Aozaki Aoko Case File [474] (Patreon)

“So, you meeting us might be a coincidence, or maybe fate, right?” Edgin asked.

“Who knows?” Aoko shrugged. “Doesn’t make a difference to us. Personally, I think Mystra just picked something random as a test for me. Faerûn is full of messes.”

“I actually think it’s a good thing,” Simon said. “Have you considered: since Sofina is Szass Tam’s subordinate, and Szass Tam is a lich—what about Sofina?”

“That’s a good question,” Xenk nodded. “The Horn of Resurrection turned most of Thay’s people into undead, but Sofina was already a Red Wizard under Szass Tam before that, so she might also be a lich.”

“So now that Aoko is a cleric of Mystra, she also gets abilities against undead,” Simon said happily. “That increases our odds against her!”

“I should remind you, my cleric level is only 1,” Aoko said a bit awkwardly. “So defeating Sofina will mostly depend on my magic. Level 1 cleric is better than nothing, but only just.”

“Still better than nothing!” Edgin said optimistically. “Besides, we still have Simon and his Helmet of disjunction!”

“About that helmet, I haven’t…” Simon started, but Edgin’s encouragement cut him off.

“Based on the Thayan assassins we’ve already encountered, I think we’ll have more enemies than just Sofina,” Aoko continued. “Mystra wouldn’t consider dealing with Sofina a real test when we have someone like Xenk, a high-level paladin, with us. She might expect we’ll face a small army in Neverwinter.”

“No way…” Edgin said, sweating a little. “Fighting an army head-on is not a good idea…”

“It’s definitely possible,” Xenk frowned. “If that’s the case, I’ll need to contact the Harpers. They’ll definitely help if Bane is involved.”

“We might have some unexpected allies too,” Aoko mused. “What do you think about Bernard?”

“The iron lumps on the top floor?” Holga raised an eyebrow. “They’re tough for sure, but can you really convince them to leave the tower with us?”

“Not convince,” Aoko corrected Holga, showing the ring on her finger. “As long as I wear this, Bernard and the other constructs will let me reprogram them.”

“Who even understands what you’re talking about?” Edgin spread his hands. “Just tell us how long it’ll take. The High Sun Games is coming up soon.”

“I think we can split up,” Aoko said after a moment. “I can use teleportation to send Xenk to the Harper stronghold, then come back to deal with Bernard and the other constructs. Afterward, we’ll meet up in Neverwinter to deal with Sofina and the Thayan army.”

“Makes sense,” Xenk nodded. “Contacting the Harpers will take some time. If we wait until you finish with the constructs, it’ll be too late.”

“I can also contact the Emerald Enclave druids,” Doric added. “We’ve always fought Forge in Neverwinter Woods, this time will be no different.”

“Great, now we have an army too!” Edgin was a bit conflicted about seeing his old Harper colleagues, but happy to have more help to save his daughter and take down Forge. “The more, the merrier!”

“In that case, take these two sending stones,” Simon said, handing two stones to Doric and Xenk. “Once you’re near Neverwinter, you can use these to contact me.”

Doric and Xenk took the stones and stood beside Aoko.

“Wait for me on the fourth floor. I’ll be right there.” Aoko slung the Staff over her back, then put her hands on Doric and Xenk’s shoulders. With a three-syllable incantation, the three disappeared from the tower.

“Well, great sorcerer Simon, you’re our magic expert,” Edgin joked. “Send us up to rest. Holga and I don’t know how to use the teleportation device.”

“I’m no magic expert,” Simon rolled his eyes, heading for the teleportation device. “I only know what I know…”

“Don’t be like that, Simon! Elminster personally wants you to get stronger. You can do it!” Edgin clapped Simon on the back. “We’re counting on you to fix that helmet. Go for it!”

Simon looked a bit deflated, but still activated the teleportation device, bringing the three of them to the fourth floor—the tower’s bedrooms.

…

Meanwhile, Aoko first teleported Xenk and Doric to the Harper stronghold at Mornbryn's Shield, then said goodbye to Xenk and took Doric to the Emerald Enclave camp in Neverwinter Woods.

Next, she rushed back to the fourth floor of the tower, where Holga and Edgin were sitting, maintaining their weapons. They looked up as Aoko entered.

“So fast?” Edgin exclaimed. “I thought you’d be gone for hours!”

“I’ll cast Magnificent Mansion on the top floor in a bit, so you and Holga can rest,” Aoko said wearily. “Simon, come help me. We’ll be more efficient, and you can get some wizard training in too.”

Simon was momentarily surprised but didn’t refuse. Deep down, he longed to become a great wizard like his ancestor, Elminster.

On the top floor, things went smoothly. With the authority she held, Aoko was easily allowed by Bernard to reprogram him and the other constructs. Bernard even thoughtfully found the original design notes and tools from Yrre.

This saved her a lot of time.

From the notes, Aoko learned that aside from some basic electrical engineering, Yrre had used a lot of transmutation magic and alchemy in the constructs—this fusion of science and magic reminded Aoko of Chaldea in Antarctica on Earth.

Simon studied diligently and assisted Aoko in adjusting the constructs.

Most importantly, as a sorcerer, Simon succeeded for the first time in casting a 1st-level transmutation spell, Cure Minor Wounds, as a wizard. This meant he had truly become a wizard!