Trials of the Inventor Hero

Milieda stood in front of the full mirror, her arms outstretched to allow her maids to dress her. The gentle songs of birds graced her ears, amber lights painted the walls honey gold, and a pleasant warm draft of air made her forget the chill of winter. The room itself was furnished with the most luxurious goods, fit for royalty. It all reminded her of home, except for the golem hovering over the bed.

She watched from the mirror as one of the wiry arms wrapped around her husband's wrist. Another arm gently laid across his chest, sliding to a different position with each breath. A third arm disappeared beneath the sheets pulling out a small wine sack and replacing it with another.

"Apologies for the disturbance." It spoke in the same monotonous voice as the others.

"No need for that." Kane chuckled lightly. "You're only doing your duty, and quite marvelously at that I must add."

The golem's crystalline head glowed slightly brighter. "Are there any other services you or the lady requires?"

"Breakfast?" A transparent menu appeared before his face.

A small smile came to Milieda's lips as she watched her husband. His eyes brightened at the images of food, and his tongue poked out of his mouth. It gently glided across his lower lips as the images changed every few seconds.

"I don't know what these eggs benedict are, but I'll have that." Kane said, smacking his lips. "What about you dear?"

"I'll have the same dear."

"Acknowledged. Your order shall arrive in twenty to thirty minutes." The golem replied, flying to the door. "Have a good day."

The maids watched the golem leave with pursed lips. Once it left, they couldn't hold back their tongues.

"The nerve! Has it no decency?"

"Coming in while the Lady is dressing is simply unforgivable!"

Milieda frowned deeply at them. "It was tending to my husband." She retorted.

Both women turned away in shame. "That's why we're here, your ladyship."

"Then your duty is to serve us faithfully." Her soft voice hardened. "Do not cause trouble, understand?"

"Yes, my lady." They secured her corset, completing her dress.

Milieda gently stepped down. "Please have the azurite brought here immediately and summon Lady Gabriella."

The maids curtsied before leaving the room quietly. Left alone with her husband, Milieda glided over to the bed and sat by his side. The two stared intently into each other's eyes. Kane lowered his gaze to her hands with tears forming in his eyes. Milieda wrapped her fingers around his hands, taking comfort in his touch.

"If only I could feel your touch." Kane whispered as he forced a smile to his lips. "Hopefully it won't take the Inventor long."

"Agreed." She smiled at the thought.

Kane's face turned slightly red, and cough formed in his throat. "Millie, when this is over…" His eyes burned with passion which made her blush. "I want to have a child with you."

"We will. Once this war is over, we –"

"No, not after the war, after I am healed." Resolve filled Kane's voice, taking her breath away. "I don't want to leave you alone Millie, but I want to give you a family. A large one."

She laid multiple kisses on his hand. "I'd like that too." She smiled at him as she rose. "I need to go see the Inventor, then the two of us can have breakfast." Her footsteps barely made any sound as she left.

She stepped into the hallway; the sharp white lights made her eyes hurt, and she had to squint against the brightness. Cold white walls surrounded her, making everything feel off. The dungeon felt too clean, as if no one was meant to live here. Hollow and lifeless was all that came to mind when she stared down the halls. It made her yearn to be home.

"I hope you are having a pleasant morning, your grace."

Gabriella stepped lightly out of her room, a few floors down the hall. She was dressed in an elegant gown that showed off her shoulders and collarbone. A dress better suited to the warmth of spring than the chill of winter.

Milieda smirked at the noblewoman. "I am. I'd ask if you'd like to join me in visiting the Inventor, but your attire already answers my question."

"I'd be honored to join you." Gabriella returned the smile with a curtsy. She fell in step with the duchess. "How is Kane doing?"

"He's in good spirits." Milieda replied with a bright smile. "He wants focus on having a child after this ordeal is over."

"I pray for your success."

Milieda nodded warmly. Silence filled the air around the women as they wandered the corridors. She realized that she didn't know where she was going.

"Do you know where the Inventor is?" she asked Gabriella.

"No."

"The master is currently in his workshop."

Both women jumped as Seneschal's voice filled the corridor.

Heat radiated off Milieda's cheeks. "You can hear us?"

"I can see and hear all that occurs in the dungeon." Seneschal replied, "However, I give all guests their privacy within their rooms."

"That's a relief." Gabriella released a broken chuckle. "Could you show us the way to the Inventor's workshop, please?"

"My servants are bringing a chest in for the Inventor." Milieda added.

A blue line appeared on the floor. Its rhythmic pulsing was hypnotizing.

"Please follow the trail. I'll have a robot bring in the chest."

The two women followed the glowing blue trail. It stopped at a single nondescript door. It slid open with a sharp hiss, and they both cautiously stepped inside.

Milieda couldn't comprehend what she was seeing. Tools littered the walls and tables, workbenches both foreign and recognizable sat orderly next to each other, and in the heart of the room stood the Inventor with his entourage.

The women around the Inventor stared transfixed as he fitted carved wooden pieces together. Each piece snapped effortlessly into place like a strange puzzle. Milieda watched, enraptured by the exquisite craftmanship of the pieces, and the surety of the Inventor's movements. The Inventor stepped away when the final piece snapped into place, and what remained was the wooden replica of the skeleton of a human torso.

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The dark elf was the first to notice them. "Master, you have visitors."

The Inventor followed her long fingers to the two women. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you." He said, clearing his throat. "What brings you two here?"

"No, we apologize for intruding." Milieda replied with a curtsy. "I wanted to offer my thanks once again. Your kindness has helped ease my burdens."

"You're an important ally." The Inventor smiled warmly. "Without you, I wouldn't have been able to keep the dungeon. I'm simply returning the favor."

Before she could speak, Gabrilla stepped forward. "That's an interesting creation." She said, pulling Milieda along. "What is it for?"

"This is a model of the Duke's skeleton, or at least what it should look like." Nathaniel replied, "I had this created to help me with building a cybernetic spine."

"Si-ber-net-tecs?" Both women spoke the word in confusion.

Nathaniel set Hope onto the table and tapped on her arms. "These metal limbs are cybernetics. Essentially, the plan is to create a similar prosthetic to replace the section of the Duke's spine that is broken. However, there is the matter of space that needs addressing."

Milieda's face turned pale. "What do you mean?"

Nathaniel pulled out a strange tool from a drawer to work on Hope's left arm. "The purpose of cybernetics are to enhance the user's physical abilities on top of replacing any missing part of the body. I've done this by using runes, but that requires adequate surface area to carve the runes." He pointed to the wooden skeleton. "As you can see, I don't have much space to carve runes."

Gabriella inspected the wooden model. "How is that a problem?"

"Hope, show them your stats."

The two women leaned forward as Hope summoned her menu.

Hope (Health 500/500)(Mana 600/600)

• Class: Harbinger Lv. 15

• Stats

o Strength: 15 (150)

o Dexterity: 13 (130)

o Constitution: 130

o Intelligence: 30

o Wisdom: 40

o Charisma: 95

"Now watch what happens when I remove Hope's arm." Nathaniel said, pulling the metal limb free.

Hope (Health 500/500)(Mana 600/600)

• Class: Harbinger Lv. 15

• Stats

o Strength: 15 (80)

o Dexterity: 13 (100)

o Constitution: 130

o Intelligence: 30

o Wisdom: 40

o Charisma: 95

"Why did her strength drastically drop?" Gabriella pulled back in shock. "Wait, how is her enhanced strength and dexterity so high?"

"It's because of the runes I carved into each limb." Nathaniel replied, reattaching the limb. "I focused on carving strength runes into her arms while speed and dexterity runes were carved into her legs and feet. I'm able to amplify the enhancement past the normal multiplier but I need the space and materials, which I won't have enough of."

"You're able to supersede the five multipliers on enhancements?" Gabriella said with wide eyes. She ran a hand across her neck, taking deep breaths.

"Darling." Aniphrae tugged on his arm. Her pale skin turning slightly green. "Who else knows about this?"

"Everyone in this room."

A heavy silence surrounded them. Hope focused her gaze to the ground, her legs wildly kicking the air. Bella stood firm, but her hands clung tightly to her skirt, threatening to tear the fabric. Ralia stepped closer to her master; she looked ready to pounce on them. Nathaniel tapped the table rapidly, keeping his gaze on the duchess. The weight of the information finally settled upon Milieda's shoulder.

"Thank you for telling me this." She said calmly, "I swear to keep it close to my heart. None but my husband and I shall know it."

"I too, will keep your secret." Gabriella said, clearing her throat. "I'll use all that I have to keep others from finding out about this." She gave Aniphrae a hard smile.

The merchant sneered. "My fiancée has made the matter quite clear. His secrets are mine. I will speak of them to no one; not even my father."

Nathaniel let out a deep breath. "That's a relief, but there is still the matter of the enchantments." He replied, summoning another menu. Strange pictures floated before everyone. "To supplement the lack of space, I'm thinking of add armored plates that'll run along the back. I'll use special rings that'll wrap around the spine that the plates can mount on and will link together so that the enhancement gets multiplied. I simply need to know what your husband's class is so I can apply the appropriate runes."

"My husband has the Slayer class. It's a special class that relies on both strength and dexterity." Milieda informed him.

"It's an awakened form of the Hunter class." Gabriella added. "Whereas Hunters specialize in killing beasts, Slayers hunt down monstrous, non-humanoid creatures…" Her eyes turned to Ralia. "Like dragons."

Ralia let out a low growl but went silent at Nathaniel's touch.

"That gives me a place to start." He said, summoning more panels. "I'll focus carving durability runes onto the spinal replacement, then the protection plates will be carved with enhancement runes along with a few health regeneration runes."

Aniphrae stammered wildly. "Health regeneration! Darling, are there any other developments you wish to tell us?" Her eyes burned brightly. "It'll be difficult to keep the King's attention off you if you keep creating these… omnipotent creations, especially at this rate."

"I wholeheartedly agree." Gabriella sighed. "The King already has it out for you, and if he finds out about these new creations, he may deem you a threat." Her eyes softened. "There are people that care about you, and don't want to see you suffer anymore."

"I'll take that into consideration." Nathaniel replied somberly.

Milieda stepped around the table, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Please don't take her words too harshly." She said calmly, "It's simply that the King is keeping a close eye on you. With only my husband and I as allies, you have little protection from him."

"I understand."

Milieda nodded, looking worriedly towards the door. "Also, I wanted to present you with a gift, three chests filled with azurite ore. Your assistant said he would bring them, but I don't know where they are."

"He's most likely sent them to storage." Nathaniel chuckled. "Seneschal, please bring me a chunk of azurite."

"As you command."

It didn't take long for the door to open as a maintenance bot brought in a chunk of metal. It was an ugly, dull grey metal with the only remarkable feature of pulsing dark blue veins running along the surface.

"I've never seen this before." Nathaniel said, tapping on the metal.

"It's a rare metal." Milieda replied, "My father owns one of the few azurite mines in the kingdom, yet despite its rarity, it has little value."

Nathaniel cocked an eyebrow. "Really, it looks like there is magic here?"

Aniphrae stepped forward, inspecting the chunk. "It does have magic, however, the amount of magic in azurite is minuscule compared to orichalcum and arcanum infused metals. That said, it constantly produces a magical glow which makes it useful for arcane torches, otherwise it's only ever used in gawdy jewelry or faux arcane equipment. That's what makes it popular among the lesser nobles, magicians, and conmen alike."

Nathaniel picked up the metal with smile. "A source of constant light. I can use this to make streetlamps."

Milieda returned the smile. "I'm glad you're happy to receive something so mundane."

"Everything exists for a reason, your grace. We simply need to figure out how best to use it."

"A noble sentiment, especially coming from you Inventor." The Duchess replied with a curtsy. "If you'll excuse me, I need to inform my husband about everything we discussed." Milieda took Gabriella's arm as she left the room.

Nathaniel watched the door close then returned his gaze to the hideous metal. Ideas filled his mind. Even if the metal had no other properties, the fact that it produced constant light made it invaluable. Lightbulbs, flashlights, streetlamps, so many new inventions awaited. His marveling of the miraculous metal was interrupted.

"Master, I had the dungeon core analyze a chunk of azurite." Seneschal stated, "I'm not certain if the Duchess was lying, but the metal does have more properties than mentioned."

Nathaniel turned his gaze to Aniphrae.

The merchant stared at the chunk in disbelief. "I honestly have no idea what he is talking about." She stuttered. "My father's never sold azurite because of its uselessness, and the ones who do mainly sell the bulk of their stock to the Mage's Guild."

"The Mage's Guild, huh." Nathaniel sighed. "Seneschal, what are the other properties?"

"Firstly, its ability to create light is directed by the amount of magic in an area. The greater the magic, the brighter the light, but its most useful function is its ability to amplify the magic reserves of magical items."

"Amplify magical reserves? Are you saying azurite can increase the magical power of items?"

"Yes."

Aniphrae stole the metal from Nathaniel. "How has no one discovered this?"

"Based upon your own admission, I believe the Mage's Guild and the academies already have." Seneschal replied.

Nathaniel gave her a worried look. "Is this something we should keep secret? I would like to acquire more of it."

The merchant took a deep breath. "It'll draw attention if I start buying azurite in large quantities. The Mage's Guild may even go to the King if they suspect you know of its enhancing properties." She mused. "If you can create an innovation that requires the material without exposing the knowledge, then it should give us time to prepare."

"Then I'll create a magical torch." Nathaniel replied, "I'll turn the azurite into a core that will be housed in a lantern. I can even create a new rune that requires the user to feed mana into the device, that way the azurite grows brighter the more magic a person uses."

"That's brilliant!" Aniphrae clapped her hands wildly. "Once you have the first one made, I can present it to my father. That way we'll have the perfect cover for ordering more azurite." Her green eyes sparkled in anticipation. "When can you have one made?"

"By the end of the day."

A sharp squeal escaped Aniphrae's throat. "Sorry." She said, composing herself. "I'll head back to the manor and draft a letter to my father. That way, I can send the message with the lantern at first light." She jumped, kissing him firmly on the cheek. "I'm so glad father chose me!" she laughed, running out of the room.

Nathaniel couldn't hold back his own laugh. "Alright ladies, let's get to work." He said, picking up the glowing metal. "Seneschal, I'm going to need more azurite."