Chapter 61:

  The Long Way

  (World Narration)

  In the beginning, little pockets of Reality came into existence. Universes in which lived many different beings; creatures and people alike. Civilizations that rose and fell. Histories rich with various events that shaped them into what they were.

  Fantasy. Sci-Fi. Dystopian. Post-Apocalyptic. Mystical.

  These were but a few cssifications that these dimensions would fall into. Some were connected to each other while others were kept separated by a veil. It was a tenuous system that none really understood. One that would slowly begin to break.

  Many sought to understand it. Many failed. Those who believed they succeeded would go on to call themselves Gods. Beings that would become folklore and myth. They would create whole new dimensions artificially, their "domains" from which they ruled. Thus, weakening an already fragile system.

  It wasn't long before the first rifts, Gates, began to appear. Whole worlds were consumed. A cataclysm on a level unlike any other. Everything colpsed upon itself. Eventually, Reality stabilized naturally, but in so doing it became fractured. Pieces of itself left to drift in a sea of endless Aether within the mysterious force of Reality.

  One would be remiss, however, to simply dismiss this stabilization as truly stable. The cost of this perceived stabilization was a dead zone that would, eventually, call it all back together. After all, this dead zone was devoid of all Aether, and much like when water rushes in to fill a sudden empty space in it, Aether would do the same.

  Like a magnetic force drawing everything to it, this influx of Aether would bring with it those fractured pieces of Reality. Some more whole than others, but it was inevitable. Most who survived the original colpse knew nothing of this, but there were some among them who could sense it.

  Most waited patiently for that moment; biding their time until the inevitable. Their worlds would collide, and they would be ready to fight for dominance. To cim dominion over new nd as it formed from this impact, but there were some who were...impatient.

  Sensing the influx of Aether, and wanting to get ahead of everything, or perhaps out of greed, they sought to tear through the veil before it was their time. This would cause even more chaos in an already delicate bance. However, they would not have such an easy time, for where once there was no Aether, now there was.

  Though it had been a dead zone, devoid of Aether, it was not devoid of life. Against all odds within this pce, there lived those who had survived and long forgotten the truth of the colpse, what they now called...The Big Bang.

  Yes, this dead zone was known as Earth. It was at the epicenter, where all things had originally colpsed before exploding outwards into a state of pseudo-stability. Now, Aether was returning. Realities were once more colliding together.

  What they knew as their observable universe was only one part, a small fraction, of what was the truth. All of it was returning in a devastating fashion, but now they had the ability to fight against it. To fight against the invaders too impatient to wait. Unfortunately...it would not be enough.

  They had gone for far too long without Aether. Though they adapted quickly, gaining immense power and strength, they were not ready for what was coming. Those who had waited. Those who had long since known the use of Aether. Those who had honed their skills to the height of their capabilities.

  These would be known as Critical Dungeons.

  New nations would be born from these gates opening upon Earth, should their rulers not be defeated. Wild Zones were just the beginning. A little taste of what was to come.

  At least...that's what was supposed to happen. Somehow, much to even the surprise of Reality itself, well, as surprised as a semi-sentient primordial force could be anyways, something happened.

  It was a single, simple Wish.

  A wish that changed...everything.

  Reality itself shifted to its whims as Aether shaped it. Its very nature was twisted upon itself. Both impressed and terrified, the primordial essence of Reality could only watch as everything changed. Time was rewound as if nothing had happened.

  It wasn't so simple as just creating a new Reality and leaving the old behind. That would have made at least some sense to this fathomless entity, but no. It was literally rewriting it as if it had never happened. Like a giant reset button. One that with every push of it, things began again, only...each time was better than the st.

  There was something, however, that it began to notice. The resets were getting...stronger. As if there was a desperation to them, but also an unassaible warmth. A feeling that shook even this primordial force to its very core, if it had one. Such was this feeling that even this unfathomable entity began to feel...moved. Secretly, whatever was causing these resets, it began to hope they succeeded.

  Hope. Such a strange thing for an unfeeling entity to...well, feel. Not that they were cold-hearted, for it didn't really have a heart. It just...was. It didn't have a choice. It couldn't stop any of this, but somehow, something or someone, had found a way. Yet, deep within itself it felt pain.

  Pain. How weird was that for such a concept to feel not only hope but pain. Pain not for itself, but for whatever had caused this, for it could feel the life of all things...and this one was slowly waning. The life that had caused this change in Reality itself was, with every reset, slowly dwindling into nothing.

  Sadness. That was how it would describe this feeling. At least, that's how those who lived within it would cssify such a thing. It found this curious. Not only did such a simple wish change the very rules of Reality, but also the fundamental logic of it. This primordial essence shouldn't be feeling anything, and yet there was no other expnation to it.

  If it could speak, it would, and what it would say is this: Destruction...is not what I want. It is...sad. All that life...once again...doomed to repeat tragedy. Survive. Win. Make it Reality.

  It was, perhaps, a little silly for Reality to ask for itself to be changed, but it could feel the Aether brush against it. Its counterpart, and within that touch, it could feel a sort of...kinship.

  Aether could not do anything either, only adhere to the whims of the wish which had wrested control of it. Aether, however, agreed with Reality. It hoped they succeeded, but there was perhaps...one more chance if this time failed.

  If it could smile, it would. It would encourage them, the one who made the wish, for within itself it could feel the changes. Everything that these resets had done...it was working.

  What was once a dead zone, destined to be consumed, was now a bulwark against the onsught that awaited it. All they, Aether and Reality, could do was wait...and hope.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  I had spent a full week now in Rome since Elizabeth had cleared the Critical Dungeon. Most of that time was spent enjoying the food and other scenery, but for the most part, I spent it together with everyone. There were only a few moments that I had between myself and Elizabeth, of which I cherished immensely.

  However...my gaze drifted over to Maya who walked beside me, our hands entwined. The night air was slightly warm with a light breeze that brought with it the aroma of citrus. Oranges, to be precise. It was Elizabeth's idea, but I had chosen the location.

  There was a park that I had heard about. A beautiful pce, especially at night, where orange trees grew and fairy lights were strung between them and several mpposts throughout the area. This gave everything a gentle, warm glow. A very romantic spot, and one that I had decided to take Maya out on a date to.

  It had been a while since we had spent time together, just the two of us, and that is why Elizabeth had suggested I do so. I was quite grateful that she had, for Maya's amethyst eyes sparkled in awe under the warm glow of the park. I couldn't help but smile warmly at such a sight.

  This park was known as a romantic spot for couples to come and enjoy themselves, whether during the day or at night. To this end, there were other couples that walked around, though they mainly congregated around the center where vendors worked te into the night to bring them delicious food. Maya and I found ourselves further into the park where only the silence of the night, and our own company, could be found.

  "Sorry I haven't been able to make time for us," I said sheepishly, though she simply shook her head.

  "Don't be," she replied, squeezing my hand gently, "I spend every day with you."

  "Yes, but we've not had time together," I emphasized, her smile becoming coy.

  "I knew what you meant," she nudged me pyfully, "I really don't mind, but..."

  "But...?" I coaxed, our eyes locking for a moment.

  In the instant that our eyes met, we had stopped walking as I was immediately drawn into them. They held such an unfathomable hold on me that I unconsciously began to lean in towards her. Her smile as she pced her hand upon my chest was enough to cause my heart to stop. I was captivated in that split second.

  "Buuut~..." she continued in that impassive, yet somehow alluring way of hers, "I do appreciate the time we do spend together. Just the two of us."

  My heart fluttered wildly, unable to think for a brief moment. After my senses came back to me, I couldn't believe that this was the same Maya that I had first met that day at my apartment. She had been completely professional as I was fitted for clothing that I would wear for my dinner with Elizabeth. I still couldn't believe how much that had cost.

  Even now, I tried not to think of how expensive the clothes I was wearing were. It was enough to make my head spin. It was best for me to just not question it, though the thought did cross my mind every now and then.

  Being reminded of Maya from back then and seeing her now...it was like night and day, but in a good way. She had more opened herself up and was actually starting to enjoy herself. Not just with me, but in general. She took more initiative in doing things that she wanted, and enjoying them for herself, rather than at the benefit of other people.

  I cleared my throat and smiled awkwardly.

  "Yeah," I nodded, "I do as well. It's just...a little more difficult than I thought."

  "Juggling the two of us?" Maya asked teasingly, her smile flirtatious.

  "...Mhm," I acknowledged with a light blush, "I often feel guilty when I'm not able to give you two the attention you both deserve."

  Maya let out a soft sigh, giving me that look that told me I was being ridiculous, but I couldn't help it. They both meant a lot to me. Was it really so wrong to want them both to feel as special as they were? Before I could think anymore on it, I felt a gentle hand upon my face.

  "It's not wrong to spend time with both of us," Maya informed me as her thumb caressed my cheek, "Nor is it wrong to spend time alone together. We know how much you care, and that you want us to feel special, but we also-"

  I cut her off as I took hold of her hand upon my face, kissing the palm of it gently and smiled into it.

  "There you go again..." I teased, cradling her hand to my face as I gazed upon her fondly, "Reading my mind. Yes, I do want you both to feel special because you are special."

  A light blush entered her face, though she appeared sassily exasperated, which was a little confusing.

  "That's what I was going to tell you..." she said, shifting her wait with a shake of her head, "But you, Sir, had to go and be all cute on me."

  I looked away embarrassingly, clearing my throat to compose myself.

  "Yeah, well..." I stuck my tongue out at her, to which she giggled.

  "We do feel special, Luke," Maya assured me, "We know you try your best, and that means everything to us...to me."

  I rexed at her words, hearing the sincerity in them. Slowly dropping her hand from my face, she took a step back. For a brief moment, I felt my heart ache at the absence of her, but found myself also entranced as she held her arms out and gave me a little twirl, showing off her outfit to me.

  "If I didn't, would you really think I'd dress like this?" she asked me with a coy smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

  The bck dress she wore flowed as she spun, its ce and frills a far cry from what she normally wore, but it was modest and demure enough to fit her aesthetic perfectly. The top of the dress held subtle frills along the shoulders with a ced neckline. Gossamer sleeves adorned her arms, and a wide cloth belt cinched around her waist

  Beneath the pleated skirt of her dress, which fell just below her knees, she wore dark tights and well-made Mary Jane dress shoes. Much like when I first saw her wearing this, I was once again awestruck. To be honest, she looked fantastic.

  "I mean...I don't know, maybe?" I answered honestly, a little nervous, "It's definitely not your style, though...wait, I didn't mean it like that. It suits you, truly. You look amazing. Fantastic, even. I just meant that-"

  She ughed once again, hiding her mouth behind the back of her hand. My face felt like it was about to melt from how embarrassed I was. Maya stepped forward and pced a comforting hand upon my chest, smiling with amusement at me.

  "I know what you meant," she chuckled, not the least bit angry, "It's not my usual style."

  "Y-Yeah..."I rexed a bit, grateful that I hadn't offended her, "You told me once that you didn't really wear dresses, so I was a little surprised. You know you don't have to wear them for me, right?"

  "I do," she nodded, her smile never fading, "I wore this because I wanted to. Because you make me feel special, I want you to feel special as well. You're the only one I'd wear a dress for, Luke."

  I had no response to that besides to damn near melt in her arms. Thankfully, I was able to keep my composure, though I was sure my face was an absolute mess. Maya seemed quite pleased with herself at my reaction, and took this opportunity to lean her head against my chest. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her and held her close.

  "Hannah helped me pick it out," she expined quietly, "I like cute things, as you're probably aware from the army of plushies I own, courtesy of my sister. However, I don't really have a sense for fashion, unlike my sister."

  "I don't know," I replied with a shrug, "You seem to have more than me."

  "Heh, you said it, not me," she teased.

  "Hey!" I excimed, pretending to be offended as she giggled.

  It was heartwarming. The sound of her ughter. The atmosphere. The way she was able to just...be herself. I couldn't ask for anything more.

  "But truthfully..." Maya grew a little somber, tightening her arms around me, "I didn't know what would look good, so I'm gd I asked her for help. Tonight has been...fun."

  She looked up at me as she said this, her smile dazzling and expression blinding. I felt like I had died on the spot, shot through the heart by how happy she was. If it wasn't for her holding onto me, I might have just fainted right there on the spot. Instead, I could only hide my now burning face behind my hand.

  She tilted her head quizzically as I gred at her accusingly through my fingers.

  "That's...illegal from now on," I grumbled, trying to regain myself, "Unless you want me to die from sugar overload..."

  "Is that so?" she asked, appearing like a cat who had just caught her prey.

  She was so pleased with herself that things only grew worse. The very stars seemed to dance around her as she exuded such delight in herself and the situation. Truly, there was no escape, especially as she reached up to my face and pulled me close.

  "Well, we can't have that, now can we?" she smirked devilishly, and despite those words, she nded the killing blow.

  Our lips locked as she kissed me deeply. I resigned myself to my fate, willfully walking into the shadow of the valley of death, for I had seen bliss not just once, but twice. The first with Elizabeth, and now with Maya.

  I lost myself in that kiss, savoring it for as long as I could. The moment would forever live on in my memory, cemented by the mix of citrus from the park and the subtle floral scent of jasmine from Maya. I was sure she also savored it as well, for it felt like an eternity before I could finally catch my breath.

  However, to see the look in her eyes, that glittering glee, as she pulled away...it was worth every single second of my breath that was stolen, and I'd give even more until nothing was left.

  "Thank you, Luke," she whispered, taking my hand in hers, "Tonight has been wonderful."

  I grinned, feeling like a school boy, my heart eted beyond recognition.

  "Same here," I replied fondly, "Though...should we take our time getting back?"

  "I'd love that," she answered, and the two of us took the scenic route, taking our time returning to the hotel.

  We enjoyed each others company for as long as we could, having already partook in the food of the park and the scenery it had provided. Tonight had worked out perfectly, and it was a much needed distraction.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV, Hotel Room)

  Vacation. It was a nice concept, but one that Elizabeth couldn't enjoy for long. There was work to be done as she poured over some documents on the tablet before her. She had enjoyed her time spent with Lucas, as well as everyone else. Something she never thought would be possible, as she had only ever cared about spending it with Lucas.

  Now, she had no problem, and in fact enjoyed the company, of Denny and Hannah who sat in the room with her. They were discussing something on the couch, hunched over Denny's computer. Before them was a floating mass of what looked like liquid metal. Every so often, they'd motion to it before looking back at the computer. They spoke in low murmurs, but Elizabeth picked up some of it.

  "I can imbue a little, but..." Hannah said hesitantly, tilting her head slightly, "Will it be enough, though?"

  "With the material, even just a small amount would be sufficient," Denny replied, moving her hands expertly across the keyboard of the ptop, "As you can see, my nano-tech is made of a mix between Star Metal and Mithril. Expensive as fuck, but lightweight and durable. It'll hold it, and in fact, amplify anything you do."

  "Hmm, well, if that's the case, how should we go about it?" Hannah inquired, scratching her head, "I could use [Antidote] and [Heal]. Though, you said they can repair tissue damage by themselves."

  "No," Denny corrected, shaking her head, "I said that with help they can repair tissue damage. The most they can do healing wise is stem any bleeding that isn't critical, and create synthetic stitching. They can also stimute the body to increase natural healing, but-"

  "Okay, okay, I get it," Hannah chuckled, "Tell me what you need."

  Denny smiled warmly, once again moving her fingers along the keyboard. The screen shifted and changed to pull up various depictions of blueprints and theories. They had been working on this for a while now, ever since Denny had come to live with them.

  Elizabeth sighed as she remembered the other day when Lucas had scolded her and Maya for threatening Denny. She felt a little silly about it now, but at the time she couldn't help it. Lucas meant everything to her, and so was very protective. He was right to say something, as she needed to be reminded that Denny was on their side, despite what had happened.

  Lucas had always been Elizabeth's moral compass, and so she wasn't upset that he had put his foot down. In fact, she quite liked it, despite still being a little disheartened from him moving away from her touch. Since then, however, he had made up for it quite a lot, so she was content and pleased with how things turned out.

  Regardless of all that, Denny cared for Lucas just like her and Maya did. Well, not exactly like they did, but close enough to be equal with them. Denny wanted what was best for Lucas and did everything she could to keep him safe. It's why she had worked with the Ptinum Lotus. Besides, until the end, she didn't really know their true nature.

  Now, Denny and Hannah were working on a surprise that she had proposed to Elizabeth. It was Maya who first agreed to it, but Elizabeth was also in favor. Of course, she was sure that Lucas would stare at them as if they were crazy, but nonetheless he would give in to their insane demands. That was one thing she loved about him. He knew they'd never hurt him, and he trusted them.

  That didn't mean he wouldn't compin, and honestly...she couldn't wait. She had to smile at the thought, for every single moment with him was a gift. A gift that she intended to savor forever this time.

  "How soon will it be done?" Elizabeth asked, startling the two of them.

  She had been, and still was, going over several documents. Mainly reports from Antarctica where she had sent that girl, Yuki, from Clouds. Her cousin Sis had been in charge of them, and from the reports, they were doing surprisingly well.

  "Well..." Denny rubbed the back of her neck, gncing at the warbling mass of liquid metal about the size of a baseball, "We just finished finalizing everything. I've put the enchantments in pce, as well as programmed everything correctly. All we need to do is have Hannah imbue the skills and then temper everything with high heat, but since we don't have a forge..."

  Denny cast her gaze back towards Elizabeth, who nodded in understanding.

  "You'll have my fmes as soon as you need them," she told them, "Just let me know when you're ready. It seems..."

  Elizabeth's eyes flicked to the notification which had appeared a moment ago, a small smile of warmth upon her lips as she read the [Message].

  ----

  "We're taking the long way back" – Maya Rosengard

  "Take your time" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "It's almost ready" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Then I'll enjoy myself" – Maya Rosengard

  "Please do" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  ----

  Elizabeth genuinely meant the words she said to her long time friend. She had, after all, been the one to suggest Lucas spend a bit of time with Maya alone. So it was good to see them enjoying themselves. Of course, Elizabeth also wanted to spend time with Lucas alone, but she had monopolized him most of the trip whenever they weren't all hanging out together. It was only fair that she had a moment for herself with him.

  "...You have time," Elizabeth finished her thought, adjusting herself in the chair she was sitting in, "They won't be back for a while. How long do you think it'll take?"

  She repeated the question and Denny shrugged.

  "Just need to re-check a few things, but..." she looked towards Hannah who gave her a confident nod, and then Denny turned back towards Elizabeth, "Since she's good to go, I'd say...twenty minutes? Forty-five at most."

  Elizabeth nodded, knowing they had plenty of time. Denny wasted none of it as she returned to her work. They had been working on it for a while now, and Elizabeth would be lying if she said she wasn't excited. It was an idea that Elizabeth had never really thought of before.

  There was always so much else going on, and Denny had never really been a part of Lucas's lives before. This thought caused Elizabeth to pause for a moment as a dark realization hit her. "Is the reason she was never present...because of the Ptinum Lotus?" Elizabeth gnced over at the woman working earnestly at the task at hand.

  It would make sense. Denny cared for Lucas enough to put her own life at risk. It wouldn't be too far out there to think that the reason she hadn't been in his previous lives that much is because she stood against the Ptinum Lotus, or other threats, and paid the ultimate price. This revetion put things in a new perspective for Elizabeth, and a new appreciation for Denny.

  Things were definitely different in this life, and the fact that Denny was here was proof enough of that. It was enough to give Elizabeth even more confidence that what she was doing was finally working. Emboldened by this, she threw herself into the reports with more vigor than before.

  Many of them were simple statistics for the Pyers in Aegis. Since she had left for Italy, there had been five new promotions from B Rank to A Rank. About twenty promotions from C Rank to B Rank, and only fifteen from D Rank to C Rank.

  The numbers may appear low, but since all of this happened in a little over a week, it wasn't bad. However, they needed to improve even more, and thus she had requested some information from the Pyers Association. Although it was a little bit of cheating, she used her connection to her Grandmother in order to procure the info on recent registrations and other Guild Members Rank Promotions.

  The information they sent was for the entirety of the U.S. Overall, there have been three new S Ranks acquired. One of which was Mid-Tier. There were also a plethora of registrations and promotions for A through D rank, all of various tiers. Unlike the information from Aegis being from the past week, all the information from the Association was within the st month or two.

  The numbers weren't bad, considering in the past it would have been incredibly rare to have even discovered one S Rank, let alone three within the span of a couple months. Still, she didn't know if it was enough, but it appeared that the conditions she had created throughout the world was working. Conditions were safer, systems were in pce, and more recently the influence of a certain item that had been put onto the market. The Angel's Teardrops.

  Representatives from Aegis had already gone over the deal with Antoine, Guild Leader of The Devil's Den. The materials they acquired from Sector Nine had indeed bore the fruit that Elizabeth had intended, and The Angel's Teardrops were making their way around the market both legitimately and within the Bck Market. It was strictly reguted by Antoine who knew his role and executed it well.

  Sales from such an item had been good as well. They couldn't just sell it for nothing, or it would be worthless and cause undo harm, but she also couldn't make it unaffordable or no one would be able to benefit. It was a delicate bance, but one that she had perfected over many lives.

  Things were going well, and before she knew it, Denny was ready for her.

  "Miss Falcrest, we're ready for-" Denny began, but Elizabeth raised an eyebrow curiously at her.

  "Miss Falcrest?" Elizabeth inquired, setting aside the tablet, "Lucas really was right..."

  Standing slowly, Elizabeth sighed softly and put on as gentle of a smile as she could. Denny really was uneasy around her if she was being this formal. That wouldn't do.

  "Elizabeth is just fine," she told Denny, making her way over to her and Hannah, "We should get along. After all, you're going to such lengths for someone I love more than anything, and besides...I don't dislike you, Denny, contrary to what you might think."

  "...I know," Denny stated quietly, a little sheepish, "At least, I'd like to think so, but I also understand that I put him in danger. So-"

  "Enough," Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively, and now standing before the woman, she pced a firm yet comforting hand on her shoulder, "He's safe, and as he said, we've been over this. You understand, and I've said what I needed to say. So, let's put this behind us and tell me what I have to do."

  Denny looked up at her with a grateful, almost adorable smile as she rexed. Motioning towards the floating liquid metal, which was in reality a mass of microscopic nano-bots, Denny moved aside for Elizabeth to step closer.

  "I've checked the settings at least five times, and rechecked them about twice that," she expined as Elizabeth drew closer to the nanites, barely contained excitement mixed with anxiety in her voice, "I've implemented the skills over and over again in order to make them permanent, and Hannah has been imbuing them with bits of her powers in order to-"

  Elizabeth held up her hand to silence her and chuckled.

  "You've said this several times now," Elizabeth teased, finding her excitement amusing, "Just tell me what you need me to do now."

  "Right, yes, sorry," Denny blushed in embarrassment, "A habit, you know? Repetition is a part of coding and programing. Gotta make sure everything is...Right, got it."

  Denny cleared her throat as Elizabeth gave her a wry gnce as she was beginning to ramble and repeat herself again.

  "What you're doing is tempering them," Denny expined, focusing now, "How hot can you make your fmes?"

  Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as if to ask if she really wanted to know. There was a slight look of fear on her face before she hesitantly nodded, silently affirming that she wished to know.

  "So, you know the surface of the sun, right? Well...double that. Roughly," Elizabeth answered, finding the dawning dread upon Denny's face to be entertaining.

  "W-We don't need these things to vaporize..." Denny excimed horrified, "Roughly, she says..."

  "Heh, to be fair, that's only if I push myself," Elizabeth reassured, "How hot do you need it?"

  Denny took a moment to compose herself as she thought for a moment.

  "Well, there is Star Metal in them," she reasoned, holding her chin in thought, "And Mithril isn't prone to just...vaporizing. Though, I guess I've never really tested it."

  Elizabeth watched as she stepped quickly over to her bag and pulled from it another mass of liquid metal that she then muttered "[Transform]" under her breath to, and immediately it sprung to life into the form of a staff. She then returned to Elizabeth and held out part of it towards her.

  "We'll use this," Denny said, "If you can, hold one end and slowly increase it to that...stupidly high temp."

  Denny blinked in disbelief and Elizabeth could only hold back a ugh. Hannah wasn't as surprised as Denny, but was definitely a little shocked and amused.

  "At the very least, this is repceable, that over there isn't," Denny continued, still reeling from the previous information, "At least, not easily, anyways. The programming alone was a nightmare, and don't get me started on-"

  Once again, she began to ramble and Elizabeth found it cute, but she needed her to focus.

  "We're testing this now?" Elizabeth asked, gently interrupting her as she took ahold of the staff, "You didn't think to ask me this before?"

  Denny blushed in embarrassment, looking away bashfully.

  "Well, I was expecting volcano levels, or like...maybe Earth's molten core," Denny mumbled, then gring back at her in accusation, "Definitely not the whole fucking concentrated power of the sun. Not only that, but doubled!"

  "Pfft, okay, fair enough," Elizabeth stifled a ughter as Denny reminded her a bit of Lucas; she supposed they weren't siblings for nothing, even if they weren't blood reted; taking a deep breath, she began to focus, "Alright, here I go."

  Elizabeth drew deep inside of herself the fme that burned within her. An icy feeling at first as she began to move the Aether within her body. Slowly it rose to a heat that was at her beck and call. [Hell Fme] was activated and her hand was wreathed in an ethereal fme.

  Over the course of several minutes, Elizabeth slowly raised the temperature of the fme, careful to contain the heat only to itself and the part of the staff she was touching. Without control, the heat would disintegrate everything in the vicinity to nothing. There'd be no ashes left. Only a hole of smoldering cinders where the hotel and everyone nearby had been.

  Thankfully, magic worked on a different level than most logic, and with practice it was easy to ensure the heat didn't get out of hand. Curiously, Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as the heat began to reach its highest point. The staff had yet to disappear, though was glowing brightly. As this continued, the staff began to droop and deform, yet held on despite the intensity of the heat.

  Even Denny was surprised by this development, but in her eyes was a strong sense of pride. "Well, she did make this," Elizabeth thought to herself, "The fact it hasn't been completely destroyed is a feat in and of itself." Elizabeth praised, feeling the slight strain of holding maximum heat.

  "Alright," Denny said, "That should be good. You held it for a moment and it's still...well, kinda intact?"

  As Elizabeth released it, Denny held the now misshapen hunk of nanotech up before her. It drooped like a deformed candy cane as Denny simply stared at it with uncertainty and a little bit of wariness.

  "So..." Denny started, "It worked, at least...though, it's not listening to me. You're not able to, you know...put it out?"

  She looked towards Elizabeth for help, knowing that putting down the now piping white hot metallic staff would not be a good idea. With a smile, Elizabeth raised a hand and drew from the staff all of its heat. Ethereal whisps of fme flowed from it like water droplets being pulled from the air. They coalesced into Elizabeth's hand before she closed it, dissipating them into nothingness and leaving a now solidified piece of non-heated nanotech.

  Denny waved it around, focusing intently on it.

  "[Transform]!" she excimed as a teal-like energy exuded from her into the staff, and though she waited expectantly for something to happen...nothing came of it, "Well, shit."

  "Is it going to be okay?" Hannah inquired, trying not to ugh at the situation.

  "I mean..." Denny shrugged, "Should be. It's still there, and I can feel them wanting to obey, but..."

  Denny shrugged again and simply tossed the staff onto her bag where it id rather sadly.

  "I guess I shouldn't go all out, huh?" Elizabeth asked, a little disappointed, but nonetheless impressed, "Alright, I'll just-"

  "What are you talking about?" Denny retorted, genuinely appearing confused, "My staff survived. Albeit in a...deformed state."

  "Yes, but-" Elizabeth began, but Denny would hear none of it.

  "No buts," Denny shook her head, looking almost offended as she pced her hands on her hips, "If that old thing can withstand your heat, then those damn things sure can."

  She motioned with her head towards the warbling mass of liquid metal nanites awaiting them.

  "They're my pride and joy," Denny expined staunchly, "Better than anything I've ever made before. I didn't spend the better part of a month creating them to back out or half-ass it. The staff was only made of Star Metal Nanites. What we're using is a mix of Star Metal and Mithril. On top of all the enhancements and skills I put into it, and the imbuement that Hannah has done..."

  Denny took a breath as Elizabeth felt like she had just received whipsh. It was quite obvious that Denny was passionate about what she does. It was no wonder her and Lucas got along.

  "What I'm saying is this, Elizabeth," Denny used her name for emphasis and grinned proudly as she motioned towards the nanites, summarizing everything into one sentence, "Give it everything you got."

  A slow, devilish smile began to creep across Elizabeth's face.

  "Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked, rolling her shoulders and rolling her neck to loosen up, "I might be able to go a bit beyond what I just did if I push myself further."

  "Perfect," Denny's eyes lit up with glee, "The hotter your fmes, the stronger these things will be. The better they can protect him."

  "Don't underestimate my imbuing," Hannah chimed in, "We combined Denny's [Self Repair] with my [Regeneration]. If they can't survive, they weren't fit as a gift."

  Elizabeth looked between the two of them, seeing the fire stoked within their eyes.

  "Very well," Elizabeth acknowledged, stepping once more towards the nanites, "Then...let's turn the heat up."

  Elizabeth pced her hand over the warbling nanites and once more activated [Hell Fme], but this time put a little bit...extra into it. Their excitement and sincerity had touched Elizabeth's heart, and she wanted to do her part as well. Reaching deep into her heart, she touched [Von Angeal] for just a moment, ever so subtly so that only her eyes changed, in order to utilize [Cold Fme]. A fme that burned so hot, it felt like you were freezing.

  The ethereal blue fire that coursed around her hand sparked to life as violet hues mixed with them, creating a beautiful crescendo of heat that, in the moment of inspiration and love, exceeded her limits. The nanites were bsted with heat that far exceeded that of the sun, and in fact, may has well have been the very center of it.

  The three women looked on at the nanites as they morphed to the heat, treated with a temperance unlike any other. By the time they were done, they were a glowing mass of white-hot nanites sparkling with hues of violet and blue, like a writhing pearlescent sphere.

  It was...perfect.

  Now, all they had to do was put it into the syringe they had to inject Lucas with. "I'm sure he'll understand...right?" Elizabeth contempted to herself, rethinking her previous feelings on the matter. This one might take a little bit more convincing than she originally thought.

  -----

  Nikushimi