I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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Edgar’s response was a perfect remedy for the inhabitants of the territory, who had long been in dire circumstances.

As the saying goes, one action is worth a thousand words; without unnecessary rambling, he convinced them with clear action.

“It’s heaven… Long live Edgar Fix…”

And that action was to allow them to enjoy the benefits of civilization, even if just for a few hours.

Inside a massive PVC tent that completely shielded them from the blazing sun, they were able to feel the cool breeze from the air conditioner and sip on sweet shikhye.

“Get some good rest. To work for me, you need sufficient rest.”

Edgar did not stop there; he even provided bedding.

He supplied comfortable pillows and beds for all 500 people.

However, the bedding Edgar provided was on a whole different level compared to what commoners used.

A peasant’s bed was usually just a rag filled with straw and cotton, offering little comfort, barely better than sleeping on the bare floor.

“What, what is this…!?”

But the bedding Edgar provided was modern.

The mattress was designed ergonomically, maintaining its bounce with springs and filled with memory foam processed from polyurethane.

It felt as if they were lying on a cloud.

“This, this, this texture!!!”

Not only that, the sensation of the blanket was worlds apart.

To peasants, who used nothing but coarse rags that felt like rags as blankets, the blanket Edgar provided was nothing short of silk.

Rubbed against the blanket brought an overwhelming pleasure.

This was happiness.

“Ah… Aah… This is life…”

Thus, the inhabitants of the territory drifted into a nap in heaven.

They luxuriated in the rare comfort of falling asleep under a blanket, feeling the air conditioner’s cold breeze.

Those who had always lived in constant anxiety now slept peacefully for the first time in a long while.

“Yawn~”

It was when they woke up feeling refreshed.

Having never slept in such a comfortable environment before, they had lost track of time.

It was already 7 PM.

“But what’s that smell?”

Upon waking, they noticed a delicious scent wafting from somewhere.

Though it was their first time smelling this aroma, they could tell for sure that whatever was causing it smelled incredibly appetizing.

The awakened territory inhabitants began to move, hypnotically drawn to the aroma.

The smell came from beyond the tent’s curtain.

Someone was bustling around and cooking on the other side of that curtain.

“Wh-who’s there…?”

The representative of the territory inhabitants, Gric, opened the curtain to confirm the identity.

And the ones busy cooking on the other side were none other than members of that damn club.

They were loyal followers of Edgar, who had come to fry some chicken at his call.

“I am Anthony, Edgar’s closest friend. I am preparing a meal for you at Edgar’s earnest request,” Anthony boasted, wearing an apron, hygiene gloves, and a scarf.

At that moment, David, who was dipping the chicken in the batter, shot Anthony a sharp glare, his voice dripping with annoyance.

“Edgar’s closest friend? Who do you think you are to lie like that? The number one loyal follower of Edgar is me, David.”

The two friends, David and Anthony, bickered about who was more in Edgar’s favor.

In any case, Gric realized they were Edgar’s subordinates responding to his summons.

The new lord was planning to grant the inhabitants a meal.

“Wait… What else is the new lord going to give us…?”

The territory inhabitants swallowed nervously and nodded.

What kind of food could it be? They gathered in small groups, sharing excited discussions.

“Everyone, line up! One by one, take your turn!”

By the time the aroma of chicken began to spread throughout the area, the 17 slaves finally appeared, bringing out a heaping load of fried chicken to distribute to the territory inhabitants.

The golden olive chicken, fried using a modern recipe, was intoxicating enough to drive the inhabitants wild with excitement.

At that moment, when every inhabitant had received one chicken, a voice called out.

“It wouldn’t be complete without beer.”

Edgar, who had visited the capital, entered carrying a massive barrel of beer.

As soon as Edgar walked in, all the territory inhabitants hastily bowed their heads in respect.

“Chicken and beer go hand in hand.”

Edgar placed the beer barrel on the table and began distributing it to the inhabitants.

Each was provided with at least one cup, and for those wanting more, there was plenty to refill.

When everyone had their chicken and beer, Edgar stood on a makeshift platform.

“I know you must be hungry after going to sleep without eating. So go ahead and eat your fill first. We’ll talk later.”

With that, Edgar stepped down, urging them to eat.

As he stepped back, many of the territory inhabitants thought:

Surely, the new lord is different from the others.

He understands the desires of others instead of just expressing his own.

“What, what is this… what on earth is this flavor…?”

A chicken tasting session commenced.

The crispy coating and the savory chicken meat entered their mouths.

And in that moment, their mouths became a festival.

An unprecedented burst of flavors that they had never tasted before began to wildly awaken their senses.

“Ah… Aahhh…!”

Why are tears streaming down my face?

This was like a starving kitten having its first taste of treats and bursting into tears.

Having previously eaten hard bread dipped in frog soup, the simple act of eating chicken was enough to move them profoundly.

“It’s so… so delicious…”

What unfolded inside the hall was a bizarre spectacle.

It was nearly impossible to tell if they were eating chicken or crying as all the inhabitants wept while consuming it.

This was because their lingering sorrows erupted in that instant.

Since it was common to see territory inhabitants starving, the wonderful taste of such high-calorie food brought forth tears of joy.

“Did we cook it properly…?”

The damn club members exchanged awkward smiles while scratching their heads.

Having lived a luxurious life, they couldn’t possibly understand the feelings of the territory inhabitants, but they felt good knowing they had done something good.

“The food you just ate is called chicken.”

After the tearful chicken tasting session ended, Edgar stepped up to the platform and began to speak.

Everyone focused their swollen eyes on Edgar.

Eventually, Edgar said,

“As you can taste, this is not something you can commonly eat. It is typically served at the tables of nobles.”

“……”

“But I promise you this: From now on, this chicken will make its way to your table once a month, or at least once every two months.”

……!?

Everyone’s jaws dropped in surprise.

They were already satisfied with having tasted something that they would only ever experience once in their lifetime; that such food could regularly appear on their table was beyond belief.

“Of course, that is impossible at this moment. It will only be achievable when my plans in my head materialize to a certain extent.”

However, Edgar shifted the topic.

He changed the subject to emphasize that his plan needed to precede the chicken consumption.

The audience began to wonder what Edgar’s plan was.

“And my plan is to make my territory the richest in history.”

With that, Edgar announced his plan for the “richest territory in history.”

Everyone swallowed nervously, focusing intently on Edgar’s words, when he dropped a bombshell.

“And at the center of this plan, you must be included. I need your help.”

He was talking about how he needed the territory inhabitants for his grand plan.

For a mere commoner like himself.

“I will establish industries. And the driving force behind the industries I envision will be you. Only your passion and labor can turn my plans into reality.”

“……”

“So work for me. Work with all your heart and soul. Then I will surely reward you. You will become a part of the richest territory in the Empire, making chicken and beer your daily life. The bedding you rested on today, this comfortable temperature, will all become your everyday reality.”

Thump. Thump. Thump.

His heart raced wildly.

From the very start, he wanted to work for Edgar; he felt a restless urge brewing within him.

What the territory inhabitants yearned for was simple.

They only wanted to eat well and sleep well.

But what Edgar promised was more than that.

He secured them a “humane life.”

“Be rewarded according to the effort you put in. Be ambitious and pledge loyalty to me. If your capabilities are recognized, you will receive sufficient rewards.”

The atmosphere began to build.

Just moments ago, the territory inhabitants had been crying as they tore into the chicken, now one by one, they rose to their feet.

With fiery eyes, as though they would destroy everything in their path, they looked up at Edgar.

Eventually, one of the territory inhabitants raised an arm and began to chant a phrase.

“Fix!”

That word was “Fix.”

It was the surname symbolizing Edgar, a former blacksmith.

And “Fix” was also a commoner’s surname.

It was an all too familiar name for the territory inhabitants.

“Fix!”
“Fix!”
“Fix!”

However, today, the “Fix” chanted by the territory inhabitants was not simply a name representing a blacksmith.

It was the banner of loyalty they would dedicate their lives to serving.

As they were captivated by Edgar’s vision and values, they chanted “Fix,” their voices echoing even louder.

“Fix!”
“Fix!”
“Fix!”

To them, “Fix” had become akin to a religion.

Edgar, who transformed their biggest headache into his subordinates, gave them their first command.

The order was to approach the other Demon Church organizations scattered throughout the territory and sway them.

This was feasible because the Demon Church operated by Gric was the largest in the territory.

The Demon Church, which had formed as a loose network, was influenced the most by the largest Demon Church because Gric had unwittingly impacted other organizations.

In essence, Gric held a firm grip over the Demon Church organizations within the territory.

“Yes, my lord! I will definitely sway them.”

Thus, Gric began to contact other Demon Churches he was familiar with.

He met their leaders and urged them to abandon the church.

“Are you out of your mind? Bowing our heads to nobles?”

“Stop spouting nonsense.”

“……What?”

“You need to experience the greatness of Edgar Fix. Follow me.”

And the way Gric recruited other Demon Churches was simple.

He first invited their leaders to his camp for a cool air-conditioned sanctuary, serving them shikhye.

With chicken and beer while explaining Edgar’s grand plan, another fervent believer of the Fix faith would be born.

“I can’t believe I believed in such a ridiculous religion; I repent. I will come back immediately with everyone.”

“Exactly. Dedicate your hearts to Edgar.”

Thus, various organizations began gathering at Gric’s camp.

They needed to be revived to become human again.

Sophie still lacked the ability to purify hearts entirely, so Edgar’s surgery was essential.

“Just one more day left.”

Having successfully removed a considerable number of small organizations using Gric’s influence, Edgar needed to participate in the ritual tomorrow to dismantle the bishop, the root cause of all this.

That damn bishop, who had become a half-human half-demon after violating the body of a deceased maiden.

“I’m looking forward to the expression of the bewildered fool.”

The bishop would appear at the gathering wearing a red mask.

However, many followers would be absent from tomorrow’s gathering.

This was because Gric had patched up numerous broken heads from countless visits to small organizations.

“I’ll clean them all out.”

So, Edgar smiled while gripping the incomplete handle of the Crucible.

If the plan concocted with Gric and his gang worked well, they could significantly charge the hellish energy, the main power of the Crucible.

The strongest magical sword, long awaited, would be born.