Aghanim's Rubick Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

The Magic between my hands flickered, moving from fire to lightning, to contained wind, to water. I was attempting to create any element that I could, to see the different ways that it interacted with my control and how much magic it took. Currently, I was just going with the traditional five, which I had successfully managed to do.

Nothing had surprised me, but that changed when I changed the magic I was manipulating into light. The white energy shined out from my spread hands, leaking Magic at an annoying rate. Flexing my control, I stopped the leak, causing the shine in my hands to amplify, going up as I contained the radiation more and more. It appeared that the more you compressed light Magic, the stronger it became.

Unfortunately, the magic required to contain the small amount that I held was very inefficient. It took many times more energy to contain the light than I had originally put into the spell, a costly flaw. I will have to test later, to see how destructive the released energy would be before writing it off completely, but for now it appeared to be a bust.

I remembered how the beam of light that Milim shot had destroyed everything in its path. Although, that was not exactly the correct way to describe that attack. Rather than light magic, Milim had condensed her own magic into her body and shot it out with staggering force. I had attempted to replicate the attack, but was unsuccessful.

There was something about the way she influenced her magic that I was missing. I performed every step exactly as she did, yet my magic was not enhanced as massively as hers was. It was the first time since I arrived upon this world that there was an active usage of magic that I couldn’t copy immediately.

Once the magic had been fired, I was able to gain control of it, especially after I transferred it into the Void, but how she managed actually to create the beam was something I was struggling to uncover. It reminded me of Skills and how I am unable to reproduce some of them.

The way the light magic was acting was similar, the efficiency was a degree of magnitude below what Milim’s attack exhibited. From what I have been able to figure out, there appeared to be something unique to her magic that allowed the condensation process to massively increase the potency of the attack. It somewhat reminded me of the Magic fusion that the ball of magic in the Void was undergoing.

Did that mean that the remnants of Veldora and Milim shared something unique to their magic? That was interesting and worth pursuing, but unfortunately, I was unable to slip into the Void to confirm for any meaningful time.

The reason being…

I looked back over my shoulder, being greeted by the sight of a patiently observing white-haired woman.

“My Lord?” Lucifer tilted her head, “Have you discovered something? May I assist?”

With a wry grin, I shook my head, leaning back and showing her the glowing magic in my hands, “Light magic increases in potency when compressed.”

Lucifer blinked, looking a bit off guard at my statement, “Yes, my Lord. That is a well known function of that type of magic.”

“Is it?” I hummed, my lack of formal education in the magic of this world on display, “Interesting. Regardless, the reason I bring it up is because light itself does not act in this way. Physical light, from the sun for example, cannot be compressed. It doesn’t have form. It can only be interacted with via gravity.”

Her eyes sparkled, drinking up the knowledge without even thinking of questioning it, due to its source, “Fascinating. Are you suggesting there is some interaction between magic and the element itself changes its properties?”

“I am.” I nodded, “Especially as Light magic is slower than it should be. The speed of light is immensely quick, yet light magic moves much slower. I think that magic somehow imparts mass onto light.”

She nodded, easily following along, “I see. As expected, you have revealed an aspect of Magic I have never considered before.”

I shifted awkwardly, “It’s merely theory at this point, one that isn’t even useful at that.”

“It is not useful yet, my Lord.” Lucifer spoke, “Each new discovery is a step, and before you know it you will have travelled miles. Progress deserves to be celebrated.”

“Thank you, Lucifer.” I smiled, “That was what I needed to hear. I was getting a bit frustrated.”

“Anytime, my Lord.” My thanks made her beam, but before she could continue a rustling sound interrupted her, Hattori appearing before my desk in a kneeling posture.

“Hattori.” I greeted him, causing him to bow his head deeper, “Do you have a report?”

“Yes, Lord Rubick.” He spoke, voice serious, “We have received reports of sightings of a mounted airborne force on the way to Claszureme.”

I stroked my chin in thought, “Really? From what direction?”

“North, my Lord.” My scoutmaster spoke.

“Dwargon, then. Pegasus Knights, most likely.” I had spent some time learning about the nations bordering the forest of Jura, “What colour were the wings?”

“White, my Lord. Should we prepare to bring them down?” Hattori queried.

“No. I will go speak to them. Fetch Susuru, Lucifer and I will join him and we will meet these unannounced visitors of ours.” I spoke, getting a nod from the blue-haired Oni, who swiftly left to carry out my orders.

I stood, looking back to the visibly excited demoness, informing her, “I don’t want to fight them, Lucifer.”

She was undaunted, “I will be ready regardless, my Lord.”

I sighed, inwardly lamenting how used I was becoming to being called that.

---ARARAR---

To be fair to them, the sight that was arrayed before me was more intimidating than I expected it to be. The Pegasus that the Knights were riding were surprisingly large, considering that the Kingdom that they belonged to were supposed to be Dwarves.

Their leader, who I singled out due to the sheer aura of power the man held as well as his more gilded armour, was tall even for a human. 6 feet and rippling muscles, the man certainly cut an imposing figure. Even beyond his physique, his sharp eyes were alight with a burning purpose, taking in the forces arrayed against his own with a calculating gaze.

Despite having met him before, Susuru had not yet attained his current body, meaning that the leading Dwarf did not recognise him.

The reverse was not true, however, proven when Susuru leaned over to whisper in my ear, “That’s Gazel Dwargo. He’s the King of Dwargon.”

I nodded in response, causing him to return to his previous position. The King had made some distance during our conversation, proven as he reeled back his reins and controlled his steed with a series of motions. The Pegasus’ wings spread wide, flaring and bleeding off speed as the creature came to a hover in front of us, magic obviously supporting it in the air. Its wings flapped leisurely, too slowly to keep it aloft.

The rest of the Knights circled us, creating a sense of being boxed in. Of course, with the force I had arrayed I was not feeling any danger.

“I’m surprised to meet only three to greet us. Most Monsters would have thrown as many as they could to ensure victory.” The King spoke, deep voice rumbling through the air.

“Most Nations send a notice before a Royal Visit to another, so it seems we are both unusual.” I responded, causing the King to raise an interested eyebrow.

“Hoh? You know who I am? On top of that, you claim Nationhood?” His voice contained dripping scepticism.

“You have met Susuru before, but most likely in a different form.” I responded, opening my arms to Susuru who shrugged and reverted into his slime form, the small blue blob jumping into my arms as he shifted through the air.

The sudden shift seemingly took Gazel off guard, slightly tensing at the sudden movement before recognition lit up in his eyes.

As he landed, he spun around and raised a slimy appendage into the air, voice sounding out, “Hello again, King Gazel.”

“You’re that slime that came into my city.” The King’s eyes narrowed, “I trust my subjects that were entrusted to you are still hale and hearty?”

“Kaijin and the rest are doing very well.” Susuru spoke, causing the King’s gaze to soften as I took over.

“As for our claims of Nationhood, how are we not? We have a system of laws, an army to enforce them, a currency, a robust system of trade and a ruler.” I responded, causing the king’s gaze to switch back to me, “I am unaware of anything we lack to fit the definition.”

“I see.” His eyes were evaluating, peering at and through me, attempting to take my measure, “I presume you are said ruler, this mysterious Grand Magus I have heard about?”

“Apologies, I should have introduced myself.” I nodded, proceeding to do just that, “My name is Rubick Maelstrom, King of Claszureme and yes, the Grand Magus of Jura.”

“Gazel Dwargo, King of the Armed Nation of Dwargon.” Gazel responded, eyes remaining locked to mine, “It is said that you successfully killed an Orc Disaster. Such a power raising in a bordering territory gave my citizens a great sense of wariness.”

I was surprised he didn’t mention my supposed weakness. Every single fighter over a certain level of skill that I had met so far underestimated me due to my containing of my magic, the lack of any aura whatsoever causing them to mistakenly believe that I was too weak to even project one. Apparently Gazel judged others by a different metric.

“I did.” I accepted the deed, “My city was along its path and I had sworn to protect its people. On top of that, I received a personal request to handle the issue by the Dryads of Jura.”

Gazel seemed taken aback at that, the most put off that I had seen him thus far, “The Dryads?!”

“Indeed.” I acknowledged, “If you wish to verify the claim I would be glad to take you to meet with them.”

“Truly?” he questioned, countenance now intrigued, “Very well, I shall follow you down.”

So saying, he raised his hand into a gesture to the other knights, causing their circling to transition into a formation behind him, following him just as he followed us. We led the way from the front, travelling through the air along the path back to Claszureme.

Along the way, he questioned, “Who is the last one of your retinue?”

“Ah, my apologies. This is Lucifer.” I indicated the white haired demon who had been silently observing up until this point.

“A pleasure to meet you, King Dwargo.” She nodded towards him at that introduction, seemingly at ease in his presence.

He observed her, I could see out of the corner of my eye, looking her up from top to bottom. Focusing on her red eyes, he seemed bothered deeply by something.

“Pardon me if this is a rude question, but are you perhaps…?” His question was cut off by her.

“I am a loyal servant of Rubick. What I was before that is of no consequence.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, such a statement did little to reassure him.

“I see. Even with that, however, I cannot just…”

Lucifer merely smiled, “My only desire is to serve my Lord. Should you not be a threat to him, there is no reason for me to interfere.”

That finally appeared to mollify the King, who nodded, “I will keep that in mind.”

I resisted the urge to tilt my head. Was Lucifer actually some kind of big deal? I would have to ask her later.

---ARARAR---

The banquet hall was lively, the Knights slowly letting their guard down as the Oni and Goblins around them kept the festive mood lively. Dwargo was in a position of prominence, seated at the high table directly to my side as we looked down at the feast.

After he met with the Dryads, who backed up my claim, he had apologised for violating our borders with a military force. I waved it off, pointing out that every Royal procession needed a cohort of guards, causing him to smile wryly. After that, we had laid the preliminary outline for the relationship between our nations, the technologies and conveniences he had seen rousing his interest.

Susuru had been invaluable here, his previous interaction with the King allowing him to be an effective friendly face in the negotiation. Soon we broke for supper, Hanako having heard of the Royal visitor and organising a truly impressive feast to welcome our first foreign ruler. Lucifer had begged off the feast, citing a need to discuss with her agents how they had not picked up Dwargo’s visit before he was almost at our city.

It was not in vain, the spread of foods and delicacies, the fruits of Claszureme’s culinary explorations spoke for themselves. Dwargo had been complimentary to everything that he sampled, but had seemed to get a special appreciation for Morgan’s liquor.

Something he soon engaged me in conversation about.

“Rubick.” He rumbled, taking a sip of his cup, “I notice you do not have a cup or glass in front of you.”

I grinned humourlessly, “I regret to inform you that my body is not capable of being affected by alcohol. It gets burned up and converted to magic, just like everything else I ingest.”

His gaze from over the cup was level, “But certainly you can appreciate the taste?”

I shook my head, “Without the effects, it feels like a pale imitation. My people put in a lot of care, attention and focus into these spirits. I would prefer it to be partaken in by those that can appreciate them fully.”

“Mmh.” He mumbled, considering my words, “I would presume that they would appreciate you giving their efforts feedback regardless. You are very well regarded by your people.”

“Not even knowing me for a full day and giving me free advice?” My grin had humour pour back in, “You must like me quite a bit.”

The king snorted, his cheeks rosy but eyes clear, “Hardly. But such affection from one’s people speaks well of you.”

“I thank you for the kind words.” I nodded, “However, we don’t have the-”

I stiffened, my senses blaring. A massive source of magic was rapidly closing in, coming from the South East. As I felt it hurtling towards Claszureme, I heard a panicked mental communication from Hattori.

“My Lord! Lady Milim is-!” He was unable to convey the message, even at the speed of thought, before the vast energy had already landed in Claszureme and barrelled towards the hall.

A distant rumble soon sounded out, a whistling sound indicating something approaching us at great speed. The laughter and light conversation that had been so easily floating through the hall stilled, as the sound picked up volume.

Gazel, for his part, was instantly alert, “What is it, Rubick? Is there a problem?”

Before I could respond, the Doors to the banquet hall burst open with enough force to bounce off the walls. The guards reacted admirably, Oda’s training of his troops shining as they immediately interposed themselves between the threat and the high table. When they laid eyes on said threat however, they hesitated, realising that their efforts would be wholly insufficient.

“Rubick!” Came an energetic voice, “Feed me!”

Standing there, in all her scantily clad glory, was the youthful form of Milim Nava.

“Demon Lord Milim-!” Gazel choked, liquid sloshing around his cup as he jolted in surprise, reeling from the newly revealed visitor.

“Milim, We are in the middle of a feast.” I called out to the headache in the form of a girl, who pouted at me mightily, “You are more than welcome to join us.”

Her pout immediately reversed into a beaming smile, bouncing giddily across the hall towards my table while the guards brushed past her and sheepishly closed the doors she had busted open. I noted with some consternation that the doors were hanging loosely, the hinges damaged from her unrestrained strength.

She moved to my side, settling down happily on the pillow that had been left open, the position traditionally reserved for the primary Wife of the ruler. Or so I was informed. Of course, no one would tell Milim no, so she happily took the open spot and started drooling at the food on display, quickly piling up her plate energetically.

“Rubick.” A deathly worried whisper came from my right, “Do you know who that is?”

“I do.” I responded easily, shocking the King, “She’s my best friend.”

The news seemed to hit him hard, especially as Milim nodded with a mouth full of food, “yeah! Rubick’s the best!”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” I chastised, causing Gazel’s head to snap towards me, incredulity increasing when Milim bobbed her head in contrition.

“Sorry.” She apologised, causing me to reach over and pat her head.

“Don’t worry about it.” I spoke, “I just have an important guest.”

She looked over to Gazel, as if seeing him for the first time, eyes widening, “Oh wow, sorry. You’re really strong!”

She directed the first part to me, the latter to Gazel, who looked like he had no idea how to handle this situation he now found himself in.

“This is King Gazel Dwargo.” I introduced, “Gazel, this is Milim Nava. She’s a Demon Lord, as you know, but she prefers to just be called her name.”

“…A pleasure to meet you.” He eventually responded, rolling with the punches with admirable aplomb.

“You too!” Like that, the conversation was over.

Milim turned around to resume her attack on the food arrayed before us and Gazel was left with those last words, immediately relegated to a lesser importance than the delicious sustenance.

“Rubick.” Gazel spoke, eyes still locked onto the pink-haired form of the Demon Lord, “Your city contains nothing but surprises.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” I responded, “I would hate for you to come away with the impression that we are boring.”

“Clever.” He snorted, apparently deciding to not worry about something he couldn’t change and picking his drink back up, taking another pull.

“I do try.” My cheeky response had barely left my lips when yet another interruption showed itself.

This one was a lot less subtle, however, a deafening, piercing roar that shook the windows and tables, the rattling resounding throughout the room. The cheer that had been filtering back fled once more, weapons raised and comrades roused, the sheer malice in the sound leaving no room for questioning that this was an actual threat.

Milim snapped her head up at the sound, confusion slapped across her face, her next words chilling the room, “Huh? Charybdis? It’s pretty early for it to come back.”

“Charybdis?” I questioned, as I stood, preparing to meet with my advisors, the name unfamiliar to me.

Judging by that roar and Milim’s reaction, however, I had a feeling that it would become a headache that would be intimately familiar to me soon enough.