The Suspicions

The following morning, Mochaccino emerged from his laboratory, having dedicated the previous night to enhancing his latest creation. His electricity harnessing suit had undergone significant upgrades, its capacity to handle higher voltage and more powerful surges now elevated.

The automatic combat mode within the suit had also undergone significant improvements. Through the accumulation of vast amounts of data, it could now analyze and adapt to its opponents' capabilities, evolving into an unrivaled defense system. Today, Mochaccino's plan was to engage in a sparring session with Dark Cacao, his king, in order to put the new features of his suit to the ultimate test.

Aware of the past incident that had unfolded months ago, Mochaccino understood the necessity of being prepared to withstand any unforeseen circumstances that might arise. Furthermore, the sparring session would provide an opportunity for the suit to gather valuable data on Dark Cacao's formidable swordsman skills.

Stepping out of his laboratory, Mochaccino made his way towards the teleporter, utilizing its power to warp back to the Vanilla Kingdom. As he exited the trailer housing the teleportation device, he found himself inadvertently entering a conversation between Dark Cacao and Clotted Cream

"An unexpected visitor. Clotted Cream Cookie. What brings you here?" Dark Cacao inquired, his tone tinged with a lingering sense of distrust.

Clotted Cream's smile remained unwavering as he responded, exuding an air of politeness and admiration. "Oh, I find a good walk in the morning rather beneficial! Besides, there is much I would like to learn about the fabled Dark Cacao Kingdom! Your Majesty has managed to keep the throne for such a long time, warding off dire monsters and beasts... Your Cookies must respect you greatly. And that impressive wall! The warriors of Dark Cacao are famous for their impeccable discipline. All thanks to Your Majesty, an exemplar of wisdom and strength!" Clotted Cream said, his smile still ever-present.

"Hmm. Our warriors are strong and our blades are sharp indeed. But our main source of defense is not the wall, or the training grounds, or even the Watchers." Dark Cacao retorted, his voice tinged with caution.

"It's the Royal Scientist, the inventor of the electric field, specialized combat suits, the Cacao-Droids, and more. The power of science and the resilience of machines have guided the kingdom through difficult times, and we have made it through each challenge thus far unscathed." He continued, his wariness still apparent.

"All this time, you have been defending the continent greatly. Our own Republic owes the Dark Cacao Kingdom its safety! Yet, I cannot help but wonder... Where does the source of such great strength lie?" Clotted Cream pondered Dark Cacao's words, his gaze lingering on the sword clutched firmly in the king's grasp.

"Protecting the whole world with nothing but a sword is no simple feat, even for a great king such as yourself. Tell me, what fuels your might? Or is it... the sword itself?" His question carried a hint of intrigue.

Dark Cacao's eyes narrowed as Clotted Cream's attention fixated on his sword. "Such uncanny interest in my sword! Are you, too, tempted by its magical powers?" His grip on the hilt tightened, his voice laced with suspicion.

"...Tempted? No, not at all! I offer my apologies for causing a misunderstanding." Clotted Cream hastily clarified, attempting to allay Dark Cacao's concerns. "I was merely... curious about the secret to your land's greatness."

"Great power brings nothing but dangers and hardships of equal scale. Many a covetous gaze has been aimed at this blade, yet none have managed to wrest it from my hand."Dark Cacao warned, his grip unyielding. "You too should not try, unless you are prepared for the consequences of your actions. Do not query about this sword, for you are in no right to claim it."

"I-I... I apologize for my... intrusion. Clearly, my curiosity has clouded my judgment. I hope Your Majesty understands." Clotted Cream stammered, his head bowing low in a show of contrition. "Good day, sir. I look forward to meeting you again at the council."

As Clotted Cream turned to make his departure, Mochaccino seized the opportunity to approach Dark Cacao, his mind set on his proposition.

"Good morning, Your Majesty. If I may have a moment of your time, I have a proposal to put forth." Mochaccino began, closing the distance between them.

Dark Cacao's gaze shifted towards Mochaccino, awaiting his words. "What is it that you wish to discuss?" The king inquired, his interest piqued.

"After the council concludes today, I would like to challenge you to a friendly sparring match. for scientific purposes, of course." Mochaccino proposed, his voice unwavering and determined.

Meanwhile, Clotted Cream, feigning departure, discreetly positioned himself behind a nearby wall, eager to eavesdrop on the forthcoming conversation.

"Science, you say? It does make for an intriguing proposition." Dark Cacao mused, contemplating Mochaccino's offer. "Yet, I find myself questioning the purpose behind such a contest."

Mochaccino maintained his steady gaze, undeterred by Dark Cacao's skepticism. "There is value in training and honing one's skills, Your Majesty. It will provide me with an opportunity to assess the capabilities and limitations of my inventions."

"Furthermore, it has been quite some time since you last wielded your sword. I believe it is crucial to ensure that My Liege's combat prowess remains as sharp as it was in his prime." He explained, his voice carrying great conviction and respect.

"Very well." Dark Cacao conceded, a hint of admiration in his tone. "I shall accept your challenge, Mochaccino Cookie. I have no doubt that you possess the skill to hold your ground against my strength. Your intelligence and ingenuity have consistently proven your mettle, as they always have."

"I am truly honored, Your Majesty," Mochaccino responded, bowing gracefully. "I will make all the necessary preparations to ensure a worthy contest."

"I look forward to our match." Dark Cacao said, nodding in acknowledgement before turning his attention back to his duties, leaving Mochaccino to bask in the satisfaction of his successful proposal.

A smile played on Mochaccino's lips as he contemplated the upcoming duel. "Now, where shall I go next?" he pondered aloud, snapping his fingers as inspiration struck.

"Ah! The Wafflebot Hangar! Espresso Cookie and Strawberry Crepe Cookie are bound to be there!" With renewed enthusiasm, he hurried off towards the hangar, eager to engage with his fellow Cookies in their shared passion for innovation.

Meanwhile, Clotted Cream, still hidden in the shadows, wore a look of intrigue and surprise. "He challenged his own king? The mighty Dark Cacao Cookie, the Ancient Hero with most combat experience? A sparring match, he claims?" Clotted Cream murmured to himself, his curiosity piqued. "Well, well, this turn of events is indeed intriguing. I simply must witness how this unfolds."

"Hello, everyone!" Mochaccino's voice echoed through the hangar, drawing the attention of Espresso and Strawberry Crepe as he entered.

"Well, good morning to you too, Mochaccino Cookie." Espresso greeted, turning to face his fellow coffee Cookie. "You never fail to bring your boundless energy. It's reassuring to see your enthusiasm hasn't waned."

"Yeah, I'm glad to see that you're up and about. I can just feel that you tend to get caught up in your research sometimes." Strawberry Crepe chimed in, a mischievous glint in their eyes. "Anyway, Espresso Cookie here and I are talking about the Wafflebots! Marvels of Vanillian magichanical engineering!"

"A pioneering, innovative, state-of-the-art fusion of enchanting and technology! And I am the only Cookie around capable of keeping everything in tip-top condition! That's right!" They declared with a touch of pride.

Mochaccino's gaze swept across the hangar, taking in the sight of the impressive Wafflebots. "Impressive work, indeed. I admire the synergy of enchantment and mechanics. It takes a keen mind to bring such creations to life."

Curiosity piqued, Espresso's tone grew more earnest. "What kind of force puts them in motion? I too, am very intrigued by this machinery's functions." Espresso added, his interest in the Wafflebots being sparked by Mochaccino Cookie's words.

Strawberry Crepe's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, oh, you wanna see the schematics?!" They exclaimed, hurrying over to a nearby table. Fingers danced across the blueprints, selecting a few choice diagrams to showcase to their fellow inventors.

"Let's see... Outdated formulas... Bah, suboptimal enchanting techniques... Pshh, they could have simply utilized cream as a cooking agent." Espresso commented, reading the contents of the print before of him.

"I wouldn't put it so harshly, but yes, a lot of those blueprints are dated." Mochaccino added, his tone a little sad at the sight of his fellow Cookie's disappointment. "They're still impressive, however. Definitely a much different design and functionality than my Cacao-Droids."

"Huh? Cacao-Droids?" Strawberry Crepe asked, their interest piqued by the mention of the automatons.

"Yeah, my mechanical companions." Mochaccino Cookie said, showing off his wristwatch-like device. "I made them based on the Wafflebots of the Vanilla Kingdom, with my own unique twists, of course. This device on my wrist allows me to call upon them at will."

"Whoa, whoa, can I have a look?!" Strawberry Crepe asked, their eyes sparkling with wonder. "I just want to know what makes them so different from the Wafflebots!"

"Of course! Be my guest." Mochaccino Cookie graciously responded, lifting the intricately crafted wristwatch closer to his lips, imparting precise commands into the device. "I require a singular Cacao-Droid unit. Report to my location as soon as possible."

In an instant, the compact screen upon the watch flickered once, then twice, signaling a digital response. A brief glimmer emanated from the watch's apex before dimming.

Moments later, the resonant thuds of weighty footsteps reverberated behind the trio of Cookies, heralding the impending arrival. Within a mere minute or two, a Cacao-Droid arrived before their eyes.

The Cacao-Droid's sleek exoskeleton mirrored the aesthetic allure of a living Cookie, nearing perfection in its execution. Its luminous eyes radiated a pure shade of amethyst, clothed in ornate robes that served as an emblem of its stature.

These obsidian combat suits, expertly fashioned by Mochaccino, offered a blend of darkness and practicality, suited for any treacherous terrain.

"Huh, not much to look at, huh?" Strawberry Crepe admitted, casting a somewhat disappointed gaze upon the Cacao-Droid. "Just a robot Cookie, no weapons."

"Allow me to enlighten you." Mochaccino responded, turning towards the Cacao-Droid with a flourish. "Engage combat mode display, and showcase all weapons and gear."

In an instant, the Cacao-Droid gracefully adopted a combat-ready stance, its wrists extending sleek blades that descended towards the ground with menacing precision.

From its armored back, jetpack-like thrusters emerged, hinting at unparalleled mobility. Then, as if by enchantment, the right arm's wrist blade withdrew, yielding space for a transformation of a hand seamlessly changing into a railgun.

"And what say you, esteemed Strawberry Crepe Cookie?" Mochaccino Cookie inquired, a note of smugness lacing his words.

"W-Whoa! Concealed weapons to trick the enemy into thinking it's harmless..." Strawberry Crepe's voice trailed off, their gaze lingering upon the Cacao-Droid's impressive array of weaponry. "And it can fly, too! But what's that weapon on the right arm?"

"It is a railgun." Mochaccino explained, his voice resonating with a mix of pride and expertise. "An instrument of unparalleled accuracy, precision, and lethality. It harnesses a complex electric energy system, accumulating a potent charge that can be unleashed in the form of a concentrated, devastating beam."

"Ooh, destructive and efficient, I like it! I could use something like that." Strawberry Crepe agreed, their nod filled with genuine admiration. "The concept of gathering a certain amount of energy and unleashing it all in one go as a weapon is nothing to laugh at. Color me impressed, 35% intelligence."

"35% intelligence? What a charming nickname." Mochaccino Cookie chuckled, his amusement evident. "I must confess, I am flattered. I presume the assessment of my dough's ingredients prompted such an epithet?" He inquired, eliciting a confirming nod from Strawberry Crepe.

"Anywho, I must take my leave," Mochaccino politely explained, his voice carrying a sense of duty. "I am required to conduct Dark Cacao's weekly health examination."

With a courteous nod to Strawberry Crepe and Espresso, he bid them farewell, offering a warm smile, before turning away and departing from the laboratory. "Cacao-Droid, accompany me back to His Majesty's Campgrounds."

The dutiful automaton trailed behind its creator, its armored footsteps resounding throughout the room. The two figures seemed to vanish, leaving the laboratory behind.

However, in truth, Mochaccino leaned closer to the Cacao-Droid, his words a hushed whisper that reached only its audio receptors. "Cacao-Droid, initiate information gathering protocol. Activate audio and video recording. Target of investigation: Clotted Cream Cookie. Commence stealth mode."

"Roger." The Cacao-Droid responded, its voice devoid of emotion, resembling a mere mechanical instrument rather than a sentient being. It proceeded to stealthily retreat to the Wafflebot Hangar, infiltrating without detection.

The previously heavy footsteps had gone completely unnoticed by the present Cookies, owing to the invaluable knowledge gleaned from seasoned stealth operatives and the sound-absorbing soles of the Cacao-Droid's boots.

Spotting its assigned target, the automaton's eyes began recording, capturing the unfolding events, while its audio receptors captured every utterance.

Identifying a perfect vantage point, it found a concealed nook, utilizing its transformative abilities to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, its camouflage function rendering it virtually invisible.

"Commencing video capture." It notified its creator, as it observed the scene unfolding before its mechanical gaze. Mochaccino could view everything through his wristwatch, but paid it little heed, knowing he could review the footage at his leisure.

(Hey, creator here. I know this chapter isn't as long as it predecessors, but after a week-long hiatus, I'm gonna need some time to get back into the swing of things. I promise the following chapters will go back to their usual lengths, just be patient)

(You have my word, I don't like writing this little as much as the next person. It's my personal goal to keep at least 2000-3000 at minimum per chapter. And I'll return to my deadline of one chapter per day. Maybe two chapters per day if I'm feeling particularly motivated)