01.08 - The Show Must Go On

The holographic display shifted, revealing a detailed projection of the Core’s supported affinities, mapped out according to the Standard Model of IT. Luc scanned the data, the domain and subcategory affinity bars glowing in different hues before him.

“Let’s see,” he said, leaning forward, his fingers over the controls. The display expanded to highlight the spell domains. “Oh, Dad was right. It mostly aligns with Energy and Matter domain affinities. Space, Time, and Mind domain affinities are far below average. The Body domain is slightly better.”

With a quick motion, he selected the Matter and Energy domains’ paths, causing them to bloom into separate holographic sub-windows that floated beside him. He turned to the left one first, studying it intently.

“Interesting,” he said. “Matter domain paths are pretty mediocre across all subcategories. If the regular Fire Elemental Cores are like this too, we should probably give them to Uriah. He might find a use for them.”

He looked at the right hologram, his expression sharpening.

“As for the Energy domain paths… The stats for Destruction and Augmentation suck. Deviation doesn’t look much better.” His brow furrowed as he scrutinized the data further. Then his eyes widened. “But Manipulation is solid, and…” a grin formed across his face. “Creation and Transmutation are off the charts!”

He leaned closer to the holographic display, tapping a few keys as he muttered under his breath, as a devious smile crept across Luc’s face. “This might just work…”

From across the room, Hannah’s cat ears twitched at the sound. She looked up from her own work, her crimson eyes narrowing. “What are you up to?”

Luc’s grin widened as he faced her. “I think I could make my projectiles explode on impact. That might pack quite the punch.”

Hannah’s jaw dropped slightly before she recovered, fixing him with a glare. “Whoa, hold your horses. As if you weren’t enough of a hazard already, now Mr. Glass Cannon wants his shots to explode too? No. Nope. No way. Permission denied.”

“Who wants to explode what?” Mary’s voice from the front door announced her arrival before she stepped into view.

Hannah’s demeanor brightened instantly, and she rushed to greet her.

“Welcome home, Mom!”

Mary gave her daughter a quick hug before glancing at Luc. “Well? What’s this about explosions?”

Luc turned back to the terminal, gesturing at the glowing holographic projections with enthusiasm. “I just thought I could program the Greater Fire Elemental’s Core to upgrade my projectiles so they explode on impact. It would massively boost their effectiveness in battle.”

Hannah groaned audibly, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “And I think it’s a horrible idea. It’d be bad enough if one of your stray projectiles hit one of our frontline fighters. Making it explode is the last thing we should do. Sascha’s instincts are good, but with the speed of your shots, there’s no way she’d be able to dodge in time. Even Rafe might not be able to restore her if she’s blown to a million pieces!”

Luc's initial excitement faded slightly.

Mary’s gaze softened as she walked over to place a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s good that you’re thinking creatively, Luc,” she said. “But Hannah’s right. You need to consider the bigger picture. Enhancing your abilities is important, but not at the expense of your team’s safety.”

“I get it,” Luc said. “I’ll think of another way to boost the Core’s capabilities. Something safer.”

Mary’s crimson eyes scanned both Luc and Hannah. “I think there is a way to let Luc use the Core for this purpose without putting anyone in harm’s way, and it could even provide valuable support to the team.”

“How?” Hannah asked.

Mary pointed upward, toward the ceiling. “Long-range bombardment prior to our ground forces rushing in… and signal flares.”

“Signal flares?” Luc echoed.

“To communicate at longer ranges or during nighttime operations. It’s simple, effective, and far less risky than explosive projectiles in close quarters.”

For a moment, Luc was lost in thought.

“What about makeshift fireworks then?” he asked.

“Makeshift fireworks?” Mary asked.

“For the midsummer firework show,” Luc said. “They had… trouble.”

“Trouble?” asked Mary.

“The pyrotechnicians who work with the waterpark had to cancel the firework delivery for the midsummer celebration,” Luc said. “Someone broke into their supply depots and stole three months’ worth of Burst Dust, as well as most of their processed goods.”

“And you want to fill in?”

“I didn’t really think of it until now,” Luc said. “But signal flares and fireworks are kinda similar, don’t you think? Maybe we could get Uriah to join too.”

“Sure, let’s give it a try,” Mary said. “So you really want to spend the night before your thirteenth birthday helping with the waterpark’s fireworks, Luc?”

Well… It wasn’t exactly about the waterpark…

“Sure, after all, Vega will be…” he half stumbled over his words. “I mean… It will be a good exercise in programming new spells and practicing the use of the Greater Fire Elemental’s Core. It’ll help out House Stellaris, and the visitors and their kids will have a great night. Three clay pigeons with one projectile.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She gave him a knowing smile but didn’t inquire any further. “I’ll be out as a bodyguard for Vega anyway, and she will be there, like every year, together with Aqua and the whole gang. It’s been a while since we all got together. I think they’d be thrilled to see you again. Doubly so if you rescue the show.”