The first step would be to acquire the IP address. Luca remembered the login codes, but he needed the IP. From what he had studied about this world, the presence of Tinkers made it incredibly tough to keep things anonymous as a mundane person. However, organizations like Toybox made it way easier at the same time. He wouldn't be surprised if his father had used some tinker tech to keep his resources hidden. Locating the IP address would be the trickier part, more so than logging in.

He had a hunch, but he was sure it wouldn't work. Still, just to clear his doubts, he turned on his computer and Googled,

[Kiritsugu Emiya Thompson Contender.]

A lot of results came up, which was surprising. He knew better than to open the links on his own computer. From what he had read about Tinkers, it was better to overestimate them rather than underestimate them.

He decided he could look up the information at the library. Since he was meeting Taylor on Saturday to work on their homework, he could go early and search for what he needed. With that decided, he turned off the computer and headed for dinner.

"You know, for someone who can take down four people in a single breath, it's something to see you with a hurt face," his mother teased.

His mother had chewed through the principal when she found out her son was hurt. Luca knew she understood he was more than capable of taking care of himself, but still, she worried.

"It's fine, Mom. I can heal it in a second."

While Miyu observed the interaction between her new mother and brother, still clutching onto her 8th grade book.

Right in front of Elza's eyes, Luca's cut acquired a silver gleam before returning to normal, leaving no trace of the injury.

Elza leaned on the table, sighing heavily.

"I gotta say, magic is bullshit," she muttered.

"Language," Luca chided gently.

All Elza could do was open her mouth in an 'O' of surprise. She realized she needed to watch her language more carefully now that she had an impressionable twelve-year-old daughter. She missed out on raising Luca, but she was determined to make up for it with Miyu.

"So, mind telling me what happened?" Elza asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Well, there were these three girls who were bullying my project partner," Luca explained calmly. "I intervened, and one of them tried to punch me. I managed to turn the situation to our advantage." Luca scratched the back of his head nervously, sensing his mother's eyes twinkling and her lips curling upwards. He couldn't shake off the growing sense of dread.

"Ahh, my son, already playing the knight in shining armor for some damsel in distress," Elza remarked with amusement, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Miyu suddenly perked up, her gaze fixed on her brother. Luca felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, caught between his sister's sharp scrutiny and his mother's playful teasing. He sensed he was navigating a minefield.

To immediately dispel any notions, Luca raised his hands hurriedly.

"Nothing like that," he asserted. "I don't think she even wants to talk to me, so there's nothing going on there."

"Mhmm," Elza responded, while Miyu simply returned to her book.

"So, what's the plan for the weekend?" Elza asked casually.

"Nothing much, I have to go to the library to look up some things Dad left behind in this world, and also meet up with Taylor regarding the assignment," Luca replied matter-of-factly. He paused abruptly when he noticed a predatory grin spreading across his mother's face, and Miyu's expression turning sharp.

"Well then, if I'm not needed, I'll get started with dinner," Luca said quickly, rushing towards the kitchen to avoid any potential probing questions.

The next day, Luca arrived at the library early, determined to conduct his research without drawing any attention. He chose the most secluded computer in the corner, where he could both avoid prying eyes and keep track of anyone entering or leaving the library. Settling into the chair, he turned on the computer and waited for it to boot up, the soft hum of the machine blending with the quiet rustle of pages and whispers in the background.

As soon as the computer was ready, Luca opened the browser and typed in his query:

[Kiritsugu Emiya Thompson Contender.]

The search results loaded quickly, and he clicked on the first link, which led him to a page on PHO, the Parahumans Online forum.

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Topic: Boogyman's Gun

In: Boards ► Global ► BREAKING NEWS ►Lung's new collectible

Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in The Known)

Posted On Sep 11th 2005:

I am bringing something Spicy, Lung, yes the Brockton Bay Lung has acquired the infamous Thompson Contender of the Parahuman Killer, Kiritsugu Emiya in a black market auction. I know it is surprising but I guess even Lung fancy himself as a collector. Though sadly it would seem that the infamous gun which fired a single bullet used to hunt down it's prey would never get to see action again.

Luca frowned as he read through the posts. The idea of his father's iconic weapon being reduced to a collectible in the hands of some local warlord was disheartening, if not infuriating. The Thompson Contender was more than just a gun; it was a symbol of Kiritsugu Emiya's determination and skill. It seemed almost sacrilegious for it to be in the hands of someone who didn't understand its true significance.

Scrolling further, he found some posts discussing the possible locations where the gun might be stored, apparently in one of his illegal casinos. Based on the information, it seemed like he wouldn't have to leave the city, which was a small relief. At least he wouldn't be venturing into completely unknown territory.

Luca made a mental note of the areas mentioned and bookmarked the relevant threads. He could scout these locations in the evening.

Luca made a mental note of the areas mentioned and bookmarked the relevant threads. He could scout these locations in the evening. From the corner of his eye, he saw Taylor enter the library. Closing the browser, he stood up, signaling her to where he was. This time, she approached him with more confidence, not shying her eyes away.

Once Taylor reached his seat, Luca sat back down, followed by her taking the seat next to him. The library's quiet atmosphere provided a calm backdrop as they settled into their study session.

From what he knew, exchanging pleasantries wasn't something he typically did. Taylor would probably appreciate getting straight to the point. Without wasting any time, they both dove into their study session. Luca took out his notes from his bag, and Taylor did the same.

Throughout the process of comparing notes and compiling their final document, Luca noticed Taylor glancing at the dressing over his cheek. He had decided to wear the patch for pretense purposes, knowing it might draw attention if his injury suddenly healed. He understood that she wanted to ask about it but didn't know if she should. He also sensed skepticism from her throughout their discussion, realizing she wasn't one to easily trust people.

"It doesn't hurt," he stated. That caught Taylor by surprise.

Realizing what he meant, Taylor nodded, and they dove back into the assignment with renewed focus. The steady rhythm of their work created a comfortable silence between them, filled only by the occasional rustle of papers and the quiet tapping of keyboards.

An hour later, they finally wrapped up their work. Taylor leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Well, that's that," she said, a hint of relief in her voice.

"Guess that's it for today," Luca replied, getting up from his seat. "See you in class, Taylor."

Taylor looked at him, a bit surprised. She opened her mouth to speak but then hesitated, closing it again. Gathering her thoughts, she finally said, "See you in class, Luca."

With their pleasantries exchanged, they both headed out of the library.

Taylor found herself wrestling with conflicting thoughts as she reflected on her interactions with Luca throughout the day. Despite her initial skepticism, she couldn't deny that he had been nothing but respectful and understanding during their assignment. He seemed to have quickly grasped the kind of person she was and adjusted his behavior accordingly, which was a rarity in her experience.

As she pondered further, Taylor acknowledged that Luca didn't fit the typical teenage stereotype she was accustomed to encountering. He wasn't lecherous or aggressive like some boys she had encountered, nor did he exhibit any signs of being involved in criminal activities. In fact, he appeared remarkably mature for his age, displaying a level of consideration and focus that intrigued her.

However, Taylor reminded herself not to jump to conclusions based on a few interactions. People were often adept at hiding their true intentions, and she was determined to maintain her vigilance. She resolved to observe Luca more closely,

Taylor repeated to herself that her scrutiny of Luca was purely objective, not influenced by the fact that he had taken a blow meant for her earlier in the day. And she is definitely not keeping him under observation because of his good looks.

It was midnight, and Luca prepared himself for his exploration. Closing his eyes, he focused his mind, imagining an outfit that would help him blend into the shadows of the night. Drawing upon Archer's memories, he recalled snippets of armor worn by his father, Kiritsugu Emiya. These memories served as a foundation for his design: a set of sleek black armor with subtle gray accents, designed to provide both protection and stealth. Over his head, he fashioned a black hood that obscured his features in shadows, similar to the red hood his father once wore. Around his waist, a flowing black cloth added an extra layer of concealment. He covered his mouth with a traced semi mask which would also act as a voice modulator.

Luca then turned his attention to equipping himself for the task ahead. From the recesses of his mind, he visualized a Glock 17, a reliable firearm he had studied extensively throughout his childhood. With a single 17-round magazine, it was a precautionary measure in case of emergencies. As he traced the gun into existence, he ensured it was loaded and ready.

But his preparations didn't stop there. Delving deeper into Archer's memories, Luca unearthed details of his father's knife—an M9 Bayonet, imbued with Kiritsugu's mysteries. This blade, with its own storied history and capabilities, was a gift he couldn't ignore. Tracing it into existence, Luca stashed the bayonet securely alongside the Glock. He didn't know where Archer got all these weapons, but he was not going to refuse a gift horse.

Seeing that he was ready, Luca decided to test a newfound ability that had intrigued him since absorbing Archer's memories. He knew that as a Counter Guardian, Archer could teleport—an ability Luca believed he should also be able to harness, especially with the support of Gaia.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, visualizing the teleportation process as Archer had done. In his mind, he saw the top of a high-rise building he had noticed on his way back from the library. He focused on every detail—the texture of the rooftop, the cool night air, the distant hum of the city below.

As he channeled his energy, he felt a subtle shift, a change in the fabric of reality around him. The sensation was disorienting yet exhilarating. Within moments, the world blurred and then reformed. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his room but standing atop the high-rise building he had envisioned.

The city stretched out before him, a sprawling landscape of lights and shadows. The wind tugged at his cloak, and he took a moment to steady himself, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the abilities he had inherited.

"Looks like it worked," Luca murmured to himself, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. The teleportation had been seamless

The night hung heavy with opportunity as Luca dashed across the rooftops, navigating through the labyrinthine ABB territory. His adeptness at discerning the history of blades with a single glance proved invaluable, allowing him to swiftly pinpoint the correct casino. The ABB members, with their penchant for carrying katanas and other bladed weapons, unwittingly laid bare their secrets to all he could read their stories etched in steel, each weapon revealing tales of violence and coercion.

As he moved stealthily through the shadows, Luca's thoughts darkened with each revelation. He absorbed the unsavory truths about the gang's operations—illegal dealings, exploitation, and the abhorrent practice of slavery, particularly of women and children. Such despicable acts stirred a deep-seated resolve within him. He knew he couldn't turn a blind eye to it, even if he is not the hero of justice, he still has a conscience or is it Archer's conscience, he didn't know.

Once atop the casino, Luca melded into the shadows, his keen eyes casting structural analysis over the entire building. The collectibles he sought were stored in the basement, accessible only through a single entry point that traversed the casino floor. Surrounded by residential complexes, the casino's fortress-like design left no alternative entrances—no windows, no back doors—making a frontal as the only feasible option.

As Luca surveyed the scene, he counted the guards stationed within: -27– spread strategically throughout the casino. His lips pressed into a thin line as he calculated his next move. With dawn approaching and the city beginning to stir, attacking now would be reckless. Instead, he formulated a plan to return under the cover of night, targeting 1:30 AM when the city would be at its quietest.