AI: Artificial Isekai

We approach a grand building, illuminated by the high sun. The Harthes Museum shines in a silver light. Made of stone and metal, it is an unmissable feature, dominating one side of the central city square. There is a steady trickle of people going in and out.

Erysis reminisces as we climb the short flight of steps, "Remember the last time we came here?" Nexen just nods. She turns slightly to me. "We were pretty young, our school organized a trip. It felt so intimidating, just going in."

Nexen chuckles. "Ery had to drag me in."

"Guess it's time to return the favor."

I spring to a defense, "Hey, museums are cool."

Nexen backs me up, "I concur." We both make sounds of agreement at each other.

"Whatever... Hope they have some new exhibits." She sniffs the air. "I smell something tasty." Her voice is nearly lost in the ambient noise as she runs off, "I'll catch up, have fun on your date." The newest victim is some meat skewer stand. I do admit, it does smell pretty tasty.

I ask, genuinely incredulous, "She's still hungry?"

"Yeah. Ery is... talented."

"You can say that again." We laugh.

As we enter through the wide-open main doors, I notice the absence of a ticket station. The museum is completely free, the memorabilia is assuredly not. The entrance leads to a rectangular atrium. Except for people and corridors to the rest of the exhibits, there is only a single thing of note. It is facing us directly, beckoning all visitors.

At the center of the hall are ten glass cases, each containing a single artifact. The items are resting on velvety pillows, firm enough so they don't sink in. Three of the pillows are red, the others are black. There is much difference between each item, but in the end, they are all the same. The three that adorn red are pristine. The rest, are not.

One is split in half. Two is crushed into scrap, fragments of the once regal jewels are embedded in the white metal, there are specks of long dried blood. Three is melted into a pool of slag. Four is dotted with holes, eaten away by corrosion. Five is just a little dented. Six is covered with soot, partially concealing the golden sheen beneath. Seven is sheared in two, each piece has indents the shape of hands deformed into the reflective black surface.

The display's label reads:

The Ten Crowns

Look forth and see, your past and your future.

Here lay the symbols of the past. The mistakes and the precepts.

Make the future that must happen, happen.

The Ten Crowns, each one belonged to the human kings and queens of old. After the Trinity War, these ten kingdoms would become the Unified Kingdoms of Humanity, later renamed to the Union.

Nexen looks at the crowning—pun intended—display of the museum, zeroing in on one of the cases. "The rest are replicas. Each former capital has their own." The blood on one of the very convincing fakes is real. Quite the dedicated curator. "Where do you want to start?"

His eyes keep darting to a particular opening. Looks interesting. "That one it is, then." I point. Nexen nods eagerly, and we proceed to an exhibit titled 'Body Enchantment Techniques'.

The first display:

Body Painting

The oldest known form of body enchantment is believed to have been performed by the fae. The earliest techniques utilized soil, water, and crushed mana crystals to create mud with paste-like consistency, the resulting substance would then be applied to the skin. Later, common soil would be substituted with different minerals, blood, and eventually pigments.

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As far as research suggests, any normal enchantment techniques are applicable during the process. While relatively easy to employ, this manner of body enchantment carries significant drawbacks. Due to the medium used, the enchantment is extremely unstable and much more susceptible to outside forces in comparison to conventional alternatives.

Sources:

Arth, Fae Elder, The Fae Lands

'On The Ways of the Ancients, A Comprehensive Study of Early Fae Magic'; Filirin and Shadowborn, Vicis; 13898

Reproductions graciously made by Elder Arth.

"Wow! I should try it out sometime." Nexen is fascinated by the artworks. Well, not exactly artworks.

There are three painted figures. Featureless mannequins sculpted out of grey wood. The first has its hands reared back, fingers curled, ready to claw anything in front of it. There is a snarl on its mute face. Angular lines originating from the center of its torso, snake around its limbs, terminating into sharp points.

The second figure is curled into itself, almost cradling its knees. It has its back to us, but its head is turned in our direction. The blank slate looks apprehensive. Its body is covered in the outlines of small hexagons.

The third and final figure is standing proud, its head held high, and its chest puffed out. Tiny dots form the outlines of concentric circles, Originating from the center of its chest. The art is quite peculiar, like someone simply printed a two-dimensional picture onto the three-dimensional model. At a certain angle its figure appears flat.

We move on to the next part of the exhibit.

Scale Engraving

Practiced by dragons, uniquely. Records of scale engraving being used date back to the very beginning of dragonkind. The extremely tough scales of their true forms are meticulously chipped away, creating complex formations. The grooves are then filled with powdered mana crystals. The body modification is not permanent, as dragons can regrow their scales indefinitely, though if one wishes to speed up the process of refreshment strong pain suppressants are advised.

This technique still sees occasional use, especially for warriors that need every bit of power. Unfortunately, the stronger the enchantment the more durability is lost.

Sources:

Velantys Flameborn, Drakonia

'History of Dragonkind'; Board of Education; 15987; 5th Edition

'Guide to Scale Engraving'; Unknown; Undetermined (Verified by numerous experts)

Scales graciously supplied by Mr. Velantys.

By the twinkle in Nexen's eyes, I confirm a hypothesis of mine. No matter who you are or what universe you are from, dragons are super cool. I mean, not like I had any doubts, but it's good to have multiple samples.

A section of the wall is covered in triangular scales, each one slightly over the other, most likely an approximation of their true configuration. They are roughly twenty by fifteen by fifteen centimeters, black with reddish streaks, like cooling lava. An intricate formation is engraved into the scales, flowing from one to the other. If the scales were to shift during movement, I can see multiple points where the formation changes into another configuration. Masterfully crafted.

As we are still taking in the majesty of dragon scale, I hear hurried steps approaching.

"Good, you aren't too far in."

I glance towards Erysis—slightly envious of the smoky aroma wafting from her—and inquire, "How was dessert? More to your tastes I imagine."

She smiles, unperturbed by my jab. "Delightful."

"We should hit the stand again after we are done." Her bright mood brightens even more. "Tell me, Erysis. Dragons. Yes, or no?"

Nexen also turns to her, his gaze spells heavy judgement should the answer be unsatisfactory.

"Ugh, not you too. What's with guys and dragons."

Nexen sighs. "See what I am dealing with."

I place a hand on his shoulder. "Stay strong, Brother, she shall one day see the light."

"Whatever... I don't get what the big deal is..." Nexen and I shake our heads in unison.

The following display is a little more morbid.

Scarification, Branding, and Tattooing

These methods are believed to have been in use by various cultures and throughout many different periods. It is impossible to say where they first started.

For scarification, the skin is wounded repeatedly with a mana crystal treated implement, embedding the dust into the body. Once the skin has regenerated to a satisfactory state, the enchantment can be finalized. A painful and ephemeral technique. Any healing would, generally, break the enchantment quite quickly.

Branding is very similar. Though a big difference is the speed. Brands can be applied swiftly, making them quite effective for large-scale use. But again, the natural regeneration of the body would quickly erase the enchantment.

And finally, tattooing. While slightly more resilient, no matter the pigment used, the body eventually destroys it and the enchantment with it. As with the previous techniques, most recorded occurrences of usage point to a very specific set of circumstances. Small time frame, a great need for more power, and an absence of any alternatives.

Sources:

'Manamechanics in a Living Medium'; of Blackpeak, Iliria; 15405

'A Study of Early Human Tribal Rituals'; Swiftborn, Morian; 14791

'Accounts of a War Slave'; Dorianilli, Kornillid; 1846 BFD

We head over to the next exhibit, something truly informative. Something that will let me glean into the very fabric of this world's society, 'Clothing Throughout History'.

After a fascinating walk, traversing the timeline of attire, we near the more modern section.

Erysis points at a display containing a casual dress. "That one looks so cute." I nod in agreement. It is quite aesthetically pleasing.

Nexen is trying to look indifferent, but I am pretty sure I can guess Erysis' next present.