The Wizard's Biological Chip Can Process Everything-Chapter 71: Lab

Flipping through the pages of the thick book the bald man had placed on the counter, my eyes settled on the detailed descriptions of the laboratories.

There were options for all kinds of specializations—engineering laboratories for building machines and devices, spaces for alchemists equipped with cauldrons, distillers, and precision tools, exclusive areas for rune writing, and even more specific subdivisions for those seeking something unconventional.

But I already knew exactly what I wanted.

I did not need to think twice.

—I want this one, I declared, firmly pointing to the page showing a laboratory for engineers.

The bald man’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and his smile widened even further.

He slapped his palm enthusiastically against the counter.

—Excellent choice, my boy! That’s one of the best we have around here. You won’t regret it, I can guarantee! Not only does it have everything you need to create anything from prototypes to finished products, but this laboratory also comes with a special storage area already stocked with various materials. Just imagine! It will save you a great deal of time and effort.

I took a deep breath, letting his words sink into my mind.

He was right—it was exactly what I needed.

But then my eyes fell on the listed price: 600 magic crystals.

It was a high amount, without a doubt.

I clenched my fists for a moment, feeling the weight of the sacrifice, but I knew why I had been saving that money.

This was the purpose.

This was the reason I had accumulated all those crystals until now.

—All right, I murmured, trying not to show my hesitation.

Taking the pouch tied at my waist, I slowly pulled it free.

The sound of the crystals clinking inside seemed louder than usual, almost as if they were protesting being handed over.

The bald man, with the speed of someone who did this daily, took the pouch and checked its contents, his eyes gleaming like those of a boy who had just received a new toy.

He weighed the pouch in one hand, confirmed the payment, and then opened a drawer of solid wood behind the counter.

From it, he took out a golden key—simple, yet adorned with intricate details that shimmered subtly under the room’s light.

Before handing me the key, he made sure to warn me.

—Listen carefully, boy. Do not lose this key. It is the only one you will have for your laboratory. If, for any reason, you lose it, you will need to pay another 600 crystals to regain access to your space.

—That’s because breaking the door or the walls would require hiring a specialized mage.

—The laboratory’s isolation and protection are of the highest quality.

—But if you are careful, you won’t have any problems. His gaze was serious and friendly at the same time.

With the key in hand, I turned and walked down the long white marble corridor, noticing the movement of other acolytes entering and leaving their laboratories.

Most seemed focused, almost cold, as if the presence of others was nothing more than a fleeting distraction.

Each carried tools or flasks, visibly absorbed in their own experiments and ambitions.

As I advanced, my eyes caught a group of acolytes ahead, gathered in a semicircle near one of the doors marked with alchemical runes.

They were speaking in low voices, but loud enough for me to catch part of the conversation.

—It makes no sense to use the Flower of Eternity in an unstable solution, said one of them, a thin, dark-haired young man, with conviction. —You’ll only create an uncontrollable energy explosion.

—But that’s exactly what we need, retorted a short-haired girl with sharp eyes, holding a small flask glowing with green liquid. —The energy explosion is the catalyst necessary to activate the Awakened Emerald Powder. Without it, the process remains incomplete.

—That’s absurd! shot back another, a three-eyed acolyte with a long scar across his forehead. —You’re forgetting that the residual energy could contaminate the entire batch! Are you trying to blow up the laboratory in the process?

They were so absorbed in their discussion that they did not notice my approach until I was just a few meters away.

The moment they saw me, the group fell abruptly silent, exchanging quick glances among themselves.

For a brief moment, I felt the weight of their eyes analyzing me.

That kind of reaction was common—many in the tower preferred to keep their ideas and experiments away from curious ears.

I did not mind the sudden silence.

I simply inclined my head slightly in a brief nod, keeping my expression neutral.

—Good afternoon, I murmured softly, with no intention of prolonging any interaction.

They did not respond with words, but the short-haired girl nodded back, while the others averted their eyes, resuming their conversation as soon as I passed them.

I continued down the corridor, the numbers on the doors passing by until I finally reached my destination—door 47.

The rune carved into the reinforced wood glowed faintly, indicating that the laboratory was sealed, waiting for its owner.

I took the golden key the bald man had given me and inserted it into the lock.

The click of the mechanism was clear and firm, echoing through the corridor.

I entered and closed the door behind me, which locked with several internal mechanisms.

I realized that if I lost the key, I would probably die in here—after all, no one would spend such a large sum of magic crystals to come rescue me.

I sighed, accepting the situation, and looked around.

Stone walls, some lined with cast-iron latticework.

High ceilings, with wooden beams reinforced by metal strips.

Chandeliers with industrial-style lanterns used copper pipes to conduct gas.

The floor was made of polished wooden planks, stained with oil and marked with signs of past use.

It seemed that someone had owned this laboratory before.

In some areas, there were iron plates where heavier work had been carried out.

There were long wooden workbenches with reinforced metal tops.

They had lower cabinets and upper shelves for storing tools and smaller components.

A vast collection of wrenches, precision hammers, files, saws, and steam-powered drills was carefully arranged.

Organizer boxes filled with gears of various sizes, springs, screws, leather belts, and small pulleys lined the shelves.

In one corner stood a large gas-powered forge, surrounded by molds for crafting custom metal parts.

A crucible for melting metals rested nearby, along with specialized tools such as iron tongs and molds for detailed creations.

Bars and ingots of copper, brass, black iron, vile iron, and even gold and silver for more delicate pieces were neatly stacked.

At the center of the room stood a large drafting table equipped with a drawing board, yellowed papers, rulers, compasses, and inks for sketching detailed designs.

There were also micrometers, calipers, and other measuring devices, as well as a sturdy prototype testing station mounted on a reinforced base with visible steam pipes and adjustable valves.

The tall metal shelves were packed with labeled boxes and glass containers.

They held everything from magical materials—energy-conducting liquids, lubricating oils—to raw materials such as nails and other essential components.

A satisfied smile spread across my face.

I stretched my arms to the sides, savoring the freedom of having a space that was entirely mine.

—Finally, a laboratory of my own, I murmured, letting the words echo through the silent room.

It is not exactly like my garage in my previous world... but who cares?

I walked over to the drafting table, where drawing boards, yellowed papers, rulers, compasses, micrometers, and calipers were laid out.

This will not do, I thought, letting out a brief sigh.

For other acolytes, these tools might be useful, but I had something they did not—my biochip.

Without hesitation, I began clearing the items off the table.

I picked up the drawing boards and yellowed papers, catching the scent of mold mixed with old ink, and gathered the measuring tools one by one. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Micrometers, rulers, compasses—all were stacked into a neat pile.

I walked to the trash bin near the laboratory entrance and discarded everything at once, without remorse.

Now, with the table completely clean, I sat down in the chair before it, crossed my arms, and allowed myself to think seriously.

In this world, there is no room for mistakes.

Here, I will not be manufacturing cocaine, something that would be entirely useless to mages.

I have to be careful.

If I create something impressive too quickly, I will end up attracting the attention of people I would rather avoid.

Something worse than the other acolytes... the mages.

The best approach is to focus on something that generates profit in the long term—something that keeps me within the average, yet still allows me to grow steadily and safely.

That will give me the necessary time to build a solid foundation without drawing the wrong kind of attention.

Besides...

A subtle smile formed on my face as the idea took shape.

Now that I have a laboratory, I can occasionally pretend to have doubts with Miguel.

He will think I am progressing gradually in engineering, exactly as he expects.

Nothing that would raise suspicion.

...

1535 Words