Aurelian stepped back and examined his work once he was done, brushing off armoured hands and nodding in satisfaction.
In front of him lay a large slab of granite that Bahamut had helped him extract, and on its surface in what he intrinsically understood to be common was etched a simple message.
> Here lies Bael’tharax, King of Dragons.
>
> Here lies Tarixi Firesoul, Magistrix of Elysea.
>
> In life they were heroes, and friends to the meek.
>
> In death they are examples of selfless honour.
>
> May we never forget their most noble sacrifice.
“What do you think?” he asked Bahamut without looking at the dragon, who was himself perched beside Aurelian and resting on his belly. Ever since the increase in his size, Bahamut had been less inclined to stand or move as much, and when queried, the large dragon had answered that he simply felt more comfortable sitting still.
Aurelian, however, had his own theory; the size increase had brought with it a kind of clumsiness which Bahamut disparaged. The dragon was not, he suspected, fully used to his new and sudden near-tripling in size. At the scale now of a moderate sized elephant, the dragon was a truly formidable and awe-inspiring sight when compared to the large dog frame he’d had as a hatchling.
He was still smaller than even one of Bael’tharax’s massive claws, but large compared to Aurelian.
It is appropriate. Bahamut said after several long moments of silent contemplation. Somewhat primitive, but not in a manner that infers disrespect. I approve, Aurelian.
“Cool,” Aurelian said with a pat on the dragon’s head, and a scratch between his forward-facing horns that drew a delighted growl of pleasure from the massive reptile.
“Now we just need to wait for Zylara and Karsys to arrive, and then we can get out of here.”
Why not simply go intercept them?
“The Waygate,” Aurelian said with a glance at Bahamut. “The eggs are just sitting here, bud. We need to make sure we have a fast way to get back to them, and I don’t plan on leaving them unguarded either.”
What is your intention?
Aurelian nodded to the Simulacrum Generator when he answered.
“I’m going to use both of our mana pools to charge that up, and hope that the Animus Engine keeps it going afterward. Tarixi implied it would, and I’m hoping that a small legion of armoured knights and mages will be enough security until we get back.”
A thoughtful use of the technology. Bahamut sent approvingly. What is your plan if the generator fails to maintain the Simulacrums?
“Hopefully we can check in on the eggs at least once a day. Bael’tharax didn’t say anything about how often we could use the Waygate, so once we figure that out, we can plan from there.”
You have given this a lot of thought.
Aurelian turned to Bahamut and grinned. “Well yeah. Those eggs are all future dragons, bud. You think I don’t want them on our side? My plan is to go to Sanctuary, see what I can do about making it safe for the eggs, and then find riders to bond with them ASAP.”
ASAP?
“As Soon As Possible,” he explained.
Hm. I like this ‘ASAP.’
“It’s useful,” Aurelian agreed while turning to walk toward the Simulacrum Generator. “Now come on, let’s supercharge this thing with mana while we wait. I authorised Karsys and Zylara to access the armoury a while ago, but they could still be ages away. We should infuse as much magic into this thing as possible.”
Why are the necessary measures always so dull?
“Because while Isekai doesn’t like to tell you about how much time you have to sit around waiting, it is nonetheless a large part of actual reality.” Aurelian answered wryly.
Are you ever going to elucidate on this ‘Isekai’ you keep referencing? Bahamut questioned while lifting himself up and, true to Aurelian’s private theory, very carefully manoeuvring himself over toward the Simulacrum Generator. The awkward lack of surety in the dragon’s gait was a perfect demonstration of the body discomfort Aurelian had postulated. They’d need to work him through that quickly, he reasoned, before it became less funny and more of a liability.
“We’ve got time, I suppose. I’ll start with the core concepts and then we can talk about some of my favourite stories.”
That sounds agreeable.
“Yeah? Just wait until you hear about some of my favourites.”
Which are?
“Masterpieces,” Aurelian said, and then launched into an explanation of Isekai.
As Aurelian had expected, it lasted hours.
* * * * *
Aurelian looked over the small cadre of ten Simulacrums he’d created at the highest level—74 and the peak of Adept Tier—the generator had allowed: five armoured knights, three more lightly armoured spellcasters, and two spellblades designed around the idea of quick-moving melee spellcasters. It had been a tricky thing to decide how to create them, as well as figuring out the exact limitations in both dimension and density.
He’d settled for a height of around eight feet, for the knights, seven for the spellblades, and six for the spellcasters. He wanted the casters to be the most nimble to stay at range, the knights to be able to confront any monsters or unexpectedly powerful visitors, and the spellblades to be able to find a good balance between both.
“I guess that’ll have to do,” he said with a glance at Bahamut, who was staring at the constructs with bright golden eyes.
It will suffice. They barely do more than vaguely obscure the eggs, but I suppose it will be enough.
“I definitely wanted more, but the ten-Simulacrum limit is a little frustrating in that regard.”
We will make do with what we have. Bahamut agreed. The cave itself is largely protection enough.
“I don’t want to trust that fully, but it’ll do for now,” Aurelian said with a nod. “Now we just need to wait for—”
They’re approaching, Aurelian.
Aurelian turned to the dragon and noticed his head was directed behind them, toward where Karsys and Zylara had vanished hours ago. A quick shift of his own body followed, and Aurelian grinned abruptly at the sight of their new companions emerging with a massive satchel on each of their backs, and what appeared to be new weapons and familiar-looking silver platemail as well.
“Aurelian! Where is Bael’tharax? And, by the Mantle, Bahamut is huge!” Karsys exclaimed.
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“Welcome back,” Aurelian said warmly and without initially answering his question. “I was a bit worried you’d see the armoury and be unable to resist looting the whole thing.”
Karsys laughed at his words and shook his head. “You jest, Aurelian. The whole thing? The vault is enormous. It would take us days just to catalogue everything.”
“And longer to load even a tenth of it in any major capacity.” Zylara agreed when the two came to a halt nearby. “But you never answered our question, where did Bael’tharax—?”
“The last leviathan has passed on,” Aurelian said with a slight catch in his throat, though Dragon’s Resolve helped it remain only a slight catch. “As has Tarixi. We… we are alone now.”
“Clearly not entirely alone.” Zylara said with a canny eye for the looming Simulacrums nearby. “What is that behind th—?”
“Do not ask anything more.” Aurelian cut in firmly. “Not a word. I can’t take the risk that you two might be MK-Ultra’d somehow when we get back to Sanctuary, and I’d rather you both have plausible deniability.”
“Aurelian, what—?”
“Please, Karsys. Just trust me. It’s best if you don't know yet.”
Both human and elf peered at him, then at each other, and finally back to him.
They nodded, albeit with clear dissatisfaction.
“I know it’s frustrating, and it isn’t a matter of trust in either of you, but like I said… I can’t take the risk you two aren’t going to be exposed to some sort of tell-all truth serum.”
“Ah, is that what ‘MK-Ultra’ is?” Karsys enquired.
“It’s… yeah, sure,” Aurelian said with a shake of his head and a dismissive wave of his hand. He didn’t have the time or energy to really explain the nuances. “Let’s go with that. Meanwhile… let’s see what you picked up, huh?”
Both glanced at each other again but seemed to accept it as what he assumed would be ‘Nephilim weirdness’ in their minds. Instead of pressing the matter they both swung down their satchels, and then proudly demonstrated their weapons and armour.
“Go ahead.” Zylara said proudly. “Use Ana—Revelate. We’re eager for you to see.”
Amused despite the tension a moment prior, Aurelian complied and checked their new gear starting with Zylara.
Revelate!
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Recurve Runebow
Quality: Epic
Tier: Initiate
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runebow has been forged from manawood. In lieu of a string, this runebow generates arrows of the elemental affinity of its wielder, and fires them with speed based on the potency of the wielder’s mana and strength, with accuracy dependent on the wielder’s dexterity. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability and flexibility; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This bow can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: The arrows fired by this bow pierce through any target of Initiate Tier or lower.
Name: Legio Initiate’s Platemail
Type: Armour
Quality: Rare
Tier: Initiate
Requirement: Initiate Tier Strength (25), Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This set of platemail is standardised for all Legiones of the Elysean Empire. It has been enchanted to fit the body of whomever wears it, so long as they have appropriate permissions to do so, and to repair itself from anything less than total destruction. Maximum repair time: 72 hours.
Special Effects: This armour will mimic the thematic appearance of its wearer’s Runeweapon.
“Not a bad upgrade, Zylara,” Aurelian said with a smile for the elven archer. “I see you decided to mimic my drip.”
“Your what?” she asked with a confused look.
“...my armour,” Aurelian said while his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Drip is a nuanced term referring to fashionable or really stylish attire, it—nevermind. Forget I said—”
“Drip.” Zylara said as if testing the word. “Hmm. I think I like it. It is not unlike the saying ‘dripping with charisma’, I think.”
“I agree.” Karsys said with a grin. “Drip! I like it,” he gave Aurelian a thumbs up, a gesture he’d taught them both. “I approve of your drip, Aurelian.”
My scales are the best drip in the Realms. Bahamut declared proudly in his mind.
Aurelian wanted to cut out his own tongue.
“Anyway…” he said while trying desperately to veer away from the topic, “let’s have a look at what you scored, Karsys.”
Revelate!
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Flanged Runemace
Quality: Epic
Tier: Initiate
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runemace has been forged from aetherian steel and built to synergise with a runeshield in synergy. Upon proper synergy, both weapons will count as a single crest. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This runemace can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: Blows from this runemace will passively draw the ire of anyone struck by it whose Willpower Attribute is lower than the Charisma Attribute of its wielder.
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Runeshield
Quality: Epic
Tier: Initiate
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runeshield has been forged from aetherian steel and built to synergise with a main-handed weapon in synergy. Upon proper synergy, both weapons will count as a single crest. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This runeshield can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: Any blows against this shield by people or objects at Initiate Tier or lower will have their kinetic force redirected back at them.
Name: Legio Decurion’s Platemail
Type: Armour
Quality: Rare
Tier: Adept
Requirement: Adept Tier Strength (50), Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This set of platemail is standardised for all Legiones of the Elysean Empire. It has been enchanted to fit the body of whomever wears it, so long as they have appropriate permissions to do so, and to repair itself from anything less than total destruction. Maximum repair time: 72 hours.
Special Effects: This armour will mimic the thematic appearance of its wearer’s Runeweapon.
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1024480837296730202/1196503667910639686/DALLE_2024-01-16_03.18.07_-_Depict_a_majestic_muscular_black_dragon_standing_five_meters_tall._The_dragons_build_is_thick_and_robust_showcasing_its_immense_strength._Its_shim.png?ex=65dcc7e0&is=65ca52e0&hm=789d6fc425c8915669a55eeb5b852ae8579fed6d297b0fdd719ee4ac6ef884cb&]
Bahamut Rough Concept Art (Runes and Horns are wrong)