Automated Magic: Artificial Intelligence and Mirrored Illusions

[Technology for All + Capitalism in Another World + Cyber-Farming + The Trials of a Timid Tycoon]

Cyril Victor has always believed that magic shouldn’t be an art monopolized by a privileged few or a weapon of war. It should be a basic right that lets everyone enjoy a hot bath.

Even if his “modular magic arrays” are extremely wasteful and utterly lacking in beauty, as long as they’re cheap enough, he can tear down the barriers of bloodline and bring warmth to every corner of the continent.

As the lowest-ranking “quota-expansion commoner” at R.A.T. Academy, Cyril squeezes the penniless prince, whose annual allowance is only 120 gold coins, and talks the down-and-out Sword Saint, who can barely afford food, into helping him. Together, they hammer out an arcane industrial civilization in a shabby dorm room, one that all of humanity can share.

He thought that once he’d made life wonderful for the whole world, he could retire to work on virtual worlds and AI, becoming a quiet hero behind the scenes. But…

“Cyril, the empire’s finances need you, the commoners’ livelihoods need you, and the rest of my life… needs you too.”, The Regent Princess, with dark circles under her eyes.

“Master, due to the excessive number of outsiders coveting you, I will be responsible for your meals, dressing, and social activities from today onward.”, The stern, cold-eyed German maid.

Cyril huddled in a corner with a black cat in his arms. “Jemani, calculate the probability of me achieving ‘personal freedom.’”

Artificial Intelligence Jemani: [Chain of thought initiated]: Detected that the boss has been jointly acquired by various power brokers, capital interests, and violent institutions. Conclusion: Because you want others to be happy so badly, you have become a rare “happiness resource” yourself. Recommendation: Give up resisting and stay cute.