A Gamer's rise in Marvel
Disclaimer: I don't own marvel or any other work of fiction.
Chapter 17 : From Russia with love
Its already night time as we drive back to the city and i've already loosened my disguise, changing into the adult version of myself. I guess convincing Hamilton took longer than I thought.
He finally agreed to my offer, even if it took some convincing along with revealing the phoenix project to him...That was a risk. His personality did fascinate me though. If I recall, he had originally been a good friend of superman until he threatened the doctors life. It was a heated moment and Supergirl's life was on the line. This moment showed Hamilton that he was utterly powerless to stop Superman should he ever turn against humanity. Instances with the Justice Lords only reaffirmed that belief. He eventually joined Cadmus, an incredibly immoral organization with a single goal. Serve as a defense against the Super beings of the world. Luthor actually used it for other purposes but that was the original point...I hope it'll work out with him working for us. He is after all, the perfect fit for the cur-
I barely react as Mercy quickly steps on the brakes. I'm jerked to the aide and hit my head on the door. The car swerves and quickly screeches along the road. It takes a few seconds for us to drift to a stop. I right myself and rub the back of my head.'Damn...Should've worn a seat belt'
" Dammit Mercy what was that for!" I say in an annoyed tone. I move to look at her only to see her looking onto the dark road in front of us. Following her path of sight, I see just what caused our little incident.
"Oh" I say in a neutral tone.
'Asako, do you detect any servants?' I ask her with our mental connection. She has been accompanying us this entire time, usually in the care right next to me, or as she is now, sitting on the roof. Apparently she didn't like the motion sickness caused while in the stuffy car. The question is meant for the being in front of us, though to my knowledge, what we are dealing with now cannot be a servant unless certain circumstances are met. These currently don't exist, but one can never be to careful.
'I detect strange magical signature, but nothing related to a servant or Ahriman.' Asako confirms for me. Before I can sort this out, I have another little hiccup to take care of.
Mercy who has no idea what she is looking at turns back to ask me. What she wasn't expecting was the barrel of a gun staring right into her face.
"B..Boss?" She asks in an unsure tone.
" Mercy, I'm sorry about this but its important. Are you related to Percival Graves?"
Recognition dawns on Mercy's face, before having it overtaken by confusion:" Ah..Yes, he's my cousin. I...I'm a Squib...I have-" I interrupt her
"Did he send you to work for me? Are you a spy working for him?"
"What? No I...I haven't spoken to him in a while. I was just looking for a job nothing more"
I slowly mull it over but decide to set the safety on my gun and have it disappear in my inventory. I don't trust her fully, but we don't have time to sort that out right now. I move to the edge of my seat and open the car door.
"I'm really sorry about that Mercy, but you know how it is right?"
She understands my meaning:" The Statute of Secrecy . I should consider myself grateful that you even asked before obliviating me."
I simply laugh while she also gets out of the car:" Not like I could do that actually. I don't even have a Wand Permit and Its not like I know any of the usual spells anyway. But that's enough chit chat, We have an unexpected surprise after all." I say while looking towards out unexpected visitor.
Mercy stays next to the car while asking:" just what is it? Is it even a magical Beast? I don't think I've ever heard or seen one like it."
I slowly walk towards the creature that decided to halt our drive:" I wouldn't expect you to know of it as he is the only one of his kind. I believe he is told of in Welsh Legend as a monstrous cat given birth to by the pig Henwen. The Being would later haunt the Isle of Anglesey, and was said to have killed 180 warriors when Ser Kay of the round table went to the island to hunt it down. What most don't know is that it wasn't slain but rather returned to Camelot where it came into the Hands of Merlin."
Mercy gasps at the information. Anyone would if they found something directly related to the Merlin after all.
I kneel down in front of the creature and lower the palm of my hand with the intention to pet his chin:" As you can guess, the description of this little guy is a bit incorrect. He definitely isn't a cat and I think comparing him as a squirrel like creature would be more accurate. He certainly is a cute one though." I say as the little one nuzzles up to my hand.
I start rubbing through his snow white fur causing him to let out cute chirps. I eventually pick him up and carry him with both arms while rubbing my cheeks against his own fluffy one. Both of us let out squeals of delight at the touch.
Didn't think you to be one to like something like this.
I may be cruel, sadistic and an avid lover of sex, but that doesn't mean I can squeal like a little girl at cute things. Besides, might as well enjoy it as long as I can.
I turn to face the critter in my arms:" Its a pleasure to meet you Cath Palug. Would you mind if I called you Fou?" I smile at the darling creature.
"Fou! Fou!" He chirps out while staring at me. I cant say if I understood him but frankly I don't care.
While holding the ball of fluff I contemplate his presence here. He isn't in his Primate Murder Form so that probably means that the Dead Apostle ancestors don't exist. If I recall One of the Brunestud's gained control over him and turned him into a being that could vaporize cities without blinking.
Judging by his cute and little form, I'm guessing that he ended up with Merlin instead who taught him a different Perspective on Humanity...In Fate Grand order, Merlin kicked Fou out of Avalon and forced him to see new things and People. He eventually ended up becoming a Pet in the Chaldea Organization.
Now the Question is, why is the little guy here. With me...
I at least don't have to wait that long, as Fou's body begins glowing with an ethereal light which slowly flows out of his body and towards a spot right in front of us. Using My Eyes, I can determine that its actually Mana being controlled from another location. The Magic soon begins forming the shape of the only person I could imagine being capable of manipulating Fou's Mana to such an extent.
Before fully forming, Fou jumps out of my arms and sprints towards the forming figure. He jumps into the air with the intention of kicking the newcomer square in the face.
He lets out an adorable battle cry:" Fou Fouuuu" Which by my theory probably means something along the lines of "Die, Merlin!". However, instead of hitting the newly arrived mage's face with an adorable smack, he simply flies through his face as if it was made of Air.
The now fully formed Merlin stood before us. The Merlin, who appeared as a young, handsome man dressed in white with curly, disheveled and unruly snow white hair with rose colored highlights...Now that I think about it, this dumb ass has probably been cutting his own hair for the past millennia.
He's also unnaturally handsome...I heard that only helped his Playboy antics back in the past. I think he was half incubus or something, that would at least explain it.(I seriously doubt he does any form of Skincare so it cant be natural...Or maybe he does, you never know)
He is distracted by Fou who is constantly Jumping through his legs trying to knock him down:" Y-Y-You feral Beast! Have you forgotten the Years I took care of you?" He whines to the little animal.
"Fouu Fouu. Fo Fouuu!" The little beast squeaks. I can understand his anger. I also wouldn't enjoy being thrown out of a comfy tower by literally being randomly grabbed by the neck and to then be chucked out of the window.
'The little guy is very justified, yes yes.' I nod to myself.
Speaking of which, the little Magic beast seems to have tired himself out and is now running back towards me. He quickly latches on to my pants and jumps up to my shoulder where he curls up next to my head...Mmm So Fluffy!
"Gone a day and you already found someone you prefer over me!? Why do you betray me like this Cath Palug!" Merlin whimpers while hanging his Head low.
He shakes his head a bit before standing straight. He causes his cape to bellow in the wind( Even though there is no wind to speak of ) and begins to talk: "Anyway, my dear friend abandoning me aside, let me formally say hello! I am Merlin! The Great Mage of the Isle of Britain, born of a human and an incubus! He who guided Arthur Pendragon to the throne and served as court mage! One of the world's greatest kingmakers and founder of the Order of Merlin!"
Mercy who is standing next to me is downright freaking out due to him appearing here. The talking Paintings that exist within the magical World are probably quite accurate and have caused mages of many ages to know what Merlin actually looks like.
He is clearly happy with Mercy's reaction, so I interject:" Don't forget what else you are known for mage of roses! Merlin, Breaker of a many Maidens Hearts and also one of the Worlds greatest Scoundrels!" This is the moment where he is shot with metaphorical arrows showing his sins for all to see. Not hesitating, I deliver the Killing Blow:" And unknown to most, one of the Greatest Perverts as well, if the night of Mordred's Conception is anything to go by!"
The great Mage falls to his knees and hangs his head in shame;" The first person I meet in over a Millennia and I'm reduced to such a miserable state. Why must I be punished so!" He gives off fake sobs which slowly turns to chuckling.
I obviously join in and both of us soon let the street echo with our extreme laughter. Mercy is having a meltdown of sorts, barely even processing the events and words that just transpired.
Both of us soon calm down ending with Merlin giving me a somewhat serious look:" Hahaha, Its always nice when your allies have a sense of humor you know!" he says with a beaming smile.
I admit, its one of those smiles that causes hearts to melt...Dammit Jeanne, that's his Incubus blood messing with me, nothing more...probably. I distract myself from my embarrassing thoughts by replying to his strange statement:" And why do you assume we are Allies oh Mage of Flowers? "
He adopts a truly serious face and answers...also in a serious tone:" Because we share a common Foe of course. On who set his sights on you half a year ago I believe"
I'm surprised by his revelation. Wanting to confirm my suspicion I say:" I presume you're referring to Ahriman or Angra Mainyu?"
He nods at the Question:" Indeed. I was quite surprised to see that wretched god set his attention on something other than his meal. I admit, it took me a while to find you, but I'm not known for the greatest Wizard for nothing."
"Says the Guy who got trapped in Avalon cause he was to lazy to read." I retort. He once again lowers his head in shame.
He recovers quickly and moves closer to me, causing me to back up a bit:" I knew that whoever had accessed the throne of heroes must have been interesting, but to think it was an escapee of all things. You have some guts messing with that god, oh Joan of Ark."
I recoil at my name being uttered so casually. Looking to the side I see Mercy gasping in surprise at the statement. Geez what a mess. 5 minutes ago she didn't even know I was a witch. Now shes being fed my deepest secrets on a silver platter.
"Were you spying on me to find that out"?
He merely laughs at that:"Hah! As if I need to spy on anyone to recognize a descendant of my king. I've always kept an eye on her descendants. Besides you all have those beautiful faces, how could I ever mistake them."
Ehh...Is this the actual reason for Saberface? We're all actually related in some way? That means its probably Emperor Nero, then Artoria and Mordred and then eventually me...Wait a second, what about Okita Souji? I need to confirm something else first though:" With me being related to Artoria, do you mean my old self during the war or do you include the person I am now?" If I still hold some of the original DNA, then I might find some kind of connection to my Parents. Perhaps I was a similar experiment as Gray Pendragon, who was meant to be the second coming of King Arthur.
I wait for Merlin's response. He takes a bit to look me over before answering:" I meant your old one during the hundred year war. Your current body holds no Blood relation, though I do detect something...off about it. I guess your appearance was caused by your soul which chose a fetus with the conditions of creating your old body."
I'm a bit disappointed that my theory was just thrown out of the window...I don't get much time to think though as the Mage enters my Personal Space once again:" I have a question now. You seem awfully well informed about both me and the nature of my king. Things that were never revealed or written about. So I have to ask," His face is inches away from mine, causing a slight blush to form on my cheeks.
"What's the throne of Heroes like!?" He asks in an excited Manner.
"Eh" I sputter out.
"The throne! I can use my clairvoyance to see any place filled with humans except for the Throne so please, tell me what its like. I know some of the mechanics behind it but not what its like for the spirits within. Did you meet Artoria?" He pressures me.
"Ahh...Something like that. I cant really recall that much on the throne itself." I answer hesitantly.
He pulls back in disappointment:" Uwaaa, How terrible..An I wanted to know if it was better or worse than Avalon..huuu." He whimpers again before invading my space once more. What is it with this guy?
"Can I see it!?" He asks
"See what?"
"Your Noble Phantasm of course!"
That...would reveal my change to him. That I'm not quite the hero that I once was. But I do need to be honest with him, Merlin is a fiercely intelligent person and I doubt I'll be able to deceive him. He was a Slytherin after all. I also could use his Help with Angra Mainyu...Something I've been having trouble with after all.
"Merlin. You me see them but you may not judge me." I tell him resolutely.
"Hoh?" he utters with an intrigued expression.
Not wanting to stall any further I summon my Flag spear and the Blade of St. Catherine. His eyes widen at the sight of the corrupted weapons. I can only guess that he is somehow analyzing them with his own magic...and within them certain emotions glimmer through: sadness, or even pity
I hate it...this is the first time that I...that I feel shame for...No! I cant feel bad about what I've become nor what I will do in the future.
"Are...Are you satisfied?' I grow disgusted at my weak tone. I hang my head in shame, not wanting to see any condescending or disappointed Look he could give me. This isn't...Its not...I...
I broken out of my thoughts by a foreign sensation. Fingers...gliding through my hair...patting my head. I look up at the man in confusion. He gives me a kind smile in return. Not the usual but something that seems more...real.
"There's nothing wrong with change Jeanne. Besides, you suffered a lot. Its ok to show your pain."
I can already feel my eyes water at that. I always shoved those memories in the back of my mind, claiming that the old Jeanne had nothing to do with me...was that all...was I perhaps...i just didn't want to accept that that happened to me. That the people I trusted, the people I dedicated myself to, turned on me as soon as it suited them. People I thought cherished me, showed no hesitation in throwing rotten food at me and lighting the pyre beneath my feet. All while Chanting for the Heretic witch to be burned...Those feelings are real though. Its not just memories that were implanted. I still remember the disbelief, the despair and finally the hatred that came from all of that...
I guess you have some things to work out Jeanne.
If just asking you about a few more details leaves you like this, then you definitely have to do something about it.
You didn't react when Kaecillius questioned you, but that was because his contract made his opinion irrelevant.
But people like Merlin and the Ancient one.
They're different to you after all.
You're right SYSTEM...I'm gonna settle it. Before it bottles up to much.
I dematerialize my noble phantasms and use my sleeves to dry my eyes. "Thanks for that...I didn't even know I needed it...
Merlin chuckles a bit:" No Problem. Besides, if you hadn't changed then you never would have been a fellow scholar of the same magic as I! That body of yours was aged with a very special spell wasn't it?" He grins, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
I clearly catch the suggestion. Merlin is an Eromancer like myself. Makes total sense actually. Cliche does not dictate my next reply. Instead of blushing wildly and calling him a pervert while trying to punch him, I simply say with my own smug tone:" I see you're a man of Culture as well."
"Bwuhahahaha" He erupts into hysterical laughter" You...Hahaha...i must say, i've never had that response before. To think I would find another scholar of that magic and a woman no less! Truly spectacular!"
I chuckle myself at his grandiose reaction. We eventually calm down, we've laughed enough for today after all. Its now time to get serious
"I take it you can somehow help me take Ahriman down. Heck even if you give me some info, I'm more than happy with just that."
He rubs his head at that:" It's just that actually. With me still stuck in Avalon, I'm rather useless. The little head patting I gave you are more or less the extent of mt abilities and it took quite some effort to do. I have been keeping an eye on the situation though. What would you like to know?"
I think for a short time before coming up with the question. The only ones to be exact that I wasn't able to find myself. I look at Merlin and begin:" I guess my main Questions are, When did Angra Mainyu acquire the Holy Grail and where was it hidden. I was under the impression it was hidden in Japan, but that source dried up."
Any Fate fan would assume the Grail was hidden in Fuyuki city, but this isn't Fate. A lot of Fate world elements are missing here after all. From Magic to people (Merlin is the first one i've actually met to be from it) And that includes Fuyuki as well. The city was destroyed during WW2 Firebombings and was never rebuilt. Its all a ruin now. And More importantly(Judging by satellite imagery I hacked) no one but brave explores and general tourists have been there.
Merlin grimaces at the questions. That's not a good sign. A few seconds pass before he answers:" Well I know that he acquired the Grail nearly a century ago. A year before or during that dreadful World war that started in Europe I recall."
"Oi! We had two of those. I know, not humanities proudest moments but you still have to elaborate." I quickly retort.
"Ah yes sorry. It was the second one."
"1938 to 1945 then...That brings me back to thinking it was in Japan, are you sure it wasn't there?" I ask him once again.
"No I'm certain of that. You know its quite interesting but Ahriman stated his dissatisfaction that the grail wasn't located in Japan when he arrived in Europe. How did you both come to that conclusion I wonder."
Wait, does this mean that I really am dealing with the Fate Version of Agra? One who actually came from Fate!...Fuck so my theory was right after all and that h- Wait a second.
"How the hell do you know what he was saying!" I demand while pointing a finger at Merlin in accusation and re summoning my spear in my other hand.
He backs up with both hands raised:" Now now let's not get hasty. I simply used my clairvoyance to observe his movements. That's why I overheard him saying that. I'm a good Magus I swear!"
I still stare at him suspiciously while also getting rid of the spear. Merlin isn't actually here so I cant hurt him. something on his answer was still bugging me though:" If you could use your clairvoyance to track him down, the why don't you know where the Grail is!?"
"Uwaa your really Putting me on the spot here Jeanne. I just kinda...didn't do it? It was a really interesting Period with a lot of new Villains and Heroes coming into being. When I checked in on him, he already had the grail and I couldn't track him anymore due to the interference of his new power. Angra Mainyu just didn't seem that dangerous at the time so I kind of forget about checking in on him haha." He chuckles out the last words...
This Man is an Idiot... No really a total Idiot. You know what, I'm telling him:" What kid of Idiot are you! A literal God of Evil is walking around the worst war this world has ever seen and he "didn't seem dangerous"? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!"
He recoils even more and hangs his head in shame...
"You say you're my ally in this, but can you actually help in any way if you're stuck in Avalon and cant even view Angra Mainyu for reconnaissance?"
He shakes his head in shame
"And even if we somehow get you out of Avalon, aren't you kind of useless in combat when compared to Heroic spirits?"
He falls to his knees while nodding in further shame...
I wait for a few seconds to calm down:" Do you have any remarkable skills other than your magic Merlin?"
He thinks a bit before jumping up in enthusiasm:" My skill in running away from beautiful Women! I am unmatched in that supreme skill!"
…...
…...
…...
Even though I'm still annoyed, I do chuckle at that. Oh the poor women that will fall for his charms once I'm done:" Fine fine. I'm sure you're not completely useless, so I'll be getting you out of that place."
He runs up to me in joy at that:" Yes! Oh Please, You've shown me how much i've missed interacting with someone other than Cath Palug. I would be in your debt if you could get me out of this boring place!"
"couldn't you have thrown out Little Fou earlier if you wanted human interaction?" I ask, confused as to why he hasn't done just that in over a millennia.
His face turns into a horrified expression as he collapses to the floor and screams...He really is an idiot...
I try to kick him in the side to get him back up only to have my foot pass through his body. Oh right, just a projection...
he despairs for a while longer until I finally interrupt him:" Shut up already! Were gonna get you out, but I obviously don't have a clue on how to do that. You try to figure things out on your end and I'll try to do something from mine. And you better try to keep an eye out for any servants sent my way understood. Use Fou to contact me Ok!?"
He spring up again and says" Yes Ma'am, I look forward to working with you!" Before vanishing into flower petals...Show off.
Fou, who is quite tired out from his mana being used now curls up on my shoulder and seemingly goes to sleep. He's so damn cute.
I turn Back to Mercy who seems to be in quite a shock. I guess this will take a while.
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30 Minutes later, Hell's kitchen
Were almost home but are still sadly stuck in the vile monstrosity that is New York Traffic. Even this late at night.
At least I'm not bored, as Mercy is throwing questions here and there, still trying to understand the situation.
"So you're actually a reincarnation of Joan of Arc, caused by Gilles de Rais' Human sacrifices?"
"Jup"
"And that was Merlin, Probably one of the greatest mages of all time, who is not only alive, but also a womanizer who was locked up in Avalon for not being "Innocent"?"
"Correcto"
"And you just united to fight an Ancient god of evil, who not actually exists but was created through human belief and cruelty, who has stolen the Holey Grail, the Cup of Christ, to somehow take control of the Throne of Heroes, which also exists, to gain energy from mankind so he can one day become a truly godlike being who wil-"
"I literally just explained all of this Mercy..."
"...Sorry boss, its just so much and... I doubt one could believe something so much without actually seeing it..."
She's got a point there. If I tried to explain my situation without Proof, then even the Mages would think me insane...Guess if I ever need help, I can call on Merlin to smooth things over with them.
Speaking of witch, I turn to Mercy. Carefully of course, as I do not want to wake up little Fou on my Lap:" I've got a Question actually, The MACUSA was supposed to give me a call nearly five or six months ago but I still haven't heard from them. What gives?"
Mercy stares in confusion before saying:" Well I'm not that involved with them, but I do know that they wouldn't give you a call so to say. They only use phones for emergencies as they don't really like modern technology. They are a bit archaic in that regard and Percival himself required quite a bit of help from me before he got the hang of it. Their magic also sometimes interference while using modern tech so that only worsened its integration."
"Wait, so what would they have used to contact me then?" I ask, clearly thinking that its some Bureaucratic problem at first. Could it have been something else?
" Owls are usually used for that sort of thing, but we outlawed their use for mayor cities. The Pollution and the fact that they can be seen were the main factors in that decision. The new method was based on the Memorandum Rodentium or Rat Memos for short. This would obviously be suspect as well, so the MACUSA has been using actual Rats to deliver Messages within the city. They fit in after all..."
"Your shitting me. They've been delivering Mail with Rats?!"
Mercy recoils at my reaction:" Well they are transmuted rats, so you don't have to worry about hygiene. Shouldn't you know this as a witch though?"
"I'm self taught. Never received a formal education of...any kind actually. I don't even have a wand. I only made conta-"
Master?
'Asako? Whats wrong.' My speech was interrupted by the the thoughts sent to me. Not wanting to confuse Mercy to much I have Assassin drop her presence concealment on the seat next to me. Mercy is startled at her sudden appearance, but were stuck in traffic so she cant cause any more incidents.
"Mercy this is Asako, a fellow Heroic Spirit of Legend just like myself."
Asako is currently wearing her full outfit, Bone mask, Hood and Cloak(I got her one, mainly because it matched and really makes her look more menacing). She turns to me:" Why didn't you reveal my identity as well Master?"
I simply smile:" Well I thought that would be rude. I wont reveal your name if you don't want to and besides, sometimes its better to introduce yourself."
At the suggestion, Asako removes her Hood and Mask while addressing Mercy:" I do not mind to do so. I am Asako, the 19th Hassan Il Sabbah of Castle Masyaf during the third crusade. I have been summoned as Servant Assassin. It is a Pleasure to meet you miss Graves."
Mercy, who is stunned at meeting another historical figure,(Though she didn't know this one) Simply stutters out:" Ahh Likewise, id shake your hand but I need to drive ..so ah."
Asako answers:" It is fine Miss Graves, you are fulfilling your duties after all."
Mercy nods with a smile:" Thank you for understanding. Though I'm interested, your class is assassin right?" Asako nods at this, prompting Mercy to continue" then whats your class Jeanne?"
I lower my head at the question, something that is noticed by Mercy:" Does it...Does it have to do with those...corrupted Noble Phantasms of yours?
Is slowly answer:" Yeah it does...I'm Servant Avenger. A class Ruled by Hatred and Vengeance. They usually become an antithesis to the hero they were and as a result become quite cruel or horrible...I didn't take my Death that well...So here I am."
Mercy contemplates my answer before turning back to the road as a light turns green. Eventually says: "so that's what that meant...I...I don't think its fair what happened to you so I...I understand your perspective."
"...Thank you Mercy..."
The rest of the drive is quite silent, ending with Mercy dropping us in front of my apartment building. Both of us move into my Apartment.
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"Oh right, what did you want to day Asako?" I turn to her as we finally enter my Apartment.
She looks at me with an unsure look before answering:" The a...The rat Messengers."
"Yeah?"I ask.
"I ah. I believed them to be Familiars with the intent to spy on you...So i've been disposing them since they started showing up two weeks after I was summoned..." She confesses.
I look at the ceiling in revelation "Ahhh...That makes sense." I look back to Asako "I don't blame you for that Asako. I was quite surprised by the revelation myself you know. But its fine. We will visit The MACUSA in the morning along with Mercy and have everything sorted out." I say while giving Asako a small smile.
She gives a small smile in return which is accompanied by a small blush on her cheeks.
Ahhh, she must be remembering that lovely little thing we were doing earlier. I chuckle to myself at the thought.
We have some other things to handle first though.
We finally move into the Apartment. I actually bought the building and have been using it to house both me And Asako as well as our two Black Dahlias. Both of which I haven't touched once in these past few months. With my new eromancy skills, this will most certainly change.
I look back at the apartment and all the new things I added.
Its gotten quite a few Upgrades in the past. New Furniture, new paint, plumping, a bit of everything really. The most useful thing is the hidden cellar which contains my "Tools" and other things I use to prepare my Meals. A rather Unique skill came from that.
Demonic Cooking Lv 34 :The Ability to create dishes of excellent quality and taste using ingredients of sinister origin
My original cooking Skill actually was replaced by this, so I'm kinda unsure on how I should feel about it. It did help out with my Meals though. No more simply cooked slabs of Human Flesh. Now I could prepare proper Meals with no one wiser to its true intention...That was one of the Skill's aspects actually. Cooking does improve the skill, but feeding it to others improves it at a tenfold rate. That is even tripled if they eat it with the knowledge of it being Human Meat. (My only test subjects have been Asako and Kaecillius so far, don't want to try someone else just yet).
But i obviously didn't waste my time with only cooking. Other skills are important as well after all.
Jeanne Dark Lv 131
Class= Magus (Thaumaturgy)(Maxed out ) / Avenger
Sub class = Engineer Lv 18
Engineer class. Grants 2 INT per Level. Triples experience gain of all technological skills.
Race= Demi-servant
Title= Lucky Gamer LUC +30
Lv= 31 (186.200/453.000 Xp)
Hp= 4,427,800 HP (LV x VIT x 100)
Mp= 4,152,700 MP (LV x INT x 100)
Hpr= 442,780 HP/m (LV x VIT x 10)
Mpr= 833,946 MP/m (LV x ((INT/2) +(WIS x 2)) x 12)
Money (229.250$)
Stats(164)
Strength=494
Vitality=338
Dexterity=153
Wisdom= 186
Intelligence= 317
Charm=135
Luck=117
The Stats have improved adequately, considering that I've only been working and exercising during these past few months.
I've also been helping the Dhalias and Kazan's Group take over new Territories in the city. Thugs don't give that much XP, but hey. Its better than nothing. Not to mention the Fact that i've been getting their sweet bodies. With my new cooking skill, I've also started leaving more Remains for the cops to find.
Sometimes id rather just eat, say a liver or a thigh, but not everything. Considering my Selection standards, it does happen that organ damage caused from drug abuse occurs within them. As one may imagine, that tastes like shit. Better than a zombie, but still shit. I did get Poison resistance LV 23 so that's something
So, most bodies that I dispose of usually have a bit more meat on them than the old days. More than a bit of bones so to say.
I'm not to troubled as I've spread out and started killings all over the city and have even been going into more rural areas to dispose of the remains. I've done some research on the Cops just in case and Captain Stacy seems to be one of the only competent ones. Most are paid off and don't forget, my actions and those of the Dahlias are technically sanctioned by the kingpin. Dearest Wendy and Vanessa were quite skilled with what they were up to and were slowly filling their ranks with new members. No Mutants sadly, but beggars cant be choosers. I made sure to supply them of course. State of the art Weapons and Body armor which were stolen by unknown pirates while being shipped to the middle east. The Pirates were of course Kazan's Men who simply strolled onto the ship and removed the goods.
Cant have any organized crime be linked to a spotless Company like AIM obviously.
Back to the conflict within the New York underworld and why I was certain of my superiority.
These are gangs and Mob members that he wants killed, therefore any investigation into their murder will be suppressed. Why does he want them dead? Why because they killed a large number of the Russian Mob, but also murdered his dear Assistant.
When I heard that, I really had to laugh. Turns out that killing both the Russians and Wesley within two days was a great idea. No evidence was found at Wesley's death, but the timing of the murders was enough to convince Fisk of who was responsible. So now there was an All out war with the Maggia and the gangs serving them. The Hammerheads were pretty connected with them, so we may just be able to pin something on them down the line as well.
So Kingpin was paying the cops to drop any investigations concerning the Gang war. And my activities luckily fall into that category. Not to mention the little problem of Jurisdiction among the various Precincts.
I doubt anything will be happening any time soon.
Why the hell would you do that!
Jeez, not so loud SYSTEM. Don't do what exactly?
Tempt Fate!
I thought you knew better that that!
Oh please SYSTEM. This world has a bit more logic than that behind its happenings. Such cliché's
only happen in fiction
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Meanwhile, Midtown Police precinct.
For the first time in his 23 years as an upholder of the Law Has Deputy Chief George Stacy considered resigning from his post. The recent Promotion and increase of budget of his department only adds to the decision. Looking out of the blinds in his Office, George stares at his "colleagues" and "subordinates". Most of these men were transferred in, got in through loopholes. Slowly replacing all his men. The only pal he could still trust was his Friend Ray Cooper. All others were probably on the Kingpin's payroll.
Sitting back down, he lit up a cigarette and started thinking of how this situation came to be.
His best guess was that they didn't want him investigating the "Devil's Chef". The press really couldn't come up with a better name when they heard a cannibal was active in hell's kitchen. But sensationalist press was the least of his concerns.
He wasn't a cop for this long without being careful. He knew that going after the Kingpin meant certain death for himself and his family as well. He thought that it would be fine if he avoided going after the Kingpin, turns out he was wrong.
Any investigation he tried to open on the cannibal was met with great resistance. It was generally swept away as simple gang warfare going too far and the cases that happened before the conflict were promptly erased from the Archives. Good thing he kept backups of any significant cases back home.
They couldn't really deny the existence of a cannibal after two months and their excuse for stalling an investigation was truly ridiculous. As the Cannibal was actually only eating victims from the Gang fights, he was technically not murdering them. So that only left the cannibalism, which turns out isn't exactly illegal. The only thing he had left was desecration of Human corpses, something that wasn't high on the police's Priority list. The worst part is that that felony charged translated to about 7 years Prison or a fine of 8,000,000$. Considering the body count had reached 96 dead, this punishment was far to small. And if it's some sort of freak working for Kingpin, then any chances of a conviction sticking are practically nonexistent.
A few puffs in, he was interrupted by the opening of his Door. Three figures walked into the room.
The first was a well built African American wearing a suit and most importantly, an FBI badge.
Looking at the bespectacled Caucasian Man and Asian woman next to him, he saw similar badges on their clothing.
Putting out his cigarette on a nearby ashtray, George gets up and addresses the Man in the center: "I guess the Kingpin has lost all tolerance. Did he send you to pin some bullshit on me to get me kicked from the force?"
The African American was clearly surprised by the reaction, but soon relaxed before speaking himself:"
I believe there has been quite the understanding Deputy Chief Stacy. We're not here to "Pin" anything on you as you said. Though I guess things have gotten quite bad if you already suspect the FBI."
"You have no Idea" Stacy answers in relief, before focusing once more" So Why are you here. If you're going after Kingpin, then you'll need a lot more fire power and a lot more jurisdiction."
The Man grimaces before answering:" Sadly we wont be able to help with that anytime soon. A good portion of our own agency is affected as you suspected. No we're here to help with the Serial killer you've been going after, the Cannibal." He points to the woman standing next to him:" This is Special Agent Naomi Misora, she should prove quite handy in this investigation."
After that he points to the man next to him:" This is Criminal Profiler Will Graham. His unique Mindset has proven invaluable in finding killer's Motives and identity's in the Past."
George Stacy stares at the man in recognition:" I have actually heard of you, and if I recall, this isn't even the first cannibal you're dealing with." He reaches to shake his hand which Graham accepts.
"id rather not talk about that particular case to be honest." He quietly answers
"Right, sorry about that. I heard you were rather close to the Investigation after all." Stacy answers making Graham quite uncomfortable once again.
Noticing this, the last man steps forward to change the subject. He reaches out his Hand :" I'm Special Agent Jack Crawford, Head of FBI behavioral Sciences. I hope we can work together to catch this "Devil's Chef"."
Stacy shakes his hand and lets out a small breath of relief:" Yes. Yes so do I Agent Crawford"
Letting go, Jack finally asks:" Now then, tell us everything you know of this Cannibal."
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Like I said SYSTEM, you worry to much.
Lets agree to disagree.
Urg, fine.
I move to my closet and begin fishing out some winter clothes. As I am meeting Ivan Vanko in Moscow to finish our deal, id rather be dressed correctly. You should never underestimate a Russian winter after all.
I soon begin changing into the selected clothing. While doing this, I look over to my bed and see one of my newest blades, that I created using Projection. I admit, I have been improving a lot of skills over the last six months and I have to say, i'm really proud of it.
There are the old skills of course.
Programming LV 62-83
Hacking LV 78-98
Gun-play LV 78-84
Close quarters combat (CQC) LV 42-58
Reinforcement LV 18-48 increases both Strength and limits damage taken by 50-75% for affected Objects. Costs 10000-30000 MP/m to use.
Projection LV 13-43
Mana Manipulation LV 42-63
Presence detection LV 42-73
Heal LV 28-42
Telepathy LV 63-78
Glamour magic LV 47-61
Sword mastery LV 122-129
Pole arm mastery LV 28-48
Hell Fire LV 1-37
Water magic LV 16-39
Wind magic LV 11-37
Earth magic LV 8-19
I also got some sweet new Skills due to my engineering Subclass
Electrical Engineering LV 67
Mechanical Engineering LV 68
Advanced Robotics LV 54
Applied Physics LV 82
Theoretical Physics LV 38
Its definitely been a huge help for my work at AIM. I'm usually busy designing and improving new weapon designs we've been coming up with. And surprisingly, I seem to be quite good at it. I obviously work on some unorthodox projects as well.
Using the Blueprints from the iron Monger, i've started designing a suit of my own. Its more of a passion project rather than a feasible design. But that will all change once I have the Arc Reactor.
Speaking of which, I open up my recently acquired smart phone and open up recent transactions.
A specific one finds my focus. Its a little deal with Stark Industries with a sum of 75,000$ Very little considering what they sold me. You see, Stark at this point in time should be dying of Palladium Poisoning. Something that caused him to...Live life to the fullest so to say. I can honestly only imagine what kind of friction this will cause in his marriage and whether or not he would even confess this to his wife. Most decisions have followed the movie so far, naming Pepper CEO is one of them. They don't seem to have any sort of relationship actually. Judging by any news, she is just a very good friend of the couple. If that's the case, then i'm sure no one would mind if I had some fun with her. Oh my, an affair of a newly appointed CEO and an employee of a rival company. Don't forget that i'm a minor as well...hoho what a lovely Scandal that would make...
But back to my Point. Stark is being irresponsible and also, Selling his shit. His Art collection, which held various collector pieces was already auctioned of to some galleries and Art lovers. What I however bought was a miniature Model of the Stark Expo...And not just any model, but the one made by Howard Stark.
And this of course means that I didn't actually buy a Model, but rather a schematic to fabricating a new element. Sorry Tony, But someone else is going to invent "Badassium"... god what a dumb name for a new element... Byzantium maybe. I know it used to be the name of Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, but it sound cool. It also gives somewhat of e personal feeling to it. Only Ahriman and myself have access to the throne of Heroes after all. So I thought of that city. It was besieged and held during ancient Greek wars, either with themselves or the Persians and the Romans. Its ripe with history and was later the capital of both the Byzantine Empire. It existed during the age of Gods and held many iconic heroes of the Past.
Meaning its also a city I'm never visiting out of Fear due to the servants that can be summoned to kill me.
But Yeah, Byzantium. that sounds much better. For a new Element.
Yeah, now I have that. Not only will I have access to a new element that somehow creates a possibility for clean power, but it also allows me to win over some REP with the Starks and SHIELD when I deliver a piece to them. The beauty is that you cant reverse engineer an element. So my value will shoot through the roof once I give Stark a core for his Arc Reactor.
But back to my Improvements for now. We're just getting to the good part after all
The most difficult and most rewarding improvements came with the help of Kaecillius.
First we have Enchantments
Enchantment (Expert) LV 22 (Skill efficiency depends on Level, Caster's imagination and understanding of Latin)
Sub skills: Create minor enchantment, Destroy minor enchantment, modify minor enchantment.
Kaecillius has been tutoring me in the Latin language and it has been paying of. Enchantments are honestly not as I expected. One may wonder how exactly "Expert" enchantment can only do "minor" things at first, but it is incredibly useful. Like a lot of my skills, using Logic and intelligence helps the process tremendously.
Fist of, lets get the definitions out of the way. An Enchantment, is a spell that adds certain properties to an object or sometimes an individual. Enchantments are distinguished from transfiguration in that an Enchantment adds or changes properties of an object; it focuses on altering what the object does as opposed to what the object is. For example, there exist an enchantment which causes something to flash different colors; a Levitation enchantment causes an object to levitate and so on.
Expert enchantment, can change Properties to an even greater idea, but it is considerably more complex. An example wold be the very clothing I'm currently putting on. As they are designed for cold weather, I simply copied some real world mechanics. By enchanting the Fur coat for instance to keep warmth within the inner layers until it reaches a degree where it becomes uncomfortable. After that it discards any excess heat into the surrounding Air.
Simply put, its not too warm and not too cold.
Another use i've found is with my bullet proof business suits. While they do prove exceptional against small Caliber rounds, A well shot Sniper round may just penetrate it. I had to get quite creative here. I lined up the inner layers of the suit with various runes. Thing like "Durability" or "Reflection" weren't feasible to use sadly. Durability would remove flexibility and would essentially ruin the suit. Deflection required a skill level I wasn't capable of.
Turns out that that particular skill actually inverts the projectile before blasting it into the opposite direction with equal force. I'm still incapable of doing something so complex.
So instead I came up with an idea inspired by A movie on old WW2 Tanks. Specifically how some of them were built. You see, somethings instead of making incredibly thick armor plating to defend against tank Rounds, some designers created new shapes for the armor which would have the Rounds ricochet instead. Simple Idea but quite useful.
So i've been implementing something similar on my suits. A "Curve" and "Deflect" enchantment with some extra conditions. It boiled down to this: The enchantment activates as soon as an object smaller than 100 Cubic centimeters comes within a 3 meter radius of my body. It also has to be traveling faster than the speed of , say a car. Something all bullets do achieve.
As soon as the projectile enters the 3 meter Radius, it will begin to curve in its trajectory. It should theoretically completely avoid my body then, but alas. My skill is too small. Anything better than a 9mm Round still hits the suit, albeit only the sides and arms. So the last enchantment was made for that. Working in tandem with the "Curve" Enchantment, a projectile is directed to certain spots on my body( These being shoulders, Elbows and Hips) There the projectile meets a spot enchanted with "deflect" Which simply turns the projectile upon contact by 20 degrees and lets pass by.
Its incredibly complicated, but it has proven itself quite useful. Anything smaller that an anti tank Rifle will prove useless against me.
I Finnish dressing myself, and pull out my phone to check the time. Its already 3 in the morning. Meaning its 10:00 AM in Moscow. An hour before I meet Vanko to be exact...
With the Extra time on my hands, I enter the hidden basement under my room. I move my bed to the side and open up the the trap door beneath it. Climbing down I enter the dark chamber and activate the light switch.
The room quickly illuminates revealing my personal little lab. Its divided in three sections. A Freezer Room containing the Meat I've prepared, along with a butcher stations of sorts.
Then we have an engineering workstation coupled with a wooden mannequin standing next to it. Its where my first attempts of and iron Man suit are strewn about.
Next to that is a section very similar to a morgue, with Cabinets and autopsy tables. One of witch is currently hosting a very alive looking Cadaver.
This is where i've been working on my last batch of skills, also with the Help of Kaecillius who has been using the Warehouse for his own research.
Soul magic LV 63 ( target must be incapacitated or have a smaller level than the caster = Chances vary)
Sub skills: Soul bind, Soul manipulation. Soul extraction, Soul entrapment
Necromancy LV 46 (Target must be dead and of equal or smaller level than the caster)
Sub skills: Create Undead, corpse modification, Create greater Undead, Resurrection (Results vary on conditions)
I've done a few experiments with these skills, one rather interesting was Soul entrapment which i used on the body in front of me. While dead, the Soul is kept within the body. So far it has decreased necrosis and decomposition at an exponential rate. I'm pretty sure that resurrection with these conditions would be perfect, but I don't want to piss off death just yet.
Another interesting thing we did was resurrect a body without a soul. We murdered a gang member, removed his soul, healed him up and finally resurrected him. We removed any memories of his kidnapping and sent him back to his life. The first few days, everything seemed normal, but slowly he started to change. First of, his body started deteriorating and rotting, his blood wouldn't flow and his senses dulled. He also started going mad and shot himself on the fourth day...It was definitely interesting that for sure.
So yeah, i've been bust these past few months. I kind of doubt I'll change the pace anytime soon.
I take a briefcase I prepared earlier from my inventory and look down at my watch. I open a portal and enter it along with Asako and Fou.
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Moscow, 10:55 AM
You know, there is a reason Russia is described as a frozen Hell sometimes. Because this blizzard seriously sucks. While my clothes do keep me adequately warm, they don't cover my very exposed Face. Speaking of which, I am once again using the face of Shiki Ryougi. Its easy to use by now and it doesn't really have that much associated with it.
I round the corner into the ground floor of an apartment complex. I let out a breath of relief as I am finally sheltered from the elements. I move out to a small entryway in the back, leading to an outdoor car lot. There I find the Man i'm looking for.
Ivan Antonovich Vanko( Whiplash/Crimson Dynamo) LV 134
STR 43
VIT 52
DEX 18
INT 346
WIS 85
CHA 5
LUK 0
Unique skills
Theoretical Physics LV 159
Advanced Robotics LV 132
I really like that INT stat. And those skills, I actually want them...Maybe later. I look towards an elevated Position to sense Asako hanging from one of the upper floors. Its quite cute to see Little Fou sitting on her invisible shoulder. Something that is quickly noticed by Asako who somehow envelopes him in her own Presence concealment.
I look back down to the Lobby only to find Vanko giving me a skeptical look. I give him a small smile while making my way over to him. I also spy a large metal cylinder in his right hand, most probably containing his part of the bargain.
I didn't learn any Russian, so I address him in English,
"A pleasure to meet you Mr Vanko" I greet while holding out my hand. He reluctantly shakes it.
"And you must be my "Mysterious Contact". If you hadn't sent those Palladium ingots in advance, I'd have taken you for a trickster or worse a spy." He states.
"A logical conclusion, but as i've proven before. I am reliable." I gesture to the hood of his car" Shall we?"
He nods as I lay the briefcase onto it. I open it up to reveal the final items of our deal:" As you wished, A new Passport, A return ticket to Monaco and something I threw in as a gift. A Position as a track mechanic in case of emergency."
"Why would I want that?" he asks in a gruff and confused tone.
"Why to get close to your target of course" His eyes widen at the reply. Before he has a chance to reply, I interrupt:" Considering your family history and the nature of your purchases, it was easy to deduce you were going after Stark. Worry not, I haven't alerted any authorities of this."
He stares at me questioningly before asking:" Why would you help?"
"Stark has a lot of enemies Vanko, most of which would love to see him crash and burn. Sometimes literally if you catch my meaning."
He looks in apprehension, as if he had just found a fellow comrade of sorts.
"you still haven't answered why you got me a cover as well. Why would Stark be anywhere near the Track? I was going to find him in the Hotel."
"Oh, I thought you knew." I pause for a bit as he stares" Stark is dying, he took a lovely dose of his own brand of shrapnel when he was captured in Afghanistan. The arc reactor he built was not only there to power his suit, but also save his life."
Understanding finally enters Vanko's Mind:" He used the magnetic field of the reactor to secure the Shrapnel...but the discharge of the reactor, the used Palladium would enter his bloodstream. Hahahah" He burst into laughter" A painful Way to die!"
I quickly add to his little conclusion:" Yes, Stark is a dying man and he has been showing it. He's been living his life rather irresponsibly lately. Making his Assistant CEO, selling most of his priceless valuables. And I also believe he is a man wanting to see some thrill in his life right now. So what do you think he would do if he owned a Formula1 Car which will soon be racing in Monaco."
Vanko finally realizes my Point, but I continue:" It would not only have him vulnerable, but it would also be quite the spectacle. Remember, he told the world yesterday that Arc reactor technology was 10 years in the Future, Why don't you make him eat his words with a mouthful of blood." I give him a sinister smile which he soon returns.
I hand him the Briefcase and he gives me the cylinder in return. I use my eyes to verify its contents and am quite pleased with it. Noticing my lack of Movement, Vanko ask:" You aren't going to check"
" I have faith that you upheld your end of the agreement " O smile as I hold my hand out. He takes it.
"Its been a Pleasure Miss Shiki, I truly thank you." He says
"And to you as well, I hope you find success in yo-" The rest of my words are overshadowed by the loud winds of the blizzard raging on. Has it been getting worse?
I turn to Vanko and ask:" Is this normal weather for Moscow?"
He looks around in confusion:" Weather forecast promised clear skies. Just a bunch of incompetents."
My fear is only increase by the Mana strain I feel from Asako's connection.
"Master! Merlin just contacted me, he says tha- MASTER WATCH OUT!"
I barely react from the warning and turn to the entry way from where the wind was blowing from. With my visibility so crap, I decide to late to use my mystic eyes to see thought the snow and wind. To my horror, I see razor sharp icicles racing towards me at breakneck speed. I'm too late to dodge, but I luckily don't have to. My enchanted clothing redirects the Attack to the areas beside me.
With that over I ready my weapons and prepare to order Asako...Just as I hear a loud 'thump' form behind me. I turn around only to see Vanko face down in the snow...Blood coloring it red...I use my eyes to check on him. He's dead.
"ASAKO! By the Power of My command Seal! Fend off the Servant, Buy me Time!"
The Mana drain from the Command seal is immediate as Asako splits into her various forms to attack the perpetrator. Moving quickly to Vanko's body, I cast Soul bind to prevent his death. Using my eyes, I easily find the Soul and cast the spell.
Error! Soul bind cannot be used if the subject was not killed by the User.
"Fucking Dammit!" I scream out into the cold Blizzard, My voice over shadowed by the wind and the clang of blades in the distance.
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Authors Note
First of, the skills were shown in a way to depict how much they've changed during the time-skip Sorry if it ended up a bit incomprehensible.
On another note, someone asked about the gods I included and what source Material I'm using.
This was asked concerning the ones that appeared in Las Vegas specifically.
The Gods so far are a mixture of the ones from:
Percy Jackson(Ares in this case)
Danmachi (Hestia)
Fate( Orion/ Artemis )
And Marvel of course (Bes)
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