"Today marks an important date in Cliffhome's history!" Singoro Roberto announced to a crowd of over a hundred Cliffhome citizens. "In a few short months, thanks to help from our strong people, I've been able to transform Cliffhome from a simple coastal village hidden in the mountains. Into a mecca for technology and public welfare."

The crowd cheered in response, despite the constant rain crashing down on the crowd. One woman shouting, "Roberto! I want your babies!"

The Signoro replied with a soft chuckle and a wave. "Now, these most recent changes aren't as flashy as our gondolas or as tasty as our food halls, but I think they will add a quality of life before the delegates from other major cities arrive at our home."

Signoro Roberto waved off stage, and on cue, parts of the stone floor barricaded off began to split apart. From these spaces, massive parasols emerged upright, then expanded. The water pooled to the side of the street, leaving the gathered citizens safe from the rain. Roberto's assistant closed his umbrella as the rest of the people of Cliffhome removed their hoods and followed suit.

"Before the end of the week, in preparation for our influential visitors from afar, these will be installed in every significant public space. This will make the quality of life for our people more comfortable and attractive for people unfamiliar with our city's quaint charm."

The reveal was met with uproarious excitement from the crowd, continuing long after Singoro Roberto had left the stage.

"Wonderful job, sir. I believe they loved it," Carter said.

"Of course, Carter. They love everything I do." Roberto lied.

When he first arrived in the town through Unbat's appointment, the people could care less about him. Setting up an electrical grid and stringing lights throughout the city made people more wary of him than appreciative. It took a week before people felt comfortable enough to take the trams and a month before food vendors would use the new equipment he prepared for them. However, after the city overcame its apprehension, they accepted every infrastructure change he offered, mainly because it wasn't affecting taxes, for now. Once the city reached a level of affluence, he would change his tune, collecting a fair percentage of every piece of technology he helped implement. And if they didn't, he could offer it to the next city that could afford to.

Roberto entered the Singoro's office while Carter grabbed his coat and bag, putting things into their designated areas before packing a pipe full of tobacco and handing it off to the Signoro.

"Thank you, Carter," Roberto said, placing the pipe in his mouth while Carter lit a match.

While he had been busy building up the city's infrastructure, Carter had been one of the few things the city could offer back. She was quiet, thorough, and, most importantly, attentive to a level where it seemed she could read his thoughts—offering him meals, guests, and documents at the most optimal moments. All the supernatural powers in the world Unbat could offer couldn't hold a candle to his assistant.

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The smoke billowed forward as he exhaled from his pipe, spreading throughout his office. Some smoke lay stagnant on his desk for a second before being pulled through a pin dot of golden ichor. His blood ran cold at the sight of the brilliant light.

"Carter, I think I need to rest my eyes for a minute," he said, putting out his pipe and dumping the dottle into a tray on his desk. "Make sure no one enters until I give the go-ahead, okay?"

"Understood," Carter replied, gathering her things and heading out the door.

Once Carter shut the door, Roberto dropped to a knee before his desk, bowing his head, and waited for instructions.

"She seems nice," said the top of his desk.

"She is, Lord Unbat," Roberto replied. "She has been instrumental in expanding your will throughout the city."

"She has, has she?" Unbat replied.

The pin dot of gold expanded until it was more than a foot tall of undulating golden light. Several eyes lay off center and swirled around the golden mass, always focused on Roberto.

"What can I do for you, Lord Unbat?" Singoro Roberto asked.

"Just came to check up on your little project. Everything needs to be in place before the dignitaries come," Unbat replied, their eyes focusing around the room instead.

"I've been sending reports. Have they not been getting to you?" Roberto asked.

"Oh no, I've gotten your reports. But I find it essential to get things like this straight from the horse's mouth." Unbat replied, growing a small arm from its amorphous body and picking up the pipe from Roberto's desk.

"Thank you for visiting me in person," Roberto replied. "I assure you that everything is going according to your will."

"Hmm? I don't seem to remember it being my will for the people of Cliffhome to stay dry, fed, or comfortable, was it?"

Roberto paused for a moment. "No... sir, I just thou-"

"No, is correct. You can stop there," Unbat replied. "I want powerful magicks, Roberto. And you promised that you could find some for me."

"I'm sorry, Lord Unbat, but it won't happen instantly. I'm trying to make a haven that will attract power. It will take time, but I assure you, you will have an endless source of captivating magicks in time."

"Time, time, time..." Unbat teased back. "You're lucky that I have a lot of it. Normally when a champion is summoned with such lackluster attributes, they're... disposed of. Don't make me regret sparing you."

"Yes, Lord Unbat. Thank you."

The amorphous undulating resplendent light performed what could only be described as a shrug before descending into the desk below. Once its presence was gone, Roberto collapsed to the floor, grabbing a trash can and expelling his stomach contents into it. It had been over two years since he was summoned to this world and met Unbat for the first time, but being around them had not gotten any easier. Unbat could speak like an average human, but its presence was far from it. Any interaction left Roberto filled to the brim with dread and an overwhelming fear of death. He learned quickly not to run, however, as those who did receive a fate worse than death.

As he picked up his head from his waste basket, he saw Carter's short blonde hair exiting the room. On his desk was a glass of water and a piece of chalk.

"However much I'm paying her, it's not enough," Roberto said before dipping his head back in the basket to finish emptying his stomach.