Chapter 15
Upgrades
It was another late night at Chaldea as Doomguy worked on the first functioning prototype of the protective power suit as the next mission launch date was closing in fast. The base of the power suit was the Chaldea Combat Uniform, a suit issued for masters when facing intense battles. Now that Hell is after this planet, those battles are going to be more common, thus providing a great basis for this project. Next up was an exoskeletal system that enhanced a user's physical abilities, allowing them to run for longer distances and land from greater heights thanks to the applicably named "Long-fall" Boot attachments. On the arm, sections are where many mystic code modules were stored as Da-Vinci loaded this project with every code they had in stock. Normally impossible for a complete novice to handle, but through some alchemy and Sentinel technological know-how, they were able to have them powered by the Celestial Core. The torso was reinforced with light armour plating that housed the power distribution and shield systems with the main power module housing attached to the back. Along with the life support systems, Shields was rigorously tested through many simulations and practical trials. They were strong, in theory, they could withstand a constant hailstorm of bullets to a very low-rank noble phantasm.
However, discovered one downfall of the whole system was the shield emitters drawing in more power than they could handle and causing a system failure.
Even with VEGA, Da-vinci and Doomguy's knowledge they just cannot bypass the physical limitation of the Chaldeans tech. Thus a compromise had to be made to avoid the whole suit going up in smoke. A limiter module was installed that forced the shields to shut down after reaching a certain threshold of damage absorbed. After a cooldown period of a few seconds, the shield system reboots, allowing the emitter to take another barrage of damage.
"Aahhhh….Finally! I'm impressed that we got two prototypes functioning before the next mission." Da-Vinci said sipping her coffee after a job well done as Doomguy looked at suits that were currently on test dummies. The male suit was colour black and white while the Female one was colour orange and white. With enough sleepless nights, they got two functional suits ready for the next mission There were some things Doomguy wished to add such as helmets but according to Da-vinci, they needed their heads exposed for Ray shifting.
"I see that everything is going pretty dandy in here?" Dell said, entering the room holding a beach ball-sized spherical shaped object covered in cloth.
"Good to see you Dell, mind if I ask what you have brought in?" Da-Vinci asked.
"Oh, this? It's just some metalwork that VEGA requested for me to commission." Dell said as he placed it on an empty workbench next to the VEGA drone. He removed the cloth and revealed a spherical drone body that looked more akin to the human eye.
"It's an upgrade to my drone unit." VEGA said as Dell hooked it up to a terminal.
"Alrighty, is that all you need VEGA?" Dell asked.
"Yes, it shouldn't be too long to retrofit my old unit's hardware into this new frame." VEGA said and Dell left the room.
"A AI making upgrades for itself? I'd be careful VEGA; you might scare some people." Da-Vinci said.
"My protocols dictate that I am to assist humanity. Instilling fear is not among those protocols." VEGA stated his intentions as he took control of the ocular systems. Its "eye" opened up and articulated about as VEGA ran diagnostics. The lens itself lit up in a teal glow as VEGA switched his perspective to the new drone.
"That was a joke, VEGA." Da-Vinci said as she walked over to the new drone frame. She notices how articulated it was, almost as if it was meant to appear more animated over the static look of the old unit.
"Hmmm…. Interesting. VEGA, why this design?" Da-Vinci asked and the eye articulated the look of thinking.
"I... wanted a design that would make it easier to conversate with others. Most servants still find it awkward to hear a voice over the loudspeakers talk to them." VEGA looked a bit sheepish as Doomguy observed his companion display emotion for the first time.
"Well, that will help you in the long run. People in general like having a being in front of them to talk too." Da-Vinci said as she began to dismantle the old drone to transfer the hardware to the new frame.
"That was my intention." VEGA then noticed Doomguy looking at him.
"Slayer, I hope this isn't a transgression on our partnership. I know it was a selfish request so I am sorry for not bringing this to your attention."
VEGA said, looking apologetic as The Slayer waved his hand. He didn't mind as the AI did most of the talking for him, so a more approachable body was not out of line.
"Thank you, Slayer. I will make sure this won't go to waste." VEGA stated and Da-vinci got to work, leaving Doomguy with some free time before having to teach the masters how to use the suits.
A Snack and a Chat.
He walks down the halls of Chaldea, passing Jeanne on the way to the cafeteria.
"Oh, Good afternoon Doomguy." The Ruler class servant greeted the man. Doomguy gives her a nod in response.
"Are you heading to the cafeteria?" She asked and Doomguy nodded again, he was getting something to snack on to pass the time. Normally he didn't need to eat thanks to what the Seraphim did to him. Limitless strength and speed that goes beyond that of a normal human or even demi-god.
But, ever since Emiya and Tamamo Cat took over the kitchen the quality of the food skyrocketed enough to even get Doomguy to have the odd case of the munchies.
"Mind if I join you? I am just going there to get a snack myself." Jeanne asked. Doomguy nodded as he didn't mind the company as he wasn't going to stay long. They reach the Cafeteria and both order some snack foods from Tamamo Cat.
"It's amazing how many servants have taken up jobs around Chaldea. It's like we are a small community." Jeanne said as she sat down across from Doomguy. She was right, some servants took over certain sections of the facility.
"I heard they are planning to extend the library and add a music room, I'm sure Amadeus must be excited for that." She continued as they ate their food peacefully as some servants and staff stared at the two. Doomguy didn't care as he ignored them, however, Jeanne noticed how she became an awkward target of attention. The Slayer finished his food and got up to leave while Jeanne quickly stammered at his sudden departure.
"O-oh. Umm...I guess I'll see you around then! Thanks for letting me join you." She said and he nodded at her before leaving the cafeteria as Cu Chulainn entered
"Tried to have a chat with the guy?" Cu Chulainn asked the Ruler Class servant after notices herself being alone at a table.
"I guess…" She answered looking defeated
"Ahh...Don't take it personally. He's quiet to everyone here...At least he ain't a jerk about it." Cu Chulainn said as he sat down at her table.
"I just find it hard to understand why he's so quiet. For a man that fights against Demons from Hell, I thought he'd be open to talking to heroic spirits like us." Jeanne said.
"Don't you have the True Name Revelation skill that you Rulers are known for? Have you had a looksy at his identity?" The blue-haired Lancer asked.
"No...I have not. Out of respect for what my Alter said to me back in Orleans. All we know is what VEGA has on him from what the Sentinels know about him." Jeanne said recalling what Jeanne Alter warned her about using the skill on Doomguy and how it brought the dragon witch to surrender.
"I guess he must've been through some shit. VEGA told me that he might've been fighting hell for eons before running into 'em Argenta folks. Then even longer afterwards, causing the demons to write a whole damn set of testaments about him." He said with a sigh as he couldn't imagine what that man had been through.
"What do you think of him, Lancer?" Jeanne asked and Cu Chulainn thought about the times he was doing resource collection missions with Doomguy. The man used combat strategies of old and new in his fights. Thrown in the fact that he was trained by another race of humans after spending only god-knows how long in actual Hell.
"Great in a fight, not too keen on chatting. Not like that's a bad thing but you'd think he'd be up for a pint among allies." He gave his answer as he placed his feet onto another chair.
"Now, the real judge would be my Teacher." He said.
"You mean your mentor, Scathach. How would you think she would react to such a man?" Jeanne asked as she tilted her head wondering.
"I can't really guess it since well...She's the expert. Just by looking at someone, she can tell their potential as a warrior. Odds are they will never meet but if that badass got summoned while still alive...Then who knows what could happen." Cu Chulain said as he opened a bottle of water and took a swing from it.
'And maybe he can save her...Or do what I could not?' The lancer said in his head as he leaned back in his chair.
"Regardless, I am still glad to have him around. If he didn't...Master Ritsuka would've died back in Fuyuki." Jeanne said with a smile on her face.
"I can agree with you on that. Two masters liven the place up eh?"
Suit Up.
The next day comes and it's time to introduce the two Masters to their new piece of equipment before their next mission. Ritsuka, Gudao, Mashu and Romani were waiting in the training room.
"Sooo, what are we here for?" Ritsuka asked if she sipped her coffee due to it being really early in the morning.
"Today we are going to introduce you to a new piece of equipment for you both shall take on your adventures. Both Da-Vinci and Doomguy were working hard at it for the past two months." Romani said as the two mentioned servants entered the training room with two large briefcase shaped containers and floating spherical objects.
"Wait, Doomguy made something?" Gudao was surprised that a berserker engineered something.
"What are you implying Gudao?" Ritsuka looked at him with a deadpan look as she took a sip. Was he saying that her servant was too dumb to make something outside of guns?
"I-I ummm...Crap…" Gudao then face palmed.
"It's Ok Senpai. It surprises a lot of people here to have Berserkers that are Sane. According to VEGA, he'd engineered his improved Praetor Suit from the one The Wretch made him." Mashu came to her masters with some information she got from VEGA.
Shortly after that small conversation, VEGA enters the room utilizing his new drone body.
"Good morning everyone." He said as he floated over to the group.
" 'Morning' is that a new drone body, VEGA?" Ritsuka said.
"Correct, It is an improved design to be more compatible with Rayshifting and overall performance out in the field." VEGA nodded his optic to also show that he can now show expressions with it.
"So, no more backpacking with me?" The red redhead asked as she patted the top of VEGA. Noting that he now looked even more like a large floating eyeball than before, but at the same time, kinda cute.
"It is not required anymore as I will be using a coffin like the rest of you." VEGA said, blinking at Ritsuka who stopped patting him.
"So you are going to use this drone outside of missions?" Gudao asked and VEGA nodded.
"Yes, I am experimenting with a body that can relay my expression to improve communications among others." VEGA answers as Doomguy and Da-Vinci enter the Training Hall with two Briefcase-like containers.
"Sorry we were late! Had to make some last minute adjustments!" Da-Vinci said as Doomguy placed the containers on a nearby table.
"Fou, Fou!" The little guy hopped down from Doomguy's Shoulder and onto the Table as others came to look at what they created.
"Alright! As Romani most likely mentioned, Both me and Doomguy have been working on a project to help protect you guys while out on mission. Normally your mystic codes would suffice well but with the spontaneous appearance of Demons from hell the risk of a surprise attack has never been higher." Da-Vinci said as she pressed a button on a remote and both containers unlocked. Doomguy then opened the containers to reveal two highly advanced power suits folded up within them.
"Whoa…" Ritsuka said with her mouth agape.
"Took the words right out of my mouth…." Gudao reacted as he thought he'd only see this kind of stuff in comic books.
"Now, let's get you both started. First off, go to the change room and put on the modified Chaldea combat included in the each case. Ritsuka's is the orange one and Gudao's the black one." Da-Vinci said and pressed another button and the inner compartments folded out to give access to the base bodysuit. Both masters quickly grabbed the garments with excitement and dashed to the change rooms. Within a few minutes, they return wearing the base layer of the suit.
"Well, I can see the excitement so let's get the remaining layers on. Please hold your arms outward and hold still…" Da-Vinci said and the two masters followed her instructions. With another click of her remote, the remaining parts of the armour float from the containers and fly towards the two teens. Both tense up as each respective part finds their place on the base suit and starts to connect to each other after locking in place. After a few seconds of parts floating into place, with the power module locked in last, the system hums to life. Allowing the masters to freely move about in their new high tech suit.
"Not gonna lie...that was kinda cool." Gudao said, looking at the gloves of the suit.
"Yeah! It fits like a glove! Well at least the glove parts do." Ritsuka said as she moved her body, getting a feel for the new tech.
"It looks like all systems go. Romani, mind giving the introduction to their new equipment." Da-Vinci asked.
"No problem. *Ahem*" Romani clears his throat as he looks at his clipboard that had all the important documentation.
"The Chaldea-Combat Exoskeleton Suit, C.E.S for short, Is designed for protection and evasion from hostile forces. Its robust features will help improve a Master's survivability while out in the field and, in the worst-case scenarios, save their lives. While not having any combat features, it makes up for that in utility.
The C.E.S will reduce the physical strain on its user's body thus allowing significantly increased endurance and mobility. One of its revolutionary features is the Long Fall Boots that will absorb the shock from a landing that would result in broken limbs and possible death. Allowing more escape options should masters need to make a leap of faith.
Should a Master find themselves in a situation where they can not run away, the C.E.S Shielding system will provide them with a full body shield that will absorb damage until they need to recharge. If you find yourself in that situation, you'll need to take over and let the shields recharge.
Finally, the C.E.S is still a Mystic Code at its core. However, thanks to C.E.S immense power source, it can be loaded up with more abilities than your typical MC. Normally impossible for a novice to even control, but the suit will handle everything. Just load up the ability you want and cast it. Simple as that." Romani ended the introduction as the three youngsters looked on in wonder.
"Wow, I never thought that could be possible even with Chaldea tech!" Mashu said, looking at the suits.
"Well you can thank our Demon-Slaying friend here. He was the one who designed most of it, I just handled the mystic side of things." Da-Vinci said while gesturing to Doomguy.
"He's used data from both the Praetor suit designs and Project Oretanus. A combination of technologies from two worlds. It is a marvel indeed." VEGA complimented the craftsmanship.
"Thanks, Doomguy!" Both Master's said and Doomguy nods as he walks over to a terminal to load up a training program. Within a few seconds, the room shifts into a form of optical course meant for the masters to get used to using the C.E.S.
"This is a Hazard Course that Me and VEGA programmed for you two to train on at any time. Would you like to give your suits a spin?" Romani said and both masters nod excitedly. They proceed to run about the course having fun using their newfound mobility vaulting over obstacles and sliding through gates. So far, so good. They were getting used to it fast which brought some relief to Doomguy as now he has some form of knowing that those two will be safe if he goes blind again.
"Ummm…" Both Gudao and Ritsuka were standing on top of a semi-high ledge while noting the rest of the course continued beyond it.
"That part is to train yourself using the Long Fall boots. Don't worry, landing has an anti gravity field that will kick in if you can't land on your feet." Romani yelled. Both Masters looked at each other feeling a bit nervous just taking the leap. Gudao took a deep breath and stepped back to do the jump.
"I'll go first." He said to Ritsuka who was shaking her legs.
Gudao makes the jump, Focusing on landing on his feet and...he lands perfectly! He barely felt the landing force on his feet.
"Good work Senpai!" Mashu said cheering on her master
He looks back up to his colleague and gives her a thumbs up. It didn't seem to give her any courage however, she was still looking a bit scared to make the jump. The Redhead was about to ask if she can skip this one but then she saw Doomguy running toward the landing zone.
He stands at the bottom of the jump, looking up at Ritsuka and nods. Ritsuka looked at her servant that she trusted deeply, he was waiting patiently for her to jump. Not being forceful or demanding, just being calm and waiting for her.
"1,2,3,4...Inhale….1,2,3,4...Exhale…" Ritsuka Remembered what Doomguy taught and stepped back…
She leaps and focuses on landing on her feet…
And she sticks the landing! Like Gudao, she didn't feel any force from the landing.
"Holy cow that was scary!" She started with a little laugh as stands up. Doomguy gives her a thumbs up and pats her on the head. Ritsuka smiles and continues the course on her own. Doomguy walks back to the terminal and observes their training for a few hours. It was getting late and The next mission was tomorrow so the masters decided to turn in early and the staff got ready for the Third Singularity.
"VEGA? Mind if I ask you something?" Da-Vinci asked as she worked on the terminal.
"Do you have an inquiry?" VEGA said hovering over to her.
"Just a question, Do you know why Doomguy fights hell?" Da-Vinci asked.
"Apologies, I do not know information prior to meeting him or outside of Sentinel texts." VEGA answered truthfully.
"I've expected as much. What is your opinion on Ritsuka's bond with Doomguy." Da-Vinci asks the AI and VEGA ponders the question for a few seconds.
"I am surprised at how fast he became cooperative to them and accepted the servant-master contract." VEGA said.
"That sounds like he's not normally so cooperative…" Da-Vinci said, raising an eyebrow.
"I've only had one instance on record. During our first meeting, he was working with Dr Samual Hadyen. He and Hadyen had a disagreement that resulted in the destruction of Argent energy production on the Mars facility. Dr Hayden continued to work with him until after the situation was rectified." VEGA relayed the story of the Mars Base.
"Something tells me that Dr Hayden did something after Doomguy did all the heavy work." Da-Vinci said while sipping her coffee.
"I would note that my core was destroyed in order to close the hell portal over the base. I am a back-up copy of my Core processes. However my previous self left the data recorder of the Praetor suit running. It turns out Dr Hayden betrayed him by stealing the Demonic crucible from The Slayer and teleported him to a barren wasteland…" VEGA stated and Da-Vinci shook her head at the arrogance of the man that betrayed the man that saved his world.
"Just why? From what I've seen, his actions are justified! Even the Mage's Association would be making that guy there go to problem solver whenever things go way over their heads!" The Caster class servant said with frustration.
"Arrogance...I believe he despises those that think they are higher above others, and lead the weak to their doom." VEGA sounded a little off when he said that but Da-vinci ignored it as she focused on preparations for the next rayshift.
The next days rolls around and everyone is ready to get going to the next singularity. Both Masters are already suited up in their C.E.S as Doomguy and fou walked in into the command room.
"Ah, Doomguy, just in time. We were just disguising what we learned from Rome." Romani said, referring to the Lev Lainer actually being Flauros, one of the 72 Demon Gods that was lead by a certain ancient king.
"...Um, Dr. Romani. Speaking of the 72 Demon gods, well…" Mashu said.
"Yeah, Me and VEGA discussed this earlier. It can only be one peticulary ancient king Lev was referring to…" Romani said.
"Ancient King?" Ristuka asked, Tilting her head in confusion as Chaldea was already being flooded by many King servants that could fit the bill.
"They are referring to King Solomon, the ancient Ruler of Israel." VEGA answered.
"That's right! The greatest summoner in the world of mages. The familiars who served him were the infamous 72 Demon Gods!" Da-Vinci added her two cents to the conversation. Doomguy shook his head, these so-called "Demon Gods" could barely compare to the Demons he fought for thousands of years. The man cracks his knuckles in anticipation…
"As usual, Doomguy is itching to get into the action. Let's speed things up then. The year you are Rayshifting to is 1573. The Location-A ocean as far as the eye can see. I hope you guys got used to boating, because It'll most likely be the only transportation you'll have." Romani said.
"Ocean, you say?" Mashu said, Curious about the location.
"Yes. The geography is shifting correspondingly with the Singularity. We are having difficulties trying to define which ocean on earth corresponds to." VEGA added.
"The sea only has several Islands Scattered around. Like before, I would like you to find the cause of the singularity ASAP. We haven't detected any Demonic activity on any of the islands so far, still be on your guard." Standing Director Romani gave the mission objective.
"We are not going to end up in the ocean...Right?" Ritsuka asked, slightly worried.
"The coordinates are already locked on to a landmass well above sea level. I will remind you that the C.E.S is equipped with a built in life preserver Just in case you end up in the water." VEGA assured Ritsuka.
"You really thought of everything, didn't you Doomguy?" Gudao said with a laugh while Doomguy nodded.
"...I still have some worries, but we don't have the time to address all of them. At least we have Doomguy-san and VEGA to help us out on the field." Mashu said, turning to face the Masters.
"Master Gudao, Ritsuka. Let's go. Me and Doomguy-san will give it everything we have. " She said, taking charge.
"Yeah, let's do it, Mashu!" Gudao said getting pumped for this next chapter in their quest to save humanity. Ritsuka looks at Doomguy and he gives her a thumbs-up, assuring her that he has her back.
"Foooou!" Fou barked as he was also going to join in as the group's lucky charm!
"Alright! Let's go!" Ritsuka said and the ground team got into their coffins to set off to the Singularity of the Sea.
Meanwhile…
The Demons broke through a dimensional barrier hoping to gain another access point...
Only to find a land of darkness and death…The ground was nothing but dust and stone and the sky was starless but one could still see for kilometres. Regardless, The Demons shall create of foothold and exploit this land in any way they can-
A whole group of Hellknights were cut down to shreds. Followed by the death of three Fireborn Barons of hell.
"Who goes there!" The leading Marauder shouts as half of his forces are killed.
"You trespass on my land. My land of Shadows…" The voice came from a cliff face above. The demon looks up to find a woman with long hair, wearing a black bodysuit while wielding two blood-red spears.
"Bah! One wench. You are no Doomslayer! Our forces shall consume this land and then the rest of your world in the name of- GAHHHH!" He was instantly impaled by several copies of the woman's spear. The woman jumps down and stars at the monster with her ruby red eyes.
"I have no knowledge of this 'Doomslayer' however, I can tell you are a fallen warrior who has chosen a path of corruption." She said as the Marauder fades into ash and turns her attention to the rest of the demonic intruders.
"The rest of you however, are nothing more than monsters that consume anything in your path." She twirls the spear in her left hand and points it at her foes.
"So I shall grant you no mercy. You face Scathach! Queen of the Shadows!" The woman said as she dashed at the horde of Demons.
(This chapter was Beta'd by Darklord331)
AN: Shorter Chapter because I wanted to have a wee bit more downtime before sailing the high sea's. ANYWAYS, God I never thought I'd be reaching Singularity 3 because after this one stuff gets real in S4 with The first encounter of Solomon. '
The Masters got their new suits of armour which are pretty much inspired by stuff from other games like Half-life, Portal, Etc. IT will allow me to throw some of the more super heavy demons at them without having them get nearly killed all the time. Also, I hope you Described VEGAs new drone body well enough. I was trying to match the look of a Personality Core from Portal (E.g Wheatly) that will be VEGA's "Body" For a long while until...A certain Chaotic Kohai AI starts causing trouble
The Demons are still going to cause chaos throughout this journey! Prime Example, Our favourite Celtic Teacher, Scathach, dealing with some demons trying to get into the Land of Shadows.
Why am I throwing Scathach into the mix earlier than FGO Cannon?... REASONS APLENTY!
Alright! That's it for now and...As Always...
Have a nice day!