52 – Family Drama
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This story is now being translated into russian!

Predator1000 / TheAbysm has kindly asked and recieved my permission to translate the story. The translation will can be found here:

https://tl.rulate.ru/book/56358

I need to get a doorbell or whatever they use in shops so I know when people enter.

Amara let out a sigh as she was preparing the coffee and snacks to bring for the two angels in the next room.

At least I could placate Fluffles early on. 

...Why did I get worried just because she sounded angry? She wasn’t even really angry at me. She was just venting.

Amara pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed before she started emptying the basket Morpheus returned. Spotting the orb inside, she picked it up. 

Right. Forgot about this one.

Turning the golden orb in her hand, Amara considered. I should probably take the time to make a room where I store my weapons into a proper workshop and research room. Right now I just have everything lying around on tables.

Studying the decorative carvings on the orb while the coffee was brewing, Amara considered. I really wish I could ask Morpheus for advice on enchanting. It took me forever just to imbue an item with divine power, and I haven’t tried making any enchantments yet. 

Amara heard how the noise the coffee brewer was making changed as it was finishing the fresh batch of coffee. Collecting everything on a tray, she made her way back to the living room.

“-you stupid?! It’s impossible to simultaneously-” Ezme’s angered exclaim was cut off when she spotted Amara entering through the alcove. Seemingly having no interest in continuing the conversation with her present, Ezme sat down on the sofa and crossed her arms while glaring at Morpheus grumpily.

Damn. Looks like they don’t get along. Amara bit the inside of her cheek as she put the tray on the table. Pouring up three cups, she handed one to Morpheus who gratefully accepted it with a bright smile, before she sat down next to Ezme who reluctantly accepted her cup. 

As they sat in silence, Amara sank into contemplation. I thought Ezme was angry because she believed Morpheus was interested in me. But there’s no way he is, right?

Glancing at Morpheus who was completely immersed in enjoying his coffee, dispelled any such thoughts. No chance of that as far as I can tell. 

But then why is Ezme angry? 

...Maybe they’re just incompatible? But if that’s the case, things might be awkward in the future. I’d hoped to remain friends-

“Ahem.” Morpheus coughed to break the awkward atmosphere, interrupting Amara’s thoughts. “Champion, what kind of projects are you currently working on?”
Amara considered for a moment before she replied. While replying would feel awkward with the grumpy Ezme next to her, she had no intention of ignoring Morpheus, even if they didn’t get along. “I don’t exactly have any projects at the moment, as I’m still learning enchanting. But I intend to try enchanting weapons from Earth eventually.”

“Oh?” Morpheus asked curiously. “Are the weapons of your homeworld different somehow?” 

Amara nodded before she turned to the moody angel next to her, hoping to engage her in the conversation. “Can you show him the one I gave you?”

Ezme frowned and twisted her lips before she brought the rifle from her inventory, placing it on the table. Morpheus’ eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned over the table to inspect it. 

After a few moments, he frowned in confusion and looked at Amara. “Didn’t you come from a world without magic?” 

Amara cocked her head. “Yes?”

Morpheus’ eyes widened as he smiled brightly. “Then this works without magic? And was made without magic?”

“Obviously.” Ezme snorted before Amara could respond. 

“Interesting!” Morpheus exclaimed delightedly and picked up the rifle, turning it in his hands as he inspected it with newfound interest.

While she was sipping her coffee, a realization dawned on Ezme as she looked at Morpheus suspiciously. “It’s mine. You can’t keep it.”

Morpheus flinched and his curved lips flattened slightly into an awkward smile. “Right. Of course.”

Ezme continued glaring at Morpheus for a few moments before she clicked her tongue and sipped on her coffee. 

Amara watched the exchange and let out a sigh. Damn. They really don’t get along. 

“How does it work?” Morpheus curiously asked. Amara explained how it was used, and answered a few questions related to how it functioned before they got Ezme’s permission to fire a few rounds. 

Morpheus was quiet for a while as he contemplated something, before he turned his gaze from the weapon in his hands to Amara. “How are you intending to enchant these weapons?”

Amara considered before she replied. “I’m not sure yet. There already exist explosive rounds for instance, but magical ones might be better. Bullets might be able to be enchanted to increase their mass as well to impact with more force or lessen the impact of air resistance. There are a lot of options that need testing.”

“Am I right to assume that you intend to spread these weapons among the mortals in your domain for the battle?” Morpheus asked. 

Amara nodded. “If they are effective enough, then the people in my domain might be able to counter the army of demons on their own.” 

Reminded that she had asked Ezme to test it against demons, she turned to look at the grumpy angel next to her who was sipping on her coffee. Looking closer, Amara realized that rather than being angry, she seemed to be concerned about something as she was contemplating. I wonder what she’s upset about?

“By the way, did you test it against the demons?” Amara went forward with her question to bring the angel out of her brooding.

Ezme nodded. “It works against the youngest of demons, but...not as well against the rest. A lot of them can protect themselves with body enhancement skills, if you fail to catch them by surprise. Despite their appearances, they’re smart enough to realize what’s going on.”

“I see.” Amara sighed as she felt disappointed. “Guess it all depends on how they can be enchanted then. Otherwise I might have to limit myself to things like bombs and artillery.” 

“Do you intend to make these weapons yourself?” Morpheus asked. 

“Well, partially. I’ll tell the people in my domain how to make them, and let them develop their own weapons with Earthen weapons as a base. I hope to focus on researching new ones and mostly making my own.” Amara replied. “After all, I think I can enchant more powerful weapons for myself with divine power. The mortals wouldn’t be able to use them.”

“Well, you could make items that can be used by mortals with divine power, but they wouldn’t be able to recharge them without your help…” Morpheus said in contemplation before he smiled at her. “I think that these weapons have potential, so why not make them for heaven as well?”

Surprised by his request, Amara didn’t have time to respond before Ezme interjected sourly. “You’re the artifactor. Making weapons for us is your job, isn’t it? Amara needs to focus on getting stronger.” 

Morpheus smiled calmly as he looked at his sister without replying. Ezme suddenly furrowed her brow in confusion, while Morpheus cocked his head as he continued looking at Ezme.

Amara raised an eyebrow. Are they having a telepathic conversation?

Kind of rude to leave me out of the loop like that.

Ezme gasped before her face broke out into a bright smile when she suddenly turned to look at her, grabbing her hand. “Amara!”

Amara blinked in confusion at Ezme’s sudden turn from being gloomy to excited. “Yes?”

“You need to make weapons for the angels! Ones that work based on divine power!” Ezme said with a bright smile as she squeezed Amara’s hand. 

What’s with the sudden flip?

But why should I make weapons for those asshats that treat me like crap?

Amara frowned as her confusion grew. “Ezme, I wouldn’t mind making weapons for you, but-”

“Not just for me, but for my siblings as well!” Ezme exclaimed excitedly and wrapped her wing around her. While feeling the warmth against her back, Ezme held her hand while smiling sweetly at her. “You’ll do it for me, won’t you?”

Amara’s frown deepened as she felt complicated. She glanced at Morpheus, who was smiling at them gently as she spoke. “Didn’t you say it’s Morpheus’ job to make weapons for the angels…?”

Morpheus’ smile widened. “It is. But I have other projects that will keep me busy for the foreseeable future. Even if I had the time to study the weapons from your homeworld, you have the advantage of already knowing how they work and how they can be improved.”

“But I’ve only just started learning enchanting. I still haven’t made any enchantments with divine power.” Amara said doubtfully.

“We’re not in a hurry!” Ezme squeezed her hand tighter as she continued, with a faint anxiety in her eyes. “Please? For me?”

Amara sighed as she closed her eyes. That’s cheating, Fluffles. How can I refuse when you look at me like that?

“Alright.” Amara said as she looked at Ezme. 

The angel smiled brightly in response and wrapped her arms around Amara’s neck. “Thank you!”

“...No problem.” Amara replied with a faint smile as she returned Ezme’s embrace. What have I gotten myself into now?

“Ahem.” Morpheus coughed with an awkward smile, reminding them of his presence as their hug continued. 

Ezme pulled away from Amara and glared at him while blushing. “You want something?”

“Umh…” Morpheus began hesitantly. “...not really?”

“Then why did you interrupt us? Stupid brother! Can’t you see we were having a moment?” Ezme retorted.

“Oh.” Morpheus scratched the back of his head. “My apologies.”

“Tsk.” Ezme clicked her tongue and crossed her arms as she averted her gaze, while her lips were faintly curved upwards. 

Amara’s lips twitched in amusement as she watched the exchange. She wrapped her arm around Ezme’s shoulders before she spoke. “No need to be embarrassed, Fluffles.”

“I’m not embarrassed!” Ezme protested.

“Right. Of course not.” Amara relented with a grin, while Morpheus chuckled.

Ezme howled in anger. “What are you laughing at!” 

“Oh, nothing.” Morpheus replied with a smile. “It’s merely pleasant to see you two get along well.”

“Too well, I say.” (Alarice)

Amara felt how Ezme flinched under her arm as the trio turned to look at the angel that entered through the alcove. Amara’s lips twisted in an instant. 

I really need to get some kind of alarm. 

“I thought I told you not to come here anymore. Especially not unannounced.” Amara said as she glared at Alarice, while Ezme grew increasingly fidgety.

Alarice narrowed her eyes and stared coldly at her as she replied. “You hold no authority over me. Nor over anyone else here, for that matter.” 

Alarice turned her eyes to Ezme. “I’m deploying you to patrol the defensive line.” 

“S-sister-” (Ezme)

“Now.” Alarice commanded icily.

“Yes!” Ezme replied and instantly shot up. 

You bitch.

Amara’s mood darkened further as Ezme left, who only glanced back at her with an anxious look after passing Alarice, before she disappeared past the alcove. 

Alarice turned her eyes to Morpheus before she spoke. “What are you even doing here, brother? You have no reason to associate with the mortal.”

Morpheus cocked his head. “I came here for coffee and to discuss enchanting with the champion.”

“Enchanting…?” Alarice frowned before she turned her eyes to Amara. After a moment, a spark of anger ignited in her eyes as she spoke to Morpheus. “Brother, I suggest you leave. Even if the mortal can help you, the help you receive is a double edged blade at best.”

Morpheus looked at Alarice with confusion, before he shrugged and stood up with a smile towards Amara. “Thank you for the coffee, champion.”

Amara nodded. “See you later.”

Once they were left alone, Alarice and Amara glared at each other in silence. 

“Of course you had to choose to become an enchanter. Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more despicable.” Alarice said coldly. 

The Bitch has a problem with enchanters? Amara raised an eyebrow before she smiled mockingly. “Why? It sounds like you’re jealous of enchanters.” 

Alarice narrowed her eyes. “No such thing.”

“Oh?” Amara snorted. “Then what’s your problem with enchanters?”

The angel stared at her in silence before she diverted the topic. “I’ve warned you to stay away from Ezme.” 

Amara crossed her arms and smiled spitefully. “You hold no authority over me.”

Alarice approached until she stood in front of her and angrily glared down at Amara. The blue eyes started glowing, emphasizing the cold voice that brought chills up her spine. “My patience is running thin, mortal. I’d rather sacrifice any number of worlds than let my sister be brought to ruin by you.”

As Alarice turned to leave, Amara frowned. Despite the threatening attitude, Alarice seemed surprisingly harmless. 

Now that I think about it...aside from the time I attacked her, all she ever does is threaten me. 

As the realization dawned on her, she called out to Alarice. “You can’t, can you?”

Alarice stopped in her tracks. She turned her head to glare at Amara with narrowed, luminous eyes. “Come again.”

Amara swallowed as she stood up. I’m right about this, aren’t I?

“You can’t hurt me, even if I stay together with Ezme, can you?” Amara asked as she approached the angel. “All you can do is threaten me.”

Alarice frowned without replying. Realizing she was right, Amara smiled scornfully. “Don’t worry. I’ll treat Ezme well.”

Alarice suddenly flung out her arm in her direction. Amara’s eyes were barely able to perceive the white ball of fire that flew past her face. The moment after, she frowned as her cheek throbbed painfully as if it had been seared. 

Divine Regeneration.

Although she felt the skill activated, the pain didn’t fade. Instead it intensified with each passing moment, forcing Amara to grit her teeth and touch her cheek to make sure it wasn’t on fire. When she did, her fingertips began throbbing painfully as well, and when she looked at them they seemed to glow with a faint white, as if her fingertips were embers.

[Ding!]

[Ding!]

Just as the pain started to become unbearable, it vanished. Looking at Alarice as her cheek and fingers were healed, she met the angel’s disdainful gaze. “Don’t get conceited, mortal. The fact that you’re unhurt is simply the result of my choice. I don’t condone torture unless it becomes a necessity.”

Damn it. 

Whatever. In for a penny, in for a pound.

“Even if you torture me, I’m not giving up on Ezme.” Amara said while glaring at the angel.

“You only say that because you don’t know the meaning of the word.” Alarice replied calmly. “But I admit torturing you would be a waste of both time and effort.”

Amara smiled wryly. “I agree.”

Alarice snorted before her lips curved into a cold smile as she turned to leave. “Instead, if you won’t keep away from Ezme, I can simply keep her away from you.”

As Alarice left, Amara’s eyes widened in realization before she ran to the alcove and shouted after her. “You can’t keep us apart forever!” 

Bitch! 

Appraisal!

[Ding!]

Amara punched the curved mirror that made the alcove in anger. 

Damn it! 

Amara grit her teeth as she forced herself to calm down, opening the blue screen to read the messages to divert her thoughts.

Spoiler

Pain Tolerance has reached level 19!

Appraisal has reached level 11!

Your endeavours have made you eligible for a title!

You have once again put yourself in harm's way needlessly, to experience pain beyond what should be considered pleasant.

You may now be known as

Masochist

This title changes a portion of the pain you experience into a pleasurable experience!

Requirement to obtain: Purposefully subject yourself to physical pain that you can avoid, repeatedly.

Conditions: None.

Accept title?

Y / N

[collapse]

Tsk. This damn title again.

No.

Spoiler

Are you sure? You can’t deny your tendencies forever.

[collapse]

YES.

Amara sighed when she dismissed the last screen that followed before she thought of what to do while leaning against the alcove. Is Alarice going to keep Ezme deployed indefinitely? 

Ezme said that whoever my advisor is will be obligated to help me, didn’t she? So Alarice can’t keep her in battle forever. I just have to come up with the right excuses to get Ezme to come.

Remembering how Ezme had been gone for almost a year when she was deployed as a rearguard, Amara grew concerned and sad. I can’t be without her for a year. 

Make A Call: Ezme.

[Amara? Are you alright?] Ezme’s concerned voice sounded in her head. 

Not sure how to begin the conversation, Amara thought the only thing that kept coming back in her mind. [I’m fine. But your sister is a bitch.] 

[Amara, that’s rude.] (Ezme)

[But it’s true. She’s going to try to keep us apart.] (Amara)

[Hasn’t she already?] (Ezme)

[Yes, but I think she’ll try to keep you deployed on the battlefield a lot more from now on. She can’t do that, right?] (Amara)

[Well...technically I suppose she can?] (Ezme)

Amara’s lips twisted in displeasure. [What about you being my advisor? And you can’t fight indefinitely without breaks.]

Ezme was silent for a while before she replied. [While it’s true that Alarice can’t stop me from helping you from time to time, there’s nothing to say how often it needs to be.]

Amara shouted in anger in her mind. [Then-!]

[Calm down.] Ezme replied. [I’ll make sure to come by when opportunity is given.]

[And how often is that going to be?] Amara exclaimed sourly. [I don’t want to spend another year without seeing you.]

[...I’ll come more often than that.] Ezme replied after a pause.

[Promise?] (Amara)

[I promise.] Ezme sighed before she continued in a more cheerful tone. [But even if I’m not there, I can still call you?]

[Yes, but I want you to be here in person.] Amara sighed dejectedly. 

[I know.] (Ezme)

Amara frowned at her response. [You want that too, right?]

[...Yes.] Ezme embarrassed reply came.

Amara smiled wryly at the thought of the blushing angel. [Of course you do. After all, there are some things you can only do in pers-]

[Shut up!] Ezme retorted. [Tsk. Shameless mortal.]

Amara chuckled as she pushed away from the alcove. [There’s no need to be embarrassed. After all - ah.]

[What is it?] Ezme asked sourly while trying to hide the curiosity in her voice.

Amara took in the appearance of the pile of ash mixed with scorched wood and fabrics she had spotted when she turned back towards her bedroom. [I need a new bed.]

From this friday I'll be taking a break from the story for up to two weeks. I'll try to bring out one more chapter before then.

Estimated return: 28th of May.

 

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