"Is it finished?"
Caelus had exchanged several advanced weapon designs from the System that could currently be manufactured in Natlan.
He handed the blueprints to Xilonen, hoping she could complete them as soon as possible.
Originally, he had thought he might have to wait until the Traveler arrived in Natlan before Xilonen could finish crafting the equipment.
Unexpectedly, she completed the new gear quickly and even asked Caelus to inspect it.
At the time, however, Caelus was busy producing Natlan's teaser video and designing the Pyro Traveler's kit, so he delegated the inspection to Mavuika.
After Mavuika confirmed there were no issues, Caelus instructed other Natlan craftsmen to begin mass production.
Then he commissioned Xilonen for additional devices.
"The defense turret capable of automatically identifying Abyss forces and launching long-range attacks has been completed."
Xilonen's voice sounded tired, and there were visible dark circles under her eyes. She had clearly pulled multiple all-nighters.
Still, there was pride in her tone.
This defense turret was the most difficult commission she had ever undertaken, even more challenging than forging an Ancient Name.
Although Caelus had provided flawless blueprints, and the turret could theoretically be assembled by following them step by step, she still encountered many obstacles due to technical limitations and material adjustments.
But after completing it, a strong sense of accomplishment filled her.
She had truly built something extraordinary.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Caelus had noticed the turret blueprint when the System Shop refreshed.
The Natlan version of the defense turret was powered by Phlogiston. It could independently identify Abyss forces and launch Pyro attacks.
It also featured a training mode, allowing Natlan citizens to practice evasion. In that mode, the turret would only fire low-output Pyro attacks that were non-lethal.
To put it in terms players would understand, being hit would only shave off a few hundred HP.
Even if Furina were in the party and HP fluctuated, it would still be manageable.
"Did you ask Mavuika to test the defense turret?" Caelus asked.
He had entrusted weapon testing to her. With her strength and personality, she would certainly provide thorough feedback.
"Mavuika?"
Xilonen pressed a hand to her forehead, clearly exasperated.
"Seeing that I was swamped with the turret and had no time to fix those ridiculous sunglasses of hers, she took the Flamestrider out and started racing everywhere."
"She's been recruiting riders from various Tribes, saying she wants to determine who the fastest driver in Natlan is."
"If there were more than one Flamestrider, the entire nation would probably be racing with her."
When it came to Mavuika, Xilonen seemed unable to stop talking. The resentment toward her overly energetic client had clearly built up.
"A racing competition? That does sound interesting."
Instead of concern, Caelus sounded intrigued.
Xilonen's eyes widened in alarm.
"Lord Pyro Archon, you're not planning to organize an official race too, are you?"
If that happened, as the designer of the Flamestrider, she would never see rest again.
"No," Caelus replied. "The materials required for the Flamestrider are limited. Even if you worked without sleep, there wouldn't be enough resources."
Xilonen nodded repeatedly in relief.
Thankfully, the Pyro Archon wasn't as impulsive as Mavuika.
"Although a Flamestrider race isn't practical, other racing events could work."
Xilonen blinked. "Like Qucusaur racing?"
In Natlan, humans and Saurians shared a close bond. Many households raised Saurian companions, and informal races were common.
"I'm thinking of racing with devices similar to your roller shoes," Caelus said. "A pursuit-style game. Participants run ahead while Mavuika chases from behind. Along the route, they collect items to replenish Phlogiston, and some items grant speed boosts."
Essentially Temple Run, but with Pyro Archon involvement.
"That actually sounds fun."
Imagining others being chased by Mavuika visibly improved Xilonen's mood.
"So is my next task to mass-produce these mobility shoes?" she asked.
"No."
Caelus produced another stack of blueprints.
"Your next task is to complete these defensive installations."
Xilonen stared at the thick stack in disbelief.
"That many?"
"The Abyss forces are numerous. The more defensive equipment we deploy, the better," Caelus replied. "As for the roller shoes, let apprentice craftsmen handle those for practice."
Xilonen's emerald eyes dulled.
"I'm such a fool… really…"
"I should have known. Last time I finished the weapons, you immediately handed me turret blueprints."
"There was always a high chance that once one task ended, another would begin…"
[Emotion Points from Xilonen +100]
Caelus hadn't expected her internal despair to be this intense.
"If you're exhausted, take a break first," he offered. "These aren't urgent."
"No need…" Xilonen said weakly. "If I leave, others will line up for commissions again. There's never time to rest."
As Natlan's most outstanding craftswoman, she was constantly sought after for forging weapons and inscribing Ancient Names. Rest was rare.
Seeing her in this state, Caelus said:
"Then rest here in the Sacred Flame Arena until you've recovered."
"If anyone asks, tell them the Pyro Archon locked you in a dark room to forge equipment and only released you after a long time."
...
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