Chương 43: Chapter 42 - Freedom

"Well, that looks bad." Alex said, sipping her cup as she watched the teal explosion from afar outside of the temporary main HQ tent.

"How bad is it, Aurora?"

"Would the Lady like the honest answer or the answer that would be easier on the ears?" Aurora asked. Alex raised an eyebrow. Somehow, Aurora was starting to learn her language.

"Easier on the ears." Aurora cleared her throat.

"Stronghold Hatir is at the centre of the continent of Mir for the specific reason of casting Grumir's gem's influence as wide as possible throughout the continent. As it's now gone—""Stop." Alex suddenly said. That was clearly not what was she was asking for.

"Give it to me in less than 7 words."

"Should Grumir be destroyed, corruption strengthens and." Aurora paused.

"And?!"

"I apologize, my Lady. You said 7 words. I could not continue my words as stated by the limitations of your will." Raven laughed in the background, making Alex glare at her while clenching her fist. Damn this Bitch Raven. There should be an opportunity coming soon to put this Witch in a job.

"Aurora, just answer as short as possible."

"Understood." Aurora took a deep breath before saying, "Should Grumir be destroyed, its influence over the Continent of Mir would disappear, allowing the corruption to create their bases within the continent."

"Is that bad?"

"The prowess of an average adult is 40. Most would die off to mere howlers on dirt roads. The corruption poses a stronger threat." Elador coughed beside Aurora who had just been standing there the whole time.

"I believe this is an issue for the roads." That did pose a problem. Security personnel were already quite in demand as Rand continuously kept requesting for more head count. Rand said, 'To enact the will of the Lady's grace into the world' or something. Honestly, she wasn't sure. Alex didn't pay attention.

"With the corruption on the loose, our security personnel would need more bodies to keep our borders and roads safe," Aurora said.

"Have the Lady reviewed the requests from Rand?"

"I'll take a look at it in a bit. For now, let's go back to the tent." Alex turned around and entered the tent again. Walking over to the main chair, the largest one covered in fur to make it cozy, she sat on it and exhaled a long sigh. She materialized her Golden Magnum and set it down on the table for everyone to see. It attracted all eyes entering the tent with her. One of Aurora's eyes widened more than the other, her lips curled up to the corners of her face.

Elador glared at it as if studying the teal etchings all over the metal. Lastly, Raven's expression turned from the bored look of an employee to one that had no sign of mischief and paid attention. It wasn't that Alex wanted to go down this route. The Path, in all of its glory back on Earth, popularized the use of magitech in many parts of the world. With the damned United Knights, it was all locked down for reasons such as 'for the safety of the mundanes'.

However, here on Nulfrae, ether and mana were already ingrained in everyone's lives. The Americas did not have any of the long drawn out ancient practices of the Jianghu nor the European theocratic magicraft. To equalize the playing field against those son of a bitches, the Magi Guns were invented by none other than Alex. The gun was already the fitting symbol for North America. Give a Mid-Mystic a gun, and a Late-Mystic idiot from Order 2 of the United Knights would have to reconsider causing a commotion.

But that was besides the point. The Nulfraens would shout 'FOR FREEDOM!!" whilst they shoot corrupted entities off their front lawn.

"Boss," Witch Raven snapped her out of her trance.

"Shhh, Bitch Raven," Alex said.

"We'll give freedom to the people differently this time." Kind of. She didn't say that last part.

"Would this also play in the Tsuba Islands part?" Alex smiled widely.

"Two birds with one stone. We didn't have to bring warships after all, eh?" Raven's shoulders dropped.

"Fine. But my 9 to 5 stays even when I'm not in the office."

"Whatever."

"My Lady, may we have a peek at your All-Seeing Plan?" Aurora asked.

"Aurora, imagine this. A tool, a dungeon artifact that can allow even the weakest of the average persons to take down anything below that of a ranker. How's that sound?" Elador and Aurora's mouth both gaped. Both of them probably couldn't believe what she was saying. Back on Earth, a simple Awakened (1st stage) could stand up to a Resonant (3rd stage) with proper equipment. Emphasis on the 'proper equipment' as a Resonant still outclassed an Awakened by miles when it came to physical attributes.

"Such an artifact would easily be worth tens of gold," Elador said.

"The Lyran Royal Court holds an artifact that could kill even the strongest of recluse legends. Doing so would destroy a large part of the land, hence, it's seldom used," Aurora said.

"It's my first time to hear of such an artifact."

"I was told of it in confidence by the Prince of Lyra, Elador. However, I need not keep such information to myself anymore."

"How strong is the strongest recluse anyway?" Alex asked.

"Before my exile, I met with one of them. The man told me his prowess neared the peak of 1400 at the time of our conversation." Alex rested her head on her right hand.

"And that was half a decade ago?" Aurora nodded.

"If they're that strong, how come they couldn't just kill the corruption themselves along with the dragons?" Witch Raven asked.

"There is a barrier near the corruption bases where Nulfreans grow significantly weaker to the point of being an average person. For what reason that may be, we do not know. The prophecies of the Spirit Sign says that only the summoned ones could breach the barrier without its effects." How interesting, Alex smirked.

It seemed that due to the Spirit Sign's own network not being able to reach within the lands of wherever the fuck this corruption was, it created a barrier that native Spirit Sign holders could not enter its influence. That was an issue. As much as Alex saw the C-Suite as her employees, she'd grown a liking to them. Who wouldn't want an immortal executive team that was completely loyal to her? She didn't want to let them go after the corruption's core was destroyed. That was a losing deal.

She was going to take them back to Earth one way or another even if she had to destroy or recreate this world's Spirit Sign for her own benefit… eventually.

"Ok, that makes sense." Alex clapped once.

"Now, both of you, Elador and Aurora. What you see on the table is called a gun. It is the great equalizer allowing even the weakest person to defend themselves for freedom."

"For freedom?" Elador asked." For freedom, Director of Chemistry. The Lady's words are absolute," Aurora said. Elador faked a cough.

"You are right, Chief Product Officer. The gun is freedom."

"Exactly!" Alex said enthusiastically.

"There are two things we can do with this gun. First, our security personnel will all carry guns to protect our roads and the travellers who use our roads. Most pests that take minutes to kill should be down in less than 1. Understood?"

"Yes!" Aurora and Elador shouted.

"Aurora, you'll be in charge of onboarding Rand after he's done with his patrol," Alex said.

"The second is… Tsuba Islands."

"Its not too late to look for different islands that are uninhabited, boss." Raven forced a smile.

"Pfft, why look for other areas when there's already perfect ones right below Pandor, right Aurora?"

"The Lady's words are correct once again. The Tsuba Island is already within the Path's hands should you command us to charge at this very moment!" Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"But, we'll go further than that, you see." Alex suppressed her laughter.

"The Tsubians should already be sick and tired of Pandor's rule, correct?" Aurora's shoulders shook.

"It is as the Lady' says. Pandor forcefully took the islands for their own benefit. The islands alone supply over 80% of Nulfrae's crescent fruits. This is at the cost of the natives that live on the land. They live in conditions worse than slaves of past."

"Raven, to me this is unacceptable. It is not about the location of the island itself, but the principle of the matter. Do you not agree?" Alex asked.

"While I do agree, is it possible to have less casualties this time?" Raven asked.

"We didn't even kill that much last time."

"Alright, boss. But at least give me permission to go on about this my way depending on the situation."

"Granted." Alex sat up.

"The plan is simple. We aren't going to force the Tsubians to do anything. All we're going to do is give them a slight push. Give them a gun, and they'll find freedom themselves."

"For freedom…" Aurora muttered.

"Thank you for letting us peek in to the Lady's All-Seeing Plan." Alex ignored her and materialised a rather small piece of adamantite and yin metal. Since this world didn't have gunpowder, and manufacturing it would require a stupid amount of time, it was better to use the principles learned from the Mana Combustion Engine. Floating the two metals just above the table, the Adamantite formed the shape of a Desert Eagle, mostly because it had 'Eagle' in the name that was also synonymous with freedom.

The receiver was built entirely out of Yin metal and allowed for a magazine to be inserted. The final touch were two tiny holes, one hole on each side just above the handle. This wasn't an ordinary gun that used gunpowder or chemical combustion to propel a bullet. She could technically create a gun that would just shoot out fireblasts or high powered water or telekinetically propelled rocks (or pellets). That was easy. Problem was: the average Nulfraen does not have the mana capacity to support such armament.

Thus, Alex had to rely on traditional physics. An average Nulfraen already has 30 units worth of mana. A large amount of air, compressed into a tiny space, instantly heated to 370C would create a lot of pressure. Supplement this ambient air compression function via yin metal energy storage holding 8. 2 units worth of mana, the magi-pneumatic gun was born—which was the whole purpose of the two tiny holes. At most, a wielder could fire however much mana they had.

There was probably a way to convert mana to ether in real time that would allow for more shots, but he'll let Elador handle the optimization if he wanted to. For now, this was good enough. As for the ammo, she couldn't just give the people of Nulfrae access to her ammo module's bullets. That would suck them dry of mana with a single shot, and material was limited. Besides, fat chance she was going to be a factory worker.

Alex dematerialized her own magnum and floated down the Magi-Pneumatic Desert Eagle on the table.

"Elador, you'll be in charge of manufacturing this to the T. Capisce?"

"Understood…" Elador stared at the gun laying still at the table.

"I'll send over the schematics and gun safety training documentation to you by end of day. Make sure to read up on it before starting the manufacturing. We can't have our own people blowing off their own hands after all."

"I see… another glorious OSHA scripture!" Aurora shouted.

"Uh, yeah."

"Worry not, my Lady, the security personnel and all that bear this artifact shall follow OSHA to the letter!"

"Other than that, we'll send as much as we can of this freedom to the Tsuba islands." Alex turned to Witch Raven.

"You'll be in charge of escorting the cargo to the leader and tell them of its use. Once they have it, just softly push them in the right direction. Capisce?!"

"Aye aye, boss."

"Dismissed." Elador carefully took the gun and exited the tent. Aurora bowed before exiting, saying something about the light of grace. Raven non-challantly walked out the open tent with a yawn.

"Onto different matters…" Alex looked at the map laid down on the table of the ad-hoc HQ tent. Her eyes trailed up to the port city. The Dukedom of Tanis was a major strategic point in the Path's supply chain node. It would be the only node that connects to the sea. She technically could use ATU-Orangie to transport goods back and forth from Tsuba Islands, but that was clearly a waste of resources. Orangie would mostly be used for critical supply runs rather than bulk loads.

Sea freighters was just a much more capital and time efficient way to transport massive loads. Word was, because of the type of trees in this world as described by Aurora, the ships built and were currently available for rent were much bigger than the usual medieval ships that used to sail in the Saint Domnigue era. Alex couldn't complain.

All she had to do was go over the Duke's head straight to Princess May and bargain for a discount of renting a whole ship from 75 gold for a year down to however much she could get. Though, on a second thought, leave that one to Grey. There was always the option of paying it in increments based on her revenue of Star Cubs on the Duke's Port City. For now, she had to wait until Elador finishes the first batch of guns. The only thing she would miss was the smell of gunpowder in the air.

But it was all for the purpose of maintaining her roads and liberating the oppressed people of Tsuba. The thought itself was all too beautiful. ☕︎ ☼ ☕︎ ☽ ☕︎ 4 weeks later in the same garage they had built the Heavenly Mack Truck Carriages in…. Elador was once again amazed. The eccentricity of the Lady knew no bounds. To say this gun shall bring freedom to the people of Tsuba Islands, the notion would've been laughed at in a Royal Court or even a small town square.

However, as this came from the Lady, she had stated, her words absolute, that this thing could equalize the gap between a 40 prowess average adult and a pre-ranker prowess golden generation combatant. If such a thing were true, then truly, this artifact would be an object of divinity. Though that much was certain. Such objects must've been plenty in the divine realm in which the Lady resided before coming to Nulfrae. It was still a mystery for what reason did such a Goddess chose to descend onto Nulfrae.

Elador supposed 'freedom' would be the answer. His very being was proof. Adjusting the safety off, Elador lined up what the documentation called 'iron sight' against the target just 30 steps away. Taking a deep breath, he squeezed of the trigger With no warning, a loud wrathful thunderclap came from the barrel of the gun. Elador's enhanced physique saw the bullet slice through the air and decimate the head of the dummy where he had aimed. Turning on the safety immediately, his hands tremored while holding the gun.

Beside him, a loud seductive moan came from Aurora who had watched the whole thing.

"The Lady's grace is truly beautiful. To allow the mortal world to experience her very own armament, her benevolence knows no bounds!" Aurora shouted.

"To the Goddess of Might!" Yulka shouted beside her, wearing the terrifying demonic looking two horned hard hat made of adamantite, yin metal, and cinders.

"May her Grace shine on Nulfrae!"

"Chief Product Officer," Elador said.

"I'm assuming you've seen this type of weaponry before?"

"I have, Director of Chemistry, Elador." Aurora smiled as she writhed in place from what seemed like pleasure.

"In the border region between Count Mourier and Viscount Lois, the Lady gave 77 knights of her grace with a similar weapon that is much more powerful."

"I assume it was that very golden 'gun' that She had shown us on the table?"

"Correct."

"Director of Chemistry! Give me the gun! I wanna shoot it!" Yulka shouted, hounding him for it.

"Hush now, Director of Construction, Yulka." Aurora softly took the gun off of Elador's hands.

"Do you remember the scriptures on how to use the gun?" Yulka nodded her head rapidly.

"Do not ever point to another person. Always have the safety on whenever you don't intend to shoot. Never put your finger on the trigger, always at the side except when firing. After shooting, turn on the safety before putting it back into its holster."

"Good." Aurora smiled.

"But we must bestow it a name befitting of its grace."

"Heavenly Dominating Bow of the Divine Realm," Yulka said immediately.

"The name does fit… however, it is too long." Aurora gazed at the gun.

"How about Grace Opus 357? What say you, Director of Construction and Chemistry?"

"I'm sorry, Yulka, I believe Grace Opus 357 fits the most." Elador didn't really care for what name Aurora chooses. It was best to do as what the Chief Product Officer wanted lest he earns her uncomfortable stares.

"What does Opus mean?"

"I've heard of it in high Lyran courts as a name to describe works of music. Does the gun not sing when the trigger is squeezed?" Sweat dripped down Elador's temples.

"Yes, it does, Chief Product Officer. I agree."

"Grace Opus 357… it sounds so divine. Thank you Chief Product Officer. I believe this name fits much more than my mediocre attempt," Yulka said.

"Do not belittle your name, Director of Construction. I applaud you for such a grand name you've come up on the spot. But now is not the time for such. This piece of art requires simple finesse, do you not agree?"

"As expected of the Chief Product Officer! Your wisdom grants me insight once again!" Yulka shouted. Elador jumped in.

"Now, there are two types of this though. The other one can hold a bigger bullet. Should we also name that the same?"

"Based on what the Lady has called the size of the bullet, we shall call that one Grace Opus 50," Aurora said.

"A simple change of the name tells of function. I wholeheartedly agree," Elador said.

"Good." Aurora turned to Yulka.

"Now, Director of Construction. Make sure to properly aim and follow the OSHA scriptures." Yulka slowly took aim at the headless dummy, aiming dead centre on the body. Her finger on the side took off the safety, and Elador could see her line up the iron sight. Once she was ready, she rested her finger on the trigger and squeezed. Again, the thunderclap roared through the whole garage. Windows shook and his whole heart jumped at what seemed like the thunder god crashing down onto land.

The echo rang inside for a couple of seconds. Employees already started peeking in through the main door. Murmurs could be heard, talking about the Lady's divine inventions again. After turning the safety back on, Yulka pointed the gun down. Her hand shook visibly even though she was already stronger than any recluse legends alive. Elador wasn't one to judge though. He too was a legend now, yet the exhilaration and adrenaline that came from squeezing the trigger still echoed on his hands.

"Woooo!" Yulka shouted.

"All hail the Goddess of Might!"

"How many of these can you produce in another 4 weeks, Elador?" Aurora asked.

"We're already behind schedule due to the research."

"Expect 200 by the end of month." Aurora's eyes narrowed.

"Are you working after hours?" Elador didn't dare look her in the eyes.

"I am not. I shall keep my work within the 10 hours allocated."

"Have Sanders help you with the crafting. After this, I shall ask the Lady to grant you permission to take disciples."

"I apologize, Chief Product Officer, I've no need for disciples—""That is up for the Lady to decide. The production of her divine armaments are higher priority than your feelings." Aurora turned around and walked towards the main entrance where a crowd had gathered.

"I shall report to the Lady it will be ready in 4 weeks time. After that, she will commence to send General Witch Raven to the Tsuba Islands to enact freedom onto their land."

"I understand…" Elador said.

"There is 30 minutes left to your work hours. Please be productive. I'll see both of you tomorrow."

"See you, Chief Product Officer!" Yulka waved. Elador saw her form exit the garage as the crowd parted. Perhaps with these armaments, it could bring safety to the average person in Nulfrae, no longer have to worry about being attacked by random monster encounters outside of towns. A part of him also wondered, what would happen should this divine artifact fall into the wrong hands? Elador did not know. Though, it seems this was already part of Her All-Seeing Plan. As always, she had the answer for everything.

All he had to do was watch Nulfrae turn upside down.