CHAPTER 58: MORNING PREPARATIONS [2]

[Unfold and spread it open so I can do a scan. Face it towards the ceiling.]

Tatehan did exactly as he was instructed. He unrolled the map and faced it toward the ceiling. The Spaceship’s AI went silent for some seconds, but Tatehan could feel it doing something. A faint hum filled the air, almost imperceptible but there.

He knew it was in the process of scanning.

The AI’s scan took no less than thirty seconds before it said to Tatehan:

[Scan complete. Map has been copied.]

Tatehan rolled the map back up and summoned it to his inventory, watching as it dissolved into particles of light.

[Projecting map data now.]

The air in front of Tatehan shimmered. Then, slowly, a holographic display materialized, floating in the space between him and the pilot seat. It was stunning, actually. Magnificent to behold. Lines of light forming terrain features, markers glowing softly in different colors, routes traced in luminous threads that glowed gently.

The map was far more detailed in this form than it had been on paper. Tatehan could see elevation changes, marked territories, what looked like danger zones highlighted in red, and safe zones in pale blue.

"Damn," Tatehan muttered, stepping closer to examine it.

[The journey to Kael’s clan will take approximately four days on foot,] the AI said, its voice clinical and precise. [Possibly three if you maintain optimal pace and avoid unnecessary encounters.]

"Four days," Tatehan repeated, studying the route. His finger traced the path through the air, not quite touching the hologram but following its glowing flow. "That’s... a long walk."

[Correct. However, if you acquire a functional motorcycle as the radio suggested, the journey could be reduced to approximately eight to ten hours, depending on terrain conditions and the fuel efficiency of the core.]

Tatehan nodded slowly. That would be ideal. Find a motorcycle, kill some Shadow Goblins, get their core, and zoom straight to Kael’s home. Simple. Well, as simple as things got on Mars, anyway.

That was his aim now, by the way. He did not intend to trek that long. Who knows, the girl might have died before he even arrived at the supposed time.

[The route is pretty straightforward this time,] the AI continued, highlighting sections of the map in sequence. [Unlike when you embarked on the journey toward the mauler, most of this journey is just a vast expanse of land. Some areas are filled with monsters, though.]

"I see," Tatehan said.

The AI highlighted a location on the map, making it shine with a bright yellow glow.

[That appears to be where the damaged motorcycles are located. The Shadow Goblins inhabit that area as well. I’d suggest you go there, kill one, take its core, power one of the bikes, and head straight to your destination. We need to minimize time waste, as you still have significant work to do. You can bring the motorcycle back here after you’re done, t’ll make future missions much faster and more efficient.]

Tatehan stared at the map for a long moment, committing the route to memory. Every turn, every landmark, every red zone to avoid. His enhanced brain processed it quickly, filing it away.

[Would you like me to integrate the map data into your system interface?] the AI asked.

"My system can do that?"

[Yes. The map will appear as an overlay on your visual field. You will be able to access it at any time simply by thinking the command. It will function similarly to your status display.]

"That’s... actually really convenient. Do it."

[Initiating transfer.]

Tatehan felt a slight tingling sensation behind his eyes, not painful, just strange. Like a feather brushing against the back of his consciousness. The holographic map in front of him began to shimmer more intensely, its light growing brighter and more concentrated.

Then, suddenly, it fragmented, breaking apart into thousands of tiny points of light that rushed toward Tatehan’s face. He flinched instinctively, but the lights passed through him, or rather into him, absorbed directly through his eyes.

For a split second, his vision went white.

Then words flashed across his field of view, appearing in the same way his system notifications did:

[Map data received]

[Integrating with visual interface...]

[Integration complete]

[Map navigation system active]

Tatehan blinked a few times, adjusting. When he focused slightly, he could see a miniature version of the map in the upper right corner of his vision, translucent and unobtrusive, like a permanent heads-up display. When he concentrated on it with intent, it expanded, filling his entire field of view with the full route and all its details.

"That’s... actually incredible," he said, genuinely impressed. He tested it a few more times, expanding and minimizing the display with just his thoughts.

’Wow, just wow!’

He couldn’t believe that this was actually possible.

[I am designed to be useful,] the AI replied, and Tatehan could swear there was a hint of pride in its tone.

He dismissed the map with a thought, and it shrank back to its corner position, barely noticeable unless he actively looked for it. Perfect.

Words appeared across his retina:

[Congratulations host on gaining information]

[You have received knowledge points]

[HOST STATUS]

Name: Tatehan

Level: 4

Species: Human (Enhanced)

Knowledge: 53/100 [+ 3]

Repair points: 28/100

[ABILITIES]

• Gravity Manipulation - Level 6

• Regeneration (partial) - Level 4

• Enhanced Durability - Level 0.3

[Inventory:]

[Chakrams]

[Map]

[Sharp sword]

[Knight armor]

Tatehan stared at the words in front of him, paying close attention to his knowledge points. It was increasing at a rapid pace and he seemed satisfied with it as knowledge was really important on Mars.

Now that the route was settled, Tatehan’s stomach reminded him rather loudly that he hadn’t eaten yet. The smell of coffee brewing caught his attention, the AI must have started the process while he was distracted by the map display.

"Thanks," Tatehan said, walking over to the small kitchen area.

[You will need energy for the journey ahead. I took the liberty of preparing the coffee.]