Singularity Paradox
VII. Shepherd Fireram
City Ruins – Stairway to the Cathedral, Far East Region, 0615 hrs ACST
Silence, or the closest sound to it, filled the area as the two Maverick Hunters arrived. Following the pathway that Alia plotted on their mapping system, the pair managed to reach their destination without issue. No Maverick reading in sight, it was the closest they have to a break. Uneventful as it seems, the pair remained alert for any stray Maverick that would pop out of nowhere.
"Anything from Zero?" X inquired as the two sauntered on through the alleys and pathways.
"Not yet," Alia answered as she checked through the radar mapping on her HUD, "I can still pick up his signature, so he's still good. He's heading towards the rendezvous point."
"That's good," X noted as he looked at the uphill path, "We're bringing the fight to them."
It did not take long for the pair to reach the bottom of the hill. While waiting, Alia started checking through their arsenal and energy levels. Noting the gauges on all three, she noticed how Zero's arsenal was different to what she and X had. What she found interesting was how their Crystallization Rates are similar now, being at 50%.
"X, how are you feeling?" Alia asked as she checked on their current rate, "Feeling strained or exhausted?"
"I'm fine, so far," X answered as he started moving his fingers, letting them ball into a fist then opening them up. "I can still feel the energy well inside me."
"I'm not sure if we'll be able to go in full force once we release the limiters and increase it by 100%," Alia expressed her concern, "I don't know what the side-effects will be. But we cannot go beyond one hour in that mode."
"We'll have to finish this quickly, then."
The voice caused the pair to turn at the source; the alleyway adjacent to them. From it came Zero as he walked closer to them.
"How did it go?" Alia asked, gauging the blond-haired hunter.
With a chuckle and a confident smirk, he replied, "The bastard put up quite a fight. Did some surprising things before we could land decisive blows to end him. Good thing Eagle was there for the backup."
It was then that Zero's expression changed as he spoke up of something else, "Speaking of which, I had Layer analyze these Mavericks. They're not the same as how they were back then."
The pair looked at him with piqued interest.
"How different?" X asked as he dismissed the weapon energy gauges on his HUD, putting his full attention at the new info.
"I'll have Layer explain this one," Zero shrugged as the comm hissed, setting the Navigator on the line.
"Can you hear me?" Layer's voice on the comm brought Alia to smile.
"Loud and clear, Layer," Alia replied.
"Alright, I analyzed the data collected from the revived Mavericks that you fought and defeated just now. After checking with Dr. Ciel and Gate, as well as some cross-referencing to the information stored in the database, looks like the Revived are capable of manipulating the data anomalies to suit their whims."
"During the fight I had with Sting Chameleon and Flame Mammoth, they seem to be controlling the battle area," Zero noted as he recounted his encounters with them, "Like how Chameleon created a labyrinth and used it to his advantage. Or how Mammoth used the rooftop as an isolated battlefield."
"To a certain degree, I noticed that when we fought Chill Penguin and Boomer Kuwanger," X stated his observation as he looked back at what transpired inside the abandoned shopping center, "Somehow, he replicated his battle chamber back from the first Sigma Uprising."
"Though this would be in a limited degree, from what I gather from the data you obtained," Layer remarked from the other end of the line, "The perpetrator could do much more compared to the revived Mavericks. Which is the reason why I need Alia to install this."
At this point, Alia noticed a download prompt on her HUD. As soon as she accepted, the program began to install and update her systems. Now, a new command icon appeared on the upper right corner beside her gauges for special weapons. Checking on the other details, she noticed what it is.
"A Limiter Switch?" the blond-haired Navigator quipped in curiosity.
"Namely one that is linked to you and X," Layer replied with a concise answer, "I have one for myself and Zero. Before he Datashifted, I provided him the clearance to release his Limiter at will. With that, you have control on your Limiters. You better decide before going up."
Feeling the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders, she looked at X for answers. She knew that it would be better for X to have that ability. It pertains to his ability to control his powers. Then again, she knows that X trusts her more.
"Alia, I trust you," the Hunter stated with a confident smile, "Your judgment helped me in times when I need it. So, I'll entrust you the Limiter Clearance."
Your life is in my hands...again… Alia thought to herself as she faltered for a bit, "I'll do what I can. Right now, double-check on your vitals and weapon energy levels before we bring this fight to that main Maverick."
X gave a curt nod. At this point, their only choice is to go up.
"X, Alia, Zero, make sure to come back alive," Layer's voice seemed soft and calm. But somehow, Zero noticed the nuance in it.
"Understood," Zero replied, "Proceeding with the Final Phase."
"Let's move," X spoke in a low tone as he urged them to move out.
It was then that they ascended the steps, sauntering towards the grand structure waiting at the top of the hill. The moonlight illuminated their path, followed by braziers igniting to usher them further into the grounds. Not long after, they reached the ornate doors of the cathedral. Silence reigned on that moment. Anticipation grew alongside the brewing tension. On the other side of this door, the trio knew that their foe awaited their arrival. Not wasting any moment, X stepped forward and pushed the doors open. The loud creaking announced their presence as it echoed within the wide halls.
Cathedral – Sanctuary Hall, Far East Region, 0630 hrs ACST
As the creaking doors announced the arrival of the Hunters, what followed soon after was the faint sound of pipe organs playing a fugue. The swelling of sustained notes held solemn tones to a reverent hymn as the melody danced and frolicked in accompaniment. Evident dissonance came to mind after the fact that outside this grand structure, the city burns to the ground with rampant chaos. As for the inside of the Cathedral, it was devoid of any illumination, save for the one near the altar and the grand pipe organ that resounded with its bellowing hymn. The organist had his back on the Hunters, seemingly focused on the song as they made their approach down the center aisle. The song reached its conclusion as he played a long sustained chord, soon followed by a moment of rest.
"So, you finally came," the organist mused as he turned to face them, "Welcome, Children of Men."
Clad in black vestments with a crimson stole draped on his shoulders, this figure posed a number of conflicts within the paradigm that the Hunters have. His appearance resembled that of a human priest, notable from the black hair and the complexion of his skin. No visible lines that would denote any Reploid feature. He appeared to be flesh and bone in every respect.
X and Zero knew of the Laws of Robotics, how they should not harm any human. But noting that Reploids also have this command of free will, it was something that posed conflicts in various precepts and paradigms ingrained within their programming.
"You're a human?" Alia muttered in disbelief.
She was met with a chuckle that soon erupted into a bellowing laughter, "Oh young one, you jest. I may be of human likeness and image. But a human, I am not."
"You caused all of this?" X grit his teeth as he queried. His voice sounded calm. Zero and Alia noticed his hands have balled up into fists.
"I need not deny what I am proud of," the priest answered with a grin, "Did you enjoy what I orchestrated for you?"
"Oh, you are a monster, alright." Zero grimaced as he had both the Buster Shot and the Z-Saber Type-V grip in hand.
"Is that so?" the priest grinned as he began stepping down from the grandiose instrument. He made his way further down from the altar and towards the end of the center aisle, now a few paces away from the three Maverick Hunters, "I take that as a complement."
It was then that the room began to brighten for a bit as numerous candles and chandeliers were set alight. The great hall came to life as the buttresses and stained glass windows came to view. Seemingly divine in appearance, but somehow the Hunters could not shake off the malevolence that lurked in these walls. As the priest stretched his arms in a broad spread, his vestments billowed in response as the wooden pews began to disintegrate. The halls now appeared to be wider. As to where his right hand was, crimson energy began to amass as it crystallized and solidified. Now, in his grasp was an ornate staff.
"After all, I am Shepherd Fireram. The Priest of the Burning Fleece," he declared as he held his weapon at the ready, "Rejoice, dear Hunters, for your desire for a worthy battle has come to pass."
X was the first to respond as the gauntlet shifted forms, letting him sport his buster. At that same moment, Zero took that response as a sign as he also activated his saber.
"Alia, be ready to release the limiters. I'll leave the timing to you," the young man remarked as he prepared to charge up his weapon.
"Understood. I'll take care of the support," Alia replied as she brought her gauntlet to switch into Buster Mode. Her HUD began to reveal the Weapon Selection and the Limiter Switch prompts.
"Zero," X spoke as he prepared to gather power with his buster.
"Got this one," Zero grinned as he charged forward in a dash.
Taking advantage of his speed and momentum, Zero rushed in for a thrusting attack. The blade of his saber crackled with electricity, characteristic of the Sengatotsu. With a grin on his face, the priest parried with his staff as he sidestepped.
Noting that swift reaction, the swordsman switched motions as he went for a rising diagonal slash to start his three-stroke attack. Amusingly, the priest smiled as he danced along while his staff parried blow after blow.
"Ah, indeed you are swift and daring," Fireram mused as a trio of fiery beads appeared over the priest's right shoulder.
The flaming beads zipped towards Zero as scorching red rays. Seeing this, he ejected the saber grip docked on his Buster Shot and sent it spinning in front of him. With a swift left hand, he holstered his gun and docked the saber grip to his bracer. The momentum soon projected the familiar whirling field of the Shield Boomerang. He then took a quick back step to disengage.
Shield Boomerang EX Skill: Active
Filter Shield: Engaged
As the rays sped towards Zero, he noticed how these projectiles ended up crystallizing into luminous beads as they fell to the ground. Thankful that the Filter Shield activated on that split second, Zero smirked as he resumed his attack. This time, he dispelled the blade from his saber as its internal mechanisms began to work on a surprising counter. As the Hunter went for a thrusting motion, segmented pieces bound in a continuous link darted out towards the priest
In reaction, Shepherd Fireram raised his staff to block the attack. It was too late for him to notice that the incoming projectile coiled around the shaft. A smirk marked his lips as he realized that the projectile that he tried to swat away was a chain. His eyes followed where it came from, noticing the long-haired Hunter grinning before the priest felt that violent tug.
The staff was sent flying out of Fireram's hands, flying into the air. This time, it looked like their adversary stood disarmed and vulnerable.
"Oho…" the priest chuckled at the sudden shift of the battle.
As Zero dashed in, he had his Chain Rod retract and change forms, going back into its Saber form. But as he closed the distance, the priest gave a rather unsettling grin.
"Try harder, boy," he said to Zero, much to the blond-haired swordsman's shock.
"Wait, what?~"
Before he could say another word, the priest had gone in with a heavy blow. It was a straight punch aimed at Zero's chest. The force that came from that attack would be enough to pierce through armor that it can damage internals. He was fortunate that he managed to block it with the Shield Boomerang, but it was too much that it stopped spinning.
It caused Zero to stagger for a bit, making him gasp for air. He could see Shepherd Fireram saunter in approach, bearing a sinister air around him. His knees buckled, his HUD flashing with warning signs as it began to scan diagnostics.
Alia was monitoring the situation and noticed the energy levels on Zero. He was down to 45%.
"Zero, hang in there," she yelled as she accessed through her interface. In a matter of seconds, she was able to activate the recovery program from the Subtank.
Checking Subtanks
Subtank 1: 0%
Subtank 2: 100%
Subtank 3: 100%
Subtank 4: 100%
Accessing Subtank 2:
Engaging Recovery Paradigm
While Alia focused on tending to Zero, X dashed forward for the switch. Taking mental note of his charge levels, he took aim at the Priest as he unleashed his Spiral Crush. Noticing the sudden reprisal, Shepherd Fireram stood his ground as he knew the magnitude of the coiling trio of beams. The blasts made their impact, only to reveal a field of energy as it soon cracked and shattered into shards and pieces. It was then that X noticed something amiss.
"A barrier?" the dark-haired Hunter realized.
"Indeed," the priest answered with a smug look on his face, "and you were the first one to break past that layer of defense. It seems this battle will be a festive thing, after all."
"Fine, let's dance," X grimaced as he took aim, "Alia, be ready for some scanning and ranged support. Zero, match my timing. We're bringing this guy down."
"He got me good earlier," Zero smirked as he took a stance with his saber in hand, "Let's return the favor."
"Then come, children," the priest beckoned as he stood at the ready. This time, the staff reappeared and is once again in his grasp.
With strength regained, the two Maverick Hunters charged forth with renewed zeal in their offense. Zero takes point once more, but this time with X firing a sustained burst of energy shots from his buster. The priestly Maverick swatted each projectile with his staff, only to notice that the gap closed up with the swordsman's approach as he started with a series of slashes.
Each stroke and swing from Zero's flurry of attacks was met with the staff's parries and blocks. Though the impact from these strikes had the priest smile with amusement as he takes a few steps back for each of the warrior's attempts. What amused him further was how Zero had a deft hand ready to unleash another strike with his off-hand as the darting head of the Chain Rod slipped past Fireram's staff.
"That will not work a second time, boy." Shepherd Fireram remarked with a smirk.
"That's fine," Zero answered with a cocky grin as he retracted the Chain Rod, "I was not aiming at you."
It was then that the priest realized what had occurred as blades impaled on his back. The spikes from the Chameleon Sting and the curved blades of the Boomerang Cutters protruded on his back along with the Chain Rod's dart head. It occurred to the priest that he was up against a trio of Hunters, not a sole combatant.
"Good, you know your strength in numbers," the priest remarked with a winced look, "Now...I should stop with this foolishness and reward your due diligence."
It first started as a fiery afterglow that surrounded the priest's body. As its intensity grew, the projectiles impaled on his body began to disintegrate as flames engulfed him whole. The ornate staff that he once held floated about, spinning into the air before its tip struck the ground before the burning figure. From this conflagration, an armored arm reached to grasp the weapon as what stood before the Maverick Hunters was the true form of their foe.
The flames dispersed in a violent swing, revealing a heavily-armored being clad in ash gray and gold. The chest plate held a strange sigil that glowed in rhythm with the flickering flames on his armor. The gauntlets and greaves, as well as the armor plates covering the whole torso, held a smoldering tinge that matched the glowing sigil. The twisting spiral horns of this creature seem to curl around the head like a diadem of ivory and embers.
What stood before the Maverick Hunters was not a priest. This one was a towering giant. While the Hunters were no strangers to such foes, the sight of it made them wonder about their odds. Alia kept an eye on this new form, using everything that she could to analyze and scan this new foe.
"This signature," Alia heard Layer's voice over the comm as both ladies came to the same conclusion as she confirmed audibly.
"Yes. It's the same as Platina Alpha."
"I'm picking up an energy reading from the Maverick," Layer advised the trio through the comm, "It's trying to charge up for something devastating. You better act quickly."
"Now, Children of Men," the imposing figure now spoke, "Behold the Gigas that will show you the Wrath and Grace of Platina Alpha!"
The booming voice of this large figure reverberated as the walls of the Cathedral were soon engulfed in flame. X started switching swiftly through his Weapon Selection, putting the Electric Spark and Shotgun Ice at the ready without breaking eye contact at the enemy. As for Zero, he chuckled as the Chain Rod retracted. They knew that now would be a good time to release the Limiter.
"X…" Alia called out as she was looking at him through her HUD. The Limiter Control Switch is still in sight, waiting for his signal to release it.
"I know, Alia," he replied as he noted the status on his Weapon Selector.
Running Weaponry Assessment
Shotgun Ice: 14/28
Electric Spark: 28/28
Rolling Shield: 14/28
Homing Torpedo: 38/56
Boomerang Cutter: 22/28
Chameleon Sting: 50/56
Storm Tornado: 28/28
Fire Wave: 25/28
Keeping to mind the energy levels of the weapons he has available, the ones that may seem to have a chance against Shepherd Firearm appear to be a handful. He noted the energy levels on Shotgun Ice in particular, while seeing Electric Spark and Storm Tornado as possible countermeasures. This whole setup may prove to be a gamble for the young Maverick Hunter. It left him no other option to work with.
"Zero, think you can buy me time?" X asked his friend as he started noting the plan of attack in his mind.
"Enough to distract a burning ram giant with a golden fleece," Zero grinned as he made sure he had both the Buster gun and the Type-V Z-Saber ready.
"Alia," X paused as he took a stance, "Do it."
With X's authorization, Alia pulled up the Limiter Control UI. As she was about to set the switch, she noticed something project on the back of her right hand. It was a glyph in the shape of a stylized cross, resembling X's emblem. The weight of their victory and survival rested on her hands; a sobering realization that she now feels as her hands trembled. She took a deep breath as she anchored her stance.
"All Limiters," Alia spoke with a tone of authority, "RELEASE!"
Releasing All Limiters from Subject: Mega Man X
All Limiters Released
Crystallization Rate: 100%
Engaging Full Battle Gear
Loading First Armor: "Light"
The prompts flashed on both X's and Alia's HUDs. As for X, he was soon covered in a bright light. With it came streams of data and code circling his whole body. The missing pieces of the armor began to materialize, bringing the Maverick Hunter into his full combat gear. The familiar white with blue trims of the First Armor began to manifest, with the recognizable crested top of the headgear and the notable red portions of the X Buster.
If there was anything that seemed different with this iteration of the Light battle gear that X was clad in, it was in how slender it looked. It somehow looked like it would be something a human would wear. It may seem jarring in thought but for Alia, it made X look like the chosen hero in tales of old.
Taking X's lead, Zero grinned as he followed suit, "Release all Limiters!"
Releasing All Limiters from Subject: Zero
All Limiters Released
Crystallization Rate: 100%
Engaging Full Battle Gear
Loading Code Zeta: Type-0
Zero noticed that he, too, became subject to those changes. His battle armor felt lighter and far more slender. If anything, it was as if both X and Zero are of the same height with their current equipment. Zero's battle gear now consisted of the black body suit with the red armor pieces on his limbs and torso. His thighs held the holster pockets for his Type-V sabers, while his helmet took on a unique shape yet retained its signature design down to its triangular gem.
Not hesitating to wait for X, he rushed for the attack with both the Saber and the Buster Gun at the ready. Taking aim, he started with a strafe as the firearm blasted at full auto. Zero knew that the sheer size and bulk of the enemy's size meant that all shots would connect. This particular run had the Gigas raise its large arms while spinning the staff in hand, deflecting the barrage. Seeing this reaction, Zero continued while his movements came at sporadic dashes, relying on the bursts of speed that he gets from the Emergency Acceleration System.
Elemental Chip: Ice Chip Equipped
Loading EX Skills
Setting Charged Weapon Parameters
Taking that time to power up, X started to gather power into his Buster. Checking his Weapon Selector one more time, he loaded Electric Spark. He noticed that it had two modes in place as he was charging up. Matching Zero's movements, X tried to match the timing of the attacks while noting how to set the moment up. As he would do so, a memory came to mind.
"The core principle of this technique is in the intensity of the human spirit," a fatherly voice resounded from the bright light. The view of the cliff that once overlooked the abandoned mine and the forest below matched well with the fair skies above them. The ephemeral image of a bearded man in a karateka's gi stood proudly at the edge of the overlooking cliff.
"For an automaton operating with the consciousness and will of a living soul, the closest that you can do to emulate this spirit is to channel its full force as an infallible vessel. Make sure that none would dare disturb you or the vessel spills."
The bearded man takes a stance, anchoring his feet to the ground. His hands channeled his energy as it condensed in a spherical form.
"Focus. Channel. Condense. Release."
At that moment, he pushed both hands forward. This launched the sphere as a projectile darting through the expanse
X began to imitate the memory that manifested to him. His sets his legs firm, anchoring himself to the ground. His hands come to the same formation, channeling his energy into this sphere of power. He was waiting for the right moment to fire the shot until.
"Foolish boy," Shepherd Fireram bellowed as a fiery bead rushed towards X.
Realizing that the projectile as about to hit Alia, he did not hesitate to move to her aid. The bead soon bloomed into a spherical blast of flame, engulfing both of them into the blast.
Zero saw this transpire as he was mid-stride towards an attack. That moment shook him, causing him to falter.
"YOU BASTARD!" Zero yelled in anger as he charged straight at the Gigas.
Without warning, he darted towards his opponent head on. In that moment that he was rushing in, he started firing at the imposing Gigas at full auto. Scoffing at this futile attempt, the flaming Maverick countered with a smash with one of its massive arms. Zero knows this attack would come for him, bringing the crimson warrior to dash towards a different direction while his weapons began to hum in power.
The Gigas brought its staff to a sudden sweep. Zero timed his jump as he leapt over it. As he landed, he took aim and fired a charged shot. The projectile appeared to be a singular clump of glacial crystals. At that moment, Fireram cackled as a crimson barrier manifested before him. The projectile scattered on first impact as it managed to split into three sharp icicle shards. Its slender form caused it to bypass the barrier, causing Fireram to flinch.
"Insolent cur," the towering giant growled, only to see Zero airborne with his saber pointed down in a thrust.
"RAKURETSUZAN!" Zero yelled as the saber revealed its glacial blade. The deltoid shape of the saber blade became akin to a frozen spearhead as the crimson Hunter pierced past the protective barriers that Shepherd Fireram projected. The frozen blade found its mark on the creature's chest, causing the swordsman to dangle on it. Taking this momentum to charge his saber, he hoisted himself upward back in the air for a moment as he descends.
From that momentary somersault, he descends as he brings his saber into a downward slash. This frost-charged blade erupts with a geyser of energy as it fluxes in its smiting form. The barriers that it tried to erect shattered upon that heavy smash. Zero lands to the ground and wasted no time to dash away to keep distance for evasion purposes. For on that moment, the Gigas fell on its knees. The staff that it held became its crutch to support its massive frame.
"X, how are you holding up?" Zero asked as he heaved and panted.
"Still standing," X responded as he held Alia close. The barrier created by the charged Rolling Shield dissipated soon after, noting how it collapsed from the immense power of the explosion. He shifted his attention to Alia, "You alright?"
Unable to answer right away, she nodded as she noticed how damaged X was. Realizing that it brought X to take the brunt of the blast despite the protective field dampening its intensity, she noticed how it rendered his Life Energy to 40%. She did not want to think about what would happen if he didn't use that barrier at all and took the blast head on.
"X, don't be reckless," she chastised as she used the Subtank to push his energy levels back to full, "What then if you die here?"
"I'm not letting you die while I'm here," he smiled and winced from the shock, yet the twitching caused by the sparks on his armor faded as the auto-repair system from the Subtank kicked in, "Better I take that risk to keep you from harm than not do anything to protect you."
Alia found herself speechless. While it is indeed in X's nature to protect, there's something in how he said those words that made her process the statement differently. It had her feeling flushed from it.
"R-right. Make sure to not get reckless," she replied as she stood up and prepared to resume her support duties. It was then that the comm. line came to life.
"Hunters, I'm detecting an energy accumulation from the Maverick. It's starting to charge something up," Layer advised through the comm.
The Gigas staggered to stand from his battered state. But at this point, this figure began to spin the staff around him. With a heavy blow, Fireram planted his staff to the ground as he began to evoke a series of utterances. It was a chant to channel Shepherd Fireram's true power. In response to the words of power, the flames within the cathedral began to swirl towards the staff.
"Dammit, he might blow this place up. I better stop him," Zero gritted his teeth as he was about to charge in.
X sighed as he planted his feet to the ground, anchoring his stance. He began to invoke what the strange memory showed him about a certain technique. Somehow, it felt like his father taught him this particular move. Imitating the gesture, he puts his hands into position as if he was channeling his power into this condensed sphere in his hands. Alia and Zero took notice of what X was trying to replicate.
"Zero, we better give X a clean shot," Alia commanded as she switched her weapon selector and pulled up Electric Spark, "I'll try to overload some of the armor points. Try to do whatever you can to break his concentration or sap his sources."
Zero sprung into action as he rushed forward with both saber and gun. He did not bother changing the Elemental Chip at all as he rushed in with a charged shot, firing a glacial shard at the enemy. Taking advantage of the split effect of the frozen Triple Shot, Zero tried his hand at the barrier once more. Firing at it, the clumped state of the projectile broke off on impact with the barrier, leaving the central shard to pierce through yet hit only another layer of the barrier. The other two shards flew towards the torch-like pillars, breaking them in the process. At that point, the flames on those areas did not seem to flux towards the staff.
Without a word, he shifted his attention towards the other torches. He changed the configuration of his saber and proceeded with the Shield Boomerang. The spinning device managed to get enough charge to set its blades whirling. Noting this state, Zero hurled the weapon towards the other torch-like pillars. With each one destroyed, the energy channeled to the staff began to dwindle.
Noting this, Alia started taking aim at the more translucent barrier panels. These ones diffused as soon as the Electric Spark made contact, causing the projectile to also dissipate instead of splitting off as expected. She continued to shoot down a few more and from it, she was able to set an opening.
"X!" Alia yelled, "DO IT NOW!"
Sensing that the time is right, both sides knew it was time. Feeling that they gathered enough, it was time to release it.
"Relish the flames of wrath and indignation," Shepherd Fireram bellowed as he completed his invocation, "COME FORTH! HELLFIRE!"
"This body of steel and lightning holds the spirit of one's wish," X whispered solemnly as he evokes his own chant, "SHINKUU HADOUKEN!"
As the flux of energy made its final rush towards the condensed sphere, X launched it towards the impending explosion. It was met with this growing firestorm that was making its outward span. Due to its strength and velocity, the speeding orb forced its way through the firestorm. It pierced through that it created a vacuum. Making its way towards Shepherd Fireram, it was then that the Gigas lagged behind with its reaction.
The sigil on its chest shattered as in its place was a gaping hole that the sphere pierced through. The core that was Shepherd Fireram's source of energy shattered from the small yet condensed energy sphere that X threw forth. X could see the triumph in his attack, ensuring that he managed to deal a decisive blow.
Even so, the firestorm continued to swell and grow. The Cathedral was engulfed in flame as a massive explosion caught everyone inside. The Hunter trio saw a flash and nothing more.
Once more, silence reigned.
Arsenal Notes:
It's been a year since I posted this chapter. Before we get to the reasons behind it, let's jump into the Arsenal featured in this chapter and in some of the chapters.
Let us start with the Buster Shot Gun and the Elemental Chips featured in Chapter 6. While it was not outright mentioned, the EX Skills involving the Charged Buster Shots were always in play when Zero uses them. Blast Shot made its debut last time but today, we have this one:
Triple Shot – This Buster EX Skill requires the Ice Chip to function. It launches a clumped up frost shot that darts at the target. Once it makes contact with an object or the intended target, it shatters and breaks off into multiple shards, which now take the shape of sharp icicles. The reason for this is to break defenses and to cloudburst at a target, acting as a sort of shrapnel shell.
Aside from that, more EX Skills appeared, alongside certain weapons and attacks. Here's what we have for Zero.
Filter Shield – This Shield Boomerang EX Skill is a defensive ability that requires quick reaction time. Its main design is to erase incoming projectile fire, converting them into energy crystals. These energy crystals replenish weapon energy when picked up (something different from its original counterpart that uses energy crystals as currency).
Rakuretsuzan – This Saber EX Skill is an aerial downward thrust attack. Its full form would have the user attack with a frozen blade for the thrust. The interesting note about this is that it resembles the Hyoretsuzan from X4.
Meanwhile, we also have some weapons appear for both X and Alia. Here are those weapons (including the one that I forgot to mention here).
Storm Tornado – (Ammo Capacity: 28 units. Charged Version uses up 2 units.) We showed this in previous chapters where Alia had to repel targets with its massive gusts. The normal version was a forward-traveling cyclone. The charged one (which didn't show up yet) is a tornado centered on the user.
Chameleon Sting – (Ammo Capacity: 56 units. Charged Version uses up 8 units.) The normal version is the one we showed today. It was a projectile that splits up into a trio of projectiles after a certain distance. The charged version (which may appear later at some point) allows to grant its user a degree of invincibility for a set amount of time.
Electric Spark – (Ammo Capacity: 28 units. Charged Version uses up 2 units.) This weapon allows a user to fire an electric sphere at a target. On impact, it splits off to go on two opposing directions. More noticeable when it hits walls or surfaces as it travels along them. It also has semi-rapid-fire function that allows 3 in one go. The charged version has two modes, noted when X was choosing in his weapon selector. The first one was the ability to create spark columns that sweep front and back. The other version was a release of lightning energy on all directions.
Another notable thing is the debut of the First Armor (a.k.a. Light Armor). It is the MMX1 armor that uses Spiral Crush, the Headbutt Crusher, and the first introduction of the Dash ability. But we also included the Hadouken to act as its Giga Attack, but it also follows the restriction of being usable when HP is at full.
A/N:
Now, time for me to speak about this chapter and what happened to me. Last year was too eventful. A lot happened over the course of the year as it threw me off-guard so much. Major adjustments at work and on creative things. Ended up getting caught in a few D&D Campaigns because of my friends (which I enjoyed but it distracted me hard). While it did make me busy, it really had me wishing that I could finish this project. And then the V-Tuber Rabbit Hole happened.
The good thing was that I was also able to evaluate this project from afar. I made a resolution that I won't keep things hanging and I will finish what I started. That's what I'm doing with Singularity Paradox and with a campaign I'm running called Gearlock. Took certain songs and people to drive me to create more.
So, yes, next few chapters are in the works as I am drawing the arc to its conclusion. We should be done with this arc by Chapter 10. I'm looking forward to the next arc and I'm pondering if I should make it a slight crossover with Dragon: Marked for Death (where its playable characters end up as Maverick Hunters). Lemme know if you like that thought.
Once again, I thank you and I appreciate you for the patience. I do hope you're still here with me as I upload more chapters.
Sydney Grise