<Tokito POV>

….. OMG….I’m sorry for what I said so…. Please don’t pose like that!… you make it seem as if I’m about to eat you…

After taking off his butler suit, Hatter laid down poised with its hands to their side, eye lids closed, awaiting whatever fate I have in store for it.

Ignoring the strange mood that settled in the room, I begin examining Hatter. From first inspection, despite having dents and scratch marks on its copper chest plate, my evaluation is that its been kept well attended as there’s only a little bit of rust creeping on its joints. Scrutinizing every nook and crane of its arm and legs, I discover that the build and frame closely resemble automatons from back home.

 Thank goodness my art club members insisted that I venture in creating and learning different art practices....it just sucks that those same members made me do it to finish their projects. In the end, I had to leave the world with only making a few close friends.¹ But, thankfully I gained some knowledge that, hopefully, won’t be too different from what I have to learn now. Plus, as long as I don’t touch anything, it wouldn’t hurt to check the gears….Hopefully nothing happens.

 Not trying to discourage myself, I settle my thoughts to prepare for the disec- I mean examination.

Scanning over Hatters waist, but see no bolts or screws to hold the copper chest in place, I check higher. Discovering square indents on each shoulder blade, I press down and hear the release of air.

 “Ple-e-ease be-e-e geeeentle wiiith me-e-e!”

Ignoring the awkward silence, the chest plate split, exposing the robots innards; confirming my theory on its construction being mostly correct. Except for one thing…the clock work mechanism that’s usually reliant on outside disk rotation has somehow been changed to work on the human anatomy?² The vertebrae (bones of the spine) are spinning iron and copper cams cut with specific pattern and studs, cut into each one. Above the cams is the rib cage, which are curved copper styluses traveling all the way down the spine. Attached between the rib styluses and cams are gears that move up and down the metal spine on a belt chain system, set to hit and read data inscribed. The styluses then drive the rods built throughout the body to shift and match whatever human behavior the robot wants to do. Confused on what kept the whole system running, I found that the belt loops through a heart shape clock. This didn’t explain what powers it though. Perplexed, I use [mana eyesight], then see symbols written all over the heart and mana strings attaching to the head.

Dang! This got complicated…whoever made this is either a lunatic or a genius…  if I ever meet them, I’m going to whoop them once or twice for making my life more difficult!

 Finding where the strings connect through the lower metal mandible, I pondered on the technology I’ve seen so far in this world. Something about this doesn’t make sense here.

‘Hey Calamity, how far advanced is this world?’

‘…….At last you noticed.’ Calamity responds exhaustedly (and makes me think I should’ve asks sooner), ‘the era of technology for this world has caught up to your worlds’ eighteenth century (and a little bit beyond). With fewer monsters and catastrophic events, what would take 5 centuries to revolutionize the heavy manufacturing industry, reduced to 2.” Calamity pitilessly describes. ‘That said, only 1/3 of the civilizations caught up to the standard of producing machinery of this level, mostly because there still many people reluctant to give up the old ways. If not for them, the world would’ve fallen into a worst predicament than now.’

‘Huh, what’s the problem with having a bit of tech.?’ I ask confused. ‘A few inventions and machines back home could do wonders for these people.’

Like the invention of toilet paper and good smelling soap.   

 I slap myself to rid irreverent thoughts, returning to the task at hand.

Peering past the iron mandible, I locate on the back of the iron skull, several cylinders rotating. Observing intently, I believe the cylinders must’ve been damaged, as styluses and combs were constantly sticking in between the gages. Glimpsing further in, I momentarily see more styluses elongate from a black box, integrating rods, and mana strings jutting down from a crystal shaped brain.

 ‘Nothing’s wrong with revolutionizing the magic machine industry, but the way this world is finding and creating certain contraptions are a serious problem.” Observing Hatter, Calamity explains, ‘Even with small closed off experiments here and there, the ability to build an automaton of this level has been (clumsily) mastered too fast. And you may not see it, but it isn’t necessarily good to combine magic and science without proper guidance. With the way people are haphazardly combining science and magic, it’ll take just one klutzy alchemist, stumbling in a step of constructing a mana generating bomb then bam! It blows up destroying a city!... In fact, the progress of alchemy is too fast…. It’s almost as if…..”

Not hearing Calamity’s complaints, I concentrate back to the mission on hand. Done with studying how the belt rotates with each heart beat, I close up the chest plate. Climbing over the desk, I kneel to inspect Hatter head for a button or indention for a clear examination of his voice box, but stop as the door opens catching me by surprise.

“Excuse me, is the informant broker Hatter he- Oh almighty Dokja! What in moons path are you doing?!” Gilbert exclaims in alarm.

“……”

Why?! Why did it have to be you who ends up seeing me in a pose like this?!

 I don’t know whether to continue the examination and be considered a robot rapist or try to diffuse the misunderstanding with this jerk of a priest. Luckily or unluckily, that decision was taken out of my hands.

“Prie-e-est iiiit’s not wha-a-at it looks li-i-ike! Thiiiis gent is try-y-ying to stuuudy how my-y-y body woooorks! ”

 Did you really have to say it like that! Oh for the love of-……. Kids what are you doing?

My children along with a few orphans, decided that Hatter and I were in trouble, step in by tackling Gilbert down to the ground. Then tie him up with a disgusting mud filled (?) rope. The priest distracted, I quickly climb down handing Hatter their clothes. Turning back, I see a more colorful scene of Ch*ldren of the C*rn.,,, Should I abandon him to these kids who look like they haven’t been bathed for months or…

…..This dude still holds a grudge against me, but… that shouldn’t give me a reason to hold one against him. Besides great grandma always use to say never hold anger against those who know no better.  And just because he tried to kill me, doesn’t mean I should leave him to the mercy of my kids, right…?

“Quabet, get these filthy brats off me!” Gilbert screams.

But then again, Dad would say 'spare the rod, spoil the child'. Besides, a little mud in the mouth won't kill him….probably.

“Play with little ones.”

Irritated, I sit down to munch on the now cold tea and cookies, enjoying the show.

Ding!

[You’ve understood the schematic principles on how to create the automaton skeleton! It will now be easier to repair faulty or dis-functioning machinery level D and below!]

 [Higher quality knowledge on automatons has been acknowledged.]

[Determining rewards….]

Ding!

 [You’ve earned the skill Animate object! Due to previous acknowledgment you’ve earned Craftsmen technique +3! You’ve fulfilled the conditions to unlock schematics for creating homunculus!]

Reviewing my notifications, I found that my reward was automatically placed in my chaos space. I open the space, an unfamiliar book surfaces, containing numerous ways on how to create living dolls(?).

….And how does this help me with my mission …. I’ll just put this away for now…

Finishing my tea, I chose to show pity on the now dirty priest.

While picking him up from the kid pile, the skunk boy and strong armed girl that previously disappeared, walks into the already crowded door.

The skunk boy asks, “What were you doing to Hatter?!”Having seen what happened through the keyhole, became concerned on what the tall stranger was doing.

“…..Studying.”

“Why?” The strong armed girl inquires next.

“To fix him.”

I point at the back of Hatter still changing, “Needs new voice box and power source. Know where I can find any?”

Both the kids look at each other, than back at me.

“We know where to get it…, but we’ll need a couple of days.” the strong armed girl replies.

“And we’ll need a couple of those gems.” the skunk boy demanded.

“…..”

Understanding where this was going, I motion to ele'ele to hand them some diamonds. Task for the first mission postponed, I set off to do the next mission.

But standing firmly in my way the priest stops me from leaving.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Gilbert demands.

“To find wish elementals.”  

I push him aside.

 “Wait, do you even know where they are? If you’re not careful when looking for wish elementals, then you can be easily spirited away as soon as you walk through the front door. I can tell you where they are-”

I turn back, glaring at his clean shaven noggin.

Not intimidated, he says, “But I wont’…instead I’ll go with you. Who knows what havoc you might incur if no one’s watching” Gilbert then marches past me, seemingly forgetting why he was there in the first place.

........What just happened?! Great now I have to deal with a psycho priest! Here’s to not getting stabbed in the back!

I follow after him with the children and ele'ele in toe.

*******

 

<Belaces POV>

Me and Antigua finally sit down this Chesis girl at the guild bar, after hounding her for nearly four hours on to assist Sila, only to be disappointed.

“I apologize, but similar to the mayor, there isn’t much I or the governor can do to help without showing favoritism. The council may even scold my uncle just for what I did earlier.” Chesis drinks down her mug of silverline cat nip. “Nyaa! That’s good stuff….”

Annoyed, my eyebrows quirk.

 “Chesis-

“That’s Miss Cheshis or lady Chesis.” She interrupts while lapping her mug.

“…….Lady Cheshis, there’s got to be somethin’ ya can do or say to the mercenary-”

Cheshis raises her hand, puts down her drink, “Due to the mercenary guild violating resourcing protocols and refusing to be searched several times, the governor’s ordered for the guild to be thoroughly investigated and traveling quest stopped for the next few days. So caravans and travelers they’ve arrested have been transferred to under the mayors care. This should give some breathing room.”

Beside me, Stozo seemed to almost sigh in relief, until he sees Cheshis folding her hand in front of her face.

“However, don’t assume you’re safe just yet. Regardless of race or status, anyone who’s been involved with this mercenary guild branch (within the past few months) will be suspect and scrutinize .” Unfolding her hands, Cheshis retrieves a folded flyer from her pocket. The flyer displayed: Horizs’ Bogal auction house will be auctioning in three days. “With the adventure guild unable to push out new recruits to fulfill request and the guards already thinned for traveling season sentry, the city quest operations have been permitted to continue.” She points at the Auction House, “the auction house has requested for the mercenary guild to protect their merchandise. And for this auction, quite a few high valued items, weapons, and slaves will be exhibited. You can see where I’m going with this, right?”

She painted too nice (or not nice) a picture to ignore. Even an idiot could tell what Chesis was trying to say.

“The mercs or friend of theirs ‘ill steal ‘n item before or on sale day. An' whiles all essential merc personnel be attendin' an’ account for, if the governin' city’s search patrol stumbles on said missin' item in a suspected caravan…. no body'd be able to save ‘em from the law.” My mouth dries.

“Hold on old timer,” Stozo pats me on the shoulder, “No one’s been convicted of a crime yet. If we make sure no one sneaks into the caravans then there’s nothing to worry abo-”

“Sorry, Mister Antigua. But you do know you’re also under suspicion, right? All mercenaries who've entered the city in the past few days, has been been called for a background check then confined until the investigation is finished.”

“Wait, that’s-

“I’m sorry, but this is how the law works now. The same can’t be said for Miss Belace though.”

“Huh? Not that I’m not grateful, but why I’m not gettin’ confine an’ all.”  

“Don’t get the wrong idea. You’re not free of suspicion, but as a B rank adventurer you’ve been permitted to roam about the city on the request that you join to clear yours and teammates names. In fact, had you not come to me I would’ve sent for the both at a later date….so thanks for your cooperation in this investigation, Nyaa!”

Both Stozo drop our mugs as patrol officers run through the guild door to surround us.

“You no good feline persecutin’ baskstabin’-”

“Nya- ah uh. Remember, I’m on your side! But if you have any worries, you’ll have plenty of time to talk about it with the governors’ representative, me! Let’s get along partner.”

Never would’ve thought I’d come to dislike my favorite word….,but it’s finally happened….why Kanos. Why…..I cry internally.

Patrol officer’s escort Belice and Stozo to Cheshis temporary base at the sentry station.

*******

< 3^rd POV>

In the mayors’ office…

  The mayor, a brown bear in high scholar clothes, returns from the governors office after receiving new orders to watch a small traveling fox caravan. Before opening the door to her office, the mayor smelt an unfamiliar scent coming from inside. Extending her claws she walks in, but sees no one in sight. Unnerved the mayor turns to leave, but soon finds the door blocked by a hooded figure. She calms down up seeing the sigma of the raiders on her cloak. The figure swiftly passes the mayor a scroll.

As she reads the message, her claws extend and soon enough swipes at her desk in anger. From the coded text, she comprehended that several months of planning had fallen apart in a matter of seconds.

 “How could this have happened?! With traveling season at its highest peak, it would’ve been easy to sneak in a couple hundred peoples! But you people blew it! Why?!What excuse does your boss have for not sticking to the plan? Had you just ignor-”

The bear sensing danger at her back, abruptly blocking the informants knife from striking her neck. The mayor hurls the informant across the room.

“Do you think I’m that easy to get rid of?!”

The informant shakes their head, in a sick sweet voice.

“If we wanted to be rid of you, you’d have died before opening that door. But this is warning…”

She disappears.

 Stupefied, the mayor scans the room for the informant only to feel the back of head being petted the next second.

 “Keep a cool head.” Unhinged the mayor goes to swipe at the informant, but stops, a blade  presses the back of her neck.

 “Hush now and listen to what I have to say….The plans have slightly changed. Make sure the investigation team doesn’t retrace their steps to peddlers who’ve already past the checkpoints and doesn’t check a certain caravan until the last second…... oh! And There’s someone I want you to personally look for, no one else is to help you. Understand?”

“Excuse me, but that wasn’t part of the deal-”

The informant pushes the blade closer to the mayors’ spine, whispering.

“Understand?”

Nodding, the mayor no longer feels the sharp point, falls the floor, relieved she wouldn’t be dying today. She ask the informant who it was she was to find. No answer came though. She stands and sees on her desk a picture of a masked quabet.

 

******

 

< Tokito POV>

Walking through secret passages to the wish elementals location….

 

Alright I’ve studied the skeletal frame, so I just need to rework it so that it functions better…. How the hell am I gonna do that!? I’ve revised over original ones in museums, but I’ve barely managed to build simple wooden automatons! I don’t know the first thing about-    

‘Tokito, I can sense your nervousness, but steel yourself right now. A quabet shouldn’t show signs of fear to enemies or people who think they’re your enemy. Plus you’re freaking out the kids.”
 

Quickly relaxing my nerves the children calm down, but bored with the unending silence (but not wanting to talk to Gilbert), I question Calamity.

“Hey Calamity, what were you trying to say before the missions showed up?”

‘….uuummm… Tokito, do you know why this piece was left with you?’

“Let me guess, it wasn’t to explain about this world. Shoot! I knew you were hiding something! What! What is it that you haven’t said-”

‘Stop! It would’ve been nothing serious if you kept your usual routine by staying in the forest so don’t blame me for not saying this sooner!” Calamity huffs, then coughs as we enter a dusty alley full of cobwebs. “This piece was supposed to synchronize with you to hide your chaos emission with our godly aura. Unfortunately, the synchronization was disrupted when you entered the high spirits barrier. So now, your chaos omission can be detected from the magic and location tools to a certain degree. However, as you’ve been emitting a stable amount of chaos into your surroundings…No ones able to pinpoint its exact location.”

“…..”

“Think of it like this. You’re a walking chaos tornado that needs to make sure, no one finds the eye!”

Digesting this, I walk the rest of the way in silence.

…………………

After passing through several empty alleyways and sewage filled roads, entering streets filled to the brim of bizarre spirits, animals, and talking monsters selling novelty items, we at last reach our destination; a star shaped door.

But before I could knock , Gilbert reminds me of something very vital.

“Quabet who are these kids?”

Seeing him ask about the name of the children, they look at me waiting for me to say what their names are.

 

….. I honestly forgot to name them- Hey don’t give me that look! Ones a hermaphrodite and the other has no gender……

 

 Feeling my arms being held, I look to see the kids creepily staring at me.

 

Alright! Alright! Stop with the guilt tripping! I’ll think up some names!

 

 

 

 

 

1. What Tokito and his councilor didn’t realize was that Tokito’s father, Ezikial, signed his son up for an advanced crafters art club for aspiring artist. Seeing as his son hardly wanted to speak to kids his age, Ezikial thought he’d have a better time relating with mature teenagers. However, this lead to awkward moments due to the age difference between Tokito and the rest of the art club members. The members thinking Tokito was a spoiled naive child who used his father’s reputation to get in, the members wouldn’t let Toktio do his own art work. But instead have him run errands and assist in finishing their own projects. Being forced to work in sculpting, painting, and mechanics, eventually leads Toktio to accumulate a variety of artistic crafting knowledge and hesitation in trusting others. From the beginning of middle school to two years into high school, Tokito only made five friends out of all the club members (they never used him as an errand boy).
2. For today’s era, an automaton uses simple machinery works on the basis of using an outside source of propulsion (such as turn a key for a music box, a grand clock, or a hand crank for car windows). For an automaton of the 1800, clothes and other decoration would be used hide and disguise the propulsion frame to mimic human appearance. In Sultra though, alchemist and artisans have moved from simple machinery to mimicking the human body with a mechanical counterpart.