Wallflower

Wallflower

Year 83 Month 12 (continued)

While the heroes decided to rethink their strategy, here in New Freeka, we had to fend off the little swarms of demons sent to surround the heroes.

And I spent quite a bit of time tinkering with the heroes tower. As I kept poking, and trying to figure out what it is, I got a good update.

[Biolab, material lab and magic lab upgraded. Field equipments obtained. You are now able to perform investigations of objects using field equipments. Full analysis requires more comprehensive equipment]

There is a layer of somewhat-divine magic protecting it, so I reckon itll take more than one hit of the demons supercannon to be destroyed. Certainly not as fragile as they said it was. Or maybe its just fragile to certain kinds of demonic energies or heroes star mana. That same divine magic also shields it from me attempting to make changes or convert or claim the tower.

Yet, its a change barrier. That meant, I could look into it, but not change a thing.

And look, I did.

There was a lot to see, about how it weaves magic and mana into a structure like that, how it draws mana from the ambient surrounding and the connection, however wireless it is, to its creator.

Unlike my [subsidiary trees] which form a linked network, all connected by roots, these towers are independent, freestanding structure yet have a connection. And its more complex than just some kind of wifi. Its almost like... they are entangled in some surreal way. As if its resonating with something else far away, and yet... it emits or absorbs nothing through the air.

Stumped. I observed, and looked for days.

Its as if Ive invented a bow, and right here is an interstellar rail gun.

How do I even replicate such a thing?

How did the heroes even come up with such a thing?

It certainly feels like impossible that young kids would know how these things are, so... are the gods creating such objects and skills, and implementing or executing them via the heroes? Or is this a system thing, wheres there is like a drawer or library of hero-grade skills that they get access to?

Stumped again, I looked at other parts of the tower, my vines growing around the base. I attempt to use my vines and what powers I have, and even my long forgotten [inspection] ability.

Perhaps the resonance is how it communicates with other towers, but the means which it acted as a conduit or router for messages is something less sophisticated. Or not.

At this point, can I just build a massive X-Ray or MRI scanner around the tower so I can see whats inside?

-

Mom, Uncle Jura. Ive got to go.

TreeTree says no.

I know he said that... but, but I want to go. I believe its good for my own growth, to see how I fare. I want to know where I am.

You know where you are, youre here! Laufen was furious, and worried. Your place is here.

I know my place is here. But... I.. erm.. I want to measure my strength. I wont die. Trust me, mom.

Well, the heroes, utilising the now-restored [message] network, requested for help. And they asked for Lausanne to help with the attack on the demon supercannon. Not just her, of course. A lot more than her.

Youre not a hero, Lausanne. Laufen held her daughter. Dont do this.

But... Lausanne sulked. I want to go, mom. Please.

No.

Im 14 and almost level 60. I can help.

Men higher level than you have tried fighting demon champions, and died.

They... they dont have TreeTrees powers. Or Thorny. She pointed to the wooden staff on her belt. We can do it.

Laufen sighed. TreeTree, can you talk some sense into my daughter?

In my mind, should I let Lausanne go? Though I spent a lot of effort in grooming and training Lausanne, ultimately, should she be able to decide how she wants to wield that power. Lausannes turn to retaliate. Maybe shes 14 and having a teenage rebellious age? Oh I sound like my mom, my mom used to tell me Im rebellious.

I think what Laufen is afraid of is death. With a few well placed giant attendant trees, I think I can ensure Lausannes survival. So, if I can do so, would it be a good idea for her to join the battle?

Maybe... maybe its a good lesson in the brutality and the high levels that the heroes walk. A dose of reality. And I could use the chance to attack the demon supercannon with some of the roots, masked as coming from her...

I should let her earn her right to participate. Rather than just say yes.

Lausanne, there are a lot of demons coming from that direction. Among them, probably a few demon generals. If you take down 3, I think you can take part. And, I want you to restrict your familiar use to only two abilities.

Laufen sighed. TreeTree, what?

Its training. If she can take on a few more demon generals, then she earned her right to participate. If she cant handle the generals, she shouldnt bother trying.

Yes! So... Ill go hunt some demons!

Laufen shook her head. I... I wasnt expecting that.

Are these royals nihilists? Or is it some other word?

-

Lausanne spent time trying to hunt for more demon generals. The winters gradually clearing, and at certain parts of the region where its warmer, she finally took down one demon general herself.

Still, the goal was three, so she had to hunt for 2 more. And later in the month she took down another one, bringing her total kills to 2.

Meanwhile, the heroes are out gathering a strike force, again. Similar to what that other kingdom did, the strike force is meant to be an elite force, to help punch a path through to the demon supercannon, so that they can attack it directly.

As it is, they could already punch a way through, but between the summoned army and their OP skills used to get through the chaff, they dont have much star mana left to actually take on the main body of the demon supercannon.

-

I heard that you might be King.

Whered you hear that? Roma asked. Hes a quiet, studious young boy. Despite Yvons attempts to train him in fighting, his interests are more into magic, and well, reading. Although he is healthy, and fit, physical combat wasnt his thing. He didnt inherit Yvon or Prince Galans talent in fighting.

The others were talking. I even heard one of the actual princes said it when one of their servants came to buy some bread. The black-haired baker boy said. He had a small knife at the side.

Roma sighed. Mom told me about it, but I cant accept it yet. Some of her friends asked whether I want to travel to Ransalah... What do you think? Should I be King?

I think youd make a good King. The baker boy said. Then I can be your Kings Guard.

You cant even fight. Roma laughed.

Well, youve never ruled. The baker boy ribbed Roma. Besides, all I need is your mom to teach me some tricks. I heard shes really good.

We might die.

Or youll just be working as one of the employees of the Valtrian Order, and Ill just be an ordinary baker. Why live, if not for honor and glory?

Youve been reading too much of your uncles writings.

Youve been reading too much.

Salah is now ruled by a regent. One surviving archduke took the position of regent, to govern the state of Salah. Apparently, it is quite normal for the succession wars to only commence after the demon king is slain, and if a King falls without an appointed successor, a proper contest for the right of the throne will start when the demon king is slain, something the regent will announce. After all, it is hard to properly choose a king in a time of chaos. At least, thats the principle of such a rule.

I suppose Kings do die quite often when the demon king is around, so theres already a cultural norm for it.

In theory, that meant Roma has time to prepare. That also meant everyone else has time to prepare.

In practice, whoever the ruling regent prefers has tremendous advantages, since this is the time where all the things and pieces can be put in place. Still, the regents will obey the norm, because to some extent, obeying the norms is what allows the [heir] to convert their class to [king]. Weird system rules like that, or so it is believed.

Or maybe just nobody tested whether that norm is actually a requirement of the title [king], or whether its just a product of whether the citizens of the kingdom acknowledge the [heir] as the true [king].

Things I learn from eavesdropping on Yvons conversations with her advisors.

Year 84 Month 2

Lausanne finally killed two more demon generals, so her total kills is 4. And she gained some levels while she was at it.

Can I go now? Please?

Laufen was similarly reluctant, but then privately, I told Laufen Ill look after her. With my assurance, Laufen agreed.

If it goes well, Ill even get some experience out of playing a small part.

And I was getting quite annoyed with all the shots fired at me. I wonder whether I could so like some kind of kung-fu stunt where an attack is deflected back at the demon. Like how so many manga main characters are able to do to show off their insane overpoweredness.

In honesty, the heroes were just about ready with their force too, and they were already prepared to strike the demon-supercannon, with or without Lausanne. So, Lausannes arrival at the battlefield was just on time. Just to be sure, I placed a few [giant attendant trees] in the vicity, as a retreat-point for Lausanne.

And the battle against the supercannon went well, all things considered. The heroes successfully destroyed the supercannon with their [star mana] abilities, but the cost was... a whole load of deaths, mainly from the adventurers and military leaders that decided to take part in the attack.

Lausanne returned from the battle, bloody, and there was a look of despair on her face. I was there, and perhaps there was something about watching the demon supercannons explosions incinerate people up close that just... uh... feels brutal. It wasnt the first time shes seen death. She had seen death when she fought the demon walker.

It was, as expected, the despair of realising how high the mountain is.

Laufen, of course, gave her daughter a hug. Its okay. Youre blessed by TreeTree, hes just one tree spirit, but the heroes, they are blessed by all the gods.

Lausanne, of course, instantly perked up. Mom! Youre a genius!

Huh?

Aeons blessings alone is not enough for me to be a hero!

What do you mean?

I will visit other spirits like TreeTree, and get their blessings. If I can get multiple blessings, I will be as strong as them!

Spaizzer

i am takinh one week off next week.