The Advancements

At the Institute of Thaumaturgy, Mochaccino was busy trying to figure out a particular problem regarding himself and the Magic Candy. "Espresso Cookie. Mochaccino Cookie. I see that you two are soldiering on with your research." Clotted Cream remarked, entering the laboratory. "I assumed the former of you would be resting, seeing how you've spent many sleepless nights."

"Pardon? Ah. I am indeed resting at the moment. A brain cluttered with research can only be organized and refreshed with further research. I find this form of rest more than suitable." Espresso responded, sipping a cup of coffee. "Mochaccino Cookie, however, is tackling a rather important problem."

"And what would that be? Does it regard the Magic Candy? Or perhaps something else?" Clotted Cream asked, curious.

"In some manner, yes. But, you see, what the Magic Candy does is amplify the magic within oneself. Espresso Cookie's Coffee Magic had been greatly enhanced, as you know. However, with an individual like me, who contains no trace of magic within, the Magic Candy cannot help." Mochaccino answered, revealing a rather interesting fact about himself.

"No magic?" Clotted Cream questioned, surprised. I have heard of no Cookie not containing the essence of magic within. Are you sure?"

"Positive. My body's magical signature is nonexistent." Mochaccino confirmed, recalling the time he checked. "I only have my intelligence and knowledge, for I have never been able to harness any kind of magic. Not even the most basic of spells, regardless of what I tried."

"And essentially, if he were to create a Magic Candy that bonded with his soul, there would be no magic to amplify or use." Espresso added, explaining the problem. "A most unfortunate outcome."

"I believe I may have the solution. If I can harness the function of Magic Candies to serve as a battery, then my Power Suit would be able to use it." Mochaccino offered, bringing out his blueprints. "If it works, then by my calculations, it would amplify the suit's performance and output, making it stronger than it already is."

"Should you need the resources to accomplish this, I am more than willing to provide whatever is needed." Clotted Cream offered, admittedly wanting to see what Mochaccino could do.

"And how do you plan on doing this? I assume that, as someone with no magical energy, even with an affinity to you, the Magic Candy will not be able to have any significant effect. Aside from a few physical boosts, that is." Espresso inquired, raising a brow.

"Which is why I'll get to developing a new kind of Magic Candy that works as a battery. My suit can absorb lighting and anything that manifests like such, so if I can transform the energy of a Magic Candy into one that resembles electricity, then it can be absorbed." Mochaccino clarified, laying out the plans. "And it all starts by doing this..."

He turned to an empty receptacle, using the power suit stored voltage to zap it, filling it with electricity and changing its color from clear to a bright blue. A new Magic Candy was created, and this one let out crackling sounds, as well as some streaks of lightning being produced.

"Hm, that was easy. I didn't expect the result to happen so quickly." Clotted Cream noted, watching as the experiment succeeded.

"The easy part, actually. Now, comes the complex part... modifying my suit to hold this Magic Candy. I've been planning doing so ever since Espresso Cookie and I created the first Magic Candy. I'll place this electrified version into the chestplate area of my suit, and modify the wiring and systems to hold and automatically absorb the energy provided by the candy." Mochaccino explained, already taking the Magic Candy and leaving to the more secluded area of the Institute to take off his suit and work on the modifications.

"That will keep him busy for a while. I know just how long he can stay at his workstation, especially if it involves the Power Suit. We'd best not disturb him." Espresso stated, knowing full well.

"Noted. And, Espresso Cookie, I also wanted to talk to you regarding the mass production of Magic Candies. Mochaccino Cookie has discovered that wielders must share a common ingredient with their Magic Candy. But such a range of diverse ingredients will be nigh impossible to collect if we are to create a vast number of them. Especially now, on the brink of war." Clotted Cream brought up, bearing a serious expression.

"I would say it's for the better. Theoretically, using the wrong ingredients may result in life-threatening side-effects." Espresso pointed out, frowning a bit. "If one does not resonate with the ingredient used to nexus the Magic Candy and the host, the consequences may be dire. It is too dangerous to risk."

"Hmm... We will have to rethink our strategy." Clotted Cream hummed, a bit disappointed.

The next day, Clotted Cream had requested everyone to gather at Mansion Custard, where he intended to give an announcement. "Consul, sir. The delegation seeks an audience." Financier reported, seeing that Crunchy Chip and Wildberry had arrived.

"Hey! Busy?" Crunchy Chip greeted, sounding impatient.

"Not at all, my friends." Clotted Cream answered, a bit amused.

"Doesn't matter. Would've talked to ya even if you were busy! We're gonna get ready to take the Soul Jam back!" Crunchy Chip declared, his lack of subtlety being apparent.

"With the success of creating Magic Candies, it is time we take the Soul Jam back home." Wildberry agreed, knowing that was their objective.

"My friends. I deeply regret to inform you that we will need to continue research on the Soul Jam for just a while longer." Clotted Cream revealed, not surprised when the two got defensive.

"WHAT?! You scoundrel! I knew you were hiding something!" Crunchy Chip accused, angry.

"Allow me to elaborate. The Magic Candy created so far can only be wielded by Espresso Cookie alone. And Mochaccino Cookie, who has created a Magic Candy of his own meant for his suit. Speak of, if I may ask, where is he?" Clotted Cream started, then inquired.

"I don't know! I haven't seen him since yesterday!" Crunchy Chip replied, huffing. "What's that got to do with anything?!"

"Just asking. As I was saying, for others, the Magic Candy is simply not compatible. Our goal from the very start was to share the power of Soul Jam's power with other Cookies, was it not? Therefore, we have no choice but to continue our research." Clotted Cream pointed out, explaining himself.

"How much longer do you need?" Wildberry questioned, not wanting to wait any longer.

"I trust that it will not be long. All available resources and staff at the Institute of Thaumaturgy are dedicated to the effort." Clotted Cream reassured, hoping that it'd be done soon.

"Hey... psst! Wildberry Cookie..." Crunchy Chip whispered, looking around before turning back to the other. "What do we do?!"

"The goal was clear from the very beginning: to share the power of Soul Jam with many. Returning home with the Soul Jam now will make this impossible." Wildberry quietly explained, seeing no choice.

"The Ancient Heroes wouldn't want that... would they?" Crunchy Chip murmured, frowning.

"I believe not." Wildberry agreed, sighing a bit.

"Then I guess we gotta agree! But... let's not make it seem THAT easy." Crunchy Chip whispered, before fully turning to the consul. "AHEM! Alright, looks like there's only one answer! We'll let you keep researching the Soul Jam for now! But it needs to be kept safe! And returned in perfect condition! Not a single scratch, you hear?! Or I'll have my wolf chase you down!"

"Thank you for your understanding, my friends." Clotted Cream smiled, relieved that that was over with.

Back at the Institute, Mochaccino had managed to install the new Magic Candy into his Power Suit, putting it back on under his actual attire. He could feel the new energy coursing through the suit, which felt a bit tingly.

"Ah, Mochaccino Cookie. I see you're done." Espresso remarked, having entered the lab. "In good timing, as well. We seem to have encountered yet another obstacle in regards to the Magic Candy."

"If I may be allowed an educated guess, it's the compressed sugar, correct?" Mochaccino presumed, recieving a nod.

"Correct. Sugar has its limits... It cannot be concentrated and compressed any further. How did you know?" Espresso confirmed, then asked.

"When I was trying to install the Magic Candy, I discovered the issue with the compressed sugar. And after doing some more calculations, I figured that the problem would arise with the others as well." Mochaccino explained, figuring as such. "In my stubbornness, however, I managed to install the new Magic Candy..."

"A bit more trouble than it was worth, I assume?" Espresso chuckled a bit, amused.

"Yes. Quite." Mochaccino huffed, crossing his arms. "But, with the power of the Magic Candy, my suit has received a tremendous boost in power."

"Is that so? Then I suppose it was worth the trouble. But back to the topic at hand, we'll need another recipient to hold the power of the Soul Jam. I doubt the compressed sugar would hold for very long." Espresso stated, reminding Mochaccino of the problem.

"What if we used something instead of sugar?" One of the researchers offered, curious.

"Something harder than compressed sugar..." Another researcher murmured, pondering.

"With a smooth surface..." The first researcher added, thinking.

"And already in the shape of a sphere..." The second researcher finished, getting an idea.

"What about pearls? Pearls are perfect spheres, inherently pure and smooth. And most of all, pearls are significantly more resilient than any candy or dough." Clotted Cream brought up, arriving to the scene.

"But... pearls are very expensive. For our experiments, we'll need an almost endless number of pearls!" The first researcher protested, not sure if they'd be able to afford it.

"Leave that to me." Clotted Cream reassured, smirking confidently.

"Woah... Is the Consul rich? He's rich, right? Was he THAT rich?" The second researcher whispered to the first.

"I... that's not the point. I have an idea as to where we can find large amounts of pearls." Clotted Cream clarified. "I will be heading to Manor Oyster to request an audience with the Oyster Cookie. She's sure to be of help."

"Ah, luckily, the suit's Magic Candy chamber can fit a decently-sized pearl. Redoing the electrified candy's configuration should be easy." Mochaccino realized, figuring that much.

"What luck, thanks to your tendency to account for everything." Espresso joked, chuckling a bit.

In Manor Oyster, Clotted Cream had advised minutes prior to Oyster's arrival. "Greetings, Consul. Your request for an audience was received. I have been awaiting your arrival." Oyster's envoy greeted, having escorted the consul in. "Our Matron awaits. Please, follow me."

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Oyster asked, looking at Clotted Cream. "Matters of state must be keeping you quite occupied, and yet you have requested an audience. Or perhaps you wished for another cup of tea?"

"Indeed, I very much enjoyed the tea served during my last visit. I was wondering if I could ask for another?" Clotted Cream answered, not minding.

"Of course, young Consul. I shall have a cup of tea as well." Oyster offered, signaling to her envoy.

"Yes, madam." The envoy nodded, leaving.

"Now then, what really brought you here today? What is it you wish to discuss?" Oyster asked, turning her attention to the matter.

"To be frank, it is about Magic Candy. Espresso Cookie and Mochaccnio Cookie have succeeded in its creation, but it can only be safely wielded by the former alone. As mentioned before, ingredients used in this receptacle must resonate with the user's soul itself." Clotted Cream explained, giving the rundown. "To create exponentially more, we need a simpler solution. Magic Candies made of pearls. The pearls of House Oyster are of the finest quality, iridescent and perfect, are they not? What's more, pearls are resilient. They would be able to harness the energy of Soul Jam safely. I propose we use pearls as receptacles to house a portion of Soul Jam's power. Pearl Candies, so to speak."

"Pearls and candy, you say? It sounds breathtaking already." Oyster remarked, interested.

"Which is why I ask for your aid, Elder Oyster Cookie. The reason for my visit is to request access and usage of your House's significant supply of pearls." Clotted Cream requested, bowing his head a bit.

"Pearls are indeed magnificent things of beauty, aren't they? And House Oyster's pearls are from the clearest and deepest of waters on Earthbread. You stand to gain much if you succeed in making these so-called Pearl Candies. But what have I to gain, hmm?" Oyster questioned, bringing up the trade. "Do not take this the wrong way, but I am from a house of merchants and traders. One must make ends meet somehow."

"If we succeed in creating Pearl Candies, then the guards of House Oyster will be the very first to receive them. A Pearl legion... a force that matches the strength of the Ancient Heroes themselves. Your House will gain much power. Especially over the other eight Houses of the Crème Republic." Clotted Cream knew well what the Elders sought, he knew exactly how to appeal to them.

"To hear such a proposal from one of House Custard...! I never thought I'd see the day..." Oyster chuckled softly, smiling a bit. "You always did have a plan in mind, didn't you, young Consul? Though, I suspect you always had your reasons."

"...I merely wish to bring our world into a new era. A strong, free Republic... One that can withstand the test of time, greater than the kingdoms of old." Clotted Cream stated, determined.

"We of the sea have lived in these lands for generations. But those of butter and sugar showed up and began sauntering about as if they owned these lands. With Pearl Candies, that balance of power may shift significantly." Oyster noted, very, very pleased by the idea. "I simply cannot wait to see those silky, buttered faces turn sour. What a sight it will be. Even just a mere glimpse of such a scene fills me with anticipation! Very well, I accept your proposal. The pearls and guards of House Oyster are available for your plans."

"Thank you, Elder Oyster Cookie. You will not be disappointed." Clotted Cream promised, grateful.

Returning to the Institute of Thaumaturgy, Clotted Cream carried a chest full of the finest pearls he had bargained for. "Good news, everyone. I have procured an ample supply of pearls."

"WOW! There's so many!" A researcher exclaimed, amazed by the large quantity.

"And all in perfect condition! These must be worth a fortune!" Another researcher stated, awed.

"Find a way to transfer the power of Soul Jam into these pearls. Do not hesitate to spare any. Espresso Cookie? Mochacino Cookie? I hope these will suffice?" Clotted Cream requested, looking at the two.

"Consul... Clotted Cream Cookie, I believe we cannot." Espresso objected, frowning a bit. "May I remind you that, the ingredients used to create a Magic Candy MUST resonate with the user's soul."

"Espresso Cookie, our Republic is on the brink of war. We have no idea where or when Dark Enchantress Cookie will strike. There is no time to spare in a treasure hunt for perfect ingredients en masse." Clotted Cream pointed out, a frown forming on his own face.

"I do not wish to see my research and invention bring harm to other Cookies." Espresso retorted, crossing his arms.

"As Consul of the Crème Republic... I order you to begin creating Pearl Candies." Clotted Cream declared, taking a deep breath.

"I will not. This research is too significant to be utilized in such a manner. I cannot allow my research to be tarnished!" Espresso snapped, a look of anger on his face.

"Then we stand at a crossroads." Clotted Cream let out a heavy, almost irritated sigh. "It is nigh impossible to persuade one with such an adamant opinion. It was an honor to monitor your research and progress, Espresso Cookie. But I believe our paths diverge hereYour efforts will not be forgotten. The next phase of our experiments will proceed without you."

"Now wait just a moment. That's a rather sudden declaration." Mochaccino protested, concerned. "Harsh, hasty, and unwise. If I may give my personal advice, Clotted Cream Cookie... Allow me to attempt to convince him, we can reach a mutual agreement."

"Very well. I shall leave this task to you, Mochaccino Cookie." Clotted Cream agreed, knowing the scientist would likely be the best bet, given his history with Espresso.

"Mochaccino Cookie, you cannot be picking his side!" Espresso frowned, not approving of the decision.

"I am not picking anyone's side, Espresso Cookie. I am trying to unite two parties in conflict, for the sake of the greater good." Mochaccino sighed, shaking his head a bit. "I get your concerns, truly. I would not want to see my research be used to harm others either. But this is Dark Enchantress Cookie. A dangerous being that threatens the entire land, not just the Republic. We are at a disadvantage, especially with her armies she'll undoubtely bring along. Chances of victory will decrease even further if we are unprepared."

"You do not know what the true consequences of this research could be." Espresso pointed out, frowning a bit. "This is not like the Dark Cacao Kingdom, where everyone treats each other with utmost care and respect. In this Republic, some Elders are willing to do whatever it takes to be at the top. You know who I've warned you about. You know I could not have meant it lightly."

"I understand that, I assure you. But this is an event that could lead the entirety of Earthbread into destruction and chaos. Your fear of one of the Elders getting a hold of our research is justified. I too, fear that it may be used for selfish purpose. But, if the Republic's forces aren't able to hold back Dark Enchantress Cookie's assault, then everyone else will also suffer the consequences." Mochaccino reminded him, hoping it'd convince him. "Every device I build... Every advancement I achieve is done for the good of those who I wish to protect. To ensure they will be safe. So please, Espresso Cookie, for the sake of all of Earthbread, please let us continue our research. Continue to make the Pearl Candies. The Republic, and by extension the rest of the world, will be grateful. Trust me."

"...You promise the Soul Jam's power will not be used in selfishness?" Espresso sighed, not happy, but knew his friend was right.

"If that does happen, may all the fault and blame be put on me. I will bear it alone." Mochaccino swore, serious. "I will do everything in my power to assure the Soul Jam's energy is only used for the protection and defense of the Republic. It is, after all, the very reason we are doing this."

"..." Espresso took a deep breath, sighing. "Very well. I will trust your judgement, Mochaccino Cookie. And should this research lead to the misuse of Soul Jam by an Elder's hand... then I will hold you accountable."

"I accept the terms, and agree wholeheartedly." Mochaccino nodded, pleased that his friend saw reason.

"Clotted Cream Cookie." Espresso turned to the Consul, frowning. "I will continue with the research. The production of Pearl Candies will continue, per your request. But to clarify, this is solely for the sake of the denizens of all of Earthbread, and not the Elders' own selfish gains."

"Of course. Thank you, Espresso Cookie." Clotted Cream nodded, glad. "And thank you, Mochaccino Cookie. I must admit, your reasoning was very sound. It has... opened my eyes to a few things, for a lack of better words. You two have my utmost thanks."

"No thanks are needed. We are simply doing what is necessary." Mochaccino huffed a bit. "Now, then. Shall we return to work, everyone?"

"Actually, I wish for you to accompany me. If that isn't a bother." Clotted Cream requested, earning an odd look. "There are a few matter that I wish you could provide insight on."

"...Alright. Just allow me a moment to replace the electrified Magic Candy in my suit with the Pearl Candy. It shouldn't take long." Mochaccino complied, wanting to get back to his research soon.

"Of course." Clotted Cream nodded, figuring this was the least he could do after Mochaccino served as the voice of reason.