Vastorie makes one final call, this time with Ashton. However, unbeknownst to him, Victor also gets an update.
A\N: This chapter will be smaller, but on the plus side, some updates on Annex Symus', Mikkel Clausen and Rosalia Servedio abilities.
"~"
Annex Symus Grand Scheme
Info:
Grand Scheme is a Specialist ability. Using a combination of programming and Inscription, the user summons a Chibi azure dragon. It acts as a projector to create 3D virtual images of what the user desires.
Pros:
· Regardless of the user is knowing the layout of the area or object, or not, it'll never fail to recreate a perfect replica of the request.
· Using a zoom feature, he's able to enlarge a section of the virtual map to read private documentation or even the serial code of a camera.
· The virtual object can be spun in 360 degree angles, giving the user the ability to see objects from all sides.
Cons:
· It's designed for only aesthetic purposes, so the dragon cannot be used to attack people.
· It cannot pin point living objects, so if he wanted to use this to rob a bank, he wouldn't be able to tell where all the security guards are in real time.
· It's designed with the intent to view objects, not hack them via the virtual image; he must manually access the cameras via his laptop.
· The border of what they can view in total is three meters in each direction (length, width, and height). So, the user must constantly zoom in and out to gauge their current viewing location.
· Objects shrouded in aura distorts the image, making it harder to view.
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Mikkel Clausen Mjolnir's Temper
Info:
Mjolnir's Temper is a mixture of Shu and Transmutation. First a smithing hammer is covered in Shu, then using Transmutation, when the head is struck against metal or a mineral, like a match the head is lit with a pseudo fire that comes with its Pros and Cons.
Main Characteristics:
· The colour of fire's heat is related to its last strike: A vibrant blue means, the last strike was weak. A more vibrant red means the strike was stronger.
· The pseudo fire releases heat in conjunction with its colour. Redder is hotter, blue is colder, and purple would be warm.
· Gliding the hammer along the surface of the metal/mineral doesn't count as a strike. There must be an impact for it to count.
· The last strike must always, be against an anvil for the ability to be cancelled.
Pros:
· The harder the hammer is struck against the metal, the hotter the next strike becomes.
· It's burning sensation can range from magma hot, to ice cold.
Cons:
· It requires absolute precision between each strike.
· Hitting an object too hard (unless it requires hotter temperatures to temper), will cause the next strike to melt the metal/mineral.
· The heat affects the user as well, so they can suffer serious burns from constantly hitting the metal too hard.
"~"
Rosalia Servedio Copy and Paste
Info:
Copy and Paste is a Specialist ability. Using a conjured feathered pen, the user draws a picture on an object, whether that be paper, steel, stone, wood, or fabric. Once the image is drawn, as though the user had it committed to memory, they able to redraw the image without any effort, no matter the surface texture.
Pros:
· Can redraw the same complex image multiple times.
· Works well with Inscription.
· Even if the original surface is different to the current one, Copy and Paste still works. E.G. Drawn on paper first, then can paste onto a jagged stone rock.
Cons:
· The image that the user wants to copy, must be drawn in a single sitting.
· Once the pen leaves the object, it erases the previous image saved on the pen.
· Any unredeemable mistakes, requires the person to redraw the image from scratch.
Now back to the story :)
Vastorie scrolled through his phone one final time, reaching the last person he'll need to update during this process. He felt so tired, exhausted from the whole ordeal. If something were to go wrong, he feels like he'll just snap.
He'll easily murder the first person who pushed him into this mess; that's if, he figures out who fucked him over…
Out of all the friends and associates he knows, none of them would betray him. They were all mutual friends, ones he adores. Within a heartbeat, he'll murder anyone for the friends he has made over these years…
But now that Victor is back, he wasn't too sure about that thought. Between the entity inhabiting his father's body, and the risk of it escaping once the man dies…
He wasn't sure if killing Victor was possible without any huge risks involved.
Not only that, if he does kill anyone at this point, it'll count as a win in Victor's book. He can't afford to give the man that kind of win…
Not now…
Not ever…
With the plans he has set in motion, there's no chance Victor can score a win. The man will not be able to hurt his child, while he'll also be doing it in the most indirect way. He can blame it on his need to protect Eifion and his students, not just because Daniel happens to be at the same school.
It's a sacrifice he'll continue to make for himself.
"Alright, let's get the last ball rolling…" Dialling the last number he waited.
It took a few calls, but eventually the woman picked up, "Sorry, I was in the middle of a meeting. We just finished up a few seconds ago. What can I do for you, young man?"
"I'm technically older than you…"
"But you look younger than me… I look like I got finished being used like somebody's mop."
"Use mascara, it helps with the crow's feet…"
Ashton rolled her eyes, "As savage as always, considering you know what business I'm in."
"Rightfully, so…"
A chuckle eventually broke out of Ashton's lips, "I needed that. Been a little stressed out, considering I'm a photographer, and they expect me to design fashionable suits and dresses."
"Haven't you got people for that?"
"Indeed, I do. But my company is photography first, looks after. You can look great in person, but a well-timed photo can make you look like a goblin in a single shot."
"Yeah… lets never speak of that photo. Worst timing to sneeze…"
Ashton offered a smile towards her phone, even though the man couldn't see it, "So, enough about the past, what can I do you for?"
"Can you redesign Deacon of Xavier's school of the gifted school badge?"
"I've always wanted to… been thinking of something extravagant. Like a-"
"More mellow… less flashy."
"Buzz kill… since you guys want a basic uniform badge… how about an eagle at the base of a tree, preparing to take flight. Signalling the students as getting ready to take flight into a new part of their life."
"Eifion might like that… but no gold eagle."
"How about we meet somewhere in the middle… silver? I vibrant one. Not flashy like it can reflect light, just a bright silver, not dull?"
"As long as Eifion says it's ok, up to him."
"Then I'll call him about the details. Why, what's happening?"
"I'll need you to make about 20k badges for all the students in a couple of months."
"Paid? We're definitely not a charity service… one that can be called days in advanced for a big task on such as this scale."
"All the costs will be covered by me, I'll deal with all the haggling for the materials, so no need to do so at your end."
"Well, in that case…"
"Uh oh… In what way can I sweeten the pot?" He flashed a grin.
"How about… a new camera? It's not much… just a million Jenny." She checked out her nails, her smile growing as Vastorie obviously thought about the deal.
"Send the name over. I'll see what I can do to get it for you."
"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it." She was jumping up and down, giddy at the prospect. She loved cameras, the new, latest technologies being introduced every year to make the next shot crispest, or a filter that makes the colours pop. It's something she'll always enjoy no matter what…
Take a photo that'll bring joy to the person's life…
"It's nothing, honestly… I'm hoping that you'll appreciate the sentiment as a thank you gift for what I'm asking from you."
"You don't have to feel like you need to keep giving us something."
"Oh, so you don't want the camera?"
"You're a monster!" When the man chuckled, she felt embarrassed, "Sorry…"
"No, it's understandable…"
"No… I shouldn't have said that." The woman's expression softened, "I wanted to say… I'm sure all your friends appreciate the things you do for them. So never feel like you must give, in order to receive… understand?"
Vastorie raised an eyebrow, "So… you don't want to be paid for this job?"
Ashton rolled her eyes so hard; she was pretty sure Vastorie could feel the action "Don't be such a rich man-child."
"I know…" The man chuckled quietly, "I only wish to have fun by pushing your buttons."
"Avoid the tits, I just got them done last week."
"Don't you say that every time, though?" Vastorie asked in a sassy tone, "Not that I would, considering my inclinations…"
"How is Nathaniel anyways?"
"I'm giving him the silent treatment…"
"Oh, he didn't do you hard enough?"
"Oh, he fucked me, all right…"
Hearing the man's tone, Ashton's expression narrowed. Something about the way Vastorie said it, it felt off, "Is everything okay?"
"It is… it's just things have happened… This I don't want to talk about."
"That's… understandable. Even if Nathaniel did do something that hurt you, I'm sure he didn't mean to do it maliciously. He… cares about you. He loves you…"
"I'm sure he does…"
"Vastorie, don't be like that… We've all seen the way that man looks at you. Sometimes, we just wish you'd turn around, and see it with your own, eyes."
Vastorie fell silent, soaking the words in for a few moments. He did understand, it's just… no matter if people believe he doesn't understand the reason as to why Nathaniel hid what he did, the risks will always outrank the reason. It was the cold, hard truth "If only you knew…"
"Knew, what?"
"Uh-uh, I'll keep you posted on the costs and details. As for the new school uniform badge, give Eifion a buzz."
"Alright, will do… stay safe."
"As always…" Vastorie hung up, gritting his teeth in frustration. He almost let his life spill into another, putting their life into the risk as well, "I have a busy schedule ahead of me. Time to put everything into motion and get the balls rolling…"
Searching through his contacts, he searched for the details of those who could get his friends what they needed to complete these tasks.
"~"
Victor stood from afar, eyes glued to the school. There were absolutely no weaknesses… no spots he could use to leverage his way through. Whoever designed the school's force field was one skilled Nen user.
It was virtually impossible to breach something that will not only spirit him away, if he even has a drop of bloodlust fuelling his motives. But even if he was able to push the desire deep within himself to the point it become undetectable, there was the second layer that would bring about his downfall…
The fact that the school forces people into a Zetsu-like-state. From what he has gathered, only the teachers are able to use Nen while on the grounds, so what is it that they have on them, that he doesn't…
What piece of equipment makes them immune to the effects?
As he continued to think about the conditions, he growled in frustration. It didn't help that his mobile started ringing.
Pulling the gadget to his ear, he spoke with a cruel and aggressive tone, "What?! I'm busy…"
As the person spoke to him, his lips curled into a cruel, wide smile "Is that so…? Do you know when this will be happening?" He waited for an exact date, but his smile soon faltered, "What do you mean you don't know?!" He hung up without a second thought, "Useless…"
Eyes scanned over the school one final before he forced himself to jump back, off the building onto the ground floor. The action shocked his onlookers, but he didn't care about that. All he cared about; was the partial good news he had just received. It looks like something is about to change with the barrier… and when it most likely goes down, that's when I'll strike… When they least expect it…
He held up his hand, letting his aura seep through, wiping the memories of the onlookers surrounding him. They went about their business, ignoring his existence completely.
This is very good news, indeed… He let out a sinister chuckle, moving with the crowd he'll eventually merge with. No trace left behind, and no way to track him down.