Even with the complete blueprints provided by the system, building this enormous, fantastical machine from scratch had taken more than half a year.
Was that only to be expected of a forbidden creation involving time itself?
The moment the time machine was finished, Professor Turo informed Xia Chi.
Naturally, he wanted to invite the "father of the time machine" to witness its first activation.
This was a matter of considerable importance, after all. After thinking it over, Xia Chi decided to consult Paldea's Champion first.
His call to Geeta was answered almost immediately.
"Hello, Geeta."
Geeta's voice came through with a smile. "Well, look who found time to call me. Aren't you a busy man?"
Since the last Terastallization press conference, they had rarely had a chance to get in touch.
With skin as thick as Xia Chi's, a little teasing like this hardly bothered him.
He cleared his throat. "I was afraid of interrupting our esteemed Champion's busy schedule. I really do have something important this time."
Hearing the seriousness in his voice, Geeta stopped joking. "What is it?"
Xia Chi answered solemnly, "I just heard from Professor Turo. The time machine is finished."
"Oh?"
Geeta clicked her tongue softly, her pitch rising. "That news reached you before it reached me? Your influence in Paldea must be quite impressive."
Xia Chi broke into a cold sweat. "Not at all, not at all. You're Paldea's one and only sun, Geeta."
Geeta chuckled. "I'm joking. I've been keeping tabs on the Area Zero Lab myself. I only just found out too."
"So, when can you come to Paldea? I'll wait for you, and we can go together."
Xia Chi hesitated before saying, "Uh, Geeta, I'm actually already here."
Geeta sounded slightly surprised. "Hm? When did you arrive?"
Xia Chi replied casually,