Leaving his father's study, Ethan headed towards the family winery to collect samples. His steps were automatic, but his mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts. He was now Li Wei... but he was still Ethan, too. Technically, they shared the same body, but their memories and experiences were different.
If a logical hypothesis were followed, the previous owner of this body would have died in the accident, and his own consciousness would have somehow been transferred and reactivated in this new body. However, that conclusion raised too many uncertainties.
"It doesn't make sense..." he muttered to himself.
Concepts such as "soul" or "memory absorption" had no place in the framework of contemporary science. From a neurological perspective, his brain chip, AION, functioned as an advanced neurocomputational interface. Although it had access to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions crucial for memory consolidation and retrieval—it didn't implant memories. It merely stored them and optimized their retrieval.
But then, how was it possible that he knew Li Wei's story? Why did his mind not only retain those memories, but also feel them as his own? These weren't fragmented or externally stored information; they were lived experiences with a profound emotional weight.
Ethan pressed a hand to his forehead. There was a fundamental difference between remembering and being someone. And yet, the more time he spent in this body, the more natural it felt. As if his mind was gradually adapting to the new reality.
Was it possible that his own identity was changing?
Instinctively, he tried to remember his lab, the monitors illuminating the Erebo-X pod, AION's voice echoing in his mind. he still saw him clearly. He was still Ethan Vance. But at the same time, if he closed his eyes, he could just as easily recall the feel of the warm morning sun on the gardens of the Li family estate, the familiar hallways of his home, and her father's strict upbringing.
The contradiction was disturbing.
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. There was no point in getting lost in speculation without concrete data. For now, the only certainty was that he was there. No matter how or why, this was his new environment. If he wanted to survive, adapting was the only option.
Maybe he didn't understand it yet. But he would find the answer.
But that didn't change reality.
To the world, he was Li Wei.
To himself… he was still Ethan Vance.
For now, that distinction was enough.
While Ethan remained lost in his thoughts, they arrived at the basement. He observed the place for a moment before giving orders to the guards stationed there.
"Move a dozen jars."
The men nodded and immediately began working. For the moment, Ethan didn't have a suitable area to experiment or a laboratory, but he already had a solution in mind.
"Zhao Ren, I remember there's an empty basement in the villa."
Zhao Ren nodded respectfully. "In response to the young master, that is correct. It was vacated when the business expanded. It was previously used as a storage area, but your father left it unused."
"Good. Order the servants to clean it and move the jars there. I'll use it later."
"Understood, young master." Zhao Ren bowed respectfully before leaving to carry out the orders.
After giving the instructions, Ethan headed to his room. He needed to organize his thoughts, set an agenda with the next steps, and develop both short- and long-term plans.
"AION, review the list of viable wines and liquors based on current resources and conditions," he requested as soon as he entered his room.
[Analyzing raw material availability, infrastructure, and production methods...]
[Several viable options have been identified according to the current resources. Prioritizing efficiency and profitability, I suggest the following categories: Aged Rice Wine – Controlled fermentation with temperature adjustments to develop a deeper flavor. Fermented Fruit Liquor – Use of local fruits for market diversification, with high acceptance among specific sectors. Rice Distillate – Higher alcohol concentration, requires the implementation of a rudimentary still, but its demand is high in high-income sectors.]
Ethan reviewed the options in his mind. Aged rice wine was safe, but it would take longer to achieve concrete results. Fruit liquor was interesting but relied too much on the availability of fresh fruits. Instead, rice distillate, although requiring additional equipment, had a higher profit margin and could be positioned as a premium product.
rice distillate,If he managed to refine it, he could create a new superior product with less competition.
"We'll go with rice distillate."
[Confirmed. Compiling optimal distillation process based on available technology. Requires still installation, temperature control, and proper storage. Suggest evaluating materials for construction.]
Ethan nodded. This would mark the first step in his plan. He couldn't order a complete still, so he'd have to divide the fabrication into parts. Additionally, material selection and process control would be key to ensuring the quality of the distillate.
He took a brush and a piece of paper, starting to write a list of materials he would need:
Materials for the still: Copper or forged iron sheets, Thick ceramic vessels, Clay or resin seals, Sturdy wooden supports, High-quality charcoal or firewood.
Once the list was finished, he folded it and handed it to Zhao Ren, who was already waiting outside the door.
"Take care of getting these materials at the market"
Zhao Ren received the list with a respectful bow. "Understood, young master. Do you need anything else?"
Ethan drummed his fingers on the table, thinking about the next step. He needed to find a blacksmith capable of crafting the pieces separately.
"Also, find a reliable blacksmith, someone who accepts special orders. I need him to forge some pieces according to my specifications."
Zhao Ren nodded.
Ethan exhaled slowly. With this in motion, he'd soon have his equipment ready for the first distillation test.
"The next thing on the agenda is planning for the future. I'm currently in a stable position, but in this world, nothing is truly secure."
He watched the light filtering through the window. Despite the apparent calm, risk was always present. Here, where strength defines destiny, relying solely on his surroundings was not an option.
According to the information left by his predecessor, his talent for cultivation had been evaluated five years ago. Without spiritual roots, he was doomed to irrelevance in the eyes of this world. The only viable path is: technology.
"If cultivation is not an option, then the only logical answer is to follow the path of science and technology." The words faded into the air. The idea made sense, but putting it into practice was another matter.
"How should I proceed with the available resources?"
Ethan analyzed the answer. The world was trapped in a cycle of cultivation and stagnation. For years, people had clung to ancestral teachings without questioning them. With no incentives to innovate, technological progress was nonexistent.
Ethan sighed. He didn't have time for speculation. The world would continue to function under its own rules, but that didn't mean he had to follow them.
"The first step is to secure my position. Relying on what already exists is a limitation I can't afford."
Ethan let out a faint bitter smile. "The distilled wine is a good starting point, but it's just a means, not an end."
This world was ruled by sects, clans, and dynasties, and surviving in it meant adapting to their power structures. Even with technology, a single man wouldn't change anything.
"I need individuals I can shape from the start."
But not just anyone. Cultivators were out, at least for now. Also, adults with minds too rigid, trapped in their own vision of the world.
"Young people. Capable of adapting. Without pre-established loyalties."
Ethan closed his eyes for a moment. Technology was the key, but without the right people, it would remain just a tool without purpose. If he wanted to build something with real impact, he would need more than just ingenuity. He needed control.
"Protection and defense... Before developing weapons, I need to make sure I have the right materials, specialized tools, and an efficient production method." Ethan reflected aloud, his mind focused on the essentials.
AION, provide options. I'm looking for functional weaponry that doesn't rely on advanced technology but is superior to mecha weapons. Its power and reliability should be enough to face the threats of this world.
[Analyzing requirements…]
[Spark weapons have limitations in terms of rate of fire, reliability, and power. spark pistols, which are more portable but less accurate and have a shorter range, spark rifles, which are more effective at a distance but less maneuverable. Initial production is feasible with handcrafted methods, though with limitations in consistency and volume.]
Ethan nodded. Reloading speed was still an issue, but among his options, these weapons were the most realistic.
The spark pistol offers mobility. A backup weapon, easy to conceal. —He crossed his arms, evaluating the alternative—. But the spark rifle gives me more range and power. Facing a cultivator at a distance could make the difference.
"We'll make both," his tone left no room for doubt. "Now, the materials."
[Confirming choice…]
AION processed the information before continuing.
Required materials: steel and wood for the structure. For black powder, sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter are needed. Expected limitations: assembly precision, steel quality, and powder consistency.
Ethan drummed his fingers on the table. Gunpowder was as essential as the weapon itself. Without it, any effort would be in vain.
"AION, identify viable sources of saltpeter in our immediate surroundings."
[Analyzing…]
Natural nitrate deposits can form in stables, latrines, and soils rich in decaying organic matter. It is recommended to inspect these areas to assess the feasibility of extraction.
Ethan nodded. If there was enough saltpeter, he would just need a method to purify it.
I'll send someone to check those places. If there's enough material, we'll start gathering immediately.
[Feasible plan. Proceed with the material acquisition phase…]
Ethan exhaled slowly. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but it wouldn't be impossible either. It all started with a solid foundation.
"Then, let's first consolidate the steel production."
The first step of his journey had just been defined.