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.
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
Tsk. This damn title again.
No.
Are you sure? You can’t deny your tendencies forever.
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.]
I vote she makes a version of a ironman suit and gets back at Alarice.
Alarace needs the fear of mortals put in her. Honestly wouldn't even mind at this point if she gets 'disenbodied' for Amara to make a point to the a$$hole angles >_>
Sounds to me like enchanted weapons are what allow you to “resolve” problems with both demons and angels.
With any luck a “testing accident” in the future may give a certain sociopathic angel a taste of her own medicine.
I wonder if hypothetically there will be new gospels in holy scriptures of Ramay. About jealous dark angel Alarice that pathetically and fruitless tries in separation Amara and Ezme. Will it be known to Alarice herself, and will she be mad about it?
"As long as mortals do what they are supposed to, their pastimes and opinions are no concern of mine." (Alarice)
@hauntedwritings so losing her divine support - from what angels get most points doesn't interest her... interesting.
p.s. forgot to say, wish you good holiday and good rest. And please come back
@Ubik
What she means is that as long as they supply the angels with divine power (prayers), she doesn't care what they do. Doesn't matter to her who they pray to (more on this in a later chapter), as long as they do.
Thank you!
"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."
Me and MC would get along juuuust fine. :3
On another note, I'd say enhancing the A-10 "Warthog" would be worthwhile. While it would require a bunch of reverse engineering, specialized tools, and time. It's well known for being tough, agile, and fast enough that it's still one of the best close air support aircraft of all time. It should be expesally noted that later variants exclude a number of fun cluster bomb and rocket options.
Of course, in more practical terms that'd probably just be a weapon or MC/Fluffles. If we need some older equipment for the ground troops, modifying some late war JU-87 "Stuka"'s with better and more efficient engines with associated cooling offers a fun option. Late war Stuka's could have under-wing auto-cannons for additional ground support. Now, 3.7cm autocannons don't initially sound like much, but they're actually quite the bit for ground support. Main issue was that they overheated the aircraft rapidly, and that was never resolved by the end of the war. It could also carry up to a 500kg bomb.
Now, in terms of tactical bombers, I can't offer anything. Though, I'd be tempted to look into the B-17 "Flying Fortress", or Lancaster. Each offers their own benefits depending on manpower and resources. Lancaster has larger and more specialized bombs, the B-17 has greater strategic bombing capabilities and additional cannons for defense and ground attack.
Artillery and Tanks are their own bag of worms. Most notably their ability to defend agenst high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds would need to be tested. The minimum era, type of unit, and type of shell desired changes dramatically on such factor. If yes, than no unit older than the 1970's will do. If not, than we can have some fun with the big guns like B-4's, Sturmtiger's, ML-20's, and much much more. This of course, isn't even including self-propelled guns and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns ground support potential.
I wonder why I'm not going to get isakied?
"Interesting suggestions...noted!" (Morpheus)
"I have a feeling that we know what the author will be researching in the future..." (Amara)
Most of 20th century weapons are could be called as by-products of industrial revolution and advances in metallurgy, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, mechanization and so on.
If there is need to put in medieval fantasy world weapons at least as first fast step nothing beats good old steam and steampunk first. Like world in Arcanum for example. At least that level could be supported from the get go without need to implement large level of new unsupported by anything industries. With Damocles sword out there they will start to improve further. With some outside enlightenment it could even been faster.
They could even been forced to slow down at some point in the future
So start with simple bombards and artillery, steam engines, airships, muskets and magic weapons.
@Ubik Yea, but our technology is the byproduct of 1500 (indirectly 7000+ years) of advances. She has now less than 100 years. It'd be faster and easier to just give them the bessemer process and advanced hot rolling than wait for them to finally stop blacksmithing. It's been established that this is a demon swarm. This is Zerg Rush with more than 100 years preparation time meanwhile MC started from scratch and doesn't even have her civ/faction chosen yet. Muskets and simple bombards will not help.
This is before directly mentioning that our technology is equally a product of us sociologically. The Romans could've invented the steam engine (they almost did) but sociologically they couldn't have sustained it. The time she needs is thousands of years, she currently has something like, 97.5 left. That's why when I give these ~~rants~~ tangents, I speak of immediacy and what could be built up in the needed timeframe off existing designs from earth.
@KatherineFtw, armistice lasts for millennia - thousand universal years (or ten earth years). It is more than enough for fast races and just a second for angels or demons. Amara has about 997-998 left of it. More than enough for her and her domain for steady but steamrolled progression.
To directly involve modern technology it would take a lot of time and Amara needs to create EVERYTHING meaning every single weapon, every single part herself and create whole industry chains if she needs help and teach how it works and even work there. Even if she makes new uberwaffe it will get broken, but there are no spare parts for it. So every single weapon will be one time use.
@Ubik It's relative timekeeping. Same amount of time, different counter. 1000 Teryin = 100 Earth.
Author correct me if I'm wrong.
@KatherineFtw you know it's rather irritating when there is need to correct what was missed especially when it was so clear written and there was good comedic situation in it.
Chapter 21 – A Sudden Crimewave
“So how much of a time difference is there?” Amara eventually asked as she looked at Ezme.
“About one to a hundred.” Ezme chirped cheerfully.
“...So for every year on Earth, a hundred pass on Teyrin?” Amara asked.
“Yup!” Ezme replied.
“Damn. Those websites don’t even buffer the whole vids anymore!” Amara exclaimed dejetedly and let a long sigh.
Suddenly a realization dawned on Amara.
“Wait! So instead of waiting a week for a new episode of my favourite anime, I have to wait TWO YEARS!?” (Amara)
By the way, I know it's not intended but still. Amara with simple crafting can't tip the balance. She is alone. But if she knows where to implement changes it could become a snowflake that lead to the large avalanche.
In my opinion Amara should help start progress even by little at start what could people understand and spread further. Amara has a lot of worlds and change all those by herself is impossible. But if she will teach or show the way to improve those who she leads. And most importantly those people must understand it. They could be progressors on other worlds without direct intervention by "goddess".
@Ubik To be fair, author corrected me a few chaps back. I guess I read it correctly. >.<
@KatherineFtw Scale between the passage of time of Earth and Teyrin is 1:100. If I've said anything else, then I apologize. At which rate other worlds experience time is yet unclear, but for instance Ramay or Whildernae, can be considered 1-1 to Teyrin. Unless it gets told in the story, time will vary only by a couple percent from Teyrin's, not by factors.
In any event, Amara is experiencing time as if she lives on Teyrin. Regardless of the difference in the rates of time, to her it will take 1000 years until the armistice ends. A clue to see how long there's left until the armistice ends, is by the age in her status page (Amara was 19 when she died according to Earth's timekeeping, and 1992 years old by Teyrin's. When the armistice ends, it will read 2992.)