Gaia PoV

It’s been quiet for the last two days. Since Delta told me about Techno’s group, I’ve been having less trouble with my work or maybe simply less work. It seems more awakened have been working and building small junk ships for 5-10 people and leaving. Considering the time they took compared to Techno he is probably the strongest awakened at the moment.

I get kind of pissed off thinking of that. Then again he is a mechanic and a mechanic knight. The weakest kind of knight class I know of. A mechanic can make a large number of robots to fight for him while he controls them and he gains the experience but since he isn’t a full mechanic he can’t get the full power of one.

I can only find satisfaction in that.

Rust: ”Gaia, have you seen what’s in the sky.”

Gaia: ”Is there something I really need to care about.”

Rust: ”Oh definitely.”

I narrow my eyes and get up from my chair and walk outside. I walked slowly because I wanted to preserve as much of my sanity for when I see that idiot. As I open the door I see everyone looking up and pointing at the sky so I walk to the front of the mob and turn around.

My expression stays blank as my eyes falls on the monster sized whale slowly appearing from the clouds slowly showing its massive earth made body.

It was extremely far away but the massive size made it quite easy to see especially when it was high above the huge mountains of scrap.

Delta: ”Ho~~~! Menthol made some good time. I thought he would arrive at least at night but to think at noon he already arrived. Hahaha I can’t wait to see how things turn out.”

Gaia: ”SHUT IT!! I DON’T NEED MORE OF MY PATIENCE WASTED BEFORE TECHNO ARRIVES”

I walk into my home and slam the door shut and try to calm down. After sitting down on my chair in my office I spun around and stopped looking outside the window behind the seat. Outside was a clear visual of the rapidly approaching whale.

I make a scowl looking at him. Besides Techno and Delta, now I have to deal with “him” now. Why is it that Techno finds only people I hate. Though it is fun to tease him as much as those two idiots do to me.

I let out a sigh of defeat after a while. I simply go to work since I know when they arrive I will be busy doing something with them.

Rust PoV

As expected of Techno’s crew. To be lucky enough to encounter Menthol and not be killed, even convince him to come here and make a peace treaty with the crew and set up a home for the elementals. Only he could do that.

It really riled things up in town. Everyone was thinking this was a boss monster or something but soon I and several others calmed them down saying it was an ancient friend of Gaia and he was here carrying two races rescued by Techno. They were coming for negotiations and so on.

It got instant results. Because of their fame everyone instantly believed it since he was known for his crazy results.

I stay on the dock and after an hour Menthol reached the town. He stopped overhead casting his shadow over the land. Some moments later I picked up Techno’s signal and my scanner picked up his ship coming down.

I connect to Techno.

Rust: ”So another adventure and another few races saved.”

Techno: ”Don’t remind me, I went on the whale to do some dungeon grinding and ended up saving the Draconian race and the Beastman (tiger) race. They were freaking annoying. They forced the daughter of the chief from both races to be my companions.”

I started to laugh hearing that and knowing his personality.

Rust: ”Getting along well with them?”

Techno: ”Eh, they are better educators than Gaia that's for sure. With all of Nova's weapons locked from disobeying me these two have taken to educating her like they were taught. At least that is something off my shoulders.”

Rust: ”What did she do?”

He explained it to me and I almost fell over laughing. I laughed for a good minute before I calmed down and saw the ship approaching from the south coming down from the sky whale.

After a bit it reached the docks and I guided them in. When the ship reached the dock I left empty for them several mechanical arms closed on both sides of the ship and the ship was lowered so it would be level with the pier on both sides of it.

When the ship finally docked a small bridge connected to the side of the ship and allowed them cross over. Those who came out were Victor, Nova, a draconian girl, a tigress girl and finally the two fire elementals. The next ones to come out was a huge knight much bulkier than a few I knew. My scanners showed me it was Bulk but besides the name I couldn’t see what his class or stats were.

Then came out a reddish six armed knight which held a rather distinctive angry face at its most neutral. A bit bigger than Bulk, the Knight held a strange feeling about it. The name I got was several question marks as it couldn’t be identified for some reason.

After him came a four armed bluish human sized clockwork who had a much calmer look to him and gave a somewhat gentler air and easier to approach sensation. When I scanned him the same thing happened like when I scanned the big one.

Bulk: ‘Hey Rust, been a while.’

Rust: ‘Yes it has. Can I ask, who are those two?’

He looks back at the clockworks.

Bulk: ‘Huh, that’s Techno, both of them.’

My eyes widen and I look at both. I then lock on both of them and scan at the same time and finally I got the name Techno over their heads. I simply face palm seeing this.

Rust: ‘Seriously how can you go and make a set of bodies for yourself so easily. How did you even figure out the programming for it?’

Techno: ”I just made the brain with motherboards with the same programming and software. I then made a permanent connection between them.”

I simply sigh hearing him say it so easily. I was then approached by the two girls.

Annabeth: ‘Good day, I’m Annabeth, the daughter of the village chief of the draconian.’

Greer: ‘Hi, I’m Greer, I’m the daughter of the leader of the Tiger beast men tribe.’

Rust: ‘Good to meet you two. I’m Rust, I’m the one who helped out those three when they first woke up during the first awakening.’

Greer: ‘Wow! But why aren’t you travelling with them now?’

Techno: ”He is the main helper of the biggest pain in the ass you will ever find on this planet.”

The two had a helmet like Victors on so when they saw this they started giggling.

Annabeth: ‘Wow for Techno to display so much displeasure for someone. What did this person do?’

Bulk: ‘She is an ancient clockwork and really strong. When she wanted to bring gnomes to this city Techno was against it because of...well you saw right. Well he started to fight her and it ended with her doing a backflip over Techno and flipping him high into the air before he crashed down.’

Everyone was silent after hearing that. Victor and the girls were more than shocked finding out someone would do that so casually to Techno.

Rust: ‘Don’t get him wrong. Techno more then got payback for it.’

Techno: ”It’s not enough though but if I try more then I wouldn’t get anything off that bitch.”

We could only smile warily.

Rust: ‘Anyway, what do you guys need?’

Greer: ‘Um...two ships so our friends and family can come down here when Menthol passes by so we can gather scraps. We agreed to not mine the minerals from him but that leaves us without anything to work with.’

Rust: ‘I get it already. But it would take negotiations with Gaia so we should go. I’m sure she would want any new tech you guys came up with.’

Techno: ”Can’t that lazy bitch figure things out along. She is older than us and lived during the time the world was at its technological peak.”

Rust: ‘You know data is scarce at best from that time and technology info has mostly been destroyed even from here, Delta was built near the end of the war and as a weapon and not a...’

I stopped mid-way because I touched sensitive info. The dwarf walked up with narrowed eyes.

Victor: ‘Who is Delta? The way you speak makes it seem he is a huge figure just like Gaia.’

Thankfully Clockwork can’t sweat because it would give away.

Rust: ‘Ya he is an ancient clockwork we found some time ago. He is fixed to a single location but is really powerful.’

I really need to be careful.

He buys its it but he is still looking at me with a frown..

Rust: ‘We should go. Gaia is probably already waiting since we saw Menthol a long time ago.’

With that I diverted their attention to the task at hand. I lead them through the streets to Gaia’s home and office.

A few of the people noticed us because of me and soon after they saw the others. Chatting soon erupted about the crew since everyone had heard about it. Unfortunately before we could reach Gaia’s house we were stopped by someone of the Ogre race. The man was a Bulky and muscular type. The Ogre race doesn’t acknowledge anyone unless they are stronger which was probably what lead to this.

Ogre: ‘OHH~~ look here~~! “The Clockwork” crew. Hump you are all weaklings. Which one of you weaklings is the leader?!’

The smaller Techno walked forward.

Bulk: ‘He is our captain.’

Ogre: ‘Hehe Pathetic. To have such a pathetic captain! Fight me weakling. If you lose your crew is to disband and stop the annoying chatter of all these people about your fictional doings.’

Techno shrugged and nodded. He accepted the challenge. In seconds the Ogre grinned and started running at him. They were about 20 meters separate but the three meter tall Ogre rapidly covered that.

Ogre: ‘PERFECT NOW DIE!!’

When he was within range he sent a punch towards Techno but what met him was a much larger red fist coming into contact with his own fist stopping it completely. The impact lifted a cloud of dust blinding us

When the dust from the impact finally cleared we saw the six armed knight in front of Techno with a single arm perfectly in contact with the Ogres huge fist.

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Ogre: ‘DON’T...INTERFERE!’

He sent his other fist but the was stopped in the same way but instead of a punch, Techno simple grabbed it and held his hand in a death grip.

Bulk: ‘Hey forgot to tell you but our captain is made up of two bodies. The little one is a Mechanic and the reddish one is his fighter.’

His eyes get big but it was too late. Techno had already winded up his second right arm and threw it in an upper cut at his chest. To make it worst it seems he installed a pressure fist and he made sure to activate it.

I cringe when I heard the heavy cracking from the ribs that were being crushed but the heavy blow.

The knees of the Ogre buckled under him and only his right arm which was being gripped by Techno kept him up.

Everyone stared in shock at the easily defeated Ogre. An Ogre is known for their strength and endurance to pain and can take a heavy beating before falling but to be defeated in a single punch wasn’t something you would think possible. The Ogre that was challenging Techno also wasn’t just ANY Ogre. The Ogres are part of the cities Guard unit and he was one of the captains which is already Level 110

To cause so much damage that he nearly faints from the damage isn’t something to scoff at.

Techno releases his hand letting him drop face first to the ground.

Techno: ”Rust. Call someone to pick up this trash. We will meet you at Gaia’s home. Let’s go guys.”

I sigh as I watch all of them walking off.

As merciless as ever. I connect to the commander of the guards and tell them to bring a mage that can use healing magic and someone strong enough to lift the Ogre.

Soon enough a group appears and start to treat the Ogre and I explain what happens. The Ogres in the group go wide eyed and the clockwork that came with them all start laughing. I’m sure it was because Ogres and Clockworks have been having lots of arguments about Techno’s real strength.

The Clockworks are all built as small children bots and have the personality of one and they consider Techno a Hero while Ogres trash talk him. Demons are less cocky and have done some investigating into his doings. They don’t respect him but they don’t trash talk someone with physical and political strength like Techno.

It didn’t take long after they took the Ogre away for word to spread.

Even before I reached Gaia I could already hearing the word spread.

I started to chuckle but that was only until reached Gaia’s place. The reason was that I saw a large hole on the third floor and in the front yard was both Techno’s fighting it out with Gaia. Both had swords in all their arms and he was skillfully working them while Gaia used a sword each hand and was on the defensive due to the sheer pressure and number of swords.

I work my way around them and walk to the door where the others were watching casually.

Rust: ‘So what happened?’

Blaze: ‘We arrived at Gaia’s office and started talking. Techno, in all his bluntness, told Gaia to prepare two ships for each of the races up on Menthol.’

Ena: ‘He said he would give her the plans to a new clockwork engine that uses less fuel and can handle more heat.’

Rust: ‘Did she accept?’

Victor: ‘HA! Ya right! Its two ships we are talking about. She wanted the program coding and connection setup Techno used to make his two bodies. When he didn’t give it up she started insulting him and after a bit more.’

He lifted his hand pointing at them.

Victor: ‘This.’

I simply nod a few times understanding what happened. I could only sigh at how things escalated.

I then connected to all three of them.

Rust: ‘City Administrative Command Activated! Ceasefire Command Sent! Weaponry restriction Activated! Combat mode disabled!’

At once all their weaponry deactivated and the swords were withdrawn into their bodies where it hides.

The three were shocked and confused for a moment which I capitalized on.

Rust: ‘Alright now that your little exercise is over lets head inside for business.’

They both scoffed but after a bit of trying to activate their weapons ending in failure they gave up and walked inside.

Annabeth: ‘Wow...Who would have thought that anyone could control them.’

Bulk: ‘Don’t underestimate him. We only left him behind because he is too important to the city for us to take.’

Rust: ‘Don’t use flattery I don’t deserve.’

Bulk: ‘Come on Rust. You are probably more important than Gaia. She is the face of the nation but you are the bulk of the systems that support the nation.’

I feel like I’ve been sighing too much today. We go back to the office with the hole in the wall. I could only face palm and breath to calm down. I was going to have to deal with this as well.

Gaia: ‘He was the one that made the hole.’

Techno: ”Ya right bitch! You’re the one that pissed me off and then flipped me again threw the wall but after that you met the bottom of my right foot for that.”

Rust: ‘QUIET...BOTH.OF.YOU!’

They both tensed up while I breathed deep a bit. I contact the people responsible for building materials and put an order of the amount needed to repair the wall. Then i called a constructor to fix this up for me as quick as possible.

When i was done everyone was waiting.

Rust: ‘Ok what was the argument about.’

Techno: ”She wanted to know the programming for making two main bodies.”

I remember what the others told me and nod.

Rust: ‘You offered the blueprints for an clockwork engine. I will take that for one ship. The other will require something else.’

Gaia: ‘HEY RUST! Who said you would…

Rust: ‘QUIET GAIA! You are going to screw up our connection to someone who makes his own tech. Stay quiet while i deal with this!’

She shrank back while everyone stared in shock but Techno was grinning on the verge of laughing.

Rust: ‘What else did you develop or have prepared?’

He thinks a moment.

Techno: ”I have repaired my main coding to around 70-80%.”

Rust: ‘Ok that would be really useful. Though everyone’s codes are different but some processing programs are the same so if you give us a copy of it then i will accept it.’

Techno: ”Prepare the ships and i will give it after some people take the ship up to the races.”

I agreed and we shook on it.

Gaia: ‘I don’t agree with this! For me you still need to do more!’

Rust: ‘But it’s not up to you. I’m your main adviser and the clockwork that keeps you from doing things wrong. Negotiations are also mostly done by me so don’t think you will get your way after you screwed up so badly!’

I point behind her and she shrinks again.

I call the dock master and have him prepare two caravel sized ships for the new races. There aren’t many people who own larger ships than a Junker which everyone has been calling a Dingy.

Techno is the only awakened until now to get a ship like this.

Gaia: ‘Can i at least request something that has been popping up quite a bit recently?’

Everyone looked at her now. She wasn’t using that arrogant tone and was using a more political tone she uses during the meetings.

Gaia: ‘Between here and the shipyard city where the humans once lived there have been many reports of pirates. They are many people who didn’t stay around here and left.’

Bulk: ‘So awakened who took up bandit life?’

Rust: ‘No instead it’s both awakened and those native to Etheria who attack transport ships taking fabricated parts to the shipyards. The first time they used really bad ships and attacked in large numbers with small ships. Now they got parts and the ships improved. Eventually it became a full on Pirate group with well over 15 ships small ships and 3 caravel sized ships.’

Gaia: ‘It's gotten to the point where it's too difficult to handle unless we send a large group to hunt them down. To make it worst, the pirates focused on adding defense and making weaponry.’

Greer: ‘If they are so strong why ask us?’

Gaia: ‘Come on. This idiot has led his group through much more dangerous stuff then a pirate group of this size. I’m sure his sister’s sky fishing skills also wouldn’t go to waste in this case.’

Rust: ‘Yes i agree. Anyway this has become too much of a nuisance and because they have small but fast ships it's hard to catch them without a good sniper. We have some good long range fighters but none can really outmatch your sister. Can you kill them off while we prepare the ships. We can even build completely new ships for them?”

The look at each other and then at Techno who was thinking.

Techno: ”It would be bad to leave that amount of trash loose. Still we need time to prepare. Besides the two girls who just joined the rest of us have reached between levels 65 to 70. I need to upgrade our gear so i think at least a day maybe two would go into that. Then we need to prepare proper ship artillery. We used miniguns before but we lack any cannons and stuff besides that cannon Gaia made for Sky fishing. We will take it but will only do it when we are ready. I’m not going to go on a suicide mission.”

Rust: ‘Good. We can invest some material for it since it was a request. It will be sent to the ship so be ready for it.’

They all nod and after that they leave splitting up to look around and do their own things.

Rust: *sigh* ‘That was difficult.’

Gaia: ‘Tell me about it.’

Rust: ‘YOU ARE THE WORST OF THEM! Why aren’t you more mature. Your ancient yet you act more immature than the newborns! WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!’

Delta: ”BAHAHAHAHA THIS IS TOO GOOD. I love it when Techno visits you guys.”

Rust: ‘YOU SHUT UP TO DELTA YOU ARE JUST AS BAD!’

Steaming in my built up rage i storm out and meet the constructors and give them the orders to begin before i go off the handle more important things than babysitting Gaia. It will be a while before quiet and peace returns to South Gate City. While Techno is here things will only be noisy for a while. I should get things ready before hand in case anything happens. What a long day this has been.