Chương 47: Alchemy and Ambitions

I need to learn more about Kaelia and Liria. Liora shrugged, completely indifferent. — I'm an assassin. Myreia executed the fusion of five crystals in Alchemical Water with the catalyst, collapsing the energy until it became Liquid Mana Crystal. We mixed the compound with Alchemical Oil, Fire Essence, and metallic residues, synthesizing Black Steel Oil, a thick fluid with a greenish glow. I shaped the cylindrical cartridges, lining the interior with Black Mithril and engraving the storage runes.

The final assembly of the compact rifle was purely mechanical. I modeled the receiver body in Black Steel to withstand high pressure and installed the short Black Mithril barrel. I sculpted the energy flow channels and filled them with the Liquid Mana Crystal, creating the characteristic green stripes. I fixed the stock of Black Wood of Yggdrasil and the Rank A Mana Core at the rear, engaging the runic trigger. I applied the final layer of protective oil.

Akari observed the high-pressure armament gleaming from afar. — Is that the weapon you guys were making before? — Yes — Myreia replied. — But now it looks different. — Because it wasn't complete yet — I pointed out, gathering the materials from the workbench. Akari took a step forward, staring at the glowing grooves. — It looks alive. — It's not alive. Myreia smiled. — For him, everything needs to have an explanation.

Aurélia approached the workbench timidly, her eyes fixed on the neon-green lines that pulsed weakly beneath the black, tactical chassis. — It's... beautiful — Aurélia murmured. Selene arched an arrogant eyebrow, staring at her. — Beautiful? Aurélia shrugged, realizing the impact of her words. — I mean... terrifying. Myreia let out a loud laugh. — You called a weapon beautiful. — I've never seen anything like it — Aurélia justified, visibly embarrassed and looking away.

Even Aurélia managed to forget the pain for a few seconds. Perhaps it was just curiosity. Or perhaps it was the first sign that she was starting to return to the present. Selene continued staring at the weapon for a few more moments. — Do you really intend to use this against people? Liora answered before I could: — If he didn't intend to, he wouldn't have built it. Myreia adjusted her glasses. — Technically, she's right. Selene looked at both of them. — You two are starting to agree way too much.

Liora tilted her head slightly. — Perhaps because you think too much before acting. — And you act way too much before thinking! — Works for me — Liora replied smoothly. Selene let out a heavy sigh. — Annoying. Liora stared at her for a few seconds. — You look pretty when you're annoyed. Selene instantly froze. —... What? Liora casually looked away, as if she had merely commented on the weather. — Nothing. Myreia stared at the two of them over her glasses. — I heard that. — Then forget it — Liora murmured.

— I won't forget — Myreia chuckled. Akari approached the two of them, holding an empty vial in her hands. — Liora... — Yes? — Do you like Selene? Selene almost choked on her own breath. — AKARI! Liora remained completely calm. — I do. An absolute silence descended upon the shelter. Myreia covered her mouth, holding back a burst of laughter. — She answered so fast... Selene turned entirely red. — You didn't have to answer that! Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Liora looked at her. — Why? — Because... because this is embarrassing! — I think you're pretty. I don't see the problem — Liora replied. Selene diverted her face, completely flustered. — You say these things with such absurd ease. Liora shrugged. — I'm an assassin. I learned not to waste words. While I performed the coupling adjustments for the external mana crystal straps on my back, where the crystal fitted to power the runic system, Aurélia approached Liora in a more distant corner of the training cave.

— You don't seem scared — Aurélia commented, her eyes cast down. Liora replied calmly, without altering her tone. — I've already had too much fear in my life. Aurélia let out a weak sigh, hugging her own arms. — I don't know what to do now. Liora remained silent for a few seconds, observing the sliver of light coming from the black metal gate. — Then don't think about tomorrow. Just think about...... the next step. That is how you survive.

Liora was speaking of her own bloody trajectory, but Aurélia absorbed the statement as direct advice for her grief, nodding vaguely. An absolute silence descended upon the shelter. Selene observed the dark metal; Myreia inspected the runes; Akari followed the flow of energy with her gaze. Utilizing the rare fragments that remained, I stepped toward the inner workbench to address a priority. I focused on the inert, cold crystal where Reina, the Dragon-Woman, had been deep in slumber since her sacrifice.

The mineral emanated no energy and provided no raw power. With calculated precision, I polished the stone until it molded into a simple pendant, attaching it to a chain. I hid it completely beneath my jacket, resting flat against my chest, waiting for the variable of her awakening. Next, I used molecular alchemy to reshape the remaining rare materials. I crafted a crimson Rubralia crystal for Selene, injecting mana and stabilization enchantments for high-destruction spells.

For Aurélia, I molded a deep Violet Crystal, weaving defensive runes for mental resistance and anxiety control. I called the two of them forward and placed the necklaces in their hands. Selene smiled with clear excitement, feeling the continuous, smooth flow of mana beneath her fingers, while Aurélia clutched the purple pendant, feeling her baseline panic slowly ease. Both stood before the table, visibly grateful. I turned back to the center of the cavern.

I drew the Eclipse Musket with my right hand, keeping my left firmly in my jacket pocket. The green runic lines along the black barrel pulsed in a vibrant, intense neon green, stabilizing the external energy. Selene took a step backward. — Kuro... does that thing really work? I raised the Eclipse to shoulder height, aiming at the massive rocks at the back of the cavern. I pulled the runic trigger.

A concentrated beam of neon-green mana tore through the air with a high-pressure hiss, colliding against the wall of living stone and ripping a perfect hole, vitrified by the scorching heat, without generating smoke or excessive recoil. The pressure test was complete. I lowered the matte barrel with calculated movements. I turned my icy eyes directly toward them, fixing my gaze on the compacted wooden table. — We are staying here until I speak with Kaelia.

And as soon as I reach Queen Liria, I am going to ask her for a mansion. The announcement echoed through the walls of the stone bunker, shattering any expectation of a life spent as fugitives hiding in the forest. Myreia stopped organizing the vials instantly, her cat ears pinning up in shock as she adjusted her trembling glasses. Selene narrowed her fire-colored eyes, a mixture of disbelief and excitement racing across her features at the colossal audacity of that goal.

Akari tilted her head slowly, her eyes shining in silent reverence to the scale of the ambitions of the one she served. Aurélia took a step forward, her hands trembling as she tried to digest the mention of the throne. The shock on her face blended with a sudden spark of hatred. — What do you mean...? — Aurélia whispered, her voice rising. — So... can I get revenge on the queen? I interrupted her line of reasoning before she could even formulate the hope of using my strength for her rancor. I kept my face frozen.

— No — I decreed, my voice coming out just as sharp as the exhaustion of the night. — Liora and you have a common goal, which is to kill the queen. But if you two do that, I will not forgive you. Liria is important. Aurélia blinked, dazed, swallowing hard under the weight of my cold authority. The silence that settled over the cave made it clear that the rules here were dictated solely by my tactical interest. No one would move on impulse. I took a step forward, fixing my eyes directly on Aurélia. — Aurélia.

As long as you are with me, I am going to protect you. Even if the entire world turns against you. Aurélia blinked, utterly confused. — Why are you doing all of this for me? Before I could answer, Selene crossed her arms. — Wait a minute.

"Even if the entire world turns against you"? Kuro... do you talk like that to everyone? Akari slowly raised her hand, her expression completely innocent. — Master? You said the exact same thing to me once. Selene whirled around instantly, incredulous. — You too?! Akari blinked innocently. — Yes. Myreia let out a low laugh behind her glasses. — I knew it. Liora crossed her arms. — So it wasn't special. I looked across the group. — I said the same for everyone. Silence fell over the room.

Selene placed her hand over her face. — I knew it. Myreia shook her head. — You really can't be normal, can you? Liora let out a soft sigh. — At least he's honest. Akari smiled. — So it means he wants to protect all of us? — Exactly. Aurélia kept staring at me, still not knowing how to react. — Would you... really do that? I answered without a single shred of hesitation: — Yes. My gaze scanned the group. — It doesn't matter who is against you. Kingdom, nobility, monsters, or anything else.

— I paused for a split second. — If you choose to stand by my side, I will stand by yours. Selene remained quiet for a few seconds. — You know that sounds like a confession to all of us at the same time, don't you? — I do. Myreia's eyes widened. — And you see absolutely no problem with that?! — No. Liora looked away, hiding a faint smirk beneath her cloak. — Idiot. Selene glared at her. — You're actually enjoying this, aren't you? Liora replied immediately: — Perhaps. Akari raised her hand again. — I liked it too.

Myreia sighed. — You girls are making this way too easy for him. Aurélia lowered her eyes, but this time, something was different in her expression. For the first time since Lyra's death, she didn't look completely alone. And I knew exactly why. I don't need Aurélia to trust me immediately. I only need her to realize that when the entire world seems to abandon her... I will still be here. Afterward, the rest will happen naturally.

I turned toward the internal facilities of the bunker, issuing the tactical orders for repositioning: — We are staying here until I get the mansion. Myreia, you remain here providing support along with Selene, Aurélia, and Akari. Do not leave the bunker. I am going after Kaelia so she can arrange an audience with the queen. As soon as I return, we will use the hot springs. The promise of the warm waters calmed the atmosphere. They nodded silently.

I turned to Liora, making a discrete signal to check the forest perimeter before my departure. We rode out to a clearing where the trees opened up to the gray sky. She dismounted first. — Kuro. I got down right after, keeping my hands deep in my pockets. Liora took a deep breath, breaking her rigid assassin posture. — I need to say something. I like you. No surprise. No doubt. I already knew. I was the one who pushed the pieces in this direction, making her trust and depend on me after the mistake with Lyra.

— I tried to understand when this started — Liora continued, lowering her eyes. — Perhaps when you protected me. Perhaps when I realized that, for the first time, I didn't have to fight alone. But I know I don't want to hide it anymore. I want to stay with you. I want to be your woman. My face remained completely immobile, an impenetrable expression of pure ice. — I like you too, Liora. And I want you to be my woman. Her eyes widened in surprise. — You... like me?

Were you waiting for me to figure out what I really wanted? You knew? — I knew. For a long time. Liora let out a small laugh, squeezing my hand. — You are terrible. But I can't even stay mad... because, in the end, I chose to stay. She rested her head against my chest for a few seconds before we mounted back up. Alleviated and eager to prove her immediate utility, she looked at me from the side as we rode back. — Kuro...

earlier, when I went to the city guild to collect supplies, I noticed a woman trying to hide beneath a heavy hood. I recognized her movements instantly. It was Commander Kaelia. I nodded silently, keeping my hands buried deep inside my jacket pockets. The gears were in perfect motion. Now, I am one step away from reaching Queen Liria. Now, I have two pieces completely devoted to me. Liora is an implacable blade who will do absolutely anything I command.

Selene is the perfect cannon, just waiting for me to aim her and give the order to fire. I still need more weapons. For now, the Eclipse Musket for Myreia and myself is enough; current logistics and time won't allow us to produce a third unit right now. I will share the weapon with Myreia in combat. I am a better shot, but my true mastery lies with swords. Myreia doesn't know how to handle a blade, so the Eclipse will be her security while I am advancing on the front lines. The next steps are drawn on the board.

I need to use the information Liora brought to corner Commander Kaelia at the guild and, through her, reach Queen Liria. As for Akari, I need to begin her training and focus entirely on unearthing the past she forgot; there are secrets there I will eventually use. And Aurélia... I need to exploit every single fragment of her grief and despair to make her fall in love with me and depend on my safe harbor. But I cannot focus on that right now. Time is short. The truth is, I don't feel real love for Liora.

She is an excellent tool who chose to accept my game. But deep within my mind, fragmented by the loop, I feel that what I have for Selene... and for Aurélia... is something different. Perhaps that is the closest thing to a real feeling left inside me. I let out an imperceptible smile that my frozen face would never display externally. Let the game begin.