Chapter 12
The regular Atlas Alchemist follows the mantra of "Faster, Stronger, More Accurate" and treats their bodies as containers to fill and modify in order to develop their ability to gather information, analyze it and then directly solve any perceived problems.
"We have no need to be the strongest. We create that which is the strongest."
While I don't necessarily agree with their central dogma, I do concede that such specialization makes sense for limited beings in a world like this.
Different worlds have different priorities, after all.
Live in DXD and you'll be working on punching things harder. Live in a world that runs on Shounen rules and you'll need lots of friends to protect to derive even more battle power.
If you live in the Nasuverse where there are rules within rules then maximizing what you can get within and around those rules is just what you're going to do.
Thankfully for Atlas, I had just the solution to their never-ending need for more number-crunching power.
"Does it always stink?"
"That's what happens when you remove the accumulated impurities from one's body, so yeah, it tends to stink a lot."
"I'm not going to try any more of your shady pills!"
I chuckled while absentmindedly waving my arm, cleaning up the black gunk off Sion by erasing the offending material, then handed her a particular artifact that we were using to measure an Alchemist's calculation ability.
"Astounding! A 300% increase in efficiency right from the start-"
Zepia was already quite happy with my specialized body refinement pills that can be made with current Alchemy techniques and ingredients found in this world. Another benefit of my alchemic solution is that it also gave them the ability to draw on and direct mana from the air without magic circuits as if they were still living in the Age of Gods, albeit at a very much weaker extent.
Despite volunteering for the initial test and receiving favorable results, Sion wasn't exactly happy about how it went. I probably should have been more specific about what I meant by 'impurities' better but in the end it wasn't a big deal.
Other than that, I handed them a couple of my decent 'calamity' class weapons, a few useful artifacts and conjured an absurd amount of Photonic Crystals based on the ones I took from the Moon Cell in a particular doomed timeline.
What I requested of Atlas as a whole was pretty reasonable, all things considered. All I wanted was to have a look at absolutely everything they have ever made, any schematics they had (both workable and scrapped), a sample of all their synthetically created materials and all their 'trash' inventions that they've 'disposed' of.
I also tossed them the Pseudo-Spiritron theory and several new measurement devices to improve their ability to observe the world.
Compared to the Magi in the Clock Tower, the alchemists were pretty decent when they're not going full mad scientist since they had a good Director (that actually cared about humanity) to keep them on track.
Most of them couldn't enact any magecraft and their knowledge was largely specific to this world's laws so there was no need to plunder them for it. I only needed a glimpse into what they've worked on for inspiration purposes.
Take, for example, the Black Barrel, which imposes the concept of 'natural life span' on otherwise immortal beings. The Black Barrel is made out of the Fifth True Theoretical Element and disintegrates every instance of Grain and Ether it comes into contact with.
While there are similar analogs to those substances in other worlds, the Black Barrel's functions were ultimately optimized for use in the Nasuverse, and would only have partial effectiveness in other universes. However, upon copying that superweapons schematics and understanding it's concept further, I could just create and customize Black Barrels to deal with different immortal beings across the multiverse.
Granted, it will still require a lot of research, time, and effort to make it work perfectly against every new foe. But it'll be worth it when I have to deal with enemies outside my weight class.
It took me three whole days to finish my work at Atlas, when I went to pick up Nazica and Radia from wherever they were left at, I found them fast asleep behind a desk with several stacks of paper filled with hand-written notes.
I wrapped the cute sisters up with a thick fluffy blanket while shaking my head, "I'll have to teach you two how to use a computer and a scanner."
"If I earned a quarter for every time I heard that being said to a Magus then I'll be a very rich man." A rough yet amused response rang out from the borrowed office we were using.
I took one look at the old man and concurrently cast over a hundred spells to fix his horrid condition, "Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. You're the biggest medical mess I have ever seen. I hope you're fine with being human again."
The old man that had suddenly reverted back to his prime blinked a couple of times, before chuckling softly with his eyes closed, "Ah, this takes me back. No, I have no such problems. Thank you. Are you going to ask for anything?"
"Not particularly. I already have enough practice in handling different worlds and I have a tendency to heal anyone in front of me... unless the person is above the line on the hot-evil scale."
He smiled and said, "I'm flattered."
"You're clearly on the opposite end of evil. It's only natural to help out."
"So what you've done at the Clock Tower counts as 'helping' then? And Pandora's Box? Really?"
"There was no true lasting damage and nothing of value was lost." Zelretch muttered 'debatable' under his breath, "And besides, they can't be that stupid."
He rolled his eyes while saying, "You don't believe that."
I raised my hands in mock surrender, "Guilty as charged. But hey, I'm sure with enough Counter Force interference things will work out just fine. Besides, I won't be making anything worse, especially since I won't be able to visit this timeline again personally without having Counter Guardians hunting my ass down."
We had a pleasant discussion after that about various timeline matters before we started trading jokes and spoke about our personal lives.
When he brought up his granddaughter's (Arcueid) issues with her vampiric instincts endangering her current boyfriend (lucky bastard) I was quick to offer him an artifact that I made after researching Zepia's dead apostle condition that would suppress them.
In return, he gave me the designs for a Kaleidostick and a quick look at his Jeweled Sword.
Huh… maybe I could give one Kaleidostick to my in-laws' "Auntie Sona" or Serafall, once I subdued Trihexa for materials and free the sealed faction members there.
Even if they aren't directly related to Issei's family I can still reinforce my position as the 'best son-in-law' if I gain the favor of their external support groups.
A few months later...
It is a common story for powerful cultivators to have a 'mortal arc' where they learn to live among mortals and learn truths from simple living, sometimes it's because they are just tired from all the fighting, or they are looking for that next big breakthrough to the next realm by gaining new insights.
After the 'eventfulness' of the Grail War (that I technically participated in for only a couple of minutes max), the Clock Tower raid, Atlas research exchange program and many occasions where I slayed monsters lurking in all sorts of places in the world it's safe to say that I've become the equivalent of an 'old monster' at the peak of the mortal world looking for new insights to solidify a perfect breakthrough to the next realm.
"Almost there… yes!"
Taking the time to watch Fiore regain her ability to walk was one of my favorite pastimes.
It was like a diluted version of a former genius Cultivator getting crippled only to rise up like a phoenix after a major event (like getting their engagement annulled by their fiance), only, the order and circumstances are completely different. Even so, Fiore's progress was a reminder of the fragility of living beings and their tenacity to overcome their circumstances.
It was a simple aspect of living that I had lost touch with a long time ago.
"Dio? You're here again."
"The traffic in New York is terrible at these times so I came to pick you up."
"You used that excuse just two days ago, do you read them off a list or something?"
"Hahaha, of course I do. Anything more absurd would be grounds for you to call the police on me."
"Ufufu, such a shameless stalker!"
Despite her words Fiore had still taken my hand without hesitation. Though my remarks may come out as perverted or flirty at times, she knew that I would never behave in an ungentlemanly fashion with her.
Unless she desired it, of course.
"This isn't my floor."
"I thought you wanted to collect a package from your neighbors?"
"Ah yes, thank you for the reminder."
Fiore rang the doorbell until the door was opened by our mutual neighbor.
"Good afternoon Fiore, your package is just over there."
"Thank you Radia, for holding unto it for me."
The Pentel sisters had relocated to the same apartment complex for safety reasons after my stunt. Airi, Artemis and Alfia gave me a good scolding for getting the two 'bystanders' involved on a whim, though they also said that it was good that I was taking responsibility for them.
Since they were counted as 'accomplices' to my 'crimes' (Zelretch wasn't going to take action for or against me on behalf of the Mage's Association, as we agreed upon) I had decided to take the two sisters as my apprentices in magic, much like I unofficially did with Fiore.
"No worries. Oh, Dio, my sister has something to say to you."
"Is she still mad about Kaleidostick Jade? She's going to yell at me again, isn't she?"
"Most likely. The 'magical girl outfit' you designed is... exceptionally risque, after all."
I had gifted them both with my own crafted Kaleido-Sticks for their own protection yesterday, Nazica went on a shooting spree that would make Nanoha proud once she got a good look at her transformed outfit. Radia took it a lot better as it turns out that she's a closet pervert.
That said, Nazica didn't have the chance to vent her anger today, as I, Dio, had the courage to hide in Fiore's apartment!
"Don't sound so proud of it! You can't just slap the word 'courage' unto anything and make it sound like a good thing."
"Not with that attitude you can't!"
"Try me."
Fiore really makes me want to tease her when she crosses her arms challengingly like that.
"The courage to lie to your lover."
"Don't you do that every day?"
"Nonsense. They always hear the truth from me, of course, I don't tell them everything. I am a busy man, after all."
"This is why you get scolded…"
"Next one! The courage to admit defeat."
"... That isn't entirely bad if you understand that you are way out of your depth. It also gives off the impression of a strategic retreat."
"See, you're getting it! The courage to betray your friends!"
"That's just standard backstabbing which happens in the Magus world all the time!"
"Not necessarily. If this was a manga or anime then characters like that are usually trying to protect their friends in secret. For the record, I never betrayed any of my friends… intentionally."
"You could have left out the last part…" Fiore looked particularly irritated at me for a short while before she sighed and said, "Very well, you win. I have the courage to admit defeat, after all."
I clutched my heart as if struck by an invisible arrow.
"H-how could this be?! I won the battle but lost the war."
After sharing some laughter together I started to inquire about Fiore's spellwork and a missing animal.
"Timmy? I had one of the homunculi maids' send him over to Caules. My brother will need the extra protection after a certain someone's stunt."
Fiore gave me the stink eye, making me grin in return.
"Wow, whoever caused so much trouble for your brother must be a real idiot huh?"
"The idiot is right in front of me. Honestly, I once thought you were some unfathomable god-like magician, but it turns out you're like one of those powerful do-gooders with no common sense."
"I do have common sense, I just elected to not use it when it can save me trouble. Ah, your spell circle is…"
"I'm switching the spell during the middle of its formation."
"Not bad. It will be a good trick if you can do it in under a millisecond for higher tier fights."
"I'm not practicing magic to fight, this is to improve my focus and train my visualization abilities."
"That's a good idea… ooh! This is a new spell?"
"It's for descaling fish!"
Fiore looked excited about the mundane spell, I couldn't help but share in her feelings as I too, liked utility spells just like this one.
"Oooh! That's super convenient. I can see a lot of potential in this..."
I may have my peak-mortal knife skills but if I ramp up her spell a bit more then I could use it to descale sea serpents and dragons!
"I feel the same way! I'm thinking of making a complete set of spells just for surviving in the wilderness and rebuilding civilization from nothing!"
Supervising her with her spellwork and engraving the marvelous smile on her face when she succeeds makes all this effort worth it.
"Haha, I didn't take you for a prepper."
"It's not like that! I just thought it would be appropriate to make spells that trace the steps of human civilization."
"I'm pretty sure you would have to start with even simpler spells then, but as long as you're having fun then that's what matters."
"Ufufu, like I thought, you understand my sentiment quite well, don't you?"
"When I can afford to, I try to make and cast spells for fun as well."
The only problem is that my type of fun involves getting stronger, building greater wonders, or killing a future enemy.
Watching someone that grew up in a brutal Magus environment yet still love magic for its innate wonders fills me with a sense of joy and a desire to protect this feeling.
"What's wrong?" I must look really weird by smiling at her like this.
"Nothing. I just thought that it would be good if everyone can enjoy magic like you do." I sighed and started complaining a bit about the state of magical associations across different universes, "I don't need to say much about this world, but in some worlds, magic is all about power and its potential in war, in my world and some other worlds-" Like the ToAru universe, "-it's about using magic as a means to an end to achieve one's unfulfilled wishes or a certain status. Which reminds me that I'll need to politely refuse my mother-in-law's invitation to their magician's associations…"
Kurenai wasn't the only one trying to get me to join their organization or be associated with them. Outside of the Grigori, Le Fay Pendragon has been one of the most vocal among my in-laws in becoming a member of the Golden Dawn, which she rejoined after having her status as a terrorist (during those teenage years) rescinded.
"Why don't you just make your own? If you can overpower the entire Clock Tower here then I'm sure you have the ability to make an association of your own."
Fiore's suggestion was like a hammer of inspiration striking my cranium of stagnation!
Or just another one of those Cultivator enlightenment moments, but nonetheless, she raised a damn good point!
"That's it! That's what I'll do. It's about time I create my own Sect!"
"You mean associat-"
I cut her short and earnestly made a request to her as I grabbed hold of her hands, "Fiore, why don't you come with me and walk the path of magic for fun! Please? Say yes, come on, this offer won't be here forever. We're leaving in around two weeks time"
"Heeeh?! Well, I mean… I did send Timmy away thinking that it would be alright to follow along with you… but..."
"I'll sweeten the pot. I'll make you my right-hand woman, you get to have your own cool title and everything. Don't worry about your lack of combat power in my crazy world, I'll handle everything and will make sure no one would dare to offend me."
"I was more concerned about my own qualifications."
"It's fine, everyone starts from somewhere."
"T-then I shall accept on the condition that I have the right to veto key decisions that will affect the direction and prestige of your organization."
Ah, as expected of the Magus heiress training, she wasn't going to let me run wild with it after seeing what I've done to the Clock Tower. She'll be a competent Patriarch, I mean, Matriarch of my newest sect yet!
It shouldn't take me much effort to bring along the Pentel sisters as 'Elders' to my sect either. After a week of staying angry at me, the pair had started to warm up to me and eventually, became good friends of mine (and my women) and turned into excellent disciples.
"Yahoo! I have my first member for my Peerless Heavenly Spell Sect!"
"Denied. Think of a different name."
I got vetoed immediately despite following all the sect naming rules by inserting a qualifier, adjective and noun before the word 'sect'.
After giving Caules and our other acquaintances a head's up, we all packed our things as we traveled back to our designated homeworld. The first thing Airi did was to head home and take over from the paper clone I left behind while I settled everyone back down in my mansion.
I'll be putting some effort into avoiding Issei since I would rather not 'be forced to' run away to another world so soon, especially when everyone wants to settle down properly for now.
Thankfully, I had plenty of guestrooms and could fit everyone in my home just fine.
Once I caught up with affairs from my own paper clones, I made many more new clones at even greater power levels now that my Cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds, then set them off to do even more work and grind my cooking skills.
"... I can't sleep. Something feels a bit off."
Now that my 'divine senses' have advanced to the point where I could sense the very fabric of reality and the laws that make up this world with great clarity I have become a great deal more sensitive to any 'noise' formed by distortions within the world's natural order.
The textures of the Nasuverse was one thing, but the sheer amount of different afterlife systems running in the background was annoying as hell. I'll just have to get used to it for now, I guess… at least until I can take over control of all of it and consolidate it into one system that properly allocated souls to their respective afterlives.
It will benefit the world a lot since a smoothly run end-to-end system will be less 'buggy' than what I'm feeling right now and-
"Oh fuck, what the hell is that noise?!"
-I leaped out of my bedroom in my pajamas and ran to the source of the loud distortion.
It was in a hospital, a quick check showed that it originated from a newborn baby… oh… Oh, so that's it! It was a Sacred Gear bestowal upon birth, but it wasn't just any kind of Sacred Gear, it's one of those 'new Longinus' types.
I see… yeah, fuck that. I'm not going to let all these supernatural systems and everything that the dead Biblical God in this world has set up clog up my senses with badly formatted 'data' and chug along like a dying legacy computer.
Well, may as well start with the big one.
Guess it's time to invade Heaven, I'm sure everyone will understand that I'm doing this for a good cause.
