I do not own anything related to Ben 10 or Genshin Impact
Ben 10 belongs to Man of Action
Genshin Impact belongs to miHoYo
Please support the official release
The Alien Hero of Teyvat
Chapter 9 Pt. 2 – Bengeance will be Mine!
In the vast realm of military operations, few units hold as much significance as the daring reconnaissance team. Their primary responsibility is to explore a variety of environments and report back to the Grand Master with any pertinent findings or information. From pinpointing the treacherous domains of adversaries to swiftly neutralizing them or summoning reinforcements, the spectrum of tasks encompasses a thrilling array of strategic maneuvers. Or uncovering strategic locations that could give the knights a decisive advantage in combat.
Eula is the head captain of the reconnaissance squad, and she was nominated to that post owing to the excellent talents she has and her unyielding determination towards the achievement of her objective. She can quickly penetrate enemy strongholds thanks to her skill, and she was excellent at allocating appropriate responsibilities to the members of her squad.
Her status as a Lawrence Clan member might have affected her team, as a few of them immediately left because of that. Despite facing numerous challenges, she managed to gain the unwavering trust of a select group of devoted members, thanks to her remarkable track record of triumphing in countless daring missions. However, at this very moment, the circumstances seem to have regressed to their initial state, resembling a challenging return to the starting point.
Currently, her front-line surveyor, Mika Schmidt, is off far away to do a special mission for the Grand Master. Which is sort of unfortunate since he wanted to see Ben in order to express his gratitude to him for rescuing his brother Huffman, but he was too shy and had other commitments that stopped him from doing so.
The other members of her team were also tasked with scouting a different area since today there were some potential new recruits, and Eula would have to personally meet and train them first as part of her responsibilities as a captain.
"Your first instinct should not be to rush towards enemy base, but to report the information you have discovered. If one possesses sufficient expertise, they may engage in an offensive maneuver. However, for those who are novices, it is advisable to prioritize the acquisition of practical knowledge and skill before undertaking such actions." Eula, with her keen eye for detail, couldn't help but offer her first dose of constructive criticism after carefully observing the rookies' performance during their inaugural reconnaissance mission. She even had to help them out at the last minute.
Only a small percentage of the group paid attention to her advice and recorded it in their notes as a guide for future improvements. Alas, the majority remained adrift, their trust in their captain's guidance wavering like a ship caught in a tempest. The weight of her family lineage cast a shadow of doubt upon their hearts, making it all the more challenging to embrace her leadership wholeheartedly.
"Ugh, as if it's any surprise that the Lawrence Clan is always bossing people around." Muttering under their breath, a rookie expressed their frustration, incredulous that their so-called "captain" had the nerve to intervene instead of letting him handle the situation single-handedly.
"The risk of being reprimanded if I make a mistake is real. And I've been told that the Lawrence Clan is full of vicious people." Another inexperienced individual shuddered and felt nervous because she didn't want to be the target of criticism.
"Why is she even part of the Knights?" And after a short while, the remainder of the people began talking between themselves in order to ensure that they would not be overheard, even though their captain seemed to be aware of all that was being said.
The only thing Eula can do is accept all of these insults that she has heard. In a world where every action has consequences, she treads carefully, knowing that retaliation can sometimes unleash a storm of chaos. Nonetheless, she'll put forth a lot of effort to guarantee Mondstadt's safety, and that will change how others see her.
"That concludes today's session, rookies. We shall resume your training on the morrow at dawn." Through an audible huff, the courageous reconnaissance captain made a bold decision to bring an abrupt end to the situation at hand. She wants to find a spot where she can simply be alone and get away from all the behind-her-back conversations that are taking place about her since she has the feeling that it may become worse.
"That's assuming you'll even remain the captain tomorrow, once the public catches wind of your despicable uncle." A young rookie knight by the name of Elias found himself uttering a single, foreboding whisper, accompanied by a mischievous grin that hinted at hidden depths of cunning.
"What was that?" Eula's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she turned to face him, her mind racing with questions. Why on earth was he bringing up her uncle? And more importantly, what possible connection could it have to the current situation?
"Absolutely nothing, captain. I was just spewing mindless drivel to myself." Elias offered an unconcerned shrug as he accompanied his other companions back to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. As Eula trailed behind them, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. That seemingly random statement had piqued her curiosity, leaving her keen and on high alert.
"How dare someone with a tyrant's bloodline be allowed to join a group meant to protect the vulnerable!" After you have been hired for the new job, you do not want to hear anything like this phrase from the general public.
"You bring great shame upon our family!" And something that would send shivers down your spine, a phrase you pray you'll never have to hear echoing through the halls of your own family home for as long as you live.
Unfortunately, such penetrating remarks have reached Eula almost simultaneously. While earlier at the training area with the rookies, she maintained a facade of tolerance. But deep down, a storm was brewing within her. The weight of it all became unbearable, threatening to shatter her composure. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she fought to hold herself together, determined not to succumb to the overwhelming pressure.
Beneath her stern facade, there lies a weary countenance, longing for acceptance in the intricate tapestry of society. In spite of all the threats of vengeance she has made, the motivation behind such words is just her desire for others to maintain their relationships with her. And despite all the good she accomplishes, the only compensation she receives is the rejection of society as a whole.
At the entrance of Mondstadt, a few courteous knights welcome her in the correct manner since they are already close associates with her and they are aware of what her true character really is. Unfortunately, as soon as Eula goes through the entryway, she has to take a deep breath and mentally prepare herself for the approaching mutterings of the citizens of the town.
Like clockwork, a hush fell over the area as she made her entrance, causing a ripple of whispers and sidelong glances. The air crackled with anticipation, as if the mere sight of her ignited a wildfire of speculation and intrigue. However, an inexplicable sense of unease permeated the air.
Their expressions twisted with a potent mix of disgust and disdain as they cast piercing glares in her direction. Suddenly, even the seemingly impartial ones had turned their backs on her, leaving her feeling utterly alone in a sea of opposition.
"There is something shady about this." To say Eula was worried would be like saying a volcano is just a little warm. The unsettling sensation of being surrounded by the residents who look like they want to attack her was undeniably distressing. Even if she is capable of fending them off, she might struggle to do it since she is afraid of injuring them in the process.
"Who does this Lawrence think they are, casually strolling through our town like they own the place, knowing full well they're in cahoots with those treacherous Fatui scum?!" The major reason why everyone in the town became so hostile toward Eula was ultimately revealed by a random member of the public.
"What? Where do you obtain such unfounded allegations?!" The comment was enough to elicit a startled response from Eula, as shown by her momentary flinch after hearing it. Amidst a sea of whispers and murmurs, this particular revelation caught her completely off guard.
"How dare you try to deceive us, acting as if we are beneath your intelligence! Arrogant noble… We've been warned by a knight about your sneaky collaborations with the Fatui and your conniving uncle, all aimed at restoring the oppressive old aristocracy in Mondstadt! No way are we letting you do that!" The once hushed whispers of the town transformed into a thunderous chorus, their voices rising like a tempest. With furious drive, they raised their fists in unison, a powerful visual symphony of defiance, urging her to disappear into the shadows.
"Enough with your falsehoods! The knights would have duly apprised me of this matter, prompting the dispatch of my team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the whereabouts of my uncle and his malevolent deeds." The only thing that made sense to Eula was that her bumbling uncle would act in such an utterly idiotic way. Since they have a common ancestry, she was unlucky enough to get caught in the crossfire.
"Captain Eula… What if the knights simply don't trust you anymore?" Emerging from the bustling crowd like a beacon of defiance, the rookie knight Elias boldly inserted himself into the conversation, eager to share his unique perspective on the unfolding situation.
"Elias, how dare you address your superior officer in such a manner? I had previously tolerated your slander on the training grounds, but I cannot tolerate your detrimental assumptions this time." Eula seethed with anger as she watched the rookie, the very person she had invested so much time and effort into training and protecting, betray her by turning his back.
"I was told that the shapeshifter was tasked with investigating this matter privately. Now, isn't it intriguing how they seem to place greater faith in an unfamiliar, untested recruit rather than a highly experienced veteran? It's just a matter of them losing some trust in you, nothing too complicated. It's quite fascinating how they cunningly relieved you of your responsibilities, simply because you weren't officially assigned to your team, and now you find yourself in the peculiar position of having to train us. Gradually and inevitably, the number of job opportunities that demand your trust will diminish, leading to your eventual expulsion." Elias' logic had more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese, but the crowd's collective disdain for the Lawerence clan was so strong that they all jumped on board without a second thought.
"Y-you!" Eula now wishes she had been stricter with him earlier, wanting to scold him and remind him that she is still a superior officer. However, the atmosphere crackled with tension as the crowd's hostility simmered, teetering on the edge of eruption. It seemed as though their collective anger was a coiled spring, poised to unleash its fury upon her.
"To be completely honest, I must say that I am utterly dismayed by the audacity of the knights for appointing such a morally compromised instructor to our esteemed group. Oh, how I foolishly anticipated a more commendable display from the so-called "esteemed defenders" of Mondstadt." Elias' face lit up with a mischievous grin as he meticulously arranged the last few pieces of his master plan, adding just the right amount of provocation to ensure its success.
"Get lost, you pathetic excuse for a human being!" A resident of Mondstadt stated this as he began booing and hissing at Eula.
"We don't need you to taint them either!" Another one of them joined in, and she sounded like she was getting ready to hurl stuff at the knight.
"Disgusting people like you don't belong here!" And each new insult was much louder than the previous one, in addition to being far more direct and excruciating to hear from members of the neighborhood that you fight so painfully hard to defend.
"Grr…" Normally, she would vow to get vengeance on everyone, but it would just exacerbate the situation and solidify the public's belief that she is a member of the Fatui. The most sensible course of action would be to go directly up to Jean and demand to know the complete story, as well as the reason she wasn't informed.
However, amidst the chaos, her gaze fixated on the seething crowd. The intensity of their animosity seemed to distort her vision, blurring the line between reality and the palpable tension that hung in the air. Eula couldn't help but feel like a tiny speck in the presence of these larger-than-life individuals.
As she looked around, she couldn't help but envision herself as a younger version of herself, thrown into this unforgiving world. Her breaths grew deeper and more labored, she sensed a delicate balance between consciousness and the impending embrace of unconsciousness.
The whirlwind of mental exhaustion had taken hold of her, causing her once logical thoughts to be swallowed up by a sea of anxiety. Overwhelmed by the mounting pressure, Eula found herself with no choice but to flee, her heart pounding in her chest as she embarked on a desperate escape. She fled to a location where she could engage in another one of her coping techniques, which consisted of getting drunk on alcohol in order to numb the pain she was experiencing.
"Man. Don't tell me the Fatui's hidden base is all the way in space or deep underwater. Honestly, they shouldn't have even bothered if they knew I was gonna take 'em down." After a long day of reconnaissance, Ben finally made it back to Mondstadt, where he relaxed with a stretch and clasped his hands behind his back.
He navigated the air above Mondstadt with the assistance of Jetray in order to get an overhead perspective of the city and locate their base. He then switched to Wildmutt in order to use his tracking abilities, and if that wasn't enough, he would use Humungousaur to try and intimidate some Fatui agents he encountered.
However, to his dismay, the elusive Fatui had managed to conceal their secret headquarters with remarkable finesse, leaving him with nothing to show for his efforts that day. And no matter what he tried, not a single one of the agents knew the location of the covert base, and it seemed as if they were completely unaware that a member of the Lawrence Clan was assisting them. It was either a complete lie or they were stating the truth.
Regardless, the Alien Hero could simply continue his mission of scouting the enemy base tomorrow. He had a few more aliens at his disposal that he could utilize to ultimately pinpoint their location. Right now, Ben has just entered Angel's Share with the intention of relaxing and enjoying some of their renowned grape juice.
With a grand entrance, the Omnitrix Bearer burst through the doors of the tavern, his eyes widening in astonishment. The bustling atmosphere of the place was not the reason for its intrigue, rather, it was the uncanny familiarity exuded by the individual perched on the barstool, savoring their drink.
And at that same moment, Ben clicked his fingers as he recalled that those recognizable garments belonged to Eula. As the amber liquid swirled in her glass, it was clear that she was seeking solace from the day's toils. Yet, amidst the haze of her troubles, Ben's keen eye detected a glimmer of potential.
In this crucial moment, he saw an opportunity to approach Eula and seek her assistance in unraveling the mysterious investigation. With her familial connection to the suspect, she held a treasure trove of valuable information that could potentially crack the case wide open.
Although Jean has assured him that this probe must remain secret in order to prevent widespread fear among the general population, she has also told him that he may seek assistance from other parties so long as those individuals seem reliable.
"Hey Eula! What's up? Hope you remember me as the giant angry tiger from earlier, and I hope that doesn't shift your opinion of me. I gotta ask you something about your clan…" Ben's words came to a screeching halt as his eyes locked onto Eula's condition, leaving him utterly shocked.
The Spindrift Knight seemed to be completely inebriated from all of the booze that she had been consuming, as she was resting her head on the table. Her unkempt hair, the creases surrounding her clothing, the alcohol stains, and the redness on her face were all signs that she had consumed more than she should have.
"My clan. M-m-my claaaan. Myyyyy claaaaan! Sho you're jusht like the resht of them! And h-here I th-thought, after everything I've heard about you from Amber, you m-might have been different." Eula's voice reverberated through the room, its melodic tones dancing on the edge of vulnerability. The intoxicating symphony of slurred words painted a portrait of a soul teetering on the precipice of emotional release.
The relentless repetition of her family name echoed in her ears, sending shockwaves of agony through her body. As the intensity grew, her grip on the delicate glass tightened, threatening to unleash a storm of shattered fragments. The table beneath her quivered under the weight of her frustration, as if on the verge of surrendering to the overwhelming power of her emotions. Lost in the vast expanse of the universe, she pondered whether humanity would ever perceive her authentic self.
"Huh? Hey, hold up, Eula. That's not what I'm saying, dude…" Before Ben could even rephrase his sentence, the Spindrift Knight's patience reached its breaking point, causing her to storm out of the building with an air of defiance. The door echoed with a resounding slam, a clear indication that she had reached her limit and was no longer willing to entertain any more of this nonsensical conversation.
The Omnitrix Wielder was left utterly stunned by the unexpected twist of events. Although he had heard from Jean that Eula was having a difficult time repairing her image, the extent of her struggle was far beyond his wildest imagination. And he abhorred situations like this one, in which he was unable to help people in need and provide solutions to their issues like a hero normally would.
"Don't hold that against her, Ben. She has had a difficult day, to put it mildly." A familiar voice could be heard echoing across the air. Curiosity piqued, Ben turned around, only to find himself locking eyes with none other than Diluc. The enigmatic figure stood there, engrossed in the meticulous task of cleaning wine glasses, as if lost in a world of his own.
"Hmm? Diluc? I wasn't expecting you to defend a Knight of Favonius not named Jean, Amber, or Lumine." The Alien Hero was on the verge of uttering his surprise at the unexpected presence, but he swiftly administered a mental slap to himself. Given that he is the proprietor of this establishment, it is only natural that he would be present here.
"Honestly, that's the only flaw I see in Eula. Other than that, she has my respect. It requires courage to stand up to one's own family kin and attempt to rectify their wrongs." Recently, Diluc has been delving deep into the mysterious world of the Lawrence clan, unearthing secrets and unraveling enigmas. In his quest for knowledge, he stumbled upon a fascinating revelation about Eula's intriguing convictions. It was enough for her to gain his respect once he learned all that she had gone through but that she continued to push ahead nonetheless.
"So, you've like, interacted with Eula?" As Ben pondered the idea further, he couldn't help but envision them as an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Under the cloak of darkness, the night becomes a formidable ally to vengeance, joining forces to strike fear into the very core of criminals' souls.
"No, not really. This is the only bar that admits her, and she comes here in an attempt to bear with the severity of reality by imbibing alcohol. Evidently, the entire town was against her today as a result of the release of information regarding her uncle's collaboration with the Fatui." Diluc told Ben the main gossip going around town that's causing so much stress to Eula.
"Hold up, dude! That's supposed to be top-secret stuff that only a select few in the knights crew know about right now." Ben was aware that only a select few knights had access to this information, and that it had not been made public in order to protect Eula from any possible reaction. Just how did it manage to spread so rapidly?
"I'm not surprised. Someone within the knights must have been corrupted and gone out of their way to disclose the information, perhaps for their own gain." For this reason, Diluc looked disapprovingly at this. The reason behind his departure from the knights lies in a dark tale of corruption.
Despite the appointment of new leaders to cleanse the organization, the lingering fear remains that some of the corrupt individuals may still be hiding in the depths of the shadows. And thus, he defiantly embraces the path of righteousness, steadfastly adhering to his own unique code of justice.
"And I told myself that I would make sure her reputation improves… I gotta figure out who spilled the beans or find any proof that Eula ain't in cahoots with the Fatui." Now it's even more frustrating for the Alien Hero since he's recognized that this change of events might ruin his relationship with Eula, in addition to the fact that he won't be able to fulfill the declaration he made.
"Would you like to join me tonight? I'm off to conduct my usual crusade against the Fatui hidden within." Diluc decided to suggest this as he thought this would be a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.
"Superhero team up between the Darknight Hero and the Alien Hero. Sure, I'm in!" Ben decided, why not? After all, DIluc has more experience in dealing with the Fatui, and it's possible that he may be the key to uncovering their secret base and clearing Eula's name in the process.
The radiant moon cast its ethereal glow upon the sky, a celestial beacon heralding the departure of day and the ascension of night. People often go to bed around this time in order to have a good night's rest in order to have enough energy for the following day. In the dark of night, while most slumber peacefully, a select few embrace the nocturnal rhythm of their work. But little do they know, amidst the shadows, a sinister force known as the Fatui lurks, exploiting this very moment to weave their wicked webs of deception and treachery.
They are now at one of their bases, and the only reason Ben was able to miss it is due to the fact that they have bases that are built to only function throughout the night. Because they are aware that the majority of the people in Mondstadt are sleeping, the only person they have to be concerned about is the Darknight Hero.
"Excuse me. I'm here 'cause of a noise complaint from the neighborhood. Gotta ask you all to cool it down with your evil schemes, alright?" Just as the cunning Fatui were diligently restocking their provisions, an unexpected proclamation jolted them into a state of high alert. As they spun around, their hearts skipped a beat as they found themselves staring directly into the eyes of Water Hazard, his hands poised by his sides, ready for action.
In a split second, Water Hazard unleashed a torrent of high-pressurized water from his sleek portholes, eliminating the Pyroslinger Bracer with a powerful blast. And like a statue carved from ice, the Cryogunner Legionnaire remained perfectly still, trapped within the frozen aftermath of the Orishan's astonishing powers.
With a surge of electrifying energy, the mighty Electrohammer Vanguard boldly surged ahead, unleashing a series of electrifying strikes against the formidable Orishan, determined to bring him to his knees. But Water Hazard was nimble on his feet, and he sidestepped the blows while simultaneously building water whips on his hands to use as a form of retaliation. He quickly whipped his opponent, which triggered an electro-charged reaction, causing the Vanguard to be knocked unconscious.
"Don't be a killjoy, we've only just begun!" Since they were the ones least affected by Water Hazard's Hydro elemental attacks, the Geochanter Bracer and the Hydrogunner Legionnaire confidentiality advanced forward for the attack.
Despite this, Water Hazard displayed an air of confidence as he cockily motioned for them to approach him, indicating that he was not the least bit shaken by their empty threats.
Both of them bit the bait and charged the extraterrestrial straight away. However, in a surprising turn of events, a colossal flaming phoenix swooped down upon them, dousing them with its scorching presence. The impact was so intense that it rendered most of them unconscious, causing their bodies to react in extraordinary ways, as if they had been reduced into mere vapor. The attack came from Diluc, who hid in the shadows and waited for Ben's signal to strike at the perfect moment.
Naturally, he donned his formidable Darknight Hero ensemble. He donned a sleek, all-black outfit, accentuated by striking white details that added a touch of intrigue. A tattered cloak billowed behind him, adding an air of mystery to his presence. Completing his enigmatic look was a white mask, concealing the upper portion of his face.
Surprisingly, the Geochanter Bracer was still conscious. But before he could get up, the Darknight Hero grabbed him by the collar and put on his intimidating expression. "Where is your secret base in relation to Schubert Lawrence?"
"You might want to listen to Knightsy here. You get to pick: either you have a "relaxing" chat with him or I give you a scorching hot water bath." Water Hazard pointed his portholes at the Fatui Skirmisher. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he decided to play a little mind game, blurring the lines between good cop and bad cop.
"I-I don't know! We're just given orders to do this, but we were never shown any other bases. I swear!" After a few seconds, the Georchanter Bracer anxiously murmured something, and when the Darknight Hero glanced more closely into his eyes to check for any falsehoods, he knocked him out cold with one rapid blow.
"Unfortunately, he was not lying." Diluc adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, a subtle yet powerful gesture that spoke volumes about his steadfast commitment in the wake of the intense interrogation.
"Geez. The only time I act like that is when I'm in a crappy mood. If this is how you usually are, I wouldn't want to make you mad for real." When Water Hazard turned back into Ben, the hero could only recall a handful of situations in which he really let go. Like the time he flung a house at Ultimate Aggregor after he absorbed the five Andromeda aliens.
"Let's depart. There are more bases that need to be eliminated from the equation." Diluc paid little attention to the remark, and shortly after it was spoken, he dashed off in the direction of the other bases, with Ben following closely after him.
The unstoppable alliance between the Omnitrix Bearer and the elusive Darknight Hero proved to be an overwhelming force that left the notorious Fatui trembling in their wake. Try as they might, their nefarious base proved to be no match for the relentless onslaught of the heroes. After destroying ten bases in all, the group decided it was time to call it a night since Ben expressed a desire to get some rest before the next day.
Regrettably, their efforts to uncover the secret base and unravel the enigma surrounding Schubert yielded no fruitful leads. In spite of this, at least there are now fewer Fatui who will be a danger to Mondstadt.
"This seems like an appropriate way to conclude the evening." Perched high above the bustling city, Diluc and Ben found solace on the rooftop of a hidden building nestled within the labyrinthine back alleys. As the moon cast its gentle glow upon them, they took a moment to reflect on the thrilling expeditions of the night.
"That's cool and all, but we couldn't find anything to help clear Eula's name." The Alien Hero couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Despite their valiant efforts in taking down numerous bases, not a single one had yielded the breakthrough they were hoping for. He was really considering taking matters into his own hands and using his more powerful aliens to resolve the issue at once.
Just as Diluc was about to interject with a remark, his sharp eyes caught sight of a gathering below. A cluster of figures, clad in the distinguished attire of the renowned Knights of Favonius, had captured his attention. Even though he recognizes them as rookies, he is wary of the reasons why they are out at this hour of the night.
The Darknight Hero then had a startling recollection that the rumor was first originated by an unnamed Knight of Favonius. A brilliant idea sparked in his mind, igniting a fire of resolve. "Plan B should then be implemented."
"And that is?" Baffled, Ben's eyebrows furrowed as he wracked his brain, desperately trying to recall any mention of a mysterious "plan B" that had somehow slipped his memory. Then again, he's not one to meticulously map out his every move. He prefers to embrace spontaneity and let life take him on its whimsical journey.
"Obtain the perspective of the possible originator of the allegations." With a commanding gesture, the Darknight Hero extended his finger, pointing it downwards towards the knights below. Ben's eyes followed the line of Diluc's finger, quickly seeking out the individuals he was indicating.
"As big of a breach of privacy as that would be, I've never seen those guys from the Knights." The majority of the knights have either spoken with or at the very least been seen by the Omnitrix Bearer in person. And considering how youthful this bunch seems to be, he couldn't help but speculate that these individuals are recent additions to the force.
"Along that side. We will retain the ability to hear them even if we are invisible to them." Diluc leaped down from the building without hesitating and concealed himself in the shadows so that he wouldn't be spotted but would still be able to listen in on what was being said.
Ben hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with reservations. However, curiosity got the better of him, and with a mix of reluctance and excitement, he took the leap, landing beside Diluc. "If those guys start talking about something weird, then I'm outta here."
"Impressive, Elias! You certainly made some waves with the rumor you propagated. How did you find out about the information?" One of the rookie knights was quite effusive in his support for their leader, and he expressed interest in learning more about the planning process.
"Shush. Do you honestly believe discussing such a topic here is a good idea? What if someone hears us and we're done for?" Even so, his fellow knight seemed annoyed by his abrupt outburst, and she appeared to be trying to get him to be quiet by the look on her face.
"Haha. Fear not, my cunning accomplices, this is an area where the feeble Knights seldom dare to patrol. So there is absolutely no need to get that anxious." Elias, the same inexperienced knight from before who had been mentored by Eula but subsequently turned against her, didn't mind and really wanted to be showered with more praise.
"But what about the Darknight Hero? Maybe he's following us around in the shadows." The female rookie knight was still worried, and she hoped that her companions would keep an eye out for danger.
"He's merely a figment of imagination. Moreover, even assuming he exists, can you honestly expect the Knights to lend credence to a mere vigilante's words over the well-established reputation of certified individuals like ourselves?" Nevertheless, Elias remained unabashedly arrogant, convinced that this particular spot was absolutely ideal for delving into these intriguing matters.
"You're right, Elias! Please accept our apologies for doubting your wits." In a burst of admiration, the young knight began applauding his leader, his hands coming together in a resounding applause.
"Now, if you're curious about how I stumbled upon this calculatingly simple method… A group of clueless knights, who were foolishly entrusted with this sensitive information, were recklessly blabbering about it at an ear-splitting volume. I skillfully managed to camouflage myself within the surroundings, allowing me to eavesdrop on every single word uttered. An error that I myself would never make." Elias detailed the incredible strategy he executed with ease and enthusiasm, and it was evident that he was still proud of it up to this point.
"I see. To pick up on all of that, your hearing and perception are quite remarkable. The question is why Eula specifically. Do you have any kind of resentment towards her because of her ancestry?" In spite of the fact that the female rookie didn't care if Eula's reputation was sullied even further, she was curious as to whether or not this was related to a more serious animosity.
"Absolutely not. Because it would be delightfully effortless to manipulate the narrative to her disadvantage. And thanks to her nefarious connections with the Lawrence Clan, it was a piece of cake for my deceitful fabrications to be embraced as undeniable truths in the eyes of the public. Then, when the uproar reaches its boiling point, the Knights will be compelled to oust Eula, and that's when I shall delicately seize the opportunity to vie for the coveted role of captain!" Elias couldn't help but burst into laughter, his mind racing with vivid visions of the fame and fortune that awaited him.
"Absolutely brilliant, Elias! Don't forget about us if you become captain. If you promote us to managerial positions in your reconnaissance team, we will continue to sing your praises." Soon, his accomplices who were also a part of the plan chuckled along with him as they gently departed the area to go back to their residences.
Oh, how unfortunate it is that these conceited newcomers failed to realize the watchful eyes lurking in the shadows, strongly absorbing every word they uttered. Though it wouldn't have mattered, as they couldn't possibly take on a very angry Appoplexian and retribution at the same time.
"Those dastards." Ben was absolutely fuming, his anger bubbling up like a volcano ready to erupt. And who could blame him? It was a downright dirty move to tarnish someone's good name just to elevate your own status. Just as he was about to activate the Omnitrix, a sudden interruption came in the form of Diluc's hand, halting his every move.
"Ben, we should not act hastily. Merely possessing the technical designation of a knight does not grant you unrestrained authorization to launch an assault and level accusations. We must discover a means to convince them to publicly confess or provide evidence of their intentions." The Darknight Hero wanted to exact his own measure of vengeance on them, but he also understood that in order to find a solution to the issue, they had to take a logical approach to the situation.
Following a brief period of reflection during which they both considered this topic, Ben broke the silence with a sly grin appearing on his face. "Then I guess I'll have to give them some sweet dreams tomorrow."
"What?" Diluc was completely speechless and could only look in bewilderment as he pondered the meaning of Ben's statement. When taken out of its original context, the words take on a whole new and intriguing significance.
"Uh… It means I've got an alien all set for this situation." In a sudden burst of self-awareness, the Alien Hero swiftly rephrased his sentence, realizing that his previous statement and the smile he had worn could potentially be misinterpreted by those around him. He really needs to watch the way he says his words before saying them out loud.
As the sun rose on a brand new day, Eula emerged from the depths of her hangover. Despite the lingering ache in her head from the night of drinking, she mustered the strength to venture outdoors and embark on her day. However, her mind couldn't help but replay that unforgettable night when she unleashed a fiery outburst against Ben. The memory made her cringe inwardly, as if she were reliving the intense emotions all over again.
"Ugh. I am such a fool. All he needed was some help unraveling this mystery. The inebriation got the best of me, and I shoved him aside unceremoniously." Despite her icy facade, she couldn't help but feel exasperated by the fact that deep down, all she truly desired was to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Regrettably, she finds herself consumed by self-loathing for her unfortunate decision to turn away a person in need, especially considering that this individual happened to be a cherished friend of her most trusted confidant.
"Hey, Eula, this isn't your fault. You were going through a rough patch yesterday, and knowing Ben, he'll sympathize with you." Suddenly, as if summoned by fate, a worried Amber materialized and made the spontaneous decision to join Eula on her walk. Reluctantly, the Spindrift Knight begrudgingly acquiesced to the company, her fiery spirit yearning to protest but ultimately succumbing to the inevitable.
"And here she is again, having the nerve to reveal herself." Unfortunately, as they stroll through every nook and cranny, a chorus of voices emerges, each one eager to unleash a torrent of criticism aimed squarely at Eula. However, this time they weren't merely whispering behind closed doors, they were intentionally voicing their opinions with a palpable sense of disdain.
"Also, why is Outrider Amber hanging out with her? Please don't tell me she's involved, too." To make matters even more dreadful, it appeared as though her friend was being unfairly blamed for a predicament she had absolutely no part in.
"Amber, I implore you to promptly depart from this place. Should you choose not to comply, I shall proclaim venge-" Eula's attempt to maintain her stern demeanor was swiftly thwarted by the irrepressible Amber.
"Vengeance on me. Yeah, yeah. I know the drill. Because I know you need all the help you can get right now, Eula. I won't abandon you." With a playful glimmer in her eyes, The Outrider flashed a daring smile at her friend, boldly defying the looming threat of gossip. As long as she can support her, then that's good enough for her.
"Oh my, Outrider Amber. Why are you foolishly still clinging to Eula Lawrence's side? Aren't you aware of the heinous acts she's been alleged to have committed?" In an unexpected turn, their leisurely stroll came to an abrupt halt as they found themselves face-to-face with Elias, sporting a mischievous grin alongside his loyal band of comrades.
"Elias. For my part, I'd rather keep things lighthearted, but gave you the right to be so disrespectful to your higher officer? She hasn't done anything wrong." A really unusual occurrence had place, and it was Amber becoming far stricter against one of the other knights. Fed up with the ceaseless barrage of slander at Eula, she finally reached her breaking point and resolved to take a stand. Furthermore, the audacious demeanor of Elias irked her to no end.
She also meant to bring up the fact that Acting Grandmaster Jean was going to declare Eula's innocence. However, she held back for the time being, her mind swirling with concerns about the potential repercussions that could befall Jean. It reminded her of the infamous incident involving the Grandmaster, where the public's scrutiny had intensified after he bestowed the title of knight upon Eula.
"Poor thing. Even the supposedly virtuous Outrider succumbed to her wicked influence. Oh, I can only imagine the clandestine assistance you must have provided her as well. What a shame. On the other hand, the coveted role of being an outrider is currently experiencing a slow and agonizing demise." Elias, with a mischievous glint in his eye, couldn't help but entertain the idea of tarnishing Amber's impeccable reputation.
In his mind, he saw outriders as mere pawns in the grand game of strategy, convinced that their existence was rendered pointless with a well-equipped reconnaissance team already in place.
However, Eula's patience has reached its limit as she wearies of the constant barrage of unreasonable remarks aimed at her dear friend. Without hesitation, she whisked Amber away from the crowd. She was ready to unleash a verbal storm upon Elias, leaving no stone unturned and no word unspoken. Along with being unfazed by the potential consequences, she was ready to shoulder the blame… Even if it meant risking her own well-being, all to protect her cherished friend.
"Watch your tongue, Elias. All of this nonsense and these accusations directed at me are tolerable. I am simply going to fortify my determination further, as I have become accustomed to the public's attention. However, I shall not idly observe as you undermine the well-being of my companions." As Eula delivered her scolding to the rookie knight, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Although, it appeared that her words had unintentionally reinforced the crowd's perception of her as an arrogant noble.
Even Amber began to show signs of alarm as she began to anticipate the possibility of a full-scale brawl breaking out.
"Heh. Oh, how unfortunate for Captain Eula. You will inevitably ensnare every acquaintance you have in this nightmar-" Before the arrogant rookie could even complete his boastful phrase, a mist of emerald-colored mystery engulfed his field of view.
For some inexplicable reason, it seemed as if the very foundations of the world were trembling beneath his feet, causing a strange sensation to wash over him. As the mysterious vibrations coursed through his body, a peculiar drowsiness began to envelop him, luring him into a hazy state of mind.
Once the fog lifted, Elias's world transformed from a blurry haze into a vivid tapestry of colors and shapes. Much to his bewilderment, he found himself perched upon a wooden chair, facing a formidable desk adorned with a mountain of paperwork. As his eyes scanned the room, he found himself standing in the heart of the legendary Knights of Favonius headquarters.
"What in the world is going on?" Elias's eyes darted around the room, desperately trying to piece together the puzzle of his surroundings. Just as he was about to give up, a burst of power exploded through the front doors, shattering the silence and capturing his attention.
"Captain Elias, you haven't finished your paperwork yet. Compile it immediately! The deadline is approaching tomorrow." In a whirlwind of energy, Jean burst into the room. With a resounding thud, she forcefully slammed down a towering stack of papers onto his desk, sending a clear message that she meant business.
"Master Jean?" Elias found himself even more perplexed, his mind swirling with disorientation. How is it that he went from making mockery of Eula outside to being brought inside to speak with the higher-ups here at headquarters? Although admittedly, there's something undeniably appealing about being addressed as "captain."
"This would be in your best interest to lend an ear to the Acting Grand Master, lest you find yourself on the receiving end of some rather unpleasant consequences courtesy of Lisa." It was Kaeya who had unleashed the mysterious voice, his sly grin widening as he playfully gestured towards the towering pile of papers.
Before Elias could also query why the cavalry captain was here, all of a sudden he had the feeling that an unseen force was making him finish all of the paperwork without his own choice. Reluctantly, he found himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of signing his name and poring over countless documents, each one more demanding than the last. And every now and then, an individual would stride in, ready to unleash a torrent of criticism upon him for his less-than-perfect performance as a captain.
"Is this what being a captain is like? I wanted fame and glory, along with being able to boss others around. Not being stuck with boring paperwork." With each passing day, Elias could feel his energy waning and his patience wearing thin. The never-ending stream of mundane tasks was slowly chipping away at his sanity, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of disdain.
"Oh, but a true captain should be so much more, shouldn't they? How burdened they are with the weight of countless responsibilities in this unforgiving realm. So, Elias, pray tell, what has stolen the joy from your heart? I can only imagine the sheer delight that must be bubbling within you now that your wildest fantasy has materialized." Kaeya couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle as he observed the overconfident rookie grapple with the harsh truth that had just been served to him.
"Elias! Here is more paperwork that you must complete! Each is due within the day. Failure to accomplish this will result in adverse repercussions." With an air of authority, Jean stormed into the room, a mountain of paperwork in her hands. Meanwhile, Lisa trailed behind her, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she casually conjured bolts of electricity in her palms.
"No. No. NNNNNOOOOO!" Elias found himself in a state of excruciating agony, his hands instinctively grasping his head as he desperately yearned for relief. He now wishes for a different fate, one where the weighty title of captain no longer rests upon his weary shoulders.
With every fiber of his being, he silently pleaded to Barbatos, praying that this nightmarish ordeal would finally reach its long-awaited conclusion.
"Okay, okay! I confess! I cunningly concocted a tale, manipulating the truth to portray Eula as a mere pawn in the intricate game orchestrated by the Fatui, knowing full well that you gullible individuals would readily fall for it. And I carefully plotted to swoop in and steal the glory of becoming a captain. But perhaps the pitiful dream is truly unworthy if all that awaits me is a monstrous workload." As the dream reached its bittersweet conclusion, Elias found solace in the simple comfort of his thumb, a poignant symbol of his shattered emotions.
The unexpected breakdown in Mondstadt left the crowd utterly shocked sending shockwaves of surprise through the air. Sure, they have talked badly about Eula, but to go out of their way to ruin her reputation even further for their own personal gain felt a little scummy.
Sensing the discomfort, they made a unanimous decision to give Eula some space, placing their faith in the knights to mete out the fitting punishment to Elias and his cohorts.
"Huh. Why did he just randomly spill the beans? Hey, Eula, perhaps you managed to get through to him?" Since it looked like things wouldn't escalate even further, Amber decided to try and joke around with her buddy once more.
Eula didn't pay attention, as it looked like she was the only one who noticed the magical green dust. Her gaze swept across the area, searching for answers, until it landed on a captivating sight that instantly captured her attention.
She caught sight of a little, winged being that looked like a blue-skinned fairy. It also seemed like the fairy was wearing a green dress with white gloves, but what stood out was the Omnitrix symbol on its chest.
The fairy is known as Pesky Dust, and he is the DNA sample of a Nemuina that has been preserved inside of the Omnitrix. He was first unlocked along with an assortment of random aliens when the Omnitrix started to malfunction during a prison outbreak. Not only does he possess the incredible ability to soar through the skies, but his most captivating talent lies in his extraordinary sleeping dust. This dust grants him the ability to infiltrate and exert influence over the dreams of his victims, which he can then use to glean information from those individuals. With a flick of his wrist, he also possesses the uncanny ability to lull his adversaries into a temporary slumber or, perhaps, an eternal one.
Pesky Dust gave Eula one big thumbs up and a wink before flying off from the town to make sure nobody noticed that he was the one responsible for this. Naturally, the Spindrift Knight remained stunned for a while until a faint smile appeared on her face. "You have provided me with an additional motive to pursue vengeance against you, for which I express my gratitude."
Hidden within the mysterious depths of remote, desolate terrain, a clandestine subterranean stronghold conceals itself, shrouded in secrecy. The Omntrix Bearer's slight challenge in finding this was not surprising. Given its remote location that seemed worlds away from the bustling city. The entrance, resembling an ordinary cave, concealed itself with a minuscule aperture, barely discernible to the unaided gaze.
As you ventured into the mysterious cave, its initial appearance was deceptively ordinary, with echoes of emptiness reverberating through the air. However, little did you know that within its depths lay a secret passage, concealed from the prying eyes of all but a select few Fatui members. This secretive entrance beckoned them towards an enigmatic base hidden beneath the surface.
In general, the atmosphere evoked that of a medieval stronghold from long ago. Everything seemed to be covered in dust, and there were spider webs hanging from the ceiling in every direction. There was also a mishmash of containers lying about, and candles were the sole source of light.
It should come as no surprise that a large number of Fatui are now skulking about the surrounding area while hatching new plots. However, if you continue to explore farther, you will come across a region that has a lava lake. Should you be able to traverse this region, you will find that it leads to a hidden chamber that seems to be a research facility.
There were two individuals present inside the significant room. Because one of them was wearing some exorbitant blue apparel, it is fair to assume that the individual in question is Schubert Lawrence. The second person, though, was a mysterious one.
Because he was completely concealed, it was difficult to recognize any of his distinguishing characteristics. The one and only thing that jumped out was how greatly respected he was by the Fatui due to the fact that he is some kind of segment of a doctor.
Of course, that information confused Schubert, and the only thing he concluded is that this person is probably a doctor or a specialist in one key field. Whether he was a surgeon, psychiatrist, or whatever, Schubert didn't care.
"How dare they have the audacity to request a map of Mondstadt's defenses, only to dismiss it as utterly worthless!" Fuming with frustration, the haughty noble launched into a passionate tirade, expressing his exasperation at never having been challenged with a task that proved utterly futile.
"Defenses are utterly useless in the face of their unstoppable offense that surpasses even the most elite. You can never be certain whether this fresh recruit of the knights possesses a cunning ability to undo all the havoc we wreak." Intriguingly enough, the enigmatic figure exuded an air of calmness, suggesting a deeper fascination with unraveling the secrets of the Omnitrix rather than harboring any intentions of conquering the illustrious city of Mondstadt.
"You ruffians are supposed to be all powerful! What use is your pitiful display of power if it crumbles at the mere thought of one insignificant individual?" Schubert had reached his breaking point with the Fatui, and he was on the verge of cutting off all financial support to their secret base.
"If you truly believe in your exaggerated skills, why don't you have the audacity to handle them yourself instead of relying on others? But don't worry, as we have carefully devised something for you that will assist you in this nefarious undertaking." The unidentified person then opened his hand and showed something that seemed to be a Delusion. The main distinction is that there are just three spikes with edges on the frame, but if you look more closely, it seems to have symbols of all kinds of creatures on it.
"What is this a Vision? Do you honestly possess the mental capacity to comprehend that only the exceptionally astute original owner possesses the capability to wield this? To my knowledge, there have been no documented instances where individuals have been able to liberally exploit a pilfered Vision." Schubert was not foolish, because he understood that the other formidable fighters in Mondstadt could simply team up against him using their own elemental abilities, even if he had a Vision.
"Naturally, it's far from being a Vision. This is a Delusion. However, it was artfully altered with deceitful enhancements that will grant you unparalleled dominion over Mondstadt, allowing you to reign with an unyielding grip of tyranny. Said power, of course, was inspired by the powerful entity in Mondstadt. With that cunning knowledge at your disposal, no feeble soul would dare to challenge your indomitable authority." After the unknown person had completed his explanation in its entirety, it seemed as if Schubert was interested in what he had to say.
The haughty Lawrence, with his nose held high, was never one to soil his hands. However, the relentless struggle of his clan to reclaim their former glory has started to stir a flicker of doubt within him. They were removed from power as a result of an influential leader's decision to rise up and lead a revolution. So what if he does the same by using this power to overthrow Mondstadt single-handedly and become the most powerful Lawrence to ever live?
"An aristocrat should strategically manipulate others into solving their problems, ensuring they never lift a finger themselves. But if the pitiful peasants are utterly brittle, then they would be left with no alternative but to wisely seize control of their own destiny." Reluctantly, Schubert found himself succumbing to the Delusion's enchanting grasp.
Suddenly, a vibrant hue of purple began to envelop him, casting an otherworldly glow. A cacophony of agonized screams erupted from his lips as an indescribable feeling coursed through his body, as if the very essence of his being was being reshaped and rewritten in a twisted symphony of torment. And there stood the enigmatic figure, their face adorned with a wickedly twisted grin.
Author's Notes
Well, here's part 2 of chapter 9, and part 3 will be the conclusion of this chapter once it releases. I would also like to shout out one of my readers, Joanne Frances Tiano Cajilig, as his suggestion of Pesky Dust was used in this chapter. Anyway, thank you to all the new readers of this story, along with all the suggestions you give. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and have a good day.
To KAPfan9876: Yes. I plan on implementing them. Though I have never watched the reboot yet, so I'll have to check Youtube or Wiki to see their full abilities.
To Mr. Spade: For your first question, probably not since that would make him too strong and he isn't 18 yet. For your second question, yeah, I tried to combine those two personalities together. And for your last question, yes, this has been crossposted on Wattpad and AO3. The account names are the same except for Wattpad, as my account is called Thedjwriter76 there.
To Poch1GD: For question one, honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe I would continue it that far, or maybe I would stop writing this and let someone else continue this story. For your second question, yeah, if it fits the theme of a new chapter, I want to go for it. Or I would just apply elements of the events to certain chapters. For your third question, I'm thinking about that. I have this idea in the back of my head that maybe the Omnitrix could interact with the Statue of the Sevens as teleporters similar to the game. Though that has not been made final. And yeah, I would try to let Ben interact with past characters as long as it fits the chapter. And for your last question, I will try to alter events to make sure this story is unique.
To Naitomea-Zero: I will say yes to all your questions. Although I would have to put your third question as a maybe.
To echoslook: Um, I'll see what he'll use against Ei if I ever make it to writing Inazuma.