Another world, Celeste

Chapter Twenty Nine, pt 3

Four days. We spent four days in the desert zone and I still can't get used to the extreme desert weather. During that time, Chief and I made improvements to both the prototype binoculars and helmet binoculars. Luna comes for inspection on the second day and expresses great interest in the helmet binocular because of the heat sensor effect.

"We can use this to monitor the nocturnal residents without getting too close and the helmet part is much more durable than an armoured helmet," Luna thought aloud as she tries one.

Chief also likes the helmet binocular so much that he hasn't taken it off ever since he wore it. He even wears it to sleep. I don't want to be near him when he does take it off. I get the feeling it would stink badly of sweat. While she's there, Luna also conducts a brief magic lesson appropriate for the desert environment and caution me about using magic during the twilight hour if I ever were to journey to an actual desert. 

Day three in the desert zone. Chief and I mostly talk about reducing the weight of the helmet binocular when considering the burden of the wearer's neck for long-hour usage. When expressing such concern, Chief continues to wear the helmet. He says it helps him figure out the prototype's faults that way.

"Luda is here. This is good timing," Chief notes the elf's approaching presence.

Ah, I almost forgot.

Today is originally supposed to be my lesson with Luda and when he heard about the situation, he drops by to see our progress with the magi device testing. Luda examines the binoculars and mumbles something about attaching the binocular's features to the golem's eyes. As expected of the golem expert. Certainly, that would increase the precision of the golem's attacks. And then, Chief suddenly provokes Luda into another round of golem battle by mentioning the progress of my lesson, leaving me flustered. Ever since Chief put Luda entirely in charge of teaching me earth magic which includes golem creation, Chief hasn't enquire about it until now. He's only ever taken an interest in the household magi devices I made with Jilko.

After a short silence, Luda returns the binocular to me and respond.

"Many of my golems may have been destroyed by you Chief but I can say for certain that I do not lack in my teaching. Iris progresses much faster than any dwarves I ever have the pleasure to witness."

Chief grin wider at Luda's retaliation.

My eyes dart between Chief and Luda. Are they going to have another golem battle right here? Just when I'm thinking of quietly stepping back to not get involved, Chief moves his hand and finally, finally take off the helmet binocular then glance sidelong at me holding a mischievous grin. At that moment, a shiver runs down on my arms. I quickly avoid his gaze but its too late.

"Very well. I shall listen to one request of yours if Iris wins this round against me."

The glint in Luda's eyes shone brightly for a second at Chief's enticing proposal before it disappears.

Chief continues, "But if I win, I will have you participate at next year's golem tournament."

Luda hesitates for a moment but eventually agrees to it.