Also, if we hit 50 Power Stones this week, I'll release 5 bonus chapters. Every bit of support helps keep this story going strong! 💪✨
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
George didn't bother with how John would handle negotiations. He checked into a hotel room, skipped dinner, and immediately fell asleep. Though it had been his Shadow Clone flying for thirty hours, all the fatigue returned to him once it was dispelled.
George woke at noon the next day, showered, and changed into clean clothes. He hurried to the restaurant, ordered three servings of steak, and devoured them. He followed that with a salad and a glass of grape juice before finally feeling recharged.
Back in his room, he shifted his consciousness to his Shadow Clone in Washington. Nothing significant had happened. However, he found that the book Problems for Clever Children was complete.
That day also marked the launch of the serialized novel Of Mice and Men. George controlled several Shadow Clones and went to the newspaper office with Ryan. The newspapers had already circulated, and early feedback was promising. George handed the editor thirteen prepared questions along with twelve answers.
The editor scanned them, chuckling and reacting with surprise. Then he looked up. "Mr. Orwell, it seems you're missing an answer."
"No, Jerry," George replied, having glanced at the man's name tag. George always struggled to remember names, though his memory was otherwise excellent—practically photographic. Names, however, required deliberate effort.
"Mr. Orwell? Are you listening?"
"Sorry, I was lost in thought. You can call me George," he said.
"No worries. Writers are like that—thoughts always racing. But yes, you've given thirteen questions and only twelve answers."
"That's intentional. It's meant to attract interest. Here's what I suggest: today, place the first question at the end of the article. Tomorrow, publish the second question and reveal the answer to the first."
"Ah, I get it. Clever idea."
"Also, please credit the questions to the book Problems for Clever Children."
"Is that your next book?"
"Yes, but only these thirteen questions will appear in the paper."
"Only thirteen? How many are there in total?"
"Three hundred. The book is filled with logic puzzles, lateral thinking challenges, and memory tests to help children think critically and creatively."
"I can already hear kids calling each other idiots," Jerry laughed. "Alright, I'll notify the layout team."
"Thank you. Also, do you have any publishing house connections?"
"Absolutely. I'll have someone inform you at the hotel once I make contact."
"Much appreciated."
"No problem—your material is great. I'm sure your book will be a hit."
George and Ryan left the office and headed to the zoo. George wanted to observe birds. Owls were too slow. He suspected that the wings from Shikotsumyaku only allowed gliding because they resembled owl wings rather than those of swifter birds.
At the zoo, George paid for hands-on sessions with two birds: a peregrine falcon, capable of reaching 387 mph, and a white-throated needletail, which could fly up to 353 km/h. The latter was small, perfect for covert observation.
They also visited the aquarium, where George hoped to study fish anatomy—perhaps to transform into one. There were countless shipwrecks in the ocean, and leaving them untouched felt wasteful.
Only dolphins and whales could be touched at the aquarium, so George used U.S. dollars for access. He ran his hands across them from head to tail, nearly being mistaken for a pervert, but successfully stored their body structures in his memory.
Later, back at the hotel, he realized those were marine animals. But he had the structure of a river eel memorized thanks to his chef skill. He could test it later in Lake Ontario.
That evening, George and Ryan had dinner in Ryan's room—mainly because they wanted to drink. Rather than risk suspicion, George didn't simply summon a bottle. Instead, he placed bourbon in the bedroom and had a Shadow Clone transform into an owl, fly out, circle to Ryan's window, and deliver the bottle.
Ryan, stunned, watched George open the window to receive the bottle from the owl. George laughed and explained that this was how he and his master used to exchange messages.
Ryan stopped asking questions. He listened to what George was willing to say and accepted the rest in silence. He often remarked that George had grown beyond his understanding, and with such a master, a quirky apprentice made sense.
George's main body later dined at a local restaurant, enjoying regional specialties. The taste was good—though nothing beat his own cooking.
Afterward, he strolled through town. The peaceful atmosphere felt idyllic. He walked a path that led to Lake Ontario and spotted the small hill he had visited earlier. He didn't stare at it long; if it was meant to be his, he'd enjoy it later. If not, no sense in lingering.
Alone at the lake, George created a Shadow Clone and had it perform Transformation Jutsu, changing into a river eel. The process took about a minute. George picked it up and tossed it into the water, shifting his consciousness into it.
It swam easily but had poor vision in the darkness. Deeper waters were pitch-black. Eventually, George had the clone self-terminate using Shikotsumyaku: Cranial Hemorrhage.
He also dispelled the ten Shadow Clones he had left on the road. Their combined experience flowed back to him. It wasn't overwhelming, and he noted that he could now glide farther—signs of progress.
He created ten new Shadow Clones with a specific task: refine a single peregrine falcon feather. Precision mattered more than speed.
George also had his Washington-based Shadow Clone begin patenting headrest designs for car seats. He planned to file for all the types he had seen or heard of in his past life—even electric ones.
Contrary to assumptions, cars in this era already had batteries. They used nickel-cadmium, nickel-iron, and earlier, lead-acid batteries—for lighting. Yet battery development had stagnated due to lack of demand. Innovation needed profit as a motivator.
In his past life, George had driven an electric car and studied battery technologies in detail.
Lead-acid batteries were old and no longer protected by patent, but nickel-cadmium batteries—allegedly invented between 1898 and 1902—might still have potential. George wanted to buy those patents and improve both battery types.
Done right, it would become a golden goose—producing long-term income. Both batteries were still widely used up to the time of George's transmigration.
He instructed his Washington Shadow Clone to list materials needed to improve lead-acid batteries. Once he returned, he would file a patent for the improvement method. With two patents in hand, he would have solid startup capital.
He didn't have to wait long. Three days after visiting the winery, John arrived with news. Negotiations were nearly complete. The total price for the land was $210,000, with an additional $10,000 donation to the local government.
Including taxes, fees, and John's $1,500 commission, the final cost came to $230,000.
George didn't hesitate. The expense was within budget. "John, I'll prepare $1,500 in an envelope. The rest is up to you."
Hearing that, John perked up. "Sir, if you're ready, I'll arrange for both parties to sign. The bank will coordinate the lawyers. You only need to sign."
"Excellent, John. Whether by check or contract, I'm happy to sign. So what are we waiting for?"
"Yes, sir. I'll make the arrangements now." John bowed and hurried off once more.
— End of Chapter 13 —
đź“ť Translator's Note
Thanks for reading! I'm thinking of launching a Patreon soon with early access to 10–20 chapters—would you be interested? Let me know in the comments!