As always Giliath demands your power stones!
*****
"Thank you for telling me this, Renne. I'll be sure not to let you girls down. I'm even more pumped now to see how well I do in some monster hunting!", Musse exclaimed, pumping her arm in vigor after parting ways from Renne. Renne giggled seeing Musse do this.
"Oh we'll be sure to use you well, Musse. You have some marksmanship training right? You mentioned something about handling orbal rifles?", Renne asked, wanting to confirm what type of weapon Musse uses.
"Uh-huh. I'm most comfortable with mid-range orbal rifles. I even have a trick up my sleeve to hit a target's blindspot~", Musse responded, hinting at the S-Craft she will eventually develop later on. She was referring to the spontaneous creation of six or seven rifles in one go, spreading them out before her. This allowed her to shoot many targets at once, or strike with keen precision.
"Is that so? You can take after Emma then. Emma also dabbled in using an orbal rifle this last year, courtesy of being trained by Ouroboros. Her rifle though...", Renne trailed off, drawing, recalling how big a gun Emma likes to use.
"It is probably best just to show you, Musse.", Emma said. She did another chant, the same one that revealed Pater-Mater's figure when they were in an alcove back in Rolent earlier. Yet this time, the spell targeted Emma's back. Musse's eyes wandered, seeing a large, wrapped piece of cloth start revealing itself after Emma's mana fluctuated for a second. Seeing the cloth continue to get revealed, Musse's gaze turned from interest to shock, seeing a towering object now over Emma's back.
"Oh Aidios, just how big is that thing? It has to be three, no four times the size than the orbal rifles I used for target practice...", Musse frowned, seeing Emma's specially-crafted orbal rifle. It wasn't known to many, but Emma used Roselia's connections to craft this for her, while Roselia fine-tuned it. It was on the same level as S-Weapons, which all originated from the Black Workshop. After all, the S-Weapons were a Gnome's specialty. They weren't just known for their research in biology.
That biological research happened in one of the wings in the Black Workshop, while the creation of the S-Weapons happened in another wing. Both were managed by different scientists, but still waved the same banner.
Roselia had to go undercover considering she was quite hated by the Gnomes. But due to her efforts, it resulted in the gigantic orbal rifle currently hanging over Emma's back.
"It doesn't really have a name, but this is indeed the weapon I use. Mostly from long-range. I haven't found a distant target I can't hit yet.", Emma responded, effortlessly taking off her rifle from her back. Compared to Emma's height, who was of similar height to Naoto, this rifle was at least two to three feet taller. The only one who came close to its height was Ennea, but it was even taller than her.
"That sure is a beauty. How much does that thing weigh?", Angelica mused, seeing this rifle taller than her as well.
"Can I give it a try?", Musse wondered. Her eyes were glued on the rifle, she couldn't part ways from it.
"I would advise against that. I still have trouble trying to carry it for long distances. Its density is thick and has composites of ancient zemurian ore coated around the barrel.", Emma explained.
"That surely does sound heavy...", Musse uttered.
"This rifle is probably the only thing that's heavier than Emma's boobies.", Fie retorted with her typical deadpan look. Emma blinked at Fie, not expecting Fie to bring up such a thing during this moment. It didn't take long before Emma's cheeks turned red.
"F-Fie!", Emma replied out of embarrassment.
"Hehehe. May I?", Musse asked as she giggled.
"Go for it. Just keep your expectations low alright?", Emma said to Musse. Emma's eyes glanced at Fie for a moment. Fie had her eyelids shifted downward about half way, to which her sight landed on Emma's decent-sized breasts. Emma used her other free arm to shield them from Fie's eyes.
Emma passed her orbal rifle over to Musse effortlessly. Musse's eyes turned wide in shock the moment she felt how heavy it was.
"Oh Aidios, this thing is heavy alright.", Musse responded in shock. She felt her strength rapidly depleting just trying to hold it in place.
THUD.
Musse's hand slipped, and the tightly wrapped cloth struck the ground hard. It even caused the rooftop to crack, leaving an indent of its shape behind.
"Wow. I don't even think I can hold onto that rifle for too long. Just what in Aidios's name is it made of? Are you sure you aren't a monster yourself, Emma?", Angelica doubted, seeing the new dent on the floor.
"Well there's definitely one thing I can't beat Emma in. That's for sure.", Fie retorted again, her eyes remained on Emma's breasts. She then looked down to her own, and saw they were flat as a board.
Emma's blush remained on her cheeks as she stared at Fie.
"Will you cut that out, Fie? Do you really need to make a remark about my chest every time you get an opportunity to do so?", Emma asked.
"That is something I want to question, actually. I can discern everyone's position now, except you, Fie. Where do you see yourself in this?", Musse decided to ask Fie, drawing Fie's gaze to the olive-haired girl. Her expression remained deadpan, but she showed a little bit of interest hearing Musse ask that.
"Well, what do you want to know, exactly? Unlike the other girls, I don't have much to hide. I told you all about me during our new year's talk. Is there something else you want to know, Musse?", Fie asked.
"Kind of. Where do you see yourself in this group, Fie? Miss Angelica is in a relationship with His Highness. Ennea is currently serving His Highness. And it's clear Emma likes His Highness too. Renne told her part, while you know of my situation. Are you really just here for the ride?", Musse doubted.
"What's wrong with that? It's how I do things. Zephyr roams Zemuria quite frequently, so I've gotten used to being on the move. I can't really sit still in one place, but if you do catch me around, I'd probably be taking a nap.", Fie answered.
"Or so you say, but what do you see yourself to His Highness then?", Musse wondered. Emma also looked at Fie, she was curious to hear Fie's answer. Emma placed her arm back down as her eyes showed growing interest.
"To Naoto?", Fie asked. She didn't have an immediate answer to that. Fie just tilted her head in silence for a moment. "To be honest, I haven't really considered such matters before. I don't know if I like him or not. He's a pretty cool dude and I'm happy we're part of the same squad, but I don't think I take much for romance matters. If it happens, it happens, I guess?", Fie wondered.
Hearing that, Emma smiled.
"Hehe, that's definitely a Fie-like response. Your heart just hasn't had enough exposure to romance. Take a break from your activities as a Jaeger, Fie. See what you can explore. And who knows, maybe you'll find something out of it? You are younger than me so you have all the time in the world to figure it out.", Emma responded with a giggle.
"Explore what the world has to offer huh? I might just do that. Boss did say he has things covered back in Heimdallr, so I actually have quite a lot of free time on my hands. Would you happen to know what Naoto is going to do after his plans, Emma?", Fie asked with interest.
"I sure do. He's going to enroll and begin his studies after returning to Liberl. You're going to enroll too in a year's time or two, right, Angie?", Emma asked Angelica.
"Sure am. Though where I plan to go won't be in Liberl. That's why I'm trying to prep all I can to take my Bracer Exam in the coming year. I'll be quite busy afterward. Considering my position, it's best for me to enroll at Thors Military Academy.", Angelica explained.
"Thors Military Academy, huh? A bit unexpected coming from you, Miss Angelica. But understandable, considering the place you hail from.", Musse said with a nod of her head.
Fie just stared at the girls once they brought up the topic of school life. She just remained silent again.
"School life...I don't know if I ever considered it. Dad never brought it up to me before. He just taught me how things worked in the real world himself and his Jaeger buddies.", Fie said.
"It is something to consider. I myself am now studying with Musse and Sherryl at St. Astraia. Ennea's a little too old to consider school, and Emma, you're going to follow Big Brother right?", Renne asked.
"Uh-huh. I plan to attend Jenis with Naoto. Why don't you come along with us, Fie? I'm sure school will be more interesting with you!", Emma suggested.
"I'll consider it.", Fie replied with a nod of her head.
"Sounds like you'll be busy if you do, Fie, but thank you for sharing your side.', Musse said, thanking Fie for sharing how she currently felt.
"Mmm.", Fie nodded her head. She was happy Musse was satisfied. A satisfied look was in her eyes too. A lot of doubts have cleared up for Musse during this little talk, and she didn't have much else to talk about. Renne took this time to speak to Fie, which shifted her gaze to Renne.
"Say Fie, I enjoyed this little chat, but why don't you go take Musse and go check out the lower floors of Big Brother's villa? He even has an entire wardrobe filled out for various uses. I'm sure you'll enjoy the selections Big Brother has~", Renne said with a playful grin.
"Oh my. An entire wardrobe handpicked by His Highness? Now we'll get to see his tastes~", Musse teased.
"Can do.", Fie simply responded, doing a cute salute gesture to Renne. She didn't bother with anything else, and took Musse directly by the hand, which caught Musse off-guard. But she didn't deny it, and the two swiftly found the stairs that lead inside.
Fie and Musse departed from sight. Now it was only Renne, Emma, Ennea, and Angelica.
"You must have a reason for letting those two head off first.", Angelica said, quick to discern Renne's actions just now.
"You're a sharp one. There is a reason behind sending Fie and Musse off.", Renne replied with a smile. Renne's eyes then landed back on Ennea.
"Me?", Ennea asked as she saw Renne looking at her.
"Mmm. Remember the thing we talked about back on Pater-Mater while heading to the Glorious? I want to see if you were that serious about it. If you are, perhaps Angie and Emma can join in on the fun?", Renne asked Ennea.
"Oh that...", Ennea said as her expression didn't change. Yet Emma saw Ennea's cheeks singed with a hint of red.
"What did you want to do, Ennea?", Emma asked.
"I don't know if I should talk about it. It's sort of a one-time deal I suggested to Renne, considering she has the means to do it.", Ennea answered.
"Well, out with it, girl. Nothing's holding you back here.", Angelica said, also curious.
It was actually Renne who spoke first before Ennea could answer.
"Simple really. Ennea wanted to shoot some sexy photos and send 'em to Big Brother using my orbal network account. Considering the standing you two share with Big Brother, I figure there's no harm in asking if you two wanted to join in on the fun.", Renne answered.
"P-Pardon?", Emma stuttered.
"Hahaha, now isn't that something? I didn't expect you to request such a thing, Ennea. It's because we're here without Naoto right? I'm sure he'll be lonely in that aspect.", Angelica wondered.
"That's the gist of it. I want Master to not feel left out while we're away like this. I initially wanted to do this alone, but I know how much you two enjoy being beside him too. I wasn't sure if I wanted to bring it up.", Ennea explained.
"Sending Naoto some sexy photos huh? How would that be done, exactly? Something like a strip tease?", Angelica mused.
"I-I don't know if I want to be a part of that...", Emma stuttered again. It was clear her cheeks were a much deeper red now.
"Hehehe, looks can be deceiving Emma dearest. Your face says otherwise~", Angelica teased.
As the three began to converse, they suddenly saw Renne turn the other way, to where Fie and Musse vanished off to. Speaking out again, Renne began to walk away.
"Either way, I'll let you three decide if you want to partake in it. I'll get things set up on my end to do the shoot. It'll be up to you girls if you want in.", Renne's voice said to them as the three saw Renne vanish inside the villa.
Ennea, Angelic and Emma were now alone and remained on the roof. They glanced at each other while Emma continued to blush, wondering their next actions to take.
Should the three do a strip tease like Angelica suggested?