"Platforms up."
"Copy that. I have control."
Matt stood looking up into the sky with his hand held up to help block out the sun a little. Though he had only just launched it a few seconds ago, the small nimble drone already looked like a tiny near invisible spec high up in the sky.
"Everything looks good. Should be able to keep it up in the air for at least a few hours at a time given the weather holds out."
Rem was crouched over nearby looking at the tablet device in her hands and using the small surveillance drone's controls to fly it around a little before she made it hover in place high above their heads. She wasn't exactly qualified, so to say, to be a real drone operator but there was an advantage to those who had grown up in an age where it wasn't too uncommon for children to get small drones for Christmas. The drone they had launched was more like one of those civilian models anyways, except for the infrared camera.
"That's amazing! It's like being able to see the world from a bird's eye point of view!"
Matt shifted his gaze away from the small moving speck in the sky down towards his wife who was standing somewhat behind Rem and was looking over her shoulder at the tablet in her hands. She seemed fascinated by the small piece of human technology Rem had pulled from her storage bracer and was captivated by everything it could do. Matt had no idea why Rem had a drone in her storage bracer in the first place but he was glad she had had it when he asked. He couldn't help but smile to himself a little as Akira began to point at the screen over Rem's shoulder while making small whooping noises like an excited child.
"That's us, isn't it!?" she yelled excitedly
"Sure is" Rem laughed as she remained focused on the screen "Right now I have it so it's zoomed in on us at the moment but when I do this… we can now suddenly see a lot more of the surrounding area."
"This. Is. Amazing!"
Seeing his wife acting so cute and innocently over a toy that looked like an expensive hobbyist wet dream, brought a wide smile to Matt's face. To him, equipment like drones had become commonplace in the world both on and off the battlefield. He'd even seen such spectacles as a live drone show once with hundreds of the small platforms making spectacular moving art high in the sky. He'd also seen the small drone's much larger, and more lethal counterpart more times then he could remember in operations overseas. While the small surveillance drone was from a Predator drone, it still made Matt happy to know that they at least had eyes overhead now.
"With this little guy we will be able to see anyone or anything out there, provided they aren't some under some sort of cover from above. See how we can't see Flow over there in the tree line? Even though this platform illuminates anything that's warm, it can't pick up the heat signature if it's blocked out by something overhead. Now say if Pyre were to stand underneath that tree… notice how even though we can no longer see him we can still see the glow? That's because Pyr can let off enough external heat that we can see the literal heat waves in the air around him."
Matt watched as Rem had made hand gestures over to the two advisors to do as she wanted. They had brought along each of the advisors as well as Z and a few of Rainghars higher ranking knights to put on the little display. Akira had agreed with both Rem and Matt that it was probably best that the other beings got to see human technology first hand to get them used to it. Of course, the drone wasn't the only thing they were showing off but Rem had thought it'd at least be a good start to show them first.
Rem made the small drone fly back and forth through the sky a few times as the onlookers and Akira watched in awe before Rem brought it back down to the ground. Akira clapped excitedly after the small drone hit the ground but Matt noticed that a few of the others still seemed a bit uneasy and even hesitant to approach when he called them over closer for the next display.
'If you all hated that…' he thought to himself and grimaced slightly before he collected himself.
"So, as you may have heard" Matt said aloud, calling upon his instructor voice to project his words "This is what we call a drone. It's a tool that allows us to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area in real time. Its main purpose is to help us identify any possible problems, threats, situations that we may not be aware of yet. It can also be a crucial tool that could help us identify certain high priority level targets. As helpful as this tool may be though, we do only have one at the moment. For this reason, this tool will only be touched and operated by Petty Officer, er… I mean Vice Commander Remmington."
Matt gave a small apologetic smile and a shrug over towards Rem but she simply gave a noncommittal shrug in response. It seemed she didn't really care which title she was called by. However, Matt thought it'd probably be best to continue to call her by the current rank and standing she held in this world, as it'd probably be easier for everyone else to follow her commands with a rank they understood.
"The drone is just one piece of our equipment that both myself and the Vice Commander have at our disposal. It's not exactly a weapon that can do any sort of physical damage to an enemy but it can help give us the edge we need against any opponent. Now, our next item in today's little show and tell will be the actual weapons but Rem and I will likely be using any given time. Again, the purpose of us putting on this little display to hopefully get you all started on being used to both our weapons and tactics that we may use in a fight."
Matt then paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in with those that were spectating. After a second, he used his bracers to summon forth his Glock 19 into his right hand, holding it up high enough for everyone around to see. \
"This… is one example of one of the actual weapons we have at our disposal. This is called a pistol, or a handgun. From what I understand, most of you at least have a concept of what a firearm is?"
Matt looked out into the spectators and saw a few nods before he continued again.
"Unlike the single shot weapons you have probably heard of, this particular weapon is able to fire up to fifteen times before it needs to be reloaded. This weapon fires what are called nine millimeter bullets, which move faster and are more accurate compared to the round ball munitions. Now, if I could ask everyone to please take a few steps back towards the tree line then I can show you exactly what I mean. Please feel free to cover your ears if it gets too loud, especially those with more sensitive hearing."
Matt watched as Rem began herding everyone back to a safe distance. While she was doing so, he summoned a pair of hearing protection earmuffs from his bracer and put them on. Matt made sure Rem gave him a thumbs up first, letting him know everyone was safe before he turned to face the makeshift target set up at the other side of clearing.
"Don't fuck this up Matt" he mumbled to himself as he took the proper stance with both feet aimed forward down range and his pistol held snuggly in both hands.
He then took aim with his weapon and made sure his sights were set on the central part of the target before he carefully began to squeeze the trigger. The 9mm pistol barked as it sent the round down range and there was barely a noticeable space in time between when Matt fired the weapon and when the target let out a loud "Ting" sound when it was hit. He then squeezed off three more rounds at a slow even pace, each shot making a tight grouping around the area where the first bullet had impacted the steel plate. Matt would then go on to empty the rest of the magazine, focusing more on showing the speed in which the weapon could be fired rather than accuracy. Though he was pleased to find that his secondary grouping of shots were still in a fairly tight cluster on the target. Matt then made sure the weapon was clear before he released the slide forward and turned to see his audience's reaction.
Many of them looked back and forth between both him and the target in complete shock and awe. For most of them, it was their first time seeing a weapon like that in person before and all though the 9mm round was actually super loud per say, it was still loud enough to probably make some of them shit their pants. A few of the spectators still had their hands up over their ears, including his wife. She had been at the bar when Matt used a gun for the first time in this world and back then she didn't seem to mind the loud noise it had made. However now Matt felt a pang of guilt as he saw the slightly pained expression on her face as she looked at him with a slight pout on her lips as well.
"My apologies to those of you with more sensitive hearing than others. To people like the Petty Officer and I, the 9mm round that this weapon fires isn't all that loud compared to some of the other firearms we have around. For example…"
Matt would flick his wrists and the Glock in his hand was instantly replaced by the hulking form of the M60E6 machine gun. Matt heard a few gasps from the crowd and smiled a little as he held the weapon horizontally across his body to present the new weapon to the group.
"This is an M60 light machine gun. Otherwise lovingly known as "The Pig" due to the distinctive grunting sound it makes when being fired. This weapon platform fires what we call a 7.62x51mm round. Which in comparison…"
Matt let the M60 hang on the sling around his neck before he summoned a bullet from both the M60 and the Glock into his hands.
"Is a much bigger round than the ones I fired from the pistol just now. Bigger round means a much louder report and also a much bigger hole in the poor unfortunate soul that finds themselves on the receiving end of one of these rounds. Also, unlike the pistol that was limited to just fifteen rounds in a magazine, I can fire up to one hundred rounds before reloading with this weapon. This time, I'm going to ask that if you have more sensitive hearing than others that you please put something in your ears with the addition of covering them as well. Petty Officer Remington might be able to help you if you need it."
Rem gave Matt a small nod in the affirmative before she pulled out an extra pair of earmuffs from her own bracers before doing her best to fit them over Akira's fox ears. In the meantime, Matt pulled out a small ammo belt of 7.62x51 and loaded it into the weapons feed tray before he closed the cover and racked the bolt, putting a live round in the chamber. He waited a moment for Rem to give him another heads up before Matt shouldered the weapon and took aim down the makeshift range.
"Range is live!" Matt called out.
The Pig grunted as Matt unleashed a small burst at the line of different targets set up on a log at the end of the range. The large 7.62 rounds tore through both the targets and the log sending debris and splinters in all directions. Matt unleashed several short bursts, each one to the mental toon of 'Die, Mother Fucker! Die!' is his head. When the gun ran dry and the last bullet had been fired, Matt gave a quick check of both the range and his weapon before he turned back to the crowd who stood in complete awe.
For the next few hours both Matt and Rem took turns showing off more of their equipment and even giving a few of the spectators a chance to handle some of it. They didn't bring out everything they had stored in their bracers, as they wanted to keep a few of their cards close to the chest just in case. However, everyone seemed mostly pleased with the demonstration, especially both Aida and Z. Matt figured that the two of them would be more interested in their equipment. They were both amazing crafters after all and Z especially seemed rather interested in the more practical mechanical things while Aida tended to lean more towards the magically enhanced items. Judging by the look on both their faces and the stars in their eyes, Matt had no doubts that those would love to get their hands on his gear and reverse engineer it. They may even try to find ways to make it better or even add magic to it. Matt gave that idea some serious thought for a moment and decided that he'd consult the master and apprentice duo later.
The last item both Matt and Rem wanted to show the others was an item Matt had discovered was in his inventory when he finally found the tab on his status app on his phone that read "Inventory." The tab had been hidden under another section of the app that neither Matt nor Rem had actually gone through yet and both of them were pretty pissed off that it had taken them so long to find it. Whoever, or whatever, created this app on their phones had a terrible UI. Once the duo had found the Inventory tab, they had spent the rest of the previous day going through what each of them had inside their bracers with one another and finding out that the bracers were a lot more OP then they had originally thought.
Inventory
Inner-Dimensional Mobile Device x1
Clothing:
Combat Shirt (Multicam) x1 (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Combat Pants (Multicam) x1 (Repair/Clean)
Hiking Boots (Brown) x1 (Repair/Clean)
Top (Service Dress Blue) x1 (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Pants (Service Dress Blue) x1 (Repair/Clean)
Formal Shoes (Service Dress Blue) x1 (Repair/Clean)
Flannel Top x1 (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Blue Jeans x1 (Repair/Clean)
Underwear (Repair/Clean)
Socks (Repair/Clean)
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
Weapons:
Firearms:
M60E6 Light Machine Gun x1 (7.62x51) (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Honey Badger x1 (300blk) (Repair/Clean/Customize)
HK416 x10 (5.56x45) (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Glock 19 x10 (9mm) (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Model S&W500 x1 (.500 magnum) (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
Melee:
Knife/Dagger x5 (Repair/Clean)
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
Explosives/Throwables:
Fragmentation Grenade x100
Smoke Grenade x100
Flashbang Grenade x100
Breaching Charge (Door) x20
Breaching Charge (Wall) x10
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
Ammunition:
7.62x51 x20,000 (Stacks of 100)
300blk x10,000 (Stacks of 30)
5.56x45 x10,000 (Stacks of 30)
9mm x10,000 (Stacks of 15)
.500 Magnum x1,000 (Custom Quantities of 6)
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
Transportation:
Oshkosh JLTV x1 (Repair/Clean/Customize)
Level up or add more items to inventory to expand this option
There were other items in his inventory like food and other basic supplies but what both Matt had been most interested in was the item in the transportation category. The JLTV, or Joltvee as some called it, was a light, all terrain vehicle made to replace the military's outdated Humvees at the time. Matt had automatically liked the JLTV more due to the fact that it was built higher off the ground and was easier for his tall ass to get in and out of. The vehicle also had more armor to protect its occupants from the hazards of war, as well as a v shaped undercarriage to help better protect its occupants from explosives like IEDs. Matt wasn't too sure he'd be running into many IEDs in this world but he was excited to find the vehicle in his inventory nonetheless. However, what he was most excited for was what was attached to the roof of the JLTV.
Matt walked over to a relatively flat part of the clearing and held out both of his arms in front of him with his palms facing outward. Like the other items in his inventory, the JLTV suddenly appeared into existence in the open space as if it had been dropped just a few inches above the ground. The vehicle rocked on its suspension a little before ultimately settling on its four massive tires. There was a chorus of gasps behind Matt at the sudden appearance of the large truck and he could have sworn he almost heard a slight cackle coming from Rem as well before he turned to face his audience.
"This… is a vehicle. More specifically what we call a truck or a JLTV. We use it to move around from one place to another at a much faster rate than any sort of carriage drawn by a horse or beast of burden can go. I can't speak for any carriages that might be propelled by magic but this thing can certainly move fast when need be. Think of it sort of like a magic driven armored carriage, except it uses a complex engine device that runs off a highly volatile fuel source to move. That, and this specific vehicle was built with the notion of keeping its occupants alive in case of being hit by an explosive and even rounds from weapons similar to those that we have shown you today. And unlike most carriages you may have come across before, this vehicle has teeth."
Matt motioned to the turret on top of the vehicle before the long barrel protruding from the front began to spit hot lead and flames down range. The logs and targets that had been used before were torn to shreds in the matter of seconds as the massive rounds fired from the weapon in the turret fired away. Soon, there was almost nothing left but splinters and debris as the massive gun barrel sizzled and fell silent.
"This… is the M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun. Otherwise known as the Ma Deuce." Matt said introducing the weapon system.
Well Matt had been explaining a few of the in and outs off truck itself to the crowd, Rem had snuck her way around inside from the opposite angle. She then had climbed up into the turret and waited for Matt's cue to unleash the devastating monster that was the M2 Browning.
"What in the Nine Hells!?" someone exclaimed
"Th-The destructive power they have…" said another.
"What need do they have for something like that?"
"Imagine hunting a Razormask with one of those?"
"Why are they all so loud?"
The last one was of course his wife. She was holding the earmuffs close to her head but Matt could see by the slight scowl on her face and by the riggedness of her tail that the weapon was still far too loud for her. He made a quick mental note to see if maybe he could have some custom ear protection made for her at some point. Matt gave her a small apologetic smile once again and cupped his hands together towards her as if asking her to forgive him. She offered him a small smile but she still looked rather uncomfortable. He'd have to make it up to her later.
"The M2 machine gun is classified as a heavy weapon, or as a weapon not easily carried around by standard infantry. It's usually meant to be mounted in a static position or onboard some sort of vehicle. The M2 fires a .50 caliber round, the biggest one we have here today. Many also often refer to this weapon as simply, the Fifty. This weapon was built with one purpose in mind, and that's to destroy any and all light cover or armor your enemy might be hiding behind, as well as the enemy themselves. As you clearly saw thanks to Petty Officer Remmington, things like logs, walls, and even thin metals don't stand a chance against this weapon."
There were several more murmurs in the crowd as a few became more concerned about the existence of such a weapon, while others couldn't fathom it.
"Is everything humanity makes so destructive? It seems humanity hasn't changed at all." a voice called out indignatiously.
"Rainghar," Aida replied with a scolding tone.
Matthew stared over at the elf who stood with his arms folded over his chest and was staring back at him. The elf had been getting more and more assertive with his clear disdain in humanity, especially towards Matt lately.
"What? Nothing they've shown us as of yet has had any other purpose but murder. Am I wrong?" Rainghar asked as he motioned a hand towards Matt.
"You're not wrong," Matthew answered, startling Rainghar a little. "But maybe you should take this into consideration first. Both Rem and I were once considered to be amongst the best of the best when it comes to military forces in our world. Our government spent millions making us who we are today and giving us all the tools we could possibly need to boost our odds of winning. When the two of us came to this world, we were both still soldiers so wouldn't it make sense that we'd have a lot of our weapons as soldiers on us?
Not everyone on Earth is a warrior. Just like it is here I'm sure, there are plenty of people back on Earth that are appalled and thrown off by the notion of having to fight and likely kill another being. Just like the people of this world, not every human is a fighter. You just so happened to get two of the most badass motherfuckers humanity has to offer with all their fun little murder toys."
There was a small silence after where nothing could be heard but the wind. All the birds and other creatures had been scared off a while ago and people seemed to be taking a moment to absorb what Matt had just said. After a moment or two longer of silence, Rainghar scoffed and shook his head again.
"You're telling me, that supposedly the two of you are amongst your world's greatest fighters?" he laughed
"Yo Matty, can I kick this guy's ass already?" Rem asked as she leaned over the side of the turret in the JLTV.
"I think that's a wonderful idea" Akira chimed in.
"M-My lady?" Rainghar asked, sounding surprised.
"I think the two of you should have a little spar. Clearly Ms. Remington being Vice Commander of the Proctors and myself taking Matthew as my mate isn't enough to persuade you of their prowess. So, why don't you give them a chance to prove their own strength then and face you in combat?"
Matt could hear the venom laced in Akira's words as she walked up next to him and held onto his arm while leaning in on his body. She was definitely putting on a show to emphasize that she had chosen him of all the other beings in Tytaura to make hers, and that that should have been enough proof of Matt's capabilities on its own. For a moment, Rainghar appeared to look like a whipped dog who had just been disciplined by his master. His entire body recoiling away a little from her as she walked past him to get to her husband. But the elf soon collected himself a little as he stood up straight and fixed his top coat.
"My lady. If that is what it takes to show you the truth of these humans, then I will gladly do so. But I choose to fight her." Rainghar said as he doubled down and pointed at Rem.
Was this guy actually fucking stupid? Matt wondered if perhaps he had been giving Rainghar too much credit all along. Choosing to fight Rem instead of Matt was probably the stupidest decision he could have made.
'Hey man, it's your funeral.' Matt thought as he chuckled a little and shook his head.
"Is this really what you want to do?" Akira asked Rainghar, her tone sounding exasperated with her advisor.
"Yes my lady. And when I am done with this one then I will fight him and show you that he is only using you-!"
"Bang! I win" Rem said, cutting the elf off.
While Rainghar had been distracted answering Akira, Rem had jumped down from the turret and moved without a sound to Rainghar's side where she now held the muzzle of her own Glock 19 just a few mere centimeters from the side of his head. Rainghar stood shocked for a moment and Matt could have sworn he heard a snort coming from the direction of the other onlookers. Matt turned to see that while some of the knights under Rainghar's command looked just as shocked or furious with Rem's actions, others including the rest of Akira's Council seemed amused at the notion.
"W-What are you talking about?" Rainghar exclaimed.
"Motherfucker,you wanted to fight right? You got distracted, I made my move, and now you'd be dead. Game over, I win." Rem said with a slight shrug while still holding the pistol to Rainghar's head.
"T-That's not what I meant and you know it you simpleton! We haven't even started the duel yet-" Rainghar replied, anger rising in his voice.
"Ah? We hadn't started yet? But didn't you choose me as your opponent? As far as I'm concerned that's a declaration to start fighting right then and there ain't it?" Rem said, cutting Rainghar off again.
"Mhmm. Sounds about right to me" Matt said, chiming in with a nod.
"Wha-? Ba-! Rrrrr! The duel doesn't start until Lady Akira gives the word!" Rainghar exclaimed.
All eyes shifted over the Akira who was still hanging off of Matt's arm and had seemed to have been distracted by him when the attention was brought to her.
"Hmm? Oh. Sure. Whenever everyones ready" Akira cued as she smiled that mischievous grin of hers and squeezed Matt's arm.