The brandings left their glowing marks on the first batch of constructs tucked neatly into the chests lining the warehouse.
Lassim glanced over at Rlyis and Eno, who both looked satisfied with the work they’d just completed. It was strange to think that just days ago, he had only been here to fulfill the last of his assigned missions. Now, not only had he helped with the successful launch of the constructs, but he had also begun to unlock an entirely new side to his abilities.
The chance to continue learning was one he would have gladly taken, and he hoped his master, Sect Master Volten, would approve of an extended stay after reporting the mission completed.
Rlyis checked the array that kept the line running smoothly and nodded. "With the automated line up and running, the assembly will take care of the mass production. In our spare time we’ll do quality checks, but in the meantime we still need to continue your lessons."
She gestured toward the workshop. "Let’s head back. There’s plenty to cover while the constructs are being produced, and I’m sure you’re itching to learn what’s next."
Lassim followed her eagerly, while Eno stayed behind in the warehouse to monitor the line for a bit longer.
They moved through the now-quiet building, and once they reached her desk, Rlyis gestured for him to sit across from her. She laid out an array of plates in front of him, each covered with the familiar etchings and designs he had been studying and practicing since he first arrived.
"Today, we’re going to take your practice a step further," Rlyis began. "Up until now, you’ve been working on the individual arrays—isolated forms designed to accomplish a specific purpose, whether it’s reinforcing, heating, cooling, or powering. But an array master does more than just know individual designs. The real challenge lies in connecting these arrays, allowing them to function in unison as a single construct."
As she spoke, she carefully placed a blank plate in front of him and then positioned the sheets he had been practicing around it. "Now, I want you to build something simple using the skills you’ve learned," she continued, her eyes meeting his with a slight, expectant smile. "Take these arrays, connect them, and create a functional construct—a basic lightning alarm clock."
The words took a moment to register, but then Lassim’s eyes widened as realization dawned on him.
"A clock?" he asked.
Rlyis nodded. "Simple, effective, and it will test your understanding of each array’s function. Start by envisioning how each array can contribute to the final form, and remember that balance is key. If any part of the array structure becomes unstable, the entire construct will fail."
Lassim recalled the array sheets she’d given him: the power array he’d spent hours engraving, the delicate timing array that was one of the trickiest patterns to get right, and the discharge array that managed energy flow. He didn’t know the names but vaguely understood their functions. He could almost see it, like a vision of the completed clock appearing in his mind, each piece falling into place.
"Understood," he replied, picking up the engraving tool, his fingers settling naturally around it as he focused.
Rlyis watched in silence as he began. Lassim started with the power array, carefully engraving it onto the blank plate’s base. His mana flowed smoothly into each line, each symbol forming under his hand and then the same azure and purple holographic accented letters floated above the engravings before sinking down into the metal.
The power array was followed by the timing array, which he engraved with a precision he didn’t know he had.
As he worked, he felt a deep satisfaction in the way the arrays connected. The discharge array came last, its lines forming a network that channeled energy outward.
After an hour of focused effort, Lassim set down the engraving tool and looked at the plate in his hands. It was complete—a lightning-powered clock, ready to be activated.
Rlyis studied it for a moment, nodding her approval. "Good work," she said. "Now, power it up."
Taking a steady breath, Lassim channeled a pulse of his fused mana into the array structure. The construct hummed to life, the timing array ticking softly as it measured the flow of energy.
Seconds later, a faint glow appeared in the center of the construct as the discharge array began to pulse rhythmically, like a heartbeat, marking each passing second.
"Wonderful!" Rlyis murmured. "You’ve connected each array seamlessly, and the mana flow is stable. I have to say, I’m proud you got it on your first try." She leaned closer, examining the engraving lines.
Lassim allowed himself a small smile. The success of this simple construct felt like a major milestone toward mastery.
As Rlyis completed her inspection, she returned to her desk and began filling out a document, which he recognized as his mission report.
"The mass production project marks the completion of your assignment here," Rlyis said, stamping the mission report sheet with her sect seal. "I’ll send out the mission completion notice to the mission hall so they can help prioritize shipments to the outposts that need the constructs most. I’ll submit it now, but you should confirm your own completion as well."
Lassim nodded, watching as she finalized the paperwork. Though he knew he’d completed his assignment, he hesitated. There was still so much to learn here, and he felt his training with arrays was only just beginning.
Making a decision, he took out his communication disc to report the completion code to the Mission Hall’s channel. But then, he crafted a second message—this one for Sect Master Volten.
~~~
Master,
I am writing to report the successful completion of all missions assigned to me. The final mission’s mass production for the thick-body constructs is underway.
My short time here with Rlyis and Eno has proven insightful for my future plans. Under Rlyis’ and Eno’s guidance, I’ve made substantial progress in understanding and creating arrays. It has led to the beginnings of developing the new fighting style I was looking for with this trip. The array work has given me new insights, unexpected progress with my elements and satisfaction in learning this profession.
If possible, I am requesting permission to extend my stay instead of requesting additional missions. Staying with the Lightning Construct team could provide more inspiration. Also, Rlyis and Eno have shown that I could possibly be useful in the particularly unique project in their basement… I am eager to continue assisting with it if allowed.
Thank you for your consideration, Master.
~~~
Satisfied with his request, Lassim pressed send on the disc, the message vanishing as it transferred directly to Sect Master Volten.
The response was quick and was returned after just a few moments. Lassim opened the buzzing notification eagerly, his eyes scanning the words.
~~~
Disciple,
I am glad to hear about your progress.
You have my permission to extend your stay with Rlyis and Eno, and I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity.
However, be warned about how long you take for this extended period—the Elder Summit is approaching, and I will exempt you from the required missions for the next year, but will expect you to present your progress. This year’s summit will include a grand tournament, where the personal disciples from across the sect, including the Demi-Human Elder’s students within the sect, will gather.
I want you to demonstrate not only your strength but the full scope of your new skills in the competitions. Show the world what it means to be my, The Defiant Fist’s, disciple. Seize this chance to prove yourself among the finest. You have one year to prepare.
Good luck
Volten
~~~
Lassim’s excitement grew, but he was also surprised reading the new moniker and title he’d announced himself in. He wondered where they came from, but it seemed important that he remember it for the future.
Also, he had repeatedly heard of the Elder Summit from the previous missions and Elders and City Managers that he’d met so far, but a tournament—this was the first he had heard of such an event.
And from the way his master spoke, it was clear that Lassim was expected to participate, representing Volten for some sort of bragging rights.
A year.
He had one year of no other responsibilities except to hone his skills, to master not only his combat abilities but also the intricate art of arrays. The word ’competitions’ made him instantly think it wouldn’t only be battles he’d need to participate in.
One year felt both like an endless span of time and an impossibly short window. But if he had Rlyis and Eno to guide him, he knew he could make every day count with learning arrays and possibly finish early to still make it to the Tempest’s Cradle.
Rlyis noticed the look of determination in his eyes as he refocused on the clock in front of him. "Good news, I assume?" she asked.
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"Yes, very good news," Lassim replied, his tone filled with purpose. "I’ll be staying on a bit longer. Sect Master Volten has also informed me that I will participate in the competitions at the Elder Summit next year. He expects me to make a name for myself on his behalf there."
Rlyis’s eyes gleamed with interest. "A tournament? Oh, I wonder what the reason for adding one this year is for. We’ve done a few in the past but it’s rare for the summit to host such events. It sounds like your master has high expectations for you."
Lassim nodded, feeling the extra responsibility settle somewhat on his shoulders.
Rlyis regarded him thoughtfully, "In that case, we won’t waste any time. If you’re going to represent the Sect Master, we’ll need to work harder and study faster to master more than just the basics in a single year. You’ll also be representing the Lightning construct division and we can’t have you losing! Eno and I shall see to it that you have every opportunity to kick some ass."