Chapter 46

Zio Matrix Facility

Mordekaiser

"An impressive looking creation you have here." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at the Desecrator Knight. "However appearances do not matter as much as practicality. I hope that this demonstration proves to me the viability of this machine and what others you have created." Arthur nodded at that.

"Of course, sir." Said Arthur before going to explain the Desecrator Knight's capabilities and development history. "Using the research already developed by Murakumo, we developed the Desecrator Knight, a powerful mech that we believe deals with some of the many issues surrounding mechs. As you no doubt know, mechs suffer from their large profiles, making them easy targets for enemy spotters and missiles to destroy." Mordekaiser said nothing as he looked upon Arthur. "Well, we believe we found a way to circumvent that. We equipped the mech with some of the strongest metals available that are suitable for sustained combat as well as the best active protection systems that money can buy to protect it from missiles and anti-vehicular weaponry. That will protect it from the most effective methods of dealing with mechs this large, milord. Of course, we don't expect any of the Knight class of mechs to be utilized without proper support. Much like traditional tanks, these mechs should be supported by infantry to ensure its remaining weaknesses are covered and it can bring its weaponry to bear."

"Speaking of its weapons, explain them to me." Said Mordekaiser, slightly impressed with all that he heard so far.

"Of course, milord." Said Arthur before going on to explain the mech's weapons. "Its left arm contains a laser weapon that we have recently constructed with this mech in mind. It power is beyond impressive if I do say so myself. We tested it prior to your arrival milord and I believe that you will be impressed with what it is capable of." Arthur then brought out a small communications device and spoke to it. "Pilot, aim for the tank on your left side. Only use ten percent of the weapons total output." With that order, the pilot of the mech aimed for the old tank with its arm-mounted weapon. Once it was locked on, the mech charged up its laser weapon before unleashing a bright red steam of energy that lit up the entire area. Everyone then watched as the laser weapon completely obliterated the tank as well as the surrounding area, which had been either melted down to slag pit or entirely blackened as a result of the laser blast's sheer intensity and output. Not only that, but the nearby vehicles around the blast radius were turned to charcoal black as a result of the weapon as well.

"And that is only a mere tenth of that weapon's destructive capabilities." Said Arthur as he looked at Mordekaiser, a look of satisfaction on his face. "The other weapons this mech has are point defense machineguns and a massive, clawed fist that uses electricity and bit of magic to utterly obliterate anything it touches. Observe." Arthur then instructed the pilot to pick up another tank and destroy it with the mech's melee weapon. With those instructions, the pilot picked up another tank and then powered up the mech's melee weapon. Mordekaiser then witnessed the tank being deformed and crumple as electricity and a blue aura surrounded the fist before the mech crushed the tank with a simple clenching of its clawed hand, turning the tank into mere scrap metal. It then proceeded to slam into the ground, sending shockwaves and pulses of electricity and magic everywhere.

"Impressive." Said Mordekaiser, making a note of all this. Perhaps this wasn't a waste of resources after all. "Can improvements be made to this mech and others of its kind? And how will they fare against the denizens of Hell and Heaven? Are you confident that they will be sufficient enough to handle the opposition from both realms when the time comes?" Upon hearing that, Arthur nodded his head.

"Of course, milord." Said Arthur with confidence. "In fact, we believe we can further improve these weapons and defensive systems if we are provided with more funding and more access to the magic within your realm, milord. With your consent, we can hand over a few of our completed mechs to your ownership for further improvement and the like." Mordekaiser hummed at that as he looked at the mech he just witnessed.

It wasn't a secret to his inner circle that the various companies and Overlords under his thrall frequently sent tribute of resources and men to his realm for various usages like secretly producing arms and munitions that weren't allowed to be produced by companies without authorization from the human nations or to secretly use the magic and knowledge within Mitna Rachnun to improve upon certain men and items that are frequently sent to the Grey Realm for various reasons, such as live fire testing, punishment, or just being killed by one under his thrall. They can also be sent for improvements that couldn't be found in Hell, Runeterra or Earth without giving away the knowledge about who Mordekaiser is and what his plans were, which certainly would complicate things for him.

This mech could certainly benefit from the artisans and engineers found within the Grey Realm, all of whom are eager to create and improve upon modern designs without any sort of restrictions placed upon them, whether they be physical or moral in nature. Already he can envision several ways to improve upon this machine and others like it, but was it worth the time and resources necessary to do so when he had other projects within the Grey Realm that have already proven their worth over the fields of mechs. He had the time and resources to do it, yes, but why waste resources and time on an untested concept when other projects involving more tested and proven useful concepts were in the works could use said resources and time more effectively and with better results? Pondering on all this, Mordekaiser was nearing his decision when he suddenly heard a voice behind him.

"If I may sir, I believe I have something that can convince you to put more resources into the mech field." Said an elderly voice, catching Mordekaiser's attention. Turning around, Mordekaiser saw an elderly man of Asian descent starring straight at him. Despite his age and obvious frailty with how he needed a cane to stand and walk, the man's eyes showed his will and inner strength as he looked at the Iron Revenant with determination and will.

"And what would that be?" Said Mordekaiser, deciding to give the man a chance after seeing the man's eyes and seeing determination within them. Arthur, upon seeing the elderly man, decided to speak.

"Professor Karasawa, now is not the time to talk about that prototype to our master when the whole project's survival is dependent on acquiring his approval of it all." Said Arthur, causing Mordekaiser to look at him.

"Let the man speak." Said Mordekaiser, causing everyone to look at him. "If he has something of worth to say, then allow him to speak." With that, Arthur stood down and everyone simply watched as the named Professor Karasawa walked up to Mordekaiser.

"Allow me to introduce myself, milord." Said Professor Karasawa with a slight bow. "My name is Tetsu Karasawa. I was the head researcher of the MT Project at Murakumo Millenium."

"Ah, so I assume you are also the head of the project for Zio Matrix as well." Said Mordekaiser, remembering how much of Murakumo Zio Matrix took when Mordekaiser had the company dismantled.

"You are correct on that, milord." Said Karasawa with a bow of his head. "While the company's board of directors were focused on wasting the company's potential and ignoring the good we can do with the world and beyond, I focused on my task. Which was making the fields of mechs not only a reality but also a practical application of both war and industry. Of course, my attempts were hampered by the bureaucracy and incompetence of Murakumo's leadership. Many of my attempts to make a feasible protype for mechs were prevented by those idiots. Most of my time was spent asking for funds and explaining why I need more time to work on the project to corporate fools that knew nothing of the hard work I put into the project than actually doing work on the MT Project. I actually did more actual work in Zio Matrix on the MT Project than under Murakumo. Not that any of this is your fault, milord. Its simply a consequence of the idiocy and laziness that comes from the current generations sad to say."
"I have noticed." Said Mordekaiser simply as he recalled the many reports he received from his subordinates regarding the idiocy of the humans of Earth as well as the demons of Hell. So many idiots among their ranks. Sometimes he wonders if it was worth actually patiently waiting for the right opportunity to present itself to stage his coup over just doing it right now given just how unprepared and incompetent everyone in Hell and Earth seem to be when it came to actual battlefield tactics and logistics. And just basic common sense for that matter.

"Well, I'm sure you also noticed that the advances we made towards the MT Project." Said Karasawa as he pointed towards the Desecrator Mech. "The MT Project under Murakumo only managed to create bipedal mechs with reverse jointed legs. Making them akin to chickens in some respects. Zio Matrix has not only moved beyond this, but also vastly improved the MT Project in shorter time that the final heads of Murakumo should be ashamed of themselves." Mordekaiser hummed at that. Clearly the man also held contempt for the last heads of Murakumo just as much as he did. Perhaps even more so. Intrigued, Mordekaiser spoke with respect.

"While I do understand your disdain towards the formers heads of Murakumo." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Karasawa with respect. "That is not enough to convince me of why I should permit this project to continue. Something I think you know fully." With that, Karasawa bowed.

"Of course, milord. Forgive me." Said Karasawa before getting to the point. "As you know, we developed several high quality mech models from the knight class that are significantly better models than those produced by Murakumo. However, we also developed several other models of the MT Project that we believe are also of value to your reign. One of which I believe will convince you that the MT Project is worth the effort and resourced assigned to it." Karasawa then brought out some documents from his person and handed it to Mordekaiser, who took it and inspected them. What he found slightly impressed him.

"We call it the Armored Core or AC for short." Said Karasawa as Mordekaiser looked upon the documents with interest. "They'll be significantly more expensive to create than the other mechs, including the knight class, but in the right hands, these Armored Cores have the potential to become the next kings of warfare. If you give us more funding that is. To convince you, allow me to extend this demonstration of mechs to the one prototype that we have that demonstrates the power of the AC." Mordekaiser hummed at that, pondering on what to do. Eventually, he spoke.

"Very well." Said Mordekaiser as he looked upon Professor Karasawa. "I am in a charitable mood today so I will permit this. I hope that this Armored Core prototype that you possess is as powerful as you make it out to be." Karasawa just bowed his head.

"Words cannot express my gratitude, milord." Said Professor Karasawa. "I assure you, milord, that the AC will not only convince you of the value of the MT Project, but also be one of the key factors in ensuring your control over Hell." Mordekaiser just stayed silent at that before looking over at Arthur.

"Prepare the area for another test. I want to see this AC go through a similar demonstration that your other mech has done. Is that understood?" Ordered Mordekaiser, causing Arthur to nod.

"Of course, milord." Said Arthur before issuing our orders to get the prototype Armored Core out of its storage unit and have its pilot ready to conduct a last-minute demonstration. As all this was happening, Mordekaiser thought about this AC he heard about and pondered if it was as really powerful as this Karasawa is making it out to be.

"If it isn't, he'll pay the price." Thought Mordekaiser simply as he looked at Karasawa, starring down at the Knight Desecrator, which was getting transferred out of the testing ground to make room for the Armored Core.

Later

Mordekaiser

It took several hours, but eventually the Knight Desecrator was removed from the testing ground and replaced with the mech that Karasawa talked about.

"So this is the Armored Core that you talked so much about?" Asked Mordekaiser as he looked upon the mech that Karasawa had talked about. It was around similar height to the Knight Desecrator but far slimmer and sleeker compared to that mech. It had a dark blue and grey color scheme with a more humanoid shape compared to the Desecrator except it had a head that ended in an arrow-shape with a line-shaped visor that went across the face of the mech. The visor glowed red, indicating it was active.

For weaponry, the AC held a rifle-like weapon in its right hand with a shield like object on its left wrist. On top of its shoulders was a cannon on its left shoulder and a sort of missile launcher on its right. Finally, it had some sort of launchers on both sides of its shoulders as well. All in all, it held an impressive amount of armaments for one mech.

"Impressive." Said Mordekaiser as he looked upon the mech's weaponry. "I assume, however, that its as powerful as it looks?"

"It is indeed, milord." Said Karasawa before he instructed the pilot of the AC to commence the test. With that order, the AC pilot soon began the testing of the Armored Core prototype's capabilities. But rather than the old tanks used for the Desecrator mech's demonstration, the AC's test dummies were other mechs. These mechs were old Murakumo Millenium Muscle Tracers that Zio Matrix took when they absorbed Murakumo.

Looking like giant metal cans mounted on reverse-jointed legs with guns and missile launchers mounted on said can, these mechs were unimpressive to look at. And they were unimpressive in combat abilities as well. At least compared to the Desecrator and AC mechs.

Mordekaiser watched as the Armored Core decimated the mechs, which were unmanned and were using live rounds per Karasawa's orders. Arthur was a little against this, but Mordekaiser permitted it, wanting to see just how much more powerful this AC was compared to Murakumo's failures. With that, the mechs were armed with live rounds and missiles and everyone watched as the AC went to work against the Murakumo MTs. And everyone had to admit, the results were spectacular.

"As you see, the reason the AC is more expensive than the knight class of mechs because of its speed." Said Karasawa as Mordekaiser saw the Armored Core moving faster than the Desecrator and the MT mechs thanks to the various boosters found around its body. Mainly the back and back of its knees. "Those thrusters there help provide the AC with incredible mobility that shouldn't be otherwise possible for a mech that size. Powered by nuclear energy, the AC has more than enough energy to both provide limited flight capabilities as well as power its various systems and weaponry. Take the rifle it has. It's a laser weapon that has enough firepower to match thirty percent of the Desecrator's total output on its own laser weapon." As if to demonstrate, the AC fired its laser weapon at one of the Murakumo mechs and completely obliterated it, leaving nothing in its wake as well as burning the surrounding area with the output of the laser weapon.

"Impressive." Said Mordekaiser as he watched the AC continue its carnage against the Murakumo mechs. As it was using its missile launcher against the mechs, the group suddenly received an unexpected visitor.

"Milord, we have an unexpected problem at Runeterra." Said Keira as she came out of the portal that just suddenly appeared before everyone just as Karasawa was explaining the missile launcher to everyone. Before Mordekaiser can demand her to explain herself, Keira told him of why she was here. "The Ruined King has returned, more powerful than ever. His black mist is affecting every major nation in Valoran and is spreading at in incredible rate." Upon hearing that, Mordekaiser looked at Keira in slight surprise while everyone else was confused at what she just said. They knew of Valoran and Runeterra, but they didn't know this Ruined King. Judging by their lord's reaction to this news, however, it was clear it wasn't anything good.

Grunting in annoyance at what he heard from Keira, he looked at Professor Karasawa and Arthur, both of whom stood at attention upon seeing Mordekaiser's gaze upon them.

"As much as I'm still skeptical of the value this MT Project has, you two have convinced me of some of the value it has. Therefore, I will permit this project to continue and for it to be given additional funding." Upon hearing that, both Arthur and Karasawa bowed before Mordekaiser.

"Thank you, milord." Said Arthur, relief clear in his voice. "We will not fail you in this endeavor. Is there anything else you like to speak to us?"

"Yes." Said Mordekaiser simply before looking at the Armored Core prototype, which had just finished its live-fire testing with minimal damages to its frame, but extensive damage to its surroundings. "Prepare this prototype to be sent to Mitna Rachnun along with two models of each of your Knight Class mechs. I want to see what can be done to improve upon them with the secrets and knowledge of the Grey Realm."

"Of course, milord." Said Arthur as he heard Mordekaiser's latest orders. "We'll prepare them for transport right away." Giving a grunt at that, Mordekaiser then looked at Karasawa before speaking.

"Your mech was impressive to witness along with the Desecrator." Said Mordekaiser as Karasawa still bowed before the Iron Revenant. "Continue with your work in this project of yours. I expect greater machines of war from your company now that you have my approval to all this."

"I will, milord." Said Karasawa, still bowing. "I already have many great ideas that will improve upon both the MT Project and its various successes." Mordekaiser gave a grunt at that.

"See that you do." Said Mordekaiser simply before venturing to the portal back to the Grey Realm with Keira. Once it closed, Arthur spoke up.

"I'll need to inform the board of this." Said Arthur, a pleased tone in his voice, before looking at Karasawa. "You did well, Professor. I'll make sure that you are commended and rewarded for your efforts to convince our lord and master of the value of this project. We were…right to keep you as head of the project." Karasawa just nodded at that before leaving to head back to work.

Meanwhile

Mordekaiser

Mitna Rachnun/Grey Realm

"So, the foolish Ruined King has returned to wreck havoc in Runeterra again. Is that correct?" Asked Mordekaiser as he addressed Keira while seating upon his throne. Keira simply nodded her head at his question.
"That is correct, milord." Said Keira simply. "The current ruination is far more powerful than even the previous one that attacked the port city known as Bilgewater. The Black Mist has even reached areas it hasn't reached before and we have confirmed reports from our informants that undead of the Shadow Isles are present in every nation in Valoran. Not to mention Ionia and Shurima as well. The response to this sudden attack has been…chaotic and uncoordinated at best." Mordekaiser processed this information. This was a sudden and unexpected development. He didn't actually think that the Ruined King would actually free himself so soon and wreck havoc in Runeterra again. Although a part of him desired to fight him and show the world the true master of the dead, another part of him wanted to simply do nothing and watch as this new Ruination wrecked havoc in all of Valoran. So that he can reap the benefits of having all the nations of Runeterra weakened without him doing anything at all. After all, why expend resources on fighting multiple foes at once when you can simply let them fight amongst themselves and then fight the exhausted winner without too much effort.

It was a bit cowardly and his warrior side disliked it, but the practical side greatly favored it. Even more so when he had to focus on his operations in Hell. One of which was critical to his takeover of both Heaven and Hell.

Eventually, after some thought into it, Mordekaiser made his decision.

"Inform all our informants and agents from Runeterra to either head to Earth for safety or to hide someplace where the Ruination will not come for them yet." Said Mordekaiser, causing Keira to actually blink in shock at what she just heard.

"Milord." Said Keira after a moment of processing what she just heard. "Are we to do nothing against the Ruined King's return."

"That is correct, Keira." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at his subordinate, who starred at him in surprise and slight shock. "There is no point in us fighting against the Ruined King when he is weakening the nations of Runeterra for us, enabling a quicker conquest of them and sparing resources that can be better spent on conquering Heaven and Hell. To fight him will be a pointless waste of resources and I do not permit wastefulness in my empire. You know this Keira."

Keira did in fact knew this about her lord and master. In fact, she agreed with him. It was logical and it spared their resources for other operations and plans. Plus, even if they did decide to help the nations of Runeterra fight against the Ruined King, they will not welcome the help at all. No, rather they'll likely attack them as well, seeing no difference between the undead of the Grey Realm and those from the Shadow Isles if they even notice or even care about such differences at all. Meaning they'll likely have to face those nations they're saving as well. So, why bother fighting against the Ruined King for literally no gains when they could simply let him run amok in Runeterra and reap the benefits for doing so?

Keira then thought about her niece and realized that she was amidst all this. Of possibly being corrupted by the Ruined King and his Black Mist. Not to mention Ionia as well. Keira had no doubt in her mind that the Black Mist will cause irreparable damage to the spiritual and magical nature of Ionia with its corruption. And while she didn't care much about the current leadership of Ionia, she still loved her homeland as well as her niece, who she was starting to form a close bond with.

Realizing this, Keira spoke to her master, knowing full well that he wouldn't like it at all.

"But, milord." Said Keira, catching Mordekaiser's attention. "There are…innocents being harmed and killed by the Ruined King's rampage. Should that not be cause to stop him?" Upon those words leaving her mouth, Keira couldn't help but cringe internally. Not because of it being a lie, no, but rather at how poorly that argument can be used against her lord and master. And he was about to show why that was.

"Innocents die all the time in conflict. Whether they be on one side of a conflict or were not involved at all, it matters not. War and conflict do not care for such things. Only who wins and who loses in the end." Said Mordekaiser as he looked upon Keira with some slight surprise at how she tried to convince him to do something against the Ruined King. He then realized why she did so and chuckled. "You're worried about your niece, aren't you?" Upon hearing that, Keira nodded her head. "I figured as much. If you care so much about your niece, you can bring her here or Earth so she will be safe from the conflict. Will that suffice for you, Keira?" As much as Keira wanted to say yes, she couldn't. Not with her niece Irelia.

Although she has only been with her niece for a brief time, Keira knew her enough that Irelia will never allow herself to be taken away to safety while her countrymen and homeland are under threat. She will never forgive Keira for taking her away to safety while her people needed her. That is if she lets herself be taken in the first place. And, truth be told, Keira agreed with her. No one should be forced to be taken from their homeland. Not like her.

"It will not, milord." Said Keira as she looked at her master, knowing full well the dangers of what she was doing. "The only thing that will satisfy me is knowing my niece is safe. And the only way to ensure that is to defeat the Ruined King and his Ruination. Something that can be best achieved by our aid." Upon hearing that, Mordekaiser narrowed his eyes at Keira. Surprised and slightly miffed at what she was saying. Since she had entered his service, she had been nothing but loyal to his cause, yet now, after some time with her niece, she was now starting to show signs of dissidents. That…was something he cannot allow.

"Then I must disappoint you, Keira." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at his subordinate. "Taking her away from the dangers of the Ruination is all I can offer you as I will gain more from allowing the Ruination to continue than stopping it. That is my final say in the matter." Keira couldn't help but frown at that. A part of her wanted to continue protesting at this, but the logical side of her knew that was only going to end up with her censured at best.

"Understood, milord. Forgive me." Said Keira with a bow. Mordekaiser just scoffed at her words.

"Leave now and do not bring this up again." Said Mordekaiser before summoning several messenger birds to relay his orders to his agents in Runeterra. As he did so, Keira left him. As she did so, Keira felt something within her body that she only felt for certain individuals and people. Anger and worry. She felt worry for her niece's safety and wellbeing against the current Ruination, despite her strength, and she was also angry at her lord for refusing to help against said Ruination. Ever since she was in his service, she served him loyally and faithfully, never once questioning his orders to her, but now. Now she was questioning his decision relating to the Ruination.

Looking back at her lord, Keira pursed her ghostly lips before resuming her departure, wondering what to do about all this. She knew how stubborn her lord was when it came to his decisions. She knew how difficult it was to make him do anything he believes was illogical or not worth attempting, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something needed to be done to convince him to aid in the containment of the Ruination and the Ruined King. But what?

Thinking long and hard, Keira eventually realized something that could work. It was risky and will certainly result in grave punishments for her if she was discovered by her lord, but if it meant the safety of her niece against the Ruination, then Keira was willing to accept whatever punishment her lord and master had when he realized what she was planning on doing. With that in mind, she departed to create a workable plan to ensure the safety of her niece and by extension save Runeterra from the Ruined King.