Crouching Tiger, Hidden Empress III

She used a quick Stat slap patch on herself, putting it just on the back of her neck for a minute and feeling a bit dizzy. Using them in concert with a Stat Potion would be alright as long as she sat down for the effect, otherwise there was a good chance she'd fall. As she kneeled down, another eleven stat points provided, Selene shook her head and cleared her vision. With a fast cast of [Lesser Rejuvenate], she cleared her head and nodded. That wouldn't work for the Stat Potion, or using large quantities of the patches, but at least for the first one it fixed the side effects. If she did that at least once a day, maybe twice, that was forty-four points extra. That wouldn't be too bad for the next few days while she prepared for the trip.

The dev added fifty Stat Points to Strength, temporarily ignoring Rage or Psionics for a hefty boost in physical power, but still had twenty-two points available. After the play she'd drink another Stat Potion to bring that up to thirty-three.

Indigestion no matter what. I might be able to figure out what is causing that at least even if I can't get rid of it, just to sate my curiosity. Who knows, maybe I can get some Beano made to help lower the effect from half an hour to fifteen minutes or something.

Her research stations were now linked to super computers she had custom built to help in the labs for Orlo and Turnie to run plenty of experiments at the same time. Outside the buildings looked just like the rest of the Clockwork Castle, but inside the futuristic silver walls and soft glowing LED lighting eased strain on eyes, with sound from walking absorbed and high-end equipment strewn around the rooms. She slid one of each upgrade potion and the patches into one. If anything, she'd know what enzyme causes the dizziness or her stomach to get upset. If by some miracle it provided a counter to those "debuffs" then that could drastically increase her stats and skills as if it was nothing. The chances of that happening for her was slim to none though, she didn't get her hopes up.

One hundred Skill Points was added to the fifteen she still had, but quickly disappeared as she shoved them into Bureaucracy, mainly to help maintain her empire. She now knew exactly what was required for each village, town, city or larger. Garbage collection, Police, Fire Department, hospitals, water purification and plumbing, electricity if she decided it, road maintenance, tax collection, law creation and policies, even building codes and OSHA guidelines. The list went on and on, but it gave her a much better idea of how to combat issues that might arise for the city planning and upkeep. Previously, she let Juliet build the town of Glass Dale, which she did a fantastic job, but Selene had little hand in that, and that was just the construction. She felt it was time to get some knowledge on how to actually run her empire, not just letting things go how they go.

Eventually, the people in the Clockwork Empire would learn, improve and create new technology of their own. They'd move from Late Middle Ages to Renaissance, then Colonial and maybe Pre-Industrial. Knowing how to integrate new ideas and features into their daily life would help her immensely, she just hoped that she didn't create any horrible red tape to impede the people too much. Her next thoughts were actually to Dancing, Driving and potentially Zero Gravity Training. While it would take a little time to get things prepared for a spacewalk, it could be fun doing that at least once, get a feel for how big the planet was without seeing through a video screen. Driving would help in the event someone somehow invents a steam buggy instead of using horses, so she could get regulation done on where they can travel and what laws they need to abide. Dancing… was for future balls.

Amusingly, there didn't seem to be an Etiquette skill. Selene was an empress, she made her own etiquette. If someone didn't like what she was doing, she could flip them off and not even care. In her empire, if someone insulted her, she could easily have them executed, not that she would do so. There was a Manners skill, but she could already figure out what that was. Please, thank you, napkin in lap, salad forks and soup spoons, she knew most of that already. It might give her an idea of what was considered normal per era however, with certain habits changing depending on where you were. The internet was a prime example, as treating another person as, well, a person, went out the window most of the time.

Once those points were used, the last fifteen she had sitting around went into Dancing just to start it. It might help with combat, she couldn't be sure, but it did help a little with her gracefulness. Combined with Agility stat and she might be able to head down a catwalk for fashion modelling, but that was it.

I'll model in sweatpants and sneakers! That would probably elicit the same response as what I wear right now, applause, given the fact they wouldn't want to insult me… oy… as if I'd ever do that either… I don't even think I can be that thin honestly… or diet like they do… I don't know if I could give up a cheeseburger…

Tracking was another thought that slipped into her head, as it could help greatly if she got it up to one hundred or higher. Being able to find someone or something in the city she was searching for would help with the amount of foot traffic that would happen. Perks might need to be revised a little, but that was going to take a lot of computers being destroyed.

Once she finished quickly with her point expenditure, the dev headed back out as the vault doors closed up. The turrets traversed across the front of the area as she headed up to the next floor and felt the second set of doors close right behind her. While she headed back to the Valkyrja, her mind drifted to what level they were. If there were so few of them, they must gain experience at a faster rate than a mortal, as there were so many more humans than Asgardians. It was entirely possible that Hrist was leveling each time she learned something new, potentially gaining ten or even one hundred times the amount of experience as she was, given her race. While human looking, including her organs and how she lived, her body was probably different in many aspects. Her strength might have come from far denser muscles, stronger bones and maybe double or even triple the cones and rods in her eyes just to name a few changes.

The empress definitely needed to attempt to craft a new scanner, if just to figure out if Hrist had a glitchy level 100 raid boss scan or if she was really higher like she theorized.

As the women headed outside, Ash and Blue came running up to the empress with Luna hot on their heels. "Ah… you guys haven't had a chance to head out in a while, sorry. Um… well, Gold Pine hasn't seen you three in a while, wanna come with?" Ash barked in agreement as Blue didn't even wait for the offer, just jumped right into the helibot. Getting a VTOL jet bot was already in the works, at least as a personal transport to quickly get around for emergencies. The helibot would be seen by citizens sometimes, but the VTOL would be used for reaching Majesty's Grace or stealthed almost all the time. Besides, the new bladeless hover fans for the helibots would drastically improve movement anyways.

With the wolves stowed and the Honor Guards strapped in, the ladies got in themselves and sat down. Once they were situated, the transport lifted off and headed for the town, her first town. While in transit, she was already preparing the creation of the new improved scanner, with an old one already in a research station. Hopefully it would shine some light as to what levels a bringer of the slain really had. It might scare her, or it might make her feel powerful, she couldn't be sure. Hrist saw her eyes roaming the cabin as they headed towards Gold Pine, barely a ten-minute flight.

"So, Bryn, I hear you swapped places with Hrist. I take you don't want to try out the different brews they might have?" Selene asked. The blonde looked at her sister and laughed a little.

"No, that's not the reason. My sister needs a little help with communicating with mortals, and what better way to learn?"

"That's just what she had said too, almost word for word" the empress giggled out as the raven-haired woman crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her seat.

"I do agree. Just bring back some new recipes or a keg and I'll be fine. I don't suppose you might have Skuld lead the armies while all three of us head in, huh?" Bryn pointed at Selene, jokingly demanding payment for not going with her. She wasn't really ordering her around, but the empress was good natured and wanted to make sure her General was happy. Besides, the shield maiden would be taking two locations while she was away. The Valkyrja would need a chance to celebrate after.

"Will do, and… I dunno. Skuld isn't a General anymore, she's a head mistress. I don't think Antoine could handle the students by himself for the time we'll be in the city." Selene's attention was taken a little by Luna nuzzling her hand and wanting a pat, so she turned to look at her and scratch her neck. Brynhildr looked at Hrist and winked with a smirk coiling up on her mouth. The smaller of the two blushed a little and turned away from her, trying to assuage the notion she was going with the empress for anything other than protecting her and gaining social experience

The transport lowered down and landed carefully with the doors opening and a small welcoming party waiting for them. The guards stepped out first with the empress and her Generals following, clapping and bowing seen and heard by the populace as she headed towards a raised platform with some seats. The wolves followed right behind, the kids seeing Luna as a massive dog now, no longer the cute and fluffy pup she once was. It didn't stop a few of them from reaching out and trying to give them some attention, which Selene didn't really mind.

"About time you got here lass, I didn't know if you were going to agree to come" Giles said just around the corner of the platform. Despite being his empress, she quickly gave him a hug along with Abby, followed by a shaking of hands and a small hug to Stafinson. The mayor, unlike the sociopath that met a watery grave, was reliable and good to the people. He knew what was right and wrong, held his nose high without acting as if he was better than anyone else, and was friendly. The people who hadn't really seen the empress were awed by how nice she was being to those four people, and her attire. To touch king Teiyan without his express permission was inviting death. They still didn't know if it was even allowed to touch her hand or boot, let alone accidentally bump into her.

"I had to see something, there isn't exactly much to entertain quite just yet at the castle beyond books. Now, what is this play about?" she asked.

"Some story about an angel come down from the heavens and meeting some woman. They fall in love, but it somehow ends tragically. I've never really heard about it, but then of course I was never a… what's the word…" Giles said as he thought for a moment while snapping his fingers in hopes the sound would help his mind sift through his language, just to get translated to something she could understand.

"Thespian?" she asked. He pointed at her and nodded.

"That's the one. This will be the first play that was ever in Gold Pine too. I wonder how it will turn out."

"Depends on how well they've practiced, know their lines and if they have understudies for issues that arise. How big is the troop?" Abby and Giles turned around and looked at the massive wagons hidden behind the stage. There were torches being lit as evening started to come down on them, darkness causing shadows and making it slightly difficult to see some things. The curtains were closed on the stage, with ample space for what looked to be a decent size of people to stand on it. How they brought such a large stage with them on wagons seemed impressive given the technology.

"Is that stage portable or built here?" the empress asked.

"Ah! Built here, there's a carpenter that just moved in, got to work in exchange for free food. Well, beyond you of course, your majesty" Abby replied as she clasped her hands in front of her chest. That answered the question. A few spare maids were brought in another helibot to serve the dev as she would sit in her chair, bringing food and drink or providing blankets. A heat lamp was placed just over her head as it was an outside play. Benches could be seen lined up, just as if they were waiting for a speech.

Most of the town was there, with the numbers easily exceeding eight hundred now. How all of them were going to see well was beyond her, but some benches and bleachers were raised in the back. There were a few elevated platforms in the rear that had polished mirrors installed to beam light from torches down at the stage, acting as spotlights. Despite being in the middle ages, they knew how best to make sure everyone enjoyed the play. A glass of wine was provided to Selene by one of her maids, along with a small plate to eat some appetizers. Skuld was finally seen in the distance with her students following behind, their uniforms unmistakable. As she seated the aspiring knights, nobles and learned, she then slipped through the crowds to get to Selene. The students fought amongst themselves to reposition to see the empress, but she wasn't wearing her golden armor like they were expecting. All the same, she still looked regal and impressive in their eyes.

"One of these days, I'll be the one who marries her."

"You're an idiot. You really think you have what it takes to be with her? She's an empress for god's sake!"

"You're going to be jealous, all of you, once I prove you wrong. You'll see, she's going to be infatuated with me." A few boys whacked the egotistical one upside the head as they stared at the ruler of the Clockwork Empire.

Selene looked around at the town and saw things she didn't really notice before she gained Bureaucracy as a skill. Garbage collection needed to be a priority, potentially with pneumatic tubes to suck away the trash. Road angling would be needed to get rid of any puddles from raining, with drainage ditches on the sides for less maintenance and less costs for repairs. A whole sewer system needed to be fully installed other than the piping Juliet was installing in the towns and cities, with room to grow for a larger populace. A park would be needed with trees planted to help maintain morale. While these might have been incredibly innovative in the eyes of Gold Pine residents, she figured these were only a few ways to improve the quality of life for people here, to see nature without having to head into the forests, safety as well as keeping things under control. Hopefully Mayor Stafinson can handle things with Abby assisting him.

Just as it got fairly dark, with torches everywhere, the people sat down and got ready for the play. Once everyone was ready, a small head popped out of the curtains and looked at everyone before disappearing back in. There was a band of musicians on the side to provide appropriate music for the scenes. As the curtains pulled back, the spotlights were aimed carefully, but one had very weak light. Two actors came out and started to say their lines but slowed a little as the spotlights weren't allowing people to see the woman's face. The polished metal mirror was damaged a little, causing some issues.

Selene cast [Light Orb] in front of both mirrors, brightening both like the sun aiming at the actors. That gave them plenty of light to work with as an applause was heard from the people. They vaguely knew of her magical prowess, despite most of what she used being technology. The actors and actresses seemed a little worried that the empress had to involve herself in the play to make sure it went off without a hitch.

Once it was in full motion, the scenes came and went, with the wolves laying down next to the chairs that held their alpha and the Valkyrja sisters. Giles and his wife sat just next to the royal platform with Stafinson next to them. As the night started to get a little cold, the people tried to bundle up as best they could. There was a temporary pause in the play as they changed set pieces and backgrounds, which gave her enough time to craft quite a few more algae fuel powered heat lamps and have them positioned around the benches. The entire town bowed to her kindness as she made sure they all stayed warm, including a few large ones that overhung the stage to keep the actors from shivering.

(Recommended Song: The Piano Guys – A Thousand Years)

As a fight scene erupted, Hrist scoffed a little at their movements, with Selene smirking at her. "They're actors Hrist… they aren't trained. Plus, it's all a show, not really trying to hurt each other." One man acted as if a sword was impaled in his chest, reciting his lines clearly and carefully as he fell. There was a love scene in which the angel begged his lover to not go to the castle, to stay in hiding or she would be killed. Hrist watched it carefully as they spoke their lines, talking about how her life was already finite. The angel was immortal, just like Hrist was.

The raven-haired woman turned her gaze to Selene, who was intently watching them as the actress spoke as if her life was an instant in his eyes, but that meant they needed to cherish the time they had right now, together. The battle maiden knew that Selene was mortal, with her age in her thirties. With standard medicine, her life expectancy was around one hundred. With advanced medicine and technology, how long could it be extended? Two centuries? A millennium? Hrist had, in Selene's words, type one immortality. She didn't age but could be killed provided something was strong enough to defeat her. Type two was full immortality, the equivalent of a god. There were a few rare beings that she knew that had that type, capable of ignoring all attacks bar complete and utter disintegration. The gods of Asgard were now long since dead, or at least from what information they had.

What would happen if Selene died? For all Hrist knew, she'd be horribly depressed. This mortal, this woman had provided a new life for her and her sisters when at first, she was living in a decrepit temple, ready to end the young ruler's life. She had gained a new home, gotten to travel with her, see new things, a new Pegasus, even gotten to eat ice cream. New clothes, friends… a family. That could all eventually end if the woman sitting next to her became a frail old lady, white or silver hair, walking with a cane or laying on her deathbed while she, a Valkyrja, continued to stay the same, untouched by time sat by her side, watching her wither away.

That thought startled her, like a waking nightmare, as the actress kissed the angel protagonist goodbye and headed off stage for the next scene. She could see now why mortals were so interesting to gods, their lives were so small, yet they had such an incredible effect on everything around them. To miss out on seeing one of them rise to power, see what they could do before their fate threads were cut, she'd never see another person like Selene. Once she was gone, there was no guarantee the empire would continue. Hrist had seen many an empire rise and fall, either due to invasion or inner corruption. It might be possible for her to find some man of her dreams, have children and those would have new heirs to the throne. A part of that thought angered her. No man was good enough for this empress. She doubted there was anyone even close to her in power on this planet, let alone this "solar system" that the dev had told her about.

She had fought against mortals, beaten them, destroyed wizards that attempted to reach Asgard. And yet, she had seen these mortals battle against their own short lifespan, raged against the universe to show everything that they were alive, that they mattered in such a short amount of time. In one battle, she was told by her sisters of an army of soldiers knowing they were going to die, fight against a demon army just to buy time for a town to evacuate. They knew their end was coming, but did not once hesitate, not once fell back as their families would for sure perish. That bravery wasn't exactly new in her eyes, but the way they wanted to have their families continue, to live, to love, to grow, even without them getting to see their children grow up or see their grandchildren be born. The gods must have seen this, or they wouldn't involve themselves so much in mortal affairs.

The strength in such a small frail creature, to see them band together to fight against incredible odds, to win against almost impossible situations. This was the spark she was starting to see in them. If one had a vision, they could make it real if they worked hard enough, brought it to life and cared about it. Selene had built the start of an empire, waged war against an evil kingdom, gained a following not just as a great ruler, but as a goddess in their eyes… her eyes even. Healing those who needed it, protecting those who required her help; while she wasn't noble in all facets of her personality, not truly holy and good, she did her best to do the right thing. Her future thinking kept everything in check so far, kept them from losing to the abomination, found her sisters and ended the insanity of Sweet Water's mayor. It was no wonder Sigrun seemed a little surprised at the power radiating from the empress when she showed up for the ritual battle. That might have been what they sensed in heroes down on Midgard.

Her sisters were constantly having affairs with heroes. Even Odin and Freya were a little… promiscuous… with mortal men and women, she was starting to see why. This might have been the reason there was no issues serving mead in Valhalla's halls, they got to see new heroes, new mortals show up, each with a new personality and new way they lived life. They got to learn what they were missing.

Another battle erupted on the stage as soldiers fought in vain against angels while the main male protagonist questioned a captain as to the whereabouts of his beloved. Another fight broke out, with both of them moving around the massive platform, jumping over props and giving the audience a show. Hrist could relate, there's not one single army that would get between her and the empress, she'd fight through Hel alone, without anyone else assisting if she needed to, just to bring her back if the ruler to her left was stranded.

The curtains closed and opened for a background change again, with the battle maiden looking away quickly as Selene looked over at her and smiled. "Like the play so far?" she asked with a smile on her face. In the dim light, the smile seemed to act like a sun in her eyes.

"Yes, though it is… tragic…" she replied as a glass of juice was provided to the empress while some ice cream was given to Hrist. There was a plan building in her mind, though she had no idea how to bring it to fruition. She'd figure out some way of making Selene immortal, somehow. It might be possible the auburn-haired woman already knew of ways to bring about this transition, but until she knew for sure, she'd keep an eye out for any magical items, any magic or ritual, any treasure or legendary potion to bring about this change. She didn't want her to die from old age, she didn't want her to shuffle off her mortal coil. The Valkyrja couldn't bare it, potentially taking her own life if that ever happened. She now realized her attempt to kill her in the temple was a grave mistake she was grateful had failed.

Giles chatted with Selene for a little bit as the empress chuckled. "Oh! I nearly forgot" she quietly told him as she pulled from her pocket an intricate symbol showing a blacksmith working on a forge. The emblem was beautiful, with gold and silver wrapping the outside. "I wanted to ask you something. I, Empress Selene, would wish to nominate you as Guild Master for the blacksmiths of my empire. Will you accept?" she asked.

The smith was awe struck, staring at the emblem and rubbing his fingers over the top. It was incredible quality, with a small watch inserted in the top that worked perfectly. "I… don't know what to say lass…" he replied as Abby looked over his shoulder. "There are better than me though, I'm sure of it."

"Bullshit, Hrist told me about your swords you have hidden away. Even she said they were worthy of a king to have. Your quality is unparalleled."

"At least as long as I'm not being compared to yours, your majesty" he quickly replied as a smirk popped onto his mouth. She rolled her eyes up to the sky and smiled a little.

"Well… that's the exception. However, you're the best at blacksmithing, bar none. Teach others to be as good as you are, and they can travel throughout the empire to do the same as you, helping the towns and cities with repairs, crafting weapons and armor for aspiring adventurers, nobility, anything."

"I… still don't know what to say…"

"You can say yes, or you'll look like a buffoon!" Abby chided as her hand gently clasped his. He looked at her with a gleam in his eye. Then he glanced up at Selene and down at the emblem one final time, nodding.

"I will accept. I thank you, truly. I am so ever honored with this. Is there going to be a guildhall built?" he asked.

"Yes, just getting the plans ready. My construction teams are a little busy right now rebuilding Sweet Water, but once that's complete, they'll come over here to get a few more things up and built." He reached up to give her a hug, which she received and held him. "Congratulations to you, and to you for having a wonderful husband you can be proud of."

Abby was almost crying as her lower lip trembled, but Giles turned around and hugged his wife close. Due to the new job, his smithy would probably be sold, but in exchange he'd be able to live in the guildhall with his wife, along with a training building with multiple forges ready, including a master craft forge and small foundry. He would be coordinating with Skuld, along with other Guild Masters in the future. Having a council dedicated to education and economy would help immensely in the foreseeable timeline when new guilds were created. Carpentry, sewing, magic, farming, trading, everything would be controlled carefully by good guilds that want the economy to flourish, for the people to do well.

As the curtains moved back once more, they got back in their seats, ready for the final scenes to play out. The main female protagonist eventually died from old age after being saved by a small army of angels at the castle, with her soul being brought up to heaven to be with her lover for all eternity. There was crying in the bleachers as the townsfolk dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs and tissues. The curtains closed for a minute one more time before opening again and having the entire cast come out and bow to the audience. Almost as if on cue, the main female protagonist got up and lost her footing just at the end, breaking her ankle.

Selene got up from her seat and climbed down from her platform to the stand, checking the actress's leg. There was concern in the audience, but the empress quickly cast a [Heal] on the extremity, fixing the bone easily. The actress thanked her profusely, with the troop all worried it might have affected the view of the play in the empress's eyes, despite it being over now. "You did very well, I was engrossed with the play. You've all done a great job and put a lot of work into this. The sets were great too, I can see a lot of detail." They were extremely happy with how she was treating them. While she didn't know it, the troop had lost on two occasions two actors to nobles throwing temper tantrums about their performance. This ruler seemed far more understanding than anyone in Artinia by a wide margin.

The citizens of Gold Pine applauded to the troop as they bowed, this time without a medical issue arising. The troop of actors got to settle down behind the curtains and eat as the whole event slowly closed down. "I've heard they are thinking of staying here to act out other plays" Stafinson told Selene quietly.

"That's great news, it'll be nice to have some entertainment around here." The dev was glad to hear it, as not having tv, movies or anything beyond video games and books as something to keep her occupied in her free time was nice to have. Sparring with Hrist, hunts with the wolves, exercising and swimming were all normal things to do in the day, let alone check on the economy, work through any issues that would arise or complaints, check on the armies that were going to take towns and perform speeches for the new subjects of her empire. Getting a reason to travel to the towns, villages and cities other than inspecting them was great in her eyes. It also meant she'd have to build an auditorium for orchestras and operas. The people very well could move into Renaissance soon with new music and theatre to be seen. If she finally saw a cutlass, that would prove it.

"Thank you to all of our audience, thank you to the mayor of this incredible town… and thank you to the fair and glorious empress of this empire, who came to watch us. I would wish for blessings on you, your majesty, but I'm afraid you are the one who blesses others. A true goddess made flesh watches over these people" the main male protagonist shouted to everyone as he looked upon her visage and bowed again. Everyone kneeled, including the townsfolk. It seemed the religion wasn't going to be stopped now. The dev sighed a little under her breath and stood, straightened her back and tried to look as regal as she could. There was no chance of ending it anymore, it had started building throughout the empire. She just hoped it didn't get too fervent and start doing blood sacrifices in her honor.

Skuld gave Selene a small hug before heading to the students who were amazed at the empress assisting the actors, but Hrist was a little annoyed at seeing her hug the battle maiden's sister. She had yet to receive one, as she had at first thought it was for family or lovers. It frustrated her a little bit that she didn't take her up on the offer on the flagship. There might have been a way to get a hug in the future somehow, she'd just have to figure out a way to let it on that she was fine with it without letting her know about… something else…

As the people dispersed slowly to their homes, the royal team got up and walked back to the waiting helibot. It had gotten a little late, well past 10 pm when the play had ended. The women talked about the scenes that were enacted, the actors and what they liked about it as they boarded and headed back to the castle, with the wolves lying close to their alpha. Hrist seemed to have to fight for a little space next to Selene with Blue, who just really wanted to be close to her.

Once back at the castle, they headed back to their respective bedrooms with Blue wagging his tail. "Alright, you guys have too much energy, I'm going to need to take you on a hunt or something tomorrow." Luna barked at that as they ran around the empress, though they knew it was time for bed.

"May I come?" Hrist asked, seeming a little bashful though trying to hide it. Selene glanced over her shoulder and nodded.

"Of course, there's nothing that's stopping you from doing so. More the merrier. Sorry we didn't spar again today, after the hunt we can try again. You know, it could be interesting to go hunting with Liyana. I want to see one of these Eld Horns."

"That… would be nice…" the Valkyrja responded. The empress ushered the pack into her room and said good night to her General, with the raven-haired woman doing the same.

At that point, she felt like a cold shower would do some good.