[Ties] Bootcamp 7

"So you made a friend, and a boy younger than you? What's his name?"

"Axel, Pops. He told me his name was Axel."

A few days after Malachi's visit to the city of Rhiamalka, Emmanuel took a break from his duties and visited his family. Of course, he was in incognito and was with Gregory. Currently, the entire household was having breakfast.

"I'm not really sure about his age, though." added Malachi, "I just assumed he was younger because he was smaller."

"By the way," said Gregory, "I received a report regarding an unannounced siege firing. Did you have anything to do with it, Malachi?"

Malachi grinned.

"Yup." he replied, "Actually, though, the engineers got too excited about showing off."

"And?" added Gregory, "What did you think of it?"

Malachi frowned.

"Truthfully?" he said, "Pathetic."

Emmanuel and Gregory flinched.

"Ouch..." commented Emmanuel, "That's a harsh assessment, why do you say so?"

The men of the household, except Ibrahim, quickly finished their meals, let go of their utensils, and began to engage in serious discussion. Bashia and Arlianne looked at one another, and both women sighed and shrugged. Arlianne got off her seat and took the men's plates to the kitchen while Bashia patted Ibrahim's shoulder and signed to leave the three men for a while.

Malachi, Emmanuel, and Gregory, not minding the disappearance of the others, discussed the flaws Malachi had found and proposed possible remedies for the time being while Malachi was still young.

"First and foremost, I need to see the designs of all available weapons, armor, and other military equipment." declared Malachi, "I really can't wait to grow up and get my hands on the needed tools and manpower. I included the manpower because there are some things that I cannot do alone at my age."

"Do we provide only the military-grade equipment?" inquired Gregory, "Or do we include the civilian-use as well?"

"For now, the civilian-use are fine." replied Malachi, "This is especially since most of them are merely for self-defense. Military-grade, however, since the soldiers of the kingdom will be using them, having an edge in the realm of technology is a must. This is especially true since this world has a crap ton of conflicting interests and ideologies. Heck, we have an empire way up north and, in the past, the existence of a warmongering Eskur Clan. The tech we have now, even if they have been proven since then, needs to be improved upon even in the time of peace."

"Even in peace? What do you mean by that?" wondered Emmanuel, "How can better weapons help the peace?"

"Well-developed weapons can act as a deterrent to war." answered Malachi, "The world I used to live in was well-versed in warfare. Over 10,000 years of recorded history were filled with war. Just because a nation is peaceful, it doesn't mean that others won't invade. As long as there is a driving force behind the invading party, peace is useless. Peace is merely the prelude to war."

Emmanuel had a serious expression. Gregory, too, was silent. The two adult men looked at one another and nodded to each other.

"I suppose, this includes internal wars as well?" clarified Emmanuel, "For example, a civil war."

"It's my uncle, Elijah, isn't it?" inferred Malachi, "If you want, I will work with your—our faction—to deter any effort for rebellion by my uncle."

"For the time being, the thought of rebellion hasn't entered our minds." said Gregory, "Especially for Eman, here, who wouldn't stoop down to Elijah's level."

"I've heard some rumors, Pops," said Malachi, "But, is there any particular reason between your bad blood with one another?"

Emmanuel sighed.

"Frankly, I didn't even have any ill will towards him." explained Emmanuel, "It was only because I was born from a mere concubine."

"Huh?" uttered Malachi, "Wait... What?"

"It's true, though." affirmed Gregory, "Eman was a concubine's son. Of course, it wasn't publicly announced, only those of the inner palace and highest echelon know about it."

"Elijah's mother, the late queen, hated my mother." said Emmanuel, "It's a typical royal drama that you'll see in many books. She always tried to find fault in her and in my upbringing, only for me to show my ability in the fields of war and diplomacy. Though, most of the 'war' part was thanks to Gregory."

"Elijah also had potential with regards to war." added Gregory, "You should be familiar with the kingdom's ranks in the military, right?"

Malachi nodded.

"Yeah, " he answered, "There are eight ranks, five officer and three enlisted ranks. From the highest to the lowest: Phoenix, Eagle, Buzzard, Goshawk, Falcon, Saber, Scimitar, and Rapier. What about it?"

"Then you should also know that this kingdom has two Royal Phoenixes." added Gregory, "I am one of them, the other is in Elijah's camp. The reason I mentioned this was, while I rose through the ranks side-by-side with Emmanuel, the second Royal Phoenix was personally trained by Elijah."

"Personally trained?" inquired Malachi.

Gregory nodded.

"Elijah created a special forces unit that answers his every beck and call." explained Gregory, "The highest ranking officers in this unit are three siblings, including the other Royal Phoenix, and this unit specializes in sabotage and subterfuge."

'Oh? So they've gone that far already.' thought Malachi.

"Each one of them were personally handpicked and trained by Elijah." added Gregory, "While Elijah isn't THAT well versed with diplomacy, his underhanded tricks can already make up for it."

"Then, those people that trailed you years ago, were they part of this unit?" asked Malachi, remembering the assassins from three years ago.

Emmanuel shook his head.

"We thought about that, too." he said, "But their skills we not up to par from the reports about Elijah's special unit."

Malachi leaned back on his chair.

"Hmm, I may have to change my approach if it's like that." he said, "For now, I just need the designs for each existing equipment. From there, I will think of how to help this kingdom while avoiding uncle's prying eyes."

In the nearby corridor,

"It's really surreal watching a pair of grown men discuss seriously about the kingdom's affairs with a ten year old boy." said Ibrahim, "Although, he isn't really a 'boy' in the strictest sense."

"Frankly, I would rather have my cute Mally back." pouted Bashia, "Hey, Arlianne, make sure he doesn't stray too far, okay?"

Arlianne smiled.

"Er, well, I hadn't really gotten any chances to reel him in, myself." she said, "Rather, he just keeps teasing me."

Bashia placed her hand upon Arlianne's head.

"Well, at the very least, we have the same tastes in cute things." added Bashia, "Mm~ yes, I was right in adopting you."

"Ma'am, urk, I mean mom..." said Arlianne hurriedly.

When Arlianne kept being polite with Bashia, Bashia tightened her grip on Arlianne's head. Ibrahim, who was nearby watching the two, had cold sweat run down his back.

'Bashia is one strange kin...' he thought, 'I pray that Malachi isn't that possessive.'

"By the way." said Emmanuel, "The military recently got new equipment. Courtesy of the Eqarian Merchant Union."

As Emmanuel said this, he lifted his bag that was below him and placed it onto the table. Inside his bag, he pulled out a particular piece of machinery.

"The EMU wanted us to have this piece of technology that they found from the Empire of Taijun." explained Emmanuel, "Here, take a look, and try to guess what it is."

Malachi received the box-like machine. The machine was small enough to be held by one hand. On one of its faces were two screen-like surfaces—one above, and one below. At the top was a long metallic rod that was about 120 millimeters long. On one side was an array of buttons, and on the other was a switch. Despite its clunky and rough design, Malachi immediately had an idea.

"This... This is a radio, isn't it?" he said, "You said that the Empire produced this?"

"So you do know, what is it that you do NOT know?" commented Gregory, "I still find it interesting that almost all of our technologies, you've already known about before. Since you know what this is, I suppose you know how it works?"

"A bit, actually." answered Malachi, "How far is the distance? Do we have to build transmitters for it?"

Gregory revealed a wry smile at Emmanuel. Emmanuel caught onto it and just shrugged.

"Transmitters and receivers. Yes, we were told about them as well." replied Gregory, "As for the range, it is a bit small, but we can increase the distance using wires and lines, and relaying the signal."

"By the way, do telephones exist yet?" asked Malachi, "I was surprised by the radio that it reminded me of the telephone."

" 'Telephone?' " repeated Emmanuel, "Is it like this radio?"

"Yes, only, it is wired and can only communicate with another telephone on the line." explained Malachi, "Do you have such a thing?"

Emmanuel thought about it.

"Ah, yes, we do have something like that." he replied, "Only, we don't call it a 'telephone' but a vocal transceiver. The ones to create this was the old Industrial Union before Clan Skali overthrew them."

"Do you have an available device?" added Malachi.

Emmanuel shook his head.

"Right now, no." he said, "This is because the construction of such a device requires a certain crystal, and this crystal can only be found where the Industrial Union used to be and in some parts of the Empire. All other available vocal transceivers could only be bought by the affluent. We have a set in the palace, but only for work."

"Another crystal?" said Malachi, "Is this different from pyrocite?"

"Yes." affirmed Gregory, "Ah, good thing, too. That radio also has the same crystal used for vocal transceivers. Here, let me open it."

Malachi handed the radio to Gregory. Unknown from where he got it from, Gregory had a screwdriver in hand. Deftly unscrewing the bolts from the radio, Gregory opened the radio and revealed the circuitry inside. Along with the circuits, however, was a curious yellow-orange crystal.

Gregory showed and pointed at the crystal fixed inside the radio.

"See that? That's the crystal." he said, "It's called an electrocite, and it, for some reason, holds and discharges electricity."

Malachi reached out and touched the crystal. Upon contact,

"ZAP!"

"Woah!" yelped Malachi, "The heck!? It's more dangerous than pyrocite!?"

"Oops, ah, yeah." said Gregory, "Forgot to mention that. Anyway, we need to handle it with insulation to prevent getting the shock of our lives. Good thing, though, that this is only a small piece. Imagine if it was as big as your head."

Malachi, instead of his expression going pale, merely had a curious gaze upon the crystal.

"Okay... That's the second weird thing I've learned about AND have encountered." commented Malachi, "Any particular reason why I haven't learned about this from Dr. Ibrahim's lessons?"

"Well, there are reasons why knowledge about electorocite is limited." said Emmanuel, "It's expensive and dangerous. Think about it if this thing was turned into a weapon, the ones who discovered this kept all information in turning this into a tool for war a secret. Apart from utility, there was nothing else."

"Whoever found out about this has it right." commented Malachi, "I can, actually, turn this into a weapon. With the right materials, I can recreate many more of my past life's technologies."

"Even with the existence of pyrocite... Where did you come from, really?" said Emmanuel disbelievingly.

"A world with over 10,000 years of recorded warfare." answered Malachi.

///

The next day, early morning.

"Um, why are we here?" asked Arlianne, "And why are we wearing this?"

Malachi and Arlianne were wearing fairly light clothing—both of them were wearing sleeveless shirts, a pair of shorts, and the most comfortable shoes they had. They were at the village's perimeter, and were actually attracting glances from the villagers with their attire.

"We will be doing stamina and endurance training." answered Malachi, "For now, just do what I'm doing."

Malachi was busily stretching his body. His legs, arms, back, head, every limb he has. Arlianne, unsure of what he was doing, did her best to copy Malachi. Malachi, however, finished his stretching and went to Arlianne, who was struggling.

"Here, do it like this." said Malachi, "Tell me if it hurts."

"Ah, eh?" muttered Arlianne, "What do you mean if it hu—Ow! Owowowow!"

Malachi grabbed hold of Arlianne's arms, and pushed it one way and another. Her arms, unused to the exercise, could only stretch so far, and was immediately in pain after a short while. Malachi weakened his force and found a sweet spot where Arlianne could stretch without being in too much pain.

"Next, sit down and stretch out your legs." said Malachi.

Arlianne did as she was told, albeit reluctantly, and sat on the ground. Malachi went behind her, and pushed her back forward, this time more carefully. Pushing her back only up to the point before she was in pain, he repeated what he did to her.

"Um, why... why are we... doing... this...?" asked Arlianne, "Is this... part... of the... exercise...?"

"This is to prevent injuries from occurring during exercise." answered Malachi, "It's also to loosen up the body to a certain extent and make some movements easier to do."

Malachi and Arlianne continued their stretching exercises until Malachi deemed it was okay.

"Okay, that was a good warmup." he said, "Now, jog with me. Since this is still the beginning, you can rest for a while and get used to the exercise. However, in the future, when I tell you to run, you will keep running."

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When Malachi said the last statement, his voice became grave and his gaze became serious. Arlianne, seeing this strange change, nodded in fear.

"All right." said Malachi, "We still have a few years before we can enter the academy. Let's use this time to hone our bodies for future hellish training."

Without a word, Malachi took off and left Arlianne behind. Arlianne panicked, and ran after Malachi, doing her best to catch up to him. After jogging for approximately half a kilometer, Arlianne became tired, and took a break next to the village fence.

"Hmm, yep, you need a lot of stamina and endurance." commented Malachi, "Since we are only jogging, we need to increase your endurance. Soon, we will be doing sprinting exercises to increase our stamina. Okay, I'll just go on for the remainder of the lap, then we'll call it a day."

Malachi left Arlianne to rest where she lay, and ran around the village perimeter's remaining diatance. That said, the entire perimeter spanned a total of 80 kilometers. Actually, even though Malachi said he would continue jogging the remaining distance, he only lasted for 8 kilometers. A tenth of the total.

"Fuu... Haa... Okay, I overestimated myself... Fuu... Haa..." he said, "I should... find a... smaller area... to exercise at... Fuu... Haa... Time to go back..."

Malachi rested for a while before walking back where he left Arlianne. After they met up, they went back home to wash up and rest. Not before shocking Bashia with their current state, and answering her interrogations about what they actually did.

In the future, they would exercise routinely twice a week, and would eventually last the entire stretch. It goes without saying that the following weeks became hell for Arlianne but she'll get used to it.

///

The next week, when Malachi and Arlianne had gone again to the city of Rhiamalka.

"Then, it will be just like last week." said Bashia, "We will meet back here when we're going home. I suppose you will be meeting with Axel?"

Malachi nodded.

"That's the plan." he answered, "We will just go through the road heading towards the furnace. We'll meet him along the way."

"All right. Well then, let's go, Ibrahim." concluded Bashia.

"See you, kids." bade Ibrahim, "Don't get into trouble."

Malachi and Arlianne waved the two adult Eskurs off before heading towards the direction of the city furnace.

"Hmm, ah, there he is." said Malachi as he looked for Axel, "Axel~"

Malachi found Axel sitting atop a crate at the façade of a shop. Axel was just minding his own business, lightly swinging his legs and watching the passersby coming and going. When Malachi called for him, Axel turned his gaze and found Malachi a few meters away. Axel hopped off the crate and went to Malachi and Arlianne's location.

"Oh, hey." greeted Axel, "You actually came back."

"You wanted a friend, you got a friend." said Malachi, "I tend to like keeping my promises that I can achieve easily."

"Hello, Axel." greeted Arlianne, "Were you always here?"

"Nah, I bet he's just lonely and was excited to see us, so he waited where we first met." interjected Malachi, "I'm right, aren't I?"

"Wha-!? No, I'm not!" retorted Axel, "I already told you that this was my territory!"

Malachi laughed.

"Haha, yes, yes." he said, "I know you miss me."

"Shut up!" yelled Axel.

Axel threw a small pebble at Malachi but, as usual, Malachi evaded it.

"Oho, your aim got better." commented Malachi.

"Malachi..." groaned Arlianne with an annoyed expression, "Don't get in to trouble."

"Fine, fine." replied Malachi, "So, what are the plans for today? Personally, I don't mind getting lost in the city... Wait..."

"Hmm? What is it?" asked Axel, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Malachi thought of what to do for the day. Upon saying his earlier statement, he stared at Axel.

'Axel is a citizen of this city, while Arlianne and I are mere visitors.' he thought, 'Apart from having a map, and going to the furnace, we know nothing else.'

"Malachi." said Arlianne as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "Axel's getting nervous, stop staring at him like that."

"Hmm? Ah, sorry." apologized Malachi, "Say, Axel. Do you mind if I ask something from you?"

"Yes? What is it?" replied Axel, "If it's a prank, I'm going to deliver a stone to your head."

"I'd like to see you try... No, that's not it." said Malachi, "Do you mind if you tour us in the city? Arlianne and I are mere visitors, after all, and we know nothing much about it. Aside from the city furnace, we only have a map to rely on."

Axel lowered his head and thought about it.

'Well, it's true that I can tour them.' he thought, 'But I can only take them to the places I know of.'

"Well?" asked Malachi.

"Is it fine if I just take you to places I can only go to?" asked Axel, "There might be some places you want to visit, but I'm not allowed to step foot in."

Malachi glanced at the place behind Axel. He then shrugged and agreed.

"Sure, why not?" he said, "We are still kids, after all, and I do believe that there ARE some 'places' where kids should not enter."

Arlianne and Axel became confused.

"What do you mean by that, Malachi?" asked Arlianne, "And why were you putting emphasis on some words?"

Malachi revealed a wry smile.

"No need to think too deeply about it." he replied, "Well, Axel, lead us away~"

Axel turned to leave, and Malachi and Arlianne followed behind. Lakeng, Axel's bodyguard, also secretly followed from a distance. A group of three kids and one adult went into the nearest district: the commercial district.

///

"By the way, why is it that you can only visit once a week?" asked Axel, "Is your village far?"

"Not really." answered Malachi, "It's just a 6-hour drive away with a truck. We just go weekly just to replenish our stocks."

"You own a shop?" wondered Axel, "You don't look like a merchant in that getup."

"Not entirely." replied Malachi, "We live with a doctor, you see, so we spend a lot of resources making medicine."

"Ooh, can you make medicine?" added Axel.

"Nope, I know nothing about it." answered Malachi, "I know the simplest first aid, though."

"I see."

Arlianne watched on as Malachi and Axel conversed. Remembering what Axel felt about Eskurs, they had to be careful about the fact that they live in an Eskur village. Even the fact that Malachi was a half-Eskur was kept secret. With Malachi's goggles, most would just assume he was an aspiring engineer, especially since he often visits the furnaces.

At the moment, they were on the road to the commercial district. Quickly passing by the plaza where Malachi's household would be meeting later, Malachi made a swift scan of the area to look for someone.

'Good, they're not here.' he thought, 'Guess they're still shopping. Then that means...'

The fact that Axel is leading his two visitors to the commercial district means that the chances of them meeting Bashia and Ibrahim will be high. Prior to this, Arlianne had already told Bashia about Axel and his sentiments. Hopefully, when they do meet, Malachi had already thought of a way to divert Axel's attention.

As the passed the plaza, the group had stepped foot into the commercial district.

The Commercial District.

Like what it was called, it is the part of the city in which the primary land use is commercial activities—shops, offices, theaters, restaurants and so on—as opposed to a residential neighbourhood, an industrial zone, or other types of neighbourhoods. This district, which made up at least a quarter of the city of Rhiamalka's walled area, was the busiest district with the huge number of establishments catering to the needs of the huge number of people that transact with them.

Of course, there were a few establishments that didn't found themselves within the commercial district. Spread across the city happen to be small inns that cater to many travelers and citizens in need of good places to rest. Just by having all establishments concentrated in one area would be detrimental to the flow of people due to the intense traffic.

That said, it was still before lunchtime so many people were out and about buying and selling goods.

"Sheesh, the place sure is bustling." commented Malachi, "Let's stay away from the middle of the roads so we don't get separated."

Malachi's companions agreed with him and went near the edges of the road.

"Well, here's the commercial district." said Axel, "From here, there are only a few places I personally know of. For now, the nearest will be this one shop I like to go to."

"Lead on." said Malachi.

Axel led his visitors to a nearby shop with a jar for a sign hanging outside. When they arrived at the shop's doorstep, Malachi saw an interesting view and raised a brow. The shop was mainly visited by children, young girls, and some women.

"Uh, Axel, where are we?" asked Malachi.

"Welcome to Max's Candy Emporium!" announced Axel, "This is one place I always visit when I get the chance, heh heh."

Axel opened the door, and pulled Malachi and Arlianne inside.

"Out of all the shops in the city, Max carries only the best of the best." explained Axel, "From hard sweets, to soft and sugary goodness, he has it all!"

'So candies exist here.' thought Malachi, 'Didn't she also...'

Malachi thought back to his past life's memories. Before, he looked similar to the other Perlasian of this life—brown skin, brown eyes, and black hair. With him was a young girl of similar color eating candy happily as they idled the time away. Next to the girl was another man, a head taller than Malachi, who was also laughing with them.

"Hey, what's wrong?" wondered Axel, "You've gotten silent all of a sudden."

Malachi snapped out of his nostalgia.

"Hmm? Ah, sorry." he apologized, "I just remembered something from long ago."

When Arlianne heard this, she thought back on what Malachi's expression was. He appeared to be looking at a far away place, farther than what seemed to be not of this world. Arlianne approached Malachi, and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Malachi didn't look at her, and just held her hand with his left. With a jerk, he pulled Arlianne into an embrace, and buried his face onto her arm.

"Hyau!?" cried Arlianne, "Malachi!?"

"Ahh, you smell so good." he commented, "I really miss the scent of Old Spice, I wonder if I could recreate it?"

"I assume you're okay, now?" inquired Axel, "So, got anything you like?"

Just as Axel asked, a jolly fat merchant appeared behind them.

"Ohohoho! If it isn't li'l Axel, eh?" greeted the merchant, "I see ye 'ave friends with ye, eh?"

"Ah, hello, Max!" greeted Axel back, "Got anything new in your stores?"

"Aye, that I do, laddie!" answered Max, "Say, how 'bout I give ye and yer friends a discount, eh? Just think of it as a way of me making sure ye keep coming back, eh? Especially fer new customers like ye, eh?"

"Are you sure?" asked Malachi, "Well, if you're offering, then I'm buying. Ah, wait, Arlianne. Do we have enough allowance?"

Arlianne looked in her pouch.

"Hmm, not sure." she replied, "I'm not familiar with the market price for sweets."

"Ah, dontcha worry, lassie!" said Max, "Ye kids just have as much as ye can 'ave fer today, eh? Tis a special offer for future customers, aye?'

"Well, all right." acknowledged Malachi, "We'll just spend as little as we can so we can buy others apart from candies."

"Good to 'ave ye on board, laddie!" cheered Max, "Now then, come to the front with me to see the new arrivals, eh?"

Max the Candy Merchant brought the three kids up the counter. Max went behind it, and placed a box for them to see. The box was 50 cubic centimeters big, and seemed to be sealed by a lid up top. Max opened the lid, and smoke came out of the box.

Well, rather than smoke...

"Smoke...? No, it isn't... Wait... That's..." said Malachi, "Cold vapor? It's a cold sweet?"

"Eh? Ye know about this?" asked Max shockingly, "Ah... And 'ere I was 'opin that nobody knew 'bout this yet. Aye, laddie, you got it right. Tis a cold sweet called iced candy."

"Ice? But the heat here is intense." said Malachi, "How do you maintain the optimal temperatures to keep it cold?"

"Er, well, haa." sighed Max, "C'mere laddie, you'll see it in this box."

Malachi went behind the counter and climbed up on it using a stool nearby. Bringing his gaze inside the box, apart from the tubes and casks of frozen delight, he found translucent blue-white crystals lining the insides of the box.

"This crystal 'ere is a glacite." explained Max, "A rare crystal 'ere in the kingdom, but is in abundance in the coldest regions of the Empire of Taijun. There are also glacite deposits down south, but the nomads down there rarely trade with us, ya see."

Malachi froze, pun not intended, at the sight of another strange crystal. He was about to reach inside the box to touch it when Max suddenly caught it.

"Ye better take care when 'andling that, laddie." he said, "Frostbite will be the least of yer concerns when ye do."

Looking closer, right next to the box, Max had prepared a set of tongs. Presumably for taking the sweets out and not risk touching the glacite.

Pyrocite, electrocite, and glacite. Three crystals that were foreign to Malachi appeared to him. These three crystals seemed to be the core of this world's technologies. Pyrocite, being the safest but the most volatile to handle, and electrocite and glacite being the most dangerous but relatively safe materials.

"Are there any other crystals that I should know of?" asked Malachi, "Please, shock me more."