Chapter 59 — Aftermath

A/N: Sorry for the delay. Been a hectic few days, first the Yogi storm, constant rain and now a flood. I even get a free dog out of the ordeal, a mix of different breeds of Belgium Sheperds. Girl just wandered into my home all drenched… 3 Birds, 2 cats and now 1 dog, yikes. Thankfully she’s young, about 3 months old so she won’t fight with my cats. She was probably forgotten in the flood. Her collar was ripped apart when I found her, couldn't chase her out in the rain.

The aftermath… Nobody enjoys those.

People might love to cook, but scrubbing dishes and scraping utensils is the farthest thing from appealing, even if it’s an important chore in our daily lives. Sadly, I’m no different.

“Surprise?” Awkwardly, I watch the other Magi flee the room like panicked birds.

My mere presence seems to contaminate the air on the 4th Floor of the underground Headquarter.

The dosage is low, so I doubt they will combust spontaneously, but the telltale signs of Ether Poisoning are already showing on their bodies. Except for, curiously enough, the main ‘reason’ for tonight’s spectacle—Lorelei, unsurprisingly, Gil herself and Ambrosius.

““How are you doing this?””

Both echo, one with confusion and the other fascination.

I’m not sure how I should feel, but ultimately I settle for pride. “Surprise?”

Perhaps I’ve been too negligent with [Super-Charge]… If [Reinforcement] and [Fire Burst] could be brought to such a height, what about other Spells?

What about [Kinetic Shield / Blast], [Structural Grasp] or even [Vibration]?

Can I then reverse-engineer the upgraded Spells? ‘Food for thought.’

Attempting to exit the platform, I slam face-first into an invisible barrier that blocks my way out; nose red from the impact. “The Hell?”

“Lord Hangman,”

I face the butler, who sheepishly explains. “The barrier was… Designed to keep all toxic materials contained within so they won’t contaminate the surrounding environment.”

“Toxic materials?”

I echo, raising an eyebrow and gesturing to myself, before tacking on a sarcastic, “Ouch. Do I have to remain here until I stop producing True Ether? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure I can turn this off.”

Unlike offensive Spells, which are more like consumables, [Primeval Reversal] is a Buff that continuously consumes the True Ether my soul generates to sustain itself. However, given the drastic fluctuations in my body temperature, I’m certain that this… Form… State, or whatever it may be, will eventually dissipate.

“Cancel the Spell. You needs to come with us before they get the news.”

Lorelei interjects—commands, really, looking more concerned than I have ever seen her.

“You’re worried…” I note. “Who’re they?”

“The other Grea—”

“Us!”

I watch Lorelei’s jaw tighten as the other Great Lords descend upon us—all seven of them.

I might just have to pack up and get the fuck outta here… Alternatively, I could try to negotiate with them or have a ‘1v7’ for dessert?

As amusing as it is, 'No, probably shouldn't take on more than I can handle.' I quickly dismiss the thought. ‘Wait… Only seven?’

Guess I’m just not important enough for them to show… Thank the Gods for small mercy.

I reckon my Stats have improved significantly, averaging in the E++ rank, coupled with [Hyper-Metabolism], I’m likely among the top ten low-rank Servants. Still, these Magi are titled Great Lords for a reason.

Oh, shit, even Waver is here! He still looks like a child, probably in his mid-teens; nothing like Kiritsugu’s long-lost cousin who perpetually seems like he’s desperate for a nap in ‘Lord El-Melloi’s Classroom, but it’s definitely Waver!

Him being here is confusing, since I expected the Tower to assign a Proxy in place of the late Lord El Melloi until Waver’s all grown-up, but they really just hoisted the responsibilities on the kid, plus the Seat of the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory and told him to figure this shit out, huh?

“Bro! I’m a huge fan of you!”

“Me?” He blinks in confusion while pointing at himself.

“Yep!” I wink, throwing the dude a thumb-up. “The way you stole the previous Lord El-Melloi’s catalyst? Chef’s kiss.”

The reminder causes him to freeze in place, while the other Great Lords just watch in amusement.

“Urgh… Is there anyone who doesn’t know?!”

“From East to West, all speak to the greatness of the adopted Lord El-Melloi! The adventures he had with the Great Conqueror Iskander!” With a silent tilt of my neck, I gesture at Gil, who lazily leans back in her seat, hand swirling a glass of wine.

Talk about being a wine-mom…

“YOU—!”

Gil’s eyes glint with an unspoken menace that Waver certainly doesn’t overlook.

“Calm down, Lord El-Melloi. I’m sure that the—” The elderly man, as withered as Zouken, coughs before continuing, “I’m sure the young man had no ill intentions.”

If this guy isn’t some kind of Vampire, I’ll eat my shoe.

“So… Jasper—”

He wheezes loudly, his cane scrapping against the ground to create an ear-splitting sound that aches my eardrums.

“Hangman, is it?”

Leaving her ornate chair, Lorelei steps in front of me, a… “A telescopic pointer? That’s your Mystic Code?”

“Be silent!” She hisses, her reaction causing me to tilt my head in puzzlement.

“I didn’t think you cared.”

“This concerns my dignity as well. What will people say if I can’t even protect my…” She hesitates for the briefest moment, then finishes with an uncertain note, “Husband?”

And just like that, my desire to flee… Well, flees my body.

I can’t let Lorelei take the fall alone, not after that.

Her reason for lending me aid is irrelevant, all that matters is she is.

Before I can tease my lady-wife about it, the old man interjects. “Lady Barthmeloi, am I to understand that you’re opposing the votes we’ve agreed upon?”

“Lord Eulyphis, a vote is only legitimate in an official setting with all the Great Lords present, unless someone chooses to ignore the summons. It’s you lot that broke protocols, not me.”

Pursing her lips, Lorelei adds nonchalantly, palming her Mystic Code like I often would Senza Esitazione. “Am I to take this as a direct challenge from you for my position?”

Somehow, I have a feeling she’s not talking about her Seat on the Department of Policies…

Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis, I’ve heard of him in passing… Isn’t he in the Aristocratic Faction? “Wait, is this a fucking coup?”

“I have little interest in overthrowing you. I’m old, as you can see, and I’m no longer up for strenuous activities.”

As soon as he finishes speaking, I notice a head of white hair peeking in from the elevator.

‘Olga Marie… Right, Marisbury is aligned with the Aristocracy too, isn’t he?’

This isn’t exactly how I envisioned my first encounter with an Animusphere… Damn, does this mean the Chaldea Route is off-limits now?

“The reason we’re here is right behind you. Hand him over, Lady Barthomeloi, and we can act as if this never occurred… A specimen like him would be enormously beneficial to us; to the whole of Magi-kind.”

“He’s my husband on paper. He’s already connected to the Tower.”

“It’s better to dissect him than to let his Bloodline continue. True Ether hasn’t been found outside of the Tomb of Albion or the Sea, and we all know how tight-fisted those inbreds can be.” Amused by his own mockery, the old man taps his cane on the floor once, twice, then a third time, before dropping his smile.

“This isn’t about honor or pride; it’s about the survival of our Lineage. If carving him up secures a brighter future for us Magi than what’s been foretold, then I must apologize in advance for the offense, Milady.”

Shinning as bright as a Star, Rufleus walks forth, rejuvenated almost.

“Gems sewn into his clothes?” I hum, smirking. ‘Rin would’ve sold her Soul for this shit.’

Gems inlaid in clothing with such capacity to contain such a huge amount of Mana? I’d sell my liver for his style… Doubt the ol’ man would agree though.

“So be it.”

Fully extending her Mystic Code, Lorelei turns to the other Great Lords. “Is this the Will of your separate Faction as well, Lord Trambelio; Lord Meluastea?”

The first averts his gaze in shame, while the latter—the ‘hentai protagonist’ given the way his hair is styled, dressed entirely in white with a high-collared blue shirt—waves awkwardly.

“They forced me! You know our stance on politics!” He excuses, backing from Lorelei’s intense, burning glare.

“Guys? Can I just say something?” I call out, utterly ignored by every person in the room.

“It seems a decade has dulled your fear.” She remarks, sizing up the old man.

“I was never afraid of you, Milady. I haven’t feared anything in quite some time…”

“Guys?”

Clenching my fist, I punch the barrier, the impact against the enchantment splitting the skin on my knuckles.

The wound heals instantly, the thread of my knitting together in a mesmerizing display.

Then comes the second punch.

The third, fourth, fifth—

The ceiling trembles as my bloodied fist repeatedly pounds against the barrier, finally shattering the Runes carved into the ceiling and destroying the barrier preventing my escape. Feet tangled from the sudden lost of resistance, I stumble down the steps beside Lorelei.

“You know, there are many answers to life’s questions, but the most effective one I’ve found so far is violence. Works every time.”

Wiping the blood off my coat, I brace myself and activate [Vibration], not even bothering to hide the visuals.

From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like I'm sending a message.

Little do they know I'm actually layering [Vibration] as a substitute for [Apollo’s Glare].

I'm uncertain about the outcome... If I consider the effects of [Fire Burst], it was essentially achieved by vibrating air molecules at a speed so rapid they ignited, then compressing the resulting explosion into either a straight line or a condensed sphere.

I suspect [Super-Charged: Vibration] will function similarly, though there's a chance I could be mistaken. It wouldn't be the first time.

“300 Decibels… That’s the limit of my capability. Lorelei, could you enlighten the Lords on the consequences if such a powerful wave were to be unleashed within the Clock Tower?”

“Each increase of 10 Decibels signifies a tenfold rise in intensity… At that magnitude, it won’t be sound; it will turn into sheer vibrations capable of obliterating the Tower. The force will disintegrate anything… Anyone caught in its path. The Enchantments will likely shield most of London, but an earthquake and tsunami will follow, assuming the entirety of England hasn’t been reduced to atoms, that is.”

I look at her, astonished.

I had gravely underestimated the strength of [Vibration], largely due to its association with something as trivial as the first vibrating dildo, but… “Holy crap, I have a nuke."

“Such an empty threat…”

“Empty?” My vocal cords begin to resonate, a low, animalistic growl echoing sharply. “Look into my eyes, Lord Ruflues… See for yourself if I’m lying.”

“You would hold the entirety of England hostage?”

“When Deities clash, it is the mortals who bear the consequences.” I shrugm

“… We still require your survival, Hangman. Is it so contemptible to contribute to the World of Magecraft?”

“I think I’ll contribute in my own way.” Smiling, I advance towards the Great Lords, most of whom retreat uneasily, all except Ruflues. Looming over the bent old man, I make my eyes radiate a menacing glow. Locking gazes, I hold the stare, the golden veins on my body softly pulsing. “Proceed… Do as you wish, but be warned, the responsibility for whatever unfolds will rest squarely on your shoulders.”

“Shifting responsibility! I must admit, you would make a remarkable Lord.” The decrepit old thing giggles. Gross.

“Can one truly fault a wild animal for his instinct to survive?”

“But what if the animal’s all talk? What if it’s incapable of backing up its boasts?”

“Call its bluff then. See what happens when you corner a wild animal.”

We hold our gazes for a while longer, before I hand the Lord of the Department of Spiritual Invocation an olive branch by backing away. He too releases the build-up of Od in the inlaid Gems sewn within his clearly Dracula-inspired outfit.

“Congratulations… The Aristocracy claims you as one of our own.”

“Is this a test?” I thought Trambelio and ‘hentai protagonist’ were in on it too, since they’re the leaders of the Democratic and Neutral Faction each, in that order.

“It is my test. The Aristocracy rescinds its votes.”

I thought Lorelei was the de facto Leader, but it seems the old man still has a lot of influence. My lady-wife’s probably more popular with the younger generations.

“Wha—? That’s it?” Waver yells as a hand clamps over his mouth.

“Would you prefer we gamble with the young man’s potential to destroy our ancestors’ legacy? I expected more wisdom from you, El-Melloi.”

With discomfort at his tone, Waver follows the departing Aristocrats, leaving only Trambelio and a few Lords from both the Neutral and Democratic Factions behind. “Come… Let’s allow the newlyweds their space.”

“You can’t just—!” The Lord of the Democratic party protests, seeming betrayed as he grinds his teeth in frustration.

“Ah…” I gasp in realization.

That old coot is quite intimidating.

By steering the conversation, he offers his Faction a graceful exit while throwing the Democratic party under the bus. Even though I dislike him, this has aligned me more closely with Lorelei, who is publicly the leader of the Aristocracy. Was this plan in the works since I arrived at the Tower? Since my meeting with Lorelei? Or did he devise it on the way down?

Honestly, I’m unsure which possibility is worse.

If I know, I can adjust my approach to fit his tactics.

“Jasper…” Trambelio interjects, his voice filled with regret.

Even though I’m aware of Ruflues’ motives, it doesn’t make Trambelio’s betrayal any less revolting.

“If you can’t have something, must you always knock it over?”

“You must understand, I just…”

“Went along with the flow? Forced?”

The first points to a lack sincerity and consistency; the latter will directly put the Democratic Faction under the Aristocracy. He cannot win. “I did not peg you for a hypocrite, Lord Trambelio. You disappoint.”

Shamefully, Trambelio storms out of the room along with his allies, leaving Lorelei and I to our lonesome.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Shelving her Mystic Code, the Queen of the Clock Tower crosses her arms. “I did it for me.”

“That… Sounded kinda tsun-tsun.”

Lorelei fixes me with a look that could curdle milk, shaking her head in that way my sister used to when I a dumbass. “Nice bluff,” She says, her voice dripping with disbelief. “Even I almost fell for it.”

“Yeah…” I draw the word out, feigning nonchalance. “Bluff.”

She whips around like a snapping turtle, her eyes probing my expression as I turn the other cheek to avoid her gaze.

“You were bluffing, right?” 

I, wisely, keep my mouth shut. 

“Right?”

“Let’s find somewhere safe—I’ve got to pull out of this State,” I mumble.

Gazing at the tattoo-like golden veins spreading across my torso, I flex my biceps, relishing the BEAUTY OF THE FLESH, and stretch with ease.

I thought F++ felt incredible, but this… This makes me feel invincible… A God barely contained.

The very idea of surrendering such power is unthinkable to my brain, even though I know it’s necessary unless I’m willing to contaminate everything around me, and rare are creatures capable of processing True Ether in this era…

“How are you doing this?”

She asks.

“How are you blocking out the True Ether?”

“I asked first.”

“Sorcery Trait…” I shrug.

[Reinforcement] doesn’t impact spiritual bodies—not the common version that Magi teach, anyway. My theory is that when [Super-Charge: Primeval Reversal] maxes out my biological capabilities, it shifts focus to my Circuits, letting me store Od, then, it advances to the codes of my being through Spiritrons—what Extra-Verse would call an Internal Code Cast.

This process enables me to generate Od that rivals the Mana of the previous Ages.

“Should you even—”

“Miss, I’m afraid this is none of your concern.” Stopping Gil in her track? Bold move.

“Don’t worry, she’s with me.”

“That’s exactly the problem. Being seen with you while in Milady’s company is unacceptable. If word spreads, it could damage Milady’s reputation. The rumor mill might even say she approves of this arrangement!”

“I don’t have a problem with it.” The person in question admits, but Ambrosius wouldn’t have any of it.

“Oh, come now! Everyone is aware our marriage is purely political.”

“It’s still disrespectful.” He retorts, and I have to concede.

Given the circumstances, he does have a point.

“Are you suggesting my presence might outshine your Lady?” Watching the spectacle, Gilgamesh laughs.

“Absurd!”

“Then what’s the issue?”

The old man fixes a hard stare on the Golden Queen.

Observe carefully, gents, you’re witnessing a master manipulator in action!

“That’s not the primary concern!”

“Then enlighten me what is.”

Midway through their tense exchange, a wave of dizziness washes over me, accompanied by its unwelcome companion, nausea.

Despite my attempts to mask my discomfort, Gil immediately senses something is wrong.

“L—” Never thought I’d see Gilgamesh making such a mistake, but here I am. “Jasper, are you well?”

“I’m f—”

The strength I’d mustered evaporates as I crumple to one knee, my head pounding like a blacksmith's hammer. Even Lorelei seems taken aback and bewildered until the golden veins on my arm begin to pulse frantically. “I don’t feel so good…”

I struggle for breath, hoping it will alleviate the discomfort, but it only seems to intensify the sensation. “Is there any way to get me back to my room quicker? Because I don’t think—”

My words are cut short, not by another voice, but by a mouthful of blood that erupts from my throat like a broken dam.

“I won’t make it to the elevator,” I manage hoarsely, leaning heavily on Gil who has slung my arm over her shoulder for support. “True Ether Poisoning… I presume your little surprise wasn't meant to last."

“You think?” I manage to retort, before my vision starts to fade, my eyes rolling back as a second cough rips through my vocal cords.

‘This is just great. Thought we were done with this nonsense.’

“Get him to the—”

“Miss, like I said, you cannot—”

“You’ll not stop m—”

Was that Lorelei, or Gil?

I wonder weakly, then reveal my bloodied teeth.

‘At least I’m in trusted companies this time.’

So goes my last thought as I’m claimed by sweet oblivion, which is honestly nice. I haven’t been able to sleep in months now, ever since I get [Eternal Engine].

A little rest might just be what I need.