Maxwell's Trap:
Two weeks have passed since his first experiment with magical firearms were beginning to be developed and Maximus was once again standing before a wooden target. He pulled the trigger upon the pistol and it fired properly. The target received a hole the size of a large ball, nearly eight inches in diameter. He was pleased the barrel did not break apart; however, he was frowning at the sight of the noticeable cracks stretching down its entirety.
"The metal I have is not providing any real resistance to the power output. I need something that is a lot sturdier. I may have to resort on casting a spell upon the metal to make it durable, far more than normal which could solve that problem until I find better metal. Or perhaps should look into the overall design again. I may have to bypass the idea of magical pistols and move to only rifles instead. Which reminds me," He paused for a moment to pick up a newly constructed rifle, much like the single fired ones back home, and fired at another target.
The recoil was like a mule's kick, rocking his shoulder. The target was completely destroyed along with a larger hole in the wall behind it. He was pleased the rifle's barrel did not break apart and began to inspect it more.
"The recoil is about the same as the rifles back home, it seems the output is not so bad for this rifle, however once again the metal is heating up too much. The next shot may as well damage it far beyond repair. Which means, the natural mana in the gemstone is causing the output to be too much or the metal in this region is too weak. The spell to increase durability would only last a short time. I wonder if it would best to go with projectiles instead of magical shots after these past experiments." He whispered out.
He grabbed the firearms and went back into his workshop to set them down. He used his magic to repair the pistol and sat on his chair looking forward, zoning out as he tried to think of a way around the problem.
The next moment Aqua strolled past and noticed he was inside the castle. She was wearing only a short sky-blue bath robe and walked in, wrapping her arms around him.
"Are you finally done with today's experiments?" She whispered into his ear. "Because I was hoping you and I could just take it easy today. I want your "special touch" you do every time we get the chance." She finished with a seductive tone and her hand caressing his chest.
"That actually might be a good idea right now in order to get my mind off this. Maybe after we are done, I can see about finishing this up." He said with a smirk on his face.
She quickly placed a finger on his lips before he could go on. "Oh no you don't, the day is still incredibly young and since I convinced both Darkness and Megumin to leave for the day, I have you all to myself again. You and I are going to take the entire day off from all work, got that."
He took hold of her hand and stood up. "Are you sure you are not the Goddess of Temptation instead of being one of Water. Because you sure know how to be a temptress lately."
The two giggled a little and began to move up toward their room and when they entered began to kiss each other. She back peddled towards the bed, pulling him along and was soon lying down upon it. He took his coat off and threw it to the side. Aqua moved her hand down to remove the robe and leaned up to kiss him once more.
The moment she was about to be undressed, the crystal cube on the nightstand echoed with Wiz' voice calling out. "Maximus, there is a request for you to take a job for a lord at the Guild Hall."
Both of them were displeased they were interrupted from what they were about to do and Aqua became furious.
"Why do you have to interrupt us now of all the other times you could have done so, but no, you have to do it now?!" She shouted as she leaped to the crystal cube and took hold of it.
Maximus could not help but laugh a little as he sat down on the bed listening to Aqua's continued complaints. He stood up to walk over and took hold of the cube from Aqua's hands.
"Can it not wait until tomorrow?" He asked in a complaining manner. "Because me and Aqua were in the middle of something important."
"I am sorry, but the request was meant to be finished by the end of the day and he specifically asked you two to come right this moment." Wiz said feeling bad for interrupting his day off.
He sighed to relieve himself of his annoyance along with beginning to be aroused with Aqua. "Very well, he better pay me a handsome sum for this one on my day off."
Aqua began to be upset with him and had a pouty face. "Hmph."
"He was stated earlier he would pay at least ten million for your services." Wiz added.
"Ten million!" Both Aqua and Maximus shouted, feeling surprised by the amount offered.
"Well, since he is offering that much, I see no reason why we cannot aid him at this time." Aqua said with excitement and snapped her fingers to change into her regular attire. She had learned another spell from Maximus she thought would be useful. "Well, I am already to go."
"Well, I am glad one of us is one-hundred percent all for this little assignment." He said to himself. "Alright Wiz, the two of us will be at the Guild shortly." He said and waved his hand over the cube to turn it off.
Aqua joyfully took hold of his right arm and waited for him to transport themselves to the Guild Hall. He held his hand out and his coat floated into its grasp. After putting it on he held his hand up and snapped his fingers. The next moment the two of them teleported before the Quest Board. Once there, they approached the desk where Luna seemed to wait for their arrival.
"Oh, you two have arrived for the request to capture some thieves Wiz had informed me about a few moments ago." Luna said reaching for an envelope to her right. "The owner of the mansion wasn't able to be here because he is in the capitol and sent this letter to the Guild Hall. Within it will be the instructions on what you are guarding along with the key to the place." She informed them and handed the envelope to Maximus.
He was a little displeased there was no insignia or crest stamped on the back.
"How odd it would not have a seal with a crest on the back or extravagant calligraphy a nobleman would use to indicate its origin." He said to himself.
He began to open the envelope and noticed strange writing on the inside with no letter.
"Well, this is odd." He said out loud.
Before anyone could inquire of the envelope, he saw black streams of mist racing out from the key and writing, stretching up to him. Maximus instantly tried to push Aqua away but was unsuccessful. The streams reached forth like arms twisting around the two of them.
"What's going on?" Luna shouted with concern.
The mist formed fully around the two and began to suck them into the parchment. Maximus and Aqua found themselves inside a whirlwind twirling around as though they were in a twister and the vacuum pulled them downward. The wind howling against their ears, making them ring loudly.
"Maximus!" Aqua screamed in fear with her hand stretching for him.
Maximus tried to fly towards her but was unable to control his path. He reached out with his hand and the next moment teleported right beside her. He wrapped his arms around her tight, afraid to let go should the worst happen to them as they continued to descend downward the never-ending funnel.
On the outside, everyone could only see the dark fog begin to retract into the envelope until nothing more of it remained. The parchment closed in on itself and within the same moment turned to ash.
"What just happened to them?" Mohawk asked out loud.
"I am not sure, but I hope they are alright." Luna responded.
Meanwhile, Aqua and Maximus saw a light begin to shine within the semi dark funnel. The brightness became brighter as they noticed they were descending closer to it.
"What's that light and where does it lead?" She asked wanting to look away for fear of the worst possible outcome she could conjure in her mind.
"I am hoping it leads us to an end of this ride, because the winds within this twister feel as though they are picking up speed." He replied feeling the wind begin to press itself harder against him.
He quickly wrapped her within his long trench coat in an attempt to shield her from the brunt of the winds.
Aqua took hold of his face and looked into his eyes. "If the worst should happen, I want to say something very important to you and that's,"
Before she could finish the two were shot into the light. On the other side the dark funnel formed over the mansion and they both saw their destination. Maximus was able to regain control of his descent and slowly landed before the door of the domicile.
"Now then, you were about to say something important. What was it may I ask?" Maximus inquired as he moved the coat from her and soon noticed the dizzy look in her eyes. "Never mind, you can tell me later."
Aqua leaned against him for support as to not fall upon the ground as they stood there for several moments. She was beginning to have a nauseous feeling to vomit and leaned over to the side. She then puked out a stream of white fluid with rainbow colors within it. Maximus rubbed her back and began to survey the area and noticed they were on the outer edge of town a short distance to the wall, but far enough to see the open fields surrounding the place.
"I know this place; it was a home I was almost considered relieving some lord of when winter was beginning to rear its freezing embrace." He said after recognizing the mansion.
"Were you really considering such a thing?" Aqua asked and began to walk up to the door and before she could take a second step towards it Maximus took hold of her hand. "What is it, do you not want to check it out?" She inquired and soon noticed the look on his face was one of concern and being on guard.
"Hold on, don't you think we should see if we are in our reality or not before we continue?" He said and pulled her back.
He used his magic to create familiars to circle around.
"Isn't it a little strange for us to be brought here and not once has anyone yet to appear from the mansion to welcome or give us an explanation as to why we were transported in a way to here. I don't like the feeling of that at all." He said.
"Well, now that you mention it, I do find it odd no one seems to be around at all." She said looking around and turned back to him. "Do you think it could be a trick or a trap by, what is his name again, oh yeah, Maxwell?" She inquired sticking as close to him as possible.
"I wouldn't put it past him; besides, I had thought those two would make another move again. It is just I was expecting them to try a desperate direct confrontation with us this time around. That was only because I do not know too much about them, however I am learning rather quickly they would still stick to tricks instead of the impatient route. I will give them that much credit, they are very patient over these past weeks." He said and stopped to look at the mansion. "I cannot afford to be wrong about a hunch I have had since we were engulfed by that black fog."
He raised his left hand and fired a fireball at the mansion before the two of them. The blast went into the domicile and erupted from within. The windows shattered apart and the whole house violently quaked. Cracks spread across its entirety and soon after began to crumble in on itself.
The next moment an ominous laughter echoed across the sky belonging to Maxwell.
"Excellent work Maximus, I knew you would not be so inclined to enter any place within this reality I have created just for you. I also see you have your lover right beside you, an unexpected variable, but a welcome one no doubt. I wonder if you can keep a sharp eye on her and all that is around you. Do take care to watch what you open in this little reality of mine; you never know what could be behind any door in here. I must thank you for aiding me without your knowledge in previous encounters and observing you. I would not have thought to create such an extravagant realm for the two of you to spend the rest of eternity here. Although, you would more than likely starve to death as your resources are quite limited. Well, I shall leave the two of you to your own devices and do not worry about your friends as we will take great care of them." Maxwell laughed as his voice echoed away.
"Well played." Maximus said feeling a little impressed as he stood there looking up at the sky.
"What are we going to do, how are we going to get out of here? Please tell me we aren't going to starve in this place!" Aqua began to panic.
"Aqua, get a hold of yourself," He said grabbing her shoulders to get her attention before her panicking nature took full effect. "I know this is going to be a lot to take in right now, however we cannot lose focus all because we might be stuck here a while. Believe it or not, he actually gave me a clue as to where we are exactly." He said and looked around once more.
"What do you mean by that?" She inquired.
"He said we were within a reality he created, essentially, meaning he used a Mirror Reality spell in conjunction with other spells and magical traps which are certainly about. So, if he has created this than that means there will be a way out of here. We just have to find the source or the conduit that is breathing life into this place and there lies our first task. We need to find out where it is and fast, because there is no telling what sort of beings are lurking about within this place." He said and the two walked into town.
"So, why are we heading into town, don't you think we should head somewhere safe?" She asked looking up at him.
Before he could answer the two heard the ruffling sound of something moving within the brush next to the trail. She flinched in fear and wrapped herself within his coat as he stretched his right arm towards the sound. The echoing of the tall grass shaking grew closer and they saw them move or bend over as the unknown thing approached. Once it was a few feet from the trail they were on, it stopped and Aqua moved the coat down to peek out.
"What could it be, you don't think it's a Gremlin or something worse, do you?" She asked as her legs were shaking.
Maximus kept his gaze towards the sound's last known location and at the same time tried to use his ears to hear anything else that might be around.
"Uh, Maximus,"
Before she could inquire further, a small rat jumped out of the tall grass and looked around and turned to them. The rodent stood on its hind legs and used his front paws to scratch its face. After briefly cleaning itself, it moved towards them.
"Well, it's not something horrible of terrifying like I thought it was, so I guess this is better than something else." She said and began to come out from under his coat and walked towards it. "To think you actually scared a high-level Goddess such as I,"
Before she could finish a fireball engulfed the rat before she could get too close. The animal was set ablaze and ran into the field, screeching and crying out in pain.
"What did you do that for, it was only a harmless creature, even if it is a disgusting one." She snapped at him.
"If you can sense danger that way I can, you would not be saying that right now. Besides, that rodent is still alive and," He paused for a moment as the rat grew in size.
The giant rat stood nearly ten feet tall and five feet longer than its height. The fur on it was scorched off revealing a scaly skin underneath. The tail formed a blade at the end like a spearhead. Its body was lean yet muscular and took a step towards them and roared loud and long.
"Did that little thing turn into a dragon?" Aqua asked, terrified so much she could not move a muscle.
"No, it seems mutated in some way that would benefit itself for the moment." He replied and instantly bolted past and appeared back by Aqua's side.
The Giant Rat was split open down the middle and fell to the ground.
"I honestly thought it would have been harder to defeat. I guess depending on what it once was can only provide certain boosts. This means we will need to be extra careful from here on out. We cannot afford to engage too much as to conserve our mana." Maximus said what he was thinking.
"Do you think there is more than that little guy wandering around here or anywhere?" She asked as she looked around scared of the idea of what might pop out next.
"I would count on it, there is most likely multiple types of beasts waiting for us behind every corner. I could use Anti-Magic to cancel everything out, however, without knowing where the source is, I cannot just go blindly casting it upon everything. I would wager it is protected or hidden somewhere in a place we would have to explore. This means taking the chance of going through every house and building until we find it. This will come at high risks as behind every door, I imagine there will be some kind of surprise waiting for us. So, I need you to be on your guard at all times while we are here." He said as he began to walk towards town once more.
"So, will we be able to get out of here?" She asked walking beside him.
"We will get out of here, make no mistake about that and once we do, I will pay our friends, Lord Alderp and Maxwell a little visit. When that happens, I will make them both regret the day they were ever born into this world." He replied with a angry glare in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Lord Alderp was impressed with the way Maxwell had performed his latest accomplishments.
"I must say, posing as the lord of that house to drop the envelope off at the Guild was by far a noteworthy deed. On top of that, you made sure he would open it without suspecting any magical trace upon it. I must say writing those spells down to ensure he would be captured and transported to your little "World of Horrors" was impressive. I was a little disappointed you did not trap them into a house, but when you came up with the idea of something bigger like a reality of sorts you had learned from him in one of his previous encounter with the giant serpent, that was a better idea. Now he has more chances of falling further into your trap than he would have if it was just a house. This will be entertaining to watch how he gets out and along for the ride is his lover. I wonder if he can protect her and himself in some of the situations you have planned." Lord Alderp began to chuckle and took a swig of wine in his hand.
"His other companions should be there shortly along with the other two we have captured, who have been in there the longest. I wonder how those two have fared ever since they tried to steal from us the other day?" Maxwell said and soon a thought popped in his head. "I do hope the source is not founded by any of them, otherwise this will not end well for us. I may have to enter here and there to move it should they get too close. I am still not familiar with this Mirror Reality spell, but what I have discovered thus far it does have certain rules it must follow. Well, in the meantime, let us see how things play out." He said to himself.
