"Do you really think it is wise for you to go alone?" Marcella asked after leaving the council. She hadn't let go of my hand since, and my arm was getting tired, but I didn't complain. She was clearly worried about me, and I couldn't really blame her.
"I don't really see another way. If I am being honest, I don't think that even if we help we won't stop my father. Havenby is not ready to fight a war like my father. The best that I can think of is trying to get the royals out to preserve something. Once everything is said and done, If we do win, we are going to need people like them to help pull the people back together," I explained as I was dragged outside to a place that had tea and snacks waiting for us.
Marcella sighed, still holding tight to my hand, her gaze lost in the middle distance as she considered my words. After a moment, she reluctantly replied, "You're probably right. But that doesn't make it any easier to accept. You're asking me to stand aside while you walk into a war zone."
I looked into her eyes, seeing the mix of determination and fear reflecting back at me. "I know it's a lot to ask," I said gently. "But I also know I'm not walking into this blindly. I've got skills most don't, and I think I can make a difference."
She nodded, finally releasing my hand as we settled at the small table. She poured us both some tea, her hands steady now, the clear signs of her composure returning. "Then let's plan this carefully. We'll need disguises, escape routes, and a way to communicate if things go south."
I reached for a scone, appreciating the normalcy of the simple action while the world seemed on the brink of chaos. "I need to get back to the library, and then the workshop so I can start work on my plans. I don't know what I can do yet, but I have some ideas," I said, grabbing for something that looked like a puffed pastry covered in sugar.
Marcella listened intently, her eyes brightening with each word I spoke. "If there's anything I can do to assist, you have but to ask," she offered, picking up her cup of tea. "Perhaps I can help with the diplomatic arrangements or with gathering intelligence from our scouts."
I took a bite of the pastry, the sweetness a brief distraction from the conversation's gravity. "Actually, yes," I said after swallowing. "Could you reach out to your contacts? Any information about troop movements or morale could be invaluable."
She nodded, a determined set to her jaw. "Consider it done. I'll do everything in my power to aid you, Gideon."
The remainder of our meeting was spent between quiet sips of tea and the rustling of paper as we scribbled down ideas, potential strategies, and a growing list of tasks. Once we had a solid plan outlined, I stood up, feeling the call to action.
"I should get going," I said, brushing crumbs from my clothes. "There's a lot to prepare, and less than a week to do it."
Marcella rose with me, her hands briefly grasping mine once more. "Be safe, Gideon. I... we all need you to come back."
With a reassuring nod, I promised, "I intend to return, Marcella. This is just the beginning of a long journey, and I fully intend to see it through to the end."
Leaving the comfort of her presence, I made my way to the library, but the war was not my only thought. Regardless of what was happening in Corundum, I couldn't just ignore what I had started. Tonight I would have to meet with Daelen and start fast-tracking my reach of the underworld.
"Kuka!" I called as I walked in, but the woman kept her face buried in the book she was reading. I was about to call her again, but then I saw her reddened ears and cheeks. That brought me back to my advance on her yesterday, and I slapped my hand over my face.
At that sound, Kuka turned to look at me, the book still covering most of her face as she peeked over it.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," I said quickly, my apology not only for my entrance but also for my actions the day before.
Kuka lowered the book, revealing a half-amused, half-chastising expression. "I trust you've come for more than just apologies, Gideon? We have much to do if you plan on fortifying Jagar."
"Right," I agreed, embarrassment giving way to urgency. "I need to maximize my use of Divinatech. Any defenses, traps, or offensive mechanisms that I can create in the short time we have, I will be doing it."
She nodded, understanding the gravity of my request. "Then let us not waste any more time. Come, I'll show you some texts on Divinatech warfare constructs. They've been theoretical up to now, but given your aptitude, I believe you can make them a reality."
"Really?" I asked curiously as I followed her.
The truth was that Kuka was actually really good-looking, and if I wasn't already set to marry Marcella, I would be interested in her. Still, this was hardly the time for such thoughts. Kuka led me to a part of the library that I had not been to, and like the map room, it was also locked.
"If this is all theoretical, then why keep it behind a lock and key?" I asked as Kuka unlocked the gate.
"The information contained within these volumes is powerful and, if misused, could lead to catastrophic consequences," Kuka explained, her voice hushed but intense as she pulled open the door. "Such knowledge must be safeguarded against those who would exploit it for personal gain or unjust warfare. Some of the accidents that have been caused by the "theories" have been worse than the destruction capabilities of the weapon they were trying to build."
The room beyond the gate was dimly lit, the air tinged with the scent of dust and parchment. Shelves lined with books and scrolls filled the space, each spine bearing titles of arcane knowledge and forbidden lore.
Kuka selected several volumes from the shelves, handling them with a reverence that spoke to their importance. "These will aid in your understanding of defensive fortification and offensive siege strategies through Divinatech. They detail the creation of energy barriers, automated weaponry, and even suggestions on enhancing soldier's equipment using Divinity Crystals."
My mind raced with possibilities, hands itching to create and apply these concepts. "This... This is exactly the kind of advantage we'll need," I murmured, already flipping open one of the covers to glance over the contents.
"Remember, Gideon," Kuka cautioned as she watched me peruse the texts. "These are not just tools, they are extensions of your will and testament to your craftsmanship. They must be wielded with wisdom and respect for... please don't look at me so intently, my prince... it feels like your gaze is penetrating me..."
Her words trailed off as she averted her gaze, cheeks coloring once more. I snapped the book shut, the gravity of her initial words sinking in, and I offered a small, apologetic smile.
"I understand, Kuka. I'll handle these with the utmost responsibility," I assured her, mindful now of the effect my intensified charisma seemed to have. "I'll study these carefully and only implement what's necessary. We're not looking to escalate the war, just to protect our people and support our allies."
Kuka offered a nod of approval, still looking slightly flustered. "That's a wise approach. And Gideon," her gaze met mine once more, steady and serious, "be careful. You're about to walk a razor's edge between innovation and destruction. The decisions you make now could shape the future of warfare in this world."
Her words weighed heavily on me. Innovation came with risks, but also the potential for great rewards. The line I was about to walk was indeed fine, and I vowed to tread it with care.
With a final nod to Kuka, I gathered the books and made my way to the workshop. The ideas already began to form, blueprints taking shape in my mind, mingling with the knowledge I was about to absorb from the ancient texts.
Every second counted, and I was determined to use each one. The world might be on the brink of war, but I resolved to tip the scales in favor of peace, using every skill, every bit of knowledge, and every bit of divine blessing I had been granted.