Hello, dear readers!
Once again, I stand before you, KaleidoMirror, with a heart brimming with excitement and gratitude for the incredible support you've showered upon me in this new endeavor. I know it's been almost a month since I shared the prologue of this story, but let me clarify that it's not due to a lack of inspiration or facing a creative block. In reality, I've taken this time to contemplate the plot, carefully deciding which story I truly want to share with all of you.
The recent comments, filled with encouragement and anticipation, were what guided me in the right direction. Thanks to each one of you, I've finally made the decision, and here I am, presenting to you the first chapter. It's all thanks to you that "Lonely Golden Ashes" is rising from the ashes and resuming its journey.
In this chapter, penned with all my heart and a profound respect for the masterpieces that are My Hero Academia and Fate/Stay Night, I hope you feel the same passion reading it as I did writing it.
Are you ready to embark on this thrilling adventure? Enjoy, dear readers!
The Chiba prefecture underwent a constant metamorphosis, adapting to the rhythm of contemporary times.
Its streets, infused with a modern air, were adorned with branches and businesses illuminated by vibrant lights, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere among the residents. This landscape reflected the ongoing demographic growth, evidenced by the proliferation of government buildings and public services updating to meet the growing social demand.
Amidst this whirlwind of changes, the General Specialty Hospital stood out, acknowledged as the cathedral of medical innovation in recent times in Chiba. Although its reputation was outstanding, it faced challenges from rumors circulating about the achievements and discoveries within its facilities, generating uncertainty about whether it could overshadow the prestigious Tokyo National Hospital in the near future.
However, behind the hospital's public facade lay a world in shadows, where sunlight couldn't reach, and additional fortifications guarded numerous underground laboratories. These laboratories experienced constant growth and updates, following a pattern established just two weeks ago, all centered around the mysterious subject "B-612."
Though its name sounded simple, the mention of "B-612" triggered a palpable urgency in every corner of the facilities, leading to unprecedented advancements in every experiment carried out in its name. The true origins and backstory of this subject resonated with intriguing echoes among the hospital's select and devoted personnel.
Within its walls, secrets multiplied as scientists, dedicated to their work, delved into the quest for answers within the results of each test. Every day was a new odyssey, as they analyzed test tubes and data flickering across monitors, revealing seemingly impossible outcomes that kept everyone shrouded in a veil of uncertainty and anticipation.
Amidst that dance of lights and shadows, Dr. Kyudai Garaki, the head of the research team, was immersed in his personal underground laboratory. Dim lights accentuated the lines of fatigue on his face, marking the passage of endless nights devoted to the mysterious "B-612." Beside him, Dr. Aoki tucked a strand of her long golden hair behind her right ear as she attentively reviewed the latest data on the screen, her gaze reflecting a mix of excitement and anxiety.
"Dr. Kyudai, these results are astounding. It seems the subject is responding unexpectedly to the latest series of 'special treatments,'" commented Dr. Aoki, a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes.
"That's partially true, but we can't let our guard down at this moment. With each breakthrough, the situation has led us to more questions than answers, so we're far from understanding its true nature. This also increases uncertainty among our new colleagues. What's your take, Dr. Nakamura?" asked Dr. Garaki, addressing the third figure in the room, a renowned researcher with years of experience in the 'surface' hospital.
"The results are promising," Dr. Nakamura nodded solemnly as he observed the holographics in the center of the room, "But we mustn't forget we are in uncharted territory; we must be cautious."
The exchange between the three key minds behind the B-612 project was brief but impactful for all the colleagues hastily gathered in the room.
Around them, the room hummed with the activity of dedicated scientists, with monitors flickering in a frenetic rhythm of real-time information. Each person present had different thoughts on the matter. Especially over the past fifteen days, in this brief experiment period, they had reached a turning point in their current research. As the current experiment continued, emotions fluctuated among the doctors and scientists. Some showed signs of restlessness, others of fascination. The lines between morality and ambition blurred, where science intertwined with madness in the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
"Pain," whispered Dr. Kyudai Garaki, his countenance illuminated by the light of science and ambition. In an almost reverent murmur, his eyes fixed on the tenth reconstructed laboratory of the week, where shadows danced as silent witnesses to the dark symphony of research.
"It's an immeasurable amount of pain he should be feeling," he continued, diverting his attention to Subject B-612. In the dimness of the containment chamber, the child lay alone, his small body wrapped in large, fortified chains made of strange alloys. But it was just a moment for Dr. Garaki, who decided to ignore the monitors and the commotion in the room, immersing himself in the singular experience of the ongoing high-voltage electrical discharges.
With coldly calculated calmness, he took the time to observe the twenty-first experiment of the day. Shielded by a kind of white armor, the elder resolved minor security details before approaching close enough to input the relevant codes on the door. Without losing his laugh tinged with madness, he decisively entered the containment chamber, where shadows embraced Shirou Emiya, an eight-year-old boy submerged in a world of confusion and suffering.
From the screens, his associates watched with anxious looks, attentive to any signs of abrupt changes or aggressive nature in the subject. However, for the Doctor, external interference was unnecessary; it would hinder the purity of his assessment of the development of his experiments.
Inside the containment chamber, tension was palpable. Dr. Kyudai moved with a mix of determination and anticipation, while scientists around him held their breath, as if the air itself was charged with residual electricity.
"It's beautiful," he couldn't help but murmur, his abrupt and deep voice resonating in the chamber. With shining eyes, he watched with ecstasy the swords of different sizes and shapes emanating that strange but intoxicating mysterious energy. The blades pulsed between the subject's limbs, standing out pulsatingly on his right arm and left leg, as if they were extensions of his own essence.
"My little Shirou, how does your body feel?" Garaki asked with curiosity and obsession, creating a small silence before the young one's closed eyes slowly opened, revealing a pair of vacant golden orbs that shone emptily in response.
"I feel every part of my body burning," the child responded with a flat and emotionless voice. Though his tone lacked expression, his gaze remained fixed on the man in front of him. "But I can feel my consciousness for a longer time than last time."
A tense silence filled the room, broken by the sound of metal clashing weakly. A rusted sword fell from the wounds on Shirou's lower limb, creating shards as it hit the floor. Simultaneously, as a result, an acidic mist spread through the room in seconds, until finally, from a blind spot, it congregated to focus on a dark light beam with a defined direction towards Doctor's left arm.
"Ah, ah..." Garaki barely had time to react. The sudden attack left his mind unable to process reality. The cold and hard object circulating through his body began to sharpen, but at that moment, his "life force" quirk, reinforced years ago by his master, AFO, showed its effects promptly. Shirou, unrestrained, had attacked only one arm this time and hadn't lost both legs like the last time. He sighed for a moment before the bittersweet sensation between their interaction was diminished by pain and resistance.
"What a great detail on your part, my sweet Shirou," the doctor exclaimed, his smile widening as he observed the impact on his body. However, madness and curiosity burned fiercely in his eyes as he tried to comprehend what kind of weapon his little one had unleashed this time.
But the young white-haired boy remained silent, his stoic expression undisturbed. Garaki, on the other hand, appeared expectant, futilely watching for any sign of change in Shirou's vital signs. After a couple of minutes, he sighed again, realizing that, once again, he would glean no information in this unfortunate exchange.
Turning around, the old man focused on examining the golden marks on Shirou's body. Although the cameras barely captured the change, they had intermittently glowed before the attack occurred.
"This is just the beginning, my precious Shirou. You have to forgive me, but all of this is in the name of science and the evolution of humanity," he murmured before leaving the room, his tone revealing a mix of justification and obsession.
These new preliminary studies opened a horizon filled with possibilities, so there were no doubts about the overwhelming influx of economic and human resources arriving en masse at the facilities. Amid collaborators and funding, all involved shared a scientific mission but with a relentless focus on the future of Japan.
Moreover, Kyudai felt truly blessed; this might be just the first step, but he could finally free himself from constant stress by delegating many trivial matters to his collaborators. For now, he would take a full week to fully immerse himself in the essence of his work. The new results so far were promising, especially those personally supplied by his master AFO, which redefined the path of his experiments and promised a fascinating and terrifying future.
The room, once filled with whispers and flickering monitors, now lingered in a silence loaded with expectations and secrets to unveil, as if on the verge of giving birth to a revelation that would change the course of the history of the superhero society.
In the cold research room, Garaki's leadership hung like a tangible shadow, his bald head shining under the faint light that barely illuminated the austere space. The question echoed in the air, laden with concern and anxiety, like an unsettling echo reverberating on the walls of metal and glass.
"Has there been any change in the behavior of Subject B-612?"
"I'm afraid he's been a bit more feral these past few days, Leader Garaki," responded scientist Yamada with a cautious tone, as if sharing unpleasant news that was carefully weighed in his words.
A long sigh escaped the old man, an echo of frustration and weariness that filled the main research room of the project, like a cold wind cutting through determination. His gaze slid over the scientists' faces, seeking answers in their gestures, as if he could decipher the hidden secrets in the lines of worry and confusion on their expressions.
"Hmmm, How have the results been regarding the injuries inflicted on the axial nerves and the upper spinal region this time?"
An important confidant, Ibuki, a blond with dark glasses, spoke with a touch of amazement and disbelief in his tone. "It's fascinating. There seems to be a type of behavior that prioritizes the healing of nerves over muscles or bones, as if the subject is fighting not only for his physical life but also for his sanity."
"Certainly," added another scientist, Utamine, with long dark hair. "Injuries that would normally take months, and even injuries impossible to heal with current technology, show completely absurd recoveries." He sighed before offering Dr. Garaki a couple of letterheaded pages, as if those words were the last piece of the puzzle he needed. "Unfortunately, we suspect that the strange golden marks exhibit automatic reactions when observing the mysterious golden glow that extends from the origin of the healing. Not to mention that lately, we've faced more adverse reactions when analyzing the twenty-seven convergence zones in the subject's body. We've lost ten scientists in the last interactions."
Frustration reflected on the Chief Doctor's face. "Anything else?" he asked firmly, but the tension in his tone was evident, like a cable about to break under pressure.
"For now, no. The only thing that seemed strange to us is that, in the first five deaths, the causes were completely ordinary sharp-edged weapons. Although the last five were exactly the same, the subsequent autopsy showed traces of a strange substance similar to a completely different type of energy than what we initially investigated."
A sepulchral silence hung in the air before Dr. Garaki stood up from his desk, heading towards one of the large bookshelves in the room. Books and strange writings were carelessly spread out, and he carefully took one with dark edges, as if it were a sacred artifact containing the key to the mysteries that plagued him.
"How is the research on his personal details going? Have you found any familiar object or trace we can focus on?"
"I'm afraid not," apologized a scientist with a small bow. "Given the initial state he was in, any familiar object was consumed in the fire of the orphanage he belonged to. The disaster was shocking; even the clothes and the strange pendant he had were completely damaged."
The old man nodded with regret. "...I see. Alright, you can go."
"Understood, call us if you need anything, Doctor Hyudai." The scientists left the room, leaving the leader immersed in dark thoughts as the mysteries of Subject B-612 continued to shroud the research in a veil of uncertainty and danger, like dancing shadows refusing to reveal their true form.
Minutes after the conversation, the elderly figure in white robes found himself immersed in an unexplained mystery that had completely transformed the focus of his research. The room, filled with shelves crammed with dusty books and forgotten artifacts, was barely illuminated by the dim light of a standing lamp casting ghostly shadows on the walls laden with accumulated knowledge.
"How peculiar," he murmured, engrossed in the contemplation of the book in his hands, whose yellowed pages seemed to hold some kind of secret resisting revelation.
Over the past week, he had conducted an exhaustive study of records and documentation of all kinds. What started as a whim had turned into a passionate quest that had taken him to the darkest corners of history and mythology. Meticulously reviewing numerous ancient texts, artifacts, and historical records that might contain references yielded valuable clues. Identifying patterns and underlying principles in each weapon used by Subject B-612 unearthed details that might have gone unnoticed but now revealed themselves as the tip of the iceberg of a mystery growing with each new discovery and connection between literature.
Now, everything began to make sense, as he found that each of the weapons used so far had demonstrated functions so similar that it seemed like a cruel joke of fate, echoing those mentioned in various cultures throughout human history. It was as if Subject B-612 had some kind of link between myths and the ability to make them a reality.
"There is no doubt that this strange energy has characteristics and a nature closer to what is described in well-known children's tales known as 'Magic'," the old man reflected, his eyes sparkling with the excitement of unraveling an enigma challenging the limits of human understanding.
From a scientific standpoint, the idea of the existence of this power was wild and impossible to believe. Nevertheless, as he contemplated the subject's abilities, Dr. Garaki was forced to open his mind to the most absurd possibility. He found himself at a crossroads, trying to comprehend the scope and magnitude of this new discovery, while shadows danced on the walls, as if ancient knowledge whispered its secrets into the man's ear.
Driven by an inner force he could not ignore, Hyudai headed towards his secure vault. Passing through the biological and electronic security codes, the door creaked open, revealing a sanctuary of all the relics from forgotten times that had been collected from his master's various sources worldwide, a collection that grew day by day until the present. But in the center, on a special altar, rested a dagger with rustic edges, crystalline jewel-like appearance, but covered in rust and blackened by an unknown material. This object had been the first to emerge from Shirou during his initial attempt to escape, a moment that had not been repeated. The dagger seemed to resonate with echoes of ancient power, whispers of a mysterious past intertwining with the present.
The doctor took the dagger with trembling hands, feeling that there might be some special connection between this artifact and the unexplainable energies surrounding Subject B-612. The room, now charged with an ancestral atmosphere, seemed to vibrate with the tension of a discovery that defied the laws of science and opened the door to a world of unexplored possibilities.
Allowing himself to be carried away by the feeling, Garaki found himself reminiscing about Shirou Emiya. He was no fool; the man knew everything from the beginning, that his little boy was special. This thought was reaffirmed during their first real conversation two weeks ago in the experimentation room, a place where sunlight was nonexistent, and darkness flickered uncertainly with shadows emerging from its walls when the artificial lights were turned on, creating a tense and mysterious atmosphere that enveloped the scene in an aura of intrigue.
Under the keen gaze of the elderly man, Shirou was not merely a lab rat. Instead, he was a whirlwind of emotions as the young man with darkened skin studied him face to face, capable of reversing the traditional roles of research. The old man was intoxicated by the lack of emotion in the words and the absence of humanity in the golden eyes, so similar, yet so different from the crimson orbs of his master, All For One.
Conventional questions had no place. The words Dr. Garaki wanted to say remained trapped, replaced by a sound resembling swallowing saliva. When a projectile became their greeting, and despite the critical damage to his chest, the elderly man felt more alive than ever as he began to comprehend the subject's abilities.
"Now, now, be a good boy, my little Shirou, and stay here," Garaki murmured, his voice interrupted by blood and saliva falling from his mouth, resonating in the room like a macabre echo.
Despite the impressive amount of blood and the imminent damage to his lung organs, the doctor showed no concern.
"What the hell...?" the boy's voice broke for a moment, but his stoic gaze kept watch over his presence.
The old man was stunned by the outcome but admired how, in less than five seconds after the altercation, the young man showed no new movement until he finally fell to his knees, indicating that the dose of the new serum had achieved the desired effect.
"You are perfect, my little one," he murmured as he observed the veins and limbs of the young man pulsating with a faint bluish color, as if witnessing the creation of a masterpiece with each heartbeat. "Don't worry; the medicine was just taking effect now."
The room, imbued with the metallic scent of blood and the constant hum of monitors, became a surreal stage where life and science intertwined in a bewildering manner.
The conversation, though one-sided, was quite pleasant. The curious thing was that when talking to him about the existence of All For One and what it represented for all of Japan and its partial influence on the world, the doctor noticed a slight, almost imperceptible change in Shirou's expression until finally succumbing to the effects of the experimental drug. Patiently, he awaited the opportunity for his master to meet him and, perhaps, succeed in taming him perfectly; that thought felt as if he were personally weaving the first strands of a still unknown destiny.
Kyudai sighed, finally finishing recalling that special moment for him, but holding the deadly weapon close to his chest as he looked once again at the craftsmanship of the dagger.
Closing his eyes, the old man found himself recalling the persistently vacant expression of the boy, the same one that had not changed until today. Garaki's curiosity and amazement grew with each interaction, delving deeper into the mystery that was Shirou Emiya.
Things changed drastically after a month, during which Dr. Kyudai became obsessively engrossed in any study related to magic. For the physician, this new variable in the world represented a fascinating yet enigmatic phenomenon. At this point, his long career as a scientist and his role as a man of science no longer mattered; all his previous aspirations to understand and seek logical explanations and empirical foundations for quirks, which he loved so much, converged into a flask of opportunities, with the hope of revolutionizing the world in a direction no one could expect to imagine.
With this new goal in mind, the facilities laid the groundwork for the new movement within the study of magic, reforming and bringing to life, through scientific hands, a concept that transcends the known laws of physics and biology. They managed to awaken everyone who listened, turning the skepticism of many allies and collaborators alike into an admiration bordering on fanaticism at a new level of madness.
To crystallize these dreams, more guinea pigs were needed to initiate and reformulate the degree of amoral atrocities, especially the level of madness unleashed on Project B-612, which reached an unprecedented milestone. A reform in the scientific approach was decided upon to the point of breaking.
With the quantitative and qualitative focus of the research, theorems and new foundations were created with more rational analogies, attempting to dismantle beliefs and empirical bifurcations. The goal was to unravel the mysteries of magic through experimental methods and rigorous and inhumane analysis.
At this point, the boy's name was just a label, a minor detail overshadowed by the dazzling potential unfolding before the eyes of all science-hungry men eager to know the truth of the new world. But that was not a problem for Dr. Kyudai Garaki, as with each new result, disbelief seized him when realizing that someone as young as Shirou could harbor such an extraordinary power, with unprecedented potential that far surpassed any other experimental subject in his record.
At this point, Subject B-612 had become a key piece that All For One needed to achieve his most ambitious dreams. Therefore, Garaki, being his closest collaborator, could not afford to disappoint him, finding it almost impossible to contain intense emotions every time his imagination soared, thinking of the transcendence this child could have in known history. His imprint, shaped by science and unbridled ambition, would be indelible and everlasting in the annals of history.
Despite slowly achieving some notable breakthroughs, the old man knew that there was still a long way to go. But the first steps had been taken in merging the strange energy dubbed as "magic" and the profound study of quirks, creating something entirely unknown. Though his team was in the early stages, this new path had begun to reveal glimpses of the true road that promised to unveil unimaginable secrets for the evolution of the human race. With anticipation vibrating in the air, Dr. Garaki immersed himself more deeply in the task of identifying areas of potential improvement.
Greetings once again, dear readers! Here I am, KaleidoMirror, extending my gratitude to each of you after sharing this impactful and raw first chapter, "The First Contact of Magic."
I can't find enough words to express how thankful I am for every message, every review, and every show of support. Thank you so much for the 111 favorites, 167 followers, and 9 comments. You are the reason why this work is coming to life again, and that is priceless. So, buckle up, because what lies ahead promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
I would like to take a special moment to thank grant-walker581: Your honor of being the first comment on this new journey does not go unnoticed. I deeply appreciate the trust you've placed in my previous stories, and I hope this new installment surprises and excites you.
To suzaku-thi: It fills me with joy that you enjoyed the prologue with such intensity. This first chapter is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is still a vast terrain to discover. I appreciate your observation about the story rating, and rest assured I will adjust it accordingly.
To EnkiduKingu, your words are an intriguing prophecy. You have not yet delved into the true essence of what is to come, and I can promise you the next chapter will leave you stunned.
To jarc503okami, I sincerely hope this chapter lived up to your expectations. Your support is crucial, and I'm excited to continue sharing this story with you.
To S290138, your concerns will find answers in the next chapter. I am eager to take you through a journey that challenges norms and immerses you in a world full of surprises and intense emotions.
To geekfigth, with the imposing presence of Emiya Alter on the scene, the impact on the world of MHA will be like an earthquake shaking the foundations of reality. This broken and defiant character promises to change the game irreversibly.
To Phantommore, your comment has been my inspiration to delve more deeply into the next chapter.
To Luos27, regarding Doctor Garaki and his intervention in the story, I can say he has played with the pieces of destiny, defying expectations. The plot will unfold gradually, and the revelations will be like pieces of a complex puzzle.
To TheSlySage, we will have to wait to uncover the mysteries and consequences that await in the exciting third chapter.
Thanks to all, you've been amazing!
Until next time, dear readers!