The Clockwork Creations

With that completed, the strange situation, Stolas acquired an Helper Umbra for himself! And this one, was carried just under the Empyrean's arm, back to the swamp, then into the main house.

The place he was using as his workshop.

Where, pulling out a chair, he would place Bitch there and then, go to the table he's been working on.. In which, there were two Queenbots, two spheres with propellers and hands and an one eye with glass, in addition to a small humanoid with a mustache.

This is interesting.

Next to it, there were five golem cores in frames! Which, emanated the same mana traces as XC. Why this? Because of the 'Purification' procedure.

"Here we are, time to work.. Did I mention something regarding these beings to you? If not, I can explain in order to give you some insight." And while he was saying that, some tools were acquired..

Most, which he would use to link the cores to the rune system.
(Stolas)

Bitch does not resist as she's picked up and carried under Stolas' arm. She's just happy to help out. As he carries her back into his workshop and sets her down, she shakes herself off like a dog, though she hasn't set foot in water. It's probably more that she thinks it's funny. Stolas might not find it amusing, though, especially since ink droplets spray everywhere.

Once she's done being a nuisance, she takes a look around, delighted by the whimsical creations she sets sight on. The golem cores are eyed, too, with a wondering thought of what their purpose is.

"Hurray! I was worried I might die before we actually got around to it. You haven't explained anything yet, lay it on me! I'm intrigued."
(Bitch)

Notably the ink that dripped to the sides didn't bother the being, but those that came in the direction of his creations were blocked by the being's cloak - which he quickly lifted up!

In order to protect it.

He remained with the same expression as always - not even caring about the ink on his robes, but his eyes glowed in tones of purples sometimes, chaging from the normal blue to it. Perhaps, a way of showing that he was content!

And why? For having a helper and also, because those creations on the table, his little project! And if one were to take a good look at such, they could notice that the automatons were largely made of iron and cobalt, having copper parts - such as the joints.

"You dying? Why?" He questioned as he took the first core, going to the first entity, the little man with the mustache and then, opening his chest and inside..

It was possible to see a golden circle and around it, a complex system of runes referring to mana circulation, control, movement and other similar things.

"And well, this are my little helpers and such beings will have some functions! The flying spheres will be delivery beings, in order to take messages or objects to people!

While this little man will be someone who will carry my stuff for me.

As for the mini queens, probably collection or surveillance.. We have yet to decide." Explaining this, the core would be housed over the circle and then, using its tools, the empyrean began to connect that to the frame.

It was delicate work, so it would take several minutes to complete.. And he had to do it five more times. Still, they had time, so no problem!
(Stolas)

A knock on the door.
(Lazar Mortem)


Stolas heroically sacrifices his already dark cloak in order to protect his creations, presumably his pride and joy.

Bitch had expected a far worse reaction, but is pleasantly surprised to find that Stolas seems quite content, judging by the glow of his mood-ring eyes. Or so she guesses. Maybe purple is his angry color and she just isn't aware of it. The rest of his body language seems to imply otherwise.

She shrugs at his question, drawing closer to take a better look at the automatons. "Oh, no particular reason! Just the inherent danger of being us."

She leans in, wide eyes nearly pushing themselves right into the runes surrounding the golden circle. She's no craftsperson herself, but she can appreciate ingenuity and creativity when she sees it.

"Nice!! The delivery beings will be so helpful, actually. Back when Chimera wasn't a sword, it could only trust me to take letters for it, and then people got suspicious 'cause I was taking letters for a Demon. Chimera thought the other people it hired might be smuggling the letters to elsewhere or something. So this is definitely helpful for us, especially since I don't have free reign of Sarea anymore."

"Lemme know if there's anything I can do to help out!"
(Bitch)



Muffled sounds outside the door.

"Hmm..... Wonder... if anyone... home..."

He knocked once more.
(Lazar Mortem)

The process, was time consuming.. But, fortunately, soon completed. With the core in place, it was already possible to see signs of 'life' animating the creature - however, it still needed the 'ignition', before properly animating it.

"Oh, understandable." He commented when listening to her, referring to the 'dying' previously said..

Now, just as he was about to pick up the next core and respond to what she was saying… Someone would knock on the door. The being, began to tilt his head to the side, before then walking over there.

The door is opened, XC would analyze the figure.

"Hello there, can we help?" Made a question, in a robotic tone.
(Stolas)

There was an Aurien standing outside. With a bright purple glow in his eyes, and skin that was so pale one might think it could even reflect sunlight.

He looked inside for a moment to see Stolas, that was not one he was expecting to see.

"Oh my.... I have yet to see your face here yet. I was expecting perhaps to see Ingvar instead."

And so he paused for a moment before giving his usual bow, as well as his introduction.

"I am Lazar, Travelling Doctor."

Another slight pause.

"I simple came by to do my regular check ups, to see if there was anyone in need of any medical needs."

Seems he has been here before. And likely as well knows what this place is. Yet he still was a doctor after all.

(Lazar Mortem)

In contrast to the being he had just met, Stolas was entirely metallic.. His frame, imposing, worthy of any empyrean and an expression, nonexistent on a visage where only the bluish glow came from.

"A traveling doctor? Intriguing to say the least, but no.. Ingvar must have left or is restingm currently - same extends to the others.

And there is no one but my friend here who needs medical care, but I'm already taking care of it." While he spoke.. In his belt was notable the presence of a cylinder, containing medical supplies.

So nothing they needed.

"But if you want to speak directly with the Head Cultist or others to do your work, feel free to remain in the... Outside area, next to the table.. Soon enough, they might come around." That was the least he could offer at the moment.. Since he needed to get back to work.

Yes, of course.

"Regardless, a pleasure to meet you Lazar. I'm Stolas, unit XC." Offering his name, the figure then finally fell silent and awaited further reactions.
(Stolas)


The aforementioned friend waves from behind Stolas!
(Bitch)

"Ah I see. Then no worries. I shall be on my way. I only stopped by to see if my services had been needed."

Seems that was all there was too it. Nothing more then such.

"Well then. I shall be taking my leave now. But I shall be around."

A strange doctor indeed. But one none the less that enjoyed his work and doing such.
(Lazar Mortem)


A wave is offered.. Before the being turned around, gestured for the umbra to follow and prepared his tools once again - time to continue the work on the automatons.

"Good luck out there." Said one last time before the figure departed.
(Stolas)

And so he departed just as quick as he came.
(Lazar Mortem)


"Now, where was I? Oh right.." Said while returning to the cores, one of them.. Being taken in his hand and extended to the Umbra, "Come here, let me show you how it is done." Said before gesturing to one of the Queen Bots.

And.. Now to answer her!

"It's a pity that you lost your freedom, but we have little to do, while living in an island ruled by fools.. That when others don't fit their perfect vision..

Such, become their enemies." This had happened with Stolas, it had happened with Bitch and others who were part of that big family of the swamp, "But with these Drones we won't have to worry anymore with such basic tasks and so you can focus on being my assistant! What do you think?" An offer obviously, he needed someone to be there and assist him when possible.

And here, this moment.. Was the moment for the training, the start for her to help.
(Stolas)

The brief interruption does not prevent Bitch's intrigue and attention from returning to Stolas' creations, thankfully. As he holds out one of the Queenbots to her, she eagerly anticipates the demonstration. She'll even reach out and try to poke it, if he'll allow it. For once, she's demonstrating care and thoughtfulness; there's no maliciousness or attempt to be obnoxious, here. Just genuine curiosity born of admiration and appreciating being appealed to.

"Alright! And don't worry, I've never had real freedom. That was a privilege extended to me for my role as a spy for the Demons, basically. It was never something that I'd keep forever. But you're right! We don't need the fools who deny the inevitable."

She is yet again pleasantly surprised by Stolas, never anticipating in a thousand years that she'd be asked to be an assistant. She's got to be a second or third or even fourth choice, right? Regardless, it is an honor, and for a split second it makes her feel genuinely useful - something oft struggled with, especially since she sees herself as a tool. An ineffective one, at that.

"Oh- yes! Absolutely! If you're sure. I'll learn whatever you need me to learn and help in any way I can. If you really want me as your assistant, I'd love to! But- really, only if you're certain."
(Bitch)

The Umbra's hand was taken by the Empyrean's left hand and with his right hand a Core moved, in order to then over the hand of the Umbra, one of the Golem's core filled with XC's mana, positioned. And then he would guide her to the Queenbot.

Which was on the table.

He would not only demonstrate it, he would allow her to do it, work on such a project with him - for there was only one way to learn.. By doing the procedure herself.

Great!

Then, next he would open the top of the Queen Bot and inside, there was one more of the golden circles, clearly made of gold! Why gold? Because gold was a great conductor of magic.

So, perfect for this project.

"Freedom is something that we cannot allow others to take away from us and here, we have the opportunity to have it by our own means.. And eventually, I intend to regain all the freedom to roam peacefully around the island, without having to deal with adversity.

Having to deal with enemies.

Not even if I need to eliminate each one in our path for that, turning the current cities into dust." As he said this for a moment he was lost in his own mind, his gaze would take red tones.. But then, he returned to himself.

His gaze would turn green, before blue and he continued.

"Regardless, place the Core over the circle, the golden halo.. And then, use this tool.." And he would then take a strange magical device, which he used to bind such things, "And use it to 'merge' the core to the circle, using your mana on the tool for it to happen." Tool which was basically a magical weldgingtool.

And that, it was quite useful.

"And why would I have doubts? If I'm asking, it's because I'm sure of it already - after all, your usefulness is indisputable, the materials you brings me are important and I need someone to help in moments like this.

So yes, I'm certain of such a decision." He added, stating his decision to her and then allowing her to do what he had just said, requested.

But of course, guiding her in order to avoid any extreme damage.
(Stolas)

Bitch does not protest as he takes her hands, which feel like warm, firm jello given the consistency of Umbras. If anything, she's just nervous about screwing up the Queenbot and ruining Stolas' hard work. But he is here, guiding the path ahead, watching over to ensure she can't accidentally destroy any of the automations.

The significance of why gold is used is lost on the goo-brained Umbra, but she does appreciate the aesthetic of the golden circles! In time, she'll likely come to learn why it's an effective conductor as Stolas' assistant, anyway.

She glances at the Empyrean beside her as he begins to speak, tilting her head slightly. It wobbles back and forth atop her shoulders, unsteady with no real neck to keep it in place.

"Ah- for me, there's nothing to take. I was split into slavery. A tool of the Void is what I am and will always be." She shrugs, unperturbed - she made her peace with this long ago, and now it's spoken as casually as if she were stating the weather today.

"But regardless - having the ability to roam peacefully again, to be rid of the Void's enemies is always great! They'll be eliminated either way - may as well be you doing it, right?"

She takes note of the shifting eye colors. She'll have to write them down, keep track of Stolas' shifting moods and what each color means.

As he begins to give instructions, she'll follow them with diligence, focusing intently on the task at hand. It might be surprising how seriously she takes the directives, given her usual demeanor, but she's one that prefers knowing exactly who she is and what she should be doing.

"Awww. Okay, if you say so. I'm just, mm- I have a hard time thinking of myself as useful or anything like that. But I won't question you! I'll just do my best to live up to your expectations."
(Bitch)

Unfortunately or fortunately, unlike his brother DI - Stolas, he was incapable of feeling touch sensations. So, the heat of the touch was not felt.. And so, the focus remained.

As always.

"We empyreans were once just tools to a empire of mortals, we served without question - but eventually, freedom was given to us and now, we choose our paths.

That's what I learned when I arrived in Sarea and it's something I will continue to preach. While, carryout my functions, my goals - no matter what." And as he spoke, he pointed out in the parts that she should carry out the 'magic welding', in order to fuse the core to the gold part..

It was a simple job and not that complicated, but mistakes could happen and that was why he was guiding her. Since that would be her first time working on this kind of projects, wouldn't it? Likely.

"If this is done, it will be for us, those who are by my side right now and have reached out to help me." And in that, he kept pointing to the parts that needed welding.

And each time the job was done, Bitch could feel the mana from the core flowing into the rune system, after each part welded. Activating these partially, almost as if they were small 'lightnings'.

"You're useful, don't worry so much about it nor care if someone say otherwise.

And as long as you learn the simple steps, you're already doing more than needed - and thus, being extremely useful to me and everyone else around." He stated, nodding his head at her.
(Stolas)

Bitch listens carefully as he speaks of the once-role of Empyreans, but gently shakes her head afterwards.

"It's not the same for Umbra. Freedom will never be given. It's just- different. I don't know how to articulate it. I just feel it in every part of me. My very soul is shackled to the Void."

It is definitely her first time working on this sort of thing, but a willingness to take care with her actions and follow directions along with Stolas' guidance means she does the job well.

Finally, once it all has been completed, her grin grows. It's genuine, unlike most times where it isn't so. Feeling the flow of mana through the core is a victory. One that is her own, not Vul'karik's or anyone else's.

For a moment, believing that she's useful feels a little more achievable. She beams at him.

"Thank you! I- I dunno. It's fun. Makes me feel good, assisting with stuff like this. I'm here for it, for everyone you're building these for. I get it now, why you create. It's nice to do that instead of just destroying all the time."
(Bitch)


Stolas had served an empire for years, the freedom he gained was one of the best things possible, ever - because now, he worked for himself and his own goals, not for others, to elevate their position, prestige and be a part another person's history!

He did things for himself.

And as such, he will also help his closest allies to achieve such a sensation.

"Are you sure of that? I have my doubts about this and if necessary, I will work on a way to show you true freedom - while we work and carry out our duties.

I promise you that." And why would he, an empyrean and someone who mostly worked alone normally, do that for someone else?

Because they were jis.. Friends? Or possibly, due to other reasons - for now, they would stick with it. Friends are good, people that truly give him some support! That is what he needed the most now.

Regardless.. The job was done, the core fused in place, and now, they were one step closer to their go.. For that! Immediately, nothing was said.. He just closed the first queen bot and then worked on the other ones.

Placing the cores and fusing them to the robots.

And he did that for each of the remaining automatons! Even, if so desired, guiding the umbra to do more of that work, after all she is of great help to him, until..

They have completed every single one of them.

The cores were in place, the joints and rune system ready.. Now, they would animate them.

And when he noticed her smile, his gaze flickered to a green hue and for a few milliseconds to an almost pink hue - before reverting to a dull, lifeless blue.

"We're ready, time to activate them.. Prepare." He said, as he prepared himself.. Hands raised in the direction of his creations, just waiting for Bitch's reaction before proceeding.
(Stolas)

She nods so abruptly and with such intensity in response to his question that her head near falls off again. The attached chain yanks itself back in time, preventing the bowling ball-esque head from tumbling and crashing down on the poor Queenbot.

"I'm sure. But if you really want to, I'm open to it. I just don't want to waste your time. It's like trying to prove the sky isn't blue or that magic doesn't exist. Still, I appreciate it! It's a nice thing, what you're trying to convince me of."

She is confused about his motives for it, too. Her conclusions are also friendship or that he has some ulterior motive for recruiting her as an assistant, for she can't imagine she's truly good enough for either of those options. Still, she's not going to question it. This is enjoyable and it's work that benefits the swamp, so no need to worry about it.

She watches as he completes the other cores, fuses them, and completes the rest of the bots. The flickering colors are once again noted; Stolas has the entirety of the rainbow within his eyes. Definitely something to take note of so that she can detect a pattern and figure out which is which. Purple seems to be contentment, red anger, and blue a neutral state; the rest must be looked into.

"Prepare?" She holds her hands out, too, not sure if there's anything she should do on her part or if it's simply Stolas giving her a heads up.
(Bitch)

They would do so, but for now?

Focus on work.

His hands were raised, the empyrean's mana manifested and such, forced to flow towards his creations - almost as if he was about to launch an attack of pure mana, seen normally made by arcane weavers..

But more subtle and weak...

Only, to flow to the robots.

And so it happened, mana flowed from him to his creations and into the set of runes, filling them with his energy - activating the systems and now allowing the cores to flow!

To finally, activate.

For a few moments, nothing happened.. It could have failed or everything was about to explode! And in this case, it was good that they ran.. But no, what happened was just an activation delay.

One, expected.. Perhaps..

For in a few seconds the mechanical spasms began, the flickering of parts of light through the little beings - followed by then, the moving of their joint mechanisms!

The first to rise would be the humanoid that stood up! His eyes, staring at them with no countenance of life - much like the golems themselves, whose cores now resided in them. The only difference is that this one was not aggressive towards them - possibly due to purification.

Great.

Secondly, the ones that would activate were the two queenbots and given the level of detail to these provided by both Ingvar and Stolas, it was notable certain features that did not exist in the first! Something, quite beautiful.

Nice.

And lastly, the two mechanical spheres.. Both that took a bit to act, before their hands began to move and they changed their position over the table! And then, their propellers started to rotate and they began flight! But it was an awkward flight, of someone who was still learning!

Still, good enough!

Such a sight for Stolas, a creator above all - was something magnificent, his gaze had switched to a vibrant shade of purple! The color alternations being the simplest way to understand what was going on in his head.

"Amazing, it's working! See my friend, they're rising!" However, he would stop.. The beings did nothing but remain there.. Maybe, waiting for orders?

And if that's the case...

"Move to the ground!" He tried this, a simple command to follow.

Which, after several minutes... The beings obeyed, one by one descending their way! The humanoid, jumping and landing on the ground. The queenbots, climbing down around sides of the table, and fianlly the spheres, floating to the ground.

All, following the command to the end.. Before waiting, for me.

"Simply fabulous!" He exclaimed once more and now yes.. His first automatons existed.

And here it was, another step taken towards the completion of their projects.
(Stolas)