Esmeralda: Fontaine 3
Esmeralda took a deep breath as she finally stepped out of the Fortress of Meropide and into the open air. Although she had been a guest and allowed to leave at her discretion, she had been too engrossed in her work to do so. Now she was out, and it reminded her of when she would leave after staying in the old factory in Liyue for weeks - finally breathing in fresh air.
Daisy appeared, decloaking in front of her. To almost anyone else, the sight of such a war machine suddenly appearing would be shocking, but Esmeralda just smiled.
"Hi, Daisy," she started. Noticing something, she cocked her head. "You seem different."
Daisy was indeed a little different. Instead of a blocky base, her base was now sleeker in design, with a clockwork ring not unlike that of the Prototype Field Generator floating around it.
"Indeed. I have replaced my Plausterite Core with a replacement - the Gravity Core."
"Huh. I didn't know you could do that. How did you?" Esmeralda asked. Daisy? Performing physical upgrades on herself? Unprecedented. Impossible. Absolutely amazing.
Daisy replied, "Not by myself. I had Aether assist me in locating and deactivating the Prototype Field Generator that the Institute had left behind."
"Ah," Esmeralda nodded in understanding. "Of course. But what about the integration of your systems and the Generator's? Aether is smart, but I don't think even he understands how that works, and how your systems work, enough to combine the two."
"He does not. I believe that you are the only one who does, Esmeralda."
"Then..."
Daisy had no facial expressions but still managed to give the impression of a raised eyebrow. "I can literally hear your thoughts, Esmeralda. Such an upgrade is certainly within your capabilities and thus within mine."
"That's... Wow. Does that mean that you can do your own maintenance now?" For some reason, that was the first thing that came to Esmeralda's mind at the revelation.
"I have been doing so for some time."
"Oh. Huh, I didn't notice. Alright, I need to hear more," Esmeralda said.
"Of course. Perhaps we should return to the Institute while we talk?" Daisy suggested, reaching out a hand. Esmeralda gratefully accepted the lift and hopped on. As the two connected friends sped off to the Fontaine Institute of Kinetic Engineering, they shared the memories of their time apart.
Still, Daisy kept some things hidden. She shared her desire to improve her floatation systems and subsequent efforts to acquire the anti-gravity field generator with Aether's help, as well as her interaction with Chevreuse, the history of thinking machines in Fontaine, and the current state of things. But the full story, of the impending failure of her old Plausterite Core, and Aether's questions and answers, went unspoken. For the former, there was no need to worry Esmeralda, and for the latter, it was a personal affair. After all, Daisy was quite certainly a sentient being now, and what sentient did not have a few secrets? In the past, when their connection was stronger, secrets such as these would be impossible, but now, as Daisy grew and their subconscious bond waned, she found that perhaps some things were better off unshared.
Esmeralda also told Daisy of her experience in the Fortress. Of how she improved the Meks' intelligence. Although they were nowhere near Daisy's level, they would be able to adapt to the situation at hand much more effectively. She also mentioned the backdoor that she had added to their system, allowing both herself and Daisy to assume control over the Meks, if necessary. And just like Daisy, Esmeralda conspicuously left out the riot and attempted hostage situation. She got out of that fine. There was no need to worry.
As they approached the Institute, Daisy suddenly came to a stop, almost throwing Esmeralda off her palm.
"What's happening?" Esmeralda asked, sensing the cautious worry from her mechanical friend.
"Someone awaits our arrival," Daisy said. "Non-hostile, I believe."
Esmeralda nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to them. Stay close, Daisy."
As confirmation, Daisy cloaked, vanishing from sight. Taking a moment to stretch her legs, Esmeralda continued onward. It was not long before she encountered the person awaiting her.
It was a woman wearing a red cap and monocle. She was also wearing a white shirt, red overskirt, and a short red coat. Most importantly, and annoyingly, she was holding what was obviously a custom-made Kamera.
Before Esmeralda could get a single word out, the reporter was moving in, words flowing from her mouth. "Hi there! I'm Charlotte, a journalist with The Steambird. It's a pleasure to meet you. Are you Esmeralda, the new Researcher of the Fontaine Institute of Kinetic Engineering?"
"I - yes." That was all Esmeralda had time to say.
"Great! If you've got time, would you be open to doing an exclusive interview?"
"Uh-" Esmeralda was definitely going to reject that. People were difficult enough to deal with (except for Aether), and she was in no mood to deal with a reporter of all things. Unfortunately, Charlotte had other plans.
"Excellent! So, Esmeralda, what can you tell me about the recent findings of a sentient machine in Fontaine?"
Esmeralda's denial died on her lips. Frowning, she recalled that Daisy had mentioned that was discovered while disassembling the Prototype Field Generator. But the information should have been kept confidential, so the most suitable response would be, "How did you know?"
Charlotte winked. "A reporter has her ways! So, your thoughts?"
Daisy, what do you think? Esmeralda thought.
She does not appear to know of our relationship. I recommend giving neutral answers that do not reveal your knowledge of me. I wish to remain hidden, as much as possible.
Esmeralda nodded. "Right. It certainly sounds interesting," she began, speaking slowly to allow herself to think. "Whoever did it must be skilled."
"And do you have any ideas on who might be responsible for such a feat?"
At least she had reasons to deny that. Esmeralda shook her head. "I'm afraid not. I don't know many of the other researchers well enough to understand their capabilities. Also, I was in the Fortress of Meropide for the past few weeks, and I'd just heard about it as well."
"Oh? The Fortress?"
"Not as a prisoner! I was working to improve the quality of the Clockwork Meka."
"Ah! You must be an excellent engineer, then. That explains why the Institute accepted you so quickly, right?"
"I-" Wow, Charlotte could talk, Esmeralda thought.
"So what insights can you share about creating artificial life?"
"It's not easy," Esmeralda said. This topic, at least, she was familiar with. "You would need time, resources, knowledge, and probably luck." That was how Daisy was created, after all. Lots of luck.
"Oh? Sounds like you have some experience."
Wait, had she said too much? Dammit, she just wanted to go back to her workshop and rest. "I... have some experience," she admitted.
"Experience? How - "
"I'm afraid that I have to cut your interview short, Charlotte," a new voice cut in. Esmeralda's relief at escaping the reporter was tempered by the fact that this new woman, dressed in Duelist uniform, was also accompanied by a pair of Gardes.
"Ah, Miss Clorinde! But we've only just begun!" Charlotte complained, her cheerful attitude entirely undiminished by the appearance of law enforcement.
Clorinde, too, was unperturbed. "You will have to continue later, then. Esmeralda, correct? Let's talk somewhere private."
Esmeralda blinked. Her sudden popularity was not expected, nor was it welcome. Unfortunately, she did not think that she could simply refuse this one. With that, she led Clorinde into her workshop, while the Gardes remained outside. Inside, Clorinde stood, gazing at Esmeralda with a carefully neutral expression.
"Is this about the sentient machine?" Esmeralda asked.
The Champion Duelist nodded sharply. "The information filed by Chevreuse has found its way to certain important people, who have sent me to investigate."
Esmeralda frowned. From what she knew, Clorinde was the single best Duelist in Fontaine. She answered directly to the Hydro Archon, although Furina had since given up her position. That meant that only one person could order her around. "Iudex Neuvillette?" she guessed.
Clorinde's mouth quirked up. "I cannot confirm nor deny that. For reasons above even my pay grade, someone has their eyes on you."
"Yeah, we've met. He knows what I'm doing. You're here to ask about my work as well, right? About artificial life," Esmeralda guessed.
"That's right. Start from the beginning."
Esmeralda spoke. Of her fascination with machines, Daisy's first awakening, her adventures throughout the nations, the incident with her eyes, Daisy's second awakening, the reconstruction of her vision, and her joining of the Institute.
Clorinde listened quietly, taking notes as Esmeralda recounted her story. Once she was done, there was silence for a while.
"That's quite the story," Clorinde said.
Esmeralda nodded. "Please don't tell anyone. I don't want a repeat of, well, what's already happened."
"I will have to let Iudex- ahem. I will let my boss know, but I can promise that this will never be made public, or even archived. This story will remain in his personal care," Clorinde assured.
"Thanks. Can I go now?" Esmeralda asked. A little more snappily than she had expected, but she had been dealing with people for way too long. Some quiet sleep was looking more beckoning by the moment.
Clorinde seemed to notice her lethargy as well. She stood to leave. "That is all. Thank you for your cooperation. I also have a small gift from my employer - consider it a token of appreciation."
She withdrew a sealed package from her jacket and handed it to Esmeralda, who looked at it curiously. It looked and felt like a book.
"What is it?" she could not help but ask.
As Clorinde let herself out, she gave her reply. "Information on Alain Guillotine - founder of the Institute and pioneer of artificial life." With that, the door closed, leaving Esmeralda finally alone. Still, the bed no longer seemed so attractive.
A little reading would be fine, right?
Esmeralda did eventually go to sleep. When she woke the next day, she was brimming with energy. Quickly, she gathered up some materials, got onto Daisy's palm, and the two of them set a course. The destination - Alain Guillotine's abandoned workshop, with the location given in the letter.
Not only had she been authorized - by the single highest authority in Fontaine - but the area had already been partially explored, with only the deepest, most well-protected areas remaining. As such, Esmeralda had been invited for her expertise in mechanical systems to open up the remaining areas, and she was excited to do so.
Unfortunately, the areas that required her attention were both underwater and in tight spaces, both of which Daisy could not handle. Well, she could handle being submerged temporarily, but staying underwater for any significant time would cause leakage and damage to her systems.
Daisy would have to stay back, which she was unhappy about, though she decided not to argue.
On the other hand, the letter described how Vision bearers could breathe and talk underwater in Fontaine's borders, removing the need for a diving suit. That was certainly interesting, but a little concerning.
Soon enough, they arrived near the location. Esmeralda dismounted to continue on foot while Daisy vanished from sight. It took only a little time for Esmeralda to make her way to the workshop itself. There were a few tents and researchers milling around the entrance, as well as a pair of Guardmeks standing at attention.
Quickly enough, one of the people present noticed Esmeralda's approach.
"I'm Joseph Diodenes, Senior Researcher. You're Esmeralda right?" he introduced himself.
"That's me."
"Huh. We just sent the letter a day ago. Weren't expecting you to get here so quickly," the researcher commented.
Esmeralda shrugged. Small talk. Great. "What's the plan here?"
"To the point, eh? Alright, here's the situation. We've managed to get into most of the workshop, but the inner area, where Mr Guillotine kept his personal notes, is sealed tight," he explained.
Esmeralda nodded. "Yeah, I read that in the letter."
"Then you know that it's underwater as well. You have a Vision, so that shouldn't be a problem. Still, you haven't dived much before, right?" Joseph asked.
"Right. Never, actually," Esmeralda admitted.
"Then you'll need to practice a bit first. Don't worry, it's easy. There'll also be a professional accompanying you. He's inside."
"Got it, thanks." With that, Esmeralda hurried away and into the ruins of the workshop.
As expected, there was someone there.
"Hello, I'm Freminet. You're the new researcher, right? Esmeralda?" he introduced.
Esmeralda nodded. "That's me. By the looks of things, you're the one going in there with me?"
"Uh, yes. But because you've never done this before, you'll need to practice a bit before going deep. You have a Vision, so it shouldn't be too hard."
That again. "Yeah, so I've been told. But I don't understand how or why, so I'm a little worried," Esmeralda admitted.
"It'll be just like breathing normally."
"Right."
There was an awkward silence.
"Uh, shall we start?" Freminet suggested.
"Sure."
Freminet took the lead, summoning his diving helmet and preparing to plunge into the depths.
"Wait, you have a Vision too. What's with the helmet?"
Freminet paused, then dismissed the helmet with a wave of his hand. "Sorry. Force of habit," he apologized. With that, he jumped in, sinking below the surface and looking back up, waiting.
Well, no time like the present. Taking a deep breath, Esmeralda jumped in after him.
The first thing that she noticed after she splashed down was that the water was not as cold as she had expected. The second was that it was surprisingly clear, allowing her to see the details of the walls and the darker path leading further in. The third was that she was instinctively holding her breath.
"It's alright. Follow my example. Just breathe normally," Freminet assured her, calmly treading water to stay nearby. Despite Esmeralda's expectations, his voice was clear even underwater and he was breathing normally - if in an exaggerated manner - with none of the standard issues expected when underwater.
Fighting her instincts, Esmeralda opened her mouth and took a deep breath. She felt... absolutely nothing out of the ordinary - just like breathing on land.
"Huh? That was easy," she said, eyes widening as she heard her own voice clearly through the water.
Freminet nodded. "We're all set, then."
Esmeralda floated in the water, surprisingly at ease. It was calming, to be immersed without any chance of drowning. "So, where to?"
"Follow me," Freminet said, turning to dive deeper into the ruins. He swam with slow, confident strokes, effortlessly gliding in the water. Esmeralda was far less graceful, but managed to keep up with her guide's relaxed pace.
Soon enough, they came to the first obstacle. A door in their path was closed, kept shut by a locked mechanism. Freminet pointed this out, noting that the previous researchers could not solve it while encumbered by their diving suits.
Esmeralda looked around. Freminet had drifted away to investigate some other mechanism. By the looks of things, it should be simple enough to explore until they find the solution to the puzzle. Still, there were quite a few vines in the area as well as all kinds of creatures that had taken the ruins as their home. She would rather not deal with them.
Alternatively, Esmeralda could use the opportunity to test out her visor. With a thought, she summoned it over her eyes, and the world came to life.
She saw the connections within the locking mechanism and how it branched out into three separate directions. One of them led to the area where Freminet was analyzing, and the connection glowed brightly as he activated something. With the knowledge of how the mechanism worked, Esmeralda used her visor to connect directly to the lock. A few mental tweaks and a click sounded out as the doors slid open.
Esmeralda grinned.
"Impressive. You've found both other mechanisms already?" Freminet commented, swimming over.
"Nope. I hacked the lock and tricked it into thinking that everything was activated. Let's go," Esmeralda replied.
"You can do that?" Freminet asked as the two of them headed deeper into the ruins.
"Yup. I've used this technology in the Fortress before; there're some differences, but it runs on the same principles. With this visor," Esmeralda explained, tapping the visor that covered her eyes, "I can directly send data to the controls to trick it into thinking that the mechanisms have been solved. Easier than actually cutting those vines. Have you seen those stingrays? I'd rather stay away from them."
"They're not that threatening..."
The two of them came to another locked door and Esmeralda got to work. She placed a hand on the device and concentrated, mentally analyzing the internal workings of the device. Instead of swimming away to solve the puzzles, Freminet waited nearby and watched.
Soon, there was a click, and the door slid open. Esmeralda grinned, "Tada!"
They entered the next room, which seemed different from the others. There were tables and shelves full of notes, carefully bundled in waterproof wrapping. Did Alain flood the workshop on purpose? Esmeralda wondered as she looked around, quickly noticing the various levers scattered around the room. One last test.
"Looks like we might have to do this the hard way," Freminet commented. "There's no central mechanism to hack this time."
Esmeralda shook her head. "Nah. I can see the connections between the levers. There's a pump hidden in the corner over there. I should be able to just start it up directly."
Without waiting for a reply, she headed for the pump, which was cleverly disguised as part of the walls. However, Esmeralda's visor allowed her to see the electrical systems controlling it, rendering the camouflage moot. Reaching out mentally, she tweaked the logic within the pump so that it would read the current lever configuration as correct. Just like that, the pump sprang to life, rapidly drawing the water out. It took less than a minute to drain the water, leaving the room dry.
A device on the table activated, glowing brightly. A translucent projection of a familiar man appeared, standing beside the table, drawing the attention of the two explorers.
"Greetings, strangers," a voice sounded out, the holographic image's lips moving as if he were talking. "My name is Alain Guillotine and you are standing in the heart of my workshop. To have unlocked this place, you have bypassed my security measures and proven yourself skilled in clockwork technology. Either that or my skill is lacking and time has done the work for you.
"Nevertheless, you are here now. Around you lie the results of my lifelong research. Clockwork technology beyond my time, though perhaps not beyond yours. The foundations of the Arkhe system. The secrets of artificial life. They were once my great works. Now they are yours. Do with this knowledge as you wish."
The hologram shut off and there was silence. Both Esmeralda and Freminet remained quiet as they considered the implications of the technology available.
"I'm going to look around," Esmeralda said. Ignoring Freminet's acknowledgment, she got to work, glancing over the vast numbers of books and scrolls.
Unfortunately, while Alain thought that his notes were revolutionary, and they were, they were unfortunately also centuries out of date. Much of the Clockwork technology that he had detailed had been improved over time, until modern versions could easily outperform his designs in every way. Arkhe had since been studied and understood in great detail. And the secrets to artificial life, while interesting, were nothing that Esmeralda was unfamiliar with. It would be more useful to the researchers waiting outside.
There was, however, one thing that piqued her interest.
Esmeralda poked the emitter. "Can I keep this?" she asked.
"Uh, I think we should report back," Freminet said.
"Finders keepers. Yoink," Esmeralda cheerfully declared, detaching the emitter from its power source. With it clutched firmly, she turned to leave.
Freminet hesitated, then followed her silently. The way out was far easier than the way in, with the water and other obstacles removed. They soon emerged from the ruins, meeting up with the researchers outside.
They were naturally surprised at the speed at which the two of them had solved the puzzles within. They also had plenty of questions, which Esmeralda quickly deflected to Freminet before slipping away.
He was fine with that. He would complie everything to a report and hand it to them, he promised. The researchers prepared to enter the ruins themselves as Freminet left. He had a report to write. For the Institute, yes, but also...
'Father' had to be informed as well.
Daisy quickly carried Esmeralda back to her workshop in the Institute in order to escape the questions of the researchers back at the ruins. Unfortunately, she couldn't completely avoid the questions of the researchers at the Institute itself. It took way too long to satisfy their curiosity, push past them, and retreat to her workshop.
Finally, Esmeralda was alone. She collapsed onto her bed, exhausted despite the new technology that she had acquired. It had been a tiring few days - not physically, but mentally. Numbers and figures were simple and clear. Why were people so insistent on bothering her?
Starting from tomorrow, she would work to change that.
Project Mirage: Version 0.1
Project base acquired: a large computing array. Power source consistent, provided by Institute. Basic neural network initialized. Training begun. Purpose: To stop people from bothering me. Let's see how well this goes.