[ Akira's Laboratory Hideout somewhere in the outskirts of Vale ]
The laboratory is dimly lit, illuminated by the flickering glow of jury-rigged monitors and the faint hum of machinery.
Rainwater drips through the hole in the roof, adding a rhythmic plinking sound to the cacophony of whirring fans and humming equipment.
Akira stands at his workbench, gazing at the Raidriser and Progrisekey he has just fabricated.
He picks up the Raidriser, examining its sleek, black design, the red accents glinting under the pale light.
Despite being made from scrap and salvage, the device looks professional—menacing, even.
Akira's mismatched eyes sparkle with a mix of exhaustion and pride.
Akira (murmuring to himself): "Not bad... not bad at all. This thing actually turned out better than I expected."
He sets the Raidriser down carefully, picking up the Progrisekey next. The small device feels solid in his hand.
The etched emblem of a horseshoe crab catches his attention as he rotates it in his fingers. A smirk creeps across his face.
Akira: "Invading Horseshoe Crab... You'll do just fine."
Placing the Progrisekey on the bench next to the Raidriser, he steps back, crossing his arms as he takes in the sight of his completed prototypes.
The flickering lights cast shadows over his pale face, highlighting the sharp black designs under his eyes and his contrasting hair.
Akira (letting out a low whistle): "Not bad for someone working out of a moldy deathtrap. Who needs Atlas tech when you've got... well, me."
He chuckles, reaching into his coat pocket for his pack of cigarettes.
He lights one with his Zippo, the small flame briefly illuminating the room.
Taking a drag, he exhales a cloud of smoke and tilts his head toward the ceiling.
Akira: "Still... how much longer can I keep this up? No backup, no real resources. Just me, my brain, and whatever junk I can scrounge."
The monitors behind him beep, signaling a finished diagnostic on the Raidriser and Progrisekey.
Akira spins on his heel, flicking ash onto the cracked floor as he approaches the terminal.
Akira (reading the results): "Stable energy output... no structural flaws... synchronization within acceptable parameters. looks like I actually pulled it off!"
He grabs the Raidriser, strapping it to his waist. The CON Band adjusts snugly, fitting perfectly.
Akira then picks up the Invading Horseshoe Crab Progrisekey, holding it up to eye level.
Akira (to himself): "Let's see what you've got."
Pressing the Rise Starter the Progrisekey activated, it emits a sharp, mechanical chirp, followed by the voice announcement:
Invading Horseshoe Crab Progrisekey: [ Hard ! ]
Akira smirks, inserting the Progrisekey into the Raidrise Slot and pressing the Raid Loader.
The Raidriser comes to life with a whirring sound, followed by an announcement:
Raidriser: [ Raidrise ! ]
Dozens of glowing red tubes erupt from the Raidriser, enveloping Akira's body.
Raidriser: [ Invading Horseshoe Crab ! ]
The data fuses with him, forming segmented, metallic armor accented with black. His visor lights up with a piercing red glow as the transformation completes.
Raidriser: [ Heavily produced battle armor equipped with extra battle specifications. ]
Akira (examining his new form): "Heh... Not bad at all. Tactical, durable... terrifying."
He flexes his fingers, the armor responding seamlessly. The trident-like submachine gun, Tridenta,
materializes in his hands, humming with latent energy.
A small device attached to his back deploys, forming the Harken Stringer.
Akira (grinning behind the visor): "The Invading Horseshoe Crab Raider... has arrived."
As he powers down the transformation, the armor dissolves into red energy, retreating back the Progrisekey.
Akira removes the Raidriser, setting it and the Progrisekey back on the workbench.
Akira (leaning back against the desk, cigarette between his fingers): "Now all that's left is to field-test you. Let's see how the Grimm hold up."
The faint sound of distant thunder rumbles outside as Akira gazes out through the gaping hole in the wall. His mismatched eyes glint with resolve.
Akira (muttering to himself) : "It's a cruel world out there... but I've got just the thing to survive it."
From Akira's Main Terminal a Visual of two areas are shown one of Forever Fall, a Abandoned City