Nathaniel sat at the workstation in his dungeon lab with Elias sitting next to him. They were looking at a projection of Hope’s body along with the cybernetics sitting to the side. Elias scratched his head still impressed with the display.

“So, for the surgery,” Nathaniel shifted the image to focus on Hope’s arm as a thin tube moved next to it, “We’ll surgically insert these guides into Hope’s arms and legs. Then we’ll surgically open the ends of her arms,” Another device appeared next to the arm and pressed against the opening, “The interface will line up with the opening, and we’ll use the large screw to anchor it deep into the bone marrow,” A screw slid into the small bowl in the center of the interface. The four flaps on the ends laid flat against the arm, “We’ll use the guides to screw in four screws into her humerus. That way the interface will be securely attached.”

“This is quite complex,” Elias said with a nervous chuckle, “But I don’t see any issues.”

“Good,” Nathaniel said, “We’re going to perform this on all four limbs.”

“That’ll take some time, especially for one person,”

“You won’t be alone doctor,” Seneschal said changing the image. It looked like a maintenance bot, but it had fewer arms and it had saws and scalpels as a few attachments, “Master and I developed these medical bots to aid you. We’ve had them practice their surgery skills on the wildlife we’ve captured, and their talents will prove to be useful. I’ve also built out a surgical suite here in the dungeon that is fully stocked with healing potions.”

“Good,” Elias sighed in relief, “Then all that’s left is to prepare the patient.”

Nathaniel nodded, “She’s already here,” he said, “I’ll go check on her.”

Nathaniel left the workshop and rounded the corner to the medical room. Hope laid in the one bed with a simple sheet over her. She eyed the medical bots flying around nervously.

Nathaniel brushed the hair from her face, “How are you feeling,”

“I-I’m… fine,” Hope said with a fake smile.

“You can be nervous Hope,” Nathaniel said.

“Will… it hurt?” Hope looked up to him with watery eyes.

“No, you’re going to sleep through it all,” Nathaniel said, “Then you’ll be one step closer to being a cyborg.”

Hope smile, “I’m looking forward to it,”

A medical bot flew over to her, “Lady Hope,” Seneschal spoke through the bot, “I’m going to administer the anesthetic. This will help you sleep through the operation.”

Hope turned to Nathaniel with tears in her eyes, and Nathaniel leaned over kissed her forehead. The bot stuck Hope with a syringe, and she grunted in pain. Hope cried a little as the medical bot flew away.

“Will you wait here,” Hope said, “Until I fall asleep.”

“Of course,”

Nathaniel stood next to her gently brushing Hope’s hair. Eventually, she fell asleep. The bots then wheeled the bed into the surgical suite next door, and Nathaniel watched from the glass window as Elias and the bots performed the operation. Blood quickly coated the clean metal floor, and Nathaniel flinched as the nails screwed into bone. It felt like the surgery was taking forever, but it did end, and Hope was brought back out. The orange orichalcum interfaces shined in the white light. Slowly, Hope started waking up, and she started crying.

“I-it hurts,” Hope looked to him, “Why does it hurt so much?”

“Everything will be all right sweetie,” Nathaniel said gently trying to comfort her.

Nathaniel carefully locked the ball joint to the cybernetic forearm into the interface on Hope’s left arm. The maintenance bot helping locked the joint down. Piece by piece they worked together to construct the skeletal frame of the left arm. The orichalcum metal glistened orange in the light. The runes carved in it were gently glowing.

[Skill leveled: Runesmith Lv. 100]

[Congratulations! You have achieved mastery of the Runesmith skill. Alert: Experience gained from skill will no longer be boosted by rank buffs]

[New skill developed: Cybernetics Lv. 1]

“Not now,” Nathaniel dismissed the alerts as he connected orichalcum wires from the fingers to the wrist module.

“Is everything all right?” Hope said.

“Just some new alerts,” Nathaniel smiled, He took a longer wire and attached one end to the wrist, “Let me know if you feel anything.” He said connecting the wire to the interface on her arm. Hope screamed, “Did that hurt?”

“No, it felt…strange,”

“Let me know if it starts to hurt,” Nathaniel said as he secured the wire to the skeleton, “I had to create nearly two dozen runes just to make sure these cybernetics work.” Hope’s eyes widened, “There’s the multiple sensory runes carved into the fingers that should simulate touch. The wires are carved with neural transmission runes, and of course I carved strength and durability runes into the skeleton. So, your strength stats should be on par with Ralia’s, hopefully.”

Hope screamed again as he attached the other wires. After they were secured to the frame, Nathaniel removed the straps holding it in place.

“Can you try moving the fingers?”

Hope stared intently, but they didn’t move, “Why…aren’t they moving?”

“Don’t worry sweetie,” Nathaniel said petting her, “You keep trying while I work on the other limbs.”

Nathaniel moved to the other side and began assembling Hope’s right arm. He could hear her grunting and groaning as she tried to make the fingers on her left arm move. Hope hadn’t made any progress by the time he finished her right arm.

“Why won’t it work!” Hope cried as Nathaniel started on her right leg.

“How are you trying to move it?”

“I don’t know,” Hope said, “I’m just thinking ‘move fingers.’”

“Maybe that’s the issue,” Nathaniel said, “Why not try picturing the fingers moving?”

“How,”

“Close your eyes,” Hope took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “Now imagine your left arm,” he said, “Picture it as your arm, your fingers, and that you’re making a fist.” The fingers on Hope’s left arm started twitching, and slowly they curled up into a fist. “Now imagine your fingers uncurling.” Her fingers uncurled but it wasn’t smooth. “Now open your eyes and imagine the same thing.”

Hope nodded and stared at her left arm. Her forehead wrinkled in concentration, and the fingers started twitching again. Tears started streaming down Hope’s face as the fingers clumsily closed into a fist and raised it up to her face. Nathaniel reached out and gently took her hand.

“We’re almost there, Hope,” He smiled wiping away her tears.

“I-I’m looking forward to it!”

Hope stood in the center of a bare room with several stone bricks stacked up in front of her. After undergoing physical therapy for two weeks, which is what Nathaniel called it, she had better control over her new arms and legs. There were still times when she would have trouble with them, but that mostly happened after waking up.

“Alright Hope,” Nathaniel’s voice came from behind a glass barrier, “We’re going to test the capabilities of your new cybernetics. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” she smiled.

“Let’s start with picking up the cinderblock,” Nathaniel pointed to the dull grey block with two holes cut out it in.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Hope squatted down and ran one of her fingers against the stone, “It feels weird,” she said giggling.

Her fingers produced a scratching sound, but the runes allowed her to feel the rough, bumpy exterior. The white mithril metal that covered her new limbs reflected the large block as she wrapped her fingers around it. She easily lifted the stone from the floor and started swinging it around. It’s so light.

“Be careful Hope,” Nathaniel said, “You can still get hurt, so please take this seriously.”

“Okay!” Hope said as she quickly raised her arms. The block flew into the air and shattered as it hit the ground, “Sorry.”

“That’s what I mean Hope,” Nathaniel sighed, “That could have killed you if it hit your head.”

A maintenance bot appeared through a door and started building a wall with bricks. It’s sixteen arms were a blur, and, in a few minutes, a six-foot wall stood in front of Hope.

“Alright Hope, try punching the wall.”

Hope shifted her feet and punched the wall. Her fist broke through the bricks, and it toppled in front of her.

“How?” Ralia said, “How can she do that. I can’t do that.”

Hope giggled triumphantly, “Too bad for you Ralia,”

“Enough you two,” Nathaniel said, “Looks like the strength runes are working properly. Now, let’s test your speed.” A light appeared at the far end of the room, “Go stand by the light,” Hope skipped to the light while humming to herself, “Face the far wall. Another light will appear, and I want you to run to it as fast as you can.”

“Okay!”

Hope turned around and readied herself. As soon as the light showed up, she ran. There was a rush of air against her face, and she held up her arms to brace herself as she slammed into the wall.

“Are you all right Hope!” Nathaniel called out to her.

Hope started laughing , “I’m fine,” she said, “That was fun.”

“Looks like the speed runes are also working,” Nathaniel said out from the barrier, “I’d say your cybernetics are running at one hundred percent. We’ll continue rehab, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”

“Then, can we go home!” Hope said jumping up and down.

“Yes Hope, we can go home,” Hope cheered as she ran over and hugged Nathaniel. Nathaniel petted her head, “What do you want for dinner?"

“Can we go eat at Sierra’s?”

Ralia groaned, “Must we,”

Nathaniel shook his head with a chuckle, “Of course sweetie,” he said, “We can go to the tavern tonight.” Hope squealed in delight as she tightened her hug.

Hope threw off the plain white dress she’s been wearing for the last two weeks, “Seneschal, bring me my pretty dress!”

Sierra hummed to herself as she cleaned and dusted the tables of the tavern. It was still too early for the locals to visit, so she was taking her time. She sighed as she dunked the rag into the water bucket. I hope Nathaniel and Hope are doing well. It had been several weeks since she’d last seen them.

The door opened and Sierra gave the visitors a smile, “Wel…come…” she stared unable to understand what she was seeing. The rag slipped from her grasp.

“Sierra!”

Hope ran up to her and hugged her. She was wearing a lacy pink dress with multiple layers of frills. The slim straps exposed her shoulders, and the metals arms. The puffy skirt stopped right above the knees which also exposed her metal legs.

“Hope…how…you…what…” Sierra took her in, “You have legs…and arms.”

“Like them?” Hope smirked as she spun around, “Master made them for me.”

Sierra looked at Nathaniel standing at the door, “How?" she said, “You’re just a blacksmith. I can understand you creating the mugs and knives, but…making Hope new arms and legs,” Tears started filling her eyes, “Who…are you?”

Nathaniel gave her a small smile, “Nathaniel Light,” he said, “That’s all that matters, right.”

Sierra nodded, “I guess,”

“Enough whining child,” Ralia pushed past them and noisily sat down, “We’re here to eat, not entertain your whims.” She gave Sierra a knowing smirk, “Come now, don’t keep us waiting.” Sierra couldn’t help the growl.

“That’s enough!” Sierra jumped at Nathaniel’s shout, “Do you understand Ralia.”

Ralia nodded as her tail slithered underneath the chair, “Yes master,”

“I’ll go get you some food.”

As Sierra left, Hope turned to Ralia, “That wasn’t nice,”

“I know,” Ralia sighed. A few moments later, Sierra came out with a few plates full of food, “I’m sorry, Sierra.”

“It’s fine,” Sierra smiled, “I’m sure Nathaniel will punish you later.” Ralia growled but didn’t say anything. “I can’t believe you’re capable of such a thing.” She eyed Hope as she grabbed a piece of fruit.

“Why,” Ralia scoffed skewering a piece of meat, “You’ve known the master longer than any of us, and yet, his abilities still astound you. Have you not thought about it or are you purposefully ignoring the signs.”

Sierra huffed, “What are you talking about,” she said, “Even if he is a blacksmith, he’s advanced ranked. Uncle Gordon was advanced, and he was able to master several skills outside of the smithing ones.”

“Did his skills vary as much as masters?”

“No,”

“Master’s truly is skilled!” Hope interrupted them, “Not only did he make my new arms and legs, but he made me this dress too. Not to mention, Ralia always brags about the stuff he makes for her, especially her undergarments.”

Sierra cleared her throat, “He does make nice…clothing,” she turned away trying to hide her blushing face.

“Did he make you some too?” Hope started lifting Sierra’s skirt, but she cried and backed away.

“That’s inappropriate, Hope,” Sierra covered her face.

“So, he did make you some,” Hope started pouting, “Master, I want undergarments like Sierra and Ralia.”

“Aren’t you a little young,” Nathaniel sighed, ‘Actually…how old are you?”

“Don’t know,” Hope said tapping her chin, “I was a kid when those mean men captured me. After that, I don’t remember much.”

“Let me check your menu,” Nathaniel said, “We’ll need to talk with Rose about getting you awakened,” He continued looking through Hope’s menu, but then, his gaze flicked between her and the menu multiple times, “It…says you’re forty years old.”

“Truly,” Hope stared at him, and then looked at her hands, “I was in that terrible place for almost thirty years.”

Sierra hugged her, “It’s all right Hope,” she said, “Why don’t I make you a honey cake, as congratulations for your new arms and legs.”

“Thanks,” Hope smiled.

“Why are we seeing the priestess again,” Ralia said sneering at the church.

“We’re going to awaken Hope’s class,” Nathaniel said. He had to hold Hope’s hand to keep her from running off.

“But the core should be able to do that,” Ralia scoffed, “Are you…attracted to her?” a slight growl escaped her lips.

“She is beautiful, but no,” Nathaniel said, “I think it’ll help integrate Hope into the village, and she’ll have information on the class if I’m not familiar with it,” He gave her a sly smile, “Besides, I think you’re prettier than she is.”

“Is that so,” Ralia scoffed, but smiled, “At least you have good tastes.” She slid up to him.

“Stop it!” Hope pushed her way between them, “You can’t flirt with master while I’m here,” she said hugging Nathaniel’s side and glaring at Ralia.

“You little brat!”

“Stop now, both of you,” Nathaniel said gently rapping Hope’s head, “That’s not nice Hope. Ralia’s deserving of my time too.”

“But…what about me?” Hope gave him the biggest puppy eyes he’d ever seen.

“You’ve had my complete attention for these last few weeks,” Nathaniel said petting her head, “I’m certain Ralia’s feeling lonely after all that,” he smiled down at her, “We’re family now Hope. Even if we don’t see eye to eye, it’s important that we get along in the end.”

“Fine,” Hope pouted, “But I want some of your time too.”

“And you’ll get it,” Nathaniel smiled, “Now let’s go see what your class is.”

They walked into the small church. Sister Rose hummed a simple tune as she dusted the iron candlesticks on the altar. Daisy sat on one of the pews humming along as she swayed in her seat.

Rose gave them a large smile, “Welcome, what can I…” She gasped as Hope ran up the center aisle, “Hope…you’re running.”

“Yep,” Hope gave her a big smile.

“So, Uncle and Nathaniel were successful,” Daisy said clapping her hands, “Congratulations Hope.”

“Thanks,” Hope sat next to her, “Wanna touch them?”

Daisy ran her fingers along Hope’s right arm and leg, “They’re made of metal,” she said, “And you’re not having any troubles?”

“At first I did, but master helped me learn to control them,” Hope said, “Now I can run faster than anyone else, and I’m stronger than everyone too, even Ralia.”

“Quite impressive,” Rose said giving a Nathaniel a quizzical smile, “We’re glad you decided to show us.”

“We’re also here to awaken Hope’s class,” Nathaniel said, “She was captured as a child, and so, she was never given a class.”

“I can try,” Rose tapped her chin, “But to be honest, I don’t know if my ability to awaken classes works on other races.” She gestured for Hope to approach.

Hope jumped onto the dais and stood in front of Rose. Rose kneeled and gave Hope a kiss on the forehead. An alert appeared in front of Nathaniel stating that Hope’s class had been awakened but was still locked. After unlocking it, Nathaniel stared in confusion.

“Harbinger, that sounds kind of…ominous,”

“She has the Harbinger class, interesting,” Rose said, “It’s rare for someone to awaken to that class as it’s considered an evolutionary class.”

“What do you mean,”

“Not all classes are bestowed by awakening,” Rose said, “Some classes like bandit and thief are acquired by engaging in those activities. Some classes can evolve after the owner meets certain milestones, for example someone with the Knight class can evolve it into the Champion class if they meet the right criteria. Harbinger just so happens to be another of those classes.”

“What can I do!” Hope beamed up to her.

“Let’s see,” Rose turned and flipped through the large leather-bound book, “According to the book of classes, the Harbinger specializes in being a symbol that represents their master’s strength. Their devotion is their greatest strength. This results in them being able to withstand most attacks while also returning such damage in kind. Their main stats are strength, constitution, and wisdom.”

“Are you certain you have the right class,” Ralia said which got her a glare from Hope.

“It definitely checks out,” Nathaniel said, “Her strength stat easily surpasses yours,” Ralia started pouting, “What I find interesting are her talents. [Optimistic] with the boon [Ray of Hope], and [Iron Will] with [Nerves of Steel] and [Unbreakable].”

Rose continued flipping through the book, “[Optimistic] is a talent that provides resistance to any negative effects that would try to break her spirit, and…also boosts experience to all skills!” Rose squinted at the text, “That’s quite impressive, what’s your rank Hope?”

“Basic,”

“A five percent boost is nothing to sneeze at, especially when it affects all skills,” Rose smiled, “But I don’t see the boon [Ray of Hope] it must be new. What does it say for you Hope.”

Hope squinted at her menu, “It says that all allies receives a boost to morale while in my presence. They also get resistance to negative mental boosts,” Hope smile widened as she beamed at Nathaniel, “It says that the effects are enhanced when I’m with you master!”

Rose gasped at Hope, “That’s a powerful boon,” she said, “Could I get you to write the full definition for me Nathaniel,” Nathaniel nodded as she continued, “[Iron Will] boosts her constitution and wisdom stats and essentially helps her deal with pain easier. The [Nerves of Steel] boon boosts physical damage resistance while [Unbreakable] grants resistances to enchantment spells,” Rose turned to Hope, “Given time, she’ll be a formidable fighter.”

Hope ran and hugged Nathaniel, “You hear that master,” she smiled, “I’ll grow big and strong, so that I can fight all your battles,” she smirked at the dragon-heart, “And I won’t need Ralia’s help at all.”

Nathaniel petted her head, “You won’t be fighting alone Hope,” he said, “I’ll be with you the entire time.” He groaned as she tightened her grip.