January 11, 1617 Central Calendar, 18:10 Second Civilization Time / 20:10 Mid-East Standard Time
Otaheit, Kingdom of Mu, Second Civilization Area
Just before they exited the flying boat, once again Meteos reminded Walman to put on his mask. Now that they are outside and are confronting the scenery directly after coming a long way from the Middle Lands, the city is... different.
It was a cold day shrouded in layers of grayish haze, with the sun rising only at seven and setting by half-past four making their arrival occur after dark. Without masks, they would have inhaled the thick air, heavy with smoke as an infamous byproduct of the Muish coal-dependent lifestyle. High buildings were far and between, and when compared to the Sleepless Magical City, Otaheit's lamps appeared sparse, casting a faint ghostly glow as they shone through the winter smog. A rather eerie ambiance, especially for a particular young Runepolian who is experiencing this country firsthand for the first time.
With his silver-haired friend walking beside him, Walman draped the fur-lined hood of his winter jacket over his head and trailed behind the MOASEC entourage leader as they made their way to leave the pier.
"This place is even lovelier than what I've seen in the photos," he muttered sarcastically to the chuckle of Meteos.
Oh, right. Even though he'd been outside the Holy Empire once, Meteos, too, would be visiting Otaheit for the first time.
"Mu's coastal regions are reportedly prone to be covered in fog in summers, but this scenery is just pollution," he casually informed, skillfully inserting the 'talking about the weather' without making it the ultimate in inconsequential neutral talk.
Walman snickered and adjusted his mask slightly.
Of all places, his first trip abroad took him to a city that would transform into the modern equivalent of a stereotypical grim barbarian setting at night. Come to think about it, the Un Coup de Foudre, that Muish romantic novel bought by Meteos a year or two prior, also spoke about Otaheit's squalid grandeur after-hours, that how before the advent of electricity, the city by night was a fetid darkness of backstreets and vagrant-haunted passageways. The author, a self-admitted compulsive nightwalker, really was no stranger to how a city changes at night, and it showed in how the tale he spun felt like a hosanna to the therapeutic benefits of noctambulation. Such a depiction didn't seem to change much at first glance, but Walman hasn't been to any of Otaheit's alleys, so who knows.
Despite everything, however, he didn't regret accepting the MOASEC superiors' directive-sounding offer to travel abroad on an official occasion. Walman had simply underestimated the state of this particular city, even as he stood just at its threshold.
When the two boys' assigned chaperone, Hirkane Valpe, overheard the topic of their conversation, the older young man slowed his pace to address them. His tone was light.
"We'll be staying at the Embassy for our stay in Otaheit. Since they've installed magical systems to purify the pollution within the compound, you won't need to worry about the smog once we get there."
"Haha, good to know," Walman nodded.
At that moment, a thought idly crossed his mind.
"...Speaking of pollution, you think Mu would be interested in a magical device to clean the air around here?"
"Yes and no."
"What does that even mean?"
"It's not quite that simple. It's one of those ideas that sounds great in theory, but the circumstances would make it difficult."
Hirkane continued where Meteos left off.
"Unfortunately it's true. While Mu doesn't outright ban magical technology, from what I know, their policies make it incredibly hard to introduce outside magical products. They're very focused on promoting and protecting their own mechanical tech."
"...Isn't that a bit extreme, though? I mean, sure their people can't use magick. But you don't need to be a mage to use modern magic technology, right? Why be so against it? Are they zealots or something?"
"I don't believe they're maliciously incompetent, but it is just one of Mu's endemic issues that has persisted for many years. We're certainly not the first to notice it."
Thinking more about it through his own degree of understanding, Walman's tone was quizzical...
For three decades following the end of the Mu Civil War, the Kingdom of Mu focused on fostering advancements and rebuilding its economy. However, their hopes for manufacturing and service exports were ultimately crushed to oblivion by the overwhelming success of the Holy Milishial Empire's counterparts and their cutthroat maneuvers, which far surpassed Mu's products in both quality and affordability to the point it was impossible to compete. Consequently, Mu had to rely more heavily on natural resources for exports than it would have liked. Surprisingly for a country of magicless people from another world, the mining of magic stones in the vast Gamu de Riola Cordillera that dominated central Mu's geography (where the Hollow Malmund Mountains were located) became one of the most lucrative industries.
This was all due to the Civilization Annihilation Game's rule: unlike Japan's 'smooth-sailing' and Gra Valkas' 'minor inconvenience,' Mu's transference to this world was a brutal and horrific event—a catastrophic upheaval that devastated the Mu Continent's original terrain beyond recognition and nearly wiped out the ancient Muish civilization. Their ability to access magic stones, despite originating from a world devoid of such things, was a lingering effect of the immense suffering they endured, which ironically aided their survival to the modern era.
The Holy Milishial Empire, as the largest consumer of magic stones, maintains a steady import of these resources from Mu along with other commodities, and as the production of pedanium expanded, they decided that it wouldn't be a problem to increase the imports as a stopgap until the completion of a certain drill was completed. However, the trade relationship is far from equitable, largely skewed in favor of the Holy Empire. While Mu desperately needs the revenue from its exports, its bargaining power is heavily constrained by a trade deal regarding post-Civil War foreign aid and then oil imports from Milishial, a commodity the Holy Empire discovered in its territorial waters thanks to a certain future seer, though it doesn't use much of it. Moreover, the Holy Empire dominates the expertise and specialized equipment required to process and utilize magic stones effectively. This dependence forces Mu to accept trade terms that are significantly less profitable than they might otherwise secure.
The tension stemming from these trade imbalances without a doubt affected the relationship between the two superpowers. And then there's the political dramas, the ongoing separatist issues, ethnic riots, the unexplained annihilation of Mu's spy network in the Middle Lands that greatly disturbed them, and so on, and so on, all of which ended up in something that complicates any notion to introduce magical atmospheric purification tech, no matter how beneficial it might be.
The fear of economic invasion by the Holy Empire was frequently blown out of proportion, with parliament resembling little more than a glorified fighting ring whenever a relevant new bill was proposed, but it undeniably left its mark. One fringe politician even lamented that the title of "Superpowers" bestowed by none other than the Holy Milishial Empire itself to its current bearers might actually be an insult—the world order is always the Holy Milishial Empire lording over everybody else.
"...Well, like Meteos said, it's complicated for a casual chat. Probably pride, most likely politics, or something else," Hirkane laughed sheepishly. "Besides, I'm just a magical engineer and archaeologist, so I don't understand much about how Mu's modern society works, hahaha."
Walman threw his hands behind his head.
"Ugh, I'm not brave enough for politics... But I suppose it can't be helped, it's the complicated relations between people, after all. Right, Meteos?"
"........."
"Hm? Oh, he must've been pondering something again."
Meteos quietly lowered his gaze listening to his senior's words, concealing a frown underneath his hood and mask as he lost himself in thought. Looking from the lens of national interest, no country would let any chance to gain an upper hand slip away from their grasp, but this ultimately reinforced the rule imposed by the Civilization Annihilation Game that happiness for Mu is rationed, and they, the descendants of the Devils' creations, are their unwitting executioners.
Maybe using this manufactured logic that the Civilization Annihilation Game summoned the 'heroic' protagonist country, to 'smite' the arrogant Ars Goetians for their 'transgressions' and 'save' Mu from suffering, who will then volunteer their undying loyalty. Alas, how pretentious!
Once again, Pestilence's gentle, yet insulting chuckle echoed by Meteos' ears.
Legiel Roguerider once revealed his wish to see his beloved Little Brother become something of a Hero, even when the path he is currently taking is anything but heroic, still, he Hoped. But a Hero is defined by the suffering they endured, only to march forward while wearing a stoic mask of justice, is it not? Therefore, if a 'heroic' soul does not know suffering, they don't deserve to be called a Hero.
Such is the nature of Legiel's realism where anything remotely pleasant is rationed, if not outright banned.
…………
After arriving at the Holy Empire's Embassy and having a dinner party with the Ambassador and his staff, the MOASEC delegation was shown their guest rooms to rest. Meteos and Walman changed clothes for the night before flopping onto their respective beds in the shared room. Although this Walman would not remember it, Meteos reminisced about the old days of the past timelines when they shared an apartment as they studied in the RMA. However, their Third Timeline versions grew up and lived in Runepolis, so such arrangements were no longer necessary. Still, there had been sleepovers, now including Annette as well.
The two spent some time making grimoire calls home and talking about whatever random topics came up before the situation came to a lull. At that moment, Walman turned his head to glance at Meteos, who lay on his own bed with his eyes shut.
"Met, you asleep already?"
Meteos didn't open his eyes but allowed a faint smirk to curve his lips. "Hm," he replied in his usual calm tone.
Shifting to lie on his side, Walman propped himself up on one elbow. "So, while the others are off touring the mines, it's just us and Mr. Hirkane staying back here, right? Feels like a vacation."
"Pretty much. We've just been asked to observe the capital at our own pace. Once the group returns, we'll all check out the Dreaming Child project together. It's kind of like those times we went on vacation, isn't it? We did our own thing but still reported back to the Ministry. Now it's the opposite, but in the end it's the same thing."
"That's because you keep making stuff up," Walman retorted.
"Touché."
"Man, I love the Ancient Ministry."
Meteos cracked his eyes open to meet Walman's gaze.
"And what else are you thinking about now?"
Walman grinned. "Just wondering... do you think we'll get a chance to see some of Mu's warships up close? Their naval base isn't too far from here, right?"
"Predictable," a soft chuckle escaped Meteos.
"Hey, I don't feel like staring at rocks in some mine. Can you blame me?"
"No, I can't. It's just you being you, I suppose."
Walman grinned wider.
"I'll take that as a compliment. Ah... I'm going to brag to Annette when we go back."
"Don't forget to take photos," Meteos supplied.
"Oh, yeah. Remind me," Walman murmured with a yawn, shifting into a more comfortable position and turning off the night lamp. "...Good night, Met."
"Night, Wal."
Watching his friend drifting into a deep sleep, snoring softly, Meteos patiently waited before taking his next step. Understanding Walman's sleeping habits made the task relatively simple, and before long, he found himself preparing to act as Amon, the White Lotus Leader.
As he proceeded to unpack and equip the gear of his other persona, one by one, Meteos pondered to himself. The Boost Buckle that Legiel had given him was already distressing, hinting at the likelihood of him triggering some supernatural event during their time in Mu for whatever reason other than to serve as a nuisance.
Meteos exhaled softly, his mind racing even as his body appeared relaxed. It wasn't entirely surprising that Pestilence was probing the boundaries of his station in this Third Timeline, but the restrictions set by his Eldest Brother were frustratingly ambiguous, leaving too much room for interpretation at one's own peril for both sides.
…………
January 12, 1617 Central Calendar, 01:00 Second Civilization Time
Seated cross-legged on the bare floor of a room devoid of furniture, Amon watched the holographic projection of an outgoing call on his X Deviser in front of him.
For him, securing a place within the Embassy compound—or almost anywhere, for that matter—to use as a makeshift command center was far from difficult. The White Lotus Leader is a flexible man, equipped with an assortment of new magical gear he recently forged at the Cauldron. These tools were designed to be highly portable, allowing him to travel freely while retaining the ability to command the White Lotus. Thus, now that he is already at the Embassy, it makes more sense for him to remain there rather than backtrack to the flying boat in the opposite direction of his planned route, all for the same level of capability.
After waiting for a moment, the other side answered his call.
The masked reincarnator straightened his back as the particles rearranged, resolving into the image of Holy Milishial Imperial Guard Antisyntagmatarch Yun Ka-Fai, also the leader of the White Lotus' Ikaruga Unit operating from the Sonal Kingdom, nearly 1.400 kilometers away.
"White Lotus Leader," Ka-Fai greeted him with a respectful bow of his head, his voice even. "How can I be of service?"
Amon maintained a dignified posture, the fingers of his left hand resting lightly on his knee while his right hand held the X Deviser. Ka-Fai wouldn't be mad if he pestered him for a report, would he?
"...I will go straight to the point, Ikaruga Leader. Has your unit managed to locate any leads about the enemy infiltrators' whereabouts?"
Ka-Fai's tone remained neutral as he answered.
"There's both good and bad news. While we did manage to confirm evidence of the enemy's presence, it was through one of our scout's reverse-sensing. The infiltrator in question is an exceptionally skilled sensor mage capable of maintaining a sensing field over a large area for an extended period."
So, he determined it was an Annonrial through the process of elimination, Amon nodded.
"Do you think their capabilities outrange your own?"
"Most likely. We've been trying to pinpoint the source ever since, of course, but there's a prevailing concern that trying to use mana detection from now on will put the operation at an even greater risk."
"Hm, I see. This indeed makes it more difficult," Amon grunted.
Of the previous Annonrial sensors they've encountered, their capabilities were at least on par with the Holy Empire's sensor mages. But here, it seemed that the Messiah had placed some competent cultists as extensions of his will in the Southern Mu.
The reverse-sensing technique was developed to alert allies if they were being 'sensed' by detecting the activation pulse of a sensing spell and its subsequent sensing field, normally requiring an even more skilled sensor to pull it off. The Annonrial Empire might have anticipated that their strongest hypothetical enemy could wield such a spell, but hopefully, they have yet to realize that with the aid of the Manadrivers, the Holy Empire can more easily produce sensors and reverse-sensors.
Nevertheless, a group of Milishians in a land of magicless people already stood out like a lantern in the night by nature, so Yun Ka-Fai, assuming a high level of competence from the enemy, opted for a cautious approach. He avoided reckless actions to prevent alerting the Annonrial spy network to the Ikaruga's presence. Based on his assessment, it appeared the enemy sensor mage was beyond the range of their own sensors, reinforcing the prudence of his decision from Amon's perspective.
Even so, Amon couldn't help but feel slight disappointment. With each new would-be collaborator brought to him by the Ikaruga, Amon recognized that the unit was producing results. However, despite their efforts, the Annonrial infiltrators still eluded them even as they methodically searched through Southern Mu, causing him to inwardly sigh. Impatience for victory guarantees defeat, he recalled someone saying that. The Ikaruga Unit's approach, though slow, was pragmatic in its caution. The challenge lies in the fact that when the Annonrials encounter something on par with their abilities—whether magical or not—they would inevitably suspect the Holy Empire first. That wouldn't do.
"It can't be helped... These infiltrators may also be posing as supporters or the separatists themselves, Ikaruga Leader. Tread carefully," Amon remarked as soon as he concluded his internal thoughts. Yun Ka-Fai has been a spy for a long time and a military officer, thus the White Lotus Leader decided to trust his abilities until the time for him to help break this deadlock.
"Yes, Leader."
Ka-Fai nodded. It would be foolish to underestimate these suicide cultists' devotion to their Messiah and his cause, even if it meant removing their wings. They are not above killing someone and impersonating them in their place, making their methods a more primitive and barbaric counterpart to how the White Lotus obtains its collaborators.
"It will take some more time until my involvement, but your team of Magias and Ephemeropteras should be arriving soon. I wish I could provide more, but there are constraints still. Utilize them well."
The black-haired man gave a calm nod in response to Amon's words. "Thank you, Leader. We will make good use of them."
"Amon out."
As the transmission came to a close, the hologram of Yun Ka-Fai flickered and faded away.
"Magias... Androids in the 16th century. I wonder what they'd think of that," Amon muttered with an amused scoff as he stood up, turning behind him to face the two jet-black, tall humanoid entities guarding him at either corner of the room near the door.
It keeps escalating and escalating, yet it is far from enough.
One of them commented on Amon's words with the youthful voice of a male.
"In order to put up a good fight against the final enemy, the least you can do is to study their ways and best them. I understand that the decisions you made might be weighing on you as of late, but seeing it to the end..."
"I understand. It's either do or do not."
"What Dunning said, Master," the other one spoke with a chipper female voice. "You could've chosen to clone yourself in your desperation. But it seems that there's still hope for you yet."
"...I find the notion of an army of myself... disturbing. Are you teasing me, Kruger?"
"...It seems Kruger is pretty snarky for a glorified drone, Master. You should downgrade her chassis."
"Oh, shut up."
Suppressing a self-deprecating chuckle, Amon raised a hand to cease the banter between his two self-aware escorts. This pair, Dunning and Kruger, were among the earliest Magias ever created. Clad head to toe in streamlined black armor and helmets, they could easily be mistaken for organic soldiers by an untrained eye.
As a measure to further bolster the White Lotus' power, Meteos further improved the Legionoid's design and conceived a new line of highly advanced golems called the "Magias," yet another addition to the Cauldron Weapons Group. While the Legionoids are primarily armored humanoid tanks built for combat, Magias are more streamlined and sophisticated, crafted to closely resemble organic beings. The key distinction, however, is that Magias are built with processing units made entirely from pedanium. This allows them to support far more advanced artificial intelligence, making them highly adaptable and capable of sophisticated decision-making. Closely mimicking human behavior, even.
By outfitting the Magias' Basic Body with specific armor and head modules, the installation optimization enhances their performance, allowing them to excel in their intended roles. Dunning and Kruger, however, are Male and Female-type Xyston Magias, purposely designed by Meteos to push his knowledge and inherited memories to their fullest extent so they could quicken the trickle-down effect, making them the most human-like of all the droids. Underneath their combat gear, they would have fair skin, bright eyes, and short white hair, as Meteos subconsciously modeled their appearances after two random Malakhs he had seen in a vision of Attarsamain.
However, due to the insufficient production rate of pedanium to meet the growing demand, Meteos faced limitations in the number of Magias he could create, as their pedanium-intensive construction required more resources than were currently available. This meant that whatever desired quantity of Magias could not be produced until a certain drill was completed, even though its completion was a matter of course. Kruger, in particular, humorously remarked that Meteos might have been trying too hard in creating her.
But what's done is done. Moreover, even if the Magias' physical forms need to be dismantled to address the pedanium shortage for other projects, their 'minds' would already be preserved in a place called Valhalla. They can simply respawn at Meteos' convenience. In a sense, it's like a form of immortality, don't you think?
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Dunning's serious voice broke the brief silence in the room.
"Rest assured, Master, you can count on us. Use our abilities as appropriate until the day Magias like us won't be needed anymore."
"We must become batshit insane and be better," Kruger chimed in.
"...This is the Way."
"This is the Way," the two chorused in unison.
Amon let out a soft sigh, glancing at the two Magias standing at attention before him.
"Then Master, what would be your first move?"
"...The Prime Minister of Mu is still away on his diplomatic visit, but that doesn't imply a lack of things to be done."
Kruger squared her shoulders in anticipation of the two Magias' first-ever mission as part of the White Lotus—
"Come. Let's take a night walk," Amon said nonchalantly, moving past them and heading toward the door.
…………
As a supernatural cheater, it was downright comical how Amon could just walk into a restricted area, tell whoever was in charge his intention to enter, and be granted clearance without question—no matter how suspicious a hooded man with an expressionless mask would seem—despite the complete lack of context to justify such a scenario.
In other words, Amon's intelligence-gathering quest proceeded incredibly smoothly.
...But because the proceedings were too smooth, there was not much that Kruger's sophisticated sensors could detect, unlike her droid brother currently standing watch outside.
"...Master, if you were to bring the entire Kingdom of Mu's Cabinet into the cause, does that mean that you are the Cabinet?" Kruger blurted out a question at some point, to which her Master answered without taking his gaze off the document he was scanning.
"Not yet."
"This kind of infiltration is going to be a common occurrence, isn't it?"
"Bored, hm? What are you thinking?"
"Yes... I was wondering if we could swap positions and do the recon duty."
"That's a good idea. But as you know, I dedicated my second life just to create boring situations like this, so get used to it, I guess."
"Heheh. Rest assured, Master. I'm always combat-ready."
"This is the Way."
"This is the Way," the female Magia shrugged, continuing her escort duty.
It didn't feel like a high-stakes mission at all. This is the Way, indeed.
Kruger watched as her creator-boss politely tore apart the Muish Defense Minister's study in his own residence like he owned the place. After waking the man, making his signature glowing eye contact, and putting him back to sleep, Amon ensured that anyone who could interfere with the mission was neutralized. He then began meticulously searching the place, scanning its contents document by document and committing everything to memory with remarkable speed, moving from one important people's residence to another trying to bag as many achievements as possible before Walman wakes up.
Well, of fucking course he had a photographic memory. This is Kruger's father we're talking about. An awesome Magia like her would naturally be created by an awesome man.
Otaheit is large, so it would be more efficient to narrow the targets to the key figures for maximum influence and then branch out from there: the royalty, other cabinet ministers, parliamentary leaders, military leaders, high-ranking police officials, judiciary leadership, media controllers, prominent industrialists and bankers, opposition leaders, and academics and intellectuals. Once the quest was complete, the valuable intelligence Amon gathered would be thoroughly examined and discussed with his allies with more political acumen than he is. The hope was to help make this second-strongest country of the known world less miserable than its current state, like honestly.
For all his feats, Amon lacked the experience and finesse of seasoned political minds. His approach to gathering information was unrivaled, but deciphering its deeper implications and effectively leveraging it to achieve success was outside his scope.
"All done," Amon muttered as he finished rummaging through all the paperwork, wiping his gauntleted hands as if to rid them of the remnants of his work. Sweeping his hand across the room, his Almighty Reach spell telekinetically pulled everything back into its place. Books slid back onto shelves, papers shuffled neatly back into their proper stacks, and even the displaced chair was moved back to where it had originally stood. Turning to Kruger, he called her out.
"Come. The Minister of Finance will be the next objective. We're leaving."
Kruger was the first to make her exit, effortlessly leaping out of the window and using her ODM Gear to glide through the cold night air. Amon didn't wait for a second; using his limbs, he scaled the surface, seamlessly transitioning into a parkour run that led him to the rooftop in seconds. He didn't forget to telekinetically lock the window as he left, continuing to act as if Amon had never shown the Temple of Heaven to the residence's inhabitants just in case.
…………
>>30,00... 30,09... 30,20... 30,41...
>>Scanning in Progress...
Watching the progress bar on his heads-up display while his Master and sister were infiltrating the targets' residences, Dunning kept watch on a nearby rooftop with his Ulorder magical beam carbine at the ready. The fleet of miniature Ephemeroptera drones he sent out to conduct a deep scan and map the city steadily fed him data, detailing every tile on the rooftops, every stone in the alleyway, every crevice in the shadowy nook, and even every pipe in the sewer system. Yet, Otaheit was vast, and the few hundred metallic insects at his disposal could only cover so much ground at a time. More drones would undoubtedly speed things up, but he had to make do with what he had.
His reverse-sensing detected no unfamiliar sensing fields, but on the other hand, since the decision was made to avoid carelessly using sensing techniques, it became harder to determine whether any unwanted infiltrators were present in the city.
May those rats never show up.
In this world, there is a reason why the Ravernal Empire kept using mana detectors even if they possessed conductive magnetic radar—even if something is completely invisible to the latter, their mana signatures could still be detected by the sensing field. Glamour, one of the rare methods capable of defying such a situation, required large and cumbersome generators, making it impractical for anything smaller than a building—even during the Ravernal Empire's era. Although efforts are underway to miniaturize this technology given its value, banking an entire strategy on the success of such a project is just delusional.
Yes, an enemy completely devoid of mana is indeed unheard of in this world's history, but Dunning's creator will not make the mistake of dismissing such a possibility as impossible.
A flicker in Dunning's HUD snapped him from his processing.
"This is Amon, moving to the next objective. Three will take overwatch. Two, you're with me."
"Affirmative."
Dunning didn't need to speak with his mouth to confirm. A quick pulse of acknowledgment across the encrypted communication was enough.
Not long after he reached the rendezvous point in the vicinity of the next objective, the Otaheit Naval Base, Amon's figure emerged from the mist.
"The next objective is the largest naval base in this region," Dunning greeted his Master in his usual calm tone. "Clearing it will take considerable time, given its scale and probable security measures. The drone swarm's data indicates significant fortifications and overlapping patrol routes."
Amon glanced away briefly. There was also the worry that Legiel's monster might emerge. It's said that a purple haze in the sky signals its arrival, caused by the 'Minus Energy' condensing so much that it becomes visible. But knowing Legiel, Meteos felt that even such intel was hardly reliable.
"...We'll make this the last one for tonight."
"Affirmative."
With that, the two figures slipped back into the mist.
No Minus Energy concentration was discovered that night, which had the opposite effect on Meteos Roguerider's vigilance.
----------------------------------------
January 14, 1617 Central Calendar, 01:00 Mid-East Standard Time
Tranquila District, Runepolis, Holy Milishial Empire
By the time Legiel came to check tonight's quest for Ace, the area inside the soundproof ward was already alive with the sounds of gunfire and the occasional roar of monsters, reverberating from within a crumbling structure that had once been the Temple of Saoirse. Since Legiel had trafficked Saoirse and nearly all of her divine brethren, the place had been deserted, as the world slowly erased the memory of the Water Goddess.
Battling Ace in his Geats Magnum Armed Propeller form were three grotesque animal-looking monsters. Their hides feature a chaotic mix of colors such as red, pink, blue, and beige, blending together in an almost molten texture. Dinosaur-like in structure, they had hunched backs and powerful hind limbs equipped with razor-sharp claws. Their fierce heads were lined with rows of sharp teeth, bared in menacing snarls. These Minus Energy monsters charged at Geats from three directions, their powerful hind limbs propelling them forward with terrifying speed despite their erratic movements. Bright streaks of energy erupted from his gun barrels and slammed into the monsters' hides. But despite his relentless barrage, the beasts seemed impervious, their skins absorbing the damage without so much as a flinch.
When the first monster reached him, Geats reflexively transformed his Magnum Shooter 40X into Rifle Mode and raised it just in time to block the creature's vicious bite. Sparks flew as the beast's immense strength pushed against him. However, the second monster barreled into him from the side and sent him skidding across the dusty floor. The impact knocked his weapon loose, and it clattered to the floor, just out of reach.
The third monster seized the opening, lunging forward and sinking its fangs into Geats' left arm.
"AAARGH!" he screamed in pain. The Armored Gun on his free hand erupted in retaliation, but it did little against the vicious attacker.
Pacing around the periphery of the abandoned chapel, Legiel folded his arms with a chuckle.
"This Geats is without a doubt the worst one I've ever seen," he declared.
"I do not care...!" the white fox Rider gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of focus to conjure magick through his unrestrained arm. "Trera Ultigeyser!"
A surge of blue lightning-like energy erupted from his fist, crackling as it speared through the air toward the beast trying to devour his arm. As the beam collided with its head, the creature staggered, loosening its grip on Geats' arm for a second. But rather than retreating or showing signs of pain, the monster opened its jaws impossibly wide, an eerie, glowing void forming within its maw. To Geats' dismay, the powerful energy attack he had unleashed was sucked in, consumed as though it were nothing more than a meal.
To add insult to injury, the monster belched a smoke after the Trera Ultigeyser's beam died off.
"Ngh!"
Introducing a pack of human-sized Woolas, monsters born after Legiel forcibly channeled the Minus Energy into accumulated garbage dumped by the civilization. The 'resentment of these items after being dumped by their owners' resonated with Legiel's surgery and transformed into these three malformed creatures. These Woolas were pleading for help as they were constantly hungry, but the Minus Energy violently forced them to fall back on their primal instincts to devour everything in sight. It is wrong and should never happen.
They were crying.
The other two Woolas let out roars as they joined their brethren in besieging the lone armored warrior, with Legiel looming further back.
"...Why do you think I'm going to continue to go easy on you, Amatsu-Mikaboshi? I am changing the difficulty level. Pray I don't alter it any further."
Legiel harrumphed and looked away.
"See? This is the fundamental difference between you and Little Brother," he smiled and murmured affectionately at the thought of Meteos. "The Fate's Rebel is ghosts and nerve, and has his mind concluded. You are but flesh and faith, and are the more deluded."
Legiel raised his hand, summoning a storm of crimson lightning that crackled around him. The foul energy coalesced, forming the First Horseman's chosen suit of armor. The design was both regal and futuristic, dominated by white, blue, and gold hues. A sleek helmet with striking gold crests adorned the top, while five vaguely spherical structures were integrated into the chest armor, as well as the shoulder and knee guards. This suit was—
INNOVATION AND CONTROL: GAZER
Almost immediately, all five Dominion Ray drones which were the aforementioned vague spheres detached and fired Pestilence's signature Geno Thunder attack in every direction.
Still holding his injured arm, Geats barely rolled out of the way as one of the Geno Thunder blasts streaked in his direction, the searing crimson lightning bolt slaughtered the three Woolas in an instant. Their malformed bodies disintegrated into motes of Minus Energy that dissipated into the air. The once-agonized cries of the creatures were silenced, leaving only the deafening storm of destruction in their wake.
Explosions erupted across the abandoned temple as Gazer rained down his judgment. Geats limped between crumbling ceilings, but at that moment, the Dominion Rays repositioned themselves, encircling Geats and bombarding him from all directions. Summoning every ounce of his dwindling power, he called forth a magic barrier—it shattered immediately. Shards of magical energy exploded outward, sending the helpless warrior hurtling through the air.
He hit the ground hard, his armor flickering before it unraveled entirely, leaving him forcibly untransformed. Ace's civilian form lay sprawled among the rubble, his clothes tattered, and his breaths ragged. Blood trickled from a wound on his forehead, matting his white hair, and as he tried to move, he coughed, spitting out more blood.
With his armor gleaming ominously amidst the chaos, Gazer took a leisurely walk closer.
"You lack conviction."
But just as his hand was about to reach down and grab Ace by the neck, a sudden beam of blue light shot down from the heavens. It struck Gazer with a resounding impact, sending him skidding back several paces.
The light dissipated, revealing no visible damage to Gazer's armor. He straightened, his head snapping toward the source of the blast. His stance shifted slightly—more curious than threatened.
"Oh...?"
Standing between him and the fallen Ace was another armored figure. The purple visors of the helmet glowed coldly, forming an imposing gaze that seemed to pierce through Gazer's façade. As the figure touched down, the nine-tailed cape on his back gently fluttered down.
...This one is cold and stillness, and cannot be eluded.
Gazer smiled thinly, "...Did I step out of line, Eldest Brother?"
Behold, a Pale Horse.
----------------------------------------
Ars Goetia Secret
GGXG
After the Civilization Annihilation Game destroyed a certain world in the far future, Pestilence appropriated some of their technology as trophies, while later down the line Amatsu-Mikaboshi stole a number of them and bestowed it to his champion, ... [https://img.wattpad.com/f81694417620ef81ab41acf691b3e84c3edae354/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c656f426c377866623965756e673d3d2d313530373333343039372e313831366562303933623863376631323730353236363033393234382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
After the Civilization Annihilation Game destroyed a certain world in the far future, Pestilence appropriated some of their technology as trophies, while later down the line Amatsu-Mikaboshi stole a number of them and bestowed it to his champion, the Fate's Rebel, after passing his trial which resulted in Meteos Roguerider's reincarnation.
…………
GEATS MAGNUM ARMORED PROPELLER
One of the several forms of Kamen Rider Geats, with the user being Ace Roguerider (Shinto Kami of the Stars, Amatsu-Mikaboshi's forced human form) [https://img.wattpad.com/0efe1e6888802c76fe362dbbb26a42ec981e2c0d/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6f433031497a5f485255753952773d3d2d313530373333343039372e313831366562333337623032393936303633383931303533383139352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
One of the several forms of Kamen Rider Geats, with the user being Ace Roguerider (Kami of the Stars, Amatsu-Mikaboshi's forced human form). He's neither as flashy nor skilled as one would expect.
The Desire Driver technology is currently being studied by Meteos Roguerider in hopes of reverse-engineering it, but is yet to achieve the level of practical use.
Magnum Armored Propeller is Geats' form accessed by using the Magnum Buckle on the right-hand slot and Propeller Buckle on the left-hand slot of the Desire Driver. It can also be accessed through Revolve On to reverse Armed Propeller Magnum.
In this form, the armor is equipped with the Magnum Shooter 40X and hidden Armored Gun on each forearm. In addition, the user can also use his magic power by virtue of being a human with mana.
Magnum Armored Propeller consists of the following parts:
- Magnum Geats Head: The head.
- Geats Crest Gear: Geats' head-mounted device. It plays a role in enhancing the player's head functions and protects the head from all types of damage with its lightweight yet incredibly strong composite armor. With a shape that symbolizes the Rider's crest on the ID Core, it also functions as a visual aid to increase Geats' visibility.
- Geats Ear: Geats' ears. They are equipped with various information gathering functions in addition to sound, such as a radar. They are the most distinctive characteristic of Geats, who excels at grasping the situation.
- Audit Signal: Geats' diagnostic device. By constantly monitoring the Rider's condition, it diagnoses the continuity of transformation based on operating efficiency, damage, etc., and cancels the transformation if necessary.
- Magnum Head Guard: The enhanced equipment. It grants the entire head the expanded functionality of the Magnum Buckle, significantly improving the accuracy of various attacks.
- Red Geats Eye: The compound eyes. By superimposing visual information as overlay images, they visualize the point of impact, predicted trajectory, etc. They also have an auto-aim function.
- Magnum Crusher: The mouth section. It features a voice chat function that enables clear communication even in noisy environments, allowing for effective coordination and communication between Riders during fights.
- Geats Tail: Geats' personal accessory.
- Desire Basic: The suit. It has the ability to enhance the user's physical abilities and output them, powered by energy supplied from the Desire Driver.
- Magnum Chester: The chest expansion equipment. Based on a vast database for shooting, it processes trajectory calculations that take into consideration various conditions such as weather and geography, dramatically improving the accuracy of shooting and handling.
- Magnum Guard SA: The shoulder expansion equipment. The composite armor, which excels in bulletproof performance, takes advantage of its hardness to deliver a shoulder tackle as piercing as a bullet.
- Gunslinger Arm: The arms and their expansion equipment. It is specialized for close combat maneuvers using the Armored Gun, fixed short guns on the forearms. It also excels in handling the Magnum Shooter 40X, enabling ultra-fast shooting with lag down to seven decimal places.
- Entry Glove: The gloves. They can be configured for high sensitivity to perform more delicate work than can be done with bare hands. They can also be customized with the features of various Raise Buckles.
- Gray Underplate: The thigh expansion equipment. It specializes in footwork in conjunction with the Raise Propeller.
- Knee Shell: The left knee armor. The strong armor protects the Rider's left knee.
- Progressive Leg: The legs. They increase the user's leg strength to raise the survival rate. Furthermore, various functions can be added by attaching expansion equipment.
- Entry Boots: The boots. They boast excellent jumping power and running performance. They can also be customized with the features of various Raise Buckles.
…………
GAZER
The primary form of Kamen Rider Gazer accessed by authenticating the Providence Card with the Vision Driver [https://img.wattpad.com/81fee31aca32f9a24a92121e4c29c0700699e7cf/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4671734f7559456f5f3564524c413d3d2d313530373333343039372e3138313665636533323162646165346231303639313734323533342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The primary form of Kamen Rider Gazer accessed by authenticating the Providence Card with the Vision Driver.
The system is used by Legiel Roguerider (Pestilence, the First Horseman of the Apocalypse and the Executive Producer of the Civilization Annihilation Game). He has an obsession with making things as "real" as possible, notably shown when he commented on human suffering as "realism."
This far future technology, being vastly more powerful than the Desire Driver tech, can be used to help Meteos Roguerider's self-imposed mission, but Legiel doesn't want to.
Gazer mainly fights using the Dominion Ray drones to create energy shields to block enemy attacks, but he can still also showcase his power as a Horseman of Apocalypse by conjuring the Geno Thunder, magick enhanced by mortal suffering.
Gazer consists of the following parts:
- Gazer Mask: The head.
- Head Pedestal: The head device. It is responsible for expanding the functionality of the user's head, and by means of an unknown armor material called metamaterial, it has both high hardness that surpasses diamond as well as excellent toughness to repel all impacts.
- Gazer Antennae: The dimensional observer. It performs dimensional observation within an observation range with a radius of 70 km, and is responsible for acquiring detailed information about the surrounding environment and objects before sending it to the Gazer Vision. It also has advanced drone control functions.
- Dimension Signal: The detection device. By continuously monitoring the state of space-time, it detects events that may interfere with the technology's stable operation, such as fluctuations in space-time, and issues a warning. At that time, it may cancel the transformation.
- Gazer Vision: The visual device. It displays high-dimensional images processed in real time from cameras on various parts of the body on an internal hemispherical monitor to provide a seamless view of the real and virtual worlds.
- Gazer Crusher: The mouth section. It maintains the breathing of the user by preventing the entry of toxic substances, etc., allowing for the extraction of oxygen underwater and breathing for short periods of time in oxygen-free environments.
- Deflect Suit: The suit-type combat power strengthening device. Using energy supplied from the Vision Driver, it dramatically raises the output of the user's physical abilities. It also boasts impregnable defensive power by deploying Circle Deflector electromagnetic deflection shields from the circular Deflect Pits arranged throughout the body.
- Division Armor: The armor. By means of an unknown armor material called metamaterial, it has both high hardness that surpasses diamond as well as excellent toughness to repel all impacts.
- Dominion Ray: The combat support drone. It is a part of the Division Armor that separates and functions as a combat support drone equipped with powerful optical weapons. It can also attach on a Rider's head to put them under command.
- Gazer Arm: The arms. Using super-high-pressure energy supplied from the Vision Driver, it is able to realize super-speed combat motions.
- Absolute Manipulator: The gloves. They demonstrate enough combat power to dominate the area solo by enhancing punch power and grip strength. A 'nerf' program can also be applied to the target at the moment of impact to adjust the relative power balance.
- Gazer Leg: The thighs. Using the super-high-pressure energy supplied from the Vision Driver, it can channel a finishing move that boasts overwhelming destructive power.
- Absolute Leggers: The boots. They demonstrate enough combat power to dominate the area solo by enhancing kicking and jumping power. In addition, by deploying Circe Deflectors on the soles of the feet, they can create a foothold in the air to secure an advantageous position (a high ground, if you will).
…………
XGEATS
image [https://img.wattpad.com/28e9092b3e642b0f6ecbf285ea4a7ae97db8c60f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c313758375362546663517042773d3d2d313530373333343039372e313831366566306664613733366438613536323431333930343436332e706e67]
The primary form of Kamen Rider XGeats (read: Cross Geats), accessed by using both parts of the XGeats Buckle on the right and left-hand slots of the Desire Driver, and then performing a Revolve On.
As a suit created by assimilating 3/4 of the God of Genesis' power, XGeats is more supernatural than technological, despite taking the appearance of a Desire Driver-powered suit. It specializes in dual-wielding, namely Cross Raising Sword and Cross Geats Buster XQB9. The form's combat proficiency is immeasurable. However, with the user being Adonis Roguerider (Death), this suit is as good as an accessory.
Currently none in Planet Ars Goetia is deemed worthy of receiving the knowledge of the workings of XGeats.
XGeats consists of the following parts:
- XGeats Head: The head.
- Revelation XGeats Ear: The ears. It is possible to acquire sounds from around the world by activating the Darkness Boost Time.
- Testament Crester: The head mounted gear. It has computing power that far surpasses that of the super quantum computers operated by future humans.
- X Audit Signal: The diagnostic device. It monitors the Rider's vitals, operating efficiency, and the overall status of the suit. It can also cancel the transformation if necessary.
- XGeats Eye Genesis: The compound eyes. The dimensional observation image sensor maintains a stable field of view like normal even during super-acceleration that occurs when "Darkness Boost" is activated, and it is possible to capture even the presence of energy invisible to ordinary people.
- Wisdom Crush: The mouth section. It imparts mystical power to words, and allows XGeats to toy with the target with just his utterances.
- XGeats Tail Nine: XGeats' personal accessory. It embodies the acceleration of events.
- Theogonic Engine: The chest armor. Equipped with a paranormal function that controls destruction and regeneration and accelerates events, it enables the activation of "Darkness Boost Time" which temporarily boosts all abilities to the utmost limit.
- Pyramidion Desti: The shoulder armor. By dimensionally compressing and storing the higher-order output supplied by the Desire Driver with an ultra-pressure resistant structure, it covers the extraordinary amount of energy that is instantaneously consumed when "Darkness Boost Time" is activated.
- Kyrie XGeats Arm: The arms. The higher outputs allow the arms to transcend far beyond the limits of ordinary people.
- Testament Boost Puncher: The hand equipment. It accelerates and releases a bluish-white, glowing, higher-order output to maximize the destructive power of blows.
- D Monochromer: The shin equipment. The highly flexible Legend Deus Material provides strong support and protection for the player by enhancing protection and at the same time suppressing unimaginable loads during super-acceleration and ultra-high power output.
- Black Core Leg: The legs. By purifying the user's power to the utmost limit, various abilities are increased dozens of times, enabling the continuous activation of "Boost Time" which gives the user supernatural combat power and speed.
- Noble Charger H: The knee armor. It accelerates and amplifies the energy supplied by the Desire Driver, compressing it into an ultra-dense supply. It is also possible to instantaneously concentrate more than twice the super power of the Boost Buckle into one leg.
- Testament Boost Kicker: The boots. It accelerates and releases a bluish-white, glowing, higher-order output to maximize the destructive power of blows. Furthermore, by expanding the walkable area through force field deployment, it is possible to move without distinguishing between up, down, left, and right.