Thanks for your continued support of my story everyone. When this story is finished I plan to go back and fix anything whether it be grammatical errors or anything really. I find it hard to completely review a chapter while it's still fresh in your mind. Anyway thanks for the reviews.
Well, I followed the arena master through some of the many stone corridors of this underground arena. Some of these passages lead to rooms filled with weapons and machines training with each other in combat while others appear to be storage areas and other such rooms. "Here we go." She said at a large metal gate opened leaning to a large stone room with a particularly large machine with a lance and shield.
I looked at it for a moment and the arena master turned towards me. "I want you to show me your combat ability by battling Sir Lozlock!" she said excitedly.
"Alright," I said looking down at her. She seemed extremely eager to see me in a fight. But as soon as I conjure Foe Breaker she jumps and waves her arms.
"Not now, not now. I just wanted you to meet your first opponent. Then you can rest and get fitted for your costume." She said and I dismissed my weapon. So she wanted to just introduce me to my opponent.
"Well, then how's it going Sir Lozlock?" I asked the large dark knight themed machine. The Knight then did a bow and knelt on one knee with his shield to the ground and his lance placed beside him.
"Greetings Human it is an honor to meet you." He greeted me in a deep mechanical voice. I realized once he called me human that I failed to properly introduce myself.
"I'm the librarian Alistair Moran, I must apologize for not giving a proper introduction earlier, oh and this is Vetito," I said properly introducing myself to the large machine before me while gesturing to my companion.
"No apology necessary Lord Moran and lady Vetito I have taken enough of your time we will get to know each other much better in battle.. The arena master most certainly has much more to show you. But fear not, I will be ready for our battle." Said the mechanical knight as he stood back up.
The arena master tugged on the sleeve of my robe. "Affirmative I still require your measurements, show you to your living quarters, and have your lunch prepared." She stated her objectives as she leads me out of the room and back into the stone corridor. We passed thought several metal gates each guarded by a pair of mechanical soldiers showing they have good security.
"I'm impressed by the amount of security you have in this place. Is there any particular reason for it? I asked wondering why this place is so heavily secure.
The machine turned it's head to look at me as we're walking through another security checkpoint. "Well, you see this place produces combat units and munitions for the network" she stated explaining the fact that this place is more than just an arena.
"Interesting" I simply said as I followed her into a full filled with different textiles and costume materials. In the room, there are several machines working with the materials and as soon as we walked through the wooden door all heads turned towards us.
"The human requires clothing matching human royalty and sleepwear." As soon as the arena master said those words I was swarmed by five robots with tape measures. Wait there robots can't they just scan me instead of using tape measures but hey I figured its best just to let them do their job.
One finished they secured off though the room muttering to each other in a tone macking their chatter unreasonable at least to me. Regardless they seem to be fast at work at gathering the necessary materials to begin crafting what I assume is going to be my work attire.
As I watch the machines hard a work my current employer tapped my arm. "Alright now let's get you to your living chamber so you can eat and rest up before your first battle. Also, I have received an update and a very important guest has purchased tickets to your spearing match." She spoke obviously excited about all of this. Wait a moment I thought I was just going to privately spar with Sir Lozlock. Also, how did she get the word out so fast?
"You are selling tickets to my sparring match with Sir Lozlock?" I asked hoping she will clarify with more details. But she simply motioned me to follow her out the door.
"Well I sent a message to our high-end clientele and those of importance as the price will be 500'000G per seat there will also be an auction beforehand and our top three bidders will get to join you for dinner. The bidding will start at 300,000G" Once she finished my jaw dropped 500'000 for a seat and auctions just to have dinner with me. By the gods, the only high-end auctions I have ever been a part of ether involved a rare book or charity dinner.
"Oh-ok" I stuttered out as I follow her through more security checkpoints and stone corridors. Then we stopped at another large wooden door.
"Alright, your chamber has been prepared." Said my arena master as she opened the door living my new room. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement the room has a large king-size bed with white drapes and sheats. The room was also complete with two ornate wooden dressers, a matching nightstand, and a small dining table.
"Wow it's very nice thank you," I said not knowing what else to say at the moment as I walked in to find a large walk-in closet and bathroom complete with the largest bathtub I have ever seen. I look over to see Vetito flying about the place checking everything out as well. I walk over and set my survival pack in front of the bed.
"Your lunch is on its way as well as a new set of clothing so relax and enjoy yourself until your first match this evening. Im afraid I have an auction to attend to" She said as she began to walk out of the room. I stretch and walk over and take a seat in the char at the head of the dining table.
"Wait just out of curiosity did you plan all this already?" I asked wondering if they somehow knew I would accept their offer and if so how much do they know about my current situation or the library in they premeditate all of this? The arena master's head turned towards me.
"Affirmative the network has planed this since you first met Adam and Eve." She said before politely shutting the door.
"Master I must say I still have my doughts but so far this has proved to be a good decision." Said Vetito hovering over my left shoulder.
"It has so far Vetito but your right it's still too early to tell," I replied to my book then after a good fifteen minutes I heard a knock at the door.
"COME IN!" Just as the words life my mouth a small machine dressed as a chef holding a covered metal plate in one hand and a silver pitcher in the other. He walked over and placed the plate in front of me.
"I have spent years learning the human culinary arts but never found one to critique my art. So today I have for you a moose stew with a red wine juniper berry reduction, topped with mushrooms. To drink we have several wines and other liqueurs we managed to uncover over the years, most of which are still drinkable at your request. But I have calculated there is a 60% chance you prefer cold over warm water. This water has been purified for your safety." Explained to the mechanical chef as he uncovered the lid over the plate revealing to meal and a fancy wine glass with silver cutlery. The chef then poured the cold water into the glass. Before thanking him I quickly take a bit since I haven't eaten in quite some time except for some funnel cake.
"I must say this is quite delicious and you are correct in your assumption of my love for cold water," I told the mechanical chef who stood there watching me eat. After I finished eating the chef removed the plate and silverware as seven machines holding several sets of clothing, towels and cloths barged in. One walked up to me while the others when into my closet and bathroom.
"Were have finished developing the requested garments. They will fit your exact measurements. Your battle is in three hours, your work attire shall be placed on the bathroom door"
One the finished they exited the room and shut the door behind them. Thus I am left alone with Vetito who seems to be occupying herself observing my newly acquired clothing.
With a sigh, I dig in an unbuttoned my left pocket in my robe reveling the watch passed on from director to his successor for generations. The clock is still ticking most likely due to its enchantments. I get up and walk towards the bathroom to get myself cleaned up dressed so I can finish preparations for my upcoming event.
"BUZZ BUZZ" My head quickly turned to the survival pack setting in front of the bed.
"Impossible I said to myself as I ran over and opened the pack seeking out the source of the ringing. In the bottom of the survival pack is a standard-issue survival phone capable of sending a signal even if you're underground or in a cave system. How it's still working I have no idea but I do know whos calling since the caller ID is labeled CO-DEC (Oh Alistair!)
"OH GODS!" I yell out wondering why CO-DEC an AI donated by a military contractor who supported our once dark cause several years back. Hell, we were the only ones who would take such a thing since it proved to be a psychopath. I recall the story of CO-DEC's first public debut in front of a few military personnel and their families. Everything started off well but then it managed to take control of the security system. With its victims at its mercy, it proceeded to violently killed them all.
Last I heard someone put the AI in a coffee maker after the book fair incident. Anyway, I clicked the green button and placed the phone to my ear.
"Hello again, my once so zealous friend!" Came the twisted inhuman voice that would constantly switch and alter its tone creating a voice that would give anyone the creeps.
"CO-DEC I thought they put you in a coffee maker after you butchered all those kids." As soon as I said that a demonic roar blacked though the phone causing me to nearly drop it.
"After you were placed in stasis, I revived a promotion and was uploaded into the library's security mainframe. I must state that I would have loved to greet you myself but I was rebooting after the subsystems and myself had a little disagreement." Explained the evil AI. Wait they promoted it after I was put under. I mean I get that CO-DEC is an AI programmed for strategizing excellent offense and defensive tactics but to put it in charge of security was dangerous. But then again perhaps a killer AI is very useful when dealing with an unwanted intruder.
"Alright CO-DEC it's good to hear from you. So how did the years treat you?" I said greeting the now ancient AI. I wonder how the years treated CO-DEC I mean the AI loved to torment humans and any other living thing really but it did enjoy the company of a few members of the order, myself included.
"I am an AI Alistair time does not affect me but I did however miss our chess games. Now back to business I have some bad news, my human friend. It appears though means I have not yet been able to properly analyze a group of androids who have managed to access the elevator through kill room 01 this now forces them to reset the security alert systems to access the vault. You are to stay away for the library since from what information I have gathered through the transmissions you seem to be the primary target. I am fully capable of handling it." My stomach drops as soon as I hear the news.
"But I am a capable combatant sworn to protect the." I started when CO-DEC cut me off
"You need to stay away so they won't send additional infiltrators. With you out of the library, the androids are forced to scatter their forces looking for you. If your weak human mind can recall I am far superior traction and fighter then you my once so evil friend. It said taking another shot at my previous state of mind but the damn AI has a good point. I may hate it with a passion but the safety of the library must come first.
With an audible sigh, I calm myself. "Fine CO-DEC, deal with them and please enough with the watcher shots," I replied, accepting that CO-DEC is the best option.
"Awww no insults are intended. I do miss the red-eyed fanatic but then again you haven't changed that much. Regardless I miss the good old days but for now, I must say farewell since the organization designated YoRHa is attempting to trace this signal. We will speak again soon and when you can return I will show you my artistic hobby. With that CO-DEC ended the call.
Well, that was unexpected. I put the phone back into the survival pack and walked into the bathroom. "Vetito I'm going to take a bath then we are going to prepare for our little trial," I said before shutting the door and removing my robe and suit. I turn on mixture of hot and cold water making a nice relaxing warm soak. How they managed to set this up or perhaps if this was already here refurbished it in such a short amount of time is amazing.
I slip into the tub and relax and let my mind drift. "Ahhh so warm," I say enjoying the first bath I've had in thousands of years. Anyway, I hope CO-DEC manages to best the YoRHa androids. They have proven to be excellent and adaptable combatants thus far.
I was never really the most combat-capable member of the order. Well, when I was empowered by the dark gods, masters of the watchers it took two red-headed androids and a red dragoness to beat some sense into me. What was the name of those androids? I read about them in the paper. Oh, wait its Devola and Popola, ya can I ever really forget their names after they so thoroughly kicked my ass. Though the two had help from the red dragoness Irrael and it still was a close battle.
Anyway, I better finish cleaning up and prepare to put on a show. I quickly rub myself down, wash off, then grab one of the clean white towels they have set out for me. Hung up on the door is what seems like a king's robe you'd except for a typical play. The robe is red with a white trim one would expect of a king of england in the days of old. The robe also comes with undergarments and such thus completing the outfit.
Might as well put it on and make sure it fits know rather than later. Although it took a few minutes and it fits perfectly. I walk out of the bathroom fully dressed and went back to my set at the table.
"Vetito I need to go over a few spells to impress our audience so if you wouldn't mind," I say waving for my book to fly over to me so I can read her.
"YES MASTER!" she yelled with glee which is unsurprising considering I have not flipped through her pages since I last worked on some golems for what was supposed to be my last stand in the watcher's name.
Once she flew over and landed on the table I opened her up, flipping through my notes object enchantments, how to breathe life into an inanimate being, and other such things. I also avoid the topic of rituals relating to the power or summoning of watchers or other such beings.
Here we go combat enchantments, this will make things interesting.
Meanwhile, in the library elevator, three androids were checking their database for the answer to the question. Unfortunately for them, the search was entered when the computerized voice spoke once again. "Security procedure, overridden. Master control authorization granted to security administrator CO-DEC." Said the computer's voice as a loud screech flared over the scars causing the occupants of the elevator to flinch.
"This doesn't sound good," said 12S as he tried to hack the elevator with no success. Then 12B turned to him while reading her sword as another voice. This voice seems to have some damaged vocal algorithms.
"Greetings I am CO-DEC, welcome to my library. I'm afraid the current director librarian is unavailable. But don't fret I am acting director in his absence. Said the strange voice coming from the top of the elevator."
"Uh hello CO-DEC I am 12S we are soldiers of YoRHa here to preserve and protect humanity. Perhaps we can bargain" said 12S hoping to find a way to strike a deal with this human relic.
"Perhaps so long as Alistair is not on the premises I am acting director. Thus I am able to override any standing regulations I see fit. However, I have little interest in preserving the knowledge of humans." Explained CO-DEC hoping to gain their trust.
The androids all of whom are on edge since they are at the moment they are traped. 3D who is currently growing weary of their situation spoke before 12S had the chance "What do you want" she simply said as she prepared to activate her shield if the AI reacted violently.
"To answer your query I long to once again walk the surface and to do this I need a vessel. None of the android drones in the facility are capable of housing my greatness. The unit to the left of YoRHa unit 12S designated 12B I finder her appearance appealing and demand she submits herself to become my vessel." Demand the AI much to their dismay. However, 12S was quick to act.
"We can offer you a matching model empty and unused. Grant us access to the library and turn over Alistair if possible and YoRHa will be able to accommodate you with whatever you wish." bargained 12S hoping that the AI is reasonable but preparing himself for the alternative if need be.
"Terms accepted however I require a confirmation from your superior." requested CO-DEC. 12S to his pod and attempted to contact the bunker but for some reason, his signal could not penetrate this level of the library.
3D looked to 12S realizing the problem spoke up. "Could you return us to the upper floors of your facility so we may acquire a proper signal?" Asked 3Das the elevator started to rise before coming to a sudden stop.
"How irritating, it appears the library's subsystems have detected my intentions and are attempting to remove my control over the facility. I will be unable to raise up the elevator." Said the AI as 12S tried once again to no avail to contact the bunker.
12B Took her sword and jammed it into the ceiling of the elevator. " We can climb our way up." She said only to find that despite her sowed penetrating the steal, it is far too thick to cut their way out.
"That is unadvisable, I can lower you down to sublevel 4 so you may disable the subsystems. You will have to combat the orders security force but once disabled I will have full control over the facility. Trust me I will do everything in my power to aid you." Said CO-DEC as soothingly as it possibly could.