Getting to Work

The morning sun had just begun to crest the horizon when Shiro opened his eyes. He climbed out of the silk sheets and soft bed, making his way to the balcony. From his room in the palace, he gazed over the kingdom below.

Vermelionne sprawled across the eastern foothills of the Crimson Mountains, where the jagged peaks gave way to the Red Plateau. Stone walls encircled the city, connected by towers of sandstone that rose above the rooftops.

The nation's banners fluttered in the morning breeze, and the bustling streets were already alive with merchants, despite the encampments of refugees.

Yet for Shiro, the luxurious royal chambers were nothing more than a gilded cage.

The door to his room remained locked from the outside, with royal guards standing watch day and night.

Elevated terrain. Maybe I go with an artillery installation? They still march armies.

Despite that, his mind was already getting to work.

The journey from the Shrine of Heroes to Vermelionne had taken three days. During that time, Shiro had learned a decent amount about his new world.

80 days remaining until the attack...

He left the balcony and walked towards the desk. Pulling out his notebook, he flipped through it.

364 days a year, divided into 13 months, 4 weeks per month. A Perfect 28 day month.

Shiro slouched back into the desk chair.

Why does this fantasy world have a perfect calendar while we need a leap year every four years!?

...back on track, Shiro.

He sat up and continued checking his notes.

Beyond the Crimson Mountains lay lands conquered by the Demons. The mountain range formed a natural barrier. The only routes through were the Sky Serpent's Path or a 3 week long ride around the southern edge of the mountains.

All things considered, Vermelionne looks well protected. And it's not like they have siege weapons. They don't have catapults, trebuchets, ballistas or even crossbows in this world. Instead they rely on magic and enchanted items!

Shiro let out a sigh. Before looking back down at his notebook.

Anyone can use a runic item so long as magic is already stored in it. But to use magic you must have a talent. Talents vary, from the minimum of being awakened to magic, to special and power abilities. Some people can have multiple talents while most have none.

Any chance I have will come down to using magic. Pure magic won't be enough.

A knock came from the door. Followed by the voice of one of the guards.

"Master General Azura is now entering"

Shiro looked down at himself. He wore simple bed robes and a heavy metal collar. Runes were engraved into its surface, designed to absorb large amounts of mana and prevent the wearer from casting spells.

"You're already up. Good. Let's go."

Azura looked down at him, her eyes like daggers.

She hated him.

A political battle was raging within the king's court. Everyone had chosen a side, or was still deciding what should be done with Shiro.

"Yeah, let me get changed first. Is it really okay for me to be seen in public wearing this? I thought you were trying to keep morale up and sell me as a real Hero."

"You're going here to Geraltavin's workshop and nowhere else. No one sees you, no one talks to you."

Azura tossed him a thick black cloak.

"Change, then put this on. I'll be waiting outside."

Once Shiro had changed, he draped the black cloak over himself and stepped outside to join Azura. She led him out of the royal palace, across the courtyard, and into a horse-drawn carriage.

The ride was quiet and awkward, she didn't say a word, and Shiro didn't try to start a conversation either. Fortunately, the journey was a short one.

The carriage rolled to a stop before a sprawling stone estate that looked like a noble's manor had been cut in half with a smithy. The building stood three stories tall, its dark granite walls reinforced with metal beams that reinforced the building from the wide stone fenced courtyard. No chimneys, instead, faint arcs of lightning danced between copper rods mounted on the rooftop.

As they stepped inside, Shiro was greeted by Geraltavin; The Arcane Magister, and Johnaquil; the Treasurer.

"Welp, guess yer here. Let's get to work on these weapons of yours."

"I will be watching along. Just to keep an eye on how much resources I will need to allocate."

"Yeah that's fine. Let's get to work."