It's the sixth week of my existence on Azeroth, and I officially declare—magic rules!
I feel like Hermione Granger receiving her letter from Hogwarts. Not Harry—that guy showed an almost total lack of curiosity, at least in the movie. No, specifically Hermione, who read all the textbooks, memorized the material, and was quietly freaking out at everything happening around her.
Well, or loudly. I think my dear team took me to the mage's tower just to see my reaction. Well, I didn't let them down; I literally licked the magical golems.
They are so cool! And it's not just a robot; it's literally armor repeating the behavior of a living person, but without the person. Automatic brooms, too, by the way. It even looks cool, and when you start studying how it feels magically... I'm in total delight.
If you think about it, all these golems, brooms, and other utensils are closer to a marionette in structure. There's a control block, and there are conditional strings that move the whole construction. And no, I don't think it's the only option, but it's definitely the simplest and cheapest. The golems in the fields work on exactly these principles. And it's just amazing! I'm one step closer to creating my own workshop.
Against this backdrop, the elves and the local architecture look frankly dull and not particularly interesting. The village is small; everyone knows everyone. My team of students sticks with me partly because there's no one else; there are simply no other children our age within a radius of ten or twenty kilometers. Lifespan gets in the way.
By the way, we also have exactly one teacher who teaches writing and magic. If you want another profession, you go as an apprentice to the corresponding master. He'll take you as a student and teach you. Both of my brothers studied under the local Sarge. Actually, they work as guards. My parents—mother is a pastry chef, father is a baker. How they managed to "bake" such a small and skinny creature as me with those stats, I don't understand.
As for me, I'm an apprentice to an apprentice of the local Magister. The minimum program for people like us is magical support, creating those very tools, scrolls for golems, and so on. With talent—advancing to more serious capabilities. And a chance, in about five hundred years, to become a Magister oneself. Elves—rushing isn't the custom. Unfortunately for them, time is limited. The world doesn't stand still.
Everyone knows everyone, they live peacefully, nothing happens. Here, in Quel'Thalas. But in the world, conflicts haven't disappeared: the Farstriders under the leadership of the Windrunners are clashing with Trolls coming down from the mountains. In Gilneas—furries. In Lordaeron—Orc reservations and rowdy Orc tribes. The Dwarves have their own squabbles. It's also very lively on Kalimdor. It's just that for now, all of this is at a local level; there haven't been hordes of Undead and demons yet; it's still too early. The calm before the storm, yes.
Erm, distracting myself again. Well, I don't really like this global elven history; it's boring. I know the general synopsis from my past life, but all these intrigues of Archmages, political games... Boring. I understand that the relationships between houses and political factions are important, but they're also very tedious. Elves aren't Humans; for them, events from a thousand years ago are a matter for the current generation, at least for Magisters and other magically gifted individuals. But if you exclude the intrigues, there are interesting points. For example, how the High Elves show their attitude toward other species.
The entire history in the textbook can be divided into three major periods: the Ancient Empire, the Exodus and the Trolls, and then Humans and the relationship with them.
The Ancient Empire earns a mass of compliments in the textbook. Cities, effective rule over the world, a time of power and ambition. Flying ships, the conquest of land, sky, and the underworld. The unstoppable use of all kinds of magic. Masters who created unsurpassed artifacts using the Well of Eternity, which contained a simply staggering amount of magic. A time of revelations and creators.
But the Night Elves received so much negativity... Deniers of any progress, animal-lovers, Tree-huggers, doormats for the Green Dragonflight. Not that bluntly, but that's the gist. They haven't forgotten everything the Night Elves said and did. And how they, projecting the position of the Green ones, threatened mages with death if they didn't renounce their power. There were massacres, too. The exile was a compromise between civil war and slaughter. And the textbooks are written so that this isn't forgotten.
The Trolls also got their share of negativity and mockery, especially regarding their inability to withstand truly powerful, mass magic. There are even pictures where a Troll army is simply mowed down by a firestorm. A painted, mockingly primitive crowd, in the best traditions of a classic horde, powerless against the elements. And opposite them, elven mages in close-up, to make it clear who did it. At the same time, the attitude toward Trolls in the books is much more respectful. Their danger is acknowledged; their savagery is not just a cause for mockery but a threat.
They are dangerous, their axes are sharp, and their arrows are poisonous. They shouldn't be underestimated; on the outskirts, there's always a risk of sudden death. There are even some recommendations on how to behave. For an ordinary resident, the instruction is simple—run fast and in zigzags. For a mage, it's more interesting, but letting a Troll into close combat is undesirable.
As is forgetting about their Berserk ability. In this mode, a Troll attacks so fiercely that its muscles tear. It's painful, but it significantly increases attack speed and combat potential. Especially since Trolls are accustomed to pain, and the torn muscles will be restored by regeneration. In short, it's primarily a problem for the one being attacked. An unpleasant enemy, perfectly capable of Survival. There are no such epithets for the Night Elves.
And the third theme is Humans. Humans, ahem, are our lesser brothers. They can be very, very worthy, but in many things besides pure physical strength, they lose to elves. Except perhaps the mages of Dalaran show good results. Not least of all—thanks to the elves themselves.
There's also general information on the kingdoms, but it's really very generalized. Nothing can be done about that. There are mentions of important Human heroes, but mostly in the context of interaction with elves. The First War and Second War are not described in the textbook. There's only a small note about Orcs, and that's it, specifically within the framework of their interaction with Trolls. But there's nothing particularly interesting here either.
Of course, other races live on the continent. Ugly Dwarves, Gnome mechanics, Goblins who combine the ugliness of mechanics with greed. But simply due to geography, the chances of an average elf running into them more than once every hundred years are zero.
Right, a bit more rambling and I can get to the blueprints. The theoretical part of the exam is almost finished. The others are still writing anyway; there's time. Right now, I'm interested in, firstly, gloves. Secondly—a mech and a mechanical scout.
The gloves are straightforward: a sturdy plate construction. Tools in the slots. Or I could make a tool belt from which they fly out for work. Yes, that's better. Fix the gloves, and use magical flows to direct the tools. Fixation because I'm light. That's why I won't be able to hang too much on the gloves; it'll be too heavy or inconvenient.
The potential of this mechanism is modest, but it'll do for a start. And with the appearance of a mech or a workshop, the gloves could be adapted for defense. Magical shields, or something similar. Or just a control module for operating a larger mechanism. A control panel. Any of these options is the limit for gloves.
No, for a mobile workshop, I need a mech, and in the long run, a flying ship, an airship, or a garage. You can hang a lot of interesting things on that. There are different options for the base, too.
For example, the Goblins have a cutter, or a shredder. About five meters high, with a pair of circular saws. By the way, it seems it can be made to fly, which is useful. A mass-produced machine, but so irrational!
So. Remove all the excess, the external elements, that mock head on the "torso." It can be made lower to pass through things better and get in the way less. Move the cockpit forward, protect it with armor and a magical barrier, yes, yes. Behind the pilot's seat—meaning mine—I can put toolboxes, folding ones, for neatness and convenience. And the space on top can be used for placing tools, or weapons, depending on the situation. Let it be modular—whatever you need right now, you install. Two arms, a mount on the "roof." I could also come up with something for the sides. Move the legs forward; the stern will have a protected block for the chassis, tools, and enchantments. Lots of space is good; I can hang equipment here and here. Then if I put an air supply right here, I can swim underwater. Convenient.
Of course, in the future, even this machine will become a thing of the past if I can find the resources to create a full-fledged mobile base. But that's expensive and complicated. In short, right now it's not relevant at all. I need to start small, with the gloves and the mech.
Scout bird... On one hand, a "bird" style would be more elven. On the other hand, a jet engine would be faster. For reconnaissance, that would be relevant, yes.
"And the design needs to be changed; it's too provocative."
Yeah, design. Wider modular feet, like a bird's. Cover vulnerable spots with armor. It must not only carry many tools but also protect my carcass from sudden undead and other unpleasant individuals. A modular construction is very good. I could also install a mount under the cockpit. Но there would be limited mobility... Ahem.
I looked up at the laughter of the other students and met the master's gaze. Yes, he was the one who spoke about the design, and I only just realized it.
"I've finished everything."
And I handed over the work. The man took it but didn't leave.
"What do you think your mistake is? In these sketches?"
Erm, I don't know.
"Too limited? Do I need to add extra plates for the assembler? Or Magic Shields? Shields are definitely needed; armor isn't a guarantee these days."
Judging by the master's smile, the answer was wrong. And that's unpleasant. And anyway, this isn't the topic of the lesson. The man took the pencil and started drawing.
Sharp angles were replaced by more graceful, aerodynamic forms—but why would a mech need them? The nose plate, once a single slab, became segmented, resembling the nose of some animal. Erm? The master, seeing my confusion, explained:
"Design. Goblin mechanics are famous for their speed and functionality, that's true. Rockets, raw power, and metal. Но not for grace and reliability. Just look at our magical golems in the Magister's tower that you liked so much, then at your creation. If you want to sell your construction, you need to consider this as well. Your gloves project—show it to me."
Wait, I hadn't mentioned that.
"How did you...?"
The master's smile didn't fade.
"Your parents, of course. Your mother noted the strange decisions and asked me to check. And I see she acted correctly, apprentice. You've become too engrossed in mechanics, but you forget that those who will fund your work likely understand nothing about mechanics. But the outward appearance might interest them. As well as the capabilities. One is judged by their robe; it's strange that a girl forgot this truth."
The laughter in the background grew louder. I'll strangle them. I couldn't help but remark loudly:
"How about you write your work instead of laughing, huh? I can't build them yet anyway, not until I figure out the enchanting."
Well, take my blunt hint. The mage is openly amused.
"Not until you master the basic processes of golem-building and Artifactоrics. You're not bad with theory, but until I see practice, there will be no advanced program. Magic can be dangerous when used unskillfully; you should know that. If you handle all the basic standards in six months, I'll talk to the Magister; perhaps he'll grant you a manual on Artifactоrics. But redo the design! Presentation, young lady, is an important part of the process if you want to sell your project to sponsors. As a pastry chef, your mother could give you some advice. A lot of advice, actually. By the way, I'd suggest trying to work with a simple clay golem. It's easier to practice the necessary processes on one. Farmers make them based on scrolls, and you can participate in that."
Fine, let's say so. And yes... farmers make them. That's a hint as to where I can get the necessary knowledge, right?
"Thank you, master. And you, the brotherhood of humor, will help me with this!"
It seems to have hit home.
"DaVi, don't be dramatic. What farmers, seriously? That's boring!"
Noooo, you won't get rid of me that easily. Golem-building is practice. Clay constructs aren't particularly durable, but as a teaching aid, they're just right.
"Oh, DaVi, we get it, let's go somewhere else!"
No. I see the goal, I see no obstacles. Especially since in the evening I actually asked my mother about design. I learned a lot of interesting things. The elf was very pleased; she dragged me into her workshop and gave a lecture, which I recorded in full.
"I'm glad you finally decided to ask," she told me. No, Mom is kind, but emotional. "Every race has its own style. Buildings, costumes, weapons. Dwarf equipment will never be confused with Human or elven. The same goes for architecture, cooking. Looking at an object, you already understand what to expect from it, even if you aren't a specialist in that field. If we were in a Gnome city, pure functionality would work. If you want to reach the aristocracy of Silvermoon, your creations must combine style, beauty, grace, and functionality. You need to sell your invention. Do you understand?"
I nodded.
"Yes, although I'm not very familiar with the capital's fashion."
Mom waved it off.
"Don't worry about that. For now, it's enough for you to interest the locals; I'll help you with that, of course. Take notes."
The lecture was long, with examples. And even the fact that I ended up as an apprentice to my mother wasn't a problem at all. The information was truly plentiful and useful. And the pastries were delicious. Everyone wins: Mother got a pair of working hands, and I got food for thought and treats.
Competing with capital mages and artifact-makers is a non-trivial task. You can be as talented as you want, but the capital has its own academies, ambitious mages, and talented artifact-makers.
"So, it's not worth trying?"
Mom smiled encouragingly.
"Why not? It is. Talent can pave any road. And you, my dear, have a very good magical talent. Master Haldanir praises you. The invasion of the horde and the Troll raids left scars on the bodies and souls of our land. If your creations are useful, they will be noticed. If not in the capital, then here."
I was thinking...
"I could build a mechanical scout bird. With the help of magic, it could transmit images from its eyes. Well, once I learn a bit of Artifactоrics."
The idea was immediately approved:
"A good idea, my little one. A bird is an excellent style, very suitable for elves and Rangers. That's a direction you can think in. It can contain all sorts of mechanisms, but the style is important."
I snorted:
"I'm not little, I'm compact!"
Mom was laughing openly, but I'm thinking.
It's a good thought. Trying to charge at conservative capital geezers head-on is stupidity. But mechanic-golems or machines that can be produced relatively easily might interest the local military. Scout birds. Relatively simple but useful projects.
With renewed strength and enthusiasm, I threw myself into gaining new knowledge. And I burdened my comrades to train me.
The clay golem is a simple construction used everywhere. Not particularly strong, not particularly flexible, but it's not demanding at all in terms of resources. Except that after the sculpting, you'll be covered in clay, but it's still fun. And the resulting fighter is quite clumsy. But as a teaching aid—it's exactly what's needed. You can mold it however you like, as far as your imagination goes.
Using these golems as an example, they explained to me how it should work. Magic! Literally. No, there are standard seals written on paper and placed in the golem's mouth, but the rest is pure imagination or one's own understanding of how to act. Whatever you taught the golem, that's what it will do. There are several standard scripts for different chassis, but the skills themselves are a product of raw magic. Essentially, you fantasize about how the golem will move, the magic records it and makes the construct copy the movements.
Which means, with a chassis template, I'll be able to create something simple but moving practically from scratch. By the textbook, I won't deny it. But I'll be able to do it! This is literally what enchanters do, supplying farmers with scrolls.
After that, the next day, we entrenched ourselves on the training ground with the other long-eared lot. We molded small figurines of golems, about thirty centimeters tall (using pre-obtained control scrolls), and used various things with them.
Controlling them like marionettes using magical flows (not the best method; another mage can disrupt direct control, and you have to concentrate). Sparring using golems, using pre-planned movements. I didn't even lose. Third place after two boys is also a result.
It's amazing! And most importantly, I'm gradually understanding how it should work and what I want.
"Thanks, by the way. I almost understand what can be done with this and how."
The group appreciated it.
"Thanks, DaVi. This is fun. And we found a sphere of magic where I beat you."
I was having a lot of fun, and the traces of clay all over my body didn't bother me at all.
"It's nothing; I just lack practice. But I understand how to build ones like these. The master was right; this is what I need."
Gradually, the chuckles and jokes died down.
"So, DaVi, you've decided to take up mechanics after all?"
I nodded.
"Even if an Orc can kick me all the way to Stormwind (seriously, they're two-meter-tall, almost square meatheads; one like that spits and your bones break. I already want to see the Human Paladins; bodybuilders will die of envy), if my mechanisms help, why shouldn't I make them? Quel'Thalas is a large kingdom."
The joke about the Orc was met with laughter, but then the fun subsided.
"So that means, DaVi, you want to leave us?"
More precisely, I'll have to if I don't want to die early. To have access to resources, to have a chance, I need connections, I need sponsors for projects. I need fame. I won't poke my nose into the capital; there are plenty of geniuses there without me. Which means I need to play the "local genius" card. The fact that I figured out how to create a simple golem using a scroll doesn't mean I know all of Artifactоrics and golem-building. Quite the opposite; I just copied it without full understanding.
But it means I understand what result I want to achieve. I need to go from "user" level to "professional" level. And for that, I need to pass all the basic magic in six months and start on Artifactоrics. Fortunately, "basic magic" is indeed basic things. Household magic, the simplest shield, simple manipulations.
When you have three friends who use such things constantly and a general understanding of the process, mastering standard magic can be done quite quickly. Practice is our best Teacher. But that's not the point right now.
"Well, I'm not talking about right now. I need to learn. And then I want to see Quel'Thalas. I don't even know what our capital looks like. If I can achieve results, it will be good for everyone. Seriously, it's not like I'm leaving tomorrow!"
But they still look somewhat sour.
"But why? Everything is fine as it is, DaVi. We have a quiet, peaceful settlement, everything works out, everything is nearby. Why go anywhere? Are you really unhappy, do you want to abandon us?" asked Silanira, my Classmate.
No! On the contrary, I want to protect you!
"If there are trolls, orcs... someone has to, right? My mechanisms will be able to help. And then your lives will be just as calm."
I'm lying, and it makes me sick. Because I know what will happen when the horde of Undead invades Quel'Thalas. Everyone will die. For a second, I imagined this town as a crypt. Cursed Land, as if draining all the colors. Kicked-in doors, broken windows, overturned stalls. Claw marks. I twitched, shaking off the vision.
Silanira was bewildered; she didn't notice my confusion.
"Well, I hadn't thought of it that way. Sorry, DaVi. In that light, indeed. Someone has to. Your brothers protect our city, and you too... Yes, I hadn't thought, sorry."
It really is unpleasant to lie to them. They are good peo... elves. Even if I don't always pay attention to them behind my Mechanics, it will continue to be that way. Maybe with my creations, they will have more time.
It's not certain it will help; the kingdom occupies the north of the continent, and the Undead will push from south to north, cutting off retreat routes. Leaving the possibility to escape only by air or sea. That is exactly why I want a zeppelin or its equivalent. Sea routes are too predictable. But if my transport is flying, that's a completely different matter.
And I also understand that building a zeppelin (or whatever I install in it) requires skills above average and many, truly many resources. Which I can obtain from those same Farstriders. Which means I need to establish a very good reputation as an artifactor and mechanic. In short, sorry, but I have to.
"It's alright, Silan. Besides, it's not happening today. We have plenty of time!"
Less than I'd like. Much less. And I haven't even started work on the first stage—the gauntlets. When I leave, I'll warn them, write a note. Maybe they won't believe it at first, but when it starts coming true, when news arrives of the plague in the kingdom of Humans, Lordaeron, they will have a chance.
So, where were we? On standard magic, which needs to be passed as quickly as possible! I already want to start working on the gauntlets. It's going to be a gorgeous device, I'm sure.
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