"See here, with the addition of the conical shape, the aerodynamics of the bullet are greatly improved and allow the bullet to travel a much farther distance before undergoing too much deceleration.", I pointed to on the diagram I had laid out for today. It had been a week since I got here and was given a place to stay, and I was currently helping Julie and the other engineers work on the PULSE Device with [Guns 100].
"But that could very easily result in the bullet just getting blown off course. How would we stabilize it's flight path?", one the Gremlins, as I learned they were called, asked me.
"Easy.", I responded,"By carving grooves along the inside of the barrel that spiral around, we can allow air inside to have a place to escape to when the bullet comes rushing down the barrel. While this helps decrease the likelihood of misfire and increase overall velocity, it also gives the bullet a sort of spin that allows it to maintain a stable flight path and not stray off course."
"Oh, I see!"
"This would definitely work…"
"This is so exciting!"
They were all eagerly jotting down notes and blushing. Some of them even seemed to be panting rather hard. The first time I saw this, I was a little put off, that is until I learned they are all monsters. I guess I should've seen it coming what with all the lewd devices they've got hanging off of their harnesses. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they were getting off on this, as it was already apparent to me that many of them fancied me. I asked Sophie about them, and she said that they were necessary for their projects to work. Apparently, all the Automatons and magical machinery that functioned around here did so because of these girls. They are the only ones who understand how they work, and even if they can't make more Automatons or things like them, they can repair them, though I'm not entirely sure how that works.
"Well, I think that's enough today. We need to keep working on and finish the test cartridge before going any further in theory. Once we get a working conical bullet, we'll continue from there.", I said as I grabbed my cloak I wore everywhere now and began to head out.
"Wait, Six!", Julie called out.
"Yeah, that's me. What's up?", I asked.
"Well, we were thinking about going out to celebrate later, and was wondering if you'd want to come along?", she asked before adding."There would be plenty of food and drinks to go around, and we'd love to...spend a bit more time with you." As the said that, she and many Gremlins behind her adopted a lewd look on their faces. It wasn't hard to guess what they intended on doing with me. They were monsters, after all.
"No thanks, but I appreciate it.", I responded.
"Are you sure?", Julie asked before explaining,"You've done so much for us already, so we'd like to...repay you in the best way we know how." As she said that, she began to slide her hands down her side in a sensual manner in order to accentuate her hips.
"No thanks, I'm a busy guy and got my own stuff I need to work on now.", I explained, rejecting their offer again. She sighed before turning to walk back toward her workstation. I turned to walk away before I heard her whisper from behind me.
"I'll get it up the ass from you eventually, Six.", she whispered to herself.
"Keep dreaming, girly.", I muttered to myself as I left. I don't have anything against her or any of the other girls in particular, but they are all a bit too...young looking for my tastes. I know they are all over eighteen, but it still feels uncomfortable to me. Before I walked out of the workshop, my eyes drifted to one of the Automatons standing guard, observing her joints and mechanisms before continuing my stride.
Whatever, today's been a rough day, and tomorrow I'll have a shit ton of free time. I'll be able to finally take a trip to the library tomorrow and get to reading all the books I can thanks to my VATS trick. Tonight, though, I need a drink.
The walk back was rather uneventful as I thought about the things I should prioritize on my trip to the library. I have no doubt I'll be able to make really good progress no matter what, being a [Voracious Reader] and all, but this magic endeavor could prove to be more complicated than I initially thought, so I should think about what I should read.
Obviously, anything magic related should come first. Get the basics down, then move on to more advanced theories and practices. Hell, maybe I'll learn a fucking spell in the process, who knows. My main goals with this, however, are learning how to produce a metric fuckton of energy and localize it to a specific point as well as how to manipulate time, or at least generate enough centrifugal force to maintain a direct link for the Big Mountain Transportalponder! to do it itself given that the prototype firmware is technically in their even if it lacks the hardware to do it normally.
I'd need to look at the schematics again, but I'm fairly certain the energy requirement was somewhere close to 4 * 10^22 Joules give or take a couple million. Regardless, it's a lot and no Fusion Core in existence can give off that amount of power. Actually, I'm honestly curious how the Think Tank back on Earth did it. According to the schematics, it just detailed a massive Fusion Generator with a mass conglomerate of Fusion Cores that were able to work together in order to exponentially increase their power output. That's actually kind of interesting, maybe I'll take a closer look at it once I get back to my own dimen-
Voices, I heard voices with [Perception 9] talking at where the door to my room should be just around the corner of the hallway I was walking through. Slowly inching my way to the corner to peak around, I saw Elt and Koyoi standing in front of my door presumably waiting for me. Great, there goes my night drinking and dreaming. What do they want? As I rounded the corner, they both took notice of me and Elt even gave me a small wave.
"What do you guys want?", I asked as I approached them."You know we're not supposed to go out and about if we don't have to.", I reminded them. We were told not long after settling in that the Pixie Zelle often visits the College to retrieve various texts from the library, so we need to stay holed up as much as possible. They also asked me to only go to the library on specific days since those were when I'd be least likely to run into her. Fara also went ahead and gave us descriptions of both Zelle and Queen Violet so we'd be able to recognize them and get away if need be.
"I-I know, but...well…", Elt trailed off.
"He means you've been rather distant.", Koyoi finished for him before adding."Not to mention, he told me you planned on training him in combat and stealth tactics."
"Oh yeah, I guess I did say I wanted to do that, huh?", I muttered to myself.
"If you are going to train him, then I want to participate as well.", Koyoi remarked, gripping the hilt of her blade."I am loath to admit it, but I fear I will never be able to take down Druella through my own training regiment. I require your skills." Shit, these guys are really putting me on the spot here…
"...Ugh, fine.", I relented, groaning at the fact I just lost a good night of drinking and relaxation. Well, I suppose I could still drink, but it just wouldn't be the same."I don't suppose you both have a spot in mind?"
"We do. Follow.", Koyoi answered, motioning for me to follow them.
We walked for a little bit in silence before coming to a shoddy looking wooden door. Clearly out of place compared to the ornate halls and interior design we had just passed through. Looking around to make sure no one was watching us, Koyoi quickly and quietly opened the door and ushered us inside. What we found was a creaky wooden staircase leading down to what looked like a basement of sorts.
It was dark, only being lit by the light from the hallway peering through the cracks in the now closed wooden door we came from. Regardless, Koyoi seemed to have no trouble walking down the stairs and finding an extinguished torch against the wall. Once she did, she did something I couldn't quite see, and like that, the torch lit as Elt and I reached the bottom of the steps.
The place was insanely dirty, and it was clear no one had been here until very recently. Looking around, it seemed it was actually a little crowded with various crates and tarps. Looking at the crates, as well as a shelves along the walls, there were various bottles of various liquids and regents. It seems this place was used as a storage location for various chemicals and the like.
"How the Hell do you know about this place, Koyoi?", I asked.
"I found it while you were busy with those degenerates in the workshop.", she answered.
"Speaking of which...they haven't tried anything, have they Six?", Elt asked slowly.
"They haven't tried to rape me, if that's what you're asking.", I answered with a half truth, leaving out the part about them trying to sleep with me subtly.
"R-Right, I suppose Sophie wouldn't let them stay if they did do stuff like that, huh?", he asked. I stayed silent, but didn't necessarily agree. From what I've learned, those girls are the only ones who know anything about how the Automatons function and how to fix them, and since the Automatons make up the vast majority of this place's city guard and military, that makes these girls indispensable to Sophie and the Queen.
"Alright, I suppose we should start with basic stealth tactics given your embarrassing performance in the Ice Queen's domain.", I suggested, to which Koyoi adopted a look of surprise.
"Wait, you went to the Ice Queen's domain?", she asked.
"Yeah, how else do you think that stupid snow storm ended?", I asked smugly.
"…Let's move on.", she sighed before continuing."Elt, watch closely. We'll show you some basic things to keep in mind when evading enemy detection." Like that, we spent most of our time down there teaching Elt how to sneak effectively. Afterward, we spent a little bit of time on combat drills to make sure both Koyoi's and Elt's melee abilities were up to snuff. Koyoi, as expected from a "famed monster slayer", was very adept in swordsmanship. Elt had some work to go, but he was a lot better than I initially thought he'd be. I wouldn't have bet money on him beating a monster one-on-one before, but now he should be able to stand up to at least one.
"I had no idea you could use your feet like that. To stop an enemy's spear with just your foot…", Elt remarked as we finished our last drill.
"It's risky, but extremely rewarding if you can pull it off.", I explained before noting,"Just make sure the enemy isn't feinting, as they could very easily pull back the thrust and transition into a wide sweep."
"Got it.", Elt said with a nod before stretching. I went ahead and checked the time to see that it was around 10:21pm.
"Alright, it's getting pretty late.", I remarked before adding."Let's go ahead and get some rest." As I said that, Elt and I began to walk out when Koyoi called out to me.
"Actually, I would like to talk with you, Six.", she said before clarifying."In private." Elt looked to me, to which I gave a simple nod for him to go ahead and head back without me. With that, Elt left Koyoi and I alone in that dank storage room together.
"Alright, what's up, Koyoi?, I asked as I sat on one of the crates. Koyoi was silent at first before she turned away from me and spoke.
"How much do you trust Anastasia?", she asked.
"You know, it's rude to not look at who you're speaking to.", I said, earning a glare form her in the process."But to answer your question, I don't trust her."
"Then why do you give her so much freedom to act?", Koyoi asked."You should be keeping a better eye on her."
"Oh, I am. Just not in an obstructing way.", I clarified before explaining."Think of it like a lure. She now has all this freedom to go behind our backs and notify Druella or Zella of our presence, and if she takes it, then we'll leave her behind ASAP."
"So you're testing her?", Koyoi asked before remarking."You make it sound as if she is redeemable. Need I remind you she is a monster?"
"Yes, I'm aware, and yes, she is redeemable.", I responded before asking."Do you really believe that just because they are monsters that they can't be decent people?"
"Yes, I do believe that.", Koyoi answered before adding."I have never once seen a monster living a decent life."
"Then you sure as shit didn't look very hard.", I remarked.
"Even if your lure works, how can you guarantee that you'll know when she betrays us or when we need to leave?", Koyoi asked in disbelief.
"You really think I'm doing this without backup plans in mind? I've got several, though the main one involves some...extra work I've been doing in the workshop.", I explained.
"Elaborate.", Koyoi demanded. I hesitated for a minute before relenting.
"I may or may not be looking into how to manipulate the Automatons and make them either act a certain way or straight up shut off. Based off my initial examinations, I may have an inkling as to how they operate.", I explained. I didn't go into the nitty-gritty details with her since she likely wouldn't understand them, but from what I've seen, those Automatons act extremely similar to the military androids back on Earth, only if they were developed by a REALLY horny engineer. If I'm right about this, then I should be able to find a way to dig inside their programming with [Science 100].
"I see, you are the one who wounded Druella, so if you say so...", she sighed before finally relenting."Fine. As your bodyguard, I will uphold your will and leave Anastasia alone."
"All good, except I still don't need a bodyguard.", I responded before adding,"Hell, if anyone needs a bodyguard, it's Elt. He's the one with, like, 5 former heroes and a princess gunning for him." Actually, I may have an idea...
"Really? I was not aware of that. I feel sorry for the boy.", Koyoi remarked at my statement.
"You know what, that might actually be a good idea…", I thought to myself out loud. If I can get Koyoi to stop solely stalking me and stalk Elt instead, then I can let Elt go without worrying if he'll be caught and Koyoi will be hounding my ass less. Two birds with one stone. I have to leave them behind anyway, so it's best to get them working together now for when that time finally comes.
"What might be a good idea?", Koyoi asked for clarification. I looked to her before standing up off of the crate I was on and spoke to her
"You said you'd uphold my will and all that, yeah?", I asked, to which Koyoi nodded."Then I want you to keep an eye on Elt and make sure he stays safe. Become his bodyguard for me."
"Really? You'd choose his safety over your own?", Koyoi asked before adding."I didn't think you were that selfless."
"It's not like that.", I explained."I can take care of myself just fine, but he can't. Understand?"
"Yes, and I wouldn't necessarily mind. The boy is rather...intriguing...in his own way.", Koyoi responded with a light blush. Oh Jesus, another one. How many bitches can this one guy get, anyhow? "However, you forget the main reason I travel with you. I need you to take down Druella, or have you forgotten?"
"Could you expand on that for me, please?", I asked,"Why the Hell do you have such a hate-boner for her?"
"...Why do you care?", she asked with a glare.
"Because if it's for a stupid reason, I'm not helping you, period.", I responded easily, catching her off guard.
"...Fine, I'll tell you.", she responded before explaining."I come from long line of monster slayers on Zipangu, but our method for family succession is very competitive. It is tradition that the strongest child becomes the next successor, and the rest become branch families. Branch families have a much lesser burden weighing on them, and so many of us tried to become the best in order to free our brothers and sisters from that burden." I listened intently to her story as she continued.
"I've lost many siblings to this accursed tradition.", she continued,"One of my younger sisters gone missing, my eldest sister marked for death, I don't want to lose more siblings like that. So, I can't go back home until I have a trophy that will, without a doubt, secure myself as the successor to the Amanomiya family and free my brothers and sisters of that terrible fate, and what better trophy than the head of one of the most powerful Lilim in the world?"
"Huh, I suppose that's more noble than what I had originally thought.", I relented before adding."It would also make a lot of sense, though you are forgetting one problem."
"And what would that be?", she asked, genuinely curious.
"You may be able to use Druella's head to become the successor and save your siblings from this tradition, but that only kicks the can down the street one more step.", I said before explaining with [Speech 100]."All you are doing is perpetuating the cycle since, eventually, your children will be the ones suffering from this tradition of yours, and then their children after them."
"...I know, it will continue, but what can I do?", she asked."Who am I to stand in the way of tradition?"
"God, woman, you are your own person, are you not?", I asked, starting to get annoyed.
"Well, yes, I am-", she said as I interrupted her.
"Then act like it!", I exclaimed again with [Speech 100], causing her eyes to widen in surprise."If this tradition is really the detriment to your family that you know it is, then working to dismantle it can only do your family good. Don't let your family decide what you and your siblings want to be."
"I...I understand, but I still don't know what I can do…", she said in a much quieter tone.
"All the more reason to hang around Elt, then.", I responded before adding,"He seeks to reform his own Theocracy, after all, so you two might have more in common than you think, just on much different scales."
"Really...then, in that case…", she spoke to herself as she looked toward me and declared,"Very well, I shall guard Elt so that he may complete his quest, and that I may complete mine as well."
"Good, I wish you luck, then.", I responded. This is for her own good, after all, since I'll be leaving either way. No way in Hell am I helping her take down Druella of all people.
"I thank you, Six, for having this talk with me.", Koyoi said before making her way to the stairs. Before she began to climb them, though, she spoke out to me once more."But know this, I do not do this for you, nor do I do this for anyone else. I do this for myself."
"Oh, don't worry.", I responded."I'd hoped that'd be the case." She gave a light nod, hiding her smile as she climbed the stairs and left the basement.
Well, that sure was interesting. Who knew family feuds could be so mentally taxing? I don't remember my own family on account of a couple 9mm rounds making sweet love to my skull, so I can't really speak on that myself, but I certainly wouldn't care for that myself. Honestly, after today, I am beat. Checking the time once more, I still had some time to relax and drink before I hit the hay. After today, I need it.
After making sure the room looked undisturbed and extinguishing the torchlight, I made my way back up the stairs and out the creaky, wooden door. After stretching and popping a few joints, I began to head back to my room. I'm gonna have fun tonight.