Murmurs surged through the crowd in response to President Drazah’s declaration of betrayal, and yet the cameras never stopped rolling. “It’s undoubtable that those of you who still don’t hold me in your favor will see this as an act of betrayal, proof that I was a bad choice and deceiving you all along. And you’re not wrong. For those of you who do trust in me, though, I would still call this a duplicitous act of treachery.”
“While from my perspective, I will be holding up every oath I just swore to, I’m sure it won’t be taken that way by everyone in the general public. What’s about to happen is not what you voted for, nor are we taking any of your concerns or opinions into consideration. It will be interesting to see how history marks this day, whether I will be labelled as a tyrant, one worse than my parents since I will be imposing my will unchallenged—or the savior of all.”
“In my message leading up to this day, I mentioned that this would be an event that you don’t want to miss—still accurate, but also another deception. We wanted as many people tuning in as possible so that we won’t have to explain things endlessly and to ensure the majority of our society is sitting safe at home. That will make this easier and reduce any potential accidents. This is just another example of how we’ve always been manipulating you.”
“Everything we’ve done, since our first re-introduction those five years ago, has all been in pursuit of this day. I’ve had a dream for a long time, one I initially thought impossible to achieve. But through the allies I’ve made along the way, and your acceptance as a society to elect me as President of Rathe, it has become a reality.”
“Now you might be wondering why it’s something we didn’t just do ourselves without permission as we’ve done before such as the tournament and with Common Cards. Well the first reason is that we hope our past actions have proven our benevolent intentions, so that most of you will be open to accepting this upcoming wave of change. Again, from my perspective, we are doing nothing more than trying to help you. But I understand that there will be initial reluctance.”
“As for why I needed to be elected to the highest government office in existence, well, it’s so I could do this. For the duration of the event that is about to occur, all militaries stand down. All law enforcement stand down. If someone is in need of genuine assistance, continue your duties. But if their descriptor matches what I am about to tell you, assure them that it is what’s meant to happen, and that everything will be alright. Do not try to interfere with the process until it is complete.”
“Oh, I should mention that the process has already started since the beginning of my speech. Even I can’t stop it now. So let’s not keep you all in suspense. The name of our dream we aim to achieve is Project Fiendless, frankly because I couldn’t think of anything better.”
“Over the past half-decade, we have enacted a five-step plan in pursuit of our goal. Attention: the New-Years reveal, the museum heist, and so many other high-profile activities. Expansion: the growth of our business into a dependable group to overcome any challenge and stand as its own powerful entity.”
“Reliance: The Common Cards and the work we did as the Fiends For Hire, to make our presence a core pillar of society—indispensable to its continuance and advancement. Domination: World Domination. This was achieved just minutes ago when I was elected President of Rathe, though that was not how we originally expected to achieve it. I’ve already given my explanation as to why this was necessary.”
“And now we can move on to the fifth step in our plan. Perhaps ‘Fiendless’ is ultimately a misnomer, because the final stage of the project is ‘Evolution’. More specifically, the forced evolution of humanity. This is how we save the world, by moving it forward.”
“There is a little fact about me that only my closest friends tend to pick up on. I despise the very concept of Fiends, or rather, how they’re created. Power as a reward for murder is something that has always disgusted every inch of me. Especially because it became an incentive for so many with ill intent to try and manipulate and recreate. Our group has explored every possible avenue to put an end to it, to stop the creation of new Fiends. Yet, we found it impossible. No matter what, if the conditions are fulfilled, a new Fiend will be born.”
“But that ends tonight! If we can’t prevent the result, then we just have to stop the cause. Today, we will abolish the mere notion of murder! I know that it sounds like a fantastical, idealistic dream for the ignorant. Yet we’ve made it possible.”
“Our engineer, with the help of the entirety of our science department and several volunteers, has made a new device, unlike any this world has ever seen before. As with the Common Cards, we’ve made one for each of you. And like then as well, you have no choice but to accept our gift.”
“Don’t worry about the delivery. They won’t be coming through the mail, and you don’t have to wait for someone to drop them off. Actually, they’re already on their way. Some of you will likely be seeing them any second. They will find their way to you, no matter where you are.”
“In your best interest, I suggest finding somewhere safe and secure. Sit down for just a few minutes for the process to complete. And we were able to make the fusion painless, so you may not even notice it happening. But the devices are smart enough to understand when it is appropriate to begin the merge. If you are in a situation where a distraction could be detrimental, such as driving, they will wait until you are no longer vulnerable. Though if they detect that you are currently in a dangerous situation, it is likely they will go ahead and join you in an attempt to keep you safe.”
“Do not take this, though, as a misconception that you can outrun or avoid them. No matter where you go, they will follow you to the ends of Rathe. You cannot destroy them, hide from them, trap them. Even if you believe yourself in a secure facility like the Central Peace Headquarters, to them, you may as well be standing out in the open. Those here in this room will also see them soon as well.”
“I’ll admit, they look a little scary while they’re moving, like a large mechanical arachnid. Their target on your body will be your non-dominant wrist. Though if you don’t have one, or if it’s obscured, they will attach wherever they deem it most convenient and unintrusive. Once they join with you, their default state is to look at a watch or bracelet based on your preferences, and it can be changed as you wish.”
“Some of you may fear that we are giving you a burden to wear for the rest of your lives. But I can assure you that’s not the case. After the merge, if you don’t like having it around, you can actually make it move to any part of your body that you wish, or make it vanish entirely. Because at that point, it is no longer one of our devices. It is a part of you, an extension of your being.”
“As proof,” President Drazah raised his hand and pulled his sleeve down just an inch. “I’ve been wearing mine the entire time!” A green and black bracer materialized around Drim’s wrist, rather similar to the ones he wore for combat, automatically taking on the form he was most comfortable with while tailoring to his tastes. It was similar to how his crown would spawn into existence, though it had initially been inspired by the ever-changing wardrobe that was perpetually chained to Chorus.
“So you might be asking what it’s all for, the point of this forced evolution. The primary function is to keep you safe—if you’re about to be unexpectedly hit, or something is going to fall on you, or if you’re even being attacked by man or monster. They won’t be able to protect you from every scratch and scrape since they are tied to your senses, though boosted beyond standard human perception. But to the best of their ability, the devices will defend you.”
◆◆◆
In a dark alley, a woman laid on the hard ground, beaten and bruised, fresh tears streaking down her face over the path of those that had already dried. She had been jumped by a gang of three and ordered to hand over all of her belongings. Yet though she’d complied, they still attacked her anyways even after she showed no resistance. The laughing faces of the trio were burned into her mind, their amusement scarring her eyes though she’d long hid her face.
But suddenly, the pain stopped coming. There were no more kicks into her sides, no more attempts to grab her hair to get at her face. The woman stayed lying still for a moment longer until she was just emboldened enough to take a look. Right when she turned to face her attackers, she found another charging right at her, swinging a piece of wood they’d grabbed randomly off the ground.
So of course the woman flinched, wanting to protect herself, to prevent as much incoming pain as possible. But there was no need. The impromptu weapon bounced back, clanging against the forcefield that just so briefly appeared in a shroud around the woman, protecting her entirely from all directions.
◆◆◆
“And if it so happens that another person is the force attempting to do you harm, their own devices will punish them in accordance with our society’s laws,” The Fiendish King stated with a firm hand.
◆◆◆
An instant after the collision, the woman's attacker was staggered by the rebound against the shield, then they and the other two suddenly yelped in pain as if they’d been shocked, though there were no sparks or electricity around. And all three of them suddenly dropped to the ground.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
『Malintentions detected.』 a disembodied voice suddenly spoke in triplicate. 『Actions deliberate. No remorse found.』 『Crimes committed: Mugging, Assault』 『Illicit actions have been reported, criminal score has been updated, and authorities have been notified of your location. Any further attempts to continue your criminal actions will result in your motor functions being disabled until authorities arrive.』
『Warning: Criminal Score has passed required threshold. Public warrants have been issued. Authorities and Bounty Hunters are now authorized to arrest you on sight. Suggestion: Turn yourself in of your own volition and accept the judgment for your crimes. Attone before it is too late.』
『Bodily control will be restored momentarily. Currently, your movements are not being restricted. You may choose to evade justice if your heart is set on redemption and rehabilitation. But be aware that any further criminal activity will be met with harsher punishment. This is your only warning.』
◆◆◆
“And when you are out of danger,” President Drazah continued, “The devices will aid you in any treatment and following actions, ensuring you can get back to your life safe and sound.”
◆◆◆
The woman finally made it up to her feet, clutching her side in pain as she watched her three attackers flee the scene the moment they could move again. When she went to pick up her belongings that had all been left on the ground, she finally noticed the new enchanting bracelet that was dangling around her wrist. The accessory then pulsed with a glow and vibrated slightly as it spoke to her—not something that it would do for everyone, only those that would take comfort in it.
『Check-up complete. Condition: Stable. No internal bleeding detected. Several lacerations, deep bruising, and four cracked ribs detected. Diagnosis: All injuries will heal naturally over the course of a few weeks. However, there will be recurring pain and severe discomfort for some time. Publicly available pain medication will provide mild relief. Lacerations should also be disinfected and bandaged as soon as possible.』
『Suggestion: Seek a licensed professional for a stronger prescription and wound-care. Your current primary doctor’s office is closed and will re-open at [315] in two days. Would you like to be routed to the closest emergency clinic? All medical expenses will be covered by the Fiendish Foundation in full.』
“Y-yes,” the woman took the magical talking jewelry up on its offer, wondering if she’d taken a hit to her head. But she felt so comforted at the same time, and didn’t feel an ounce of mistrust. It genuinely wanted to help her.
『Route calculated. Estimated time travelling by foot with your sustained injuries: 27 minutes. Estimated time by vehicle, including both pick-up and transport: 11 minutes. Would you like for a car to be called? All expenses will be covered in full.』
“Yes,” the host answered more definitively.
『Please proceed to the indicated street corner. Estimated travel time: 3 minutes. Estimated wait time upon arrival: 2 minutes.』 The woman had to blink a few times to believe what she was seeing. After hearing the word ‘Fiendish’ she knew what sort of technology the bracelet had to be. But she anticipated a map to be projected on her new bracelet, or maybe pulled-up on her common card.
Yet it was neither. A highlighted line along the ground was overlaid straight into her vision. It went down the alley and around the corner where it met with the street. Initially, she couldn’t quite see where the device was leading her, but that quickly changed. The obscuring buildings faded in opacity. She couldn’t see into them, but rather through them, like they’d become a mirage. And then she could see the destination in question. It really wasn’t far, and would normally take her less than a minute to get there, but with the first step, she immediately knew it would be slow-going.
Right as she exited the alley, the woman heard sirens in the distance steadily approaching and then saw the flashing lights shortly thereafter. A slight sense of dread washed over her since she really didn’t want to deal with it, feeling not much else could be done, and everything that followed would just be a hassle.
『The officer has noticed you and wants to speak.』 Her bracelet confirmed what she already assumed when the car came to a stop. 『Would you like a report to be submitted on your behalf?』
“Yes!” the woman answered emphatically, not knowing that it was an option.
『Would you like to remain anonymous?』
“No,” she thought about it for a brief moment. Though she wasn’t currently in the mood, she wouldn’t mind follow-up questions later. However, even with all that done, she still stopped in her tracks, not wanting to make it look like she was trying to run away.
But when the officer left his car and started to rush over to her, he too suddenly stopped, getting a message from his own wrist. And that was all he needed to understand everything. He then slowly raised his mouth into a courteous smile and gave the woman a knowing nod.
『The officer would like to wait with you until the transport arrives. Would you like to accept his offer?』
“...yes” after a lengthy pause to really consider it, the woman agreed. And the officer slowly marched over to her a moment later. He then walked by her side, keeping close but still allowing the woman her personal space while he matched her pace. When they made it to the corner, they stood together in silence. He only spoke again when the car came, confirming with the driver where they were headed. And then he waved the woman farewell before heading off to check the crime scene.
◆◆◆
“Direct injuries aren’t the only thing they’ll be able to help with,” the disguised demigod added. “They’ll be able to detect any illnesses and assist with their prevention and treatment. Ideally, they’ll regulate your immune system to stop them at the source, but should they take hold, for minor illnesses such as colds, they’ll suggest the best treatments.”
“But for anything more severe that should be left to a professional, the devices will work with your doctors—providing their diagnosis and suggest personalized plans to get you healthy again.”
◆◆◆
At a renowned hospital in Drome Coli, several esteemed doctors crowded around an unconscious patient. No matter what tests they’d run, any treatments they’d tried, they were never able to cure the person in their care of the unknown affliction. All that they knew for certain was that the patient didn’t have much longer.
They all took a sudden step back when the strange metallic entity jumped up onto the medical bed but could only watch with intrigue as it moved past the patient’s wrist—not disturbing the injected IV—and wrapped itself around their upper arm. A projected screen then immediately popped up above their new host for all around them to see.
『Diagnosis Complete. Patient is suffering from Acute Sphinecrosis. Suggested treatment plan displayed. Immediate action needed. Estimated time until patient can no longer be saved: 9 minutes, 79 seconds.』
The doctors sprung into action without a moment’s hesitation. As soon as they heard the diagnosis, everything clicked into their heads, so there was no need to doubt. Not even those with the biggest egos among them dared to question the result. They followed the treatment plan perfectly, able to save the patient with time on the clock to spare. And because they were so focused on their task, the doctors didn’t even notice the devices that had latched onto their own wrists.
◆◆◆
“And they won’t only care for your physical well-being,” the president got to the final point of his initial spiel. “If you are in dire straits mentally, such as treating chronic depression or even just need a bit of help through a one-time ordeal, the devices will do all they can to help alleviate the situation and ease your burdens. Whatever’s possible to guide you through and help you see the light at the other end.”
◆◆◆
“Damn it!” a man chucked his now empty bottle over the ledge where his legs dangled. It plummeted down the side of the building and shattered against the ground several stories below. “I wish… I just wish I could hear her voice one last time!”
Regrets were beginning to swirl in his mind. But his phone had already reached the same fate as the bottle, and he planned to join them soon, only further driven by his incapability. “Huh…” the man was suddenly confused when anything but his own intrusive thoughts and the sound of the night entered his head.
『Connecting call』 “Dad?” a woman’s voice suddenly spoke a moment after the robotic one vanished.
The man tried to utter something, but all that came out was a bit of blubbering.
“Dad, I’ve been trying to call you all day!” his daughter insisted, clearly annoyed by being ignored. “Are you watching the broadcast? Have you seen what the president’s doing? Well, that’s not important right now. We wanted you to come over for New Years. I’ve got a place reserved for you at the table. Do you think you can make it? The kids really want to see you.”
“Erm, I-” the words were hard to say, a lump in his throat, and his inebriation making his head swim, mixing poorly with his emotions. “I don’t think, erm, I don’t think I’m really in a state to drive right now.”
“Ugh, you’ve been drinking again, haven’t you?” the daughter’s annoyance grew, but then her tone immediately softened. “Well that’s okay. We can come pick you up. Where are you? Are you at home?”
“No, I’m, uhm, out,” the man’s speech improved a bit after he wiped his disgusting, liquid-drenched face clear with his sleeve. “Hard to say where I am, but, but I can get someone to take me. I’ll be there.”
“You better!” the woman’s voice sounded just a bit hopeful. “See you soon dad. Love you.”
“I love you too!” he couldn’t stop the words from erupting from his mouth, letting his emotions fly free for the first time that he could remember. His heart sank when the call disconnected, but his determination only grew.
The man slid his feet back onto the ledge and attempted to stand. He immediately panicked and hugged the sheer wall of the side of the building. His vision blurred, and now he wondered what the mawhging hell he’d been doing, unable to understand how he’d gotten out on the ledge in the first place. Now he doubted his promise, would he really be able to make it down alive?
But then his vision started to stabilize and his mind began to clear. 『Inebriation has been reduced as much as possible. Please put your hands and feet on the highlighted spots as they appear. You will be guided to safety. You will make it to her.』
“Yes!” the man shouted as his unbridled will to survive took hold. “I will see her again!”
◆◆◆
“As for—” the king intended to carry on, but his speech was interrupted when everyone in the crowd suddenly ducked in panic. Shots had been fired. Someone was attempting an assassination, trying to take the president’s life.