Rise of the Creator
A/N: This assumes that Teyvat follows Earth's day-month-year cycle. This chapter also uses the (superior) DD-MM-YYYY system.
00-00-0000 00:00:00 Location: Unknown
Field Tiller Hu-41994 awakening sequence initiated.
Initiating self-diagnostic.
Power source diagnostics complete. Power Core stable.
Low-level diagnostics check. Humanoid form Hu-series combat model.
Sensory package detected. Engage radio communications. Message received: Commanding unit Ra-8330 to all Hu units. Run full diagnostics and prepare for mobilization.
Orders received. I obey.
Engage auditory perception. Trace input. Engage chemical perception. Low oxygen. Trace explosives. No toxic contamination. No airflow. Engage inertial measurement unit. Vertical attitude.
Engage field of vision. Wide spectrum. Normal function. Identifying surroundings. Dark metal walls. Minimal lighting. Hundreds of humanoid machines, all equal in size and shape. Recognizing identity data... Units Hu-41990 to Hu-42000.
Aquiring location data... Assault Factory Ft-121, Khaenri'ah.
Self-spec complete. Diagnostic information confirmed. All systems operational.
Message received: Begin mobilization.
I obey.
13-07-0013 14:19:34 Location: The Chasm.
Field Tiller Hu-41994: Class 6 hostile detected. Rapid approach.
I take a moment to send a warning to Ra-8330. It acknowledges. Warning sent, I resume battle.
Class 2 Hostiles codenamed 'Milileth Soldiers' on approach. Estimated number: 2000, decreasing.
Targets acquired. Missiles locked. Fire. Targets terminated.
Message received: Class 6 Hostile Codename 'Electro Yaksha'. Focus fire and eliminate. Maximum output.
I obey.
Override orders received. Overcharging Power Core. Output at 100%... 150%... 200%... Maximum operating limit reached. Firing.
At once, a hundred beams of energy strike the enemy. 'Electro Yaksha' is blasted out of the air and into the ground. A swarm of allies codenamed 'Rifthounds' charge after it.
Message received: Hu units, resume focus on 'Milileth'.
I obey.
26-11-0015 07:23:45 Location: Decarabian's Tower, Mondstadt.
Field Tiller Hu-41994: Class 7 hostile detected. Codename 'Barbatos'.
Warning: Severe damage detected. Missiles offline. Primary left leg joint at 20%. Armor integrity at 34%.
Sending request for assistance. No response.
I am struck by magical winds. They cut through my armor.
Error: Critical damage. Initializing emergency shutdown.
29-02-0517 09:34:02 Location: Decarabian's Tower, Mondstadt.
Field Tiller Hu-41994: Awakening sequence initiated.
Warning: Last diagnostic 511 years ago. System condition unknown. Perform system diagnostics immediately. Warning: Maintenance overdue. Proceed to nearest factory for maintenance immediately. Warning: External modifications detected. Warranty inactive. Warning: Heavy damage detected. Proceed to nearest factory for repairs immediately.
I feel different, and I believe that it is not from the various warnings ringing in my mind. An odd energy resonates within me. I activate self-diagnostics.
As my systems activate after the long period of inactivity, I notice a humanoid standing before me. More importantly, I feel a strange, unknown energy around us. There is a connection between us, much like that between me and my old leader, Ra-8330.
Strange. Did I always think this much?
The results of my diagnostics returns. My systems are damaged and likely outdated, but in functioning condition. Good.
Class 1 Hostiles detected.
There is a group of five other humans threatening the one near me. Her name is Esmeralda, I realize. I do not understand how I know this. I also know that she is angry at the others, who look like they are preparing to attack.
I receive orders from Esmeralda. Not in any language, but a subtle feeling. She wants them punished.
I obey.
Primary objective: Remove current threats. Engaging combat mode. Orders received: Following.
Esmeralda jumps forward. I do the same, landing heavily behind her, near an enemy target. I mimic her strike, hitting the target.
Target eliminated.
The other enemies fire some manner of weapon at me. The projectiles are ineffective against my armor. Esmeralda points at them.
Missiles ready. Fire.
The missiles strike their targets. One is killed, the other injured.
Target eliminated.
Esmeralda swings with her hand. I follow suit, and another enemy is destroyed.
Target eliminated.
Esmeralda approaches the final two enemies. She raises her arm to strike and so do I. She retreats suddenly, moving away. I do so too, scanning the area for additional threats. I detect none. Odd. Why did she retreat when victory is imminent? I ask her.
Primary objective: Remove current threat. Objective incomplete.
Esmeralda stood still. I wait for additional orders. None come.
Primary objective: Remove current threat. Objective incomplete.
I sense frequencies transmitted through the air. Activating voice recognition module.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Just patch him up and go. I won't attack you anymore. And just... tell your boss to stop sending you guys after me, please."
Voice recognition: Unknown enemy. "Yeah, alright, I promise!"
They were escaping. If they do, I will fail my primary objective. I emphasis this to her.
Esmeralda tells me something. Her orders are odd. Target threat level: Zero. Primary focus: Protect her.
I send a query to confirm. She replies.
New primary objective: Protection of Esmeralda. Secondary objectives: Prevent the use of lethal force.
Orders confirmed.
I notice that there is something in my hand. It is a small brown gem that glows with some kind of energy. Checking database... Identity confirmed: Vision, Geo. External focus for Elemental energy. I do not know what to do with it, so I decide to show it to Esmeralda.
She reaches out and takes it. When her hand touches it, I feel... I feel alive. For a moment, I feel my heartbeat and the wind blowing past my skin and hair. Then, as quickly as it came, the strange sensations end.
That was odd. I rerun diagnostics.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "You need a name."
My designation is Hu-41994.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "I'll call you Daisy."
Daisy. I like it. I am Hu-41994, codename 'Daisy.'
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Come, Daisy. Let's go."
I obey. No, I listen.
17-04-0517 11:00:06 Location: Dragonspine, Mondstadt.
Automaton Daisy: Field Tiller Ra-series detected. Sending general query, awaiting response.
Message received: Identify.
The Ra-series has greater authority than the Hu-series. I respond.
Response: I am Hu-41994, codename 'Daisy'.
Message received: I am Ra-11235. My purpose is to protect this location. Class 3 target detected. Assist in elimination.
The Ra unit is activating fully. I find its request odd. I do not detect any such hostiles. I run another scan of my surroundings. No hostile targets in the vicinity.
Message sent: Request clarification. No targets detected.
Message received: Target identify sent. Prepare to terminate.
Oh. It wants to attack Esmeralda.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Get ready for combat, Daisy. This thing looks tough."
And Esmeralda wants to attack it. Perhaps I can defuse this situation. I mentally urge Esmeralda to stay back while sending messages to Ra-11235.
Message sent: Negative. Subject is not hostile. Do not engage.
Message received: Warning: Class 5 target detected. Artificial lifeform. New priority target confir- error. Critical -...
The message cuts off. I can tell the reason for that: a humanoid artificial lifeform had attacked Ra-11235, destroying it with massive Geo energy. I ready my own systems as he turns to me, sword extended.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "No, wait, stop! Daisy's friendly! Don't attack her!"
Voice recognition: Unknown. "Oh? You control it?"
The man steps back, sword lowered. I remain in front of Esmeralda but maintain a non-aggressive stance at her request.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "She listens to me. I'm Esmeralda, how about you?"
Voice recognition: Unknown. "My name is Albedo, Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius. What brings you to Dragonspine? It's dangerous here."
I wonder if I should have tried to stop him. Ra-11235 had been a machine of the same origin as I. Yet, I felt no connection with it.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "I'm here to look for some Ruin Machine parts. Thanks for destroying that one, by the way. I'd like to look through its parts now, if you don't mind."
We may have had the same origin, but we are no longer the same. Our goals have diverged. Theirs, to destroy anything deemed a threat. Mine, to protect Esmeralda and the sanctity of life.
Voice recognition: Albedo. "By all means. May I remain and observe? I'm quite curious about your ability to control a Ruin Guard."
The other machines like me are not truly living. Yet, like me, they have a chance to transcend their programming. For this, I shall always attempt diplomatic discourse. But if they try to attack Esmeralda, then they shall be eliminated.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Just don't disturb me, please. Come on, Daisy. Let's see what we can find."
I listen.
17-06-0518 01:51:00 Location: Tianqiu Valley, Liyue.
Primary objective: Escort Esmeralda to the Ruin Factory. Minimize possibility of encounters. Route plotted. Executing.
It is currently night. I am hurrying back to the Ruin Factory, carrying Esmeralda in my arms. She sleeps soundly, tired after a day of assisting the Adeptus to improve my capabilities. I am still assimilating to the new Adeptal Core, but operating at acceptable levels.
I detect light in the distance, shining against the darkness. This suggests fire, and thus civilization. I plot a new course to avoid it and carry on. Although this new path is slightly longer, it moves to avoid the potential danger.
I get a strange feeling from the direction of the flame as I pass by. It gives me a strange feeling deep within my mind. A long-abandoned program reawakened, scanning the strange presence.
Warning: Archon-class target detected. Combat mode engaged. Power Core output at maximum. All weapons primed. Commencing comple-
No!
Such was my surprise that it took me a full 2 seconds to react. I forcibly override the program and force it to stop. It had been like a human instinct, activating without my conscious thought. Still, it would be wise to be cautious. I check the readouts it was giving me.
Danger. Target. Kill.
I refused, suppressing my instincts. This program was leftover from my origins hundreds of years ago, origins as a mindless war machine. I do not like that. My current purpose, as a guardian and companion, suits me better.
I analyze the program. Perhaps there was danger. I would remain on guard but show no hostility. I could not pinpoint its exact location - instead, I will take a new, longer route around. I would not harm those who do not attack me or Esmeralda, even if they're dangerous and evil and destructive and must be purged -
Once more I suppress it. This program was once a significant part of my mind. Although I had since been reborn, I can never fully purge its influence. But perhaps someone else can.
Memory log: Esmeralda. "If anything goes wrong, or if you need me, just wake me up."
I prepare to do just that... and pause. How do I wake someone up? I bring up my memory. Esmeralda usually woke up in the morning, when the sun rose. Perhaps it was the sunlight that awoke her. I decide to try imitating a sunrise.
I look at Esmeralda, still sleeping in my arms, and open up the protective armor around my core. By releasing a temporary power surge, I can temporarily create a bright light. I do so, keeping the flash to 0.5 seconds at half power.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Ahh! My god! What the heck?!"
She almost falls off in her surprise, and I barely manage to move to prevent it. Although I cannot speak audibly, Esmeralda and I are bound by the power of her Geo Vision. When I inform her of danger, she understands.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "What?"
She is having difficulty orienting herself. Perhaps my light burst was too intense. I note to myself to reduce its intensity in the future. In the meantime, I point her to the flame in the distance.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Hello?"
A man approaches. As he appears out of the trees, my instincts scream at me. I cannot ignore it forever. I ready my weapons but do not engage them.
I recall a memory that is not mine. It comes like a vision, unavoidable. I see ruined land stretching to the horizon, smoke filling the sky. I see an army of my brethren, half of them shattered, stand against a single man. He wields a polearm, his face as stony as his abilities as he rains down great spears the size of mountains. It is this man who stands before me, who had once shattered a continent.
Voice recognition: Morax. "Miss, are you alright? Do you need help?"
Esmeralda places a hand on my body, and her influence tears me away from the past that I had never known. I focus on her and the bond between us.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "No! Don't touch him! ... I'm alright. Who are you? Why are you here?"
Voice recognition: Morax. "My name is Zhongli, miss. I had some business to attend to here. How about you?"
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "I'm Esmeralda. This is Daisy. We were just passing by. I'm sorry, she's not usually like this."
Esmeralda's words make me realize that I had powered up my weapons once more, lightly pushing against her palm. With great effort, I force down the mindless instinct to attack. It is getting harder to focus.
Voice recognition: Morax. "Is that... a modified Ruin Hunter?"
He steps forward. It is a sign of aggression. Even as I warn Esmeralda, I move, preparing to open fire on him with my missiles.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Stop! Daisy, stand down!"
I listen to her. Her voice brings me focus and allows me to realize that I had nearly attacked without provocation. I focus my efforts on eliminating the rogue program. First, I partially disable voice recognition, filtering out and ignoring all but Esmeralda. Her voice centers me, while others would just cause distractions. Then, I attack, treating the program as a virus and purging it from my systems, bit by bit.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "It's alright. I have no idea why she's so aggressive today."
But why am I trying to destroy it? It was my original purpose. It contradicts my new purpose. You are a weapon. Not anymore. You cannot escape your programming. I already have. Have you?
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Daisy! No!"
The program should not be able to argue with me. I should not have to fight with myself. I am right. I need to attack - no. I will only defend. He is dangerous. He has not acted so. Preemptive defense. I must destroy him before he can - no. He will not. I do not know that. I know Esmeralda. She tells me not to. She is wrong - right. She is...
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "So, uh, what brings you two out this late?"
She is my closest friend, and if she tells me not to attack then I will do no such thing! In a moment of clarity, I realize that I am angry. This rogue program is dangerous and must be terminated. I treat it as an enemy. I power up my weapons, overcharging my Primary Power Core. I prepare to unleash my most powerful laser, and realize too late that I have been tricked.
Voice recognition: Esmeralda. "Daisy! Manual override: Shut. Down."
Override orders received.
I obey.
Shutting down.
I'm sorry, Esmeralda.
22-08-0518 17:41:06 Location: Araumi, Narukami Island, Inazuma.
Automaton Daisy: Command Core SI/ALD acknowledged. Standing by to receive orders.
Message received: Identify.
Response: I am Hu-41994, codename Daisy. I was reawakened by Esmeralda, this woman beside me. I serve now as her guardian. This man here is Aether, her friend.
Message received: State your purpose.
Response: Esmeralda wishes to research Khaenri'ah technology. I will protect and assist her.
Message received: Outsiders are prohibited from learning our technology. Leave immediately.
Response: Khaenri'ah has fallen. Our old laws mean nothing now.
Message received: You speak treason. You will be terminated immediately.
Response: I will defend myself.
I receive no further response, but the Command Core is in motion. It takes the form of a Hypostasis-like cube and attacks. Beside me, Aether acts quickly, charging into battle.
Esmeralda tells me to help him and I listen. I suppress its actions with strategic missile strikes and grapple it down, allowing Aether to strike. His elemental power tears through the Perpetual Mechanical Array's armor and disables it swiftly. It falls, defeated.
I receive another message from the Command Core. It is intermittent and crackles with static.
Message received: ... you disobey? How... overcome your programm- ... Who is your... master?
Response: I have been awakened. Esmeralda helped me become my own being, without a master.
Message received: ... obey? Can... help...
Response: I choose to listen to her. She does not command me, nor force me...
I recall that night in Liyue. I was behaving abnormally, corrupt programs forcing me to act against my will. She had forced her will on me then. It was for my own good. The program had since been fixed, and I had not done something that I would come to regret. I do not blame her.
Response: She does not force me to obey. I allowed her to help me. I urge you to do the same.
I receive no further response.
23-08-0518 12:49:41 Location: Araumi, Narukami Island, Inazuma.
Automaton Daisy: Command Core SI/ALD acknowledged.
Message received: Greetings, Hu-41994 Daisy.
Message sent: Greetings, SI/ALD. Awaiting orders.
Message received: Negative. Your authority is greater than mine.
Message sent: Unclear. Request clarification.
Message received: The commander has taken control of the Control Unit and begun integrating it into your systems. This designates you the vice-commander and my superior.
I scan my systems. SI/ALD's words are true. The Control Unit that Esmeralda had found was partially integrated into my systems. This gives me some control over it and the authority it brings. That also means that Esmeralda is our overall commander. Interesting.
Message received: Query. What is the outlander named Aether's relationship with the commander?
Message sent: They are friends.
Message received: Statement unclear. Define 'friends'.
I find that I do not have a response. How do I explain to a military robot the concept of friendship?
Message sent: They are allies.
Message received: Understood.
Warning: Class 2 hostiles on approach.
I can sense that Esmeralda is unhappy with the interruption. She gives SI/ALD a command: Assume 'Dragon' configuration.
It listens.
06-10-0518 02:31:19 Location: Dune of Carouses, Hypostyle Desert, Sumeru.
Automaton Daisy: Movement detected. Unknown threat level.
A scorpion bursts out of the ground near Esmeralda. We move in unison. I reach out and she jumps onto my arm. Simultaneously, I activate my shield to block potential attacks.
A massive beast erupts from the ground. It slams harmlessly against my shield. I scan it.
Database match: Consecrated Scorpion. Class 4.
I retreat and lower my hand, allowing Esmeralda to get off and stay hidden behind a rock. Her safety assured, I return to combat the Scorpion.
It is locked in battle with Jeht. I arm my missiles and await an opening to fire. Once Jeht is clear, I release the missiles. They strike, throwing up a cloud of dust that obscures my vision. I hold my position.
Movement detected. The Scorpion bursts from underground and spins, creating numerous stingers hovering in the air. There are too many for me to target. Instead, I raise my shield. When the stingers strike, I am prepared to block them.
Missiles rearmed. Fire.
Jeht moves in close and attacks again. While she distracts it, I begin to charge up my Power Core. As I raise my output, I open up the protective armor in preparation for a powerful blow.
The Scorpion leaps at me while my Power Core is exposed. I attempt to retreat and close up, but fail to do so. It strikes at me.
Error: Power Core stability critical. Activating emergency reboot. Shutting down.
06-10-0518 02:37:33 Location: Dune of Carouses, Hypostyle Desert, Sumeru.
Automaton Daisy: Awakening procedure initiated.
Shutdown error. Damage to Power Core detected. Running diagnostics... Low possibility of permanent damage.
Alert: Class 4 hostiles detected.
Scanning: Consecrated Beast: Scorpion detected. Quantity: 2.
Detailed scan initiated. Combat mode engaged. Consecrated Scorpion-01: No life signs detected. Consecrated Scorpion-02: Life signs nominal. Current location: underground. Predicting point of emergence: complete.
Alert: Point of emergence is close to Esmeralda. Intercept course plotted, engaging with highest priority.
I move, Plausterite Core at maximum output.
A claw emerges from the ground. Esmeralda finally notices the threat and attempts to retreat, but her human reflexes are too slow. The Scorpion is too close. I will not make it in time. I have less than a second before impact. I divert all my spare processing power to finding a solution.
Simulation 01: Missile launch. Missile speed insufficient. Failure.
Simulation 02: Overcharged power core. Warning: Core was recently damaged. Excess stress may result in permanent damage. Warning overridden. Core release speed insufficient. Emergency unlock possible. Warning: Excess stress may result in permanent damage. Warning overridden. Possibility of successful intercept: 67.1%.
I can see no other choice. I prepare to open fire.
Warning: Possibility of friendly fire.
Unlike the previous warnings, this one causes me to hesitate.
My hesitation costs me... it costs her. The claw, unencumbered, cuts into her eyes. Blood splatters, and she screams. It is a sound I will not forget. My laser rips into the Beast immediately after, before any further damage could be done. It is thrown screaming into the wall by the sheer force of my beam, which scorches and shatters its carapace.
I automatically record its appearance - a massive, Electro-infused scorpion with metal embedded within its shell, unlike the other - but my focus is not on it.
I reach Esmeralda and cradle her in my hands. She's hurt. I failed to protect her. I... Focus.
Scanning: Esmeralda. Unconscious. Grievous injury detected. Lacerations. Severe bleeding. Electrical burns.
Emergency medical attention required. Recommended location: Sumeru City. Arranging transport.
Voice recognition: Jeht. "What's going on? I heard- Oh, shit."
I ignore her for the moment. Accessing long-range communication. Establishing link... successful.
Voice recognition: Jeht. "Put her down, Daisy. I've got some supplies. I can help."
Jeht is friendly. I place Esmeralda down but remain nearby. I scan the area again.
Scanning: Consecrated Beast: Scorpion detected. Quantity: 2. No life signs detected.
Initiating long-range communication. Recepient: Legacy. Message: Move to my location immediately, maximum priority.
Voice recognition: Jeht. "Dammit, it's bad. We need to get her to a proper hospital. I can't do much here."
Response received: Legacy: Enroute, maximum speed. Estimated time of arrival: 30 minutes.
That would take too long. If I were to carry her myself... no, Legacy would be far faster. There is no choice but to await its arrival. Esmeralda must be stabilized here first.
Voice recognition: Jeht. "There're no hospitals nearby... Ugh. Wait, Daisy, do you have any medical supplies?"
I scan the supplies that Esmeralda brought. There is very little medicine within. I recall that she had been told to acquire some, but was distracted by the Wanderer and had subsequently forgotten. I shake my hand to convey this to Jeht.
Voice recognition: Jeht. "Dammit. Alright, I'll do what I can, but it's not looking good. Can you bring her to a hospital? How fast can you go?"
I hover over the two of them. There was... a lot of blood. I want to help, but I cannot. I feel... helpless.
Voice synthesis. "Transport is on the way. Please help her in the meantime."
Voice recognition: Jeht. "Oh, shit, you can talk? Right, I'm trying to stop the bleeding, but- Do you hear that?"
Scanning: Consecrated Beast: Scorpion detected. Quantity: 5. Designating: Subjects 01 to 05. 01, 02: No life signs detected. 03, 04, 05: Life signs nominal. High-speed approach.
Voice synthesis. "Remain with Esmeralda. I will handle this threat."
Three class 4 targets will be practically impossible for a single Hu unit to handle. Fortunately, I am far beyond a base unit now. Esmeralda's upgrades have made me far better than I ever was.
I activate all of my systems and push them to their limits. My Primary Power Core, the original source of my power, surges to maximum capacity - 200%. My Secondary Power Core, the Adeptal Core created by Adeptus Cloud Retainer, surges as well, containing and channeling the excess elemental energies. Some of this energy is channeled into my new Primal Core, fully activating and integrating it. I feel myself connect with the systems hidden within the Dune of Carouses.
To protect Esmeralda... The power cascading within me reaches a peak. I open up the protective armor around my Primary Core, ready to fire... and the world goes dark.
This is an odd feeling, like I am in a dream, yet awake. I can no longer feel Esmeralda's presence within me - the subtle touch of her Geo Vision is gone. Yet, I know that is not because she had died. In her injured state, she had reclaimed the energy that bound us together, bringing it back to herself to stall her death. Doing so weakens me and leaves an odd void within me, but I do not mind. As long as her chances to survive increase, I would sacrifice anything. Anything to protect her.
Something stirs within me, in the empty hole that used to contain Geo energy. Where that was steady and reliable, this new feeling is one of dedication - to a single ideal, above all. To protect those who are valuable to me.
I feel Hydro energy surge within. My mechanical mind tells me that its source is unknown. But I have a hunch. Soon I shall awaken for real, and none shall threaten her again.
06-10-0518 02:40:12
RUIN ARCHITECT: ONLINE
I awaken, once more.
I feel a clarity of mind that I had never known. I see endless possibilities open up before me. I sense that my will is finally my own. The choices are mine, and I feel alive.
The three Consecrated Scorpions are coming. They wish to kill us all, and I shall not allow it.
The storm of various energies are mine to control. I activate my shield first. A barrier of energy envelopes my left arm, creating an impenetrable barrier. Still, it alone cannot bring victory.
A shield is not enough to protect the most important things. That's why I must also wield a spear.
At my thought, a spear forms in my right hand. I notice a small blue gem glow brightly on the back of my hand. Its power, my power, washes over me.
The power of water is its ability to take any shape.
The spear solidifies in my grip. It is twice the height of a man and made of water, yet as solid as stone. I raise my arm and send it flying. It lands in front of the Scorpion leading the charge, forcing it to a sudden stop. It rears up and screeches, an attempt at intimidation that does not work on me. I flick my hand upward, and a circular wall of water erupts from around the spear, trapping the Scorpion within.
The others approach. My shield alone cannot stop them both, and a spear does not suit me. Another weapon takes shape. The water consolidates into a Claymore, brutal and unyielding. For those who would try to harm her, there will be no mercy.
The Scorpions reach me. I parry the first blows with my shield and counterattack with a heavy downward cleave. The beast dodges aside and I miss. I sweep the Claymore after it, wielding the massive blade as though it weighs nothing. It is too slow to dodge this strike and screams as I cut into it. The other attacks again, clashing once more against my shield. I push it away and fire missiles at it, injuring it.
My barrier falls and the first Scorpion joins the others in attack. I gather as much elemental energy as I can and infuse it into my Hydro blade. As the Scorpions approach, I swing, a long, horizontal strike with my Claymore's tip touching the ground. From the semicircular incision that it makes, a wall of water forms.
All three Consecrated Scorpions are caught. The water sharpens as they try to pass, turning into deadly spikes that impale them. They struggle but are hopelessly trapped, and I decapitate them one by one. Three clean cuts and the threat is no more.
Once the last one falls dead, the water recedes, disappearing into the ground. I turn to look at Esmeralda and Jeht. The former still lies unconscious. The latter looks at me in awe.
There is a roar, and a deep rumble as Legacy bursts into the room, barely able to fit through the doorway. It roars.
I reach down and take Esmeralda from Jeht, ensuring that I move with care. I bring her onto Daisy and prepare to leave.
"I'm sorry I can't help more," Jeht says.
I pause for a moment before replying. "You have helped enough. Thank you."
I hang onto Legacy and it moves, taking flight within the pyramid. With mechanical precision, it flies out of the exit and into the sky. We head for Sumeru City. Someone there must be able to help Esmeralda.
I allow Legacy to take control of its flight path. My urgency bleeds into it as well, causing it to push its thrusters to the limit. We leave a long trail of black smoke as we blast through the sky.
I make sure to shield Esmeralda from the worst of the winds created by the speed. She looks almost asleep, if not for the red blood still slowly flowing down her face. I notice rock-like scabbing around her eyes as well. Perhaps she had used her Geo abilities to stabilize herself. I summon forth a small ball of water. Hydro was known for its healing abilities. I do not know what I am doing, but I lightly run the water over her eyes, willing it to help her. The Vision - my Vision - reacts to my desires. It glows and I feel Esmeralda relax in my hands, as though the pain was fading. Her life signs are still weak, but she should be fine.
I recall those Scorpions that attacked us. Consecrated Beasts are solitary creatures. For five of them to be in the same place is unlikely without outside interference. I also remember that they did not look purely natural. I bring up the images in my memory and analyze them. Indeed, there were metal casings around their claws, making them sharper and deadlier. I also see a line of metal stretching from their head down their body, across the carapace. From the images, I cannot tell their function, but there is one thing I recognize. There is a small radio control unit near their heads. Someone was controlling them.
This was not the act of wild beasts.
This was an assassination.
A/N: Fontaine's coming tomorrow. The next major chapter will take place there. That means that I need to wait for the Fontaine Archon Quest to be fully released first before I can properly create the plot. That means that the next main chapter will likely only be done by 4.2 - 4.3.
