Chapter 20.

The Warriors of Mars begin.

The dreams were again enjoyable that night. I was back in that house on Mars, and the dream had more shape. The faces of two of my partners were revealed in Rias and Kuroka. They are a bit older and wear beautiful dresses that complement their hair and eyes. I can't see the others here. Nor the children who were playing around the house, as known from the noise. But the woman who was watching us last is now here in the room I'm in, which is the kitchen. It's Kate. Her face, for me, is pure love and regret. She and I looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Before finally she spoke to me. Like the real her.

"You're not how you used to look. I like the green Greg."

Her voice holds all our emotions from over a decade together. It hurts, and I show that. Kate does, too. Her brown eyes are filled with her sadness, her own longing for me. My red holds the same. We are there together, and I finally spoke.

"You're still as beautiful as the day I last saw you in person, Kat. Is this really you, or is this the warp fucking with me?"

She blushed at the pure honesty in my voice. She answered softly, showing me the side I once loved so much because it was ours.

"I am real. Greg. I don't know how I know that it's you, but it is. I have missed you so very much. I regretted that moment we last saw each other every single second after I told you it was over for us. When you got on your knees and begged to do anything to keep me. I almost said yes. I should have said yes."

It's her. No one knew that but me and her. I let tears fall.

"How are you here? Did you?"

Die was what she knew I was asking. She runs to me and hugs me while weeping. Kuroka and Rias are just watching us with the other unknowns. The past and the possible future. I hold Kate and whisper sweet nothings to her. It hurts because I have finally started moving on. She understands that, too.

"I didn't. I wanted to after they found you. They all thought you finally did the deed. Everyone knew you weren't doing well, Greg. They wept for days after, and your dad was extremely cruel to me. Calling me the bitch who broke his son's heart. Your mom slapped him and said that he didn't understand. That there were other things that you were going through, too, besides me. Did you do that? Kill yourself?"

I want to lie, but I never could with her.

"I didn't. I wanted to though. I had a rope that I kept hidden in my apartment. I never used it because of my brother. I saw how my mom was after he died, and each time I considered it, I remembered. I went to sleep one night and woke up in a new place. I'll tell you the story. I would never lie to you, and you know that. It's fantastical but true."

Kate was beyond happy to know I didn't kill myself. Horrified, I had considered it but was curious that I had a story. We sat at a table, just the two of us. I told her the story. She didn't believe me at first but listened as I told her what I had done. What I will do. She kept listening to me and had so many emotions throughout the story. Pride in me helping people I am completely different from. Anger that I lied to Akeno and continue to lie to her. Understanding came there when I explained Alex. She was jealous that I had two people chasing me. But also happiness because of how I earned that. When I shake, telling her I'm now a serial killer, she squeezes my hands and tells me I'm not. It's a lie, but it helps.

That I'm a noble son in this place makes her giggle and say I was that to her despite our reality. That I don't want multiple partners but must have them is sad for her. That my sin is wrath makes her say she knew that. I blinked rapidly there, and Kate said while holding my hands.

"You bottled that up. It was actually a red flag for me at the beginning. My mom warned me about you possibly unleashing that on me at the beginning, too. But as she and I got closer to you, we saw you never do that to me or anyone else. I know you had that day every three months when you just wanted to be alone, and that's when you released it. That you hated yourself for that and always controlled it made me admire you more. You would never hurt anyone that hadn't hurt others willingly and happily. I loved that you were like a knight of old despite your wrath."

I don't know how to feel about that. But Kate urged me to continue. So, I did. Kate was amazed that our hobby truly existed in another reality. As does the place where I ended up. She was horrified I would willingly give myself immortality. But I did that for others and not myself makes her squeeze me again. That I am a future king of a peerage of reincarnated devils makes her shake her head in amusement, but she looks over my shoulders.

"You have them now, people who see what I saw. I believe you, Greg. You are a good liar when you need to, but you, as you said, never could lie to me. I can't have you back. So please let me go. Be who you are to them. I'm okay with it after hearing about everything. Greg, you deserve to be happy again. Please let me go. This has helped me immensely with that."

I hate her asking me to do that totally. But I have already started doing that. I bury her forever now.

"I will do it for you."

Kate squeezed my hand again hard.

"Do it for yourself. I am not there, and you are not here. Let's make life better for both of us. I will talk to your mom and tell her you didn't commit suicide. She will believe me. She will believe anything but you doing that. Your dad is still pissed at me, but he's coming around to your mom's thinking."

That my dad thinks I did that hurts. As does my mom believing in anything that isn't suicide.

"What did they find of me?

Kate was silent, reminiscing about that. Before saying with new tears.

"That you just died suddenly. They found you three days later when I called the police. They found the rope, but you had no wounds indicating that. Despite the evidence, your dad took that path of thinking because it was easy. Your mom, however, insisted that you would never do that. Because of your friend in high school. Knowing you didn't do that makes me happy because your mom and dad can get that peace. I can use this dream to tell them. They always believed more in that sort of stuff."

They did. I wouldn't have, but knowing the warp is real, I can't discount it anymore.

"Tell them I didn't, and to prove it, tell them I hid my will in a small lock box at this P.O. Box. That way, my dad won't call you that again. Just don't tell them the fact that I'm where I am now."

I told her the number for the P.O. Box and the entrance code. My home brew forge world's Skitarii maniple. I had my version of me in the maniple when I role played. He might actually exist. Kate smiled in remembrance, and it is of happy days. When we role-played our other selves. I feel the dream coming to an end. As does she. I don't kiss her like I want to. It's clear she wants that, too. This is the clean break we needed, but I don't think I will see her again. The dream fades, and I hear something. Kate's face disappears last.

When I woke, I heard the sound. It was sleepy purrs. Kuroka was snuggling into my left side, and she was cute, just purring in her sleep. I heard a soft snore, and I blinked because that's not Kuroka's. I looked to my right, and it was Rias, also burrowing into me. I'm confused about why Kuroka was out in the open, but my sleep fog left, and I remembered yesterday. She's free. I did that. I remember something else.

Grayfia will be here at ten. I peek over Kuroka at my clock, and I see it's just eight. So, I just let them continue sleeping. I catch sight of Maéva watching Kuroka warily from the hallway outside the room since the door was left open. Her white-haired head peeks in, but seeing me awake and fine, she just goes off and doesn't appear again.

I let them sleep on until eight forty. Then I tried wiggling myself free of the two. That made both sleepers cutely whine, and I just continued to get out from them. They kept whining and Kuroka nyas three times, but I finally got out from between them. I tip-toed to the bathroom and locked the door, just in case, before starting my shower.

It's the most relaxing one I have had. Koriel has been silent most of the time, desperately trying to break the reader down in size. It's hard work because of the power requirements and because we are missing a few parts. She will keep trying but needs more time and will probably be silent for a while other than occasionally calling me a deadly troglodyte. I don't care because it's true. I was midway through the shower when I thought I heard something. I poked my head out and caught Kuroka trying to sneak in with Rias behind her at the door.

I shook my head at the two of them, who froze.

"Nice try. Go out and wait. We can talk after I'm done. The three of us equally. Go, or I will not be nice."

Kuroka sulked with her tails falling but quickly turned that around and smirked at me.

"I'll win eventually, nya. Come, Red, we can talk till then."

Rias frowned, but she pulled Kuroka by the tails into the bedroom, getting a yelp before shutting the door. Ten minutes later, I finished the shower and dressed before entering the bedroom. Rias was on the right side of the bed, and Kuroka was on the left. They weren't glaring at each other, but they didn't look friendly either. I sat at the foot of the bed with an equal distance between them, and we were silent for two minutes before Rias started this.

"We talked about this last night after you passed out and. We both want you. She and I have discussed this, especially with the rule, and we have reached a hard impasse."

That's not good.

"What is the issue?"

The two women watched each other briefly before both focused on me. Kuroka spoke softly.

"Kittens. Will equal apply to them too?"

Stupid nobility.

"I will say yes, but I understand there needs to be a clear Heir. I don't know how I will choose that."

Rias looked worried there. As did Kuroka. They and I just thought about this, but I offer something.

"When we get there, I have a few plans I have not shared with you yet, Rias. I'll keep you both in the loop now. I plan to create two companies: one for the underworld and one for the top side. They will help with this, and I think it will help settle the issue a bit. However, can we agree that Kuroka is the very likely second Rias?"

Rias looked Kuroka up and down. She was curious what I mean by the place. Kuroka knows what that is. Mars may become a feudal planet in governance. Rias finally spoke up.

"I will approve after I'm free. She and I are so different, yet she is fun, like you said. I like you, Kuroka. Despite how sudden this is, your honesty about him is like me, too."

Kuroka smiled there.

"I will help him with you, nya. I'm no longer bound by stray conventions, and I know the extremely bad ones. We will get you free faster, nya. If this pig Riser tries anything to dispute the out, then I will fight with our hero for you. You can make less deadly weapons for the game, nya?"

I nodded slightly.

"I can. I'll make you armor and a mask so you don't get too traumatized by me when I'm the Gorgan. I will Rias try not to pull another one like that again. I hated the crash. I am willing to let Koneko into the house to get back with Kuroka. But no, her here till I get the apology. Riser is not going to like me asI do think I have a potential Longinus. I have yet to find any limits on my gear, and I have many very interesting ideas. If Riser pushes it, then he will not like me and my wrath."

That got Rias incredibly happy with both of us. She smiled at Kuroka. I asked Rias how many times Riser has had a challenge.

Rias answered.

"He's only ever had a fight once that was not a cakewalk. That was against a good King named Hafter. That game Riser was demolished by the reincarnated there. It helped amplify his hate of them. Hafter is extremely strong and is also one of only ten reincarnated kings. He earned his way up and made the GKF hate him bitterly. He's apolitical and doesn't support the NKF. His only concern is getting stronger."

I have a plan. Challenge Riser's Phenex pride. Piss him off so royally that he doesn't think straight.

"I will try. Kuroka, when I return, I will do the ceremony for you and Kiryuu. Do you still want the house or here?"

Kuroka purrs and replies.

"Here with you. Sell the house for money and then convert it to Lilith nya. I'm ready to be with my forever king."

I will get the last of my stuff out of there and disconnect the teleporter. I tease Kuroka as I get up.

"I don't know. Maybe I should restrict you to a kitty house. After all, you did try that earlier."

Rias giggled at the tease while Kuroka huffed. She, however, wasn't going to hold back.

"Maybe I should sleep in here with you and Red nya. Imagine the fun we could have."

Rias got a slight nosebleed imagining said fun, and that sent us into chuckles. Rias composed herself quickly and mocked glared at us before joining. We went down the stairs, and when we hit the kitchen, I saw Kiryuu and Maéva. Kiryuu was in a book, and Maéva was using her mechadendrites to make food. She looked over her shoulder, and upon seeing the three of us, she just remained professional, handing out food to us.

"I have been told the cat's story, young master. I don't trust her."

It was blunt, like I encouraged, so I'm not mad. Neither is Kuroka.

"It's fair. He has tamed this kitty, nya."

Rias snorts and I reply with a smile smirk.

"Hardly. You're forever going to be the Bad Cat. I don't think I'll be able to tame Red, either. I like wild."

Kate let me go. So, I will too. It breaks the last chain there with the first flirting for Kuroka and Rias. Both beaming there while Kiryuu keeps reading. The two of my inner circle beam, and that makes Rias happy. Kuroka purrs, and that is the start of a good day.

We eat as one and fall into a good routine of teasing each other. Maéva still watches Kuroka, but not as diligently. It's that scene that Grayfia enters in on. She announces her presence by jacking up her power, making everyone jump. Kiryuu almost faints from the pressure, but Maéva keeps her up with her mechadendrites. The rest of us just shake. Grayfia asked.

"Are you ready, Gregor, and what are those things on your back maid?"

Maéva answered the second question immediately.

"They are called mechadendrites, Lady Lucifuge! The young master made them for me! They have helped increase my productivity!"

That was babbled out. I turned to Grayfia, and she was in her getup again. Her eyes were watching the extra hands. I immediately answered the first question.

"Yes Lady Lucifuge!"

Grayfia gestured to me to follow. I do, and I left my food there. Rias bid me goodbye.

"Good luck, Gregor-kun."

As we entered the main hall, Grayfia led me out of the house. It's there that I saw the outside for the first time. The grounds are well maintained and not too big. We walked down the path towards a section of trees that was more than enough to hide portals. The trees are next to the red brick wall that surrounds the property. There's a gate near the trees made of solid steel, and Grayfia opened her inquiry.

"You made that. You have learned your gear?"

I nodded profusely.

"Yes. My gear builds things, I imagine Lady Lucifuge. Like my gun and armor, the packs, and I believe more. I'm calling it the Standard Template Constructor. Or STC."

Grayfia is interested. She seems to think of something. Before answering, we hit the trees.

"I would like to see it. This is the first I've heard of gear that makes permanent items usable by others. What else can you build?"

I smile smirk, which annoys and amuses Grayfia. When we enter the trees, she opens the portal to where we are going.

Once through the portal, we exited into a room filled with machines and another person. A man wearing a lab coat. He turned to the sound of Grayfia's heels, and when he turned to face us. He froze seeing me. I recognize who this is. It's a very famous person.

Nikola Tesla. By the Machine God, I'm in the presence of a genius! He's wearing his black hair short and well-groomed. His mustache is also well-groomed and shines. Grayfia spoke to him with a small smile.

"Nikola. I'd like you to meet Gregor. You should know who this is by the hair."

Nikola just looked at me up and down. Then, he grew incredibly still. I studied him, and he was a reincarnated bishop, a mutation one, he whispered.

"Alex. Is that you?"

Grayfia, however, corrects him.

"He goes by Gregor now. Because of the incident. He lost his memories of most things."

Nikola had looked at me at the beginning with such joy and happiness that the second part was horrible. When he heard the memories, he looked at me with pity and sadness. Before, he replied with true sorrow.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that you lost those. I won't say that name again. I understand why you probably did that."

I can't believe I'm in front of Nikola Tesla, I say to him, awe-struck.

"It's alright. Someone else has already referred to me by that name, and you seem like you knew me before. You're welcome to call me that. Were we close, and are you my dad's bishop?"

Nikola looked extremely happy there. He replied with a big smile.

"We were. I am your uncle Nikola. Yes I am. We in the peerage have been in the mud since we learned you were, as we were told by Ajuka, dead. That you are not is a miracle. Why didn't you tell me, Grayfia? Was our friendship nothing!"

He was extremely angry there. He actually powered up, and lightning formed on his hand. He must have been my favorite uncle as Grayfia answered.

"Because he has lost his memories completely, as I said, Nikola. Ajuka didn't train him for this. You would immediately assume this, and with his inexperience, the nobles would rip him apart. It wasn't malicious."

That stopped Nikola as he depowered.

"Juka wanted to start that this year. Why he and his wife were returning to Japan. They planned to enter the underworld, and Juka would reincarnate his wife and then pass off his son as a pureblood. There was always enough demonic power there to sell the story. He wanted his son to grow up free from the animals they are. I'm so sorry Alex. We have tried desperately to contact him after the news was broken to us by a quick phone call. He has hidden away so deeply, and well even we can't find him."

So that's another reason why they were over here. Ajuka wanted to give me a childhood and not hide the truth in shame but because he knew the odds of me being accepted. Which I have destroyed. I feel horrible there. Grayfia pats my back in reassurance. Nikola continues to be sad before he brightens immediately.

"He's here for the set! That's how you will draw Juka out! That's genius, Grayfia! He has sensors at each of his holes, telling him the demonic signature of the person attuned!"

Nikola was ready to do a jig. Grayfia was amused, and she smiled slightly.

"Battlefield promotion. Gregor has killed many strays of an unsavory nature. He has a title from it, and with the ritual that kept him hidden, he is beyond the point for a set. Thus, why we were here along with the original reason there. I read the list of the strays, and they are impressive. Now, let's get this done, Niko. I want to see the grump again. As does my husband and Millicas."

Nikola grew a wider eye at the words. He looked at me with hope and pride as he went into the devil high. That's getting easier and easier to see. After it was done, he moved with vigor and gestured to us to follow. Grayfia is amused but pushes me forward. The three of us travel together down several hallways covered in wires and humming with machines. I'm looking at everything in awe because this is science. Real devil science, and that doesn't even describe a percentage of what the machines do. We pass by windows that show a room with many more wires and machines at the foot of something.

We climbed upstairs, and Nikola beamed at me, seeing my open curiosity. He says as we pass by a room that hums with electricity.

"You always liked science, Alex. Many would have been angry to learn that the gift of toys given to a child was ripped open and messed with. Not Juka and the rest of us. Your mother was always calling you her little scientist. You are still interested in that?"

I smiled real there.

"I am. I planned to go to school for an engineering degree. Now, I want to learn about the universe forever. I have ideas that will shake everything we know and accept. They sound like a dream, but I can see them becoming reality. Would you like to see my gear, Fia?"

Nikola widens his eyes when he hears that. He studies me over his shoulder, and his eyes widen even further. Grayfia just pulls my ear, making me eep. She answers while pulling me down the hall.

"Grayfia for now, Gregor, and yes, I would love to see it. Did Ajuka and or anyone else ever feel it, Nikola?"

We continue down the hall, and my ear and head hurt from being pulled. Nikola shook his head.

"Never. We never felt it. But given what we know of gear, that's not surprising. It usually manifests during…"

I answered after the awkward silence.

"Extreme moments of significant feelings. I didn't know about it until Grayfia and my cousin informed me. I have run experiments on it and got this ring to appear, but not much else. Please let me go. I'll be good."

Grayfia does. Nikola looked grateful I finished his thoughts. He's kinda scatterbrained. Given he's a genius, it's understandable. Genius and madness are two sides of the same coin. Just depends on what side you land on. We entered a room that contained more machines with a door to the left and a window that showed Ajuka and his Magnum Opus. The machine to make the evil piece system. Nikola immediately went to a cabinet of things and as he's doing that Grayfia asked me.

"Show me the gear? I'm interested in this because I want to know how it enables you to make things."

I prepare myself, and Koriel hides. When she's ready, I summon the anvil. It appears, and Grayfia takes mental notes of it. Before her eyes widen to saucer plates, she shakes. I have never seen that. I think I know why. Nikola returns with a chess set, and upon seeing the anvil, his eyes also widen to saucer plates, and his mouth drops to the floor. Before returning, he says in awe.

"A Longinus. This is a Longinus! How by science did we miss this!"

The cat is out of the bag more now than ever. Grayfia shakes still. Before, she grew incredibly excited. This excitement broke her mask and revealed something: a very eager woman who is relaxed.

"It truly is by the Morning Star. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. A Longinus in devil hands directly. This will do so much. Show me how it works!"

That last part was a girly squealing that was extremely loud and high-pitched. Nikola just watched the anvil while putting his free hand to his ear. I heard a banshee scream while hunting, so this is nothing. The banshee had been a mutation pawn. I now ask.

"Sword or something else?"

Grayfia looks like she wants to drool. Nikola answered after the squeal was done.

"A sword."

I picked up the hammer and envisioned a power sword. The light blinded the two devils. Before it faded, I picked up a Mars-pattern power sword and showed it to them.

"I call this a power sword. Here's why."

I hit the button, and the sword cracks as lightning travels up the blade. Nikola looks like he is in love with the sword. A sword-wielding bishop. That's funny. Grayfia is salivating, and I wish I could take pictures here. Nikola does. A snap is heard, and he shows me why he was and is now my favorite uncle. He said while Grayfia was in her stupor.

"I'll share this with you, Alex. It doesn't happen often, and you learn fast to do it when it does. Let me get the set into the machine. I would like to hold the sword after if that's possible."

I smiled real there and I tell my favorite uncle giving me blackmail and Grayfia who is still drooling at the possibility of this.

"I can share them freely. But I can will them away when not in use or needed. Thanks, Uncle Nikola."

The man beams and begins setting the chess set in the machine slot. He quickly does that before he closes the hatch, starting the machine. It and the nearby room hum to life, and that breaks Grayfia out of her stupor. Nikola returns to us, and I turn off the sword before handing it to him. He gently takes it.

Grayfia immediately returned to her hard-ass maid personality. But we saw the truth, so we enjoyed the secret victory. No more scaring me with your presence! As the machine continues its work, Nikola swings the sword and is definitely in love with it. The lightning makes him the happiest mad lad genius ever, Grayfia asked me.

"These mechadendrites? How do you control them? I'm interested because the house looked incredibly well maintained, yet I saw that the TV in the kitchen was well used, meaning that the girl has been watching too much."

I smile and see my first strike on my conservative star mother.

"It's controlled by what I call a mind impulse unit, or MIU. It's a neural connection that allows you to control the many limbs like natural ones all in sync. I can make one for you as a thank you for being my starmother."

Grayfia didn't understand everything there. But Nikola did. He stopped swinging the sword and begged to see the thing. Grayfia beams at me when she realizes the offer and the trust here. She flashes a bright smile and nods. I swing the hammer and make the MIU before asking her to turn around. She does, and I warn her of the slight pain as it connects to her spine. She doesn't eeep as Nikola watched in amazement. I make the pack and then hand it to Grayfia. Then gave the tips, and once it connected, Grayfia began moving the limbs almost perfectly. Nikola then asked.

"May I also have one? This will save me so much work on my experiments. This could revolutionize how we do work in the underworld! You have more ideas you said! Tell me another Alex! I knew I was right about you and will make Curie kiss my ass! My nephew is an engineer!"

Curie. Don't tell me my dad filled his peerage with scientific minds. But given that he's the man in the picture for scientific research in the underworld, that makes sense. I tell Nikola while Grayfia is looking at the arms in awe.

"Of course. I have an idea for a power generator. I don't remember you, but I want to know the past as much as the future. I just don't want to deny who I am. I know that screws with his plan, but they matter too."

Nikola looked at me extremely happily and proudly. He reached out to my hand that was not holding the hammer and held it, squeezing it tightly.

"You were always like that. Proud to help others. I didn't think you could hide that forever from them. But this tells me you're going to make them angry."

I say it as a way to bond with him and Grayfia.

"Fuck the nobles. You're a genius, Uncle Nikola. I want to be like you and Dad."

That made Nikola laugh loudly. I got whacked by three hands from Grayfia. The smile in her voice tells me it's fondness growing.

"No cursing in my presence. It seems I won't get rid of that in you, but I am starting to see the charm. I get why you offered this to Sirzches last night. With this new knowledge of a Longinus, we could push Rias's parents to drop the contract immediately. It would save you trouble and work. Do you want me to mention that to them?"

A way out. No more killing. No more mask for a bit. I am silent on this. Grayfia waits, and I finally say for them.

"No. Mention it when I break the contract the right way less scandal for her and the Gremory's. The big reveal could help the NKF more than ever to hit alongside the new development. I said I wouldn't get Rias into trouble and that I'd learn to be a noble. True nobles honor their words and oaths. Hard work earns more accolades than easy jumps to power. I want Riser to challenge me. For other reasons besides bullying Rias."

Wrath shows at the end. Nikola looks more proudly than ever at me. His eyes closed with a gigawatt grin. Grayfia entered my vision, and she was smiling too. Putting a real hand to my face.

"A good man. I won't say anything of this except to Sirzches. You are a good star despite how troublesome you are. I'm proud of you. You will make Rias safer than ever. You have my full approval."

I take that as I am not going to take handouts easily. I make Nikola the MIU and then pack while the machine does its work. Nikola immediately starts using his new hands, and Grayfia just imagines what she can do with them. After two hours of waiting, the machine stopped making massive noises. My version of this will be the reader. I will credit Koriel Zeth at the very top of the list. Nikola opened the door to the room, and we entered.

The central object in the room is a massive machine with a stone in the middle. Across the walkway at the end was a hand scanner and a slot opening. I am ready to get my set. Nikola says as we approach the machine.

"It's almost done. Just scan your hand, and then the machine will measure you and make the final determination on what pieces you get along with attuning them properly. I don't think I have to ask this, but don't abuse your pieces. It's a symbiotic bond and not what the shits try and force it to be. I'm right, Fia, so don't hit me. Ajuka has tried to tell them this for centuries, but I have a good feeling about my nephew."

I replied.

"I will never do that. They are trusting me with everything. I will be a real king. Tell me what to do."

Nikola does. I put my hand on the scanner, and the machine reads me. I feel like it's reading my soul. It scanned me, and I didn't remove the hand until it stopped scanning twenty minutes later. It beeps, and then the machine whirls and whines before it starts whirling louder. We waited, and finally, it let out a loud toot and boom before something dropped into the slot. I stand back and let the slot extend itself.

Fifteen pieces. All white. I immediately saw that I had several mutation pieces: my queen, bishop, rook, and three pawns. The rest are normal. The six mutation pieces are shown by slight cracks on the pieces showing black under the white shell. Grayfia is impressed, as is Nikola. I know Xenovia had a similar number of mutation pieces for her ultra-powerhouse peerage. I listen to Nikola say in a bit of excitement.

"You may take it. An impressive number of mutations there. The most I ever saw was with Sirzches. Then Ajuka. This is higher than normal. Given the Longinus and Ajuka, that makes sense. I hope you get the people you're looking for."

I smile at him.

"I have two already. A queen and a bishop. I think she will get the regular one. I have a possible idea for the mutation one. Everything else is up for grabs."

Grayfia nodded and smiled.

"You're definitely going to shake up the underworld. I can tell you will. Let's go. Thank you, Nikola. Ajuka is lucky to have you."

Nikola barks out laughing.

"Damn right, he is! I refined the machine further when I was brought in. I get to spit on that jackass Edison! That bastard screwed with the topside, and I will get my vengeance on him eventually!"

Yeah fuck Edison! My uncle is better! Koriel doesn't know who Edison is but takes the interruption. Grayfia whacked Nikola softly, indicating this was extremely common. They seem to be good friends.

"You are a foul-mouthed man. Set a better example for your nephew Nikola."

Nikola scoffed there.

"Nah, he will be fun at parties. I will try to visit you sometime, Alex, but I'm the one running the machine now, so I'm ultra busy. I'll introduce you to the others again. Curie is the only one still here. The rest of us are looking for Ajuka. He should know now or soon, but please try with him. He's wonderful to us, and he was when we got the call broken. He and your mom love you very deeply."

That will be rough, but I'll cross that bridge when he shows up. I thank my uncle.

"The stuff is permanent, Uncle Nikola. Just don't use the sword yet. It's brutal, like all the weapons I make. I think it's my wrath there."

Nikola smiled and just shook his head.

"We all knew that was it. But thank you for trusting me again. I won't. I'll just watch the current."

That revealed something that made me sweat drop. He's an electro maniac. Grayfia laughs softly and helps me pack the set up. Teaching me the ritual on how to do reincarnation. I learned that you can use different words on how you do the deed. When I ask how I will reincarnate, Kuroka Grayfia tells me it will be painful. I have to remove the prior pieces by another ritual. Usually, when a stray dies, the piece returns to the king automatically. But sometimes, a stray returns to their king reluctantly. A very cruel GKF king had found a way to make an example of the stray by violently removing their piece. I will have to do that to get her the new piece. I'm sick hearing that. Nikola is just sad.

"It's why we hid as much of the system as possible. To make this not happen. This got out because of a terrible mistake when Robert got drunk and was spoken to by a GKF member. Robert has always had a drinking problem, and they exploited that. When he drinks now he's in a special room we built for him. He used to drink because it was relaxing for him. Now he drinks because of the shame he did that to others like us. He will only do research to destroy that ritual completely as his redemption."

Holy shit. I have to do that to my Bad Cat. She probably knows this. Yet still asked me to do this. I hurt there. Grayfia hugged me reassuringly. Nikola looked down, too. I ask you to move us past this.

"Are you all famous scientists and inventors?"

Nikola brightened and replied.

"We are. Curie is Marie Curie. Robert is Robert Fulton. I'm the best of them, and the others are all that. We were only missing a queen, and that was for your mother. She and Ajuka got together because she wanted to become a famous doctor. Her work was incredibly good, and Ajuka initially wanted to be her patron. Then they began talking and slowly fell in love. She didn't care he was the Lord of Flies. Nor he that she was from the Clans. They were the greatest thing together, and when you came along, it made them and us the happiest we had ever been. It's traditional for the father to choose the star mother and the mother to choose the star father. I almost had it, but your mom always liked Sirzches better and well."

Grayfia broke in there.

"It was Ajuka who encouraged me to go for Sirzches. We were childhood friends before the Civil War. I will never regret that day I did the deed. I want the grouch found because I miss him and his snark. You are very much like him there, too. He was private before about everything but grew more so because of how his mother died three years after Diodora. He never did get over it entirely. Let's get your queen her piece. I still disapprove of her, but she is no longer a criminal. Just make sure Rias is the controlling wife."

That was a threat there. Nikola shakes his head and interrupts me.

"The lad won't do that, Fia. I can tell. He will treat his family well regardless of the expectations. That's shit anyway, and is the crap they have been spewing on the kids. He will treat them all equally."

Wow, Nikola. Get a soapbox and preach there. Grayfia just looked unimpressed by Nikola. But I need to help Kuroka. So quickly, I gave Nikola my phone number, and me his. It's still a shock that I have that. Grayfia let that finish before she opened her portal, and I prepared to step through, waving goodbye and then passing through.

At the trees, I wanted to run to the house but didn't. I walked slowly and calmly while Grayfia began explaining the ritual. I had to dig the pieces out and then rapidly do the counter ritual. I wanted to practice, so I would reincarnate Kiryuu first.

We enter the house, and no one is in the kitchen. The house is quiet except for the sound of an iron being used. I followed the sound, as did Grayfia. We find Maéva doing five tasks at once, and Grayfia is impressed because it was done correctly. Maéva jumped when she finally saw us after humming her very church-like hymns. She blushed, then stood ramrod straight. Grayfia just asked.

"The others?"

The kick-ass maid looked at my weird washing machine and dryer while Maéva answered, still ramrod straight.

"The young lady Kiryuu is busy reading in the Library. The cat is busy sleeping. Lady Gremory left soon after the young master did."

Typical Kuroka. I can't blame her there; the beds are soft. I will find Kiryuu, and I thank Maéva, as did Grayfia. Maéva immediately went back to her work, and Grayfia was taking notes. She had thrown her pack in a pocket spell. We then went to find Kiryuu.

The good-sized scouter was deeply engrossed in a very thick book at one of the tables in the Library. I approached her and coughed gently. That didn't get her attention. I think I know what her sins are very likely to be. But which will win? I coughed louder. No reaction. I then tapped her gently on the shoulder. That finally got a reaction. Kiryuu apologized as she looked up and saw me.

"I'm sorry, Gregor-kun. I was reading a fascinating book on ice magic, and I want to use that with my gear. Did you get the set?"

I brought out the set and unfolded the board. The pieces stayed there, and I reached for my regular bishop. Kiryuu was ready, and Grayfia left the room. She told me that the ceremony was considered like a private baptism. I told Kiryuu with my words.

"I, Gregor Astaroth, give you a new purpose. I, as your king, give you this gift. I ask for your loyalty and support. I ask that you further myself and my peerage. But I now say a new thing."

It seems Kiryuu had been described the ritual, but not this way.

"I ask that despite what you become, you fight for the future of our world for every being on it regardless of origins. That you become like I, the defender of humanity. I ask that you know no fear in the face of the odds. Will you accept these requests?"

Kiryuu thought through everything. Her eyes study mine. Before she, after thinking through everything, says.

"I will do so on all requests."

That led me to begin putting the bishop near her chest before I finished my Oath of Moment with her.

"Then I reincarnate you as my servant. Live for humanity and not me. So do I say."

I inserted the piece in Kiryuu's chest gently. It slides in easily, and Kiryuu froze completely, which is normal. I withdrew from her, and after three minutes, she moved again. She extended her wings, which were silver like mine instead of black. I then say to her.

"Welcome to the Warriors of Mars, our peerage name. I now say to you that you are welcome to slap me if I do something that angers you badly. I swear to you as your king to treat you with respect. Your goals are my goals. You're never going to be forced to do something that you don't want to do. My bishop."

Kiryuu was happier than ever before. She looked at her wings in awe and answered while she practiced flapping them.

"I believe you utterly. My hero and now my king who was honest to me up front. I know you won't do what others would do. But why that name for us?"

I smile.

"Because I want to get us there in a decade at least. My gear can do things Kiryuu-chan that will surprise you. I'll tell you more about it today and tomorrow. Now I must do something not fun. Please don't follow or watch it."

Kiryuu looked curiously there, but she agreed, and I prepared to find Kuroka.

She was in a room next to mine, sleeping on the bed in the room that was covered by black sheets. In a corner is her Xbox. Kuroka was snoring her snot bubbles. I gently poked her as Grayfia watched with amusement. Kuroka woke up slowly, and upon seeing me, she nyas and then got up. I tell her with a grim smile.

"I have the set and know what we must do. I'm sorry for what will happen to you."

Kuroka nods immediately, and she grows grim. Her tails wrapped around my hand.

"I know it will hurt. I'm ready, nya."

She lay on the bed, and Grayfia brings out a weird-looking knife. It's jagged and cruel-looking. Kuroka shakes upon seeing it, and I do, too, a little bit because it feels wrong. Like it had done many evils. I reluctantly take the knife, preparing for the screams. Grayfia deafening the area around the bed so we don't disturb everyone else. I then prepared to make the cuts with the knife. Putting the blade end next to where the pieces are. That second, the blade touched skin that started the screams. Kuroka's face takes on the pain and its extreme. We made sure she was strapped down beforehand. I cut through the skin in precision as Grayfia led me through it. I finally see the hated pieces in her body ten minutes later. Each cut increases the screams. I hurt every second I do this. But I finally extracted the two bishops. They are breaking down with several bits sticking to my hands, and upon entering the air outside, they crumble into dust.

I quickly healed the wound, and immediately, Kuroka started hyperventilating. She thrashed, and her tails wiggled in sudden, rapid jerks. I shoved my queen piece into her now-shaking self, saying fast.

"I Gregor Astaroth give you new purpose. I, as your king, give you this gift. I ask for your loyalty and support. I ask that you further myself and my peerage. But I now say a new thing. I ask that, despite what you become, you fight for the future of our world. For every being on it, regardless of origin. That you become like I, the defender of humanity. I ask that you know no fear in the face of the odds. Will you accept these requests?"

Kuroka screams more but replies.

"I will do so on all requests!"

I finished this and then said fast because a lump of black appeared on Kuroka's face and other places. Ultra-fast.

"Then I reincarnate you as my servant. Live for humanity and not me. So do I say!"

The mutation immediately went away, as I said. Kuroka finally stopped screaming, and the queen did its work. Kuroka, I realized, had the failing pieces affecting her badly. Her skin became healthier. I thought she was just that pale. Her hair is more beautiful and luscious now, whereas before, it was greasy. I looked at that in awe. My cat was whimpering out many pained nyas, and I hated that sound. I want the real ones. Not this. I start squeezing her hand, and I say for her in a whisper because I can say it now with no regrets.

"I love you. My brave cat."

Her eyes, which had been shut, now opened a sliver hearing that. She purred reluctantly for me. But she was so brave, and I mean the words. Grayfia didn't hear that. She was still mulling over the ritual words she had heard that chose. I squeezed Kuroka's hand, and I promised things with her via my eyes. My unconditional support. My dedication to her dreams. A place where we are completely safe. She understands the unspoken promises. That made the purrs more, and as she slowly started recovering, I wouldn't leave her easily. Or ever again. Grayfia watched this moment and embraced her romantic side here. Before she started undoing the straps. Kuroka was slowly getting up, and her face was now very healthy.

I want her to be happy forever more, and I whisper again for her.

"I will break your piece. I don't care if I lose the mutation queen. I want you free. Never be afraid to break my limbs if I abuse you. I want my queen to be happy and safe forever. This I swear."

Kuroka was just happy to know I still meant to get what she wanted: freedom from the system. She nuzzled me, and she spoke softly.

"You will. But till then, I'm the happiest I have ever been with you, my king of kindness, nya. My Red King of Mars."

Grayfia had left sometime while we talked. But I need to thank her for this. Kuroka still hurts, but I have a machine in the hospital ward that can help. So, I gently lead Kuroka out of her room and down the stairs to the basement. Grayfia had been in the kitchen with Maéva as the two maids discussed mechadendrites. The two were so deep in their conversation that they didn't notice us. I told Kuroka I would build us a place on Olympus Mons. All for ourselves and no one else will get the tallest mountain on the world. Kuroka purrs, hearing my plan. When we hit the basement, I led my cat to the wing and gently set her on a bed for rejuvenation treatments. I started the machine immediately, and the purrs became extremely loud and relaxed. The bed does its work. Kiryuu had seen us going downstairs and had followed us because she spoke up from the door.

"What is all this stuff?"

I turned and said with a smile while the purrs grew louder.

"A medical wing for us. It's better than most things on our planet right now. I made this with my gear."

Kiryuu had her wings out still, and her glasses were slightly leaning forward. She was looking at everything in awe, especially the bed Kuroka was on. But I finally introduced them to each other properly.

"Kiryuu-chan, this is my queen Kuroka. Kuroka, this is my bishop Kiryuu."

The two looked at each other. Kuroka was enjoying the bed while Kiryuu saw how close we were, she said with a smile.

"You work fast, Gregor-kun. But I can't say anything there because she's hot."

That got a belly laugh from Kuroka, and I smiled and spoke.

"Damn right, she is. But I like the person beneath more. Now Kiryuu-chan. What sort of weapon would you like? You said you don't want to do melee and would prefer to be in the back. I have many options."

Kiryuu looked interested there, and she replied.

"What are the choices? I want to embrace ice magic fully. When I was talking with Akeno-senpai, I seemed to understand it instinctively. I'm guessing it's part of my gear, but being a one-trick pony isn't good, so I want a bit more range."

I explain to her the choices.

"I got the bolter, but you probably don't want that. Then I got what's called a las pistol and a plasma pistol. However, that one can overheat and explode if you fire it too much."

Kiryuu blinked. She looked at me as if I had grown three heads. Kuroka was interested in laser guns and plasma guns. She hadn't known that. But now she looked at me and understood more that we had serious advantages. Kiryuu finally blustered out.

"Laser gun? Plasma gun? The supernatural have those?"

I smile and shake my head.

"They don't. We do. I will tell you of a place, Kiryuu, set in the grim darkness of the far future. It's real, and now we have the technology of those dark times here in the third millennium. Where they were in the forty-second millennium. Our fight is against more than strays. We are the defenders of humanity, and we shall Know No Fear. Now or forevermore."