I watched as Gawain activated its Self-Destruct Protocol. I also realized that it really was quite similar to my own version—at least, in that respect.

'Once it detonates, all the information it has will be uploaded to whatever server the Jared of this world has prepared for it. In any case, everything that happened here will be exposed to him.'

Did I really want that to happen?

'Well.. perhaps..' I stared at the Automaton in front of me, watching as its Magic Circuits began to overheat and fry.

In a second or two, it would explode, swallowing me and the entire building we were within in its powerful eruption.

'I'm disguised anyway. It's not like my identity will be deciphered. Besides..' A smile formed on my face as I looked at the battered thing. '... I'm curious to see how this world's version of me would respond to this.'

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—<

I contained the blast within a Magic Barrier, preventing the explosion from spreading much further from the Automaton itself. I could see the sizzling blast struggling to get out, but my Magic Barrier was far stronger than the struggling eruption.

In the end, it died down without too much trouble.

'Guess we're done here.' From the fight I just had, there were a couple of things I had deciphered.

Firstly, this world's Gawain was far weaker than mine. The Defensive Magic it had on, plus the material it was comprised of.. they were all subpar.

'Plus, it Self-Destructed. That means it was also aware that it stood no chance.'

I was tempted to project Gawain's weakness to its creator. Perhaps this world's Jared was not as strong as I had imagined? Perhaps I could handle him.

'No.. let's not get too conceited. I have to be careful here.' Just because this world's Jared was less skilled in making the Perfect Automaton didn't mean he was lacking in other areas.

Besides, he had hidden knowledge from this world's Merlin. He most probably had trump cards as well, making the situation more difficult than I could imagine.

'Then there's also Spellcraft. I can't use it currently. But if he can, then I'll be at a disadvantage.'

In the end, I still needed more time.

"Alright, then. Why don't I take care of the other issue I noticed since I entered this building?' A smile formed on my face as I looked at the far end of the factory.

There was a hidden door that was made to look like part of the wall. Beyond the wall-like door was a special room, and someone was dwelling inside it.

'I wouldn't have known if I didn't move this close.' My senses were also enhanced to their limits due to my being extra cautious.historical

The person on the other side had to be skilled at using Magic Distortion. Perhaps there was a Magic Device that allowed for something like that there.

'Let's find out.'

In no time, I closed the distance between me and the mysterious hidden door. Concentrating my energy on my fist, I readied myself and bolstered my defences—just in case there was a trap.

'Here goes..'

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!<

In one burst of power, I obliterated the wall before me, revealing the moderately sized room within.

It had a certain metallic smell, and I could see dim lights flashing around the room. There were shelves in every corner, and the centre had a large, sturdy table placed there.

Just one glance told me that this was a workshop—one belonging to a crafter, no doubt.

"E-eeek.." I heard a slight shriek come from the other side of the room.

A small figure was crouching down, trembling as she squeaked even more. She seemed to be the only person here.

Her yellow-blond hair and the oversized lab coat she donned, brought back memories. She had a small stature, and even the high pitch of her voice sounded familiar. Almost like—

>WHOOOOOOSSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!<

Three small flying Golems lunged at me from behind. They were strengthened with Magic, and each one would pack a heavy punch if they came into contact with me.

Unfortunately for them.. I was much faster and stronger.

'[Electro-Disruption Field]'

The moment they drew closer, my barrier paralyzed them, frying all their Magic Circuits in an instant. My gaze returned to the little one who remained crouched.

As soon as I stared at her, her skin jumped. She must have realized that her plan failed and she was now royally screwed.

"E-eeeeeppp!!!"

"What now? It's your call." I grinned, drawing closer to her.

The closer I got, the more she appeared smaller. This person.. looked very much like a child. An image flashed in my mind, but because she was wrapping her hands over her head, I couldn't see this person's face.

"P-p-p-please.." She suddenly slid to her knees and prostrated in front of me.

'E-eh?'

"... Have mercyyyyy!!!"

Her loud tone, and incredibly high pitch, made me almost laugh. It was so instinctive and natural that I did it without much thought.

At this point, I already realized that my suspicions were correct.

"You may raise your head.." I smiled at the little girl, or rather, the Loli. "... Anabelle."

Stiffening slightly, she slowly lifted her head, revealing the baby-like face of the girl I remembered. Her bright blue eyes were filled with tears, her nose was running and her soft cheeks were red.

It seemed she really didn't want to die.

eαglesnovel`c,om "What are you doing here?" I asked her, narrowing my eyes to imply that any false statements would mean her death.

Of course, I couldn't possibly kill Ana—at least, not until I was sure she would be a threat to me.

"I.. I work here.. in this factory." She muttered, more tears falling down her cheeks.

'I see. I suppose I should have expected this.' A smile formed on my face.

No matter the world, it seemed Ana didn't really change. Her love of being a Magical scholar, especially Engineering, hadn't changed.

The fact that she had this workshop proved it. She had to have been a key technological developer in this factory.

'Looks like I hit the jackpot!'

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[A/N]

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