Demoness 3 - Chapter 2: ​Foundations (20,325 Words) (Patreon)

Elania took in the grandeur of the Four Towers council chambers as she and Yolani sat at the center of the circular hall. The room exuded an air of opulence and power, with polished marble floors reflecting the light that streamed through the high, arched windows. Gilded gold workings adorned the walls, intricate patterns and designs that spoke of the wealth and status of those who held court here.

Four imposing square pillars dominated the space, each one representing one of the four Demi-Divines. Atop these pillars sat ornate thrones, their backs reaching towards the vaulted ceiling. The thrones were draped in rich fabrics, each one a different color corresponding to the Demi-Divine it belonged to - purple, red, green, and blue.

Elania’s gaze was drawn upwards, to where the Demi-Divines themselves sat, looking down upon her and Yolani with their piercing golden eyes.

The weight of their presence was palpable, a reminder of the power they wielded and the authority they held over Contia.

Every detail, from the gleaming marble to the carefully crafted gold embellishments, reinforced their status and dominance.

It made one feel small.

The Green Tower—Elysia’s voice rang out through the council chambers, “Before us stands a foreign Demi-Divine, charged with violation of city code #323 - the modification of public property without authorization.”

Lyra, the Sapphire Shroud, picked up a scroll and read aloud, her tone even and measured, “The standard punishment for this ordinance is destruction and feeding to the Celestial Engine.”

Elania scowled, her brows furrowing in frustration.

It seemed that every ordinance in this city had the same permanent solution.

Elania glanced beside her. Yolani stood unshaken.

Elysia spoke again, her emerald eyes scanning the room. “Is there any evidence of this crime?”

Arlois rose from her throne. “I witnessed the defendants perform the act.”

Lyra turned to the other Demi-Divines. “Is there any objection to the testimony of one of our own?”

Silence hung heavy in the air. No one spoke up to challenge Arlois’ statement. Elania bristled, her hands clenching into fists, but she remained silent, knowing that speaking out of turn would only worsen their situation.

Elysia’s gaze swept over the council once more. “Are there any who wish to provide mitigating circumstances?”

For the first time since the proceedings began, Ember spoke. Her voice was steady and measured. “I have interacted with Elania and Yolani previously. I believe they are not a direct threat or danger to Contia. Mitigation would be the preferred course of action.”

Lyra’s serene demeanor cracked, a scowl marring her features. She glared at Ember, her voice sharp, “Why should an exception be made for Arlois’ pet ‘spark’? What makes them deserving of special treatment?”

Arlois’ voice cut through the tension, interrupting Lyra’s accusation. “Enough. Let us put this to a vote?”

Lyra’s hand shot up, her eyes narrowed. “No mitigation. Execution immediate.”

Ember’s response was more measured. “Mitigation. Punishment deferred.”

Arlois nodded, her hand rising. “Mitigation. Punishment deferred.”

Elania’s heart raced. What would happen if there was a tie?

All eyes turned to Elysia, who hesitated, her gaze flickering between the other Towers. The silence stretched, the anticipation palpable.

Finally, Elysia spoke, her eyes locked on Arlois. “I will vote for mitigation, provided the punishment is not trivial or forgotten.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Arlois’ lips, while Lyra’s scowl deepened. Arlois leaned forward, her voice calm and assured. “I will require Elania to assist me with an arcane beast cleanup in the coming days as punishment.”

Elysia nodded, deal seemingly struck, then turned her attention to Elania and Yolani. “Mitigation.”

Lyra’s voice was tight with displeasure as she announced the results. “The vote is three to one in favor of mitigation. The defendants are dismissed.”

Elania let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She and Yolani rose, bowing their heads respectfully before making their way out of the council chambers.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Yolani leaned in close, her voice a whisper. “We need to be careful, Elania. It’s best we avoid the Blue Tower from now on.”

Elania nodded, the weight of the close call still heavy on her shoulders. “Agreed.”

The Blue didn’t like them. Or maybe didn’t like Arlois, and by extension, them. She wasn’t sure.

They stopped and waiting in the lobby. Arlois had instructed them to not go far.

The chamber doors swung open. Lyra strode out of the building, her head held high and her face set in a stern expression. She didn’t spare a glance for Elania or Yolani, her footsteps echoing through the lobby as she made her way towards the exit.

Next came Elysia, her emerald robes swishing around her as she walked. She glanced at Elania and Yolani, her golden eyes meeting Elania’s for a brief moment, before she looked away. As she passed, Elania caught the scent of wildflowers and nature.

Ember and Arlois exited together, deep in conversation. As they spotted Elania and Yolani, they changed course, approaching the waiting pair. Arlois spoke first, her voice calm and assured, “I understand Yolani is to work with Ember in the city works, as per your punishment for disturbing the city when you went flying.”

Elania couldn’t help but scoff, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “It seems like the city likes to give out ‘punishments’ at every turn.”

Ember’s response was measured, her tone patient as she explained, “It’s that way for a reason. Without strict rules, everyone would end up killing each other. While things might be strict, it’s not like you didn’t just have a death sentence mitigated because we know you’re adjusting.”

Elania blew out a tense breath, trying to rein in her emotions. She turned to Arlois, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What exactly is ‘Arcane Beast Cleanup’?”

Arlois grinned, a laugh escaping her lips. The sound was unexpected, a stark contrast to the serious atmosphere of the council chambers.

Elania watched as Ember rolled her eyes at Arlois’ laughter, a hint of amusement playing on her own lips. The Crimson Aegis turned her attention to Elania, her expression growing serious as she began to explain the situation.

“The city draws magical creatures due to the high power density,” Ember said, her voice steady and clear. “We’ve received rumors of a land beast consuming several nearby villages. Upon investigation, we confirmed that these villages have simply ceased to exist.”

Elania’s eyes widened at the news, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. The thought of entire villages being wiped out by a single creature was chilling, a stark reminder of the dangers that Eladu held.

Arlois spoke up, her tone grave as she added, “As the city’s protectors, it is our job to provide protection against threats that mortals can’t handle. This land beast is one such threat.”

Ember nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting back to Elania. “Since you’ll be out of the city for a day or two dealing with the issue, it will be the perfect time for Yolani to assist me as needed.”

Elania glanced at Yolani, a silent conversation passing between them. With a slight nod, they turned back to Ember and Arlois.

“We understand,” Elania said, her voice firm. “Yolani will assist you as required while I’m away.”

Yolani added her own assent, her tone respectful as she addressed Ember, “I’ll do my best to be of help, Crimson Aegis.”

Ember gave a curt nod, a hint of approval in her eyes. “Good. We’ll discuss the details later.”

Elania couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her.

She stole another glance at Yolani as they started to head back to their Estate. They hadn’t been parted for ‘days’ since…

Elania took a deep breath and steeled herself.

*

Elania leaned back in her chair, the plush velvet cushioning her as she stared at the sheaf of papers spread out before her on the ornate desk. Beside her, Yolani hummed softly, her eyes scanning the documents with a keen interest.

Darius stood on the other side of the desk, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke, “The Neftasu Guards have provided a detailed list of their expected supply requirements and needs, broken down by month, for the maintenance of the men.”

Elania slid the papers across the desk, arranging them in a neat stack in front of Yolani. The raven-haired artificer’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “Oh, this is actually written in something I can read!”

Yolani’s fingers traced over the pages, her brows furrowing as she took in the information. “There are breakdowns of equipment needs and repairs, but it’s the housing and rations that we need to worry about.”

Elania leaned forward, her golden eyes scanning the numbers. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized the staggering sum. “How are we going to find ten thousand crits a month?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Not even Neftasu had that many mana shards.”

Yolani tapped her chin thoughtfully, her green eyes meeting Elania’s. “While the mana shards are the currency’s backing, most trades don’t actually involve them directly.”

Darius nodded, his expression grave. “We’ll likely need to either disband and let every Guard go out on their own, or figure out employment to bring in income for them.”

Elania’s mind raced as she considered the options. Disbanding the Neftasu Guards would leave her people vulnerable, scattered throughout an unfamiliar city. But finding employment for such a large group would not be a straightforward task.

“What if we sell our services?” Yolani’s voice broke the silence, her eyes meeting Elania’s. “Guards, bouncers, protection services. The Neftasu Guards have the skills and experience.”

Darius shook his head, his arms crossed over his chest. “While most of the guard are professionals, and likely have the capability for such tasks, the city isn’t exactly in need of such a massive influx of them. There is also a prohibition on foreign military units taking action inside the city. We would need to clarify if such worked counted as such.”

Elania groaned, rubbing her temples as she leaned back in her chair. Every fucking thing had a prohibition, it seemed like. Darius had spent an entire day reading a stupidly thick book of city ordinances.

What could they do?

The image of the slums came to mind, the abandoned buildings and crumbling facades. “What about the slums?” Elania asked. “We saw plenty of ‘abandoned’ buildings there. Maybe we can take ownership of those buildings and then rent them out to others as ‘safe’ housing in return for cheaper rent?”

Darius stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing as he considered the idea. “I can look into the requirements for licensing buildings from the city, what it would cost, and if we’d need any permits.”

Elania frowned, her golden eyes fixing on Darius. “You and the cultists are banned by the Four Towers from leaving the estate,” she reminded him, her voice firm.

Darius nodded, his expression grim. “I will use one of the Guards as my messenger, as problematic as the restriction is.”

Elania frowned at another stack of papers they hadn’t even gone through yet. She picked up the top set. The helpful label ‘Ironfist’ hinted at the contents. She flipped through them while Yolani leafed through another set.

What Elania found was a long list of the names and professions of the civilian refugees. She let out a low whistle as she realized the sheer diversity of skills among the refugees. There were even artificers and other skilled craftsmen.

“The Ironfist have done a thorough job compiling this list,” she said, sliding the papers across the desk to Yolani. “They’ve even broken it down by profession, which should make it easier to allocate resources. And pick out the right people for different projects.”

Yolani’s green eyes widened as she took in the information. Her fingers traced over the pages, pausing occasionally to tap on a particular entry. “Blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters... Artificers.”

Elania nodded, leaning back in her chair. She ran a hand through her vibrant red hair, her brows furrowing as she considered the challenges ahead. “Integrating all these people while maintaining responsibility for them is going to be even more difficult than for the Guard, which is at least a cohesive unit.”

Yolani hummed in agreement, her eyes still fixed on the papers. “We can’t just dump them in the slums and expect them to fend for themselves. They’ll need support, resources, and a sense of community.”

Elania’s mind raced as she tried to envision a solution. The image of the abandoned buildings in the slums flashed before her eyes, their crumbling facades and empty windows.

“What if we establish an entire new district in the slums?” she suggested, her voice thoughtful. “We could work on providing the various people the equipment and tools needed to restart their professions and businesses.”

Darius, who had been standing silently by the desk, nodded slowly. “It’s a daunting task, but it might be the only plan that has a chance of working. We’ll need to secure the buildings, ensure they’re safe and habitable, and then allocate resources based on each profession’s needs.”

Elania leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes as she tried to picture it.

“Having a stake in all the businesses will connect them to you, Elania, but we need to be careful not to make them dependent,” Yolani said.

Elania nodded, a frown creasing her brow as a sense of unease settled in her stomach. The plan was based on her need to keep the refugees as followers, to provide her with the divine power.

But it also felt underhanded, like she was manipulating them for her own gain.

Still, the alternative was far worse.

If they didn’t find a way to help the refugees rebuild their livelihoods, most of them would end up in poverty or be thrown off the island by Arlois when the month ended and the tower stopped paying for their housing.

Elania took a deep breath, her shoulders straightening as she met Yolani’s gaze. “Now we just need to figure out the original problem: money. How do we get enough crit to rebuild the livelihoods of thirteen thousand people?”

Yolani’s fingers tapping nervously on the desk. “It’s a daunting task, to be sure. We’ll need to secure funding from somewhere, whether it’s through loans, investments, or some other means.”

Elania, Yolani, and Darius sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts for several minutes.

Yolani’s voice broke the stillness. “Maybe my work assisting Ember can be compensated with money,” she suggested, her voice hopeful. “And you should ask for payment for your services with the arcane beast cleanup, Elania.”

Darius nodded, his expression thoughtful. “The corpse of the arcane beast could be very valuable in the right hands,” he added, his voice low. “If possible, you should claim it, Elania.”

Elania rubbed her temples, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “It would be very convenient if dragon blood would pay for everything,” she mused, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Yolani and Darius stared at her, their eyes wide with terror. “Is it really a dragon?” they asked, their voices trembling.

Elania’s brows furrowed, her golden eyes searching their faces. “Are dragons bad?” she asked, her voice curious.

Darius swallowed hard, his face pale. “Dragons are primordial beings,” he explained, his voice hushed. “There are only seven of them known, and they are essentially nature written in beast form. Entire nations are destroyed when they rise.”

Elania shook her head, her red hair swaying with the motion. “Arlois said it was a land beast of some sort,” she corrected quickly.

Yolani and Darius visibly relaxed, their shoulders sagging with relief. Darius cleared his throat, his voice returning to its normal volume. “Land beasts cover a wide variety of large ground-dwelling creatures,” he explained, his tone more composed. “It could be anything if we don’t have more information.”

Elania felt a prick of another Demi-Divine entering the estate grounds, the sensation unmistakable.

It was Arlois.

Standing up, Elania turned to Yolani, her voice firm. “It’s time to go off to do our missions,” she said, her hand reaching out to give Yolani’s a gentle squeeze.

Yolani nodded, her green eyes meeting Elania’s with a mixture of determination and affection. She returned the squeeze, her fingers lingering for a moment.

*

Yolani furrowed her brow, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows across the weathered parchment. The schematic seemed to swim before her eyes, a labyrinth of lines and symbols that held the key to Ember’s question.

She traced a finger along the faded ink, her nail catching on the rough surface. “The thermo-regulation conduit...” Yolani muttered, more to herself than to Ember. “It’s here, isn’t it?” She tapped a section of the diagram, glancing up at the Crimson Aegis for confirmation.

Ember’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Is it, though?” Her wings rustled softly as she leaned forward, the red feathers catching the candlelight like glowing sparks. “Think harder, Yolani. What’s the real problem here?”

Yolani’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing. She studied the schematic again, trying to see beyond the obvious. The conduit, the compressor, the auxiliary lines... Suddenly, it clicked. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Ember with a triumphant grin.

“It’s a trick question,” Yolani said, her voice ringing with certainty. “The conduit shouldn’t be replaced at all. We should double it up and run an auxiliary control line to the thermo-compressor. That way, we can regulate the temperature more efficiently and reduce the strain on the system.”

Ember’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open in shock.

“What?” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. In a flash, she was on her feet, her wings flaring out behind her as she crossed around the table.

Yolani barely had time to react before Ember was beside her, bumping her out of the way with a gentle but firm shove. The Crimson Aegis leaned over the schematic, her eyes darting across the parchment with an intensity that made Yolani’s heart skip a beat.

For a long moment, there was only silence, broken by the soft rustle of Ember’s wings and the flickering of the artifice candle. Then, slowly, a look of shock spread across Ember’s face, followed by a wide, gleeful grin.

She turned to Yolani, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’re right,” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.”

Yolani felt a flush of pride at Ember’s words, but it was short-lived. In the next instant, Ember was reaching out, her fingers curling around Yolani’s chin as she tilted her face up to meet her gaze.

There was a predatory look in Ember’s eyes, a hunger that made Yolani’s breath catch in her throat. “This is going to be much more interesting than I thought,” Ember purred, her thumb brushing across Yolani’s lower lip. “And you, Yolani... You are very interesting indeed.”

Yolani’s cheeks burned as she stepped back, putting some much-needed distance between herself and Ember.

She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “So, are we going to make the modifications?” she asked, her voice steadier than she felt. “And if so, will I be allowed to help, considering the laws about making changes to the city?”

Ember chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent shivers down Yolani’s spine. “This is authorization,” she said, her eyes glinting with amusement. “I’ve already sent word to the Theotechnicians to get started.”

Yolani blinked, surprise etched on her features. “How?”

Ember shrugged, her wings rustling softly. “They are my followers, after all,” she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I am in touch with them.”

Yolani nodded slowly, trying to process this new information. She had assumed that the Theotechnicians were a separate entity, bound by their own laws and regulations. But if they were Ember’s followers...

Ember tilted her head, studying Yolani with a curious expression. “Aren’t you able to communicate with your Demi-Divine?” she asked, her voice taking on a note of concern. “As her Oracle, it’s strange for you to be out of contact with her.”

Yolani’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Elania. She had been trying not to think about her, trying to focus on the task at hand. But now, with Ember’s words ringing in her ears, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry.

Yolani took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. “We’re working on it,” she said, her voice wavering slightly. “Elania just got [Divine Communion]. It’s all very new to us.”

Ember’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but then a mischievous glint appeared in her eye. She took a step closer, invading Yolani’s personal space. “Well then,” she purred, her voice low and sultry, “Elania wouldn’t know if things got really fun, would she?”

Yolani’s breath caught in her throat as Ember’s fingers trailed up her cheek, the touch sending shivers down her spine. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “Ember, please...” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “Stop.”

Ember laughed, the sound rich and throaty. She stepped back, her wings rustling softly as she turned away. “Oh, this is going to be very fun,” she said, her tone laced with amusement. “Come on, rabbit. We have an auxiliary control line to install.”

Yolani nodded, her heart still pounding in her chest.

She followed Ember out of the room, trying to ignore the way her skin tingled where the Crimson Aegis had touched her.

As they walked, she couldn’t help but wonder what Ember had meant by “fun.”

The thought made her stomach flutter with trepidation.

Ember led her into the main workshop, a bustling hive of activity.

Engineers and workers scurried about, hauling crates and tinkering with various contraptions. The air was filled with the clang of metal and the hiss of steam, a symphony of industry that was both chaotic and strangely harmonious.

The Tower wove through the crowd with ease, her wings tucked close to her body to avoid knocking over any delicate equipment. Yolani followed close behind, dodging workers and trying to keep up with the brisk pace.

As they approached a group of workers gathered around a large table, Yolani noticed they were assembling an array of tools and materials. Pipes, valves, and coils of copper wire were laid out in neat rows, along with an assortment of wrenches, pliers, and other implements. She assumed these were the supplies they would need for the thermo-regulator job.

Ember came to a stop beside a man who was hunched over an artifice forge, his face smudged with soot and his hands blackened with grease. He looked up as they approached, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of the Crimson Aegis.

“Soren, my Oracle, and master of Artifice here,” Ember said, gesturing to the man. “This is Yolani, The new Spark’s Oracle. She’ll be assisting us with the thermo-regulator modifications.”

Soren straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag tucked into his belt.

He gave Yolani an appraising look, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, before he nodded. “A pleasure,” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Yolani felt a flush creep up her neck at his words. She wasn’t sure what he had heard, but judging by the glint in his eye, it was probably nothing good.

Actually, did all of Ember’s followers learn everything she wanted through telepathy? It was unsettling, but it was impossible to draw parallels with how the Neftasu Guards operated before the war had shattered the communication web the city way stones had provided.

She cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice steady. “It’s nice to meet you, Soren,” she said, extending her hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Soren took her hand, his grip firm and calloused. “Likewise,” he said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Yolani’s eyes slide to the forge he had been working at. She spotted a glowing mana shard held delicately in a pair of tongs. She turned to Soren, her voice filled with awe. “Did you just forge a new mana shard?”

Soren nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Of course I did,” he said matter-of-factly. “We’ll need them for the work - buffers along a new feed line to handle the extra pressure on the thermo-compressor.”

Yolani blinked, her mind racing to catch up. No one just ‘created’ mana shards. She’d spent years trying to figure out how to meld the crystals together, with no luck. Only the Celestial Engine’s dungeon output provided them as rewards to adventurers who braved Neftasu’s dungeon.

Questions plagued her. “How did you—”

Ember’s laughter cut through the workshop, rich and melodic. “Running a flying city develops a certain type of skill set for those who keep it in the air,” she explained, her wings rustling softly. “It’s been this way for thousands of years.”

Yolani felt a mix of emotions swirling within her - impressed by the level of expertise, afraid of the sheer magnitude of the task at hand, and excited to be a part of something so monumental.

She looked at the mana shard, its soft glow casting a pale light on Soren’s face. The intricacies of the city’s workings were far beyond anything she had ever encountered in Neftasu.

But… they were also primitive. She’d already seen dozens of improvements to make in just about every system. Had the two cities had such different experiences that they went down to parallel lines of hyper-specialization?

Excitement boiled inside the back of her head. There was so much they could learn from each other!

Soren set the tongs down, the mana shard clinking softly against the metal surface of the workbench. “We’ll need to calibrate the buffers carefully,” he said, his brow furrowing in concentration. “Too much pressure, and the entire system could overload. Too little, and it won’t be effective.”

Ember nodded, her expression serious. “I know an expert,” she said, turning to face the young artificer.

Yolani swallowed. Well, what was a firearm other than the carefully applied pressure of expanding mana and gas?

*

Elania gritted her teeth as the wind whipped against her face, her red hair streaming behind her like a banner. She finally channeled her [Divine Power] and [Demonic Aura] to create a wedge in front of her, allowing her to breathe in the face of the relentless pressure.

A moment later, Arlois’ voice somehow carried over the roaring wind, shouting back at her, “Spark, I’m impressed you can keep up!”

Unable to respond due to the intense force, Elania focused on the rolling green hills that stretched out in every direction beneath them.

They soared past numerous quaint villages, their details blurred by the sheer speed of their flight. As they passed over a town, Elania’s sharp eyes caught sight of smoke rising from its center, but they were too high up to discern any specifics.

In the distance, an even larger town came into view, bustling with activity and teeming with wagons. Arlois descended slightly, giving Elania a better view of the lively settlement. In the middle of the settlement, Arlois came to a halt, and Elania flared her wings to stop beside her in midair.

“What’s happening?” Elania asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Arlois pointed to the south, her expression focused. “We’re almost there, but we need to change direction.”

Elania nodded, making a mental note that even Demi-Divines didn’t possess perfect mental maps of locations and relied on landmarks like the town below to navigate.

She adjusted her course, following Arlois’ lead.

They shot southward, the terrain beneath them transitioning from lush greenery to a more coastal landscape.

In the far distance, Elania thought she could make out the glimmering expanse of the ocean, recalling the map she and Yolani had once studied together. The Fire Seas?

As they approached their destination, Elania’s eyes widened at the sight of a massive hole in the ground filled with sand and water. They landed beside it, the wind from their wings stirring up small eddies in the sand.

“Where’s the village that reported the beast?” Elania asked, scanning the area for any signs of life.

Arlois gestured towards the gaping hole. “You’re looking at it.”

Elania did a double-take, searching for any indication of an underwater village or hidden settlement.

Realization dawned on her, and a chill ran down her spine. The village had been wiped out. That had been in the report, Arlois had told her, but it hadn’t really sunk in. Not until now.

“What kind of ‘land beast’ is it?” Elania asked, her voice tight with apprehension.

Arlois laughed, a sound that seemed out of place in the desolate surroundings. “You’ll find out soon enough.” She then held up a hand, her expression turning serious. “But for now, be quiet. I need to focus.”

Elania watched as golden energy began to surround Arlois, the air around her shimmering with power. Instinctively, Elania scooted away to a safe distance, her eyes fixed on the spectacle unfolding before her.

Suddenly, a pillar of light erupted from Arlois, shooting high into the sky and then flying outward in a growing ring. Like a radar ping.

Elania’s mind raced, trying to make sense of what she was witnessing.

As quickly as it had appeared, the pillar of light vanished, and Arlois turned to face Elania, her expression determined. She pointed to the east, her voice firm. “We need to follow it that way.”

They left a pair of dazzling golden streaks as they soared across the sky.

Despite the breathtaking view, Elania remained vigilant, unsure of when they would encounter the arcane beast. An hour passed before Arlois suddenly halted, extending her arm to point at something in the distance.

Elania’s gaze followed Arlois’ gesture, and her eyes widened as she spotted a massive crustacean.

Its enormous shell gleamed in the sunlight, and its powerful claws looked capable of crushing boulders. Internally, Elania couldn’t help but think it was some sort of joke. The creature resembled an oversized crab.

Activating her [System Analysis], Elania scanned the creature.

[Megabeast - Digger Crab]

She turned to Arlois, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Seriously, is that the ‘land beast’ we’re after?”

Arlois nodded, her expression serious. “Indeed, it is.”

Elania’s amusement faded as she took in the sheer size of the crab and recalled the devastation it had wrought on the village.

This was no laughing matter.

She turned to Arlois. “How are we going to deal with it?”

Arlois laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You can figure it out. Consider it your punishment for the arena incident.”

Elania felt a flare of annoyance at Arlois’ dismissive attitude, but she quickly pushed it aside.

How much of her abilities she should reveal to Arlois?

The Purple Wing had so far been more of an ally than not.

But the same could have been said of the Neftasu Magisters at a certain point.

Keswick’s betrayal had taught her to be wary of ‘power’ figures.

The ‘strategic’ laser beam probably wasn’t needed.

No matter what course of action she chose, it would cost her resources. She could either expend [Power] from her mana shards or tap into her own [Divine Power].

Frustrated, she turned to Arlois, seeking guidance. “What do you think I should do?”

Arlois merely laughed, her eyes glinting with amusement. She offered no response, leaving Elania to fend for herself.

Annoyance surged through Elania, and she gritted her teeth. If Arlois wasn’t going to help, she would handle this on her own.

Determined, Elania flew towards the [Digger Crab], reaching over her shoulder to grab Eziel. She unsheathed the sword, holding it aloft. “Wake up, Eziel!” she yelled, pushing [Divine Power] into the blade.

[What do you want, Godling?]

Eziel’s voice echoed in her mind, tinged with irritation.

Elania pointed the sword at the massive crustacean. “We need to defeat that crab.”

[Why not just blow it up and be done with it? Why bother me with trivialities?]

Elania’s frustration reached a boiling point. Without thinking, she hurled Eziel at the crab, putting all her strength behind the throw. The sword soared through the air, glinting in the sunlight.

[This is not the proper way to treat me, Godling!]

Suddenly, the sword began to glow, a brilliant light emanating from its blade.

Eziel accelerated, becoming a streak of radiance as he shot forward like a missile. In a flash, he punched through the crab’s head, emerging from the other side like a lance of pure energy. The crab’s exoskeleton shattered, and its lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

Eziel arced through the air, returning to Elania’s hand with a satisfying smack.

Well, that was that.

Arlois caught up to her, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion. She pointed at the sword in Elania’s hand, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Where did that come from?”

Elania glanced down at Eziel, unsure of how to respond. Suddenly, the sword’s voice echoed in her mind.

[I don’t wish to be revealed to them, Godling. Just say I’m your magic sword.]

Nodding subtly, Elania looked back at Arlois, her expression neutral. “It’s just my magic sword,” she said, her tone casual.

Arlois grunted, seeming to accept the explanation. She turned her gaze to the horizon, her brow furrowed. “We have more to do. The Digger Crabs often come out of the ocean during mating season by the dozen, but they are much too early this year. That explains why no one is dealing with them.”

Elania’s curiosity piqued, and she opened her mouth to ask who would typically handle the crabs. But before she could voice her question, her attention was drawn to the fallen creature’s corpse. She turned to Arlois, her eyes gleaming with interest. “Is it worth anything?”

Arlois considered the question, her gaze assessing the crab’s massive form. After a moment, she nodded. “Yes, but how will you hope to carry it back to Contia?”

Elania’s shoulders slumped as realization dawned on her. She had no answer to the problem. Determined to find a solution, she flew down to the crab’s body and touched it, her [Lesser Demon] ability activating.

Arlois watched, her eyes widening in shock as the crab’s body began to dissolve, its essence flowing into Elania. “What did you do?” she asked.

Elania looked up, a smile playing on her lips. “I can use my Lesser Demon ability to absorb the dead,” she explained. Elania watched her HUD and [Divine Power] gauge. It went up a single point. [Power] really didn’t like to transfer into [Divine Power] without massive loss.

But her mana shards were full already, so there was not much else she could do with it.

As the last of the crab’s essence merged with her own, a system message popped up before Elania’s eyes.

[You have gained the skill: Underwater Breathing!]

Elania frowned. Why was that a skill and not a perk?

They spent the remainder of the day hunting Digger Crabs, their combined efforts yielding far more than a dozen of the massive crustaceans.

With each fallen crab, Elania absorbed their essence, her [Underwater Breathing] ranking up while she also gained several levels.

As the sun began to set, Elania expected them to return to Contia.

Instead, Arlois led them to the top of a hill, where they made camp for the night. Elania watched as Arlois effortlessly conjured a campfire, the flames casting a warm glow across the hilltop.

“Why aren’t we staying somewhere more comfortable?” Elania asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Arlois shrugged, settling down beside the fire. “It would be more trouble than it’s worth,” she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

Elania hugged her knees to her chest, curling her wings around herself. Despite her newfound power, she missed the comforts of a proper bed. And a certain warm, soft girl.

She didn’t feel tired or the need to sleep, but the darkness made hunting impossible. She noticed that some of her skills, like [Darkvision], which had been so useful underground, seemed less effective in the outdoors under the stars and at long distance.

As they sat around the campfire, Arlois began to share a story. “The Digger Crabs weren’t always like this,” she said, her voice taking on a wistful tone. “Long ago, they were friendly creatures, bringing fish to the villages and helping to sustain the people.”

Elania leaned forward, intrigued by the tale. “What changed?” she asked.

Arlois sighed, her expression somber. “About five hundred years ago, a Demi-Divine from the east came and hunted them down. Since then, the crabs have turned against the villages, destroying as many as they can.”

Elania felt a pang of sadness at the thought of the once-friendly creatures driven to such destructive behavior. She wondered what had motivated the eastern Demi-Divine to hunt them.

They continued their hunt for the Digger Crabs the following morning, their efforts yielding several more of the massive crustaceans.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Arlois finally called a halt to their hunt, declaring that they had done enough.

Elania nodded, but looked at the last victim of their hunt.

Maybe she could figure out a way to carry it back?

“Just give me a few minutes. I want this one,” Elania said.

The Purple Wing raised an eyebrow. “And how do you plan to carry it?”

A smile played on Elania’s lips as an idea formed in her mind.

She made her way to the nearby forest. Closing her eyes, she focused on combining her [Demonic Aura] and [Basic Handcrafting] skills, reaching out with her mind to gather fibers from the surrounding vines and plants.

As if guided by an invisible force, the fibers wove themselves into primitive ropes, growing thicker and longer with each passing moment.

When Elania opened her eyes, she was greeted by a sight that left her stunned. The entire area of the forest looked stripped bare, save for the trees themselves. Little critters and animals fled into the deeper parts of the woods, startled by the sudden change in their environment.

Arlois approached, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. She muttered under her breath, “You shouldn’t mention this to Elysia, or she might be annoyed.”

Elania nodded, surprised at how well her idea had worked.

The ropes, as if possessing a life of their own, looped around the crab’s massive corpse, trussing it. There was even a loop at the top for her to grab hold of.

With a mighty flap of her wings, Elania lifted the crab into the air. The weight was substantial, but not impossible for her to manage.

Arlois couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, shaking her head in disbelief. “This is ridiculous.”

*

As Contia came into view, Elania felt the weight of the massive crab taking its toll on her body.

Her wings, once seemingly tireless, now ached with the strain of carrying such a heavy burden for so long.

It was a new sensation for her.

Elania’s wings faltered as she touched down on the island Arlois had led her to. The weight of the massive crab carcass slipped from her grasp, thudding heavily onto the ground.

“This is where large kills and such must be brought for processing,” Arlois explained, gesturing to the surrounding buildings.

Elania wiped the sweat from her brow as she landed. The relief was immediate. “Is there some standardized procedure for this?”

Arlois laughed, the sound ringing out in the open air. “Yes, for arcane creatures or large ones, they must be processed by the Butcher’s Guild. They take possession, and you get a royalty payment later.”

She pointed to the sky, where an airship floated lazily overhead. “Normal shipments of game and meat come from airships at regular intervals every other day, but things like this require following procedure.”

Of course. Contia loved its procedures.

A man emerged from a nearby building, a ledger tucked under his arm. He approached the two Demi-Divine, nodding respectfully.

Arlois gestured to Elania. “She’s the one who brought in the crab.”

The man handed Elania a card; the edges were crisp and new. “You can bring this to the bank in one week,” he informed her. “Your fee for collecting the creature should be deposited into that account by then.”

Elania turned the card over in her hands, studying it curiously. It was made of the same paper that her scrit and crit were.

The man with the ledger walked away, leaving Elania and Arlois alone with the massive crab carcass.

“I’ll be in touch soon,” Arlois said, her tone businesslike. “There will be more work for you.”

Elania raised an eyebrow. “More work? What kind of work?”

Arlois smirked. “You’ll find out when I contact you. Until then, enjoy your new home.”

With that, the Purple Wing took to the sky, her wings carrying her effortlessly into the air.

Elania watched her go, a mix of curiosity and exhaustion swirling in her mind. What could Arlois possibly want from her?

She shook her head, too tired to dwell on it. The thought of walking back to the estate made her mind ache even more. No, she wouldn’t walk. She’d fly.

Elania leaped into the air, her wings carrying her swiftly towards Arlois. The other Demi-Divine slowed, hovering in place as she turned to face Elania with a raised eyebrow.

“Fly me to the estate,” Elania said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t want to walk.”

Arlois scoffed. “And why should I waste my time doing that?”

Elania grinned. “Because if you don’t, I’ll follow you around all day. I won’t leave you alone until you take me home.”

Arlois made a noise somewhere between a groan and a sigh. “Okay, Spark. Mother shall take you home and make sure you’re tucked in bed.”

She turned, leading the way back towards the Cloud District and Elania’s estate. Elania followed with a smile, ignoring the provocation.

As they touched down outside the estate, Elania turned to Arlois. “Thanks for being an excellent host.”

Arlois rolled her eyes, but Elania thought she saw a hint of a smile on her lips. “Don’t get used to it, Spark.”

With that, she took off, her wings carrying her swiftly away.

As Elania stepped into the estate, Darius greeted her with a bow. “Welcome back, Lady Elania. Several messages have arrived for you during your absence. Lady Yolani has taken them to your room.”

Elania nodded, fatigue clear in her posture. “Thank you, Darius. I’m quite tired from the day’s events. I’ll be resting in my room.”

She made her way up the stairs. When she reached the door to her room, she turned the handle and pushed it open, only to freeze in shock at the sight before her.

The room had undergone a complete transformation.

Artifice benches and gadgets littered the space, accompanied by discarded projects, books, and various other items strewn about. The sheer volume of objects far exceeded what they had brought from Neftasu.

How in the world had it accumulated so quickly?

Yolani was hunched over a workbench, deeply engrossed in a project involving a round piece of metal and crystal.

“Yolani, what happened here?” Elania asked.

Yolani quickly shushed her, holding up a hand.

Elania watched as Yolani focused intently on the round piece of metal and crystal before her, using two long sticks to prod and manipulate it with precision.

Suddenly, with a soft click, the object came to life, floating up into the air and hovering at face level. Elania’s eyes widened in amazement as the device emitted a warm, golden glow, illuminating Yolani’s face with its soft light.

Yolani moved her hand, and the floating ball followed her direction, settling in the air above their heads like a miniature sun.

“That took a while,” Yolani muttered.

The artificer turned to Elania, a proud smile on her face, and stepped forward to embrace her. “I’m glad you’re back.”

She froze a few feet away.

Elania blinked, and realized Yolani was covered in a layer of oil and grime, most of it concentrated on her hands, but there were also long smears on her cheeks and forehead.

That didn’t stop a grin from appearing. Actually, the disheveled look was sort of… hot.

“Maybe we should grab that extra room for you after all,” Elania suggested, gesturing to the cluttered space around them. “If things are going to fill up more, it might be a good idea.”

Yolani laughed weakly, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, maybe I can turn it into a workshop,” she mused, glancing around at the various projects and supplies scattered throughout the room. “It would be nice to have a dedicated space.”

Elania smiled at Yolani, then glanced to the connected master bath. “You should take a bath,” she suggested.

Yolani wrinkled her nose, a playful glint in her eye. “Maybe you should take a bath first,” she countered, sniffing the air. “Why do you smell like rotten cavefish?”

Elania’s eyes widened, and she lifted her arm, sniffing under her armpit. The pungent odor of rotten fish assaulted her nostrils, confirming Yolani’s observation. “I had to fight giant crabs,” she explained, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

Yolani blinked, staring at Elania in disbelief. “Giant... crabs?” she repeated, her tone a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Elania nodded, recalling the battle with the massive creatures. Yolani opened her mouth, then hesitated before asking, “Was it bad?”

Shaking her head, Elania reassured her, “It wasn’t.”

She paused for a moment, considering the events of the day. “Eziel is somehow hiding himself from the other Demi-Divines for some reason,” she mentioned, her brow furrowing in thought. “That might be why he’s ‘sleeping’ so much.”

Yolani nodded, understanding dawning on her face. “That makes sense a bit,” she agreed. “I won’t mention him again.”

Elania’s expression turned pensive. “It’s odd, because they should have noticed. It wasn’t like I hid him or anything.”

“It might just be a [Divine] skill or Eziel’s own abilities hiding him,” Yolani suggested, her eyes narrowing in thought.

Elania watched as Yolani’s gaze swept over the various artifice items scattered throughout the room.

“I found out a few things, too,” Yolani said, her voice filled with anticipation. “For one, it’s possible that a certain new Demi-Divine can become a tower in Contia.”

Elania’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. “Who?” she asked, a sense of unease creeping into her voice. “Should we be worried?”

Yolani pointed at Elania, a smile playing on her lips. “You!”

Elania stared at her, dumbfounded. Yolani explained, “Any resident Demi-Divine that lives in the city for long enough and is approved by the current towers can become one.”

Shock coursed through Elania’s veins as she processed the information. The thought of becoming a Tower, of taking on such a significant role in Contia’s governance, was… a bit heavy.

She shook her head, her voice hesitant as she spoke. “I’m not really sure that’s what I want to do.”

Yolani nodded, understanding etched on her face. “It’s something to know and think about long term,” she reassured Elania. “We don’t need to rush into it, and it might not even be a good idea.”

Elania nodded, her mind still reeling from the revelation. As she looked around the room, her gaze fell upon the bath again. She turned to Yolani, a playful glint in her eyes. “How about we take a bath together?”

Yolani blinked, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. “Yes, we could do that,” she stammered, her voice wavering slightly. “Nothing abnormal about washing together.”

Elania smirked, leaning in close to Yolani. She whispered something in her ear, her breath warm against Yolani’s skin.

Yolani’s face turned a deep scarlet, her eyes widening as Elania’s words registered.

Elania laughed with delight, her voice ringing out in the room as she reveled in Yolani’s flustered reaction.

*

A crisp breeze whipped through the streets of Contia as Elania and Yolani made their way toward the airship wharfs.

The sky was a muted gray, heavy with the promise of an approaching cold front. Elania pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, while using a wing to shield them from the gusty wind that tugged at their hair.

As they neared the wharfs, the sight of dozens of large ships docking and departing came into view. Elania’s eyes widened, taking in the impressive vessels with their expansive canvas balloons holding them between the jetties that reached out like wooden fingers.

The wooden hulls creaked and groaned as they swayed gently in the wind, tethered to the sturdy docks.

Yolani grabbed Elania’s arm, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. “Look at the wood!” she exclaimed, pointing at one of the ships. “They’re definitely made of wood, aren’t they?”

Elania nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Yeah, they are,” she agreed, studying the intricate craftsmanship of the vessel. “It’s probably artificed or something.”

Yolani let out a squeal of delight, her raven-black hair whipping around her face in the wind. “Artifice wood? That’s incredible!” She bounced on the balls of her feet, her enthusiasm palpable.

Elania glanced around at the bustling activity surrounding them.

People hurried back and forth, loading and unloading cargo from the ships. The sound of shouted orders and the clanking of equipment filled the air.

“We should get a closer look at one of the docked ships,” Elania suggested.

Yolani’s eyes lit up at the idea. “Yes, let’s do that!” she agreed eagerly.

The scent of salt and tar mingled with the crisp, cool air, and Elania found herself invigorated by the energy that buzzed around them.

Their footsteps echoed slightly on the long wooden bridge that extended from the floating island parallel to the ship’s side. The bridge was wide enough to provide access for unloading and loading cargo, although there wasn’t anything underway.

As they walked, Elania noticed the curious glances directed at them.

Being a Demi-Divine, she was getting used to attracting attention, but the intensity of the stares from the sailors on the ship was different. They seemed slightly alarmed by her presence. Before they could reach the ramp, two of them moved swiftly to block their path.

“What brings you here?” one of the sailors asked, his tone guarded.

Elania offered a friendly smile. “We’re interested in airships and would like to take a closer look, if possible.”

The sailor who had spoken glanced at his female companion, a silent exchange passing between them. The woman nodded and turned to Elania. “I’ll go get the captain. Please wait here.”

Elania inclined her head in understanding. “Of course. We appreciate your assistance.”

As the female sailor disappeared into the ship, the man who had stopped them shifted his stance. “It could be awhile. You’ll have to wait here until the captain arrives. No one unauthorized can board.”

Elania nodded. She and Yolani studied the ship from where they stood.

The vessel was an even more impressive sight up close.

A row of small metal holes lined the bottom of the ship, and she spotted two propellers at the back. She assumed they were for thrust while the purple holes were for lift, suggesting that the balloon wasn’t the only source of the ship’s ability to stay aloft.

Yolani leaned in close to Elania, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m pretty sure you were right! The wood would have to be reinforced somehow to hold the weight of that metal properly.”

Elania hummed in agreement, enjoying her Yolani’s excitement.

After another ten minutes of gushing about craftsmanship and wood, a group of men descended from the ship, their steps confident and purposeful.

As they approached, Elania noticed the distinct uniforms they wore, marking them as the captain and officers of the vessel. The captain, a tall man with a well-trimmed beard, stepped forward and extended his hand in greeting.

“Welcome,” he said, his voice deep and authoritative. “I understand you’re interested in looking around the ship?”

Elania shook his hand firmly, meeting his gaze with a smile. “Yes, we are. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity.”

The captain nodded, gesturing towards the ship. “You’re welcome to explore while supervised. One of my officers will accompany you.”

Yolani’s eyes lit up with excitement, and Elania could feel her eagerness radiating off her in waves. With a gentle wave of her hand, Elania encouraged Yolani to go ahead. “Go on, Yolani. I know you’re dying to see the artificed wood up close.”

Yolani grinned, practically bouncing on her feet as she followed the officer towards the ship.

Elania turned her attention back to the captain. “Sir, if you don’t mind, I have a few questions about the airships and how they serve Contia. Would you be willing to answer them?”

The captain regarded her for a moment before nodding. “Of course. What would you like to know?”

Elania gestured towards the impressive vessel. “How much would a ship like yours cost?”

To her surprise, the captain let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, I don’t actually own this ship. I’m just the captain.”

Elania raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I see. So, what would the cost be for a ship of this size?”

The captain stroked his beard thoughtfully. “A ship like this? It’s worth around one hundred thousand crit, give or take.”

Elania’s eyes widened, and she let out a low whistle. “That’s... a significant amount.”

The captain nodded, a knowing smile on his face. “It is. Smaller ships cost less, of course, but all airships are quite expensive. Maintaining them and keeping them powered is a constant effort. Falling behind on that makes them dangerous to operate.”

Elania absorbed the information, her mind already considering the implications. The cost and maintenance of the airships were clearly no small matter, and she found herself even more intrigued by the role they played in Contia’s society.

Elania smiled at the captain, her curiosity piqued by the financial aspects of operating an airship. “If you don’t mind me asking, how much income does a ship like yours bring in each day or month, on average?”

The captain frowned, his brow furrowing as he considered the question.

Noticing his hesitation, Elania hurriedly added, “I’m not asking for any specifics on your ship’s contracts or anything. I’d just like a general idea.”

The captain’s expression relaxed, and he nodded in understanding. “A ship like mine might make ten thousand crit a month, before maintenance expenses, which would likely be half of that.”

Elania’s eyes widened slightly, impressed by the figures. “Thank you for sharing that. It’s not a terrible return on investment, considering the cost of the ship.”

The captain looked at her, surprise clear on his face. “I’m impressed with your financial knowledge,” he admitted. “It’s true that an airship could return its price after a year or two of full operations. It’s just a risky endeavor due to the dangers we face.”

Risks. That was an important bit of information to figure out.

“What kind of risks are involved in operating an airship?” she asked, genuinely curious to learn more about the challenges faced by the crews.

The captain’s gaze shifted towards the airship.

“The worst threat we face is air pirates,” he explained, his voice grave. “They sometimes prowl for lone airships that aren’t protected. Then there are sky drakes, which can be territorial.”

“Of course, there are also thieves and the like in the various ports,” he continued, “although the local countryside around Contia is generally safe. And when we’re landed, there’s always the worry of arcane beasts. The artifice can attract them.”

Elania nodded, taking in the information. “How hard is it to find work and contracts?”

To her surprise, the captain chuckled. “There isn’t a day when I don’t get three new requests and can only fill one of them. Every airship that can float receives the same.”

He explained that the shipyard guild could only produce a few ships per year due to shortages of the wood required to build their hulls. “The wood needs to be light, yet strong enough to carry the loads of the artifice engine and cargo.”

Behind the captain, Elania spotted Yolani bouncing back down the ramp. Elania waved to her, a smile on her face.

Turning back to the captain, she expressed her gratitude. “Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your candor very much.”

“Of course,” he replied with a nod.

She realized she hadn’t asked his name. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name earlier.”

“I’m Captain Narbor,” he introduced himself, “and the ship is the Farwind. I hope you’ll remember us if you ever need to have a large cargo load delivered or retrieved.”

Yolani said her farewells to her officer escort and Captain Narbor, and then they headed back down the jetty toward the wharfs.

Yolani’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she babbled about all the things she had discovered and learned on the Farwind.

“The artificed wood is absolutely incredible!” Yolani gushed, her hands gesturing animatedly. “The way they’ve managed to infuse it with magic to make it both lightweight and durable is just mind-blowing. And the engine room! Oh, Elania, you should have seen it. The intricacy of the artifice work is extremely balanced!”

Elania smiled, having just about no clue about what the other girl was talking about, despite having gained a rank in Artifice herself. The best she knew was how to manipulate a shock-crystal—brutally and with force.

It was nice to see the girl she loved excited and chattering about her craft, and the airships had clearly ignited a fire within her.

As they were about to turn back and head to the estate, something caught Elania’s eye.

She paused, her gaze fixed on two small airships that looked old and broken. Their balloons were deflated, and they weren’t even floating. Instead, they rested on the island itself, as if they were no longer airworthy.

“Yolani, look over there,” Elania said, pointing towards the dilapidated vessels.

Yolani followed Elania’s gaze, her brow furrowing as she took in the sight of the battered ships. “Hmm, they look like they’ve seen better days,” she remarked. “Maybe they’re just scrap waiting to be salvaged.”

Elania tilted her head, studying the ships with a curious glint in her golden eyes. “Perhaps,” she mused, “but I think we should investigate.”

Yolani raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Going to lead us into trouble?” she teased, playfully nudging Elania with her elbow.

Elania grinned, her heart fluttering at the sight of Yolani’s smile. “But that’s why you love me, right?” she quipped.

Yolani rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her gaze betrayed her true feelings. “Let’s go check them out,” she agreed.

As they approached, the two broken airships, the extent of their disrepair became even more apparent.

The vessels looked worse up close, with their deflated balloons and battered hulls. Elania spotted a man who appeared to be the drydock manager and made her way over to him.

“Excuse me,” Elania greeted the manager with a friendly smile. “I couldn’t help but notice these two airships. Are they for sale?”

The manager nodded, his eyes widening slightly as he took in Elania’s appearance. “Yes, they are. Five hundred crit each, as is.”

Elania’s mind raced, considering the possibilities. “Is there any chance we could arrange a payment plan? Perhaps pay for them over time?”

The manager frowned, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “Well, since you’re a Demi-Divine, it might be possible. But I’d have to consult with the Bank of Contia and one of the Towers first.”

Elania’s eyes lit up. “Maybe the Purple, or Red?”

As Elania conversed with the manager, Yolani inspected the scrap, her keen artificer’s eye assessing the damage.

The artificer returned to Elania’s side after a thorough inspection, and they stepped away to talk in private.

“Elania, these ships are in terrible shape,” Yolani said, her voice low. “It would cost a fortune to repair them.”

Elania’s heart sank, the idea of owning an airship seeming to slip away. But then Yolani leaned in closer, a conspiratorial glint in her green eyes.

“However… I tested one of the planks,” she whispered excitedly. “If I use your [Divine Power] and my Priestess of Artifice ability, I think I could restore them to full function in a day or two, including all the artifice flight controls.”

Elania’s eyes widened, her excitement reigniting. “Really? That’s incredible, Yolani!”

A grin spread across Yolani’s face, mirroring Elania’s own.

“Now we just need a crew,” Elania mused, her mind already racing with possibilities.

Together, the two girls turned their beaming smiles towards the shipyard manager, their eyes sparkling at the potential of owning their very own airships.

*

Elania walked across the bridge connecting the Neftasu refugee island to the one housing the Neftasu Guard. Yolani strode beside her, while Lucas escorted them across.

They had a meeting scheduled with Captain Montlas and his sergeants, including Sergeant Harlock.

Elania couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief knowing that Harlock had survived the ordeal in Neftasu. She had grown to respect the man during their time working together, and his presence at the meeting probably meant they would have one receptive ear.

Yolani glanced at Elania, her green eyes filled with a mix of determination and apprehension. “I hope the Ironfist will be interested in our proposal,” she said, her voice low enough for only Elania to hear.

Elania nodded, meeting Yolani’s gaze. “From what I understand, they’re in a tough place right now. They’ll likely accept our offer.”

Yolani frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. “It’s not good to hold someone over a barrel and pilfer their pockets.”

Elania sighed, understanding Yolani’s concerns. “I know, but they’re getting a good deal too. We talked about it, right?”

Darius had suggested they offer half of what they actually planned. But Yolani had argued that low payment wouldn’t endear the company to them.

Yolani nodded, a hint of resignation in her expression. “Yes, but they aren’t going to have much choice in the matter. Even if we pay them well, they might be resentful later.”

As they stepped onto the island, Elania’s heart started racing as she took in the sight of the refugee camp. A crowd of civilians rushed toward them, their faces alight with joy and gratitude.

They reached out to touch her, their voices rising in a chorus of praise and thanks.

“Lady Elania, thank you for saving us!”

“Bless you, Lady Elania! You’re our savior!”

The rush of [Divine Power] that surged through Elania’s veins was intoxicating, but it was also overwhelming.

The press of bodies around her was suffocating, and she felt a flicker of panic rising in her chest. Lucas tried to push through the crowd, but the throng of people was too dense.

Yolani clung to Elania’s arm, her presence a grounding force amidst the chaos. “It’s okay,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd. “Just breathe.”

A group of Ironfist mercenaries pushed their way through the crowd, their armor glinting in the sunlight. They formed a protective circle around Elania and Yolani.

“Make way!” one of them shouted, his voice booming over the clamor. “Let Lady Elania through!”

The crowd parted reluctantly, and Elania felt a rush of relief as they made their way towards a nearby building. It was a makeshift headquarters for the Ironfist, and as they stepped inside, the noise of the crowd faded to a dull roar.

Elania leaned against the wall, her heart still pounding in her chest. She glanced at Yolani, who was watching her with concern.

“Are you okay?” Yolani asked, her hand still gripping Elania’s arm.

Elania nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Yeah, I just... I wasn’t expecting that.”

She looked around the room, taking in the sight of the Ironfist mercenaries who had come to her aid. They looked tired and battle-worn, but there was a steel in their eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“Thank you,” Elania said, her voice still shaky. “For getting us out of there.”

The mercenaries nodded, their expressions grim but determined. “Anything for you, Lady Elania,” one of them said, his voice gruff but sincere. “You saved us all.”

She nodded politely, but deep down it was the same savior worship. She was starting to hate it…

They were led down a hall toward Captain Montlas’ office. Harlock and the young mercenary, Kael, stood guard at the door, their presence a reassuring reminder of the bonds they had forged in Neftasu. Elania let Yolani handle the greetings, and then they slipped inside.

The captain and his men were already inside, seated at a long rectangular table. Montlas greeted them with a nod, his expression guarded as he gestured for them to take a seat.

“Lady Elania, Yolani,” Montlas said. “I understand you have a proposal for us.”

Elania nodded, her eyes meeting Montlas’ gaze. “We do. But first, I wanted to thank you for your help in Neftasu. Not as many would have made it out without the Ironfist.”

Montlas’ expression softened slightly, and he nodded in acknowledgement. “We did what we had to do. But I won’t lie. Things have been tough since we got here. Contia’s restrictions on organized mercenary groups have made it difficult for us to find work.”

Elania leaned forward, her voice earnest. “That’s why we’re here. We have need of an organized group of men that can perform services for us, and these services won’t violate any of the city’s regulations.”

Montlas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “What kind of services are we talking about?”

Elania glanced at Yolani, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“We need help with security, logistics, and maybe even some construction work. Nothing that would go against Contia’s laws,” Elania said.

Montlas considered her words for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. “And why not use the Neftasu Guard? They’re nominally under your control now, aren’t they?”

Elania nodded, her expression serious as she turned to Yolani, signaling for her to speak.

“The Neftasu Guard are considered a foreign military unit, not mercenaries,” Yolani explained, her voice calm and measured. “The regulations on their presence in Contia are even more strict than those governing mercenary groups. They can’t carry out the type of duties we’re looking for.”

Montlas frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. “What about disbanding them? Surely they could work as individuals, rather than as a unit.”

Yolani shook her head, her expression grim. “Disbanded units working in groups are also a violation of Contia’s laws. It’s not an option.”

Elania spoke up then, her golden eyes flashing with determination. “It’s important, for reasons I can’t divulge, that the Neftasu Guard stay together as a single group. We can’t risk splitting them up or disbanding them entirely, even if it was permitted.”

Yolani nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting back to Montlas. “The Ironfist, on the other hand, aren’t under the same restrictions. Your numbers are smaller, and you were never mustered as a government-controlled unit. That gives you more flexibility in the eyes of Contia’s bureaucracy.”

Montlas leaned back in his chair, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Contia’s bureaucracy is very byzantine in its operation.”

Elania nodded, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. “I’m starting to see that. It’s a complex system, and not always… a fair one.”

Montlas regarded Elania and Yolani for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “I’m interested in hearing more about this job you need done. What exactly are you proposing?”

Elania smiled at the Ironfist sergeants and at Captain Montlas. “We’ve acquired certain assets,” she said, her voice steady and confident, “but we don’t have the manpower to operate them.”

Yolani leaned forward, her green eyes meeting Montlas’ gaze.

“With our funds, we’ve purchased two small airships,” she explained. “We’re proposing a revenue split with the company, 60/40, with you paying for your own wages, equipment, and maintenance needs.”

Montlas grunted, his brow furrowing as he considered the proposal. “That’s heavy-handed,” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. “Also, my men and I don’t have the artifice specialties for running Contia-type ships.”

Yolani nodded, her expression understanding. “The ships will only require three or four specialists,” she assured him, “and they will be provided. We’ve already located and contacted people we can trust. Artificers from Neftasu.”

Elania leaned forward, her voice earnest as she addressed the gathered mercenaries. “Most of the work the Ironfist will need to do relates to loading and unloading, security for the supplies and ships, and continuing to help the refugees.”

The sergeants exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful as they considered the proposal. Elania could sense their hesitation, but she could also see the glimmer in their eyes.

Montlas leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Elania and Yolani. “It’s an interesting proposal,” he said, his voice measured. “But I have some concerns about the logistics. How will we handle maintenance and repairs on the ships? And what about fuel costs?”

Elania glanced at Yolani, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. “We’ve already factored those costs into our calculations,” Elania said, her voice confident and assured. “And as for maintenance and repairs of the ships, Yolani will be taking care of them. To be clear, the costs for the ships will be on our side, not yours.”

After a moment, he grunted and fixed his gaze on the two of them. “What do the refugees have to do with the contract?” he asked.

“We’re likely going to have to help some of them to the surface, if other arrangements can’t be made,” Elania explained, her voice steady and confident. “If we can’t meet the financial cost of housing them in the city... There’s lots of space and it’s free on the surface, and they will have an easier time there if it comes to it.”

Montlas nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I see,” he said, his voice careful. “Seeing the evacuation to the end, then.”

Elania felt a flicker of surprise as Montlas turned to her, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and respect. “You’re taking good care of Neftasu’s people,” he said, his voice sincere. “That’s commendable. Especially considering how many might have treated you before.”

Elania smiled, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of fraudulence that washed over her. Their efforts to help the refugees were driven, at least in part, by her need to maintain the flow of [Divine Power] that sustained her.

It was a selfish motive, and one that she couldn’t help but feel guilty about.

Yolani spoke up. “We’ll also be interfacing with the Guard a bit, in relation to the refugees,” she said, her voice calm and measured. “In the best scenario, many will be staying on Contia and working in a new district.”

Elania nodded. “The Ironfist will probably need to be rehoused there as well once the month is out,” she added.

Montlas looked between Elania and Yolani, his eyes wide with surprise. “You are... building an entirely new district in the city?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Elania nodded, her expression confident. “We have enough people for it,” she said, her voice steady and assured. “It’s not actually a new island, but rehabilitation of one that has been abandoned. Our funding is currently stressed and not where it needs to be for that, but the operation of airships in Contia will help a lot.”

Elania’s golden eyes glinted with excitement. “We got the two ships cheap because they were nonfunctional, but Yolani was able to repair them easily, thanks to her new power.”

Yolani smiled. “We already have multiple passenger and cargo contracts ready with the Bank of Contia,” she said.

Elania leaned back and raised her chin. “When can you and your men get started?” she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Montlas looked to his sergeants, his expression thoughtful. Harlock spoke up first, his voice gruff but approving. “I think it’s a good idea,” he said, his eyes meeting Montlas’ gaze.

Another sergeant chimed in, his voice tinged with resignation. “What choice do we have? There’s no way for us to work in the city itself with the current laws.”

Montlas took a moment to consider, his brow furrowed in thought. Finally, he nodded, his expression resolute. “We accept,” he said, his voice firm and decisive.

Elania smiled. She stood and reached across the table, her hand outstretched towards Montlas.

He took it, his grip firm, and they shook hands, sealing the deal.

*

Elania and Yolani left the Ironfist headquarters, moving at a pace quick enough to avoid being noticed again.

As they made their way back towards the central island of Contia and the Cloud District, Yolani’s voice cut through the wind.

“Elania, I know you’re worried about Tessa, but maybe we shouldn’t get our hopes up,” she said, her green eyes filled with concern. “It might be better if we just find a solution to the problem instead of checking on her.”

Elania shook her head. “No, Yolani. We need to go check on her now,” she said, her voice resolute.

As they moved out of the refugee district, Elania felt a strange sensation in the back of her neck, like tiny needles pricking her skin. It didn’t hurt, but it felt odd, like a persistent itch she couldn’t scratch.

They reached the bridge that connected the district to the central island, and Elania’s eyes widened at the sight before her.

Lyra, the Blue Tower, stood near the bridge, flanked by a blue-robed man and several priestesses. A sizeable crowd had gathered around them, listening intently to their words.

Elania turned to Yolani, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What are they doing?”

Yolani’s eyes narrowed as she studied the scene before them. “It looks like they’re preaching,” she said, her voice tinged with suspicion.

As they approached the crowd, their frowns deepened.

Elania’s ears pricked up at the sound of Lyra’s voice, and she watched as the Tower turned to the people and asked them to listen to her Oracle, Orion.

The man in the blue robes stepped forward, his voice ringing out over the assembled crowd as he delivered a short sermon on why they should follow Lyra. He promised succor and a better life in Contia to any who came with them.

Elania’s heart sank as Lyra’s gaze met hers, a villainous smile playing across the tower’s lips before she turned back to the crowd, her expression once again proper and dignified.

It felt like a kick to the gut as the realization dawned on her: Lyra was stealing her followers.

Beside her, Yolani bristled with indignation. “She shouldn’t be allowed to do that,” she hissed, her green eyes flashing with anger.

Elania muttered under her breath, recalling the law to Yolani. “I’m not allowed to preach or acquire followers, but that doesn’t apply to the Four Towers themselves,” she said, her voice heavy with frustration.

Yolani cursed. “What a bitch,” she spat, glaring at Lyra’s back.

Elania sighed and pulled the other girl away toward the bridge. “There’s nothing we can do about it at the moment. Let’s just keep going.”

The walk back to the Cloud district was done in silence. It wasn’t until they reached Arlois’ personal island that it was broken.

They both looked up, blinking at Arlois’ tower.

“This is why they’re called towers,” Elania muttered.

Yolani’s gaze swept over the structure, taking in every detail. “The architecture is different,” she mused, her voice thoughtful. “It looks more sturdy than the original city spires. More stout and round rather than pointed.”

Elania turned to Yolani, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She reached out and poked her, eliciting a startled yelp.

“Look at you, gushing about architecture,” Elania teased, her tone playful.

Yolani narrowed her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She poked Elania back, her touch light and quick. “At least I’m not gushing about finding merchants to pay us for cargo services,” she retorted, her voice laced with humor.

Elania laughed, the sound echoing slightly against the tower. “It’s actually kind of fun,” she admitted, her eyes wide with surprise. “I never expected that.”

Yolani’s expression turned serious, her green eyes boring into Elania’s. “Be careful,” she warned, her voice low and intense. “They might end up calling you the Demi-Divine of Commerce Wing instead of Neftasu’s Protector.”

Elania’s eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within her. “Really?” she asked, her voice rising with enthusiasm.

Yolani burst into laughter, the sound bright and joyful.

Elania and Yolani approached Arlois’ tower, the Silvers guarding the entrance, allowing them entry after a brief wait. The heavy doors swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Arlois herself, her purple wings folded neatly behind her back.

“Follow me,” Arlois commanded, her voice echoing through the grand entryway.

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance before falling into step behind the Demi-Divine, their footsteps ringing against the polished stone floor. They ascended several flights of spiral stairs, the air growing colder and damper with each step.

Finally, they reached a heavy wooden door, which Arlois pushed open with a grunt. The sound of chickens filled the air, and Elania’s nose wrinkled at the pungent smell of feathers and feed.

As they stepped inside, Elania realized that the room was a stone dungeon, devoid of windows and lit only by flickering artifice. A cage at the entrance formed an airlock, preventing any escape attempts.

They passed through the cage and into the main cell, where dozens of demon chickens roamed freely. Some pecked at grain, while others drank from water troughs or nestled contentedly on straw-filled nests.

At the back of the room, Elania spotted Tessa, her red eyes glaring at them with a mixture of anger and suspicion. Half a dozen chickens sat on top of her, seemingly unbothered by her hissing and snarling.

The room was spacious, but it was still undeniably a cell. As she looked closer at the chickens, she noticed something peculiar about their eyes - they were blue, indicating that they had been contracted.

Her gaze shifted to Tessa. She had not been contracted like the chickens.

Arlois spoke up, her voice unyielding. “The woman is stubborn,” she said, her eyes narrowing. “It’s only because you expressed an interest in her that she hasn’t been discarded.”

Tessa’s voice rang out, filled with anger and accusation. “They stole my babies’ souls!” she yelled, her eyes blazing with fury. “They will pay for what they’ve done!”

Elania took a deep breath, trying to make sense of the situation. “Tessa was more coherent when she was contracted,” she explained, her voice steady. “But after Relain was killed, she went wild and roamed around the sewers.”

Yolani nodded in agreement. “She must have found some of Ranolf’s escaped chickens,” she said, her brow furrowed in thought. “When we were cleaning his kennels, we must have missed them.”

Elania shook her head, her expression grim. “They probably got out before we even arrived,” she said.

Arlois looked at them, her expression stern and unyielding. “None of that matters,” she said, her voice brooking no argument. “What matters is that Tessa must be contracted and provide [Power], or she will be disposed of. And I will not allow the demon to be set free out in the countryside in her current state.”

Elania frowned as she listened to Arlois’ ultimatum. She glanced at Yolani, seeing the same concern etched on her love’s face.

As she looked at Tessa, hissing and defensive in the cell's corner, Elania couldn’t shake the feeling that things could have easily ended up differently for herself.

If circumstances had been just a little bit different, it could have been her in Tessa’s place—abused, tortured, forced to kill, and driven to the brink of insanity; all because they were ‘demons’ torn from their original world and brought to Eladu.

Taking a deep breath, Elania stepped forward, her voice soft and soothing as she addressed the agitated demoness. “Tessa, I’m here to help you,” she said, her golden eyes shining with sincerity. “I want to be your friend.”

Tessa hissed, her red eyes narrowing with suspicion. “There are bad people stealing my babies,” she growled, her voice raw with anger and fear.

Elania approached slowly, her hands held out in a gesture of peace. Tessa reacted instinctively, sitting back on her haunches and taking a defensive stance, still ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

“I want to help you, Tessa,” Elania said, her voice calm and reassuring. “Your babies will be safe, I promise.”

Tessa leaped at Elania, her sharp claws and teeth bared as she tried to shred flesh.

“Elania!” Yolani shouted.

But Elania was ready.

She caught Tessa in midair, her [Demonic Aura] and [Divine Power] forming a protective armor around her body.

The demoness’s claws and teeth scraped harmlessly against the invisible barrier, unable to find purchase.

Elania wrapped her arms around Tessa, pulling the struggling demoness into a tight embrace.

At first, Tessa fought against the hold, her body writhing and twisting in an attempt to break free. But as Elania held her close, murmuring soothing words and projecting an aura of calm and safety, Tessa’s struggles began to subside.

Slowly, the tension drained from Tessa’s body, and she sagged against Elania, her breathing ragged and her eyes filled with confusion and fear.

Elania stroked her hair, her touch gentle and reassuring, as she continued to hold the other demoness close.

“Shh, it’s okay,” Elania cooed, her hand rubbing small circles on Tessa’s back. “I’m here for you, Tessa. I want to help you.”

Tessa’s body shook with sobs, her face buried in Elania’s shoulder. Elania continued to hold her, her touch gentle and reassuring as she waited for the demoness to calm down.

After a few moments, Elania pulled back slightly, her golden eyes meeting Tessa’s red ones. “Tessa, I need to make a contract with you,” she whispered.

Tessa’s reaction was as immediate as it was violent. She screeched, her voice raw with anger and betrayal as she lashed out at Elania. “You’re evil!” she cried, her claws and teeth bared as she tried to break free from Elania’s embrace. “You tried to trick me!”

Elania released her and let her retreat to a corner, not chasing.

“Tessa, please,” Elania pleaded, her voice strained. “I’m not trying to trick you. I want to help you, I promise.”

Slowly, Tessa’s agitation began to subside, her claws retracting and her teeth returning to normal.

Miraculously, she approached again, this time without the clawing.

When she was close enough, Elania stroked Tessa’s hair, her touch gentle as she murmured comforting words. “Everything will be alright, Tessa,” she said, her voice soft and reassuring. “I’ll protect you and your chickens, I promise.”

Tessa sniffled, her voice small and uncertain as she spoke. “Contract bad,” she whimpered, her eyes wide with fear.

Elania shook her head, her expression sincere. “Not this one, Tessa,” she said, her voice firm with conviction. “This contract will be fair, and it will keep you safe. I promise.”

Tessa looked up at Elania, her red eyes searching the Demi-Divine’s face for any sign of deception. “Such a thing exists?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Elania looked back at Yolani and smiled. “It does.”

*

Yolani focused intently on the unfamiliar alloy before her, determined to prove her skill to Forgemaster Soren.

Sweat trickled down her brow as she adjusted the mana shard pressure, the heat of the forge enveloping her.

With practiced precision, she brought her hammer down upon the ingot, each strike reverberating through her arm.

This wasn’t a job for a wand. The hammer sent resonations throughout the piece, forcing the reagents to integrate into the metal properly. It was a type of work she had seldom had cause to do personally. In Neftasu, most of this type of thing was regulated to apprentices or purchased in bulk.

The high-level of Contia’s artificers, though, meant that it was carefully produced by masters.

The quality difference was profound.

The metal began to take shape under her relentless efforts, scales forming across its surface as impurities were driven out.

Her armed started to burn. An auto-hammer would have been nice, but she wouldn’t be able to trust its accuracy.

Her forge mask highlighted the key points on the metal, guiding her strikes to the brightest areas.

As fatigue crept into her muscles as she pounded the metal for nearly thirty minutes without rest. When she was on the brink of exhaustion, a sudden cool breeze caressed her skin, carrying with it a fleeting thought of Elania.

The connection between them, though distant, remained strong. A surge of [Divine Power] coursed through Yolani’s body, rejuvenating her tired limbs and reigniting her determination.

The once pure white metal transformed into a mesmerizing swirl of white and purple hues as the last of the impurities were expelled.

A green check appeared on her forging mask, signaling the alloy’s readiness for the next stage. With a nod of satisfaction, Yolani lowered the pressure on the artifice forge and turned to Soren.

“It’s ready for annealing,” she announced, her voice steady despite the exhaustion that tugged at her limbs.

Soren grunted in acknowledgment, his eyes narrowing as he approached the forge. With a critical eye, he examined the alloy, turning it over with a pair of tongs.

“Well done. You’ve alloyed it correctly,” he praised, his voice gruff but sincere. “I can hardly believe that this is the first time. You live up to your title, Priestess.”

Yolani felt a surge of pride. She stepped back, allowing Soren to take over the annealing process.

As Soren began his work, the sound of footsteps echoed through the forge.

Yolani turned to see Ember striding towards them, a smug grin plastered across her face. The Crimson Aegis radiated an aura of confidence as she approached, her eyes locked on Yolani.

“Yolani,” Ember greeted, her voice smooth as silk. “I need to talk to you.”

Without waiting for a response, Ember looped her arm through Yolani’s and guided her away from the forge.

Yolani glanced back at Soren, who continued his work, before allowing herself to be led away by the enigmatic Demi-Divine.

Yolani felt a wave of discomfort wash over her as Ember draped an arm around her shoulder and squeezed her closer, Ember’s proximity setting her nerves on edge.

She tried to maintain a neutral expression as they walked towards the main floor, but the unease refused to dissipate.

“So, Yolani,” Ember began, her voice dripping with sweetness, “I heard Elania purchased two airships recently. How are they operating, considering the shape they were in when you bought them?”

Yolani swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “They’re fine,” she replied, her voice steady despite her discomfort. “I repaired them myself.”

Ember’s grin widened, her eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. “Of course you did,” she purred, her grip on Yolani’s shoulder tightening. “That’s wonderful.”

As they reached the railing overlooking the workshop, Ember finally released her so she could lean against the metal barrier with casual grace.

Yolani fought the urge to rub her shoulder, the ghost of Ember’s touch lingering on her skin.

“I have a proposition for you,” Ember said, her tone shifting to one of business. “I’d like to hire both of your ships for a special shipment, something that requires discretion.”

Yolani frowned, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. “Will it cause us any issues?” she asked, her voice cautious. “Is it dangerous?”

Ember laughed, the sound harsh and grating to Yolani’s ears. “Of course it’s dangerous,” she replied, her eyes narrowing. “And it could definitely cause you problems.”

Yolani’s frown deepened, her mind racing with the implications of Ember’s words.

“I’m sorry, Ember,” Yolani said, her voice firm. “We’re trying to keep things legitimate so we can operate our new district in the slums before the month runs out. We can’t risk getting involved in anything that could jeopardize that.”

Ember hummed thoughtfully, her eyes glinting with a calculated gleam. The Crimson Aegis leaned closer, her voice low and conspiratorial.

“You still have three weeks before it becomes a problem,” Ember purred, her breath ghosting across Yolani’s skin. “And if you do this for me, not only will I pay you two thousand crit, but I’ll also offer Elania the favor of my vote in the council when she needs it, as long as it doesn’t go against my own interests.”

Yolani released a tense breath, her mind whirling with the implications of Ember’s offer. The money was tempting, and having Ember’s support in the council could prove invaluable, but the risks were still unknown.

“I can’t say for sure,” Yolani said, her voice steady despite the unease that churned in her gut. “I have to talk it over with Elania first. But I’m willing to hear the specific details on the danger, cargo, and mission.”

Ember smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes as she moved closer to Yolani, invading her personal space again. Yolani’s discomfort grew as Ember’s hand reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“That’s excellent,” Ember purred, her fingers lingering on Yolani’s skin. “But we don’t have to go over the specifics here. I’ll send a messenger with the details for you to look over later. For now, I’d just like to talk and get to know such an interesting Priestess of Artifice better.”

Yolani swallowed hard, feeling trapped by Ember’s proximity and the weight of her gaze. She took a step back, her voice firm despite the fear that churned in her gut.

“Ember, please give me some space,” Yolani said, her eyes meeting the Demi-Divine’s with a steady resolve.

Ember’s smile turned sly, but she acquiesced, taking a step back and holding her hands up in a placating gesture. “Of course,” she said, her voice dripping with false sincerity.

Yolani shifted uncomfortably as Ember’s gaze bore into her. Were they done? Could she go?

“About Elania’s Regalia,” Ember said, her voice deceptively casual, “or rather, her seeming lack of one. Why is that?”

Confusion washed over Yolani, her brows furrowing as she met Ember’s gaze. “What do you mean?”

Ember chuckled, the sound sending a chill down Yolani’s spine. “I understand keeping it a secret is understandable, but really, there’s no reason to hide it. What type of Regalia is it? Perhaps we could work together more closely, an alliance of sorts. And in return, Soren and I could assist with improving it.”

Yolani shook her head, her confusion only growing. “I don’t know what Regalia is,” she admitted, her voice hesitant. “And I don’t know that Elania has any.”

Ember’s smile faltered, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Yolani intently. “It’s impossible to miss,” she said. “Elania’s sword.”

Yolani’s mind whirled. Eziel wasn’t really a Regalia. Was he? No, he wasn’t. That meant Elania didn’t have one? Hadn’t made it yet? “Oh, the sword,” she breathed, her mind racing.

“The sword,” Ember repeated, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Yolani swallowed hard, her curiosity warring with her unease. “We don’t know much about Regalia,” she admitted, her voice cautious. “Could you explain it to me?”

A smirk tugged at the corners of Ember’s lips, her eyes glinting. “Only if we can find a comfortable place to sit,” she purred, her voice low and suggestive.

Yolani felt the tension in her body rise, her instincts screaming at her to run.

But the desire to learn more for Elania’s sake won out.

*

Elania returned to her office in the estate, a sense of numbness washing over her as she looked at the pile of papers in her hands. She scanned the tables, her heart sinking with each line.

[Housing/Building Rent (1 month), 4,500, 1, 4,500 Crit]

[Basic Rations (1 month), 14,000, 0.5, 7,000 Crit]

[Supplies (per person), 14,000, 0.2, 2,800 Crit]

[Medical Supplies (1 month), 1 lot, 500, 500 Crit]

[Miscellaneous Expenses, 2 lots, 500, 1,000 Crit]

The best prices she could get from the wholesaler merchants were not nearly as low as she had hoped, and defeat weighed heavily on her shoulders. Their income was woefully short of the mark.

[Income Source, Amount (Crit)]

[Mana Shard Sale: 248 Crit]

[Digger Crab Sale: 51 Crit]

[Airship Income (Est. per day): 200 Crit]

[Airship Income (Est. per month): 6,000 Crit]

[Total Monthly Income: 6,299 Crit]

With a total monthly expense of 15,800 Crit and a monthly deficit of 9,501 Crit, they were in trouble. The numbers were only a projection, of course, but they painted a dire picture.

She considered that once they were more established, they might be able to make up some losses by charging rent, as they were subletting from the city. However, none of her followers had any valid currency to pay for it at the moment.

The Guard, too, was essentially a money pit.

Elania sat down and placed the papers on the desk, sighing heavily. She needed help and advice.

Her mind turned to Arlois, and she decided to visit and ask for assistance. Plus, there was still the matter of the confiscated firearms from the Neftasu Guard, for which she was owed compensation.

Elania left her office and descended the staircase, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. Yolani was out working for the city works and Ember, so Elania knew she would be going alone.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Darius greeted her. “Leaving so soon after getting back?”

Elania nodded. “I’m going to visit the Purple Tower and ask for advice on our finances.”

Darius wished her luck as she headed out into the Cloud District and central island towards the Purple Tower. The Silvers let her pass onto Arlois’ island without question, and a servant greeted her at the entrance.

“What is the purpose of your visit?” the servant inquired.

“I’m here to negotiate compensation owed to me by Arlois,” Elania replied, her tone firm.

The servant showed her to the parlor and promised to inform Arlois of her arrival. Another servant appeared, offering assistance. Elania requested a drink, and he returned shortly with a steaming cup of tea.

As Elania sipped the warm beverage, she gazed out the window, taking in the magnificent view of Contia. The floating city’s architecture never ceased to amaze her, even in moments of financial concern.

Ten minutes later, Arlois entered the parlor, her presence commanding attention. She approached Elania, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“If you make a habit of visiting so often, people will start to speculate on our attachment,” Arlois remarked, her voice carrying a subtle warning.

Elania set her tea down, meeting Arlois’ gaze. “I’m here on business, Arlois. We have matters to discuss regarding the compensation you owe me.”

Elania stood up, ready to discuss the matter further, but Arlois waved her hand, gesturing for Elania to sit back down.

The Demi-Divine joined Elania, taking a seat across from her. Elania reluctantly sat, but wasted no time in bringing up the issue at hand.

“I want the muskets that you confiscated to be compensated,” Elania said, her voice firm.

Arlois waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll pay 500 crit, since I know you have monetary issues,” she offered, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Elania’s brows furrowed, her dissatisfaction evident. “They took at least four thousand muskets,” she countered, emphasizing the number.

Arlois smiled, a knowing look on her face. “And they are worth less than I’m offering,” she explained, leaning back in her chair. “The muskets aren’t very effective.”

Elania’s frustration grew. “They were effective in the war in Neftasu against the Lightbringers,” she argued.

Arlois raised an eyebrow. “Can they kill Paladins?” she asked, her tone more serious.

Elania frowned, shaking her head. “No, their armor stops them.”

Arlois sighed, her disappointment clear. “That’s too bad. The muskets are only single shot before reloading and are only effective against fodder, then. That makes them only marginally better than crossbows while requiring special ammunition.”

Elania’s frown deepened as she listened to Arlois’ assessment of the muskets’ limitations. It was hard to refute them. “They do—”

“Much more damage, yes. But their rate of fire is much slower than a good, strong crossbowman,” Arlois said, cutting her off. “I don’t see an advantage there.”

Elania took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “Yolani was working on improving the muskets,” she said, hoping to sway Arlois’ opinion. “There are lots of ways she might make them more effective.”

Arlois raised an eyebrow. “That’s interesting,” she acknowledged, but her expression quickly turned indifferent. “But I don’t care.”

Elania’s heart sank at Arlois’ dismissive tone.

The Demi-Divine leaned forward, her gaze intense. “Armies aren’t generally counted by how many soldiers they have, but how many champions or elite combatants they possess,” Arlois explained, her voice firm. “The Lightbringer Paladins are likely one of the weakest that could qualify.”

Elania frowned, worry gnawing at her.

She thought of the Neftasu Guard, realizing that none of them could be considered champions by Arlois’ standards. The implications were troubling, and she wondered how they would fare in an overworld conflict.

“Why the restrictions on my Guards, then?” Elania asked, her brows furrowed in confusion. “None of them could be a threat to Contia or its forces.”

Arlois stared at Elania, her gaze unwavering. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension. Elania shifted uncomfortably in her seat, waiting for Arlois to respond.

Arlois finally tsked, shaking her head as she leaned back in her chair.

“Please, think before asking such questions, Elania,” she chided, her tone condescending. “If your loyal Guard were given free rein, it’s certain they could cause significant unrest and issues in the city, beyond the Four Towers’ ability to monitor and control.”

Elania’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her. Arlois was right. If the Neftasu Guard could operate without restrictions, there was the possibility they had the power to disrupt the delicate balance of power in Contia, just as the Lightbringers and Conclave had done in Neftasu.

And those actions that had ultimately led to the invasion and the downfall of the Magisters.

Okay, maybe the Magisters were particularly incompetent… maybe. Either way, Elania had seen how internal unrest could be easily formulated by outside agents. Or inside agents? The Conclave had been part of the city, too.

Elania sighed, resigned to the fact that she would not be able to negotiate a better price for the confiscated muskets.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out her crit card, holding it out to Arlois. “I’ll accept the payment,” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Arlois smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. With a swift motion, she transferred the agreed-upon amount to Elania’s account. “Wise choice,” Arlois remarked.

Elania pocketed the card, feeling a mix of frustration and understanding.

Another idea hit her. “What about compensation for Tessa’s services in recharging mana shards?”

Arlois frowned, her brows knitting together in disapproval. “Tessa and her chickens generate a revenue of approximately 50 crit per month,” she stated, her tone firm. “I will pay you when it accumulates.”

Elania weighed her options, deciding it was best not to press her luck. She nodded, accepting Arlois’ terms. Suddenly, a system message flashed before her eyes.

[You have gained a rank in Negotiation!]

Elania blinked in surprise. That was nice.

Arlois regarded Elania with a questioning gaze. “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

Elania hesitated for a moment before confiding in Arlois. “I’m still far in the red when it comes to making things work. I need advice on how to generate enough income to cover our expenses.”

She paused, recalling the recent incident with Lyra. “There’s also the matter of Lyra stealing some of my followers,” Elania added, her voice tinged with frustration.

Arlois leaned back in her chair, considering Elania’s predicament. “There’s nothing that can be done if the other Towers steal your followers, Elania. It’s allowed. Even if it’s unfair.”

“But not for me,” Elania protested, her voice tinged with frustration.

Arlois nodded, her gaze unwavering. “The law is in place to protect the city and make it impossible for outside Demi-Divines to take control or exert influence and build a power base.” She paused, her eyes boring into Elania’s. “But that is essentially what you’re trying to do.”

Elania shook her head, her hands clenched into fists. “I’m just trying to survive and make do,” she explained, her voice strained. “I never asked for this.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Arlois’ lips. “I know,” Arlois said, her tone softening. “That’s why I’ve been helping you.” She leaned forward, her eyes filled with a mix of understanding and caution. “But you’re an exception, Elania. The rules don’t account for those very well.”

Elania listened intently, her heart racing as Arlois continued.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing another tower that’s friendly to me on the council,” Arlois admitted, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “But it’s far too early to hope for such things.”

Elania studied Arlois’ expression, trying to decipher the thoughts behind her piercing gaze. The Demi-Divine’s face remained impassive, revealing nothing of her inner musings. Elania took a deep breath, gathering her courage to speak.

“Since we’re aiming for friendship, I would greatly appreciate more advice on income sources,” Elania replied.

Arlois leaned back in her chair, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. “You can’t baby your followers forever, Elania,” she stated, her tone firm yet not unkind. “Trying to find a way to pay for all their lives is a pointless endeavor.”

Elania’s brows furrowed, a sense of unease settling in her stomach.

“You need to focus on making your followers work to produce on their own,” Arlois advised. “And then have them pay you, not just in Divine Power, but in taxes—crit, as well.”

Elania’s frown deepened, a sinking feeling in her chest. The idea of exploiting her followers’ worship and idealization of her felt wrong, like a betrayal of their trust. She couldn’t imagine taking even more from them, not after everything they had already lost.

“It feels wrong,” Elania confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I would just be taking more from them, exploiting their faith in me.”

Arlois raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. She leaned forward, her eyes searching Elania’s face.

“It’s not exploitation,” Arlois countered, her voice firm. “It’s the natural order of things. Your followers owe their allegiance and support to you, their Demi-Divine. It’s your right to demand their service and tribute.”

Elania listened intently as Arlois leaned forward, her expression serious. “They do receive something important from you, Elania: protection,” Arlois explained. “Protection from the very dangerous and bad things in the world, which most mortals have no hope of surviving.”

Elania’s eyes widened, a flicker of understanding crossing her features.

Arlois continued, “If you’re worried about repaying them for their resources, focus on increasing your own abilities and tailoring them to protect those loyal to you.”

Elania’s brows furrowed as she considered Arlois’ words. “Is that what you do?”

Arlois shrugged, a hint of pride in her eyes. “I protect a good quarter of the people of Contia, and I am well recompensed for it,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Elania nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Arlois’ advice.

The Demi-Divine stood up. “If there’s nothing else, I have matters to attend to,” Arlois said, her tone signaling the end of their conversation. “I’ll send a messenger when I require your assistance. And Elania, don’t bother me again about trivial financial matters—send a messenger instead.”

Elania stood up, acknowledging Arlois’ words with a nod.

As she made her way out of the Purple Tower, her mind was a swirl of thoughts on their discussion. The reality hit hard, and there was far more to the responsibilities of being a Demi-Divine than she realized.

*

Elania wrinkled her nose as she entered the mushroohum chamber, the thick musky scent assaulting her senses.

The warm and humid air reminded her of their cave in the deep depths under Neftasu. Artifice torches flickered, illuminating large mounds of mud and Mushroohums working diligently to create fields.

Beds of mushrooms grew on their own, beginning to thrive in the damp environment.

A group of warriors approached her stiffly, armed with javelins.

Among them, Elania recognized their leader—Skinner. A wave of spores filled the air, and to her surprise, she perceived it as a voice, the words clear and understandable.

“Greetings, honored one,” Skinner’s voice resonated through the spores.

Elania’s eyes lit up, realizing she could comprehend their unique form of communication. “I’m glad to see the Mushroohums recovering,” she replied, her words seemingly translated into their own language.

The Mushroohums stood astonished, and Skinner bowed before her. “Tre’gat’aru greets the divine one,” he acknowledged, his fungal eyes studying her intently. “From first sight, I knew you were more, your actions more than your appearance.”

His demeanor shifted, and a serious smell emanated from him. “Why did you kidnap the people to bring them to the thin air?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Elania frowned, realizing that this would require a lengthy explanation. She glanced around, seeking a suitable place for their discussion.

“Is there a place where we can sit and talk for a while?” she inquired, hoping to find a comfortable setting to address Tre’gat’aru’s concerns and provide the necessary clarification.

He nodded and turned to lead the way.

She followed. The path winded through the growing colony. Most of the mushroohums marveled at her presence as they passed.

They bowed and made way for her as if she were royalty, their spores filled with awe and respect. Tre’gat’aru led her to a section of small mushroom beds, his demeanor turning somber.

“These are the Mushroohums who did not survive the ‘withering’ of thin air,” he explained.

Elania’s heart sank. “I’m sorry for acting so slowly.”

They approached a group of Mushroohums sitting in a line, their caps drooping and their bodies showing signs of decay. Tre’gat’aru’s spores carried a sense of despair. “These have given up. The thin air has broken their spirits, and they will soon give birth to new members of the people.”

Elania’s guilt intensified, the sight of the suffering Mushroohums tearing at her heart. Tre’gat’aru seemed to sense her distress. “Do not worry. Many are doing their best.”

He turned to face her, his fungal eyes searching hers. “Are we still in the land of thin air?”

Elania nodded. “Yes, but I’m maintaining the air composition and seal of the area,” she explained.

Tre’gat’aru’s spores carried a sense of understanding. “Then what has been suspected is true. We cannot leave the chamber without risking death.”

They finally reached a spot that seemed to be a sitting area. It was meant to be in a building, she realized, but they had no material to build one.

As they sat down, Elania decided to make an offer. “I can have supplies and things brought to you, but I need an idea of what you need.”

Tre’gat’aru immediately came up with a list, the biggest item being fungal wood. Elania hesitated, unsure if it would be available. “I can try, but there might be substitutions since there is no fungal wood I know of on Contia. But I’ll do my best.”

Mushroohums gathered around, their spores filled with curiosity and reverence. Tre’gat’aru apologized. “Many consider you a savior or a devil.”

Elania laughed weakly, the familiar feeling of being a fraud hitting her. She worried about how the mushroohums could develop while trapped in such a fragile ecosystem and how they would afford the cost.

“Tre’gat’aru,” Elania began, her voice serious, “the building and arena cost money, and it’s very expensive. We need to find ways to trade for it.”

Tre’gat’aru was taken aback. “Why must we pay for the area we are in?”

Elania explained patiently, “We are in a city of floating islands, high in the sky. Space is limited, and everyone who lives on it must pay in some way for their inhabitation.”

Tre’gat’aru’s fungal eyes widened, the reality of their situation sinking in. Elania could sense the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. She had felt the same thing herself.

Tre’gat’aru released a cloud of musky, unhappy spores. “Can you not simply place our people back in the ground where we belong?” he asked, his voice resonating through the spores.

Elania sighed. “That’s a good long-term goal, but my resources are limited at the moment,” she explained, her tone sympathetic yet firm. “We need to come up with something in the meantime to sustain your people here.”

Tre’gat’aru’s cap drooped slightly as he considered their predicament. “Now that we know our life in the thin air is not eternal, we can avoid working on permanent infrastructure,” he suggested, his spores carrying a hint of determination. “Instead, we can focus on creating tools and other tradable items.”

Elania winced internally, imagining the primitive mushroohum tools.

She knew they needed to find a viable solution to help cover the cost of renting the arena, but those tools weren’t going to be valuable as anything other than trinkets for tourists.

“Do you have any specialties or unique items that we could trade?” Elania asked.

Tre’gat’aru paused, his fungal eyes distant as he pondered the question. Suddenly, he stood up, his spores filled with a sense of purpose. “Follow me,” he said, gesturing for Elania to accompany him.

The Mushroohum leader led her to a small raised bed, his fungal eyes fixed on the center. As they approached, Elania noticed a faint glow emanating from the bed, a soft light amidst the dimly lit surroundings.

“This is the only patch that survived,” Tre’gat’aru explained, his spores carrying a sense of uncertainty. “I am not sure it will grow. The air here is thin and weak.”

Elania leaned closer, her eyes widening as she realized what the glowing substance was. “Glow Moss,” she whispered, blinking in surprise.

The revelation sparked an idea in Elania’s mind. This could be an excellent opportunity for the Mushroohums to establish a valuable trade commodity.

She took a deep breath, her wings glowing as she focused on the small planter bed. Extending her hands, Elania channeled her energy, creating a dense field of natural mana around the [Glow Moss].

Sparkles danced off the mushroom substrate, and the moss seemed to glow a little brighter in response to Elania’s divine intervention. As she finished, Tre’gat’aru looked at her with curiosity.

“What have you done?” he asked, his spores filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Elania smiled, her eyes shining with determination. “I hope I made the planter safer and better for the [Glow Moss] to grow,” she explained. “If it thrives, we might be able to create a larger area to cultivate it. If we can trade it for a good value, it could pay for everything the Mushroohums need.”

Tre’gat’aru nodded, his fungal eyes gleaming with newfound purpose. “I will place tenders who will watch, nurture, and protect it,” he declared, his spores carrying a sense of resolve.

Elania nodded in agreement.

“I’ll consult with experts about other things the Mushroohum might be able to grow or tend in your environment that would be valuable,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “We’ll find a way to make this work.”

Tre’gat’aru bowed his head, his fungal eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you for aiding our people,” he said, his spores carrying a sense of deep appreciation.

Elania nodded, a warm smile on her face. “I appreciate you helping me after the battle with the Darkwalker Demon. Think of this as my thanks,” she assured him.

A crowd of sedate Mushroohums had slowly formed around them, their fungal eyes fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and reverence. A prick at the back of her neck felt like something was flowing into her. When she checked her HUD, it showed that her [Divine Power] had ticked up slightly.

She turned to Tre’gat’aru, her brows furrowed in confusion. “What’s this about?” she asked, gesturing to the gathered Mushroohums.

Tre’gat’aru’s spores carried a sense of solemnity as he explained, “Since the prince and king have passed on, the colony has no proper leader. I am fulfilling the role of caretaker, but many of the Mushroohum who view you as a savior and not a devil think you are their god, and believe you should be the leader.”

Elania ran her hand through her vibrant red hair, realization dawning on her. She understood the weight of their expectations and the responsibility that came with it. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Tre’gat’aru, her golden irises shining with determination.

“Thank you for telling me, Tre’gat’aru,” she said, her voice steady. “I’ll return soon to see the progress of the [Glow Moss] and hopefully have luck finding things for you to grow.”

Tre’gat’aru nodded, his fungal eyes filled with hope. “I hope you have success,” he said, his spores carrying a sense of anticipation.

*

Elania stretched and cracked her neck while sitting beside Yolani in their room at the estate. The luxurious surroundings provided a momentary respite from the challenges they faced.

“I got 500 crit for the Guards’ muskets,” Elania said, her voice carrying a mix of satisfaction and disappointment.

Yolani sighed, leaning into Elania’s shoulder. “I hoped it would be more,” she admitted.

As they relaxed, their bodies melding together in a moment of shared comfort, Elania’s mind wandered to the Mushroohums and their latest endeavor. “The Mushroohums are going to try to grow [Glow Moss],” she mentioned, her voice thoughtful. “I was wondering if you know how valuable it might be.”

Yolani perked up, her eyes widening with interest. “It could be good,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “There are a lot of things we’re using in the workshops that could benefit from access to it. We have alternatives, but [Glow Moss] would be cheaper and more efficient.”

Elania frowned, her brows furrowing in concern. “If it’s cheap, it might not be worth growing,” she mused, her mind grappling with the economics.

Yolani turned to face Elania, her expression serious. “The things they’re using now for some of the advanced alloy reagents cost thousands of Crit per kilo,” she explained, her words carrying the weight of her expertise.

Elania grunted, her eyes widening in surprise. “Maybe it would be hundreds of Crit per basket, then?” she wondered aloud, her mind racing with the possibilities.

A sudden realization struck Elania. “Now I know why the Conclave monks sent gatherers to the Mushroohums.”

Yolani frowned, her expression darkening at the mention of the Conclave.

“I’m not sure what the Conclave used the [Glow Moss] for exactly,” she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “It might have been to do with their [Divinity] traits and the seraph, but I doubt they did any artifice.”

Elania nodded solemnly.

Yolani paused for a moment, her brows furrowing in concentration. “Maybe we can consult an alchemist on any rare or valuable fungi that could be grown as a trade crop as well,” she suggested.

Elania nodded, her own thoughts aligning with Yolani’s. “It came to mind that they could try growing edible mushrooms too,” she added. “Just maybe not… recreational ones. I don’t want to get the colony burnt out due to an ordinance violation.”

“Will running a mushroom farm high in the sky be cost effective at all, though?” Yolani sighed, her expression growing serious. “How much [Divine Power] is it costing you to maintain?”

Elania pondered the question, her mind assessing the drain on her resources. “The drain isn’t so much after we established it, but creating it was costly,” she admitted, her voice reflecting the strain of her divine responsibilities.

Yolani nodded, her expression one of understanding. “That makes sense,” she said, her words filled with empathy.

Elania’s thoughts turned to another pressing matter. “It’s about the same with the Airships, but a bit lighter,” she mentioned, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

Yolani sighed, her shoulders slumping. “We can’t possibly afford the repairs and maintenance for the airships. I’ll need to keep investing your power into repairing them. It’s really my largest time sink other than helping Ember.”

Elania glanced at Yolani. “How are things going there?”

Yolani frowned, her expression darkening.

It was impossible not to pick up on the subtle unease in her lover’s expression.

Yolani shifted, not meeting Elania’s gaze. “I’m learning a lot about how the city's maintenance and how artifice is done here,” she said, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and hesitation. “It’s more advanced than Neftasu in some areas, but I have lots of ideas for improvement.”

“Is there more?” Elania asked gently. Something wasn’t right…

Yolani took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “Ember mentioned something about Regalia. She explained they are powerful divine items created by Demi-Divine, imbued with their divinity and often associated with their sphere of influence.”

Elania listened intently as Yolani delved into the specifics of Regalia, her mind racing with the implications.

“These items can take various forms, such as weapons, armor, or devices, and are crafted using advanced artifice techniques or rare magical materials,” Yolani continued.

“They serve as an extension of the Demi-Divine’s power and authority, and can be wielded by their Oracle, strengthening the bond between them. Initially, a Demi-Divine can only sustain a single Regalia, but as they grow in power, they may create additional Regalia. However, this process must be approached carefully to avoid weakening each item.”

Elania nodded, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed the information. “We’ll need to contemplate this,” she said, her voice carrying a note of caution. “Creating a Regalia… sounds expensive.”

Yolani looked away, her eyes flickering with hesitation. “There’s one other thing,” she whispered.

Elania noticed Yolani’s hesitance, her heart clenching with concern. She waited patiently.

The longer the silence grew, the more Yolani’s expression grew troubled, her green eyes filled with unease.

Yolani sighed, her shoulders slumping as she looked at Elania. “There’s something else I need to tell you,” she began again, her voice hesitant. “Ember has been... coming on to me.”

Elania’s eyes widened, a spark of anger igniting within her. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice tight with concern. “Did she hurt you?”

Yolani quickly took Elania’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “No, no, she didn’t,” she clarified, her words rushing out. “But she was constantly invading my space, and it felt... sexually charged. I didn’t let her do anything.”

Elania glowered, her jaw clenching with barely contained fury. “You don’t have to put up with that sort of thing,” she said firmly. “You don’t have to go back, punishment or not.”

Yolani tensed, her expression uneasy. “But we really need the information and knowledge. And I like… working there, especially when Ember isn’t watching. Plus, they’re paying me a considerable amount for my work now.”

Elania waited patiently as Yolani finished speaking, her mind grappling with the conflicting emotions.

Yolani took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Elania’s. “Maybe we can try talking to Ember together,” she suggested, her voice tentative. “To make her know it’s not acceptable, rather than avoiding it completely.”

Elania ran her hand through her own hair, letting out a tense breath. She understood Yolani’s perspective, even if the thought of Ember’s advances made her blood boil. “Alright,” she conceded, her voice strained. “We can try that first.”

Yolani nodded.

Elania frowned, a sudden feeling of unease running through her mind.

The thought that Yolani might have enjoyed Ember’s advances flickered unbidden, causing her heart to clench painfully.

Yolani’s reaction was instant, her eyes widening as if she had been slapped, shock and hurt evident on her face.

Elania blinked, realizing Yolani had just felt what she’d thought. She stammered as she tried to find the right words. “I... I didn’t mean anything by it,” she blurted, her voice filled with regret. “I don’t know why it even came to mind.”

Yolani trembled slightly, letting out a tense breath as she processed Elania’s unintentional accusation. “Being able to feel each other’s emotions and thoughts, even as muted as they are through the conduit, might be harder than we imagined,” she mumbled, her words carrying a mix of understanding and pain.

Elania’s heart sank, guilt washing over her. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized, her voice earnest and filled with remorse. “I love you, Yolani. I truly am sorry for even thinking that.”

Yolani turned to face Elania, gently pressing her back into the soft sheets of their bed.

A flutter of excitement coursed through Elania’s body, overshadowing the tension.

“I know,” Yolani whispered, her green eyes locking with Elania’s golden ones. “I can feel what you want, especially now.”

A blush crept across Elania’s cheeks, her heart racing at Yolani’s words. “Kiss me already,” she breathed.

Yolani leaned in, capturing Elania’s lips with her own as she struggled to pull the hanging bed linens closed.