[X] Quit that job, you don't need it anymore.
[X] Practice Linker Core magic theory
The gratification you feel when you leave the job is quite satisfying. It wasn't too bad in the end, you conclude. It would have become routine if you didn't have all this other stuff going on.
Though what are you going to do with yourself now? You feel a bit aimless now that all of your basic needs have been met. It doesn't help that the 'too good to be true' radar is pinging in the back of your mind.
You have a feeling that Metatron has its own plans for you. It's kind of obvious there's an agenda for all the blustering and ham-handedness.
You distract yourself by learning the maths behind Linker Core magic. The progress goes pretty well, and you chock your earlier trouble down to stress.
"Why am I learning this theory if I can't practice it?"
It's so that when you repair me you will have a good existing grounding to learn spells.
"But what if I don't manage repair you? Then it will be a waste."
It stays quiet, presumably sulking.
You are pretty sure this is a valid concern since if there's nothing on Earth that can fix Metatron, you are down to world walking and trying to hit a jackpot.
***
Through the lessons Metatron tells you about its other forms and various abilities you could perform once its fully repaired.
One of the most basic forms of magic is shifting into my combat forms. It doesn't even need a structured spell.
The enthusiasm on display is somewhat nice to hear and engaging.
You usually don't need much more than that. Just shift me into the power sword form and stab the enemy in the head until their face melts off.
You shudder at the very descriptive imagery.
"But I don't want to kill people."
You'll probably have to at some point. Or need to use it against dangerous animals or monsters.
The device is very blasé with the value of life. You get the feeling it is from a very different culture with alien values.
"I don't feel comfortable with this violence."
I thought your local entertainment media was all about gratuitously killing people in large numbers.
"That's… let not go there." That is not a discussion you want. Enjoying action movies does not make you bloodthirsty.
My power spear form will give you longer reach if theres an issue with being closer up.
"Metatron, there is a problem with this. I don't have any sort of martial arts or melee fighting training."
You'll learn. You will have all the time in the world eventually. Don't bother with any local teachers, they are amateurs who have not fought in life threatening circumstances. A pity your soldiers fight exclusively with ranged weapons.
"About that, what if someone shoots me?"
Just fly towards them and stab them in the face.
It says that like it's the most obvious thing in the world. You feel like you're missing some context.
I am exaggerating of course, anywhere in the torso will do. The disruptive energy field will do the rest.
And leave them dead or maimed, you think to yourself.
Your barrier jacket, once properly manifested will block most threats. I doubt an airstrike will do more than a scratch and toss you around. Though I will be annoyed if you stand still and test it out. Other device holders would be an issue though I doubt they would w-
"Is there a non-lethal way, what if I wanted to take someone alive?" You stop the tangent from going further.
I guess you could use my forms in an unpowered state and bludgeon them.
You glare at him.
Oh fine, concedes Metatron.
I have some good ranged capability if you're queasy about close up killing, you just have to work harder for it.
He teaches you some basic ranged spells to round out your repertoire. Though with names that contain words like arrow, bolt and needle you are unsure about the utility. If they would drop a man without harm or make him drop from the debilitating pain of being skewered. Well you guess some kind of instant magical stun spell would be too much to hope for.
Metatron assures you that while you won't be a true artillery mage you would a decent facsimile of one in time. You just need to understand the theory to get to that point. While nice, it's clear he prefers close up fighting.
Ability Improved: Linker Core Magic Theory [Level 0 => 3]
You're in a bit of a rut now aren't you? Learning the fundamentals of a magic you can't use yet. You could take the risk and world walk or perhaps spend some money.
[] World Walk to a new world
[] Practice Linker Core magic theory
[] Insist on non-lethal methods
[] Spend money
-[] Write-in
