Evelyne slipped on her bodysuit, its fabric supple and flexible, molding itself to her curves and contours. She flexed her fingers—her palms brushing the suit's enchanted lining—a blend of silk and arcanite weave. The material was breathable, durable, and imbued with protective properties.
Her hands reached for the buckles and straps—adjusting the fit. Evelyne preferred a snug hold—comfortable, secure. She fastened the final buckle with a satisfying click. The suit's arcane circuits—threaded seamlessly throughout the fabric—hummed with an inner energy, an arcana signature unique to the Les Artisant d' Éclair.
Fastening the suit's closure, Evelyne secured the zipper along her spine and checked the suit's fit once more. As the locking mechanism sealed, the suit's internal regulators activated—encasing her body in a cocoon of warmth. There were no mirrors—she did not need one. Evelyne had measured the seams and tailored the suit's design countless times.
Satisfied with the results, she strode out from behind the dressing screen and headed out to the Aetherframe staging hangar.
Léandre’s towering form gleamed in the workshop's magi-lights, its chassis radiating a soft azure glow. Around the Aetherframe, her fellow Artificers and engineers bustled—adjusting bolts, calibrating components, and tweaking the intricate weave of runes and sigils.
Evelyne approached her Aetherframe, her fingertips tracing the chassis' curved panels and armored plates. Amidst the storm of activity and controlled chaos, Evelyne closed her eyes—clearing her thoughts. She concentrated on her bond—that subtle tingle of awareness—her mind tuning into Léandre's semi-sentient consciousness.
The resonance was warm—familiar—a reassurance. Evelyne responded, a slight upturn playing upon her lips. Léandre hummed, its sensors activating—the Aetherframe responding to her mental presence. Evelyne felt a reciprocate—a pulse of affection, excitement.
She cracked her eyes open, now alight with a fire that matched the arcane glow of the runes lining the Aetherframe's chassis.
"Evelyne," Dimitri's smooth tenor greeted, his refined tone cutting through the workshop's hubbub. "The synchronization module has been calibrated to your signatures. Are you ready?"
"Oui," Evelyne affirmed, her gaze meeting Dimitri's. "How goes the skirmishes out there?"
"Everything is underway. Bjorn holds the field, while Kaela's forces engage the enemy's flanks."
"Excellent. Shall we, then?"
Dimitri nodded. "Proceed, mon amie."
Evelyne stepped closer. Her Aetherframe responded, the hatch on its back opening with a soft hiss. Without hesitation, she clambered onto the chassis and slid into the custom-molded control alcove.
Slipping inside the Aetherframe was like entering the embrace of a giant. The cushioned paddings embraced her body—its fit snug—and Evelyne relished the familiar comfort. Straps and buckles conformed to her form, holding her secure, while the interior gleamed with the subdued glow of enchantments.
Evelyne's vision adjusted—multiple readouts popping up upon her field of view. Léandre's semi-intelligence welcomed her—a surge of affirmation echoing in her mind. Evelyne sent a pulse of reciprocation.
With practiced ease, Evelyne fastened the controls' attachments and connections, the feedback registering with her suit. The interface synced—integrating her thoughts and intentions—a symphony of cogs and runes whirring to life. The Aetherframe stirred—coming alive.
A wave of confidence washed over Evelyne—Léandre sharing its certainty, its eagerness. Evelyne grinned.
"Alignment readings are stable, Evelyne," Dimitri observed from the diagnostics panel. "Preparing activation sequence. On your mark."
"Beginning the mana infusion sequence," Evelyne instructed. Léandre resonated—its core pulsed, a steady rhythm that began to sync with the beat of Evelyne's heart. The chamber pulsed with an ethereal radiance—energy flowing through its conduits.
"Systems at maximum alignment," Dimitri commented, his experienced eyes scanning the indicators.
Evelyne's senses expanded as the Aetherframe's systems came online. She could feel the ground beneath Leandre's feet, the thrumming energy coursing through its conduits. Everything appeared sharper. Léandre's vision filters—designed for optimum clarity and detection—enhanced her sight.
She flexed her fingers, and the Aetherframe mirrored her movements, metal limbs moving with a grace that belied their strength.
Outside, her Artificers stepped back, watching as Leandre took its first step.
Evelyne performed the basic tests—wrist and forearm rotations, ankle articulation, and upper-body tilts. Each movement flowed smoothly—Léandre's responses impeccable. Satisfied with her assessment, Evelyne advanced the diagnostics further. Léandre mimicked her footwork—forward steps, backwards paces, sideways sidesteps.
Within the Aetherframe's control alcove, Evelyne grinned—her motions perfectly mirrored. Leandre was truly her. The minute lag between their responses had vanished.
"Diagnostic sequences completed. All alignments are green," Dimitri noted. "Test maneuvers successful. Evelyne—shall we commence the field deployment?"
"Yes. Dimitri... merci."
"Think nothing of it, ma cherie."
Evelyne stepped Leandre toward the entrance archway—the Aetherframe's footsteps heavy, assured. Beyond the workshop's threshold, the sun's rays greeted her. Evelyne glanced skyward, taking a moment to admire the Eldergrove's expanse. The forests were a wondrous canvas—awash in a myriad of hues—unmarred by the machinations of urban sprawl.
Léandre hummed, sensing her appreciation, and Evelyne sent a surge of acknowledgment in response. Together, they strode outside—towards the fields, and towards the battle.
----------------------------------------
Strapped in the belly of the cobalt Aetherframe "Tempest", Jarek surveyed the town from the other side of the river—the distant sounds of battle carried by the wind. His forces were primed and ready, awaiting his signal.
Vasco's feint had not worked out the way they planned. Instead of a distraction, the attack had resulted in a full-scale engagement, leaving Jarek's second flank undeployed and untested. This was not ideal—but Jarek could adapt. He had not survived this long by sticking rigidly to a plan.
A voice crackled in his ear, Vasco’s gruff tones, issuing commands. "Jarek, eyes sharp. They’re not falling for the bait as expected. They’ve got their own tricks."
Through his Aetherframe's visual enhancements, Jarek zoomed in on Vasco's embattled position. His ally was putting up a valiant effort, but his forces were dwindling. Vasco would require assistance. Jarek keyed his transmission relay.
"Silas, hurry it up and flank 'em already. Buy Vasco enough breathing room to retreat."
No response.
Jarek tapped the relay again. Still nothing. His Aetherframe's readings indicated a magical disruption in the area. A frown creased his lips. Something was wrong.
No matter. Silas would get the job done—he always did. Instead, Jarek gestured to his own troops—signaling for his Arcanists to begin bombarding the town. If Silas failed, he would not let the opportunity pass. The town had no Aetherframes. This would not drag on—this would not last.
Jarek keyed Tempest's engines—activating his thrust modules. The Aetherframe surged—accelerating across the river's surface. Water churned as Tempest gained momentum. Above the thundering engines, Jarek released a triumphant howl.
Showtime.
The other Aetherframe, Blazeclaw, roared alongside Tempest. Its pilot, Roland, was a veteran and a skilled Arcanist. He would make quick work of the defenders.
Behind him, the brigands' Arcanists unleashed their magic. A barrage of lightning, fire, and ice rained from the treeline. Where the elements impacted, shimmering barriers of tessellating hexagonal wards patterned like honeycombs flickered to life, blocking the attacks and dissipating the arcane energies harmlessly.
The town had Arcanists too?!
Jarek swore. Tempest's dash brought him within striking range. Screaming, Jarek channeled his mana into Tempest's weaponry. Runic circuits glowed as the Aetherframe's integrated cannons swiveled—taking aim. Bolts of lightning discharged, slamming into the town's barrier, sending a spiderweb of cracks blooming across the translucent barrier.
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Behind the shattered wards, Jarek glimpsed panicked Artisan-garbed defenders.
"Roland! Support my shots!" Jarek barked. Tempest's cannons whirred and recharged. The Aetherframe's targeting scanners zeroed in on a section weakened from his earlier assault.
Roland's Blazeclaw fired—its barrage adding to the pressure. Jarek's cannons finished recharging—ready for his command. But before he squeezed Tempest's trigger, a bolt of azure flame scorched the skies, interrupting his shot.
Jarek's eyes widened as the firebolt careened towards him—its heat scorching the Aetherframe's exterior. Tempest's wards flared—shielding Jarek from the worst of the flames.
What the hell?!
His sensors picked up another Aetherframe emerging from the town—its chassis gleaming platinum and gold—bearing the crest of Les Artisanats d' Éclair. Jarek's scans registered an overwhelming arcana signature. His jaw dropped.
Impossible. Why is an Artisan of Spark's Aetherframe defending a backwater town?!
Before Jarek could react, Tempest's wards shuddered as another blast slammed into him. Tempest's reinforced plating resisted the attack, its sigils glowing. Yet the Aetherframe veered slightly, the blast's impact jolting its equilibrium.
"Damn!" Jarek cursed.
With a deft maneuver, he engaged the thrusters, launching Tempest into the air. They soared, a metal comet under the twilight sky, before descending towards the enemy frame like a bolt of lightning seeking earth.
The enemy pilot reacted, the frame moving with an unexpected alacrity, side-stepping the assault. Tempest's claws raked empty space—skidding upon the town's soil. Jarek winced as the Aetherframe skidded to a halt—its legs carving a furrow into the earth. Dust and dirt exploded—clouding his line of sight.
Damn this bastard!
Jarek retaliated, Tempest's cannons humming to life. But his foe blocked his shots—arcane energies coalescing into a multi-layered shield. Jarek cursed as his bolts disintegrated harmlessly.
His attention snapped towards Roland. "Hold the siege! Pick them apart!"
Roland's Blazeclaw roared, accelerating towards the breached town. Flames erupted from the Aetherframe's chassis. Behind him, a swarm of brigands dashed forward, following their Atherframe pilot's charge. Roland would draw the defenders' attention.
Now, Jarek would deal with the Aetherframe facing him. His smirk widened.
"Let's dance."
----------------------------------------
Within Léandre's comforting confines, Evelyne witnessed the chaos unfolding beyond the town's borders. Across the river, the brigands' Arcanists launched a salvo—bolts of fire, lightning, and frost raining down upon her allies. Yet the town's defenses held.
Protective wards flared, deflecting the attackers' arcane barrage.
Evelyne's sensors swept the battlefield, detecting the two Aetherframes approaching. Powerful signatures. One was charging her position. The other loomed in the distance—its cannons unleashing a volley upon the damaged wards.
"Dimitri, status update," Evelyne hailed through her Aetherframe's communication relay. "Engaging the enemy Aetherframes."
"Understood, Evelyne. Hold off the Aetherframe charges," Dimitri acknowledged. "Serrandyl and her troops are en route, arriving momentarily. Orin is supporting the wards.
"Understood."
Evelyne's mana flooded Léandre's channels. Sigils burned bright as the Aetherframe's arcane cannons whirred and heated. Targeting vectors locked onto the enemy frame advancing upon her town.
Evelyne smiled.
The Aetherframe charged.
"Bon voyage," Evelyne whispered.
Her cannons thundered.
Arcane bolts streaked forth, roaring towards their target. The enemy frame reacted—countering her salvo—weaponry firing simultaneously.
Lightning and fire collided.
Explosive energies detonated in midair—shimmering shields flickering into existence. Evelyne's eyes narrowed as the enemy's defense held, neutralizing the incoming blasts.
The cobalt Aetherframe leapt high into the air and then descended at her position. Evelyne sidestepped its descent. The enemy frame dug its claws into the earth, skidding upon the town's soil. Earth and dust erupted, clouding her sensors.
Through the swirling haze, Evelyne saw the brigands' Arcanists adjusting their barrage. Fire bolts honed in on the wards. Lightning raked the exposed breach.
Her sensors shrieked a warning. Evelyne turned. Léandre braced.
Another enemy Aetherframe burst through the settling dust, its fiery chassis burning bright. Its cannons aligned, tracking her.
Flames surged. Léandre's wards glowed—channeling Evelyne's mana. Magical projectiles slammed into her Aetherframe, sending tremors shuddering through the control alcove.
Warning runes flashed a dazzling scarlet, illuminating her vision. Evelyne fought to maintain Léandre's balance. Outside, the fires dispersed. Through her Aetherframe's soot-stained filters, the enemy frame emerged. Its pilot's mocking howls filled her ears.
"That's all ya got?! Hah!" the brigand pilot taunted.
"Dimitri," Evelyne hailed through her communications relay. Léandre stabilized. "Two enemy Aetherframes engaged. I'll leave the rest of the brigand here to Serrandyl. Keep them occupied. I'll focus my efforts on these Aetherframes."
"Confirmed. Do your best, mon amie."
"Don't worry." Evelyne smirked. Her mana flowed once more. "I will."
Turning her attention back to her foes, Evelyne centered herself. Léandre resonated—their thoughts and wills syncing. With a roar, her cannons whirled—aligning her sights.
Evelyne squeezed her triggers.
Léandre's arcane cannons hummed, a low growl that resonated through the control alcove. Twin salvoes surged, hurtling toward their targets. Her opponents responded in turn—engaging their wards. Explosive energies detonated—arcane smoke drifting skyward.
The enemy frames exchanged a series of rapid-fire salvoes—projectiles exploding as opposing magical energies neutralized one another. Evelyne maneuvered Léandre constantly—side-stepping and dodging incoming ordnance. Her Aetherframe's wards were powerful, but she was no fool. Conservation of mana was a priority.
Channeling her mana, Evelyne shaped her arcana—weaving her will into Léandre's circuitries. Her sigils flared—lighting the Aetherframe's inscriptions. Evelyne envisioned her intent, forming an image—a copy—of herself. Léandre responded, her Aetherframe's arcane circuits buzzing with an inner energy.
Evelyne cast Mirror Image.
Three Léandres—each a perfect replica—flashed into existence. They circled the enemy Aetherframes—mimicking her movements—creating a phantom confusion. Evelyne utilized the diversion, darting from her Aetherframe's blind spot.
Her cannons lined up once more.
Arcane bolts streaked forth—impacting the cobalt Aetherframe's wards. The impacts reverberated—each strike a glancing blow. Evelyne did not relent.
Meanwhile, her illusory duplicates drew fire from the other brigand Aetherframe. Multiple barrages peppered her phantoms—scattering them into glittering motes.
Evelyne pressed her attack, unholstering the massive halberd strapped upon Léandre's back. With a single flourish, she swung. Mana channeled—infusing the melee weapon. Sigils ignited, trailing the polearm's path.
The cobalt Aetherframe pilot attempted to intercept—its claws flashing. Evelyne parried—metal grating against metal. Sparks flared and sizzled.
Léandre's arcane halberd cleaved true. Its arcane edge slammed into her opponent's wards—shattering their integrity. The impact shuddered—violently. Evelyne braced herself—steadying her Aetherframe's footing. Léandre's reinforced legs dug furrows into the soil—solidifying their stance.
The cobalt Aetherframe staggered—dragging a trail into the dirt. Evelyne grinned.
"Tempest ain't going down so easily!" her foe yelled, the brigand's voice bellowing through his Aetherframe's external speakers.
"Too bad. I prefer an easier fight," Evelyne taunted. She unleashed a follow-up strike. Tempest's pilot cursed—replying in kind. The brigand Aetherframe pivoted—retaliating with a flurry of claw strikes. Léandre danced aside—avoiding the blows.
The other brigand Aetherframe pilot summoned a fiery maelstrom—tendrils of flame licking the skies. Evelyne channeled her arcane defenses—summoning hexagonal wards. Léandre's protections flared, absorbing the heat and flames.
Beyond the raging tempest, Evelyne glimpsed the other brigand Aetherframe advancing. Its cannons aligned—its runes glowing.
She ducked.
Explosive energies surged, hurtling above her. Heat prickled her skin, the Aetherframe's wards protecting her within.
Evelyne spun Léandre, channeling her mana. Twin bolts of lightning arced—trailing her Aetherframe's halberd. They slammed into the other brigand Aetherframe—its wards flaring.
She did not delay.
Using the brief respite, Léandre surged forward. Evelyne aimed her halberd's tip. With a savage cry, she struck.
Léandre's halberd speared through the fiery Aetherframe's wards—cracking its defensive matrix. Evelyne pivoted. Twisting her polearm, she followed through. Sigils ignited—slamming into the blazing Aetherframe's chassis. Its wards shattered. Armor plates crunched and crumpled. The resulting force knocked the fiery Aetherframe onto the dirt—sending a spray of earth and mud flying.
Evelyne exhaled. That was a close one.
But her victory was short-lived.
The other Aetherframe tackled Léandre, catching her unaware. Evelyne cried out—the force jerking her entire alcove. Warning runes flickered a dazzling scarlet. Pain registered, stabbing into her temples.
Tempest's claws tore—tearing through Léandre's outer plating. Metal screeched. Evelyne gasped—fighting through the Aetherframe's feedback. Léandre's alcove thrummed—alarm runes blinking. The feedback worsened.
Evelyne's mana spiked. Léandre responded. The Aetherframe twisted—disengaging from Tempest's grip. Léandre's arcane halberd slashed—a glittering arc that severed Tempest's arm through the elbow joint. Sparks flew as its limb clattered to the ground.
"Argh, damnit!" Tempest's pilot swore. "You'll pay for that!"
Léandre darted aside, narrowly avoiding another sweep of Tempest's remaining arm. The brigand's claws raked empty air—gouging the earth instead.
Suddenly, the ground beneath her erupted as the other brigand pilot unleashed his spell. A geyser of fire and molten rock blasted upwards. Evelyne grunted—Léandre's wards taking the brunt. Despite their protective properties, the recoil still flung her Aetherframe through the air. Léandre tumbled and skidded, the landing throwing Evelyne against the interior control alcove's padded cushions. Her arcane harness rattled against her torso—buckles and belts locking into place.
Evelyne regained her bearings as her Aetherframe settled upon its knees—digging deep grooves into the dirt. She recovered quickly. Reaching out, Evelyne willed her Aetherframe upright. Léandre obeyed—springing to its feet. The Aetherframe's wards faded—repurposing their energies.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Serrandyl and her entourage of Aslankoyash warriors making their way from the eastern end of the town. Their war cries pierced the air—spurring the defenders onward.
Brigands screamed as the Aslankoyash cut a bloody swathe into their ranks—a red blur amidst the chaotic fray.
Evelyne allowed herself a small smile. Serrandyl has arrived. Good timing. She would help clean up what remained. Meanwhile, she had her own adversaries to handle.
Tempest and his partner.