Reincarnated With the World Domination System-Chapter 30: The Steelborn Tortoise

The steel shell shivered under Rael's call.

It swayed left and right for a few seconds before the thick legs of the steel tortoise slid through gaps in the shell.

A small earthquake shook the junkyard when those legs touched the ground, causing broken appliances to tumble from their mounds with a loud clatter.

A second later, the head eased out, exposing itself to the world and, more importantly, shocking the orphans.

The Steelborn Tortoise's eyes settled on them, shining emerald, full of care, affection, and wisdom.

"Grandpa?" Anne whispered, clutching her teddy bear.

Other orphans looked at her, then at one another, and nodded.

They all saw the grandpa within their guardian as well.

The Steelborn Tortoise yawned and lowered his head to Rael.

"It has been a long slumber, one that awakened me in a different state and in a new world, yet one I gladly welcome. Lord Rael, I implore you to bestow upon me a new name, on which I shall swear an oath of loyalty and allegiance to you."

"You're Togis, the guardian of my people and me," Rael said after a moment of thought, surprised that his Steelborn seemed older than he was.

"On my new name, which defines my existence and purpose, I, Togis, swear an oath of loyalty and allegiance to Lord Rael, my creator and savior."

The tortoise bowed so low that his chin brushed the ground.

What am I supposed to say now?

[Allow me to assist you.][You have received a new quest!][Answer Togis' oath in a grand and royal manner to welcome him to your ranks.][Reward 10 000 EXP]

You're forcing me to squeeze out every brain cell for that reward, aren't you?

[Yes. Lord Rael is the future World Dominator. Togis has taken this seriously and ceremonially. A noble response is required, and the reward matches the gravity of the moment.]

Rael straightened and copied Togis's posture.

"On my name, Rael, I welcome you into my family."

"Haha! I am honored, Lord Rael," Togis said with a hearty smile.

[Quest complete.][You have gained 10 000 EXP.]

Rael turned to the others and told them that Togis was their ally and, given his age, deserved respect.

There was no need. They already saw the grandpa inside Togis.

"Will Grandpa protect us?" Anne asked.

"No harm shall befall any of you," Togis replied.

Anne's red eyes twinkled. "Will you tell me a story—"

"Grandpa!" the boys cut in. "Rael said you're like a car! Can you open your shell?"

Togis glanced at Rael.

One look gave permission, and the tortoise split his shell along the side.

A small staircase unfolded.

Not everyone could fit inside, so some climbed onto his shell while others filed into the interior.

A single screen showed Togis's view of the world, which was entertainment enough.

While the children swarmed around him, Togis lowered his head so Anne could talk with him.

Rael stepped back and spoke with Dominica.

Shiran is nearly done as well. He'll be able to enter the real world soon.

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[Indeed. He is eighty-five percent complete.]

You know what I'm thinking, right?

[I can tell.]

I expected a giant baby, but Togis is actually an old sage.

[That title fits, though our data are limited. Is Lord Rael worried about loyalty issues?]

What do you mean?

[Compared with Shiran, Togis is a seasoned Steelborn, seemingly carrying memories from another life. He is already a fully formed individual, while Shiran still needs guidance. Each case brings its own risks and benefits. Togis's experience could lead him to question Lord Rael's decisions.]

It's like The Future Garden and its mandatory military service.

Rael had learned from Alexandra that children in The Future Garden were trained for war from a young age, leaving them no other prospects.

Shiran was similar, except that he served Rael.

Beyond constant battles and training, Rael let Shiran spend time as he pleased.

At first, Shiran was lost, so Rael suggested they watch anime together.

Now the little one loved hero shows, but only if Rael watched with him.

Everything rests on our values and transparency. As long as I am honest with Togis, we'll find common ground. His experience is a valuable asset. I'm willing to listen and learn from everyone. I'm not the old me anymore; I can talk with others.

[Understood, Lord Rael. I am proud of you.]

Thanks. Any idea why we got an old sage?

[It is tied to Lord Rael's bloodline. As the World Domination System, I can tell that your bloodline shares a fragment of soul with Steelborns. It does not always mean a new life born from your soul. It is part of your divine talent, perhaps similar to the God of Machima's ichor, which allowed me to reincarnate you.]

So we need more data, right?

[...That is my catchphrase.]

Dominica! Are you angry or jealous?

[I am not.]

You sound like you are!

[I do not.]