Magical Girl City: Empire of Ice

There was a question that constantly hounded me as I worked.

Quantity or quality?

Should I focus on making the best soldiers I could. Painstakingly carving them over long hours, or should I go the other path? Mass producing them, focusing on making as many as possible.

I’d like to say there was no right answer. That both were viable. Unfortunately, that wasn’t really the case. There was a limit to the number of soldiers I could have in my employ. A limit that varied depending on many factors. Such as, the material, whether or not I had a hand in making them, how much of a hand I had in making them, and finally, the bond that we shared. A bond that would grow stronger over time.

If I were to go out of my way to purchase statues and animate them myself. I wouldn’t be able to effectively control many of them. Not only that, I’d quickly hit my limit. Whereas, hand-making them let me maximize the number I could employ. Only, it came down to a question of time.

With infinite time, perhaps I could make an army of soldiers at my beck and call. Perhaps, I could go out of my way and make an army of knights. Bolstering my forces with powers equal to Fathom, or even Estrella and Luna.

I had been taking a balanced approach. Minimizing the number of knights being made, focusing on the few I did make into quality products. Investing in them, improving them little by little, all too maximize their potential.

Conversely, I focused on making mass produced soldiers to fill in the gaps. Using doll bodies made with titanium, gained through bronze coin exchanges. It worked, and yet, it also didn’t.

A base soldier was acceptable, but their potential was horrendous. They would only grow so much before they just, stopped. Elevating the base material, the doll body parts, changed them into something else. It maximized the soldiers’ potential, but it also introduced new issues.

The elevated, bronze rank titanium would shrink, covering less space. Forcing ice to fill in the gaps. Ice that was susceptible to the heat, and due to how they were made, it meant re-introducing weaknesses. Weaknesses that I had sought to erase by using doll bodies.

To say there wasn’t a good answer, was a lie. The right answer, was to wholly focus on quality. I lacked the capabilities to allow for quantity to overwhelm quality. And the cost and time that went into creating sub-par soldiers just wasn’t worth the time and effort.

Not only that, but the most recent event had taught me an important lesson. That being, the importance of proper equipment. I had plans to fill those gaps. Only, I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to invest in new equipment, nor in which direction.

Using my ice, I could make weapons that had the potential to grow. Especially when held by my knights, whom were made with ice. Sure, they weren’t the best weapons. But seeing as how they’d grow with the user, even self-repair, that made them exceptional weapons.

Granting such weapons to the rank and file just wasn’t efficient. Although making the weapons was easy enough, their initial strength was abysmal. It could take months before a simple ice spear could be comparable to iron or steel.

Why would I set aside soldiers just to give them time to cure, or to grow into their strength. Especially for what was supposed to be chaff. Their purpose was to be readily available, mass-produceable, and of course, expendable.

So, why make them weapons of ice, when a simple iron or steel spear would get better mileage, at least in the short term. Which added another layer to my problem. That I did not have the means to mass produce such weapons and gear for them to use. Especially when mundane weapons and gear would wear out after a few engagements.

Bronze coins could fill the gap to an extent but once I start, I’d be eating through more coins than I earn. And more powerful weapons or armor made with magical metals couldn’t simply be traded for bronze. As for making them, well… I did some testing.

Since, for now, I was flush with coins, I decided to use them to experiment. An idea that had come to me, or rather, an idea that was further reinforced by my new alchemical knowledge, alongside Éclair’s lessons.

First, I could combine doll bodies to offset the downsides of being elevated. It required suffusing them with magical energy and elevating them as a group. In order to maintain a doll’s functions as the core for the soldier’s body, I needed a minimum of ten bodies.

However, in doing so, its limit was Lower Bronze. Going beyond that would likely shatter the body. In order for them to reach Mid-Bronze, a total of a hundred bodies would need to be suffused with magic and then elevated simultaneously.

At least, in theory. We’d managed to pull together a single complete Low Bronze doll body, but the cost of continuing to suffuse it with magic was well beyond our current capabilities. Based on what I knew of coins, I had a feeling that getting the body from Low Bronze to Mid Bronze would likely require a hundred, if not a thousand Low Bronze bodies.

As for going higher… well, it became apparent that costs would balloon. I’m also not certain it fully resolves the degradation issue. Which means, I’d need a constant supply of low, or mid bronze metals to keep repairing and improving them.

If I had metal magic… I could work around that little issue, but I’m not.

As it was, Shi could copy my rifle over. Granting the rank and file an easily made weapon. A weapon, that given time would evolve and grow with them. A weapon that was at most silver rank, with additional functions, allowing for even fresh recruits to have a measure of power.

Which put me back on the spot. Granting them a copy of my weapon and yet, sticking with simple doll soldiers was a bit of a waste. As the weapon would rapidly outgrow the soldier… Though, was this necessarily a bad thing?

If anything, it made up for the biggest weakness the soldiers had. It gave them a good punch, while also making up for their more fragile bodies. And even if their potential was capped, their weapon would continue to grow. Allowing them to hit well above their weight class.

If I focus on base doll soldiers… give them simple uniforms or gear to elevate their abilities or provide minimal protection. Whilst focusing on granting them copies of my rifle… it did offset a lot of their weaknesses.

I even had a potential meeting with the tailor that made my suits, for something more magical. Although, the initial fitting may not cost much, mass production would definitely cause an issue for me, at least, for now.

Which… actually… sort of fixes the issue with my rank and file… at least, in theory. Which leaves the quality portion of the equation, or rather, my knights.

Standing over the umpteenth statue carved out of ice. My focus, not on making a finished product, but improving my craft. Instinct made up a lot of what I did. Making more realistic statues with each go.

The issue was, instinct only went so far. No matter how I worked, certain issues kept cropping up. Proportions being slightly off. The center of gravity being ajar. Limbs being asymmetrical. Fingers and hands being jagged or wrong. That or too big or small for the body, the same issue I had with the head. Only, trying to make a proper face was impossible. It always looked blocky, or fake.

No matter how hard I tried, there was a steep divide between what I wanted, and where I was at.

Eventually, Talia came down to check on me. I had worked through the night. The morning sun had started to rise. She perused my work and eventually gave her critique. “They’re fine… just, consistently off.”

“Yeah, if it’s not one thing, it’s another. When I think I have the hands down, the head or feet are off. When those are fine, the arms are either too big or small. If that’s fine the proportions of the legs aren’t right, or the torso is slightly off-center.” I said, voicing my complaints.

“Yeah, I can see that.” She agrees. “Have you considered getting a few books on anatomy? I could make a run to the library and pick one up for you, if you want?” She asked.

I was about to disagree, but…

“Okay, fine. Just let me know what the fare for the taxi is… and while you do that, I’m going to take a nap.” I agreed in the end.

I felt drained and after a short nap and some food, I was settled in, reading the book Talia had gotten me. It wasn’t easy. Blocks were set aside as I practiced on muscle groups and the skeletal system. Progress was slow. The end products weren’t great either, but there was progress.

All too soon, the weekend came to an end, and once more, I had work. It went as usual, only…

“Prima, do you have a moment?” Out of nowhere, Terada appeared. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind. Question on why he approached me, if I did something wrong, made a mistake…

Still, I spoke, “I do, did something happen?” I ask.

“No, no, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’ve just noticed as well as a few others in the creative department that the drawings you submit have changed.”

“Changed? How?” I ask, though, I could feel something inside me, a seed of dread slowly growing like a seed.

“It wasn’t that noticeable, but since you’ve arrived, there has been steady improvement. Nothing worthy of note, but your work has improved.” He continued, I nodded along.

“The thing is, in the last week, and now today, there’s been a notable improvement. Enough that we were wondering if you’d like to take on more?”

Take on more? The obvious answer would be, hell no! My job was primarily workflow management. Making sure documents and files went where they needed. That was supposed to be my job. My only job. Unfortunately, we’re severely understaffed.

Being understaffed meant I had to take on multiple roles. Even before my little coup, I’d been a part-time editor, and when needed, I’d trace or copy over artwork to help move things along. And it wasn’t like I was the only one pulling double or triple duty.

Joan and Liche were in the same boat as well. Their primary job was to assist me, but they also did other work, but with a different shift. Liche was surprisingly artsy. Which meant she took on more tasks to assist the creative department. Joan was a good editor and took on the bulk of extra editing tasks.

Whereas I, was middling with both. Yet, it also meant I did the lion’s share of the work I was supposed to be doing in the first place along with whatever needed an additional hand.

Could I handle more work? Honestly, I probably could. Since I first took up this position, I’ve done a lot to update and streamline the process. Even with the computers being a tad bit slower, the keys not quite working, I knew I could get my work done with some leisure.

Partially due to the relaxed work schedule, but also because I was just that damn good.

Did I want more work? No. Not at all. I had enough on my plate as it is. Only, could I deny Terada?

…Probably… I probably could on second thought. With everything that’s happened, Terada is less of a force of nature. He was clearly on his last legs, moving about on sheer momentum alone. The relaxed work schedule and an admiring junior definitely helped, but it was clear the man was near his breaking point.

I could easily deny him, he wouldn’t argue. He wouldn’t push. It would hurt my position in the group, but only slightly. Weighing my options, obviously, denying the extra work was worth it, but…

“If I take the extra work, what will happen?” I ask.

“I’ll have a veteran come over and give you some hands-on lessons. We have the leeway for that much, and if you can pick up the skills, we can make up for the lost work.” He said.

And really, it was tempting… I already knew why my drawings were improving. It led into my own improving sculpting skills, further bolstered by dance. As for the final boost? It probably came from the brief study into anatomy.

It wasn’t much. Yet, it was clear that when I was drawing it added something to my work. Enough to garner attention.

If I could learn all the skills I need here, well, it would save me time in the long run… Plus, it would improve my relationship with the team. It might even help Terada out in some way…

“Alright, I’ll do it. Just make sure you send me a guy that knows what he’s doing.”

Terada looked taken aback, clearly, he’d expected me to deny him. That I didn’t deny him, seemed to do something for the old man as a small smile made its way on his face. “I’ll make sure to send the very best, well, after me.” He says with a light chuckle. Earning us a few odd glances.

Shortly after leaving he came back with a man, I’ve seen a few times. He was old, easily as old as Terada, if not older. He had a look about him, a permanent scowl. The moment he sat down with me; we went to work.

He didn’t say much, but then, he was never much for talking with people. He always sat at the edge of the group when we were at the bar. His preferred position was always just out of sight, or at the edge of any kind of gathering. The thing was, he was also the most productive guy on the team.

He was always the one doing the prototypes, the first sketches of everything. His work was always timely and well done. He was always rather punctual, no nonsense. Very much a man after my very own heart.

And within a short while, I realized just how incredible this guy was. His work wasn’t flashy, but it had depth. It looked simple on the surface, but as he explained how each piece fit together in a series of brief spurts of words, broken up by swiftly drawn line work. As he did that, it became clear.

The man knew his stuff.

In a matter of hours, I felt like I had a grasp of everything he was teaching me. Once he noticed that, he backed off and went back to work. Leaving me to find my own way, as it was. By the end of the day, I felt my hands itching. The very moment I came back to the warehouse, I was once again working at the statues. Only, this time, there was something else, a spark, purpose.

It wasn’t an immediate improvement. Rather, it felt like I’d been mucking about, grasping in the dark, and all he’d done was provide a candle. It wasn’t much, but now… now I could truly see.

The next couple of days followed that same rhythm. Halfway through the day, he’d sit down and teach me new aspects or reinforce what he already taught me. Opening doors I didn’t know exist. Showing me paths I could take.

In the end though, it was clear, I wasn’t anything to write home about. Sure, I’d improved, but it wasn’t nearly to the old man’s specifications. Though, it was clear he was happy I was at least taking it in. That, and that I was throwing myself into it with all I had.

Between this and that, it quickly came time for me to get back to patrolling. The streets were getting more dangerous with each passing day. The fog thickened, crime increased throughout the city. Back alleys, and out of the way places were rapidly starting to decay and fall apart.

The police were willing to pay more, but also, it meant that the patrols had to increase in strength. And to my surprise, as I prepped to leave for work, both Liche and Joan approached.

The first to speak up was Liche, “Hey, we heard you were thinking of patrolling tonight.”

“Did Taylor say?”

“She did, rather, we asked her if you were.” Liche replies.

“Well, she isn’t wrong. Why, did something come up?”

“We were wondering if we could join up with you? I know we’ve kind of been doing our separate thing, but… since last month, things have been kind of hairy.”

“Hairy how?” I ask.

“The fog gets thicker as time passes. I’m sure you know that much, but as it thickens the patrols need to be stronger. Which means either more people, or everyone needs to be stronger.”

“I get that much, but how does this relate? Not to say I don’t want you to join, I’m just curious.”

“Really? Well, that’s good to know, especially after everything and…” She shakes her head. “Anyway, what I meant to say is, a lot of the others we joined up with started dropping out after last month. And if they haven’t already dropped out, they will in the coming weeks.”

“How so? Isn’t it free coins?”

“You’d think, but not everyone is willing to risk their lives for a few coins. A lot of rabbits came out of the woodwork to join the patrols, and as for dogs, apparently, most of them stick to their own territories.”

“I wasn’t aware of that.”

“Yeah, so, the rest of the city kind of gets fucked over. Part of why the bounty went up. And really, I know last month you were busy or something, but… it was rough. A few of the groups we were with ended up splintering or having infighting mid-patrol. It wasn’t great.”

“Is that why you seemed so distressed?”

“Partially… well, that and my own issues. I thought… I thought I could finally make something of myself, and stop being a coward. Maybe do something for a change, but every time something seemed to go wrong, I was the first to dip. And well, every time Joan here would join me.”

Joan avoided our gaze, fidgeting.

“I doubt she’s upset with you.” I reply to Liche, all the while keeping my eyes on Joan. “I do think, of everyone, she was the most supportive of you Liche.”

Neither said anything to that. Liche was a little taken aback, maybe a little nervous. Joan, for her part, simply shrunk in on herself. Which, wasn’t entirely new, but she was a lot more withdrawn since the event.

Which… was worrying.

“Regardless, I wouldn’t mind having you two join me for the patrol, the more the merrier as they say. Also, I was curious if you’d like to join me this weekend.”

“This weekend?” Liche says, “Where?” She questions.

“A friend, or rather, a mentor of sorts. I’m not sure if she’d qualify as a friend.”

“A mentor?” She says back, contemplating. “Is this…” She glances to Joan, but cuts herself off. “Yeah, we can go. Where do we meet?”

“Near the edge of the park, closer to the lower district, Saturday morning. Do bring some food, maybe a dessert or two.”

“Uh, really? Well, alright…” She says hesitantly, “We’ll be there then.”

“Good, now, do you want to ride with me, or are we meeting at the patrol point?” I ask.

“We can meet at the patrol point. We still have to get our stuff together.”

“Sounds good. See you then.” And like that, we split.

I’d made plans for today. Admittedly, I didn’t have a truck on hand, but I had been in talks with the station, rather, with Taylor. Grim was essentially out of office at all times with the city’s public order deteriorating. Leaving Taylor to handle most of the clerical work.

Which made it odd that she didn’t mention how they were having issues with the patrols. Though, it should have been obvious in hindsight that the city would get more dangerous. Taylor even mentioned it would when she gave me the job.

I’d just missed out on it with my injury last month, that and my preparations for the third and final tutorial event. Now, having missed a month, I was curious just how much more dangerous it was.

After a quick stop at the precinct, I gained a new truck. It wasn’t that much different from the last one I owned. It also wasn’t the only truck they had. The police had a number of items in the impound, most of which were sold during specific auction days. Apparently, it was where the bulk of their budget came from.

Knowing that was interesting, but more interesting was that they had a full armory stocked with more than just mundane weapons. Spending money, the police could get access to all kinds of weapons and equipment. Not just what was standard issue.

On enquiring if I could get access to the shop, Taylor just gave me a withering glare.

With no other choice, I simply took the keys and left. If I was lucky… I may run into Grim at some point, and she’d probably give me permission to purchase from the armory…

Only, did I want to do that? After all, it would be smarter to not associate with her. Not anymore then I had too…

Well… those were thoughts for another time.

With my new truck, I picked up my soldiers and went to the patrol point. There, I met up with Liche and Joan. With all of us together, the patrol was going to be a cinch.