[ Night – Inside the Stolen Atlas Manta-Class Airship ]
The quiet hum of the airship's engine filled the space as Akira hunched over his makeshift workstation.
Tools lay scattered around him—wrenches, cables, and small components stripped from other AK-200 units.
In the dim light, the prototype Aura simulation core gleamed ominously, the faint red glow from its center pulsing rhythmically.
Akira muttered to himself as he worked.
Akira: "Scientific witchery... or just sheer genius? Who cares, really. The results speak for themselves."
He attached a set of wires from the prototype Aura simulation core to the Spring Maiden Progrisekey, the key clicking into place with a satisfying snap.
The simulation core whirred softly, adjusting to the new source.
Akira leaned back, studying the modified AK-200 unit before him.
Its once-standard frame had been enhanced with spherical joints, sleek plating, and additional input ports.
Beside it sat the MBJR001 operating system module, Akira's custom creation.
He reached for his portable terminal and began typing commands, his fingers flying across the keyboard.
Akira: "Let's see if this thing can handle a bit of my Aura."
Closing his eyes briefly, Akira placed a hand on the core, channeling a small portion of his Aura into it.
The glow intensified, spreading across the android's chassis.
Akira: "This is just a test... minimal input. If this works, you'll generate your own Aura soon enough."
The core stabilized, its glow steady. Akira exhaled sharply.
Akira: "Perfect. Now for the moment of truth."
He installed the MBJR001 module into the android's head, connected the last few cables, and stepped back.
Akira: "Alright, let's start the experiment."
Pressing a final command on his terminal, he activated the modified AK-200.
The air filled with a low hum as the android powered up.
Sparks danced across its frame as layers of synthetic skin began forming, wrapping around the metallic structure.
Akira's eyes widened as he watched the android take shape.
The synthetic skin, hair, and clothing generated seamlessly.
By the time the process finished, the android bore a striking resemblance to Raven Branwen in her youth.
Akira: "What the hell…?"
The android opened its eyes, revealing irises the deep red of a camera shutter.
Its gaze focused on Akira, a faint smirk curling its lips.
It tilted its head slightly, its voice smooth yet laced with a teasing undertone.
Android: "Well, this is unexpected. Who am I?"
Akira blinked, recovering from his initial shock. He rubbed the back of his neck, muttering under his breath.
Akira: "Looks like the Spring Maiden Progrisekey brought some… baggage. Figures."
The android stepped forward, studying its hands and flexing its fingers, testing its joints with a graceful efficiency.
Its outfit—a black leather jacket, purple fabric dress, and combat boots—had formed alongside the synthetic skin, completing its appearance.
Android: "Hmm… not bad. Functional and fashionable."
Akira crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
Akira: "You're awfully chatty for a prototype."
The android met his gaze, a mischievous glint in its crimson eyes.
Android: "Well, you gave me a personality, didn't you? Or did you expect me to just sit here and take orders like the rest of your toys?"
Akira snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Akira: "Toys? That's rich, coming from something I built."
The android chuckled, brushing a strand of black hair with red highlights away from its face.
Android: "Built, yes. But you did a damn good job, so give yourself some credit. Now, what's my name?"
Akira hesitated, studying the android.
Despite the resemblance to Raven, it carried itself differently—confident, flirtatious, and far too self-assured for something that had only just come online.
Akira: "Amethyst. Your name is Amethyst."
The android—Amethyst—smiled, rolling the name over in her mind.
Amethyst: "Amethyst… I like it. Elegant, sharp, and a little dangerous. Suits me, don't you think?"
Akira: "Don't let it go to your head. You're still an experiment."
Amethyst stepped closer, her movements fluid and almost human.
Amethyst: "An experiment with potential, darling. You'll see."
Akira turned back to his terminal, pulling up diagnostics on her systems.
Akira: "If you're done admiring yourself, let's see how you handle the basics. Run a system check."
Amethyst rolled her eyes dramatically but complied. Her voice took on a mechanical precision as she reported.
Amethyst:
"Core systems: Optimal.
Aura generation: Functional.
Cognitive learning protocols: Active.
Combat analysis module: Online."
She finished with a playful wink.
Amethyst: "Anything else, boss?"
Akira shook his head, muttering.
Akira: "Great. I've created an overconfident secretary with a penchant for sarcasm. What could possibly go wrong?"
Amethyst leaned against the terminal, watching him with an amused expression.
Amethyst: "Oh, don't worry. I'll grow on you."
Outside, the sound of the Berotha Magia patrolling the perimeter echoed faintly.
The airship remained cloaked, hidden from prying eyes.
Akira sighed, glancing at Amethyst one last time.
Akira: "Welcome to the team, Amethyst. Try not to make me regret this."
Amethyst: "Regret? Oh, Akira, I'm going to be the best thing that ever happened to you."
[ Small Time Skip ]
The dim interior of the ship flickered with the soft light of diagnostic screens and exposed circuitry.
Akira stood at the ship's control panel, reviewing a schematic of the ship's modifications.
Amethyst leaned casually against a workbench, spinning a screwdriver between her fingers.
Akira: "If we're going to use this ship as a mobile base, we need more than a patch job. Power cells, upgraded cloaking tech, and maybe some extra firepower."
Amethyst: "Always so practical. Ever think about adding a minibar? Or maybe a little ambiance? This place screams 'dull.'"
Akira: "We're not building a nightclub, Amethyst. Focus."
Amethyst rolled her eyes but straightened up, her gaze flickering to the screen displaying a map of the Kingdom of Atlas.
Amethyst: "So what's the plan once we get to Atlas? It's not exactly welcoming to rogue inventors and Magia."
Akira: "We go in quiet. Gather resources, intel. Atlas tech is leagues ahead, and I'll need it to stabilize the Forceriser. Besides..." (he glances at her) "...I have a feeling we'll need to prepare for trouble."
A loud crash shattered the quiet. Akira and Amethyst exchanged a glance before bolting to the viewing window.
Outside, one of the Trilobite Magia units was sprawled on the ground, sparks flying from its damaged chassis.
Amethyst: "That's not just bad programming. Someone's here."
The other Trilobite Magia and Berotha Magia rushed into view, their glowing eyes focused on a single figure moving with deadly precision.
Even at a distance, the assailant's distinctive outfit and fluid combat style were unmistakable.
Akira: "Adam Taurus."
Adam's blade, Wilt, gleamed under the moonlight as he effortlessly deflected a Magia's strike, countering with a devastating slash.
His movements were calculated and almost artistic, each strike dismantling the mechanical opponents.
Amethyst: "Great. The angriest bull in Remnant. What's he doing here?"
Akira: (grabbing the Forceriser from the workbench) "Doesn't matter. If he's after us, we're stopping him here."
Amethyst tossed him the Nevermore Progrisekey, her expression serious.
Amethyst: "Use this. I'll grab the Berotha Zetsumerisekey and back you up."
Akira nodded, strapping the Forceriser to his waist. The device crackled to life, sending a surge of red electricity through his body.
Forceriser: [ Forceriser ! ]
The jolt made Akira clench his teeth, the pain sharp but familiar. He activated the Nevermore Progrisekey, its mechanical voice ringing out.
Nevermore Progrisekey: [ Screech ! ]
Sliding the key into the Rise Vice, Akira pulled the Force Executor.
The industrial siren of the Forceriser's standby sound filled the air, a rhythmic, ominous beat.
Forceriser: [ Forcerise! Screeching Nevermore ! ]
The transformation was brutal. The colorless, skeletal projection of the Nevermore enveloped Akira, its mechanical parts locking onto his body with violent force.
The Restraint Cables lashed out, pulling the jagged armor pieces into place.
Akira dropped to one knee as the pain surged through him, the Forceriser amplifying the strain of the transformation.
Forceriser: [ A scream that echoes through the void ! ]
His breathing was ragged, but he pushed through, rising to his feet.
Forceriser: [ Breakdown ! ]
Amethyst: "You're getting better at not screaming like a child during that. Progress."
Akira shot her a glare but said nothing, focusing on the battle ahead.
His new armor shimmered under the moonlight, the crimson glow of his visor reflecting Adam's cold stare as the swordsman turned to face him.
Adam tilted his head, his blindfolded gaze unreadable.
Adam: "So this is the infamous Human that took Raven down. I expected more than a patched-up Grimm suit."
Akira stepped forward, his voice low and steady.
Akira: "And I expected less theatrics from a broken idealist."
Adam's smirk faded. He unsheathed Wilt, the blade catching the faint light.
Adam: "Let's see if you can back that up."
With a burst of speed, Adam closed the distance, Wilt arcing toward Akira's torso.
Akira countered with razor-sharp talons extending from his gauntlet, their clash sending sparks into the air.
The battle was a blur of movement. Adam's attacks were precise, his semblance amplifying each strike as he absorbed the energy of Akira's counterattacks.
Akira, however, used the Nevermore Progrisekey's screech ability, unleashing a deafening wave of sound that disrupted Adam's rhythm.
From the side, Amethyst emerged, her movements fluid as she recovers the Berotha Zetsumerisekey.
With Amethyst aiming the Attache Shotgun at Adam
Amethyst: "Two against one, Taurus. Think you can handle it?"
Adam snarled, his movements growing more erratic.
He swung Wilt with brutal force, but Amethyst used her agility to dodge, retaliating with precise shots.
Adam: "You're both just distractions that are in my way."
As the battle reached its peak, Akira activated his finisher. Pulling the Force Executor, the Forceriser roared to life.
Forceriser: [ Screech Dystopia ! ]
Akira took to the air, the soundwaves from the screech distorting the battlefield.
He dove toward Adam, delivering a devastating strike that sent the swordsman flying.
Adam landed hard, his blindfold askew and his breathing labored.
Adam pushed himself to his feet, his expression twisted with rage.
Adam: "This isn't over."
Before either Akira or Amethyst could stop him, Adam activated a smoke bomb, disappearing into the shadows.
Akira deactivated his transformation, the pain of the Forceriser's strain evident on his face.
Amethyst: "Well, that was fun. Let's not do it again anytime soon."
Akira sighed, leaning against the wreckage of a Magias.
Akira: "Agreed. But we're not done yet. Adam's not the type to give up easily."
The two exchanged a glance, the weight of what lay ahead settling between them.
Amethyst: "We'll be ready. Besides the Data we just gather could be useful."
[ Back inside the Manta ]
Akira sat at his makeshift workstation, an outdated laptop humming softly beside him.
The Berotha Zetsumerisekey was connected via the Progrisekey Connector and tangle of wires, its pulsating glow casting faint, eerie shadows.
Amethyst perched nearby, her gaze alternating between the flickering data transfer screen and Akira's focused expression.
Amethyst: "So, what's the plan this time, boss? Another 'shopping spree' at the Argus military base, or are we finally going straight to the source?"
Akira: "Straight to the source. If we're risking it all to get this tech, I want the best Atlas has to offer. Androids, schematics, weapons... whatever we can carry out."
He paused as a progress bar on the screen inched closer to completion. Amethyst leaned forward, her eyes glinting mischievously.
Amethyst: "Sounds risky. I like it. But, Akira..."(gesturing to the screen)
"Once this transfer is done, I want a Forceriser of my own."
Akira: "You'll get one—after we've set up the CCT Ark Tower in Atlas. I need everything running smoothly before I hand over gear like that."
Amethyst: "Fine. But don't think I'll stop reminding you. Anyway, speaking of new gear..."
(her tone shifts to one of excitement)
Amethyst: "I was thinking—what about a new Progrisekey? Something... explosive."
Akira: "Explosive, huh? Let me guess—you already have a design in mind?"
Amethyst grinned and pressed a few buttons on the terminal.
A holographic blueprint sprang to life, depicting the Dynamaiting Lion Progrisekey.
Its design featured intricate patterns resembling a lion's mane, interwoven with components labeled "Burst Capacitors" and "Energy Amplifiers."
Amethyst: "The Dynamaiting Lion Progrisekey. Think about it—burst capability, rapid-fire arsenal, and a design that screams style. We'll need it for what's ahead, trust me."
Akira studied the blueprint, his eyes scanning every detail. A flicker of approval crossed his face.
Akira: "Not bad. Let's make it happen."
He began transferring the schematics to a portable 3D printer.
The device whirred to life, its internal lasers shaping the Progrisekey piece by piece.
Amethyst: "That's what I like to hear. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"
Akira: "Sure, if your dream is dodging Atlas patrols and hacking their security systems."
The two shared a brief, laugh.
As the 3D printer worked, Akira stood and set the Manta's autopilot for Atlas.
Akira: "Autopilot engaged. Let's talk about the CCT Ark Tower."
Amethyst: "Right. The tower will need a centralized AI to manage communications, security, and Malice.
I can handle that part if we feed the system data from the existing Progrisekeys."
Akira: "Using the Spring Maiden Progrisekey as a base will speed up development. We'll integrate its energy output into the tower's power grid."
Amethyst: "And the rest of the Progrisekeys? They can serve as additional modules"
Akira nodded, impressed by her input.
The portable 3D printer beeped, signaling the completion of the Dynamaiting Lion Progrisekey. Amethyst retrieved it, holding the sleek device up to the light.
Amethyst: "Looks even better than I imagined. What do you think?"
Akira: "I think you'd better test it out when we land. Until then, no unnecessary explosions."
Amethyst: "Unnecessary? You wound me."
She pocketed the Progrisekey and sat beside Akira as the Manta hummed steadily toward Atlas.
Together, they began drafting the foundational systems for the CCT Ark Tower.
The dim cabin light illuminated their focused expressions as data flowed across the screen.
Author's Note:
Alright here's a new chapter hopefully you the reader is enjoying the story so far
As all aways here some questions for you the reader and some upcoming stuff:
For triscythe59: Shocker could be interesting but well be going with "MetsubouJinrai net" for a while but we could implement the idea
Questions for you the reader:
1. What would you like to see in the Future ?
2. Any suggestions to make the story more interesting for you the reader ?
3. Besides the Dynamaiting Lion Progrisekey what other keys would you like to see ?
4. What would you like to see once we get to Atlas ?
Also Apzeta should be back on Tuesday so for now I will be continuing the story hopefully you the reader is having a good day or night
Till next chapter - Bishop
Also if you want you can PM us if you want to ask something or suggest something and will replay as fast as possible