While walking through the streets of Divastyr at an abnormally slow pace, I couldn't help but feel antsy.
Most of the time, I moved swiftly through the streets alongside Sigura, Streiphen, or Equinox as a whole on missions, or walked through the corridors of the Velvet Star's lavish base with my massive mechanical mech. With how fluid my control over this body was, I always managed to keep a consistent speed, one that got me wherever I needed to be without wasting time with unnecessary activities like taking in the sights around me or idling without purpose.
Now, I was stuck in a position where I needed to move slower than I could, and it was driving me crazy. Moving this slow was causing my skin to jitter within the confines of my cube, too. I'd been hoping that such a slow walk would help to relax me before the mission, but of course I'd once again misjudged my unprotected heart's emotional responses.
The sun had long since fallen across the horizon, giving way to dark skies beyond my sight and the bright gold and silver streetlights that illuminated the world in the sun's absence. It was my first time properly 'out' during the night in this city. I'd mentally prepared myself for it, but I still felt shocked to see just how vibrant and alive it all was, even after the sun had fallen. It was just as loud, if not louder than it was during the day. It seemed as though Sigura had been completely right. Cities were too big to ever truly sleep.
While I would've liked to be able to see what I hoped to be a starry sky above, that was beyond my ability.
But...
If all went well, and I managed to use my new 'scouting ability' and develop it through the risk of this mission, perhaps that would change tonight. After demonstrating it to the others, Incognito had personally approved of its use for this mission. I could feel it resonating within the confines of my mech, and the excitement at the thought that I might be close to seeing the sky once again helped to combat my nerves. A little.
Rather than the wide stone footpaths, I was walking along the roads of Divastyr's streets instead. Being in the center of it all, I felt as though there were even more eyes than usual on me, but that was likely just my imagination.
The attention of the civilians, whether they were groups of friends, people heading home after a long day out, or night time guardians of various businesses and individuals were drawn not only to me, but to the wagon in front of me. My pace was measured and careful only because I'd been tasked with 'escorting' this wagon to its destination. Given the people inside, the wagon hardly needed protection.
It was a wagon formed of gleaming violet metal, with a black roof and edges all throughout it. It was being pulled by a pair of Horse-like creatures with purple fur, glowing black manes, and eight powerful legs. These 'Sleipnir' were lavish beasts, ones that had a dangerous glint to their gleaming red eyes. They were eyes that commanded respect, which helped to draw some of the attention away from me.
The wheels were similarly lavish, and the black tinted windows made it impossible to judge who or what was inside for the average person. With my massive form walking casually along behind the wagon, I felt certain that there was no doubt in the minds of onlookers as to the nature of those the sparkling wagon carried.
My form was covered with black and white threads, a darker departure from my usual white 'attire'. It was designed to mimic a plain black suit, a recognisable design that Debutante had been confident would be noticed by others as something refined and regal. Even the rose at the front of my mech had a new set of coloured threads, resembling a standard red rose with green leaves around the base.
And... she was the fashion expert, not me, but I couldn't help but feel as though this metal suit was anything but 'refined and regal', regardless of how it was dressed up. The clothes were nice, but the mech itself was still a cumbersome thing.
Wanting to take my attention off the stunned onlookers ogling my true form within the glass cage and my growing nerves, I sent my [Sensory Zone] through the panes of glass. Unlike regular eyes, I had no issue peering through the tinted windows.
Inside the wagon, the rest of the Velvet Star members assigned to the mission were lounging on plush cushions that I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of, all dressed in a similar manner to myself. Though, for obvious reasons, they all wore the look far better than my mech did.
Sigura and Shafu were both dressed in suits.
The Half Nekari Chimera wore a plain orange suit with a white undershirt and tie. It was far from being as eccentric and eye-catching as some of the other outfits in the wagon, but her size and the glowing golden bulge from the orb implanted near her collar would definitely help with that. She had her elbow on the windowsill, pensively looking out at the streets as we passed. Hopefully she was alright. If she had something on her mind, it was best to leave her alone to think through it before the mission began. We had our... differences recently, but I'd keep an eye out for her, just in case.
Shafu's outfit was far more elaborate, a deep and pale red pinstripe suit with abnormally bulky looking sleeves that slunk around her metal arms. If one didn't know any better, they might misinterpret the bulges of the prosthetics as powerful muscles.
"Umm... I've never been to a Church of Fortune before," Streiphen admitted sheepishly, raising a hand to rub at the back of his neck behind his long white hair. "Is it this nice looking on the inside too?"
The boy was wearing a bright, emerald green suit alongside his black eye mask and warped weapon lying against the seat next to him. The sheer brightness of it made him stand out against the wagon, which was really saying something given some of the more extravagant outfits present.
"Of course! It's a beautiful building, and one worth visiting even if you can't drink or play!" Overcharge replied cheerfully. The buff Eastern Drow was wearing a gold and orange suit, one that was similar to Sigura's, albeit shinier and eye-catching in design.
"It isn't the sort of place often visited by children, but it's a haven for [Merchants], [Gamblers], and all who deal in coin," Ingrim added. The golden scaled Triton wore a plain black suit that blended with the dark stripes and streaks along his body. He wore a white undershirt alongside a black tie with white ink-like splotch patterns woven into it. Pressed against the seat, I noted a flap held up by golden buttons, one that was half-open to allow his tail to wind out from the pants. There were matching flaps along his upper back and elbows for his protruding fins to poke out without tearing through the suit. Handy.
Languish only gave a tired nod in agreement. The chalk white skinned Human wore an equally white suit. Even if the suit itself was clean, he wore it... lazily. There was no kinder way to put it. The long sleeved shirt wasn't tucked into his pants, and the cuffs were furrowed. Given his messy black hair and lethargic expression, he gave the impression of someone who'd thrown himself together at the last minute.
I'd asked Incognito about whether this was really appropriate for the mission. Incognito, who'd been wearing a similar plain black suit to Ingrim, claimed it was fine with a nonchalant shrug. That had irked me a bit given how much work had gone into the rest of our outfits, but he claimed that the man wouldn't draw attention anyway, not with 'his abilities'. Perhaps it was a flimsy justification for his poor presentation, but... it made sense, if nothing else.
"The place has a great atmosphere to it, trust me," Bubblegum Blaze chipped in. "Just don't go too far from us and you'll be fine."
The [Witch] was one of the few not wearing suits, instead opting for a bright pink and wine-red puffy dress and stockings. Although her hair and make-up were specially prepared for the occasion, she hadn't left her tall hat and modified broom behind.
"You will not be in danger here, Stardust," Pack Rat smiled, stroking at the gray fu manchu hanging from his upper lip. "Remember to stand tall with your chest out. That aspect of your presentation will speak volumes more than your age, I assure you."
The Roden wore a loose fitting dark purple robe-like jacket, one with golden buttons keeping it together at the front. His garb was definitely among the more unusual of the group, given how loose it was when surrounded with such tight-fitting cordial looking suits.
"Speakin' of presentation, have you drank much on your own since bustin' out of that facility, Sigura?" Shafu asked, glancing towards the taller woman next to her with a raised eyebrow. "You should definitely try some of the stuff they sell here."
It took a moment for Sigura's attention to be pulled from the window as she looked back towards Shafu, her eyes distracted, aloof, and touched with a mote of disapproval.
"You want to drink on a mission?" she asked back, eyes narrowed.
"'Course! How else're we gonna make it look like we're there for fun? It's for confidence, y'know?" Shafu responded with a laugh, giving her a slight nudge with one metal arm hidden by sleeves.
"[Sounds like an excuse to slack off to me,]" I added dryly, my [Telepathy] penetrating the wagon's walls to reach those within. I saw Bubblegum jolt a little in her seat, looking around in shock for a moment before she slackened.
"Wow, that really caught me off guard. I keep forgetting you're here and listening in, Yuri," Bubblegum spoke, coughing uneasily into a fist.
"You'll get used to it," Shafu laughed, looking back towards Sigura.
The Chimera's face turned pensive once again, her eyes drifting away from the eager Darkling before landing on the window once again.
"Alright, alright. Just don't expect me to drink so much that I won't remember a thing. If we have to fight, I'd rather be able to see and walk straight while doing it," Sigura replied, a small smile finding her face. "You up for drinkin' too, Yur?"
The thought of drinking alcohol at all in the middle of a job felt viscerally wrong, but...
"[Just a little, perhaps. To keep up appearances,]" I replied lightly. If civilians saw me doing something as mundane as drinking alcohol alongside some friends, then surely that'd help to normalise me in their eyes, wouldn't it? "[If you were the one to offer, then I presume you'll handle the payment, Shafu?]"
My dry comment got a laugh out of the Darkling, who leaned to her other side before nudging the muscled Eastern Drow in the arm with a wry grin.
"If we're buyin', we'll have Overcharge do it! He's a monster of a haggler, Yur. We can pay him back later," she smiled.
As much as Shafu was setting the smiling man up to be a 'monster of a haggler', he crossed his arms with a smile as both long, Elven ears wiggled with the praise. He certainly didn't have a 'poker face' to go with his supposed skills.
"My expertise doesn't just lie in combat, Homebound!" Overcharge bellowed back with a shining smile. "I'm an excellent businessman!"
"And one we are lucky to have on our team," Ingrim smiled, giving a light nod of his own. "Languish and I are not adept at these sorts of negotiations, but it is an area I hope to better myself in."
Languish nodded in agreement, and I could understand completely. Ingrim didn't seem like he was the type to be good at saying 'no' to people, while Languish... well, I'd barely heard him speak more than a few sentences since the moment we'd met.
"It'll be fun!" Incognito grinned, looking up towards the roof of the lavish violet wagon. "Us three will be enough to scout the place, and you can multitask, Homebound! Lucky you. If we don't get spotted or end up spotting anything too bad, just think of this as a fun night to let loose and enjoy yourself. Spending coin is seen as being the same as worship here, so who knows, you might just get on the Gods' good side with being more loose with your drink! If we are caught, then... well, nobody's perfect. We might know their abilities, or we might not. Either way, prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and be ready to put on a show!"
The show must go on.
Those words wriggled through the cracks into my mind once again. I felt a shiver run across the surface of my pink form, even if the discomfort I felt didn't show in the calculated movements of my mech.
I didn't want to think about that diary again, not while I had the eyes of the city on me and a mission swiftly approaching. I tried in vain to push it from my mind, but flashes of the similarities I saw in that man and Incognito kept... finding ways to slip into the forefront of my thoughts. Parallels I wished I'd never seen.
Every time I saw Incognito's bright smile, I couldn't help but be reminded of that man's false politeness. The mask he'd worn. Was Incognito the same? An [Actor] hiding his true feelings? He didn't seem like one, but... if he was good at what he did, then I wouldn't be able to see past such a guise either. Given he was with the Velvet Star... I had to assume he had the skills to back up his role.
"[R-right...]" I hesitantly responded after a few long, stagnant seconds.
I could almost feel the sour damper my tone had created within the wagon.
"Incognito and Languish are excellent scouts, and I respect your desire to better your newest abilities with this mission, Homebound," Ingrim spoke, breaking the silence with a soft voice. "You need not restrain yourself too much, lest the civilians of the city see it. Try to relax and trust in the abilities of your coworkers. In us."
It was easy for him to say. I wasn't worried about Incognito's lack of abilities. Quite the opposite, in fact.
"[Alright... I'll try. Thank you, Ingrim,]" I replied, hoping my voice didn't sound as hollow as I felt.
After a few more minutes of walking and idle chatter, the pair of purple furred Sleipnirs turned onto another city street, taking us past a building I'd never seen before, but one that was easy to identify.
"Woah!" Streiphen exclaimed, scooching to the side to press both hands and his face against the tinted glass of the wagon. "Is that our stop???"
Bubblegum laughed at his expression, nodding to confirm the boy's suspicions.
That helped. I had my team here with me. We'd be fine.
Admittedly, the building was very impressive. It was nothing like the somber, darkly coloured churches I'd seen back home. The Glittering Coin Casino looked more like a palace than a place of worship, a behemoth of a structure with a gleaming, coppery walkway leading from the stone sidewalks to a bright silver entrance surrounded by stunning gold walls. If I didn't know any better, I would've wondered whether the entire structure was made of assorted metals.
Sadly, my [Honed Vision] ruined some of the building's mystique. The Skill didn't draw my attention to much of the building. It wasn't true metal, just a set of very convincing replicas, ones fitting for a church to the God of Minerals.
The one metal structure my eyes immediately locked onto was a statue sitting just above the entrance, one located beneath the words 'GLITTERING COIN CASINO'.
The statue looked like a thick ball of gold, one adorned with ridges that created a scale-like pattern of hexagonal shapes. Each of the 'scales' had a coloured gemstone embedded in the center, all glowing and catching the golden glow emanating from the nearby streetlights, reflecting with a mountain of different colours. Red rubies, blue sapphires, green emeralds. Two thick gold rings surrounded the statue too, gyrating around it slowly but surely, a motion that only served to highlight the reflected glow of the gemstones.
Given how... audacious it looked, I would've written it off as fake if not for how fixated my [Honed Vision] seemed to be on it. Whether it was real gold or another metal painted to mimic it I didn't know, but... it was certainly impressive to look at.
"It looks just about as good on the inside too, trust me," Shafu smiled as the Sleipnirs turned once again, taking our group down a wide alley around the side of the church. It was a cleanly paved stone road leading to a parking area around the back, one with wide spaces marked with glowing copper coloured lines. They were spacious enough for wagons or Anvil Caster constructs alike, but I wasn't sure whether they were enchanted, or just designed to look nice. At the back was a round manhole leading to the sewers, one I was certain Sigura would do all in her power to avoid if any of the smell from below was wafting into the air.
The wagon came to a stop inside one of these spaces, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Taking a step to the side, I began to shift my body side to side, lifting each mechanical leg to wriggle it in turn. Even if the metal was nothing but an elaborate puppet, the action felt like it was making me more limber. Without having to follow behind a wagon, I wouldn't need to make my movements so sluggish anymore.
Sigura looked about as relieved as she climbed out of the wagon, stretching out her legs the moment she got onto the pavement. The golden floodlights that showered the parking lot below with illumination caught onto her suit in a way that highlighted her form as the others began to climb out after her.
"Whew, now ain't that a sight for sore eyes!" Incognito smiled as he climbed out after Sigura, stretching his arms side to side. "I haven't been to this place in ages. Shame we're here for work though, I don't have the luxury of getting steamed this time around."
"The woes of the working man," Pack Rat smiled, clambering out after him as he moved away from the wagon, giving others space to step out onto the stone. "Have no fear, Incognito. We will make sure to drink to your good name while you're busy. Should this operation be a success, I will buy you a drink for your troubles."
"You're too kind, PR!" Incognito laughed, turning to chat with some of the others as they climbed out of the wagon.
Once Incognito had shifted his attention to the others, Pack Rat moved towards the man holding the wagon's reigns.
They were a burly Inuran man, but not like any other I'd seen before. Unlike other towering Dogfolk, his fur was a deep, dark reddish colour, while two black curved Ram's horns protruded from his forehead, each with glowing red lines between the ridges. Between those features and his narrow, piercing eyes, I guessed he had some form of Darkling heritage to him. He looked far more threatening than Shafu did, in any case.
Reaching into his robe, Pack Rat pulled a small purple pouch with a gold coloured string out from within. Reaching into it, he plucked a pair of gold coins free, handing them to the Inura Darkling.
I'd been told that the carriage and the Sleipnirs didn't belong to the Don. Apparently, this was a 'favour from a friend', one that owned some sort of transport company working in the area. He wanted to make use of the wagon and rare creatures as a way to show our presence to Divastyr and make it clear that we were around, and I was confident that it had done its job.
"You have been told some details of this mission, have you not?" Pack Rat asked, craning his neck upwards to look towards the Inura as he pocketed the coins.
"Stay inside the wagon, and if anyone tries to steal or scout it, take them down and let you know," the Inura replied without hesitation.
The thought that even this [Wagon Driver] was ready for combat helped to steel my nerves. I... maybe some level of relaxation was fine, but this was still a mission, one that I wished to grow from above all else. I wouldn't let my guard down completely.
"I am glad to hear it. Stay safe, yes?" Pack Rat replied, earning himself a nod from the Inura.
Turning away from the wagon, he gestured with a hand for the others to follow as Streiphen skipped over to me in his emerald green suit.
"Come. Let us begin the mission," Pack Rat spoke with a toothy grin, earning a joking cheer from Shafu, Incognito, and Bubblegum Blaze.
"[How was the wagon ride, Streiphen?]" I asked, my form walking proudly alongside Pack Rat's at the forefront of the group as the others chatted and trailed behind.
"Really smooth!" he chirped back. "I... I don't think wagon rides are supposed to feel so comfy and cozy, but that was great!"
Maybe I'd walked into such an answer by asking that, but I couldn't help the pang of jealousy I felt well up inside me. Sitting inside a wagon was usually far from a pleasant experience unless the driver had Skills to make the ride more bearable, but a 'comfy and cozy' wagon ride? I wanted to know what it was like, even if I was confident there wasn't a wagon that existed which could house something like me comfortably anymore.
It was another reason to devote myself to this task. To grow.
"[I'm glad to hear it Streiphen,]" I replied, my voice sounding fuller and more determined than it had been a few minutes ago, even to me.
The boy squinted against the streetlights as we arrived on the pavement. The sound of clacking boots, polished shoes, and needle-like metal legs echoed against one another as we walked side by side with our allies. The sound alone helped to remind me that we were all in this together.
The sound faded away as we transitioned to the sparkling copper carpet walking as one towards the silvery entrance of the church beneath the scaled statue.
The silver double doors were thankfully large enough to accommodate someone of my size as Sigura stepped forward, both hands stretched outwards as she pushed both doors open for all of us to enter.
Golden light cascaded out from within, causing my compatriots to squint for a moment at the sudden exposure. The copper coloured path we stood on glittered and shined in the light, only adding to how expensive and alluring the interior was.
After blinking her eyes to adjust, Sigura led the way inside.
I'd been expecting the sort of palace one thought of when ideas of wealth came to mind, but my imagination and that of fiction series I'd read had fallen short of capturing the majesty of the real thing.
The walls were a gleaming gold, the floor was the same shining copper as the path outdoors, and the massive hall was filled with silver chairs and an assortment of tables and artefacts with golden tops and copper bases. People of all sorts were gathered around artefacts designed for gambling as well as tables built for the same purpose, chatting to one another despite their hawkish, hungry eyes as they looked at their fellow competitors, each trying to find chinks in their armor that would let them take home the coin they were betting.
Our group barely had time to step into the lavish building before we were approached by a Half Elf man with light orange-brown hair swept back expertly over his head. He stood at a small booth to our right, wearing a suit that reminded me of a [Butler] or [Waiter], with a gleaming copper shirt, black pants, and a tidy silvery white undershirt.
He wore an easy smile, one that wobbled for a moment as he caught sight of our group.
"Welcome to Divastyr's Church of Fortune, esteemed guests," the Half Elf said, his voice more even than I expected it to be as he bowed with one hand over his stomach. "Before you come any further, I must ask whether you all are carrying any artefacts designed by Casters other than yourselves."
Artefacts designed by others? I was expecting questions about whether we were armed, but I tried not to let this catch me off guard.
"All we've got are in-house artefacts, no worries," Shafu smiled at the man. "We're not here to cause trouble for the clergy."
"Does she speak for all you?" the Half Elf asked, his eyes beginning to glow a soft, metallic brown colour. [Insight].
So this was why Shafu had asked us to leave any other artefacts back at the base. I'd left my Linked Book on my work desk after the others had recommended to come here light on magic items.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"[Yes,]" I replied simply. I felt uneasy beneath the gaze of his piercing eyes, but the others answered in turn as he looked towards them. A lie detection ability? This felt too light for security in a place like this, so I presumed he had something like [Sense Intention], too. Or... they weren't that worried about those who were armed.
"Excellent! In that case, would you like me to guide you around the premises? For a small fee, I can help you with whatever you need to-"
The man stopped, his voice trailing off as he was cast in a deep shadow.
"I'll take it from here, Davi. You're dismissed," boomed the voice of an enormous figure standing directly behind the attendant. The Half Elf whirled around, craning his neck far back to look up into the eyes of the man who'd spoken, giving a quick nod before hurrying back to his booth.
The figure in question was a Goliath, a colossal Humanoid standing around 11ft tall with light grey skin of a far paler shade than Streiphen's. At that height, the man towered above even Sigura, but he wore an disarmingly easy smile on his face. The Goliath had short gold hair combed back in much the same way as 'Davi', which matched both his gleaming golden suit, and the full beard on his thick jawline. The pattern of his facial hair was... unorthodox, to say the least. The hair was thinner around his mouth, cut in sections to resemble rectangular protrusions going up and down around the lips, akin to a set of blocky teeth.
Despite the Goliath's massive size, I didn't feel intimidated in the slightest. That alone might've been a symbol of my growing experience if I was generous, but the almost... comforted, relaxed sensation I felt as he spoke made me feel like it was something more. An effect of his abilities, maybe, or part of my warped Soul giving me some instinctive response that worked in a positive way for once? I couldn't tell, and I didn't want to be rude by using [Insight] to try and find out.
"Welcome to the Church of Fortune!" the Goliath boomed, pulling both hands from his pockets. On each of the Goliath's meaty fingers were sets of golden rings inlaid with jewels and gems of differing colours. The moment he opened his mouth, I caught sight of a shine that caught the light. His tongue looked as though it was made of silver. "It's always a pleasure to have the Velvet Star visit our lavish lair!"
Overcharge was the first to step forward from our group, a winning smile on his face while he offered a hand. Despite the Eastern Drow's tall, muscular frame, he looked more like a child in comparison to the massive Goliath. Their sheer difference in height didn't seem to mean anything to the look of mutual respect in their eyes as the pair clasped hands.
"A pleasure to see you too, Gambol! It's been too long!" the Eastern Drow smiled back, craning his head upwards to look the Goliath in the eye.
"Here for worship, I hope?" the Goliath, 'Gambol' chuckled to himself, eyes slowly tracing over our group. "Or perhaps you're here for more... official business?"
"Bit of both, Big G," Incognito smiled back, giving the towering clergyman a lazy wave. "We're here to let the community know we're active and around while we take the time to blow off some steam through some good 'ol fashioned Fortune worship."
That was certainly a very diplomatic way to say 'gambling'.
"In that case, I hope you can all find solace in our church as a respite from your busy schedules," the Goliath responded in his deep yet welcoming voice. "I understand it must be hard for you all to find free time, what with that war around the corner. I've heard the rumours about the current Karisti leaders eyeing up our poor little Sova."
"[I can assure you everything will be just fine, sir. Whether this war happens or not, we'll make sure Sova comes out of this alright,]" I responded, sending my [Telepathy] through to the Goliath as his eyes landed on my bare pink form.
"I have faith that the Star has the situation under control. You must be Homebound of the Star's 'Equinox' team, aren't you?" the Goliath asked, offering a hand to shake. Did he expect me to use one of my legs, or did he already know about the metal hands within my mech? Maybe he'd done his research on our group already. "I understand you've made waves in the community as of late, both figuratively and literally."
Ah... I knew he was just trying to make a joke, but the reminder of Fareel's eye-catching departure from the city cut a little deeper than I would've liked. Undoing the screws on the side of my mech, I peeled the side compartment free to allow a large metal hand resembling that of a scaled woman's fly forward, shaking with Gambol's own.
"[That's right. I'm Homebound, and these are my teammates, Sunburst and Stardust,]" I replied, gesturing with the hand towards my allies once it was finished accommodating his firm grip.
"A pleasure!" he boomed back. "You're all far more stunning to see in person. The rumours don't even begin to do your extravagant forms justice. I am Gravindal Shinefinger, although those in Caster communities know me as 'Gambol'. I hope you can all make yourselves at home for however long you choose to stay."
Good rumours, I hoped.
"Do you 'work' here, Gambol?" Sigura asked with crossed arms and a raised brow, her eyes meticulously trailing over his golden suit, jewelled rings, and the gems inlaid along his collar.
"Gravy here's a [Priest] of Fortune," Shafu answered, looking up towards her. "He's a 'Goldeye', more specifically."
"Really? You look pretty well off for a [Priest], Gambol," Sigura answered, her piercing deep gold eyes meeting his own. "I've never seen a [Priest] look like they've got such full pockets. Your church worships through gamblin', yeah? Can't say I've heard of that before."
I felt my form tense up within my water-filled cube as some of the other Velvet Star members threw Sigura disapproving looks. The Goliath laughed, but it sounded like there was a bitter, offended tinge to it. Or... maybe I was imagining it. I couldn't tell, but I hoped so.
"You don't know much about Primordial worship then, do you Miss Sunburst?" the Goliath boomed, putting both hands back into his pockets.
"I know a bit, but I've never been big into the whole faith thing," the Half Nekari Chimera retorted. "This place just isn't like any church I've seen before."
"Is that so? Then let me educate you, Miss Sunburst," Gambol replied, his body glowing a soft gold colour as light spilled from his form, weaving shapes into the air around us. The others glanced up at the conjured shapes as they began to settle and stabilise. While I recognised some of the shapes, others were only vague recollections to me. Symbols and patterns I'd seen in books as a child, but nothing substantial in person.
The emblems of the 21 Primordial Gods.
"In the beginning, the Primordials created the world and all in it, Miss Sunburst," the Goliath began, pulling one hand from his pocket to gesture at the floating symbols drifting around our group. "By living and experiencing this world, we give praise to their good work. Different churches favour different Gods and aspects of our world of course, but all of us are united in our pursuit of the passions we feel in giving our praise. We express that passion to make good use of the glorious gifts the Gods bestowed upon mortalkind. Those who love the glimmer of coin and the sealing of deals like myself give worship to the Glittering Fortune, the Primordial God of Wealth, Fortune, and Minerals."
With a hand glittering with precious metals, he gestured towards one of the symbols, which grew larger than the others as I watched. It was a symbol matching the statue above the doors just outside, a sphere of gold covered in a scale-like pattern, one with two rings surrounding it all studded with brightly coloured gemstones.
"All things are gifts from the Gods, Miss Sunburst. Coin, gambling, and luck itself are gifts from the Glittering Fortune. They are how I and people like me express our praise and gratitude. Our church is designed to contribute to our community and to the quality of life itself by distributing coin, the lifeblood of our God, to and from the hands of others," the Goliath finished.
"You really do have a knack for making ancient history sound like something worth listening to, Gravy," Shafu smiled, giving a metallic clap of her hands as the symbols began to fade away, breaking apart into small motes of gold. "Impressive as always."
The smile on the Goliath's face became wider at her words. Gambol brought a hand to his chest, giving a very slight bow to the Darkling.
"Your words are too kind, Miss Shambles. Our method of worship is one we have to explain to many, but all come to understand the thrill of praise within our walls in good time," Gambol smiled back. "I hope you too will partake in our worship, Miss Sunburst. I may join you at the tables later, but I believe tonight is a good night to keep my mind sharp, especially with such illustrious guests in attendance."
"You flatter us, Gambol," Pack Rat smiled back. "I hope you do not mind if we make good on your clergy's hospitality, hmm?"
"Not at all! Please, go right ahead," the towering Goliath replied, stepping aside to gesture towards the rest of the hall with a hand. "If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask me or any of my fellow clergyfolk for assistance."
"You're too good to us as per usual, Gravy," Shafu smiled, waving to him with a metal arm as she led the way into the hall proper, the rest of us following behind. "We'll be in your care."
After a moment of hesitation, I followed behind the confident Darkling alongside the rest of our group. Behind us, I could see the Goliath approaching the Half Elf who'd returned to his small station by the door, leaning down to speak with him as we continued into the building.
"'Gravy'?" Sigura asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked towards Shafu.
"Hmm? Oh, right. Good, isn't it?" the Darkling grinned proudly, planting both metal hands on her hips as the entrance began to grow further from my field of view. "Gravy like 'Gravindar'. When it comes to compliments, he tends to lay it on pretty thick and expects the same in return, so it makes sense, right?"
"The guy just likes his gestures of respect," Incognito added with a smile. "Nothing wrong with that."
"I'm more surprised that the clergy of this place know who we are and don't say a thing about it," Sigura commented, turning her head towards a cluster of people in suits like the attendant at the door and those in fine clothing gambling around a table. "If I was him, I'd look for a way to turn down our entry, especially with that war shit 'round the corner. Do you all come to this place often?"
"Sometimes," Bubblegum replied with a shrug. "They've got a good relationship with the Star. The church don't mind anyone as long as you're not here to disrupt their worship or cause a fight."
"They appreciate the Don, too," Pack Rat added with a small, proud smile. "He is a man with a good reputation for honoring deals and promises despite his position. He is one who rules more fairly than the leaders of other territories, and that has not gone unnoticed by the church."
"That, and he's got a lot of money," Incognito chipped in with a knowing wink up at Sigura. "These guys do worship the stuff."
"That too," Pack Rat responded with a sigh. "But it is due to his good reputation above all else."
As our group went further into the maze of tables and standing artefacts, Streiphen's eyes turned towards a structure in the center of the hall. With wide eyes, he made his way towards it, deviating from our group's path slightly to approach a tall, intricately carved silver fountain with a wide bowl at its base. Water spewed elegantly from three taps at the top, all carved to resemble the heads of silver scaled Snakes.
"Wow... This fountain's so pretty!" Streiphen exclaimed with a smile. As he reached the bowl and looked down into the water, he saw a collection of glittering coins of various colour gathered beneath the surface. I... figured he probably saw his reflection too, but my sight didn't allow for something like that. "Look at all this money!"
"This is a Fortune Fountain, Stardust," Overcharge explained, smiling as he planted a hand on the boy's shoulder. With his other, he gestured towards the glittering coins lining the base of the bowl. "It's customary for those coming to praise the Glittering Fortune to toss a coin into the water. It helps give one luck while in the church, you see."
"Really? Does it work?" Streiphen asked, turning his wide eyes up towards the Eastern Drow's face.
"Well, I've always had good luck when I flick a coin in!" the man laughed, reaching into his pocket for a single silver coin, one that he dropped into the fountain's bowl with a soft sploosh.
"I'm surprised there's still so many coins in here," Sigura admitted, leaning over to look at the collection of glittering coins within. "Guess there might be something to this 'worship' after all if people aren't just sneaking coins away when nobody's looking. Is the fountain enchanted?"
"Some say that people who try to steal from the bowls are cursed with misfortune," Bubblegum supplied with a smile as Sigura's [Insight] flared to life around her eyes.
"Yeah, and it's not just a superstition here," Incognito added, glancing up at Sigura with a wry grin. "So don't get any funny ideas."
"Noted," she murmured back in reply, the glow of Aera dissipating from her eyes.
I activated my own [Insight] out of curiosity, and sure enough the fountain was glowing with a dark silver light. I focused my senses, catching impressions from the Aera woven into the fountain's hidden runes. My body reflexively clenched up as a vivid vision of falling down stairs came to mind, followed by the thought of dropping my bag of coins somewhere by accident. Some sort of actual misfortune ability? A curse that used Luck Magic?
I shivered at the thought as both Streiphen and Shafu flicked in a coin of their own. Given my [Telekinesis], it was a simple matter to plant a silver from my own reserves into the water myself. If I wanted to grow from this mission, I'd need all the luck I could get, superstition or otherwise.
"Shall I go warm up a spot for us at the tables?" Ingrim asked, turning towards his Eastern Drow teammate. I noticed with a start that Languish was gone already. Had the mission already started, or... was that just his abilities activating passively?
"Sure, I'll grab some drinks from the bar," Overcharge smiled, jerking his thumb towards a long, busy counter packed with people.
"I'll stick with you then Ingrim, and let Overcharge handle that," Shafu added, brightening at the thought.
Given that this was my first time in a casino, or... a 'Church of Fortune' as a whole, I didn't really know what to do with myself. Would it be best to stick by Shafu or Sigura and just follow their lead? That might be smart, but approaching a table and getting roped into a game I had no experience or knowledge of was something that could make me appear foolish or inexperienced, couldn't it? My legs tapped idly against the floor as my awareness darted between my allies.
"[I'll come help you carry the drinks, Overcharge,]" I blurted out. I didn't know if that was the best decision for the mission, but I felt a weight off my shoulders having spoken up, if nothing else.
"I'd be delighted to have the help, Homebound!" Overcharge chirped back, waving for me to follow as he made his way through the casino.
Or... the church, rather. It was pretty hard to think of the place as a 'church' given how radically different it was to any church I'd ever seen. Bright lights, people in suits, glittering walls, constant chatter and the clinking of glasses filled with alcohol. How many of them were here for actual worship, and how many were here to try and earn a bit of coin?
Did the church even make a distinction? Did they care?
We arrived at a long, coppery bar. The golden light from above caught the countertop, causing the glasses and drinks along it to have a sparkling quality to them. Overcharge ventured to one of the thicker stools before sitting down given his larger frame, waving a hand to beckon the Satyr bartender in the suit to come to our side.
"Good evening, sir. What can I get you?" the Satyr asked, glancing from Overcharge to me with a shiver. Professionalism could only go so far when faced with a sight like me, I supposed.
"The finest drinks in the house for my friends and I of the Star visiting, if you would. The usual drinks and a variety set. We're looking to get nice and warmed up for Gambol, if you wouldn't mind helping us along with that," Overcharge smiled back.
The Satyr's eyes widened, replying only with an "Of course, sir!" and a quick nod before he hurried off.
"['Warmed up'?]" I echoed. "[We are on a mission, Overcharge.]"
"Don't worry, I don't plan on letting our teammates get too steamed!" the Eastern Drow laughed back. "The drinks will be a little cheaper if they think the money will come back to them in one form or another. I'm just glad it's not a Doll on staff tonight! Haggling and sweet words don't mean much to them."
Haggling? Was that what he'd just done...?
"[This is certainly the first time I've heard of someone 'haggling' in a church...]" I murmured back.
"That's a good sign that it's your first time at a Church of Fortune, I'd bet! This is all standard fare for the clergy. The exchange of coin in all its forms is as good a way to worship the Glittering Fortune as any, and wishing to haggle shows just how much you value that coin and its exchange!" Overcharge smiled, his golden eyes turning towards the table our teammates were wandering towards as that look on his face dimmed a little. "Sunburst seemed pretty skeptical about all this. Do you feel the same way, Homebound?"
The question caught me a little off guard.
"[Do you mean the church? It's... just a little strange for me. I haven't adjusted to all of this yet,]" I admitted. "[I did think it sounded somewhat like a scam, but I believe there's likely more to it if the clergy has put so much effort into the place, here and elsewhere.]"
"That's an awfully indecisive answer, isn't it?" Overcharge asked with a raised blond brow as two men further down the counter laughed to themselves, clinking their glasses together with a cheer.
"[What...?]"
"I haven't gotten many opportunities to speak to you yet, but I've heard bits and pieces from Shafu. She speaks pretty highly of you, Homebound!" Overcharge responded.
"[R-really? I think highly of Shafu too, but I didn't think she was singing my praises elsewhere,]" I replied, my words slowing a little.
"She thinks you've got excellent battle sense and a good head on your shoulders, Homebound. But," he paused.
"[But?]" I echoed.
"I think you should learn to speak your mind a little more. Shafu said the same. She told me she believes you're a little withdrawn for a team leader, but that you've improved quite a bit since the Star first recruited you," Overcharge told me.
"[Does she gossip about me a lot?]" I asked with an unimpressed drawl.
The Satyr from before moved down the counter, leaving a mug of a tall, frothy beer in front of him.
"Your order of Simple Pleasures, sir," the Satyr spoke in a somewhat hurried tone. "The rest of your drinks will arrive shortly."
"Thank you," Overcharge replied with a nod, gripping the handle of the mug as the Satyr left again. "Now, where was I?"
"[About how I wasn't a good team leader,]" I replied stiffly.
"No! No, not at all. You've got the qualities of a good leader, just that you've got potential left untapped!" Overcharge replied diplomatically. "It takes a lot to be a good leader, Homebound, and even more to be recognised as a positive influence for the city by the public. It's one thing to become a name sitting on everyone's lips, but it's another to be a respected name. You should take more pride in yourself!"
"[I've been... trying to speak my mind more, but what does it matter to you? I don't wish to be rude, Overcharge, but did Shafu ask you to talk to me about this?]" I asked, already feeling awkward over how rudely I put it.
"No, no, I just have faith in both Shafu and the Don's abilities to see the potential and good in people," Overcharge replied with an easy smile. "And your team is practically overflowing with potential!"
What was left of it, anyway. Given that two team members had already deserted us, maybe he was right. I needed to become a better leader for the sake of those still standing at my side. However much of a 'good' leader I could really be, at any rate.
"[Right... I'll try to speak my mind more,]" I replied with a reverberating sigh.
"That isn't enough!" Overcharge laughed.
"[What??]" I blurted out, watching as he took a deep, long drink from his mug. I hoped he had a high tolerance for alcohol.
"It's about confidence, Homebound! Not just speaking your mind, but speaking with conviction! When you speak, it sounds like you're trying to take the most diplomatic or safe approach because you don't see a better alternative. You need to believe in what you say and project that to the world! A half-hearted answer won't sway anyone's heart!"
"[Is this about my stance on the church, Overcharge?]" I asked, expecting an answer. He didn't give me one, and instead just smiled back. "[Fine. I believe it sounds... strange, worshipping coin like this. Maybe even like a scam, but I could understand if there are people that would truly worship this.]"
"You're speaking your mind a little more, but you're doing it in a way that doesn't sit on one side or the other. It's just a diplomatic response. It's the sort of thing that'd be good for a leader that doesn't have to make hard decisions, or doesn't want to risk hurting the hearts of others, but it won't bring about change or deep seated respect," he told me before taking another drink.
In truth, I was feeling both exasperated and a little stunned. I wasn't sure exactly what he was looking for, but I hadn't pictured Overcharge as being this... observant. Or pushy. He'd come across as the purely optimistic type to me before. A yes-man, in a sense.
"[So then... what are you looking for me to say...?]" I asked, hoping for some more direction beyond his non-specific advice.
"Tell me, do you think you could worship the Glittering Fortune like this if you were in their shoes, so to speak?" he asked, glancing down at my black thread covered mech legs. "If you were given the chance to drop everything, re-evaluate your life, and become a [Priestess] in service to the Fortune's faith, would you? Think long and hard about it! I won't settle for a half-hearted answer, Homebound!"
My gut response was a resounding no, but he wanted something more profound. Part of me was tempted to blow him off, but his words had... struck a chord, somewhat. I wanted to be able to hold a conviction for something that would sway the hearts of others, and... there was no harm in humoring him, was there?
Coin was pretty, and it was useful, but loving it for the sake of coin itself? It was... strange. The people here gambling in fancy suits weren't helping my impression either. This place seemed nothing like the churches back home.
My mind drifted back to the local Church of Twilight. A somber black church with white stained glass windows next to a graveyard. It was somber, quiet, and peaceful. The exact opposite of a place like this. It had a defined purpose in the community, while this place was just... a casino. That was all it was.
But... no, maybe it didn't need a purpose. I'd loved making artefacts and crafts for myself, but had refused to become a [Blacksmith]. I didn't hate the profession, but I wanted to make things for myself, not for sale. Many of the little objects I'd crafted held no true purpose either, did they? I'd done it for the love of the craft.
Thoughts of my parents and Addersbrook threatened to push into my thoughts, but I pushed them away with my words as I focused on replying to Overcharge in a way he'd find 'satisfying'.
"[No. I couldn't see myself devoting myself to this. If people here truly love coin and the exchange of it for pure enjoyment and worship, then I can accept that. But there are likely those within the clergy that can manipulate the system for personal gain rather than faith. I... doubt they're all like that, and they might even have ways of weeding such people out, but the danger is always there. If I were to join, I'd need to be truly invested in coin for the sake of coin. Being rich alone doesn't interest me,]" I replied, letting the words spill out of me like water from a broken dam. It was far from a clean explanation of my thoughts, but hopefully it was what Overcharge was looking for.
"That's much better! A steady improvement, Homebound!" Overcharge smiled.
His eyes turned towards the Satyr as he returned with two long metal platters of drinks. The glasses were barely shaking with each footstep, a trait I chalked up to the abnormal balance of Goatfolk. Some were in bottles next to empty glasses, while others looked to be bright cocktails emitting a soft glow or mist. A sensory or taste effect, perhaps? Or... maybe it was just for the aesthetic.
"Your drinks, sir," the Satyr spoke smoothly, planting both platters down in front of Overcharge.
"Thank you very much," Overcharge smiled, getting to his feet as he held one platter with both hands, gingerly lifting it off the counter. "I'll put in a good word for the excellent service. You can put this on my tab."
"Of course," the Satyr bowed, heading back down the counter to tend with other customers.
"[Did you ever tell him your orders?]" I asked, idly eyeing the expensive looking drinks. Was this really 'the usual' for them?
"I haven't been swindled, if that's what you're asking!" Overcharge laughed. "We've got some regular drinks we tend to order whenever we come around, and the [Bartenders] here are good at their jobs. Skills and Spells go a long way to determine what a customer wants when vague orders reach their ears!"
"[And what about Sunburst?]" I asked, metal hands coming forth from within my mech to lift the second platter. "[She's hardly in range of the Satyr's abilities, is she?]"
"No, but I planned on having her try a bit of everything to help gauge her tastes!" Overcharge chirped. "Shafu told me a bit about her preferences and that she's good at holding her drink, so I'm sure she can handle a bit of taste testing!"
I wasn't sure how eager Sigura would be to go along with that plan, but I had no intention of bursting his bubble either.
The two of us turned from the counter, walking slow to avoid knocking over our drinks as we leisurely made our way for the Velvet Star's table. Thankfully, being a giant mech with a bulky Eastern Drow made it unlikely for others to even risk walking into us by accident. It would be an amazing feat to not see us coming.
"I'd love to hear what you're like when drunk, Homebound, but sadly you've got some work to do," Overcharge spoke. "Maybe we could catch up and drink a bit on a free night?"
"[I'd like that,]" I replied, still feeling a little off balance by the questions, but... lighter. "[Thank you for the advice, Overcharge. I'll try to take what you've told me to heart. If you like, you can call me 'Yuri' instead, when we're not on a mission.]"
"I'd be happy to, Yuri!" he smiled. "You can call me 'Wamu'. Wamu Winnet. Not here, of course, but if we're ever chatting together back at base, feel free."
I'd be happy to share a drink while free from the obligations of a mission, but... I wondered if he and the others would be quite as willing to moderate themselves here. These trays did carry quite a bit of alcohol.
It didn't take long for us to find the group once again. My [Sensory Zone] made it a simple matter to look around crowds, tables, and supportive pillars of the church to catch them sitting together. They were at a table next to one of the many coppery marble-like support pillars, playing some sort of card game.
As I led Wamu over, I recognised the game they were playing. It was 'World of Heroes'. The logo was the same, even if some of the names on the cards themselves were different, likely something to do with how I parsed the Scandian language. Unlike the cards I'd read about, these ones had actual illusions hovering above them, depicting the monsters and armored heroes on the cards in the air, facing one another with determined looks and basic, idle motions.
"[Are you winning?]" I asked idly, speaking to the table as a whole with my [Telepathy]. The purple skinned Darkling holding a number of cards in his hand looked up with shock from the mental intrusion, although his opponent seemed far less surprised.
"'Course I am!" Shafu grinned. "Just taking it slow to shake off some of the rust."
She turned back towards the hefty purple Darkling with black gnarled horns opposite her as I glanced into her hand. Her hand consisted mainly of 'Construct' monsters. Dolls in full plate, Possessed Armors, Golems, and the like. Her opponent favoured larger looking Monsters, it seemed. An orange tinted Manticore on the opposite side of the table snarled soundlessly into the open air.
"Welcome back Miss Yuri!" Streiphen chirped, turning to look towards Wamu and I as we arrived at the table. Predictably, his eyes were wide and entranced from watching the illusory creatures sitting atop the cards.
After Wamu had brought over a seat to join our allies at the table, he began handing out drinks from the trays we'd set down. An orange and yellow drink labelled 'Sparkle Star' for Bubblegum, a bitter looking green drink in a bottle labelled 'Manticore Sting' for Incognito, and another beer with a dark blue tinge to it for Shafu called 'Scandian Courage'.
The others were handed cocktails and smaller drinks without labels, all of which earned a raised brow from Sigura.
"Should we really be drinking this much?" the Half Nekari Chimera asked quizzically.
"Don't worry so much!" Shafu chided after taking a long sip of her drink. "There's plenty of us here, and we're strong. Just gotta show our presence and let people know we're around, even if we're not here to cause trouble."
"Unless of course someone else starts trouble with us," Incognito added smoothly after a sip of his drink. "We're not looking for trouble, but we're here to meet it should trouble seek us out. We could beat trouble back even after having a few drinks, and that's the message we're trying to send."
It sounded a bit like an excuse to drink on a mission to me, and I could tell by Sigura's raised brow she felt the same way.
Streiphen's eyes turned towards the deep blue drink in Shafu's hand, and she turned to look back at him in turn.
"Ever tried this, Stardust?" she asked. "It's pretty strong, but it'll definitely wake you up!"
"[That is alcoholic, isn't it? Stardust is underage,]" I threw in as though that wasn't plainly obvious.
"A sip wouldn't hurt," Shafu shrugged. "Last I checked there wasn't a designated drinking age for Chimeras either."
"Hrr... It is unwise to give him even a taste while we are on a mission. Child or not, we do not know how well he can hold his drink. If he were to drink irresponsibly and become inebriated, he may become a liability in combat," Pack Rat added, backing me up.
The Roden's words seemed to have a strong effect on Streiphen as the boy shot up in his seat, sitting straight.
"Okay, you're right," he nodded. "I need to be sharp for the Star!"
"Good. It is right to show confidence, but we should be careful not to let that bleed into arrogance," Pack Rat responded with a nod and an approving smile.
"You're a spoilsport, but alright Dad. No alcohol for the kid," Shafu drawled, earning a few laughs from our group.
"Hrm. I have no problems with having a good time, but it is important to remember that we all represent the Star," Pack Rat replied with a sigh. "Do not forget that."
Shafu reached for a pair of dice, jangling them within a clenched metal fist before throwing them forward. One landed on a six, and the other landed on a four. With a single motion, a Doll in full plate carrying a glaive moved alongside a heavyset Golem with a grey tinge, attacking in sync as they struck the Manticore, causing it to evaporate into motes of orange light, leaving Shafu's opponent open for attack.
"You're too damn lucky, Shambles," the Darkling across from her grumbled in a low voice, his eyes glowing with black light. He was checking for foul play with [Insight] no doubt, although I suspected the Doll in the suit standing next to the table likely would've spotted it before him. "You win again."
"What can I say, I guess I'm just loved by the Gods," Shafu replied with a wry grin. "Gotta live on the edge and take risks where you can, y'know?"
"You should just be glad Gamechanger isn't here," Incognito added with a bright smile.
Shafu shivered at the thought.
"Yeah, yeah, I know he's a real shark at this game," Shafu grumbled, taking a small stack of silver Dia coins from the man's side as they both packed their cards back into the deck. "That damn Gnome is always able to call my bluff."
Once the cards had been packed away, the purple skinned Darkling gave Shafu a nod of acknowledgement before leaving the deck down on the table, standing up off his stool to wander elsewhere.
"Will we move onto something a little bigger now that we're warmed up?" Shafu asked, patting the back of the deck while giving her drink a slight swirl. "C'mon, lemme show you something cooler!"
Rising to her feet with a wave towards Streiphen and Sigura in turn, some of the others began to stand up too. Bubblegum and Ingrim chatted for a moment, with the former laughing as they took the seats Shafu and the other Darkling had been using, reaching for the decks as some of us moved away.
"Hey Yur. When we get to this next table, open up your compartment and let the Cat out slowly. Languish is right next to you," Shafu whispered under her breath, the words quiet enough that I felt certain nobody else could hear them.
We stopped at a larger table topped with copper, crowded with people chatting around it as members of our group took some of the seats.
The words hadn't even registered for a moment until I actively focused my awareness on the spaces next to me. Sure enough, the man had been walking along next to me, and I... hadn't even noticed. His abilities were both frightening and impressive, and I couldn't help but wonder how Shafu had even caught sight of the man. Had he sent her a [Message]?
"You followin' me or somethin', Shambles?" called the purple Darkling from before at the other end of the table as he pulled out a cigar.
Shafu burst into laughter as she blinked, noticing him for the first time.
"I can't help it, we've just both got a great sense for good tables!" Shafu grinned back. "I'll have good luck against you all night, I can feel it!"
"Yeah, yeah, we'll see," the man grinned around his cigar, saying "[Ignite]" under his breath as a small black flame appeared at his fingertip, allowing him to light the cigar.
The compartment at the side of my mech opened slowly and soundlessly. After remaking it, the side didn't squeak at all, allowing the emerald 'Cat' formed of metal and Lyridium to climb out and into Languish's arms.
If not for my magic connection to the construct, I wouldn't even be able to tell where it was. After Languish started to step away from the table, I just... lost track of him. His abilities were pretty terrifying, in truth.
"Is anyone else feeling lucky tonight?" Incognito called out, raising his glass as the attention of those at the table fixed onto him. "We've had a few good games at these tables, and we're feeling pretty damn good about our chances! We're spending big tonight if any of you are game?"
His words were hard not to focus on. It wasn't just his charismatic tone of voice or the way his gestures caught the eye. It was something I felt in my Soul, as though he was speaking directly to me at any given time despite addressing the crowd in its entirety. I felt compelled to keep my eyes on him, and I hung on every word. It was shocking to feel his abilities in action, even if I wasn't his primary target.
My body shivered within the water filled glass atop my mech. Was this the sort of thing William Stepford had been capable of too? The sort of thing I'd allowed to continue by saving his life?
I was wasting energy thinking about useless things again. I wasn't going to let my thoughts run away with themselves, so I ensured that my focus was entirely on the Cat.
My senses drifted a little further from the table as Languish arrived at a far wall. With one pale hand, he tapped the head of my construct, pointing towards a metal air vent high above.
"Magic won't last long. Move quick," he spoke, his voice a tired, wispy whisper. I'd never heard a Ghost speak, but that was the sort of voice I could imagine them having. It was the sort to send a shiver through my form, but the Cat nodded in agreement.
With lanky arms, Languish swung upwards, letting go of the construct. Focusing hard, I activated [Release] from the soles of the construct's feet, allowing me to propel upwards with a flash of metallic emerald light before clinging to the vent.
I looked down through my [Sensory Zone's] awareness, and Languish was gone. Nobody seemed to have notice the flash of energy either. No stray glances. No shouts of alarm. Nothing. A byproduct of his magic.
Without wasting time feeling proud about the use of [Release], I examined the metal grate. I didn't feel any residual Aera from it, meaning it was unlikely to be enchanted. While hanging on with the Cat's claws, I caused both the Lyridium and the metal beneath it to glow red with the force of [Heated Steel]. The end of one leg melted and reformed with [Metal Shaping], becoming a small set of hooks and screwdrivers. The back of the Cat melted too, forming into a small, elongated arm ending in a hand.
My control over the Cat wobbled and waned, but I could handle this much of a shape change. There were few actual runes on the construct beyond the ones binding my newly crafted 'Artificial Soul' to it.
After some work on the corners, I managed to loosen the grip of the grate to the wall, prying it free with the hand protruding from my back. I hoped this invisibility effect would last long enough to avoid being seen doing something so incriminating. Thankfully, I didn't hear any cries of alarm or feel blasts of [Release] being aimed at my Cat as it climbed into the vent. I couldn't reapply the screws from this side, but I used [Heated Steel] to keep the vent in place. If I had time to fix it later I'd make use of that opportunity, but right now I had work to do.
Perhaps I could've melted the Cat and flowed between the grates, but that would've been risky and far more time consuming. Good for Experience, perhaps, but this was still a mission for the Velvet Star. As much as I wanted magical growth, that came first.
Leaving the bright casino/church behind, I began to pad through the vents in search of enemy Casters to complete our team's latest mission.