LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 29
Chapter 29 Steam and Machinery, Magic and Mystery:
[You experienced a painless transmigration.]
[When you open your eyes, you find yourself in a world of steam and magic, and your body has changed into that of a 15-year-old—weak and ordinary.]
[You have no identification, no money, and nothing to your name—not even a bowl.]
[As a transmigrator, you resolve to remain calm. You take your time exploring your surroundings, determined to start anew in this strange world.]
Roaring steam echoed through the air. Gears meshed with rhythmic precision. Magic pulsed faintly in the atmosphere. At night, steel and steam intertwined with magic and mystery to form the bustling core of a massive city.
A shrill, piercing whistle jolted Xu Xi awake.
“Beep—!!!”
His eyes opened to the sight of towering red brick walls on either side. The dim sky above was faintly illuminated by the warm, yellow light of street lamps. Without warning, a rush of hot white steam erupted nearby, shooting skyward before colliding with the cold night air. The resulting reaction formed dense water droplets that briefly obscured his view before dissolving into a fine mist that slowly crept through the city.
This fog veiled the streets, leaving visibility poor. From various directions, curses echoed as people reacted to the sudden obstruction.
Amidst the chaos, a figure wearing a flowing robe and holding a wand floated into view. With a casual wave, the figure manifested a powerful firestorm that devoured the mist. The city fell silent once more.
“Praise the almighty magic and the noble God of Fire!”
Voices rose in unison as people offered prayers to the divine.
This era was steeped in magic. The faith of the gods permeated every corner of society, extolling both the might of magic and the convenience of steam power. Yet, hidden in the vast shadows of this gleaming city lay darkness—overlooked and ignored.
Xu Xi groaned as he struggled to rise from the filthy alley where he had been lying. “Couldn’t the simulator at least give me a decent start?”
The alley reeked of sewage, its foul black water corroding everything it touched.
Compared to his previous simulation where he had been a starving peasant, this beginning was equally miserable.
Xu Xi couldn’t help but suspect the simulator was deliberately tormenting him.
“First things first—I need food, shelter, and a plan. I’ll figure out the magic part later.”
Shakily, he stood and stumbled out of the alley. In this new simulated world, he was stripped of extraordinary powers, bereft of the eternal teardrop, and unable to rely on his sister’s strength. Fortunately, the three talents he had selected gave him the tools to carve out a new life.
[You take your first difficult step.]
[By asking around, you learn that you are in Allenson City, a northern metropolis renowned for its efficient steam technology. The city worships the God of Fire, the God of Blacksmiths, and the Goddess of Harvest.]
[You choose manual labor as a way to earn your first income.]
[Despite the backbreaking effort, you manage to earn your first meal and a paltry three copper coins.]
[Ten minutes of counting your money fills you with pride. You are pleased that your plan is working.]
[You settle in the slums, where food is cheap and housing is nonexistent. With a few pieces of scrap metal, you construct a makeshift shelter—a pitiful semblance of a home.]
A year passed.
Xu Xi endured the stench of the slums and toiled ceaselessly to survive. Over time, he gradually uncovered the truths of this world and prepared for his next steps.
This was an era ruled by gods.
People gained magical power through their devotion to deities, with their abilities growing in proportion to their faith. Those deemed worthy were chosen as divine agents, known as demigods.
Yet, there were others—individuals who sought to master magic without the aid of gods. These rare practitioners were called elemental mages. By studying and connecting with the fundamental elements of the world, they could wield magic. However, this path was arduous, fraught with challenges, and chosen by few.
Xu Xi had no interest in gods, but his talent for elemental perception made the path of the elemental mage a viable option.
After saving for a year, he purchased a bottle of low-grade slime from a store in the city center. It was a humble beginning, but it was enough to set him on his path.
In the filth of the slums, Xu Xi meditated. His elemental perception allowed him to sense the life energy within the slime, engraving its fluctuations into his spiritual consciousness.
He learned his first spell—Life Slime Generation.
With this newfound ability, Xu Xi left the slums and registered with the Magician Association as an apprentice mage. The association provided him with a stipend of ten silver coins per month, vastly improving his living conditions.
His rise from the slums to the status of a magic apprentice astonished many. Some believed he was a devout follower of the Goddess of Life, as elemental mages were considered mythical beings.
Xu Xi neither confirmed nor denied these assumptions.
In a world dominated by religious zeal, atheists were branded as heretics. The misunderstanding provided him with a convenient cover, allowing him to live safely while pursuing his ambitions.