Chapter 105: Enchanting value. Shinobu’s choice. Gate testing.

"Albedo, Rika - where are you both? Need to check on the communications monitoring," you send through the telepathy web.

"Command center," Albedo responds immediately. "Third deck, starboard side. We've been coordinating rotations to listen."

You leave the observation deck and navigate the corridors, passing by a few members. The command center door opens to reveal a converted planning room - multiple screens showing various feeds, radio transcription software running on laptops, and whiteboards covered in timelines and summaries.

Albedo sits at the main console wearing her white dress, golden eyes tracking multiple feeds simultaneously. Rika stands beside her in tactical vest and cargo pants, notepad in hand covered with shorthand notes.

"Good timing," Rika says without looking up. "We've been compiling significant developments since yesterday's broadcast."

Albedo gestures to one of the screens. "Captain Webb made a brief statement this morning at 0630 hours. He confirmed that seven destroyer captains from the attempted power-grab faction are proceeding to nearest shore facilities for crew disembarkment as agreed. No resistance reported. His exact words were 'the pragmatic path has been chosen by those who understand operational reality.'"

"Translation - Carson's faction collapsed completely," Rika adds. "We're monitoring their approach vectors. All seven vessels maintaining steady course toward designated ports."

You step closer to examine the feeds. "Any news about dimensional travelers?"

Rika flips through her notes. "Three separate survivor broadcasts mentioned 'impossible people' or 'characters from shows' in the last eighteen hours. One group in Arizona claims they encountered someone matching Yusuke's description. Another in Nevada reported a 'purple-haired woman who moved impossibly fast' - could be anyone, but the description fits several of our group."

"The pattern is accelerating," Albedo observes. "More survivors are openly discussing encountering dimensional travelers. The taboo against mentioning it is breaking down rapidly."

"There's also the detail of time, that purple-haired woman possibly was Yoruichi a month ago, only being discussed now that they won't be disregarded automatically. CDC remnants?" you ask.

"Radio silence from any organized CDC leadership," Rika says. "We're picking up scattered transmissions from isolated facilities, but nothing coordinated. Your first broadcast effectively decapitated their command structure, the zombies and survivors have done the rest."

Albedo pulls up another screen showing typed transcripts. "Several survivor communities are discussing the 'magical infrastructure' mentioned in your broadcast. Two groups have attempted to negotiate for enchantment packages through intermediaries. One community leader in Utah explicitly referenced 'the enhanced ships' and asked how to establish contact."

"The information ecosystem is shifting," Rika continues. "People are moving from denial to acceptance. Your demonstration of capability combined with Webb's public pivot gave everyone permission to acknowledge what they've been seeing."

You lean against the console, processing the implications. "The attempts to negotiate for enchantments were expected," you say. "The biggest problem being they have nothing to pay us with."

Rika glances up from her notes. "Most survivor communities are operating on barter systems. Food, ammunition, medical supplies."

"Which we don't need," Albedo observes dryly. "The enchantments generate everything essential, with surplus and push into luxuries."

"Right. But here's a different question - how many reports have there been about other humans displaying magical abilities?"

Rika flips through several pages. "Seventeen confirmed reports in the last seventy-two hours. Scattered across the western states. Most describe single instances - someone manifesting fire, moving objects telekinetically, healing minor wounds."

"And then nothing afterwards," you finish. "They can't reproduce it consistently."

Albedo's golden eyes narrow. "You've identified the pattern."

"It's obvious once you think about it. They aren't accounting for the slow mana regeneration time. Some kid discovers he can cast a fire arrow, does it twice, wears himself out completely, then can't understand why it doesn't work a third time when he tries showing his friends ten minutes later." You straighten from the console. "Magic effects are expensive. That's why I focused on enchanting from the start - maximize efficiency through sustainable low-cost effects rather than burst casting."

"So these survivor mages are functionally useless until they understand their own limitations," Rika says.

"Functionally useless by economic standard, but useful for surprises when individuals need them. They'll figure it out eventually. No need to broadcast their mistakes publicly." You turn to Albedo. "Can you relay something to Captain Webb through the secure channel?"

"Of course."

"Tell him I'm willing to negotiate with survivor communities, but they need something to pay with. The enchanted tanker deal worked because it serves a specific purpose - restarting global economy - and payment was explicitly deferred until a viable system exists. Random communities wanting enchantments need actual trade... goods or services of value to the enchantments requested."

Albedo types rapidly on one of the keyboards. "Pragmatic. Webb will appreciate the clear parameters."

"The value scale will block most of the requests properly. Also tell him to keep monitoring for dimensional travelers in trouble. I'm certain there are more captured out there - either as sex toys or slaves. Anyone with obvious abilities would have extreme value to the wrong people. They'd be confined or on a tight leash for trading or selling once communication networks stabilize enough."

Rika's expression hardens. "Like the CDC facility."

"Almost. Except now it'll be greedy warlords and opportunistic survivor groups instead of government remnants. Certain women, like Bulma are worth more than the tanker deal... certain others, I might just drop a few meteors to make sure they're destroyed without a trace."

Albedo finishes typing and hits send. "Message transmitted. Webb should receive it within minutes."

"Good." You glance at the various screens showing communications intercepts. "Anything else significant in the monitoring?"

Rika shakes her head. "Mostly routine survivor broadcasts. Resource trading, territory claims, zombie movement reports."

"Then I'll leave you both to it. Keep flagging anything important."

Albedo gives you a slight smile. "We'll maintain watch. Though I expect the anticipated contract at noon will be far more interesting than radio chatter."

"..." You groan. "I get that this is a small group of women, but just how not-secret did that become in one night."

You step toward Rika first, moving slowly enough that she can read the intention. Her dark eyes track the approach with analytical precision before she tilts her chin up slightly - permission granted without words.

The kiss is deliberate, measured. Her lips are soft but her posture stays tactical, processing the gesture even as she accepts it. When you pull back, there's the faintest curve at the corner of her mouth.

"Consistency noted," she murmurs.

Albedo watches with golden eyes as you turn toward her. Before she can offer commentary, you reach up and grip her horns firmly - not roughly, but with unmistakable possession. Her breath catches.

The kiss is deeper, more demanding. She responds with enthusiasm, her hands coming up to rest against your chest. Through the telepathy web, you send a single word directly into her mind: "Mine."

Her entire body shivers. When you break the kiss to trail nibbles down her neck, she makes a low sound of approval.

"Understood completely," she whispers, voice slightly breathless.

You release her and head for the door. "Keep rotation monitoring. Flag anything important."

"Of course," Albedo calls after you, composure already restored. "Though I suspect the next few hours will be relatively quiet compared to recent broadcasts."

The corridors are familiar now as you navigate toward the galley. The ship's ambient hum provides steady background noise. You're thinking about grabbing a soda when you spot Shinobu sitting alone at one of the smaller tables, a plate of donuts in front of her.

She glances up as you approach, golden eyes assessing. "Seeking refreshment, or seeking conversation?"

"Both." You head to the commercial soda dispenser and fill a cup with Mt.dew. "Mind if I ask you something?"

"You're going to regardless of my answer," she observes, but gestures to the seat across from her.

You sit, taking a sip before meeting her gaze directly. "If I succeed in getting a Gate to open to your homeworld, would you go?"

Shinobu's expression doesn't change, but something shifts in her eyes. She picks up a glazed donut, examining it with apparent interest.

"An interesting hypothetical," she says carefully. "Though I suspect you're asking because you believe it may become possible."

"While I'm still testing long-range teleportation... Cross-dimensional is supposed to be possible, then finding the right timeline. I'm proceeding slow and careful, there are some worlds that I bluntly won't risk trying to open portals to. Your world, if I remember correctly should be safe enough for a temporary gate home, if you're wanting to go back."

She takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully before answering. "This has been... an interesting experience. You are pleasantly charming, as humans go. The chaos has been stimulating in ways I hadn't anticipated."

"But?"

"But I would like to return," she says simply. "My world has complications, yes. Unfinished business. People who matter despite my better judgment. I am not meant to be elsewhere permanently."

You nod slowly. "Fair enough. I promise to tell you if I succeed in getting Gate to work cross-dimensionally. No guarantees on timeline."

"Appreciated." She finishes the donut and reaches for another. "Though I imagine other members of your collection will have different answers to the same question."

"My collection... Probably," you agree. "That's why I'm going around asking individually, privately."

Shinobu's slight smile suggests approval of the approach, or humor at your redirection.

"I suggest changing into a swimsuit and stealing a turn on the jet skis."

Shinobu regards you with a slight tilt of her head, considering the suggestion. "Recreation does have tactical merit," she observes. "And I suppose watching an ancient vampire on a jet ski would amuse the others."

"Indulgence is fun for everyone," you say, finishing your soda. "But without temperance they'll get bored too soon. Everyone taking turns will be good."

"And you want to see all the girls in swimsuits," Shinobu adds flatly.

"I can't deny that."

She gives you an appraising look, then stands. "I'll consider it. Though I suspect my swimwear preferences will scandalize someone."

"There's only me and the other women here, so scandalize away and pardon my drool." You leave her to decide and make your way through the corridors toward the flight deck. The morning sun is bright now, casting sharp shadows across the deck plating. Through the Gate you can see the three jet skis, but the riders have changed - Violet's been replaced by Sango, who's wearing a tight half-bodysuit that emphasizes her athletic build.

"Having fun?" you send through the telepathy web.

"This is incredible!" Sango responds, her mental voice carrying pure delight. "I've never moved this fast across water without Kirara!"

You position yourself near the Gate and begin the experimental casting. First comes Summon Monster - no specific direction, just raw invocation to see what the spell produces for you without guidance.

The air shimmers and a creature materializes on the deck beside you. It's a celestial hawk, approximately two feet tall with brilliant golden-white plumage and intelligent amber eyes. The bird preens its wing feathers, completely at ease.

"Interesting default," you murmur. The hawk cocks its head at you.

Next you cast Spectral Hand, the translucent magical construct appearing at shoulder height. Through the connection you can feel it. You begin the teleportation testing methodically.

Dimension Door first. You mentally direct the hand fifty feet forward, then port it. The transition is instantaneous, the hand reappearing exactly where intended with zero disorientation feedback.

Teleport next. You send the hand two hundred yards out over the ocean, beyond visual range. The spell triggers smoothly and through the hand's perception you can sense the water below, the spray from the jet skis in the distance. Perfect accuracy.

"Now for the risky part," you say aloud.

Gate through the hand as medium. You use the hand as the anchor point for creating the dimensional passage. The mana flows precisely as you shape it, and a shimmering doorway appears beside you on the deck, its matching exit visible through the hand's distant perspective.

You lean through.

The transition is flawless. One moment you're on the flight deck, the next you're above empty air two hundred yards out over the Pacific Ocean. The Gate exit hovers stable in space, no harm to you.

Through the web you feel surprise from several directions.

"That's new," Yoruichi sends. "You just appeared in midair."

You grin and lean back through the gate, returning to the deck. The celestial hawk watches sharply.

You stand on the flight deck, the celestial hawk perched on a nearby railing watching with amber eyes. Through the telepathy web you sense mild curiosity from several directions as you prepare the next test.

"No injuries or fatigue," you mutter to yourself, flexing your fingers. "Looks like we'll announce on-dimension teleportation as successful. Now to start testing Gate for cross-dimension."

The half-attempt at opening a portal to Rika's world flickers through your memory - that simple failure. Was it unable to pass beyond dimensions? Lack of coordinates? Do you need to specify time?

You begin the casting Gate, focusing on the mental image of Rika's world. The High School of the Dead universe - you remember enough details to construct a visualization. The mana flows smoothly as you shape the spell structure, but when you try to establish the destination, the magic simply... disperses. No feedback. No resistance. Just nothing.

"Right," you say aloud. "Try another."

Inuyasha's world next. You picture feudal Japan with demons, based on the anime and Sango's descriptions. The spell forms properly, mana channels cleanly, but again the dimensional door refuses to manifest. It feels less like hitting a wall and more like trying to grab smoke.

Fate/Stay Night. You know Rin's timeline well enough by now. Same result - perfect spell execution, zero dimensional penetration.

DanMachi. You remember enough of Orario for decent visualization. Nothing.

You're standing on the flight deck making dramatic hand gestures at empty air, feeling increasingly ridiculous. The celestial hawk tilts its head, possibly judging you.

"Having fun up there?" Yoruichi sends through the web, amusement coloring her mental voice.

"Testing cross-dimensional portals," you reply.

"How's that going?"

"I'm basically doing anime protagonist hand signs at nothing while a magical bird watches me fail."

Her laughter ripples through the connection. "Want me to come watch in person? Could be entertaining."

"As much as I'd enjoy the beautiful distraction, I'll have to pass." You dismiss the spell construct and lean against the railing. The on-dimension tests worked flawlessly - even Teleporting Spectral Hand and casting beyond normal range, sustained gates, even unsupported midair positioning. But cross-dimensional is clearly a different problem entirely.

The missing variable nags at you. Coordinates? But how do you coordinate something that exists outside your dimensional perspective? Time specification? Direction in higher-dimensional space?

The celestial hawk ruffles its feathers and takes flight, circling once before landing on your shoulder. Through the contact you sense... encouragement? The creature's presence is surprisingly calming despite your frustration.

"Yea, thanks." you tell it. "Cross-dimensional Gates need more research. Probably missing something fundamental about how to address alternate realities."

The ship's deck is warm under the morning sun. Over the edge you can see Sango has rejoined the jet ski group, her half-bodysuit showing clearly as she executes a sharp turn.