Chapter 16: Chapter 15: Gathered Magic

As Rose had surmised, there was indeed a “Xylomancer”, and once enough blood had been gathered, Lia was able to confirm that a similar race existed for blood. Oddly enough, it was called “Blood Mage” instead of “Hemamancer” or something similar, but “blood mage” was the far more common term, so she supposed it wasn’t that weird.

And that bumped her total number of magic types up to seven. Not all of them had finished converting, so she wasn’t sure if that was enough, but hopefully it would be. She wasn’t quite sure where she would get other magic users, and there were only about three more rat cocoons, so if this didn’t do it, she was out of luck for a bit.

But there was no use worrying over that before it happened. So, while she waited, she took some time to survey the additions Rose had made while Lia was out. She had managed to obtain around twenty foot soldiers and around ten pricklers, and that wasn’t even accounting for the rats made into magic users and still in cocoons.

Lia sent a silent prayer of thanks to the gods for sending Rose to her. Rose was far and away the best thing that had happened to Lia since she was sent to the dungeon, outstripping even Lia’s bumbling into becoming a rat queen. She was just so…efficient, and having her around to help Lia multitask and, more importantly, have someone to talk to, was everything Lia could have asked for and more.

Lia, are you alright? Rose ask, worry evident in her tone. You’ve been standing there motionless for a while.

Sorry! Lia said, jumping to attention. I was just sending my thanks to the gods.

For the fact that we were able to achieve victory with so few casualties?

Lia paused, unsure what to say, before ultimately deciding to just say what she was thinking. For you, actually. I seriously don’t know what I would do without you, it’s only been a day and you’re already absolutely vital to all of my plans.

W-what?! Rose exclaimed. Lia was sure that, if Rose’s face was humanoid and not completely covered in fur, it would be completely red. Y-you’re exaggerating, my Queen.

Not in the slightest. Lia replied. You’re already much more efficient at this management thing than I ever was.

Rose cast her eyes about, embarrassment clearly mounting. Actually, speaking of the gods, should we really be drawing their attention to us? She asked, clearly trying to change the subject.

I was thinking the same thing after I granted you sapience, but the Goddess of Life herself gave me a message and told me that, so long as we encourage the people to keep worshipping as they are currently, they won’t intervene.

Rose gave her a shocked stare. A-are you sure? She asked. I don’t mean to doubt you or anything, it just…seems contrary to everything the gods stand for. I thought they were supposed to protect the sapient races, not let them be taken over by people like us.

Once again, I thought the same. But I got a Title called “Favored of the Gods” and, it was when I was questioning that title the Goddess of Life contacted me. When she did, I knew it was her. It was like…like, well, there isn’t really anything good to compare it to, but it was like my soul knew. I’ve never felt more certain of anything in my entire life.

Lia paused. I mean, I guess that could still be the result of something super strong trying to pull the wool over my eyes, but I feel like whatever was doing that would be more at risk of being smited than me. I think, if I really was someone the gods needed to deal with before things get out of hand, I would have been hit with the divine lightning after you were granted sapience.

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I…suppose that makes sense. Rose admitted. But we should still be careful in the future.

Agreed. It’s why I’ve been careful about trying not to accidentally grant anything sapience after I found out that was a thing I can do. That and…well, I don’t want to be playing war with real people just yet. I don’t want their deaths on my conscience if I can help it.

We would gladly die for you. Rose said instantly. Do not worry about that, it would be our honor.

No. Lia replied. As much as you are fine with it, I’m not. It’s one thing when I’m sending near-mindless creatures out to fight, it’s another entirely when that creature has a soul. If I do accidently enlighten someone again, then they’re going to be taken off of active duty. I just don’t want to risk it.

You’re out there fighting. Rose argued. What makes that different?

One, I’m not doing it because someone told me to. Lia said. I’m doing it because I want to. Two, I’m the single strongest thing in this swarm right now, and three, Amelia has a way to bring me back if I die. I can’t say the same for you or anyone else.

Who’s Amelia?

Oh, right. She’s my best friend, she brought me back to life and turned me into…this after I died. She’s basically the only reason either of us are here right now.

I will be sure to thank her when I meet her, then. Rose replied

There was an awkward pause before Lia spoke up again. I’m…going to go check on the conversions, you just…keep up the good work, I guess?

As you wish, Lia.

Lia began to meander back towards where she had left the converting rats. Generally, conversions took anywhere from a minute all the way up to five minutes, and she wasn’t quite sure what dictated that. So, out of curiosity, she activated Analysis level three, to see if it had anything helpful to say.

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