November 30

Chapter 3

Cathedral

Ward

"He hunts machines?" Jean almost staggered.

"Well... that's what he said. He refers to them as... Mechanoids."

Ruin machines are atrocious adversaries. Gigantic automatons that wreak havoc and destruction. Mindless mechanical monsters in different forms bring horror to the vulnerable. Their country of origin was long gone, yet their legacy still roams to this day. Ordinary people couldn't hope to fend them off. Either you commission exceptional and experienced adventurers, plan a well-designed ambush, or send Vision users head-on whose power is derived from the gods. And even then, it depends on what kind.

Everyone who visited Sumeru at some point in their life shuddered to think what destruction a working golem could bring if it were to be under the hands of the wrongdoers.

"Uhh did I say something wrong?"

Lisa couldn't hear him from the racket she caused. Lisa was a bit impressed. But how far he claims to do so, and if any of it is true, she needs to peer deeper. You don't just hunt machines as if they're your hobby, much less casually mention it like nothing.

"Ruin machines?!" A guard exclaimed. "That is amazing! Can you ask him if he has a Vision and which element?"

"Oh! That's it! How about asking about that armor and what weapons he uses!"

"No no! Shouldn't we ask what ruin machines he's fought?"

"Psh. Come on. You're all believing some claims of some outlander?"

Hearing those made Lisa realize something; she didn't see any elemental trace coming off of James... but something completely different, something alien, making the man more dubious and intriguing. From his armor alone - the strangest she's ever laid her eyes on - what of the nature of his armament? Speaking of... were there any of his belongings inside the meteor? Her internal investigation of the crashed metallic craft led her to nothing - and it's not that there's nothing inside, it's just that what was she even looking at?

A figure coughed loudly. Everyone turned back to see Rosaria leaning on the wall. "How about asking what's his deal? Can't say he looks like he's from anywhere here."

And "here" could be a relatively far shot to any places known, which made Rosaria's suggestion unquestionably a good question that everyone seemed to have missed from the excitement.

Lisa turned to the curious James who has his head looking at everything and everyone. She can't help but notice his non-natural eye. There was something strange about that green and yellow eye of his. Clearly, it wasn't some badly mutated cataract. It seemed like a prosthetic, but she could tell it was no mere replacement, especially the way it follows his other natural eye - wonderful blue in color - moving in unison as a pair. The more she pry over details the more alien he was.

That made her doubt that ruin machines and mechanoids are one and the same. James does not look like he came anywhere from Tevyat, in that extension that would suggest that these "mechanoids" are not of Khaenri'ah origin. She might need the help of a certain astronomer to find the truth.

"James. Would you tell me where you are from?"

"Uhhh... hard to say?" He shrugged. "Pretty sure I'm on another planet though. Where do I begin?"

"An.. outworlder?" She showed no surprise, but that did not lessen her interest. So she was right all along with all these hints. A stranger from another world. The portal. The alien craft. His outfit. It all connects.

But... his language. It was of primordial origin from last she recalled.

What does that imply?

"Yup. I guess I am out of this world, huh." There was a part of him that cringed, though thankfully she seemed to have taken the comment quite literally. Though in that sense, it was.

"You tell me of your home?"

"Well, that's the problem. I come from a Rimworld. Rimworlds don't even have names. Even if it does, it doesn't make it any more distinctive in the rims... trust me, spare yourself a headache by not asking that part." With a smile, he kindly suggested.

Even he can't bother. With none of the settlements and colonies unified under a banner, there was no official name or an accepted proposal none can disagree. No one can just call some random world in the rims Earth two point oh and be done with it. How would he even explain where that was? Just point somewhere up in the sky? Hell, he can't even bother remembering his home planet. The only place he considered home was his colony. The rims ain't safe, but he made it work.

Whether describing his homeland was complicated for her to understand or he was unwilling to disclose, Lisa cannot tell. It could be both. But it's not like she could even begin understanding when he first mentions "rims". Her memory recalls it means outer edge. But the outer edge of what? If there was a map of the universe, then does that mean that there are other worlds out there outside on the outer edge of... something? But relative to what? Does that mean there are "core" worlds then?

This... brings more questions to the table.

Admittingly, he was right. That was a headache to think of. Besides, that shouldn't be her focus anyways.

"... What of your story?"

"My background? Long story short... well where do I start..."

The small crowd just watches in silence as both converse in their own world. They understand absolutely nothing, which made it all tense as they all cannot wait for another minute. Teased by time, it was a curse that there was a single and narrow bridge of understanding that is Lisa.

James shared his life's short abstract from his birth in a space-faring nation to his career as a general mechanic or whatever profession that fixes things, to the time he crashlanded where he and some others had to survive in a place of savage cannibal tribals, rough outgoing parties, giant insectoid menace, and killer machines. He shared his adventure of blood and progress, the things he did to survive. But he kept the details of his crimes against humanity... that's best left unsaid.

He did his best to dumb the details down. No talk of any specific technology, but instead general names and concepts that sounded like a fantasy. No mentions of the Johnson-Tanaka Sub-FLT proppelled spacecraft, but replaced by something like a starship. Even then, her face screamed overwhelmed. It was a little too much from a primitive's perspective, he supposed.

The wildest tale anyone could have ever heard. It was a tale best talked with ale at hand. Had she had the opportunity, she'd invite him for a drink... albeit in a mental ward. He talked of his main roles - meaning explicitly not limited to - in his colony as a constructor, crafter, and soldier. He built walls and traps, crafted deadly armaments, and used them to aid in his fights.

That story of his brought more to her imagination, but that did leave her with some suspicions.

"So yeah, got questions?"

Got questions. That story brought more than answers.

"So many experiences in many years, but you look young?" Carefree and outgoing, she might add, for someone to have slain "hundreds of those primitive fucks." Lisa was not innocent herself. Whether it'd be your usual treasure hoarders or local banditry, being in knightly professions means you're expected to dirty your hands for the nation to stay clean.

But... hundreds? He's slain hundreds? With what exactly? And how?

And how long to have done so?

Lisa's slight discomfort was hidden well in a veil of smile and wonder. Although, there was a sprinkle of truth to the latter. There wasn't anything less mystical about his adventures. Though a cynical side of her believed she was talking with a deranged madman if not of his strange nature.

"Ah. I had several age reversals from my own biosculptor... you know what? I bet I'm babbling nonsense to you right now." He's got quite a loose mouth and she paid the price for his answers. If there was anything else he'd share she may not even get half of it. "Must be a lot to process. It's not even afternoon yet, so take your time telling whatever you want to them."

She turned, and "them" were leaning in anticipation, like kids expecting candy.

"He's... not just an outlander. He's an outworlder. One who travels the stars and beyond."

They all had varying reactions - from cynical frowns to bright-eyed wonder. A star sailor who rides the waves of the heavens?

"And he's... well ."

They all went "Well?"

Well, where does she even start...

It was hard being the middlewoman, and it was harder how she could even begin to untangle the concepts one step at a time. There was a lot to unpack there. If she were to share it all, she might as well become a theater speaker. After all, his travel between stars as a ship engineer shipwrecked to fight off pirates, monstrous insects, and machines for survival would be a wonderful premise for a script.

A loud thud opened the door. A new person barged in disheveled. Everyone turned to see from the doorway a rather fatigued and maltreated captain - his cheek seemingly received blunt force. James stood in curiosity to peer at the newcomer. Another young blonde.

"Albedo!" Lisa cried, swerving through the crowd. "What. Who? Who did-?"

"Who did this to you." Jean stepped in with authority, her attitude bearing malice. Lisa caressed his hurt face. It wasn't something that would leave a mark. Seeing one of the captains distressed and hurt knew the knights had to prepare for trouble, their faces bearing shock and concern. "Albedo, weren't you at the investigation site?"

"I was."

"Then what happened?"

"Fatui." Everyone who understood the stigma behind the name drew different reactions, from anger to disbelief. "They claim possession of the craft."

"What?"

"They say, in their exact words, that "such anomalous object is better investigated in capable hands from a more sophisticated technological nation."" While Albedo was talking, the shy and worried deaconess stepped in to take charge of the healing. Her blue and bright magic sparkle like glitters. "I'm aware of their diplomatically aggressive stance, but I don't know what warranted them to be this... straightforward."

"Damn it to the abyss, what do they mean?" A knight asked with agitation. "They don't own this place!"

"It's not even theirs! Isn't that whatever-it-is owned by this guy right here?"

James saw one of them give a pointing gesture toward him. The sudden attention had him feeling shrunk and pressured. He thought as he shifted in his sit, "Oh shit this involves me doesn't it."

"I see he's well and awake," Albedo noted, gently pulling off Lisa's palm to walk toward James. "Sir. If that craft of yours stores your belongings, would you mind coming with us? It's being ransacked as we speak."

"Uhh sorry, are you talking to me?"

"He can't understand you." Rosaria felt compelled to correct. "Speaks some weird language only Lisa here can understand."

"Oh. I see."

James silently sat with pursed lips making a thin line. Awkwardly enough, he can't help but look down, hoping that they were not here to do whatever it is that needs to be done with him. Well... if worse comes to worst, he could psycast a stun and give himself some headstart.

"Albedo. Knights. With me." Jean demanded as the knights saluted, chest out and ready to serve. They weren't always hard workers, but in this issue, they'll give their fervor. "And Lisa? Tell him to come along. I got diplomat to deal with."

Jean and everyone who followed walked outside the room with angered haste.

"Ugh. Babarbos." The nun whispered in her lamentation once they left. She was right about James, this soon-to-be source of trouble. "Why so early in the morning?"

"Bar. Ba. Tos." Barbara corrected. "Hmph."

"Bartabos. Got it."

"... Uhh... Lisa?" James anticipated that she would bear news for him. Lisa eyed him with tired eyes. Like most in this matter, she took an all-nighter. Matter of factly, being ignorant of local languages wouldn't do him well.

"What the hell is going on?"

Outside of the City of Mondstadt

Knights of Favonius

There were three parties surrounding the crash site. The Ordo Favonius, the Snezhnayan Fatui, and the citizen bystanders. The people of Mondstadt were in disarray as they witnessed everything from the beginning. The knights are standing and have formed a long line to maintain the fragile peace.

"Hey, we saw what you did!"

"Yeah! Who do you think you are?"

"I saw you punch our guy!"

Jean didn't know where these new people came from. Soldiers of Snezhnaya. The Fatui. Their bulking men numbering around more than a dozen and the diplomats on the side made an intimidating sight. In front was one of the delegations, donning her dark violet coat and half-mask, negotiating with the current deputy of Mondstadt.

Though negotiation was unfitting with the nature of both parties.

"Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt, there's simply a misunderstanding."

Anastasia, a Fatui diplomat, missed her home of frost and ice. She was an extension of their Goddess' absolute will to expand her influence. But working in a pathetic nation cooperating alongside these primitives can take a toll on her mind. Why can't these backwater grape-growing fools just bend their knees to Tsaritsa and just call it a day? As if their so-called Archon can't even bother to appear for their sake.

"We simply thought it best that it would be safer for us to risk ourselves in this investigation. We're doing you quite a favor. Your people are simply being reckless and we had to use some degree of... persuasion to give us space."

The Acting Grand Master stood like a post with a solid foundation, and along her were all of the captains and knights. None of them put even a tinge of effort donning a smile. Mondstadt-Snezhnayan relations are at best a shallow partnership, and with their power, Mond has no choice but to put up against their political pressure. But since the Fatui is clearly the aggressor this time - with the public being critical witnesses - the captains and the knights have no reason to hold back.

Both parties stood in a tense standoff.

"Hmph. I never knew jabbing someone's jaw was how the Fatui does favors." Jean held herself from stabbing the diplomat. A simple flick of her sword would do the trick. But she's not here for blood. She's here for a solution. Though the problem with the Fatui is that they put you in a situation where solutions rarely come. "You've done quite an impression on one of our captains. Would it be uncouth of us to return the gesture?"

"Don't take it out of context," Anastasia smiled so unsettlingly. "Your alchemist wouldn't have known better. This object might explode or... maybe leak poison gas all of the sudden had your captain unknowingly nudged something rather intricate. The citizens of Mondsadt are coming too close and we had to take responsibility for their safety, is all."

"If you think his actions are reckless, then how would your men be any better?" Hypocrites. Plain, shameless hypocrites. The Fatui members who aren't standing guard are hauling cases and strange trinkets outside of the large craft into an organized pile. "Just admit you're all hoarding it all for yourselves."

"Well... as I've said, we're doing you quite a favor. They're willingly putting themselves to harm. Better for us to take the sacrifice than you. Just stand back."

"I suppose I should stop expecting a professional attitude from your delegation. You harmed one of ours and come to claim something that isn't even yours in our city!"

"Haha... it's not as crazy as you make it sound. At this stage, it's simply... an amicable exchange of constructive opinions, no?"

"It's an abuse of power!" The people cheered for Jean and agreed with boisterous enthusiasm. "This is our issue, and that makes this is our concern. Leave."

"We have a warrant."

"Under whose warranty... " Jean hissed that word with such poison, Kaeya, standing by with the guards, thought he was bitten by a snake. Not every day you see that side of her. "... undermines my authority?"

"Well, none other than one of our-"

"Oh, such an interesting contraption. Oh, how unfortunate I cannot bring these all in my lab!" A figure wearing a unique mask and white coat exits the ruined cockpit, and dashes around to check every facet of the giant metallic object, doing so with deranged, enthusiastic giggles. "Ha haha ha~! Now, what is this? What sort of material is this made out of?!"

Jean and the other captains' blood ran cold. The crowd turned to murmurous whispers.

An adult man with red eyes, wavy blue hair, and pale skin with a glowing blue earring on his ear, donning a long white coat over a white dress shirt and a pink bow tie. Underneath was a pinstriped vest and dark pants. And like any Fatui, he was masked - but this one was unique, being black and white and asymmetrical.

Ancient Prototype Build

Il Dottore

The Doctor
The Second of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers

It was none other than Il Dottore. The 2nd Harbinger. A direct extension of their Goddess' will.

Jean's knowledge regarding the man was mostly from Lisa, though she never met him directly during her time in academia. But his infamy was well known. That madman was expelled from Sumeru for his unethical experiments and was employed by the Fatui for his unhinged chase for science. The heretical heathen who will pay any price for any knowledge.

The same man who had claimed the life of Mondstadt's centuries-old maleficent enemy, Ursa the Drake.

That explains their arrogance, Jean thought. Tsk. The Fatui is already as audacious as they are, but dealing someone as boastful as he?

It wouldn't take a mastermind to assume he wants the craft at any cost, regardless of the would-be political fallout of his actions. A harbinger can make words of exchange and negotiation seem pointless. Jean concluded that no matter what apology and recompense she demands from their delegates, The Doctor will do whatever he can regardless. The Fatui will stir up the cauldron and throw excuses just so he could grab what he desires.

What the hell does he know about this craft, to the point he wouldn't mind sacrificing some of their reputations? Or is he just some reckless, power-hungry psychopath who abuses his power?

What is he doing here in the first place? Didn't he leave after the last Ludi Harpastum that happened a few months ago? Her memory recalls that he was looking for "recruits" to add to their numbers, according to Kaeya in his presence during Diluc's party.

"Dottore... What business do you have in Mond'?"

The Doctor stopped ogling the craft and switched his attention to the one who called upon him. The Fatui split to give space for the harbinger as he walked forth in front.

"Hmm? Oh! Why you must be Jean Gunnhildr!" There was an overbearing smile plastered on his face. "I simply witnessed last night's anomaly from afar and got me curious and all. And what a find it is to see something like this of all places!"

"I suggest you leave your hands off of that," That made him all the more suspicious. What is someone like him doing here uninvited? "I don't believe you have jurisdiction over us."

"Oh, quite demanding you are. But why? I'll admit these aren't ours... but also it's neither yours. So what if it landed in Mondstadt? If I unintentionally threw my belongings over your fences and to your yard, does it make it yours? Non!" He waved his arms and gestured over the crash site. The Fatui soldiers stood ready with their different elemental armaments - from thunderous warhammers to pyro firearms - as they guard the premises, keeping anyone away, as some of them kept hauling items out of the craft.

"Since all these just came here out of nowhere, that makes all these owned by no one. Wouldn't that make all these free for all? What say you?"

Translation: Want it? take it from me.

With all the Vision users present, the Favonius has more than enough strength to teach them discipline. Such action would be justifiable, and there'd be no backlash. They were the aggressors, with the public being direct witnesses. But attacking a harbinger... that's a different story. The Favonius knew they can't do something to reassert their authority.

"Hmph. Had you left me uninterrupted, you would have saved your breath." Jean sighed, her arms crossed in disdain at their actions. When actions would bring failure, your little hopes are in your words. And what little hope she has. "There is a rightful owner of that property."

"... Oh?"

"One of our captains was returning from a long reconnaissance mission. Coincidentally, she was the nearest and available at that time." Jean pointed to Eula by her side. "She was the one who first investigated the site thought to be a meteor, only to find a man strapped inside. And as we speak, he's coming here."

"... Hmph." Dottore's smirk turned into a sneer. His temper boiled. Why can't they just make it easy for him to get what he wants? "A man? Found inside this thing? I would be interested in meeting such a man - but, what gives him the right?"

"What? We found hi-."

"Oh~! Ohhh~! You all heard that?! They just found him! And next, you'll claim he's from another world too, huh? Tsk tsk tsk. Regardless, what proof does he have to say he owns this? Better yet, what proof do you have of your claims? HA! I thought Mondstadt was generous. Is this how they treat their champion after I slew your little drake for your sake?"

And just like that, everyone was silenced. The crowd of Mondstadt could only seethe as their autonomy and independence were utterly disrespected. To think their so-called savior was despicable, discourteous, and delinquent. Jean felt powerless, and everyone on her side felt helpless. But from the beginning, what was she hoping to achieve? What were her expectations when one of her own was assaulted? Expect a genuine apology and compensation from people you can't reason with?

Jean could extend a letter of disapproval and criticism to their palace, but the moment a harbinger appeared, it was pointless from the beginning.

"Right. Now. Don't waste my time. This is best handled in my hands as a researcher. So go along now and go home." Dottore gestured to disperse as if they were all wild critters. "After all... is there a need to put yourself in a hassle?"

"Jean..." Albedo, with his usual calm attitude, patted her shoulders reassuringly. "It's all right. There's no need to escalate-"

"Hey! Fuck off! That's my ship!"

End

Edit (March 29, 2023) - slight edit and stuff...

Now for my old readers, I'm sure you'll notice that added title of Dottore...

Well since Wanderer's released, there was a tidbit of information about the Doctor, says that he based his "prosthetics" off of him.

That kinda changes things...

That means that his clones are basically androids. So right now, well, I'm gonna have to change things. Nothing too drastic. I added the "Ancient Prototype" title because one, that sounds cool. And two, it actually lines up with my plan- which I'll reveal in the upcoming chapters.

Oh gooooood

It's not usual for me to write something as long as this. Wordcrafting is a delicate art, the problem is being an artist takes finesse I don't have yet.

Anyways.

I'll give you something to think about for the next chapter.

Expect violence. Sheer, unadulterated violence.

Edit (dec1): slight rewrites and fixes.

Edit: okay so theres this one review that seemed to have confused something. No. Dvalin's not dead. Dottore killed a dragon/drake/watever waaay back then according to the manga. Guess ill write smthn bout that later.

Edit (dec6): more slight rewrites.