PoV :
Recap: We met the true villains behind Noa’s exile and got a taste of how much power they have; now, it’s time to buckle down and prepare for the worst because these are A.I. with the full force of Ke’Thra’Ma’s ancient sanctum at their fingertips!
I want to thank my patrons for continuing to support me:
Rexi Boi, Boris, Harukain, Nissarin, Pltergeist, Gabbeldor, Walden Tolbert, Michael Mooney, Skorno, NopiSoul, and my other Patrons!
Elinor leaned against the side of her throne as her protective unit entered the final hall that would see them outside of the underground labyrinth. The array of insect corpses surrounding them made her think about how Noa had been tricked into an unwinnable war and isolation.
Sari’aél had been giving her a rundown of the plan she’d compiled, and it was good, but Elinor felt that the A.I.s were a real threat after what they’d just experienced. So, as they went, she pondered on something her followers would disagree with on instinct.
Noa and the Quen’Talrat specialists were being carried by the Seraph’s golden aura, unable to keep up with the rest of the Undead; on the other hand, Jumi’calro was snuggly in his portable box, wrapped in a silken blanket Azalea provided him. Jumi’kerune’s great-great-great-grandson would be invaluable in the coming operation.
Ultimately, this had turned into a catastrophic event, and she wasn’t sure if Sari’aél was instinctively bypassing the path Elinor had envisioned. Naturally, the angel knew she was resistant to her strategy, but Sari’aél seemed to have decided to wait for Elinor to voice the complaint.
Elinor’s focus wandered from the piles of stacked insects to Ramuk, who was doing a decent job of masking his injuries; Sari’aél’s Solar Shell may have protected them, yet the issue had been that it was a double-edged sword, eating away at the Quen’Talrat’s protective armor, before melting his skin.
Sadly, the Seraph didn’t have the skill level to levitate everyone in their party. Azalea tried to compensate with her webs, but it wasn’t enough to support the colossal ape and his weight; it was challenging enough to keep Noa’s bulky metal body in the air.
Elinor didn’t like where they stood, glaring down at her flaming emerald hand. We came out of this worse than the A.I.. They lost outdated foot soldiers and me … I don’t want Ramuk rushing in after his feet took damage … In addition, Azalea lost a lot of her energy reserves—not to mention Sari’aél’s rapidly diminishing strength, and when she needs to be recovering for her conflict with Orinvia.
She bit down on the inside of her lip; this was a bigger problem than they first thought. Her forces were being worn down and spread out, leaving the Empire vulnerable.
There was a plan developing in her mind, but it was risky, especially after Sari’aél told her that she’d be incapacitated for an entire week after only opening the way for their strike team to move forward.
Mila and Row had over a century to build their army and defenses, and as much as Elinor hated to admit it, her Empire was at a severe disadvantage. The Seraph was right; if they wanted to win this contest, they’d need a strategic, precision strike at their opponent’s heart, removing them from their nexus control. The issue? Elinor didn’t like the odds the Seraph gave her.
Making it outside, Elinor’s focus lingered on the frozen heavens; large snowflakes drifted around them in a blizzard that blotted out the mountains above them. I see … Mila and Row plan to destroy all life around them without lifting a finger … but why now?
Even as she asked herself the question, the answer became clear as day; Sari’aél’s battle against the Covenant had radiated a burst of solar energy that sent warning bells to the A.I., and they felt threatened.
Everything goes back to the Covenant, she growled to the angel.
Sari’aél slowed their progress just before reaching a distance they could communicate to Amra’Cora. “Empress … three flying entities approach us … They’re from Sha’Guala.
Speak of the devil, and he’ll show his face, Elinor grumbled, following the Seraph’s pointed hand in the white veil; it was impossible to see more than ten meters ahead of them. We don’t have time to play games with them. Who is it?
Violet’s large spider body straightened. “I know this scent, Empress … My mother showed it to us. Among them are Lexi and Serris—the creatures with mental powers that tricked my mother into believing they were World Queens.”
Recalling how indigent Iris had been at the report, Elinor hummed with dissatisfaction; the snow was thick and the wind constant, whipping around them as they waited for the three uninvited guests to show up. Lexi and Serris … What of the third—is it the black mantis?
The Spider Girl’s tone told Elinor she already despised these individuals. “The Mantis is not with them; it is the aviary creature that carried them away … Not the same one my mother identified, but the same species, from the samples she shared.”
“How unusual…” Sari’aél didn’t sound thrilled about the interruption. “I suspect they have come to inquire about the storm. Their arrival is no doubt calculated by Sar’ollaz, but as Peace and Understanding are still in effect, these creatures are not here to antagonize.”
Just showing up out of nowhere feels antagonistic enough, Elinor grunted.
Her vision drifted to the thick trees nearby, weighed down by the snow, waiting for the insect and slime to arrive before tilting her head back toward the Seraph. I hate to say this, but we’re going to have to trim down those that will be joining you. Finila and Giliri can’t handle this mission if even Azalea and Ramuk struggled against their out-of-date units.
“I’m well aware,” Sari’aél sighed. “Violet will take over once I am out of commission. Azalea will be needed, despite being drained after keeping Ramuk out of danger. Even Heroic-Grade members are in jeopardy of falling, which means Amra’Cora’s entire group will need to work as a team … excluding Ramuk.”
Elinor’s lips tightened upon seeing the Quen’Talrat’s frustrated expression, and she made up her mind. Ramuk and the Nalvean girls will stay by my side. I want Edmon to lead the group if you’re going to be incapacitated opening the gate—I won’t take no for an answer.
“Empress…” Sari’aél’s shining eyes shifted to her with concern. “I understand you are nervous about the success of this operation, but pulling Edmon away from your side could potentially be quite disastrous, especially given our enemies, and Demon’s allies hidden behind the curtain could use this opportunity.”
It’s a gambit, Elinor admitted, but after seeing what these A.I. can do, and being so close to Nethermore…
Her focus centered on Noa, and by her drawn dark eyebrows and tight posture, the artificial half human and Nalvean woman was clearly hesitant about the pressure placed on her shoulders. These A.I. have weapons and defenses we can’t be prepared for, and if Jumi’calro is destroyed beyond the ability to be raised, ‘everything’ falls apart—my entire Empire. This must succeed.
She caught the shape of a giant bat-like creature that was roughly the size of Voukey slowing its descent to land a dozen meters away. If this fails, I’m basically already dead. You’ll be trapped, utterly helpless behind enemy lines, and we won’t get a second shot at this since Noa and Jumi’calro will be in their hands. Edmon must be there … Let’s face it, we’re all in at this point.
Sari’aél didn’t like it but fell silent to reconsider her plan with the Gatekeeper in mind; it changed everything, and Elinor had made her final decision. She wondered if Tiffany would be fine with this direction, but in the end, Elinor couldn’t see a better outcome.
In the meantime, she was forced to met the two figures as they hopped down from the back of the silent bat; her tone was crisp and demanding. “I hope Sar’ollaz didn’t send the two of you to waste my time; I’m quite busy, as you can see,” she grumbled, showing her annoyance while gesturing at their surroundings.
Lexi was practically up to her chin as the three-foot-tall gelatin creature forced her way through the building powder. “Ugh … I h-hate cold places—umm, n-no, Empress,” she shivered, hugging herself and looking up at Serris.
The human-shaped, elegant mantis-like woman used one of her bladed four arms to pull back her moss-like hair, head centered on Elinor. Unlike the gel creature, she didn’t shake or stutter. “Excuse our interruption, Empress, but as you are an honorary member of the Covenant, we have been sent by Head Executive Sar’ollaz to be of help in this cause that threatens Sha’Guala.”
Her declaration surprised Elinor. “Is … that right?” Vision tilting to the Seraph, she felt a tad uneasy at the proposal. This seems far too good to be true … What’s that devil’s game?
However, Sari’aél’s expression and aura brightened in an instant. “This is excellent, Empress! By their response, this is actually a natural response, and the most minimal one that Sar’ollaz could send.”
The angel’s harmonic voice brought everyone’s attention to her radiant figure. “Am I to assume that this is standard protocol for members of the Covenant—might you explain it?”
Serris seemed to be the spokesperson because Lexi’s see-through head lifted to stare at the insect again. Elinor sensed a degree of aversion from the mantis, though.
“Right … ahem, in short, Empress Elinor has become an honorary member of the Covenant, and given Sha’Guala’s proximity to this threat, her apparent involvement in it, and the building menace, the Head Executive has determined it to affect the whole … Sha’Guala’s forces, by law, must be sent to support its member when in defense of the body.”
Only the sound of the blowing wind carried through the atmosphere as she ceased her explanation, Sari’aél’s twinkling eyes on Elinor as she thought.
Sar’ollaz’s hands had been tied by his own rules, which meant he was compelled to send at least a small fighting group to aid her. In a way, it was more annoying to him than her; after his previous declaration of give and take, she’d subverted that expectation by a loop-hole in Sha’Guala’s primary defense.
A half-smirk twisted Elinor’s lips. Is this because of the damage you did to their island, Sari’aél? Their barriers are down, and they’re in a state of repair … Is that why they haven’t left our airspace? He-he-he … Sar’ollaz is using me as a buffer to actually protect Sha’Guala … What a slippery devil.
“It does afford us certain privileges, it seems,” Sari’aél chimed. “By no means are these two on the same level as Iris, but together, they could be equivalent to Azalea when recovered.”
Deciding to poke for what she sensed in the insect’s tone, Elinor closed her fist and rested her cheek against it. “How do you feel about helping us after it was Sari’aél that ruined Sha’Guala’s defenses in the first place?”
Lexi gave a half-hearted bob of her head, which seemed to be her equivalent of a shrug, but Serris’s arms twitched with agitation. “As you have asked, Empress Elinor,” she said in a rather controlled but pointed manner, “I despise you and the place you’ve been given at the table.”
Her angled head turned to the Seraph. “Sari’aél vaporized several dozen of my comrades and placed my brother in critical condition … Even Sha’Guala may not be able to restore my brother to his former glory. Furthermore, she nearly annihilated someone I am sworn to protect … Master Baxter may not make it out of the Restoration Chamber entirely himself.”
Ramuk’s noses twisted with agitation, wishing to rip the insect apart for her insolent words, but he held himself back on Azalea’s mental commands to relax. Elinor had asked, and she’d answered truthfully.
“Hmm?” Elinor mused. “You hate me, yet you’re willing to put that behind you?”
Lexi sighed, rubbing her shoulders to send small globs of gel falling to the snow. “We’re bound to Sha’Guala by … brrr … b-by ritual contract; i-if you are a member, we—we must obey under the p-proper laws.”
Serris’s upper left arm slid down the back of her exoskeleton, creating a slight sawing sound as she lightly bit into it. “Empress Elinor, I understand you are in a hurry to stop this expanding force … The Oracle has predicted a mass catastrophe in motion that will destroy part of this continent if nothing is done … Can we begin our assault so I may return to my brother’s side?”
The news caused Elinor’s amusement to vanish. “How long do we have?”
“T-Twelve hours, E-Empress,” Lexi stuttered. “It can—also be activated to do l-less damage…”
“What is it saying, Empress?” Noa asked, not able to understand it since she was speaking English through Sha’Guala’s power.
Elinor turned her portable throne to stare at the A.I.. “Do you know of a weapon that could destroy the continent?”
“The continent?” Noa muttered in shock, moon-like eyes falling to the snow below her. “No … No, the Ke was only working on building the internal network … Revolutionary transportation methods and defensive measures to protect his secrets.”
Sari’aél cupped her chin. “Hmm … It seems Mila and Row have found Ke’Thra’Ma’s designs, his secrets, and decided to move forward in their construction. Either that or developed something themselves.”
“We … weren’t built to act independently of the Ke like that,” Noa dishearteningly whispered. “We were meant to maintain and protect the Ke’s repository.”
Elinor had heard enough. “It doesn’t matter in the end; we need to deal with it.”
Drone shuffling to face the Seraph, Elinor sent her orders. Sari’aél, fly over to the Maw and get Violet. Inform Amra’Cora along the way of her changed directive; tell them to gather their weapons of war from the city. I’m going to return to Nethermore to prepare Edmon and Tiffany.
The angel lifted Noa and Jumi’calro’s portable box into the air, leaving the Drone behind. “I will return as swiftly as I can.”
Her glowing emerald irises drifted between her entourage. Valerie and Theresa will join me on their bat—I need to get back as swiftly as possible. Return to the city as soon as you can, but Azalea, transform and ride on a Drone to conserve your strength; I still need you.
Ramuk’s typically strong presence was tentative as his big eyes centered on her. “Empress, I beg of you, allow me to redeem myself. I will slaughter your enemies!”
Lexi and Serris watched Sari’aél vanish into the blizzard before returning their attention back to Elinor, seemingly coming to the conclusion Elinor silently spoke to her people.
They didn’t make a noise other than the gel creature’s shaking as Elinor got to her feet for the Maids to help her out of the heavy robe.
I get that you’re aggravated at your performance, Ramuk … You don’t have the power you did when alive, and I can feel your frustration, but be patient. Take this time to temper your resolve and take pride that you’ll be by my side, protecting me when I am the most vulnerable.
She turned a smile toward Finila and Giliri. The same goes for the two of you; we are in a dire situation, and it is something none of us were prepared for, but we have the means to overcome this challenge. Rush back to Nethermore to protect me.
“I … hadn’t even considered the honor, Empress,” Ramuk whispered, a sorrowful tone showing his remorse for not seeing the position he was being offered by taking the place of the Royal Gatekeeper. “I will return with haste!”
The two bright-eyed Nalvean girls gave her a salute, thrilled to be of any use; their plates colored a tad as a few of their baby scales flaked away at the action, but Fini’s voice was firm. “We won’t let you down, Empress!”
Azalea silently turned back into her human form to take a seat on the Drone Jumi’calro had left as the Seraph carried his basket across the valley. She happily bobbed back and forth, blue locks shifting in the wind.
“What of us?” Moris’Luar asked, glancing between the specialists he’d brought; they’d left the tools and floating cart in the tunnels to increase their speed. “Are we to return to our duties?”
Correct, Elinor stated. You may be left behind by Azalea, Ramuk, Finila, and Giliri, but be brave; return to the city.
“We will,” he said, looking nervous for a gorilla over three times her height.
Free of her thick robe, Elinor smiled at Serris and Lexi. “Can your flying creature carry the five of us, or will one of you need to stay behind?”
Lexi gave the mantis next to her a pleading look, but Serris had no problem relenting. “I will return with the eight-legged shapeshifter.” A lilting smirk in her voice made it clear she knew Azalea wasn’t a fan of her. “I pray to Gomiska for your safety, Empress.”
Letting the passive-aggressive attitude slide, Elinor waited for Lexi to struggle back through the snow as Serris and the Undead began their journey, vanishing into the ice storm. The gel woman made a few shrill noises that weren’t quite whistles and not shrieks, which brought the bat hopping forward.
A light squeal sounded from her as it shook off its black fur, sending clumps of snow on top of her. The bat simply looked down at the disgruntled slime with a blank expression, clearly not the most intelligent of creatures.
Elinor’s slightly exasperated stare caused Lexi’s green face to tint orange while shivering in the pile. Sighing at how useless the gelatinous woman seemed to be in the cold environment, Elinor wondered what Lexi used to operate so well when going against the Thélméthra Queen.
“Theresa, help her up.”
The motherly maid smoothly hopped down from the Drone to easily pull the three-foot-tall squat figure out of the snow and lightly jumped up to place her on the bat’s ready back. Her Drone maneuvered beside her new transportation for Elinor to transfer over, Valerie and Theresa helping her.
Sitting a bit behind Lexi, her two maids took up the rear, humming a soft melody and Valerie playing a gentle string with her violin to generate a shield that protected them from the elements, including air resistance.
“Wow…” Lexi whispered in surprise as the bat took to the sky, the Maid’s dual harmony acting as a shell. “I’ve never had a flight be so…” She paused, looking for the proper words.
“Empress Elinor, you have some interesting servants.”
Elinor kept herself balanced, but it was a rather enjoyable ride between the bat’s trained movements and her Maids’ song. “If you’re ever bored, Lexi, my Empire is open for you to explore, given you follow my laws. I’m sure I could find work that you’d enjoy.”
The girl’s unusual head turned to the left, almost entirely around to stare at Elinor’s left hand. “Mmh…”
“Think about it,” Elinor prompted, unable to see anything but the haze of white around them, but the bat seemed to know where it was going. “I am a member of the Covenant, am I not?”
“Yes,” Lexi muttered, “but … We are protectors of Sha’Guala above all others … It is what we were sold and bound to. Also, Serris does not like you…”
“Is that a problem for you?” Elinor pressed, knowing that every person she could sway to her side would be critical as time went on, and this was likely a reason why Sar’ollaz had sent those that had a history with them when a supportive unit was required by his own law. “You needn’t work around the Thélméthra if you are uncomfortable around them—we are under a treaty of Peace and Understanding, after all.”
“We have songs and dancing—parties, too,” Valerie added in a bright tone, able to interrupt her song since her primary focus was on musical instruments. “Do you like those kinds of things?”
“I do,” Lexi mumbled, sounding far more innocent than Elinor would have expected, given the strength Sari’aél estimated she held. “I … actually haven’t been able to do much other than train to protect Sha’Guala most of my life … I was born to the pact—fifth generation. We’ve defended our charge during great times of danger,” she said, green see-through color tinting toward the orange spectrum again.
Realizing Lexi had likely never had a conversation with the Covenant members and understanding why, Elinor smiled. “I’m not like the other people that rule over you, Lexi. You have a training regiment?”
“Mhm?” Lexi asked, sticky arms tightening around her core. “If we are not training, we help the Covenant members with their tasks—in order of superiority and priority, of course.”
“I see,” Elinor fell silent for several seconds, thinking about her response; they were moving surprisingly fast, and she could feel them getting closer to the city, passing those on foot. “Lexi … What place am I currently at in the Covenant hierarchy? Am I at the bottom because of my joining date?”
Lexi’s hands unwrapped around her body to wave two fused hands at her. “N-No, Empress! It is based on a ranking of power, and you have proven to have the strength of the highest degree, but … it’s strange, too.”
“How so?” Elinor asked, taking advantage of the alone time with the gelatin woman while Serris wasn’t around. She had more influence than she thought in Sar’ollaz’s realm, and it could work out to her benefit.
Lexi’s arms joined together, becoming a hoop before pressing back into her body. “Umm … y-you see, since you defeated Baxter, you’ve taken his place, but … Everyone saw your power, which includes your solar fighter that overwhelmed Orinvia, yet when your placement was handed down to the Core, it was thirteen out of fourteen.”
“I see … And is it proper to ask about the ranks?”
It should be fifteen, but whatever is connected to that devil is not listed in the ranking … or perhaps it’s actually ranked at zero.
The gelatin woman hesitated. “Yes … If you have issued a challenge to take a place and it has been approved.”
Elinor hummed. “So, you know of my contest with Orinvia. What is her rank?”
Lexi cleared her throat. “Well, umm … Usually, it’s the ranker themselves that divulges it—although, it is unheard of for a higher ranker to challenge a lower one … You should have been told. You see, we are sworn to keep the secrets of all rankers, and most are concealed since all tasks are handed down by the Core Master.”
“You must have an idea, and our fight is quite public knowledge, though. Correct?” Elinor pressed.
“It is…”
“So?”
Lexi took a deep breath, letting it puff out, and a small cube of gel popped out of her left ear, whizzing past Elinor’s crown. “Ahem, eh … Orinvia is ranked eleven of fourteen, so far as I have speculated from the priority order.”
Elinor’s eyes narrowed, falling to the fluffy back of the bat. Eleven … and Sari’aél believes she needs to release her divinity at least once to win? That means every one of the members I met around that table is likely far stronger than her. Is Sar’ollaz even ranked one? It’s a possibility, and Sari’aél was forced to use Divine Release Three to fight him and protect me … That’s the strength I need to reach beyond.
Knowing there were mysteries involving this planet that intrigued even Sar’ollaz and his associates, Elinor figured she had a long road ahead of her. “Interesting, so, in a week and four days, I will be ranked eleven. How do your associates think our fight will go?”
A nervous giggle sent three more cubes out of the girl’s ears. “Heh, well … everyone felt the power of that creature—the one you call Sari’aél, so … Orinvia is not happy with the whispers echoing through the halls. She has been training since that day, focusing her mind and body in the Acceleration Chamber. So far as I am aware, she’s never done that before.”
“Wonderful,” Elinor mused. “In any case, Lexi, spread the news when you return; if there are those that wish to train, my soldiers would be happy to participate in joint exercises.”
Lexi was silent for a moment, looking down at the blizzard as they came into contact distance with Tiffany, followed by Camellia and Edmon. “Does … that include Sari’aél?”
Fascinated where this might lead, Elinor sent a message for Edmon to hold off for a minute; he was to prepare for battle. “Why?”
The transparent figure tinted a light purple. “Eh … Since you are new, when we train, it is customary to involve real combat exercises … None of us would survive a session with her.”
“He-he-he,” Elinor’s chest shook as she held a hand to her mouth.
Lexi’s head swiveled around again. “Empress?”
Elinor licked her lips, sharp eyes on the confused creature. “Our training is much different than the Covenant, it seems. If any of your comrades accept tasks I may require, you may train with Sari’aél without the fear of death.”
A smirk tilted Elinor’s mouth. “And, if you do happen to die, I can always bring you back to life … See what your compatriots think about the offer. It seems you are within your rights to wander from Sha’Guala since we are so close.”
“I will think about it, Empress,” Lexi whispered, putting off a nervous vibe. “Instruction will need to be given by the Core Supervisor, but in theory, there shouldn’t be a problem so far as I am aware … There will be opposition from Serris and her people, though.”
“Understandable,” Elinor replied, happy she was getting something out of this moment. “It is simply an invitation; I’d like to learn more about the life you live on Sha’Guala. I have much to catch up on.”
Lexi returned her focus to the front; they were still soaring over the outer edges of Nethermore. “Of course, Empress.”
Connecting to Camellia, Edmon, and Tiffany, Elinor made her decisions known. I am not going to debate this … We are at war, and our enemy has Ke’Thra’Ma’s most powerful runic weapons and defenses in their arsenal—perhaps greater. We are going to perform a precision operation that requires everything we have.
In disbelief, Camellia was the first to stammer a question. “E-Even me, Empress?”
Are you well enough to carry Sari’aél out of danger and back to Nethermore?
“Yes, Empress!”
Good.
Tiffany let out a long hiss. “Carry Sari’aél? What has happened, Elinor … Wasn’t this supposed to be an easy stroll in the caves?”
“Agreed,” Edmon muttered, voice low and cautious. “Wouldn’t it be better if I stayed by your side if something that hazardous is lurking in the dark? We should wait for Sari’aél to regain her strength, fortify the city, and wait to be at our most potent.”
No, Elinor flatly denied. A weapon strong enough to level the continent will be discharged in less than twelve hours—it’s serious enough that Sar’ollaz has sent three of his slaves to help us, which should tell you how dire it is. He doesn’t believe we have the means to stop it alone and isn’t willing to risk our failure since his city is in the devastation zone.
“Unfortunate…” Edmon growled. “What is my task?”
“And mine?” Tiffany asked. “Surely, I won’t be on the front lines because I am far more useful playing my part brewing in the back.”
What can you do to support them, Tiffany? Elinor asked.
“Plenty,” she huffed. “What foe do we face—multiple?”
Elinor saw her large tower come into view as they circled around it. “No, the sky entrance, Lexi,” she ordered, returning to her inner conversation as she complied, making the strange sounds to direct the bat.
Runic A.I.s that have full control over powerful metal soldiers, using Ke’Thra’Ma’s advanced technology this city hasn’t seen.
“Oh … Well, that’s different,” Tiffany mumbled. “Ugh … eh, I can whip something up to try and disrupt the … Mmh, it should still function similarly to electricity, so … a short-range EMP that seals off any energy transfer … Maybe?”
“Will it work, or won’t it?” Edmon bluntly asked.
“How should I know?!” she snapped. “God, I’m not a miracle worker, Edmon; I’m a witch! I haven’t dabbled in this area yet, so I’ll throw the kitchen sink at it. You bring the items with you, and I’ll see what I can do, but I’m not going to promise anything—ugh, it’ll suck if they have some kind of layline dampening field to interrupt remote spellwork. They shouldn’t, but … yeah…”
Do whatever you can; Sari’aél is on her way back with Violet as we speak, and Amra’Cora and most of her unit are coming to arm themselves. Edmon, you’ll need to protect everyone from anything unexpected; I’m not too concerned about Serris, but Lexi could be necessary, and I don’t need to tell you how vital Jumi’calro is.
“Who will be on the team?” Edmon pressed, and Elinor could imagine him cracking his neck and loosening up. “I need to know so I can develop a proper defensive strategy by how well they can guard themselves. When will Sari’aél be out of commission?”
Immediately. Sari’aél is going to use everything she has left just to breach the A.I.s control room, where you’ll deal with threats or any unexpected events. Camellia will grab Sari’aél and retreat. Violet, Azalea, Amra’Cora, and her unit, excluding Ramuk, will be joining Lexi, Serris, and their bat monster. Sari’aél says the two, working together, could likely equal Azalea.
“Understood … I am concerned about your safety.”
Tiffany hummed. “As am I, Edmon. I’ll send Esmeralda up with ritual artifacts I can use to provide a temporary shield in case we are blind-sided. It should give you some time to return—if I’m running to the tower, you’ll know something has happened.”
“I can accept that,” he returned, puffing out a long breath. “If only Iris were here … In any case, we must make use of what we have.”
Also… Elinor carefully slid off the bat’s fluffy back with Valerie and Theresa’s help; they’d just touched down on the tower’s ceiling, and it appeared to have some kind of heating affix that melted the snow. We have a runic A.I. of our own, the original administrator of the system that was tricked and dethroned. Her name is Noa, and you’ll be following her instructions to swap them out … without Jumi’calro and Noa, we fail, and everyone dies.
“He-he-he, no pressure; huh, Dear?” Tiffany nervously chuckled. “No, we’ll overcome these … A.I., you said? Yes … Ugh, how dreadful … There’s always so much for me to research with so little time.”
“Make excuses later,” Edmon grunted, making the Witch squawk like a bird. “We have work to do.”
Elinor let Sari’aél take over the explanation as she came back into range, shifting her weight to stare up at Lexi, nervously waiting for orders. “You did a fantastic job, Lexi. Now, go to the front entrance and meet with my strongest defensive warrior, Edmon. He will be waiting for you, and Sari’aél will be here soon—follow their instructions, and you will make it out of this alive.”
“Thank you, Empress,” Lexi said, voice squeaking a little, “but—but Serris and I are warriors, too! I … just hate the cold,” she grumbled, “and—and I don’t have anymore Manglo Root to dissolve.”
Filing the information in the back of her mind, Elinor nodded. “I look forward to your triumphant return. A feast will be prepared … I hope you will enjoy our food.”
Lexi’s countenance lit up. “I’ve never had such an event after a completed mission. I can’t wait, Empress!”
Elinor waved her off, chuckled as cubes fell out of her pink ears, displaying her excitement. Perhaps these creatures aren’t so bad, after all. They come from a different world, and good treatment can go a long way.
It took forty minutes for everything to be ready, including Amra’Cora’s unit, tapping into one of their old vaults to get outdated equipment they could each use—sadly, it was the best they could access.
Ramuk, Fini, Giliri, Valerie, Theresa, and Esmeralda hovered around her throne as she stared into the blizzard hazing her city; Lucky had issued an emergency evacuation for everyone nearby to take shelter inside the walls of the palace—this wouldn’t be a long operation, and the results would be clear very soon.
Once finished, she monitored their progress with her connection to them through the Nexus; her only hope was that she wouldn’t lose track of her loyal soldiers. However, if Jumi’kerune’s manor was any indicator, she’d soon have her connection to her Undead cut by the far more potent runic designs of Ke’Thra’Ma’s mysterious depository.
Even if I lose track of them … Unless I feel my link to their souls cut out of my spirit, they’re still alive. At least I can take comfort in that.
Maps:
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