When we arrived at the estate, someone had placed an envelope on the small table in the foyer containing a flash drive and some paper files, If one thing could be said about miss Blackwood it was that she ran an efficient business, “Alastor”
Turning, I faced a distressed Alexander sitting at the head of the dining room table slouched and carrying a dejected expression as we reviewed the information in the file “yes Alex” his mood had been in decline since we left our meeting with miss Blackwood he will more than likely ask to be excused for the evening.
“I uh, apologies, for jumping into that deal, with blackwood” for a moment I was speechless, alexander evercrest apologizing.
“It isn't a problem alex, she pulls form the plain of greed, more than likely she stirred up the greed within you causing you to jump at any offer that gave you what you believed you deserved” at my words his expression lightened and posture improved shoulders moving from there slouched position closer to there bilateral positions where they belonged.
“So it's not my fault?” he asked hope clear in every word, “No alex, if anything it is mine for not informing you on possible dangers of dealing with miss blackwood.” he seemed to grow a little brighter at that
“Well it’s ok Alastor we all make mistakes.” he said, a smug grin stretching across his face, I turned back to the documents in front of me reminding myself that it would be unprofessional to throw the laptop and possibly my chair at my client
“Yes Alex I will make an effort to keep you better informed about all dealings conserving yourself or your assets.” my words seemed to snuff out some of the bratty attitude that Alexander had so quickly developed.
“Well I mean I wouldn’t say that is necessary” Alexander hissed under his breath as I finished work on the review document I had created from the provided information of the package from miss blackwood
“Alright alex I have put together a review document with all the major points we need to cover for our job I will of course do my own personal research after we adjourn our meeting to both confirm the provided information and seek out any that might have been overlooked” pausing I checked on alexander to see if his glassy look had returned to my shock he was still mentally present and seemed to be paying attention
“Do you have any questions before I begin reviewing the necessary information” alexander raised his hand like he was trying to get the teachers attention
“Alex, it is not necessary to raise your hand, you are always free to speak. After all, I am your case worker, not your superior.” alexander slowly lowered his hand before speaking
“So just to be clear, are we doing a supervillain team up or, are you my sidekick” why do I even bother expecting professionalism from him
“Alex, I am not a supervillain I am your case worker and If at all possible I will not be directly involved, I will however assist you in finding the best way to get the job done and offer my services anywhere my specialty would make a difference” Alexanders expression changed the moment I finished my sentence from the somewhat interested wondering gaze to a scrupulous mixture of confusion and what i believed to be offense
The sour expression on his face matched the tone in his voice as he spoke,“What do you mean your not a supervillain you have powers and do both shady and illegal business, that is literally the definition of a supervillain.”
If could sight without causing my weave to loosen I would have “Alex I don't do anything illegal, while some of my employers clients and dealings could be considered shady, that can be said of most businesses.”
“Sure Alastor keep telling yourself that, but it still doesn't change that you have powers and work for a supervillain organization.” with that he crossed his arms as tho challenging anyone to dare disprove his statement.
“Alex, I don’t work for a supervillain organization, I work for a company that gives xenos a chance at normal life despite whatever circumstances led to them becoming xenos.”
At my words a smug smile stretched across his face, “And how many of those xenos just so happen to have criminal backgrounds.” his smile grew reaching his eyes.
“I am not aware of the numbers Alex as that information is private but I will admit my clean record was an oddity in my office block, however, there are always outliers and my block might have been such an outlier.” I didn’t look at Alexander as I spoke but the pure feeling of victory emanating from him told me he saw my answer as an absolute victory to his point.
“Alright, Alex if your ready we can begin reviewing the file provided by Miss Blackwood.” I said doing my best to move on from the current topic
The smugness flowing from alexanders still form two seats down was so thick it felt like I was swimming in it as he spoke “Sure Alastor, we can start”
“Then let's begin with the item miss blackwood wants us to acquire.” grabbing the laptop in front of me I turned it so that Alexander had a clear view of the screen and started the small slide show I had created
The image of a small stone covered in odd mystic symbols and adored with five different gems slid into view “This is the Enchanter's Crown so called because of the odd mix of gems set into it creating a ornate crown around its outer edge, and according to the file miss blackwoods provided may have the ability to activate the xenos gene granting mystic class abilities of varying power.”
Clicking the space bar the next image slid into view this one a blurry picture of a red robed figure disappearing down a tunnel “The Enchanter's Crown is currently believed to be held by the labyrinthine lords a zeulose group of finatics that believe mythic class powers are humanity doorway to godhood”
Pressing the bar again, a scetch of five robed figures gathering around the image of the enchanters crown slid into frame “The cult gets its name from the from its ruling body of five members that act as popeal figures and have been ruling the cult from the very beginning, each is rumored to be a mythic class xeno representing a different gem on the enchanters crown there exact power and rank is unknown.”
I pressed the space bar again the image previous image sliding away to be replaced with a blue print from the cities public records “This is a map of the flood tunnels that cover seattle these tunes are the main method of travel for this group to and from hidden churches connected to there cult the stone itself was in a previously unknown location what they referred to as the Basilica”
I moved to the next slide a modified version of the earlier map takeing up the screan. “this overlay shows the Basilicas along with some passagways and smaller churches of the cult all recently discovered by one of miss blackwood informants, the basilica is believed to be over three hundred years old with the labyrinthine lords only taking up residency in the Basilica during the nineteen hundreds.”
Checking on alexander I saw that for the first time he was listening to me with wrapped attention his eyes fixed on the screen nodding as I spoke and seemed to be taking notes on a small tablet as I spoke
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“The Basilica is believed to be around seventy five thousand square feet with at least three stories the Enchanters crown according to miss blackwoods informant is located in a large central chamber known as the chancel this is ceremonial place that has a dual purpose serving as both a center of occult rituals and a center of worship.”
“Ok I have a question.” Alexander said cutting me off before I could continue with the next slide “yes alex.”Before he spoke he took a look at what I assumed were his notes . “So do we get like money for gear to do this job for Victoria or are we our own.”
I will admit I was quite taken aback by his question “um, Yes miss blackwood provided us with a expenses budget of around eighteen thousand dollars.” seeing the light bloom in alexanders eyes I knew I had to act quickly “These funds are of course only useable for gear and necessary equipment for the job.”
However the light in his eyes didn't diminish but rather he seemed to grow more excited becoming animated as he spoke “So what im hearing Is I get a villain suite and weapons.”
If I can't calm him down I need to keep him from buying some flashy thing with a cape and no real function. “This is correct Alex but I will be handling the gear as I have contact that can help get us what we need for the amount we have.”
At my words he calmed not by much but it was enough to keep him thinking straight “But it will still be a super suite with matching weapons.” he asked
“Yes Alex, it will be a super suite able to make perfect use of your abilities.”
“Realy” alexander asked the almost childish excitement returning both to his voice and his movements
“Yes it should allow you to apply your abilities in every aspect supervillainy you will face even in its current more basic state.” something I said obviously upset him as his face crinkled look like he had just caught whiff of something foul.
“What do you mean basic.” , “Well alex given the current funds we have I needed to both arm and armor you so there had to be cuts in expenses for things that were deemed necessary, I do actually have the specification I requested along with the estimate I was given if you would like me to read or share it with you.” Alexander just nodded which I took to mean he wanted me to read it to him.
So minimizing the slide show I Looking threw a new file I had started on the computer till I found the estimate witch I had separated into each individual piece of armor
1. Helmet
Design: Lightweight, full-cover, made from carbon fiber mesh with a titanium skeleton
Features
- Multiple Cameras: Strategically placed to provide a 360-degree view.
- HUD: Visual information is fed to the helm to create an image inside the helm.
- **Estimated Cost**:
- Carbon Fiber Mesh: $500
- Titanium Alloy: $700
- Cameras (6 units): $600
- Assembly: $500
- **Total**: $2,300
2. Chestplate
Design: Ergonomic, with carbon fiber mesh covering a titanium skeleton to protect the torso.
Features
- Secure Server: Small, robust server to manage AI hive mind and process camera feeds.
- **Estimated Cost**:
- Carbon Fiber Mesh: $1,000
- Titanium Alloy: $1,500
- Secure Server: $2,000
- Assembly: $1,000
- **Total**: $5,500
3. Gauntlets
Design: Reinforced for strength, with carbon fiber mesh and titanium skeleton.
Features: Basic hand protection with optional knife sheath.
- **Estimated Cost**:
- Carbon Fiber Mesh: $400
- Titanium Alloy: $600
- Assembly: $500
- **Total**: $1,500
4. Tactical Belt Features: A durable, adjustable belt designed for tactical use. Estimated Cost: $50 Magazine Pouches: Modular pouches specifically designed to hold M4 Carbine and Glock 19 magazines. Estimated Cost: M4 Carbine Magazine Pouches (5 pouches): $100 Glock 19 Magazine Pouches (3 pouches): $60
Total Cost for Tactical Belt System Estimated Cost: $210
5. Leggings
Design:Strong, flexible custom carbon fiber mesh and titanium skeleton.
Features: Protection for thighs, knees, and shins.
- **Estimated Cost**:
- Carbon Fiber Mesh: $800
- Titanium Alloy: $1,200
- Assembly: $700
- **Total**: $2,700
6. Boots
Design: Reinforced for stability and protection, with carbon fiber mesh and titanium skeleton.
Feature: Enhanced mobility and durability.
- **Estimated Cost**:
- Carbon Fiber Mesh: $300
- Titanium Alloy: $500
- Assembly: $400
- **Total**: $1,200
Total Armor Cost
- **Total Estimated Cost**: $13,200
Additional Considerations
- **Labor and Customization**: Adding 10-20% for skilled labor and custom fitting.
- **Additional Cost Estimate**: $1,320 to $2,640
Reaching the end of the document I moved to the weapons folder
Weapons
Primary Weapon: Compact Assault Rifle
Model M4 Carbine (5.56×45mm NATO)
Cost: $1,200 for the base weapon, $20 per 30-round magazine, $400 for an initial supply of 1000 rounds.
Secondary Weapon: Compact Pistol
Model: Glock 19 (9mm)**
Cost: $500 for the base weapon, $30 per 15-round magazine, $200 for an initial supply of 500 rounds.
Additional Equipment: Tactical Knife
Model: Sapper Knife
Cost: $100
Weapon Cost Summary
-M4 Carbine: $1,200
-M4 Carbine Magazines (5 extra 30-round magazines): $100
-M4 Carbine Initial Ammo Supply (1000 rounds): $400
-Glock 19: $500
-Glock 19 Magazines (3 extra 15-round magazines): $90
-Glock 19 Initial Ammo Supply (500 rounds): $200
-Ka-Bar Combat Knife: $100
**Total Estimated Weapon Cost**: $2,590
Combined Total Cost
Armor Cost: $14,520 to $15,840
Weapon Cost: $2,590
Combined Total Estimated Cost: $17,110 to $18,000
“As you can see alex even at the high end of the estimate we would still be within our expenses budget.” turning to face alexander as I spoke, I came faced to face with his glassy look that was becoming a staple of our meetings
“uh huh I see.” Alexander said seeming more like a automated response then a intended answer.
“Is there anything you would like to discuss about the armor alex.” At my words some of the fog in Alexanders gase seemed to evaporate. “What will it look like.”
“Well that will mainly be up to you, but I do have some early concept designs from my contact if you would like to see them.” I asked already moving to find the file
Pulling it up the two Images appeared one a side profile the other a forward facing profile arms and legs outstretched, the suit itself had a modern look reminding me of something the I.X.C.U would wear with its tactical belt sleek military design and matte black color.
However, the fifteen or so cameras Placed in seemingly random spots on the helmet with no visible visor was where it started to show itself in a more villanus fashion, the chest arms and legs were all covered by a carbon fiber mesh that stretched over a titanium endoskeleton to help prevent cutting and slashing attacks.
The Individual shape of titanium plates covered major muscles, arteries, and other vital areas giving the armor a sleek look theise plates interlocked with the skeleton to protect from blunt force trauma up to seventeen hundred PSI.
One side of the armor on the blueprint had been separated into layers showing multiple thin batteries along the spine, each separated to not limit movement as they fed into the titanium spine of the armor to distribute power between the cameras, helmet, and the small round device located at the base of the neck that I assumed was the server that would connect to alexander's computer in his lair.
Looking over at Alexander I saw he was all but drooling over the design “Do you approve of the design alex.” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah I approve that armor will make me look like a boss.” his eyes seemed to widen with every word until suddenly he deflate coming to some sort of realization by the look on his face. “Wait, I don't know anything about guns.” he said
“That is not a problem alex I was aware that might be the case, so I had a small server installed on the base of the neck allowing you to connect to your computer and provide your AI hive mind with all the data it needs to assists you in real time, all you will have to do is create an AI specialized in modern weapon use and tactics who will provide you with what you need to use your Armor and weapons with proficiency.”
The manic grin that spread across alexanders face told me that I had indeed managed the impossible I had made a efficient villan suit that prioritized function over fashion but still held the attention of my overly flamboyant client
“If you approve of this design I can make a call and have them start collecting the necessary components, you will of course have to get a scan done before they can build it, presion is a requirement in crafting villan suits after all.”