Looking Ahead

Once more my feet are pounding on the stone landing the moment the ship’s ramp has lowered into place. There are two reasons for why I’m so inspired to rush, the first being that I’d like to catch up with Nel as soon as possible, the second reason is that the less time I spend on a ship, the less likely I am to be involved in another crash. At least that’s how I understand it.

“Make sure to come to class properly next time!” Freid shouts after us as we make our escape.

“We will!” I shout back, already realizing that it’s more likely that it’s my teachers that are going to be missing from class.

Killing off all of my teachers would be a good excuse for not showing up to class, but it does come with some ethical issues. And by ‘ethical issues’ I mean I’d have to completely embrace evil to even seriously consider it. No, I think I’ll kill my teachers as I go, rather than setting it up as a goal to work towards.

“Why are we running?” Eshya asks. “Nel said everything is going fine.”

“I just…” I say, trying to find the right words to explain my frustration. “Something has to have gone wrong. I mean, I’ve had some good luck here and there, but you have to admit, this is the time for things to go wrong for us. It just feels wrong otherwise.”

“It feels wrong if something isn’t wrong?” Eshya says with a laugh, we don’t even bother to stop by the dorms, racing straight for the ruins. I’m not entirely happy to be showing up below wearing my rags rather than my dress, but I’ll have to deal with it.

I race through the streets guided by Vii as she flies above, we make it to the markets in record time, only stopping to wait for the enchanted door to slide open. The ruins are a little less dusty than we left them, a difference that I only notice because I’m breathing as heavy as I am.

I’m not sure if I’m a little faster than I was before, or if it’s just the adrenaline ruining my perception of time, but the ruins race by and in moments I’m wheezing in the cool air as I lean on the wooden table in the meeting room.

Nel turns to face us in surprise as we all gather together before her.

“Is something wrong?” She asks, summoning a pistol and a knife from wherever she hides them, ready to shoot a man dead in but a moment.

“That’s what I’m here to ask you.” I say, as I try to control my breathing. The mana in my cardiovascular grouping helping me recover more quickly than before, an improvement more subtle than I’d like it to be.

The large stone throne has been moved from the room, which is something of a blessing. I assume that it was given to Rudolf for his good work.

“Well, nothing is immediately wrong.” Nel says, a small smile rising on her lips. She looks tired.

“Welcome back home.” She says, “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes please.” Vii says, hopping ahead of Eshya and I to take the first glass poured from the pitcher in the room. The slight golden-blue glow about it makes it easy to guess at its origins.

She spits glowing water, painting the wall with the golden-blue liquid. Stifling her coughing, she sets the cup down and silently stares at the glowing waters within.

“I was going to warn you.” Nel says, “We’ve all been drinking the water from the dungeon. It’s packed with mana which helps us to grow, unfortunately its still at the point where it’s a little difficult to drink.”

“It’s fine.” Vii says, putting on her brave face. The same she’s worn every morning and night of the past week as we work together to grow our mana forms. Vii and Eshya are on the precipice of moving past the 1000 point mark, where the mana inside them will transition from a gaseous state to a liquid state. The shift has troubled them and they’ve been consuming all the mana they can to try and force their way through.

Nel pours extra cups for the rest of us, and we graciously accept, washing it down, and churning the new mana. I’m at my limit, but I’ve been trying to stress that limit for the past week and succeeded in increasing my overall efficiency by a few points here and there.

It mightn’t seem like much, but it all adds up in the end, especially if I’m going to be living forever.

“You’re here already?” Ria asks, walking into the room with a surprised song. Behind her trails most of the important people that I’ve taken in, those whose names are worth remembering.

“Red? Leai? Seia? Is it okay to be up this far?” I ask.

“Frey gave us the okay.” Red says with a shrug, seeming a little pouty.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just upset that Arduelle turned her down?” Leai says with a laugh.

“You’re into girls?” I ask, “And dungeons?”

“I’m only interested in people stronger than me, pipsqueak. And if you bring this up again, I’ll take this table and shove it all the way up your ass.” She seems particularly sour, worse than I’ve ever seen her. I hope Korgan hasn’t found any alcohol or else we might be in trouble.

“Good news.” Korgan says, marching into the room with a bright smile and a large bag filled with all sorts of pretty bottles.

“Damn it.” I swear, as he sets the bottles on the table and asks Nel for some glasses.

“We’re celebrating,” Korgan says, “We’ve got lights, food, water, security, and now drink.”

“Sure.” I say, taking one of the wooden chairs and moving it around to the head of the table before plopping myself down. A report, Nel said. She didn’t mention that it would be a full meeting.

Everyone important is gathered here to discuss the week’s events, to celebrate, and whether it was intended or not, to allow me to lead us into our next endeavours. I like to think that I’m the leader here, but that illusion is difficult to believe when everything is so far beyond my grasp.

Most of the people here have some respect for me and my authority, but I think that’s simply because I’m the one who has brought us all together and given us direction so far. They don’t respect me as a leader, they don’t respect me as a fearsome warrior, they respect me only as a peer who has taken control over a group project, whether they’re willing to say it aloud or not.

I need to do much more and become much more before they’ll truly respect me. Some of that can come from my countenance, but unfortunately, I’m not even wearing my formal dress right now. I’m wearing exercise clothes that are as good as rags, I’m sweaty, and I probably stink a little.

I can’t see a cleansing stone immediately on hand, and running off right now would only be worse for my image.

I shake the unsteady thoughts from my head, and let the confidence grow in my chest, whether it’s deserved or not, whether it’s right or not. I must act like the person that I’d like to be.

Korgan is standing at the side of the table mixing drinks with the same professionalism of the waitstaff at a high-class bar. His hands move fast, and he mixes, stirs, and does something extra, something magical.

He treats each drink with care, before delicately setting them at each place on the table.

It’s a little unexpected, actually. I’d been thinking he’d bring some heavy spirits around and start guzzling it down like a drunkard, but instead he’s serving drinks with more flair than the waiters in a bond film.

When we’re all seated, and we each have a drink in hand, I raise mine up in cheers.

“To our success.” I say, lowering the drink and taking a long draught. It tastes at first sweet, and then sour, before leaving a sweet aftertaste. While the alcohol does add a little something to the flavour it never overwhelms it. It takes me a few moments to realize just how good it is.

I look around and see that while some of them have imitated me, others just look confused.

“It’s a thing from my culture.” I say, “If I have to describe it. It’s to mark the nature of a celebration, or perhaps our hopes for what comes after it.”

“To success.” Most of the others imitate me. Red just throws her drink back without much regards to the rest of us. I get the feeling it’s not just the matter with Arduelle that has her down. I’ll have to pull her aside after this and have a talk with her.

“Well, let’s get matters moving.” I say, before anyone else can get us off track. It’s important to control the momentum of events like this, or at least I’m fairly sure it is. I’m still acting based off of half thought out assumptions at this point.

“First up, what’s the current condition of our dungeon base? It’s fully habitable, I understand?”

“We traded with the lord’s colony, as they call it, and traded some mana dense goods from our stockpile in exchange for some lighting equipment, some barrels for water, and some basic bedding.” Nel says. “It’s not much, but it’s better than life with a collar. Most are amenable to the lifestyle, but there is still a long way to go before it’s anything we can be proud of.”

“Good report. How about the settlers?” I ask, “Are they studying? Or have they found ways to make their Skills useful? They can’t just hide in a corner forever.”

“Some have adapted to their new lives, some are still working to adapt,” Nel replies, “Others are more trouble. With your permission, we moved some residents to the lord’s colony, though even there they’re not all surviving well.”

“Well, they’re their own responsibility now.” I say, waving my hand. I do recall giving her permission to move a few people during my week away, it sounds like she’s really dealing with situations well in my stead.

“A few have taken to hunting, and are learning under Red’s supervision.”

“They’re worthless.” Red says, “But spirited. Give me a month, and they’ll be competent.”

“That’s good.” I say, trying not to show how taken aback I am that she’s started teaching them without having to be asked. I suppose she did the same with us, so I don’t really know why I’m surprised.

“We’ve been suppling the crafters to help them focus on their crafts and there are a few skilled individuals in the group.” Nel says. “It will take time for most to actually develop valuable Skills however. Even with the new support device, we can only rush things so quickly.”

“Right. Have there been any more problems that I need to hear about, then?” I ask the group, looking between them all.

“We couldn’t beat the big catfish in the pond.” Leai says, “It’s too big and too strong, but we nearly caught it when Bessy came to help.”

“Ah… that’s good. I’m glad you’re all still alive.” I say, somewhat wishing that I could’ve seen that battle.

“We can’t find any good assistants that are interested in joining your little group.” Rudolf says. “I’ve been talking to a few here and there, but they’re all focusing on their academics and leaving behind the whole ‘fallen’ shtick. Who knew that this lifestyle appealed more to the untalented than anyone else.”

“I refuse to believe that.” I say. “There are plenty of talented people out there who aren’t satisfied with the way the Unified States of Mana runs things. We may not have found many yet, but I would say that every person at this table is talented in some regards.

“We’ll find others, give it time.” I say, placating him. His expression softens a little, and I finally realize that he was nervous about giving his report. Perhaps using the room which I slaughtered Orsa in, was in poor taste.

“We still don’t have a reliable means of healing ourselves.” Nel says. “I’ve ensured that we can get a supply of healing potions from people both in the ruins, and in the dungeon, but supplies are always low and we’re losing more and more of our stockpile the longer this goes on.”

“Alright, big issue number one.” I say. “Let’s talk it out. Ideas?”

“Recruit a healing mage?” Red says, matter of factly. “Everything else is a temporary crutch. You need a healing mage if you want to get anywhere.”

“We could recruit an alchemist.” Korgan says, sipping at his drink, he swishes it about his mouth, enjoying the moment before swallowing and continuing. “Their lot are useful for more than just healing, and there’s plenty of materials that are just going to waste or getting sent to market because no one here wants to use ‘em.”

“I could develop healing enchantments.” Ria says hesitantly, “It would take some time and study though. Healing is a difficult magic to work with, I don’t think I could do anything soon.”

“Anybody else?” I ask, and everyone is silent.

“I’d rather not waste your time on this, Ria.” I say, “Especially not when it would be just for, as Red puts it, a crutch, rather than a solution. We’ll look for any opportunity to recruit a healer, or an alchemist. I already have a student alchemist in mind that might be amenable to the idea too, though it might take some time to get through to her.”

I’ve been exchanging messages with many different students up on the surface for a reason, and the one that pops into mind is an arachne that seemed interested in revolutionising alchemy. I’m not sure she has the tools to make it happen, but I’d be willing to bet that if we offered her an updated support device and access to a whole stockpile of alchemy ingredients, she’d be open to discussion.

“Sounds good to me.” Eshya says, leaning back in her chair as she looks around at the others. The rest of them express indifferent shrugs and various degrees of agreement. Meetings like this aren’t interesting to everyone, but at least no one seems to be holding back.

“Is there anything else someone wants to bring to the table?” I ask, looking around.

Adler sits up straight and raises her hand high.

“Adler?” I wave her on.

She nods stiffly, before looking around the table, seeming far more serious than any of the rest of us.

“Rules and laws.” Adler says. “You’ve given me the task of writing and creating laws that we should live by. The truth is that as much as I think about it, all of the most important rules seem to stem from stealing, killing, and assault. What’s important then is how to deal with those who break these laws.”

“No collars.” I say, finishing my drink. I honestly wasn’t giving Korgan nearly enough credit when he was asking for alcohol, I’ll have to find him some more.

“Then, what other options are left?” Adler asks.

“We kill them.” Red says. “We take their stuff as replacement. Or we beat them up.”

“Isn’t that simply breaking the very laws that we’re seeking to enforce?” Adler asks.

“It is, but it’s also one of the limited options that we have.” I reply, “Does anyone have any other idea’s on how we can punish those who misbehave? Obviously, we’re only talking about serious crimes, not the weird shit that’ll get you a collar up on the surface.”

“So, we’re free to say awful things about our lovely empress? You won’t take offense and have us punished?” Red asks.

“Red if you want someone to whip you, you just have to ask.” I reply, earning a few nervous laughs from around the table. Most of them are still rather cautious around Red, since she’s the most powerful person here right now, and to most she seems unstable.

“If only you were strong enough to handle a whip.” She bemoans sarcastically, “Widdle, baby empress.”

“Yeah, yeah. I need to get stronger to earn your respect. That’s the next issue, and it’s resolved rather easily. I’m taking some time to train and build up my strength as fast as I can, I’m sure others are doing the same?”

“Of course.” Nel says, pouring herself a glass of glowing water.

“Then…?” I ask, encouraging them to speak up.

“I have something.” Ria says, her voice charming as ever. “Wally, Sele, and I have been working on a few different things, but we haven’t yet finished… well anything. Also, we took apart your armour while working on it and haven’t rebuilt it yet. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Go on.” I say waving aside her concerns.

“Well, we’ll need some of the equipment to be tested. Not yet, it’s not at all at that stage yet, but soon. Then we can polish it up, and hopefully have a few magical tools that we can actually be proud of.

“Also, we’ll be able to make the armour and weapons you were asking for, but not until we finish testing.”

“Well, I won’t complain about that.” I say, “Keep me informed, and I’ll help with the testing as I can. I’m sure we can find someone who’ll be happy to play with the new toys if I’m not free.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s no need. I should be thanking you.” I say. “I would be dead a few times over by now without your pistols and the armour that you’ve given me.”

Ria looks rather happy to hear the compliment, and settles back into her seat.

It’s interesting to take in the atmosphere at the table. For all my worries before about how they see me, and about my own leadership abilities, it’s clear that they’re still listening to me.

It’s not some overly stiff respect either. Some are even talking between themselves at the sides, but whenever I speak, I’m heard, and the direction of the meeting has firmly been in my grasp the whole time.

A pleasant warmth has been settling inside me as the meeting has continued. With everything in hand, with the power to get things done, and to be heard, it almost feels as if everything is right with the world.

“Before I take us to our next topic. I’d like to ask if anyone else has something they’d like to bring up.” I ask the group.

They all quiet, looking between each other in either boredom or curiosity. I shouldn’t push this meeting on for too much longer. As nice as this feeling is, it would be both disrespectful and a waste of time to drag things out.

“Then, I’d like to discuss the future of our little group.” I say. “I like to play around with the term empire frequently, but I don’t do so without thought. I plan on building something significant in this universe, something that can span the many realms.

“Now I know that’s far larger than most of you can imagine or are willing to consider realistic, so let’s start with the first step. We’re taking the ancient city from the gremlins.” A few eyes turn to me, some concerned, others curious. Red doesn’t even look up at me.

“Why?” Red asks. “What’s that stone worth to you?”

“Nothing.” I declare. “Or next to nothing.”

My answer has finally gathered their attention properly, no longer do any of them seem distracted. They are listening, and I need to speak clearly, let them know why they should care.

“There are likely riches locked away behind doors the gremlins are too stupid to open.” I say. “What’s more, the city itself could probably be fortified and made into quite the nice home, but that’s not why I’m going to take it.

“Clearing away a potential threat, and claiming riches, that’s merely a bonus. The value is in the act itself.” I say, looking about at them one by one. “Gathering the strength, the will, and the Skills, such that we can take that city.

“That’s the future that I want for us.”

The table grows quiet as my words fade. I feel good. Terribly nervous, but excited too. Even if everyone at this table leaves me, this is what I’ve been aiming for. This is what I’ve been trying to express with my actions and words.

Maybe this speech won’t reach them. Maybe I’m not good enough.

Whatever the case, right now, I’m truly acting like the person that I want to be.

Red glares at me, her presence filling the room, almost the same as when I broke her from her collar. Slowly a smile forms on her lips and she starts laughing.

“Crazy.” She says, “Insane. Fucked in the head.”

The others look between us trying to figure out how to react as she insults me. I feel the edges of my lips rising into a smile.

“Fine. Let’s just see how far you can take it.” Red says, her expression seeming much more positive than earlier today.

“Let’s.” I agree.

“We’re fighting with you.” Eshya says, “We wouldn’t let you do that alone.”

“Me too.” Vii chirps up, scribbling furiously in her little red book. “I’m not going to miss a moment.”

“I’ll do my part.” Nel agrees with a small smile.

The others don’t agree quite so quickly, but none look ready to turn away from the future that I’ve painted for them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Skills & Stats

~Mana Form:

Current mana density: 820 units

~Mana distribution:

Skin: 0/49%

Muscle: 0/51%

Mind: 72/72%

Cardiovascular: 0/33%

Misc.: 0/29%

Efficiency: 72/82%

~Favourited Skills:

-Chip Shredder

-Multi-mind

-Tag

-Mana surge movement

-Mana surge punch

-Reactive mana skin

-Infused delayed Casting

-Fire burst punch