Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 11: The Communication Crystal
Weber frowned slightly at the chicken pushed toward him after hearing Merlin’s words. “Hey, kid, what do you mean by this? Do you really think this is enough for me? Enough for me, hmm?”
“There’s only this much. What else can I do?” Merlin replied, pointing to the remaining chicken wrapped in the lotus leaf.
“Eat! You must eat in big bites! If anyone sees this, they might think Old Deng can’t afford a proper meal. Aren’t there plenty of red-crowned white-feathered chickens over there? Do it! Now! Immediately! Right this second!” Weber, having lived for so long, was tasting something this delicious for the first time. To satisfy his appetite, he completely ignored the years he had spent raising his prized white-feathered chickens.
As for the guilt his friend’s generosity might bring? Laughable! I’ve served these white-feathered chickens so painstakingly for so many years—they finally owe me this!
Meanwhile—far away in the Emerald Forest, the dwelling of the elves.
A massive bear lay lazily on the bright green grass, basking in the sun, when suddenly it seemed to sense something.
The brown bear, with its clumsy movements, slowly sat up. Its thick paws struck the air in front of it, opening a steady rift in space, from which a green figure flew out.
It was the same owl Weber had sent with his message. The owl landed on the bear’s shoulder, nuzzling affectionately against its head.
“You again, little rascal. If I hadn’t placed a tracking spell on you, I’d have no idea how long it would take for you to get here. Let’s see what my old friend wants to share with me this time.”
The seemingly clumsy bear began reading Weber’s letter. Seeing the affection and care he poured into the red-crowned white-feathered chickens, the bear couldn’t help but smile.
As expected of my human friend—so protective of the little pet I sent him. Those red-crowned white-feathered chickens are rare in the Emerald Forest, and he couldn’t bear to send more. Yet, with just the few I gave him, he’s bred dozens. Truly impressive.
“I suppose my old friend is still meticulously caring for those little darlings,” the bear thought.
Meanwhile, Weber, the demigod, was taking huge bites of chicken. Before him, two “beggar chickens” roasted on spits.
Nearby, invisible magical hands plucked feathers from the red-crowned white-feathered chickens, while several already plucked were being cleaned in the small stream.
“Old Deng, can you eat all this?”
“If I can’t, I’ll save some for later.”
Merlin looked at the empty spice bag in his pocket, sighing. “The spice bag is empty. I can’t make more. Oh, don’t forget to save one for me—I need it for tomorrow’s alchemy class.”
“What alchemy class requires food?”
“It’s for an incense assignment. I can’t make body powder or incense. Old Deng, do you think the food made with these spices is okay to submit?” Merlin asked, chewing on a chicken bone.
“So you’re a first-year, huh? I have to say, though incense mixing has advanced for a long time, it hasn’t really touched culinary arts. This is a new approach—maybe you could be the first to try it.” Weber munched on a chicken neck, thinking.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Black pepper and mint have long been used on dining tables.”
“That’s not development. That’s just sprinkling spices to enhance flavor. What you’re doing is different—it’s a miraculous effect created by combining spices.”
Weber’s words made Merlin pause. Maybe he really could make money through food.
“You’re right, but we’ll discuss that later. I need to finish tomorrow’s alchemy assignment first,” Merlin said, picking up a clump of earth containing a baked lotus-leaf chicken.
Weber hooked the clump with his staff. “This is a red-crowned white-feathered chicken. You don’t need to submit such a fine ingredient for class. Just use an ordinary chicken instead.”
“Wait, this chicken is valuable? Old Deng, I don’t have money right now, so don’t overcharge me.” Merlin eyed Weber warily.
Huffing, Weber said, “I’m not taking your money, kid. Your skills are impressive. For making something this delicious, I should be paying you.”
Merlin extended his hand. “Then give me the money.”
Thud, thud, thud—Weber’s staff tapped Merlin on the head. “Kid, you really dare to ask for it!”
“You said it yourself. Why wouldn’t I?” Merlin held his head, looking at Weber with mock grievance.
Weber chuckled. “You’re bold. No one’s asked me for anything in ages. But after eating your beggar chicken, I’m in a good mood. I’ll reward you with something.”
With that, Weber pulled a square crystal from his chest and tossed it to Merlin.
Merlin caught it quickly, staring at the semi-transparent, perfectly square crystal in confusion. “Old Deng, what is this?”
“Try channeling magic into it.”
Merlin infused the faint magic in his body into the crystal. Soon, it began to glow.
“This… this is…” Merlin’s face twisted in wonder. The glowing crystal displayed rectangular frames, each inscribed with a name.
At the very top was “Hesjones Weber .” Merlin felt he had heard the name somewhere but couldn’t recall where.
“Could this… be a WeChat for another world?” Merlin asked, puzzled.
“WeChat?” Weber blinked. “Where did this kid come from? What’s all this talk—‘WeChat’? What strange language is this?”
Merlin shook his head. “Never mind. Old Deng, how do I use it?”
Weber pointed to the topmost name. “Kid, that’s me. You can use magic to input the information you want into the crystal. Whatever you send will appear in my crystal. Convenient, isn’t it?”
Indeed, it was an otherworldly version of WeChat.
“But remember, it only works inside the academy. Outside, it won’t function.”
Merlin carefully put the crystal away.
“What’s this called?”
“I call it the ‘Communication Crystal.’ A great invention, isn’t it?” Weber looked at the boy in surprise. Merlin didn’t even seem shocked, as if he’d seen it before.
When Weber had first made the communication crystal, it had astonished many master alchemists.