The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [95] We Need A Plan

A few hours passed, and the team's equipment was fully repaired. Tanisha's armor, which had suffered extensive damage, had lost most of its enchantments. However, the golden lines woven into the armor were infused rather than enchanted. Because of that they retained their magical properties. The repairs altered its appearance, lightening the once black metal to a polished stainless steel. The golden lines now stood out in stark contrast, transforming her from the imposing black knight into something altogether more radiant.

"I replaced the broken enchantments for you," Laxy said, her voice calm and measured. "Unlike the others, you are connected to the Chorus, which allows aether to flow through your armor. Because of this, I've added a few technological enhancements as well. However, given the technological level I've observed from your group, some functions may be challenging to understand initially. Before engaging in further combat with the security systems, I strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with these upgrades. I will offer lessons at a more appropriate time."

"Wow, thank you," Tanisha replied, marveling at the armor. She ran her fingers over the gleaming surface, feeling the craftsmanship. "It looks brand new."

Her gaze shifted to the bardiche she had nearly shattered during the battle with the Shard-type mecha-doll. Like her armor, the weapon had been restored to pristine condition, its ornate details as striking as ever. Yet, as soon as her hand wrapped around the handle, she could sense something had changed. Laxy had enhanced the weapon's ability to channel her magic, allowing it to resonate equally well with the Aetheric aspects of her power as it did with mana.

Tanisha's mind raced with possibilities. If she could find a demon runesmith to refine its resonance with maya, it would become her most potent weapon. It would likely be an one-of-a-kind seiðr blade. The thought excited her, and she resolved to pursue the idea when they finally left this place and found Joha.

"I will also design a custom set of armor for Bjorn," Laxy announced as she began weaving threads of light with her mechanical fingers. "It will take a few hours to complete. I'll have Doxy alert you all when it's ready."

***

The team left Laxy to her work and met in the large R&D meeting room. There was a nervous energy from Tanisha who decided to sit with Bjorn on the floor. Aurelius was unreadable as he looked over his new shield which unlike his last one was made from some kind of dark metal and divided into individual plates. Fuyumi opened and closed her mouth several times, starting and failing to come up with a coherent enough thought to share.

The group sat in silence for a while. Tanisha didn't really know how long before Aurelius put his shield on his back and stood up. He walked to the front of the meeting room or at least the head of the table. He looked resolute in his decision when he let out a long slow breath.

"Tanisha, Bjorn, can you come to the table?" He said with a neutral inflection.

Tanisha looked at her hydra for a moment before using her arcane shift to appear in one of the chairs. Bjorn got up and moved one of the chairs out of the way so he could sit at the table as well.

"Thank you," Aurelius continued, his voice steady but carrying a weight that made everyone sit up straighter. "We've all learned a lot from Laxy just now—more than we probably anticipated. Revelations about the past, the present..." His gaze lingered on Bjorn for a moment before returning to the group. "But no matter what we've uncovered, one thing remains unchanged: we have a job to do. My family needs me. People I care about are relying on me to protect them. I've never been one to run from a fight, and I won't start now."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "We know the stakes now. We know what needs to be done to save ourselves, our families, and countless lives across the continent. But make no mistake—what lies ahead won't be easy. Each of us has a role to play, and none of them are without danger. Bjorn, for example, is the only one who can survive the Chaos Hurricane. Not even my resistance is permanent, but he's a True."