Chapter 51: Courses 4
Yolani’s workshop buzzed with energy as she handed Elania the [Regalia], a triumphant grin on her face. “Modifications are done. You should keep it on you at all times now.”
Elania pulled the bracer on, the metal cool against her skin. She flexed her fingers, testing the fit. “How long will the bonding process take?”
Yolani leaned against the workbench, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “The closer you are to the weapon, the more it will become part of you. But before the process can really start, you have to reach 100% [Divine Essence].”
“If Ember’s wasting our time again, I’m going to be pissed,” Elania said.
Yolani’s expression turned serious. “Ember wouldn’t explain, but she promised it wasn’t about what she suggested... last time. It’s something new.”
Elania’s lips pressed into a thin line. “While the Towers are crazy, none of them have outright lied about anything. We should probably see what it is.”
Yolani nodded, her fingers drumming against the workbench. “If we can find a way to not weaken you so much while bonding, that would be a good idea.”
They started to leave the estate, their footsteps echoing through the halls.
As soon as they were outside, she scooped Yolani into her arms. “We’re flying.”
Yolani let out a surprised “Eep!” as Elania’s wings unfurled. They launched into the air, the wind whipping through their hair as they soared above the city.
Initial surprise melted into a fit of giggles as Yolani clung to her, the city sprawling beneath them under a warm sun.
Elania banked and spiraled downward toward the City Works after a single lap around the central island. She touched down gracefully just outside the building and released Yolani to regain her feet.
The guards waved them through, a familiar routine, but Elania couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed since her last confrontation with Ember.
At the very least, the interior was completely different. It had been busy before, but now it was a chaotic maelstrom. The sound of metal on metal rang through the air in a constant stream.
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Dozens of workers hunched over workbenches, hands a blur as they assembled and modified a growing stack of muskets. Other military equipment glinted in the light, hinting at the City Works’ newfound focus.
Elania turned to Yolani. “When did this happen?”
Yolani looked at her. “With everything else going on, you didn’t think we were still working on fixing the lightbulbs, did you? They’re converting the Neftasu Guards’ muskets to the new version I designed. Ember thought some of my other designs were worth putting into production too, for defending the city.”
Elania fell silent.
If Contia upgraded all their weapons with Yolani’s help, it could trigger a military revolution.
She mentally kicked herself for not charging the Towers more for Yolani’s research and development services. That would be something to consider renegotiating.
Almost on cue, Ember materialized, a grin on her face. “Elania, Yolani, glad you could make it. Come on into my office. We have much to discuss.”
Elania hesitated, memories of their last encounter still fresh in her mind.
Ember seemed to catch Elania’s reluctance and held up her hands in a placating gesture. “I promise, no funny business this time. Tower’s honor.”
Elania sighed. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
They followed Ember into the office, the door clicking shut behind them.
Elania decided to get straight to the point. “Yolani already told me about your offer. We are not accepting under any circumstance.”
Ember waved her hand dismissively from behind her desk. “I know that already.”
“Then what’s this about?” Elania crossed her arms.
A silky smile spread across Ember’s face. “I understand your issue with essence. I’ve never seen a lesser demon demi-divine before, but I’m aware of how your traits work. There’s another, easy way to increase your [Divine Essence].” She pulled out a large opaque bottle and set it on the table with a thunk.
Elania’s frown deepened. “I’m not drinking your piss, either.”
Ember chuckled. “This isn’t as distasteful.” She popped the cork, the sound echoing in the room, then poured the liquid into a wine glass. It shimmered a deep red, golden energy swirling within.
“It’s called ambrosia. Distilled from a demi-divine’s blood into a sweet beverage.” Ember swirled the glass, the liquid catching the light. “A demi-divine finds ambrosia made from their own blood quite unpalatable. This particular vintage is from Elysia.”
Ember took a sip, her eyes closing in pleasure. “Each of the Four Towers makes a batch every year and trades with each other. Allows us to enjoy the benefits without the unpleasantness.”
Elania’s eyebrow raised. “Benefits?”
Ember nodded, her smile widening. “Extremely strong benefits for other demi-divine. Power, capabilities, the works.” She took another sip. “Elysia’s ambrosia tastes like the forest. Increases regenerative capacities.”
Ember’s gaze slid to Yolani. “Even benefits mortals.”
Elania’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want for it?”
Ember corked the bottle and slid it to the edge of her desk. “Consider this one an apology for before.”
Elania’s eyes flickered to Yolani, who nodded. Elania reached out and took the bottle, the glass cool against her palm.
Ember’s grin widened as she pulled out another bottle. “Now, for this one... I want a date with the two of you.”
Elania raised her chin. “Maybe we should start with a discussion on Yolani’s ongoing employment here and our compensation.”
Ember’s lips formed into a pout.