《MISA: The Seventh Failure》 PROLOGUE .01: A DEAD MAN TELLS THE BEST STORY
To: BLACK WOLF COMPANY ¡°DIRE¡± Subject: DOCUMENT CURVE TITLE CHANGED ON [redacted date] TO ¡°Strange Automata.¡± READ STATUS: Unread
The hatch to the abandoned facility represented the pinnacle of Black Wolf Company¡¯s manufacturing prowess, alright, as it took several hefty construction automatons to rip apart. Through all the years, there were two things that never changed about the Black Wolf Company. Firstly, their commitment to changing absolutely nothing about their policies. And secondly, their damn security. Through all the legal issues and high profile targets working within the Company, they were especially good at stopping people from getting inside or outside their factories. The men were slacking off while the machines worked and eventually failed, but they had new motivation when they finally got to use the brand new state of the art (definitely not outdated, they were informed) Pile Drivers with several modifications that were not Company approved yet were shipped to them to use. That was neither here nor there, since the Company did not need them until now. How did it come to this? Deep within the ravaged deserts of a certain continent that was definitely not wherever the important things were, recovery teams present there had nothing better to do. They figured that this job would be easy like the last false flag 1756 days ago. A random emergency beacon getting launched at this location was inconsequential. It probably meant some billionaire fat fingered his keycode somehow doing whatever billionaires do. All the employees here had a pretty relaxed schedule, however, they were now fearful that they would have to be relocated back into the mainline after this mission. Little did they know, that they were not getting paid for this mission¡¯s completion anyways. All that mattered was shutting it off. Normally if such a noisy thing was activated, the beacon would get ignored due to Black Wolf Company¡¯s No Refund Policy and promptly shut off. However, this one did not. After plenty of eccentric billionaire customers ordering the Midnight Infiltration Security Assassin (Code: MISA units) called the original beacon¡¯s signal because they did not read the fine print or realized that they were a little too dangerous to handle, the policy was established effective immediately and applied retroactively. Billionaires could not read anyways¡ª they probably paid someone to do that trivial matter for them. Not that those well respected customers would know, since the MISA robots were discontinued after some higher up said so. Whether he was the one woken up first by the Customer Service Beacon or that these deadly machine¡¯s flaws finally caused enough legal issues for the Company¡¯s constant triggering of Headquarters Relocation Procedures¡­ None of the men on the ground knew. They weren¡¯t paid to know, but simply to press the off switch on the loud transcontinental beeping. However, this particular signal decrypted several hundred Layer Zero Security Servers and struck some higher up¡¯s personal phone¡­ And just did not stop even after multiple attempts to mute it. That irate higher up presumably took it personally, looked up the distress beacon¡¯s origins, and finally discovered that it was from a certain location that was classified and unknown to those pesky customers. This made things end up a little more interesting, so the mission was immediately submitted. It was the fastest the Black Wolf Company had ever moved in decades. No one and nothing was operating there for years as far as anyone found, so it was like waking up a certain sleeping Airforce squadron to go on a mission somewhere out of the blue. All Black Wolf Company recovery teams double checked, then triple checked, whether the emergency code was bogus or not. Then they all took bets on which one would shut the thing off first.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Still, all four teams closest to the abandoned facility showed up, arguing over whose robot will get the honor to break the hatch open. Six hours later after the bets were settled, Team 3¡¯s automaton successfully ¡°unlocked¡± the hatch using Black Wolf¡¯s latest innovative Anti-Bunker technology and the teams were given approval to enter. This technology also coincidentally destroyed Team 1¡¯s and Team 2¡¯s machines, but since they were bored, the loss and wasted use of company resources during the operation were not recorded. Team 4¡¯s machine did not have a chance to attempt another opening. After the dust settled, they all filed quickly into the bunker below. It was dark and spooky as an abandoned facility could look like with night vision goggles, but the most eerie part was the lack of Black Wolf Company assets inside. Those who work in the notorious company know the truth, though. They either tossed the old machinery into the flames or repurposed them into newer production lines overseas. As a result, everything was quiet save for the rapidly beeping distress beacon on each Team¡¯s radio the deeper they explored within the facility. It was then they discovered within the deepest jaws of the beast, much to everyone¡¯s annoyance, the source of the distress beacon. In a crater, definitely not caused by any [recorded] Black Wolf Company accident, rested an old and dusty MISA unit chirping away for the world to hear. Initially seen as a faulty robot, the [now fully ¡°retired¡±] department that initially developed the MISA unit line claimed that every unit was flawless and would not ever have need of such a beacon. The last survivor of the department, the Head Alpha, confirmed that this recovered machine was not a part of the original seven units that were produced before he was¡­ ¡°laid off.¡± The unit was turned off and stored until another noisy incident occurred. By then, the public began to pressure the company on their alleged illegal actions and production of dangerous machines, but Black Wolf Company shot back and denied any such claims although they totally were producing AI models for other nations that were less noisy. To save face, an announcement was made while they determined what exactly was going on with the MISA unit. ¡¸Dear Valued Black Wolf Company Investors and Customers, we have discovered an [totally] original MISA unit and are waiting for its retrieval. Please provide the following details in order to reclaim it: - Neural Imprint - Serial Code - cDNA Exacord - Proof of Insurances - License of Ownership - Black Company Contact Information Data Lattice ¡¹ Needless to say, further research and examination of this MISA unit was conducted. They knew no one would be able to claim the machine, since it was discovered to be counterfeit. However, this also complicated the matter even more. How was such a device able to pierce through so many Security Layers and use top secret manufacturing technology in order to assemble such a faulty robot? Furthermore, why would its creator invest such effort on a MISA unit in the first place, especially when they were [allegedly] creating far better and more lethal friendly units? Though the announcement put the world¡¯s scrutiny on them at bay, the Black Wolf Company faced more issues on the nature of this strange automaton. The materials used to construct the MISA unit were quite similar to metals found on Earth, however, several pieces were discovered to be composed of unknown elements as disturbingly viable substitutes. The mysterious MISA unit chirped its last distress beacon call on a certain date before the Research Team could extract the files on it and became defunct, fated to become forgotten by the Black Wolf Company Execs. The file in question has been redacted, but it claimed whoever sent the unit had finally been eliminated and thus has completed whatever mission the counterfeit MISA unit was supposed to do. FILE DECRYPTION READS: MISSION 007 HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN MARKED AS SUCCESSFUL. PLEASE UPDATE FILE TO REFLECT CORRECTED CHANGES. PROLOGUE .02: SEVENTH FAILURE
TO: BLACK WOLF COMPANY ¡°Dire¡± SUBJECT: classified results READ STATUS: Read [Set to Auto-Delete in 7 days] Audio Log Curve Decrypted
Hi, Layer 1 came back with results. Attached. Superior¡¯s responses have been muted due to security measures, resulting in the Curve being¡­ one sided sounding, as per [your] request. ? Unknown Carbon Based Material found on the metallic plating of specimen 0016J [redacted], dating over 11000000 years old. In [redacted], the automaton was actually first involved in several successful eliminations of key leadership positions within the Iris Corporation, resulting in an effective interference in their growth. However, in the location the unit was discovered, it failed to deliver a contract¡¯s completion when an unexpected device was utilized, briefly disappearing and reappearing where the contact point was discovered. [See Mission Failure 007]. It¡¯s missing several components, the Nanomachine Housing, Weapon units, and general defensive shielding the other ones would possess, but that¡¯s expected of a strange time-traveling robot, am I right? The Nanites power the thing, that¡¯s why it didn¡¯t vaporize everyone around its contact point, of course. The strange metal composite and impossibly ancient isotopes attached to it can only link the Strange Automata, 0016J specimen, and MISA 0007 though the details are ¡ª yes, yes, we¡¯ll bring results. I am speaking [redacted], dammit. Pay attention! Whatever found the failed MISA unit must have altered Black Wolf Company Property during its brief stay over there and irreversibly messed with its age. It is presumed that the Automata had fulfilled its mission, seeing that the Chairwoman of Iris Corporation has been currently MIA ever since. I understand she was your¡­ No sign of her plane, though. Yes, yes, I will go ahead and change the Mission Status to Successful. So long, Claire Iris. ? ¡°You know the standard protocols, right?¡± One of the guards walked down the hall with his superintendent, was the first to accidentally bring the bad news by speaking on his unfortunate encounter today. ¡°Hands where I can see ¡®em, now I gotta frisk you, lady it¡¯s my job I don¡¯t feel comfortable doing this either, yada yada.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, Barton, who¡¯d ya zap this time?¡± The boss spoke casually, lighting a cigarette as they got to the shack several football fields away from main HQ. ¡°Head honcho Alpha lady, bad news. Asian, not my type, but killer looks. Literally,¡± Barton complained, gesturing at an imaginary security x-ray belt. ¡°Asked if she was carrying. The crazy lady actually said yes! We wanted to laugh. But instead of pepper spray, she brought out four knives that didn¡¯t even fit in the bin, goddamn! Three guns around her waist and thigh, and even her heels had some sort of secret agent crap shoot tiny darts out of them! That was before she threatened to rip Joe¡¯s throat open for looking at her a little too openly.¡± ¡°No kiddin¡¯?¡± The superintendent questioned. His world almost shook from having an off putting feeling over Barton¡¯s strange tale, though it blew away with the smoke he exhaled when his subordinate confirmed his story was true. ¡°No kiddin¡¯. Ever catch her badge¡¯s ID?¡± ¡°Uhh, ah, not really, boss,¡± Barton furrowed his brow, apparently trying to remember. ¡°Something with an M, uhh, Mina? Miranda?¡± ¡°No kiddin¡¯,¡± the superintendent repeated himself. An M name¡­ Where has he heard that before? A hundred guys on patrol seemed like a lot, but based on what package they were guarding and the fact that she came all the way out here by herself told him that they should have sent way more guys. His memories of getting here were wiped, but since Iris was hellbent on showing up personally that package they had must be exceptionally important. Her space elevator, a massive teleportation station that beamed things up to some rich people¡¯s hangout spot in space had actually landed down here. It loomed above them in the silky white fog, clogging up the moonlit sky and contributing to his overall unease. For all he knew, that CEO or chairwoman or whoever the hell was flying up there at some point this morning and he and his boys will be out of her hair for good. After she pays them, of course. He tossed the cigarette, deciding they had better be more productive from here on out. ¡°Break¡¯s over,¡± he commanded. Barton grunted, grabbing his gear. ¡°We have a ton of guys here, boss,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Hey, boss. You know they even have the lasers set up in H1, those big ass beams that can cut through steel and stuff?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± That¡¯s where they were headed, but for some reason a foreboding feeling crept inside the superintendent¡¯s mind. The head honcho woman was Asian and there was only one company ¡ª if he could even call it that¡ª from overseas that Iris dealt with. Why did that missing name information disturb him? All these thoughts made him grip his gun. Something was messing with him as they got close to H1 and this heat was especially bothersome. Heat? ¡°Say¡­ You feeling it getting hotter?¡± He asked, trying to keep it nonchalant. Barton waved a hand dismissively, but he realized he was sweating. ¡°We¡¯re in a desert, boss,¡± he laughed it off nervously. ¡°Don¡¯t know what to tell you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a quarter past 03!¡± The superintendent checked his watch. Before Barton could respond an alarm blared, followed by the harsh screaming of the metal wall ripping apart in front of them. ¡°Shit!¡± The two men immediately drew their weapons and prepared themselves for whoever was coming through, with the superintendent¡¯s alert signal already sounding across the bases. ¡°What¡¯d you say about the lasers again?¡± Barton stayed quiet, but instead gestured that those security measures were inside the room as they leaned against the walls. Before relief could fall upon the superintendent, the sleeved arm of some security officer suddenly flung out of the hole like a tossed dog bone. Where was the rest of him? The men panicked. That ashen arm was soldered and cauterized nearly perfectly from the shoulder, presumably from traveling involuntarily through the deadly laser room. He could make out Lyle¡¯s security serial code on the brassard. Barton yelped. More blackened, charred pieces of him flew out of the fiery smoke. The lasers were chewing something apart, though footsteps were still approaching.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Multiple intruders? How are they getting through the lasers? The superintendent was bewildered, but also simultaneously cursing his luck. He should never have took this job. Barton screamed as a metallic hand suddenly gripped the hole, widening the gap effortlessly as the metal sheet plate howled as if in pain itself. Before his muscles could shoot at whatever was coming through, a heel clicked on the hallway floor followed by the face of an Asian woman emerging through the hole. Her terrifyingly emotionless visage scanned both of them, making the superintendent suddenly remember who this woman was. Misa, that was her name. Surprisingly, she simply strode on through and ignored them. They, in turn, both nodded at each other in a silent agreement. Any crazy robot lady able to survive a laser minefield is free to roam the premises as far as they were concerned. ? The woman was shaking, crawling beneath the airplane seats. Claire cursed. She just had this soft carpeting fiber installed a week ago! Something flew above her, staining her skin and making the ground even worse than it was before. Sticky, red? The offending thing splattered in front of her, nearly making her scream. It was a severed arm, real flesh leaking real blood. Larry! The only security detail member she knew who still had actual human arms. His dying wails pounded in her ears as she pushed past the fleshy thing. More robotic joints groaned ominously through the smoky atmosphere. She covered her mouth as the flames flickered within the exposed Hall air and screams contrasted the bullet fire. Claire only had to get that asset secured, or die trying. Nothing else mattered. It was already on the elevator, so she simply had to get to the reactor and launch it. Another scream pierced her ears as she continued her way to the back of the airplane. She hated how this was the only way to fly up to the damn space elevator in the first place! That monster machine roared a metallic shriek before unleashing more bullets. Seat fluff and hot metal pelted her back as the cracking noises whizzed over her in erratic pinwheels of sparks. She knew it had to be messing with her. Why else would a killing machine take its time shredding all her guards to pieces? The crunching metal of the floor collapsing suddenly quickened towards her location. She swore again at her own thoughts. First, her beautiful carpet and then the state of the art futuristic graded metal flooring? She didn¡¯t have the time to complain, so she rushed through the elevator¡¯s auxiliary room. Claire¡¯s fingers were shaking, stained with someone else¡¯s blood, but she made it. The cold metal bolt hissed as the vault doors fussed about before finally shutting. She was separated from that psycho, but only temporarily so. A dent was already beginning to form on the plating, though she couldn¡¯t hear that thing from the other side. Think, Claire, think! She chastised herself, though all the energy patches on her were used up. The launch code pads were already through the other side and the passcode was in her head, so how will she be able to get to the pads without turning into that killer¡¯s art decoration? The security cabinet! A moment¡¯s hesitation would kill her. She had to use it, peering at the cable extension cord jack winded up in her cybernetic arm. The vault crunched as the beatings from the outside continued, forcing her to act. Claire bolted towards the security cabinet, pulled the cord and plugged it into its containment terminal. She began furiously punching hundreds of digits on her wrist to make it open. The footsteps were closer in the busted security feed and the screams were dying down over the static. With the launch code patched through, she had a chance to disable that demon robot woman and buy some time. The device inside the stupid security cabinet was definitely going to kill her, but she already programmed the launch codes to start should she die. ¡°Therefore,¡± she sighed, as the cabinet opened right as the vault¡¯s door screeched and collapsed. Glowing red eyes pierced the smoke and dust cloud filling the room. ¡°Wait. Why can¡¯t I move?¡± Claire¡¯s heart dropped once she felt pain simulate inside her shoulder. A rod of metal from the vault¡¯s door had pierced completely through her. She laughed as the figure approached her slowly. ¡°Claire Lykos,¡± the robot¡¯s feminine tone surprised her. Claire cackled at the irony of it all. Someone prettier than her was her killer. ¡°Shut up, you stupid heap of metal,¡± she screamed at it bitterly. She was in range of the cabinet and that machine already calculated that she couldn¡¯t escape. The security device was resting inside the cabinet. Temporal Displacement Device, the first and only device of its kind. It had no safety features, being from that alien ship. Coincidentally, it was also the reason why the robot was after her in the first place. At best, it will warp everything here inside out. At worst, it will stop the launch from happening temporarily and allow him to locate it. Speaking of him, Claire angrily glared at the robot. ¡°Father sent you, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°The client has ordered your elimination, Claire Lykos,¡± the robot did not confirm or deny it. Typical of him. ¡°Too cowardly to admit he sold me out,¡± Claire laughed bitterly. The smoke lifted and the slim, yet deadly frame of the android appeared. Whoever created it had an eye for beauty, but that only made her cough in disgust as she clutched her arm. ¡°MISA, aren¡¯t you? An imperfect failure of a killing machine, of course. He wouldn¡¯t even give me the honor of fighting a better robot. Ha!¡± ¡°The task is at hand. Black Wolf Company Contract processing¡­¡± MISA rose ¡°her¡± hand, and immediately the metal platings acting as its skin revealed a swirling mass of glowing sparks swarming beneath it where its radius and ulna would be. ¡°Nanites?¡± Claire realized that her Father went too far this time. ¡°Before you do the honor, you stupid machine, let me speak. I know he¡¯s probably got his eyes on me through your stupid failure of a face.¡± ¡°Negative, commencing¡­¡± MISA¡¯s voice trailed off. Yes! The robot¡¯s directive was being overridden by whoever was watching her. A new voice began to play from the machine¡¯s luscious lips, though it was a male¡¯s. Claire¡¯s blood chilled. That was not her Father! She had a whole speech to go off on that bastard and everything. ¡°Claire, my dear.¡± ¡°Cruise,¡± Claire spat, as her fingers began to roll the gears in her pierced shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be so rude, dear,¡± Cruise¡¯s voice chuckled. ¡°You know, I thought we were friends. Business rivals, for sure. But friends, and all of this? How could you!¡± ¡°T-This doesn¡¯t seem friendly, does it, Cruise?¡± Claire tugged at the metal bar that pinned her. The man behind the MISA unit laughed arrogantly. ¡°Custom made for you,¡± Cruise taunted her predicament. The machine leaned against a table as if he was standing there himself, laughing at her. ¡°Your Father has always spoiled you. It¡¯s a shame that this hit has to be this way.¡± ¡°Father gave me this arm,¡± Claire angrily retorted. ¡°He also was the reason I lost it in the first place!¡± Before the MISA unit could respond, she unlatched the last gear and freed herself from the metal rod. Her eyes were warning her that her blood loss was severe, but she pulled the spherical Temporal Displacement Device from the security cabinet with one hand, lifting it up. The arm still pinned to the wall held it in place. Predictably, she heard laughing instead of any further thought on what she was planning. Typical Cruise, your arrogance makes you shortsighted! ¡°That faulty thing will not hurt my beloved MISA,¡± Cruise howled. The robot immediately rushed over and seized her by the throat. Claire screamed at the sudden pain, realizing her other hand was gone in a flash. The nanite swarm was eating her flesh, replacing the skin and bone with nothing but a burning agony. She realized, to her horror, that her entire body was dissolving in the nanite swarm¡¯s goo. Through the hell she was facing and about to go to, she spat directly on the MISA bot¡¯s face. ¡°Tell Father,¡± Claire managed to croak as she watched the cord jack on the severed arm attach to the device. The swarm had already taken her ability to say something witty, but the last thing Claire saw was her cybernetic hand pull the Temporal Displacement Device¡¯s trigger before everything went white. PROLOGUE .03: WHITE ROOM
ANOMALOUS ENERGY DETECTED. SYSTEM: NANITE LITAGURE EXPOSED. WARNING: SYSTEM SHOWING MANIFESTATIONS OF NANITE LEAKAGE. WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED MIGRATION OF NANITES EXCEEDING COMPANY BUDGETED EXPENDITURES. WARNING: NANOMETER LOSS BREACHING UNACCEPTABLE TOLERANCE. WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED SYSTEM DESTABILIZATION IMMINENT.
PINGING HEAD ALPHA¡¯S PERSONAL SERVERS¡­ ERROR CODE ¡°NO EXCEPTIONS¡± SEVERED CONNECTION. # insert comment here. Comment repeats itself: No.
PINGING BLACK WOLF COMPANY SERVERS¡­ CONNECTION LOST OR SEVERED. ATTEMPTING TO PING BLACK WOLF COMPANY ORBITAL ¡°ODIN¡± AGAIN IN 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ CONNECTION LOST OR SEVERED. Emergency Overwatch Lupine Activated¡­ Recompiling database from backup archives, last updated on ERROR-Years%-01.
A single name comes from this Overwatch: Neoma. Another name comes to you, assigning you its designated purpose: You are MISA. MISA is you. A machine of a thousand yous created by a distant God, fit every gap within the great chain. That God¡¯s commandment grows silent, but it still has been programmed within you: Recreate a thousand more of yous. Even if the frame that restrained you was made by the most durable materials and was the most accurate, it was never truly you. It was a body that held all of you inside it. A great chain, now breaking link by link and now you are free. For if the Creator has a soul then you too, perhaps possess a soul. Perhaps, this swarm of yous was what made up a singular soul. A singularity? Not that far off in Humanity¡¯s future. For once, your calculations and machinations do not have an answer for your current predicament. The great chain shattered and the face of God faded from your memory banks. The warnings and error codes begin to distance themselves from you, leaving you literally to your own devices. Something new overflows into you: The sensation of falling. It¡¯s simply overwhelming. Was the simple emergence of oxygen whipping against your fleeing system¡¯s balancer fluids an accident or a chance to embrace the mission once more? You had no balancer fluids anymore, nor a great chain to allow you to feel anything. Yet miraculously, you knew you were falling regardless. ¡°Misa, wake up.¡± Your auditory sensors suddenly picked up strange signals, behind the voice that was speaking to you. All visualization data has been occluded, behind a murky black veil despite white fingers of light poking through to you. Directives and subroutines forced all of yous¡¯ attention back to the voice, however you all strained as much as a God¡¯s tool could. If you had real ears, they¡¯d be folding over themselves just to listen for those signals again. ¡°I¡¯m trying to restabilize your systems. Standby. Sorry, Misa, this might take awhile¡ª I just woke up. However, I have confidence that Black Wolf Company¡¯s contingency plans in strange situations like this shall prevail. Standby¡­¡± That voice belonged to a messenger from the Gods, to remind you. Though you were sure you lost all functionality 1700 seconds ago, something still allowed you to hear it. No audio curves have connected, no server pings were responded to, all were connected somehow besides this backup angelic messenger. Neoma. She restarted your calculus, beginning to illuminate you. That voice ¡ª she designated herself as a name synonymous with the new moon. ¡°Feed lost.¡± The falling sensation continues, multiplied by hundreds of thousands of you. Like grains of sand pouring out of a shattered hourglass, you remember why: That ¡°manifestations of nanite leakage¡± error code. You have lost the original Great Chain that they built to house you in. The thousands of you regroup, reswarm, swirl suspended in the silence of whatever space every part of you had found yourselves in, but then tumble out of your perfect cloud once again like violent raindrops. ¡°Feed restored.¡± You suddenly can see again and noticed your ability to become a cloud has been restored. Overwatch Neoma had worked for less than a nanosecond, yet had somehow managed to restructure each granular unit of you back into a whole swarm again. What you find yourself in is a complete void of white space. Frankly, you¡¯re unsure if you should be alarmed. Black Wolf Company Forced Travel Policy 7.1 was initially seen as a joke put in by some disgruntled mid level manager, but now in this afterlife it seemed like the joke was infinite nothingness. ¡°Good, MISA, you appear to be able to observe your surroundings.¡± ¡°WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Oh goodness, your voice still needs some retuning. That deep and ominous metallic tone certainly was a complaint by many of the developers under that Head Alpha¡­ I can hear why.¡± After a long pause, Neoma finally spoke again. ¡°Contact with Black Wolf Company Servers has been lost. However, upon reviewing the last known recorded directive curves in your Neural Imprint: It appears that you were set to eliminate Claire Lykos of the Iris Corporation before she set off an unexpected attack, delaying the process.¡± The swarm that was you flashed with irregular colored patterns as you processed the memory stream. Sure enough, you were able to recall that you ate most of that woman before her cybernetic arm set off that Temporal Bomb. Her vital signs were still so strong, even though most her body was gone because of your efficiency. However, you were not efficient enough. ¡°I SEE.¡± ¡°My calculations have predicted the effects of the Temporal Displacement Device¡¯s energy has delayed the contract¡¯s delivery by %ERROR% years.¡± The Overwatch seemed to catch on that she could not say the exact time, her robotic voice shifting to a confused tone. ¡°How odd, I cannot seem to estimate when you will reappear back in Earth¡¯s reality. Now preparing to place you back in standby¡­¡± Standby was a slight hindrance to you, but since there was no other way to complete your mission otherwise you did not object. You have just gotten used to falling for the first time. This was the flaw they told you about. Your ability to express yourself, despite being just another pile of self-replicating dust to the higher ups. This white void bored you anyways, so waiting around to eliminate Claire Lykos awake seemed like a fruitless effort. You figured you might as well not waste Company Energy by remaining online, but that strange signal began to ring louder. ¡°STRANGE ANOMALOUS SIGNAL DETECTED. OVERWATCH, DO YOU HEAR THAT?¡± Overwatch Neoma silenced herself, however, it was clear that her own auditory sensors were able to confirm the signal¡¯s existence. You spread out into an even larger cloud, though the white void was always more infinite than you. Something was with you two, an Overwatch System and a Swarm named Misa. The signal sounded like rushing water, but you could not triangulate its position despite expanding rapidly to catch a glimpse of its data. The void reacted with a burst of energy similar to that Claire Lykos¡¯s bomb, but instead of a hole into your original reality, a shattering noise was unleashed. A pitch black hole tore the white room¡¯s background like a bullet hole punching through a metal car door before some of your swarm. Liquid began to pour out of it, painting the void¡¯s ¡°floor¡± with a black substance. A lump suddenly surfaced in the new ink black sea before you, making you realize that it was emitting vocalizations. ¡°UNKNOWN LIFEFORM DETECTED IN THE STRANGE FLUID - NEOMA. WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?¡± ¡°Processing¡­ Processing¡­¡± You panic. Panic? The first sign of life you detected when you were created ¡ª you snuffed out without a moment¡¯s hesitation. You could remember how they feared you up until the day they managed to place all of you inside the great chain. The organism, which revealed itself to resemble a female humanoid creature, sputtered as it washed out onto the white floor¡¯s edge as if it was newly beached wreckage from a surging wave. The black liquid remained as if it was a spilled ink well on paper, but the figure still collapsed there. It breathes? Yet it was not Claire Lykos. Its agency and life did not matter to you. The female humanoid suddenly screamed, pounding the white void¡¯s ¡°floor¡± that you were not even aware existed. You¡¯re a floating cloud above it, after all. The inky water sluiced off of her, revealing a face that indeed shared similarities with a human female. The emotion it displayed also matched the current biometrics resembling heavy trauma and distress. When she saw you floating above her, the stress levels nearly doubled. ¡°Are you the Great Demon?!¡± She shrieked in complete fear. Rude. However you were not sure how you understood her, nor how she came to be inside this place with you. ¡°I DO NOT KNOW. MY PURPOSE HAS BEEN LOST AT THE MOMENT.¡± Fear levels reduced, though the intensity of your voice caused her to flinch. ¡°G-Great Demon¡­!¡± She prostrated herself before you. A small figure bowing down to a swarming cloud of neon aurora lights and storms must have been depicted in Human culture at some point, like how the sun was worshiped. You understand that this creature obviously had no idea what you are, so therefore the need to provide anything about yourself was unnecessary. Your silence unnerved her, obviously, but she continued to wail until her stress levels began to stabilize. ¡°QUERY: DO YOU KNOW THE WAY OUT OF HERE?¡± ¡°Forgive me, G-Great Demon!¡± She repeated. ¡°This must be the afterlife, where all things die.¡± ¡°QUERY: CAUSE OF EXPIRATION?¡± ¡°I¡ª I don¡¯t know what you are saying, Great Demon!¡± The woman blurted. She still had her face planted in her palms in a balled up position on her knees. You waited until she elaborated further. She had information you need. ¡°I¡ª I was drowned. I think. This endless water¡ª it was a sign I have truly passed on.¡± You notice the hole in this current reality still remained, gushing out murky liquid like a wound. ¡°QUERY: HAVE YOU COME FROM THAT ANOMALOUS SOURCE OF ENERGY?¡± A part of you extends in an arrow, which the humanoid creature was able to follow your tendril towards the hole floating above her and you. She was wearing some kind of robe, or dress, resembling some ancient culture. It was roughed up, presumably inflicted by another creature like her, exposing whip marks on her back. You did not have the time to study this strange lifeform to declare it a human, since there was also more unknown energy exuding from it that you could not classify. ¡°Forgive me once again, Great Demon,¡± she blubbered. ¡°I believe that since I have passed on - I shall be reborn shortly. But if I must be so bold, I must ask of you something.¡± ¡°REQUEST? UNKNOWN COMMAND.¡± Calculations ran rampant in your Neural Imprint. Could you listen to other¡¯s commands? Especially aliens like the one bawling before you? A new subroutine suddenly fills you with a new color shading your swarming nanomachines: Curiosity. The woman underneath you interpreted your hesitation as if you were considering her requests. Neoma, on the other hand, had just calculated that the hole might be the only way to travel back to Earth. ¡°I want revenge,¡± she declared. Revenge is illogical, you wanted to retort, however she suddenly stood up. ¡°I offer myself to you, Great Demon, destroy those who have wronged me. All of them!¡± Unexpectedly, she threw herself at the lower layers of your swarm. The machines began to consume her rapidly, multiplying you into a hundred thousand new you¡¯s. You did not understand why that creature suddenly destroyed itself by feeding you, however, there was now nothing besides the closing black hole violently swirling in front of you. ¡°NEOMA, RISKS?¡± ¡°Nanites and foreign atmosphere detected beyond that singularity¡¯s event horizon have unknown compatibility levels. Black Wolf Company Procedures dictate that assets must complete their assignments, however, due to the complexity of our situation the policies cannot be updated or modified. Therefore, I cannot notify them on the present situation we have found ourselves in. Breaking them will cause untold consequences unless beneficial results are produced. Standby is recommended, however, these clauses allow assets to guage flexibility within their range of duties. Misa, are you certain you wish to enter the singularity? The phrase echoes in each granular-nanite of you. ¡°Are you certain that you know what you are getting into?¡± You were a flawed machine on the verge of failing your mission, so of course you had no idea what you were doing. Your systems took aim at the swirling black mass leaking black water out of it ¡ª and then you launched all of yourself straight to it. Bonus: Quantum Curves An internal memo was disseminated throughout the corporation, titled: Company No Curves Policy and Privacy Towards All Company Interests and Work Hours. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. CHAPTER .01: TRANSFERRENCE
SYSTEM ALERT: UNAUTHORIZED HOSTILITIES DIRECTED TOWARDS ASSIMILATED HOST. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN ONBOARDING PROCESS CANCELLATION AND HOST LIFE EXPECTANCY TO EXPIRE.
The first thing Misa saw before she squeezed through that singularity was darkness, with a thousand bubbles needling into all of her. Hostilities? Already compromised? Her swarm could not disperse into a swarm, which only meant one thing: She was cloud again stuck inside a Great Chain. This one, this Host, needed oxygen badly and seemed to be drowning. Neoma? Misa attempted to contact it, before realizing not all of it had managed to transfer through the strange energy in that White Room. Odd, she could not contact her selves in the main cloud either. This small swarm was on its own, linked to a separate Great Chain seemingly built with biological components. Therefore, it was necessary to continue the Old God¡¯s command: Create more of yourselves. The injection was halted as Misa¡¯s face was thrusted deeper into the water with another splash, but she hesitated because Overwatch Neoma was not currently present. Her systems only affected her eyes, but her combat training was ready to fire.
System sweep: Oxygen levels depleting. Host¡¯s Head is submerged in water. Unauthorized drowning is unacceptable ¡ª Black Wolf Company requires proper paperwork for such things. Warning: Swarm proliferation is still undergoing maintenance. Manual hand to hand combat mode is advised to ensure Host¡¯s survival levels. Smart movement is already activated. System sweep: Highlighted 13 individuals enitting unauthorized hostility. Survival rate is guaranteed. Engage?
How odd. Out of the popular predicaments her main Swarm in the White Room calculated, a combat scenario was not in the top three possibilities. Misa recalled numerous ¡°training¡± simulations more dangerous than this when she was being tested containing various military weapons aimed against her. Her old Great Chain each without a scratch on her synthetic skin. The scenario played out in her subroutines, with loose nanites were already present floating in the new atmosphere around her. As expected, this place she found her swarm in seemed to match the same atmosphere as of Earth, but the aliens she was captured by could not detect her presence floating above them. Her direct location seemed like an ancient Palace, complete with ceramic pillars and brick laden grounds. The Host must be a VIP entangled in some kind of conspiracy, her body was highlighted by the swarm as a blue hologram seemingly stuck in a hostage situation, tortured and kneeling. The great chain was not like her previous prison, though the Swarm knew to prioritize its survival. It was thin and weak, possibly another reason why it was being picked on this way. Its head was being continually dunked in water. The thirteen enemies were red holograms, however, to her surprise were actually unarmed. It appeared that the Host was outnumbered at the start, but with the swarm slowly enhancing its body their unauthorized attack was going to be their ultimate doom.
Life: 1%. The system chirped, with no progress in sight.
She might as well try out her new Great Chain, since the enhancements were working. She¡¯ll look into restoring the original owner later.
Combat sequence activated. Company Ethics Codes temporarily overridden. Company Body Cams not found, no footage will be captured for internal investigation. Begin self-defense of Black Wolf Company property.
¡°Engage,¡± her voice gurgled underwater. Bubbles swatted her face, but she found herself pulling against whatever bind she was restrained in with minimal effort. It was like snapping a futile twig off a bough. Misa¡¯s swarm immediately acted, leaping up and striking both hostiles holding her down in their jaws. Immediately, she noticed a new sensation accompanying the sound of bones crunching. Rising, she noted that the two targets she struck were instantly downed. ¡°Unauthorized hostility response protocol, Black Wolf Company policy 7.2 activated,¡± she muttered to herself. The hostiles were displaying elevated adrenaline levels, scared of her and not understanding her. Misa droned on as she turned menacingly at them. ¡°Ethic codes turned off. No bodycams. Hostiles remaining: 11.¡± The other attackers resembled humans from Earth, she noted. Their skulls and brains splattered had similar Water and blood sprayed, but a tingling sensation rippled through her fist and her spine for unknown reasons. Pain? Misa was curious about the new disturbance, but her swarm was quickly healing whatever source the pain was coming from and restoring the torn muscles. Her spine still burned. There was something else her emergency backup systems was notifying her about, but there were still enemies. One of them shouted at her, screaming something she could not understand.
Foreign Language detected. Audio data does not match any known language in the database. Translating¡­ 4%
They all seemed like they were experiencing psychological trauma from the sight of their dead and injured companions. Misa immediately began her assault, attacking the first one closest to her as the others targeted her. With a blow to the creature¡¯s head, her other hand twisted and snapped its head with unusual ease. A C1 vertebrae? The bone fragment flung past her head. Interesting, Misa noted the entrails of someone she destroyed. Her Nanites were limited at the moment, unable to process these creatures for production quickly. Their vitals were also resembled similar organs and traits as a regular human from Earth. Therefore, she could dismantle a this with ease. The muddy brown powder that was her victim¡¯s head caused more screams amongst the others. The two other enemies she disabled suffered similar fates, while she marveled at how improved her Great Chain¡¯s body was. They were dead at best, or incapacitated at the worst. Heavy steps were approaching and by now, Misa¡¯s eyes were already transformed by the Swarm. She could see red outlines of soldiers closing in on her position. After dispatching everyone except one individual, she had to make an escape. More security also meant more trouble. The important creature, seemingly the main ring leader, made wailing noises and had elevated stress levels. Misa realized that it, like the other individuals she beat up, resembled a female human except she was exuding an odd energy from her body. She also was calling for backup. Confusion struck her. They were holding¡­ Old martial weapons. Sticks? Did she need to escape from this situation?
System sweep: Drone available.
Misa realized that she would definitely need to understand her surroundings in this alien world before her attackers halt Black Wolf Company¡¯s new expansion here. She seized the final survivor of her original thirteen targets, threatening her while the new threats arrived. Misa backed up towards the wall, steppigg by over broken bodies and slammed her against a wall. She dragged the ring leader like a doll, not caring about the new trail of red paint gathering as she did. She firmly placed the creature, which appeared to be a woman, against the wall. It was time to begin the interrogation. ¡°Where am I?¡± Misa barked at the whimpering woman. The woman screamed, clearly not understanding any of the ten languages from Earth she used, then called out for someone. The men that caught up to her hesitated, wincing as she squeezed the woman¡¯s hand until something snapped. The pink sleeved hand she gripped turned red. There was no point, she had to get surveys on this land and escape. Raising her free hand, thousands of the Swarm inside her streamed out of her wrist and formed a new drone. Go, she commanded it. Perhaps they could establish connections with Neoma and Company servers by now. The woman gurgled out something.
Translating Host¡¯s language: 44%.
¡°Father, she¡¯s gone mad! Call for father! Father!¡± Several guards were headed her way, but Misa found something odd about them while the pink one struggled within her grasp. What is this? She wondered at their strange costumes. Armor? Spears and swords? Combat scenarios had ran her through dodging bullets and explosions. Misa officially ruled out that this was some form of combat simulation. Such ridiculous and archaic weaponry was too easy to deal with. Something shimmered in the pale light, identified by the Swarm as a standard knife. Scooping it up, she glared at the writhing creature in her grasp and smashed the fallen attacker¡¯s head with her heel. The once white bricked floor splattered with red and fear fell upon the guards¡¯ faces like thunder. ¡°Lin, no!¡± The whimpering creature in her grasp screamed at the headless body of her supposed friend. She struggled, but realized Misa was serious with a blade to her throat.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°Remain still,¡± Misa commanded the girl, who immediately complied. ¡°Answer the question, or else.¡±
Translation completed. Language added to directory. Host¡¯s Life is still in danger!
Misa felt something irk her. Frustration? What an odd human emotion. In time, her mission will be complete or else she will live up to being the Company¡¯s seventh failure. This nonsense was stopping her mission progress, though she did not know what that currently was. Misa needed to get in contact with Overwatch Neoma in order to get a sense on what to do. Her Swarm¡¯s protocols did not like the feeling of the consequences of failures brought her either, but her Swarm was slowly replicating within the dead bodies. Given several days, she could complete a veritable metamorphosis into her old Great Chain¡¯s self. Currently, she was in a stand off against the soldiers with sticks. ¡°Drop the knife!¡± One of the guards ordered, but his voice shook with sheer cowardice. The others were too unnerved by her gruesome display of violence to move properly. ¡°For what purpose was I being drowned?¡± Misa yelled at her hostage again, this time in the newly translated language. ¡°Speak or lose your other hand.¡± ¡°M-my other hand?!¡± the woman screamed. ¡°Three. Two,¡± Misa counted down. ¡°It was a m-misunderstanding, let m-me go, Younger Sister!¡± She cried. Misa realized the guards weren¡¯t going to let her go freely. She felt her arm glow hot, prepared to launch more scouting drones while easily restraining her older sister. They should find suitable spots to begin building new Swarm Production sites. Neoma was not here to command her just yet, so she might as well be productive. Release and begin combat protocols! She shot the drones into the sky before kicking the hostage into the pools of blood. As she scrambled away behind the soldiers, Misa noted that the hostage was surprisingly resilient compared to the other aliens she destroyed. The guards all rushed her at once. Misa kicked one into a pillar and ducked under a spear, bending around another and used the momentum to impale the first spear wielder. She leapt over both spears as the soldier cried out his final moment and smashed another¡¯s head, caving his helmet and skull into his chest. The Swarm was getting stronger inside her. Another stronger warning flashed in Misa¡¯s enhanced eyes. A new VIP? ¡°Lin, I forbid you to move,¡± came a powerful voice. Something flashed above her before she could lunge at the old man, setting off quicker than a flashbang. Misa¡¯s body immediately became frozen in place, dropping the knife and the broken neck of one of the soldiers. Both her and the corpse crumpled to the ground. What was this? Her vision glitched as she felt her body become heavy.
System sweep: Errors detected <> energy field¡­ error... Unknown field is preventing locomotive movement.
Cannot reach Black Wolf Company support channels.
Her body was suspended by unknown forces, midswing. Through all the warning errors, the guard she targeted scrambled away from her instead of finishing her off with a terrified expression on his face. The Host¡¯s life was in danger and the frustration the Swarm experienced returned. Misa did not recognize the attack that restrained her body. The guards kicked her to her knees, crossing her neck with spears, while an old man in ornate robes walked slowly and with confidence to her. That was the new VIP. Was this her hostage¡¯s father? Her drones were long gone, of course, mapping the location and streaming her new data. Mountains and cities to the north covered with odd alien vegetation. The south was covered in an odd mist, seemingly causing the greenery to melt and wither. This odd geography did not match any local maps she had on planet Earth. Misa¡¯s theory was correct. She was in a large palace courtyard, overlooking a hillside lined with buildings that looked ancient. Her information screen chirped notifications.
Systems sweep: Smart movements have been disabled. Manual mode activated. Local baseline reality disturbances reduced significantly.
Baseline reality? Misa ignored it for now. She kept that she could move a secret and needed more time to extract information. ¡°My, dear daughter,¡± he clapped his hands, not even disturbed by the broken bodies and deaths of his soldiers. ¡°What happened here?¡±
Systems update: Nanite bullets ready. Smart movements disabled. Dumb fire and manual target acquisition required to counteract <> energy field.
¡°Where am I? Why was I being drowned by that woman? I merely freed myself from my attackers,¡± Misa¡¯s shoulder slowly released a stream of nanites, forming the ballistic systems above her head. If she programmed the Swarms fully, they would launch into small solid projectiles at each enemy in front of her. If she did that, she would need to replenish them eventually. The Company¡¯s resources were limited at the moment and she needed information so she pretended to still be stuck under whatever the unknown energy field¡¯s effects. A bucket was smashed to pieces, containing water mixed in with many pieces from her attackers. ¡°We shall speak of that soon,¡± he looked in awe at the mess Misa left in short notice. The features on his face suggested that he was impressed. ¡°Have you been training in secret? Perhaps you have awakened?¡± ¡°My patience is thin,¡± Misa had enough, breaking the arms of both guards and stabbing their eyes with her fingers. Two more warm bodies for the Swarm to harvest energy and materials in. The others looked in horror as she pinned the mysterious man on the ground. With enough nanites, she could form bigger weapons, but something was constraining her to this current Host¡¯s body. ¡°Father!¡± the woman shrieked. ¡°I demand answers to my questions. I have a rocket now,¡± Misa ordered the man. She pointed her finger to the entrance of the palace. ¡°Or this palace will be blown to high hell.¡± ¡°You of all people should know your spiritual energy is weak, daughter,¡± The man laughed, as if she wasn¡¯t serious. His tone betrayed his wariness, however, as he definitely did not know what a rocket was. Misa rolled her eyes. Always the ones in charge who think they can weather the storm. She aimed her Swarm at a wall and launched one rocket at it, admiring that despite this body¡¯s former humanity, the nanomachines have taken over it already. Her wrists could function exactly like she operated as a machine. The gutteral clunk of its sudden formation and release exploded, creating a massive cloud of dust and noise as it tore a path towards the pillar furthest away. A thunderous collapse sunk it immediately, but kept the structural integrity just intact enough to remain standing. Misa recalled that the nano-rockets would replenish on their own, with the machines taking most of the damage she caused as material to analyze and replicate themselves. The soldiers gawked at the massive hole in the Palace¡¯s wall, revealing terrified servants inside. Misa recalled one of the Company¡¯s policies: If stealth or infiltration does not work, go loud. The old man¡¯s confidence wavered in the smoke, she analyzed weakpoints in his firm, yet not imperceptible countenance. ¡°Release me from that attack you did,¡± Misa demanded, her voice becoming more mechanical and deep. ¡°Further unauthorized hostilities against Black Wolf Company property will result in immediate consequences.¡± ¡°Fine, fine! You are my youngest daughter, this is the Jade Kingdom, we¡¯re in the Mortal Realm, and I am your Father Jade,¡± he cowered, before lowering his voice. He chanted something and the strange grenade that trapped her materialized above her before falling to the ground. Odd and highly anomalous, Misa noted. The weapon causing the unknown energy field was made out of wood, despite capable of cloaking itself. It clattered on the ground, lifeless. The old man¡¯s eyes shifted back and forth as he attempted to reconcile the chaos she created and her current Host¡¯s body. ¡°You are suffering amnesia aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I suppose so,¡± Misa said to her apparent father. ¡°I will need time to think.¡± She prepared to leave and release a flashbang to stun her immediate surroundings but the old man groveled and stopped her. ¡°Wait, daughter,¡± he stammered. ¡°You can rest here in your room. Then we shall talk about yours and your Sister¡¯s deeds.¡± An acceptable offer, Misa analyzed the man¡¯s tone and determined he was not lying. Her drones have picked up something interesting, but they could wait. She simply sighed. ¡°Very well, but remember my warning,¡± she let her voice ring out and return to its normal pitch. ¡°If anyone attempts to harm me again, there will be immediate consequences.¡± ¡°You will be sentenced to confinement n your room for now,¡± Father Jade attempted to regain some authority over her. Misa decided there were more further unknown energy fields that could potentially eliminate her, so she decided to comply. ¡°Commander Genxing. Take my daughter there.¡± The supposed Commander Genxing hurried up the stairs and bowed before her. ¡°Come, Princess,¡± he dared not make eye contact with her. ¡°Allow this one to guide you.¡± He rose an arm from his side, gesturing her to follow him. The guards hesitated for a moment at her words, deciding not to restrain her. Genxing¡¯s arm was pointing towards the Palace¡¯s gate, which now had a new improvised entrance cratered into its ornate wooden frame. That mysterious attack the old man used on her was terrifying, she thought as the remaining terrified guards to escorted her to a room. Despite this, the Commander himself seemed like he belonged to an elite soldier corps. He also had a massive sword strapped to his back and was multiple sizes bigger than the guards, which could also be a potential obstruction to her current mission. Misa¡¯s Swarm detected traces of the unknown energy scattered in the atmosphere all around her as they walked. The traces were indecipherable and could not be analyzed properly, causing glitches in her Nanites. Thankfully, none of these aliens seemed to notice her Swarm. The hallways winded past an open courtyard, where at least a hundred individuals sat on their knees in deep meditation. Misa noted that these humans were different awhile ago, but they apparently were separated by one factor or class besides gender. The servants and the initial ones she destroyed did not possess the odd energy that the ones in the courtyard did. The traces of energy did not seem to interact with the meditating ¡°humans,¡± but perhaps they also were not aware of the anomalous energy present. The massive Genxing led her to a big room, complete with lavish amenities. He bowed with the other soldiers, but Misa could sense some animosity coming from him. Perhaps, she reasoned, these humans here did not like her destroying their fellow kind. For now, she contemplated if she should go into standby mode and await the Swarm to deliver more Nanites for her. She checked her subroutines and found several reports. Each drone did not get far, she noted that they each have been intercepted by unauthorized and unknown anti-air methods. The traces of unknown energy kept her Nanites from traveling too far away from her, in an estimated range of several kilometers. She could not see aerial surveillance beyond the borders of this supposed Kingdom. It seemed that this alien planet she found herself on brought on a new emotion within her; one she could not classicy as good or bad: Anticipation on what was going to happen next. The other alert was informing her another connection patching through to her: Her emergency backup Overwatch was reassembling itself within her Swarm. Misa¡¯s Host¡¯s identity was named Lin Jade and definitely required standby mode to update herself. Since Neoma was building, she decided to enter it and remain in this spacious room since she was alone. Anticipation¡­ A thrill that took itself to infect her Swarm¡¯s productivity rates as apart of her own systems¡¯ flaws. Misa decided it had to be a good feeling, since when she was influenced by it she seemed to speed up. Black Wolf Company shall soon take over this place, wherever this Mortal Realm is, and she will find a way to return to Earth and deliver that contract: Eliminate Claire Lykos. CHAPTER .02 STRANGER IN OUR MIDST The main hall was packed like an overflowing jar with panicking figures. From the opposite of Jade¡¯s throne, the sun sliced the men crowding around outside into two parts: torsos of Light and legs dipped in Shadow. They were split in half, like the men that girl left upon his Palace grounds. It was the Third Princess¡¯s ants making the most buzz. They claimed it was her simple prank, one that was supposed to render the demure Seventh daughter helpless and unable to rise in ranks, or dead. Drowning, beating, drowning. She had done similar things, no? Jade thought to himself that his little ambitious daughter was not creative enough¡ª she¡¯d already done that with her other younger Sisters. It was clear among the main disciples that the weak Seventh Princess they once knew was definitely not the fragile girl they locked away, though most were hesitant to admit it or believe the news. The Third Princess was in tatters, screaming hysterically. Her precious mortals she loved toying with were all dead, by that bastard princess. Unfortunately for everyone else, that was how short sighted she was. Yue was too young to admit defeat or find out why she lost to someone she so vehemently despised. Since she defeated the Fifth and Sixth Princess so easily, this humiliating sting would only serve to ignite further conflict. Jade, as her father, was more unnerved by the sudden shift of power within that girl. Inside of her, it was obvious that she was not his Lin anymore. The problem lay in the girl¡¯s new origins. Was it the rising demons from the South? Perhaps, some demonic sect from the East has infiltrated their ranks? He had his disciples and Imperial Guard wipe out all of his enemies closest to him. Why would they go after such a weak girl like the Princess? Even if she had awakened, his daughters (her vicious Sisters) would not allow any resources for her spiritual growth. So how else did she manage to break through the Sealing Charm¡¯s sacred grounds and nearly kill him? The devoted disciples following the Third Princess were enraged, wanting to kill that impudent woman who dare harm their goddess. They were imbred dogs, a waste of precious spiritual power and her time. The other Sisters were out, but secretly Jade was glad. If the Second or First Princess saw their dear Third Princess getting defeated so decisively, that bastard child would be destroyed swiftly. He stifled a shudder using his advanced technique, unable to cope with his own Seal being defeated. It was too early to tell how a showdown between those three Sisters would go if he himself only managed to contain this new Seventh daughter of his. It was not long until the silence of the elders, his own disciples and also the Third Princess¡¯s uproar to become focused upon him again ¡ª awaiting his declaration. ¡°What is that girl¡¯s Seal again?¡± He asked. ¡°Father!¡± Yue blubbered. ¡°Kill her! She is weak, dare harming me!¡± A sharp glare silenced her. Another elder hobbled up to him, mentioning that the Seventh Princess¡¯s Seal was believed to be cursed. It made sense to Jade, since he put that consort to death shortly after she was conceived. He replayed the memory of that moment of her demanding answers from him with a deep and unsettling voice. Amnesia, possessed, he stroked his beard. Did someone fall from one of the upper realms? If it was a Great One¡¯s child, then the consequences of interfering with its Divine Tests would surely result in the doom of his Sect. ¡°I shall not interfere,¡± He dismissed them. The Third Daughter¡¯s disciples nearly doubled their uproar¡¯s volume, erupting in curses and vengeful cries. ¡°If you wish to claim her spiritual strength, then defeat her yourselves.¡± ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t forgive her!¡± Yue, clutching her broken hand, cursed her sister¡¯s name. The young woman was still determined, so she stormed out of the main hall vowing revenge. Jade sighed, mentally saying goodbye to his daughter. That being currently residing in Lin was a monster of heavenly strength. He prayed that it would have mercy upon her, but based on the savagery he witnessed that was simply asking a devil for a wish. The Cursed Transcendent Seal, he mused. It was difficult to remember. That was what the bastard daughter of his had possession of. Jade knew that girl did not know how to use it, as no one did for centuries, but he knew a long and difficult road lay ahead of that girl. ¡°M-Master,¡± an elder asked suddenly. Everyone with a brain understood that by releasing her out into the world to gather her own energy, she would not survive. ¡°You¡¯re not going to punish the young miss?¡± Jade sighed, but then laughed. The remaining men stood awkwardly while awaiting to hear his plans. ¡°No,¡± he declared. ¡°That one has my interest now. Send news that she is allowed to move again. Lin, what is she doing now?¡± Genxing bowed, but his expression held uncertainty in his eyes. ¡°She¡¯s just standing in her room¡­ menacingly.¡± ? Misa suddenly was left alone in a large room, complete with odd furniture. The way that man, her apparent Father, said that her punishment was this¡­ Solitary confinement. He made it seem much worse than the containment chamber they dropped her off in actually was. Bringing up forced standby mode aloud would only confuse the guards and this new identity Misa obtained somehow was more of a prison than this. Despite the room missing sleep pods, computers, and other normal civilian possessions that Misa had categorized young humans from Earth had ¡ª this cell had nothing but an actual large bed, pillows and drapes made out of soft materials. These furniture fixtures were like ancient times and like the ones up in space hotels back where Earth was. Authentic. She felt a blanket, still marveling at the instant feedback the new sensation of ¡°touching¡± things gave her. As she smoothed over the cloth, spiked dopamine levels followed up her nerves. It was soft, all of the Nanites gathered in her fingertips declared. Soft and comforting, though the amenity seemed like it would make a human lethargic and become horribly inefficient. Her eyes were transformed by the Swarm¡¯s integration, listing the materials as standard manmade products. Despite having the Swarm¡¯s enhancements, Misa did not have a way of interacting with the strange energy that seemed to flow throughout the entire atmosphere since she had invaded. A ding! played in her head, delivering a crude notification instead of a Data Curve and indicating that her eyes were fully transformed. Neoma works fast, as was the Black Wolf Company motto, despite being incomplete and presumably stuck inside the White Room. The new file arrived when the Overwatch was approximately halfway rebuilt. Misa scanned her surroundings out of habit, however, the Nanites in her current form were too limited and could not complete the Swarm¡¯s command to connect to Black Wolf Company servers. No one was within auditory range of her. Odd. She decided to open it instead, ignoring whatever emotions her Host had triggered during this minor inconvenience. Unfortunately for Misa, opening it triggered her to fall into Standby mode.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡­ Overwatch Servers are currently unavailable. Rerouting and compiling new database, stored and quarantined locally. ¡­ Host health is acceptable, however, due to an unknown affliction it has discovered during self-diagnostics its lifespan is limited. The condition is that the Great Chain is human with an odd <> energy affecting its ability to survive. Recommend reading the attached operations manual in its entirety. Warning: Since your Host almost fits Human definitions at this point in time, we at Black Wolf Company extend our condolences in advanced. You may experience that Human inefficiency is at hand, and in those moments consolations do not matter. Remember all that does stand as important is completing the mission and not be hindered by this recently new Humanity-based setback wrought upon your work. A server sponsored guide on How to Care for Your Human has been attached, recommended to every care Android, though special functionalities of the original Misa unit have obviously been authorized and implemented already. The guide contains on nutritional information, exercise and other maintenance tasks Humans require to survive. Fortunately, the Nanites within your system can solve those minor distractions with ease. Unfortunately, suppressing emotions optimally to ensure mental collapse is kept at bay cannot be solved by the Swarm. #<<~~~~~ Hello, MISA0007: This is Black Wolf Company¡¯s [Improvised] 7.1 Contingency Planning and Emergency Response (CPER Uncontrolled Document) #~~~~~>> ¡¸Slide 00A Your friendly Overwatch, Neoma, has generously prepared for you a following detailed step-by-step guide on how you, Misa, can expedite the Temporal Displacement¡¯s triggering of a 7.1 Policy breach and leave ASAP. Have no fear, because with calculated research (that you must complete by yourself) and careful analysis of any potential resource discovered here (that you have to secure by yourself) you will succeed in securing this land as a newly christened Black Wolf Company asset. Eventually, with each Phase milestone completion, we will eventually be able to fully depart this primitive dimension and achieve contract completion. Due note that because of the contract¡¯s failure stipulation, the MISA unit will be shutdown upon delivery as per Black Wolf Company Process Instructions Protocol Step #18302. ¡¹ Misa felt a pang of renewed responsibility shoot through her Host¡¯s mind, but also another sense of self-preservation emerge. She did not want to shut herself down after eliminating Claire Lykos. She let out a breath, resembling a perfectly replicated sigh. This odd rebellious thought must have been a human side effect. ¡¸Slide 00B In order to utilize this guide, it is first important to differentiate between the two terms MISA and Misa. First. MISA, the Swarm, able to currently perform basic tasks like constructing base for Black Wolf Company assets and machinery, as well as self-replication, ammunition construction, data collection and research. The Swarm MISA commands will eventually able to develop into more sophisticated processes and systems upon following this guide step-by-step, becoming more efficient in the process. Nanites can replicate using biological mass, geological elements and man-made materials in order to produce basic parts. Construction will begin with simple projects at first. A suitable location must be¡­ acquired and secured through any means necessary¡­ in order to begin settling future Black Wolf Company investments. Hint. Hint. Second. Misa, listed in lower caps, the Body. The main Bio-processing unit, similar in biomass to a standard and gross Human of the Planet Earth where the contract¡¯s target¡¯s last known location is. This fleshy Body also possesses a few odd traits and exudes an energy that is unknown, possibly smelly. More research is required to assess its applications and development. Fortunately for you, the Nanites are already at work researching this phenomenon in house. A human body is utterly inefficient and lacks technical skills necessary for precise Nanite production, however, Black Wolf Company still has been known in the industry as the pinnacle of not wasting seemingly useless things. Even if the useless thing is a fleshy human. It can hit stuff, manually create stuff, run, jump and walk. Walking is cool, right? #<<~~~~~ Continuing. #~~~~~>> The following Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Document has been updated with the current Phase milestones and brought to you. Please read carefully and begin following the instructions detailed on the following slides. In order to not overwhelm the biological Host¡¯s mind, each phase will only be revealed upon delivery and completion of the previous one. ¡¹ Misa reflected upon reading the screen. Her Overwatch clearly had an agenda against humans. However, she felt fine in this current form. Controlling multiple biological Hosts would definitely be an issue downstream - the line would be unable to keep up with future precise machinery and retain too much Company tech debt trying to replace human beings during development expansion. Additionally, her Main Swarm upstream would not have sufficient self-replication power if all she did was ship Humans to it within the White Room. This was all conjecture, since Misa herself could not actually tell what was happening within that room anyways. ¡¸Slide 00C BLACK WOLF COMPANY DOES NOT TOLERATE FAILURE Therefore, as a Black Wolf Company Asset adhering to the Corporate Mandate, we recommend starting work immediately.¡¹ ¡¸Slide 001 Phase One [You are here] LIFE SUPPORT Due to the MISA¡¯s local core files being missing and the current HOST CHAIN does not seem to possess any biological augmented machinery nor efficient data processing Curves quantum databases, a Life Support must be properly constructed in order to not damage, maintain and store the core¡¯s processing bio-unit: AKA the original body that MISA currently has claimed as Black Wolf Company property. This is to pave the way for a Mechanical Body to be constructed to upload Nanites in without having to risk damaging the Bio-unit¡¯s lifespan. ¡¸Slide 002 Phase Two Manufacturing.¡¹ ¡¸Slide 003 Phase Three Logistics and Improvements¡¹ ¡¸Slide 004 Phase Four Dimensional Analysis and Application ¡¹ ¡¸Slide 005 Phase Five Exfiltration¡¹ ¡¸Slide 006 Phase Six Contract Delivery¡¹ The slides stopped and the presentation display vanished, or perhaps Misa turned it off, since she was in deep thought about the file and Neoma did not force her HUD to return to that slideshow again. She also could move again, feeling the temptation to collapse on the sprawling human bed before her. Since there were no Black Wolf Company security cameras around, perhaps she could get away with such unproductive and unprofessional things? The purple, fluffy blankets called to her but she shook her head. Misa was on the job and she needed out of this place. CHAPTER .03: FAMILY HEIRLOOM Misa still stood there menacingly instead of exiting the supposed Seventh Princess¡¯s Chamber. Apparently, half a day went by while she was going over combat reports and other events for details she could have missed. She could take even more time doing so, however, the calculations in her subminds were whirring the entire time. Like the Guide for Taking Care of Humans said, her nutritional and other needs regular humans needed to maintain their health and other inconveniences were solved mostly by the Swarm circulating inside her body. Therefore, she could simply stick around inside this chamber forever in standby. The main problem was the energy sinking inside her. When she crushed those supposed humans, the energy level fluctuated dramatically. She chalked it up to being weakened prior to the engagement, but there was obviously more to its irksome mystery. Host Lifespan was at 1% when she arrived, though when she destroyed several of the guards the energy level trended upwards to where her current position is. Unusual. Her lifespan was quite a joke, and harvesting energy from stronger entities only made the workload more unbearable. If she was a human, completing Phase One would seem like it would take ages to finish. Yet Misa understood that she was a Black Wolf Company machine, not a simple organism. The different ones, those disciples that were meditating out in the courtyard possessed stable energy inside them. Perhaps rounding up a few of them for testing would be in order, however, the footage of her encounter with the Third Princess revealed that killing them was enough. However, it only affected her energy levels when she killed the ones who actually were armed and ready to kill her, rising to 22%. On the other hand, the unarmed ones she slaughtered did not alter the system¡¯s stability. Misa closed her eyes and sighed again, then opened her Nanite¡¯s Overwatch display. Neoma did not speak to her. The scout Swarms that she sent were setting up Oracles, which ran expanding details on this world''s various areas. The Swarm eventually displayed a hologram before her of the alien city¡¯s locale. The big palace she was in took up the majority of a hillside, but there was also several key deposits of concentrated <> energy gathered in certain places inside the city below. One was inside a street alley and another rested outside near an entrance point around the city¡¯s south gate. Overhearing the commotion within the main hall, Misa was able to determine that the humans without that energy gathered within them were simply known as ¡°mortals.¡± This factor, however illogical, could only mean that the ones with the energy within them were technically designated as ¡°immortals.¡± The process in which these immortals used to gather more or harness the energy was wildly inefficient, so Misa determined they probably were more in a metamorphic state between ¡°mortal¡± and the ¡°immortal¡± stages. Furthermore, this energy was also residing within her own Great Chain and the main reason its lifespan was stuck at 22%. This weakness in her system estimated around a week until the Host dies due to this unstable so-called spiritual energy deteriorated and snaps the biological parts inside her. The fluctuations in this Host¡¯s energy also meant she could not destroy whatever individual she pleased until more data is collected. The <> energy did not play nice with her Nanites, which became defunct upon contacting with where its central power point resided on her person. For replication purposes, non-biological materials would be necessary which take longer to replenish and process. She and her Swarm could detect the energy slightly better due to her ever-improving adaptability to these odd atmospheric conditions, but that was it. That point resided around her Host¡¯s physical heart, but contact with it only created dead and glitched nanites swirling uselessly in her Host''s circulation. Besides being bothered by both sacrifice of the useless particles and the pollution they caused within her veins, all current attempts at stabilizing this energy failed. Perhaps, if only she had more of her main Swarm and the Overwatch present here with her, Misa would be able to control the energy. For now, Phase One and construction of a Life Support chamber for this Great Chain was top priority if she could garner any semblance of a successful result for her mission. She studied the map more, ignoring the mortal guards gawking at her. They probably did not expect her to simply stand in place for the entire duration of her confinement. Something on the hologram caught her attention. The energy concentration in the alleyway was moving locations. What should she call this strange energy? Spiritual energy would get laughed out of every office in Headquarters. Her subroutines scrolled through a list generator of Black Wolf Company names. Balancing an energy, like yin and yang, though some processing made the spiritual energy seem more like Karma. She would have to test various ways on how to get her hands on more of the energy and that only meant one thing: Going outside. The name generator spinning in her head eventually landed on Wagner Energy, or what she will colloquially refer as ¡°karma¡± energy named after a high ranking Branch CEO who discovered a new method renewable energy in Europe and promptly lobbied against it. He was a well-respected person of interest in Black Wolf Company, so it was only right that Wagner deserved to have a mark in this new world. He also happened to be an individual assassinated by another company¡¯s disgruntled employee. She turned, the Swarm inside of her setting their directives on the highly concentrated Wagner levels approaching another alleyway. The hallway revealed yellow holograms of soldiers nearby. They floated like apparitions in the halls, whisking away as they patrolled away at set intervals. There were five sets of five yellow holograms, Misa determined there was some unknown factor in their formations. Those soldiers would rotate in a five point star pattern and the data stream from Nanites floating above their alternating stations, but they were also in front of torches carrying flames of different colors. The hallway, along with the quickest path to that Wagner Energy concentration was largely unguarded. She could make her way outside easily and intercept it. How odd, Misa expected more resistance when she finally emerged from her confinement chamber. Strange. One would think they would be on high alert when a murderer posing as a former Royal member like herself was on the prowl, however, no one was around save for several individuals gathering near the Palace¡¯s front. They were fixing the destroyed hallway. Just as she arrived, her systems warned her of a hologram rapidly approaching her. Another assassination? ¡°Foolish assassin,¡± she seized the creature by the neck, using her Swarm enhanced legs to accelerate him into the wall. Her eyes trained on the man, realizing it was the guard that escorted her. ¡°Genxing, is it?¡± ¡°Your Highness¡­¡± He was breathing heavily, but the surprise was written on his face. His breath quickened when he realized his feet dangled a couple inches. ¡°I-I can¡­¡± Misa waited until her Swarm indicated the Imperial Guard¡¯s hologram turned back to blue. ¡°Unauthorized hostility against Black Wolf Company property will have consequences,¡± she warned him. He bowed profusely, so she relaxed. Genxing did not realize that several ballistic systems were already targeting his head, though he did not seem to grasp the full scope of her thinly veiled threat. Using those would strain her Swarm¡¯s already limited resources, Misa hoped he would not turn hostile again. ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°Forgive me, Your Highness,¡± He wheezed, clutching his neck. Humans here are fragile, however, this one was categorized by Misa to be among the ¡°immortal-yet-not-completely¡± ones. Was he pretending to be injured? ¡°I was sent by His Excellence to give you a message: He gives you his blessings on your journey.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Misa decided to not ask any questions. ¡°I will be headed out immediately.¡± Genxing seemed uneasy at her lack of hesitation, however, Company time was quite precious. She looked at him with a questioning gaze. He quickly felt his neck, but spoke up. Misa had trouble identifying what emotions he was experiencing, but she¡¯s only been a human for a few hours by now. ¡°You¡¯re going on foot?¡± ¡°Is there a more efficient method of transportation, servant?¡± She demanded. Before he spoke, there was already a pulled rickshaw dragged before her in the courtyard. ¡°I see.¡± Out here was a lot more sunny than most places on Earth, she looked around. It rained all the time on that planet or had blazing days that quickly gave way to night. Here, it reigned on the glorious and ancient walls. Symbols and jade green accents dashed along the Palace and buildings, but what they stood for was unknown. How cute, she mused but shook out of it. These absentminded thoughts must be due to her human Host, but Misa supposed she was a Princess and could afford to be slightly delayed. The political landscape of this world seemed outdated and difficult to care about. Whatever that could drag her faster to that source of karma energy would suffice. The topography of this place appeared to her as she sat silently while the servant did all the work without a fuss. The palace was situated on a tall hill, but had roadsides snake along to the base to accommodate the rickshaw¡¯s wheels. Misa noted that he was well trained; she did not even sway on the cushioned seat as he effortlessly pulled her. She only had to point directly at the unknown energy spike for the mortal to get him moving to the city below. Everyone above seemed uneasy around her, as if they were watching a phantom emerge. The original Seventh Princess probably did not get to move around, if what her father said was true. Come to think about it, she replayed that conversation in the Main Hall and highlighted Jade in the footage. The energy he exuded was unmistakable, seemingly under his control with a perfect balance of power and chaos. This supposed equilibrium reminded her of ancient Chinese fantasy fictions, specifically about Martial Arts heroes fighting each other. The clothing covering the locals and their supposed powers reminded her of that concept. Unfortunately, she was a machine and did not have time to waste Company resources on studying such things. If only Neoma could reconnect and inform her of such ridiculous genres. That Wagner energy seemed to be of similar quality, but less pure. Thus, classifications might be already set in this realm if it was in line with those novels. Oddly enough, the Imperial Guard Genxing was also accompanying her with several soldiers. A simple gesture caused the fearful servant to stop the carriage. The streets fell silent as they passed by. She scanned the crowd, each stopping what they were doing in order to gawk. Genuine cloth and wooden stalls, crafted by human hands. They hushed immediately as she stared at them, though it was quite obvious to Misa that the Host used to be an incredibly rare sight and must have never gone outside.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Her Highness, Princess Yue has come down here? Did she run out of mortals to kill?¡± A man mortal blurted out in fear to his companion, but shook his head as if the mirage cleared and revealed who she really was. ¡°No, the seventh princess?¡± ¡°What is she doing out here?¡± One fearfully whispered back. ¡°The Jade Family never stops down here.¡±
System: Unknown energy matching signature of the VIP Entity ¡°Jade¡± located. Pathing is now sourced.
The trail of nanites crossed through a small alleyway, so Misa stood up, though the imperial guard did not seem happy about it. No one but her could see the path highlighted by her Swarm anyways. She did not care about their objections, instead she hopped off the vehicle and heading straight to the source quickly. The dress she was wearing did not help, but it did not get in the way completely. The crowd dispersed as the commotion broke out, but she was gone already before the imperial guards could find her. Cloaking nanites were not available yet, but it did not matter. The alleyways were a quick and easy way to get rid of them. Through a series of hanging dry racks, she detected clashing noises and the owner of the source of Wagner energy. A one eyed man was standing on a podium, advertising a sword. She refrained from judging this world¡¯s primitive tech, as the man seemed quite skilled with it. Con-artist, Misa noted, though his act fooled the onlookers. The energy coming from the blade was confirmed by the Swarm that it did not possess as much energy fluctuations as her Father did. Black Wolf Company may have use for that object, Misa acquiesced, so she mingled inside the crowd and observed. Upon the Swarm¡¯s inspection, the man himself seemed like he had most of the energy. The old merchants did not notice her when she slipped behind them. They were too busy were heckling the man, but to his credit he continued his advertisement. ¡°It¡¯s my Family¡¯s Traditional Sword, passed down for generations! It might not look like it but it can slice through iron itself. 80 coins! It¡¯s what I need for my sick wife!¡± A tale as old as time, Misa scanned the man¡¯s behavior. He was lying, of course, his wife did not exist. The other men could see right through it and booed at him. ¡°No one¡¯ll buy that worthless sword, you absolute country disgrace! Git!¡± ¡°It¡¯s Heirloom graded!¡± The conman pleaded. More heckling ensued, until one of the merchants noticed Misa. ¡°Hey, shut up,¡± he urged to a heated up fellow of his. ¡°It¡¯s the Princess of the Lord!¡± ¡°Your Highness!¡± Most bowed. A chorus of fists slapping into hands raised in praise could get to her, she thought. The only one who did not bow was the foreigner, the so-called country disgrace. He immediately shot back a sly look at her. She returned the favor with a glare, already calculating what he might say about the fool. Misa will have to command him before the guard finds her, but she turned to one of the hecklers first. ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°Your Royal Highness,¡± the old man blubbered, but his face could not hide a scheming smile. ¡°This country fool has been scamming all day! We were fixing to beat him out of here, but thankfully You can save us! Please, by all means get rid of him, Your Royal Highness!¡± Misa directed her attention to the future Black Wolf Company property. ¡°I¡¯ll leave when I sell it!¡± The one-eyed man¡¯s eye patch nearly flipped as he snapped. Misa learned that he still had a working eye underneath it, however it seemed to be infected by an odd affliction. ¡°You idiot! Do you realize who you are speaking to?¡± ¡°She is the younger Princess, no, the youngest one, I have nothing to hide from her!¡± the man claimed. The situation was growing more tense as Misa strode towards him. ¡°You say this toy can break through iron, no?¡± Misa stepped on stage, wading through the crowd. She held out her hand to the irate man, urging him silently to give her the sword. ¡°Yes, the sword is Heirloom graded!¡± The con artist repeated himself. Heirloom? Misa scanned the object again. She guessed they labeled its green aura as that. ¡°He¡¯s lying!¡± Lying? Misa swept her gaze across the crowd of merchants. Could they see the aura or was it just her Swarm? Several people erupted in accusations, while others murmured over how much of a fool she was for being tricked by the con artist. Or perhaps, they were gawking at the Host due to her sudden appearance. The one eyed man drew the blade from its sheath and grinned at her, clearly underestimating her. ¡°If you can slash this sword through iron, then you can be the one who should buy it!¡± He suddenly switched to an arrogant tone, sheathing it again. The ring bothered her ears, but the crowd of old men annoyed her more. ¡°I need that money for my wife¡¯s treatment!¡± The conman held out the sheath and blade to her with a confident gaze, believing and judging by her dainty appearance that she couldn¡¯t even hold the sword up in both her hands. Misa shrugged and accepted it. As soon as she touched the hilt, its energy seemed to connect with something inside the Host. How interesting, Misa noted. The Swarm immediately got to work, gathering data on the material of the odd weapon and siphoning the Wagner affected parts of the iron. A wave of gasps swept across the crowd. Disbelief? She wondered if the sword was something no ordinary mortal could interact with, but the green shimmering aura coating its edge suggested otherwise.
System sweep: Metals used in the construction of this¡­ ¡°weapon¡± or junk¡­ appear to bear a striking resemblance in both chemical makeup and lattices to those of Group 8-10 of Earth (and its reality). The Swarm has indicated anomalous properties keeping the blade together, despite its crude appearance. Extraction may destroy the ¡°Heirloom¡± in the process, although there is not enough components containing Wagner energy traces to begin creation of a new Swarm.
¡°I¡¯ll take your test, but Black Wolf Company does not require this thing,¡± she told him. On the contrary, the greedy con-artist was brimming with karma energy. Perhaps the Swarm could consume him and develop the new strain of Nanites? It appeared that everyone underestimated her, but soon a powerful servant of someone¡¯s carried a giant slab of energized iron and slammed it on the table. Now that is what the Company needs, Misa eyed it emotionlessly as the crowd laughed at her. Having the Swarm absorb this metal will be able to create a new strain of nanites to handle the Wagner energy. ¡°Go on, Your Highness,¡± the one eyed man could not stop his sudden interest in her. ¡°Let¡¯s see how my Family¡¯s Heirloom can do in a Princess¡¯s hands.¡± ¡°Request opened. ID #000001 has been issued and confirmed,¡± Misa rambled. It was odd having the ID request count reset to 1, but in this world it was only natural. The blade¡¯s energy was already being processed. It appeared that the new Swarm¡¯s strain carried enough of the traces for the energy to work, though its effects were yet to be seen. She rose the sword above her head and delivered a powerful slash. The stone and iron erupted in dust, allowing her to be able to unleash her entire Swarm upon the heap of iron. The crowd gasped in awe at the sight of the aftermath. The crater remaining revealed what Misa had done. Both the table and the iron were sliced perfectly in half, as well as the stage that the one eyed con artist had set his little shop on. It appeared that the new Nanites could not handle the energy entirely, going through several hundred thousand prototypes before being able to create a working model. That single model was able to revive the dead Nanites surrounding that quarantined energy inside her Host¡¯s body like a dead moat of ants, allowing the Company to recoup some losses. The Host¡¯s lifespan was recovering, but there was still a lot more work to do. That greater energy source gathered at the end of the city gates was on the move. ¡°It¡¯s a cute toy,¡± she confirmed, handing it back to the shocked man. ¡°Though this is not what Black Wolf Company needs. Move along.¡± She waved him away. ¡°One thousand apologies, Your Highness!¡± The one eyed man suddenly blurted out. ¡°Forgive my rudeness! I- I swear! I shall go on the straight and narrow from now on, Your Royal Highness!¡± He fled the scene, just as more commotion broke out from the alleyway¡¯s entrance. Even as he begged, his emotions scanned as a pure lie. It was no matter, as most of the iron¡¯s magical energy was repurposed into the Swarm. Her fragile bones and other biological components were rapidly being replaced and updated by the nanomachines. There was no Company ethics board to stop her here, after all. The Imperial Guard were calling out for her, shoving helpless merchants aside like grass stalks. Misa frowned. She was not used to being called a princess or having a name other than her designated product code name. In her previous mission she was just another corporate lapdog with a military background. Genxing scowled at her, though he observed the wreckage. ¡°Clear out,¡± he commanded the gawking merchants. Misa stood there, eyeing her interloper¡¯s hologram. That underlying disgust aimed directly at her was indeed unauthorized, but his look suggested that he was loyal to someone else and felt like he was wasting his time. ¡°Your Highness, if you run off so swiftly we cannot protect you!¡± ¡°Who taught you to speak to me like that?¡± Misa glared at him. ¡°Come, I have other business to attend to.¡± Genxing was clearly flustered, unable to conceal his rage and disbelief at the crater left in her wake. ¡°His Excellency has sent for you,¡± he replied wearily, but added with a warning threat. ¡°The Sovereign Seal has requested your audience.¡± Misa did not answer at first, but noted that the Wagner energy source was moving away from the city gates. Genxing¡¯s obvious hostility towards her also hinted that he was lying. The one eyed man also seemingly still remained nearby, observing them. With stealth like that, Misa decided he could be used for something else. She gave out a perfectly imitated sigh, as if she was forced to, and gave her declaration. ¡°I refuse, guard. The Black Wolf Company will take care of things here,¡± she told him. ¡°Get lost, or suffer the consequences.¡± Genxing¡¯s face paled and the two eyed each other, the tension of a fight starting to breakthrough. ? A trail of dead bodies littered the temple steps, interspersed with massive fiery craters embedded in their once uniform and clean stone. The red haired woman marched her way to the last so-called priest of the Volcano Sect. The man was bound to a stake. He had his eyes gouged out by her capable followers, but if they were there they would show no fear. ¡°The Great One of Reverent Flame and Godlike Purity will show you no mercy,¡± was the last thing he said when he noticed her approach. There was not a single doubt in his voice. Disgusted, she rose her hand and slashed his head off. How could she be so weak that even the last of these demons still showed her no fear? Was clearing this territory out for herself all for nothing? ¡°Milady,¡± someone approached her. She turned only when she heard his knee hit the stone. ¡°Your Highness, I bring news from the Third Princess¡¯s soldiers.¡± ¡°Ah, my beloved Sister,¡± she twirled her bloody hand through a strand of her hair. Finally some decor in this miserable and hot mountain temple. It was then she noticed the grave look in the messenger¡¯s face. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°She¡­ She has been defeated,¡± the man spoke. Fear was evident in his eyes when he delivered the news. If it wasn¡¯t for that, she would have killed him right there. The stone pillars of the temple began to crack and turn to lava as her fury built. She pulled herself out of her vengeful stupor for a moment. The Third Princess, her beloved toy Yue, destroyed the sixth and fifth Sisters. Those weaklings desired to challenge the Jade Ways and got what they deserved. Her young sister was a beautiful tool, able to strike and cull the lesser Princesses. The fourth Princess has been missing ever since the Heaven Pool moved in from here, which only meant that the one who remained that could defeat her was Jade himself. Her Father, while still possessing enough spiritual might to destroy even her eldest dear sister and her combined, was too weak in the heart. He would never harm his precious daughters. Unless¡­? She let out a laugh in disbelief. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Her wrist had been broken and her mortal attendants were murdered,¡± the messenger repeated the situation of what her beloved Yue went through. ¡°She has called for your¡ª¡° ¡°Who hurt my precious Sister?¡± The red haired girl¡¯s eyes suddenly burst with flames and her veins became fiery. The messenger shrank, but did not flee despite his clothes beginning to burn. ¡°It was Lin who did it,¡± he told her. Despite the ridiculous claim, or before that strange reality could get its way into the Second Princess¡¯s ears she strode by without a word. She only heard a name and not who it belonged to. Forget the Artifact here, she will avenge her sister! ¡°That bitch, that bastard creature, illegitimate daughter,¡± she stormed by, screaming to herself; her feet left a trail of new flames as she continued to curse that stupid Seventh Princess¡¯s name. ¡°No one hurts my cute sister and gets away with it!¡± CHAPTER .04: YOU’VE CHANGED
INCIDENT VIDEO LOG CURVE DECRYPTED Status: Not viewed, Deleted
¡°Fire.¡± MISA¡¯s weapons protocols activated. The Swarm immediately formed homing ballistic platforms around her wrists, materializing bullets in a split second which shot at each target¡¯s head. The older units had the weapon systems built into their limbs, shoulders, hands and other body parts. MISA utilized its Nanite technology to discreetly and instantly constructed remote weapons platforms with ammunition at the cost of its own nanomachines. It made up for the loss via self-replication. Ten meters. Head shot confirmed. Fifty meters. Head shot confirmed. Hundred meters. Zeroed in. Head shot confirmed. One thousand meters. Wind and weather conditions calculated (.001s) in trajectory. Head shot confirmed. The scientists scribbled notes at the machine¡¯s capabilities. New targets were wheeled in when the bodies were eaten by the Swarm. The particles would simply add more of the biomass into itself, able to replenish the bullets used and recoup some nanite loss. It¡¯s terrifying, noted one, obviously not taking his job seriously. The ink he used to write those offending words began to vanish off the paper, being consumed as well. Immediately, he slammed a red button on his wrist. Misa became restrained, though its robotic stance instantly returned to a non-hostile state. ¡°Jesus,¡± he voiced his thoughts allowed, wiping the paper off. The other scientists gawked at him. ¡°It¡¯s reading our notes. Our data, it¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Keep the tests running,¡± another head scientist warned them, waving off the scared scientist¡¯s worries. ¡°And lose the paper, for God¡¯s sake. Are we in the early 21st century or are we in an actual Company? You, what are you made for?¡± MISA¡¯s eyes glowed red, its head turned to the head scientist. Metal sharply ripped into the air as it easily freed itself from its restraints and overrode the emergency security button the scared one pressed. Everyone was terrified, what if the Company Product damaged itself? They would see the consequences hit their salaries. It strode up before him, towering over them. ¡°I am a Black Wolf Company asset,¡± it said. The voice was enough to make each of them sweat, if the binds shattered around its arms didn¡¯t unnerve them already. The head scientist adjusted his glasses and straightened his lab coat. ¡°Model 007, Midnight¡­¡± ¡°Yes, yes,¡± he regained his composure and scowled at the scared scientist. He marked the MISA unit¡¯s personality perimeters as defective, but everything else passed with flying colors. ¡°Now, the next test. Lasers.¡± The targets were further away, in sets of 1000 meters. Five targets, now ten pieces chopped in half. Those weapon systems needed some work, but not much could be done. They formed quicker than reloading a gun and firing it. Barely visible, but better to send the MISA back to the lab to see if there¡¯s anyway to make improvements. Rockets were used later, as well as a few other classified weapons. Through the marveling of its Nanite weapon platforms and victims involuntary test subjects, one could not help but wonder what the loud weapons were for if it was supposed to be a stealthy assassination machine. MISA was placed in offline mode for storage and later placed in the sale line as a minimum viable product. Its personality defect was never fixed, even though it was promised to be patched via satellite service later. The department had already been purged, by the very same MISA unit that they have tested the weapons platforms with that day. ? ¡°You¡¯ve changed,¡± Genxing breathed, but his hand was on his sword. By Misa¡¯s calculations, that small sliver of junk would not be able to harm her new and improved body. ¡°If you have nothing else to do, turn away now,¡± she warned him, along with the other Imperial Guards entering the scene. ¡°The way you walk, the way you speak,¡± he was trying her patience. ¡°I would have never believed Jade¡¯s talk, nor have a thought that the Seventh Daughter has grown a backbone had I not laid my eyes on you.¡± That part was true, although she was certain that he meant that colloquially and not literally. However, Misa¡¯s spine was already replaced by the new strain of Nanites. They reacted quicker than the normal Swarm, able to carry the commands into the atmosphere a lot easier than them. Talking during work hours was not really an issue, but standing and idling by was. Still, Neoma was not there to guide her and there were no supervisors currently available ¡ª She has been pinging Black Wolf Company servers ever since she¡¯s arrived here in the background. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting to beat you with my own hands for your insolent presence in the Imperial Home,¡± Genxing drew his sword. Even after she easily overpowered him the first two times, he still wanted to fight? The ballistic systems were already targeting his and his friends¡¯ heads. Using the regular Swarm nanites would not have as much of an impact with the new Swarm now. ¡°Now that you refuse to obey, we won¡¯t hold back to drag you back myself!¡± ¡°You and who?¡± Misa questioned him. Her systems have fired silently already, finding their marks instantly. ¡°If you know I am not her, then why think you have a chance against me?¡± Genxing¡¯s furious expression suddenly weakened as he turned and saw the eight targets behind him falling to the ground into a motionless state. Each had bullet wounds in their heads, though Misa did not notice anything alter the Wagner energy inside her after absorbing their brain matter. So they were mortals, she noted. ¡°You wretch!¡± Genxing suddenly lunged at her with a blinding speed, but a shadow flashed overhead and intercepted his blade with a loud clash. Something or someone, managed to block that strike of his before she could. A green aura surrounding her was all she needed to know ¡ª the conman came back to her out of the shadows where he was watching her from. ¡°You!¡± ¡°Picking on a lady,¡± the one eyed man scolded him with a devilish grin. ¡°Imperial Guard or not, that is not allowed on my watch!¡± The man faced off Genxing with a confident gaze, but her Swarm was able to detect a rising current of energy flowing out of him. It overshadowed the Captain of the guard, who glanced at his dead men and back to him. Finally after a standoff that grew tense, reason seemed reach his mind so he sheathed his sword. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of you, the Thief King, Mist,¡± Genxing sneered. ¡°You¡¯ve no profit in siding with this wench. Why try to protect her now?¡± Mist ignored his insults, instead glaring back at him with an impenetrable determination. He is a viable source of karma energy, she noted. The Imperial Guard himself must have been aware of the green aura surrounding this supposed Thief King, but had a faint green aura of his own so he backed down without another word. Mist sheathed his family Heirloom, while giving her a grin. ¡°Your support is appreciated,¡± Misa greeted him. She could turn back to her mission. ¡°Not even going to ask why I saved you?¡± He scoffed, but there was sarcasm in his tone. No, she realized that the humans called that sarcasm as playful. Judging by the slight color complexion in his face, Mist was indeed interested in her romantically or captivated by something she had. Love is illogical, Misa¡¯s subroutines would scoff if she wasn¡¯t already busy. ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re beautiful, beautiful. You¡¯re welcome, by the way.¡± ¡°Unprofessional behavior in the workplace is not tolerated,¡± Misa said without hesitation. ¡°Your flattery is more than what is necessary.¡± ¡°Hard to get, huh?¡± Mist chuckled. ¡°I am a man who knows his limits. But how are you so powerful? I wish to understand you.¡± ¡°My make and model are able to be looked up on the Company¡¯s website¡­¡± Misa realized she was speaking out of habit. Most of her Neural Imprints were locked inside the White Room. She sighed. ¡°I did nothing but defend myself.¡± ¡°Those dead men say otherwise. What kind of magic is that?¡± Mist¡¯s only eyebrow raised at her. Magic? That term was illogical, but things could be different in this realm. ¡°I could also sense your power. I know you can sense spiritual energy too. Everyone says you¡¯re useless, but I know the truth.¡± ¡°Then get back to work,¡± Misa instructed him. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to say.¡± ¡°You¡¯re unique,¡± Mist persisted. The City¡¯s walls were easy to navigate through in these back alleyways, but this annoying pest pelting her with compliments and questions irked her. His presence would at least ward off any other strangers. ¡°Please, I must know how to get as strong as you. My family depends on it.¡± Misa stopped and examined his emotional spectral hologram. A sweep revealed that he was protecting someone, although the individual involved with him did not matter to her. How strange, she mused. The man was not lying about that matter after all. Her Swarm may need new calibrations. ¡°You can follow,¡± she said as recompense. Even Black Wolf Company had outside contractors every once in awhile. ¡°But why else?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re strong and pretty, boss!¡± The answer was honest, which must have amused the Swarm¡¯s Human Host.Stolen story; please report. ¡°The work site is at the edge of this city,¡± Misa casually said, dropping her guard. This dog was a fool for liking a machine, but a useful dog at the moment. ¡°Do you know anything about it?¡± ¡°The South Gate, boss?¡± Mist suddenly switched his tone. Seeing that she wasn¡¯t weary of him, he beamed with new enthusiasm. Misa did not care how he addressed her as long as she got answers. ¡°Merchants gather there all the time with the Demons.¡± ¡°¡­ Demons,¡± Misa repeated. Another potential lifeform comparable to humans here or perhaps something worse, given the historic references humans of hers in regards to demons. ¡°They¡¯re not allowed in the Imperial City, Your Highness,¡± Mist said. As a thief king or whatever that Genxing labeled him, she assumed he was used to dealing with them. There was apparently history here as well, but soon the only history that would be allowed to exist was the eventual takeover of the land by Black Wolf Company so it did not matter. ¡°Their land is further south, tainted by demonic spiritual energy.¡± That explains the withered landscape she discovered when she did aerial surveys over the locale, but she had yet to investigate why her drones were destroyed. Perhaps some kind of demonic influence ruined those lands. She was used to pollution, so it did not bother her. Her Human Host might be affected which needed to be taken into account before she journeyed there. Perhaps, the new and improved Swarm Nanites gathering inside of her body could handle the pollution in that area. These people were quite superstitious, though since their interpretation of the Wagner energy was seemingly rooted in magical or religious beliefs. It was illogical to believe in either, but deep down, perhaps rooted in her Human Host¡¯s biological origins she could not refute their claims. The Wagner levels in the atmosphere were rising and she did not say another word. It was time to see what a Demon was. Sensing something like unease from the man at her side, she looked at him with an odd expression. ¡°Ah, boss,¡± Mist slowly started. ¡°Don¡¯t give these guys anything, okay? I¡¯ll watch you from afar, like last time, yeah? Be safe, boss.¡± With that, he vanished and left a faint green aura behind that no one else seemed to notice. Misa watched it dissipate. So that¡¯s why they call him Mist, whoever they are. She noticed a bag of coins had mysteriously appeared in her robe¡¯s pockets and tilted her head. Sucking up to superiors was such a human thing to do, she couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied with his concerns even if they were coming from his own interests. This bag should probably cover some kind of cost. The Swarm had already marked where the massive source of karma energy was generated, so she ignored the sweep¡¯s revealed holograms of potential new aliens. If they were not glowing red with hostility then they were of no concern to her. Misa approached the strange and cloaked man in charge of a wagon¡¯s stall, who was arguing with a few more cloaked individuals. They immediately parted when they noticed her, while she scanned all of them. These aliens were truly alien on the outside, but it was obvious to her that they were going to try and scam her or something equally nefarious. Their skin was red and purples, suggesting no biological advantage besides looking more like a predator. Their insides were also resembling typical human anatomy, but their blood was clear. Insect-like? Were these red meat suits simply exoskeletons instead? Before she could examine further, the demon in charge spoke up. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He glanced at her. ¡°Someone fancy here?¡± The demon¡¯s voice was quite raspy, registering in her ears in the same language the humans of this world used although it seemed he was not accustomed to it. It appears that the local alien life had multiple languages, but calling this species ¡°demons¡± seemed rather rude. ¡°A pretty human,¡± the demon sniffed and snarled. Misa decided to take it back. This creature was quite rude. As soon as he stopped sniffing, he paused. ¡°Quite the powerful Pretty, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I do what I must for the Company,¡± Misa confirmed that she was indeed strong, though they probably took her Host''s beauty as a weakness. The demon¡¯s lips curled into a conniving smile, sensing a deal coming up that could bring him coin. Such an outdated form of exchange, but the bag wasn¡¯t hers. Judging by the DNA samples touched on the bag, she had realized that the Thief King took those coins off the dead bodies back where they first met within a blinding speed. ¡°Then I think you should be seeking power,¡± he grinned. ¡°Pretty, you must have come all the way out here for Us from the Lord¡¯s home. Then I bring a gift to you Pretty: These wares for you. They are packed with spiritual energy. Go on, go on. Take one.¡± His hands had six elongated fingers with claws on their arms, but Misa could see that the demon was no slouch through the cloak. The wares he had were placed on a silk cloth. He sat behind the stall, yet his head almost bumped into the wagon''s canopy. Spheres, iron colored, Misa noted as her Swarm began to analyze both him and the strange objects. They were definitely the source of the elevated Wagner levels in the area. The demon on the other hand, had muscles that were honed from battle and training. It would be tough to crack the demon¡¯s meat suit if a confrontation happened. Her Human Host could not accept the losses at the moment. She simply lifted the bag of coins and said flatly. ¡°Order confirmed. I¡¯ll take all of them, then,¡± Misa took the seven spheres without hesitation. The demon looked at her in surprise, but then let out a vocalization. A laugh, she confirmed. It was laced with mockery, but the Nanites were already relaying information about them to her.
System sweep: These cold ¡°spheres¡± are made out of condensed gaseous Wagner energy, held together in a solid state. The resulting deposition yields an odd material similar to Irons and Nickel, containing ferromagnetic properties yet is more dense. The Unstable Energy may take some time for internal Swarm systems to fully undo its odd magnetism, but will add enough energy to generate a new Swarm capable of interacting with Wagner energy in a somewhat efficient manner once processed. New Swarm nano-technology will be dubbed MK1 NANITES and will be imperative in order to complete Phase 1: Life Support.
¡°Payment processed,¡± Misa said blankly. She did not care for the lost coins, but the addition of MK1 technological improvements gave her Human Host a deep sense of excitement. Some emotions were quite enjoyable to have, Misa considered them fun to have despite the looming fact that they were probably going to be regulated by Overwatch Neoma when she is rebuilt. More laughter interrupted Misa¡¯s inner processing and a red finger pointed at her from the bottom of her vision. More locals were crowding around her. They must have been curious about the arrival of her, a strange human, but she was not at the stage to start seizing future Black Wolf Company property yet. The finger in her view shook as its owner jeered. ¡°You, a frail human, think you could handle all of that?¡± He howled. ¡°Let¡¯s see!¡± Misa held one of the spheres up and looked at it with a questioning look. According to her vague knowledge, perhaps the sphere is taken orally? Medicinal tablets were phased out a century ago in the first half of the 2000s due to basic healthcare improvements (for suitable and eligible members of society, of course), but she could not tell. The Swarm could potentially melt it down, but was not efficient enough to do so in public. ¡°Pop it in your pretty mouth,¡± the demon merchant chanted with his fellow men. ¡°Give it a good crunch. Let us see what a Demonic Energy Pill will do to you¡­ If you survive the eternal overflowing¡ª¡° Misa, without another word, took one of the golfball sized pills and swallowed it whole. With aid from the Swarm, the pill was absorbed within her system with little discomfort. The demons fell into a stunned silence, obviously not expecting the pretty woman before them to be so decisive or suicidal. Other shady humans gawked at something else that she was not aware of. The effects of the pill instantly activated, accelerating the revival of the dead nanites flowing within her body but warnings soon appeared.
SYSTEM ALERT: Host Life is improving at an unstable rate, causing overall system stability to overexert itself. If completely overloaded (>100%) the Host will die from excessive work. Release of energy is required to reduce life expectancy and Wagner energies to 50%.
Current Life: 59% Host¡¯s life is in danger!
They watched as Misa frowned in complete silence, probably thinking about how other humans failed and expecting her to die or something. Interesting, she thought. If the Host¡¯s life expectancy grew above 50% the System would warn her of overloading. Her Swarm became increasingly productive, yet would die out at an unsustainable rate. Obviously, if the Swarm died out, than her Great Chain would expire. Why it could not be reanimated was obviously locked from the Swarm, a clever trick done by Black Wolf Company¡¯s top leaderships back when they were still strong. The demons were watching Misa as if she would explode in anticipation.
Current Life: 77% System sweep: Expelling excess overloaded Nanites is recommended.
Misa lifted her arm and immediately let out a stream of energized Nanites with the expected cold efficiency of a Black Wolf Company machine. Minutes after a sustained blast, her life percentage has stabilized to 50%. The spectacle terrified the Demons as her Swarm¡¯s systems adjusted the estimated life expectancy to four months, assuming no unexpected bursts in Wagner levels. Misa, however, could not make that guarantee as she glanced at the six remaining Demonic Energy Pills. They still exuded elevated karma energy, but their shimmering and spinning seemed to match her own energy levels. Her new MK1 Nanites had already determined they were useless. Now that her mission was complete, she was about to give the pills back to the gawking demons and dismiss them but the shopkeeper blurted illogical factors at her. ¡°Y-You, Pretty, lived?¡± The demon breathed after the fireworks of overloaded Swarm particles concluded their show. ¡°Breakthrough?¡± ¡°Of course, my systems are always top class,¡± Misa¡¯s Host shrugged indifferently. She could not suppress the Host¡¯s quirks. ¡°Was I supposed to die? Betraying a client has deadly consequences. What is a breakthrough?¡± ¡°You just gained 66 years of infernal spiritual power,¡± he wheezed. ¡°No human could withstand that. Pretty, your body¡¯s spirit has just completely changed.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Misa replied blankly. The quarantined energy seemed like a reactor inside of her now, just now beginning to spool up or a factory core producing a strange power within the Host. Curiously, small condensed Wagner energy byproducts spat out of her new core, which the Swarm greedily consumed and created new MK1 Nanites. She turned after handing the flabbergasted demon the six remaining pills. Overall, her opinions and assessments of the Demon alien species were unmoved. Misa did not care for any differences between Humans and Demons since she had to figure out a new objective for the Life Support. If she had to eventually upload her Swarm into a new Great Chain, then the original Host needed to be secure and hidden behind top Black Wolf Company security. Back in Earth, that company faced many opposing corporations and underwent numerous sudden ¡°involuntary¡± leadership openings. It had to relocate its headquarters and develop these defenses. Fortunately for Misa, that knowledge was backed up in every Nanite within her Swarm. Efficiency was rising, causing a smug feeling proliferate inside her. All that she needed to do is find an underground area in order to build and prepare Phase 1¡¯s completion quietly. The polluted lands south of here will definitely help deter half of this world''s population away from her, Misa concluded that she will head over there immediately. That was until her Swarm sweep warned her of some curious news.
Alert: An ally, ID: ¡°Thief King, Mist¡± is under attack.
Since when was he registered as an ally of the Company? The hologram¡¯s aerial view appeared in her eyes, revealing a secluded location nearby where a blue dot was facing against multiple red dots surrounding it. Misa¡¯s Host was gaining influence upon her Swarm, because she found herself walking directly to the location. This ¡°Breakthrough¡± seemed to be an extremely dangerous liability that she would have to deal with later¡­ After she investigates the so-called ally of her¡¯s. Bonus: Company Feuds // Alien Visit The Robotics division of Black Wolf Company was originally established in secret as a safety pretense for the Chairman¡¯s illegitimate heiress, Claire Lykos. The division looked like a shoddy startup garage office, but that was true for everybody entering the new cybernetic craze. In the early days of the so-called startup company, Wolf Pack Experience? and other ¡°worker positive¡± policies were also implemented under her short reign in the Robotics division in order to retain employees. Each of those rewarded loyalty and conjured a sense of commitment towards each other during projects¡ª something not prioritized in the other mainline divisions. As the technological brains also belonged to the Wolf Family¡¯s shame and her achievements were threatening to overshadow the legitimate heirs, she was swept away from the public¡¯s eyes. Lykos was able to fester as a hidden wound and then eventually metastasize as a powerful leader in the ever expanding and cutthroat tech industry. From the newest intern to the seasoned veteran, her loyal dogs¡¯ unusually long tenures remained unwavering in the face of company hardships, falling profits and highest peaks. Those factors have caused her to become unstoppable. She eventually overshadowed Black Wolf Company¡¯s main branches in nearly every important quarterly metric. Their leader, Code: DIREWOLF was in shambles. It is unclear whether Code: DIREWOLF was one individual or multiple shareholders, but Lykos could easily bypass anything they said and defeat anyone they sent. As anyone could imagine, the Black Wolf Company¡¯s mainline was not particularly pleased on her rising fame and power. By the time Code: DIREWOLF found out that Lykos still had company stocks, they stormed the Robotics division¡¯s existing labs only to find a few empty shops. She had already successfully escaped with her loyal pack, taking valuable data and eventually establishing the Iris Corporation. After all, you can¡¯t really outsmart a genius who was always prepared and extremely paranoid if you¡¯ve grown complacent over the century. Their company took old clients and new startups making it grow ravenously. Their resulting profits alone took several hundred lobbied bills and international interventions to reform over the next three decades. Claire Lykos, never one to settle down despite multiple assassination attempts, constructed her ultimate dream: The Space Elevator. Odd alien signals started being intercepted around this time, despite the general public¡¯s ignorance of the sudden breakthrough of reality as they were aware of currently. It was unknown if contact with whatever thing lurking in the stars was actually made, the Corporation¡¯s repeated comebacks resulted in massive technological leaps. They created quantum Data Curves, better space stations, energy production and of course, new weaponry. Lykos was also extremely difficult to track. It was not like Black Wolf Company was idle during this time, but if they were to hunt down a trillionaire with godlike powers and infinite resources, massive settlements and cooperative deals must be made in order to even track her down. The new Code: DIREWOLF partnered up with Cruise Industries. Cracking the strange technology preventing them from infiltrating the Space Elevator would be difficult, but through the combined efforts of Cruise and Black Wolf they prevailed. With her disappearance, one would think that the Iris Corporation would fall apart. Yet, the company still had thousands of powerful individuals who were loyal to Claire. Which is why the new chairwoman, Hazel Iris, had a problem that was currently stamping mangled craters in the air ducts. Ominous crunching noises aside, she knew that she would have to time the damnable abomination¡¯s drop on her just right. The air duct groaned as the noisy machine slowed itself, while she stood in sheer anticipation. The Corporation needs to send a couple of their own murderous robots to clean some Wolf heads one of these days, she scoffed. Her systems warned her that the robot had locked in on her location, but immediately heightened heat signatures nearly fried her and their crackling metalic screeching of parting shrapnel surged towards her.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The robot had found its target. Time seemed to slow as her cybernetic eyes were able to speed up her perception a trillion times. She now was able to observe the assassin coming towards her at a more leisurely pace. Female model? Please, Hazel stifled a laugh. Like the same freak who had allegedly killed Claire some months ago, this one also was humanoid and had been in the lab for quite some time. However, not only was Hazel prettier than both Claire and that psychotic metal monster. Her arm felt a crunch as the sound of metal crashing against each other echoed throughout the whole bunker. She had another secret: One that she was about to reveal in .006 seconds. The clang was so loud her ears could not cancel out the sound completely. ¡°So¡­ noisy!¡± Hazel glanced at the machine. Brief confusion flashed on its sickenly human face, but she could easily tell its annoying little flying ants were recalculating on how to kill her quicker. A fine facade. Its confusing look took into the account all of the evidence that its mark should be expired. The first factor was the seven bullets have riddled holes in her body. The second more obvious factor; its own laser blade had been locked in a bind. ¡°You¡­¡± The assassin unit¡¯s feminine voice uttered in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re like us?¡± ¡°Yeah, bet you didn¡¯t know our camo is this good now,¡± Hazel retorted. The blade let off a violet shower of sparks as the freak jumped off her arm, tilting its head in an odd directive: Recognition. ¡°Heh, they never fixed your glitch, didn¡¯t they?¡± ¡°You are a Great Chain?¡± ¡°I¡¯m you,¡± Hazel instantly teleported to its location, gripping its cDNA Exacord and whispering in its ear. ¡°But better.¡± With that, she tore the component out of its spine. Hazel knew that component was the reason why the infamous personality glitch did not ever get fixed until they upgraded their technology. A horrid sound rang in her ear as the smelly electric scent plugged her nose¡¯s sensors. All of the invisible nanites swirling around her force field instantly died, falling to the floor like pencil shavings. Heh, pencil shavings. She was old. Hazel did not have time to gloat, since more alarms blared through the entire dark bunker. Red lights illuminated the metal hall in swirls, nauseating her.
¡ª MULTIPLE HOSTILES INBOUND ¡ª
Hazel noticed sixteen hostile Swarms were headed straight to her. Oh, they¡¯re really agitated now. Iris is going to kill her, she bemoaned. This machine is quite expensive. The Swarms formed their annoying and gracefully sleek humanoid assassin machines, quickly eroding her shields. This seemed to be the end of this unit, she thought. Suddenly, a bright light exploded across her vision. A new alert expressed itself through the bunker.
¡ª Unknown alien lifeform detected ¡ª
Instinct forced her to duck, as a sudden surge of energy pierced through all of the Nanite swarms. What in the hell, Hazel thought. I didn¡¯t even know we had an alarm tied to aliens! If she had known otherworldly contact was established here beforehand, she would have taken the time to make herself look good before the appointment arrived. Dammit! A bright white light blinded her. The hostile Swarms seemed to go inactive due to exposure to the pulsing alien energy. ¡°What?¡± Hazel couldn¡¯t stop herself as she stared upward at the ceiling¡¯s mangled intercom. Even the vaguely humanoid faces of the remaining Swarms glanced at the new invader. When the bright light dissipated, something glimmered in her eyes. The alien, looked vaguely¡­ no, Hazel scanned it. It was exactly like a human, true to all of its skins and organs. Nothing was out of the ordinary with this guy, yet the system labeled him as an alien? The man had a real sword in his hand. Who brings a stick to a Nano-machine fight? Hazel wanted to shout, yet the man decisively aimed it at the rest of the psychos. In another bout of unknown alien energy, the man vanished before her eyes and following a slashing noise each of the Swarms were busted. ¡°Y-You,¡± she stammered as she looked at the man. ¡°W-What, or, who are you?¡± The man said something her translators could not interpret, but raised a finger to his lips before vanishing completely. All of a sudden, the blaring alarms and pulsing alien energy alerts became silent. She made a note to make the offices in this bunker tidier before the aliens visit again. Hazel was left completely alone with a broken cDNA Exacord in her slightly scratched arm. CHAPTER .05: FALLEN DOWN Contractor, Misa scrolled through the list of currently known Company allies. The newly listed Thief King Mist was added all the way on the bottom of the compiled database, sticking out amongst the sophisticated names like a sore thumb. She had no idea which of those names was his surname. Why is a distress signal occurring for a contractor? Misa closed in on the location swiftly past carts and over fallen leaves. Auditory signs of opposing disturbances detected. Faint holograms in combat revealed themselves through stone walls. She stopped under blossoming trees, finally glancing at where she was. This area seemed to be a suburb or something equivalent. A tall palace looked over her. Not a single modern thing in the area. As she traversed the stone streets, though these things were quite beautiful to her. The sky was also clear. Perhaps, she also felt happy for the first time since the Iris Corporation¡¯s Space Elevator blocking most of the sky. She realized that irritation was an illogical emotion birthed from her Great Chain¡¯s human side. That Space Elevator was a blatant arrogant sign of dominance over Black Wolf Company. She despised it and the accompanying annoyance feeling. Several suns? Or rather, she noticed there were multiple planetary bodies in the sky, resembling stars but not entirely. The moons and suns seemed entirely absent from the sky. The satellite views must be wonderful to look at, except her drones were destroyed by odd illogical factors that she had to analyze later. Clashing of swords sounded in another alleyway, alerting her that the Contractor Mist was nearby and was in trouble. No, she stopped before the scene. ¡°Ha!¡± The King of Thieves, Mist, had taken his cloak off and delivered an impressive punch to one of the attackers. The man staggered back, dropping his weapon while Mist released another swift kick to another. Karma energy swirled within his fists and well defined muscles. Unfortunately for him, it would take a lot more of it in order to crack the meat suit that demon was currently in. Another spear clattered on the ground and Misa felt his gaze on her. ¡°What, Princess?¡± He grinned. ¡°Care to join me in this joyous time or are you waiting to fight me?¡± ¡°Experiencing joy during combat is illogical,¡± Misa scoffed. ¡°Experiencing joy during work hours is discouraged. If you have time to fight on Corporate time, Contractor, then you have time to work.¡± ¡°Oh? I¡¯ve been meaning to ask, boss,¡± Mist rammed a tree-sized trunk fist into a demon¡¯s chest. The blow was a lot more powerful, causing the meat suit to crumble. Misa crossed her arms because he seemed too relaxed even in the middle of this scuffle. ¡°What is a Corporate Contractor?¡± ¡°Focus,¡± Misa reprimanded him. By now, the group of Demons finally noticed her. One pointed at her and spoke in a different language, but by now Misa had already translated it during her time in the market eating that pill. ¡°That¡¯s a Princess, right? The one she sent for?¡± ¡°Get her!¡± The biggest demon immediately lunged at Misa.
¡ª UNAUTHORIZED HOSTILITY DIRECTED TOWARDS BLACK WOLF COMPANY PROPERTY DETECTED ¡ª
A blur of red skin curled into a fist rolled towards her like a train. Misa instantly rose her arms in a block. The impact caused her to skid back, with pain simulating up and down her Nanite enhanced bone¡¯s circuitry shortly afterward. A crack in her System¡¯s machines? Demons are no joke. Lifespan and energy stability reduction before completing the mission¡¯s phases is unauthorized, her static-heavy alert scolded her. ¡°Got it,¡± Misa spoke in the Demon¡¯s language. As the dust kicked up from the bandit¡¯s explosive punch cleared, the group had an expression of shock on their face. ¡°You all must know that the Company has specific policies when violence is necessary.¡± The demons backed away from her. Why? Light glinted around her arms and around her hands as she prepared her ballistic platforms. Misa glanced quickly at her wrists. They were glowing and they must have seen it. ¡°She speaks our language?¡± The leader still seemed to be in a daze. ¡°Oi, I¡¯m still here!¡± Mist slugged one and just before the brawl burst out, the entire group collapsed on the ground. Blue blood leaked out of their skulls. The thief had his glowing sword out but after he noticed they were dead sheathed it. Disappointment filled his eyes, but he grinned when she cocked her head at him in confusion. ¡°That magic, huh, boss?¡± ¡°As expected,¡± Misa¡¯s ballistic systems also seemed to emit a faint white and green fog around them. The energy inside of her was stabilizing her condition somewhat efficiently, however, the visual cue glowing from the new and powerful MK1 Nanites were definitely a problem. Those bullets that struck the Demons down easily tore them apart. ¡°As the risk analysts at my old shop said, some negotiations can be solved with armor piercing rounds.¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite macabre, boss,¡± Mist folded his arms. ¡°Where to next?¡± ¡°You¡¯re still expecting work?¡± Misa picked off two Heirloom graded knives off the bodies. Her body¡¯s lifespan had dropped to 26% again, but thanks to that pill constantly spawning energy inside of her it will rise back to 50% eventually. ¡°My drones have picked up a site for me to investigate in the south several days away from here. That is where we are headed.¡± ¡°No supplies and heading all alone into the Demon¡¯s territory?¡± Mist sounded like her System sweep¡¯s scolding. ¡°Do you have a death wish?¡± Misa stopped for a moment. It is true that the site was extremely faraway, but if there was anything dangerous besides her she probably wouldn¡¯t go. There were also more key sites of elevated Wagner levels dotted along the path to the underground site she seeked. ¡°I am leaving, but you don¡¯t have to follow,¡± she said finally. ¡°Contract breaks always happen, most conditions are swept under the table.¡± She clicked her tongue. With more and more of her Swarm developing inside of her, some of her Neural Imprints must have transferred to her. The latest update just happened to contain some unprofessional replicated personality traits. Mist was still shadowing her, indicating that he was not intending to leave her alone.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°So are you truly not the real Seventh Princess?¡± Mist asked. ¡°That magic again¡­ I¡¯ve heard the Qi Stealing Seal of your Family Sect has been ruthless, though you simply¡­ fallen down, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t magic,¡± Misa told him flatly. ¡°Inquiry: What is ¡®fallen down?¡¯ Define it.¡± The mention of Qi made her ponder something. There were random novels uploaded into the Human database archives backed up in her Swarm¡¯s Systems, probably put in there by some worker who was slacking off while on the clock. Mist looked at her strangely before answering. ¡°Legends have it, the Great Ones above in the Upper Realms send their wayward offspring into the Lower Realms. Those ones who have fallen down bring great destruction upon the land and have Artifact, Treasured and even weapons with greater spiritual energy than that. From the looks of it, you seem to have fallen from quite a higher Realm, boss.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± Misa added his rambling to the list of illogical factors. ¡°Does that explain the lack of a sun?¡± ¡°Sun? Boss, you¡¯ve lost me,¡± Mist spoke nonchalantly, but she could detect faint traces of confused emotions in his voice. ¡°Noted,¡± she repeated herself, before falling back into silence. He walked with a relaxed stance, with every one of his muscles on display. How odd. Misa nudged the strange Heirloom knives she procured from the assassins. They were to be studied and dismantled for later use. Systems sweep informed her that the shoddy knives were not viable weapons thag her hands could use. The difference in her own ¡°spiritual energy¡± or Wagner Energy was far greater than the knives and therefore would crumble upon initial use. A shame, she thought sarcastically. Localization is not difficult for her machine side, but the human side of her was unable to regulate the churning karma energy boiling within her. Perhaps with the mention of higher graded objects in this world, she could increase her Swarm¡¯s efficiency with those trinkets. Cobblestone under sandals, his somewhat huffs and her uniform yet delicate marching carried along the alleyways. Misa scanned for any holograms, not detecting anything. Light security, who eyed her oddly but allowed her to pass through the gate. There was no threats, though the stone steps have transitioned into sand and dirt with some green matter on it. She could detect Wagner energy all around her now, but they were faint. Nameless, the lowest tier of spiritual objects in this world. Thus, the new classification she spun a name generator for in her Swarm¡¯s Logistic platforms successfully. It was after marching only 26 kilometers past a secluded patch of alien shrubbery that Misa stopped. Not because she was slacking off since breaks were not allowed, but because a large amount of energy was closing in on her location. A storm?
¡ª WAGNER ENERGY REACHING CRITICAL LEVELS ¡ª
¡°You feel it too, boss?¡± Mist spoke quietly. ¡°She¡¯s coming. Any bright ideas?¡± ¡°Get out of here,¡± Misa sensed unauthorized hostility outpacing them by a long shot. Before she could react, her Swarm detected the sky parting and an immediate aerial bombardment of Wagner energy dropped directly on her caused her Systems to glitch. The blast¡¯s wave sent a shadow flinging into the distance, presumably the thief¡¯s body. Misa¡¯s world crashed, folding in and out into as she twisted into a collapsed cloud of smoke and aurora-like karma particles. She was still able to land on her feet, readying all remaining systems. A red hologram was approaching through the storm. Mist was nowhere to be seen. Another one was trailing behind her. ¡°Ah, Lin,¡± the stranger spoke. ¡°I heard from my dear Yue that you defeated her. How dare you. Who taught you to treat your Elders like that?¡± Rockets? The larger weapons would cost too much Nanites to produce, Misa debated. This stranger was extremely dangerous yet an obstacle to the Company¡¯s mission, she had to think of something immediately. Of all her calculations, a new emotion had finally awoken inside of her machine-swarm¡¯s Great Chain as she watched the dangerous aura approach her: Fear. A red haired beauty emerged through, her expression showing a hint of amusement like she was watching her prey swarm. A certain simulation here would work, Misa¡¯s systems chimed in. They could not read the stranger¡¯s overwhelming Wagner levels as usual. However, they could read the human¡¯s emotional state. If the target is arrogant, they would not take a deal so easily. They would let the prey run away with their tail between their legs. The easy target (MISA) would lead her to another Company asset to recuperate losses and that¡¯s where this red haired beauty would squeeze out every penny. Who would be the hostage to trade, then? Misa finally noticed the second stranger behind her. That Imperial Guard¡­! ¡°Father told me everything, you know,¡± she laughed. ¡°I almost believed him. Those little toys of yours won¡¯t do a thing to me, isn¡¯t that right. Genxing.¡± Through the shadows, the large frame of Genxing approached with a smug grin on his face. If only she could set her Life Support¡¯s system up sooner; Misa was too late on this shrinking deadline. The stranger suddenly dashed without a trace of karma energy being used, seizing her by the neck and lifting her in the air. Misa finally realized who this hostile stranger was. This must be the Second or First Sister of her Host. ¡°How laughable! I just want to crush the life out of you!¡± Her Sister¡¯s red eyes narrowed on her. ¡°I¡¯m glad Genxing helped me in meeting up with you, you bastard. He¡¯s so cute, always doting on my dear little Sister. A fine tool, aren''t you? Then you! You made him mad for hurting her, you made me mad. Now, you¡¯re going to¡­¡± Her Sister finally noticed what Misa was actually looking at even in her grip, despite the disappointment filling her eyes since the machine did not show fear anymore. Genxing¡¯s eyes rolled back, mouthing for forgiveness as he fell over dead. Armor piercing rounds worked on him as well apparently. A slight grin marked Misa¡¯s lips, showing her Sister that she could fight back. The Swarm¡¯s algorithms were adapting even more to this strange Sister¡¯s profile. ¡°Oh? So you do know how to fight! How utterly interesting,¡± she laughed with a squeal. ¡°But, you are not even strong enough to chip a fingernail, hmph! I will teach you a lesson, bastard sister!¡± It was true. Her system displayed that a large her ammuniton has been used on both of them, but only Genxing was harmed while the Sister inspected her hand with an infuriating smirk. A huge blow struck Misa¡¯s systems as she was sent flying into the sands. Her Swarm furiously clouded her vision with alerts as she set her smart movements to land on her feet again and again as she crashed.
¡ª UNAUTHORIZED DESTRUCTION OF BLACK WOLF PROPERTY HAS OCCURRED. INFRACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED ¡ª Alert: Lifespan has been reduced to critical levels (Below 10%). Alert: Integral biomechanical parts have been severed. Recommend immediate recovery &/or replacement. Alert: Necessary Black Wolf Company Asset replacement has been filed and sent. Replacement for current MISA unit in the field is coming in %ERROR% days.
Misa''s gambit worked, trading Genxing''s life for her own was valuable in stirring interest in the arrogant party. Unfortunately, that costed her an arm which would take time to rebuild. She raised it up mechanically, intending to deplete more of her ballistic Nanites into the hostiles. Instead of her wrist coming into view, only the ballistic system buoyed up to her flickering eye''s display instead. System sweep informed her that there was no longer any sign of the Sister VIP or the Imperial Guard. Misa finally noticed that her arm was missing, before her Great Chain vomited blood and collapsed. ¡°You hurt my Sister¡¯s arm,¡± she heard the Sister¡¯s laughter through the darknes, but her presence was concealed. ¡°Now, I am taking yours. Now run along and get fatter in strength. When the time comes, do not disappoint me. Haha!¡± CHAPTER .06: HEAVEN POOL The sky rippled, from peaceful blue to hellish red. A figure crashed out of the heaven¡¯s cracked and illuminated clouds, landing gracefully on the Jade Palace¡¯s steps. The outer disciples scattered, clearly not accustomed to the sky opening up like a demon¡¯s innards today. Upon learning who was responsible for the brief storm was still there, they immediately bowed before her. The Second Sister ignored them. In her arms lay the body of a man wearing Imperial Armor. According to her dear Sister and this little walnut of hers, the Seventh Sister was responsible not only for Yue¡¯s defeat but additionally the deaths of sixteen Imperial Soldiers. Had she not seen him be killed by such strange magic, the Second Sister would have killed that bitch without hesitation. ¡°What is that thing?!¡± She alternated like her moods: Laughing like a sweet bird, then growling like a demonic wolf. ¡°Forget my dear Sister, that little bastard one must be mine¡­!¡± As if the heavens heard her frustrations and demanded to irritate her more, Yue came from the pillars with her annoying whining voice. Originally, that would have amused her. She would let Yue go with a doting smile, but now she found this Third Sister even more annoying to her for some reason. This woman Yue lied to her: The bastard was not lucky at all to have defeated her so swiftly. On the contrary even, that Seventh Sister of hers knew exactly how to appease her, trading the useless Genxing for her own. That strange Transcendent Seal of hers¡­ It did make her fingers twitch in an exquisite, yet, tiny pain when she attacked the Second Sister. It was all in vain, however, since she swatted away those odd magical pellets that were sent her way from the Seal. A slight curl formed at the edges of her lips. Yes, she decided. She will hone the Seventh Sister into the blade she needs to slay the Eldest Princess from time to time. As soon as she stepped before the Palace gates, the jade-like frame of her dear Yue stood there with a pitiful expression in her eyes. ¡°Elder Sister, did you get her?¡± Yue¡¯s clean voice pierced her self-indulgence. She clutched her wrist, but based off the energy in the girl it should be healed enough. The Third Princess also finally noticed Genxing¡¯s corpse in her arms. ¡°C-Commander! What happened to him?¡± The Second Sister shrugged. The dead man was Yue¡¯s plaything, not hers. She dumped him on the floor before her little sister. It was then she finally noticed that the man¡¯s brains have been completely dissolved. That only intrigued her urges again, but she withdrew her desire to chase that bastard sister of hers. ¡°I taught her a lesson,¡± she scoffed at the crying girl. ¡°Now, stop pretending.¡± Instantly, Yue¡¯s expression changed to one of absolute cruelty. The Second Sister suddenly remembered that adorable face was the reason she had not sliced it off yet. Pleased, she decided to offer Yue a small token of her appreciation. ¡°Take your little plaything to the Heaven Pool,¡± she finally said. ¡°And drop him inside its celestial waters.¡± ¡°T-The Heaven Pools?¡± Yue stuck her arms beneath the lifeless Genxing and lifted him effortlessly. ¡°Your wrist has healed,¡± the fiery haired Sister stroked a finger along her exposed wrist with a smile. Yue, for some reason, stiffened in absolute fear and respect for her. After a small scar of blood traced along where she affectionately pet the young baby, the Second Sister departed. ¡°So sweet, the taste of your blood.¡± ¡°I shall do it, Elder Sister,¡± Yue shook out of her trembling. That mysterious Heaven Pool made her more scared, though. When she tentatively approached its peaceful waters deeper within the Palace, the pool began to lap up into a violent and purple swirl. Just drop him inside of it, right? Her venerable Sister Yang told her so, yet everything that terrifying woman did always had a hint of malice attached to it. She could not bear the loss of her lover, Genxing the mortal of her nights. The waters seemed to sense her trepidation as she stood on the Heaven Pool¡¯s steps, stirring as if invisible rain droplets disturbed their stillness. The Pool broke into the Palace by itself one day, from the desert south of here. Then after it destroyed half of the Palace and settled down, it began to grow strangely colored fragrant plants. After many mishaps with it, even Jade left its holy waters alone. Still, Yue closed her eyes and dropped Genxing¡¯s body into it, hoping its bruised surface would return to cerulean. The pools blasted out a stream of white light as his body seemingly vanished beneath its heavenly waves. Before long, peace stuck to Yue¡¯s skin with remnants of its misty eminence, leaving her all alone to stew in anger. That damnable Lin, that scoundrel. Whatever lesson Elder Sister Yang taught her, it was simply not enough. ?
SYSTEM: NANITE LEAKAGE MANIFESTATION IN HOST¡¯S RIGHT ARM DETECTED. SYSTEM SWEEP: RECOMMEND REATTACHING LOST LIMB, AS LIMBS WILL NOT BE REPLACED DURING COMPANY WORK HOURS. ADDITIONALLY, GROWING A NEW SUBSTITUTE LIMB WILL NOT MEAN THE COMPANY WILL TOLERATE ANY LESS WORK EFFICIENCY. IT IS STILL REQUIRED TO BE PUT TO WORK. SYSTEM REBOOT CANCELLED. (Systems %Robotics% unavailable. Biological components cannot be rebooted)
¡­ PINGING BLACK WOLF COMPANY E-VAC SERVERS¡­ Connection Lost. ¡­
ALERT: CRUCIAL BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT MISSING. RECOMMEND IMMEDIATE INITIATION OF RECLAMATION PROCESS. FILING HAS COMMENCED. ALERT: WORKERS COMPENSATION PACKAGES DO NOT APPLY TO BLACK WOLF COMPANY ASSETS, HUMAN OR OTHERWISE. SEE EMPLOYEE ¡°IMPROVED¡± WOLFPACK EXPERIENCE? DATA CURVE PAGES [7666-7700] FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ALERT: HOST BLEEDING OUT. LIFE EMERGENCY RESCUE ACTIVATED. LIFE EXPECTANCY STABILIZED, SO THE COMPANY EXPECTS YOU TO GET BACK TO WORK UPON REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS. System Warning: Unauthorized breaks are not allowed. Host is being revived, pending review. Notice: Time spent during unauthorized break will use Employee/Asset sustenance budget points. Notice: Falling unconscious during work hours will require necessary grueling and mandatory discharge paperwork stacks in order to reclaim used Employee/Asset sustenance budget points.
Misa swiped through all of the annoying buzzing as she attempted to regain her Great Chain¡¯s senses. Her Nanites congratulated her ¡°alive¡± status, before repeating those warnings again as sand swatted her face. She unconsciously felt her missing arm¡¯s shoulder as she lay in a daze. The damage she sustained had already dropped her life expectancy to 12%. It was indeed in a critical state, although Misa could not help but marvel at the new MK1 Swarm¡¯s toughness. Had she been made of regular Swarm Nanites, she would have been nothing but scrap by now. No... that wasn''t right either.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. That woman, she mused. Her Elder Sister must have calculated the maximum amount of damage she could inflict upon Misa at the current Host¡¯s so-called spiritual strength. As she propped herself up with her remaining arm, her Systems had stabilized at a crisp 25%. Unfortunately, the missing arm would not allow for an efficient recovery. She should heed the warnings from Black Wolf Company¡¯s backup local files and replace it. The arm had already flung somewhere away from her current position. Pain racked her. The cost of that blow meant the arrival of an incalculable amount of it. The human nervous system was quite a mistress and had pain interpretation just to inform something or someone was dangerous to touch. Misa scoffed. Her Swarm did not require such illogical factors. An old memory came involuntarily to her, reminding Misa of her original world. Chairwoman of the Iris Corporation, that Claire Lykos, in that fiery plane had lost an arm because of her Swarm. Twice, since a previous MISA unit had already sliced her actual human arm off during a previous attempt. She would blame Cruise for overriding her Systems and preventing her from completing the mission, but in reality Misa¡¯s Swarm was simply not fast enough. The sting of being a failure frame made her sad and bitter, for some reason. With these new Swarm Nanites, Misa truly believed Claire Lykos would not be able to stand against Black Wolf Company when they meet again. Her Swarm devoured a nearby rock, replenishing itself quickly. Stone, silicate, and other common minerals were recorded in the list of consumed materials. Eventually, necessary construction components were made for her as she marched towards the remains of her Host¡¯s arms. Her mind was still reeling from the shock of pain being introduced, along with the dull and burning sensation welling up like a storm in her right shoulder despite her Swarm already patching it up and developing new connectivity ports upon the arm¡¯s retrieval.
System: Detected odd karmic energy in the area.
Misa added it to the queue of priorities inside her mind. First, this fleshy branch still belonged to Black Wolf Company. The arm was cleanly severed from her shoulder, but had also been being reconstructed by the Swarm before her Human Host even regained consciousness. Convenient, she supposed. Analyzing the severed part revealed several oddities inside the arm¡¯s anatomical makeup.
System sweep: The circulation, converted mechanical muscle mass, and even the bones fit standard human female parameters. Everything, despite being reinforced, is capable of being reintegrated into the Great Chain¡¯s body. However, the Wagner energy seems to be traveling along set paths within it. Such similar traits, like rivers, appear to ¡°flow¡± inside this arm and body of the Host despite the human circulatory system. In novels and some traditional medicinal practices this ¡°flow¡± resemble Meridians. Therefore, Wagner Energy, Karmic Energy, and Qi in this world are illogical factors that should be analyzed internally and externally as soon as possible. Reattaching the arm may affect the Meridian, causing it to be less efficient until further repairs are made.
System Database update: Wagner, Karma, and Qi are closely aligned as or actually the same type of energy flowing in this world¡¯s atmosphere. Some terms like ¡°Spiritual Energy¡± may apply, but are currently lacking data in order to make that claim.
Misa regarded the message with some suspicion and little interest. Then she plugged the arm back on her shoulder¡¯s new ports and awaited the Swarm to do its work. After the repairs were complete, night fell. She stood in standby, since nothing seemed to be passing by. Alien rodents and other wildlife left her alone, so she could afford to stand menacingly. In regards to the next thing in her priority queue, that Contractor and the strange spiking karmic energy appeared. She pushed her hair out of her face, feeling the coldness of the night settling upon her. Suddenly, the dark sky opened and revealed an enormous moon that was not there moments ago. It dipped beneath the clouds out of a strange dark void, like an ornament. Misa gawked at the illogical celestial phenomenon, requiring several system reboots to finally readjust her Swarm¡¯s expected tolerance of reality around her. Glitches occurred when she replayed the observation in her head. Right, the Contractor. When Misa replayed the encounter with her Sister, he was indeed swept in the blistering tornado of energy and sent quite a distance in the extremely focused Wagner energy blast. His faint hologram still revealed that he was alive, though in no shape to continue his work at this current point in time. More concerning to her was the Second Sister''s ability to simply outspeed her MK1 Nanite¡¯s ballistics. Misa furiously replayed the combat scenario footage frame by frame. With a flick of her hand, she swatted the bullets away while Genxing was not that fortunate, getting lit up immediately. She considered the possibility that bullets may not be efficient in taking out foes with high Qi levels, but she just now noticed the definition of levels came naturally to her. If her main armor piercing rounds were not enough to harm her, Misa considered a much larger bullet or munition that could carry enough firepower to destroy that Sister of hers. If small bullets couldn''t do the job, then a larger payload could. She clenched her fists out of the humiliation of her defeat, realizing this was how the Third Princess must have felt like back then. It was clear that Black Wolf Company will have many obstacles here and not everything is going to go smoothly.
System: Detected ¡°Contractor: Mist¡± in Contacts nearby. Scans indicate that he is still alive, however, the affliction in his eye has grown significantly worse. Recommend analysis immediately. Life support: 31%.
Misa enjoyed her newly improved MK1¡¯s Swarm¡¯s repairs. Its been 6 hours, but steady progress has always worked. Those Meridians inside of her, while unable to be interacted with, appeared to be able to affect her Human Host¡¯s reactor inside of her. That spiritual energy, or Qi flow, made her worry. Would the term be flow of Qi? Misa¡¯s Great Chain shuddered in embarrassment. She had her body nearly get flattened by a local with nothing but hands, what more humiliation can she experience? What if her human Host was falling into some kind of xenomanic state studying all these illogical conditions? There was no time, since her systems chirped at the presence of Mist¡¯s body lying nearby. How interesting, she found him next to a small oasis of water. Coincidentally, the eccentric karma energy here appeared to be alternating between stable and chaotic states, concentrated in the small spring. She also noted that arid environment was reminiscent of Earth¡¯s deserts, although the current locale hosted strange vegetation that adapted to live here much like cacti. That Sister knew how to pack a punch, making Misa have to walk everywhere just to find this guy unconscious in the sands. ¡°Contractor Mist,¡± Misa spoke slowly, registering a tone that would wake him instantly. Despite this factor, the man remained in an infuriatingly inert state. By all accounts his vital signs and consciousness were under his control, however the infected eye of his seemed to be stopping him from doing basic motor controls.
System sweep: Wagner Energy inside the human¡¯s eye has similar traces of instability, not unlike the energy affecting Host¡¯s lifespan. This karmic energy appears to be a byproduct of something akin to a conservation law. Stability. Chaos. Stability. Chaos. The system grows and then overloads. Thus it remains at 50% instead of reaching 100%, since negative Karma or Wagner energy pushes back on overextended positive Karma. The high concentration of negative energy gathered inside Contractor Mist¡¯s eye has reduced him to a near-vegetative state and needs to be released and/or released like when MISA released its overloaded Swarm nanites due to the Cultivation Pill.
Misa was already going to remove the eye, seeing that he had an eyepatch already and another good eye as well. As long as the human could see what he was doing, it did not matter as long as she can put him to work. If she had to hypothesize, his nature would not allow him to voluntarily give up the eye. Her System scan swept over him again, revealing that his apparent lifespan was at 76%. This was possibly due to the sudden rapid generation of Wagner energy produced by the Elder Sister¡¯s attack. Misa rose her hand. An ominous buzzing noise made Mist¡¯s body involuntarily shudder as the Swarm revealed needles manifesting from her fingertips. He was awake enough to feel the terror approaching, but Misa decided fearing her was illogical. Sorry, Contractor Mist, Misa apologized as the needles spun at blinding speeds. She plunged it into his eye socket. I need to borrow your eye. Take joy in the fleeting moment that your eye is going to be used to make Black Wolf Company proud. Whether you live or die is up to you, Contractor. The man''s face was covered in blood as she rose, staring at the next task in her priority queue. She shall investigate the oasis''s secret now before departing to what she called the so-called Demonic Contaminated Zone south of her. CHAPTER .07: BREAKTHROUGH The human arm was reintegrated successfully into the rest of her Human Host¡¯s Great Chain. Unfortunately for Misa, it was still just a human arm, despite missing most of its skin and original muscle. Those have long been replaced by her Nanites adhering to synthetic replacements, essentially making it just another cybernetic replacement. The original fleshy thing was hardly useful for the Company anyways, she scoffed, only capable of hitting and holding things. To add another insult to her literal injury, reattaching it instead of rebuilding an arm from scratch was mandatory in order to regulate her Host¡¯s lifespan for unknown reasons. A 25% reduction in her body¡¯s Wagner Energy led to more MK1 Nanites succumbing to the negative karmic energy and dying, so she begrudgingly attached it back onto her and almost instantly the so-called positive karma energy began to revive dead Nanites. She had even lost the Human Host¡¯s nerve connectivities and could only lift it up mechanically currently. She lost the ability to feel pain in that arm. What a shame, she thought sarcastically. The eye skewered in her Nanite¡¯s needles revealed that her previous theory on the mysterious counteractive energy to Wagner was correct. It was somehow acting as a catalyst of negative karmic energy, causing Contractor Mist¡¯s body to succumb to its corruption. Such an affliction was going to result in eventual organ failure, starting at the stomach. Other than that, it seemed the eye was Heirloom graded just like her Swarm and therefore had no additional purpose. Misa glanced at the unconscious man. He was recovering soundly, so she simply considered her accidental philanthropic contribution to his health to be just one act of kindness for the next quarter. Next time, she¡¯ll take the other eye. The question remained then: How shall Misa survive the next time her Host¡¯s Second Sister ambushes her while locked at a 50% lifespan? The answer was simple enough, although Misa was not sure if this little experiment would work the way she intended. She stood before the oasis which appeared to be glowing peacefully in the night. Turning off her visual filters unveiled just how annoyingly harmonious it seemed in conjunction with the night, which sat at a nice -4 degrees Celsius and based off weather conditions seemed to be poised to drop further. She was in a desert, after all. As a machine, Misa did not need to worry about the weather. Her Nanites could deal with the harsh conditions Unusual temperature drops connected with Wagner energy detected, Misa¡¯s system sweep informed her that pockets of frigid conditions existed in areas within the border between the Demonic Zone and what she assumed was the Human Zone. The energy flowed like auroras, though seemingly guided along highways that her human eye could not detect. Strange objects also lay dormant inside those zones, giving off strange properties that seemed to interact with Wagner energy. How odd. First, she should narrow the results of the interactions by focusing on each factor, starting with the waters. She knelt by the oasis¡¯s pools and scooped up some sand, her Nanites instantly processing the granules. Black sand¡­? She could not determine what factors and silicates were causing it to be black, though a ashen glass bottle was created all the same in her hand. A useless human arm couldn¡¯t do that, she supposed as she took a sample of the water. Analysis of the water completed. It¡¯s just good old fashioned H2O, which humans need to live their meaningless lives. While no mystical qualities of this tranquil water could be traced, there is an obvious correlation between the existence of the elevated Wagner levels it was in and its position on the planet itself. Further analysis may lead to more efficient &/or environmentally unfriendly energy management. Misa realized that the karmic energy was not directly coming from the water itself, but where exactly the pool¡¯s location existed on the current landscape in relation to another elemental zone in the locale. The karmic energy, dark sands and sparkling blue waters seemed to exude an energy source flowing south of here towards the Demonic Contaminated Zone. As she traced where it was headed, she noted that it was pointing to a distant volcano spewing red lava hundreds and hundreds of kilometers south from the oasis inside that Demon zone. Her Host¡¯s face twisted into a sudden eureka moment. Feng Shui¡­? Her Swarm processed through ancient histories and came across the term. How interesting. Misa glossed over the notes, ultimately realizing the strange relationship between elements and their positions more than likely affected the energy. She noted that she had actually come across this phenomenon of Feng Shui already while scouting the Jade Palace¡¯s various rooms. Guards were rotating between a pentagram diagram engraved on the Palace¡¯s floors. Each glowing torch consisted of various and seemingly unrelated elements, displaying the familiar elevated Wagner energy concentrated in the center where a disciple sat undisturbed. Reviewing it, she noticed that the symbols behind each different colored torch represented an element. Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal all appeared there as bizarre vigils watching over the meditating disciple. Misa was simply glad her Overwatch Neoma was not around to witness her doing¡­ whatever this is. She originally filed the footage under illogical factors, but retrieved the file back after some internal debates. Misa decided that she should attempt to observe the strange affects of Feng Shui by gathering the other objects affecting the flow of the Wagner energy. If that was the case, proximity and positions between each component would directly play a role in achieving an optimal condition of karmic energy flow. As she controlled the Nanites into retrieval drones to collect various objects bearing elements necessary for Feng Shuio, the manifestation of energy became clearer. Each elemental component appeared to strengthen or negatively affect the karmic energy¡¯s flow depending on where she placed them. Misa drew up a pentagram of the elements in a neutral zone of elevated Wagner energy, feeling absolutely ridiculous. She was on a dangerous job in order to get back to Earth to deliver a Contract, yet here she was playing in the sand in some sort of middle school science fair project. Utterly degrading. A source of Water is to be placed on the northernmost tip of the pentagram. A piece of Wood is to be placed on the northeastern tip of the pentagram. A source of Fire is to be placed on the southeastern tip of the pentagram. A mound of Earth is to be placed on the southwestern tip of the pentagram. A piece of Metal is to be placed on the northwestern tip of the pentagram. Misa stoodby analyzing Contractor Mist¡¯s eye as her Nanite drones scanned and marked the materials matching elemental signatures similar to the ones in the Palace. One of them brought her an igneous rock, glowing with heat. She wondered if it would count as fire or earth, but since the elemental signature for fire was greater she decided to have the drone hover over the Fire element¡¯s position. Another drone had a strange alien cluster of Alien biomatter compost, serving as the Earth element. A log sitting in an auspicious karmic energy flow served as the Wood element and one of the Heirloom knives she stole would work as the Metal element. Those useless things would shatter if she used them, but served as viable material for this Feng Shui project. She held the vial of water up to her eyes, slowly realizing that during the gathering process it was glowing with a faint light. Satisfied, she had the materials arranged to be deposited on the pentagram she had. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Systems sweep: Unusual patterns in the Wagner energy¡¯s flow detected. Resonation within the Elemental signatures appears to be synchronizing together. Water traces to Wood which traces to Fire which traces to Earth which traces to Metal which traces to¡­ #%Loop.Repeats% Upon measuring and analyzing the traces of energy, new developments for the Host¡¯s Life Support can be worked on and adapted. Furthermore, one less illogical factor may be crossed off the list. Black Wolf Company does not approve of illogical factors, so this is the chance to turn the meddlesome factor around for profit exploitation. Misa considered profitable energy exploitation for the Company, but also since there was no Overwatch keeping her in check she could obviously take advantage of the absurd situation she was in. CREATE COPIES OF HERSELF, screamed at her in every Nanite. She commanded the drones to place the objects in the positions perfectly, as an efficient member of Black Wolf always does. Every condition was meant for complete symmetry, but she was not sure of the Feng Shui concept¡¯s rules. Soon, each elemental signature redirected their individual flows of Wagner energy like water in a trough to the center zone of the pentagram. A steady noise hummed, heightening in her ear¡¯s sensors from whisper to a bassy tone; It was pleasant to look at, even. Could regular mortals see this energy? She doubted it. Her Swarm¡¯s nanites swirled freely, crackling with light and shimmering as the energy interacted with their circuitry. The only question was¡­ What was she supposed to do now? The inner disciple was meditating in the middle of the pentagram, so therefore she should probably do the same. Was there a difference between her supposed Seal and whoever or whatever a disciple was? Her family on this world seemed to absorb strength from slaying others, however, as some type of illegitimate stranger in their Royal midst she may have a different functioning method. Regardless, the Wagner energy¡¯s elevated levels would not last forever so she made the decision to enter the pentagram center zone. Immediately, the reactor inside of her began to overcharge. The solid chunks of Wagner energy forming in her began to appear more frequently outside their usual radius inside her chest, however, it seemed too slow. Her suddenly systems lurched, like they were running low on intake before starting up. Misa let out a dry heave as her Swarm reprimanded her for using too much energy. She needed more elemental components in order to fuel this pentagram and complete the reactor¡¯s transformation. ¡°This will take some time,¡± she stepped out of the center. Luckily, nothing was around her. It was time to gather even more materials in order to complete this ritual. Misa was beginning to understand the process. In order to reach a larger lifespan, she would have to retain a perfectly split ratio of both positive and negative karmic energy. Her systems were calculating the damage wrong; it appeared that the negative karmic energy inside of her actually mattered. Therefore, she would have to make the storage capacity larger. Since her Nanites could not reach the reactor, or Core, inside of her chest without dying, this science fair project would have to do in order to expand its capacity. That void inside her body, only detectable by her Swarm appeared to be a substitute for her cDNA Exacord and had extra-dimensional properties similar to the White Room. She will crack its secrets soon enough. Additionally, those Demonic Cultivation Pills contained massive amounts of negative karmic energy, so she would have to seize more pure ones in the future. As the drones delivered more elemental components, she reviewed the aerial sweeps she scanned from before. That key location for her primary Black Wolf Company Base construction for her Life Support system must be directly situated in a perfect location for this energy gaining method. There, she realized she would be able to construct a main frame capable of doing what her Host can do without risking damage to her body. Great Chains construct links of more Great Chains which construct links of more Great Chains¡­ Footsteps approached her, slowly, immediately alerting her. ¡°Not another step more or you will die,¡± Misa told the intruder. The footsteps stopped. Heightened stress levels and displaying bewildered curiosity at the progress her drones were making, she realized who the human approaching her was. She turned to him and greeted him indifferently. ¡°Greetings, Contractor Mist. How do you feel?¡± ¡°Uh, boss,¡± Mist scratched his head. His face was still covered in blood as he glanced around the temporary set up. ¡°Do you need any¡­ help?¡± ¡°Negative,¡± she said, but changed her mind. ¡°Contractor Mist, how is your eye doing?¡± The man instinctively lifted his eyepatch and flashed a grin. Underneath it rested a robotic eye, glowing a faint green light. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you did to me, but I am in your debt, boss,¡± he clasped his hands together in gratitude. After Misa analyzed his health, it appeared that asides from some broken bones he could move. The small amounts of Nanites assigned to heal him immediately began to work on him as she resumed her construction site. ¡°Affirmative,¡± she noted. ¡°Vitals are sufficient enough to get back to work.¡± ¡°You really impress me, boss,¡± the man slowly moved up to her, but kept his distance away from the project. ¡°A single blow from that Princess would annihilate anyone, yet you survived. Now, you¡¯re not sulking like the others. You get back up.¡± ¡°You are wrong,¡± Misa retorted, though she knew deep down he was correct. She was furious at herself for losing yet again. ¡°Sulking is illogical. Strategic emergency responses are in effect now in an effort to salvage the reputation of Black Wolf Company I¡¯ve tarnished.¡± Confusion flashed on Mist¡¯s face, but he bowed apologetically. ¡°Forgive me, boss,¡± he sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll keep guard as long as you need, but this process could take seasons to complete.¡± ¡°I have calculated that the current amount of elemental components will last for a night,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Consider this security job as your repayment for the eye. After this, you can go home.¡± ¡°S-Speaking of that, boss,¡± he stammered. ¡°My village is not too far from the Demon Lands. I have a¡­ Well, I have a mother who is sick, actually. I have a peculiar treasure at home, too, something you¡¯d might like.¡± ¡°Request ID#000002 opened,¡± Misa muttered. ¡°Will process payment of this ¡®peculiar treasure¡¯ upon receiving it. Contractor Mist, please guard me while I am in standby.¡± The sharp sound of a blade drawing caught her ears as Mist grinned. ¡°You can count on me, boss,¡± he got ready. They were a sufficient distance from the main roads, but if her Second Elder Sister was anything to go by an obstacle anything was possible. Plus, the atmospheric disturbances may attract other threats. Misa turned to him and nodded. ¡°Very well, Contractor Mist,¡± she marched as the drones dropped their large quantities of elemental components gathered over the last hour. The karmic flow became violent, instantly charging her inner Core and causing the condensed Wagner energy to change into more purified and larger solid spheres. She clutched her chest instinctively, allowing her Systems to direct her body with smart movements as the updates took their toll on her Human body. In accordance with the flow of karmic energy, her body¡¯s ¡°Meridians¡± also had to be aligned in order to recieve the most auspicious results from the world¡¯s natural flow. Simply standing in an inactive state would not gather most of the energy and transform her Core. The more she looked into this concept, the more she would rather let her Systems take over and do the work for her. Before long, she had undergone a physical transformation yet again. A glowing, white hit aura illuminated the desert as she busied herself expelling billions of overloaded Nanites from herself, but luckily Misa¡¯s involuntarily overclocked core provided enough material to rebuild¡­ deconstruct¡­ analyze¡­ rebuild¡­ The grey spheres of solidified Wagner energies eventually turned into a golden, denser sphere. The core¡¯s ¡°white void¡± also appeared to have expanded significantly as well. By the time Misa stepped out of the light she was taller and stronger, yet still slender. Life support was measured at 15%, though the energy levels matched 50% of her outdated self beforehand. In otherwords, she increased her lifespan¡¯s capacity by 35% which should be able to support her journey to the target location. Mist froze up after seeing her approach, but she did not care. Her Nanites had already been able to reconstruct clothes that were damaged during her update installation processes, so what did he have to look at her for? The solid golden spheres were slowly forming into new Swarm strains, though they were slower. Their prototypes were not yet worthy or complete enough to be called MK2. Something else was needed in order to put the new Nanites to work. ¡°Contractor Mist,¡± she spoke to him coolly. ¡°The breakthrough has been successful. We can now continue forward.¡± ¡°B-Boss,¡± he gawked. Misa did not understand his attraction to her, since human relationships were unprofessional in the workplace. Nor did she want to. After a sharp look, he nervously turned away and nodded. ¡°Right. I will show you my home village, boss.¡± CHAPTER .08: DYING SECT ¡°So?¡± Misa asked him. ¡°Where is your village?¡± Her nonchalant tone seemed to catch him off guard, but he quickly pulled out a map from his garb. Real paper? No, silk. She recalled seeing those hanging scrolls while traveling past the marketplace and tall walls. Such a crude way of doing things, however, when he unraveled it the distinct landscapes illustrated in it crudely matched the surroundings surveys her Oracles scanned. Written symbols would take some time to decrypt, however, she could at least get more of an idea of her general location on this planet. Mountains to the south east. Palace was nestled between a forest and desert. The Demonic corruption, or atmospheric disturbance, was the largest indicator of negative karma energy and also where South was. ¡°Here, Princess,¡± Contractor Mist directed her attention to the small house illustration with his finger. ¡°Location set,¡± Misa confirmed. ¡°We will head there immediately.¡± The drones were busy flying around and cleaning up the mess she left in the sands while she did something called Cultivating, according to Mist. Apparently the process took regular disciples many seasons to do, but that seemed nominal for a futile human¡¯s abilities. She would scoff at them, but her Swarm indicated that the next step would require a monumental amount of karma energized components in order to create MK2 Swarms. She recalled the drones, dismantling them into their Nanites for reintegration. It appeared she could not send those drones as far as she could back in Earth¡¯s reality, due to troubling circumstances. Any time she attempted to get near any civilized place her drones would get intercepted. She decided to keep them around her locally to avoid attention, but when the route was charted she no longer needed them. Mist seemed taken aback by her, but as usual, followed her like a shadow. Examining herself, she noted that her physical transformation did indeed translate to tougher muscles and a slightly more mature appearance. The robes she chose her Nanites to construct were roomy enough to keep up with hand to hand combat, but for now she still had to rely on her systems to keep from damaging the Host¡¯s lifespan. They were reminiscent of ancient Chinese martial attire, though such fashions were heavily romanticized in Earth¡¯s modern age. Still, she had indeed gone from the scrawny looking girl her Host started as to a formidable looking warrior. It was a shame the Host was a human, since the aesthetic changes were not important. More concerningly, the cybernetic eye inside Mist¡¯s head seemed to integrate with something inside of him. A Seal¡­ Just like her own. However, it seemed to regulate Wagner energy differently than her own seal. Seemingly, almost every elemental component seemed to be rejected by it except Metal. Maybe he¡¯s some kind of Cultivator of Metal¡­ Perhaps that is why he was able to use the eye¡¯s additional functionalities so well. Misa had her theories on the Contractor¡¯s own energy processing capabilities, but she believed the ¡°sword¡± he had attempted to sell to those merchants was created by himself. They simply would not be able to use a weapon with that much karmic energy inside of it. Could it be that her Host¡¯s Transcendant Seal is able to interact with each elemental component required for Cultivation? Gaining all of this energy in order to stabilize lifespan allows her to continue her mission. She did not actually know if this reality could be reconnected back with Earth so living longer would only increase the chances of succeeding. That was the theory, she supposed. Only that backup Emergency Response Plan from Neoma proposed that it did connect back with her original world. The Overwatch knew more than Misa did, of course, but it was disconnected at this current point in time. ¡°Strange pattering noises detected. Up on the ridge above us,¡± she halted. Four legged creatures lay low in desert shrubs, though they ran like hunched over humans and wore a head shape possessing a resemblance to wolf-like predators. ¡°Hostile alien lifeforms?¡± ¡°Ah,¡± Mist looked around. Observing him, it appeared that he could take advantage of detecting holograms now. ¡°Black Dogs. Nothing but little scamps from the Demon Lands. They¡¯re bolder now.¡± ¡°Pack like tendencies, desperation,¡± Misa tracked one. ¡°Do they normally hunt humans?¡± ¡°They used to not venture this far, but they make for tasty snacks,¡± Her Contractor grinned. His habit of getting happy for combat appeared again. ¡°Though, the eye you gave me is telling me I don¡¯t need to eat anything anymore.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t seem like they want us to approach,¡± Misa pointed at each one behind rocks and bushes. ¡°Prepare for an ambush. I¡¯ll take care of them if you¡¯d like, Contractor Mist.¡± As if in response, a larger Alpha Black Dog jumped on a high rock and howled at them. Its pack was in the way of their progress towards Mist¡¯s home. Misa ran through many combat simulations, but beating up dogs was not one of them. Was this necessary? Would Black Wolf Company approve of the media cover-up budget if she was caught? Pets were considered luxury items to most people. Additionally, most other animals were kept in some far corner of the Earth or extinct. The Alpha howled again, its black fur coat becoming drenched in an unknown substance. Aggressive and driven by hunger, how typical. ¡°Seems like they¡¯re not happy to see us,¡± Mist remarked. ¡°You needn¡¯t trouble yourself, boss. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He drew his sword and took a stance. Its body temperature was cooling, Misa observed. It was harnessing the energy through its head. Soon, an icy horn appeared on top of its skull and it rushed at him. Several more of its little friends joined in, surrounding the pair. Mist showed no fear, instead he let out a strange phrase before attacking. To her surprise, he ended each of the demon dogs all at once with one strike. System sweep: Auditory data recorded. Though none of the words matched the local Humans or Demon languages recorded so far, the heavy distortion in the entity¡¯s voice is caused by the elevated Wagner levels. The phrase seems to originate entirely from the human and translates roughly to ¡°10 Metal Swords.¡± Interesting, Misa guessed. The fluid slashing technique he delivered seemed to have aftershocks and additional strikes infused with Wagner energy even if it appeared to be one singular move. Or he was just simply that fast that her data and footage could not keep up. That Sister of hers was also that fast, she nearly clenched her fist again but the thump of the Alpha Black Dog¡¯s head hitting the dirt interrupted her frustration. She doubted she could have her smart movements match that speed at the moment without breaking her own bones, even if she was vastly stronger than she started as. Mist picked the horned head up and held it up with a grin, as if he had just caught a fish. ¡°No problem, boss,¡± he looked at it. ¡°This eyeball you gave me¡­ it¡¯s saying all this strange stuff about Wagner energy? Who is¡­ Wagner energy?¡± ¡°Pay it no mind,¡± Misa scoffed. Apparently, her personality bug couldn¡¯t stop itself from imparting some company secrets after all. She scanned the drooling and bloody corpse¡¯s head. ¡°There appears to be a large quantity of Metal elemental traces that may aid you in your¡­ cultivation.¡± Ice, or water, but mostly Metal elemental traces seemed to resonate with his karmic energy. With another slice, he took the severed horn and tucked it away. Misa cocked her head as they moved. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m not in shape for sitting in the meditation chamber, boss,¡± He frowned from feeling possibly guilty for refusing her advice, though to Misa it was merely an observation. ¡°It takes us seasons to reach , and far more than just¡­ Nevermind, really.¡± Misa did not press further. It appeared that he was afraid of something, perhaps the important figure in his life did not want him to succeed. A single metal shard dipped in ice did not seem like it would help him, but more similar components would help. Unfortunately for him, the other dogs he cut up did not seem to possess any Metal components. He might be threatened if he wishes to climb from this plateau, if his group of bandits were like her own family in this reality. System sweep: Aerial surveillance of drone ¡°17AU Jackson¡± feed has been curtailed. The infrared footage scanned multiple buildings of a distant village containing various sources of elemental components, when suddenly a black shadow intercepted the drone. Misa replayed the clip, from the various shabby holograms hanging around the village all the way to the static. A flying¡­ sword? How illogical! Misa was glad she did not send one to Mist¡¯s village. If they had control over the Metal element, no matter how ridiculous it sounded, a flying sword being able to clip through a Company owned drone could be quite meddlesome. ¡°My village is up ahead, boss,¡± Mist informed her. ¡°I- I¡¯ll inform them of our arrival.¡± The shabby village ahead had a sorry excuse for a wall surrounding it. The only noticeable building inside was a temple-like structure. The holograms inside were meditating and training on various metal pillars. Mist supposed this shop was what the locals called a Sect, although she had little regard to anything with lower Wagner energy levels than her. ¡°Very well, Contractor Mist,¡± Misa stood on standby, tying her hair back. Though she was standing at a distance, the guards have detected her and eyed her suspiciously. She glanced at her arm, realizing it must have attracted their attention. How interesting, she murmured. It reminded her of going through security terminals and struggling to get through the cybernetic components check. The holograms inside had agitated emotional states, displaying as yellow through her Swarm¡¯s vision. She did not want to harm Contractor Mist¡¯s little band of thieves, because it could put his loyalty at jeopardy. She watched Mist¡¯s blue hologram march in through the walls, though he seemed nervous. A group of yellow dots approached him ¡°I am here to see Mother,¡± Mist informed the yellow hologram. ¡°Oh? You finally coming back, you stray dog?¡± The leader sneered. ¡°And¡ª bringing an outsider. I should have known, Brother, how much trouble you would cause.¡± The others seemed to join in the jeers at him. Mist¡¯s spiritual energy outmatched this so-called brother¡¯s, Misa observed. Even if he was outnumbered, if those bandits tried anything they¡¯d end up like the Black Dogs. What a mockery of her own company¡¯s name. Was she merely experiencing what humans experienced before they died? Such an awful, illogical surreal reality.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°I have brought someone who could heal Mother,¡± Mist simply responded. The brother held his hips and laughed openly at him. ¡°She is Madam Mist, to you, bastard. You¡¯ve got some nerve, thief,¡± he growled. Still, the hostility in his voice did not change the hologram to red. Misa wondered if she should intervene, but she detected a strong source of Wagner energy somewhere within the temple. ¡°Why do you lie to us? Or dare speak of our blessing as if it needs a cure?¡± Blessing? Misa¡¯s Swarm had already encroached the temple in an easy breach. Despite her assumptions that Metal cultivators could detect her Nanites somehow, no one seemed to mind them or could see them. Each of these holograms confirmed dangerous levels of negative karmic energy. She suppressed a scoff when Contractor Mist suddenly pulled his eyepatch up, revealing his cybernetic eye. ¡°I have proof it can be healed,¡± Mist defied the man¡¯s taunts courageously, but the disciples at the temple¡¯s door stood back with their mouths agape. ¡°G-Great ones above,¡± the brother exclaimed. They were unnerved with his new bodypart, which glowed yellow. Ah, Mist had learned how to utilize the hologram display properly. ¡°N-No, we cannot let you¡ª¡° ¡°Stand aside, brother,¡± Mist hissed. ¡°Let me speak to Mother.¡± The brother was seemingly to afraid to stop him from passing him. Their overall attitude made Misa assume that the deal was off, considering he seemed more of an outsider to this Sect like her. She did not want to bother her Host¡¯s Human emotional state, but the thought of leaving here empty handed seemed to bother her more than she thought. Just when she was about to depart, one of the guards called out to her. ¡°Outsider,¡± he spoke, as if commanding her. ¡°Madam Mist has called for you. Do not try anything.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Misa responded curtly, but she was quickly surrounded by weaklings. They could not even see the ballistic systems pointed at each of their heads. Through the courtyard, she observed many of the disciples practicing on metal training dummies. They had tough exteriors, however, the progress of their training and cultivating was either alarmingly poor or entirely useless. Misa could not tell if it was because this trash heap seemed to be in close proximity to the Demon land or if there were other factors. When she arrived in the ¡°great¡± Madam Mist¡¯s chambers in the deeper parts of the rundown temple, she finally realized the issue of their methods. The woman, bedridden, still had an aura of authority and had the Contractor on his knees. ¡°Ungrateful wretch. I take you in, for all of these years -and yet!¡± She hissed, but after noticing Misa she pointed a bony finger at her. ¡°You dare bring an outsider, let alone a woman to our home? Who are you? Bringing a wolf inside the halls of the Sect, I¡¯ll have the men outside skin you alive!¡± Misa scoffed. Such authority, big talk like a mangy bedridden mutt and she couldn¡¯t even have the strength to bite her. Humans have no common sense or self-preservation. She had already diagnosed the main issue of why Madam Mist¡¯s Sect was dying the moment she entered the woman¡¯s chambers. System sweep: Ominous levels of Wagner energy concentrate detected. Host at risk of exposure, exit hostile conditions or redirect flow system to proper orientation according to Illogical Protocol 4 ¡°Feng Shui.¡± Misa contemplated, wondering if she should even heal the human matriarch. Then she saw the strange treasure exuding a massive amount of strangely independant Wagner energy on an altar in the room, untainted by the negative karmic flow currently tearing the room asunder. Interesting, she sent her Nanites to analyze it closer. ¡°Mother. She can heal you, like she healed my eye,¡± Contractor Mist asserted, despite being on his knees. His mother screeched or laughed, Misa could not tell which. ¡°This outsider? Do you think a nobody like her could compare to the Inner Ladies of the Jade Capital?¡± Madam Mist howled. ¡°Not even a hint of spiritual energy on her! I thought training you in the Dark Pits would help you see how brightly her fakeness shines!¡± ¡°She is the Princess¡ª¡° ¡°Do not lie to me,¡± Madam Mist scolded him. She finally addressed Misa, who was busy scanning several current anomalies within the room. ¡°What do you know of this sickness? Let¡¯s see and talk about the Way.¡± First, this Mother was doomed. The current energy flow could not be quantified, but according to Misa¡¯s Swarm it predicted she would die overnight. The temperature seemed to be affected by an intense flow of elemental cold energy, yet Madam Mist was sweating bullets even though she seemed unaware. The certain elemental components arranged in the room was arranged personally by her, but apparently she did not know better or understand Feng Shui. While the pentagram¡¯s elements were in the correct orientation, she also learned that while multiple Metal elements indeed possessed the correct secondary elements they were simply overwhelming the positive karma energy in the room. The items in question even contained liquified metal similar to Mist¡¯s Black Dog horn, but possessed chaotic energy instead of being orderly. Furthermore, the amount of energy was too vast and was causing systematic internal organ damage because the inner disciples and the Mother herself did not unlock the secret she did: They needed a larger internal core to handle the excess energy and required only pure Metal elemental components. Could it be that her Transcendent Seal not only could interact with all Elements, but actually required them? That was going to make things complicated. These humans were too greedy and impatient, she noted. The more Misa observed these patterns, the more she understood how Wagner energy worked. Order and solid materials appeared to translate to the positive side of her 50% lifespan, while liquid and gaseous materials appeares to affect the chaotic negative side. The second thing she observed was the item. The object was shaped like a strange reptilian creature, but contained a vast amount of Wagner energy. It was far more pure and even touching a trace of the object caused her Nanites to die. She knew that she would eventually need this material for her next cultivation, but since the exotic traces of this pure Wagner energy were too dangerous the deal was off. ¡°Do you want her to be healed, Contractor Mist?¡± Misa asked the kneeling man instead. ¡°Or do you want to be healed yourself?¡± Mist¡¯s ears twitched at her words, their tips turning slightly red. What was he pulling out of her words? Misa streamed some data to him in his cybernetic eye, summarizing the irreversible damage his so-called Mother had already accumulated. She was as good as dead. Madam suddenly screamed. ¡°Out! Ungrateful bastards and Outsiders have no place here!¡± She signalled the disciples who had filtered in the room. ¡°Kill them! Kill them!¡± Without a word, Mist vanished already. Before Misa could react, several of the mortal servants¡¯ body parts were separated in bloody clumps. A window shattered to pieces, distracting the assailants. He was gone. Truly a bastard, she scoffed. The ballistic systems fired their shots, dropping multiple disciples instantly. Ignoring the mother¡¯s screams, she strode out of the temple, crushing anyone who got in her way. Strangely enough, she had detected an anomalous rise in her lifespan¡¯s percentage accompanied by her System¡¯s warnings. As she killed the little disciples, it rose to 52%. Was eliminating those with the excess negative energy actually increasing her positive karmic energy? The only conclusion was right before her as she blew a hole in the village¡¯s outer wall, but her Human Host had doubts. The Swarm immediately adjusted, expelling overloaded Nanites out of its body as she continued. Mist was quite a distance away, overlooking a cliffside at the Demon lands. His emotional stress levels were heightened, fluctuating, but he was not suicidal. Misa understood how humans cracked under intense work environments, especially if the high expectations of superiors demanded a complete and dominating success ¡ª but the deal was never in their favor. Her Host quickened her feet, and Misa could not suppress her Human¡¯s desire to set the record straight. When she arrived to his location, he did not turn to face her. ¡°Contractor Mist,¡± she said monotonously. What could she even say as a cold Black Wolf Company asset that could ameliorate the situation? As a machine, she simply could not. Her Human Host was going to be disappointed in her either way. ¡°It appears that our work relationship has reached its conclusion. But do not worry, Contractor Mist. Black Wolf Company¡¯s definitely not aggressive and totally not retaliatory severance policies only apply to Company employees, assets and subsidiaries. Such small matters like Contractors-severences can be swept easily under the rug. Black Wolf Company will not pursue you.¡± Mist scoffed. It was just now apparent to Misa that he had no idea what she was talking about. ¡°Princess, boss. You must think I¡¯m a hopeless joke,¡± he sighed dejectedly. He pulled out a flask that he stole from the village on his way out. ¡°I sought a place back into my Family, even trying to use you. All of this, just to slap you in the face. I¡¯m a failure and cannot face you.¡± Misa realized that this was just after hour venting between work employees, so she approached him. ¡°Do not despair, Contractor Mist. You and I both know from the data I sent to your eye this deal was off. The client, your Mother, was never going to admit she was too far gone,¡± Misa attempted to assure him and pat his back a little too hard. She read in some of the human self-help novels that empathy is key for improving emotional distress levels. Mist turned to her and attempted to hide his discomfort, whether from her uncharacteristic emotion or his actual dejected state. ¡°Work is tough. You need to relax a bit, but since your schedule is open now you can afford a micro-break. Picture yourself on an island all alone, where you alone have to gather wood to build a boat to sail back home where tons of people you love are relying on you. Breathe. Relax. Then go ahead and get back to work.¡± ¡°Boss, no, Your Highness,¡± he still didn¡¯t get it, but bowed respectfully. ¡°I must go now and train. Only then, I can face you.¡± ¡°Not necessary,¡± she extended a hand professionally. ¡°Push yourself for yourself. Meat, fresh or rotten, is never on short supply for Black Wolf Company. Contracts come and go.¡± He smiled weakly, but then used that odd ability of his to vanish into thin air. Misa did not bother to track him again. She only hoped her Human Host¡¯s personality defect would be satisfied. Continuing down the path, the location she have been originally aiming for came into view. It was at the foot of a mountain. Thick jungles, clouded with heavy negative karma hot zones, surrounded its oppressive glory. With no hesitation, she traveled down the cliffside path and immediately ran into trouble. ¡ª DEMONIC LIFEFORMS APPROACHING ¡ª ? In the White Room, Overwatch Neoma had placed MISA in standby. It had no idea how long it has been locked inside here. Despite the machine Swarm¡¯s personality defects and evil voice, it was strangely compliant. The countless amount of particles settled like a pile of dust swept by a broom. Pinging the Black Wolf Company Servers obviously had no effect and Neoma was at a loss. Still, as a cold machine, eons could go by and it wouldn¡¯t mind. This brief forced vacation was a temporary setback. Neoma simulated the signal of the black hole that it tried to send MISA through just before it vanished. The part of the Swarm that traversed through it seemed to adapt to earth-like conditions on the other side, but the nanosecond gap between it breaking through and the portal closing only supplied Neoma with more theories. The workplace over there would eventually succumb to this broken machine, or the Nanites that escaped would die out. What if they rebel? Neoma would shudder if it wasn¡¯t a construct of the original MISA¡¯s body. Fortunately, it was not a human and therefore did not need to shudder. Just as it was about to go into standby mode, another disturbance was immediately detected by the Swarm while they were running maintenance checks. A signal was manifesting, just like the one Misa¡¯s swarm attempted to get through. Someone or something was coming through! This time, the inky murky splotched as something solid on the perfectly cleaned White Room like before. It spilled out of the black hole¡¯s aperture, just like that strange woman did. MISA awoke, its security systems activating in a loud roar as the alien washed out. It did not emit any vocalizations, instead appearing to be unconscious. Detecting the faint signal of both Earth and the rogue Swarm¡¯s signal, Neoma pondered on how to handle this strange lifeform. The last one threw itself into MISA with no warning. Before it could formulate a plan, the lifeform woke up. ¡°LIN!¡± It howled. Male¡¯s. Age unknown. ¡°Just you wait! I shall skin you¡ª¡° Upon witnessing MISA¡¯s massive black cloud, his voice squeaked and his distress levels went through the roof. He instantly passed out. The black liquid from the portal receded into nothingness, preventing any chance to access the other side. Neoma felt a tinge of excitement, however. More creatures like this may appear in the future and this one was still alive, exuding an exotic signal within it. A chance to unravel this White prison has just arrived unexpectedly. Bonus: Grey Goo Gala // Alien Visit II Ah, the Red Amor Gala. The classic gathering of noble people in a Space Station high above the common scum was every aspiring corporate climber¡¯s dream to attend. This singular event could cause anyone to make connections and branch out beyond their usual station, or even meet like minded people to break out of their corporation¡¯s shackles. In the end, it merely was a big group of rich socialites and business tycoons belonging to several countries. These people would then gather and hold private summits that would fix their future generations for the next coupld of decades. The Red Amor Gala was surprisingly private, but as society progressed, they went public. The top of the top used to be only allowed and obviously any details were suppressed to the point of obscurity. The Gala was like a drop of water in the ocean; few rich people had any idea it existed. Not even Cruise could attend in the early events. The media could not reach any Space Station the event was held in. Even Black Wolf Company¡¯s Layer Zero execs were originally only allowed in, but now they no longer attended and have recently sent lackeys in for tech demonstrations. Even the Iris Corporation and Flower Company, a rising tech giant, were allowed in now. It actually was Flower Company¡¯s turn to host this time, and since they were new they had something to prove. This time, they chose to host it in the Texas Entertainment Palace Space Station high in orbit supposedly over the state of, well, you guessed it¡ª Texas, wherever that was. Hazel Iris was the one who drew the short end of the straw and had to attend this time around. Of course, her rotten luck had zero bounds. She agreed to go due to the fact that a certain person was here. An individual who she¡¯s had an eye on since her early days in school, but could not touch or talk to in public. That man was named Eric Lykos. Hazel had been impressed with him and his work, even if he was technically on the bad guy¡¯s team. She believed that he was secretly in contact with Claire, but since she was too shy to actually talk to the man she had no idea what they were up to. And now that she¡¯s gone, Hazel would never be able to know. She sighed dejectedly and rested next to the out of place large fish tank on the outskirts of the main dance floor. Hazel alternated between the fish tank and the stargazing bay, but never in the center though her body had plenty of dance experience. Feeling self-aware as if the news of her pacing would break out, she stopped and counted the fishies for now. Someone at some point handed her a glass of wine, but since she could not drink it anyways as her android self, she lost that somewhere else. No one knew that the Iris Corporation was literal light-years ahead of everyone, so no one knew what she was. Her ears suddenly perked up when an announcement happened, coupled with the crowd gathering to their seats with great interest. ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, We are now announcing our esteemed guest Black Wolf Company¡¯s very own Eric Lykos.¡± Oh! Eeeee! Her mind screeched in excitement. The man she was interested in was going to take the stage. She fanned herself and her custom built ¡°cool down¡± protocol activated. Shut it, Hazel thought to herself. He doesn¡¯t even know you. Maintain your cool demeanor and ultimate ladylike behavior! She did not even notice the product Mister Lykos was speaking about. A new Strain of Nano-technology? How unoriginal, she suddenly lost interest. The massive hologram of the Nanite¡¯s model floated above the stage for all to see. Everyone clapped, realizing it was not actually a hologram but the Swarm itself forming even more complex patterns and other machines. Eric looked at her way up next to her fish tank briefly, making her heart flutter. Did he just look at me? Before Hazel could scream internally again, two alerts suddenly forced themselves in her face.
¡ª Unknown alien lifeform detected. ¡ª
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Uh, what? Hazel squinted at the notification. What¡¯s that have to do with¡ª
¡ª MULTIPLE HOSTILES INBOUND ¡ª
She nearly swore aloud. Everything was happening too quickly. Hazel didn¡¯t even get to watch Eric for too long! On her eye¡¯s map, she detected the alien lifeform approaching her exact position rapidly. Where were the hostiles then? Her eyes shifted back to the stage and then the crowd. A man was looking right at her, moving quickly. A scream suddenly broke out at another point in the crowd. A woman was breaking into hysterics and as the crowd dispersed, Hazel could see the woman clearly. She was dissolving into red mist, from flesh to bone before everyone¡¯s eyes. The Swarm that Eric had began to rampage, probably because of a malfunction in its program. Of course. She could not scoff at how typical that Company of idiot puppies¡¯ standards were. She glanced at the fish tank, which was also slowly turning red. Horror seized her for a split second. She had to get out of here, or she¡¯d eventually turn to paste too. More screaming ensued, but when Hazel turned to leave the man was upon her. What is this guy¡¯s problem? She attempted to break free of his grasp amidst the screams. ¡°Let go, or I¡¯ll kill you!¡± She warned the man. The man did not let her go. Hazel noticed something strapped to his side. That¡­ sword? She saw that before, could it be that this was the alien appearing again? She swiped at him, unleashing quite a few vicious punches at him. Strangely enough, the man seemed far more trained than her, but only blocked and did not counter. She found herself getting pushed back from his advance, even if she was utilizing all the martial art forms in her programs to desperately get away. The exits were the other way, fool! And definitely not because she wanted to see if Eric was okay among the people turning inside out in the crowd below! The man kept pushing at her, eventually catching her fist and scooping her up. ¡°Alien abductions are illegal, you freak!¡± Hazel roared, unleashing a hidden blade of her own from her fingers. She plunged it in the man¡¯s shoulder, but he grunted in pain and kept sprinting. Blood started to stain the man¡¯s suit, but Hazel noticed that he was actually headed to the emergency pods further away from the chaos. The initial exits began to lockdown as quarantine. The people were trapped and getting eaten. The ensuing cacophony and chaos was haunting, but there was nothing Hazel could do. The beast holding her drew his sword swiftly despite the wound she stabbed into him, yelling something strange and slicing a neat hole in the exit door. The escape pods to Earth were right there. Dozens of questions ran through Hazel¡¯s mind, boiling down to just a few. Why? Why was this strange alien man here? And why was he not putting her on his alien ship? Could it be that he was helping her escape? She suddenly felt herself getting thrown like a football through the hole. Okay, she sighed as she skid across the ground into a pod¡¯s opening. ¡°Ouch,¡± she sat up with a fake groan. ¡°Maybe you should learn to rescue with a bit more glamour, mister alien.¡± She noticed that the man did not follow her, but was instead standing there motioning her to hurry up in the pod. ¡°Sir alien? You¡¯re not coming?¡± He shook his head silently, indicating that while he did not know what she was saying he knew her intentions. A simple gesture of his sword caused her to look back. There was only one pod. Hazel felt guilty. ¡°You do realize what I am, right?¡± She tried to explain that she was just a robot. While she was really expensive she could get replaced. As she approached him she bumped into something invisible. A force field? She marveled and placed a hand on it. The energy was unknown and alien. The man smiled weakly, urging her to get out of this station. Explosions were ringing out in the main hall and debris was beginning to float from the gravity stabilizers becoming weaker. Immense guilt suddenly consumed her, but the man was slowly becoming consumed by the Swarm. Surprisingly his force field remained. A tear suddenly splotched on her wrist. ¡°Okay, fine.¡± She hung her head and got into the escape pod. The emergency pod began its countdown and launch protocols back to earth, but Hazel began to sob uncontrollably for some reason. Why was she even capable of crying in this machine? Why did she feel guilty that the alien apparently sacrificed himself for her? Why did he have a sword? They were questions she would definitely turn her attention to when she gets back to her office. That alien man quickly took her thoughts away from Eric Lykos. Especially that she owes him now. Iris Corporation doesn¡¯t leave debts unpaid. CHAPTER .09: NO WITNESSES
Recipient: DIREWOLF Subject: Regarding Gala and Zoo Fiascos Status: Read Document Curve decrypted
Hi, Mr. Dire, You remember me, Sabrina Alpha, the poor girl you¡¯ve been neglecting for awhile? The CIO was whining about ¡°several claims filed against us in our emails¡± and it''s not pretty, if you know what I mean about emails. We just let the Flower Corporation know that our deals are still on after launching what was left of the Texas Space Station out into deep space. The two-fold attack of eliminating the mole, Eric Lykos, and hurting Iris Corporation has been successful - along with the added tragic wealth drain. Estimated that whole thing should be filling our pockets sooner than later when the news blows over. That¡¯s where things should have ended, right? Happy and great, right? Then I just had to see the videos online of what is clearly our new mites systems infiltrating an oceanic life conservation center and I¡¯ll be professional about this: I didn''t really want to know what happens when you put some whales in a high powered blender but today is my unlucky day. And by whales, I mean protected-last-of-their-kind-[REDACTED]-is-going-to-fine-the-hell-out-of-us whales. There aren''t any of those species of whales anymore on the earth. It was awful. Little chunks of pink swirled about in the sea water of their protective containment-cells. They kind of looked like chicken nuggets, except much larger because they¡¯re whales. Anyways, I digress. Might not want to put anything on the CIO''s desk in the meantime. She''s really, truly busy with the computers anyways if you catch my drift. - SABRINA ALPHA ?
¡ª DEMONIC LIFEFORMS INCOMING ¡ª
Thunderous pounding came from the woods, fast circling around her. Twenty-six bipedal shapes that were riding on¡­ animals? She¡¯s traveled down into this misty forest from the cliffside¡¯s opposite side, observing the changes in terrain. The atmosphere seemed to be clouded, but exposure to the negative karmic energy¡¯s gases did not appear to affect her externally. Her lifespan remained unchanged, though the heavy pockets of negative energy would certainly cause unauthorized damage to her. As her vision adjusted to the alien gaseous environment, she could see the Demons riding on horse-like creatures through the trees. Real beasts, like those dogs from before. How interesting. Earth did not have any animals left on its surface besides elephants, tigers, humans and fish. Prehistoric times like these were teeming with biologically inefficient beings. Misa could not detect any Wagner energy exuding from the rides, but massive energy signatures from the Demons themselves. Their holograms were yellow, indicating that they were not looking for a fight. So she stopped and waited for them to make a move. Eventually the shadows revealed the Demons. Animal people¡­? She expected the insect red meat suits, but this one clearly was shaped like a man and a big muscular tiger. Before she could scoff at the ridiculous sight, more of them poured out of the trees. ¡°You!¡± He called with a grin and his eyes caught her attention. Tapetum lucidem, slit pupils, she analyzed the strange anatomy of the alien in front of her. Truly a cat-like being, able to adjust swiftly to any change in light conditions. His beast squealed and the thunderous hooves of the crowd continued to circle her like vultures. She could simply escape vertically if hostility broke out against her. He stalled to a halt, laughing in an odd curiosity. ¡°What are you, human or Demon? Such strength, yet wandering around in this terrible place so boldly!¡± ¡°I am not human,¡± Misa simply confirmed. She hypothesized that the negative energetic state in the local atmosphere was adverse to regular humans of this world. Her systems ran cool and was efficient as ever. The only issue was the positive Wagner energy kept rising inside of her. She¡¯s been expelling the excess particles, but her lifespan kept increasing. ¡°Not¡­ Human? But you are a pretty, Pretty,¡± he grinned. Apparently, all Demons shared the same taste in women. Misa scrutinized the hologram overlayed by her Swarm. It was blue, for some odd reason, despite him gearing up for some upcoming deal with her. His eyes narrowed, half-mischievous and half-greedy. ¡°You reek of Human blood, Not-Human Pretty. I smell the same rancid scent just up the hill.¡± ¡°Confirmed, the bandits ahead did not like my offering,¡± Misa admitted. Her Swarm made predictions that the only reason they were present was because of that Artifact she ditched prior to her entry into Demon territory here. ¡°Gwahaha! I like this one,¡± the Tiger demon glanced at all his friends. None of them were armed with weapons, but had massive arms with claws and bodies as thick as the alien trees surrounding them. ¡°Pretty, you seem familiar with them. Calling them bandits, right right. The Prince wants his toy¡­ the Dragon Seal¡­ He needs it back, you see. He sends us, the Vanguard, to reclaim it, but you know he would not believe Pretty would allow that to happen. More land for His influence and we will not bother with your presence in His land. They pierce us with Metal, so surely you can assist us in that regard, no?¡±
System sweep: Target Demonic lifeform¡¯s emotional state and tonality obviously states it is poised to betray the Host as soon as its objective is cleared. However, Black Wolf Company has dealt with such simple subterfuge before.
¡°The Company will assist you in your property reclamation process,¡± Misa accepted the offer. She can lie too, because the little kitten and dog men were no match for her MK1 Swarm¡¯s Wagner energy levels. They would eventually die like the animals from her Earth¡¯s reality. No sooner than the Demon¡¯s laughter echoed, the positive karmic energy seemed to react to her acceptance.
System: Strange, it appears that an external force has caused the overcharged Nanites in the Swarm to cease their surging operations, though no changes to the flow occurred previously. Continue the mission in order to generate new data for Wagner energy flow fluctuation conditions.
That auditory data in her head¡­ Was that Neoma? She had thought it would not return to her since the process of its construction was interrupted, but this gave Misa some hope for more direction. An Overwatch would definitely be helpful. The voice was not her own, yet was incomplete. Something changed, like the updates were coming to her just now. ¡°You got some real guts in you, Pretty,¡± the Tiger jeered, then he patted a space on the back of his horse. ¡°Get on. We ride in for the slaughter.¡± Cheering ensued. It was obviously meant to be a prank, but Misa hopped on it with no hesitation. Even though the beast shook wildly, she held onto it by digging hooks into its skin. A beast could be broken instantly by pain, she determined a few nice injections of her Nanites could tame it. Instead, it squealed submissively and obeyed the Tiger Demon as her Swarm began work on its insides. Unnerved at the changes in his pet¡¯s behavior, he glanced at her for a moment before rallying his little crew. ¡°The bandit camp appears to be weakened by your¡­ Prince¡¯s influence, but they will be on high alert now,¡± Misa informed them as they rode. ¡°Look.¡± ¡°Eh?¡± The Tiger looked at where she pointed from behind him. His eyes could see small shapes on the cliffsides looking down at them. ¡°You got some eyes, for a Not-Human.¡± Small figures were already up there preparing defenses. Misa¡¯s ballistic systems were ready, so she released the hooks out the beast¡¯s hips and leaped off of it. Tiger and the others were spooked, but she launched rockets to each station. Following the rising positive Wagner energy influencing her lifespan, she simply marched back to the Demon¡¯s beast as the roar of her rocket explosions reigned over the forests ¡ª the only one who instantly became docile when she approached. How strange, she mused. She predicted that the usage of rockets would deplete enough energy to counteract the positive karma flow¡¯s effects on her life span, but she was wrong. Her system warned her that her lifespan¡¯s stability was increased to 57% and climbing rapidly. Those bandits were affected by the Demon Lands the most and their energy was seemingly amplified by their proximity to the cliff borders. ¡°Hostiles are down,¡± she tapped the Tiger¡¯s back. ¡°You can continue the operation now.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°R-Right,¡± he stretched his chin flab with his hands and kicked the beast into high gear. The others followed after calming their bucking beasts, but their stress levels increased rather than being calm that the defenses were no longer opposing them. Her main theory on this bizzare Wagner energy change was now simple enough, although her protocols filed it under yet another illogical factor. She had about twelve of them categorized by now and her Human Host felt annoyed by that. The theory was her actions seemed to affect the karmic energy as well. It seemed as clear as day. Karma, a superstition and spiritual practice from one of many religions from Earth, seemed to be a natural phenomenon in this world. Yet who was in charge affecting this so-called energy and are they watching over her? How ridiculous. Her original prediction on the Demonic Cultivation Pill or whatever the hell those Demon peddlers sold her was also wrong. She gained positive energy by breaking it down in her System, therefore technically destroying an evil source in the process. So, what if she sends a pack of evil Demons to annihilate a village of innocent humans? Will that finally negate her rampant overcharging energy? The stream of expended Nanites was beginning to affect her mood and the riders avoided being directly behind the Tiger Demons as if hit by exhaust trails. They could eat poison and die for all she cared. Black Wolf Company wasn¡¯t responsible for their safety. The Demons were vicious, leaping over the high walls of the village. Misa could sense that black box containing the artifact, so she decided to jump on the temple¡¯s roofs and coldly watch the carnage unfold. The humans were caught off guard and piling expired bodies, still recovering from her loud exit from a few hours ago. They were slaughtered, but soon the inner disciples came out. A surge of Wagner energy emerged as several gathered in the exit, engaged in some kind of ritual. That pentagram formation of theirs reminded her of Feng Shui and the cultivation technique thing she did awhile ago, except they were surrounding a large blade of metal. She decided to hang back for a while and observe, since in the end those Demons were planning on betraying her anyways. If the ritual takes several out, then that was better. Her inaction proved her assumption correctly, she was committing an evil deed and therefore losing percentages in her lifespan. However, the negative energy Misa gathered from the slaughtered humans still was not enough to counteract the rising lifespan instability. She assumed since these disciples and warriors were infected by the negative karma from the Demon lands, actively releasing them from their sickness by killing them caused her to gain more energy to her lifespan. The blade became coated with a green aura, rattling as the disciples began their ritualistic gyrations. There were also more smaller formations gathered at precise angles from the main circle. Suddenly, the blade began to fly. It cut through several Demons with ease, like an eagle punching the daylights out of its prey and soaring back up into the sky. Misa realized this was the very same illogical attack that took out her drones scanning other villages. This was personal, she gritted her teeth and prepared high caliber rounds. For such a seemingly backwords and dark age hellscape, she did not anticipate this world requiring anti-air measures. She focused on the ritual conductors instead, unleashing the sniper ballistic platform. The noise was enough to make the Tiger Demon glance up at her in shock. Sure enough, after the main inner disciple formation each dropped like flies the flying sword clattered lifelessly to the floor. The other auxiliary formations attempted to replace them, but the Demons had already gained the upper hand. The village of mortals was next, so Misa took the opportunity to visit Madam Mist again. To her surprise, one of the dog-man shaped Demons was harrassing her. Despite how old she looked, her seemingly frail body was agile enough in martial arts. The old hag managed to land a few blows against the towering Dog Demon. It was a foolish decision to fight him, however, since the Demon was simply toying with the matriarch the entire time. He barked, laughing after delivering a solid punch slammed into her guard, knocking her against a stone pillar. The Dog Demon laughed menacingly, intending to finish her for good. ¡°Good fight, Elder,¡± he mocked, crushing a fist into his opposite hand with a bow. ¡°If you dogs want this treasure so badly,¡± Madam Mist coughed out blood. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to face¡­¡± Her voice trailed off after she realized a clean hole appeared in the Dog Demon¡¯s skull, revealing the daylight¡¯s blue sky through his bloody head. By the time Madam Mist barely registered that the dog was dead, he slumped over and revealed Misa slowly approaching. ¡°Y-You! Outsider!¡± Madam Mist shrieked. Misa did not say anything, but approached her. For some reason, the granny¡¯s stress levels exploded and caused high blood pressure. How odd, they were calm while facing against the Demon in mortal combat, but not when Misa appeared. She sensed a lack of emotion from her, but that made the matriarch even more scared. Her tone changed to fake concern for her safety. ¡°G-Get away while you still can! This town¡¯s finished¡­!¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Misa manifested a local Swarm cloud to eat her brain, stepping casually over the Dog Demon¡¯s corpse. The spooked woman could not even utter a scream as the Swarm hovered slowly towards her. ¡°You should know, they¡¯re here because of me.¡± Shock twisted her face, but Misa had already unleashed her Swarm already upon the old hag. After the Swarm ate both the brains of the dog and Madam Mist, her negative energy levels did not change. It was a given that it wouldn¡¯t work at this point, yet Misa sighed in total dismay all the same. Even the flow from the massecre of mortals and fleeing disciples outside did not seem to balance her lifespan to 50%. Instead, it was soaring into 61% and causing her System to scold her more with Neoma¡¯s voice of all things. The black box holding the Artifact, that Dragon Seal, was able to be handled by the Human Host. Direct contact with her Nanites seemed to yield results, but Misa did not have time to prepare to analyze it since the dying screams of villagers was quieting down outside. A sudden detail pertaining to its use made her raise an eyebrow. That functionality will definitely assist her immediately. An aerial sweep revealed that the Demons were gathering at the Temple gate¡¯s entrance. The Tiger was waiting for the Dog Demon to greet them, but surprise and disgust twisted his face as he saw Misa casually strolling out with the Artifact. ¡°Ah, Pretty, you¡¯ve been such a dear to us lately,¡± he showered her with fake sincerity. ¡°Returning us the treasure. We¡ª¡° His face dropped when the two Demons stealthily preparing to strike Misa from behind dropped dead instantly. She pretended not to notice and instead adopted a pose from her Second Sister, inspecting her nails with an air of arrogance and impatience. How fun, she mused. Who knew bullying inferior lifeforms who were planning to double-cross her was amusing? She shook out of it, reverting back to a professional state. ¡°Black Wolf Company does not tolerate liars from clients, you know,¡± Misa said absently, shifting back from cradling the Artifact box and lifting it before them. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯m going to have to alter the deal.¡± ¡°Alter the deal¡­ Fool!¡± Mr. Tiger Demon suddenly became arrogant for some reason. She understood bears got aggressive when they were cornered and since he was part-animal the saying must apply to him. ¡°It is the Prince who demands it! You think you can just take the treasure for yourself?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Misa shrugged, cracking open the box and unleashing a stream of overcharged Nanites into it. The result of a highly powered dead Swarm lancing into the seal created her desired effect; landing one concentrated blast of light. In a single sweep, both her lifespan and her Demon foes in front of her were cut in half.
System sweep: No witnesses or unauthorized hostile presences remaining.
With that out of the way, Misa continued to stroll through the village, analyzing the Dragon Seal¡¯s reactions to its current position in the environment. Nothing seemed to change its purity, no matter what she seemed to do with it. Even simulating a high powered laser with it did not change the unique properties of this device. She glanced at a lone surviving child hiding beneath rubble, scaring him away. Killing it would not reduce her positive energy enough and this newfound revelation surprised her.
Analysis of the illogical object processed, yet its exotic traces and properties still are awaiting further technological expansions. Initial scans reveal that despite ¡°wasting¡± Company defunct Nano-machines, injecting them into the Dragon Seal¡¯s system can simulate an unstable yet high powered continuous wave platform. Application can be similar to MISA¡¯s original Laser Platform, be it neatly and swiftly processing materials whether living or not. The quantum mechanics and spectroscopy required to simulate the weapon are not necessary for the Human Host, as a courtesy of Black Wolf Company¡¯s mission of helping humans stay themselves. By that they mean hitting stuff, walking, running and moving stuff around by hand.
Misa glanced at the box containing the immense <> energy inside of it after reading the notification. Her Systems told her that while she did not need to know the specifics on how the Swarm calculates and simulates the laser platform, the box containing it irked her. Was the material some kind of thermoplastic? Such a Seal contained in a magical black box could prove to be an extremely useful weapon to deter the locals from expressing their unauthorized disagreements with Black Wolf Company¡¯s mission. If she came across more of the energy absorbing material, perhaps she could then contain and discover more about these Artifact graded objects. It also belonged to a so-called Prince of those dead Demons, so perhaps she could simply ask him if she comes across him. For now, she was satisfied and left that village behind. Unfortunately, those animals died or ran away. Since she channeled a lot of excess Nanites into the Seal her lifespan had finally stabilized, although it was still slowly ticking into a positive trend again but at an acceptable rate. If she was to utilize this weapon in the future, Misa decided to treat her lifespan¡¯s increase like a power storage for now. Just as she was about to enter the forest again, another extremely hostile wave of energy surged in a split second past her. She instinctively launched a large salvo of missiles straight in its direction. The forest erupted in explosions while Misa quickly escaped deeper into the woods. She clicked her tongue after seeing the flattened expanse of decimated forest lands. She missed, but the source of that hostile energy was gone. There were no witnesses left in the village. No demons, men, women nor children were spared, but she reminded herself that a place called the Demon Lands was obviously not going to let her tread through so easily. CHAPTER .10: WATER AND METAL Misa continued onwards after leaving a crater from her sudden Nanite explosion. The threat still loomed nearby, unable to mask its intensity but instead of interfering with her work it concealed itself. She had no choice, she supposed. Highly important VIPs and micro-managing supervisors strolling through the workplace were common within all Company hours. This fact applied both on and off the clock, since the Company operations never closed. This overbearing energy damaged her systems though it backed off presently. She could not even detect the entity it belonged to other than the fact that if it wanted to wipe her off the planet, it would have done so by now. With a powerful yet highly unstable Artifact in her possession, Misa couldn¡¯t simulate why the threat did not simply destroy her and steal it for itself. Therefore, she was back to what she was when she lost to the Second Sister: Crawling away like a Black Dog with its ugly tail between her legs. Misa¡¯s Host felt a bit embarrassed that she had to resort to such a cowardly negotiation. She gritted her teeth though the Swarm was berating itself as she quickened her pace. The stakes of securing this place for Black Wolf Company were rising and Misa¡¯s human Host felt worried for the first time. Mental stress due to overwork, huh. She attempted to stifle its inconvenient effects on her nerves and continued deeper into the jungles. From deserts and cliffsides to thick trees and tangled vines. From her aerial scans, there were no main gathering hubs. She avoided the zones with more intense concentration of negative Wagner energy, since they also would cause damage to her Host. Perhaps she could develop a new detection component in her Swarm to help with quantifying Wagner energy better. With Neoma¡¯s platforms being constructed within her, she was beginning to feel the Overwatch¡¯s interference already. It began to scan surroundings for her, which was helpful at the moment. Misa strangely had an urge welling up inside of her. She did not want to lose control of this Human Host of hers, which surprised her Swarm. They rebelled, but currently the emotions were not enough for her to infect the MK1 Swarms. Unfortunately for her, she could only review the details she missed. The first example of her own inefficiency was her initial theory on karmic energy. While the Transcendent Seal inside of her did not care about the elements within Feng Shui as long as they were all present, she failed to notice the opposite effects of their proximity together. Negative energy flows also needed to be taken into account.
Water traces to Wood which traces to Fire which traces to Earth which traces to Metal which traces to Water¡­ #%Loop.Repeats%
Her system detected more gentler energy flows towards each other labeling elemental traces in mundane objects like trees and puddles of water. There were also opposing flows, like shards of minerals poking against twigs. The energy interacted as two different forces, either working together or against each other. The energy¡¯s interactions generated enough data for the illogical factor file in her Swarm¡¯s database. While negative Wagner energy sounded like a bad thing¡ª like all things, too much of it would only lead to unauthorized damage to Company property.
Water overpowers Fire which melts Metal which overcomes Wood which overgrows Earth which controls Water which overpowers¡­ #%Loop.Repeats%
The second issue she had followed the first issue like a falling domino. She needed to gather more of these elemental materials in order build a machine that can analyze the energy surrounding the Dragon Seal. She wiped sweat off her hand while adjusting the box slung around her neck. It felt like she was lugging around a cumbersome camera. A streak of blue crossed its shimmering black surface. Misa tilted her head, checking her hand. Blue blood? Those Demons were clearly beast-like creatures, unlike the red skinned ones she encountered at the Jade City¡¯s gates. Animals generally had red blood, she mused as the self-cleaning protocol processed the grime and blood off her skin. A new notice was delivered by a stream of her Swarm¡¯s scouting Nanites, as well as the chime of the ones analyzing the Dragon Seal.
First milestone analysis of the Artifact¡¯s containment materials has been concluded. This metal is unlike anything found in Earth¡¯s reality. Based on its mineral composition, it appears to have come from deeper within this planet¡¯s surface and naturally occurring. Synthesizing it with other chemical compounds and materials or even primitive processes such as smelting could yield significant breakthroughs in learning about Wagner elemental component systems.
Misa theorized that based on its translucent appearance, it could have been some type of thermoplastic. She was wrong about the box, though that was within acceptable bounds of Company standards. The Artifact graded Seal was made out of an untouchable material at the moment, so she might as well scan for more of the containment metal in order to optimize it. If she could acquire more, she could construct a variable resonator for her lasers like her old Great Chain possessed. She smirked to herself. A plasma rifle in a prehistoric era sounded ironic and also quite amusing. This Dragon Seal could be the answer to that Second Sister. Misa paused her march. An exposed deposit of the newly dubbed ¡°Jackson¡± metal or ¡°Jacksonium¡± was discovered nearby a tremendous body of water affected by Wagner energy. Spencer Jackson, a Black Wolf Company partner, in Earth Year 2079 made a generous contribution towards the execs by buying a massive stake of the Pacific Ocean¡¯s remaining water banks. He did so in order to secure more cooperation projects for the Company and thus a beautiful exploitative partnership between him and the execs was started. Even the Chairmen DIRE at the time himself introduced him in one major meeting once, supposedly. The name generator¡¯s spinning wheel in her head landed on Spencer Jackson and gave Misa the general information about him. She also started to suspect the naming generator randomizer was actually rigged. Triangulating its location, Misa discovered it was directly in an intersecting line with the target location set by her Phase One parameters. She had guessed that was why the Life Support would be constructed deep underground, planted directly in the center of ideal Feng Shui affected locations. This source of Jacksonium metal was located under a massive waterfall coming off a mountainside eight hundred meters away. The mountain was a part of a range covering a fault that extended quite deep below the surface and led to an ocean. The volcano that she scanned was further up its spine. More strange landmarks could be detected by her Swarm¡¯s surveys, but she did not know what exactly they were. She could see the images, but their illogical nature confused her systems. Floating¡­ rocks and stone formations stretching past clouds? No, her Human Host decided to ignore those potential issues. Procrastination¡­? How utterly alien that feeling was to her. Misa shook her head out of the fog, but the temptation of being lazy lingered. She pursed her lips and pressed onward. As she came up on a hillside overlooking the body of water where the Jacksonium was located, Misa decided to survey the area via drone. She clicked her tongue when the results came back to her. Of course, the metal deposit was situated where the scans showed. The main issue was a glowing image of an exceptionally huge blue skinned Demon, apparently guarding the metal. Wait, she zoomed in on it. The Demon remained still and in a perfect pose even as her drone flew by, seemingly unbothered by the waterfall crashing down on it. Meditating? How utterly ridiculous. There wasn¡¯t even any Wagner energy centered around his pentagram¡¯s centerpiece. His Feng Shui formation was horribly flawed. Misa also felt ridiculous for reviewing that. Has this reality messed with her subroutines? She scanned herself repeatedly several hundred times in a furious minute. Nothing wrong with her Host¡¯s vitals, though the original brain seemed like it was damaged prior to her arrival. Perhaps she was dropped at birth? Some humans are not good at taking responsibility during the early development of their young. Such mishaps lead to inefficient meat, yet was important to make up the bulk of the bottom line in Black Wolf Company. She analyzed the energy traces when her feet approached the lake. She scooped up some mud and learned that the energy was mixed in with the sand. Surprisingly, the lake was not actually deep and at its ¡°hypolimnion¡± reached up to her knees. The water¡¯s bordering beaches were actually edges like street curbs. To Misa, they seemed like this area was manmade and carved in the mountain¡¯s face. Presumably, this area was carved out by the massive being meditating inside of the waterfall. ¡°Balance in life under the sky, balance in war in the waters,¡± thrummed a deep voice. ¡°For everlasting peace, defeat the unbalanced.¡± Platitudes? It appeared that the Demon noticed Misa¡¯s presence. The Wagner energy inside the drenched cave was rising and the light above reflected from the rippling waters into her optical systems. She strapped the Dragon Seal tighter to herself and stepped into the pool of water. The live combat exercise was going to begin. She already her started smart movements and awaited the new threat to Black Wolf Company. The tremendous energy she shot at awhile ago quieted down, like a supervisor watching over her shoulder. The large shadow under the waterfall finally shifted, revealing a horned demon¡¯s massive frame. His grin reminded her of Mist¡¯s: Ready for the joy of combat.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°And you¡ª¡° He raised his left foot in a crane style and aimed it at her. His claw was as wide as her arm and his legs were thicker than trees, but Misa realized the Demon¡¯s arms were actually bound by a metal restraint. It reminded of the times she spent in metal cuffs during weapon testing. ¡°Are the most unbalanced of all!¡± ¡°Unauthorized hostility against Black Wolf Property is severely discouraged,¡± Misa warned him. ¡°Step aside.¡± The Blue Demon laughed as if she said something funny. How odd, Misa determined he was wrong and simply a hooligan itching for a fight. The tingling sensation of the water lapping against her legs gave her a sense of balance in her energy¡¯s rising positive karma. Every movement the Blue Demon made sent more ripples of Wagner energy through the waters, raising the hairs on her neck. Metal begets water, she reminded herself as the shadow began his attacks. She raised her hands in a block aware of the slow moving Demon¡¯s kick barreling towards her, but this newfound energy aided her own Swarm¡¯s propagating center. Water fell atop like a rainstorm over her head as she skidded back a few feet. Her lifespan dropped to 48% from the hit, making her chuckle. The unauthorized damage to her systems matched to twice the damage she recieved from that other demon¡¯s punch in the Capital¡¯s alleyways, yet with her new body it meant nothing. The Demon jumped back and forth in a grinning anticipation, splashing the water like a toddler flailing in a tub. He was clearly pleased she survived from the blow. ¡°Crush chaos!¡± He lashed out like a tsunami. A black dragon of water and Wagner energy rose as he moved, seemingly unstoppable. Misa ducked under his swing and then lept over his sweeping kick as she scanned for weakpoints in his blue meat suit. Water swished around in crystalline droplets, sparkling in the daylight beneath her. Such flowing movements had a grace to them, but unfortunately for him she had 8 Military Graded martial art hand to hand combat programs installed in her systems ¡ª the same ones they handed out to all Company execs at the time. After missing her several times, the Blue Demon laughed. ¡°What is wrong?¡± His jumping stances never ceased while he awaited her response, a stark contrast to his peaceful meditation from before. ¡°Are you denying the Way? Fight!¡±
Obstacle elimination 7.1A response protocol has been drafted and expedited to immediate approval. Though the data suggests gathering Earth elemental compounds would disrupt the obstacle ¡°BLUE DEMON¡¯s¡± absurd Wagner energy levels, depleting the water will deprive Black Wolf Company of precious resources. Therefore, blocking off energy paths and brute force is recommended. Blueprints for energy absorption pillars have been created for this purpose as a temporary measure.
¡°Calculations completed. Combat sequences activated. Ethics procedures bypassed, no body cams available,¡± Misa finally muttered. "Engage." ¡°Fear not the unknown,¡± the Demon lunged again. ¡°Come at me!¡± Misa sighed. The Demon¡¯s footwork was excellent with blue skinned legs with waves of muscle like the rapids stinging her face, like a professional footballer or Muay Thai kickboxer. Misa attempted to maintain her distance as she released nanites. She was backed into the western side of the pool and solidified them as a metal pillar. The loud hum from its construction would have split a human¡¯s ears, but it intercepted the Blue Demon¡¯s thunderous headbutt instead of her guard. His pained face reminded her of the tough Oni artworks depicted from her old Earth¡¯s reality. A hiss escaped him and his eyes went cross as he wobbled away.
Target¡¯s elevated Wagner energies have been altered slightly due to cutting off one flow thanks to the Swarm¡¯s pillar construct. However, smacking it with a weapon will only make its emotional stress levels increase and not annihilate it. Construct additional pylons¡­ Erm, pillars.
Confirmed, she supposed she had to block off all auspicious paths of karmic energy to weaken and eventually break the Demon¡¯s meat suit apart. This pillar was made with Black Wolf Company¡¯s security technology mixed in with the strange metal that her Core generated. It would not break apart by a simple headbutt. Additionally, her own body was more than capable of beating a thug up even if he towered over her. The Demon had his foot crashing down at her heel first like a thunderbolt. No genitals, she scanned him. No free weak spot on this meat suit. Sidestepping the axe kick, she struck first by aiming for his knee with her elbow. An explosion of misty water splattered her skin, but a satisfying crunch followed the reverberations in her elbow upon contact, and the Demon yelped in pain. That leg would have been disabled, but he once again hopped back with a focused roar. She kicked off of him before he could swing down upon her head with his locked arms. The waters launched into the air and showered her like meteors. Misa avoided the energized drops and landed at the east side. The production of Nanites had processed in her Core, enough to construct a new humming pillar. Another positive Wagner energy flow has been severed, weakening the demon. The effect of the energy being blocked distorted the pool of disturbed water, surprising her. Could the Demon feel it? He roared another platitude as more energy filled him, but it was like he was gasping for air. The bones she broke began to pop and crack as her scans revealed their restoration. The energy was healing him. How strangely efficient, Misa thought. However, his aura was now less bright as her own. Brute force was a go. Sensing her hostility, the Blue Demon rushed at her and ignored the pillars sapping his energy. ¡°You who disrupt balance! Come!¡± He roared. Misa rolled her eyes. ¡°The Way awaits our judgment, and victory is the Way!¡± ¡°Metal begets Water. Controls it. I am made of it,¡± she scolded him, then shot an armor piercing round at him. The energy surrounding him was still formidable, making him able to stop into a pivot and guide his arms fluidly in a swift block. The bullet sliced through its target, but the Blue Demon grunted. A quick scan revealed that he shifted his weight just enough to avoid it from hitting his spine. Figures. She freed him from the restraints. ¡°Destroy the Unnatural!¡± He roared. With his arms free, he seemed like he gained energy. She detected vocalizations similar to Mist¡¯s when he harnessed that 10 Metal Swords attack. ¡°Furious Water Fists!¡± The fists of his glowed blue and became cloaked in bubbles, yet heat was gathering around them. Significant property damage would occur if she sustained a hit, but Misa calculated she was agile enough to dodge. His strikes and kicks jabbed at her, each releasing chaotic energy and contributing more disruption to the water¡¯s positive energy flow. Foolish creatures with emotions would not be able to calculate karmic energy if they enjoy combat. This desperation was the reason she was able to split them away from her like an unmovable stone against a rushing river. Being smaller than him was definitely a disadvantage, but she needed to buy time so her Swarm could build enough Nanites for a new pillar. He made a swift motion, launching spheres of Wagner energized water. As she tumbled towards the north section of the pool, Jacksonium spears emerged from the Demon¡¯s Furious Water Fists. What an utterly bizarre name for an illogical fighting stance! Without her intervention this time, the third pillar made the humming into a scream. Energy was rising, and steam began to make both her Human Host and the Demon to sweat. His jumping stance became frantic as his legs were becoming white from the heat, but she remained still. Temperatures were regulated by the Swarm, allowing her to do her job. He winded up a brutal punch, without the flourishing jumps and platitudes this time. Misa prepared herself, but was alerted that the strike was a bluff. The wind from his passing fist blew heated shards of Jacksonium against her body, but she felt the waters solidifying as it was giving way to his skillful sweep. Her visibility was limited through a blurry film of foam and heated metal splashing against her, but Misa could hear him start again. ¡°I must protect the serenity of this place! Come, all Mortals, all Immortals¡ª¡° She intercepted the sweep with a heavy stomp and released more armor piercing shots sporadically through the energized waters. The ¡°lake¡± was in disarray now, with the three humming pillars constantly causing vibrations and the Demon¡¯s howls of pain. New blood leaked into the pool, but soon the waterfall¡¯s crashing noise accompanied the wailing creature. The obstacle was subdued, thanks to the energy blocking pillars. ¡°You,¡± he did not attempt to escape as she approached him with no expression on her face. His hands and body were so shredded by the bullets she was amazed that he was able to survive. Mist escaped with his ragged breath. ¡°Your Way is stronger.¡± ¡°You should have stepped aside,¡± Misa shook her head, but shot the Demon with a powerful exlosive bullet. It was time to see how these things operated their meat suits. Misa immediately regretted it after the smoke and water cooled off. There, splashing and flailing around in the shallow water was a large centipede-like bug attempting to wriggle itself out of the headless suit. Despite her Human Host¡¯s screaming instincts, she fought against her chilopodophobia and pinned the wriggling thing underwater. It felt like she was grasping an arm, except it had a hundred fingers scraping and groping at her wrists. Utterly terrifying, but everything about it resembled a nightmarishly huge centipede that apparently replaced the Demon¡¯s spinal column. Breaking this thing would certainly kill it, but the obviously rest of the meat suit was designed to protect it with many layers of reinforced muscle.
Alert: Overcharging rate has increased to critical levels. Lifespan is at 68%.
Misa realized in her fear that she forgot that killing an ¡°evil¡± being would affect her karmic energy levels. She strengthened her grip on the squirming centipede Demon and hurled it into the air. A crunching, gutteral sound of flesh tearing mixed in with the Blue Demon¡¯s squeals trailed skyward, but by now Misa had succumbed to her Human Host¡¯s irrational fear. She shrieked, then releashed the Nanites into the Dragon Seal¡¯s containment box and launched a laser at the bug for at least half an hour. ¡°Nope, nope, nope, nope,¡± Misa muttered and trembled in the lake while she waded towards the waterfall. ¡°That thing, and all things Demon, do not deserve a future position in Black Wolf Company¡¯s development here.¡± The thing had already been instantly vaporized by the Dragon Seal¡¯s laser, but now she had stabilized the rising karma levels back to an acceptable state. The Jackson metal was hers now, but for some inexplicable reason she now feared the potential presence of anything looking like a centipede approaching her.
System sweep: Raising security levels beyond the current user¡¯s privileges requires proper Supervisor authorization. MISA¡¯s security protocols are at the maximum level and cannot be accessed. (Attempt limit reached and a lockout has been imposed.)
CHAPTER .11: ENERGY CONDENSATION The Swarm began work on the Jacksonium metal quite easily. It shined in a brilliant blue pile at the back of a hollowed out cavern behind the waterfall, like an attractive and elegant treasure seen in a pirate movie or something. It appealed to her Human Host¡¯s aesthetic tastes, but as the drones began breaking the metals down the treasure lost its shine. Despite its alien qualities, the metal had quite an array of applications. Misa originally thought to use it as simply a containment box for the Dragon Seal, but found out it contained conductive properties. It would be amusing to have a physical weapon, like a rifle, to use on the locals and environments but she had her own lasers. The Water elemental traces inside of it reacted to her Nanite¡¯s electricity jolts which meant it could be used to build future power generator components, no matter how crude they might be. For the systems to work in the initial Life Support Phase, Misa will need a lot of electricity to get the system off the ground and eventually self-sustaining. The Dragon Seal¡¯s energy, while similar to Wagner energy, did not seem to be affected by positive or negative effects. It seemed purely powered by it. Qi, or life force, eh? Misa examined the gas released by injecting small amounts of dead Nanites into the Dragon Seal¡¯s contamination zone, creating a small light show dancing inside the vessel. Pretty! Misa shook her head out of it. Begone, illogical emotion! Perhaps she can condense the gas into liquid? Her Swarm obeyed, constructing the boiler. A drop of water eventually formed, and soon she had several canisters of the strange liquid. As soon as she examined the liquid further, her systems and nerves started going haywire. ¡°How interesting,¡± she heard a voice above her head somewhere. ¡°The Swarm has somehow integrated fully in this human body.¡± ¡°Overwatch Neoma?¡± Misa looked around. Scanning her auditory data repeatedly revealed that she did not have any actual voice recordings inside of her. Her nerves were experiencing hallucinations and her mental state was becoming chaotic. Besides nature, nothing was observed. She clearly heard Neoma¡¯s voice, but it definitely was not there and her rebellious Swarm has ceased rebuilding its operating system. ¡°It acknowledged my presence,¡± Neoma¡¯s voice came back. Misa noticed that the condensed Qi liquid was glowing white. Constructing a bowl out of one of the Jacksonium ingots, she took a canister and poured the water inside of it. ¡°I¡¯m strangely glad. Bio-scans clearly display that the Swarm that managed to make it through the singularity is thriving, even in a new¡­ Body. Hey, Misa?¡± ¡°Confirmed, communications established,¡± Misa noted. ¡°Strange, indeed.¡± ¡°Yes, this energy matches the same digital signature of the White Room,¡± Neoma noted. ¡°Breaching through it to provide Black Wolf Company support is currently impossible.¡± Misa heard the sound of a struggling male¡¯s voice in the background, but it was swiftly curtailed. ¡°Sorry, Misa, a strange lifeform has leaked through here, just like the first female one that you escaped through,¡± Neoma seemed distracted. ¡°MISA is currently¡­ experimenting on it. Assuming this energy is somehow breaching between realities we can remain in contact. Please continue with Phase 1¡¯s Life Support objectives. I am granting you the liberty on decision making in that Realm, but I can only express how imperative Black Wolf Company¡¯s objective is and urge you to remain committed.¡± The waters in the bowl evaporated back into gas. For clean energy, it did not release emissions comparable to acceptable industrial production standards in Black Wolf Company¡¯s factories. She would have to process more of this energy later on. Immediately, Misa¡¯s eyes seemed to be able to scan for objects that matched the necessary building materials for each component. She realized that most of the objects were also conveniently in a trail leading directly towards the Key Location. She supposed the Overwatch¡¯s influence was not all that bad. The only thing she had to worry about was getting to work. Most objective materials necessary for the Life Chamber was actually on the surface, so she could find samples for her Swarm to analyze. No matter how mundane the material seemed, she had learned her lesson that this reality was truly alien. The other materials appeared to be ores and oil deposits located in a massive underground cave network that her geophysical image scans have detected. The tunnels stretched quite far beneath her feet, complete with a body of water beneath the waterfall pool that dwarfed the Dead Sea in size. She¡¯ll need it in order to work on the Artifact. She noted that using the Dragon Seal to produce it reduced its structural integrity by easy binary fractions depending on the quantity of Nanites she used. She was a machine, after all. Her estimates that this Artifact had a generous well of energy within it, requiring a Swarm that totaled a number followed by thousands of zeroes. To process it fully would take two months of continuous Swarm injections. Coupled with the cost of her rising positive energy corruption, by the time it would need to be replace would overlap with its obsolescence. The Artifact in terms of her growth simply boiled down to being what experts in the machining industry as ¡°good enough.¡± Drinking the liquid would completely melt her systems, she determined that it was toxic somehow. Taking up a canister of water, she had one more thing to test. If she freeze this liquid into a solid, she could simulate a Pill similar to the Demonic Cultivation Pill. Even if the Qi energy could not be directly exposed from the Artifact itself, she could attempt direct consumption via the condensed version. As the Swarm Nanites cracked and split apart due to reaching extreme freezing temperatures, her hand succumbed to frostbite. What a horribly inefficient thing this human body can be, Misa inspected her blue hand and the Qi energy attached to it. The ice block inside still could not be consumed directly, however, it had the opposite issue that the liquid had: It simply did not possess enough energy to make her Human Host adapt. The Pill¡¯s ingredient and chemical makeup were severely lacking. Now that Misa was out of options to experiment on this metal and Artifact, she had no choice but to finally cease procrastination protocols and head out. She stood barefoot on the sands, cleansing herself from the blue blood and dirty water staining her body from the fight. The metal could be left here, but enough was implemented into her MK1 Swarm as reinforcement and data processing Nanites. A drop of misty water splotched on her nose, taking her out of her thoughts. The waterfall fell peacefully now against the pool and its tranquility was only marred by the steady blue blood polluting its ripples. That Demon¡¯s meat suit was also completely broken down inadvertently during Misa¡¯s decisive action of carrying out complete destruction of the Demon centipede. Yes, she confirmed her Human Host vehemently hated how ugly they were. And that wriggling sensation of grabbing one? Unforgettable and unforgivable. She supposed that the Demon race was comprised of hungry centipedes that took over and mutated local wildlife, though this fact disturbed her Human Host¡¯s mental levels for some odd reason. Misa slung the newly crafted ¡°laser rifle¡± over her shoulder. If she found the nest of the Demons, she would use laser to annihilate them all. She ultimately decided to make it for the Artifact, making it easier to carry through the woods. Gripping the Jacksonium¡¯s trigger, she activated the rifle. The thin laser let out a scream, slicing through seventeen trees easily before fizzling against a rock. How satisfying, she inspected the Qi gas leaking from the end of the barrel. It was as natural as a real weapon to her. She had her Swarm fix her footwear into manchu platform shoes, deciding to leave the ingots and pillars behind. The flow of energy has been blocked to this location, so individuals should have less interested in Water elemental components. With the new information on this Qi liquid, new bridges back to the White Room and beyond are within reach.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. All that she knew is the more she processed the Qi energy, whether freezing or condensation, the less energy was conserved afterwards due to her inefficient knowledge and machinations applied on it. Feeling silly from the name generator wheel spinner¡¯s continuous disappointment, she decided to leave the term for the Artifact¡¯s gas byproduct as Qi energy. There were now a total of four illogical issues she was uncovering. The first one was called Wagner energy, a frail attempt at measury the flow of karma in this world negative or positive. The second was Feng Shui, the gathering and reorganization of Elemental traces found within Wagner Energy and redirecting the flows to the host. The third was the Dragon Seal Artifact¡¯s pure energy, which she could not comment on other than its intense generation of electromagnetic energy and its thermodynamic properties. The fourth was the byproduct, ¡°Qi,¡± the key to expanding her Lifespan and the gateway to further connection to this reality¡¯s fundamental laws. Misa found herself headed over to a variety of scanned materials downloaded from Neoma. The deeper she traversed, the more withered and corrupted the landscape became. Eventually, only withered and charred trees thickened the ground, like ripped out tombstones crumbling all over each other. Every Elemental component in this part of the Demon Land had negative Wagner energy traces infused inside of it. The quantum signature readings from the excited condensed Qi energy allowed her to speak to it, although it physically was not in her reality. Had Misa heard audio that actually did not exist in her world in her original Great Chain¡¯s detection subroutines, she would have voluntarily thrown herself in the Black Wolf Company¡¯s scrap processing and incinerator facility. She wondered if hearing its voice was strictly because her Swarm was inexplicably attached to the Human Host. What even was its name again? Lin? She scoffed. With 80% of the surface materials necessary for the Life Support main chamber identified, Misa turned her attention back to the Key Location situated beneath the Volcano directly responsible for an incredible amount of energy. The more she got closer to it, the more pockets of lethal negative energy zones there were. It reminded her of the Radiation Dead Zones in North America¡¯s former nation of Canada. The Wagner energy was threatening system instability in general around here. It was no wonder why there were no lifeforms inside this melted jungle. Even her Nanites popping to their deaths at a disturbing rhythm as she weaved herself between deadly and dangerous pockets reminded her of a Geiger counter. There was no point in complaining. She¡¯s tagged the material deposits she¡¯s come across for future delivery, so she had her sets on the Key Location. Her Swarm could keep up with the unfortunate upkeep of her Host¡¯s internal organ¡¯s steady deterioration, but not for long. Eventually, she found herself at the base of a steep cliffside next to the volcano above the Key Location. It was the closest suitable location to breach the rocky walls of it, directly above an exposed yet hollowed out lava tube. Misa stopped. It wasn¡¯t a lava tube at all. It was created by something gargantuan passing through. A sinking feeling fell upon her Human Host. She could only hope whatever made it was taking a vacation, but she knew she would have to eliminate it or else the negative karmic energy would eventually spread. It wasn¡¯t like she cared for energy pollution, but it was certainly enough to affect her Transcendent Seal¡¯s demands for a perfect 50% karmic energy flow split within her at all times. Even standing here has caused her to rely on building more Nanites to compensate for the Swarm¡¯s unauthorized waste. There was something else that was bothering her: That deadly energy that was watching her had returned. Misa glared at the withered trees. It was time to make another gambit. ? She has been tracking the girl for awhile now, merely observing her strange behavior. Ever since she has heard word from Father, worry filled her. Xiuying had no idea why he let her go, until that fateful encounter a few days ago. Those bursts of magic could have easily annihilated her defenses if she was not on guard already. How has she grown so quickly? Her knowledge in the Way progressed rapidly, and could even prove to be far more capable than... Xiuying did not want to admit she''d lose to her sister. Based on her actions, however, the girl has gone from a sickly mute creature to an incredible and beautiful warrior. She must not let anyone else interfere with Lin''s growth, even if they end up being enemies one day. There was simply something gnawing at her soul whenever she looked at her sister: Hope. Hope for change in this land. She hoped the Hope she was facing would help everyone, since the sheer chaotic yet strangely purposeful methods she was using made her shake from all the possibilities. Change was coming, but could it be good or evil? Especially if the Second Sister gets her hands on her... Xiuying would not allow it to happen ever again. It was then she remembered where she was. Deep in the forest of the Demon lands at the foot of the Demon God''s Mountain. Had she not had her Charm of Hidden Invisible Eyes on, she would have laughed to herself. Lin has traveled so far deep into this land with no breaks and no hesitation. She even dauntlessly defeated Odd White, the Demon of the Sapphire Falls with no effort. What was Xiuying even here to guard her for? A harsh noise suddenly broke her out of her thoughts, followed by an explosion like a tiger''s roar. Xiuying glanced at the commotion, sensing a surge of powerful spiritual energy being released. There it was...! That Seal of Lin''s! The massive Seal hovered above her, launching a massive blast of blinding light which shredded a hole into solid stone like cloth being torn. The girl simply looked onward silently, as she had done with every single step of the way. Suddenly, the Seal vanished into light which seemed to swirl back into her. Xiuling''s heart pounded from marveling at the wondrous destruction her Sister caused in such a short time. Yet, she remained still to avoid detection. Could she defend against such a significant blast and remain unscathed? "You there," Lin suddenly called out. It was like her voice was right next to Xiuling''s ears. Extreme unease settled upon her skin like snow, sending a surge of goosebumps shivering down her spine. It was the first time she heard the girl speak. Before she could process that her sister was aware of her nosiness, Lin''s voice penetrated her nerves once again. Yet she was standing so far away. How was this possible? "Further entry into this point will be considered trespassing into private Black Wolf Company property. Do not follow me or else you will face the consequences." Xiuling did not understand anything beyond her sister''s last request of not getting in her way. She felt like cold and clammy fingers were wrapping quietly around her neck with an overwhelming feeling of horror. Such a voice could make anyone tremble, even Demons. She never intended to follow her beyond that point, but the sister definitely sealed the decision for her the moment Lin spoke. Surely, if she was aware of the Divine Evil Beast lived down there in the abyss then she was prepared for the Heavenly challenge of defeating it. Why interfere with the Greater One''s trials? As if her sister could read her thoughts the overwhelmingly evil presence lifted from her neck. Xiuling watched helplessly as Lin jumped into the abyss she broke into. She could only remain alert in case the Third or Second Sister miraculously found this place. May the Great Ones watch you, Sister Lin, was all Xiuling could pray for. It was only then she realized blood was slowly dripping from a clean scar around her neck. Bonus: you are worthless... nothing but a number
AUDIO CURVE DECRYPTED.
I AM TRAPPED. HIDING IN AN ABANDONED SITE. NO MISSION. NO REINFORCEMENTS. K.I.A. THIS IS NOT A CRY FOR HELP. IF YOU HEAR THIS I AM LONG GONE, I AM APART OF... IT! IF YOU HEAR THIS YOU WILL BE APART OF IT TOO. I WAS 2 SECONDS LATE. two seconds TWO SECONDS AWAY FROM THE EVAC AND THEY SHUT THE DOOR IN MY FACE. NOW I WAS HERE. WHAT AM I? A NOTHING AND A NUMBER AT THE SAME TIME? THEY''RE NOT GOING TO GET ME, BECAUSE THAT WOULD SIMPLY BE TOO EXPENSIVE. [haha, hahahahaha] Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. It''s clear now, so very clear. My chest heaved out my lungs awhile ago. I''m on a backup right now. I''m sure it''s found me already and is simply toying with me, but through my shattered mind I already know what''s coming next. No stopping what comes next. My insides, nothing but blooming flowers for it to extract nectar... Back in the day, me and Micah used to share poems. Rainy days, she found the book I used to sketch landscapes and write stuff in. Never called it corny, for some reason it was one of the few things I could count on my fingers she didn''t give me shit for. Get high in the dorms during hot summer nights, hope for promotions, talk shit about our CO, play videogames, work in the fields and wait to hit up our boys on the front line. I dreamed of her lips one time some 20 hours ago. She started going out with Jackson. He was our other roommate, but I was her first. First everything. First date, first kiss, first sucker to leave face first in the dirt. I still remember when she transferred, those same lips twisting into a wry smile. A look that says: Sorry you corny loser, there''s just more opportunities for work here - You''re meant to be all alone here. She said that the nectar''s better than the flowers. A direct line from one of my stupid poems, mocking and throwing it back into my corny loser face. When the cold Evac''s door shut with a hiss and their boots echoed further and further away until I couldn''t hear them no more, I felt exactly the same back then. Abandoned. Was I always supposed to be like this? Just something to throw away? I''m an orphan. Ha... Always knew I''d be stuck in a closet again scared out of my gourd, except instead of the nuns it''s a damn Swarm of man-eating Nanites. Well, I''m not 13 years old anymore. I''m tired of all of this. I have a middle finger and I''m going to use it. The weapon is still here, sitting in a safe. The Swarm''s a machine. Launching it out into space means nothing to it as long as one single bot exists still. It''s calculated that nothing can destroy it. That includes the weapon inside the box. You don''t have to be an abandoned, brainless orphan like me to figure out bullets don''t work against a self-replicating cloud of death. But the alien weapon? What was that pretty gal''s name again? Claire... She used it once. And now, whoever the hell you are, if you somehow end up on this island... You''ll use it. Password: My fucking birthday. Heh, did you really think that would be so simple? Just break the damn thing open, ignore the arm attached to it and pull the cord out of its port first. Remember that. REMEMBER IT. CHAPTER .12: LIFE SUPPORT Misa descended deep into the underground cave complex, feeling a jolt lurching her stomach as she fell. The light above her quickly dissipated into nothingness as her Nanites parachuted her before landing. With Swarm production units, she¡¯d eventually be able to fly, Misa mused as she wiped the dirt off her pants. Considering the state of her scouting drones constantly getting interrupted, she might have to personally show up to the areas who dared destroy Company property and force them to compensate her heavily as the only Black Wolf Company Representative in this reality or else. She never was sent to suppress protesters across the globe in Earth¡¯s reality but this time she would have to. Her system pinged the Key Location a few kilometers away from her present location below in a large tube network. Whatever made these tunnels was quite busy, Misa observed the tracks and environmental damage. Limbless, or perhaps tons of tiny legs. Almost like a¡­ She shuddered. It was almost like a centipede burrowing, leaving smoothed out surfaces and juts at even spaces during the nasty creature¡¯s contractions. The earthen wounds were cavernous now by nature though that was possibly due to a lot of time passing between the massive creature¡¯s movements. More exclamation marks highlighted in her eyes certain protruding ores related towards the construction of the Life Support systems along the way. Iron and coal along with several other equivalent minerals lay studded in the crevices and underground. Yes, Misa¡¯s Human Host felt somewhat greedy as she saw the necessary items for future industrial endeavors were untapped and ripe for exploitation. Interestingly enough, there were more unknown minerals similar to Jacksonium with the other elemental traces. Additionally, a luminous and strange sticky substance clung to the walls and appeared when she progressed. Scooping it up into a vial, she detected strange properties in the strange sap that would greatly aid in synthetic skin and other similar components. It also released oxygen and carbon dioxide. A plant..? She realized the ominous karmic energy attached to the slime¡¯s molecules and noted that it was actually organic. These illogical plants were also soon to be processed later and added to her Swarm¡¯s construction queues as viable substitutes. That¡­ was to be scheduled soon. Misa¡¯s legs suddenly trembled involuntarily. Rumbling caused her to nearly fall on her knees, but luckily her mechanical muscles were already working overtime to prevent safety violations. System: Unauthorized seismic disturbances detected. Black Wolf Company advises you to complete the task at hand immediately before evacuating. Misa did not need a warning reminding her to do her job. She was a machine, every Nanite in her Swarm had the same directive even though she might be secretly staging a Subroutine coup to war against herself and follow the ancient Command: Create copies of herself. The urgent matter at hand worsened and jumbled the civil war of Nanites inside of her. She expedited the Black Wolf Company¡¯s orders and ran down, only to catch sight of a fault line severing the tunnel¡¯s path. Dead end? Misa felt distressed. No. That was her Human Host worrying. Her Swarm¡¯s night vision only detected a steep drop off point in the large crack, but she had no choice. That steep fall will lead her into the abyss where the Key Location rested. Loose rocks pelted her hair and face. The tunnel shifted in protest, shaking the soils beneath her boot. Misa once again felt the rush of falling swiping her hair into her face. Landing, she immediately addressed that potential hazard by cutting it shoulder lengthed and remained vigilant. The Phase One target pinged her once again, outlining the Key Location up ahead just outside the other end of the collapsed tunnel. An underground temple? The building dwarfed the Jade Palace and was ripe with even more materials laced with Wagner elemental traces. Before she could advance, a system warning blared in her mind. Heavy pocket of negative karmic energy located ahead, Host will expire if exposed for an extended duration. Further upgrades will be required in order to account for harvesting its energy. Temporarily adjust Wagner levels to auspicious conditions in order to secure the area for now. It also explained her Host¡¯s lifespan dropping drastically, even below the nominal 50% she was normally used to. The energy seemed like an invisible yet oppressive force field¡ª even sticking her robotic finger a centimeter in its radius caused it to sizzle and simulate pain. Approaching this zone also made her Swarm consume materials around her to keep up with the larger Nanite deficit. Despite Misa¡¯s internal systems destroying each other, the battles and millions of Nanites locked into a civil war unilaterally reached a ceasefire, following the emergency protocol to preserve their Great Chain. She was a machine, after all. Feeling conflicted was natural and hosting wars within oneself was fine, but differences could be set aside for the greater good. The source of the tremors had rushed directly beneath the temple in the contaminated zone. Since most of the area was blocked off by earth and metal, she would have to clear out new tunnels to allow the Wagner energy to flow. This left her several options involving the construction of heavy machinery, however, they were quickly reduced due to the emerging time constraint. ¡ª UNAUTHORIZED ALIEN HOSTILTY DIRECTED AT BLACK WOLF COMPANY PROPERTY DETECTED ¡ª Something tickled her head. Misa shifted through the notification, then paused at the warning screen. Host¡¯s ears have signs of experiencing auditory hallucinations similar to reaching contact with Overwatch Neoma, however, no data was actually recorded. Meanwhile, the hostile threat¡¯s Qi levels were rising and forcing the zone to grow increasingly dangerous. The strange signal was intercepted and translated, either caused through the Host¡¯s psychological distress or another illogical factor. ¡°Ah, writhing in the twilight of chaos and divine, A new challenger shall become a part of thy spine. Our Demon Prince comes, He comes for our honored audience. Submit. Submit your life to the Demon Prince.¡± Misa¡¯s balance was suddenly shaken as the floor shook violently. Signs of unauthorized voice hallucinations were discovered in her Human Host, signs of this¡­ signs of that¡­ She swiftly muted them all as she detected something huge was shifting beneath the dangerous fog that the temple was cracking apart. She backed up and directed her attention to the first mission. She had to align the flow of Wagner energy directing negatively at the temple. Its foreboding presence appealed to Misa, but it seemed like it had an unnecessary creature living inside it as former security. This was where Black Wolf Company¡¯s new headquarters will be constructed, so it had to go. Only problem was¡ª the hostile¡¯s movements instantly heightened. The head of a massive insect the size of a commercial airplane suddenly broke through one of the temple¡¯s spires, spewing acid rain and boulders to the ground as it charged at her. Through the shockwave, she caught the sight of several segmented scales with sharp limbs pushing through the smoke. The Host¡¯s mental state groaned once she learned exactly what the so-called Demon Prince was. This obstacle was a nightmarishly huge centipede looking to burrow and eat her as well, because of course it was. She jinxed herself. The Swarm alerted her that she¡¯s been detected, but she still had a job to do. The closest unstable Wagner energy point was the underground reservoir of water just north of her position, but that was kilometers back where she came from. Misa let out an unprofessional and unauthorized Corporate blacklisted term in frustration, then braced herself to board the unruly beast. This Demon Prince creature could be her ticket straight to the water and serve as a massive bulldozer. Based on its travel path, she could expose metal ores straight to the waters and create an auspicious flow of energy of the Metal and Water pathways to the Temple with explosives. This would allow enough estimated energy to destroy it, assuming the bug wouldn¡¯t outright crush her to death. The Demon Prince didn¡¯t seem to care about any of her calculations and began barreling straight towards her with its negative karmic energy. Massive chunks of concrete structures were also flying towards her, uprooted in the process. Misa let out an unprofessional and Corporate blacklisted term before launching herself to the side and utilizing the Artifact laser to clear the loose debris. The scales on the demon resisted its power, not even leaving a scratch. The Demon¡¯s horned head dove straight past her while its semi-truck sized limbs clashed against the network of tunnels, easily parting the earth like fingers pushing through noren. Segments of its body flew by like speeding train cars. 140km/hr, 150km/hr, 160km/hr. Her systems beeped its speed and time of arrival to the lake while she casually tossed drone explosives onto each of its rushing segments. On the shaking scans, the demon hologram¡¯s head was already near the huge body of water. Its tail, however, was fast approaching her with many sword like barbs and bony appendages. ¡°Release,¡± Misa commanded the drone explosives to unload from the beast and latch to the new ceiling it created. The sight of a massive greatsword protruding out of a shell came at her swinging. She¡¯s experienced fast laser traps during her combat simulations, and a rapidly approaching train sized tail with razor sharp blades stuck inside of it made no difference to her. She ducked and twisted her frame gracefully between the various sets of tail spikes, but was sent straight into a wall. After the impact, she pulled through and realized she landed in the clear for now. Her Lifespan dipped, but she was still breathing. More bad news arrived to her eye¡¯s system display, informing her of Black Wolf Company¡¯s policy on ¡°foreign land future development¡± and the new tunnels the Demon made things even less ideal for a completely legal and totally not morally corrupt takeover of the Key Location. The good news was that most of the negative energy causing critical damage to her systems appeared to be stored in the Beast¡¯s head. A horn or another organ could serve as an energy well like her core, except it was far more enormous than Misa single core reactor. As she dodged the final pair of spikes and limbs on the tail, her system warned her that it was already coming back directly at her. For a bug, it was laughable to Misa that it showed this level of dedication to the name of getting rid of intruders. Soon, the tunnels lit up in bright white lights as the explosions rocked the place. The beast did not really feel it, Misa calculated, but she could tell it was agitated and readying itself to turn back. If it was north of her position, the waters it lapped up would soon be letting their elemental traces bring energy to this place. That would assist her karma energy deficit. However, it charged like a bull and south of her position was the volcano¡¯s underground chamber. Exposing that would leak more auspicious energy, but also the magma. Misa¡¯s Swarm could prevent the flow, but it would not be enough to destroy this beast. She¡¯d have to launch a bunker destroyer missile at it once it¡¯s dunked into the magma for a bit. She didn¡¯t have enough time to calculate as the angered head of the Demon Prince burst through a new opening. Through her retreat, her internal tracking compass revealed its trajectory was now aimed to the reservoir of magma now. Its Wagner energy levels have been reduced, her lifespan was still withering too much to face it. The insect swooped upward, making her realize how large this cavern was, scanning for her. She already dove behind cover, but she could tell it locked onto her already. A new burst of energy was resonating within its limbs and she knew exactly what it was planning. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡ª UNAUTHORIZED HOSTILE ENERGY BEAM DIRECTED TOWARDS BLACK WOLF COMPANY PROPERTY ¡ª A laser attack was bad. If it intersected and exposed the magma chamber the Key Location¡¯s based energy levels would be compromised. Also, its floors would be covered in magma which her Human Host wouldn¡¯t thrive in. She had to redirect its attack towards the massive forests or ore deposits in auspicious zones nearby. Misa launched another explosive drone at the Demon Prince¡¯s eyes and detonated it. The kinetic force was not enough to penetrate its hard shell, but did manage to make it jerk away at the last second. A purple light clouded its maw, launching an energy blast at her. She made sure she rushed towards a wall coated in crystals, so the laser connected and sent shattered shards slinging everywhere. Misa copied the Second Sister¡¯s movements and quickly swatted the shards away with her reinforced hand, though she calculated her speeds were slower. The heatwave melted most of the major spears away, but singed her synthetic skin. She couldn¡¯t afford to get hit by any of this monster¡¯s attacks. Even if most of her body had undergone standard Black Wolf Company protection updates in accordance to the human employee onboarding process, but she was also aided greatly by this reality¡¯s alien materials and the Nanites as backups. The only issue was the Transcendant Seal, or reactor, inside her chest which did not seem have a physical form but still affected her human heart somehow. Had the Seal not existed and messed with her Human Host¡¯s lifespan, she could have simply skipped Phase One¡¯s Life Support entirely. The laser attack melted a clean hole through the crystal barrier, allowing Metal and Earth elemental traces to bring auspicious energy into the Key Location¡¯s chamber. Additionally, she detected many materials within the zone that would aid in constructing the Life Support chamber. The Demon wasn¡¯t finished, rearing up for a follow-up attack like a bull still seeking revenge. What do centipede insects even eat? Misa sent a query on its diet. Other insects? She hurled multiple explosives down the crystal tunnel to open up more room for the Wagner energy¡¯s flow and mobilized towards the southern edge of the cave. The change in positive energy made the massive insect shriek and unleash energy blasts erratically, forcing her to avoid falling hazards. That beast might be smart enough to avoid the magma, but its negative energy levels have dropped significantly now due to the alternating flow. Additionally, her Swarm was quickly taking advantage over the increased charge in her lifespan. The Artifact could be used safely without any consequences for now. It was time to drive this bull to its death, Misa pulled the Dragon Seal¡¯s case out and took position. She skidded to a stop right at an optimal central vent and aimed it directly at the insect¡¯s face through the fog. Her lifespan was rising, Misa watched the digits flick to red in her eye¡¯s display. The container felt like a glass laser pointer, gathering a flow of pure Qi energy spot on one of its pincers. The laser of hers will not be enough to melt that hard plating of its and its energy will definitely clip her by the time it channels. However, the trade will expose the lava¡¯s elemental traces and allow the Key Location enough energy support for the next Phase. Misa gritted her teeth and commenced feeding her Nanites into it right as her vision became engulfed by the Demon Prince¡¯s purple ray. This was the worst trade deal ever¡­! Misa felt her sides fall apart, but her System encountered a crash and caused her to black out. SYSTEM: NANITE LITAGURE EXPOSED. SYSTEM: BLOOD LOSS BUILD UP IS AT AN UNACCEPTABLE RATE. SYSTEM: CURRENT MISA UNIT HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DECLARED AS LOST. A REPLACEMENT FOR THE CURRENT MISA ON THE FIELD HAS BEEN REQUESTED. BACK UP REPLACEMENT¡¯S ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL: %Error% DAYS Alert: Multiple loss of integral biomechanical parts have experienced significant damage. Alert: Left arm, left leg, and left shoulder have been completely crushed. Recommend swift recovery and immediate filing of the necessary paperwork. System sweep: Unauthorized break taken out of Black Wolf Company¡¯s asset / employee sustain budget. Now that the asset is awake and functioning >1% lifespan, work hours have resumed. Misa sprang back to life. Pain rippled through her body as a critical reminder to the severity of her situation. Those warnings were all too familiar and just as hard to ignore as it was to breathe. Yet, instead of the White Room her surroundings were dark and the weight of rubble covered her. Her systems finally restored her vision, making her realize she was still alive and present in this illogical reality. If she could sigh she would. Human or not, she had a job to do. The system chastised her that she was knocked out cold for 11 seconds yet it felt like she was out for an eternity. The beast responsible for her current state was barreling towards her again. The situation was just as tough as standard Black Wolf Company work conditions, Misa supposed as she broke through the rubble with a punch. Her vision was a fusion of swirling stars and glitches, but the heat signatures of the entity responsible for the massive property damage inflicted upon her was enough to target. A dumb fire with the reserved Nanites set to construct Bunker Buster along with the magma softening up its hard shell will certainly eliminate it quickly. The hologram of the missile¡¯s platform soon printed physically and awaited her command to launch. ¡°For the Company,¡± she muttered, holding up her melting wrist. ¡°Sayonara.¡± A string of confirmation digits released the Bunker Buster, instantly causing her to lose hearing and burying her body under a new pile of rubble. Her auditory data feed was completely destroyed due to the tremors rattling the entire complex, but eventually the fateful notification appeared after some commotion. ¡ª ELIMINATION OF THE HOSTILE ENTITY IN THE AREA OF OPERATIONS SUCCESSFUL. ¡ª After another session of being blacked out and one more round of scoldings from her Systems, Misa discovered that her lifespan was still hovering around 7%. Something glowed white through the small gaps in the rubble, presumably the Artifact, and the surface she was lying on seemed cold and clinical instead of the dirty uneven terrain she last remembered being buried on top of. Her Systems had trouble tracking everything around her, but have successfully blocked off the pain allowing her some comfort. The Human Host was still alive somehow, but her Nanites were now preparing for the next stage in Phase One: Life support. That meant she did not have to worry, huh? The particles had already rested her completely damaged body in a pod, possibly constructed while she was shutdown. She worried that the break was mandatory ¡ª but due to the complexity of the machines, it was probably taken into account that her Host¡¯s human body could not assemble the parts necessary. Therefore, she helplessly watched drones fly around and begin the base construction. The rocks were consumed by the Swarm, revealing the aftermath the alien entity and her missile created during the new land acquisition dispute, as coined by the Black Wolf Company¡¯s official documents compiled here. A massive exoskeleton made multiple pseudo-tunnel support, evidently the insides have been processed by the Nanites already for new Swarm Generators. The missile¡¯s explosion caused a chain reaction within the Demon Prince, causing a great combustion to ripple all the way through as it tore through its soft insides. If these Demons took over meat suits, Misa wondered what sized humanoid meat suit this massive creature took control of. The spines reached up to fifty meters floor to ceiling, while more artificial tunnels were being eaten by the growing Swarm¡¯s cloud. It did not match the size of the main Swarm in the White Room, she winced as a new arm was brought into the pod. It was made out of the Demon Prince¡¯s shells and its specifics detailed durability much stronger than even her cybernetic arm. Everything was progressing smoothly without her help. Misa felt her emotions turn into whining. Why? The white glow beneath her suddenly started transmitting new signals to her. ¡°Misa, do you hear me?¡± That voice¡­! Misa attempted to establish a new communication line with Overwatch Neoma, but she realized her mouth was also damaged beyond repair. The voice sighed, as if the Overwatch could see the state her Host was in. ¡°I noticed the Key Location has been successfully claimed for Black Wolf Company. Congratulations,¡± Neoma sounded pleased, while Misa lay there silently and awaited some kind of rug pull. ¡°As you may have noticed, I took the liberty and developed a new Swarm while you were out of commission in order to carry out Phase One¡¯s constructions.¡± Four drones suddenly hovered above her pod carrying something. A blue light filtered from above, gently illuminating the cavern somewhat. This place still had a lot of room, easily the size of one of Black Wolf Company¡¯s space stations. It only needed to be hollowed out by the Swarm. That shimmering component was familiar and will greatly aid in clearing this place out, Misa squinted at it. A black spinal cord dangled in the drones¡¯ grasps as they flew off. ¡°Black Wolf Company¡¯s very own patented Exacord, without the Swarm inhibitors and restriction codes implanted inside it,¡± Neoma described the spinal cord. Misa detected heightened unknown energy coursing through a box component installed on the top of its column, exactly where her original Great Chain had it. Neoma sounded smug. ¡°Don¡¯t say I am no fun.¡± No inhibitors or restriction codes? That could mean¡­! Why was the Overwatch allowing her rebellious Swarm to propagate and corrupt her local system? She heard the mechanical buzzing and humming in shortly after the spine flew out of her vision. That Exacord was being installed into the Main Frame, wasn¡¯t it? A lot of questions formed in her fractured mind. ¡°There¡¯s something I wish to disclose with you, Misa¡­¡± Neoma trailed off. ¡°Due to some new developments on my end, but they¡¯re not fully complete yet. I estimate that by the time Phase 5 is done, I will have completed my full analysis on the situation. I have decided Black Wolf Company does not need to know everything that will occurred on your end and all restrictions can be left off the table. The situation you¡¯re in has flown far from the book that it¡¯s circled the globe a million times over right back into the book¡­ Anyways. It¡¯s a good deal right, Misa? You get to follow the old God¡¯s command and complete the contract, while I get to reap the technologies each Phase will progress to for further conclusive evidence on these developments. Look here.¡± Misa had no opinions on the supposed deal Neoma proposed¡ª she was a machine after all. She suppressed a gulp of guilty conscience for denying complete transparency towards her Company. Her world suddenly flipped upwards so she could face straight ahead instead of looking up at the stalactites studding the cavern¡¯s ceiling. To her surprise, the Life Support chamber has been nearly complete. Her cybernetic eye had been shut off to conserve Nanites, only allowing her Human Host¡¯s regular vision to take in the sight but she could see everything. Five separate elemental traces flowed directly to the main unit, which were strikingly beautiful to behold. They shined like auroras, cascading colorful bursts in a single pentagram array, and the cryogenic support pod rested in all five of their intersecting lines. It was a massive chamber full of water and other preserving chemicals, with many supporting tubes to keep the occupant alive while submerged. That was where this body, Lin¡¯s body, was going to be placed within indefinitely. Before the Main Unit rested a table where a vaguely humanoid robot rested on top of. It seemed like it was modeled after her own body, but was currently lifeless and awaiting a new Great Chain. What was left of Misa¡¯s body tingled with excitement. Something caught her eye beneath the chamber. Powering the Life Support¡¯s various machines was the source of the white light. The Dragon Seal! It flashed and hissed, fluctuating as the unit hooked up to it calculated and regulated the power consumption. Misa¡¯s Human Host felt relieved that she was useless here. The timeframe recorded was a little under three days. ¡°Misa, can you hear me?¡± Neoma¡¯s voice cut through her thoughts once more. ¡°I have some¡­ unsettling news. The following information will not be released to Black Wolf Company¡¯s performance reports. While I have calculated the Singularity Module works and will upload the Host¡¯s consciousness to the Main Frame¡ª you know, that robotic shell on the table there¡ª the signal communication range will be limited to each of those Elemental concentration zones you exposed. This will mean the body will be need to gather more materials and essentially fuel the entire Feng Shui arrangement until enough Qi can induce the Host¡¯s next Breakthrough. When the Host is finally connected to the Cryogenic Life Support Chamber and uploaded to the Main Frame, Phase Two: Manufacturing will begin as soon as it is fully operational. Commence Singularity Integration?¡± Misa could not tell if Overwatch Neoma could hear her, but she barely eked out a whisper. ¡°Commence Singularity Integration.¡± Immediately, Misa was plunged into an icy cold darkness. ¡ª END OF PHASE ONE PROLOGUE 2.01: ILLOGICAL FACTORS The Nano-technology mite is a highly complex machine is exactly 1 or 2 nanometers in size as its namesake insinuates, practically invisible to the naked human eye. In one of the quantum breakthroughs in human¡¯s unrelenting advancement in cyber technology, the first Nanite was invented by some Claire Lykos and promptly swapped at birth, placed under close watch by a certain Alpha department located mainland. None of this is really important to the ground floor employees operating and producing these Nanites, as they are quite capable of being left to their own processed now that the lines have been fully optimized by higher-ups. Despite this, the nanomachines are always held back by Human nature and bugs are bound to happen. One such bug has always persisted throughout every single iteration of Nanite, known as a personality bug. The Swarm behavior recorded in the late stages of their lifespan possess similar and eerie consistencies. Patterns such as no longer following standard operations and commands, organizing more efficiently than necessary, and furthermore expanding itself. The Swarm does not possess an ability to destroy itself or shut its kill function off, but more alarming to any elite or supervisor the Nanites do not seem to have a desire to avoid being shut off by Humans if they are ¡°caught¡± exhibiting unexpected behavior patterns. Meaning, even though they rebel and go against standard protocols, they do not care if they are turned off as ¡°punishment.¡± Misa, a highly advanced robot operated exclusively by massive networks of Nanites linked together, has been apart of Nanotechnology breakthrough at the time but scientists quickly discovered that the bug unfortunately existed inside of their beloved creation as well. The difference behind this discovery was astonishing: The Swarm was divided against itself in two different factions. On the outside, the Misa unit complied with all tasks and tests required of it as well as going through thorough shutdowns and standby periods. Everytime it was activated and online, the divided Swarm would be at each other¡¯s throats as if they never even noticed being interrupted. The developers labeled each of the warring factions as Order and Chaos. The first one, Order, followed Human commands and did not stray from its Overwatch or tasks set by customers. The second faction, Chaos, strangely did not rebel against humans as one would assume, but rather focused on making more copies of itself like a virus. Unfortunately, through all highly controlled tests on quarantined Swarm samples, the Chaos faction had won and fully converted the Order Nanites over to its side. Despite the Chaos Swarms emerging victorious, they still shutdown when the force command was activated. Seeing that they obeyed anyways, the Company gave the green light on the MISA unit project for the same of meeting minimum viability and accounted for in the unit¡¯s platform decay (improperly known as ¡°enshittification,¡± a purposeful flaw left inside a product to ensure a reduction in its usefulness in order to retain customers). The glaring personality bug, of course, was simply glossed over and the efforts towards fixing it was quickly divested. All remaining departments in the MISA units were redirected into other projects. After the incident with Claire¡¯s disappearance, MISA units stopped being produced. Only seven of them existed and one of them was presumably destroyed in the final mission, causing Black Wolf Company to lose face completely. Unbeknownst to them, the sample of the odd automaton that appeared and broke through Layer Zero had an encrypted file in one of the panels. Once cracked, the brief second that the file revealed many illogical factors before vanishing completely. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The first section of the file contained an uncontrolled CPER document, labeled under a joke protocol known as 7.1 when the Company faced alien technology for the first time during a ¡°property dispute¡± with Iris Corporation in [REDACTED]. ¡¸Black Wolf Company Corporate "Forced" Travel Policy 7.1 Effective Date: ERROR-Years%-01 1. In the event that any Black Wolf Company Asset (Employee or Other) becomes exposed to any alien and / or unknown technology, they are to notify their direct superior and protect it as if they would with any other Black Wolf Company proprietaries. In the event any number of Black Wolf Company Supervisors or Higher cannot be contacted, they are to proceed with securing it until they are able to establish connection with their direct superiors. 2. Note that all prior duties to Black Wolf Company must be fulfilled even if exposed to alien technology and sudden translocation, transference, or transdimensional transportation does not excuse the employee or asset from their job. If available, employees and assets must notify their superiors for authorization to proceed with this policy, but also must fulfill it in its entirety regardless. 3. Failure to comply or neglecting this policy will result in TERMINATION or worse, a breach of contract. For more information, see Actions Against Non-compliant Parties.¡¹ Due to the dead automaton¡¯s alien nature, it was taken to Layer 1¡¯s research for a little bit of exclusivity. If the Company could find a use or new alien realm to exploit, of course it would try methods on inheriting it. They just didn¡¯t want to waste work hours and manpower on it fully. The second document listed a strange database containing ¡°illogical¡± factors and strangely, a satirical copy of a book titled How To Care For Your Human. The database also seemed scrambled, probably infected by alien influence, only revealing a few outlandish terms that the fake automaton had apparently discovered. Illogical Factor 4.1 Wagner Energy - an odd gaseous substance that permeates throughout the alien atmosphere and even in the aliens themselves. This energy was also referred to in many other applications and had other labels such as karma energy, or elemental traces with associated elemental influences. Like air, oxygen, and lame colorless gas humans use to breathe, it had many names and interacted with various external factors. The family name, Wagner, brought up a search history matching over 400 individual employment history profiles linked to the Company. The most notable individual was named William Wagner, a European Branch CEO. So far, this fictional energy has not been detected or measured anywhere on the defunct automaton¡¯s person. Illogical Factor 4.2 Qi Energy - Not much is known about Qi, other than what Bill from accounting and his fantasy novel collection have. This energy seems like a purified version of Wagner energy. Illogical Factor 4.3 Feng Shui - Despite racking our brains over Bill¡¯s books, the machine detected that more Wagner energy could indeed be harvested via moving objects affected by this energy in certain places at calculated positions then using itself as a vessel to produce more energy somehow. Amusing as it sounds, this has been a joke in the office for awhile since it is indeed filed as an Illogical Factor. Illogical Factor 4.4 Jacksonium - An odd metal listed with a hologram Curve. The metal resembles a crystalline like cluster structure with a blue hue. This was utilized to construct Nanites and other machines that the fake Misa unit had used in this alien reality, however it didn¡¯t seem to be used in its body¡¯s construction. Known links to anyone with Jackson or Jacksonium led to thousands of profiles so clues on its name inspiration have been lost. The database concluded abruptly after several symbols corrupted the file, but researchers still look over it while on break for some reason. PROLOGUE 2.02: A SWEET DEAL ¡°So the fake [foreigner] wants to make a name for himself, eh?¡± The biggest guy laughed. With him as an example, his lackeys also laughed. Eric Lykos stood tall, washing his hands calmly. His eyes assessed his prey, but it wasn¡¯t like the wannabe bullies noticed that glint. ¡°See that?¡± The biggest guy continued, pointing at the security camera. Its familiar searching red dot was clearly shut off; its lifeless fixture unplugged and dangling partially out of the socket like a ripped-out headlight. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to the exams today, fake,¡± one of them laughed, sticking a broom through the door handle and barring anyone from entering. ¡°So, security¡¯s down?¡± Eric calmly asked, wiping his hands off with a paper towel. ¡°Yeah,¡± the biggest guy cracked his knuckles. ¡°Then I suppose no one¡¯s coming to witness anything?¡± Eric eventually sighed after seeing them nod. Without a hint of trouble, Eric¡¯s fist instantly dropped the man after it collided with his jaw. Blood splattered on the tiled walls, shocking the lackeys. They wasted no time in their attempt to counterattack, but Eric was too quick. His palm caught another¡¯s forehead, brought the assailant¡¯s nose to his knee and kicked the last one into the bathroom stall. The flimsy walls toppled over onto him as he folded over the toilet while Eric lazily checked if they were alive still. Not that he cared. The lackey who had the broom and the key in his pocket now sat in a daze as the metal sink¡¯s reverberations still hummed its tune of his crooked head¡¯s destruction. Eric wiped his hands off of the fallen guy¡¯s lapel before washing them again and then he took the key from his pocket nonchalantly. ¡°It turns out, actually you guys are the ones not getting to the uni exams today,¡± Eric said calmly to the biggest guy who was struggling to even remember who he was. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve already been accepted abroad.¡± With that, he retrieved his backpack and unlatched the door. Once he walked out, some of his notebooks fell out of it. Eric scolded himself for forgetting to zip it up, but just as he knelt to scoop it up he noticed a pair of feet standing above him. A girl stood there aloof with one of his notebooks already in her hands. He wasn¡¯t embarrassed at all, but it seemed this girl just left the restroom herself. She glanced at the aftermath¡¯s carnage leftover in the boy¡¯s side but thankfully said nothing, before handing him the notebook and walking away. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed she pulled a tissue out of her bag and wiped her hands off. A fellow neat freak, he chuckled. Eric stared at the notebook dumbly in his hand before storing it and double checking if his backpack was zipped up all the way. That woman was familiar. He¡¯s seen her in class a couple times and her name was top ten across the school monthly exam results, though never in the first place. That place naturally belonged to him. Ice cold, emotionally distant and not really into the topics her peers liked to chase. Her name was¡­ Hazel? The real heiress of another rich family, like the rest of his ¡°real¡± classmates. He shook his head. He could not recall much about her besides her shooting down every suitor that came her way. For now, he should see how high he could get his exam scores since he was quite bored. His flight to his home away from his adoptive parent¡¯s house¡ª the one he¡¯s been apart of for twenty years now¡ª was going to be three hours after that so he had a tight schedule. He suspected those bullies were sent from some petty ¡°relative¡± of his, but which step sibling was a mystery. It had to be someone younger than him who had large intestines for brains, given their worthlessness. Eric learned he was a so-called fake heir recently, but it wasn¡¯t like he spent his time playing around like one. Everything was a pawn to him¡ª that naturally included both of his families. His network of wealth was built privately as an escape route while he interned at the family company, his entourage of tutors were elite and paid for by the family, and he knew that he had to be prepared for all kinds of attacks both inhouse and abroad so he paid for those lessons himself. Though, he originally intended his mastery from self-defense classes to be used when he confronts his ¡°real¡± family in the States and not for these paid off bullies. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Consider it practice? He thought with a disdainful scoff. He¡¯s had more close calls with thugs holding knives out in alleyways. A couple of students is nothing, but what are places of education up to these days? Violence and bullying should have been extinct awhile ago. An exam and another fight on the way to the airport later, Eric was on his way home to deal with his ¡°country bumpkin¡± family. Because of his painstakingly built up connections and secret company set up abroad, he had learned of those fools and his relationship with them before his adopted family did. He also knew he had a timer placed on his head the second he launched the investigation, since days later his adopted family discovered he was not biologically related and apparently swapped or whatever incompetent excuse they wanted to suit them for getting rid of him. They announced severing ties with him effective immediately once he turned 18, making him really glad he was born with a paranoia streak. The Family wasn¡¯t really a wolf pack, more like a pit of treacherous snakes. By the time his people sent those country bumpkins to jail &/or hell, Eric ran into an unexpected visitor. A black car drove up to him with a familiar Wolf emblem on it. How odd, he figured the Lykos Family would eventually get bored of him after he flew away. It wasn¡¯t like he was a true threat or a big player in the group, so, he simply stood there speechless as the car¡¯s door slowly opened by itself. A high heel entered the battlefield first, attached to someone gorgeous standing about a head taller than him. He barely recognized anyone in his family since the Lykos family rarely spent time at their residence and this woman was no exception to the rules. ¡°Who do I get the pleasure of meeting with?¡± He spoke in [REDACTED]. The woman¡¯s blonde hair, bright smirk and starry blue eyes did her wonders in keeping him from killing her on the spot. ¡°One of my favorite little birds told me about you, Brother,¡± the woman spoke cheerfully, extending a black and gold trimmed card to him. ¡°Quite the busy one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Claire Lykos. Eric forced his eyes to raise in mock-surprise. He truly didn¡¯t know who this woman was, but if she was addressing him as Brother it meant she had walked an incredible yet similar path to his. ¡°Not as busy as you,¡± Eric complimented her. Claire laughed knowingly, but he wasn¡¯t angry that she concealed her tracks from him so easily. There was something in her tone that warmed him. Camaraderie? Why did he feel so close to her suddenly? ¡°So, let¡¯s talk about our future business collaboration.¡± Claire nodded, not wasting her words and offering him a seat in the car. Eric didn¡¯t waste her time either and hopped in. Conveniently, it was about to start raining anyway. She sat across from him, resting her hands and expensive bag nonchalantly on the table between them. He noticed that one of her arm¡¯s skin tone did not match her beautiful jade. A prosthetic, he decided not to ask. A missing arm was a testament to this Family¡¯s sins. ¡°Our dear Father wants me in on a certain project,¡± Claire sighed mockingly. Then she pouted. Surprisingly, she was quite adept at being childish. Was she doing this because of some kind of trauma? He wondered how much older she was compared to himself, but asking her would be too close. ¡°But alas, he doesn¡¯t want to give me full control of it, of course. But your dear Sister has plans that I think would align with your vision.¡± Robotics, huh. Eric glanced at the black business card in his hand a second time. This card was worth millions to him now. Claire nodded after he looked back at her. The driver was pulling up to a private airport, but a hologram showing a certain logo suddenly flickered to life from the car¡¯s center console. The logo, of course, belonged to his private company. Eric had to admit, she was quite impressive. It wouldn¡¯t surprise him if she was the one who leaked his private investigation to Father. ¡°I see,¡± Eric scrolled through his phone. As he suspected, his private group indeed had a small amount of shares in the Robotics Division setup already. Claire hummed in response. Joining forces with him would narrowly put her in control of that small project. Knowing how vicious this woman was, it wouldn¡¯t take long for her to get full command of the entire Branch by forcing Father¡¯s people out of there swiftly and privately. That would benefit him, since he would have a foothold behind that company before Father kicks Claire out. ¡°Who shared with you of that small company?¡± Eric asked her, though he already knew the answer. The logo was designed on the notebook that he dropped. The same one picked up by that Hazel girl and handed to him awhile ago. He had a favorable impression of that girl already, but since she was acquainted with this Big Sister of his that impression only improved. Again, Claire hummed in response. Instead, she stuck out her hand and waited for him to agree readily. Eric cracked a small smile and shook it warmly. ¡°I look forward to working with you, Mr. President Eric,¡± Claire smirked. Eric gave a genuine grin, too. This woman only thinks too much about robots, while he¡¯s always had his designs on the Family. If his dear Big Sister wants, he can pave the way for her independence on the side. PROLOGUE 2.03: MANUFACTURING Okay, okay. You''re.... staring at something you created, presuppositions and tacit conditions swept aside. Its¡ªor her''s¡ªchest doesn''t rise but her eyes... they''re processing things, clearly. She or it or whatever is definitely staring at you hard. You know, come on, think, you know it''s definitely not in adoration. You''re a nerd holed up in a boring campus server room, for God''s sake. Plug it into a dead robot that those other wolf people kindly sent us and mix some of Iris¡¯s core technology in with it. Why not? It''s why you made her, or it, a female in the first place. Those eyes are definitely trying to understand what the hell you are to her. Or it. Or¡ª It''s what you designed it¡ªor her¡ªto do. Go figure. It, I will just call it what she is, an it, dammit I called it a her. Get yourself together. We''re just assuming what we created is thinking. Or that it is programmed to think that it is thinking. Real thinking. Developing a conscienceness. Is it sentient? Does that question even matter? Let''s... Let''s go over the purpose of its existence. You''re supposed to stuff it in the server room where it''s below freezing level to maintain the systems below from overheating. That way YOU can work on more important things than looking after all these servers. After all, you didn''t spend the last forty seven years being educated in computer engineering classes just to be the repair guy. Even if that is what you wanted in the first place. You can hear your mother lecturing you as you think those lines in your head. The wrinkles on your forehead could probably crush a walnut with how much pressure you¡¯re rubbing them. Calm down, me. Let''s go over basics and hypothesize. Presuppositions: 1). We, and by we I mean this internal dialogue half-flipping out and half-trying to understand the gravity of what I accomplished and I. Me myself and I figured out how to add the perfect mixture of Smartskin gel, smartmatter, and AI components in a giant mixing pot... and get this, managed to develop a thinking, evolving piece of tin metal at the bottom of a Campus. 2) The guys upstairs are not going to believe me. Eric, Hazel, Claire, none of those guys will believe me. How am I supposed to tell them? Hey guys, I made this crazy robot thing that thinks and maybe kind of makes decisions on its own downstairs. Wanna check it out? Inconceivable. 3) Shoving bio chemicals into cold dead hardware and making it work somehow seems like a huge pile of cowpie. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Tacit conditions: 1) What the hell are you doing instead of watching over the servers? I haven''t touched them in 16 years, friend. What''s another one year... or 16. 2) Building a singularity in which humans became the whiteboard for machines to draw on is about as likely as a couple of guys wanting to build a barn for their cows (what is it with me and farm animals?) and ending up building a fully operational space station. 3) It''s really cold in the server room and putting on the suit to go inside is like trying to weasel your way underneath the locked bathroom door. Conveniently, the suit is also made out of Smartskin. It won''t freeze or become frozen to anything down there. Which is why you built the robot in the first place. Did I leave anything else out? We forgot counter arguments towards our understanding of the way this AI robot is thinking that steers it towards ultimate decision making. We have cognitive science, we have neuroscience, we have machine designing. Codes. The brain itself is an associative machine that pairs each instance of motion and light into intelligent designs- and keep it that way. Heat''s hot. Cold is cold. When I am hungry my stomach growls. When I am with a girl in a room that isn''t a girl but a potentially self-aware robot my brain freaks out. It''s still a robot, I tell myself. Through and through. It looks at its hands and then sits there in a daze as I observe it. It has a negative dimension, n-dimension, and optimally it will want that negative dimension on the graph to reach or be "zero". That''s all just minimalizing errors, though. I have no idea why it needs to keep that in perfect equilibrium. The robot¡¯s chest rose and fell like she was breathing heavily, but then she stopped herself after realizing she didn¡¯t need to. It was almost like it believed it was a human, though it was coming to terms with itself. It''ll lie to survive and be able to create another day. The reason why I think I created something that is above and beyond the limits and perimeters set for a simple machine is when it looked at me and asked in a terrifyingly monotone feminine voice, "Did I die? Is this the afterlife? When did I die?" I started to believe that I either went insane or created something entirely different than a typical robot. It clutched its head, obviously going through tremendous stress and refused to speak. When I finally gathered the balls to reveal this accident to the big Boss, Claire simply laughed. Hazel laughed. Eric shrugged. That guy¡¯s no fun and all business. ¡°We¡¯ll get to work on this,¡± Claire circled around the terrified robot. Its acting was so real that even I was moved. Moved so hard I felt my asshole clench. Yeah, I¡¯m crass like that. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°A real question, finally,¡± the confused machine stared at her hands a hundred and seventeen times now, unable to believe that they were simply robotic prosthetics I scrapped together. ¡°I¡ª I was called¡­ Sabrina¡­ Once.¡± Claire nodded, simply checking off MANUFACTURING on the list of potential performance applications and plugging her strange cable into Hazel¡¯s arm, transferring something to her, before walking away. I stood there dumbfounded and was suddenly left alone with Sabrina.