Chapter 32: Run Before You Walk (Part 19)

"Alright, looks good. And now for the speed test…"

Blearily rubbing his eyes and typing a few commands into his newly put together workstation the Surveyor smirked as his trio of monitors - all still smelling of plastic and other factory fresh scents - began doing the usual computer stuff, unpacking various files and running installation programs before, with a cheery beep, the whole ensemble connected to Sanctuary's wi-fi.

All with a very nice and speedy 700 mbs download speed.

"I know it's the technological future and all but hot damn does magic or whatever make things even more crazy."

While not exactly speed demon territory the Sanctuary network did have some advantages over the vast, vast majority of networks the world over, Cayman flipping through the setup manual that had been provided with a bloodshot eye.

The '700 mbs' download speed was actually something of a misnomer, since nothing was being downloaded in the common interpretation of the word.

Since Sanctuary operated under a very tight blanket of secrecy, it was an obvious conclusion that relaying information in complete confidentiality was a must. To that end Zelretch - in conjunction with Ajuka Beelzebub, Azazel and an unnamed hacker by the title 'anonysus' - had created a rather novel bit of computer wizardry that had in all honesty probably been more of a passion project between the four than a real job.

In short and leaving out much of the fine details any transmitted information using the Sanctuary network was being shot off using the Second Magic, leaping to a parallel world version of the device in question before jumping back into this world's iteration of said device as if it had always been there.

The 'download' speed was just the pauses and startup time needed by the intricate spellwork that connected to private, secure servers before launching them to their intended recipient.

Totally and completely invincible to normal and not so normal styles of data theft, since anyone trying to hijack the info would have to be as good with the art as the Second Magician himself.

"Good fucking luck with that."

Unleashing a yawn Cayman tossed aside the manual before unsealing an express delivery package, tiredly pulling out the variety of instructions and other papers within before he set about connecting his second source of internet access, reflecting that he was going to need more coffee.

"Time zone USF, language english, automatic updates off, anti-virus exception, don't provide customer info…aaaaand enter."

Another thirty minutes of half-aware work passed as a bevy of pirated programs began to download onto his machine, ranging from simple streaming platforms to highly experimental but proven market analysis apps or design programs that made usual CAD software weep with envy.

Sure, it had cost almost 20,000 USF bucks on the black market - his previous life providing invaluable experience on where to look for the good shit - and he'd just have to pray they didn't get unsupported anytime soon but on the whole it was a solid start. Like hell he was gonna rely on Sanctuary for all of his research.

"Still busy, Cayman? Don't you think you should take a break at some point?"

Feeling Till's small hands begin working out the knots that had formed on his neck and shoulders the Surveyor let loose a satisfied groan, letting his head droop forward before blearily complaining, "That was the longest four days of work I think I've performed in recent memory. We didn't even get to fight anything to spice things up with mortal peril."

"But you did get things done, right? I think everything looks really nice~!"

Shutting down his computers and letting them perform the plethora of resets and updates they needed to after all the crap he'd loaded onto them he strode out of his 'room', essentially three walls and a door built into a corner of the warehouse that housed his workstation and bed, complete with a plush and sinfully soft cushion for Till if she felt like using it instead of his shoulders or chest.

"You're a doll, Till. It's fine if you want to admit it's kind of a downgrade compared to your forest back home."

An amused snort left the Fairy as she teased, "I'd like for you to think the best of me sometime, Cayman."

"Deepest apologies, princess. Your words are naught but truth."

"Exactly. And sure, it's not anything special right now but once everything is done and we can decorate it however we want it'll be great!"

As if to prove her point the Fairy went shooting up into the air, pulled a loop around one of the light fixtures before coming in for a landing on his skull that an olympic diver would have been proud of.

"Lots of room to fly around in as well~!"

"Well I'm not about to argue with the optimist's interpretation of things."

"I'm pretty sure you're the opposite of an optimist, Cayman."

The Surveyor was about to respond that he was neither an optimist or a pessimist before giving the Fairy's words some careful thought…which didn't really go anywhere since he was operating on a less than healthy amount of sleep and introspection was a few brain cells too many in the effort department.

Instead he just shrugged and watched the construction continue, a half dozen or so contractors having finished the back half of the place and now working their way towards the front, installing the various furniture, utility extensions and other garbage needed for the various add ons he was planning for, large sheets strung up from the ceiling to keep dust and other crap from flying everywhere.

Meandering towards the completed kitchen - decked out with plenty of floorspace for communal gatherings and no shortage of appliances - he found Yumi and Mai seated on the floor, looking over the assembly instructions for a large table as they quietly conversed and efficiently separated the various bags of nuts and bolts.

He'd initially wondered if the two would get along alright, both being a bit withdrawn. Mai naturally cool and distant as a sort of 'kuudere lite' while Yumi had been burned a few times too many by stranger danger…but to his pleasant surprise both had gotten along splendidly. Not much for idle chatter but nonetheless developing an efficient workflow, Yumi even cracking an amused smile as Mai delivered a no doubt scathing comment on the quality of instructions provided with the table.

They hadn't exactly meshed with Rin. But that was sort of to be expected as the Magus had been the epitome of frosty and aloof, carrying out her own tasks away from their purview and not bothering to extend much in the way of an olive branch.

"Still though, I'm surprised at how quickly these normal Humans got everything set up without magic or crazy technology."

The Fairy offered a thoughtful gaze towards the busy workers that Sanctuary had suggested in their list of useful contacts, a group of spanish dudes that even as they chatted were playing some kind of loud mariachi number that he found weirdly hypnotic to listen to…or maybe that was just sleep deprivation.

"Don't underestimate the efficiency and ethic of hispanic contract workers, Till. They're the best in the world."

"Eh? Really?"

"Yup. There's tons of temples, cities and other documented architectural feats in South America but no one wonders how they got built. The pyramids in the middle east though? Yeah, that shit has a thousand and one documentaries about it. Kind of a raw deal for the Jews, don't you think?"

"I guess?"

Clearly still unsure of how to ponder that line of questioning Till fell silent, Cayman nodding to Yumi and Mai as he passed before grabbing himself some coffee and pills, meandering towards the basement as his next stop.

The sight within was certainly a novel one, the area largely cleared of what few obstructions or obstacles had been present and partitioned out into various sections, one of which Rin was hard at work in as she installed a fume hood into a variety of tables and benches.

"A Magus, dabbling in technology? Oh the horror."

Grunting as she slotted one of the covers into place with a dull thunk the young woman responded, "I don't know what reality you think we live in but technology isn't the pariah it once was. What with the ambient mana, various schools of Extranatural powers and half a thousand other things Magi aren't that worried about 'mystery' declining like it once was. Most families don't use newfound tech as a matter of habit and tradition than any kind of practical reason."

She flicked a switch, nodding in satisfaction as the device hummed to life before turning it back off again.

"Besides, a machine that sucks air from one spot to another is pretty low on the totem pole of perceived offenses. And while they'd never admit it aloud alot of families made quiet use of analog stuff like typewriters when they were first invented. More experiments than anyone cares to recall were botched because someone's handwriting was horrific or they smudged a note."

Cayman just smiled, remarking, "I have to say, it's nice that someone knows about my recent arrival to this world and can explain shit. Having to get people to provide context for what was otherwise common knowledge was always a tricky proposal."

Rin offered him a skeptical look, commenting, "Why did you even pretend to be a Surveyor in the first place? Even if you didn't want to admit your lack of knowledge to anyone there had to be a better way of getting acclimated to this place."

Only able to shrug the male explained, "To be fair I didn't exactly make that call myself. When I first arrived my residence was that Sanctuary safehouse and my first run in there was with some pretty feisty Taimanin that sort of just assumed I was a Surveyor. And since I knew the duo from my otherworldly origins I knew acting weird would be a good way to get dragged off to an unmarked room somewhere for some very personal questions."

An amused smile adorned the man's lips.

"Those were the days, really."

"I don't know whether to call you brilliant for surviving so long or an idiot for ending up in such a position in the first place."

"Seeing as how I mind neither a fellating of my ego or a bit of friendly downcutting you're welcome to do both."

An utter deadpan was Rin's only response, her words clinical as she said, "We are not friends."

"I dunno…Cayman seems to make friends with a lot of people who are pretty mean to him on a consistent basis."

Till's remark went unappreciated as Rin turned back to work, Cayman perching himself on one of the benches as he asked, "So how's the warding going?"

"It's not. What with all the renovations and weird systems you're setting up I've only been able to make pretty basic bounded fields and such. More specific or powerful barriers have to take into account a whole suite of factors such as geography, ambient mana, incoming and outgoing forms of energy…it's not as simple as just slapping down a few shields and calling it a deal."

"Yeah, I suppose it isn't that simple. [Frost Lance]."

Using a nearby table leg as an improvised 'spear' weapon he dropped a few chunks of ice into his coffee, smirking at the look of pure venom Rin sent his way at the 'simple' action.

Aside from the liberal interpretation of what constituted a spear his spells were also pretty malleable. Instead of a dozen different elemental titles that did different things he just had one each that could be altered on the fly, whether that was throwing an ice spear the size of a tank or adding a few cubes to his beverage of choice. Still cost the same amount of MP though, which was a bit of a downer.

Conversation died for a moment and Cayman used it to grind up a Zoloft before sprinkling it into the drink, downing it with a contented sigh as Rin gave a raised eyebrow at the action.

"Didn't take you for depressed."

"I'm not. But I've been sleep deprived over the past few days and have to be focused for the next bunch of hours, that shit works great for moments like these. On that note you want a break from all of this? I'm taking Mai and Yumi to Tokyo University to get a tour of the place while I take a look through their library. Need to get up to speed on this world's history from a mostly unbiased source, after all."

While the mention of the library seemed to briefly interest the Magus she quickly shook her head, bluntly replying, "I'll pass, still too many things to keep track of and work on here."

"Suit yourself. If you have any questions ask Till, she'll be hanging around and keeping an eye on things or answering any questions the construction guys have."

"Yup! If you need to send a message to Cayman I'm just one teleport away~!"

"Because I bet you don't know how to use a phone, do you, Rin?"

"I'm not that tech illiterate!"

Deciding to go for a hail mary bit of teasing he mused, "The blu-ray player disagrees…"

The violent eye twitching was perfect proof that he'd hit the nail on the head.


Book pages flapped at a frenzied pace, slowly winding down before ending with a slow, final thump as the heavy cover of a world history encyclopedia slammed shut, Cayman taking a deep breath and letting it out with a trembling cadence, leaning back in his chair as the restricted section of the library - meant for instructors and other licensed personnel - remained as silent as a tomb.

"Yup. The history of this world is bizarre on SO many levels."

From 1944 to 1950 - give or take a few years - the closing days of WWII and the aftermath of its ending gave rise to a severe interest in the occult, the Third Reich's dabbling and research into the esoteric being picked up by both remnant Axis powers and the Allies in equal measure, areas of study and experimentation continuing at first in secret but gradually increasing in publicity until everything came to a head in the reveal of the Chaos Arena. Years of subtle and undisclosed agreements between the Demons, Supernatural and Moonlit factions was revealed all at once as images and videos of the famed colosseum were leaked to the world around 1968, confirming what had been a growing certainty among the general populace that there was more to their reality than first assumed.

Several decades before it had originally been revealed in the original Taimanin timeline but the effect was the same, mainly of a massive fucking panic attack that took an odd turn thanks to the existence of the Supernatural and Moonlit worlds.

The formation of the USF, Chinese Union, EU and other political blocks came about but mostly for different reasons. The Supernatural and Demons - with their presence made manifest - quickly began to make moves that would secure their respective influence over the realm of Humans. Said movements ranged from simple bribery or worship to outright usage of their powers to enslave and dominate those weaker than them. Smaller or less powerful territories were gobbled up or subdued by those with strength, influence or wealth and the three main players had to scramble to ensure they retained some level of autonomy, resorting to outright draconian measures to preserve their authority.

Human magic casters, hero reincarnations, Sacred Gear wielders and Taimanin were highly prized assets in the fight to retain some level of Human sovereignty and military tech advanced at a truly blistering pace, the search for bigger and badder weapons to narrow the gap between magic and innovation likened to what America had experienced in the Manifest Destiny craze so many centuries ago.

Having read through an abridged version of events Cayman could only wonder at the fact that the world had managed to stay relatively intact for as long as a decade. Gods of every stripe and faith descending as religion experienced a colossal upswing in numbers, the USF, EU and Chinese desperately trying to reconcile Democracy, Communism, Socialism, Nationalism and a half dozen other political ideologies with their new reality while passing laws that accounted for the influx of new cultures and types of person that had to be accounted for and policed.

And that was just the obvious stuff, monetary issues were another crisis and a half. Revived currencies that threatened established ones, bartering systems that flourished with unregulated trade from new partners and realities, all while unofficial forms of money fluctuated in value more than coin could have ever hoped to as practically anything and everything became available for a price…matters of international trade, immigration and emigration also took it up the ass.

What was cheaper? To ship things overseas or enter into a contract with a Devil and have them simply teleport shit where you wanted it to go? And how did you enforce national borders when so many could - with a reasonable amount of preparation and study - warp directly to their destination without ever seeing so much as a single airport terminal?

The world had been tumbling slowly but surely towards a crisis point that hit around July 1978, culminating in the Summer War.

While even the impartial records weren't certain on who started it the end result was a sprawling, destructive conflict that quickly drew in Edwin Black, the three Abrahamic factions, the Incubus King and at least a dozen other players of varying power. What started as a month long battle in the realms outside of Earth quickly spread to the USF, EU and Chinese Union as more and more territories got roped into the escalating battle, Humanity and the Extranatural staring down the very real barrel of an irrecoverable conflict.

…Cayman considered it the height of comedy that it was the Mage Association - one of the more amoral and disinterested institutions out of the three franchises - that played a major role in ending the two month war. Individuals such as Zelretch and the Director reached out to sympathetic or displeased souls that weren't exactly keen on seeing their world go to metaphorical and literal hell, forming an extremely powerful and influential bloc of supporters that carried out alleged military action and assassinations against the participants of the Summer War, major conflict quickly dying out and the world returning to something resembling peacetime over the next few years as legislation and monetary measures were passed and implemented.

…While he'd need to check the dates and other shit like that Cayman was willing to bet the Summer War was what either laid the groundwork for Sanctuary or had directly lead to its creation. And 'peacetime' was a pretty generous description. More like the ultimate cold war that even the most unhinged and bitchy of leaders was hesitant to poke and prod at.

Decades of tentative peace and interaction had lead to a truly mind-boggling level of trade and travel to spring up, a thriving tourist industry replacing armed conflict and from what the history books suggested you couldn't sneeze in the Demon Realm without causing a hurricane in Heaven.

Cayman could understand that. It had been the truth in his old world, after all. Globalization and the easy spread of information meant that, for better or for worse, no action was without consequences for someone else. In this reality, where melting pot didn't even begin to describe the web of interconnectivity?

Yeah, things were tricky, to say the least.

"But for all the bullshit…"

Letting a finger idly tap on one of the books he'd speed read through the Surveyor couldn't help but feel burning curiosity settle in his gut. Despite the chaos and madness there was still incredibly interesting events that had arisen from it all. The Church of DxD and Fate - while having very different fields of expertise - had nonetheless formed together in a distinct but still unified whole that formed one of Humanity's most powerful forces. And a fair few residents of the Demon and Supernatural world had set up additional communities in the Reverse Side of the World, the gamer feeling a smile pull at his lips as he thought back to the rather interesting fact that one of Welsh Dragon's descendants had returned to Britain, the Dragon defending the land and bringing to life a Camelot of old, as the tourist pamphlets proclaimed. He really, really wanted to see what these places looked and acted like. He'd seen the shit side of things in Yomihara and Tokyo Kingdom, it never hurt to see the more at ease or wonderous aspects of life.

"...If only it was that fucking simple."

Pushing away from the table he'd been reading at with sudden agitation the male rubbed his raw and aching eyes, huffing out a sigh as he did so before striding to the window overlooking the academy, lost in uneasy thought.

As incredible and addicting this information was there remained one, singular thing that kept him on edge, the very tidbit Zelretch had told him about.

Before 1944 none of this existed.

Oh the individual worlds and history of each were present, following their 'canon' events…but that was just impossible. There was no fucking way these cultures just existed side by side and NEVER interacted until that specific date, no history of conflicts or crossing paths to be found.

It was as if someone or something had magically slammed together all three franchises one day and made it impossible for anyone aside from him to recognize that fact, something Zelretch had shown and been proven when the Surveyor had enlisted Rossweisse, Mai and Yumi's aid before they had gone on their tour.

Everytime he'd pointed that fact out to them they had seemingly forgotten about it seconds later, regardless of whether he told it straight to their forces or scribbled it down on a sheet of paper.

He'd given up right around the time they had written down that info themselves and STILL forgotten it, reading the same notes over and over in a cycle of realization and amnesia.

"And just what the fuck am I supposed to do with this information?"

That kind of divine fuckery was on the level of planetary consciousness or primordial beings like Ophis and Great Red…he was almost level thirty and was fairly confident he would get thrashed by Vali, still in his teens and nowhere close to his prime. Unless he got some truly insane skills and powers in the future he was never going to be a threat to shit like that.

"...Well, no sense in worrying about it. What'll happen will happen. Not to mention I might be going about this the wrong way."

Hadn't he gotten this far because he'd formed friendships and alliances with other people to cover for his weaknesses? Hell, that was the point of him choosing the Summoner class. He didn't necessarily have to be the one to pull the metaphorical trigger, after all.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out along with all of his worries Cayman heard the sound of approaching footsteps as well as the familiar sound of his companion's voices, grateful for the distraction.

He sure as shit needed a break.

"-ubs are completely optional and while I don't know what your schedule may look like I would recommend one. Some are just for entertainment but a fair few can help you with future work connections or skill acquisitions."

"That's…interesting? But you're right that I don't know if any possible schedule would allow for a club. And would they really be that useful?"

Yumi's inquisitive and slightly overwhelmed tone coincided with Rossweisse opening the door to the library, admitting Yumi and Mai into the room as the blonde seemed unsurprisingly bedraggled, Mai calm and collected as ever while Rossweisse was evidently in her element, all professional enthusiasm and exuberance as she wore a beaming smile.

"A club doesn't need to be solely for learning. I'm a part of the arts and crafts club at Gosha Academy, it's very relaxing."

"I suppose so? I'm sorry, but this is a lot of information to take in at once…"

The Valkyrie seemed to finally notice Yumi's haggard demeanor, eyes widening as she frantically apologized with, "I'm so sorry, I got carried away with my instruction!"

Rolling his neck and stifling an exhausted yawn Cayman remarked, "Genuine enthusiasm from a teacher - even if they wouldn't want to admit it - is the greatest gift a student can ask for."

+5 REP with Rossweisse [55/100]

Coughing in embarrassment from his words Rossweisse was out of commission for a moment, Mai tilting her head slightly as she looked at the stack of books he'd been powering through, asking, "Did you find everything you were looking for?"

"More than I was looking for, unfortunately. Thanks again for letting me look through all of this, Rossweisse."

"It was my pleasure. I'm sure a Surveyor of all people had an excellent reason to peruse so many records."

Cayman decided not to mention he'd only been doing so to gain a basic bit of knowledge most kids were likely taught an abbreviated version of in school, instead glancing out the window before rapidly blinking.

"Holy shit, it's dark out already? How long were we here?"

"Five hours."

Reflecting that he really needed a solid and uninterrupted ten hours of rest at some point Cayman instead turned to Yumi, asking, "So what do you think? Can you imagine yourself going to school here?"

The Sacred Gear wielder hesitated, slowly replying, "I…I'm not sure, honestly. It all seems so overwhelming and I don't know if I would fit in."

Mai nodded in sympathy, saying, "I felt that way about Gosha Academy. But you get used to many things over time."

Having a sudden slap in the face of realization the Surveyor turned to his Taimanin companion, hurriedly asking, "Wait, Mai, I didn't fuck up your schooling or anything like that, did I?"

To his relief the pale-haired girl merely shook her head, stating, "You don't need to worry. Assignments can be sent electronically and we earn credits if we go out on missions. An assignment personally requested by someone like a Surveyor will weigh heavily towards my GPA."

Lips quirking at the honor student's words he amusedly replied, "Well happy to help then."

+5 REP with Mai Nanase [65/100]

Inwardly shaking his head at the adorable response to his words the group took a few minutes to put the books back in their place before leaving, Rossweisse locking up behind them-

-and what sounded like a small explosion went off further in the school, Cayman blinking in surprise as Rossweisse seemed completely unperturbed by the noise, a quick glance out a window showing a group of Oni and Fallen Angels engaged in a fast-paced game of dodgeball, provided the balls were made of fire and energy as a grizzled wolfman stood nearby with a whistle, keeping a sharp eye on the whole affair.

"How the hell does this place stay intact with collegiate teams like that?"

"Largely through careful observation and heavy handed discipline. Most instructors are as powerful or talented as myself, if not more so to better handle our students."

She paused for a moment before wildly waving her hands.

"N-not that I'm trying to sound arrogant or anything, I just meant that we have to be ready to respond to a crisis at anytime!"

Leaving Rossweisse to panic over her assumed verbal offense Cayman turned to Yumi, asking, "Well the ultimate final decision is up to you. Need time to think on it? It's a pretty big choice and time commitment."

Grateful for the option the blonde nodded, responding, "I'd like that, thank you."

+5 Rep with Yumi Kiba [30/100]

The rest of the fairly considerable walk to the university gates was filled with amicable chatter, Cayman looking around at their surroundings with no shortage of intrigue.

The entire campus was already freakin' enormous, seeing as how it included an Elementary, Junior, High and college scattering of campuses but it got even crazier when you factored in the heavy security at most entrances, ranging from simple fences and cameras to straight up roving bands of mechanized defenders armed with weaponry decades ahead of his old world's. It kinda reminded him of the few times he'd visited Mexico private schools, what with guards and check points…albeit ramped up to eleven.

"Jesus, I better start figuring out a way to extend my years, there's just way too many things to see in this single lifespan of mine."


"We appreciate the tour, Rossweisse. Especially since we ran after hours with it."

The Valkyrie beamed at his words, responding, "Think nothing of it, it's my duty as a teacher to help those wishing to learn."

Preparing to take his leave Cayman paused, reflecting that this was a rather opportune moment placed before him.

"Are you free in the next couple of days, Rossweisse?"

Tilting her head at the question she replied, "Anytime after two this Sunday, I believe. Why?"

"Well I've been taking advantage of your kindness and skills the past few times we've interacted and that's not fair of me in the slightest. Not to mention you're a lovely young woman who I'm interested in getting to know better. Feel like going on a date with me?"

The bevy of reactions to his words left the male resisting the urge to break out chuckling, since that would have come off as rather rude.

Yumi and Mai staring with wide eyes at his proclamation while Rossweisse had blue-screened, jaw dropped and expression slack.

"...Eh?"

"Can't say I'm too familiar with the city yet so how about we meet at this gate around three on Sunday? We can figure out what we want to do from there, sound good?"

A rush of crimson bright enough to double as a traffic light suffused the young woman's skin, head nodding fast enough to leave friction burns as she stammered, "Y-yes, that sounds good! Wonderful, I mean! I-if you think, umm-"

Panic overloaded the poor woman's brain.

"I HAVE WORK TO DO!"

She took off in a burst of speed as Cayman didn't bother to hide his merriment, the sight truly something to behold.

+15 REP with Rossweisse [70/100]

He did hope that she outgrew that horrific awkwardness, though. While endearing now he could see it getting tiresome.

"Oh well, guess I'll just have to show her that she's perfectly deserving of some affection."

"That went well. I think she likes me."

"She was certainly excited. I think?"

Yumi's both awed and confused in equal measure response was a sharp contrast to Mai's, the Taimanin somewhat glumly remarking, "We shall see if it works out. It seems like a tumultuous romance in the making."

Briefly thrown off by the hints of envy in the Taimanin's voice Cayman couldn't help but be awed at how fast Sybaritic Initiate worked.

"Well hopefully it works well enough to keep any kind of jealous stabbing from occurring. Considering that I'm interacting with mostly highly lethal gals that could turn ugly."

Shrugging off that errant thought he motioned for the two to follow him, stating, "C'mon, it's been a long day and I'm ready for dinner and sleep. Sound good?"

No disagreements were to be found.