Meeting with the Oracle

Perfect, he'd finally gotten the time for this conversation, an important one considering his future plans! Then he would move alongside his partnet to the throne room, before the Oracle.

Good, everything is going as expected.

Smiling, the young scientist would start to speak - "As you may know Oracle, I'm Acantho, current Director of the Proto Institute, an institution for research, exploration and science in general.

One, that shall bring a better future to all.

And well, for a while I've been exploring, researching, the field of magitech, studying in my spare time and currently, I have a prototype of an automaton, which I would like to present to you today." However, that wasn't the only thing to be there, " In addition to this, I come here to offer a small amount of coins to you, in order to help with the city's defenses.

That is, funds for a new tower.

But, priorities, yes?" As he said that, he pulled one of the flaps of his lab coat to the side and from inside, started to pull something out..
(Acantho)

Gently upon the throne would the Oracle sit, and his pale gaze would not shift from the scientist and his compatriot. "The Proto Institute was one such a place recently brought within my Realm..

A place of science and learning. I have my own thoughts on such a group within the Holy Realm of Aphros, but I shall leave such for later on in this discussion."

The gauntleted hand of the Oracle would go to gently grasp at his chin as his ears filled with the ethereal mutterings of the Crown of Athelios, of the Oracles that came long before him..

"Your coinage would be moved to the large amass of funds I have collected for the benefit of the city as a whole- rather than it's defenses. The building of schools, fortifications, and the like.

Which, I am certain you have no qualms with."

His other hand would motion to Acantho as he began to move to his lab coat. "The floor is yours, Acantho.."
(Vaelrun Emris)

Remained by Acantho's side, as perhaps the head of the institute wanted one of it's members and contractor to be around for such a display, as the tanned-gal bowed gently and was soon to introduce herself, and her place in all of this.

"Pleased' da meet cha'.. Oracle, As I said before, Name's Sahra, Sahra Dryden.. I'm the Purveyor of the Iridescent Calling.. A group of Mestra followers, And Merchant's alike.."

As she soon straightened her back and looked straight towards the crown-bearing figure.

"We' been working hand-to-hand with da' Proto institute.. Procuring whatever Ores and Alloys are needed fer these projects-.. And I'.. meself are also a member' of it."

The whole package, just explained rather bluntly.

"I'm sure you'll be overjoyed with Acantho's current advances in' his craft.. I'm sure many uses' could be' given to it all.."

But of course, she gestured to the soon-to be unveiled product.. or well, Construct

"But let's just allow his' hard-work to do da' talkin' here.."
(Sahra Dryden)

"Yes, yes, we can talk about that one soon!

And well, I see no problem what end the coins will have. After all, I have no shortage of these at the moment, considering the success I've had in my work as a merchant." After all, he was one of the richest merchants in town!

Thanks to daily efforts.

Anyway.

After a few seconds, the tired figure of the scientist took a small.. Toy? From within his lab coat. This.. More exactly, was an animunculi containing on its chest and back a gem of lightning. It was quite the sight, given what it was.

Such a metallic entity was put to the ground, before then the artificer's mana flowed into the vessel of such thing - this, activated the runes of the little creature that sparked to life! Or well, almost that.

Since it was a 'half life', not entirely alive.

"Move closer to the Oracle." He commanded the entity, which in turn did as it was told, "Return to me." He would say then and that little thing would do it..

As expected.

Its movement was kind of stuttered, clearly not the best design - since it was just a prototype. Regardless, it still worked for a presentation, to demonstrate his current progress in his research.

Good.

"Give this to Oracle and get back to me." Once again he commanded, dropping a huge bag of coins in the hands of the small automaton, which did its task quickly.

And at the end of the demonstration, just like the delivery of the coins - the young man smiled and then gazed at the Oracle, clearly proud of his own efforts.

"The progress made so far is due to a lot of study on my part, but also the help offered by people like Sahra, as she said herself - who for a few years now has been bringing me resources..

Which, were used in the confection of equipment and other goods necessary for the population of our city." Concluding in such a way, he collected his automaton and held it in his hands, "So, what you think of this?" Questioned before falling into silence.

Because for now, he awaited for his reaction.
(Acantho)

[ donated the 25k coins ]

The moving prototype was watched with an intensity that was probably to be expected as the head of a Theocratic State, a state grounded in faith and action in the name of Athelios rather than technology.

Such technologies that lead to the downfall of Barsburg by the hands of Aen anyhow.

However with how closely he worked with an artificer in his day to day, he would take the coins from the walking and stuttered prototype, and look to the two present..

"You both have been able to provide and do much for the city alone with the shipments of allows and trade that have come here." His speech would pause for only a moment for the report from one of the Nephilim, before picking up where he left off with ease.

"I believe I can see such things providing much to aid my realm in the coming years, supporting and allowing for the expansion of greater understanding and infestructure.

Perhaps even the eventual replication and mastery of the rune-gates that transfer us from realm to realm.

But.."

He would then stop and lean forth, focusing upon the two present. ". .I must be informed of the designs you intend to have created when you further you research.

This is the Realm of Aphros, where the gaze of our Lord Athelios often finds itself resting to look upon the actions of his faithful. I do not seek to have the realm follow in the footsteps of the fallen nations of the far north, Director."

(Vaelrun Emris)

The Nephilim whispered a few words, before shifting to her notepad. Writing a few things down, apparently, as her gaze lingered upon the court proceedings.

Pondering..
(Zelfina)

"Thank you for your words.. We only did what was needed for the nation, I'm here for whatever the people around need, following in the footsteps of my predecessors.

Just as my father helped in his own way before me." He commented, before paying attention to the Oracle's words.

The young scientist maintained a somewhat slovenly posture, in addition to always being tired - however, his seriousness was remarkable when he was dealing with business.

Especially important ones like now.

"Don't worry, I intend to make automatons that will help everyone in the city in the future, where designs referring to such will always be brought to the government.

So that these can always be studied first by the you, so that I can then have your approval and support before working on it, for we will not act alone.

No, people that work alone will never reach success." His speech resounded, as he took a few steps around the throne room, "That's why today, I'd like to ask that perhaps, you could consider making the Proto Institute the official group in the field of research, exploration, and the like - from Aphros.

Turning this into something official and not just a group created by some scientists without affiliation. What is sought here is for the Institute to become a new 'branch' of the government, a group that acts in its interests and conducts research on its behalf, under my guidance.

Because if we're going to work together, we need to do it the right way my friend." Apparently, the young Acantho had great plans for the future.
(Acantho)

The silence of the Oracle clearly showed how serious of a matter this was. Were they not to be brought into the fold, this institute could turn to other nations to set up shop..

Yet a brilliant mind moving to make artifice and technology who also desired to see the people benefit from such. With the loss of life in Aphros the drive to see the people benefit and made safe was of the utmost importance..

"I will not go as far as to say the Institute would become a 'branch' of the Government. The Realm of Aphros is a theocracy, where in the Oracle of Athelios leads it's people.

What I shall allow, is for this Proto Institute to be officially backed by the Oracle of Athelios for the betterment of the realm. However, that would mean you would be expected to incorporate more of the faithful aspects of the realm into your work.

As well as being prepared to assist those of the Church and the Bastion in acquiring means to better deal with theirenemies should the more domestic words be completed, or need be halted, for the realm."

After saying such, he would sit up in his seat and properly regale the two that were present. "If you accept such terms? You shall kneel, and accept the gaze of Athelios upon you."
(Vaelrun Emris)

"The first term is acceptable, I don't see a problem with that. However, I would like to have an 'elevated' position - I don't just want to be treated like a citizen anymore.

No, not when I will be working directly to you and the realm.

I want to be respected for the position I will be holding, what I will be doing. If this is organized, granted, then everything regarding this is fine." First comment regarding such a 'deal', before he then proceeds to the next topic, "Second I don't see why not, but this can only be done when such designs reach the point of being fully produced.

Since it's currently just prototypes, there's still a lot of testing to do with these before they can become something that represents aspects of our realm." Really, they didn't want to put something flawed in practice and tarnish the overall view of Aphros, due to a scientific error, isn't it?

No, that is something that they want to avoid!

Not that Acantho would commit a error, far from it, but he was still young and naive.. he had a lot to learn, had to perfect the things he was doing. And so, there was a long path ahead of that young man.

"And lastly, well, I was already doing that! Withing the possible. I've been offering treatments, assistance as well as necessary things such as runes and equipments to the Bastion and Church members for some time now.

People who have already received such aids were Quinto, Hadrian, Salomon and others.

So I'll just continue to do this.. Trying to bring new ways to deal with the problems that might arise. You see, I was already planning some.. Stuff, in order to deal with those annoying bugs.

That being the case.. Nothing to change here, sounds good to me." It was already part of his daily, it wouldn't change much apparently.

That is, working on stuff to assist others.

Really.

"So, is this good enough? If yes.. We can continue." And now, he would just wait for the Oracle signal, before doing anything else.
(Acantho)

[15:19] Vaelrun Emris says, "You shall earn the respect of the people, Director. I will not force them to revere you or regard you in some way."
[15:19] Vaelrun Emris says, "Prove yourself to them just as I have had to."

Zelfina remained present for as long as the proceedings continued. Taking notes, remaining silent, but present all the while.
(Zelfina)

The scientist would tilt his head to the side before sighing.. His head, then was shaken slowly from side to side, before he offered a short bow to Oracle.

"In that case, I will depart for now.

I will make a point of bringing results from my research so that you can see the progress, but without immediate recognition I cannot accept such terms.

That is, aside from the work that I already normally do." He shrugged, after all, most of the things asked he was already doing, but he wouldn't bow down like that..

Without getting something in return! This deal was just him offering stuff, with nothing to receive in return - it had to be a two-way street, not just one way.

It was just.. Servitude.

"Thank you for the time offered today and I hope the funds help our city.

Have a great Evening, Oracle." And if not stopped now, the scientist would turn around and start to depart.

Probably, together with the Merchant Sahra.
(Acantho)

"I pray that the wisdom of the Lord will bring you a greater maturity in these coming years, Director."

Such would be all the words that the Oracle would offer to the leaving pair as he had the guards standing watch open the ebon-clad doors for them as they began to leave.

Servitude was something the Oracle often demanded, and rewarded the loyalty in due time. After all, such was what was demanded of him in his youth to become a Knight- and it was the way of things.

Those ways would not change today.

He would not move from his seat given the voices he took note of outside, so he would bring the raised arm to the arm of his chair and look forth, awaiting the next individuals to enter the throne room.
(Vaelrun Emris)