ic3 dr4g0n th3 gr8: All I can say is that it's going to be a wild journey for the both of them. Even though it's kinda crack, I do have every intention of making it a entertaining story since stuff until CS4 is already planned.
bahrithariq: Sometimes desperation is what causes us to do stupid things... and more stupid things await us in future chapters.
Koncor the great: You're right! That's why I decided to do both since I feel like meta jokes would be better with Erik's POV. Indeed, anyone with a teasing (and chaotic nature) would definitely get along with Merlin! Though more will be shown in the next chapter XD
Redburndragon: Honestly I based that on Lady Avalon's animations, but as far as those who wield staves (yes, I also mean orbal staves), they usually tend to have an attack rank in all types, they're just either average or low. Though this is Merlin we're talking about so...
Sorry this took so long. After Samurai Remnant came out, I definitely took a break finishing this chapter. I already planned on Erik having several Servants, but now I definitely know who's going to be his Berserker, especially after I rewatched some FGO Atlantis scenes... My heaaart. I'm still not a hundred percent certain he will have a Servant for every class (except the Extra ones), but I am certain he will have a Lancer before canon officially starts. Anyways, here's the chapter!
...
3rd P.O.V.
...
Merlin laid her Master on the grassy surface. The playfulness and mischief that usually danced in her ruby hues faded. A hand drifted toward the transmigrator's chest as mana circled his form. She hummed and nodded to herself; it was a success. The succubus had just performed a technique that modified his Elemental Affinity— a practice considered dangerous and lethal to perform on magi. Sometimes, it had the effect of declining a person's magecraft to a shocking degree. Of course, the Magus of Flowers was confident that the procedure went off without any of the nasty side effects.
She might be scolded for the pain she inflicted upon him, but it was a necessary step if he wanted to become a competent and powerful magus. In fact, Erik should be thanking and singing her praises as soon as he wakes up! A faint grin stretched across her face, though it quickly faded into a thin line.
"Fascinating..." She muttered.
Erik's Elemental Affinity was only Wind prior to her modifications. The young man now possessed an affinity for all five elements. But that was not what she found interesting.
Brushing a finger down his chest, her gaze narrowed before her sights ultimately closed. Erik's origin was... interesting to say the least.
Revolt and Supremacy.
What a peculiar combination of words. His origin truly piqued her curiosity, already wondering what chaos such an origin could produce.
Revolt. It meant to rebel and oppose the power of authority.
Supremacy, on the other hand, meant the state of superiority over power, status, and authority. In other words, complete domination.
Revolt and Supremacy— both capable of producing a person with the qualities of a king yet for different purposes.
The more she thought about it, the more she grew curious as to why these two were Erik's origin. Perhaps it was the System's doing?
Because of the Command Seal, she was forced to train him to become stronger. Remembering what happened last night caused a groan to slip past her. Well, no matter.
Whether he chooses to be a king of rebellion or supremacy was of little concern to the succubus. She would stay by his side until they both perish from this world, and she would watch him intently, awaiting what kind of entertainment the transmigrator would show her.
And she will be teasing and tortu— caring for him along the way. Because she is his beautiful big sis!
Giggling mischievously to herself, she glanced back down at her Master. He looked so peaceful... so unconscious. She would stroke his grey locks.
Oh, how she so wanted to wake him up in the most annoying way possible!
Merlin let out another hum. She supposed he deserved to let the soreness of his body disappear and recover some of his stamina after what she put him through. The succubus could already imagine his outburst if she used a spell to heal him up, only for her to awaken him right after... Oh dear, that was not something she wanted to receive.
And so, she allowed her Master to gain the little rest she was willing to provide him with.
Her thoughts wandered to the knowledge she gained from the System. The continent of Zemuria, huh? Merlin's eyes fluttered shut; she felt mana circling the very air they breathed. A world between fantasy and modern times— where magical remained abundant, yet technology seemed to continue to progress. That is her understanding of this world. It was almost as if the Age of Gods had continued to progress into the modern era.
She chuckled and shook her head. "That's being generous."
There was certainly more energy flowing in the air, but it was different from True Ether— a different sort of magical energy than she's used to.
"It seems I won't be getting bored of this world any time soon." Her lips stretched into a grin as her eyes fell on her unconscious Master.
His sleepy visage gave off a peaceful and tranquil air. One might say it was reminiscent of a sleeping babe. Slender fingers ran through his metallic-grey mane as her face softened.
"I might have to shock him awake if he sleeps close to noon, though~"
...
Erik's P.O.V.
...
My consciousness began to return as every muscle and nerve in my body ached in discomfort. Everything felt like it was on fire.
Actually, it's more like my insides are in a sauna. The sudden heat that coursed through me was akin to being showered in flames, but as time went on, the heat began to weaken. It didn't fade out completely, but it was now manageable.
My eyelids slowly opened. I expected to see the blue sky or the surroundings of the highway, but instead, I was greeted by notifications from the System.
[Thanks to the Magus of Flower's assistance, your Elemental Affinity has changed from "Wind" to all five elements!]
[Due to having a high affinity with the five elements, you have gained their E-rank spells!]
[Thanks to the Magus of Flower's assistance, your Magic Circuit rank has increased!]
[You have endured a risky procedure! Your HP, DEF, and ADF have increased!]
Thanks to the Magus of Flower's assistance...?
Wait! It's all coming back to me!
"MERLIN!" I sat up and quickly got to my feet, ignoring the aching pain that ran through me.
"Hmm? Ah, you're finally up, Master." Merlin walked over to me with a playful smile. "Impressive. You managed to regain consciousness after only an hour. I didn't even need to use magecraft on you!"
"Then what the hell did you just do earlier?!" I snapped as I grabbed her shoulders. "I know you've made my affinity and Magic Circuits better, and I'm eternally grateful for that, but was it too troublesome to give me a heads-up?!"
I began to shake her by the shoulders. I seriously thought I was going to die because of her little stunt! The pain made me blank out for crying out loud!
Instead of feeling apologetic, Merlin simply giggled while I shook her senselessly. My eye twitched. She must be feeling real amused by my outburst, huh?!
"You're quite welcome." She started after I eventually stopped shaking her. "Don't be so upset, Master. Consider it your big sister's petty revenge after you used a Command Spell on her~!"
"...I don't know what's more impressive: the fact you're delusional enough to still think of yourself as a big sister figure or the fact you just blatantly told me you did that for petty revenge."
"Perhaps a little of both~? And how rude! I'm totally your big sister and girlfriend! You should feel extremely happy about that!"
Is she really continuing that joke...?
Deep breaths were taken by me before I rubbed my throbbing temple. I felt like a migraine would come the longer I interacted with Merlin.
Heaving a sigh, I chose to ignore the succubus in favor of checking my stats.
{STATUS}
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 18 | EXP: 1827 / 40000
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: Swords- D | Others- F
Attack Rank: Slash- C | Thrust- NONE | Pierce- NONE | Smash- NONE
HP: 2639
EP: 0
CP: 200
MP: 650/650
Mana Circuit: 57 | B-Rank Quality
-o-
STR: 257
DEF: 164
ATS: 84
ADF: 138
SPD: 73
DEX: 44
EVA: 3%
CHR: 10
A hundred-point increase in my HP and a ten-point increase in my DEF and ADF. Not bad. My Magic Circuit rank increased thanks to... Merlin too. Does that mean my output of magical energy is better now?
I glanced at the time... which my System somehow displayed as well. It was currently 5:34.
Nodding to myself, the System windows disappeared as I turned to my Servant with an exasperated expression.
"Anything else you did to me?"
"My, Erik. If you phrase it that way, you make it sound like I did lecherous things to you."
"You can enter people's dreams and mess with their minds. I wouldn't put it past you." I deadpanned before sighing. "But considering I didn't dream anything weird, I guess you didn't."
"Do you want me to~?"
Just ignore the smirk, Erik. Nothing good will come out of humoring her. "I got notified about being able to use some E-rank spells. Can you train me in magecraft now?"
Merlin puffed a cheek for a second before her own sigh left her lips. This time, I cracked a smirk. "How long will we be training for...?"
"Just until 7."
"Very well..." Conceding to her fate, Merlin tapped the ground before I sensed a surge of magical energy wraps around us.
Pink petals gathered and swirled before my surroundings completely changed. I was no longer standing on the ground of Nortia Highway, but instead, I found myself standing on a field of flowers. Blooms and petals of all sorts swayed with the gentle passing of the wind. All I could think of was...
"Beautiful..."
"I'm not too experienced with Territory Creation, but this should be sufficient to serve our purpose for today," Merlin said as she walked up next to me. "Now then, Erik. We'll be using the remaining time we have to get familiar with the feeling of channeling and releasing magical energy through magecraft."
"Okay, how do I do that?" I asked, flexing my fingers.
"I assume it is similar to when you used Reinforcement earlier." She tapped her chin once before her brow furrowed. "I cannot give proper advice since I believe the way you use magecraft is different from the logic I understand."
That made sense. It's all thanks to the System that I'm able to use magecraft and possess all these skills. I suppose I can still use what I know from Type-Moon media. First things first, I have to activate my circuits with my mental trigger. Recalling what happened earlier, that's probably the whole image of a mask shattering before it scatters into flowers.
I closed my eyes and began to concentrate, replicating the same image in my head. A chill and a wave of heat passed over me as I pulled the od from within my being.
"Good! It seems like you activated your circuits."
Merlin's voice prompted me to open my eyes as they widened. Cyan lines etched themselves on my hands before they disappeared, yet the faint trace of prana danced on my fingertips.
"Whoa..." I never realized the sensation when I used Reinforcement before. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling. It was kinda chilly. My attention shifted from my hands to my Servant. "Now what?"
"Now, I believe you simply need to pass magical energy through your Magic Circuits. For your E-rank spells, at least." The court magus explained plainly.
"All right..."
"Oh! But you should probably aim at those monsters" She pointed at a horde of monsters from the highway approaching me. Did she purposely send them here too?! "I may not be fond of Territory Creation, but I still don't want a creation of mine to be damaged!"
"That's your concern?!"
I whipped my head toward the sound of buzzing. A Blue Horn charged at him with its sharpened trump. Basic human instincts took the initiative as my hand reached out. Pouring prana into my circuits, I thought of the first spell that came to mind.
"F-Fire?"
Magical energy came to life out of the palm of my hand. A sphere of crimson flames burst forth as it flew straight to the Blue Horn, causing a small explosion and pushing back its charging friends. I tried my best not to make my surprise obvious as I dipped my gaze to my right hand.
"Great output for a beginner." Merlin grinned before she gestured back to the incoming monsters. "Though, I have to say: really, Master? Fire? That's such a basic choice." She shook her head in disappointment.
That pulled me back from my thoughts as I shot her a glare. "Shuddup... I panicked and that's the first thing that came to mind!"
"Yes, yes. Please pay attention to what's in front of you. They're coming again." Before I could retort, a quest window popped up.
-QUEST ADDED-
[Magecraft Practice]
Show the monsters hell as you unleash your spells! Defeat all of them using only magecraft.
Rewards: 10000 EXP, 5 AP, 1 Random Bronze Tome
"F-Fine...!"
I can snap at Merlin later. I have to complete this quest first!
Merlin's territory faded out of existence as the two of us set foot on the highway once more. My body felt heavy, and the stamina I once had diminished.
-QUEST COMPLETE-
[Magecraft Practice]
Rewards: 10000 EXP, 5 AP, 1 Random Bronze Tome
I smiled wryly at the rewards. I don't think they're worth it after what I went through...
You would think that I would be able to defeat those monsters easily, right? Well, it was harder than I thought! Some level of concentration was needed before I could cast any spells. Those damn Blue Horns kept interrupting me so that the difficulty of the quest became harder. I still managed to complete the quest and receive my rewards, though.
With a sigh, I fell on my butt, exhausted as I stared at my status window.
{STATUS}
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 19 | EXP: 103 / 50000
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: Swords- D | Others- F
Attack Rank: Slash- C | Thrust- NONE | Pierce- NONE | Smash- NONE
HP: 2739
EP: 0
CP: 200
MP: 102/650
Mana Circuit: 57 | B-Rank Quality
-o-
STR: 267
DEF: 163
ATS: 85
ADF: 139
SPD: 75
DEX: 44
EVA: 3%
CHR: 10
During my magecraft training, I managed to gain one level. The usual monsters' level seemed to scale with my own, so I didn't receive any major stat increase. Since my MP is still the same even when I leveled up, I guess it's completely fixed to my circuits. Hopefully, I'll be able to recover it as long as I rest.
It kind of sucked how leveling up didn't restore my MP.
But thanks to today's training, I got a good grasp of basic magecraft.
I opened up my spells window to further understand my spells.
{SPELL LIST}
-Fire-
MP Cost: 3
(Uses magical energy to attack with flames.)
-Wind-
MP Cost: 5
(Uses magical energy to attack with razor-sharp wind blades.)
-Earth Barrier-
MP Cost: 6
(Uses magical energy to create a barrier made of mana-infused stones.)
-Ice Shards-
MP Cost: 3
(Uses magical energy to cool down the moisture of the air and attack with sharpened ice.)
-Flux-
MP: Cost 8
(Summons an orb of darkness that creeps onto the target before exploding)
Most of the spells I've gained were from Fire Emblem. I'll admit that I was pretty stunned when I used them earlier. The offensive spells looked so destructive that you wouldn't think they were E-rank spells. I guess that goes to show how reality really is different from fiction.
Their MP costs weren't high, but I had to repeatedly cast them to get comfortable. As much as I wanted to say I would never do it again, there were undeniable benefits from repeated usage. The new skill I obtained was proof.
-Elementaria LV. 1-
[A specialized magecraft. Allows the user to manipulate magical energy into forms of elemental magic, even the element of absolute darkness! At a higher level, the user can imbue their body and weapons with elemental energy]
It was essentially a skill that would allow my elemental spells to grow stronger. I did wonder why I didn't receive Magecraft as a skill, but I quickly brushed it off as something that the System didn't consider classifying as a skill.
Briefly checking the time, my eyes bulged in a panic. It was already past seven!
"That look isn't very attractive, Master." Merlin snickered upon noticing my wide eyes. "Are you looking at your System again?"
"Yeah, and we need to go! It's already seven! My parents might check up on me and see me missing!"
"Well, let's not waste any time then." With a mischievous grin, the succubus went into spirit form and disappeared. Before completely leaving, she gave me her parting words. "Oh! You should try using Reinforcement again and climb your window! It could be good practice for you. See you there~!"
"Wait, can you teleport us—"
Her presence had fully disappeared before I could finish my sentence. My body began to tremble as annoyance swelled in me. Prana filled my lower half as I crouched down. If I had worn shorts or didn't have any pants, I probably could have seen the cyan lines that carved my skin.
"DAMMIT!"
I screamed as I ran as if my life depended on it.
Due to my use of Reinforcement, I was faster than normal. Using my enhanced speed, I sprinted like a madman as I entered the city. My legs carried me up the escalator before I took a sharp turn, heading over to the back of the apartment complex.
It was fortunate that there weren't a lot of people out and about at this time. I definitely wouldn't be able to explain myself if they saw me running like a lunatic.
After arriving at the back, I poured a bit more magical energy into my legs and kicked off the ground. A grunt spilled from my lips as I felt a sharp pain out of nowhere.
Crap, I miscalculated the amount I needed! I was one inch away from my window ledge too!
Closing my eyes, I prepared myself to meet concrete until a hand caught my wrist.
"Huh...?"
"Don't be such a drama queen, Master. I may be a charming and mischievous succubus, but I wouldn't dare just leave you to fall and hurt yourself!"
When I opened my eyes, Merlin regarded me with a cheeky grin while she held onto my wrist tightly.
"Just help me already..." I sighed in resignation.
"So ungrateful!" Her tone contradicted her actions as she complied.
After helping me get inside my room, I closed the window and collapsed on my bed, groaning. My legs felt like they were submerged in flames.
Merlin caught the pain that flickered across my visage, her playfulness vanishing. She gave my calves a squeeze as I let out a pained grunt.
"Your input of magical energy in your legs is too much." She assessed. I would have normally made a sarcastic remark at how she pointed out the obvious, but I didn't dare as the pain was too much.
"I know..." I groaned, breathing sharply. "Please help me...?"
With a nod, Merlin raised a hand above my lower half, magical energy raining down from her palm. The pricking pain in my legs gradually disappeared, letting me sigh in relief.
Upon finishing her task, her playful and cheeky demeanor returned. "Does this mean you owe me?" She Merlin grinned.
Was this woman serious right now...? My exhaustion only allowed me to give her a pointed glare and sigh.
"Whatever's convenient for you..."
"Ah! Then, you better not go back on your word, Erik!" With a shit-eating grin, she poked my forehead before disappearing as the door opened.
"Erik? You're awake?" Surprised, Mom asked as she entered the door.
"Um, why wouldn't I be?"
"You always sleep in until noon." She retorted, and I couldn't exactly refute that. Damn you, original Erik. "Were you talking to someone? I swear I heard another voice. It sounded familiar..."
"I don't even have an orbment. It must have been your imagination, Mom." I said, sitting up as I hid my fatigue from her.
My statement perked her up as if being enlightened by a thought. "How about you come with your father to work after breakfast? Since you'll be enrolling to Thors in a few months, you should get yourself an orbment."
"Mom, that's just one of my options. It's still not a done deal."
"Still, I think it's about time you get yourself an orbment, Erik." She chuckled before leaving my room. I heard her shout as she left, "Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes!"
"Gotcha!" I replied before lying down on my bed once more.
"An orbment, hmm? I suppose we'll be heading over to the Reinford Group Building?" Merlin queried, materializing back into the physical plane. "I've seen a few people using them as communication devices last night."
Ah... I almost forgot about that. Giving her a nod, I said, "Yeah. But since we're going to the Reinford Group Building, I might be able to snatch myself an ARCUS unit if I probe Dad enough."
"Hmm…"
Her brows furrowed. It seems the System didn't give her the finer details of the technology Zemuria possessed.
"They're basically a combat and communication orbment combined into one. Crossbell also has their own version being developed by the Epstein Foundation as we speak." Based on the date, the SSS will most likely receive their ENIGMAs next month.
"What's the difference then?"
As I was about to answer, I shook my head instead. "You'll find out soon enough."
The Magus of Flowers frowned with a subtle puff to her cheek. "Don't be a tease."
"I'm not, but I rather show than explain the difference. Anyways," I hopped out of bed and did a few stretches. Going over to my closet, I took out a white hoodie, black shirt, and cargo pants, then turned to Merlin. "Can you turn around? I need to change."
A huge smirk bloomed on her pretty face as she crossed her arms. "I don't think I will."
"Come on! You're just being petty now!"
"Maybe, maybe not." She totally had no intention of turning away! "Why? Afraid that your saber is too short for me, Master~?"
My cheeks flushed as I sent her a glare. "I will literally use a Command Seal on you!"
"Now, who's being petty?!"
The two of us went back and forth until she eventually conceded and went into Spirit Form, leaving my room. After changing into another set of clothes, I left my room and headed over to the kitchen. Dad had just arrived as well, and he took a seat across from mine.
Mom soon came over to the table to set down the plates of bacon, eggs, and toast. Huh... kinda normal.
"Honey, do you mind bringing Erik with you to work? It's about time he receives an orbment." Melissa suggested, earning a nod from her husband.
"I don't see why not?" Dad smiled as he took a sip of coffee, turning his gaze to me. "Want to watch your old man how he does his work as well?"
I let out a chuckle. "Sure. I'll admit I've been pretty curious."
"It's not really as impressive as whatever you're thinking." A sheepish look crossed his face as I quirked a brow. Now, I'm really curious. If his class was anything to go by...
Lifting up my piece of toast, I took a bite as I heard a knock on the door.
"Did you have something delivered, honey?"
Mom responded with a headshake. "No, but let me check."
Dad and I gave her a nod as we resumed eating our breakfast. My thoughts wandered to my evening plans. I supposed this was as good a time as any to tell one of them that I have a part-time job now.
"Dad—" I opened my mouth, only for my words to be drowned by an excited squeal.
"Hello, Auntie!"
"What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here this early in the morning, Mari?"
"I hope I'm not intruding! Erik said he wanted to take me on a date today!"
"I never knew my son was so forward! Ah! Come in and join us for breakfast! You can talk to Erik after you two are done."
"Really? Then, if it's all right with you, thank you very much!"
The piece of toast in my mouth fell as I heard the voice of my Servant. My right eye twitched.
'Merlin…!'
Her giggle resounded in my head as I groaned inwardly. 'Have a taste of payback, Erik!'
The innocent smile on her face as she walked toward the table with my mother vanished, replaced by a smug grin for a second before her faux innocence returned. I was certain she was relishing my displeasure!
Merlin sat next to me while Melissa sat next to Alan. It took all the willpower I had to stop my lips from forming a scowl. Let me tell you— it was not easy.
A smile appeared on Dad's face, greeting the succubus before he looked at me, "You were saying, Erik?"
"I uh... It's nothing..."
"You were trying to tell me something before your mom's squeal interrupted you, right?" He chuckled while ignoring Melissa's glare. "What was it? Is it something you can only tell your old man?"
"Oooh~! I think I know what it is~" Merlin unnecessarily interjected.
"Erik..." Mom began as she directed her glare at me. "Is it something dirty?!"
"No, of course not!" Briefly shooting Merlin my own glare, I sighed and turned to my folks. "I managed to get a part-time job at Dining Bar – F."
Melissa narrowed her gaze in thought. "A bar? Won't you have to deal with alcohol?"
"I knew you'd say that." Letting a smile, I took a sip of some orange juice. "Don't worry, I won't be dealing with alcoholic beverages, Mom. I just need to clear out tables, help with the cleaning, and talk to customers when my boss can't entertain them."
She would breathe a sigh of relief while Alan nodded his head in approval. "When do you first start working?"
"This evening. I'll be working from 6 to 11." I replied as Mom gave me a worried look. Somehow, I had a feeling what she was going to say next.
My lips parted to explain myself, but Merlin beat me to it.
"If you're worried about him because it's late, I can pick him up, Auntie. I am older than Erik!"
Ignoring my mortification, Mom's face visibly brightened. "That would ease my worries. I think I never asked for your age, Mari?"
"I'm 19, but I'll be turning 20 in March." She flashed a charming smile.
"Okay. I'm leaving our Erik in your hands, Mari." Her eyes once again narrowed and shifted their gaze at me. "That being said, you're still the man here, Erik. So even though she's older, I hope you're not thinking of not protecting Mari!"
What is the crap? It's like my parents love her more than me! Her charisma shouldn't be this effective!? Don't smirk at me while watching my suffering, you damn succubus!
"Understood..."
After breakfast was over, Dad and I immediately went over to the RF building... with Merlin in tow. Try as I might to make an excuse, but a few pretty words to my parents, and she was already given the okay to come along and even receive an orbment herself. No matter how many times I've witnessed her charm them, I'll never get used to it.
Arriving at the reception, the receptionist greeted my father before soon taking note of my and Merlin's presence.
"Are they your children, Alan?"
"One of them. That's my son, Erik, and beside him is his girlfriend, Mari. I think it's about time I get him an orbment, so we dropped by. My wife and I figured we'd get Mari one, too."
"I see! Well then, you can go and head to the development lab. I believe the chairman is observing activity right now, however."
"Oh, I guess I'll go and see her while the kids have a look around." Alan turned to the two of us and smiled. "All right, gang. Time to show you what I do for a living."
I gave him a nod while Merlin flashed a smile as we followed him to the elevator. Thanks to my stats (I think), I managed to pick up what Dad talked about with the receptionist.
'By chairman... Does she mean Irina Reinford? Then, does that mean that Alisa is around...?'
A strange chill passed over me. I didn't dismiss the possibility of meeting the main cast, but it gave me another reminder that this really is my new reality.
[After being electrocuted and experiencing mana exhaustion, you still couldn't believe this was real?]
Shut up, System! Don't go listening to my thoughts!
[That is impossible. I am your System.]
Dammit.
"You seem lost in thought. What's up, kiddo? Too excited at the thought of getting your own orbment?" Dad chuckled as he mistook my silence. Merlin seemed to know what I was doing and simply opted to giggle.
"No... I'm just thinking of work this evening."
"Nervous?" He asked as we stepped into the elevator. "I was like that too when I got an internship in the Reinford Company. Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure the other employees will lend you a hand."
"R-Right."
Merlin pumped her fists and giggled. "I'll be there to provide moral support, Erik!"
'You really don't have to!'
'Oh, but I insist! Is it not the duty of the Servant to be there for their Master~?'
'Don't get smart with me! You're planning to use me as your entertainment for tonight, aren't you?!'
'Oh my! How did you know?'
The elevator soon dinged, notifying us of our arrival at the development lab. Stepping out of the elevator and into the laboratory, my ears were met with the sound of an ongoing argument. Unable to avert my gaze, my eyes couldn't help but fall onto a blonde girl with twintails arguing with an older blonde with a bob cut.
"This is the third time this has happened! You promised you would make time for lunch today, Mother!"
"I know, but this project is of utmost importance, Alisa. The prototypes need to be completed before we send them out to the test team at Thors. Please try to me more understanding of my work." Bobcut heaved a sigh, irritating the younger blonde even more.
With trembling fists, she turned her back. "Work, work, work! It's always work with you!"
The twin-tailed blonde stormed off to the exit as I instinctively stepped back. Her anger clouded her vision since she didn't even notice our presence. That was Alisa Reinford... Damn, she's feistier than I expected.
Unlike her daughter, Irina Reinford took note of our presence and allowed an exasperated sigh to leave her lips.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, Alan, but I didn't know it was "Bring Your Children to Work" today." She said as she eyed me and my Servant.
Hell of a way to greet a kid. Merlin probably had the same thought as she shot me a glance.
Dad scratched his cheek. "Not exactly, chairman. My son might be going to Thors next year, so I planned on getting him and his girlfriend an orbment."
"Hmm..."
The woman's gaze briefly narrowed, scrutinizing me with an analytical eye. My countenance displayed indifference, but there was no way for me not to feel intimidated by this woman. After a few seconds, she spoke.
"What's your name?"
"Erik, Miss Chairman." I managed to say without stuttering.
She would walk over to one of the workstations, grabbing an orbment as my father's eyes widened.
"Chairman, isn't that...?"
"We might as well test his compatibility since he might end up using an ARCUS unit." She explained a matter-of-factly, handing the device to me and crossing her arms. "Simply flip it open to boot it up."
"All right..." Ignoring how Merlin peeked over my shoulder, I flipped open the orbment as it momentarily glowed an azure hue. It was then followed by the notification windows of the System.
[You have successfully synced with the fifth-generation battle orbment— ARCUS!]
[Your EP has been unlocked!]
"That's..."
"It seems your son has an affinity with the ARCUS, Alan. Congratulations." Irina offered a half-hearted compliment, but the glint in her eyes indicated something more. "Erik Brandt. I have a proposition for you.
