NSLICE-00P analyzed the results of the Ritual Magic test while her monsters recovered. In summary, the technique had mixed results for her. Ritual Magic increased the complexity of the cast by requiring interface between many different mana sources in exchange for combining the mana pools of the participants. But combining mana pools was not necessary for NSLICE-00P. She already had the largest mana reserves by far among the NSLICE units, and that was before the New World increased them by a thousand. Likewise, NSLICE-00P also had the fastest mana regeneration, made even faster by the stronger connection to the Source she established while escaping from the Realm of Eternal Night. And finally, NSLICE-00P had significantly higher mana-density as well, which made her spells notably more powerful than the same spell cast by any of her subordinates. So for NSLICE-00P, Ritual Magic might actually be a downgrade, given that participating units would run out of mana before her.
There was, however, still some benefit to this exercise. While the Ritual Magic itself was not that efficient, she did note that subordinate units could contribute processing resources to forming and maintaining the magic circles via the NSLICE network. That could have benefits when NSLICE-00P needed to split her attention. In particular, with her expanded mana pool, additional processing resources could allow her to Multicast significantly more magic circles than might otherwise be possible.
And while not as useful to herself, the linked mana pool could be a powerful tool for her subordinates if they were engaging an opponent without her. It would grant them access to parts of the magical arsenal stored in the NSLICE protocol database that they lacked the mana to cast on their own.
All in all it was still a beneficial addition to the network’s capabilities, with potential if she could modify its behavior. If, for example, she could determine a way to give her subordinates access to her mana, then hypothetically the firepower of any given unit in the network would become equivalent to her own. This was not currently possible, classified documents on Ritual magic in the Imperial Library stated that the caster leading the Ritual needed mana density on par with or higher then all of the participants to avoid injury from mana overload. But it was something NSLICE-00P could investigate and iterate on. After all, mana from her core already flowed through each and every one of her subordinates without causing them harm, so it should be possible for them to access consciously.
It was certainly worth pursuing.
At that moment, Colleöne and Ateia stepped over to NSLICE-00P.
“NSLICE-00P, could we have a moment of your time? We could use your help for Ateia’s next lesson.”
“Affirmative. Command: All NSLICE units besides this unit and NSLICE-Ateia may follow personal routines and directives.”
As the monsters scattered to rest or continue training, NSLICE-00P walked with Colleöne and Ateia. Colleöne then turned and nodded at the pair.
“Thank you for joining us, NSLICE-00P. Ateia has now learned to mold her power like when the Aesdes were assisting her, she has learned to connect with the power of Elséró flowing through the world, and she has learned to focus herself within it. It is now time for her to learn how to direct that power. She has already started that process with Taog, though only in that she reached out to him and let him access a bit of the world’s mana in the process. We will now refine that technique, and as she is connected to you, you are the best option to receive her power. Are you willing to help us with this?”
“Affirmative.”
Colleöne and Ateia smiled at that. Colleöne turned to Ateia and nodded.
“Ok Ateia, like we practiced, reach out to the power of Elséró once again.”
Ateia nodded and closed her eyes. Her wings began to glow slightly as she connected to the streams of Holy mana once more. Her expression twitched a bit as memories of the cult’s ritual accosted her, but having succeeded at this task before she was able to brush them aside. The memories grew fainter each time she did this.
Colleöne smiled at the sight.
“Good. Now, direct your thoughts upon NSLICE-00P. Once you see her through the world instead of your eyes, ask that the world would support her. Choose one aspect to enhance, and envision how the world might aid her.”
Ateia nodded. NSLICE-00P’s sensors began to light up. Streams of Holy mana gradually appeared all around her, attempting to connect with her mana. As NSLICE-00P was aware of the cause, she did not attempt any resistance. The mana connected and began to pour into her.
Ateia recalled the memory of NSLICE-00P battling the Dobhar, when she casted magic across the entire battlefield. She imagined the power of the world expanding the magic circle that lit up the sky, of NSLICE-00P’s mana surging and growing.
The power of the world reacted.
You have received a Blessing of Mana! Total mana, mana regen, and mana density increased for the duration!
NSLICE-00P logged her mana reserves expanding. She formed and supercharged a Prismatic Bombardment spell, firing it into the sky. Colleöne twitched and formed a barrier, blocking the beams before they went too high up.
“Sorry, it’s…um…not necessarily wise to do that. I appreciate the desire to avoid unnecessary damage but such things can…draw attention.”
“Acknowledged. Statement: This unit will attempt to develop alternative means of testing high mana expenditure in the future.”
Colleöne sighed and nodded.
“That would be wise.”
Meanwhile, NSLICE-00P analyzed the results of the spell cast. Her mana regenerated at an even faster rate than before, and she detected the mana from the world infusing her spell, further increasing its mana density and predicted firepower.
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Ateia furrowed her brow, groaned, and then her eyes shot open as her concentration broke. The mana connection cut off and the streams of mana around NSLICE-00P faded, though the mana that had already infused her lingered.
NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye began flickering rapidly.
Ateia now had the means to increase a friendly’s mana reserves and mana density. The benefits were notable if marginal for NSLICE-00P, a small but welcome boost to her capabilities.
But what of her other subordinates?
NSLICE-00P compared this data to the data from the Ritual magic tests. Should Ateia apply the Blessing to one of her subordinates, the higher total mana would unlock additional spells from the NSLICE database. And…if Ateia grew in her blessing ability and her subordinates increased their personal mana density…perhaps they might be able to reach a mana density on par with NSLICE-00P.
Which would grant them the ability to Ritual cast with NSLICE-00P’s mana reserves, unlocking full access to NSLICE-00P’s magical arsenal.
It would take significant training to achieve, but now NSLICE-00P had identified one way to make it happen.
“Query: Does NSLICE-Ateia have room in her training schedule to conduct group training with the NSLICE network?”
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Governor Aemilia stood in the courtyard of the Castra Turannia Legion Keep, staring up into the sky. Her retainers stood behind her with narrowed eyes, as well as a full squad of the Hiberius family’s knights, and Dux Canus with a squad of fully-equipped legionnaires.
Up in the sky, an Imperial airship floated above the city, bearing the symbol of the Imperial family. A smaller ship had departed from the vessel and now landed. Governor Aemilia’s face twitched as the door to the ship opened and its passengers disembarked.
Princess Caecila and her retinue had arrived in Turannia.
The Governor and the Princess said not a word as they approached one another. Both of their eyes narrowed into a glare. Their retainers glared at one another as well, hands resting on their weapons.
Governor Aemilia crossed her arms.
“What are you doing here? Come to gloat, ‘check up’ on the frontier?”
Princess Caecila shook her head.
“No.”
She then took a deep breath.
“I am here to negotiate a refugee resettlement. A large tribe of Nøkker have applied for asylum within the Empire, we would like to settle them in Turannia.”
Governor Aemilia blinked and then frowned.
“Well you might as well go. Turannia has little to spare, as you well know.”
Princess Caecila shook her head once again.
“The Imperial Family has arranged for the Naevius family’s architects to construct settlements as per your preference, and will supply six months of provisions. You would be responsible only for integrating them into the Empire and your province’s administration. Their leader, Iorthr, has offered to join Turannia’s auxiliaries as well.”
Governor Aemilia furrowed her brow, then made a sly smile.
“Oh, I get it. You’re afraid of Consul Hiberius returning the favor for ruining all of his plans. And now you think you can toss the poor dog stuck in Turannia a couple of scraps and she’ll run to lick your feet.”
Governor Aemilia chuckled.
“Well guess what, Princess? Turannia is well and good on its own. This province has never had a brighter future than now, and that is all due to the efforts of the people here. We have no need for ill-intended charity from the Imperial family.”
Princess Caecila simply smiled.
“I disagree.”
Governor Aemilia paused at her audacity. Princess Caecila continued.
“You are right that Turannia has a bright future. I have seen the construction across your province, and the new residents in the streets of Castra Turannia. But it goes much further than that. Utrad is in complete shambles, and the Northern Court is loath to send anyone competent enough to clean it up. Utrad has been the site of several rebellions thus far, there is even talk of breaking up the province. At the bare minimum, Utrad will be under heavy scrutiny in the future. But that’s a problem. Utrad’s legions have taken a massive blow, and the Northern Court doesn’t have enough spare forces to man the province on its own. Without strong leadership in Utrad, all the Empire north of Velus’s Pass is vulnerable, but the Court will not allow a strong leader to rise there anytime soon.”
Governor Aemilia frowned. Princess Caecila nodded.
“Which means…if a strong and above all loyal province were to develop, under the leadership of a Consul’s family, the cornerstone of the North could shift away from Utrad, and the Court would be all too happy to strip further power from the rebellious province. But Turannia, even with the latest influx, is still not powerful enough to do so. You received a lot of settlers and soldiers, yes, but the majority of Utrad’s people remained in their homes. You must establish yourself before Utrad recovers, or you will lose your opportunity.”
Princess Caecila’s smile grew.
“So you need all the help you can get right now, to build as much momentum as you can before someone competent arrives in Utrad. Turannia has lost command of the Selkies, and the rebels made off with the Northern fleet before they defected to NSLICE-00P. Whoever wishes to establish themselves as the cornerstone of the North will need a navy to throw their weight around. Integrating an aquatic race into your province would give you a strong head start.”
Governor Aemilia’s face twisted between several expressions. Eventually, her eyes narrowed, she made a smirk, and then she chuckled darkly.
“You’ve grown quite crafty, haven’t you now, you thieving vixen?”
Princess Caecila held her smile.
“I beat you before by accident and luck. I’ve spent much time learning from both of our mistakes.”
Then the Princess’s smile fell.
“I will be honest, I still do not like you. I never wanted to see you again, and I speculate the feeling is mutual. But your punishment was harsh enough, and we were both used by your father’s enemies. And the truth is, now both of our hopes ride on one Amiciti Populi Elteni who doesn’t care for her own reputation, and is in a complicated position after assaulting Consul Noxisius for as of yet unknown reasons. If we insist upon our feud during this delicate time, we shall both come to ruin, and quite possibly the entire Northern Empire with us. So I am here. So what say you?”
Governor Aemila frowned. She glanced around her. Her retainers frowned, her assistant Maelia shook her head. She saw Dux Canus, who glanced at her with a concerned expression. She saw the soldiers of Turannia, the farmers and militia who had faced their doom at the hands of the Dobhar.
She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
She then opened her eyes and turned to face Princess Caecila.
“As the Governor of Turannia, I say this. Turannia has survived upon its own efforts, with no assistance from the Empire for years. If you wish to give us a handout now, we will take everything we can get. But if you wish to earn our trust, you will need to show us the loyalty these men and women have given you, as they struggled alone to keep the Imperial banner flying, no thanks to the Court.”
Governor Aemilia then turned to her retainers.
“Maelia, the Imperial Princess has arrived to visit. Provide hospitality as befits her station, to the extent Turannia is able.”
Maelia frowned but nodded.
“Right away, Governor.”
Governor Aemilia then glanced back at Princess Caecila.
“As for the conflicts of the Court, present and past, such things matter little to the people of the frontier. And neither do you, unless you give us a reason to care.”
Princess Caecila nodded.
“That’s what I’m here to do.”
Governor Aemilia inhaled deeply before she turned to walk towards the Keep.
“Come then. You’ve had a long journey, please avail yourself of the best my province has to offer. And then we shall discuss these refugees you speak of.”
As she strode forward, Dux Canus stepped in beside her.
“Are you alright?”
Governor Aemilia kept her gaze forward.
“…I have to be. That woman is right, this is the best move for both myself and Turannia. No matter how I feel about it.”
Dux Canus made a small smile.
“And that’s why I don’t mind serving you, Governor.”