EPISODE 91: TEMPERING
— Edryan Queendom, Year: 7291. Season: Color Fading.
CLANG!
The sound of my hew echoed through the armory—strike after strike refined the metal into my desired shape. No fire was required, as my mana was the fuel to soften the metal enough to be molded. My sleeves were rolled up and sweat shone on my forehead as I exerted myself. I held a goal, a vision in mind for what I could do in the upcoming trial. It was something that I always wanted to explore but never held the opportunity or time to…
Man and golem…
CLANG!
In front of me was a simple piece of iron that was slowly taking shape into an altered and more refined version of the first golem I built for myself. This time it wasn’t the rough shape I built the prototype prosthetic in. Adam was lost now as I kept him in the spacial ring I wore. Through Madria, I found out how all our spatial items became null and void. Now, Adam and enough money and materials to fund a barony for a year were lost to the void.
CLANG!
I began with the chest, it was the most important piece, and I’d have to ensure enough room was left for me to fit into it. This made the golem far larger than anything I’d personally built. It was not as large as my Vanguard Golems, who held their first battle in the illusory war of Starglow Valley, but it was still a behemoth in its own right. This time I wanted to try an idea I always held in my imagination. Something I wanted to do when I was a child and first born into the Genesis Realm—memories of my first days spent in Genesis guided my hands and I shaped the metal.
Elsewhere in his blacksmith, Ignis worked as well. The sounds of his hammering were much louder than my own. The flames his body was formed from provided light to the entire blacksmith. A golem built from nothing but gems and flames, yet he appeared solid and was . Magic was a dangerously wonderful thing I understood but didn’t truly know. Magic was casting the imaginary into reality through the use of its magical properties. These small mana particles did the work by converting themselves into any element of your desire.
Fire.
Water.
Earth.
Air.
Light.
Dark.
Life.
Death.
Space.
Time.
The primary elements that make up all reality. Here, in the Aspect of Knowledge’s domain, were ten golems made from nothing but their respective element. I didn’t think I could do something similar. Hells know I tried to grasp Fire and Water to manipulate them, but the time and mana cost trying to keep the golem in one piece to imbue it with life was impossible for me. At least it was when I first received my class. Now, maybe things would be different.
A large burst of steam erupted as Ignis plunged the metal he was shaping into a large bucket. The golem gently waved his hand and the steam dispersed in a wave of heat. At the same moment, he reheated the blade to a red-hot. Tempering the material. I did the same, only on a different object.
What I wanted to craft was a suit of armor. A sudo living one that was inspired by my heroes. The ones I grew up reading as Lawerence Brown. They were the ones who arguably started me on this journey. This quest to become a [Hero].
With each strike, that dream I held as a child formed. It was rough at first, but something about having the right tools for the job seemed to enhance the quality of my work by several folds. While I would craft my suit of armor, Minerva learned. She, me… we — felt relief at finally knowing what, and how, we functioned a bit better. One soul… two consciousnesses. One formed by me and my perk.
I continued to hammer away, moving on to the left arm. This time I called Minerva, who provided me with the details I required. A lot of finer craftsmanship came into building this golem, and I need to know precisely how the human hand worked. Knowledge of engineering and the human body filled my head as Minerva provided the information. She could materialize it, of course, for me to read, but there was no point when she could easily browse through the codex and provide me with exactly what I needed. Perks were cheats… and it was time I started cheating.
So what if I couldn’t recreate the exact technology Earth used here in Genesis? So what if mana was required to run any sort of technology?
Did I let that stop me from bringing some of Earth’s ideals and mentality into Edryan? Did it stop me from bringing simple things like sweets, honey farms, and more?
Therefore, why should I let it stop me from using the idea behind the thing and shaping it into a more magical Genesis-approved equivalent? The laws of this world were similar to Earth, but they were not the same . Not after I watched a demigod manipulate an entire army of not just men but animals—war-forge too. If she could do something like that with the simple power of smell and illusion… why couldn’t I use my strengths to further my ambitions?
The right arm of the emerging golem armor was not as finely detailed. I left only a small space for a nub where the remains of my right arm could fit. As I continued to build and refine the golem armor, Minerva continued to provide me with information that would help optimize the build. There were no distractions. No events or queendom to help run. No messages for my approval on this or that. It was just me… a man and his hammer.
CLANG!
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While Lawruthian was working on his armor, Madria was working with Minerva, but this time she came mentally prepared. Her night was restless and no prayers to the Goddess, no matter if they were sent to the Challenger, the Lavish, or the Sage, were answered. Madria would have panicked more had she still not felt her connection to the Goddess. For whatever reason, she would not answer her. Not in the form of communication or acknowledgment. She felt… Lost.
Madria sighed and continued to gather the list of books Minerva required. Right now, they all held a single common topic.
Alidra Edryani was not a name she recognized in the long list of important leaders of Edryan. In fact, she’d never heard of the previous [Chosen of Madris]. It was only in recent decades, through Lawruthian’s conception and birth, that the term [Chosen of Madris] emerged in the Edryan society. Spoken by their Goddess of what and who he would be. Then spread by Her priest into the populace of what he would mean to them.
A savior, a messenger who represented Her voice… someone who would lead them into a glorious age like no other… and he was doing so. Madria grew up seeing these changes — experiencing them firsthand, and now she holds the opportunity to be at the forefront. To help lead and enact these changes…
When… She descended… on Lawruthian’s birthday… it solidified what it meant to be the [Chosen of Madris]. To have Her manifest upon the mortal plane and personally receive Her voice, Her [Chosen]. How could Her believers not also believe in Him ? How could they also not offer worship to… Him ?
She sighed and grunted as she removed a large book, nearly the same size as her upper body. Carefully, she translated the runes until she understood what the title of the book was.
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Origin Tales: The Rise and Fall of Union — United Home of Saphens.
Origin Tales… the name held a profound weight to them, and Madria blew a small bit of dust from the book. She carried the large thing to the table Minerva stood upon, sitting down and joining the divine beast. They weren’t able to communicate quite properly, but Vita gave them a hint. There was a book on refining magical devices, in which one that could serve as a translator, was available. She only held around five minutes to talk to Minerva yesterday, and the first thing the bird did was begin to discuss how Madria could win over Lawruthian excitedly.
Underneath the table, Madria’s feet shuffled. Yes, she liked Lawruthian, how could she not? Especially after spending over a year in his presence almost daily. However, after the conversation with Vita yesterday, and the revelation about who and what Minerva was, Madria was left confused.
‘ A piece of Lawruthian is trying to set me up with Lawruthian…? ’
The thought seemed so weird and abstruse that Madria left Vita’s residence far more confused than when she arrived. Especially when it concerned matters of the heart.
She sighed and did as Minerva beckoned. They’d managed to work out a few simple signs Minerva called Sign Language, to convey short and simple messages. Although a semi-impatient chirp and a point of Minerva’s wing at the cover of the book said plenty.
She opened the book and began to read aloud. “Union, the first and only joint city between the members of the Saphen race. What we now call True Elves and Magi-humans… were the first to lead the rest of Realm Lord Elrunian’s creations out from the darkness of [Oblivion]. Together, they created a city, a country ruled by elected representatives from both sides of the Saphen race.
If only it was that simple… God El and Goddess Madris fought every step of the way in establishing Union. It is how their domains came to be—God El of Adventuring… finding habitable areas in which Saphens could live. Through this, He came to understand the essence of what it means to adventure. Goddess Madris of War… who fought the remnants of [Oblivion] and more to secure such lands. Through that, She understood what it meant to war.
…
For nearly a thousand years, Union stood tall and to this day, it is not understood exactly why it was shattered. We of the Twilight Temple do not understand yet one day the Goddess Madris tasked her daughter Alidra to attack the other members of the city… this event is known as the Sundering of Man.”
Madria paused reading here not because she couldn’t but because Minerva began to gesture. It took several moments for Madria to piece together what the owl wanted, but the hopping and pointing of her wings told Madria they’d be leaving. She quickly stood and hopped down from the large library chair. Once she landed on her feet, she extended her arm for the large owl to settle onto. Minerva pointed and Madria began to walk.
The owl seemed excited and her red-gold eyes which were reminiscent of Lawruthian’s shine. Madria hurried, taking countless turns until the pair found themselves outside the library. She continued to follow the directions of Madria until they found themselves outside two large, grand doors. One of them was the symbol of the blacksmith Ignis, which Law shared the details of yesterday. By now, Minerva was bouncing up and down on her shoulder, nearly vibrating in an excited energy. Madria couldn’t help but chuckle and scratch the bird under her chin before pushing one of the doors open. They swung open easily and a burst of steam rushed out as the internals of the room were completely hidden. Before Madria could do more than take a step in, a wave of heat pushed past her, evaporating the stream like it was a trick of the light. Madria gasped and took a step back, while Minerva launched herself from her shoulder and let out a high-pitched chirp of excitement.
“A… golem?”
In front of her was a considerably large golem, but not up to the standards she’d seen the golems built in the Tech Shop be. This one was only slightly larger than the average magi-human. It stood at 220 centimeters tall, with an imposing outward appearance. The machine was jet black with highlights of steel-colored metal on the outlines, giving it a two-toned appearance. On its shoulder was a strangely mounted cannon-like object.
Madria approached slowly as she spotted Law sitting on the floor resting. What caused Madria to question the scene before her—was the golem's internals were strangely… hollow, almost as if there were enough room for a person to fit within it. This is what caused her initial confusion.
Gently she walked up to Law and sat beside him, legs together as she wore a simple skirt. He smiled as she sat, his eyes shone with the same excitement Minerva held.
“Hi beautiful,” Law said as Madria fully took her seat.
Madria paused, her mind going blank for a brief moment. For several seconds, she stayed that way, and Law returned to look at his creation.
“i… i… hi!” Her voice finally emerged as she looked away from Law and at anything else.
“It’s not done yet, I’ve run out of mana to start imbuing the golem with runes, although I’m not exactly sure what I want on it yet. I was thinking we could head to the library and do some research together. Ahhh, I wish I had more time, but I have to start training with this quickly for the trial.”
“Its… I… your golem is…,” Madria began, recovering as she looked at the strange contraption.
The young woman honestly didn’t know what to make of it. She’d seen weird golems, yes, but this was…
“Strange, isn’t it? I know… my main class is [Imperius Golemlord], a class that focuses on and specializes in building and controlling golems. Yet… you saw the outcome of the first war. My class was useful, yes… and if I were to use my golems to fight against an army without the abilities to displace us in the way Spatial Valley did—then my victory was certain,” he clenched his fist as he finished.
Madria listened, although Law was acting strangely, the young woman wasn’t… opposed to it. His aura… his eyes… they shone with passion and held a firm gentleness to them. Something that she hadn’t experienced in this manner from her friend. It was a bit refreshing and Madria truly felt like she was seeing the prince… seeing Lawruthian at his core .
“In fact, I was confident in a nearly complete victory. I knew of Touches of Law and their capabilities… but —I didn’t understand . I didn’t acknowledge them and their might and in my hubris, I believed what we had was enough. That my army and more could contend against the forces of this world with only months of training. The members of Starglow Valley held hubris and contempt yes, but I… I constantly believe in my own strength. I believe my resources were more than enough.”
He paused here and gazed upward at the dark ceiling. The only source of light in the blacksmith was a large golem that seemed to be enjoying the ongoing spectacle. In fact, Madria spotted it occasionally popping some rough unrefined ores in its mouth like snacks. She paid it no mind, knowing they were in its domain… if anyone was intruding, it was them.
“Touches of Law proved me wrong. I am still so new to the Prime System and everything it has to offer. So new to this world and instead of putting aside my previously established connotations, I double down on believing in my ways. It has brought great change. The public, the citizens of Edryan love me… yet the nobles, those who hold real power… who hold real wealth in Edryan…”
“They will come around Law,” Madria said. “The Six Great-“
Lawruthian silently shook his head as his gaze met hers. “I could have established friendships with each of the great families since I was a child. I could have understood who they were and what they represented—their troubles, worries, goals for the future… dreams … yet look at me. There is only one strong supporter of my mother’s greatest friends and advisors who support me.”
Madria pursed her lips but remained silent. There was no argument she could make on Law’s behalf. After all, only she was present when it’d be best to show Edryan the unity of its next leaders. If the Young Lords and Ladies of their respective families joined them at Starglow Valley, the events would have unfolded entirely differently.
“I do not know if I will live past Aspect Rasheed’s trial…”
“You will succeed,” Madria interrupted.
Law smiled but continued on with his words. “I do not know what is in store for me. Regardless, I want to do better. When I succeed. I hope to know the Great Families better, I hope to know you… better…
To be a better friend, a better ruler to be.”
His gaze returned to the golem, as did Madria’s. A warmth entered Madria’s chest at the words of Law. Not just in his final sentence, but over his entire outburst. Part of a [Priestess of Madris] job was to talk to those who came into the church looking for guidance. It made them greater speakers but even better listeners, and Madria realized, early on, that Law just needed someone to talk to. She was thankful he chose her to confide in.
“So,” he gestured at the golem with his chin. “What do you think?”
…
“It’s like nothing… I’ve ever seen .”
“I know, it’s like nothing this world has ever seen. That’s because it’s based on something from my world… the original world my soul is from.”