BANG!!!
BANG!!!
"Nice shot," Nikola said.
"For a prototype, the precision is actually spot-on."
"Okay, prepare your spell, and then pull the other trigger."
"Gmerti, grant me the power of wisdom."
Okay, the first stage is done. Now, while maintaining the shape of the spell, I need to channel my mana into the magic and recite the incantation one more time for the desired form.
"Tsesi, teach me the order of your spear."
"Nox, it looks ready. Don't load any more mana; overheating could cause issues for the barrel."
I placed my index finger where the other trigger was. I could feel even the trigger starting to heat up. I focused on the target I saw on the opposite side and pulled the trigger.
As I pulled the trigger, black magic streaks gathered at the front of the weapon, then rock fragments merged into the shape of a spear and began flying toward the target.
BANG!!
As the spell erupted from the gun, a violent force slammed into my shoulder, and I found myself staring at the sky. Birds had taken flight.
"Nice shot. You pierced the target cleanly; it's obvious you're an archer."
"Nox, are you okay?" The person blocking the blinding light and reaching out a hand to me was Elandor. His hands were covered in ink stains and burns.
"Thanks, Professor. The recoil is truly terrifying, even with that much mana loaded."
"Yeah, it dislocated my shoulder the first time I tried it, but at least there isn't that much kick on the other trigger. Give me the gun, Nox, I'll take a look at something," Elandor replied.
It was a double-barreled shotgun with two hollow metal tubes and a wooden handle underneath. The most significant difference from a normal shotgun was that it had only one bullet chamber, and there was a glowing green stone at the tip of the barrel, with another identical stone on the lower part of the weapon.
I moved my arms up and down and approached Nikola, who was examining the target. Nikola was looking at the side of the target board and taking notes.
"Hmm, we might need to shrink the Ranliyum stone a bit, considering the recoil. But then, it would require loading more mana—even now, it's in a state that's difficult for most people to use. The Bloodstone bullets seem plenty powerful; maybe using a slightly larger shell would increase the bullet's stability."
"Hey Nikola, I didn't understand half of what you said, but I guess the test shot was good, what do you think?" I replied.
Stopping his note-taking to look at me, Nikola said, "Well, yes, the Bloodstone bullets specifically are working properly, but the spell shots still need a bit more tuning. How did it feel, though?"
"Besides feeling like it was going to explode in my face at any moment, the recoil was horrific. Other than that, the mana transfer doesn't feel as awkward as the first version, but there's still a forced sensation."
"What do you mean by a forced sensation?"
"How should I put it... normally, when I want mana to flow into a spell, I channel it without thinking much. In the gun, it feels like I'm taking mana with a cup and then pouring it out."
Elandor came over to us, slinging the gun over his shoulder by its strap. "You already feel that sensation when using most magical items. You'll get used to it over time. The real issue is that the entire barrel is ruined; I don't think you can fire another shot after a few more."
"Looks like sleepless nights at the drawing board await me."
"Nikola, don't ruin your mood. Even if there are issues with mana efficiency and recoil, the power and ease of use—and the idea itself—are very good." Elandor messed up Nikola's already messy hair. "You draw the draft; I'll take a look and help when I have free time."
"Thanks, Dad. I'm off then, let me put these ideas on paper while they're fresh." He ran off quickly, kicking up dust, taking his notes and the prototype with him.
"He's really taken after his mother, Gwen." He watched Nikola run for a while. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, put it in his mouth, and brought his finger close to the cigarette.
"Araferi, give me the spark."
After a dark green glow gathered at his finger, a small flame emerged. Could we use Araferi like that too? Cool. After Elandor inhaled the smoke, he looked at the sky and exhaled.
Wait, was Professor Elandor this cool? Hold on, pull yourself together, Nox; don't fall for your professor.
"Nox, how are things going between you and Alice?"
"Her memories are coming back bit by bit, and mine are too. It's still a strange situation for both of us, but the tea chats we have occasionally and Alexander's cookies are the best things that have happened to me lately."
"That's good. Alice needed support lately. So Alexander is still on his feet? That old geezer has served three generations of Quartzes; retire already."
How old was Alexander the butler? I mean, I knew he was old, but I didn't know he was that old. The man is a literal fossil.
Elandor finished his cigarette and threw it on the ground. He stared at the sky for a moment.
"Nox, I'm heading to the laboratory. What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to see Luna and Lucy. Luna hasn't been in her right mind lately; it worries me."
"Ah, right, it came up recently. Those Everroses are always dealing with shady business. Anyway, see you."
They had invited me to the bar in the city center where vampires usually hung out. What was the name? Red Dagger? No, it was something more sophisticated... "The Crimson Chalice," I think. They said the first corner after turning right from Lily's Alchemy.
I entered the building, which was decorated with pictures of wine-filled chalices. The interior was a dim bar filled with ornate silver candlesticks.
"Mr. Nox, isn't it?"
Someone in a maid outfit approached me.
"Yes. You're Emma, right?"
"Yes. Lucy asked me to show you to the table."
Emma led me to a private room a bit further from the other tables. Above the door, it said "Reserved Room." Lucy really doesn't hold back when she's in the mood for luxury.
When I opened the door of the room, Luna was sitting at the table. I could see Lucy, who was approaching her, heading towards Luna's clearly visible neck and sinking her teeth in.
"Lucy, please be a little gentle."