Chapter 8: Iridescence Pt.2
"Aaaaand it's finished!" Nitori said dramatically, gesturing at the machine that had been constructed to facilitate Neolect's Spell Cards. Like Neolect's reconnaissance drone, it was a four-propellered flying machine, though it differed in size. Lumitechnics are an energy-intensive process, so the machine needed to be at least the size of a standard attack helicopter. In addition to lumitechnics, the machine also came with several actual weapons for both self-defense purposes and for added Spell Card flavor. These weapons include two rotary cannons, a railgun, an electrolaser, and two homing missile launchers. Finally, there were cameras all around the drone which allowed for omnidirectional vision.
"So, Neo, what do you think? I call this thing the Spelicopter!"
Neolect let out a long-suffering sigh. "We'll think of a better name later. Anyways, this machine should do well for its purpose. Based on what I know about Spell Card duels, situational awareness and precise movement are both important to be successful. I am a bit concerned about the size of the vehicle, though it was a necessary limitation…"
Nitori shrugged. "Eh, you'll be fine. Most participants can't see in EVERY DIRECTION like this thing can."
"I suppose you're right," replied Neolect. "Well, with the new body completed, now we can get to the important part."
"Ah, yes, actually making your Spell Cards! So, any ideas about what you want to theme them around?"
"Hmm… I can't say I have many ideas about that." Neolect said.
"Well, is there anything that means a lot to you?" Nitori asked. "Any core memories that could be represented by a bunch of lasers?"
"There is one possibility that I could use, now that you mention it. My creator made sure to give me comprehensive knowledge of humanity's science and achievements, so perhaps those ideas could be transformed into Spell Cards. I'd need help to do that well, however."
"Alright, there we go! That's an idea!" Nitori exclaimed. "So, give me an example and we can think of a way to turn it into a Card."
"Let's start with String Theory, then." Neolect then proceeded to explain a simplified version of the concept to Nitori.
"So, the properties of particles are decided by the vibrational state of one-dimensional 'strings'…" Nitori pondered the idea for a moment. "Oh, I know! You could project a bunch of 'strings' across the battlefield, then move through them at varying speeds or shoot them. The different 'vibrations' could make different bullet patterns."
Neolect was impressed with his partner's ability to come up with a reasonable way to turn String Theory into an attack. "That sounds like it'll work nicely."
"One down, several to go. What's the next idea, Neo?"
The duo of kappa and machine continued to brainstorm Spell Card ideas themed around the discoveries and inventions of humanity, some of which included the Internet, space flight, and the antimatter bomb.
"Welp, that seems like a good amount of Spell Cards to start with." Nitori stated. "Now all that's left is to get Reimu to legitimize them, and you'll be good to go!"
"Splendid. When should we do that?"
"Well, it's a bit late, so I say we wait until tomorrow. I'm sure Reimu wouldn't enjoy being disturbed at this hour."
"Understood. We shall return tomorrow," replied Neolect. "Sleep well."
"That's the plan! See you!" Nitori checked out for the night.
Neolect found himself wondering about his creator and Yumemi. It was odd that he was never shown to his creator's supposed best friend. The way his maker talked about "shared experiences" with Yumemi now held a lot more significance. Had he ended up in Gensokyo before, just like Yumemi?
The next day, Nitori and Neolect prepared to set out for the Hakurei Shrine once again. This time, Neolect would bring the "Spelicopter," which was hopefully a temporary name.
"Alright, Neo, we should be set to go back over to the shrine now!"
"It seems so. I do wonder how Reimu will react to the Spelicopter."
The kappa, followed by a large quadcopter, left the bunker and made their way to the shrine. Any fairies that showed up to bother them were quickly dispatched by the Spelicopter's heavy weaponry and Nitori. It wasn't long before they were back at the Hakurei Shrine.
Reimu was sleeping in late this morning, and she would have slept longer had it not been for a horrendously loud noise coming from the sky. Jerked awake by the sound, she got up and rushed outside, half-expecting a fight. Instead, she was greeted by Nitori and Neolect.
Reimu grumbled. "What is that wretched noise I'm hearing?!"
Neolect responded, "I apologise for that. The sound produced by rotors can be quite disruptive when close. Related, this is the body capable of Spell Cards."
Nitori pointed at the Spelicopter as it was landing. "Yep! This thing here's the Spelicopter!"
Reimu chuckled slightly at the name, while Neolect wished that Nitori hadn't mentioned it.
"So, you've got the ideas for your cards set up, right Neolect?" asked Reimu.
"Indeed. I unfortunately lacked the creativity to create the bullet patterns myself, so I got Nitori to help me with them," replied Neolect.
Reimu nodded. "I see. Well, to be honest, I'm tired and want to get back to sleep, so let's go ahead and get this over with."
"I do apologize for that. We should have asked what time would have worked for you."
"Wow," replied Reimu, "most people would have made fun of me for my laziness."
"Well, it's probably not good form to mock someone who you're getting a favor from."
Without wasting more time, Reimu helped set up Neolect's Spell Cards, making them officially useable in duels. The process didn't take long, helped by the fact that Reimu wanted to get things over with quickly.
"Welp," said Reimu, "I think you should be good to participate in Spell Card duels now. I have no idea what, like, half of your Spell Cards mean, but that's not important. What's important right now is me getting back to sleep, so have fun!" With that, Reimu returned to her shrine, and presumably, to her bed.
Nitori scoffed. "Man, this shrine needs better customer service."
Neolect responded, "Oh well. We did get what we came for."
"So, Neo, now that we've got your cards set up and stuff, we need to test them!"
"A sensible plan. It would be best to test them on someone who isn't intricately familiar with them, like you are."
"Well, we did make a few friends from the spelunking adventure, so I'm sure one of them would be willing to assist!"
"This is true. Shall we travel there?"
"Well, I'm down! I wanna see this!" Nitori said excitedly.
In the upper layers of the Underground, Yamame wandered aimlessly. Things hadn't been super eventful beneath the Earth as of late. However, loud noises rang throughout the cavern that piqued the spider's interest. There was a sound much like that of Neolect's weapon being fired, but at a much more rapid rate. It was accompanied by a sound that she couldn't recognize. Curious, Yamame went to investigate the sound.
Yamame was dumbfounded by the strange flying machine that she saw. It was ripping through fairies alongside a youkai who she recognized. Seeing Nitori, Yamame knew that the device was likely related to Neolect. Thus, once the fairies left the duo alone, Yamame went over to interact with them.
Neolect, seeing Yamame through one of the Spelicopter's cameras, greeted her. "Greetings, Yamame. You are who we were looking for."
"Hello Neolect! Hello Nitori!" Yamame waved at the duo of machine and Youkai. "Did you say that you were looking for me? What for?"
"Well," said Nitori, "Neolect just recently got his Spell Cards, and was looking for someone other than me to have a friendly duel with!"
"Oh, that makes sense!" Yamame responded. "Well, in that case, how does two cards sound?"
"This is an acceptable arrangement. Nitori, may you stand back?" asked Neolect.
"No problem!" Nitori went a few dozen meters away from the combatants, ready to watch the lightshow. "Alright, get ready you two!" she shouted.
Yamame began to hover off the ground, meeting the Spelicopter in altitude. Both contestants hovered perfectly still.
"GO!" Nitori shouted.
Yamame started off, shouting "Trap Sign 'Capture Web!'"
Neolect was familiar with this card, having seen it and a weakened version of it before. This prior knowledge, combined with the fact that he had impeccable situational awareness, allowed him to weave between the bullets with relative ease despite the size of his machine. Nitori found the way he moved fascinating, as he often moved in straight lines. She chocked it up to him being a machine.
When Yamame's card had worn off, Neolect prepared his own. In robotic monotone, he announced, "Theory of Everything 'String Theory.'" Several strands of light filled the air, reaching from the bottom of the cavern all the way to the top. Yamame was confused, but braced herself for anything that could happen. Neolect aimed his electrolaser at one of the strings and activated it, launching a bolt of lightning straight towards it. The strand vibrated intensely. Circles of bullets emanated from the string, with the points they were launched from spreading out from the point of impact. Yamame now understood the card, and was able to dodge the initial barrage. Neolect kept hitting strings, filling the air with moving orbs of light. Yamame sustained a few hits, not enough to be truly noteworthy.
Having survived Neolect's card, Yamame once again used one of hers. "Miasma Sign 'Filled Miasma!'"
Remembering how things had gone in the Spell Card duel that he had witnessed, Neolect activated another one of his cards at this point. "Omnicide 'Antimatter Bomb.'"
Yamame lifted her hand, and an ungodly number of bullets were sprayed in every direction, some stalling in midair. These bullets launched themselves back at their sender, passing right through her and continuing onwards. Neolect weaved through the spray of bullets as he prepared to launch a replica of an antimatter explosive. He used his mounted miniguns to return some fire at Yamame while preparing the bomb. The spider girl was able to easily avoid the minigun bullets, but she suspected that there was more to this card than aimed, rapid-fire bullets. Thus, while still filling the air with energy bullets, she kept a close eye on Neolect.
The "bomb" was ready, and Neolect launched it at Yamame. He had adjusted his aim based on her current velocity, though Yamame still avoided the large projectile. Upon impacting the wall of the cave, the replica bomb let out a radiant barrage of energy projectiles. This explosion consisted of many large danmaku shots, much like some of Utsuho's cards, combined with an uncountable number of small bullets. Yamame flew away from ground zero and tried her best to weave through the explosion. While mostly successful, she did take enough hits to hand Neolect the match.
Visibly panting, Yamame returned to the ground to rest. Neolect, while not needing to, landing the Spelicopter on the ground as well.
"Wow, good duel Neolect!" exclaimed Yamame.
"I share the sentiment," said Neolect. "I'm curious: are there any ways that you can see where I'd need to improve?"
"Hmm…" Yamame pondered the question for a moment. "While your cards were pretty good, I've certainly seen harder-to-dodge ones. For instance, Yuugi's. However, with dodging abilities like yours, I can see you faring well in duels against opponents with stronger cards than you!"
"I see. Thank you for this insight, Yamame."
"No problem!"
Nitori walked over to the spider and the machine, joining the conversation. "That was really cool to watch! I must say, seeing a large machine like Neolect's current body participating in a duel instead of a human-sized being was certainly entertaining!"
"Yeah," responded Yamame. "His dodging skills are incredible on their own, and that's made even more impressive by the size he has to work with."
The three individuals talked for a few minutes, catching up on the things that had happened since they last spoke.
"So, Neolect, you think it's possible that a friend of your 'creator' has been to Gensokyo before?" asked Yamame.
"Indeed. Have you ever heard of someone named Yumemi?"
"Can't say I have, sorry."
"Ah, well, that's fine. I'm trying to gain more information about her supposed visit to this place, as it's possible she knows some things about my creator. In fact, it's possible that he's been to Gensokyo before, too."
"Huh. Well, Neolect, I'll be sure to tell you if I see anyone named Yumemi, or anything else that's your brand of unusual," Yamame promised.
"I appreciate it."
After that, Nitori and Neolect decided to descend deeper into the cavern, as it had been at least a few minutes since Neolect had spoken with Satori. Yamame opted to join them. Thus, Neolect's second visit to the Palace of the Earth Spirits began.
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Meanwhile, the Great Hakurei Barrier fluctuated for a moment. Something had breached the great magic wall.
"We did it boss! We're back in Gensokyo!"
"Ah, finally." Yumemi grinned. "Now, it's time to finally bring back enough evidence to prove the existence of magic!"
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Author's Notes: So sorry about how long this chapter took! Many things have happened, between writer's block, a surgery, and summer classes, but regardless, here we are!
Neolect finally has Spell Cards! I was considering making his cards work off of Nitori magitech, but the wiki said that she struggles to make magical tools of any kind, so I opted not to. Even so, it is a bit strange that I said that she hasn't even considered the concept…
So, Neolect's cards! They're all based on real concepts. Antimatter, if we could produce enough of it, would make TERRIFYING explosives, as half a gram of antimatter reacting with half a gram of normal matter makes an explosion on par with the HIROSHIMA BOMB. From ONE GRAM OF TOTAL MATERIAL. String Theory is a proposed idea for what links the four fundamental forces of the universe, which fits with the title "Theory of Everything." Miscellaneously, the "electrolaser" weapon he uses is also based on emergent technology. Essentially, the air is ionized with a laser, and an electric current is sent down this impromptu wire. Anyways, that was a brief, unwarranted science lesson.
It looks like Yumemi has come to Gensokyo once again. Who knows what issues this may cause…
Welp, that's all I've got to say for now! I hope you have or continue to have a great day!