We relocate to the kitchen, sitting around a simple bar. Alcia and Elisa start pouring themselves something that looks like a mix between gasoline and tar, while Ulorn and I settle on some of his homemade apple cider.

"This is quite pleasant, Ulorn," I say. "Much more preferable to the lighter fuel Elisa drinks."

Alcia quirks a brow. "Lighter fuel?"

"I'll explain it to you later, Mom."

I start regaining my bearings, remembering that manners are a thing. As I look around, I say, "You have a beautiful home."

The absolute non sequitur does seem to land, with Ulorn replying, "Thank you, Lucius. Made it all myself." Elisa subtly rolls her eyes and starts explaining to her mother what a lighter is and why it might need fuel. Ulorn continues, trying to lighten the mood, "You might think I built it, but it is more apt to say that I grew it. Elven architecture is all about being connected with nature, coexisting as one."

I do a quick scan, running some calculations. "Quite impressive. The lumber you have utilized can withstand incredible forces. Were you actively selecting for that trait? Or was that a byproduct of your magic?"

"Oh ho ho, good eye, Lucius." He smiles proudly. "You could say it is a combination of both. The trees were specially grown, with constant nudging from myself. You see, I like to consider myself an architect, a builder, and a gardener, all three meshed into one." I nod in agreement. "How were you able to determine the structural integrity? Optics? No... Or only in part. Some type of energy interaction?" I affirm. "How accurate are your results?"

"When concerned with the physical properties of the materials, near perfectly accurate. Where my method starts to suffer is when mana comes into play—spells, enchantments. Thus far, I have not been able to detect mana unless I was personally present. A blind spot." My response puts Ulorn deep in thought.

Elisa finishes her explanation, and Alcia addresses me, "There is another reason for your visit today, right?"

"That is correct. I would like to both describe and demonstrate my capabilities to you, a representative of your nation. I would like for us to become allies, partners."

"We can arrange something. I am very interested in the extent of your technology compared to magic."

Ulorn adds, "And I can assist with examining the industrial implications."

Elisa downs her drink. "Better get ready then." The other two look thrilled at the prospect of learning more of what it is I have to offer.

When I employ a visual medium in the form of a projection, thrill turns into wonder.

***

I—with the occasional contribution from Elisa—finish up the summarized presentation and await any reaction.

Both Alcia and Ulorn were engaged and serious during, asking questions and requesting clarifications throughout, but now that I am finished, both start laughing.

Alcia turns to her husband. "How exciting, dear. There will soon be much change to our world. Even more than we have seen thus far, incomparably so. Could this even be the answer to finally taming the dungeons..."

Ulorn replies, "Not with the might of magic but with this technology." He chuckles. "From what you showed us, Lucius, I find it hard to even make a distinction."

Elisa chimes in, "You'll get used to it. And Lucius went easy on you. Wait until you learn what an Old—"

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"Ahem," I interrupt.

She groans and smiles at me. "So stingy."

"Time and place for everything, Elisa. Apologies to both of you. Elisa is privy to some... additional information. Information that would be best shared gradually." I don't think learning that I can snap the planet away with but a thought will help diplomatic relations.

Alcia huffs. "No need. I've already deduced that you are probably able to destroy the planet with much more ease when compared to the weapon that destroyed Earth."

...Okay. "I see what you meant, Elisa."

"Welcome to the club, buddy."

Alcia continues, "Instantaneous travel—with infinite range—must require enormous amounts of energy, and even if it doesn't, nearly everything you displayed does. Is it strange to conclude that that energy can be weaponized? Or that you can just divert an asteroid and wipe out life?"

I clear my throat. "I do not want to do any of those things."

Alcia waves me off. "Obviously." She starts tapping her fingers on the bar expectantly, staring at me.

I sigh. "Your deductions are correct. But having the ability to crack stars won't help with dungeon monsters."

Alcia hums. "Magic is resistant to your weaponry?"

"To a degree, yes."

Alcia hums again. "We can cover that in the practical portion. I would really like to see the interactions." She thinks for a moment and then says, "Okay." I look confused for a moment, so she elaborates, "I agree to your request. I will call for a secret meeting and officially propose you as an ally and friend of the Confederacy. After that, we will discuss the negotiations, with me advocating for your involvement."

"Really? Just like that?" I ask.

Alcia smiles viciously at me. "I hate inefficiency." The smile mellows out. "Though now that you have made yourself known to me, I have responsibilities to my fellow council and the citizens of the Confederacy. Responsibilities that need to be carried out. I will be sharing everything you have disclosed, and I will be abstaining from any votes and decisions concerning you."

"I trust your judgement, Alcia."

"The council will most likely want to question you. Are you prepared for that?"

"I..." I glance at Elisa. Her gentle smile melts away any worry. "I am."

"Good," Alcia continues, her tone much lighter. "But all of that is an issue for tomorrow. For today, why don't you two tell us how you met?"

Elisa looks away, slightly embarrassed, but still starts her explanation.

***

I am currently being jostled by a somewhat drunk elf. "—and then he just drops this on me with a casual 'Can you do me a favor, Elisa?'. Like it doesn't concern me or anything." Her imitation of my voice and intonation have improved. "Can you believe the audacity." Her parents are happily grinning at her animated retelling of events. "But we play games together, and he brings me food... So, I guess that makes up for it." I get jostled some more.

"I am happy to hear that, Elisa," I say.

While Alcia nods at my 'good points', the much more sober Ulorn directs a question at me, "Are those games from your world, Lucius?" I affirm.

He turns to Alcia, who hums in agreement. "There's some time before dinner."

Ulorn continues, "Would you mind showing us? You must know how most elves are, good entertainment to fill the time is invaluable."

Elisa exclaims with excitement at the suggestion, "Great idea, Dad! We were just about to grind for the second main quest. Perfect timing." She turns to me. "They can join, right? Go to a lower-level dungeon first?"

Alcia and Ulorn look at each other in confusion. With Alcia speaking up, "Is it a physical game, pumpkin?" She then smiles. "I don't know if I'll be any useful in a fight."

Elisa laughs and starts explaining, "Not that kind of dungeon, Mom. ...Lucius, just do the thing." I warp in an interface for each of us. Four monitors, keyboards, and mice strewn on the floor. Elisa hops off her chair and starts setting up. I help her out. "The {digital} kind of game. Like {video}, but you can control it."

With the four battle stations ready, Commander Elisa issues an order, "Snacks."

I make a sarcastic bow. "As you wish, my Liege." Satisfaction was not what I expected from her, but our little exchange earns a chuckle from the two other elves.

While I am constituting some of the best junk food Earth has to offer, Elisa is explaining what the game is and how the controls work. Finishing up with assigning characters, "Dad, you can be Nova. Mom, you are such a Blake."

Alcia asks, "Integral to the party?"

Elisa prepares for a humorous quip, but after thinking for a bit, capitulates, "Actually, yes. You are the {tank}." She elaborates, "Frontline fighter. We'll take it easy while you get the hang of it."

I am skeptical that Alcia and Ulorn will enjoy this kind of game, but this can at least be a good introduction to digital technology. We can always just watch a documentary or something if they appear bored.

***

The dinner table is filled with longing glances toward the awaiting interfaces. And I guess there's some food too. Hey, if my chances of acceptance are boosted by elves being obsessed with video games, I won't even be mad.

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