“Now that that’s taken care of, perhaps we could return to our previous conversation?” Mors asked.
“There is a saying I am familiar with, Sir Sicco, that goes ‘Quid pro quo’. It comes from an old language, and translates to ‘This for that’. In other words, I help you, you help me. Fair, right?”
“Absolutely. After all, knowledge is the most precious currency there is. So, what can I help you with?”
There were several things that I wanted to know regarding the surrounding geography, available materials, Ocaephis, culture, and magic. The Deathwalker was a fountain of information, and I took full advantage of it. The first thing I asked was what material his sword was made out of. Apparently it was a rare metal called iceiron steel, and an ice-iron steel sword was presented to every Deathwalker once they attained the rank of Deathwalker. He even unsheathed his blade and allowed me to take a closer look. Nothing in my databanks matched the description of iceiron steel, which puzzled me. Perhaps this world had materials that did not exist on Earth?
“[This warrants further investigation.]”
I also asked about if materials such as sulfur and potassium nitrate were available for purchase in Ocaephis, as I was interested in creating gunpowder and propellants. Although sulfur was readily available, it was expensive. On the other hand, Mors had no idea what potassium nitrate was, which I half expected to be the case. Fortunately, potassium nitrate could be made by refining bat guano or through decomposition of urine and feces. Realizing I might be buying certain materials from Ocaephis in the near future, I had Mors explain the currency of the Pithus Empire.
Commoners used metal coins as currency, which was what I had expected. There were 4 types of coin, bronze being the lowest value, then increasing to silver, gold, and lastly platinum. Platinum coins were rarely used, and were usually only brought out for large deals relating to estates or important titles.
Mages, on the other hand, dealt in vitae-infused materials. Occasionally, some areas of the world would experience a so-called “Vitae Vortices”, where a large amount of natural vitae would accumulate. Materials within these vitae vortices would sometimes be infused with vitae, and would then have many uses. Most of the time, they would be used to increase a mage’s understanding of their Law. For example, if a mage that manipulates the Law of Earth got their hands on a vitae-infused stone, they could study the stone and the vitae within to better comprehend the Law of Earth.
The second usage was to rapidly restore a mage’s vitae stores. By absorbing the vitae stored within a vitae-infused material, a mage could replenish their own vitae, allowing them to continue to manipulate Laws. However, such a use was considered a waste, and was only utilized in the most dire of situations. The last use for vitae-infused materials was the making of weapons or armors. Skilled mages could manipulate a Law to help a blacksmith forge weapons and armors made of vitae-infused materials, making them quite deadly as a result. Mors commented that his own sword was made out of vitae-infused metal, which explained its otherworldly properties.
“I would love to get my hands on some vitae-infused materials. There definitely wasn’t a substance equivalent to vitae-infused materials back on Earth.”
“[If you can find out exactly how vitae interacts with different types of matter, perhaps it is possible to begin manufacturing vitae-infused materials in large amounts.]”
The last thing I asked about was magic and how it was used. Aurea only knew the basics, since she wasn’t a mage. The Earthly Laws were simple, simply allowing mages to alter the Laws already present in the world. Heavenly Laws had more uses, such as the Law of Dark allowing mages to hide certain objects and locations. One thing Aurea didn’t know was that the Law of Dark gave mages the ability to look into the past, seeing what had already occurred. On the other hand, the Heavenly Law of Light allowed a mage to see things that others wanted hidden, as well as peering into the future. These visions of what could be were random, and could not be controlled.
“The fact that Laws can manipulate the very fabric of time…I can’t even describe how insane that is.”
“[Suggestion: You should take extra precautions against mages in the future.]”
“Yeah, understatement of the century…”
In return for his wealth of knowledge, I educated the Deathwalker on the ideas of thanatology. I believed that if Mors could gain a better understanding of not only how death occurs, but also its impact on others, he could obtain even greater power. My theory was correct, as after I finished explaining certain concepts, Mors went to sit under a tree and contemplate for a while. In the meantime, the army had already left. I ordered the drones to watch their progress and alert me if they veered too far from their path. While Mors digested the information I gave him, I took a quick look at how many units I had left.
Enforcers: 57
Falcons: 73
Montanas: 82
Sentinels: 100
Drones: 50
GARs: 47
Stolen novel; please report.
Total: 409 units
“Ugh. I lost most of my combat units. I’ll have to put the fabricator into overdrive and make more to replace them.”
“Sir Sicco,” I called out. “I must unfortunately take my leave, as I have many matters to attend to. I wish you luck in your comprehension of Death.”
Rising to his feet, Mors yelled “Wait!” in desperation. “Is there anything else you can show me? I am still willing to trade information!”
If I had an eyebrow to raise, I would have. “Sir Sicco, what I have told you today is barely the tip of the iceberg. There is still much you do not know.” I was being honest in my assessment. I had the accumulated knowledge of over 300,000 years of humanity in my memory banks. Everything from philosophy to astrophysics was stored in them, and it would be impossible for a normal person to learn everything. Mors seemed to contemplate my words for a moment, before kneeling. In a shocking statement, he asked “Lord golem, I ask that you take this mage, adept in the Law of Death, as your student. Should you deem this one worthy enough to study under you, I swear upon my life and vitae to keep your secrets, guard your life, and spread your glory.”
It took me several seconds to realize what he had said.
“[Are you alright?]”
“Uh…HELL NO??”
“Sir Sicco, what do you mean? I’m not a mage, instructor, or lord. There’s no way I could become your master!”
“On the contrary, Lord golem. You don’t have to be a mage to teach magic. You just have to have a deep understanding of the world, which you clearly have. And if you worry about my loyalty, please don’t. I made a vow upon my vitae, and should I break it, I will die.” he said, still kneeling.
“A Deathwalker as a student, huh?” I mused silently.
“[Was this not the outcome you desired?]”
“I mean I guess so? I was just hoping we could start some sort of mutually beneficial partnership. I really wasn’t expecting him to offer his loyalty out of the blue like that.”
“[Having an influential mage as a subordinate would bring several benefits.]”
I weighed the risks and rewards, and made my decision.
“Mors Sicco, I accept your fealty. In return for your loyalty, I will teach you all that you want to know. But please, as I told you before, I am not a golem. You can just call me Evan.”
“Very well, Lord Evan. I appreciate your generosity.”
With that out of the way, I told him to follow me, and began the trek back to the mine. On the way, I asked Mors about his life. He was 73 years old, which shocked me. Apparently mages had longer lifespans than normal humans due to the amount of vitae in their bodies. Death and life mages in particular were long lived, as they had a better understanding of the forces which they commanded. He was born in the port city of Suros, in the east of the empire, but moved to the capital city of Duradad with his parents when he was young. From there, he trained in the Pithus Institute of Laws, the most renowned school for mages in the empire. Once he had completed his training as a Deathwalker, he was reassigned to various cities over the years, and eventually ended up in Ocaephis. As he was now my student, he also gave me several juicy tidbits of information. Apparently, the Emperor had recently passed away. On top of that, the human army that had traveled through my forest was on their way to attack the city of a neighboring Vassal State. Based off of this information, I guessed that 1 or more of the Imperial Vassals were engaging in a rebellion against the empire.
“[It is possible that it is not a rebellion, and that these occurrences are commonplace here.]”
“True. I’m probably just overthinking things.”
When we got to the mine, Mors asked “What are those things?” pointing at one of the Sentinels that surrounded the entrance.
“An automated electromagnetic-propelled turret, model name Sentinel.”
“I see,” he said, although it was clear he had no idea what I was talking about. “And what does this Sentinel do?”
As a demonstration, I pointed at a nearby sapling, drawing his attention to it. An instant later, the trunk exploded into pieces, sending the young tree crashing down.
“Ah, well,” he said with shock clear in his eyes, “I assume that is what you used to kill the Governor.”
“Yep.”
Behind me, I heard thumping footsteps, when suddenly someone kicked me from behind. The impact sent me stumbling slightly. Turning around, I saw Mors preparing his magic to kill the assailant.
“Stop Mors!” I yelled at him. Luckily, he listened, and halted his magic before it killed everything around him.
“GODS DAMN IT EVAN, THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING DRAGGING ME AWAY? AND YOU BROUGHT A FUCKING DEATHWALKER HERE?!?!” Aurea screamed at me from inside her exo-suit. I was so occupied in talking with Mors on the way back that I hadn’t noticed that Aurea had managed to escape from my Enforcers.
“I’m sorry, but it was for your own safety. And calm down, the Deathwalker is my student.”
“Your student?” Aurea asked, staggered at the strangeness of the situation.
“Who is this?” Mors questioned.
“Aurea, meet Mors Sicco. Mors, meet Aurea Instanta.” I said dryly.
“A pleasure,” Mors said, bowing to Aurea.
“Ummm…hi?” Aurea responded. Using the intercom, she said “Evan, explain to me right now what the hell is going on.”
I spent the next few minutes explaining to Mors how Aurea and I met, and vice versa for Aurea. She was visibly nervous being around the Deathwalker, but I just assumed it was part of the natural stigma and superstition surrounding them. I ordered the GARs to build another log cabin at the other end of the summit, as well as having the Falcons hunt down more wild animals for their furs. Mors was fascinated with the GARs, asking question after question. Every time I answered, he would mutter “Fascinating, simply fascinating…” under his breath.