The OP Lich is a Returnee: Omnibus 5 - Books 16-20 (Lich Returnee), page 11
“Exactly,” I nodded. “This model gives up the fully-automatic firing mode, but gains the ability to fire spells instead, which I consider an improvement for most scenarios. The actual spell enchantment is on the magazine, not the rifle, though. Turns the gun into a specialized focus.”
“Hmm,” Suto frowned, looking at the guns on the cart. “I can already see one potential problem. While keeping spent magazines is natural at the range, they often get dropped in the heat of combat. Maybe not purposefully, but when you’re moving quickly under fire, taking the time to tuck an empty magazine into your bag isn’t something that most soldiers are thinking about.”
“A fair point,” I nodded. “Perhaps making a fully spellwork sidearm would be better, then?”
Naya frowned. “But Mistress, if someone already has a focus to shoot spells, why would they need physical ammunition?”
“For the same reason I’m ensuring you know how to use weapons, Naya,” I chuckled. “There are ways to dampen magic in an area, after all, and some creatures, like Golems, are heavily resistant or even immune to spells, actually requiring physical attacks to harm. Plus, being able to bring physical ammunition to a fight expands your options.
“More importantly, though, this weapon is designed more for Warriors than Mages. A Warrior typically has fairly limited abilities when it comes to ranged magical attacks. Typically in the form of using imbuement on ammunition or relying on enchanted ranged weaponry. This is compensated for by their greater physical prowess and ability, of course, but it is still a weakness that could be exploited.”
Koyama nodded. “Yes, and eliminating weaknesses is always a good thing. What spells are these magazines loaded with?”
I waved my hand at the ten magazines on the cart. “Each magazine has a single spell enchanted into it. I have ones for the Magebolt spell, as well as the eight different elemental variants. The last one is a spell called Shock, which basically functions like a taser when hit. Designed to be nonlethal, or at least less-lethal, though some creature types have stronger reactions to it than others.”
Koyama sucked in a breath. “Your Majesty, if this works out, I can see a large demand for this weapon in a law enforcement role, throughout the Alliance. Especially if there was a version that only used spells, so an officer would have to deliberately switch magazines in order to move from the Shock enchantment to the Magebolt one.”
“Not just police, Koyama-san,” Ya said, one hand on her chin as she thought out loud. “They would be popular in rural areas, as well, for dealing with some of the monsters that have begun appearing. I’ve heard that some creatures with the Shadow element have been getting bolder in the mountains near Shangluo, in the same province as the Wellspring of Shadow.”
“Let me guess,” I said, “the creatures have some form of limited intangibility, which allows them to slip inside areas that aren’t protected by wards, and allows them to ignore some weapons?”
“Yes, Mistress. So far, the most troublesome is being called the shadow snub-nosed monkey. They are like the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, but their fur is all black, and they have exhibited shadow powers. They are becoming a major nuisance in the Shaanxi province. However, since the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey is still considered Endangered, local officials have been having trouble dealing with the pests.”
“Hmm. Perhaps a sport rifle version, then, for civilian use? One limited to just the Shock spell should be fine for dissuading the monkeys. Or perhaps one that switches between ‘Shock’ and ‘Magebolt’, so that they can still deal with creatures who are more dangerous than annoying.”
“So, your Majesty,” Watanabe started, “what are you thinking for this weapon, as far as use cases?”
“Well, they wouldn’t be much use for my troops, since they have as good or better already. However, the materials to make the high-end enchanted goods simply aren’t possible right now, since you don’t have enough mana-rich wood, stone, or metal. However, I was thinking about standard kit for the Alliance forces.”
“Such as?”
“Well, my original idea was for troops to be issued an Armor bracelet, Shield charm, Mageblade, a rifle that can switch from physical ammunition to magic, a pistol that can switch between killing and nonlethal, physical combat knife, and an infinite canteen. On top of the normal helmet and armor vest that combat troops wear. Oh, and darkvision goggles. The only thing troops would need to carry after that would be rations and a few magazines of normal ammunition.”
Fukuyo frowned. “That sounds good, on paper, but from what I understand, the usefulness of being able to use ‘Firebolt’ instead of ‘Magebolt’ is mostly that Firebolt might set the target on fire, and some things are weak against Fire magic, right?” I nodded, so she continued, “In that case I would suggest having the ’magic bullets’ for the rifle to default to Magebolt, and having special weapons teams for elemental damage, beyond what individuals can supply with their own mana. That way, you simplify the weapon, and the supply chain.”
“Fukuyo’s right, your Majesty,” Watanabe cut in. “Having access to all damage types just in case is more along the lines of what an ‘adventurer’ in an RPG might look for, since they are typically alone, with only their party for backup. But soldiers are part of an army, which means that they don’t need to be able to do everything themselves. Having a gun shooting Magebolts as the primary weapon, with the option to switch to physical ammunition if magic doesn’t work, adding in both the sidearm, a mageblade, and a normal combat knife? That gives the soldier plenty of options for dealing with enemies on the battlefield, regardless of circumstances.”
I took the criticism in stride. This was, after all, why I’d asked to speak with them before making official proposals. I knew I was no soldier, and my knowledge of mortal armies was primarily from fighting against them in the other world. “Fair enough, then. I’ll take that into account when redesigning the weapons. How about we see their performance, though?” That got nods all around, so I turned to the range master. “Rikusōchō, you are closer to the baseline for what soldiers will be able to handle than either myself or the Heroes of Death. Perhaps you would do the honors?”
Suto grinned, and said, “My pleasure, your Majesty.” Of course, he went through all the proper range safety procedures, including having eye and ear protection on, before he brought the rifle to his shoulder, and said, “Magic rounds, three shots.”
He squeezed the trigger three times, and each one caused a pale glowing orb of magic to fire from the muzzle. The three shots hit on target, close enough together that there was only a single hole in the paper. Once the range master made the rifle safe and set it down, I called out, “So, what do you think?”
Suto took a breath, and said, “No kick. Absolutely no recoil at all, in fact. Even when I overcompensated, because I was expecting some recoil, the spell went right where I wanted it to. But I could feel it drawing energy from me. Only shot three times, and I feel like I just did a fifty-meter sprint. I’m assuming that is because the rifle was drawing energy from me, rather from some battery?”
“Yes, while it is possible to create ‘mana capacitors’ or ‘mana batteries’, something that would be small enough to be worth the weight, as far as capacity goes, would require either materials that do not yet exist on Earth, or using crystalized human souls. Which, obviously, is not technology I would like to introduce to Earth at large. In fact, Lady Murena would be very cross with me if I did something like that.”
Koyama chuckled. “Having seen her in person, during your adventures with the Seals, I can see why you wouldn’t like to get on her bad side. Incidentally, shrines to her have been appearing throughout Japan, and the Alliance as a whole.”
“That as it may be,” Naya said, “if just firing three times is enough to make the Rikusōchō feel as though he were doing a sprint, isn’t that a problem for extended use?”
“Yes, and no,” I said. “Now that we have a proof of concept, things can be refined to take some of the edge off the mana draw, but part of it is that the Rikusōchō is simply not used to using his mana in this way.” I looked to him, and said, “You are a Earthsoul, are you not?”
“Yes, your Majesty. Good at physical reinforcement, and some of the training we’ve been getting over the last couple years, but haven’t done much ‘out of the body’ magic.”
I nodded, having expected something like that. “And so, the ‘muscles’, if you will, were not prepared. Once a final design is finished, troops can begin training for the mana draw, just like they train to run without wasting too much energy, or learning how to do physical reinforcement without wasting most of the mana they put into it.”
I was about to continue, when Koyama’s phone went off. The official frowned, and said, “Excuse me, I must take this. Anyone who has this number knows I’m here, now, so they wouldn’t call unless it is urgent.”
We nodded, and gave him the illusion of privacy as he stepped a few feet away to answer the call. The others could, at the very least, hear his side of the conversation, but I knew that, without even trying, the Heroes of Death and I had sharp enough senses to hear the voice over the phone, as well. And the topic was… interesting, to say the least.
Turning back to us, Koyama sighed. “I am assuming you heard that?” When I nodded, he actually looked a bit relieved. “Then, it is as you heard. A delegation of governors from Hawaii and several of the US territories in the Pacific are flying in, and apparently requesting a meeting with you, specifically, your Majesty. They wouldn’t say what they wanted to meet with you about over an open line, but…”
I nodded, “Yes. Given the situation in the Pacific, and how all those territories are islands, and how the current US administration seems to be focused on other matters, I assume that they’re in pretty dire straits. Please, pass word that I will receive them as guests at my home.”
Chapter 175 – Opportunity
I was waiting in my throne room when the delegation arrived. I had gone back and forth on how to present myself for this meeting. My formal armor as the Lich Queen was a given, but what form would I take? And would I go with my power hidden, or uncloaked? In the end, I decided on my human guise, with my power uncloaked.
The delegation consisted of the governors of Hawai’i, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. One state and the only three US territories in the Pacific that sported more than a handful of permanent residents. All four of which had been thrown into disarray as the full return of magic began disrupting trade routes, since they relied on air and sea trade to get most of the supplies that they could not furnish themselves, and most people simply didn’t have the ability to teleport with a pocket dimension full of supplies like I did.
My Seneschal, Galeren bowed formally as he entered the throne room. Just as he always did. He had been an official in Athelia-that-was, but his administrative prowess had been squandered by the simple fact that he was lowborn, and so was forced to work under a third son of a noble family who did little but take credit for his work. He was, unsurprisingly, quite pleased when I recognized him, and made him my Seneschal.
“My Queen, I present to you Governor Pineki Palakiko of Hawai’i, Governor Iakopo Lotomau of American Samoa, Governor Lewis Baxter of Guam, and Governor Fili Pule of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
“Let them approach, as welcome guests.”
“Her Royal Majesty, Queen Akagawa Kaori, First of Her Name, World Traveler, the Deathless, the Dragon Ascended, the Heroine of the Elements Undivided, Conquerer of Haerth and its Minions, Mistress of the Dead and Ruler of the Damned, Archlich and High Contractor of Murena, Agent of the Goddess of Death, Chainbreaker, Archmage of the Elements Undivided, Destroyer of Athelia-That-Was, Demon’s Bane, Legend-crafter, Weaponmistress, She Who Wields Both Spell and Blade, the Lost Sleeper Returned, and Lich Queen of Risen Athelia bids you approach, as guests of the realm, so that you may deliver the message you have come to convey.”
As the four approached, I took a moment to appraise them. Palakiko was clearly a woman of native Hawai’ian stock, and looked to be in her early thirties. Lotomau had the name of a native islander, but his darker skin and the way his hair behaved suggested that there was some mixed heritage, there, though I didn’t know enough about such things to narrow it down beyond that. Baxter stood out as the only white person in the group, though he had a tan that said he spent plenty of time under the sun. A transplant, perhaps? And then, there was Pule. She was clearly a native islander, and there was a proud look in her eyes, bordering on defiant.
The four bowed, as they had no doubt been instructed to by Galeran. Perfect to protocol, but clearly not something they were practiced at. I did not hold it against them. After all, the point was not that they did it perfectly, but that they showed the proper respect by making the attempt in good faith.
“Rise, and be welcome. I must say that I was surprised to hear from the Japanese government that you wished to speak with me. I believe that I can guess some of what you have come to say, but I would like to hear it in your own words.”
Palakiko was evidently the chosen representative of the group, as she took a step forward to speak. Probably had something to do with the fact that the population of Hawai’i was more than five times that of the three territories combined. Plus, as an actual state, they were probably sticking their neck out the most for this venture.
She took a breath, and said, “Your Majesty, as of ten minutes ago, signed declarations were sent by the elected representatives of our governments, declaring our secession and independence from the United States of America. However, we understand that our lands do not have the industry or resources to stand alone, and we have no military to resist, if the United States attempts to force compliance. Therefore, we have come to you, asking for annexation into Risen Athelia.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. “Annexation, hmm? I must admit, I am surprised. Your wishing to break away from the US, given the current climate in Washington, DC, and how magic is changing things, was obvious, but why go for annexation, rather than forming your own state, or states, and asking for admission to the East Asian Alliance? Not that I am opposed, but I would like to hear your reasoning.”
Palakiko chuckled softly at that. “Partly for expediency, since negotiating introduction to the Alliance would take time. Time that the President might use to try and regain control. But also because we believe it would be mutually beneficial to both our territories, and Risen Athelia as a whole.”
“Interesting. I know full well how your coming under my banner aids you, but you would say that it will aid me, as well? Explain.”
“Well, your Majesty, it is widely known that Risen Athelia was granted status as a full country in the EAA solely due to your power, and that of your legions. As a military power, your forces are without peer when it comes to ground forces or magical ability. However, you do not have the same kind of economic might, nor do you have a population or territory commensurate with that status. Eventually, human militaries are going to catch up to your forces, if not you personally, either as new weapons and tactics are developed, or by training their own forces to match the training you give your people. Even if they might not measure up one to one against your troops, they would have a numbers advantage.
“However, our territories have a combined population of almost 1.7 million people, and a physical territory far outstripping that which Risen Athelia currently possesses. And because of the geography, we occupy several strategic points in the Pacific Ocean. Put that together, and I believe that there is much that we bring to the table.”
“And why speak of this after declaring your independence? Why not get things in place before making such a precipitous move?”
Palakiko smiled, and said, “Primarily for the PR reasons, to be frank. The imagery of territories declaring independence and then seeking allies is different from that of enticing someone to come in and steal the territories away from their rulers. The first makes it far easier to avoid war than the second.”
I nodded slowly. I could see the advantages to this, both to my realm, and the people of the territories. The fact that it would poke the American government in the eye was a nice bonus, since I was still rather annoyed with them. I was less concerned with it possibly turning into a war, since I could, quite literally, deal with things myself, without even bringing in the members of the Alliance.
“You are aware that Risen Athelia is a magocratic dictatorship, yes? This is not a democracy, even one as dysfunctional as the United States has become. I may allow local governors leeway to govern as they see fit, within the constraints of Athelian law, but the Crown will always be the highest power in the land, and my word is law.”
Baxter stepped forward at that point, and said, “With respect, your Majesty, I believe you underestimate the weight having an effective leader, one that can be assured to be there for the long term, has when measured against the volatility of the last couple decades in Washington, where we were ignored at best, or treated as pawns at worst. And people generally are of the opinion that you at least won’t deal in the kind of bullshit that American politics is neck deep in. Especially given how you treated the US intelligence agencies.”
“Which leads to another reason why we agreed on this,” Lotomau said, stepping forward to stand next to them. “It is obvious, given the current administration, and your repeated demonstrations that you will not allow yourself to be bullied about by anyone, even so-called superpowers, that conflict is coming, sooner or later. To be perfectly frank, the current administration is a bully with too much pride, who believes they are as big and bad as they claim they are. And you are someone who will slam them back down in their place, without hesitation. Which means that conflict is inevitable. We’d rather be on the winning side, if it is all the same to you.”
“And the big reason,” Pule said, joining the rest, “is because we’re entering an age of magic, unlike even what we’ve known the last forty years. Anyone with a brain knows that the East Asian Alliance is set to become one of the magical powerhouses in the coming years, and that is almost entirely due to Risen Athelia, Phantomline, and the Heroes of Shadow and Death, all of which lead back to you, in a rather direct fashion, the Heroine of Elements Undivided. That’s power in a real, tangible fashion that cannot be denied. Risen Athelia is going to be a major factor in charting the future of Earth. We see this as an opportunity to get in on the ground floor.”
