NOVEL FROG Chapter 398: Videos and Potatoes!
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Several explosions rang out in the air and a wide spectrum of colors played out as if there was no tomorrow. There was devastation and destruction, the fields scarred and scorched with every clash, the forest of ice encroaching by the minute.
Yet despite how destructive the scene was, there were no shockwaves disturbing the air and there were no tremors running throughout the ground. It was a rather peaceful time, only the calming and cozy scent of home wafting al, throughout.
The reason for that was because it was not that everyone was fighting, but rather, they were watching the video Grey had just taken as a test run of the brand new and improved camera, everyone's eyes latched on to the movie.
"Waah～! This is amazing! Everyone's moving as if they're alive!" ［Yuna］
"Look, Mistress! That's the scene where you defeated Rigel!" ［Vega］
"Un! They really got me on the last part!" ［Yuna］
As one would expect, everyone received the improvements with delight. All of them looked like excited children as of the moment, happily watching their very first movie ever, and in a sense, that is right.
Grey didn't just recreate the technology of making videos, he also created projectors and projector screens to play the movies on. The camera was also equipped with a mini version, but the real one offers much more functions.
First of all, since the videos captured are at a rate of over 150 fps, one can slow down the video by about 4 to 5 times while still retaining a relatively high quality. With how quick Yuna and the familiars are moving, it was more than perfect.
"A... Amazing! Our movements look much slower!" ［Yuna］
"It's a function I've added to the projector. It can slow down scenes to about 5 times more than real time. Well... With how fast you are, it might all seem like a blur." ［Grey］
"No, it's still amazing! What other functions does it also have?!" ［Yuna］
"Well, I added quite a lot..." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he explained to Yuna and everyone else about the handful of buttons present on the projector, guiding them along their functions and how to operate them, everyone nodding their heads at Grey's explanation.
The functions included projection size adjustment, brightness adjustment, black and white filter, slow motion, fast forward, replay, skip back, volume adjustment, zoom, mute, cutting the strips, audio-only streaming, and many more. It was very advanced.
If only Grey wasn't limited by the technology of Merusia, he could have added a lot more. The way to store the videos is the biggest problem currently. He definitely doesn't want to use the film reels in the 20th century which were big and bulky.
Currently, Grey is using quasi-digital technology which stores "data" into the magic film papers and keeps them safe. He uses runes and mana imprints to do so, but even then, he couldn't store data like modern-day data chips do.
Still, Grey's invention allows him to store a few gigabytes of data to store a 30-minute film. He can store it in a relatively small film which could be fit inside a closed fist. It was pretty good considering it is an early iteration.
"Grey, Grey, Grey! Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? What is it?" ［Grey］
"Did you make other things too? I want to see them!" ［Yuna］
"I did make some... Well, I guess it's better to see it for yourself." ［Grey］
A voice recorder, a printer also equipped with a photocopy function, and a prototype of a video function to be added to the cellphones. Slowly but surely, Grey is bringing modern technology into Merusia and is making things more interesting in life.
He still has a long way to go with the limits of technology he has, but with the use of magic, there was nothing impossible. He might even be able to create an even higher level of technology than those you'll find on Earth. He was excited.
"I wonder if I can make these too..." ［Yuna］
"That would be difficult. First of all, you'd need to be at least a Tier-8 Enchanter like me. I needed to create new runes with that, you know?" ［Grey］
"Ehh... But I'm still at Tier-5..." ［Yuna］
"That can easily be fixed. It's not that hard reaching Tier-8." ［Grey］
Said Grey, all the while considering Yuna's talent in everything and her smarts. She may be attached to alchemy, but she isn't terrible at learning enchanting and smithing as well. In fact, she is also a genius in such departments.
If Yuna were to polish her skills for a year or two, she might be able to reach Tier-8, and help Grey out in making new technologies. The only problem here is that it would be Grey who will be teaching her. The demon who shows no mercy in teaching.
"N-No way! Y-You won't trick me into training again! You said you were going to go easy on me last time, but you didn't even let me rest until it was nighttime!" ［Yuna］
"Come on, now. It's a part of learning. It's a necessary process!" ［Grey］
"No! No! No! Absolutely not! Aren't you too harsh on your fiancée?!" ［Yuna］
"It's exactly because I love you that I'm teaching you strictly. And while we're at it, why don't we improve your smithing skills too? Let's get to tier-5, yeah?" ［Grey］
"No way! I-If you come any closer, I won't talk to you again!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's voice was full of fear and trauma as she threatened Grey, however, it was useless. They were just empty threats, and Grey knew it. With how clingy she was, even if she does, her ignoring him wouldn't last a day. She's too powerless.
Teasingly and playfully, Grey approached Yuna and without much effort, swiftly caught the young lady. She was so scared of Grey forcing her to learn under his strict guidance again, she immediately activated "Phaseless" to escape him.
"Yuna, that's cheating... I wouldn't be able to catch you, if you do that," ［Grey］
"That's the point, meanie! Stop bullying me!" ［Yuna］
"Then how about I cook you something delicious. What do you think?" ［Grey］
"I won't fall for that again! You're just going to catch me as soon as I deactivate my ability! I'm not a little kid anymore!" ［Yuna］
She was stubborn and trembling ever so slightly. She could still remember the last time she asked Grey to teach her some enchanting skills because she needed it in alchemy, and Grey, like the spartan-style demon that he was, was pretty ruthless.
Not only did he not let Yuna have any rest, he also scolded her to no end and even cut down on her time when she eats. He also gave him tests which she had to retake even if there's just a single mistake. He is merciless even to his beloved.
"Eldest Sister, should we help out the Mistress...?" ［Achernar］
"Don't worry about them too much. They'll calm down sooner or later." ［Sirius］
"That's right. You should just let them be and enjoy the video, Achernar. Maybe you'll learn something from the battle." ［Arcturus］
"I see... I'll do that then..." ［Achernar］
The younger familiars were a bit worried about the relationship of the two, but the older ones didn't even give a single care. They've already seen such scenes too much and already know what will happen in the end. It was already a routine.
Their little show soon ended, Grey chuckling heartily at the end. He was obviously just teasing Yuna, but the young lady overreacted. Now, she is puffing her cheeks and pouting, pounding Grey's back with her closed fists.
The relationship of the two was simply too loving and harmonious. Even the familiars couldn't remember they had a real fight, simply going about their day as if there was no such thing as tomorrow. It was better to meld with the air with them around.
"Sorry, sorry, I just got too carried away. As an apology, why don't I teach you how to take videos? I still have a couple films left." ［Grey］
"Really?! You're not teasing me again, are you?" ［Yuna］
"Why would I? I'm not so terrible to bully my own fiancée, am I?" ［Grey］
"You liar. You just bullied me just now. And I'm sure you'll bully me again, later. Don't you think you're having too much fun, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"My, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, Milady." ［Grey］
With things now settled, Grey then took out the camera and inserted a new roll of magic film paper into it. There are only 4 of them left, and with each of them able to record about 30 minutes or footage, they could still go for 2 hours.
There was also the leftover film from the recording of the first film. It has been cut by the projector, and the video film has been stored in another roll so it can be reused to take more scenes. It is still about 27 minutes of footage worth.
"Then, shall we start, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's do it!" ［Yuna］
Grey didn't waste any more time and started teaching Yuna immediately. She was already familiar with the functions of the cameras before so it wasn't very difficult to teach her, only needing to tell her how to make videos.
Of course, the best way to teach her was to make her learn it by experience. She clicked the record button, and started filming her very first video. The beeping sound of the camera rang like sweet chimes all throughout the air.
It was just taking a video, but Yuna was trembling slightly, both from excitement and nervousness. She even asked Grey to hold her hands and guide her while taking it, acting very adorably as her eyes sparkled with curiosity and enthusiasm.
"I... I did it! Grey, look, I made a video!" ［Yuna］
"This video... It seems like it's less than a minute long..." ［Grey］
"Is that bad...?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Not at all. You can take it as long and as short as you want. As long as you're having a lot of fun, that's more than enough for me." ［Grey］
Said Grey, all the while patting Yuna's head and stroking her hair. Yuna was quickly reassured by her words, her cheeks dyed a light shade of pink and her lips breaking into a bright smile. She soon nodded her head in the most adorable manner.
"Th-Then! I'll be off, Grey! I'm going to take videos all over the city!" ［Yuna］
"Hold your horse now, Young Lady. The camera's great, but it's still missing some functions. Why don't you only take videos around the house for now?" ［Grey］
"Ah! That's fine too! I'll be going to the garden, then!" ［Yuna］
Excited as can be, as soon as she finished waving her hands, Yuna then headed to the garden to capture some beautiful videos and have fun. She also brought along the familiars with her, wagging their little tails as they followed her.
If there was a problem with the camera, it was that Grey had yet to add the recycling function into the camera itself. Once a film is done taking a video, it must be taken out of the canister and be replaced with another one.
For now, the only way to use the remaining films is use the projector's cutting function and turn them into completely separate pieces of film. The mechanism was just too big to fit the camera for now. Some adjustments need to be made.
DONGGG DONGGG DONGGG
Just as Grey pondered about the problem, the 2nd bell of the day had rung. It is now 9 o'clock in the morning, and everyone in the city is busy as can be. It was also time for the two of them to have some quick snacks.
"I wonder what I should make this time..." ［Grey］
It was a good day to celebrate the completion of the camera's new functions, but at the same time, Grey wanted to eat something simple. He doesn't want to make a big deal about it, and save the celebration for when the camera is truly complete.
Meanwhile, whilst Grey pondered over what he should be cooking, Yuan was happily taking video after video outside, capturing the wonderful and relaxing atmosphere of the garden, and also the cuteness of the familiars.
She had also brought out the projector with her in the garden, cheerfully cutting the films to recycle the remaining strips. She really looked like an excited child who just got her hands on a new toy. Grey couldn't help but chuckle under his breath.
"Welp, forget it. Let's just cook whatever we can." ［Grey］
There was no need to think too much. Grey simply headed to the kitchen and looked for what items were present in the kitchen. He opened the drawers and cabinets, also checking on his Inventory all the while.
And the most abundant ingredient he found was none other than potatoes. They just got a new batch of them from Balta Village, and they looked especially beautiful too. There was not a more perfect root crop for the job.
"Alright, let's start cooking!" ［Grey］
Peel, chop, dice, and slice. Grey prepared the myriad of potatoes he found and had them ready for the various snacks he is about to make. A smile on his face as he braced himself for a high-calorie break ahead of then.
He soaked some in saltwater and seasoned some with spices. Some were sliced into thin pieces, some into long strips, and some got skewered and turned into a spiraling potatoes, ready to be fried in a pot of hot oil.
SIZZLE SIZZLE SIZZLE
The sound of boiling oil soon echoed in the air, and a hearty fragrance drifted in the kitchen. First came the crispy potato fries, then came the potato chips, the potato spiral, and many more. Crispy and tasty goodness.
Of course, they weren't all just fried. Grey also made a lot of baked potatoes while he was at it. There was the plain salt and butter, the specially garnished sour cream and cheese, butter soy sauce, and also some honey butter.
"What's this? Are you taking a video of me right now?" ［Grey］
"Un! I want to record a video of Grey cooking! This way, we can get a very long video! I want to exhaust the whole film!" ［Yuna］
"Oh, that would be really helpful, actually. Can you time it to see how long the films can really last. I only estimated it based on theory, but it would be good if we could have some real data." ［Grey］
"Un! Just leave it to me!" ［Yuna］
And just when Grey was cooking, a certain silver-haired elf made her entrance into the kitchen. Her ears were flapping up and down as she recorded Grey preparing and cooking the potatoes, obviously excited to create videos.
Grey has already expected it, but Yuna really became fond of making videos, very much so that she can't help but tinker with the camera, wondering what other things her new toy has to offer. Now, Grey Is even more determined to finish it.
"Canopus, Arcturus, can you two get the tripod?" ［Grey］
"Yeah!" ［Canopus］ "Understood." ［Arcturus］
Well, no matter how excited she was, it was still awkward seeing her just stand still in front of Grey as if she was a statue. Grey immediately asked the familiars to get the tripod he used before and quickly taught Yuna how to use it, pausing the video still.
It was very easy to learn it, so it didn't take too long before Yuna learned how to use it. She simply plopped the camera on top, secured its position, and left it be. Even with how simple the concept was, Yuna was still amazed by it.
"Grey, this will just stand on its own, right?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, you can just leave it be and do something else. Even if you don't operate it, the video will automatically stop as soon as the film is exhausted." ［Grey］
"I see... That means I'm free then..." ［Yuna］
The young lady mumbled to herself as she watched the camera record the video in front of her. And as if some demon possessed her mind, a silly but mischievous idea suddenly came to mind, her lips blooming into a sweet smile,
SIZZLE SIZZLE SIZZLE SIZZLE
The oil was still boiling and Grey continued to cook the potatoes. He was just about to finish all the fried dishes and switch to making mashed potatoes, when suddenly, a young lady sneaked up behind him and tried to tickle him.
"Y... Yuna, what are you doing...?" ［Grey］
"Nothing... Please don't mind me..." ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but with Grey cooking in front of a boiling pot of oil, there was no way he could not mind her. They won't be harmed because they are Transcendents, but it was still dangerous to play around in the kitchen.
She didn't just tickle him, but she did other things as well. She clung onto him, she poked his face and his sides, she embraced him from behind, and sometimes, she even covered Grey's hands with her soft and delicate hands.
As it seems, Yuna just wants to take a video of her annoying Grey, and doing all sorts of things with him while he is still "defenseless". Grey doesn't really know what was running inside her mind, but he knew she was having a lot of fun.
"Yuna... You do know this is dangerous, right?" ［Grey］
"My～, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, Sir Grey～." ［Yuna］
Grey tried to scold her, but he got countered by his own words just a couple moments ago. Yuna continued to do whatever she wanted and played a couple of mischievous pranks on Grey, looking as if she was high on cloud nine.
With her as happy as she was, Grey couldn't care less about what she's doing in front of the camera anymore. Not like they're gonna get seared when the hot oil splashes on them anyway. Such a thing doesn't matter anymore.
(Please, don't actually do this at home. It's dangerous.)
It wasn't long before Yuna got bored of playing and annoying Grey, and she quickly resigned herself. She headed back to the camera to see if it was still recording, and headed back to Grey to see what he was cooking.
"Are you making potato pancakes this time, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I figured it's been some time since we did. Do you wanna help?" ［Grey］
"Un! I want to! I'll make lots of them!" ［Yuna］
Soon enough, rather than annoying Grey with her little pranks, Yuna started to help out in making the final treat for the day. She was in charge of mashing the potatoes and mixing it with a variety of ingredients from sautéed onions to cheese and eggs.
Meanwhile, Grey mixed flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and some spices, mixing the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients were evenly. The potato mixture was soon finished by Yuna, and after a bit of ice magic, everything was set.
The stove was set on medium heat and the frying pan was soon placed over it. Butter was then placed into the searing frying pan, melting ever so slowly and a nice aroma wafting throughout the kitchen, subtle but beautiful.
"Yuna, if you would please." ［Grey］
"Okay～!" ［Yuna］
They then scooped out some portions of the potato mixture, covered it with eggs, and dipped it in the flour mixture from before, and patted it over the hot frying pan, making it flat like pancakes, a subtle sizzling echoing in the air.
They cooked it until it turned a nice brown color, flipping it over to make sure the other side was also the same, then placing them inside the oven to keep the potato pancakes warm, They repeated the process again and again 'til everything is cooked,
Of course, Grey and Yuna didn't forget to make the dips and sauces. There was sour cream, ketchup, gravy, hot sauce, melted cheese, barbecue sauce, and a few more. There were also chilled fruit juices ready to be served.
"Yaay～! We're finished!" ［Yuna］
In all but less than half an hour, the whole kitchen table was filled with all sorts of snacks and treats, coming in different shapes and sizes. They made sure to make quite a lot of them since they'll be playing with the children later on.
Nut of course, before anything else, they must have a taste of their cooking first. Grey and Yuna quickly got some chips and fries for themselves and dipped them into their favorite sauces. Grey picked sour cream and Yuna had gravy.
The moment it entered their mouths, the crispy crunch of potatoes rang out in the air and a flood of flavors rushed in their mouths. The subtle and savory taste of potatoes going along with the strong flavors of the sauces was a taste to behold.
Though the sauces themselves were strong, they didn't overpower the taste of the potatoes. Rather, they compliment it, making it stand out even more, not only were they delicious, they were filling as well. Smiles bloomed on their faces.
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Just as they smiled, a series of beeps rang out in the air. It came from the camera, and its lights flashed a couple times. It seems like the film has been exhausted, and the recording has stopped, turning the recording automatically.
"Hahaha, I almost forgot about the camera." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Me too! The potatoes are just too delicious!" ［Yuna］
"That's got nothing to do with that, you know?" ［Grey］
"Teehee! You got me." ［Yuna］
Yuna had forgotten, but there was no need to be remorseful. It was just as Grey expected, lasting about 30 minutes long, recording the longest film it ever did, it was a great success, serving its purpose very well.
Well, for now, the camera wasn't the first thing in their minds. With the snacks now on their tables, there was only one thing left to do. They needed to share them with the children, the familiars soon diving into their shadows before they headed out,
Grey safely stored the camera into his Inventory and kept the films safe. It's a shame that he only made a couple films, but there are still more chances in the future. They still have so many memories to make with one another, and they couldn't help but look forward to the future.
"Then, shall we head out, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 398 END