied respectfully, giving a slight bow.

Olivia nodded and returned to her study, her white gowns drifting like mist with each step, disappearing behind the carved emblem of the academy.

Kiriya remained still for a moment, then let out a long exhale. The midday air felt crisp, the sky a flawless blue. He walked slowly down the garden path toward his new favorite spot: a small meadow hidden behind an ancient maple.

There, a blanket of fine green grass stretched out—perfect for lying down and watching the sky—offering a brief respite from the burdens of this strange world.

Once on the grass, he stretched out his arms and legs. "Saaigh… it's only been three days," he murmured, closing his eyes. "Honestly, this is shaping up to be a long, exhausting mission."

He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small silvery-black metal sphere. Its surface was smooth, etched with circular patterns and hidden panels. It was a gift from Ren—a sophisticated creation called the Buglton Sphere, one of Ren's quantum-energy experimental devices from Earth.

That sphere enables the user to equip the Buglton Suit, a stealth costume based on quantum fields that grants near invisibility, phasing through objects as though a ghost. In short: the suit lets you pass through matter without resistance.

Kiriya held the sphere for a long moment, then opened it to reveal an energy slot.

From a hidden pouch, he withdrew a tiny silver-blue capsule—the Quantum Force Cell. There were three in total. Each could power a full ten activations of the Buglton Suit.

(I never told him I brought this with me when I was summoned...) Kiriya thought, gripping the sphere tightly. (Meanwhile, he's back in this world, working day and night to rebuild his technology from scratch with minimal tools...)

A trace of guilt slowly crept into his heart. Ren has always been the brains of their team—the man with impossible ideas made real overnight. And now, while Ren fights to rebuild in this remote world, he himself is hiding a technology that could prove useful.

Pressing the Quantum Force Cell gently into the sphere, Kiriya looked up at the sky. His mission might be long—but with the tools and memory of his friend, he wasn't entirely lost.