The sharp rapping of knuckles at his office door did little to stir Marisbury. After all, there was little within his company that could escape his notice. If there was anything that deserved his energy, he would've known far before the first employee's check-in. Such was why Marisbury didn't bother turning his chair away from the night sky displayed through his window, more than happy to instead speak to the reflection he saw within it.

"You're… Cerejeira, I believe. Record Department." He said, Cerejeira unable to halt the shiver that shot down her spine. How could such an apathetic whisper bear so much power, so much presence? For a simple remark to weigh so heavily upon her, perhaps there was a reason why the others were so hesitant to meet him face-to-face. "You bring good news, I hope?"

"…I bring coffee, sir." Was Cerejeira's answer, the brief silence that followed only broken by the sound of a mug hitting the table.

Barely able to muster the energy to raise an eyebrow, it took several tense seconds before Marisbury's hand reached out, his nostrils soon filled with the finest aromas Chaldea Corp's coffee machines could conjure. Not exactly the fine brews that … Archaman and Da Vinci were always lugging around as if glued to their hands, but far from intolerable. That was probably why little changed in Marisbury's tone when he spoke again.

"I don't drink coffee."

"You also don't pull all-nighters, Sir. From what I've heard, at least." The unspoken question of 'from who' went unanswered, though Marisbury didn't particularly care to push. The girl was already far out of her comfort zone simply speaking to him. There was no need to torment an innocent employee for an answer he already knew. It was better for them both that Marisbury just accepted the papers Cerejeira placed before him. "Our scouts have compiled their latest reports on the fates of Soria Najwa and Mao Maomao."

"Thank you."

Soria and Mao… members of the R&D department if he remembered correctly. Smart minds, if a little anxious and impulsive respectively. Hardly the type to turn to for risky projects, but who told them to have so many marks on their records? If they weren't willing to act at their fullest in the company's walls, you could hardly blame Marisbury for trying to give them a little push with some consequences. Then again, given how thin Cerejeira's report was, it seemed even that wasn't enough to make them successful.

"In summary, we are currently incapable of getting in contact with the two operatives. As far as we're aware, their communicators have been destroyed and their Servants have been rendered inert. With that in mind, we believe the best approach would be… the best approach would be activating their Sirius Lights in case of their survival." Cerejeira stated, stance firm even when her voice was not. Considering the weight of her words, though, Marisbury was willing to let it pass. Time and experience would forge her heart. Rushing the process would just lead to cracks. "They may not know much, but as we cannot confirm their status, there's reason to ensure their silence. There was a final message from their communicators, but…"

Fortunately for Cerejeira, she didn't need to continue. Marisbury couldn't miss the message printed on the final page of his report if he tried. Not when it made such a stark comparison to the snarky formality Soria preferred to use in the rest of his communications.

"This isn't hide and seek, this is statues. Try not to get caught next time…" Marisbury read aloud, Cerejeira left unsure how to react when the slightest twitch appeared on the man's lips. Was that a good thing? There were too many horror stories and conspiracies floating around the staff break rooms to be sure anymore. "So, this is the 'second safest' person Archaman was speaking of. Confident, if nothing else. Can't say I appreciate the lack of information about them, though. Are you telling me our scouts couldn't find a single detail on our friend here? When he's practically manhandling our equipment?"

"Attempts were made, Sir, but the target appears to be highly skilled in anti-detection magecraft." Was Cerejeira's answer, unable to do more than fidget in place. "According to the data received from the Boundary Field prototype, they were able to disable it without the presence of all original combatants, almost as cleanly as a conventional reset. Additionally, any audio-visual recording equipment was broken before any signs of them could be caught. From the evidence – er, lack of evidence – that we have, it's likely that the target has specific training in stealth-based combat."

"I see. Minimal, but acceptable for now." Bearing in mind how easy it was to make initial contact, it was only a matter of time before Shielder was back in his hands. Whether Marisbury had the target's entire biography or nothing more than a name, it mattered little. "Permission to activate Najwa and Maomao's Sirus Lights has been granted. Switch from an extraction operation to an observational one for now, see how well they respond to our provocations. If Archaman and Da Vinci were so willing to stake everything on them, then it's only fair we give them a chance to prove worthy of such faith."

"Underst-"

"I'm. Not. Finished." Locked halfway through her bow, Cerejeira found herself awkwardly turning her head up, uncertain eyes meeting those with a fire she had never seen before. All of a sudden, the rumours made perfect sense; faced with so fierce a gaze, it took all her effort just to maintain her composure. "As for the extraction team itself, tell me Cerejeira. Do you remember the protocol I assigned to their operation? The one, crucial protocol I told them to prioritise over all else?"

"…Ensure that the Shielder figure is unharmed." Said Cerejeira, the words falling from her lips almost instinctively. With how many times that phrase had been hammered into her head alongside everyone else, she couldn't have possibly forgotten it.

"Ah, wonderful! So, you do remember." Marisbury replied, his tone an equal blend of mocking joviality and anger. "See, I almost thought you'd forgotten, given how casually you reported a direct conflict with Shielder – using a Berserker no less. If that was the case, I was planning on letting your team off with just a standard rehabilitation procedure, but it seems like I'll have to be somewhat stricter. Let your team know that you'll all be having your Sirius Lights upgraded to the second stage. I trust you know what will happen if another failed report enters my office."

"I-I understand, Sir." What else was Cerejeira meant to say? It was either have their Sirius Lights upgraded or have them detonated – not exactly a difficult decision at the moment. While the thought of having her nerves forcibly destroy themselves by turning into pseudo-magic circuits was terrifying, it was only a possibility right then. Compared to the 'lower level' death by disrupted circuits guaranteed if she disobeyed, Cerejeira had no choice but to take the riskier route. "I and the others shall report to the medical department immediately."

"Very well." And with little more than a wave, the immense pressure pouring down on Cerejeira evaporated, Marisbury's body turned back to the window as if she wasn't there at all. Not that Cerejeira was complaining – given the opportunity to escape, she couldn't have fled faster if she tried. "Oh, and while you're at it, tell Da Vinci that her detention period remains the same. I expect better of our boundary fields if they're to be put into mass production."

Even if Cerejeira could find the strength to reply, Marisbury didn't bother paying attention. After a chat like that, only a fool would answer with anything other than 'yes sir'. Such was why he allowed his gaze to return to the papers he held, papers soon crumpled within an angered fist.

Unfortunately for him though, the act did not go unseen.

"Well now, what do we have here? I see her recovery still isn't going to plan."

Met with a teasing tone, Marisbury couldn't avoid the sigh that passed his lips. They must've slipped in when Cerejeira was leaving. With the ruckus she made, it was no wonder such a light-footed figure could walk in so easily. Perhaps it was time for Marisbury to upgrade his security.

"Doctor. Your jokes are still as crude as ever." Marisbury uttered, not even trying to hide his contempt. It was just a shame that the man he was speaking to refused to acknowledge it, a cheeky grin firmly plastered across his face. "Shouldn't you be back in the infirmary? You're about to get a lot more visitors in need of a skilled hand."

"Romani should be enough to handle them for now. He's still under probation, correct? Let's just consider it part of the punishment." The Doctor dismissed, throwing his hands into the pockets of his coat as he moved to sit upon Marisbury's desk. Fortunately for him, Marisbury was able to remind himself that the Doctor was one of his most important men at the moment. Who knows what would've happened otherwise? "I figured it would be better to check in with you. The investors are getting a little jumpy, you know. Wondering whether you're still fit for the job. Have any plans?"

"Plenty of them." Retorted Marisbury. "This is only the first stage and we've already moved to initiate the second. You're welcome to tell them as much. Show them the project plans, even."

"And if they aren't satisfied?" the Doctor pushed, Marisbury's eyes flickering to the drawers of his desk before he made his reply.

"If they aren't… tell them that they can look forward to future developments."

"Mr Emiya, what are we doing at the Kishinami residence?" Ritsuka asked as the Mercedes Benz he was in rolled to a stop, rather proud of himself for not throwing up mid-sentence. After experiencing the… unique driving of Irisviel, that was more of an achievement than anyone would've liked. Then again, that was probably karma for not listening to Kiritsugu when he advised against it in the first place. "I thought we were gonna handle the, er, the 'figure situation' by ourselves?"

"Don't worry about it. Irisviel already knows," Kiritsugu replied punctuated by a proud thumbs up from his wife. "And we're here because we're meeting someone with specialist knowledge. Now come on."

"She does? No, husband and wife. I guess that makes sense." Ritsuka couldn't stop himself from muttering, even if his body followed regardless. "But specialist knowledge, huh? Can't say that's much of an explanation."

What was the Kishinami family meant to do? Given the nature of… whatever the hell was going on, it wasn't as if either of Hakuno and Hakunon's parents were going to be of much use. Unless Kiritsugu's plans happened to involve a librarian and a home economics teacher, at which point Ritsuka might as well stop trying to pretend that he could ever predict where things were going.

"Isn't it? How strange. I thought at least Hakuno would've explained everything by now." Irisviel mused in response, a pensive look flashing upon the woman's face before it was soon replaced by her typical cheerfulness. "Just try not to worry about it! Consider this a surprise learning experience, it'll be fun!"

"Seems like everything's a surprise learning experience right now."

"Focus." Warned Kiritsugu, rapping on the door with far more tension than a visit to a friend's house could require. Seriously, with how the man held himself, you'd think he was going into a warzone. No wonder Hakuno looked so confused when her head poked out of the door, a shy wave sent in Ritsuka's direction. "Hakuno. Is your brother ready?"

"My brother? Oh, right. Er, yes, he is." Hakuno said, her head tilting in confusion. Then again, given how Kiritsugu apparently couldn't be bothered with a greeting, it was only fair. In Ritsuka's eyes, it was only Hakuno's kindness that prevented Kiritsugu from having a door slammed into his face. "Please come in. I'll bring him down. He's just in his room."

"Oh, there's no need for that. We'll go up and meet him." Irisviel immediately replied, a hand reaching out to rub Hakuno's head. Though it might have brought a dusting of red to her cheeks, Hakuno didn't seem particularly keen on stopping her. "Ritsuka dear, do you mind handing me Mashu and her cards? You two might as well hang out while we get things sorted with Hakunon. If we need you, we'll call you."

"Wait, really? If you're sure." Said Ritsuka. Who was he to say otherwise? Last night wasn't exactly what you'd call restful. Sure, he might have gotten back to bed, but that didn't mean he slept. An opportunity to just take a moment and switch off his brain next to a close friend was exactly what Ritsuka needed. It might not be the nap his body was calling for, but anything was better than nothing. "So, I'm guessing from the sound of things that you weren't informed about what's going on either?"

"Not that you and Shirou's parents were visiting, no." Hakuno answered, drawing Ritsuka into a modestly sized western living room, letting out a small giggle when Ritsuka practically threw himself onto the sofa within. That was one thing that Ritsuka could be grateful for; the Emiya residence was cool and all, but nothing did a tired body well like the massive plush sofa Hakuno's family had. "My brother only told me that he was expecting company this morning and that they were going to discuss a job.,I don't know why he wouldn't just say that you all were involved."

"Still trying to figure out all the details himself, most likely. Even I didn't know what was happening

'til we turned up on your doorstep. If things happened the way I think they did, Hakunon only got the call late last night." Having said that out loud, Ritsuka couldn't help but feel bad for Hakuno's brother. Poor guy was probably half asleep when he agreed to Kiritsugu's request. Then Ritsuka realised how that meant Hakunon likely knew more than he did about the situation, and he suddenly felt a little less bad. "Can't be anything too out of his league, though. Mr Emiya seemed to have faith that he could pull through."

"It's related to that figure – Mashu, right?" said Hakuno, head once again tilted in thought. Why she always did that, Ritsuka didn't know, but damn if it wasn't cute every time she did it. "I wonder if it's some kind of research? Finding data that Mr Emiya couldn't access normally."

"Your guess is as good as mine." After all, Hakunon was a software engineer by trade, and a young one at that. Not exactly someone who should be used to handling figures, especially if they were capable of the things that Mashu had done. "Either way, we should find out once they're-"

"Master! Hostile presence detected! Requesting assistance!"

"Huh?" Ritsuka squawked, scrambling to rise from his comfortable position as his head tried to trace the mysterious call out. Seeing how Hakuno wasn't doing the same, however, the boy allowed himself to sink back once more. "Was that…?"

"What's up Ritsuka?" Hakuno instead asked, rising from her seat in a far more elegant manner. "Should I get you some water or something? You don't look too good."

"…Nothing, just feeling a bit off. Last night was a little chao-"

"Master! Please respond!"

"…I'm going to check what's going on upstairs." Ritsuka sharply declared, any signs of exhaustion erased as he rose to his feet. Regardless of how he was hearing Mashu's voice in his head, it was clearly distressed. What kind of person would he be if he didn't at least check up on her? "Stay here a sec. I'll be back in a bit."

"Ritsuka? Wait, Ritsuka!" Hakuno cried, yet her plea went unheard, the boy storming out of the room at a surprising speed. No wonder a pout formed on her face, Hakuno following nearly immediately without a second thought. "Since when do you give me orders?"

Ritsuka, naturally, was far too distracted to notice her response, all too eager to launch himself up the stairway and towards where he was pretty sure Hakunon's room was. Thankfully, the Kishinami residence was better compared to Ritsuka's house than Shirou's when it came to size. Plus, while it was just a passing remark when they were all hanging out at Shirou's place – more a complaint about how Hakunon got the biggest room – Ritsuka was already pretty sure where to go anyway.

"Master, it hurts!"

"I'm coming, just hold on!" Admittedly, he did feel a bit stupid talking to himself, but it was the only way he knew how to reply in the heat of the moment. Just thinking his words never came across his mind. Besides, Mashu was clearly capable of projecting stuff into his head, to say nothing of the whole 'coming alive as a supernaturally strong warrior' deal. No reason for Ritsuka not to believe she could hear him as well. "Not this one, not this one… got it! Hakunon! Hey, Hakunon!"

Little did Ritsuka or Hakuno realise what would happen when the boy reached for the doorknob, Hakuno pausing slightly when she glimpsed the silver streaks of light that connected to Ritsuka's fingers as they touched metal. Watching as the door she so often struggled to get open turned freely in Ritsuka's hand, Hakuno nearly forgot to approach, only for Ritsuka's victory cheer to spur her forward.

Just in time too, for that final dash was just enough for her to hear Hakunon's final words before the weight of a fainted Ritsuka fell upon her body.

"From the One are all things born.

Thus, as those below arise, so do those above descend,

for it is only in equality that all is formed anew.

Abstraction. Distribution. Association. Aggregation. Automation. Expression. Debugging.

By these processes, rewrite the world.

Code Cast: Decompilation( );."