Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Above the black fist sized cube, the holographic map flickered into view, casting a soft blue glow across the dimly lit cave. Kaede, stepped back to admire her work. On the table, a miniature of Falmuth's capital took shape, complete with the prison, the surrounding streets, and glowing red dots that marked the patrol routes of the guards.

"This is incredible," the ogre muttered, his voice low as he leaned closer, his hand passing through the holographic streets of falmuth. "How are you doing this?"

"Not important." Kaede replied, a faint smile on her face. "But this is just the beginning. We need more details if we're going to pull this off."

The projection shifted as new data flooded in. The layout of the prison became sharper, with clear lines marking patrol routes and glowing nodes where magical barriers and alarms were detected.

"Alright," Maple said, clapping her hands together. "Here's what we know so far. The prison is a complex with three levels. The cells are on the lowest level, guarded by multiple barriers and locked gates."

She moved her fingers to a passage within the complex. "As for patrol Routes, the guards move in predictable patterns, with a shift change at midnight that leaves a five hour window of reduced manpower."

She turned to the door leading into the complex. "From what I've gathered, the entrance is protected by a layered barrier, and the cells have individual magic seals."

The ogre crossed his arms. "That barrier at the entrance will slow you down. What's the plan for that?"

"I've got something in the works," Kaede replied, her tone confident. "A machine to temporarily disable the barrier. It'll buy us just enough time to get through."

"And the patrols?" the ogre pressed.

"I'll handle that too," Kaede said. "Drones can track their movements in real-time. If anything changes, we'll know immediately."

The ogre's expression darkened as he studied the map. "This isn't going to be easy as you make it out to be." He pointed to a structure a few meters away from the complex. "Look over here. The barracks are close by, and reinforcements could be here in minutes. Not to mention the sorcerers stationed in the capital." He turned to Kaede. "You do not mess with sorcerers."

"We'll deal with it," Kaede said, her tone unusually firm. "What if we create a distraction? Something big enough to draw their attention away from the prison?"

"Such as?"

Kaede's lips curled into a grin. "A fake attack. I can deploy about a dozen or two drones to simulate an assault on the other side of the city. It'll pull the knights and sorcerers away long enough for us to get in and out."

The ogre nodded slowly. "Your machines huh. That could work. But you need a backup plan if things go wrong."

Kaede nodded. "I have one. Now the escape plan."

The ogre took charge of this part. "Once you've freed the prisoners, you'll move through this side exit here." He pointed to a passage marked on the map. "It leads to this place called the sewers and out of the city. It's unguarded for some reason. From there, we'll meet up and head to the forest. It's the safest route."

"What if the exit is blocked?" Kaede asked.

"Then we'll have to fight our way out," the ogre said bluntly. "But that's a last resort."

Kaede frowned. "I'll have the drones create another diversion outside the prison, just in case. We can't afford to get caught."

The ogre nodded with a grunt.

"Alright then, that's settled. How long will it take you to get to Falmuth's borders?" Kaede asked.

"Five days." The ogre answered without missing a beat. "But I'll need two more days to familiarise myself with falmuth's borders."

Kaede smiled as she stretched. "Alright then, that's it. In eight days, you'll sneak your way into Falmuth, and we'll meet up at the sewers." She patted a sleeping Acer on the head. 'So, Artificia, how does that sound?'

Kaede nodded thoughtfully. "And the attack drones?"

Kaede sighed, leaning back. "Hang on, what are you even making, you know what? bring up the schematic for the UAV."

A translucent projection flickered into the air before Kaede, depicting a sleek, streamlined drone. It had a triangular frame with razor-thin wings and a compact body, designed for both speed and maneuverability. Lines of glowing blue text labeled its key components: the propulsion system, weapon mounts, and sensory array.

Kaede leaned forward, examining the design with narrowed eyes. "What the hell is this? We're not going to erase the capital you know. We're not even killing anybody."

<...>

"Artificia, we're not destroying falmuth okay?" Kaede said sternly.

<...>

"No wonder the cost is too high. Pump out two of this and I'm out of commission. Artificia I wanted you to just modify the surveillance drones into attack drones with C-4 or thermite or something. Wait, is thermite explosive? Just gimme something explosive that can be fired from tubes."

The projection flickered and blinked, the schematic for the TAI Aksungur Nova III drone slowly fading as Artificia recalculated. Kaede crossed her arms, watching as the interface hummed softly before it finally spoke.

Kaede sighed, her fingers tapping lightly on the stone table. "Just modify the ones we have. Something simple. I don't need a military-grade drone when all we need is a distraction."

There was a brief pause, then the system responded with a more neutral tone.

"I don't know, use those tiny metal balls people used during the 1800s, that should be harmless enough." Kaede said offhandedly.

Kaede relaxed, nodding as she absorbed the information. "That's better. Just enough for a little chaos."

With the blueprints complete, Kaede and Acer, following Artificia's instructions, discovered various metals and ores. Artificia, immediately devoured them, beginning the creation sequence.

Kaede turned back to the cave, where the ogre was going through different sword forms. "One last thing."

The ogre, noticing her arrival, slowed to a stop. "Do you need something?"

Kaede eyes darted around. "Yes, actually. You see, I have a skill that allows me to communicate with my allies via thought communication. And you're not registered as an ally. Not yet."

The ogre raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

Kaede sighed. "I know I can't do everything by myself, and you already agreed to be my subordinate. I've thought about this really hard, and... I've decided to name you. You need all the power you can get." 

The ogre stilled, his sword hand tightening. "A-Are you sure? I'm already a powerful monster. You just named Ari, to give me a name would cost..."

"Shifu." The world stilled with Kaede's words. "Your name... Is Shifu."

Shifu staggered as a wave of energy surged through him, his body glowing faintly as the magicules in the air seemed to converge and rush into him. He dropped to one knee, gripping his sword to steady himself as Kaede stepped back, feeling slightly dizzy herself.

Shifu struggled to keep his eyes open as splotches of black stained his vision, eventually he saw only darkness.