Augmented Aspects: Chapter 252 A Simple Treat (Mallory) (Patreon)

Chapter 252

A Simple Treat

(Mallory)

“Dealing with someone as crazy and talented as Dr. Spiritlight does bring about a lot of problems, though I am certain that keeping her happy and content on our side is the best course of action.” Mallory stated, speaking on the record to Valanstyr Olmsteader, chief liaison officer for the guild and the Midnight Hunter’s primary voice for all dealings with the Legrand Empire.

In the past his job had been a somewhat easy affair filled with maintaining the status quo and avoiding the ruffling of any major feathers. While also providing invaluable trading opportunities for both sides.

However, in recent months, or really just this last month, Valanstyr has had more than a few gray hairs appear on his avatar, a sign of the stress he has been feeling both from within the Midnight Hunters Guild and from his primary point of contention in the heart of the Legrand Empire as one of the few trusted advisors offered diplomatic immunity.

Immunity that was very likely coming to a head here shortly if things didn’t change.

“Well, I will try to deal with things from this end, but know that this is seen as the second blatant attempt at war by Dr. Spiritlight against the Legrand Empire in as many weeks.” Valanstyr stated.

“Understood. Let me know if or when you need to be pulled out of there.” Mallory replied into the dual use visualization crystal that had been recently set up and enhanced by the very same Dr. Spiritlight. Odd that her own creation would be used to apparently talk about her recent incursion into enemy territories right behind everyone’s back.

The sad part was, while Mallory was annoyed by the headache that her antics caused, she could not blame the pixie for following her true nature.

Actually, in a way she was glad that Cass got to the kids first. As she was both faster, more covert, and seemingly able to get back before anyone was even aware anything had happened. If it hadn’t been for Cass, then Mallory was fairly certain she would now be suffering from a karmic backlash, especially after being granted a cosmic warning.

Just as Mallory had come to this conclusion on her own, things of course took a turn for the strange.

KA-BOOM!

Just as the conversation seemed to have come to an end, a violent explosion occurred from a spot northwest of her office.

Feeling the violent rumble of the ground and subsequent tremors, Mallory would have instantly thought that the base was under attack.

There was of course only one problem.

Well multiple problems.

The first and most apparent problem was the fact that the explosion happened close to the center of campus, which was inherently her domain.

Everyone knew that that was her location, that she would be adapting it to meet her new needs as she continued to grow into her new set of powers.

The only thing that was slightly off was the fact that this explosion, if Mallory’s instincts were correct, came from a spot that was off center of Cass’s actual classroom area.

Upon that realization, Mallory found herself mentally processing and being able to react to the sudden and unpredicted explosion.

“What time is it?” Mallory asked, turning to face her very pregnant girlfriend.

Gwen for her part, saw the look on Mallory’s face and then was apparently able to read the time from somewhere in her wide center of view.

“It is two past the hour.” Gwen responded.

Two minutes and already an explosion that was so devastating that it managed to shake the entirety of the base.

“She finished the joint training session, right?” Mallory asked, wondering if the explosion might have been caused by a cultivator or magic wielder who was still going at it, trying to earn whatever token system Cass had devised.

Honestly, Mallory tried to take time to understand the training that the mad genius came up with, but ultimately decided it was best that she stay out of such matters. Particularly as that mad genius always seemed to have a way of pulling Mallory in to cover for said classes once she had some modicum of understanding for some of the classes.

In fact, despite having apparent decades of work living with and progressing her bloodline, she knew she was far too inadequate to explain the Bloodline Awakening classes to anyone. Let alone be able to provide those students with a test that would help them take steps to evolve their bloodlines in some meaningful way.

“Yes, that finished a few minutes ago. I know this because Jhonny checked in with me letting me know the last students had passed their trials and that he was now heading to your class.” Gwen said.

“My class?” Mallory asked, fear suddenly gripping her as she did not want to be a teacher at all, especially not in her afterlife.

“I mean, the class you have been leading for the past few weeks.” Gwen corrected.

Mallory just glowered at Gwen, who seemed to also be betraying the idea that the Bloodline Awakening classes were somehow supposed to be Mallory’s versus Cass’s.

Realizing that this was not something to get hung up on, as Gwen wanted Mallory to have her evenings free as much as she did. Especially as the time for the wedding came closer.

Pausing for a moment, Mallory listened and realized that none of the automatic alarms went off yet, implying that what happened wasn’t so terrible.

“Maybe it was nothing,” Mallory said, her words filled with hope as she slowly let her mind relax from the strain of everything going on.

Then almost as if hearing Mallory all but tempted karma, Gwen glared at Mallory.

“What?” Mallory asked, but then she had her own question answered a moment later when the secondary alarms started going off.

“SHELTER IN PLACE. I repeat, this is not a drill. We are dealing with a Level Five Cass-Tastrophe. Shelter in place. Do not attempt to leave your dwellings. Proceed to the nearest magic resistant shelters.” A prerecorded voice began.

Hearing the message, Mallory couldn’t help but curse lightly under her breath. As the magic resistant shelters were still in the process of being created and had not been fully implemented over most of the base.

“Maybe it was nothing?” Gwen mimicked back, in that slurred way that would make anyone sound dumb.

Mallory for her part looked like she wanted to argue, but then lowered her hand as she realized she did all but challenge Cass’s ability to cause trouble.

Tingle.

At that, a second crystal began shaking within her pocket. Magical light was infusing into the crystal, causing it to awaken and provide a glowing light that was easily visible from outside of her clothing. Again, a simple toy created by Cass when she was bored, but then ultimately got rid of them noting that her actual Telepathy range was further than the crystals without repeaters. This was good as it meant that the base could use them and even mass produce them and the repeater design she came up with. Cass even went so far as to make it part of the Enchanting + class requirements when some of the students wished to work further on their enchanting skills.

Still the communications crystals were invaluable and almost paid for the expenses going into the college by themselves.

“This is Mallory.”

“We have an incident at the Bloodline Awakening Classroom.” The voice of Night Shift Lead Security officer Polston began.

“Details.” Mallory asked, closing her eyes as she had already put together those two noted details.

“Well, from what we can tell, there was apparently a prank gone wrong, then an explosion of some kind. Then finally half of the students along with Professor Spiritlight all apparently vanished.” Polston continued.

“Vanished?”

“That is correct. A few of remaining students have attempted to come out, but their energy wavelengths are off the charts.” Polston continued.

“What measures have you taken thus far?”

“We have set up security barriers, and have for the moment forced the remaining students to go back.”

“Any injuries?” Mallory asked.

“No, despite the apparent blood, Dr. Spiritlight’s Simulacrum appeared on Mr. Kujo and helped to both quarantine everyone and heal everyone while the real Dr. Spiritlight is elsewhere.”

Hearing that Mallory mentally nodded, glad that Cass’s Simulacrum was nearby. Then she realized the other part of that comment.

“She appeared on Mr. Kujo?” Mallory asked for clarification.

“Yes, at least I believe it was Mr. Kujo, while I didn’t get a chance to see everything, I assumed by the fact that this one was not extremely pregnant that it was the male Kujo.” Polston replied.

Hearing that explanation, Mallory almost wanted to stop the man before he got too bogged down on the wrong details, but then realized something.

“Wait, Mr. Kujo is there with the Bloodline Awakening particles being released?” Mallory asked.

“That is correct, the readings were so high that we thought our meters were wrong. It wasn’t until we rebooted them and saw that the readings were still off the charts that we finally sounded the alarm. Sorry, that was on me.” Polston admitted, his voice clear of concern.

“No, that is fine. Better safe than sorry.” Mallory confirmed.

“What would you like us to do for next steps?” Polston asked.

Pausing for a moment, Mallory turned to look at her very pregnant girlfriend who just waved her away.

“Just maintain the boundary, I’ll be there to inspect the situation shortly.” Mallory confirmed.

“Roger. We will be here awaiting your arrival.” Polston confirmed, and with that the glowing crystal slowly died down, causing the room to be less bright.

Pausing for a moment, Mallory looked down at the stone, then up at Gwen.

“I’m so sorry.” Mallory stated.

Chuckle.

Hearing that, Gwen paused for a moment before she started laughing wildly.

Mad cackle.

Then after a few seconds Gwen apparently fully gave into her laughing fit and began giving off a deep uncontrollable laugh.

“What?” Mallory asked, and before she knew it, she was over next to Gwen holding her and checking to see what had caused her to change emotions so quickly.

“Oh, it’s too good.” Gwen says, finally gaining control over herself after clearly trying to find through her laughing fit. A fit that was so intense that she was even now wiping away laughing tears from her eyes.

“What is?” Mallory asked.

“Her, she still got you.” Gwen stated.

“What? What do you mean?” Mallory asked clearly confused, but glad that Gwen was no longer in the near hysterical laughter that she had been in moments ago.

“Don’t you see, even when takes over the class, she still forces you to go in her stead. Oh, it is too perfect. I’d almost swear the little imp planned this somehow, if it wasn’t for the fact that I know she was trying to keep a low profile right now.” Gwen stated, while wiping away the last mana tear from her gorgeous amber eyes.

Hearing the comment, Mallory paused and then she too couldn’t help but chuckle at the realization.

“Yeah, she is good at causing trouble.” Mallory said.

Gwen just nodded, and began to relax as a wave of Healing energy flowed over her body, healing any issues that might have arisen from her hysterical laughter a moment ago and her overly extended torso.

“Go on, you have a classroom of students to save.” Gwen said, a slight smile forming on her lips.

“You’re okay?” Mallory asked.

“Yeah, I needed a nap anyways.” Gwen said, and then began to wiggle her way into a comfortable position.

Seeing her, Mallory paused for a moment then bent down and kissing her on the head left the room as gently as she could.

ZOOM.

The moment she was out the soundproof door and down the hallway Mallory was at a full sprint. Then heading forward she followed the direction of the blast, which was the path she had taken oh so often recently, while covering for Cass recently.

Honestly, Mallory almost thought she was doing something wrong when the moments before class she found herself almost wondering where she should be. Only to realize that she had been granted the night off.

Valkyrie Burn.

Mallory felt her feet gliding and creating minor burning trails as she sped her way across the center of the city and towards the Bloodline Awakening Building.

As soon as she got close, it was apparent what had happened.

Well, no, that wasn’t entirely accurate. What was apparent was that something truly magical had happened, as the building was seemingly scorched, burnt alive, and apparently healing itself as it began to seemingly heal from the damage. Damage that was caused by a massive vertical eruption, that seemed like it was contained.

With identifying the building a few other details began to come to life. First were the rows of students who all seemed to be covered in seemingly glowing green magical slime. Followed by Mr. Kujo who sat patiently on the step of the school house. Cass’s Simulacrum was there, both healing, providing silent support, and generally trying to calm down the situation.

Then a few hundred meters away, outside the glowing radius of the glowing school and glowing slime covered students was Polston and a wall of guards who were already laying down lead barriers in an obvious containment field protocol.

“I’m so sorry.” The wails of one female student could be heard.

As she cried out, both Cass’s Simulacrum and Mr. Kujo both went over to the girl and provided comfort. Cass’s Simulacrum gently pat the girl on non-slime covered parts. While Kujo apparently licked her, removing the green slime and seemingly coming to the conclusion that he liked it, as he then proceeded to use his long tongue and quickly clean off the crying student in a few swift licks.

Though apparently Mr. Kujo was not done there, as he quickly got up from his haunches and proceeded to leisurely walk into the classroom, his tail wagging happily.

“AHHH!” Multiple students cried out.

“Don’t do anything!” Penelope, ever the voice of reason shouted.

Hearing that, Mallory took that as her cue to join the party.

VWOOM!

Mallory entered the room to see an excited Mr. Kujo clearly standing taller than every student present walking up to each student who now had their backs against the wall, where Mr. Kujo proceeded to lick them all clean.

Crackle.

One student seeing the giant menacing beast, reacted on instinct and began drawing forth electrical currents to their hands.

“Don’t you dare!” Mallory hissed, going over and smacking the student’s hands so quickly that the incantation was disrupted before it even had a chance to form.

From the easy dismissal of the spell, it was clear that this was not a student that was part of Cass’s magical classes and was likely one of the students who happened to be walking by when Cass had her mass awakening event.

Mr. Kujo paused, turned to look at Mallory and the student, gave a quick sniff. Then turned up his nose.

Yes, he turned up his nose at the attempt of magic, and just went back to cleaning off the remaining students.

“I’m so sorry Dr. Spiritlight, please talk to me.” The voice of the wailing girl said, tears streaming down her face.

Pausing, Mallory saw her and then realized this was the new edition girl. The one that Cass had apparently somehow managed to start her bloodline awakening process on Tuesday. This was the girl that was part of the event that no one was allowed to talk about, where Cass even got a spell demanding that she not do whatever she did again.

“You there, what happened?” Mallory asked, then twisting her fingers she tried to remember the name of this student.

“Maranda, calm down. Dr. Spiritlight isn’t mad at you. You are talking to her Simulacrum, which is why she can’t respond to you, right now.” Penelope Tailor said, her voice calming as she went over to the girl.

Mallory paused at that statement, and then looked at the Simulacrum. A Simulacrum who was clearly pantomiming all of her gestures in an apparent excuse for why she wasn’t talking.

“Don’t let her fool you.” Mallory said, walking over to the Simulacrum, and getting close to the very same creature who had hours of conversations with her not days ago, while covering for Cass.

“I’m sorry?” Penelope asked.

“This Simulacrum, she can talk. She can carry on full conversations with you, even apparently agree to quests for the real Dr. Spiritlight. Don’t let this mute demeanor fool you, Dr. Spiritlight is a trickster through and through, and that goes doubly so for her Simulacrum.” Mallory said, raising a finger and pointing at a perfect copy of Cass, that was nearly so perfect that Mallory still had a hard time distinguishing the real one from these upgraded fakes.

Hearing that, Simulacrum Cass, crossed her heart and looked almost attacked by the situation.

“This is her Simulacrum?” Maranda, the student who had previously been bawling her eyes out asked, a note of hope filling her words.

“Yes, it should be clear, but yes. Suffice it to say, that this is a Simulacrum, had it been the real Cass, she would be talking my ear off about how it wasn’t her fault and that she could explain.” Mallory said.

At that, the Simulacrum’s eyes went wide for just a moment. And at that moment, Mallory realized that she might have just given away her ultimate trump card to Cass.

“Wait, so you mean, the real Dr. Spiritlight isn’t here?” Maranda asked, turning from Mallory to the Simulacrum.

The Simulacrum quickly changed her look of knowing to a look of calm compassion as she nodded and still playing into the mute bit just nodded as she just gently pat Maranda on the head, while releasing gentle waves of Healing energy into the girl.

“You aren’t mad?” Maranda asked.

With that the Simulacrum just shook her head, and then gently stroked Maranda’s hair.

With that gesture Maranda finally exhaled in relief.

“See I told you she wasn’t mad at the prank.” Penelope stated.

“Wait, what prank?” Mallory asked, suddenly wondering if this was all due to a prank gone wrong somehow.

“I did it, I honestly didn’t know it would cause all of this.” Maranda began, self-incriminating the way Cass normally does in Mallory’s demanding presence.

“What did you do?” Mallory found herself asking.

“I gave her a bowl of cream, you know as bribe.” Maranda stated.

“A bowl of cream?”

“Yeah, you know. Give pixies a bowl of cream so they don’t cause you mischief.”

"The only problem is that she gave her a whole bowl of whipping cream instead." Penelope interjected.

“You gave Cass granulated sugars? Cass, the being that doesn’t eat or drink anything at all?” Mallory pressed.

“Well, when you say it like that, it does sound terrible.” Maranda replied.

“Okay, so I take it she consumed this whipping cream?” Mallory asked.

“Well we kind of all pressured her into it.” Penelope said, coming to Maranda’s defense.

“You peer pressured a pixie into consuming a bowl of whipping cream, and then what?” Mallory asked.

Silence.

At that, there was a moment of silence before Penelope clearly being the senior here just gestured with her hands at the explosions and the glowing green goo covered students, and the clearly missing seats where a lot of the class was now conveniently absent from.

Seeing that this was all the answer anyone would or apparently could give her. Mallory went for the question that had been plaguing her since she got here.

“Okay, so where exactly is everyone?” Mallory finally asked.