—Click
When the heart beats, everything comes to life—every cell, every organ—in a perfect symbiosis. Like a living being, when the trigger of a Magisteel is pulled, it too comes alive—and with a sharp mechanical twist. In a fraction, small lightning gems align—the tiny spark of lightning ignites the mana crystal within the cartridge.
—Click
Just like blood carries nourishment to the body and the mind. The initial burst of mana erupts from the crystal, feeding the circuits; at once, the Complex Mana Instructors awoke from their slumber, activating the spells carved into their core. In an instant, the elemental runes sparked with magical energy.
—Click-Puff
Holes in the barrel's chambers unlock with a mechanical click. The barrel breathes and comes to life, exhaling and depressurizing the chamber into a vacuum, cooling down the semiconducting metallic rails into superconductors.
—Click
Flexing its muscles, tense and ready for action, pairs of superconductive electro-acceleration rails are triggered. At the same time, a sturdy barrier traps the remaining burst of mana inside the cartridge to implode it in on itself, sublimating the crystal in an instant and directing all the pressure onto the shell.
—Boom!
The Magisteel cried, releasing the metallic elemental shell and accelerating it through the railing inside the barrel's vacuum chamber—vvvvVVVVMMM!Exhilarated, with a tremendous joy that reverberated, the projectile tore through the atmosphere.
The Magisteel shell fractured in a jarring screech of wind while the practice target's barrier was intact. As for the high-velocity projectile, it exploded, leaving nothing but dust.
—Click-Puff
With another tick, the trigger is released, making another gear turn. Wind gems pass each other, generating enough pressure to eject the cartridge and stabilize the pressure in the barrel before completely resetting the Magisteel.
—Click
A spring pushed the next round and locked it in place, but the metallic bounce of the rectangular cartridge still lingered in echoes of the specialized training hall. Alum shook his hand as the recoil was way worse than anticipated. He was almost numb in his limbs, and if he hadn't used body enhancement, he might've just broken his arms.
Safe mode… huh? He thought, looking down at his shaky hands, he glanced at the cartridge, which still had more than half the crystal left.
"Mm," Luna watched with great interest. "Is it too much?" she asked as she used water magic to heal his numbness.
"Mm," Alum nodded. "Even in Safe Mode. Are there other rounds?" he asked, having tested the specialized 14mm rounds made for it.
"There are a few options to choose from. Spell-bound or AP?"
"AP."
"Mm," Luna nodded, excitedly handing him three other magazines. "They aren't artillery graded, so I'm not entirely sure they have enough mana to power the PARC-PN6."
"Should be fine, right?"
"Mm… You're right. It's also in Safe Mode, and should prioritize delivering mana to the barriers before the rails."
"There are other rounds, as well, right?"
"There are, but the projectile won't contact the rails."
"Mm, I see."
"It's almost identical to the Tides & Sun series in many ways, but the design is more volatile—it's artillery-class, after all. And even though they use the same cartridge as the Tides & Sun series, the mana density in the PARC-PN6 an equivalent to the ones used in said artillery."
"…" —So it really is an artillery, not just based on one?
"…" —Yes, the name doesn't lie, Al, Luna blinked as she shook her head slowly. "Here's a normal Magisteel, for example," she added.
Then pulled out her trusty Velocity Rail Pistol, the VRP-Tidesplitter, and fired a round. A small bang followed by a loud hum, and then—Beehh… Ricochet.
"…" —some light recoil. Mach 3?
"…" —Impressive, right? It has some combustion, though most of the mana goes to the rails. "The only downside is that it gets too hot after 10 shots," she sighed.
"…" —That's still two magazines, Alum's half-lidded eyes said, mildly exasperated.
"Mm, valid," she replied. "I don't have to use it much during missions. Perhaps one or two rounds as a surprise."
"Mm,"
—Clip
Alum loaded the new magazine and ejected the previous round. The mechanism clicked as the new ammunition was in place. He took aim and—Bang! The bullet exited the barrel, this time, with less force. The projectile flattened as it hit the practice dummy, then the ring of the cartridge echoed on the floor.
"How was it?"
"Smooth. It didn't reach Mach 6 like the previous round, but it's now a useful sidearm at least," Alum chuckled lightly.
"Mm, I see, the AP-LMC14 it is then," Luna affirmed. But then, she looked up into his eyes. "Surprised?" she inquired, softly smiling.
"I was. I didn't think Ame would be there."
"You two were endearing," she said calmly, leaning her head on his arm.
"…Thanks," Alum scratched his cheek, blushing ever so slightly.
"When are you going to become lovers?" Luna couldn't help but probe a little. But that was fine, right? "Saint Amethely isn't fooling anyone. She likes you—a lot too."
"Mm. I—"
"You?"
"…"
"…"
"I don't know how to ask someone out."
"…" Luna blinked.
"…" Alum's face heated up, glowing a little red as he avoided her innocent eyes. "Well… I… I suppose I know how to, but… don't know how to…" he added.
"Pardon?" Luna tilted her head.
"I mean… I've never asked somebody out or dated anyone," Alum confessed.
"Mm? Isn't that obvious?" Luna queried. Her confusion was evident as she tilted her head.
"Huh?"
"???"
"How does it work around here…?" Alum asked. He was too confused about many things at the moment.
"Well… first you court," Luna said, shyly twirling her hair.
"Yeah?"
"Then you become lovers. Simple," she stated, simply, looking into his eyes.
"…"
I don't get it… Alum exhaled.
"Have you courted someone?" he inquired.
Even though Alum had gotten to know Luna as they'd seen and spoken to each other every day since they met, he didn't know much about her in some regards. Then again, the two were so similar that words were barely exchanged.
"…No," she said, averting her eyes. "But there are those who try to approach me. Naturally, I shut them down. Uncle also has not brought it up since we met," she added as a small sigh escaped her lips.
"Because we're a good match," Alum stated.
"I believe so too, and Uncle bets on that," Luna shrugged. "Still," she chuckled softly. "You were confident stating that," she teased, nudging him slightly.
Amused, Alum softly held back his laughter—his statement was quite daring, so to say.
"I suppose. It's rich coming from a nobody, isn't it?"
"Mm," Luna nodded. "But it's not difficult to see why Lady Amethely fell for you. It was the same with me, and why we are friends. People usually tell me they'll work hard to be worthy of me, whether in friendship or courting. But does it matter when I lack affection towards them?"
"There's politics, right?"
"Certainly. There are. But I'm sure you noticed how treasured the feeling we call love is to the people of the Lesich Empire. Rarely will you see political marriages within its borders. And while friendship isn't rare within the high-class circles, there is also toleration of one another. Of course, I'm not tolerating you," Luna teased, flashing a tiny smile.
"Mm, I know. Still, I realize I'm not as studied in the culture as I should be," Alum noted, patting Luna as he pondered.
"Mm." Luna grabbed the hem of his coat. "Uncle might've said this earlier. But… once you become someone's lover. Especially a saint's, there will be harsh consequences for both parties if it doesn't work out."
"He did tell me," Alum affirmed calmly.
"I see. Good. Did he also say that, usually, society and family look the other way if they see you incompatible with your partner?" she inquired.
"Negative."
"I see," Luna hummed. "A second chance is often 'granted'. However, it's different for you and Lady Amethely—The Imperial Saint, a princess in her own right, and a renowned researcher in Magitech. Unless either of you dies. Even then, it's rare for the saint or her partner to find another lover—often, they enter the saint's trial to pick up the mantle."
"…"
"I know you don't truly care about status whatsoever. Yet, you try to match her." Luna then smiled warmly, her usually inexpressive eyes softened. "You care for her, making sure that she won't be condemned for her choice. I'm a bit envious, honestly."
"…" Alum also smiled, but a bit shyly. "Can you read minds?" he questioned lightly.
"No. But we think alike enough. Some of your intentions aren't as difficult to decipher as you believe they are."
"I suppose. I'd rather not complicate matters."
"Mm. He-hehe. Neither do I."
Quietly and subtly, Luna's arms were on his sides, then wrapped around him as she clenched the fabric of his white shirt. She rested her forehead on his chest, barely reaching his throat.
Although sudden, Alum returned the gesture as he patted her head again. Soothing whatever stress that was holding her down. Her silver-black hair was silky and smooth, a little ticklish to the touch—a bit addictive.
"Have you moved today?" Luna suddenly asked, voice muffled and still buried in his chest.
"No."
"I can tell. You still have a nice floral scent. Lady Amethely has a nice scent, doesn't she?" Luna softly smiled to herself.
"Urk… did you just want to tease me?"
"He-hehe. A little," Luna voiced a little cheekily, then—"30 seconds," she said, releasing him.
Alum also released her at the same time, and they both ended up chuckling a little.
"Did Noel rub some of his energy off on you?" he rebuked.
"Hmph. As if," Luna crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly.
If only she could see how expressive she is, Alum chuckled a little inwardly.
"Then. Would you spar with me? You did spar with Uncle—and Lady Amethely."
"Mm. Sure, I was getting stale doing office work," he replied casually as if it wasn't he who caused the papers to fly in.
"Pffts… He-hehehe. Very well."
"Wanna make a bet?" Alum suggested, his lips curved—just like a villain's.
"Why not?" Luna shrugged, smiling somewhat maliciously.
..
Inside Alum's room, Noel suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He quivered and hugged himself as his face scrunched up.
"What are you doing?" Chely stared, deadpan.
"Ah… well. I felt like some nasty bet was made behind my back…"
Chely shrugged it off, "Hmph. Can't be that bad," she said, taking a sip of her drink.
Meanwhile, there was some light chatter and the sound of dice between the other four, who played Tactical Spellbook—a board game.
"You were ambushed and attacked by a Mellwhan beast—it has tough scales and a fierce elemental over the shadows. Its focus—the Cleric is stunned," David said, placing down a beast card—then, it appeared as an illusion on the board.
"A-Ame, wh-what do we do?" Miu stammered—of course, not because of the scenario, but cause of the pretty girl beside her.
"W-wait! Hold on, Miu! U-um… the swordsman blocks its jaws, aiming for Miss Priest!" Amethely rolled—landing on 5. "…" She blankly stared at the dice, as did Miu.
"…" Seeing the dead look in their eyes, Emely swooped in. "Hahaha! Worry not—I, Emely the vanguard—"
After Emely rolled the die and tried to save the two girls by protecting them with a [Mana Shield], she instantly fainted as she hadn't recovered her mana from the previous encounter inside the dungeon.
On the illusionary game board, the whole party was wiped out and dragged into a shadow.
"""..…""" The girls stared as they were being hinted to be fed to the offspring in the game's end credits.
"…" —Easy, David thought as he tried to hide his smugness.
"You truly are a merciless opponent," Noel chuckled as he nudged David.
"Should you and Chely be saying that? Mercilessly tearing them down on the previous encounters?" David raised his brow.
Both Chely and Noel feigned ignorance. Despite that, they exchanged smirks.
…
..
In the Wyvern Squad's training facility, two youths circle one another—tap… tap… tap… Light steps echoed, their eyes locked. Alum with a short sword in his hand—the blade glowing a faint blue, glowing with mana ready to be released.
The blue flame-like mana reflected in Luna's eyes as she firmly held her double-edged diamond-shaped longsword. Her body was much heavier than usual—the amulet suppressing 80% of her magical strength.
Despite the mana deficiency, Luna was still physically stronger than most of her stature. She might be somewhat petite, looking delicate. But even with restricted mana in her muscles, she was still stronger than a recruit—the problem was… how long could she maintain that strength?
She vaguely knew how Alum fought or how strong he was based on the spar he had with Rigeld. But that was at a 100% mana capacity, and the spell he'd used earlier today should've strained his reserves. But by how much?
Alum had an unusually fast mana recovery despite its density. Less than a day later, after Rigeld's test, he sparred with Amethely, burst-casted a massive spell, and fainted.
—Please don't be weak, Al, Luna thought, her eyes hallowed as her demeanor from expressionlessness turned stern, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.
"…"
Sensing the air around Luna change, Alum relaxed as his mind emptied. In a burst, Luna dashed toward him. Mana surged to his palm as he created an ice block between them, dashing backwards—but instantly, silver lightning flashed and Luna was beside the block, accelerating toward him.
He instinctively used telekinesis to halt her advances—she did, for one step before shrugging it off in an explosive burst of winds beneath her feet.
And as Alum raised his hand, she took out Tidesplitter and fired—VvvrrMmm! It ricocheted as it hit his right hand, redirecting him to aim above her as he released the mana.
Luna was rapidly closing the distance, and his telekinesis was too weak to pressure her. His hand was numb from the shot, thus he focused mana down his feet and froze the ground. Luna jumped as needles protruded. Alum clenched his hand, and two giant blocks of water-filled ice clashed with a loud boom. He instantly froze the water inside to trap her, but—BOOOOOM! A loud explosion erupted, silver flames ate the ice as steam reeked and filled the facility. Shards of ice were sent in every direction but shattered on collision with his directional barrier.
He infused his blade with lightning and slashed horizontally into the mist, but Luna was nowhere to be found.
Hiding, Luna sighed softly—not bad, she thought. Closing the distance was more challenging than anticipated, she remarked. But…
Her sword clacked with silver lightning—THOOMB! Lightning violently discharged from within the mist as she slashed the air horizontally, sending waves of heated plasma towards him.
Alum was already prepared with defensive spells and blocked it with layers of [Water Barriers], but it kept boiling through the layers rapidly, creating more steam. Instantly, another burst of lightning discharged, but this time, not in the form of a ranged attack.
Luna instantly closed the distance, and before he knew it, their swords clashed—he received a powerful kick infused with wind to the abdomen, shattering his [Mana Armor] and sending him flying across the hall, clashing into the wall as the barrier pulsed.
He coughed involuntarily. But Luna was relentless—this time, giant ice blocks came his way—she'd previously touched the ice he created, replaced his mana with hers, only to then throw it at him.
Initially, he used telekinesis to stop the projectiles, but the field shattered like glass, only slowing down the blocks a little. He dashed to the side so as not to be crushed between the ice and the wall—but then, another bullet from Tidesplitter caught his eyes—its trajectory toward his chest.
Alum gritted his teeth—his spellcasting wasn't fast enough for the bullet, and being hit, even if he put his hand out to protect his chest, it'd kill him if it wasn't for the facility's barrier, which meant he'd lose. Instead, he used telekinesis to redirect its trajectory by creating a small hardened forcefield, which was angled.
As the bullet hit the wall, Luna's eyes widened a little as she thought it was over, but she was ever the careful. Before she even fired the bullet, she was already dashing towards him.
Luna smiled—I think you'll be just fine out there, she thought, her blade at his throat while pinned by the wall. However, his sword blocked hers, barely a strand of hair away from his neck.
"It's my loss," Alum heaved a sigh.
"Mm," Luna nodded. "You did well," she said as she relaxed, her eyes softened gently as her frosty expression melted.
"You're merciless. I barely have time to cast spells," Alum chuckled.
Luna looked up, practically pressed against him. Her moon-like silver eyes peered deep into his golden eyes.
"Am I?" she feigned ignorance, tilting her head slightly.
"Mm. However, I don't know a lot about the combat in this world. I do know that artillery mages such as myself can't handle opponents like you," he admitted.
"Mm. However, you won't have that issue if you're with a good squad. But sometimes, you're left alone. That's why it's important for you to be able to defend yourself in close combat. Independence is good, but rely on the people around you when you can."
"Yeah…" Alum smiled.
"Good," Luna replied.
She loosened the grip of her blade and distanced herself, and both sheathed their practice blades. Alum heaved a little; his hand was numb, but he relaxed as Luna healed him. Her amulet was still on, so he decided to remove it for her. The moment he did, she sighed and her shoulders relaxed, they locked eyes—Thanks, hers said while Alum gave a small nod—Thank you too.