Private Hylands Ascent Braving the North with Meat and Metal

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki looked over as MAI didn't respond to her question. Seeing how the magia was preoccupied with taking in the view the caenis smiled and let her companion enjoy the moment. Given that it was her first time here she undoubtedly was even more impressed by nature's beauty than the wildling, who was more familiar with Hylands's environment. The Valley of the Sun was a good place to be at any time of the year, which was the reason why the Sun Claw had settled here so long ago.

While MAI gazed upon the lake (and floated right above it, Mizuki noted) the caenis looked into the distance instead, to the west where above the trees the mountaintops could be seen far in the distance. The other end of the Hylands, where the terrain was a lot harsher and unforgiving. That was where the Moon Fang lived, and where Mizuki would often travel to when she was alone or with her pack. Not exactly the best place to visit with a friend.

Shaking her head Mizuki turned back towards the forest, leaving MAI be for now as she got to work. In theory she could use her druidic magic to prepare for the night, but the huntress firmly believed in using her own body when possible. Physical labour was healthy, after all, and somebody who relied entirely on their magic would get into trouble if they found themselves in a taxing environment.

Although gathering wood for a fire wasn't exactly the most exhausting of challenges, especially here where there was an abundance of branches and twigs available. The dense forest was rich with materials, and Mizuki didn't even have to leave the lake's edge to gather a tidy pile big enough that it would last them the night. And then a smaller pile to serve as a reserve, in case the situation called for it.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

While MAI was certainly smitten by the sight above her, and frankly- all around her- she wasn't completely oblivious to her surroundings. She knew better than that, especially when in lands that were completely foreign to her. While she might have been in the company of someone who was seemingly well-versed in these lands, it would be unbecoming of her to rely solely on the wolf girl.

All that was to say, she heard Mizuki shuffling off to disappear between the trees, causing the magia to glance back briefly before offering her surroundings one last brief look. Proceeding to return back on solid ground, she quietly observed as her guide started preparing for the night. Which brought along a question.

"Query - Will smoke produced by a campfire not attract any kind of negative attention to this location, and by extension, to us as we camp here?"

Most people of the village they went through seemed welcoming enough, but MAI wasn't exactly knowledgable on what animals or other inhabitants might have been around, and if any of them would be a bit more displeased about strangers occupying a part of this forest and the lake.

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Given how mesmerised MAI had appeared by the view before her Mizuki hadn't expected her companion to break off her lake-gazing, but the huntress herself was currently more focused on gathering the fallen branches and twigs which would serve as firewood for their camp. Fortunately, in a forest as dense as the one surrounding the lake there was always an abundance of these things, so she barely had to look around at all.

Her ears twitched as the purple-haired magia posed her question, the monochrome caenis pausing for a moment before shaking her head and continuing her work.

Given how far apart the settlements can be it isn't unusual for those who travel between kotans to set up camp as well during the night, and if possible they'll try to camp close to bodies of water like this lake.

Picking up a particularly large branch she frowned at it, then broke it in two before tossing both pieces back towards the clearing at the edge of the water.

There's also ways to make the fire less visible without relying on magic. Dry fuel is a good start, but if we're going for stealth we should also dig a hole for the fire. Could you take care of that while I gather the fuel?

Mizuki didn't think they needed to worry too much, given that the Valley of the Sun was the safest place in the Hylands. However, it wasn't entirely without dangers, and if MAI wanted to enjoy the night sky in peace it wouldn't hurt to put some work into securing that peace.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

MAI observed Mizuki still, as the wolf somewhat flip-flopped on whether they did need to be stealthy or not. Ultimately, her companion erred on the side of caution, which frankly seemed very in-character for her with what all she had seen from the lunar wolf.

"Clarified - We are going for stealth then. This unit will comply."

If she wanted a hole for the campfire dug, that was easy enough. Without really needing any equipment, nor wanting to particularly dirty her hands, all MAI had to do was place a palm onto the earth's surface. Raising the hand back up, a large chunk of dirt would simply stick to it like a ball, the soil gathering around a small source of gravitational pull, all set aside and leaving behind a small hole, just about large enough for the bonfire... at least if MAI's real-life experience was anything to go by.

"Announcement - The task has been completed."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki glanced towards MAI as she saw her companion get started on making a hole for the fire, noticing how she didn't bother with digging or anything: instead she just lifted her hand up and the dirt came up with it, presumably through a refined application of gravity magic.

Seems like a useful type of magic.

It wasn't the first time she'd observed MAI's magic, but it bore repeating how it allowed her to trivialise basically any task which would otherwise require manual labour. And given how it allowed her to fly with ease it must be a lot more efficient than using muscles for the same task as well.

Returning her full focus on gathering branches and twigs Mizuki fell silent for a little while, until eventually she returned to the hole MAI had made with handfuls of wood in various shapes and sizes, most of it rather small. Sitting down next to the hole she placed all the materials she'd collected on the ground and began to sort them from small to big, creating three different piles.

You seem to have little difficulty casting magic from yourself, so your drones are more like extensions of yourself to increase the complexity and potency of your spells? In contrast to the magic being contained inside the drones, I mean.

She wasn't exactly a researcher or anything, but it was interesting to see how different people approached magic and spellcasting. In Mizuki's case her magic was focused on her own body and required little conscious thought, and in a way it seemed like MAI had used drones to expand her magic outside of her own body.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

Since Mizuki didn't have any further requests, MAI figured that she was probably done for now and just sort of proceeded to seat herself on what seemed to be the comfiest patch of grass in front of the hole, casually observing the wolf girl and her 'stick work'.

"Correct - The ability to alter gravitational fields around the user is indeed a very useful ability. However, this unit would argue that just about any kind of magic could be very practical and useful if used correctly and with enough creativity."

At least that was what MAI believed. Even though there were most definitely abilities that were far more straightforward than others. But, considering how well some managed to combine different masteries, it made her wonder if there was any limit at all to what one could create and control in this world. As for the question that came after...

"Negative - As my drones are created through Magitech, they require a magic-based power source to continue operating. As such, they draw their power from these cores, which require replenishing. This unit merely provides a set amount of magic for the cores whenever refueling is necessary."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Sorting sticks wasn't really something multiple people could do at the same time, so Mizuki took care of it herself while MAI watched. The luna wolf had done this often enough that she didn't really need to think about it either, leaving most of her mind free to focus on the conversation with MAI while her hands went through the sticks, sorting them so all the smallest were on one side and the biggest on the other, occasionally snapping a bigger branch into smaller pieces.

All magic can be useful, but I think it's hard to beat being able to lift and move things, especially if that includes yourself. (She smiled.) You barely have to worry about logistics at all.

MAI's explanation debunked Mizuki's understanding of the drone master's abilities, explaining that each drone did have its own magic core which fuelled it like a battery. The huntress nodded as she listened, her moon-eyes remaining on the sticks even as her perked up ears made it clear that she was paying attention.

So they do each hold their own magic reserves... Can they also execute commands themselves, or do you have to control them all manually?

They had been used for complicated techniques before, so Mizuki was curious if MAI controlled their movements or if she'd given them enough independence that they could execute pre-programmed functions once the command had been given.

Actually, could you gather some stones as well? Fist-sized, preferably, and one big stone.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

"Explanation - All Magitech can be made to be automated, or behave on some sort of logic, if created with an explicit purpose for such. Manual control of multiple such units at once would be difficult for anyone."

Multitasking was already a thing that most people sucked at, that was simply how focusing on a task worked. Having automation of sorts when it came down to minions was practically a necessity. And, conveniently, Mizuki had a task to test just such a thing.

"Curiosity - Has the Starcalled Mizuki prepared such a task specifically to witness a drone perform such a task autonomously? It is not difficult."

With that, a couple of small drones flew out from beneath MAI's cloak, beeping a few times before each heading to the nearest stone that would fit the description of being 'fist-sized', flying over it, hovering it just beneath the frame of its body using gravity magic, and bring it back. Rinse and repeat. The magia herself started looking around for the bigger one.

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Another explanation of how MAI's drones worked, with the magia calmly pointing out that there were limits to how far anyone could multitask, making semi-autonomous drones a necessity for anybody who wanted to make extensive use of them. The wildling nodded along as her purple-haired companion explained, her hands going through the last handfuls of wood to sort.

So they're mostly autonomous then. Perhaps comparable to how I work with my packmates, although I imagine you wouldn't make them quite that independent. (She snorted.) You don't need one of your drones complaining that it's hungry for more mana.

Not that her packmates were particularly whingy, but their eternal hunger could at times get the best of them. As MAI asked whether Mizuki had come up with the request for stones on purpose to test her drones the caenis shook her head, watching as the drones flew away to perform the task.

It just came to mind while we were talking. If we want to make a fire with as little smoke as possible those stones will be useful.

With MAI dedicated to the task of finding a bigger stone and her drones depositing the smaller stones Mizuki got to work preparing the campfire. Not that it was particularly complicated: she made an intentionally chaotic mess of tiny twigs inside the hole MAI had made, then carefully placed the stones acquired by the drones around the hole so they formed a clean circle... but with an opening on two sides.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

As Mizuki spoke, the magia froze up for a moment, as if in deep thought, perhaps even realizing something.

"Appreciation - Vocalization of such a state might be beneficial in preventing the undesirable state of drones running out of mana outside of efficient collection range. This suggestion will be considered in future development."

Whether it would be more annoying than useful was an entirely different question, but also one that would be answered in the future. In the meantime, MAI managed to find what she assumed to be a sufficiently large stone and gracefully levitated it toward the firepit her companion was creating. Not something she had any prior experience with, so it was kinda nice to see, as she made sure to remember the technique.

"Confoundment - This unit is still uncertain of the desire to prioritize more dangerous actions such as camping, as opposed to simply logging out to ensure the physical body remains unscathed for the entire duration when the individual is not engaging with the game."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki had meant the lack of complaining to be an advantage on MAI's side, but it seemed the magia disagreed once the difference was mentioned. The caenis raised an eyebrow as her companion appeared to be lost in thought for a moment before she clarified her new idea, leaving the wildling bemused.

I figured you already kept track of their reserves. Does it happen often that they run out of mana?

MAI did have a point that at least Mizuki's packmates wouldn't suddenly collapse from starvation... although at their worst they sometimes sounded like they would. The huntress internally rolled her eyes before MAI brought over the larger stone, which she grabbed with both hands. Once the magitechnician had disabled her gravity hold on the rock she'd place it in one of the two openings left in the circle of stones around the campfire.

Thanks. That should just about do it...

Reaching out she picked up a stick she'd put aside earlier, one which was remarkably straight and had a sharp point on one end. She was about to use it to start the fire when MAI posed another question, one which distracted Mizuki as she frowned and stared at the stick while trying to formulate her thoughts.

Hrmmm... To be honest, I will often log out completely as well, because as you say, it is a lot safer than leaving your body behind... but I do wish that wasn't the case.

Placing the sharp tip of the stick against one of the pieces of wood placed in the pit she took it between her furred hands and began to rapidly spin it by rubbing her hands, experience allowing her to keep the stick's point firmly placed on the same spot even as her paws turned into a blur.

If we lived in this world completely we could go to sleep and wake up when danger shows itself, but when we are logged out our bodies are comatose, unable to react. We're actually more helpless than the natives of these lands. I try to treat this world as being real because the only thing that makes it not real is the fact that we access it through a device and the presence of the UI: if you lost access to both the UI and your memories you would never know that this world isn't real.

As she talked the tip of the stick began to heat up until finally faint wisps of smoke began to rise up from the point of contact, with Mizuki continuing to spin the stick at blurring speed for a bit longer while she talked.

So I try to not make use of the things which make this world feel less real: if I think I can safely get away with it I'd rather log in and feel my body wake up. If you prefer to just log out entirely I'm not stopping you.

She'd thought of saying more, but by this point she needed to lower her head and blow onto the heated point to fully ignite the first small flames, the orange-red tongues licking at the base they had been born from and the smaller twigs that surrounded it.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

"Affirmative - During prolonged use, drones are prone to running out of mana. This is a rare occurrence when it comes to short-term usage, such as during combat, and thus does not need to be a point of concern. However, automation of tasks using these drones does pose such a risk and may necessitate a use of another device that would allow the machines to periodically recharge themselves on their own."

Well, that was about the gist of it, anyway. She probably didn't have to go that much into the details. After all, Mizuki didn't exactly look like someone who would be particularly interested in the innermost workings of magitech. The two of them were almost on opposite sides of such a spectrum, even. A magia who used seemingly advanced technology and a wild beastfolk who was in tune with nature and animals.

MAI did observe as Mizuki started working on the fire, a technique she was familiar with from movies and various stories she had read online, yet one she had never seen in-person. At least now she could be sure that it really did work in practice. At the same time, she listened to the wolf's reasoning about all things concerning this world and it's presumed "realness".

"Preferences noted."

That was her simple answer. Frankly, she could understand. Hell, she even understood that there were people who were running away from the 'real world' and wished for this place to be more real than that to which they would inevitably have to return. It was... a complicated topic that they probably didn't need to delve further into.

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki looked at the drones moving about as MAI answered her question. They seemed pretty efficient, wasting no time on excessive movements, but given how small they were the caenis could imagine them running out of energy and dropping out of the air if not tended to.

I figured that combat would quickly drain them given how much energy they'd be using. (She nodded.) But unlike my packmates they're not independent enough to keep themselves going. That makes sense.

For the most part she'd just overestimated just how deeply the magia was linked to her drones: she'd imagined them to be like MAI's limbs, but they were much closer to traditional machines, obediently executing whatever task was assigned to them but requiring manual fine-tuning.

With some assistance from Mizuki's concentrated breath the flames expanded to the point that they could survive, eating away at the kindling while the wildling leaned back. Grabbing some more kindling she tossed it onto the flames haphazardly, moon-eyes focused on her work even as she spoke towards MAI.

Well, everyone has their own way of experiencing this world. I just take it more seriously than most.

The flames danced fitfully as they grew stronger, sucking in the surrounding air from every direction except where Mizuki had carefully placed the bigger rock. Even more air was drawn in from where she'd left a hole in the encircling fist-sized stones, the campfire quickly reaching the point that its warmth could be felt for those who sat close enough.

Smoke mostly comes from lack of air or fuel that burns poorly, so as long as we don't add too much at a time it should be stealthy enough.

Indeed, the fire produced very little smoke, and what smoke did rise up from the flames seemed to cling to the large rock, only drifting upwards slowly. Mizuki added some more wood, but then pulled her paws back and turned her head towards her companion.

Of course, it's still not as good as what a pyromancer would make. (She smiled.) But we shouldn't receive any unwanted visitors, and it'll keep us warm while we wait for the stars to show.

The goal of this journey had, after all, been to find a spot where MAI could see the stars in all their glory, unmarred by weather or light pollution. Mizuki was confident that her purple-haired friend would be impressed by the night sky here in the Hylands, So close to the heavens.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

It made perfect sense to assume that combat would be, by far, the most draining activity available. It was only by a set of potentially unfortunate circumstances that this was not, in fact, the case.

"Correction - As these machines are created by this Unit via the use of Magitech mastery, the entirety of the constructs is limited by this Unit's mastery ability. If it were possible to use up a drone's entire reserve of mana in a singular burst, their battle capability would be far greater and more devastating."

Alas, that was not the case, and her machines were simply not capable of using that much energy in that short of a time. In a way, her creations were bound by the same rules she was, and all of the Starcalled were.

With the campfire pretty much finished, all of the drones were recalled and stored away once again, their purpose fulfilled. MAI would squat down in front of the stick and stone-filled hole, briefly feeling the smallest of warmth that would slowly grow stronger over time. Her head turned and eyes focused on the sky. It was indeed remarkably clear thanks to their altitude, but it always made her wonder just how people could make regular trips between here and the lands down below.

"Witty - As long as no random stranger stumble upon this location by chance, or by the desire to catch fish in the lake."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki hadn't seen everything MAI was capable of yet, so she could only guess at just how much power the purple-haired magia could use when she really needed to. However, MAI's explanation did clear things up, the wildling nodding slowly in response.

So while you can give them enough energy to last for hours there's a limit to how much energy they can use at any given time. (She looked at the drones again.) Out of curiosity, if you did try to drain their entire reserve in a single burst would it simply not work or would it cause them to self-destruct?

She wasn't a technician by any means, but as she compared MAI's drones to living beings she thought of how living beings could try to forcefully surpass their limits... but either their own subconscious held them back or their body would break from the strain. She'd experienced such a thing herself, and it was only thanks to her skillset that she could force her body to keep moving even as it was tearing itself apart.

With the campfire set up Mizuki sat down close to it, watching MAI as she made herself comfortable as well before turning her gaze upwards. The sky was slowly growing darker, although it'd probably be a bit longer before the first stars would show.

I wouldn't mind if another traveller joined us. (She smiled.) But yes, it is unlikely. And even if some animal found us it'd probably keep its distance.

She tossed some more wood onto the campfire as demonstration for why any wild animals might not want to get close. MAI was concerned about something hostile showing up, but Mizuki's own experience told her that most of the creatures living in the valley were closer to what you'd expect from Earth.

We do have a bit more time to kill before the stars show. I don't know if you've got any suggestions for what to do with that time: normally I'd probably go catch some fish but I don't know if you're interested in that.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

It was somewhat surprising that Mizuki showed this much interest in MAI's own abilities, to begin with. Well, there was the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" for a reason, but it was still a bit amusing that someone who focused this much on the nature and its powers, as well as their own physical and almost feral prowess, to be curious about the inner workings of magitech. Or perhaps she was merely hoping to learn more about a companion in case they entered combat together again.

"Addition - This Unit should have specified what it had meant by 'Limited by this Unit's mastery'. Regardless of used materials or effort, this Unit, so far, can only construct drones that can handle so much. They simply cannot channel more energy, because their hardware does not allow it. As such, it is impossible for them to destroy without the construction being specifically done for that purpose."

It was like expecting a computer to turn into a bomb by feeding it a heavily excessive amount of electricity. It simply would not happen, as key components would pop with barely any flair, and then everything would shut down. As for the offer...

"Uncertainty - This Unit has never participated in such activity. Likewise, this Unit has never understood the purpose of such activity outside of the necessity to secure food. Yet, people seem to fish anyway."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Well, that answered Mizuki's question quite decisively. The caenis nodded as the magia explained that the energy consumption of her drones couldn't exceed the hard limit even if she was willing to sacrifice them in the process.

So if you try to force them beyond the limit the weakest parts just give in and that's the end of it. (She paused.) It would have been interesting if they could be turned into bombs during an emergency, but this does make more sense.

It's not like biological lifeforms could just blow themselves up either. The wildling shook her head as she considered the possibility that she was comparing MAI's creations too much to herself and her packmates.

It's good to know more about magitech though: before the Day of Disappearance technology in this world was a lot more limited, then when we returned four years later suddenly we've got synthetic lifeforms like you running around. (She glanced into the distance, roughly the direction of Vintergard.) We Travelers were already introducing more advanced ideas, but it seems like there are places in this world where technology has already surpassed Earth.

Szofrit and her ilk had to come from somewhere, even if Mizuki didn't have the faintest clue from where. And there was the bigger question: how had this advanced technology not spread across the world?

Thoughts about the magia and their strange intrusion into an otherwise medieval era were interrupted as MAI admitted that she'd never fished before, and wasn't sure what the point of the activity was either. Outside of the most obvious answer, of course. Mizuki blinked as her thoughts were returned to the presence, looking at the lake before them and then back at MAI with a small shrug.

It's a hobby. It also depends on how you do it though. (She drew a fishing rod in the air.) If you're using a fishing rod it's relaxing to sit at the waterside and wait for the fish to bite: I haven't done that much myself, but others have said it's a way to get away from the world.

Leaning backwards she stretched her arms and torso, looking like she was about to fall onto her back before she finished stretching and leaned forwards to push another piece of wood into the fire.

I prefer the more active approach, although it's difficult to do here at a lake without resorting to magic. (She looked at MAI.) Do you have any interest in sports?

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

It was somewhat amusing, the way Mizuki said 'Suddenly we've got synthetic lifeforms like you running around'. It almost made it sound like MAI was a lander. Of course, another part of that was simply the fact that the girl had started playing only after the game became accessible again post 'Day of Disappearance', as it was just called by her companion. So when the character creation presented her with the option, she simply chose it without thinking too much about it. A choice that ended up far more significant than she could have ever imagined back then.

"Presumption - Landers already look at this Unit, and other Units such as this One between the slits of their fingers as they cover their eyes. They resistance to our presence is acknowledged."

It was a nice way of saying that the 'locals' were not exactly fond of the new races that got added, simply because it was different enough from what was already present to be noticeable. Sometimes, art truly did imitate real life. Either way, MAI took it as an extra challenge to figure out how to get around without drawing too much attention. Sort of like playing a game about vampires or other supernatural beings that had to navigate the mundane world without credibly alerting anyone to the presence of the supernatural. Only, everyone has already been alerted...

Then, she watched as Mizuki stretched and posed a question that earned a somewhat suspicious glance from the magia, who had an idea what might have been going on.

"Query - Is the Starcalled Mizuki trying to get This Unit to fish with its bare hands? Water and electronics do not mesh well together."

She was fully water-proof, of course. So it was more of an excuse than anything else... Especially posed in front of someone who openly stated to prefer using their physical prowess instead of magical powers to achieve various tasks presented

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

It would have been folly to pretend that the Landers weren't treating the magia with suspicion or even open hostility: the fact that they weren't even allowed inside Falderen was evidence enough. Mizuki frowned as she nodded with some hesitation, the caenis looking troubled even before she replied.

It's difficult for people to trust what's different, and after everything that has happened... Well, hopefully we can rebuild some trust in time. (Her eyes narrowed.) But we might have to shed some blood before we get there.

It might sound counterintuitive, but she could think of at least one faction which was eagerly exploiting the growing distrust between the Landers and the Travelers, and the magiaphobia was just the strongest manifestation of that growing conflict.

Sometimes the only way to improve the situation was to cut out everyone who was intentionally making the situation worse.

Shaking her head Mizuki turned her attention towards the less problematic topic, namely how they could spend the time waiting for the stars to show. MAI seemed rather reluctant to try fishing, even going so far as to state that electricity and water didn't mix. The wildling tilted her head and paused for several seconds, then shrugged.

The thought was on my mind, yes, but I was also asking since you wondered why people would bother to fish if it's not for sustenance. (She studied MAI.) But are you saying you can't swim either? I thought your skin would protect the sensitive parts...

While there were some lines on MAI's body which betrayed her synthetic nature Mizuki couldn't immediately see any openings in the chronomancer's skin. Of course, it wasn't like MAI was prancing about naked, so it was entirely possible the openings were hidden underneath her clothes.

Unrelated, but how are your energy levels?

@MAI

 

[MAI]

‎

Politics wasn't really something that MAI was all too eager to discuss, almost regardless of the setting. If only because it meant that someone would inevitably end up butthurt in the end. She simply acknowledged how things were here, both for herself and other magia... and while there were most certainly parallels one could make between this situation and the physical world where people were discriminated against based on factors they could not control... she opted not to. Instead, she allowed Mizuki to trail the conversation back to a more present topic.

"Information - This Unit can swim..."

And that was it. Just a plain defeat, conceding the fact that there was really nothing stopping MAI from entering the water. She was fully water-proof and not much could change that, even including open wounds that would allow water to seep in. She just really didn't feel like catching fish with her own two hands when she could easily pull them out of the water using her masteries.

"Status - Energy levels stable. Current saturation of ambient mana is high, usage of mana does not exceed recharge rate at present state."

In other words, there was no need to worry.

@Ueno Mizuki