It had been many years since Morgan crafted a piece of arteware. In fact, it had been at least four hundred, unless he happened to make some trifle during his imprisonment. He was doing it again now and the process was surprisingly awkward considering he literally invented it.

His work bench was a simple metal table, and his shop a peculiar room. Several esoteric devices lined the white walls, in deference to the largest and strangest of them, which sat on a raised platform. The abundant signage was deceptively promising, as even with the benefit of a translator the purpose of the machines remained a mystery.

The chamber was inside the complex known in his time as the Eternal Archive, and this wasn’t his first time here. His research discovered the facility, and set the world on the path of inevitable destruction. It would be a fitting place to finally set everything right. For now he had to finish the needed tool.

“You mean the Unity Crystal?” Kimi said to him. Well, more like she thought it at him, but she judged him whenever he fretted over the distinction.

“I’m not a fan of that name,” Morgan said. He continued working despite the interruption.

“It’s a million times better than ‘GAX’, at least,” Kimi said. “And what’s not to like? It unifies three Crystal Artes into one.”

“Technically, the Oracle Stone is an ODA. And besides, it’s not made from crystal, this is artewood.”

“Yeah, I know, you love your technicalities, but sometimes you gotta have style.”

Morgan hummed. “That… is good advice, though I’m not sure it will do me any good.”

Kimi chuckled. “You’ll have more time to use it than I will, at least.”

He paused a moment, but continued working when he felt Kimi glaring at him, or at least intending to. He was using her body for arteweaving, so it would be best to finish quickly.

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As he worked, he could feel Kimi watching him intently. It was her usual habit, something likely picked up from her… history, though Morgan didn’t mind. It was nice, in its own way, like having an apprentice again. It was a shame she w—

“You’ve made a lot of progress, haven’t you?” Kimi said.

“Not… as much as I would like,” Morgan said.

“But quite a lot. Don’t these things take years to make?”

“Usually, but most of that time is spent designing and prototyping. I’ve been preparing to make the, uh, Unity Crystal for longer than you’ve been alive. I thought about this so much I could make it in my sleep.”

Kimi grinned. “Please don’t, you’d be even more boring that way.”

Morgan laughed. “You’re not very generous in your compliments.”

“I can’t say I’ve had—“ she cut off at a shift from Morgan. He let go of her body for the moment. “What is it?”

“Our friend is back.”

“I knew we’d see her again,” Kimi said. “Do you have it set up so that I can hear her this time?”

“Yes, should be,” Morgan said. “And she still shouldn’t be able to hear you, though I’m not sure why you insisted on that.”

“Trust me, it’s better that way. Go ahead and put her on.”

She felt Morgan activate an arte. After a moment she heard him speak, though it wasn’t clear as usual.

“It’s good to hear from you again,” Morgan said.

“We have much to discuss,” the woman said. Kimi was hoping to gain some hint from her voice, but asides from confirming their mysterious stalker could speak Mairtalan, there wasn’t much to go on.

“Ask for her name,” Kimi said.

“Ah, well, if we’re going to talk business, perhaps it’s time for a formal introduction. I’m Dr. Morgan Magnus, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Morgan could feel disapproval radiating from Kimi.

“I already knew that,” the woman said in a sly tone. “You’re infamous in the right circles. It is, however, a pleasure to meet you regardless. I am Taira Hitori-Gensui, though you may call me Mihari, if you prefer.”

“Gensui?” Kimi said, mostly to herself. “She’s a right hand? But the head of Taira House isn’t named Hitori.”

“Well, Mihari, I take it you’re interested in sharing that arte with us?” Morgan said.

“You mean the Oracle Stone?” Mihari said. “Yes, I may be willing to part with it, for a time, but our business goes well beyond such a trifle. You see, I’ve come with a warning… and an opportunity.”