CHAPTER TWENTY

Combat Consultation

Julien and Marcus pulled up outside a nondescript building, its front blending seamlessly with the neighboring structures. The sign above the door read ‘Breacher Enhancement Center’, but Marcus had learned that everyone called it the Bodyshop. He had expected something more ostentatious, but Julien assured him it was all part of the low-key image they wanted to maintain.

‘The less attention, the better, huh?’ Marcus thought, recalling what the Caster had said earlier. That these places still had a bad reputation from the early days of creating Forged individuals, when the staggering death toll shocked everyone, even though the Bodyshop only handled Chip enhancements.

They entered through sliding glass doors, the cool air inside a stark contrast to the summer heat outside. The reception area was fancy, with minimalist decor: a sleek desk, a few comfortable chairs, and potted plants placed to create a calming atmosphere. The soft hum of machinery and muted conversations filled the air. A woman behind the desk greeted them, her smile professional and warm.

“Welcome to the BEC New Haven. Are you here for a consultation or procedure?”

Julien flashed a quick smile. “Consultation for my friend,” he said, grabbing Marcus’s steel Breacher ID and handing it over.

The nurse nodded and typed something into her computer, briefly raising an eyebrow when she read that Marcus was an Original. A few moments later, she handed him back his ID. “You’re all set. Doctor Kim will see you shortly. Feel free to look around while you wait.”

Julien led Marcus down a hallway lined with closed doors. Through small windows, they could see rooms where people sat with artists, discussing and sketching potential Marks on holographic displays, while others were there for a checkup.

‘This place feels like a mix of a tattoo shop and a dentist's office,’ Marcus thought as he followed Julien.

“This place is amazing, right?” Julien asked, pointing at the room where he'd had his first consultation years ago, before he got Chipped. “God, this takes me back.”

“This place is something alright,” Marcus muttered, peering into a room where an artist was using a data pad to draw intricate designs on a digital mock-up of a body. The designs glowed as the artist marked where the Chip would be surgically installed.

Julien nodded. “Yeah, it’s where the magic happens. The artists here are the best, and they work closely with doctors to ensure the Chips not only look good alongside your other Marks but are placed for optimal effect. They’ll also consult with you on what kind of abilities you’re aiming for. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about maximizing your potential.”

“Magic, huh?” Marcus asked, glancing around. He noticed the pieces of art on the walls and the stylish attire of the nurses and artists. “Sounds expensive.”

“That’s because it is,” came a voice behind him, startling him. He turned to see an Asian woman in her mid-forties, wearing a white coat over a light blue blouse and black slacks. Her hair was neatly pulled back, and she had an air of confident precision about her.

“I’m Kim Fen,” she introduced herself with a friendly nod. “And I take it you’re the Original?”

“It sounds weird when you say it like that,” Julien chuckled, nudging Marcus in the ribs.

“Sorry, yeah, I’m Marcus,” he said, eyeing the doctor’s neat, symmetrical lines of Marks on her arms and neck, glowing faintly. “Forged?”

“Guilty,” Dr. Kim replied with a smile, gesturing toward a vacant room. “Now, was this a single consultation, or does your friend have questions as well?”

“We’re not friends,” Marcus interrupted, stopping Julien before he could speak. “He nearly got me killed today because he was greedy.” Marcus smirked inwardly at Julien's discomfort before pulling the green Chip from his pocket and showing it to the doctor. “Just a consultation for now regarding this. I take it that’s free?”

The doctor smiled briefly, her gaze lingering on the black Marks on Marcus’s face and arm before settling on the green object in his hands. “A consultation is always free. Now, let’s see what we can do for you.”

- - -

“That’s a lot of credits,” Marcus said several minutes later, setting down the cup of tea he had been cradling.

“It is,” Kim agreed, closing her data pad and folding her hands. “For the chip implantation, we recommend a safer location, like the upper thigh, away from critical anatomical structures. This minimizes risks and ensures a smoother recovery.” She paused for a moment before adding, “Aesthetically, we can place it wherever you’d like. However, for combat potential, it might be best to go for the lower arm or leg, especially since an Ability that can produce air pressure would be combat-based. It’s less draining to have it near the extremities where you’d be wielding it.”

Julien chimed in, rolling up his sleeves to show the greenish lines on his forearms. “These Marks were made from Orb fragments that turned me into a Forged. The two smaller Marks below them are Chips I had implanted. One Ability lets me ignite the air and produce flames, similar to the gust of air your monster could create. The second Ability lets me manipulate fire, giving me some control over it. I can produce flames from any part of my body, but it’s less taxing to do it from a part near my Marks rather than, say, my feet or chest.”

“So, this Chip gets surgically added to my current Marks, and if all goes well, I’d have the ability of the Monster I killed?” Marcus asked.

“There’s a high chance it will,” Kim explained calmly, pointing to the green Chip in front of Marcus. “In most cases, the ability will resemble what you encountered, though it could be stronger or weaker. However, anything from a Sphere is unpredictable, so we can’t guarantee it. There is also the chance that the Chip ends up strengthening an Ability you already have without granting you a new one.”

“I see,” Marcus said, pausing as he looked at his right hand, tracing the Marks there. ‘What would happen to my Echo Ability if it increased? Would it change something about my bond with the robots?’ he thought before he turned his attention back to her. “And after the surgery, this Chip will become like the rest of the Marks on my body?”

“Over time, yes,” Kim said, making eye contact with him. “It will take a while for pathways to form—days or weeks—but eventually, it will be indistinguishable from your other Marks. In your case, the green color would also turn black. You’ll also be able to channel other Abilities effectively through this new Mark. So, the location is important.”

“So, why not go for your fingers?” Marcus shifted his gaze to Julien. “Why get them placed in your lower arms?”

“Harder to chop off and lose them,” Julien replied with a shrug. “More than a few Breachers have lost Abilities or even their overall power after losing a limb with a lot of Marks on it.”

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Marcus picked up the green Chip, turning it over, feeling its weight and the sharp edges on one side. It reminded him of Monster-Glass. “So, why the surgery bit? Why not just stab it in, heal up, and be done with it?”’

Julien opened his mouth to respond, but Kim turned her data pad to show Marcus a graph listing early fatalities for becoming Forged and getting chipped. “That’s why,” she said, her voice firm. “Getting Chipped is less dangerous than becoming a Forged, but it’s still not without risk. The raw energy in these things is immense. Surgery, treatment, aftercare, medication—all of it is necessary. Without it, the pain alone could break someone.”

“I see,” Marcus said, slipping the Chip back into his pocket and nodding. “Thanks for the consultation, doc. I’ll think about it.”

Dr. Kim nodded and stood. “Take all the time you need. This is a big decision. But just off the record, selling it might be the best option. The sad reality is that an Alpha with a useful Ability is still an Alpha at the end of the day. Most guilds don’t care how many Abilities you have, only how well and often you use them in the field. In that regard, it would be wasted on an Alpha.” She handed him her card, a silent offer for the future—whether he sold or used the Chip.

Marcus nodded, accepting the card without a word. He and Julien exited the room, retracing their steps through the hallway toward the reception area. The Caster seemed to pick up on Marcus’s contemplative mood and remained silent until they reached his car.

“So, what’s your plan?” Julien asked as they stepped outside into the warm evening air.

“Food, shower, bed," Marcus replied, heading toward the car, eyes heavy.

“Right,” Julien muttered as they both got into the vehicle. He started the engine and sighed, glancing at Marcus. “Look, I’m sorry that I bailed on you back then... I got greedy.”

“No worries. I’d probably have done the same,” Marcus lied, settling into his seat as he shoved his right hand in his pocket.

“Right,” Julien said again, watching Marcus closely. “Still, I was the one that dragged you out on this job and promised I’d look—”

“It’s fine, Julien. Just take me home, alright? We could both use the time to relax. And I already promised I wouldn’t say anything to the Salamanders,” Marcus interrupted, causing the other man to just nod before starting to drive away from the Bodyshop, heading towards Marcus’s apartment.

Marcus closed his eyes, trying to unwind as Julien turned on some music. He absently rubbed the Chip’s sharp edges in his pocket, mulling over Kim’s words. ‘Wasted on an Alpha, huh?’ he thought, a tinge of bitterness creeping in.

- - -

Marcus trudged up the old stairs to his apartment, wincing as his bruises and aching muscles throbbed with every step. Under his right arm, he balanced his shield and armor pieces, while his left hand gripped the sealed crate containing his sword.

Just as he reached the top, the door across the hallway creaked open, revealing Felix. The man gave Marcus a quick once-over, eyebrows raised in question.

“Jesus, you look like shit. I take it you went out on another job? Did you at least have fun?”

Marcus flashed a wry smile before responding, “More like got my ass kicked. But I killed a few of them.”

Felix snorted before giving him a bear hug, accidentally causing Marcus’s helmet to slip loose and crash down the stairs. The helmet hit the wooden steps with a metallic clang, bouncing every few steps with a loud thud. He flinched with each hit before the helmet reached the bottom of the stairs, bouncing against empty beer kegs and rolling towards the door leading to the bar.

“Ever seen Lord of the Rings?” Felix asked his injured friend.

“Mines of Moria bit? Skull falling in the well?” Marcus asked, seeing Felix nod in response. They watched the helmet roll to a stop against the door. “So, you’re saying we’re about to fight some goblins?”

“Worse,” Felix whispered, leaning closer to his friend.

As if on cue, the door downstairs suddenly swung open, and the old man stepped towards them, kicking the helmet.

“You boys stop throwing things down the stairs!” Felix was about to speak up when the man pointed a finger at him. “No excuses, or I’ll double your rent.”

Felix apologized again to the old man, then ran down to collect the helmet and usher him back into the bar. He returned upstairs and handed the helmet back to Marcus.

“He’s all rainbows and sunshine today,” Felix said before muttering something as he checked his phone. “Crap, I’m running late for my date.” He looked at his friend’s bruised body for a moment. “You sure you’re alright?”

“You’ve got a date? I take it this person is blind and deaf?” Marcus joked.

“Not everyone is as ugly as you, mate,” Felix said, nudging Marcus in the ribs, causing him to groan in pain. Felix ran down the stairs. “Don’t wait up for me, dear,” he called before rushing through the door and the bar, earning another scolding from the old man.

Marcus headed to his apartment, chuckling a bit at his friend’s mood and prospects for the evening. He opened the door and walked inside, closing it behind him as he dropped his things on the floor, including the metal container that held his sword. He looked around his apartment; it was exactly how he'd left it. Checking the time, he noted it was already getting late.

‘I wonder when Specter will return,’ he thought, making his way to the bathroom. He fiddled with the lock before opening the closet, revealing the large, unmoving robot inside. He touched its frame before concentrating on the Mana within him.

‘Echo.’

Marcus felt his Mana leave his body, slipping through his black Marks and into the robot. A tingling sensation spread through him as the connection formed between them. He saw the robot reactivate, then suddenly viewed the room from its perspective as well, seeing his own fleshy self stare at his metal one. Their thoughts intertwined, creating a shared consciousness. He maintained this for a minute or so, then undid the connection and stepped back.

“Good to have you back, Bastion.”

The large robot slowly moved out of the cramped closet, bumping its head before standing upright in Marcus’s bedroom, looking down at him. Bastion lifted Marcus’s chin, examining his bruises. “You look like shit.”

“I feel worse, trust me,” he said in response before making his way to the living room and collapsing onto the couch. He let out a groan before fishing the green Chip from his pocket and tossing it on the table.

As he did, Bastion went into the kitchen, using its steel and plastic digits to prepare a peanut butter sandwich, almost bending the knife in the process. It then sat next to Marcus on the couch, dumping the plate on his lap.

“Here you go,” it said calmly.

Marcus took the sandwich and muttered a thanks before taking a bite, moaning with his mouth full. Bastion fetched him a glass of water, handing it to him.

“So, we’ve got a Chip, huh?” it asked, focusing on the object and carefully picking it up for closer inspection.

Marcus nodded while finishing the sandwich.

“It sounds dangerous and painful… but the idea of you getting a combat Ability sounds useful.” Bastion placed the Chip back on the table, shifting its attention back to Marcus. “Do you think Julien will be a problem for us?”

“Not sure,” Marcus admitted, sinking further into the couch. “He’s greedy and self-centered, but he still feels guilt and shame. I don’t think he’d make a move right now. He’s got a Power rating of 27 and is a Caster, so not suited to close combat. It won’t be long until we’re stronger than him in a fight.”

“His fire Ability might be an issue,” Bastion countered. “But our robotic frames can handle heat for a while. I doubt he’d expect to fight you and two robots if he decides to break in tonight. Even more so with Specter always being active.”

“Speaking of the devil,” Marcus muttered, flashes of memory filling his mind—steel hands gripping a familiar fire escape. He grinned, suppressing the connection with Specter to stop his own thoughts from bleeding through.

Specter opened the window and climbed in, its three lenses locked on Marcus, observing his injuries and the green Chip on the table. Flashes of Specter’s memories flooded Marcus—its battles with monsters, its search for Glass, and its current confusion. During all of it, Marcus didn’t share his own experiences, finding the situation amusing.

“What’s going on?” Specter finally asked, closing the window.

“What do you think?” Bastion got up, grabbed a bag of frozen peas from the kitchen, and handed it to Marcus. It sat back down, wrapping an exaggeratedly protective arm around him.

“You went on another job?” Specter asked, watching Marcus nod. “Right after all our fighting in the Sphere? Wait, did you also use up the Glass?”

“Sure did,” Marcus said, sliding the peas under his shirt against his bruised ribs. “Two points to Strength, one to Mental. Made a big difference.”

Specter paused, then sat on the table beside the Chip before speaking up. “So, you fought monsters with us until exhaustion. Then you tortured yourself with the Glass, just to take another Breacher Job the next—” Specter stopped as Marcus leaned forward, placing a hand on its knee, forming a strong link. He let Specter take in the memory—Julien surprising him that morning, dragging him into a job, and leaving him banged up but with the Chip in his possession. Then, he broke the connection and leaned back.

Specter shook its head, adjusting to the new memories before its attention shifted to the Chip. It picked it up, holding it between its thumb and index finger. “And this houses an Ability?”

“Apparently. Something wind-related. Not sure if it creates wind or manipulates it,” Marcus said, his gaze shifting to Specter’s backpack, which held more Glass pieces. ‘He’s got 12 more pieces in there. Those, along with what I had left over, should be enough for another Charge. Sadly, it’s not enough to upgrade any of my Stats.’

“So, what do we do now?” Specter asked, placing the Chip back on the table.

Marcus closed his eyes, rubbing his temples. “First, I get some sleep, and a decent meal and shower when I wake up tomorrow.”

“And then?” Bastion asked as Marcus got up.

Marcus grinned, his eyes lighting up for a moment. “Probably make a plan to do something stupid.”