Major Kazama stands up and levels a pistol at Archimedes' head.
"Calm down, Major. I have no ill intent. Besides, I promise you that I can shut down every electronic system in Japan before you can kill me. You also wouldn't want to make Aunt Maya mad, would you?"
Major Kazama mulls this over for a moment before holstering the weapon.
"Who are you and what do you want?" He asks, seething with rage.
"As I said, my name is Shiba Archimedes. I am the adopted nephew of Aunt Maya and the only known user of Necromancy. As for what I want, I would like access to the JSDF's resources and tactical control over the weapon that you have had the privilege of using that is rightfully mine." Archimedes responds with a level tone, taking a sip of tea.
"Before any of that, explain how you managed to hack into our network." Fujibayashi asks, her beautiful features frozen in a smile.
"Oh, no! I did not hack into your network! I compromised it by gaining access, but I did not hack into it! I merely used Necromancy on Miss Fujibayashi's car and was subsequently privy to all of your information."
"You what?"
"I simply used the access that Miss Fujibayashi's car had and created a network between myself and your information network. No tricks needed."
"Enough of that." Major Kazama interrupts, "What do you want?"
"Oh, what I desire is quite simple. I need the resources and protection that the JSDF can offer. In order to acquire this, I am willing to join the 101 Independent Magic-Equipped Brigade."
"And what exactly makes you think that we will allow you to join our ranks?"
"Well, for one, you are borrowing something of mine. And you are using him quite poorly."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Shiba Tatsuya, AKA Special Lieutenant Ooguro Ryuuya. I have been allowing the 101 to utilize him, but I am… Disappointed in how you all have been making use of him; to say the least."
"Stop speaking like he is your property and explain yourself." The Major growls menacingly.
"But Major, in a way, he is my property. Tatsuya is a weapon, and he knows it full well. You, however, seem to have overlooked this fact. You may say that I am degrading him blah, blah, blah, etc. etc. But, Tatsuya is the one who designated himself as a weapon and entered a contract with me. You see, Tatsuya has one goal, one reason for living.
His charge, Shiba Miyuki.
You know full well that she is an heir to the Yotsuba Clan, else, we would not be having this situation. Tatsuya almost single mindedly tends to her protection. But, he realizes that despite all of his power, there are restrictions to the extent of which he can protect her. So, in typical Tatsuya fashion, he found something to fill the gaps before a weakness could be exploited.
I was, and still am, that solution.
Tatsuya approached me and asked me for my assistance in protecting Miyuki, offering in exchange that he would answer to me only second to Miyuki.
In most cases, he values my opinion over his own.
He has God-like powers, and with that power comes a certain state of mind. He sees people as either enemies or allies. Enemies are disposed of, and allies are protected and utilized.
I however, have a powerful but incredibly specific magic. Unlike Tatsuya, I cannot destroy any and all who get in my way. Where he literally wipes their existence from the planet, I have learned to use cunning, deception, and knowledge to overcome my enemies.
Tatsuya is like a prized sword. Anyone can pick it up and do damage due to the mere fact of it being a weapon. But, we all know that even the most powerful weapon is nay useless in the hands of an amateur.
However, if you were to give this same high caliber weapon to a professional, the opportunities are limitless.
You see, due to extremely convenient circumstances, I am the most qualified person that we know of to wield Tatsuya."
"What exactly makes you so qualified?"
"Well, remember that extremely specific magic of mine that I was referring to? It is called Necromancy."
"You mean, raising the dead?" Miss Fujibayashi asks, unable to hide her disbelief.
"Not quite…"
A side door opens and a second Archimedes walks into the study.
"You see, Necromancy acts more as a hive mind than anything." The second Archimedes says, standing on the right side of the seated Archimedes.
Another Archimedes follows out behind him.
"I assimilate a suitable host into my control, giving me complete control over it." The third Archimedes says, standing to the seated Archimedes left.
"Each host under my control acts and feels no different than my own; my thoughts are instantly transferred and processed by all of my hosts." The seated Archimedes says.
Major Kazama and Miss Fujibayashi are awestricken; unable to speak.
"Archimedes, it may be easier for them if you put your toys away." Maya suggests in a cooing voice.
The appearances of the standing Archimedes' flicker and fade away, leaving only a polished metal surface covered in glowing red runes. They both give a short bow before leaving the room.
"That, was the most recent phase of my Hydra project. A group of soldiers designed specifically to actually be of use to Tatsuya on the field of battle. I have estimated their effectiveness without Tatsuya to each unit being roughly equal to a platoon of your soldiers. But, they lack testing in battlefield conditions. That is where you come in. With your help, I would like to put my Hydra project through heavy testing. Is that acceptable to you?"
Major Kazama snaps out of his awe-stricken state.
"How many of those things do you have?" He asks.
"I currently have 4 built and ready for testing from this generation."
"So by your estimates, they are roughly equal to a Company of soldiers. How many generations have there been?" Miss Fujbayashi asks.
"This is the 14th generation. I am waiting to collect hard battle data before starting on the 15th. Do we have a deal, Major Kazama?"
Major Kazama sits silently for a moment.
"Fine. I agree to your terms. But be warned, one slip up and you will be answering for it."
Archimedes gives him a charming smile.
"Do not fret, Sir, I do not intend on doing anything that will hinder you in any way."
"So, Archimedes, why weren't you at school the past few days?" Mayumi asks while eating the meal Archimedes prepared.
"I had to help my grandfather with some things. It was cleared by the school." Archimedes responds, feverishly tapping away on his terminal.
"So… What are you doing now?" Mayumi asks, peeking over Archimedes shoulder.
"I am compiling data from a recent test that we put some new HAR units through."
Archimedes quickly catalogues and analyzes the data from the preliminary tests of his Hydra units. They had functioned beyond expectations without Tatsuya present during the JSDF's tests. While they were not greater than a squad from the 101 Independent Magic Equipped Battalion without Tatsuya's presence, they far outstripped conventional units. Archimedes was unable to construct magic sequences through the Hydra units without the Yotsuba's Psion Transfer technique, but he was still able to activate the reinforcement runes engraved into the HARs bodies. The runes outstripped Archimedes expectations, which were low due the lack of relevant data on the runes derived from Necromancy. The runes strengthened the HARs bodies and enhanced their speed and control.
Archimedes twirls a stylus in his hand, pondering what other secrets the runes may hold.
"Well, you missed a good bit while you were gone." Mari states as she scoops more stir fry into her bowl.
"Such as?" Archimedes asks, still absent mindedly twirling his stylus.
"Tatsuya has become a legend around school due to his performance during the club recruitment week. He was able to pacify course one students without using magic. People are really interested in this 'enigmatic Course 2 student.'"
Archimedes' stylus flies out of his hand, striking Mayumi in the forehead.
Mayumi is about to retort at this but stops when she sees Archimedes.
To the average onlooker, Archimedes seems no different.
But Mayumi, heir of the Saegusa Family, can see that his posture has become ridged and that the Psions that he usually has under his complete control have begun to swirl around wildly. Even most mages would not notice the small fluctuation in Archimedes' Psions, but Mayumi has become tuned to these small changes in order to survive in the political world.
"Would you mind elaborating?" Archimedes asks in an eerily calm and level voice.
"He just made use of the techniques he learned from Sensei Kokonoe." Miyuki interjects, attempting to diffuse the situation.
Archimedes posture relaxes a bit and his Psions are reined into control.
"Alright then, is there anything else I should know about?"
"I believe that is everything important that occurred during your absence." Tatsuya states, sipping his coffee.
Archimedes nods and begins to twist his fingers again.
"Wait, where did my stylus go?"
"Mayumi, for the last time, I am not going to become your personal butler full time. Ever."
"But Archimedes! You look so cute in your little butler outfit~"
Archimedes is spared from further argument by the sound of the door opening.
"Excuse me." Miyuki's familiar voice calls.
"Hey there! Where's Tatsuya?" Archimedes asks.
"He had… Other business to attend to." Miyuki responds, clearly restraining herself.
"Alright then, would you mind helping me with something?"
"What do you need, Archimedes?"
"Can you please help me explain to Mayumi why I cannot be her personal manservant full time?"
"Aww, but you look so cute in your butler's outfit!" Miyuki exclaims with a puppy dog look.
"Is that all that matters to you people?"
"Well Mayumi, as much as I would love to make Archimedes your full time servant…"
"Oh God damn it…" Archimedes silently curses.
"Sadly, he has to manage his grandfather's company when he graduates and will be too busy to be your man servant."
"Aww…" Mayumi says with a pout.
"Can we please get to work?" An angry Hattori exclaims.
"Finally! Someone with some sense!" Archimedes cries.
Hattori shoots Archimedes a glare.
"Sadly, that same person hates me…" Archimedes says under his breath.
A week passed without incident. Archimedes was enjoying the peace, he continued to sleep through his classes (when Mayumi wasn't dragging him around campus) and was working out details of his arrangement with the JSDF at night.
Archimedes is enjoying a nap in class right now, but he is rudely awakened by the loudspeaker turning on.
"ATTENTION FELLOW STUDENTS!" The loudspeaker blares at an ungodly volume.
Archimedes casts necromancy as soon as he awakes.
He looks throughout the lens of the camera in the intercom room, taking note of the students inside.
Normally, Archimedes would have just gone back to sleep and let someone else take care of them.
But this time, Archimedes had been having a very important dream.
A dream where he could almost make out the faces of his parents.
So he decided to teach the disruptive students a lesson, personally.
A small group is assembled outside the intercom room, trying to decide what to do with the students inside. They hear the light sound of footsteps approaching and turn to see Archimedes walking towards them. His eyes are locked in a look of steely determination and he is carrying a small object in his hand. He walks past the people around the door, paying them no mind.
A small click can be heard as he grabs the handle and opens the door.
"Hey! How did you get in here?" One of the male students guarding the door from inside exclaims.
-squirt-
Archimedes had raised his arm and just sprayed the student with a spray bottle.
"Did you just…"
-squirt-
"Shh. Don't talk. Just listen." Archimedes commands, placing a finger over the student's lips.
"You all woke me quite rudely today. Most of the time, I would just ignore you and go back to sleep. But, luckily for you, you happened to interrupt a dream that could of helped me out a great bit. So, I hear you have a problem with how the classes are separated? Allow me to offer my help in making sure that your complaints and concerns are heard."
At that very moment, several students rush into the room and restrain all but one of the students.
Mayumi marches into the room after the students.
"Archimedes! What did you do?"
Archimedes rubs his temples with one hand.
"I was trying to resolve this conflict without any further aggression. But that went out the window as soon as you had these students physically restrained. Speaking of which, why did you leave one unrestrained?"
"Tatsuya said that if we saw her to avoid showing aggression towards her as she is likely some form of officer in the movement."
"Wait, movement?"
"Yes, course two students demanding better treatment."
Archimedes sighs and is about to lecture Mayumi further when a wave of nausea hits him. Immediately after, his vision blurs and he stumbles forward before falling. Tatsuya quickly moves in and catches Archimedes before he hits the ground.
"Alone… Now…" Archimedes manages to whisper before slipping into unconsciousness.
Tatsuya quickly brings Archimedes to the student council room, which is conveniently empty due to the earlier disturbance. Tatsuya lays Archimedes down on the table, Miyuki placing a cushion on the table as he does so.
"Onii-sama? Do you know what is going on?" Miyuki asks, clearly distressed.
"I do not. However, his psions appear to be being absorbed into his body."
As Tatsuya says this, Archimedes begins spasming on the table. Tatsuya quickly pins down Archimedes body with his own. Suddenly, Archimedes stops and arcs his back to a great degree, coughing violently. Tatsuya flips Archimedes over, where Archimedes proceeds to vomit up blood. Archimedes' body goes slack and Tatsuya picks him back up, moving him into a nearby chair. As he does so, he notices something peculiar about the blood. The blood is now bubbling, and has become so dark that it appears to be absorbing all the light around it. It suddenly shoots straight up, forming a solid pillar, before jumping at Archimedes. Tatsuya attempts to use Decomposition on it, but it has no effect. The substance wraps around'Archimedesce affect. osition on ite jumping at Archimedes. Tarsujysrbing all the light around something peculiar avo Archimedes' right hand, still bubbling, before condensing into border on either side of his ring. The ring flashes a blinding red, prompting Archimedes' eyes to snap open.
"What happened…" Archimedes asks groggily.
"Slow… We don't know what happened, but either way you lost a good bit of blood. How do you feel?" Tatsuya asks, his voice not holding even a tinge of sentiment.
"I feel nauseous and extremely tired."
Archimedes moves to rub his face, but notices an extra weight on his right hand. He looks down and notices the black border on his ring.
"What is this?"
"From what I can tell, your blood."
"So now my blood is black and is somehow solidified around my ring?"
Miyuki claps her hands, drawing the attention of the other two.
"Might I suggest that we head home as soon as possible? For all we know, this may have something to do with Archimedes' magic and is probably something that you two should deal with away from prying eyes."
Tatsuya and Archimedes share a glance before smiling at Miyuki.
"As always, Miyuki prevails as the voice of reason." Archimedes says with a light chuckle.
Tatsuya walks over to Miyuki and pats her on the head.
"Good thinking, let's head home." He says with Miyuki beaming at him.
"So, when my blood jumped at me, you tried to decompose it but it didn't work. It was a good idea to refrain from me reliving your memories through necromancy. My blood doesn't usually retain the magic blocking properties once it has been spilled… This definitely was not some random ailment, this has something to do with necromancy. The problem is, I have no idea what all this means."
Archimedes rubs his temples after reciting the information Tatsuya had given him.
"It can never be simple…" He grumbles.
The three of them are sitting in the living room, with Archimedes' ring on the table between them all.
"Damn it. I guess I'll just go ahead and bite the bullet. Miyuki, I need you ready. You may not be able to freeze the blood on my ring, but you can still freeze the air around it. That will buy us some time if something bad happens.
"If it has the possibility of being so dangerous, shouldn't we be doing this in the lab?" Miyuki asks.
"It won't make a difference. That blood is immune to direct magical attacks. If it chooses to attack, we won't really have a defense." Tatsuya says, his eyes trained on the ring.
"You two seem less cautious than usual. Is there something you aren't telling me?"
"Honestly, the odds of it doing anything violent or harmful are low. It had plenty of time when it first started moving and nothing has restrained it since it has been on my ring. We aren't being as cautious as usual because there isn't that big of a risk." Archimedes explains.
"I see. That makes sense. Alright. I am ready when you are." Miyuki says, clearly soothed by that revelation.
"Alright, it will take me about a minute to cast necromancy without the ring, so bear with me."
It's in situations like these that truly show Archimedes how Necromancy works. He moves a group of his psions to his ring, surrounding it in a small but concentrated sphere. Archimedes directs his focus on the black substance around his ring. His Psions snake into the substance, a thin line of slowly entering the substance. The substance begins to bubble once again, dripping onto the table into a thin pool. After the last drip falls off the ring, it condenses into a sphere about the size of a softball on the table. Archimedes watches it for a moment before picking his ring up and putting it back on finger, dispelling his necromancy.
Archimedes, Tatsuya, and Miyuki all stare at the orb for a minute, no one moving.
"So… What happened?" Miyuki asks timidly.
"I don't know…" Archimdes responds, perplexed by the object before him.
"Would you like me to explain?" An androgynous voice asks.
"…"
"Did anyone else hear that?" Archimedes asks.
"I did." Tatsuya responds, looking at the orb with renewed interest.
"As did I." Miyuki states hesitantly.
"Alright then. Now that we all have confirmed that there was a voice, does anyone know where exactly it came from?"
"It came from me, Master." The voice says again.
The three continue to star intently at the orb.
"Did… The orb talk?" Miyuki ventures.
"Ah, I see! My form confuses you all! Allow me to correct myself."
The orb bubbles again, this time taking the form of a cat.
The cat is incredibly life-like, its fur bristling as it stretches. It sits down facing Archimedes, wrapping its tail around its feet. It opens its eyes, revealing only dark pools in place of its eyes. In fact, the entire cat is pitch-black, only texture revealing its limbs.
"Is this form better, Master?" The voice asks again, the cat cocking its head.
"Wait, you are the cat?" Archimedes asks.
"Is this form not correct either? I apologize. I am merely basing my forms off of things in your memories."
"Wait, my memories?"
"Yes, I took shape after you cast Necromancy on me. Doing so gave me access to your memories. You see, I do not know much of this world. We use our master's memories to gain context and basic knowledge of our new world."
"You aren't making any sense. First of all, why are you calling me 'Master?'"
"Because my line is indebted to your family. You gave us new life."
"My family? You mean biological?"
"Yes, one of your ancestors saved my line. I do not know much of specifics, only that I am to serve you."
"So, what exactly are you?"
"Well that goes without saying. I am a demon, of course."
Yeah... So this took a while... Kind of had... and interesting past couple of months. I won't bore you with the details, but I will say that it involved a hospital, a good many therapists, and an... expected diagnoses. Anyways, I will be posting more often now. So... Yeah. See you soon!
