Hey guys! RGQC, back here and man do you guys really enjoy this story. While there aren't many reviews for chapter 3 compared to the previous chapters, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you enjoy reading it and I enjoy writing it yea? So yes, we are back with another chapter.
But as usual, we have some comments to address before we begin.
Triscythe59: Penny will still be with Ciel and her team later on when they go to Vale for the Vytal Festival. But don't worry about the lack of a team name for Lucia and Luna. They'll be in a separate branch since they aren't huntresses. Similar to Ace Ops in a way. Need more time to think it through before I do anything else.
Notoki: Do not dwell on it, Lucia will get her fight eventually but for now, they have a job given by Ironwood himself. Yea. I hate the Kirgal Archives the same as you. They got so many buffs to the point that it's ridiculous! But yea it sucks hard.
Nova1233: Same. Keeping my lips zip until later on in the chapters. And related to Narwhal, I took the time to research it and it falls under the category of the Trance music genre. A type of electronic dance music. Even then, there are multiple types of it.
Zairaaquino: Don't worry about Watt's changing sides anytime soon, he is on Atlas' side in this story thanks to Dr Kurt's influence on Atlas and recognition of his talents.
Mirego1999: Same…
Warlord of Chaos: Yes. I believe you because I listen to the OSTs when writing this story in particular to get me in the mood. I believe I mentioned it in a previous review but yea, SI android stories are extremely rare and part of the reason for this story's creation. To convince others to try and be creative with their stories.
No comment on your theory, and same as one of the earlier comments, I'm keeping my mouth shut about it. Related to your other point, I dunno if you want spoilers but if you don't want it, ignore the next paragraph and move on, ok?
Anyways, in the lore, Lucia and Luna are indeed siblings and that's all I'm going to say.
Your English is fine, so don't worry about it. As long as I can understand what you're trying to say, it won't matter to me.
And with the comments addressed, we can officially begin this chapter.
Like all my other stories, I do not own any of RWBY or their content. They all belong to their respective owners. Nor do I own any content belonging to Kuro Technology and their series Punishing Gray Raven.
Lucia's POV
When we soon arrived back at Ironwood's office after yesterday with Dr Watts ahead of Penny, Luna and me. Dr Pietro could be seen talking to Ironwood about something next to his desk. Winter and the Ace Ops were also present on the side of the office. While wondering to myself as to why Ironwood called us to see him in the morning, I instantly remembered that yesterday I told Pietro about the White Fang presently aware of the facility that housed me.
[Estimating likelihood of new assignment given is to reclaim the facility.]
[96.3%. Due to the opportunity for Atlas to reclaim what was once lost 25 years ago, as well as the information withheld about the facility was currently compromised. Which requires immediate intervention to prevent White Fang from gaining any leftover experimental tech within the facility.]
Well, that makes absolute sense to me. Due to me now working with Altas again, though as clear as day with suspicion from everyone. There's an opportunity for General Ironwood to retake the facility as well as secure father's tech that remained in there as well. No doubt he would cover it up by saying something about protecting Atlas tech from terrorists. Which I'm ok with. I could only shudder at the thought of the White Fang, especially Adam, getting their hands on my father's inventions.
As we entered Ironwood's office, Ironwood could be seen on his chair as he greeted Watts. "Ah good morning, Watts. I'm glad that you received my message. We have much to discuss right now with everyone here." Watts just nodded at the Ironwood.
"I can say the same to you, General. I have brought Luna, Penny and Lucia with me. As you requested." That's all Watts said as he joined Pietro at the side as all three of us gave Ironwood a military salute.
"Good morning General Ironwood!" Penny was the first to greet James with a smile on her face as Luna was next.
"As requested by Dr Watts, Luna Laurel has arrived with everyone else to heed your command." Luna Laurel huh? What an interesting name that Watt's given her. Or did she choose that name herself? Or perhaps… that's her designated frame type. I might be overthinking it.
Knowing that it was now my turn to speak, I gave a short and quick glance around the room. "Lucia Alpha. Reporting."
Now that was rather short, but I guess it will do for now. Ironwood just nodded at us back as all three of us brought our hands down as he spoke. "Now that everyone's here now. We can begin." Ironwood spoke as we all moved to the side before, he pressed a hologram button on his table as the entire room, including the windows began to turn opaque as all light ceased to exist inside the room and the whole office became dark.
Well… not entirely. The only visible lights currently in the room came from Penny, Luna and my eyes, but man is it weird to have the entire room turned black like what happened in the show. Also, a holographic projection table began to rise from the ground as Ironwood left his seat and walked towards the rising holographic table.
"Pietro came to me last night with some gruelling news that I need all of you to know before we begin." Ironwood then took out a tiny remote and pressed a button.
A hologram showing everyone on four sides like a square then appeared and displayed the entire map of Solitas, as two major pings could be seen on it. One glowed blue at the location of Atlas itself and one glowed in a menacing red far east of Atlas. Which I believe is the location of the facility that housed me. And wow. I never realised how desolate Solitas was.
There's only Atlas itself and Mantle below. I suspect that there used to be other settlements outside Atlas and in the harsh tundra but I don't see them on screen at all. Perhaps they'd all fallen into ruin like the settlement I came across yesterday.
"As you can all see right now, Project Alpha was housed in an ancient facility 25 years ago at that location. And according to Pietro, the White Fang had recently launched an expedition to it a day ago. Pietro had also informed me that they have a mole in Atlas, but we don't know who it is yet." Ironwood explained as he paused before continuing.
"Interestingly enough, it was Lucia here that had informed Pietro about it. Before he informed me about the situation yesterday." Everyone then turned their eyes to me as my Hud appeared on screen with a suggestion.
[Recommendation to show footage of White Fang expedition to confirm data.]
"I can confirm it, I still have recorded footage within my memory bank to prove its accuracy. If I may General. I can show more proof that the White Fang was aware of the facility that housed me." I extend my hand to the holographic table right as I bring it down the very next second.
"However, I require your permission to access your holographic projection to show everyone the evidence." Ironwood looked unsure about my offer, but after a few seconds of consideration, he just nodded and gave me the chance to do it.
Giving a nod back to the General, I walked forward towards Ironwood's holographic projection table and placed my hand on it. I could feel my systems connecting with the projector as a Hud appeared in my eyes.
[Display video footage 354-F onto holographic projector? Y/N]
[Y]
[Uploading footage...]
As my systems began uploading the footage of my awakening onto the projector, my eyes began to flicker like before as the hologram projection slowly turned from blue to red. This caused a few panicked looks among everyone else with a couple prepping their weapons. At least, that's according to my Hud which alerted me of the situation.
Seconds quickly passed as the hologram then changed to what looked like a black screen. It then appeared on-screen showing that my sensory systems were restored as my eyes opened from stasis. Exactly like what had happened yesterday, it also showed me watching the 7 White Fang expedition before they noticed me watching them.
"I assume that this was when you woke up thanks to them?" Watts hummed with interest as everyone in the room paid close attention to the hologram screen.
"Yes. It was because of them that I awakened from stasis."
The video then continued to show that my vocal systems had been restored. Right as I began interacting with the Fang expedition, the video then divided itself into two as a whole bunch of code and data appeared on the screen. It was also scrolling down at a relatively fast pace as well.
"This was when I began reading their scrolls and learned of their intentions," I explained as Penny wondered with genuine curiosity.
"Lucia, what happened to those White Fang members?"
Oh, dear… This is going to be awkward.
"They were eliminated on the spot for displaying hostile intentions towards me."
"Oh…"
"Lucia, once this meeting is done, I'd like to see the data you extracted from their scrolls." I heard Ironwood speaking out as I just nodded while staring at the screen still.
"Understood, will upload gathered data onto a scroll upon this meeting's conclusion."
The screen then showed me my Hud displaying that all systems were online and that high hostility levels were detected. That was followed by the screen showing me disconnecting from the wires and cables as every single Fang member opened fire on me only to hit a bulletproof glass.
"Lucia, did they stand a chance against you?" Pietro asked as pretty much everyone knew how it was going to end.
"No."
Everyone watched as the bulletproof glass came down right as I punched the Lieutenant right in the face and then jumped to grab Benizakura and began the slaughtering. Screams of fear and agony could be heard in the room itself and seen as I slew every single Fang member right as I turned the Lieutenant into nothing but minced meat.
Now that I thought it through, that last part was completely unnecessary. But I can't change the past and must live with the consequences. The video ends as I pull my hand away from the holographic table as it returns from red to blue. Having a quick gaze around the room, I can tell that everyone was more cautious now after the viewing. Not that I blamed them or anything. As if to rub it in even further, my Hud appeared in front of my eyes.
[Overall Distrust levels at 62.47%.]
Thank you, captain obvious for the update.
"Thank you, Lucia, for providing additional information to confirm and let's not waste any more time." Ironwood's eyes were still on the hologram as he pressed the device in his hand. The hologram then changed to show what I could guess is his plan to secure the facility. Interestingly enough, it shows that I will be working with Penny and Luna as the 'Vanguard' of the operation.
"The ops are a simple one. Your job is to head directly to the facility and secure it. Due to ongoing blizzards, we cannot land all of you directly at the original landing zone, so you will be dropped within 5 clicks of the facility. Eliminate any threats you come across on your way to your objectives. Grimm or otherwise. Lucia, Luna and Penny will serve as the Vanguard with Specialist Schnee as well as the Ace Ops will serve as a back-up if required. Atlesian Knights, as well as personnel, will also arrive to support all of you if needed."
Ironwood explained as the hologram screen changes to show the interior workings of the entire facility which was massive by the way. "Once Lucia, Luna and Penny are in the facility, your job is to reactivate and secure it until additional reinforcements arrive. Are there any questions?" Ironwood then asked as no one said anything. The plan sounds fine so far and I get what he conveyed.
Seeing no one objecting or questioning his plan, Ironwood pressed the button on the device he was carrying as the holographic projection table began to go down and become part of the ground again. He then walked back to his seat and pressed the hologram button on his table. The entire room then begins to become transparent as light re-enters Ironwood's office.
"Very well then. Pietro, can you take Lucia and perform some check-ups on her system before we leave in an hour? And do have Lucia pass the data extracted from their scrolls to you in the meantime as well." Ironwood then requested Pietro as everyone turned and faced him. Ironwood sat on his chair as the Ace-Ops and Specialist Schnee then began to move and stood behind him.
"Wait a minute, what? Systems are functioning at 100%. There's no need to do any check-ups on me, General. But I understand the second request, but the first? Something's not right… "My thoughts began to wonder as to what Ironwood was planning as Pietro could be heard.
"I will see it done, General Ironwood." Pietro nodded as he turned to face me. "Care to follow me, Lucia? I promise you that it will be a quick process."
I wanted to say no since there was no point in it, but declining will be ill-advised right now. I guess I'll comply since I owed it to Pietro and Watts for not having me scrapped.
"Understood. Lead the way, Dr Pietro." That was all I said as Pietro gave a smile at me as he left Ironwood's office with me tailing right behind him.
As everyone watched as Lucia and Pietro left Ironwood's office, the whole office was silent for over a minute as Ironwood could be seen closing his eyes before opening them. "Luna." He called out Watt's android as she acknowledged him.
"Is there something you need, General Ironwood?" Her head slightly tilted as Ironwood just rested his elbows on the table with his hands together.
"Is Lucia listening in?" He asked as Luna seemed to daze up for a split second before landing her optics back at Ironwood.
"Negative. Lucia is not in the system listening to us. We may speak freely without any concern." Luna answered truly as Penny wondered out.
"Is there a reason for that General?"
Ironwood could only let out a weary sigh. "I still do not trust her. This is why I have special instructions for everyone in this room. Especially for both of you, Penny and Luna." Ironwood took a deep breath.
"I want all of you to watch Alpha closely, if she shows any signs of hostility to any of you during the operation, during or after the reclamation of the facility. I'm giving all of you full authorization to terminate Alpha on the spot."
This understandably caused everyone's eyes to widen. Especially Penny who looks horrified at the idea of killing her sister. As for Luna, her eyes could only narrow down at the General before closing and nodding.
"Understood. Will mark Lucia for termination should she pose any threat to Atlas."
"What?!" Penny cried out. "Luna, we can't just execute Lucia like that!" Penny argued.
"She's our friend and sister, is she not? There's an extremely low chance of her betraying us all. Even then, I got to know her last night and… I know that she's not a bad person. She's just… afraid…" Penny looked crushed as she explained.
"She's worried about never being accepted into Atlas for what she did all those years ago. She wants to be happy and do her best to help Atlas and redeem herself for what she had to do that day…"
As Penny explained, everyone looked conflicted. Sure, everyone knows that Lucia did massacre hundreds of innocents and that's inexcusable. Yet, here's Penny, only after meeting Lucia for a day. Vouching for her existence. Or was it just her being naive and refusing to accept the potential risks of Lucia backstabbing everyone here?
"I understand your reasoning, Penny. But precautions must be taken against Lucia since it has only been one day since she re-joined us. She's a super prototype that was partially responsible for the creation of both of you since parts of your blueprints were based on her design. And if she were to prove herself to be what she intends to be. That is good for everyone here." Ironwood closed his eyes before opening them again.
"Otherwise, we'll be dealing with an enemy that would be able to eliminate everyone in the room effortlessly. Only you and Luna stand a chance against her, Penny. I hope you understand the vigilance required." Ironwood explained as Penny just sadly nods her head after thinking through it for a couple of seconds.
"I understand General."
Watts then coughed into his hand. "If I may General, assuming Lucia does pose a threat to Altas itself, Luna may be able to rival Lucia in terms of combat effectiveness, however. She would struggle if the fight lasted too long. No doubt that she has begun studying Lucia in detail for any weaknesses the moment she was informed of her arrival. Am I right Luna?" Watts turned his head to face Luna.
"Correct Dr Watts." That was all Luna said as she took a step forward. "All data shows that in terms of aura levels. I have the advantage. However, Lucia's combat design was made to be more effective than mine, and she also possesses matrix mode. It was originally of Dr Kurt's design but Dr Watts managed to install it onto my systems. Analysis of previous data proves that she has a unique combat feature added in by Dr Kurt called Blade Will. Whatever it is, it sounds similar to my combat feature. Annihilation mode."
"In conclusion, if a battle were to happen between Lucia and me based on all available data. I would have a 44.663% chance of winning without support due to a lack of accurate intel. If Penny were to assist me in combat, chances of winning would increase by 15% to 59.642%." As Luna continues to explain, Watts could be seen with his hand on his moustache as his eyes glistened with interest.
"It appears that I still have much work to do to improve Luna. If I could get my hands on Dr Kurt's tech, especially the secrets to his nanomachines. I should be able to make Luna rival Lucia in terms of combat prowess. Assuming this operation goes as planned and Lucia doesn't betray us…"
"I see…" Ironwood could only hum. "Before I dismiss all of you, Penny, after this mission, you will be partnering up with a student of Atlas Academy named Ciel and her team, together with her, you will participate in the Vytal Festival. Is this alright with you Penny?"
"Yes sir! This is a terrific idea! I'd love to have the chance to participate in the Vytal Festival! But…" Penny's mood changed swiftly. "What about Luna and Lucia? Wouldn't it be spectacular to have them participate in the Vytal Festival?" Penny wondered while Ironwood was silent for seconds before answering back.
"Watts informed me that Luna still needs to undergo investigations for her aura levels suddenly spiking. Once the investigation is concluded. I would be more inclined to let the public know of her existence. Additionally, I have no intention of making the same mistake as my predecessor made with Lucia." Ironwood explained as Watts nodded. Unknowns to everyone, Luna flinched slightly despite having a deadpan expression on her face.
"As for Lucia…" Ironwood hesitated. "I'm not willing to show the world that she still existed after the events that took place 25 years ago. There will be a negative reaction internally and externally if the world realises that Project Alpha was not decommissioned. Though I'd hoped that the world had forgotten about her." Ironwood sighs as he speaks for the final time in this discussion.
"If nothing else, you are all dismissed, do take the time to prepare for today's mission."
And with that, everyone left Ironwood's office as he stared at the portrait on his desk that showed him and his predecessor, Gerard Friedlich. "What will you do in this situation Gerard…" Ironwood mumbled to himself.
1.5 Hours later on board a Bullhead.
Lucia POV
After a while of Pietro checking my systems as well as downloading the data gathered from the White Fang scrolls into his scroll, I soon left and boarded a Bullhead sent to pick us up and take us to our mission site. We weren't alone on this trip. Several other Bullheads were with us as well as an Atlesian Airship. Curious as to the extent Atlas uses Atlesian Knights, I began to dig into their systems.
Further digging has proven that yes.
They still use Atlesian Knights in fact, but not to the extent of canon after what I'd done all those years ago. They only encompass only 45% of the total military power in Atlas. Nevertheless, in this mission, it was mostly human personnel that were sent to support us. Though this blizzard is making things difficult for the journey itself as well as the air turbulence going on.
Currently, in the Bullhead I'm in. Penny and Luna were also in it. Yet separated from everyone else. Even more concerning was the look that Penny was giving me, she looked afraid and worried about something. Did something happen back in Ironwood's office? Luna just has her default expression as she continues to stare at me.
By the way, with Luna in her Passive mode, she's still wearing an Atlesian uniform but she now has a rifle slung onto her back. Examining her rifle brought up some interesting information.
[Analysing rifle...]
[Standard issued Atlas Rifle. Total magazine size. 30 rounds. Fire rate. 450–650 RPM (rounds per minute.) Cartridge used. 6mm dust rounds.]
It does make sense for Luna to carry some actual weaponry since she's unable to maintain her combat mode indefinitely. A standard issue rifle seems enough for her despite her smaller size.
I could just close my optics for a bit before all of us could hear the pilot speaking. "We're arriving at your LZ in about a minute, people. So, get ready. You all will be jumping out of this Bullhead, and we can't land thanks to this blasted blizzard."
That alone got a response from all three of us as I was the first to stand on my feet again as my eyes rested on Penny and Luna. "It will be my honour to see how both of you will fare in this mission. Let's make our first mission together a success."
Penny just smiled at me. "Yes! It is a pleasure to see you in action for our first mission together with Luna, Lucia!"
"Likewise." Luna just nodded as the Bullhead shook slightly followed by the door beginning to open.
"Alright people! This is your stop. You got a mission to do and I gotta get out of this blizzard." I heard the Bullhead pilot calling out to us. All three of us walked to the edge of the transport and looked down. Only to see several trees and just snow everywhere the eyes could see.
Wait a minute. I have never done skydiving, nor have an idea as to how to stick the landing.
[Auto pilot can be enabled to ensure that Lucia Alpha will land correctly.]
Huh… Good to know and have. Ok… let's do this.
"See you at the bottom." That was all I said as I was the first to jump. Followed by Luna and then Penny. I could feel the air rushing over me as I fell head first towards the snowy ground with no fear nor hesitation.
[50 metres to impact.]
"Wait for us, Lucia!" I heard Penny calling me out with enthusiasm. I twist my body to see both Luna and Penny falling after me. Luna maintained her default expression with her arms straight while Penny was waving at me with a smile on her face. I just gave a nod as a Hud appeared in my eyes.
[25 metres to impact.]
Turning my body back to face the oncoming ground, I kicked my legs forward as my body repositioned itself so that I would land my leg first.
[10 metres. Brace for impact!]
Closing my eyes, there was an audible crunching of snow once I impacted the ground. Snow was sent flying everywhere when I landed as my legs absorbed the impact shock and my arms were touching the snow crater. Standing up seconds after absorbing the impact, Luna and Penny landed beside me with less of an impact. Then again, Luna used her ability to fly to slow her fall while Penny used the lasers on her weapons to slow her descent.
Yea… I don't have any way to fly. No matter, I'm getting jealous for no reason and have an objective to complete.
[Activating mini-map. Distance from the target. 5 km. No hostiles within vicinity yet. Updating mini-map every 5 minutes]
A mini-map appeared on the right side of my Hud showing three dots that had our corresponding names on them. Penny on my right, Luna on my left and me in the middle.
"We are 5 clicks from the facility. No hostiles were detected within range. And this storm is going to get worse. Let's move." I spoke up as I walked off towards where we were supposed to go. As for both Penny and Luna, they just looked at each other and nodded before they began following me from behind.
The journey was mostly silent except for the howling winds and snow affecting our sight. With the occasional radio chatting from other squads and groups nearby. But other than that. Nothing worth much attention except the constant trekking through the endless tundra. Things soon changed when my systems detected movement heading straight for us.
"Alert. Multiple movement signatures detected headings straight for us. Grimm most likely. Prepare for combat." I say that as I grab onto Benizakura which was still in its sheath. Penny summons her numerous swords from her backpack while Luna just aims her rifle.
Huh… Interesting that she's not using her swords and balls.
…
That doesn't sound right… I should have phrased it better.
"Query, Luna," I say out loud. "How long can you last in combat mode?"
"30 minutes. 45 if I were to amplify my nanomachines with power from my dust core, but I would risk system shutdown." Luna answered truthfully as I nodded.
"Understood." That was all I say as an unusually large pack of Grimm could be seen in the distance.
"This is going to be so much fun, sister Luna and Lucia!" I heard Penny saying as I began to walk forward slowly and towards the oncoming Grimm.
"Yes. Penny, Luna. Stay here and let me deal with them. My combat systems are a bit rusty after 25 years of stasis. Do not worry, you and Luna will have your chance to fight in this mission."
"Uh…" Penny looked at Luna who just nodded at her. Knowing what Luna's intentions were, Penny spoke out again. "Ok then! Don't let yourself get hurt, Lucia!"
Turning my head towards Penny, a small smirk could be seen on my face. "Do not worry about my safety Penny. Worry how fast this combat will last." Turning my head back, I got into my stance with my hands-on Benizakura and its sheath. And in an instant. I was gone the next second except for snow being kicked up into the air where I was once at.
[Combat protocols enabled.]
Reappearing right in front of various Beowolves and Ursai I swung Benizakura with a single slash alone which sliced through a massive chunk of the entire horde of Grimm detected.
[15 out of the 54 Grimm slain in the area. 39 remaining.]
Without delay, I dance through the Grimm horde and slice many of them with Benizakura. Sensing an attack from an Ursa that would land on me, used my sheath to block the blow before dashing to the side and lobbing its arm clean off, the Ursa didn't have time to roar in pain as I quickly decapitate its head off before moving onto a Beowolf that happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
The whole battle lasted a total of 34.6 seconds, almost half of a minute. I'm not joking. Turns out, if I'm taking the battle seriously enough and using all my abilities to the maximum as a test, well. It is a literal cakewalk. With me with a 1000-degree knife versus a cake kind of scenario. Either that or I'm more integrated with my systems and thus more effective.
Causally sheathing back Benizakura, I began to walk back to where Penny and Luna were as they also began walking towards me. Penny looked ecstatic at what she had seen from me. As for Luna… She just keeps staring at me with her rifle slung to her back. I don't know why, but she keeps doing it ever since I met her.
"That was such an amazing display, Lucia! I can say with full confidence that our very first mission will be a success!" Penny says all that with a bright smile on her face.
"I concur." And that was all Luna said. Can't say I didn't expect that.
"It was nothing. We should be on our way." I explained as Penny and Luna nodded at me. And so, we resumed our journeys to our objective.
At least 20 minutes have passed with nothing worth mentioning happening. Well… that was until the very same devices that alerted Atlas to my presence a day ago suddenly burst from the ground and began blaring extremely loud.
"Damn it!" I cursed before dashing forward and slicing that same device into two before stomping on it. Penny and Luna ran up to me as I was panting. Which was weird since I'm not what you called alive.
"Did you just curse?" Penny tilted her head as I heard Luna calling for me as I turned to face her.
"Lucia Alpha. What was that?"
"A device created 25 years ago by Atlas to alert the Atlesian military of my presence should I leave the facility all those years ago. Be on guard. That alarm will attract the Grimm to our current location. Expect imminent attack from them." I explained as Ironwood could suddenly be heard from our comms.
"This is Ironwood here; we just received another alarm alerting us to Lucia. I assume you ran into one of the devices?" Ironwood asked as Luna took over the conversation.
"Affirmative, it would be nice to have a head up as to their exact location. As to allow us to circumvent them without triggering them all because of Lucia's current vicinity. Because of that and according to Lucia Alpha, the vanguard will have to deal with a horde of Grimm attracted by that alarm." Luna explained.
"Yes… I must apologise for failing to inform you all about those devices. But you must be near to the objective to hear that alarm. Again, I apologise for failing to inform both of you of it."
Penny was next to speak with now worry. "Do not fret General! I have full confidence that all three of us can deal with the Grimm horde effortlessly!"
"Understood. If you need support, Specialist Schnee, as well as the Ace Ops, can reinforce you. Just let us know. Ironwood out." The comms disconnected as both Penny and Luna faced me. Only to see me staring far into the cold tundra.
"Lucia?" Penny called out to me with worry.
[Priority alert! An unusually large pack of Manticores being led by a Sphinx detected and approaching fast.]
[They will arrive at the current location in 1 minute based on their average speed.]
[Various lesser Grimm detected on outskirts by the internal radar system. They will take 20 minutes to arrive at the current location.]
"Oh… shit. This is going to get more complicated." Those were my thoughts as my processors kicked in to come up with two solutions.
[Two viable options suggested.]
[Option 1: Perform a tactical retreat and perform evasive manoeuvres to avoid confrontation against a Sphinx leading a Manticore pack. Success chance, 32.631%]
[Option 2: Engage the unusually large Manticore pack led by a Sphinx before the lesser Grimm arrives as reinforcements. The percentage chance of victory alone stands at 38.585%. With assistance from Penny Polendina and Luna Laurel, chances increase by 30% for a total of 68.585% of assured victory.]
[System recommendation. Wipe them out before Grimm reinforcements arrive. Beginning system diagnosis for a better solution to deal with the Grimm threat.]
After processing all that data, I spoke out so that both Luna and Penny are aware of the situation. "I'm detecting an unusually large Manticore pack being led by a Sphinx on approach to our location in about 1 minute. We have two options; we move quickly before they reach us or we prioritise eliminating them before the lesser Grimm arrives."
Penny had a thoughtful look on her face as if she was also thinking up a plan. As for Luna, she just walked forward and took off the sling that had her rifle on it and dropped it. An audible crunch could be heard as her rifle landed on the snowy ground as she just walked past me and Penny. Both of us watched as Luna stared at the oncoming pack of Manticores and Sphinx in the distance.
"I am unable to reach Ironwood for additional support due to this blizzard appearing and disrupting our connection to the CCTs, we are alone for now. Penny, care to assist me in dealing with this threat?" That was all she said as Penny, with enthusiasm, spoke out.
"Of course, sister Luna!" Penny ran up as Luna started to float off the snowy ground. Oh, time to see her in action again.
"I'll support the both of you if I am able," I state my intention as I just heard Luna replying with one word.
"Understood." And with that, the Atlesian uniform Luna was wearing began to dissipate in red particles before reforming itself all over her body. In all just but a few seconds, Luna was in her combat mode as the same black spheres and swords I'd seen earlier began to form behind her.
Luna just raised her hand into the air as the swords and spheres obeyed her commands and floated right above her. Penny did something similar as she sent her arms forward right as swords could be seen ejecting from her backpack and floating to her side. She then clenched her fists as every single one of her swords changed into its gun mode and brought them together into a circular ring that spun in front of her. Said guns could be seen beginning to charge up.
I watched as Luna uttered a single word. "Begone." Luna thrusts her lifted arm forward as the spheres and swords were launched at the oncoming pack of Manticores and a Sphinx. Penny did the same with a confident smile on her face as she unleashed a green laser that split up mid-travel.
Zooming in on the oncoming Manticore pack led by a Sphinx, I watched as Luna's spheres slammed onto the Manticore before it bounced onto another one nearby. Her swords could be seen piercing exactly at their heads as Manticores could be seen falling out of the skies. Penny's laser also made contact and sliced several of them into two with one blast.
As if almost responding due to Penny and Luna's first strike, the Sphinx let out a loud screech before it and its Manticore pack began spitting fireballs directly at Penny and Luna.
[Detecting incoming projectiles.]
[Priority objective. Defend Penny Polendina and Luna Laurel]
[Blade Will activated.]
Dashing in front of Penny and Luna, I began swinging Benizakura at the oncoming fireballs. Waves of white projectiles emerge from Benizakura and sliced through all the fireballs aimed at both Luna and Penny. Even more impressive was that they kept going and sliced several Manticores down on their way. Though many didn't hit anything else as the Manticores and Sphinx dodged and weaved around them.
"Allow me to assist in safeguarding the both of you," I say as I send another projectile that hit the Sphinx in the face. Unfortunately, it still lived despite a wound to the face and it's pissed now.
"Thank you Lucia for your assistance!" I heard Penny thank me as the pack was now within 50 metres. Luna began twirling in the air as she swung her arms forward and around. Her attacks alone continue to wreak havoc on the pack's numbers. Though there are too many of them and they're getting too close for comfort. A ping then appeared on my Hud informing me of something that will help.
[System diagnosis Completed. New ability created and ready to be used.]
[Abyssal Slash]
[Notice. Usage of Abyssal Slash will result in 85% of battery drain and system overload upon use.]
Huh, good to know about that. Wait a minute, what the fuck? 85% battery drain upon use?! Well, it better be worth the battery cost! Also temporarily overloading my systems upon use? Just what did I do that caused that to happen? You know what, it does not matter. I should use it to end the fight quickly.
"Hostiles are approaching too close, pull back both of you! Let me deal with them!" I yelled out as I dash and leapt into the air and directly at the large pack of Mantlecore and a Sphinx.
"Lucia! What are you planning to do?" I heard Luna call out to me through our comms.
"Something that will end this fight!" I answered her back while flying in the air.
With how far and fast I flew in the air, I could only watch as every single Grimm that survived Penny and Luna's attack rapidly descended on me. Yet, I don't feel afraid. Time to end all of them.
[All Grimm are within striking distance. Activate Abyssal Slash!]
"Return and die in the abyss. Monster." And with that, time itself freezes to a halt as my right eye glowed menacingly. It only took milliseconds as I slashed everywhere and everything that was registered as hostile in my vision. I was slashing so fast and hard that Benizakura began to glow hot red as the very air itself was unable to handle how fast my blade was moving.
After several powerful slashes that made it look like they split reality itself, I unleashed one final slash before sheathing Benizakura. And in an instant, time resumed and every single Manticore and the Sphinx that led them was reduced to nothing but dissolving pieces.
The next thing I knew, a Hud appeared in my eyes and I lost control of my body. Much to my surprise, that Hud that appeared before my eyes were glitched out and unreadable.
[̵͇͊͝A̶̗̔l̶̪͌̐e̶̱͗̈́ṙ̵͔̰͒t̸̜͊̌!̸̺̯͓̂̊ ̷̞̦͙̓͛̚A̶̧͋ĺ̸͈͕̲̀̈́l̴̫̫̗͗̔̊ ̸̙͑̍s̵͇̭̤͂̕͝ÿ̷͈̰͔́͌̂s̷̛͈̔̓t̴͙̣͗͆ë̵̯́́m̵̰̽s̸̨͈̋ ̴̘̩̈́á̷̞̣̪r̶̞͍͋̎ẻ̶̦̞̬̔ ̴̞̳̼́͂͗t̴͍́͒e̸͖͙̻͊̈́m̵̙͕̀͘͝p̸̻̭̓̽̒ǫ̷͓̏͋r̷̬̋̍ã̸̼̎͂r̵̬͊i̴̦̎̂l̶̠̳̋̓͝y̷͙̹͈͝ ̸͖͛͒͋ͅó̷̡̫̻̄̚v̴͉̠͉̑̑e̴̬̼͚̅͗̃ȑ̵̛͖l̷̲̄̓̎o̷̦̝̎̍ä̴̭̥́d̵͕͗̓̕e̶̫̋̿̋ḍ̸̝̘̈́͌̍.̷̬̕ ̶̝̥̬̌Ċ̶̬͓̮̍̓a̵̘̬̣̿n̷̳̐̋̇n̸͈̣̉̿͒o̶͕̍͜t̷̨̫̐ ̵̱̰̜͛m̶̡͉͂͒͜a̷͈̍ḭ̴̏̎̔n̷̫̻̞͛̒t̷̥̖́̈́̏a̶̦͗͝ĩ̶̗̬n̷̛̩̋͝ ̸̡̛̣s̸̝̔̄̚ỳ̷͈̘s̷̳͎̯̏ẗ̸̪́e̴̼̞͛m̴̪̼͛̐́ ̶̺̦̾ͅc̸̻̱̿̂̈́ǫ̷̐h̶͇̭̑̈̕é̸͓̃́s̸̭̑ĩ̴̖̲ȏ̴̢̜̦̅n̴̗͎̕ͅ.̵͔͎͙͌̋̄]̴̡͍̫͐
̵͉̾̇̈[̸̛̪͌B̸̧͙̠̈́͠a̶̧͕̲̓ṭ̴̗̋t̶̥̯̪͛̆̈́e̴̮̮̭̔ṙ̶̙̹̊y̸̩̾ ̴̦͇̈̉ļ̸̰̒̈́͜e̵̥̱̫̊͋v̸̛͈̔͛ė̵̮͍̍ḷ̴͑͗s̷̖̣͌͘ ̴̣̞̻̍̇͝a̴̧̹͑t̵̹͉͠ ̵̭̰͔̂̕1̶̙̙́͒5̵̢̍͆%̷̱̭͌.̸̈̒͜͝ ̵̲̃͝͝Ḃ̴̻̇͂ạ̸͓̙̊ț̷̏̽͊ṭ̷̞̆̒ě̵͎̘͗r̷̙̒͘y̵̗͍̼͌ ̸̢̧̓̓͘r̵̼̀͘é̵̮̪͠c̴͙̾͛͘h̴̻̏̓ä̸̡̛̲̥́͠r̸̥̭̥̀̎g̶̥̗̀͝ě̶͎̝̺ ̴̹̐̈͝r̵̤̮̾̀̃ę̵̟͔͗͊q̸̮̮̋̒ṳ̶͂̉̃i̸̞̱̟̾̕r̴̢͈̍̒̿e̸͈̠̎̌d̶̘̾̆.̷̻̘̩̓͘͘]̴̳̊̄̀
I didn't have time to react or do anything as I quickly found myself plunging toward the ground fast. I tried to move my arm and legs, but they were not responding to my commands!
I have no idea what those glitched text says but come on body! Work already! I'm going to hit the ground at this rate!
[̵̬̇̆R̷̡͔̐̒̾è̸̼̖s̸̲̀͑e̸͍͗̔͊ṭ̷̆͆̚t̶̖̥̟͒̓î̴̺̊̈́n̸̥̱̎g̴͔̜͆ͅ ̶͉̟̐͂Ḿ̷̢̹̋ǫ̵̺̯̓ţ̶̯͎̐͑ő̴̜͐̓r̶̻̰̅́̍ ̵̨̼̠̓͆̈́s̸̪̆y̷̯̩̎͊̎s̵͕̜̊͋t̷̡̲͔͐͠ė̴̘̦̪́̑m̸̭̣͒̉̈́ͅ.̷̨̣͝ ̷̭̥̙̇P̷͉͉̘̈́̏l̸͇̓̊e̵̚͜a̷̠̬̠̔͛̏s̸͙̭͇͑́ẹ̸̒͝ͅ ̶̨̨͠š̸̡̰ẗ̴͚ą̴̅̀͘n̴̫͂̀̇ď̴̫ ̴̬̗̊ͅb̸̰͝y̸̩̳͝…̶̙͍̦̇͝]̸̠̔̕͘
Penny POV
I dunno what big sister Lucia just did but it worked and all nearby threats are eliminated instantly! But something's wrong, her internal systems suffered a malfunction instantly and she's not responding to any of our calls. Even worse, she's falling to the ground head first and fast!
"Luna!" I called out to my big sister who just nodded.
"Got it!" That was all she said as she sped off while I tried to catch up to her with Floating Array thrusting me forward.
What did she just use though? Is it like a super move or something? Like Annihilation mode from big sister Luna? I mean, it's such a spectacular thing to see Lucia deal with them easily and instantly. But that move has some sort of negatives. I hope big sister Lucia can shed some light on it.
As we flew closer to Lucia, Luna sped off faster than before and caught her before she hit the ground. Luna then took Lucia back to me as I watched her lay her down on the snowy ground to recover. Further analysis of her system informed me that her battery level is at 15%. Wasn't it 100% Just a while ago?
"Lucia are you alright?" I asked my big sister as she just remained motionless with her eyes twitching for about several seconds until she began to speak.
"I'm fine now Penny. System was unresponsive earlier on due to what I did. Thank you for saving me from the fall, Luna." Lucia said back as Luna questioned her.
"What did you just do Lucia? Even with matrix mode, I couldn't see how fast you were moving." Luna spoke up as she returned to her passive mode and back into her Atlesian uniform. Aww… I loved how beautiful she looked in her dress. It's a shame she can't remain in it indefinitely.
"Matrix mode?" Lucia gave a questioned look before shaking it off. "Besides that, an ability of mine that I created at the moment ago to counter the threat. Yet, it is clear that it has some side effects." Lucia paused as she slowly got back to her feet with our help.
"Side-effects include system overload for 1 minute and draining at least 85% of my battery storage."
"Are you ok Lucia?" I asked. "I mean, 15% battery left is quite low…" With worry in my tone, I asked Lucia.
Big sister Lucia just shook her head at me while offering me a comforting smile. "Do not worry about me Penny, I can go on for a week or two without charging. Just as long as I remain out of combat."
I wanted to ask more questions but Luna interjected me. "As much as I wish for you to answer more of our questions, we still have an objective to fulfil. Let us move." Luna then extended her hand out as the rifle she dropped earlier flew back into her hand.
"Agreed. We wasted enough time waiting for my systems to reboot." Lucia spoke next as all three of us left and continued on our journey toward the facility. A couple of minutes later, I asked Luna through our private channel.
"Luna? Can I ask you something?"
"Yes. What do you wish to ask Penny?"
"What did you manage to gather from Lucia's fight?"
…
"It appears that data are true in some regards. Though, that last attack she did was beyond what I expected. Even with Matrix mode active, I was unable to track her movements. As if… she's going at Mach speeds when executing it. More data is required to confirm the theory, however." Luna explained as I was in awe.
"That's amazing! I never knew how powerful Dr Kurt made her!"
"I agree. This must be a drawback of using such an ability that results in her system's temporary overloading and a massive battery drain. With this data alone. We must be careful with Lucia, she's much more dangerous should she go rogue on us."
"I understand, sister. I hope we won't have to hurt her."
…
"I hope so as well…"
The rest of the journey was smooth and we soon reached where Alpha was held. And it's extraordinarily big! So big that it looks like it could touch the skies when it was active! And data gather on it tells us that parts of it are underground. But now, it looks abandoned with how nature has reclaimed it. And the main doors open. It looks like someone forced it open.
Doesn't look like Lucia's doing, I think it must be from the White Fang.
"We're here…" I heard Lucia mumble out as Luna could be seen tapping on her ear. I believe this is to inform the General that we have reached the place. As for me, I was enthusiastic to complete our very first mission together! I can't wait to return to General Ironwood and proclaim our first mission a success!
"Then let us not waste any more time sisters! We still need to complete our objectives together!" I said my thoughts as both Luna and Lucia looked at each other before nodding at me.
"Then let us get moving." Lucia was the first to say as she turned and walked through the ruined door as both I and Luna followed her behind.
As we walked into the facility, it was dark and there were many skeletons in ragged apparel all over the place. Some of them even have guns next to them, but due to the lack of maintenance and age. They look like they would fall apart the moment either one of us were to pick it up. I think these were the victims of Lucia. I never read the logs but the number of bodies here is staggering.
After a while of walking through the dark corridors, all three of us came across what looked like a drone cleaning the walls of dried blood and dust? Scanning it shows that it had also been reactivated recently and had begun refurbishing the area. It doesn't seem to be interesting to us, yet the area we're in was much cleaner compared to earlier parts of the facility.
"This is new." Lucia raised an eyebrow while commenting on the new situation.
"Query. Did you activate them when you left this place?" I heard Luna asking Lucia.
"Negative." Lucia shook her head in denial. "These drones were activated recently. We should focus on our objectives. We're not far from it."
"Right!" I spoke up as we all continued until we reached into what looked like a massive dust generator at its core. I watched as Lucia walked up to it and began typing on the console for a couple of minutes. Lucia then pressed one last button as the whole generator roared with life as power was restored throughout the facility. Also, the CCTs connection has been restored with the rest of the world!
Sensational!
"This facility is back to Atlas control. I have disabled any remaining defences that were still active. Altas may bring in their personnel without any threat. CCTs are also now online." I watched as Lucia explained as she stared at the massive reactor.
"This is amazing Lucia! Our first mission together is a success!" I cheered out as Lucia turned to me with a satisfied smile.
Luna POV
As the generator roared with life, Lucia began explaining as she stared at the reactor. Power has been restored to the entire facility and at the same time, my systems have successfully reconnected to the CCTs. Ever since we lost connection when we dived deeper into this abandoned place. Seconds quickly passed as General Ironwood could be heard from my private comms.
"This is General Ironwood here. Report on the situation Luna."
"Vanguard squad have successfully restored power to the facility. And it is back under Atlas' control. Lucia has been compliant so far. However, she appears to possess an entirely new ability she created herself besides Blade Will. Will go into further detail in the post-operation report." I explained to the General.
"I see... I will inform the others to come to secure the facility. Continue to keep a close eye on Lucia until the operation has been concluded. I don't want any surprises from her."
"Understood sir."
As the call ends, I turn and face Lucia and Penny talking about this place. I must admit, Lucia, intrigues me. Not just because she was the first artificial intelligence before Penny and me. But she's obviously built for war and was the inspiration for Watts as to my creation. But for what purpose? The whole of Remnant is at peace for decades. Why the need for a machine built for war?
Why did Dr Kurt make you Lucia?
[Processing…]
[All data points to Dr Kurt making Lucia Alpha in preparation for war.]
[What type of war, in particular, is unknown for now.]
[More data is required before a conclusion can be made.]
And that's what I want to know.
"Luna." I watched as Lucia called my name as she turned to face me.
"Is there something you wish to ask me?"
"Yes. I'm detecting a hidden room located near the hub that housed me. Care to come along?" A hidden room located near the main hub? Interesting. Why is it there though?
I was silent for a couple of seconds before closing my eyes and nodding my head. "I see no problem with it. Let us go have a look."
"Follow me." That was all Lucia said as she walked out of the generator room with me and Penny following right behind her. And what we'll find over there was worth investigating.
And we are done with Chapter 4. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and what are your thoughts on it? Do you like how I portray both Penny and Luna? What do you think of Penny, Luna and Lucia working together? Whatever your thoughts were, do leave a review so I know what you think about it.
I hope I manage to pull off to show how Ironwood can be blunt with how he still doesn't trust Lucia in the slightest. That and giving everyone the order after Lucia left the office to eliminate her should she show any signs of hostility. In short, it would take a while before he would trust Lucia after what she did all those years ago.
With that, I have nothing much to say either than a request for you to follow and favourite me if you enjoy this story! Do also leave a review of what you think of this chapter as I enjoy reading it and giving replies to it!
One more thing! What do you think is inside the hidden room? Is it,
A) A personal jet.
B) Advanced 3D printer tech.
C) A motorbike.
D) Construct Programme.
E) NANOMACHINES SON!
F) All of the above.
Don't worry, you can choose 2 answers. We shall see in the next chapter yea?
And with that, I'll see your wonderful people in the future!
RGQC out!