Mythos Of Narcissus: Reborn As An NPC In A Horror VRMMO

With the schematic of the Skypiercer in our hands, it was time to mass-produce this deadly beauty for my carefully assembled bastioneers.

But there was a snag in my otherwise flawless plan for the development of this kind of smart-tech weapon.

Fresh water.

Converting metals and Calamity Alloys to create the Neuro Alloy required significant quantities of it, an ironic necessity in a place as twisted and chaotic as Carcosa.

Freshwater wasn't something we could simply pluck from the ground or a running stream in massive scale, and while I'd briefly entertained using dirt or sand, I quickly discovered that their structural similarity to certain Calamity materials made them incompatible as catalysts.

There was also a consideration to use the water of the sea if we ever stumbled upon a shore, though we still needed to remove the 'salt' from the 'water' before we could use it as a catalyst.

Producing water throughout ohrtending and arcane sorcery was also one of the viable alternatives, but because they carried a hint of psionic influence in their creation, the effectiveness plummeted tremendously when we used the artificially-cast water for the replacement of the actual fresh water.

"Thinking about water makes me thirsty."

"In what kind~?" Kuzunoha intruded with a mischievous smug.

"Water, obviously."

For now, water would have to do. Yet, the thought kept rolling around in my mind. I would need to work out an alternative catalyst soon if I wanted to keep Neuro Alloy production scalable in the future.

But that was a problem for later.

As Narcissus, I learned to be lazy and procrastinate my trouble away to maintain a healthy level of Sanity.

And there was no notable risk in making my confidantes think of an answer in my stead in this case.

"This level of technology is definitely similar to that an exotic rich-people armory within bustling Citadels," Verina commented to Skypiercer as she helped the making of one by being the literal heat-inducing forge. "I take back about my comment regarding the ballista back then, this over-designed pike is definitely the real money-maker."

"I take that as a compliment."

As I finalized the modifications on the last few Skypiercers, I couldn't help but admire the gleaming spearheads, standing in a row on the table like a dark forest of deadly promise.

With the final inspection complete, it was time to distribute these beautiful creations to the bastioneers.

Kuzunoha, Verina, and to an extent, Lupina, stood beside me as I beckoned the group over.

The recruits, who had spent a good amount of attention observing our work with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, gathered around in a loose semi-circle. Their eyes glinted with curiosity—and perhaps, if I'm to flatter myself, admiration.

Who am I kidding, they are definitely that of a worshiper expecting a new blessing from their god. I'm nothing but the best, after all~!

"Ladies and… ladies," I said with a smirk. "Allow me to present your new standardized weapon—the Skypiercer." I gestured to the row of newly-forged smart-pikes, the Neuro Alloy reflecting an ominous, almost ethereal gleam in the dimming light. "Designed for durability, adaptability, and," I added, "A bit of flair."

I noticed Erika's eyes went as wide as a child spotting their first Calamity Object, but positively glowing with reverence. She even mouthed a quiet "Such holiness" under her breath, hands trembling as if about to meet her one true love.

Yes, the Script's influence had left her a little… shall we say, fervent? But fervent or not, I intended to see that each of them mastered this new weapon.

I'm still worried about Erika, though.

As the new weapon was distributed amongst the bastioneers, I noticed some details in its reception.

Yora, who generally approached her duties with a calm practicality, gave her Skypiercer an appraising look, spinning it lightly in her hand as she tested its weight. Amelia examined it with a soldier's scrutiny, nodding approvingly at the balance, while Naosi and Lydia, my blacksmith and strategist respectively, looked impressed by the intricate detailing and the surface of the mysterious material.

Kara, who'd been content with sheer brute force as her combat style, smirked as she sized up the Skypiercer. "Does it stab things good, ma'am?" she asked with the kind of bluntness that only Kara could pull off.

"Very good, Kara," I said, unable to stifle a laugh. "In fact, I'd say it's capable of doing much more than just a stab." I held up my own Skypiercer as an example. "This weapon responds to your thoughts. Just focus on expanding the blades at the spearhead's base when you're in contact with the weapon, and the blades will emerge, adding a secondary slashing function that, yes, does more than just stab."

The air was thick with murmurs and a palpable excitement, and I watched as each bastioneer gripped their new weapon, ready for the promised demonstration. I decided it was high time for an exercise in wielding their new toys.

"All right, gather around. I'm going to teach you how to properly activate the Skypiercer's 'smart' feature," I announced.

I began with the basics. "Hold your Skypiercer firmly and focus on the blade. Visualize the spearhead's base expanding outward." I demonstrated, feeling the subtle hum of the Neuro Alloy responding to my intent, as though I'd whispered a secret to it. With a slight click, the hidden blades extended, transforming the Skypiercer into a deadly, crown-like spearhead of multi-bladed pike.

"Just like that. When you're in close quarters, you can quickly transition from a thrust to a slice and defense with one command—be it thought or spoken word."

The bastioneers took turns, some mastering the technique faster than others. Erika's zeal drove her to unlock the feature on her first try, which she managed with an audible gasp of delight. Kara, predictably, struggled at first, jabbing the weapon with brute force until I reminded her of the importance of finesse.

"Finesse," I repeated, watching her Theotech-fueled biceps ripple as she gripped the weapon, "Is the art of persuasion in weapon form. If you treat it like a club, it will treat you like an amateur."

"I'll take that advice to heart, ma'am," Kara wryly smiled.

After some time, each recruit managed to successfully activate the Skypiercer's hidden blades. I watched with satisfaction as they experimented with the weapon's potential, and the level of focus in their expressions hinted at an eagerness to wield it in actual combat.

With the training session complete, it was time to gather for a strategy meeting.

After all, equipping my bastioneers with these weapons would be futile without a plan to make the most of their capabilities against the relentless forces of the Ordeal. We gathered in a makeshift conference circle within the new meeting house, with strategic maps and diagrams sprawled across the table.

"Our tactics have been successful so far, but now that we have the Skypiercer, we can afford to adapt to a more aggressive stance," I began. "As always, our advantage lies in the reach and adaptability of these weapons. With the Skypiercer, we can pivot from spear formations to mid-range combat without sacrificing defense."

I pointed to the map of our bastion's surroundings. "Amelia, I want you to lead the new spear formation whenever possible. With you at the front, we'll set up a two-row structure—the first row will thrust and keep the threat at bay, holding the line, while the second row activates the Skypiercer's slashing blades, providing coverage on either side, while also preparing for a timely unified strike."

Amelia nodded, eyes sharp as she absorbed each detail. She was meticulous in her preparation, already envisioning the movements.

"In case of this scenario, Yora and Erika, make sure to position yourself on the flanks. The two of you are much faster than the rest, so you two can disrupt any enemy that tries to close in on the formation from the sides.

"The Skypiercer's lighter weight and adaptive feature should allow you to swing and cut at a faster pace than usual spears, so use it to your advantage."

Erika's face was practically glowing. "Radiant one, it's an honor to defend your bastion with such a magnificent weapon!"

Yup, I'm still not used to being subjected to this much respect.

Yora, on the other hand, gave a small nod, her expression determined but less fanatical. Good—zeal had its place, but I needed a mix of level-headedness, too.

I sincerely hope that Erika would not be the new standard of this bastion.

"For the rest of you," I continued, "your job is to create an alternating pattern when the Ordeal's forces approach. Rotate your position after each thrust or swing. This will keep the formation moving fluidly, preventing any Calamity Object from zeroing in on a single weak point."

Callista, who typically favored stealth, raised an eyebrow. "Won't that make us more vulnerable to unexpected attacks from behind?"

"Good question," I replied, tapping the edge of the table for emphasis. "That's where our rear guard comes in. Naosi and Lydia, you'll be in charge of monitoring the perimeter. Use the Skypiercer's reach and new form at all times like an umbrella and maintain a defensive stance until the formation can rotate.

"We can't always afford to have crossbow's bolts ready at all times, after all considered."

Naosi and Lydia shared a glance, each understanding the weight of the responsibility. With the added security of the Skypiercer's extended range, I hoped to prevent any potential flanking maneuvers by our enemies.

They were also significantly longer than the pikes they have before while also being lighter, this alone should increase their safety in close quarter combat.

Though, we really need to modify them to possess a feature that could shrink their length or size at will in the future, especially since we would be entering a citadel again somewhere soon.

Stay tuned to empire

The Skypiercer was definitely not a weapon with indoor in mind.

I didn't solve this issue in its creation because there was no need for it at the moment—A.K.A, we ran out of material to make the Neuro Alloy before we could experiment with more designs.

"Lastly, there's the question of close-range adaptability. Should the Calamity Objects overwhelm the front lines, I want the first row to immediately fall back and maintain a striking distance at its furthest reach.

"This will transform your weapons into defensive tools, creating a bristling wall of spikes while also slowly killing the threat."

The bastioneers nodded, murmuring their understanding. I felt a good amount of amusement watching them take in the strategy, the gears turning in their minds as they visualized the formation and planned their individual roles within it.

The addition of the Skypiercer had transformed not only their arsenal but their mindset—each of them now felt the weight of an ever-developing bastion, and we would perform this kind of strategic meeting every time we introduce new weapons and tools into our arsenal.

After answering a few more questions and clarifying the finer points of the strategies I added to their decks, I leaned back, glancing at each of them as they discussed the rest of my guidance amongst each other.

Kuzunoha and Verina would also often barge in to voice their opinion, so it was also a good bonding and communication session amongst the people in my bastion.

And it was even more enjoyable when you watch the chicks your adopted got along with one another~

As the meeting concluded and the bastioneers filed out, Verina leaned over, casting a wry smile. "Nicely done, Narcy. You've successfully got them all riled up and ready to throw themselves at whatever monstrosity awaits us tonight."

I smirked, watching the last of the recruits disappear around the corner. "Riled up is precisely what I want them to be."

With only one hour remaining until the Ordeal of the Dusk, I couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. Tonight, we'd face the nightmarish horrors of Carcosa with a new strength and a new weapon—a glint of promise in the heart of darkness.

Oh yeah, we might also want to procure more water to keep ourselves hydrated as we face the night.

We used the majority of our water supply for the creation of the Skypiercer, after all.