Daniel is sitting alone on the back of the tank’s turret where he has been assembling the firing mechanism for the larger shells, which Xyreko is producing using magic for now as the additional MDMs are being assembled. Golems can work 24/7, or rather, 29/9 for Zenkon, so parts are constantly being assembled by both means.
However, he’s sitting idle, holding the enlarged striker mechanism and one of the parts of the trigger linkage. He’s been deep in thought, distracted away from his work early in the morning after getting an early start.
Just the evening prior, two goblin girls were born, one each to Shek and Skloe. Daniel got to hold them both, surrounded by the enlarged family he could only have after coming to another world. And, his presence is an uncertainty. It was not according to plan.
Until he saw them, looked into the eyes of his first two daughters, he was speaking platitudes. He cares deeply for everyone in the Citadel, as well as the citizens of the Fievegal. But, he’s personally connected to his companions, and they make him happy to be alive, when once, he was fine simply having a pulse and going home after work to drink and browse the internet.
Then, he ended up in a world that seems like something that could only exist in fantasy. He didn’t have magic of his own, and he didn’t have a specific role until he took his troubleshooting experience from his roughly fifteen years of troubleshooting various kinds of machinery, including unfamiliar mechanism, to be able to work in a limited capacity on magical equipment, substituting magic for electricity in many various applications. From there, he ended up apparently entangled in a conspiracy, sent to the edge of the ‘civilized’ world, only to find out that, much like Earth, there are two sides to the same coin, and he determined a goal for himself. Something to work towards to try to achieve the reason he and Rikuto were summoned, or at least contribute if nothing else.
Now, after doing some even more extreme things, he is an Emperor…
… and a father. It didn’t feel real, and only now has it really become something tangible. He had given up on Earth. He was prepared to work until he could retire or ended up dying, whichever came first.
Now, he’s in several different roles that he’s struggling just to keep up appearances of, let alone actually suited to hold.
He is snapped out of his trance by a presence suddenly appearing behind him, a large, semi-hard, rounded bulge presses against his back as dainty arms wrap around his shoulders. It’s not difficult for him to guess who it is, though he recognizes the soft hint of the scent of cinnamon that a certain dragon seems partial to in the snacks she eats.
Reignleif lays her chin on his left shoulder, murmuring gently, “Everything alright, Mukori?”
“Yeah. Just especially deep in thought.”
There’s a soft pause, and he pets her arms with his hands after setting the parts down. She asks, “Do… Do you mind if I ask what about?”
Daniel smiles. “Not at all. I wasn’t trying to be cryptic, sorry. Just thinking about…” He sighs. “Just how unbelievable it all is.” He looks to his shoulder to make eye contact with her, though it’s mostly his peripheral vision from his left side. She cocks her head curiously, and he explains his thinking. “I’m a mechanic. Did some time in a military on Earth, but I’m not a heroic warrior or anything.”
She scoffs with her soft voice, and he chuckles. “Yeah, yeah. I get it. But, that’s what I mean, actually.” He shifts to turn himself towards her, at least half way so he can make better eye contact with her, as well as touch her own very pregnant belly. “I didn’t have much to protect on Earth. Nothing to really strive for or drive me. Here… I don’t entirely know how I made it to Fort Peony, but I eventually had something to accomplish when that first dragon showed up. Fast forward to now, where…” He chuckles. “I’m an emperor, a dad, a knight, a… I don’t really know.”
Reignleif smiles softly, and she scoots closer, kissing him briefly. Daniel doesn’t deter her in any way, more than welcoming her affection. She adds, “I wanted to hide in my private haven until the end of time, doing only what I wanted. It… hurt, seeing the other mothers cry… when their eggs didn’t hatch, or…” She trails off, and Daniel nods in understanding. What happened to the dragons was a form of posthumous revenge from one or more of the feldroks. It’s cruel no matter how one looks at it, and it reminds Daniel of a weaponized contagion in one of his favorite sci-fi video game series to keep a race suppressed after rebellion. Morthybargaron committed genocide, and in return, brought a near-complete genocide upon the dragons as well.
Reignleif takes Daniel’s hands, holding them. “I… I can hear… the first one in its shell, making noises now. I-... I never thought…” She sniffles, looking down. “I never thought I’d get to be truly happy…”
Daniel brushes her soft blue hair aside as he smiles. “Same here. That’s what had me thinking.” He looks over his shoulder at the full form of the tank, the vehicle portion sitting a few yards away from the turret, which he’s working on. Like most of his projects, he knows enough to get started, and with some modifications thanks to Xyreko, and now Wenlianna as well, he can make many various things come to fruition in this other world. However…
“I want them to be proud of what we’re doing. To have a future they can look back on in history books and say that we did the right thing.”
“We are,” replies the blue dragon in human form as her tail curls around her legs to touch Daniel’s thigh. “We are making a world that they can live in safely. No matter who or what they are.”
Daniel nods. “Objectively, that’s our goal. But…” He sighs. “I know I said I’d do my best to be resolved, and capturing Twilight needs to happen. I agree, in principle. But… what’s the right answer after that? Should I be trying to conquer the whole world? Just the continent? Just a country? How large should the country be to defend against enemies that will come in the future?”
She smiles gently in sympathy. “Your mind wanders far when you start thinking these things, doesn’t it?”
He chuckles nervously. “I suppose so. It’s definitely been a weakness of mine when I’m buried in things to worry about; I overthink things.”
“As you know, our opinions have unanimously been to capture Twilight to send a message. I’m not a strategist, so… I don’t know the best option for after that. But… I… I’m happy to provide my thoughts each time, if it helps.”
Daniel nods. “Very much so. That was another thing I was thinking about. I don’t want a royal succession to turn into a huge drama, so I’d like to try to establish a system of royalty with us where all of the heirs and heiresses have a say. It’s tricky, though. Checks and balances have to exist, but at times, the beauracracy can get in the way. At the end of the day, I don’t have anyone who will stop me most of the time. It makes it easy to accomplish things, but dangerous if I have a terrible idea.”
She taps him affectionately with her tail, smiling as she continues to hold his hands. “You listen to counsel. You’re significantly better than… that dragon for that reason alone.”
Daniel chuckles. “I hope that’s true. But, he had centuries more experience governing people, including the dattakoriens, goblins, and ogres, as I understand it.”
She nods. “Something I know you know, Mukori, is something I realized when reading about histories that I was able to find.” She smiles. “No lordship, kingdom, or empire was founded by someone who was already a lord, king, or emperor at that time.”
Daniel smiles. “You’re right, of course. At some point, the first was likely a nobody like me. I just… I need to be careful.”
She nods. “And, I’ll only speak for myself at this moment, but I will gladly help in any way I can. I’ve never been an empress or a mother, but I will succeed.”
In spite of her soft voice, it’s the most confident and proud Daniel has heard Reignleif speak. Daniel grips her hands gently, but firmly. “Thanks, Mukori.”
As he returns to his work, she sits alongside him. Her first egg is currently in the incubator on the floor, where the egg is safe and continuing to receive the perfect warmth. As she watches, she talks to him with idle conversation, eventually asking him, “Have you come up with any theories about how you’ve obtained magic?”
Daniel chuckles. “That’s a question I don’t have time to dwell on, much. I’m still having some trouble believing it.” She offers him a water skin, since it’s been a while since he had anything to drink, and he smiles, accepting it. “Thanks.” He opens it, but quickly notices the alabaster droplets at the mouth. “Geira’s?” he asks. Usually, Geirahoel insists on delivering it herself.
Reignleif blushes and shakes her head. He grins, a little surprised. “Y-Yours?”
She nods, still blushing and hiding her cheeks behind her mantle’s high collar.
Daniel is surprised, though they knew it was coming eventually. He relaxes taking a drink. It’s definitely creamy in the same way, containing a very similar flavor like liquid frosting, with a very high sweetness. He enjoys it quite a lot, though he’s a little worried he’s going to get fat or diabetes like this.
“When did yours start?”
“Um… I noticed it th-this morning. But, I’ve been… mimicking Geirahoel in hopes…”
“Ah… I’m no expert, but I’ve heard that trying to consistently can actually start it.”
Her eyes widen, asking urgently, “Is that true?”
“Like I said, that’s what I’ve heard. Though, that’s obviously in relation to humans, and it’s a sort of mental state that tricks the body, I think. Drugs could do it, too. I also don’t know if it can be sustained indefinitely.” Daniel thinks, replying to her original question. “To answer your question, I can’t imagine it’s Nemaisol, since Nemaisol hates magic. I’ve started to feel a static tingle when I try to draw the blade.”
“Wh-What will you do?”
“Some part of me hopes Nemaisol is sentient, and I can talk to it. But, since that’s not appearing to be the case, I guess I’ll have to retire from using it if I am continuously gaining mana.” Daniel assembles the firing mechanism’s internals, continuing his speculation. “I’ve also wondered about the armor, though Xyreko claims it’s fairly standard sharmelkolle armor.” He scoffs. “As if there’s anything standard about fantasy armor made of one of the strongest and rarest metals in the world.”
She nods, acknowledging his thoughts. “Could it be something Choul did?”
“No. He claims he detected mana in me the day we met. So, that leaves either my exposure to the Devourer and the fe-er, Lugrae, or maybe the transport circles.”
She hums. “That would make sense, I suppose. You’re being exposed to a great deal of magic and passing through it to move between circles.”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking. Though, it would be nice to be able to quantify mana to identify the source more specifically.”
“What about the artifact Wenlianna worked with in the past? The one she used on you.”
“I know the one. You want me to steal it?” asks Daniel playfully.
She blushes, looking away. “W-Well… I mean… It would be useful to have, wouldn’t it?”
He stares at her, and she pulls her mantle’s collar up a little higher. “M-Maybe at least use it to see?”
He chuckles. “I get where you’re coming from, but we stole my phone back from the Grand Duchy. I don’t want to make a habit out of stealing things that weren’t already mine. But, unless we have it under our control to test things out, we won’t be able to verify what the cause is.”
She nods sheepishly. “Could we… Could you and Wenlianna… build one?”
Daniel ponders it. “Mmm… Well, I have no objection to that. But, I don’t think Wenlianna knows how to repair it.”
Reignleif slumps a little, dejected by his answer.
However, Daniel quickly adds, “Wait, don’t get too down about it. It’s a good idea. We’ll just have to find some way to be able to lay eyes on it and try to identify the components. Especially whatever spells are in place. Someone made the artifact, and I can think of a few people who can probably deconstruct it without actually needing to tear it apart.”
“Really? Who?”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Daniel chuckles. “A well-read dragon, for one.” She blushes sheepishly, and he adds, “As well as any of the other dragons. Xyreko. Vaergraes. Maybe even Ryukana, if she’s allowed to help us.”
Reignleif nods, asking, “So… you want to travel to that kingdom again?”
“Let’s wait until after we capture Twilight. Maybe… Maybe after we do Xyreko’s mission. I don’t need to quantify my magic yet. I’ll just have to consider Nemaisol unusable unless I can figure out how to bypass the mechanism.”
“But… you could use magic if you gain more mana.”
Daniel smiles. “My cup runneth over, Mukori. I’ve lived thirty four years without magic, I’ll survive a few more if that’s what it takes.”
She pouts a little, shuffling herself closer to him. She leans on his shoulder, adding gently, “But… Maybe I could teach you…”
He kisses her temple before teasing, “I figured you'd be one of the teachers for our kiddos. Am I too old for beginner school?”
“N-No… But… W-Wouldn’t you rather… not be? W-With the children?”
“If you’re worried that I won’t feel like their father if I’m learning at the same time, the answer is no. Though, I can see some concern of me being more of a distraction…”
“O-Or they’ll be more motivated to work hard…”
“Let’s hope.” Daniel smiles, and she smiles as well. “But, if we have time, I’ll gladly take some lessons, Sensei.”
“Sensei?”
“‘Teacher’ in one of Earth’s languages. Though, not mine, specifically.”
She nods. Daniel continues assembling the firing mechanism, testing the cocking and release action. Reignleif offers a hand when helpful, but mostly just lays against his side as he works in one spot. Afterwards, he helps her down from the high perch into the lower part of the cabin, which is part of the whole turret, but below the main gunner station. Unfortunately, he’s still experimenting on motor types, so the current motor for the turret will be an extremely simple DC motor driving a gear, and they’ll need a separate hand-brake to stop it, since servos and stepper motors are beyond his current reach, namely because they’d need integrated circuits to work exactly as intended.
But, as Wenlianna said about the magic communicators, he just needs to start somewhere and stop trying to jump straight to the twenty-first century. That he’s done what he has and accomplished what he has should be satisfactory for now.
And, when the time comes, the two make their way into the dining hall to join everyone for breakfast as they trickle in. Though, Daniel has to go retrieve Hekate, thanks to the little empress sleeping in.
***
A secret gathering of mages and magic artisans observes as two of their best, Lady Ahok and Lord Baumalde, take positions with carefully designed magic staves. Given the things Earth has in fiction, Rikuto isn’t overly surprised by the design of magic staves, which are roughly four foot long staves made of limbs of an ancient species of tree found near Mornistae notable for a high compatibility with magic casting. In the crook of the branches at the top, there rests a particularly large enhanced magic crystal, though it would be easy to not identify it as a crystal thanks to its pitch black coloring, only broken by small swirls of other colors. There are also several magic affixed to the staves below the crooks.
They stand by, with the human artisan dwarving the half-goblin, who is shorter than the staff she’s holding.
But, Ahok is no less capable, and she is determined and confident in the test that’s about to take place.
Ahead, there is a wooden cart with metal armor plates attached to its frame, simulating the size and possible various armor materials for the torso of a dragon. Rikuto doesn’t know what to expect, but Ahok reported that they’ve made progress.
Ahok speaks loudly, projecting well in spite of her small size. “Staff one, Ready!”
“Staff Two, Ready!” replies Baumalde.
“Your Royal Majesty, request permission to commence the test.”
Rikuto looks at the other artisans around him. They’re quiet and studious, and some seem skeptical of Ahok’s project. But, Ahok felt confident that her creation will turn the tide against any foe. It’s definitely not what he was hoping for in terms of being able to counter Daniel’s atomic bomb, but if it has potential, then anything is a step in the right direction.
He nods. “Very well. Demonstrate your creation, Lady Ahok.”
Ahok replies proudly with a bow, “You honor me, your Majesty.” She then pivots, and Baumalde does the same, facing their target. She instructs, “On my one! Three, two, one!”
From there, both Baumalde and Ahok begin chanting the same spell almost perfectly in-sync. As each phrase of the spell is recited, projections of magic rings surround each of them, formed of glowing glyphs that seem to be activating before their very eyes. The increasing number of rings spin slowly at first, ramping up in speed as more become apparent and more and more magical energy begins swirling around each of them, gusting the dust on the ground and wavering the grass and flowers nearby.
Rikuto and the other magic artisans can’t help but flinch a little when there’s a sudden flash from each of the main crystals on the two staves Ahok and Baumalde are using, and they are both shouting the spell over the crackling roar of magical energy. In practiced sync, the two step, pointing the staves towards the target carriage. The rings pivot with the staves, aiming at the target.
And then, spheres of dark energy swirled with elemental magic dart out of the staves, reaching the target at the same time, and hitting nearly the same spot on the armor plate they aimed at. The two orbs attract each other when they’re close to each other, and their contact is clearly the effect Ahok was aiming for.
A violent crackle and flash erupts from the two black spheres absorbing each other, and then a potent shockwave washes across the ground as darkness expands violently with a thunderous boom that startles everyone, including Ahok and Baumalde. The shockwave rattles Rikuto’s bones, and the dome of darkness obscures the entire carriage.
Afterwards, a nearly perfectly semi-spherical crater is all that remains of the carriage’s center. The sphere encompassed most of the carriage, and what remains are a few inches of the front and back, pushed away from the crater by the shockwave after the main parts of the carriage were annihilated. Flames burn the flammable parts of the surviving pieces, and everyone is speechless at the destruction.
The awkward silence and shock is broken by Ahok suddenly holding her staff above her head, cheering, “Woohoo! It worked!”
Rikuto is able to come to his senses, and he begins clapping somewhat out of instinct. The others look at him, confused at first. Applause isn’t something common in this world, but the artisans begin mimicking him, and Ahok whirls, glancing at everyone before blushing. She becomes bashful and gestures for Baumalde to follow her, and they jog to Rikuto for debrief.
“That was incredible firepower, Lady Ahok,” replies one of the other artisans as they approach.
“Yes, to think you were able to layer so many elements into one spell.”
Ahok chuckles bashfully. “Eh-heh-heh. Thank you. I couldn’t do it without enhanced crystals.” She shows the staff, “For all of the power available, it uses all of it in one shot.”
Rikuto asks, studying the smoldering crater for a moment. “What materials were the armor plates made out of?”
Baumalde replies, “We used standard Imperial steel, tempered Boruan gaulanium, magic-enhanced iron, and a small amount of mithril.”
“M-Mithril?” asks one of the female artisans.
Baumalde nods in reply. “Yes. As we all know, Mithril is highly resistant to magic, so we needed to be sure this spell could break down mithril. I understand the enemy uses golems.”
Everyone looks to Rikuto, who confirms with a nod. “Regrettably, yes. That’s why it’s imperative that we find a means of defending ourselves with minimal lives at risk.”
“There shouldn’t be any way to resist the combined spell, your Majesty,” explains Ahok. “Though, it’s admittedly a spell with a long casting time. If dragons are our opponents, we’ll need a team to dedicate themselves to halting the dragon long enough to cast the spell.”
“Can this not be adapted into a magical device?” asks Rikuto. “Something that can be activated and fired?”
She fidgets. “I… don’t know, your Majesty. As you saw, I was able to cast it, even though I’m not an omni-affinity mage. Darkness magic is required as the catalyst, but the complex spells are actually imbued into the magic crystals, and the main crystal, here, acts as a gathering point to keep the spells together. That such complex spells can be affixed to the enhanced magic crystals is difficult to believe. The only mage in history to have cast this spell is the magic sage Lord Senn.”
“Senn? The elf?”
She nods. “Yes. I read about this spell and wanted to try to imitate it, if we’re going to fight beings as powerful as dragons.”
“What about armies of golems?”
She looks down. “Well, y-your Majesty… We would need a lot of enhanced magic crystals and bloduewood branches to make enough staves.”
“Can you not upscale the attack?”
She looks at Baumalde, who returns her gaze, both of them being unsure.
“If you wish to automate even more of the functions and upscale them, your Majesty, I’m afraid that’s beyond my capacity.” She bows in disappointment.
“It’s fine. You’ve made excellent progress. I’ll have to open discussions with the Grand Duchy to procure more enhanced magic crystals.” As he says this, though, Rikuto suddenly notices something. “Speaking of the Grand Duchy, has anyone been in contact with Lady Wenlianna recently? She finished her airship not too long ago.”
The artisans share glances, shaking their heads.
Rikuto sighs. “Very well. I’ll reach out to the Grand Duchy for that as well. We’ll recruit Wenlianna to assist in upscaling the spell, if you’re willing to work with her.”
“Of course, your Majesty. I live to serve the Kingdom of Mornistae.”
He nods. “Continue the good work.”
Rikuto makes his way back to the castle to summon Aramellianna. Daniel is ahead of them in terms of the damage he could do, and without a way to fight back, he could make unreasonable demands. Rikuto trusted him when Daniel appeared to be a quiet, honest blue-collar worker. However, Daniel violated their agreement not only on a fundamental level, but in the most horrifying way.
It’s taking everything he has for Rikuto to stay calm and focused, as it’s difficult to convince people of the danger the weapon Daniel made poses.
Rikuto can’t shake the feeling that with Daniel free, the world is in more danger than it has ever been.
***
Aramellianna walks through the castle of Mornistae, escorted by a pair of Stalvaltan guards in addition to the castle guards. She received a letter a few days past making some strange requests, including a large order of enhanced magic crystals, as well as for Wenlianna to report to the castle for emergency research. The Grand Duchy and the kingdom are allied again under treaty, but there are some who are still wary of her and the authority she wields. Especially because they rounded up treacherous nobles and removed them from the equation.
She cares not for the fear of other nobles. It’s actually suitable, as long as that fear is manifested as respect. Schemers and enemies will be so regardless of whether or not they fear Aramellianna. Fear just keeps them from acting sooner.
She approaches the door to Rikuto’s office, where two royal guards are standing imposingly. She states, “Grand Duchess Aramellianna here to speak to King Rikuto. Please inform him that I’ve arrived.”
The guard on her left nods, and he pivots crisply and steps to the door, opening it to speak into the room. There’s a pause, and the guard returns to his post. He says politely, “The Grand Duchess may enter. This way, your Grace.” The two guards open the doors for Aramellianna, and she walks gracefully into the office. Rikuto stands up when she enters. “Your Grace.”
“Your Majesty.” Aramellianna curtsies politely, resuming her graceful posture afterwards.
“I didn’t expect you to make a visit, your Grace. I expected a simple letter of reply.”
“I had a feeling that there was something to be discussed, your Majesty.”
Rikuto takes his seat, gesturing for one of the sofas nearby, and Aramellianna walks to it and sits down as he replies, “I suppose I won’t get your cooperation without explaining, will I?”
She smiles coyly, sitting professionally and gracefully, but radiating experience and control of the situation.
The otherworlder king sighs. “The order of enhanced crystals is necessary for defending the kingdom of Mornistae from a greater threat than the Demon Tyrant,” explains Rikuto. “Since the Grand Duchy is the only territory producing these enhanced crystals, I would like to make a contract for exclusive purchase for the kingdom of Mornistae.”
“I see,” replies Aramellianna, giving no hint to her thoughts. “What would the terms of this contract entail, your Majesty?”
“Five percent mark-up on market price of the crystals, and exclusive state contracts for all magic crystals, including standard magic crystals via the Grand Duchy.”
Aramellianna chuckles. “Hmm-hmm… Interesting. Our salt-production is still minimal, so after importing enough salt to keep up with the kingdom’s demand, as well as other clients, that five percent would be closer to one percent after all of the tariffs and taxes.” She straightens her dress a little, sitting with a casual smile and saying nothing further.
Rikuto taps his teeth together as he thinks. “I can go as high as ten percent mark-up on enhanced and magic crystals. I can’t go any further.”
“Is that so?” replies Aramellianna. “And, what would you say market price is for enhanced magic crystals? The moment supply decreases for others who demand, do you intend to keep up with the highest bidder?”
“That’s the point of a contract, your Grace.”
She chuckles again. Rikuto winces, and he replies as stoically as he can, “My apologies, your Grace. I’m not sleeping as well recently.”
“Mind the shortness of your temper, your Majesty. I’m willing to forgive and forget. Others who have what you need may not.”
“Tell me what you want, please, your Grace. I need the magic crystals as soon as possible.”
“Mmm. I think my requests are rather modest. First, I’d like kingdom taxes on all imports and exports from the Grand Duchy to be nullified ad infinitum.”
“What?” blurts out Rikuto. “Tha-That’s… You might as well just sue for independence?”
“Oh? You’re right. I accept.”
He sucks his teeth, quickly back-tracking, “No! That’s-... You can’t. This kingdom was founded…”
“Long before either of us were born, your Majesty. As I see it now, the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy has been bankrolling almost the entire Imperial Defense taxes to fund a war that is SUPPOSED to be defending the Imperial allies from the Demon Covenant. And yet, two times now, troops have been rallied and deployed to a neutral location, furthering neither the end of the war with the Demon Covenant, nor the pursuit of reparations.”
Rikuto maintains his composure, but he must retort. “Your Grace, I might remind you that the first of those operations was begun under your own cognizance and without consulting the kingdom to which you are a vassal.”
“Indeed, but that operation was supposed to be limited to an internal affair and became an international incident with a territory that is defensively insurmountable. I very much recommended against sending any further troops.”
Rikuto narrows his eyes at her. However, he can only sigh. She’s not entirely wrong, since she did make every effort to keep her own operation secret.
And, Rikuto’s focus isn’t on rescuing Daniel anymore, since he knows the truth. “Regardless of your own motivations, I can’t allow independence at this time.”
“You may not have a choice, your Majesty. After all, you didn’t let me finish my requests. Instead, you suggested independence, which may be much more appetizing to you.”
He hesitates to respond. Capitalism as a defined structure of commerce isn’t exactly something in the world of Zenkon, but Aramellianna is a shrewd businesswoman who could arguably write the books on capitalism for Zenkon.
And, she’s coming to the negotiating table with a devastating advantage.
***