Magical Girl City: Empire of Ice

With morning, came more work. After all, the reward for a job well done was often enough, more work.

With the soldiers done, it now came down to actually animating them. A slow, and careful process. Especially since I did not want to fail, not at this juncture. Not after all the work that had gone into making them.

Still, the last few weeks, I barely remembered them. They passed in a blur, a frenzy of activity. I’d definitely pulled out all I had, exhausted all my potential, pulled at every strand of my talent, and yet… I was not satisfied.

Yes, the statues looked as if they were alive. Like they’d start moving of their own volition at any moment. Only, it was nowhere near perfection. Proportions were off in places. Musculature looked wrong, fingers and toes were slightly misaligned or off.

The issues were of a different nature. Not something that simple talent could bypass. This was an issue that went to the very basics of sculpting, of creating. A fundamental truth that I simply lacked and had no idea how to even broach. Especially not at this juncture.

Still, the results were good. The newer soldiers moved with a dexterity and agility that all my other soldiers lacked. Hell, it was clear based on how they moved that they could probably even run circles around my knights.

Unfortunately, in terms of raw strength, they weren’t much stronger. Not by a lot. By nature of their being made of stone, they were sturdier, but that was about it. That, and with how much effort I put into them, they effortlessly absorbed energy and could easily be ranked up, should they accumulate enough.

With how easily they could be ranked up, I figured it would be easy to pull some help and fill my ranks with bronze ranks. However, as we worked, it quickly became apparent that life wasn’t so easy. Each statue that was upgraded into a proper bronze rank added an additional strain upon my being.

The tethers that bound us were typically simple things. A means for us to communicate, a gossamer leash that could be tugged or nudged to get what I want. As more tethers were added, those gossamer threads thickened and became a heavy weight. Before it became troublesome, I had to call it off.

It quickly became apparent that even if I wanted to elevate them all, such an act would put me in jeopardy. It was like having an invisible weight on my shoulders, not just weighing me down, but pulling at me from every direction, threatening to tear me apart. The only reason it wasn’t, was because my silver ranks were off-loading a lot of the pressure. That, and the strength of my own soul.

It was a curious thing. It made me wonder what my limits were, how far I could go before I lost control. Unfortunately, now was not the time for such experiments. Especially not during an event.

Even then, I had quite the number of statues under my employ. A few dozen at best, with almost a quarter of them being bronze ranked. Now with them made, it came time to properly outfit them, a task that Lance was more than happy to assist with. The moment I alerted him that he was needed, he brought over a pile of equipment. On my first inspection, the equipment he brought was found, wanting…

“Is this it?” I had to ask. “You realize this is metal, right? More specifically, it looks like iron, do you think this will hold?”

“Yeah, this is it, and it will hold. Diana already told me about your concerns, but this isn’t just any metal. Here, give it a test.” He hands me a sword.

Not expecting much, I take it in hand. The moment my hand clasped around the hilt, I felt something. A subtle pull. A hungry pull that felt awfully familiar.

“Feel it?” He asked with a smug look.

“I do…” I muttered. “How?”

“Special metals, more specifically, when you treat ore, refine it with magic and elevate it to a higher rank before smelting it down, you can create magical variants of metal. Variants capable of taking in magical energy without breaking down. It’s the same metal I used for your carving tools.” He said offhandedly, which had me re-evaluating the man.

“So, the whole weapon is?” I ask, giving it a closer look.

“Oh, no, no, no.” He said shaking his head, like what I said was ludicrous. “Sure, if we did that, we’d make some powerful weapons, but could you even imagine how much raw ore we’d need? The refining and elevation part easily eats up to nine-tenths of the material. Smelting it leaves even less.”

It made me think of the ice, when I had refined it. A massive man-sized block had turned into something small enough to fit in the hand.

“Then, how? If you didn’t fully make it into a magic weapon, or whatever, how did you do it?”

He grins, clearly excited at getting to explain the whole process. “Simple, the magical metal is worked into the mundane metal, creating a set of arrays, sometimes called circuits where magic flows without issue. It’s a delicate, and frankly, annoying task. Coincidentally, I only just got finished with the final weapon when you finished up.”

“Could this be done with more modern firearms?” I asked, just to be sure.

“Yeah, but you’d need to make the weapons yourself, and from scratch.”

“Can you make uniforms, clothes?”

“That would be a whole different thing. Not something I could do with my current skillset. The premise is the same though… why? You weren’t thinking of having me make clothes, were you?”

“No… Just curious.” I answered, at least somewhat honestly. I didn’t think my current rendition of soldiers, either the stone or ice deserved a full uniform, not yet.

Both forms had their benefits, and downsides. A fact made more apparent by the stone soldiers I just made. Not that I’ve seen them in action, but just by looking at them, I could tell they were leagues above the doll soldiers or the ice soldiers.

Ice soldiers had the benefit of being able to evolve and grow easily. I could easily create more ice to feed into them and keep elevating them or heal them when necessary. Their problem was that they were made of ice and needed to be handmade. Not to mention, they weren’t very good at independent action and needed a silver or me nearby to bolster them.

Doll soldiers were different. Easily mass produceable, relatively tough and strong with minimal investment and could be pushed out en masse, if I had the funds and means to make them. As for what they weren’t good at, they didn’t heal. Rather, the metal of their frames did not heal at a rate that was acceptable. Not to mention that by elevating them they actually will lose their metal body and be subsumed by the ice. Not unless I invested more metal into keeping them whole. Something that was apparent by my attempts to elevate the doll bodies into bronze ranked material.

Perhaps if I stacked a dozen bodies on each other and elevated them all at once, perhaps they could feed into each other and create a single strong doll body, but… at that point, the cost would increase exponentially. Far too much for my current financial situation.

At least, for doll soldiers I didn’t need to worry about maintaining them and they could easily hold their own without support.

As for the stone golems, they weren’t of the ice element, though, my own magic had given them a frosty tinge. Meaning my ice could bolster them, perhaps make them stronger, but not as much as if they were made of ice.

They healed, given time, but I couldn’t speed the process up with my magic. Like with the frames of my ice soldiers, it would take time. Less time, but only because they were considered a natural element. Honestly, the stone soldiers felt like a weird mix of the two options. Yet, realistically there was no way I could get access to quality stone, especially not within the city.

As for the benefits of elevating them, each soldier type had their own benefits. But, largely, I’d assume they would end up being about the same. Getting stronger, more vitality, a little more intelligent, and such. On top of that, bronze ranks could easily do their own thing, without any support, and be just fine no matter the type. Only, again, there was a limit to the number of soldiers I could have, and bronze ranks took a lot out of that limit.

Which really just boiled down to the same question I’ve been asking myself ever since I started down this path, what was better?

Would improving the quality of my ice, thus increasing the base of my soldiers make them stronger? Less susceptible to melting? Was there an alternative way to strengthen or improve my soldiers that I wasn’t aware of?

For now, those questions will be left unanswered. Instead, it was time to equip the stone soldiers. And as much as I didn’t want to admit it, equipped with proper weapons and armor, suddenly skyrocketed their potential. Enough, that I figured I’d give them a test.

“Lance, you wouldn’t mind if I gave them a challenge, would you?”

He gave me a questioning look. “Hm? Shouldn’t be an issue. Even if the weapon gets damaged, it will slowly heal, thanks to the magic metal I used.”

“Given time, would they become full magic weapons?” I had to ask.

“Give or take, but you will need to feed it more material.”

“I figured as much…”

“Yeah, as the non-metal absorbs more energy, it will slowly convert into magical metal, but during that process you’ll need to keep adding more mundane metals. Given enough time, it can turn into a full proper magic weapon. In fact, that’s how a lot of mundane weapons turn into magical girl weapons. Someone keeps something on them for a long period of time, maintains it, keeps it beside them and such. Eventually the weapon turns.”

I nod, “That makes some sense, but it’s not that simple right?”

“There is another component to keep in mind, and frankly, I don’t know how it works in truth, but it only really works for your first weapon and only with a weapon that you have an attachment to. No matter how hard you try, you’ll never make a second or third weapon by doing that.”

“That is good to know… and I do have to ask, the metal won’t be an issue for the time being right?”

“No, not unless the weapon shatters or breaks and even then, we’re talking months of progress. And I don’t think this event will last that long.”

“And what about magical clothing?”

“Same principle, except, it won’t become a proper magical girl uniform from what I know. Generally speaking, whenever you have magic around anything, know that it will corrode and convert whatever is nearby and non-magical. And this goes especially for people.”

“People too? I mean, it makes sense, but how bad is it, really?” I asked, remembering well the man I met in the depths. How his shadow changed, his body shifted just out of sight.

Unaware of my own thoughts, Lance speaks. “Exposure to magical energy works differently on everyone. Small doses over a long period can cause organ failure and eventually death. Some may adapt, and eventually awaken magic themselves, whereas others, well, they’ll twist into monsters from what I’ve been told by some seniors. We though, are largely immune to that. Probably because of whatever it was that damn rabbit did to us when they brought us here…”

I hummed, “I’ll have to keep that in mind…”

“Yeah, you do that, now, what did you have in mind to test these guys?” He asked, likely eager to see his work in action.

Instead of answering him, I spoke out. “Fathom, test them.”

Heeding my command, my now strongest knight took the stage. With a stomp, he readied, with large cleaver like blade at his side, shield held forward. Without a word, my stone knights followed suit. Taking up positions on the field, arraying themselves before the knight.

The bronze ranks were at the front, just behind them were the rank and file. Spears were lowered, swords and shields raised. They were arrayed in a crescent moon, partially surrounding the knight as Lance and I took a step back.

A few gawkers came to see the fun, some curious, some just here for the entertainment. Above, I heard the caws of ever-present crows.

The two sides stared at each other. Waiting for an unseen signal, not one I’d give, but one they’d agreed upon.

They burst into motion, the moment a crow flew off. Fathom was the first one forward, his weapon reared back and swung out. The bronze ranks with shields advanced with their shields held high and met the blow head on. They managed to eat it, preventing the strike from sweeping through their ranks. The bronze ranks with spears immediately moved in, and attempted to flank Fathom, only to be pushed back by a swipe of his shield.

With the bronze ranks at the front, harrying him, the unranked slowly filled in the gaps. I didn’t expect much from the unranked soldiers’ attacks, and seemingly, Fathom didn’t either. Not until they actually chipped away at his body.

I let out an appreciative noise as Fathom realized the danger of those weapons and pivoted, using his superior weight to push back the tide and gain space.

“Impressive, right?” Lance asked, his eyes glittering, a wide grin on his face.

“Yeah… I wasn’t thinking they’d make much of a difference.” I said, watching in awe as they worked to chip away at my, as of now, strongest knight.

“A lot of people think like that, but those spears can be considered bronze ranked equipment, they’re low tiered with barely any magical power, but they are still bronze level equipment. It helps that your knight appears to have been made with a mundane material.”

I frown at that as a spike of embarrassment also shot through me at the unintentional dig.

“He’s an experiment.” I say, with a bit of bite. But, I could tell, Lance’s words and my own dismissal, upset Fathom.

His form stiffened, if only slightly, a spike of something ran through our connection. Something I understood all too well. Anger.

With a roar, Fathom stopped retreating, I could almost feel his magic surge. Like a mountain ready to erupt, a still lake coming to life.

I couldn’t help but sigh as Fathom threw himself into the oncoming horde. Lance actually let out a whistle as he saw Fathom bowl over half the stone soldiers, causing many of them to incur damage.

“Moody fellow, ain’t he?” Lance said with a chuckle.

“He takes after me… unfortunately.” I said, though, there was a bit of pride in that statement.

Lance let out another laugh but didn’t say anything as we watched the fight progress.

Fathom’s initial charge had broken the soldiers’ formation. Now, he was making sure they didn’t form back up, but with the bronze ranks acting as forwards and rallying their troops they quickly formed into small blocks.

Each block worked together well. Taking Fathom’s hits or making openings for other blocks. They weren’t just a few dozen individual soldiers, no, each block was akin to its own organism. Working, moving, fighting.

Quickly, Fathom realized the trouble they were in. Their initial charge had done damage, but it also placed them in a worrying position as the blocks moved in and out, slowly whittling him down.

At this rate, it wasn’t much of a game, was it?

“Luna, Estrella…” I called out, and the pair jolted out. The moment they took the field, the balance of power shifted.

Their magic bolstered Fathom, granting him increased resistance, enough to rebuff the average strike. Along with a slow regeneration, and a general boost to his abilities.

Now, the soldiers were on the back-foot. Still, they didn’t give up. If anything, they grew more stubborn. Luna and Estrella lacked Fathom’s killing potential, but they were wily. Shifting between blows, taking what they couldn’t…

“You used silver coins on them, right?” Lance asked.

“Yeah. They were made to support another knight I had.”

“I can tell, they work well together, and with that other knight of yours. It’s clear that they function best with something to orbit.”

Orbit… I wasn’t sure if he understood the implications of that word, but it worked for the pair well. They weaved around Fathom, covering his openings, making up for his weaknesses. With them, he could plow forward unimpeded.

The stone soldiers gave the best they could, inflicting wounds on both Fathom and the other two knights on occasion. Yet, it was clear they were outmatched. And quickly enough, it became clear who the winner was…

“Alright, stop.” At my word, they all stopped. “Good work.” I said honestly, looking to my knights and the soldiers. “Now, rest up and prepare for your assignments.”

They all saluted and went back to it. No… not quite. They were mingling. With Fathom swinging here and there, essentially showing off, or perhaps demonstrating strikes. Estrella and Luna were also assisting with movements, showcasing strikes and attacks. The whole stone regiment was at work, quickly learning and adapting.

Lance watched for a while longer before excusing himself, leaving me to watch over them, eventually though, I gave out their proper commands. Diana had already told me what I was to do with them. A team to watch the town center, another to keep an eye on the port, some to patrol the outskirts of the town, with another to keep an eye on the main gate.

With the groups properly divvied up, I made my way towards the headquarters, the inn, and inside, as usual was Diana. Only, this time she seemed more agitated than usual.

“Something come up?” I asked, nearly scaring her out of her skin.

“I didn’t…” She started, glanced up and saw me. “Yeah, something came up. We found a town of some sort, maybe a week’s travel from here. We don’t have much on them, but we’ve already started the initial contact.”

“I imagine it didn’t go well?”

“It went well, just, we need someone to actually go over there and properly start diplomacy. Preferably someone that knows what they’re doing.” She said with a sigh.

“That sounds difficult… anyone in mind?” I asked.

“Yeah, you.” She said, very pointedly.

“Me? Why?”

“You owe me, that’s why.” She said, not looking away.

“Do you really think I can handle that?” I had to ask.

“I can’t think of anyone else.” She said back, and… I considered.

Before my work session, I would have turned her down, easily. I doubt she would have even asked me too, considering the state I was in. As of now, though?

“Fine, I can do it.” I said, “But, can I ask what your problem is with leadership? Yes, you had your issue with the second event, but from what I have experienced and even now, you do a good job.

“Look, I…” She pauses, kneads her brow… Frowns “Like you, I had a privileged upbringing. The issue is, I never had a good experience being in charge. Not ever. It was always me being used, or acting as some figurehead to company shareholders. If it wasn’t my uncle it was someone pulling my strings. And even now, even if I’m on my own, even if I’m doing this for myself… I’m not entirely sure this is something I want, does that make sense?”

“That…” I pause, “Does the women’s home know about your thoughts? It looks like they’ve placed an awful lot on you, aren’t you their team’s leader?”

“I am, and…” She hesitates again, “Tabitha knows, even encouraged me to figure out what it is I want, but the leadership at the women’s home has other ideas. They see I have potential, and they want to bring that out.”

“So, they’re grooming you into a possible leader?” I ask.

“Yeah, more or less. But, well… at first, I was more than fine with it. Just, after everything with the first event, the second event, and now, with everything going on, I’m really starting to feel like I’m nearing my limit.”

She takes a moment to take a breath…

“Look, If you’re really opposed to it, I can probably find someone else, but it would help. I can keep managing the town for now, but… frankly, I don’t know how helpful I might be when or if anything goes bad. So I really need someone I can trust to, just to make sure nothing escalates, for my sanity, so, could you do it? Please?”

It wasn’t much of a request. After all, I’d already agreed I’d do it. However, her heartfelt plea, really hammered home a truth I’d very much like to ignore. That, even if Diana leads this event, this might very well be the last time. If we were ever to team up again, I’d have to take the reins. Or rely on someone else and frankly, I did not like the sound of that.

So, really, it was step up now, or never… So, with newfound resolve, I answered her plea.

“I can do it. I mean, I already said I would, but… yeah, I’ll make sure to do my best. However… what is the goal?” I asked.

“The goal?”

‘Yes, what are we trying to do? We found them, do we know their strength, numbers? Do you want me to find that out? Or get them to cooperate? Should I tell them the sky is falling?”

She frowned.

“Clearly, you didn’t give it that much thought…” I say.

“Look, I just heard about it and… yeah, I didn’t think about all that, just… Can you make contact, I’ll leave it up to you to decide, how does that sound?” She asked, but it felt more like she was begging me to take charge here.

“Like a disaster waiting to happen. You know how I am, what I am, don’t you?” I asked back.

“I do… and honestly, as much as I hate to admit it, you might be best fit for this. I already told you about my past, what happened then, my own issues. If I were to go, I don’t know if I’d be able to negotiate. Not without giving something away or selling us off to some project.” She said, and honestly, I couldn’t disagree.

“And if I’m handling this, what if I decide that killing them is the best answer?” I ask the most pertinent question.

She frowns. Her fingers drum on the table. Eventually, she screws her eyes shut. “I won’t like it. Not one bit… I’d rather we get through this without killing, and I’d like to think everyone is on the same page as me. However, if it has to be done than… I’ll trust you.” She says that final bit while looking me in the eyes. Not a hint of falsehood could be felt nor seen.

“Are you sure? Can you really trust me?” I asked taken aback.

“I trust your professionalism above all. If you really think killing them is the answer, I only ask that you give me a heads up.”

“Will do. And who will I bring with me?”

“Your choice, I’ve already decided to make you the lead here, only fair you get to choose who to take with you.”

I talked with her a bit more afterwards, mostly to confirm who was where, who was doing what. A shortlist of who I wanted came to mind. A healer was high on my list, either Serenity or Joan. A scout would be good, but I wasn’t exactly sure where Liche was, and Diana wasn’t sure either.

As for a bruiser, fighter, I didn’t think we’d need one. Though, “You won’t mind if I take a few stone soldiers with me?” I asked.

“Will you be taking the other soldiers too?”

“No, I’ll be leaving them behind.”

“That’s fine then.”

Honestly, I wasn’t too impressed with the capabilities of my ice soldiers. Especially when the stone soldiers had proper equipment… I could take a group or two, with some of the extra bronze ranks I had lying about. Especially since I plan to leave my knights behind.

As for Joan? I found her quickly enough hanging around the infirmary, a building that had been fixed up and cleaned to deal with injuries or worse. Not that they saw many visitors, but having it was better than not.

She was inside, seemed oddly distant when I approached her, she almost seemed upset.

“What?” She asked on my approach.

“I was hoping you’d accompany me to visit a nearby town, well, you and Liche. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is?”

She gave me a rueful look, something I never expected coming from her. “Yeah, I know where she is, and I doubt she’ll come with you.”

“You do? And why? Did something happen?”

“You did, ever since you came back, she’s shut herself in her room and hasn’t come out. Everyone has been forgetting her! What did you do to her!?” She was more or less yelling in my face, and yet…

I didn’t think it would be that bad… this… might be problematic.