Abomination of Innovation Chapter 10

…

…

Remnant has changed.

Where corruption ran rampant in the past, a mystical energy long lost to the world’s veins now ran stronger than ever before as it flourished within the once rotten world.

Where there was once nothing but mere animals and corrupted imitations, the energy brewing deep within the world’s core now gave birth to the myths of legend from ages past.

A mighty roar of a juvenile yet undoubtedly mighty beast shook the earth as the formerly complacent lands of Mistral shook as it welcomed the massive, serpentine body of a newly formed scaled beast. With a single cry, the numerous Grimm infecting the lands around its birthplace disappeared beneath the waves it summoned.

The ground trembled and indented as a different beast, much more lithe and nimble, yet no less mighty and powerful stepped into the scathing deserts of Vacuo. Its white fur glistened under the harsh sun as it raised its head defiantly, releasing a loud, piercing howl as the tectonic plates beneath it shifted restlessly at the mere sound, twisting the content to its will.

From the intense snow, heavy stomps echoed through the lands  as a shell no smaller than the mighty, floating city of Atlas rose out of the ground, covered in snow, earth, and whatever foliage could survive the eternal winter. A similarly massive, long head extended out of the shell and to the heavens, staring at the ruined moon silently before releasing an earth-rupturing shriek as it began its march across the continent through the everlasting cold.

Descending upon the highest peak in a patchy island west of the infamous Vale was a feathered, inextinguishable flame like no other. It raised its beak high, releasing a majestic cry not unlike that of a mighty avian beast as the flames around its body overwhelmed all other light, shining upon the land with greater intensity than even the sun’s rays as it declared its arrival to the world. 

Yet, as the Vermillion Beast extended its massive, fiery wings and prepared to take flight into the sky it now claimed as its own, an unexpected presence upon the island marking its origin brought it to a pause.

In a clearing a fair distance away from the avian beast, a lonesome blonde stared up in amazement as embers danced around her gauntlets, weaker and dimmer than even the smallest of the Vermillion Beast’s flames…

… Yet bearing a trait the Vermillion Beast couldn’t help but covet. 

Within moments, the previously perching avian was soaring through the trees and into the air, cutting the distance between it and the oblivious blonde-

Only to be intercepted as a black-haired woman with striking resemblance to the blonde appeared through a gap in space, slicing at the Vermillion Beast’s magnificent feathers with her blade and striking true… with little result against the fearsome creature.

“MOM!” The blonde girl cried as her mother was launched into a tree with a mere swipe from the bird’s contour feathers, turning to look at the fearsome beast with fear and anger in equal measure before gasping as it launched itself towards her.

However, much to her shock, the pain she expected never came as she opened her eyes to find the beast nowhere in sight. Instead, a rather warm feeling enveloped her chest as she looked down to find feather-like markings and symbols across most of her chest, shoulders, and likely her back.

Before she could lament the anger of her mothers once they discover her impromptu tattoos, a distant groan catches her attention as she remembers her mother’s plight and quickly runs to her side.

“Mom!” She called out again as she sat by her mother’s kneeling form, eyes widened at seeing her composed and powerful mother so easily knocked away. 

“... I’m fine.” Her mother replied, yet the venom in her tone showed that while her body was pristine, her pride had taken a rather grievous hit.

“I- Let’s go to a doctor, just in case.” The blonde daughter tried to insist while suppressing the urge to make a joke as she extended her hands to help her mother. “You’ll be fine… Huh?”

As the blonde promised her mother that she’d be okay, the visible markings on her body began glowing as energy danced across her fingertips before traveling into her mother’s body as the mature woman’s meager injuries began fading at a visible rate.

The mother gasped as injuries, young and old, faded with the flow of mystical energy moving inside of her. Her crimson eyes, slightly widened, slowly looked up to the blonde girl.

“... Yang?”

…

…

[100 CP Acquired!]

The Agitos atop the Atlesian Airship all sat in solemn silence, ears drooped and eyes dull as they gazed out the windows of the ship.

The loss of the Relic of Treasures was not well-received by Agito, as anyone would’ve expected.

Even after almost a day of travel aboard the Airship, many of the Agitos had yet to move from their depressive pile, save for a few who were forced to move for one reason or another.

Probably because the rather large pile of Agitos was obstructing any attempt at moving through the ship for the soldiers standing around. Some Agitos reluctantly had to move after the soldiers were blocked from the restroom for too long and urgently had to go.

The Agito in the middle of all other Agitos was the only Agito still moving, even if all he did was nod his head listlessly as he stared into empty space.

[Acquiring…]

Dark Beast [600 CP - Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]

[Some creatures are so powerful, that the land itself is changed by their presence. You are one such being, having been infused with some sort of dark power that has increased your size and possibly even changed your appearance, making you much bigger than any person and granting a few additional features such as the ability to shoot magical projectiles or create lesser spawn of yourself. Not only that, but you’re capable of corrupting the landscape near where you make your home. You might fill the land with poison, make a mountain more volatile and prone to landslides or eruptions if it’s a volcano, or you might just corrupt the existing wildlife to better serve you. Whatever changes have occurred in your body, it would take a lot of courage to face you, now.]

[Purchase / Skip]

The Grimoire, possibly mocking Agito, offered him a way to release his negative emotions in a way that would irreversibly change him.

‘Mom would be sad…’

[Skipped!]

Agito’s nature remained pure for the time being as he looked away from the declined trait, choosing to inspect the abilities he acquired earlier while hoping for something that can get the Relic of Treasures back.

Maybe one of them may offer a way to return the Relic back to him?

Arena Materialization - [200 CP - Library of Ruina V1.0]

[A/N: Rolled by Joalfl on Patreon!]

[You have the ability to aesthetically change the current area to one of your choice. Some examples include changing a hotel room to a lush forest, a train station to a friendly cartoon neighbourhood, or even making it seem like you're in outer space. Music may accompany you with the changes. No matter what aesthetics you go with, the actual layout of the land (and any of its inherent danger) doesn't actually change. However, while this field is active, you and your allies will be hyped up to work/fight/play better. If you leave the area or are otherwise defeated, the "arena" dissolves and reverts back to normal.]

This didn’t feel like something useful to getting the Relic of Treasures back, but Agito could now appreciate the calming sound of nature in his ears even while thousands of feet into the air and away from any trees or greenery.

Maybe this can be useful in the future…?

John 2:1-11 - [0 CP (Free!) - Worm CYOA v17]

[With a touch, you have the ability to transform any type of liquid into any type of mundane beverage you desire. The area you can affect is similar to that of a sedan.]

. . .

Was Agito Jesus now? Agisus. 

Sus?

Every Agito suddenly perked up with their ears ramrod straight as they stared at every inhabitant in the Airship.

There was an imposter among us…

Then, under the relieved gazes of the very alarmed soldiers, the Agitos all visibly relaxed.

Nah, there was no way hard-wood guy was that incompetent…

He was just informed of the rats in his military and circle, no way he would place one with The Agito!

Library of Babel - [100 CP - Campione]

[Perhaps a name too big for what it is, but its usefulness can’t be denied. This is a large library is a collection of myths, legends, fables and records about gods, angels, demons, heroes and other fantastical beings. It also recorded the cults for each and their transition in time and geography. As expected, it would take a long time to memorize it all, but is a good source of information if you happen to need it. It updates every jump.]

‘The Agito’ Agito demanded.

Immediately, a flood of information about Agito’s exploits during his short stay in Remnant entered his mind as he was shown everything he already knew, only in the form of an outsider reading it like a legend in a story.

As he avidly studied everything related to the Relic of Treasures, his shoulders slumped as a line entered his mind.

“The Greatest Treasure Ever Conceived, crafted by the most noble of craftsmen in a broken world, handpicked by a Divine Beast of no compare, and enchanted with the grace of the remaining Smith God… was stolen by the bitter Witch of Darkness, Bane of Mortality, Salem, The Immortal, after her terrible failure to acquire the so..le.. Divine Beast of Remnant.” 

Agito didn’t even blink as he saw the word ‘sole’ twitching and fading. He was too busy suppressing tears as his precious Relic was confirmed to be lost to Salem.

There was always a chance she’d have left it where it was in the park…

It appears not.

Reiatsu-Concealing Cloak - [200 CP - Bleach]

[Developed and worn by Urahara Kisuke for covert operations, this appears as an elaborate black coat with a cowl and multiple white ties to keep it secure. Infused with Kido, the cloak allows the wearer to almost completely conceal not only themselves, but their spirit energy. 

Only extremely refined of senses could pick them up, the wearer practically blending in with the air around them. The effects tend to dull when the wearer exerts their spiritual power beyond their body, but until that point you should be able to sneak around even some of the stronger or more refined enemies you’re likely to encounter here.]

Half of the present Agitos suddenly donned black coats after Agito registered what this cloak did, with a few of them completely disappearing into thin air as they shifted behind other Agitos and out of sight from the soldiers standing guard around.

Decoys were important, yet shadow guards were importanter!

And cooler.

Just as Agito was about to give up hope and give up on something to bring back the Relic of Treasures, he read the final item in the list.

Weaponry - [100 CP - MtG - Amonkhet]

[A finely made local weapon of your choosing that will never need maintenance and will reappear in your warehouse a week after destruction.]

“...”

Agito slowly stood up and walked into the center of the Airship, raising his hands into the air as the surrounding Agitos all circled around him and stood at attention as a circle of light appeared in the air above Agito.

“Kneel.” The surrounding Agitos willingly kneeled at the main Agito’s command, while the surrounding soldiers were forced to kneel as Agito’s weak, flickering divine light surrounded his body.

He was tired after his outburst, but… this was necessary.

Before the expectant eyes of the Agitos and the curious and confused gazes of the Atlesian Specialists, a circular item slowly descended with divine light into the waiting hands of the glowing Agito.

Where the Relic of Treasures had rough edges and uneven surfaces, this one was perfectly smooth to the touch as it curved in a way less similar to a trash can’s lid… and closer to that of a true shield.

It was undoubtedly still a trash can lid, no one would deny that even if it looked… odd. But it was not the Relic of Treasures.

It would never be the Relic of Treasures.

“Treasures once lied beneath an artifact like no other, belonging to me.” Agito spoke with a somber whisper, holding the new item gently. “You are not it. You will not grant me Shinies.”

“...” The pause in Agito’s words was prevalent as no other sound echoed through the populated chamber in the Airship. It was clear that any interruption would not stand, so it was only natural that there wasn’t any.

“Grant me succor. Bring me recourse.” Agito pleaded as he stared up at the lid-shield…

It was tarnished.

It was not what it should’ve been.

“You… Relic of Vengeance.”

The shield glowed in acceptance as it did not deny its new duty despite its disgraced state, a far cry of what it rightfully should’ve been as the crown of the world’s most precious treasure. Slowly, it finally settled down into a beautiful, engraved shield-lid embodying Agito’s wrath and inevitable revenge…

… It had the doodles that Agito used to draw on the Relic of Treasures engraved on its front.

The Agitos all immediately got to work as Agito gracefully placed the Relic of Vengeance on the floor, turning it into a weapon worthy of its name as all the Dust and Resources available to the Agitos was put into the second Relic.

It would not end up like its predecessor.

Agito vowed.

The sole and main Agito slowly walked out of the pile of working Agitos and to the window of the Airship as he stared at the endless landmass before his eyes, tilting his head as he spotted something in the far distance.

A city.

A beautiful, massive city unlike anything he had seen since coming to Remnant. Not the abandoned city he found himself in, not Kuo Kuana in Menagerie, and even Atlas failed to compare, even if it was infinitely more technologically advanced and perhaps even slightly bigger in terms of land.

They all lacked something… magical. 

The city held a spark of life that Agito couldn’t sense previously in any of the previous cities…

… and that made him uneasy.

Why was it like this? How?

Is it neutral? Friendly? Hostile?

Agito needed to know…

[MYTHICAL ACHIEVEMENT]

[Achievement: Reintroduce Magic to Remnant and Herald a New Age Into the World. The Age of Beasts. (3 Freebies Regardless of Price (1000 CP Price Limit)]

Agito’s ears perked up.

Then, they stilled.

He did what?

Huh… Must be a glitch, he doesn’t remember doing that stuff.

Wasn’t him!

[Acquiring…]

Mímisbrunnr - [400 CP (Free) - Highschool DXD]

[The famed left eye of Odin, capable of granting the user unparalleled insight of all kinds of magic. Even the ones from foreign or exclusive magic systems aren’t exempt from the insight granted by this artifact. Comes from a well located beneath one of three roots of the world tree Yggdrasil, containing so much wisdom, even Odin himself couldn’t just take a sip without losing something first. A must-have if you’re planning to become a master of the arcane arts.]

[Automatically Purchased!]

[‘Mímisbrunnr’ has been Acquired!]

The golden, glowing left eye of Agito dimmed slightly for a moment as Agito instinctively closed his eyes to dull the ache. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes to see his reflection in the window of the Airship as he blinked in surprise.

While his right eye remained the same, the same couldn’t be said about the left. Where his dark pupil once was within the golden iris was a glowing, pure white pupil in the shape of a massive tree unlike anything you could see naturally in the wilderness. The numerous branches and leaves swayed above and throughout the golden iris, while roots extended down the sclera where Agito couldn’t see them anymore.

At the same time, Agito’s gaze moved past his reflection and to where the increasingly large city sat a fair distance away. There, his new vision granted him a deeper understanding of what was going on with Vale as he peered into the hidden veil that was magic.

Vale was alive, just as Agito assumed earlier. It was constantly monitoring everything that entered its domain, peering into their nature, status, and past. From there, it could likely report everything it saw and heard to a higher authority.

Agito could sense that it was being powered by a rather powerful relic, one that held a certain… trait that sorta reminded him of Jinhsi and all her time shenanigans.

This must’ve been why Ironwood wanted him to come here so desperately… They wanted to get a measure of him.

How cowardly! To trick an innocent Agito so shamelessly, they ought to be hanged for this!

Agito pouted slightly as he watched the lively city as it watched over every individual entering its domain, an innocent, almost childlike wonder in everything it did.

Didn’t the ‘ritual’ or whatever that Salem wanted to stop happen only a few weeks ago?

It must be quite young…

Wait.

City… City is glow… City is alive, but not alive…

. . .

Shiny?

. . .

Agito generously offers to liberate this Shiny from the dastardly hands of Dumbles Junior!

“Oop-” Agito’s ‘machinations’ were put on pause as his and every other Agito’s body suddenly began glowing brightly.

[Acquiring…]

*Amplified Aura - [300 CP (Free) - RWBY]

[Well look at that. Your Aura reserves are a fair bit stronger than they are ought to be. Like Jaune and Hazel, you have a lot of Aura at your disposal, three times as much as your average Huntsman and equally as fast regeneration even when inside combat. Just by the sheer amount of your Aura you would make for an excellent fighter once you figure out how to use it properly. This regeneration and increase also affects any other soul-based power pools.

Requires Aura to Purchase]

[Automatically Purchased!]

[Notice! ‘Aura’ Already Detected Within User!]

Aura - [Free - RWBY]

[Every living thing, from humans to Faunus and even animals, have a Soul. Only the Creatures of Grimm are soulless and as such can’t make use of this power. For you though? You are now, thanks to the physics of this world, able to use your soul as a powerful tool called Aura. This has a variety of uses.

To begin with Aura at default works as a sort of energy shield against attacks and damage. You wont suffer direct harm while its active, but you will still feel sensations like pain and heat while your Aura is up. It requires training to always subconsciously have a cloak of Aura on. It can even protect you from climate conditions, like walking through a snow storm, though particular extreme conditions will damage Aura like combat damage would.

Aura can also be used to amplify your abilities, like your defence and strength making you essentially superhuman. In addition to that just possessing Aura gives you a minor automatic healing, able to fix small wounds like scratches in seconds.

All tools and equipment’s are capable of being used as conduits for Aura, allowing a user to be capable of sending out crescent shaped energy slashes from their blade for example. Furthermore it can be used to enhance these things, allowing you to, for example, even use a loaf of bread as an effective weapon. Dust usages is also enabled by Aura.

Those already possessing Auras may also unlock someone else’s Aura. Doing so however takes a toll on the user, potentially weakening their own Aura for a while. Users with particular advanced experience in utilizing Aura may also be capable of other ‘higher-tier’ techniques. Examples would be to use Aura consciously as a shield, create shockwave like attacks, gain extrasensory perception and even sensing and identifying other peoples Auras.

That being said Aura alone does not make you invincible. Continued damage or attacks far outweighing your Auras capabilities will be able to eventually break it. Using your Aura repeatedly also puts it at risk of decaying, to the point where the user can be left weakened and without Aura until they are able to rest. Aura being completely depleted is visually represented as a coloured sheen glowing along the length of a person's body or with coloured particles flying off the body, indicating that they can now be physically injured. Aura flickering means it is close to being depleted.

Still, it is a versatile tool that has helped humans and faunus alike over the years and now you as well. If you like... there are ways to enhance your Auras capabilities with the below options.]

[‘Aura’ has been Acquired!]

[‘*Amplified Aura’ has been Acquired!]

…

…

Aura.

It is the fighting chance that humanity was granted when first facing the Dark Tides centuries ago.

A shield, a weapon, a cloak. Aura has been a greater ally to humanity than humanity itself, offering a glimpse of hope that would’ve otherwise been impossible to find alone. 

It authorized safety.

It authorized power.

It authorized freedom.

Through constant practice and battle, one could even reach a level beyond the norm, acquiring a ‘Semblance’ of what once was from an unknown age long past.

However, not all Aura users were equal.

Where many were limited to the basic applications that Aura granted them with only a ‘Semblance’ as their path to growth, a scant number of Aura users were granted capabilities beyond those of their peers.

Traits. 

Separate from the well-known and documented Semblances, Traits were an acknowledgment of destiny and potential from the world itself.

Somewhere within a land of Fauna, in the distant past, a baby with amber eyes and black hair opened its eyes to the sight of shocked parents, a pair of ears atop its head… and a pair of tails swaying from its back. A small sneeze resulted in a small, yellow ember released from between its tails.

Before a being of darkness with greater power than all of humanity’s mightiest, a lone, silver-eyed woman with overflowing maternal instinct stood tall. Light flowed through her body and soul as blood did, leaking from her glowing silver eyes and threatening to annihilate everything in its path as she faced down a threat beyond her capabilities even at her peak.

In a familiar land of cold, eternal winter, a synthetic girl with beautiful orange locks smiled brightly as she stared out the window of her room, her body looking no different than any other even as her hand idly shifted through different weapon forms, from pistols and rifles to flamethrowers and rocket launchers before returning to a pristine, ‘human-like’, artificial hand.

Yet, unknown to even those acknowledged by the world and granted the blessings of a Trait, the secrets of this phenomenon dated further back than even the oldest beings within Remnant.

In an Age of Gods thousands of years ago, a pair of brothers created six lesser deities to oversee the world in their absence if need be, granting them power beyond any other creature present in the world, save for the brothers themselves.

Through these six deities, six mortals were granted what is now known as a ‘Trait’ as they enacted the will of the deities on their behalf.

Then, with the departure of the brothers, an Age of Darkness enveloped the world as the integral life force powering the world disappeared alongside the brothers, and creatures of the night haunted the remaining mortals in the world.

It was during this age that humanity struggled most, so much so that even the weakened will of the world couldn’t help but acknowledge their valiant struggle. Through destiny or struggle, some individuals were capable of harnessing aspects of the Age of Gods, whether it be the Mythical Beasts of that age, or the the Mystical Energies that the ancient ancestors used naturally.

…

…

…

A blonde girl with peculiar engravings upon her body stood by her mother’s side, hands gently tracing the patterns on her body as she marveled at the energy and power pulsing beneath her fingertips.

She knew little of how she was granted this power, but she would come to learn of the truth in time.

For she was the first of many in an Age brought about by the descent of a Divine being once more.

An Age of Beasts…

An Age of Freedom.

…

…

Artificing, Deception, Wealth.

Three domains, all centered about a void within Agito.

A void that was slowly filling up as a fourth joined the ranks of the previous three, taking the most integral spot within Agito’s soul, at the center of his being.

Freedom. 

The limits of each Age were quite firm, often encompassing different Mythical Beasts, Mystical Energies and Powers, or embodying the powers of certain powerful beings…

But such limits did not stand when the one receiving a ‘Trait’ is a god.

A Mythical Beast naturally cannot inherit the Trait of another.

A being capable of true Magic does not need to replicate a mere aspect of it.

One who heralded an entire Age… is above inheriting the Trait of the beings created within an Age.

There was only one remaining option when bestowing a trait upon a creature like Agito.

A domain.

… And what better domain to inherit than the one Agito’s soul longed for since first acquiring Divinity?

… What better domain to inherit than the one Agito needed most when he was captured… when he was deprived of his greatest Treasure?

Freedom.

It was only natural. Instinctual.

Agito released a deep breath as the glow encompassing him, and every other Agito, dulled. The ache left behind after his divine wrath faded slightly, granting him a hint of reprieve that was very much appreciated.

He… felt different.

He was sad… 

… but he was free.

[Acquiring…]

Saver - [600 CP (Free) - Fate/Legends - Nirvana Yuga]

[A/N: Rolled by Moth man on Patreon!]

[At the origin of the world, there lies truth. Only through a perfect understanding of yourself, the world around you and the nature of existence can it be reached. A level beyond mere enlightenment in a religious sense, it is an achievement of spirituality that only Shakyamuni has truly reached. And now one other. The universe is forced to acknowledge what you are now, a golden light emanating from your presence that brings all things to peace before you. Demons are reduced to the strength and will of babes, the chaos of the natural world calming before your path and the flowers of the lotus blooming in your footsteps. Only those with enlightened natures of their own, for peace or perversion, and those of enough strength to operate at the level on the scale of celestial objects themselves can resist this light fully, though those of a inhuman nature are less effected than full humans.

Towards your inner self, your enlightenment has also led to an understanding between your body and the rest of the world. Offence against you, from normal blows to conceptual attacks or magic, finds itself reduced in power by your own overall endurance before it is allowed to strike you. In effect, if something cannot kill you in one strike at least, it will not hurt you at all, and would need to do so twice over to kill you. An effect of this protection that reaching Humanity’s truth has granted is that outside forces are unable to interfere with your mind at all and those who are named as the Beasts of Humanity, and their like, can be understood and connected with in ways not normally possible for the mad creatures.

To know Truth as you do is to rule, to be placed at the throne of existence. Because of your nature and the light that shines from you, you have the right of governance over reality around you. Through the light of your sagacious soul, you command the universe to act in your wishes and it responds with eagerness. Reality itself warps, in similar ways to the use of the powerful Authorities of the Gods, though your governance takes precedence over even their commands. Your rights extend to the scale of the entire Solar System, allowing you to manipulate events within such an area and on the scale of whole worlds. However, this is true governance, not only your powers. It relies on you requesting this of the world around you and while it will listen, it can struggle to act on an incredibly fine scale. Yours is a being that exists beyond human imagination and that can cause conflict if you wish to interfere in the lives of individual humans, your powers struggling to go beneath the scale of a village in what they effect. However, because it is the universe acting in response to your commands, it is a simple matter to give many orders in quick succession, as it is carried out in accordance to your will by reality. Commands could even be set up to have conditions or go into action at a certain time. And, as before, those who share enlightenment in their own right can resist or fight back against this control, perhaps using their own powers in spite of your abilities.]

[Automatically Purchased!]

[‘Saver’ has been Acquired!]

Agito could feel a link with the world that had… been there previously, yet not as obvious as it is now. 

He was… a bit better. A bit wiser.

“Make The Agito have all the shinies in the world!” Agito requested of the world with a pleading expression, ears drooping as tears gathered in his eyes like an adorable, whimpering puppy.

The world cooed.

No shinies appeared.

Agito pouted.

As he learned more of his ‘truth’ and reached enlightenment, he’ll be able to command the world with more authority and better utilize Saver. For now, he could likely only utilize its basic functions as a junior buddha or whatever this was supposed to be.

He would become… Son Agito!

Because everyone keeps adopting him, for some reason.

Throughout Shinies and Rubbish, He Alone Was the Adopted One.

“Oh? What’s with all the ruckus happening back here?~” An unfamiliar, raspy, yet strangely seductive voice suddenly cut through the Airship cabin as the door to the Command Deck opened to reveal a beautiful red-headed agent who Agito hadn’t seen since boarding the Airship.

A gasp left his lips as he stared at her ears, finding a pointy, leaf-like shape that could only mean one thing…

Elf!

There were elves in the world? He hadn’t seen one before though…

Mirth danced in the woman’s amethyst eyes as she approached the sole Agito standing by the window, her movement a mix of alluring seduction and disciplined stride. As she reached Agito, she arched her back slowly and bent over to inspect him, placing her gloved hand with spiky fingertips on his cheek.

“You must be the infamous Agito then, I take it?” The woman asked rhetorically while caressing his cheek as the sharp claws of her glove gently glided over his soft skin, not drawing blood or breaking skin with how carefully she did it.

“How are you an elf?” Agito immediately asked what was on his mind, raising a hand to gently touch one of her ears as she blinked in surprise.

What? She touched him first! She can’t waltz over here all calm and composed then act surprised once he touches her like she did him! Equality for Raccoons! Down with Raccoonists!

A pleasant giggle left her lips as she took her hand away from his cheek and to her other ear, an amused glint passing through her eyes as she carefully touched her pointed ear. 

“An elf, hm?~ Is that what I’ve become now?” She questioned curiously, making Agito blink in surprise.

This was a new thing?

“This was a new thing?” Agito voiced his thoughts.

“Mhm~. Imagine my surprise as I’m focused on piloting the Airship to transport little ol’ you… only to suddenly be engulfed in a pillar of golden light and end up with some changes to my body.” The woman confirmed with a smirk as she straightened up her posture, glancing at the window to see how close they were getting to Vale before turning to another specialist (Clover? Agito heard someone call him that…) and gesturing for him to take over at the Command Deck with a tilt of her head.

“Huuuh? That was me?” Agito pointed at himself in surprise, confused about how his ‘little’ temper tantrum somehow affected the woman. “So I made you into an elf…?”

“Well, you tell me, Little Agito…” The woman raised an eyebrow at him, as if unfamiliar with what an elf even is, which kinda makes sense since an Atlesian Specialist likely didn’t indulge in fantasy stuff.

Summer mentioned “Maidens & Magic” at some point, so an elf-equivalent likely existed in fantasy maybe.

Agito tilted his head as he sensed an invisible thread of energy leave the woman’s fingertips behind her back, latching onto something a little distance away. 

Before Agito could respond, a powerful, ear-piercing cry of an unknown creature echoed across the skies, making the woman suddenly grab Agito and drag him away from the windows while pulling at the strings latching onto what he now knew to be a puppet of sorts.

Unfortunately(fortunately?), there was no actual follow-up to the terrifying cry. Only a bunch of confused, tensing Atlesian Specialists and a distracted Agito.

[Legendary Achievement!!!]

[Achievement: Give Life to the Four Auspicious Beasts Into Remnant (500 CP added)]

[Achievement: Bring About the First Resonator of the Age of Beasts (Vermillion Bird) (200 CP added)]

“Wat?”

[Acquiring…]

Wicked Tune That Will Destroy My Silence - [ Free - Fate/Apocrypha V1.4 ]

[You now have theme music, which you can have at any time, either audible to only yourself or shared with others. It can’t be used as a distraction or to deafen or otherwise inconvenience others, but it certainly makes fights more epic. You can share this ability with your allies, either giving them your theme, a remix, or letting them pick their own.]

[Purchase / Skip]

‘O mai gaa!!’ Agito gaped.

[‘Wicked Tune That Will Destroy My Silence’ has been Acquired!]

Agito was going to have his own theme song playing… while gathering shinies!

This was going to be EPIC!

Uh… What should he have as his theme song, though…?

[Acquiring…]

Psychic Power - [300 CP - Hellsing]

[Beyond the arrays of powers granted by a demonic nature, like that of a vampire or werewolf, lie powers possessed by some of a more individual nature. Though unclear as to their true origin, whether humans themselves have these abilities or it is the result of unique vampiric mutations, their existence is in no doubt. You possess one of these psychic powers, custom created by yourself to be on roughly the same level as the ones displayed by the Werewolves unit of Millenium. 

The magic bullets of Rip Van Winkle that turned a simple musket into an enormously powerful rifle shooting bullets that were controlled mid flight. Tubalcain Alhambra’s talent for turning playing cards into metal slicing weapons at long range, teleportation and even useful shields. Even Zorin Blitz powerful illusions, able to trap men in fantastical worlds by affecting all of their senses at once. All examples of the sorts of powers available to you, though each does tend to have their own limitations. This option can be bought multiple times.

May be Purchased Multiple Times]

[Purchase / Skip]

This… felt like a no brainer. He didn’t even know what he could use this for, but this could be infinitely useful in finding shinies! Or… maybe getting the Relic of Treasures back…

[‘Psychic Power’ has been Acquired!]

[300 CP Deducted…  500 CP Remaining.]

Agito didn’t feel a difference immediately, so he guessed that he’d have to develop the Psychic Power into whatever he wanted it to be first before it manifested.

Ah… So much to do! But it will all be worth it once he can get his Treasure back.

“What’s got you so dazed, hm?~” The redhead snapped Agito out of his thoughts as she carefully let go of him once she seemed sure that nothing was happening and that no Grimm were attacking.

However, Agito easily noticed the near-invisible, purple string of energy attached to the back of his collar. It was a puppeteering string intended to control his body should the woman decide to do so…

Calmly, he utilized his magic to capture the energy and remove it from his body before turning to the woman with a blank face as he slowly moved the string and wrapped it around her wrist.

“I think you’ve misplaced this one.” Agito’s voice was blank as he tied the string into a bow on her wrist with magic, leaving the woman sufficiently surprised as she stared at him with widened eyes.

“Well well, it seems I’ve been caught.~” She chuckled without a hint of shame or embarrassment despite getting caught,  “I must apologize, but the General insisted that I do my best to ensure your safety by any means necessary… and I’ve been told that you tend to run off quite often.”

“Agito refuses to be followed by so many idiots while searching for shinies!” Agito narrowed his eyes and pointed at all the specialists staring at them from a distance, ignoring how they shuffled awkwardly at being called ‘idiots’ by a child.

“Is that so?~ How about… a single ‘idiot’ to accompany you in your search, then?” The woman seemed unphased with his steely refusal as she chuckled mirthfully and reached out to pat his head. “Instead of a legion of ‘idiots’ slowing you down, let I, Master Specialist Yinlin, remain by your side?”

“Yinlin?” Agito tilted his head as the woman finally spoke her name, surprising him with how Mistralian (Chinese) it was despite her being an Atlesian Agent.

“My ancestors moved to Mantle after the Great War long ago.” Yinlin answered the unspoken question with a smirk, continuing to pat Agito’s head as she waited for his response. “Surely you won’t deny me, right?~ You owe me this much after what you did to my body…”

Her smirk froze.

She looked down at the boy staring up at her with innocent eyes.

“My ears, I mean.” She clarified.

…

She was going to Atlesian Court and definitely getting Dishonorably Discharged.

She sighed.

Agito seemed thoughtful as he contemplated Yinlin’s proposal…

Not. He wasn’t thinking about that right now at all.

“Your ears… aren’t pointy enough!” Agito eventually declared righteously as Yinlin raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?” She let go of his head and waited for him to elaborate, crossing her arms beneath her bust.

“The strings… the danger sense you displayed before anyone heard the earlier cry… You’re not an elf, you’re a Spider Fae!” Agito surmised proudly while puffing his chest out, successfully solving the mystery that’s been troubling him for quite some time now.

“A… Spider Fae…” Yinlin’s amusement seemed to fade as she was told of what her ‘trait’ was, feeling the moniker resonate within her. “... Is that good, Little Agito?”

“Spider Fae are evil as hell.”

“...”

“... Most of the time?”

Yinlin couldn’t suppress another giggle as Agito weakly tried to comfort her, shaking her head mirthfully.

“Can you find it in your heart to trust a Spider Fae like myself to accompany you then, Agito?~” Yinlin asked again, arching her back again to look up at Agito with a smile as the puppet she was still controlling moved to her side.

“Give me the Shiny and you have a deal!” Agito immediately bargained while pointing to the puppet, a greedy look on his face as he made grabbing gestures at the thing.

What?? You think he doesn’t want a super epic battle doll to use in combat??

Wait, he has Durandal…

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY SHINIES!

“... Oh? Zapstring caught your eye, hm?~” Yinlin raised an eyebrow and controlled the puppet into Agito’s arms, giggling at how he excitedly grabbed it and raised it into the air like he just found gold. “I’m not sure I could part so easily with my partner…”

“I’ll turn the Shiny into a Treasure and give him back!” Agito promised while already getting to work as two more Agitos appeared by his side, quickly getting to work as they begin engraving the puppet using the Lightning Dust they got from who knows where-

Yinlin’s eyes widened in shock.

Her hands moved to her belt as she reached into her satchels, finding none of the Lightning Military Dust Crystals she always kept on hand.

Her eyes widened further as she remembered when she pulled Agito closer after the mighty cry earlier. She hadn’t noticed anything back then, but that was the only time Agito could’ve possibly…

Her widened eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement as she stared at the busy Agitos with undisguised interest, licking the corner of her lips as she smirked down at him.

Agito shivered.

Agito slowly looked up at her.

“Pervert.”

He looked back down.

Yinlin paled.

She was going to be court-martialed so hard…

Oh well…

“Oh?~ We’re finally entering Vale.” Yinlin’s words brought the main Agito out of his reverie as he left the other two to continue working before running to the windows, blinking owlishly as he stared at the outskirts of Vale’s city.

Before ever entering Vale past its walls, there were plenty of ‘Districts’ on the outside where many of Vale’s people resided.

This was the confidence of the people of Vale, being able to secure so much land outside of their walls. Many of the other countries did their best to secure only the cities behind the walls (or in the air, for Atlas). Only Vale could proudly host so much of its population outside yet still be considered one of the safest places in the world.

Agito’s left eye closed for a few seconds as he activated Mimi (Mímisbrunnr, Agito is not calling it that) before reopening as the familiar tree-like pupil reappeared, allowing him to peer into the magic of the city once more just as the Airship entered the Analysis Domain powered by the Relic. 

Immediately, Agito could see as the consciousness governing Vale inspected and checked every person in the Airship, documenting every piece of information it could get on them before deciding whether they’re a threat or not.

However, as the consciousness finally got to the many Agitos strewn around the Airship, it immediately came to a pause as its attempt to scry into his being failed.

No, rather than fail, the consciousness was deceived into believing that it did, and it knew it too.

Yet, rather than attempt to scry once more and break through the paper-thin veil covering Agito’s being, the consciousness froze.

It was not just deceived. 

It was deceived by a god. 

Within the Airship’s seemingly impregnable walls, a peculiar, beautiful butterfly with glowing blue wings and yellow accepts slowly appeared as it fluttered through the air.

Then, under the tense gaze of every Specialist in sight, the butterfly calmly landed on Agito’s head.

It didn’t move or do anything else, simply content with sitting there now.

“... A friend of yours?” Yinlin asked with a raised eyebrow as she stared at the butterfly warily, not knowing if it was one of Agito’s many tricks or something else.

It was impossible to differentiate friend from foe when with Agito. Mostly because no one really knew which side he was on at that exact moment.

“A friend of yours, actually.” Agito clarified, not yet in the circle of ‘Greater Good’ idiots like these ‘Specialists’ were.

“Huh... The General didn’t inform me of any reinforcements, did he?~” Yinlin mused, mostly to show her exasperation at Agito’s nonsensical explanation.

“Hey, are there any cool Shinies in Vale?” Agito didn’t deign her with a reply as he stared out of the window at the approaching walls of Vale’s Upper Class District, where the landing ports were.

“The General gave me explicit orders to not let you steal anything.” Yinlin immediately replied with an air of professionalism. “On an unrelated note, Vale houses the world’s greatest array of ancient relics and weaponry, premium dust crystals, and many other wondrous items of legend.”

The grateful gaze Agito gave Yinlin would make people think she was his life savior.

“I will endeavor not to avoid liberating these precious items from the rotten hands of the disgusting upper class!” Agito solemnly promised while placing a hand over his heart as Yinlin laughed mirthfully.

“As long as you’re safe, I’m sure the General won’t freak out… too much.” Yinlin mused while placing a hand to her chin, tilting her head slightly with a smirk as her ridiculously long hair swayed behind her back.

“... Question, are your clothes even uniform-compliant?” Agito asked something he had on his mind since seeing her after seeing how… glamorous? Seductive? Eye-catching her appearance was. 

Winter was dressed in a similar uniform to the rest of the specialists, so why was Yinlin any different?

“Oh, once you reach a high enough rank, you get a few privileges that other soldiers can’t afford.” Yinlin casually explained while casually running a hand through her free hair, drawing looks of envy from any female specialist watching.

Agito nodded.

Winter seemed like the type to not use such privileges because she’s an uptight nerd, so that made sense.

“Excited?” Yinlin asked as she saw Agito focus on Vale again once they flew over its walls, meaning they’d only be a few minutes away from landing.

“Nervous.” Agito admitted without shame.

Summer… was likely going to be there.

He missed Summer.

Would she be disappointed in him for failing to protect the Relic of Treasures?

He’d also likely have to face the bad guy himself for the first time.

He had to be prepared.

“Zapstring.” Agito called the two Agitos who were adding finishing touches on Yinlin’s puppet and presented the newly enchanted Zapstring to the amused woman before clapping to get the attention of the Agitos currently preparing his new Relic. “Attention!”

The Agitos all stopped what they were doing after one last check-up on the Shield-Lid, quickly moving to stand before the main Agito as three Agitos stepped forward to present the Relic of Vengeance to Agito.

“... We are encroaching upon enemy territory.” Agito bluntly admitted as he addressed the clones, ignoring the flabbergasted looks of everyone else around. “Our continued safety in the next ten minutes is… questionable.”

The Agitos all released dramatic murmurs of hesitance and uncertainty, looking between themselves worriedly before being silenced as Agito cleared his throat again.

“Be that as it may, The Agito shall not falter now when faced with such a challenge!” Agito proudly declared, grabbing the Relic of Vengeance from the three Agitos presenting it and raising it into the air under the awed looks of the other Agitos. “We are Agito! Nay, we are Agitonator the First, Surveyor of Shinies, Conqueror of Grimm, He Who Faced The Queen, Vanquisher of the Grimmified Timeless, God of Artificing, Deception, Wealth, and Freedom, The Last Divine Beast!”

“Agito! Agito! Agito!” The Agitos all cheered excitedly as they approved of Agito’s words, jumping up and down in excitement as they were all psyched by his speech.

“Today marks the day where the man who believes himself good shall be reduced, and it shall happen through our most powerful asset!”

“THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE!”

…

…

Halo friends! Been a second, huh?

Good news! I finished my first year of Uni a few days ago, and I'm ready to finally focus on writing now.

Gonna be going for an upload schedule of a chapter every 1-2 days, so cheer me on, won't you?

Anywho, a bit of a preparatory chapter today, but I'm planning to post the next one soon so you guys won't have to wait long for what comes next! Enjoy!