Chapter 112: Payment. Welcome Tuka and Liza. Enchanting by remote.

Albedo steps through first, glaive lowered, black plate armor reflecting the fluorescent office lights. The guards react immediately - two handguns rise, muzzle flashes bright in the confined space.

Bullets flatten against her breastplate without leaving marks. She doesn't flinch.

"Fuck!" One guard drops his weapon. The others freeze mid-trigger pull.

Erza flows through next, Heaven's Wheel armor bright gleaming contrast to Albedo's black, twin swords drawn. She positions herself left. Musashi enters right, katana half-drawn, eyes calculating distances. Yoruichi appears behind Derek's desk, dark clothing blending with shadows. Nova's midnight gray armor catches light as she sweeps the room with targeting systems active.

Derek's jaw tightens but he doesn't reach for his holstered weapon. "Stand down," he orders his men. Three guards lower their firearms slowly. Marcus keeps his weapon pointed at the floor, ex-Ranger discipline showing. James pragmatic expression suggests he's already calculating odds. David looks ready to charge despite the futility. Kyle backs toward the wall.

"Smart," Albedo says, wings spreading slightly.

You watch through the Gate as your beautiful combatants establish complete dominance. Derek's office, retrofitted from what looks like a department store manager's space, feels impossibly cramped with five armored women occupying it.

Shinobu steps through, golden eyes bright with amusement. Maria follows, thigh-high boots clicking against linoleum, short skirt swaying. You enter between them. Hinata and Kurumi follow, maid uniforms somehow more intimidating than expected given context.

The room is very full now. Derek stands near a wall map marked with locations across the Southwest. Papers scatter across a desk. Radio equipment sits silent.

You pause deliberately, letting silence stretch.

"Impressive work," you begin, voice measured. "Capturing multiple women with magical potential and two dimensional travelers during a zombie apocalypse demonstrates capability. Your treatment of them however was blatantly retarded to the point I question your intelligence."

Derek's expression hardens but he doesn't interrupt.

"That said," you continue, "you've been looking for a buyer. I've taken your product. It's appropriate you be paid, even for mishandled merchandise. You should have heard rumors of me as 'The Enchanter.' I'm offering Phoenix International Airport and the nearby Costco, fully enchanted, as payment. Do you need an explanation of what that entails?"

Derek processes this for three seconds. "Yes."

"Locate the Interface once the enchantments activate," you reply. "It will detail each available function. Fuel generation, structural repair, climate control, sustenance supplement at scale. Move fast and you'll control the most valuable real estate in Arizona."

His eyes flick to the wall map, then back to you. "When?"

"Within the hour." You place your hands on Hinata and Kurumi's waists, turning toward the Gate. "Consider this a lesson: cooperation yields better returns than exploitation. But mistreat captured travelers again and I'll return less diplomatically."

You step through first, guiding both maids. The combat personnel follow in reverse order - Nova, Yoruichi, Musashi, Erza, Albedo last. The Gate shimmers closed behind you.

USS Anchorage's flight deck stretches before you, Pacific wind carrying salt spray. Tuka and Liza stand near Maria, Bulma, and Nami. Your tactical team regroups, weapons lowering.

"Phase two complete," Nova reports. "No casualties."

You nod once, letting the tension drop from your shoulders. "I'm a more than a bit weirded by the lack of yelling and arguing... Regardless you all did beautifully, now I enchant the airport and gas station making him the richest warlord in Phoenix... after a moment of spying."

You cast Scrying again, this time threading it through the Telepathy Web so everyone can watch. The vision opens on Derek's office, guards still frozen, weapons lowered.

"What the hell was that?" David Torres finally speaks, voice shaking.

"Dimensional travelers." Derek walks to his desk, expression calculating rather than panicked. "At least seven of them, maybe more. Armed, armored, bulletproof. Led by the infamous man called 'The Enchanter.'"

Marcus Flynn holsters his sidearm. "You believe his offer?"

"Phoenix International Airport and the nearby Costco?" Derek pulls out a map, spreads it across the desk. "If he's telling the truth, we move now and control the most valuable territory in Arizona before anyone else realizes what's happening. If he's lying..." He taps the map. "We're no worse off than we were this morning."

James Carter crosses his arms. "He could have killed us. Didn't even threaten it."

"Because he doesn't need to." Derek's jaw tightens. "That was a demonstration. He wanted us to know he's untouchable." He keys his radio. "All units, prepare for immediate relocation to Phoenix International. Full convoy, everything we can carry."

You shift the scrying away, directing it toward the Phoenix Costco. The vision slides through emptied aisles until you find an office with a undamaged computer monitor. Perfect.

You teleport your spectral hand there and begin casting the enchantment package - Interface, Connection, Energy Conversion, Refuel, Repair, Refill, Cleanliness, Thermostasis, Vigor, Aging Reversal, Aura Ward, Lucidity, Zero-Sleep, Warding Field, Silent Field, Mana Capacity. The enchantments build methodically, anchoring into the building's structure. One hundred fifty-seven mana.

The scrying shifts to Phoenix International Airport. You locate the main terminal's operations center, monitors dark but intact, teleporting the spectral hand there. The enchantment weaves through terminals, runways, hangar structures. Another one hundred fifty-seven mana spent.

Both locations flare briefly light gold, active, stable, no mana generation yet, each sucking at the networks surplus mana until someone starts the generators to turn the lights on.

You dismiss the scrying and realize you've been standing motionless on the flight deck for nearly fifteen minutes. The sun beats down, Pacific wind carrying salt spray. Your tactical team has changed - armor and weapons stored, everyday clothing returned.

Albedo wears her elegant white dress again, wings folded discretely. Erza's back in casual pants and fitted top. Nova's midnight gray bodysuit. Rika's tactical vest over simple shirt. Sango's casual outfit. Mikasa's civilian clothes. Violet's light blouse and skirt.

Musashi stands near the edge wearing modern athletic wear. Kurumi and Hinata remain in their French maid and miniskirt maid outfits respectively. Yoruichi's still in dark comfortable clothing. Shinobu wears a simple dress. Maria's thigh-high boots and short skirt unchanged.

They're all watching you - some patient, some amused, all waiting for whatever comes next.

Tuka and Liza stand slightly apart, Riveria positioned protectively nearby. Bulma and Nami hover at the group's edge, C.C. and Robin further back.

You're surrounded by twenty-four dimensional travelers on a warship flight deck, having just enchanted two major locations in Arizona via remote casting while standing still.

Rin speaks first. "Impressive multitasking. Did they accept the deal?"

You reply to Rin, the telepathy web carrying your words to everyone simultaneously even as you speak aloud. "Apparently they're on the way to the Costco soon. Derek's moving fast to secure those locations."

Rin nods once, satisfied. "Good. He won't waste the opportunity."

"Thank you all for that performance," you continue, addressing the full group. "We might need to do it again with other captors. Overwhelming force establishes better terms than negotiation from equal footing."

Albedo's wings fold completely. "We're ready whenever needed."

You shift focus, turning toward where Tuka and Liza stand near the hatchway. Tuka's elven features show confusion mixed with exhaustion, her pointed ears twitching at sounds across the deck. Liza's reptilian tail curls protectively around one leg, scaled forearms catching sunlight.

You speak aloud while simultaneously projecting through the telepathy web, ensuring Tuka receives full translation. "I apologize that the events were rather abrupt. Things on the ship will be rather slow from here. First, please get to know your new rooms and friends."

Tuka's eyes widen slightly as the telepathic translation registers - concepts flowing naturally through magical connection. She speaks hesitantly in her native tongue, and the telepathy web translates instantly for you: "You... speak the ancient language?"

"No, intentions of words are translated by magic," you reply, letting the web handle translation. "You're safe here. No more cages."

Liza's breath catches audibly, her posture rigid. The telepathy web carries her thoughts reluctantly: Is this another trick? Masters here always say 'safe' before...

You keep your voice steady, projecting calm through both channels. "I imagine you have many questions to ask and many stories to hear. Asia, Riveria - would you please show them to their motorhome apartments?"

Asia steps forward immediately, nun habit swaying, expression gentle. "Of course. We have private rooms prepared, with beds and clean linens."

Riveria moves to Tuka's side, speaking fluid High Elven aloud that carries musical cadence. Tuka's entire body relaxes. Riveria continues speaking softly, gesturing toward the hatchway.

Liza watches this interaction with visible confusion, tail uncurling slightly. Albedo positions herself nearby deliberately, black wings visible, succubus nature obvious. Liza's eyes track the wings, the horns.

Asia extends one hand toward Liza without touching. "You don't have to answer questions today. Or tomorrow. Just rest, eat when you're ready, and know you're safe."

Liza's thoughts tremble through the web "They keep saying 'safe'..."

"Come," Riveria says gently in Elven to Tuka. "Let me show you where you'll sleep. A proper bed and privacy when you want it."

Tuka follows slowly, repeatedly glancing back at you as if expecting you to stop her. Liza hesitates longer before Asia's patient waiting finally draws her forward. Both women move toward the hatchway, Albedo trailing at respectful distance.

The flight deck feels less crowded with their departure. Pacific wind carries salt spray across everyone.

Bulma speaks first. "So. What's next? We wait for Derek to lock down Phoenix?"

"Wait for him?" you reply. "No. I'll check on Derek in a week to see if he's captured another dimensional traveler, but otherwise he isn't our problem."

You turn toward the full group gathered on the flight deck, "Now: You ladies have two women just as scared as many of you were a week ago who need worked into the group. I need to start grinding at enchanting navy vessels via scrying and teleporting this spectral hand between magic testing."

Yoruichi grins. "Back to the jet skis then?"

"You also have turns on the three jet skis to return to," you continue, voice carrying slight amusement, "and apparently never included me from watch detail and cooking rotation." You glance at Nami, then Albedo.

Nami crosses her arms, orange hair catching sunlight. "You would space out during your watch shifts. Staring at magical theory instead of watching the horizon."

"More likely distracted by all of us wanting your attention. Repeatedly" Albedo adds dryly. "Same with the kitchen, your time is unpredictable, and your hands have better places to be than in the kitchen, however much we enjoy your efforts when you have the time."

Musashi laughs outright. "Fair charges."

"Other than that," you finish, "it's back to how we were this morning. Sailing south at our luxury toward the Panama Canal, keeping our ears open and on the radios."

Riveria speaks from below deck. "Asia and I will help Tuka and Liza settle in. They'll need time before socializing with the full group."

"Good." You nod once. "Maria, can you coordinate clothing distribution? Make sure they have options beyond what they're wearing."

Maria adjusts her short skirt. "Already planned. Hinata and Kurumi will help - maid duties include hospitality."

Hinata bows slightly, miniskirt swaying. "Hai, Goshujin-sama."

Kurumi's heterochromatic eyes glimmer with amusement. "We'll make them comfortable."

C.C. moves toward the railing. "I'm taking the lead jet ski. Anyone joining?"

Sango steps forward immediately. "I'll go. Hiraikotsu is secured below deck."

Shinobu materializes beside them. "Third position, then."

Rika walks past carrying her sniper rifle toward the armory hatch. "I'll monitor radio traffic. Webb should still be receiving those eight women."

Nova follows Rika. "I'll review the reports."

Erza stretches, scarlet hair catching wind. "Someone needs to organize lunch rotation since Brad's easily distracted from cooking."

"I'll handle it," Robin offers.

The group begins dispersing naturally - some toward the jet skis, others below deck, a few remaining on the flight deck enjoying the sunshine. The organized chaos feels practiced now, comfortable.

You pull out your phone, already considering which navy ship to enchant first.

Bulma lingers nearby. "You're really just going to enchant ships all afternoon?"

"Only until I get bored, or distracted." you reply. "Each establishes the fuel network faster, and keeps me to my deal. Plus, every enchanted vessel becomes another mana distribution node."

She considers this. "Mind if I watch? I want to see how you're casting at distance."

You open the telepathy web connection to Bulma specifically, sharing your sight. "Watch this. I'll walk you through the process."

You re-cast Spectral Hand first, the translucent construct manifesting beside you on the flight deck. Pacific wind passes through it without effect. "Step one: The Spectral Hand exists in physical space but under my direct control. Creation range is about thirty feet normally, with a slow movement speed, it normally won't get more than a few thousand feet before expiring, I've cheated that range via teleportation."

Bulma's eyes track the Hand's movements as you gesture, making it drift left then right. "So you're puppeting it mentally?"

"Yep. Now I Scry a target, then teleport it where I need to remote-cast." You cast Scrying simultaneously, directing the vision toward the nearest unenchanted Navy vessel. The image resolves - a destroyer sitting in Pacific waters maybe eighty miles south. You cast Teleport on the Hand. It vanishes from beside you.

The scrying shows it reappearing on the destroyer's bridge, startling two sailors before freezing in confusion.

"They can see it?" Bulma asks.

"Same way we can. It's translucent enough most people dismiss it as a hallucination or optical illusion." You begin weaving the enchantments through the Hand's connection - Interface, Connection, Network Node, Energy Conversion, the full advanced framework. Mana flows from your reserves through the telepathic link, anchoring into the destroyer's structure via the Hand's physical presence. One hundred ninety-two mana spent in careful increments.

The ship's hull flares briefly with golden light, visible to most for only a moment. The enchantments settle, stable. Teleport the hand back, and done.

"That's it?" Bulma sounds impressed despite herself. "You just... cast through the Hand remotely?"

"The Hand acts as my physical presence. Enchantments require touch or proximity. This bypasses the limitation." You dismiss both the Hand and the scrying, turning toward where Rika stands near the communications equipment.

Rika, you project through the web, tell Webb I can enchant ships without boarding them now. I'm progressing with our deal. That destroyer eighty miles south is done - USS Chung-Hoon.

Rika nods once, already keying her radio. "Webb, this is Anchorage. Brad's upgraded his enchantment abilities to remote casting. USS Chung-Hoon is now enchanted. He'll continue systematically through the fleet."

Webb's voice crackles back after three seconds. "Confirmed. Chung-Hoon reports power fluctuations and mana generation active. How many can he do per hour?"

Rika redirects to you. You hold up five fingers.

"Approximately five vessels per hour," Rika relays. "Mana regeneration is still a limiting factor."

"Understood. Sending you the priority list now."

Bulma crosses her arms, blue ponytail swaying in the wind. "You're going to enchant the entire Navy fleet remotely while standing on a flight deck."

"While sailing toward Panama, not necessarily on the flight deck, it's just a good place to stand and focus." you correct. "Multitasking."

She laughs outright. "Capsule Corp could never scale like this. We'd need factories, supply chains, distribution networks. You just... point and enchant."

"The mana cost had a hard start and adds up, I can't do infinite work." you point out. "But yes, this scales differently than manufacturing. with airplanes generating the power and almost no distance limit, this is only limited by me repeating the enchantments on each target."

Rika receives Webb's transmission. "Priority list incoming. Twelve destroyers, eight frigates, six supply ships. Webb's organizing them geographically to minimize your travel distance."