"What's this, no 'How are you?' Just simply off to business is it?" Zelretch chuckled as he got up from his seat as he went towards his liquor cabinet. "What are you in the mood for?" He asked.
"Hmm." I tapped my chin. "Thinking maybe so wine. I don't want anything too strong, but I could enjoy a good drink."
"Oh, wonderful, I have just the thing." Zelretch pulled out an aged bottle. "Not the oldest, but the sentintality of this one makes it a good addition. Do you rember the story." He asked, flashing the bottle.
"It seems vaguely familiar, but as you know, I'm missing a lot of details. Lots of things fell through the cracks when you passed on what you did." Or rather, when he would pass on his knowledge so undertined ti in the future. Because it was clear he does very far into the future.
"From a small winery in France. Burned down by the Nazis during World War 2." Zereltch began to elaborate as he poured us both a glass. "It was rebuilt, during the occupation. It was burned down a second ti because they didn't bow their heads to their oppressors. This cycle repeated four more tis."
"Six tis. They – as you said, burned it down six tis yet it still continued production? Wouldn't it take years for their orchards to...recover, even if the land was still able to grow things?" I blinked, mulling over what he said. How many tis must the ground have been burned to overstep the point where it would be beneficial and instead make the area desolate?
"Oh, they stopped producing wine, mind you. After the first couple tis, it's as you said, the land itself beca barren around the place. But out of sheer spite, they wrote their brand na on barrels of water, and sold it as their latest yield. The people in the nearby cities, knowledgeable of what was happening, bought and drank it in an act of solidarity." Zelretch chuckled. "There was one such ti, a highly ranked Nazi ca to visit this 'winery' because he had heard the tales. He had the mind of tearing them out by the roots, stomping out any resistance and all that. He was going to mock them by sampling the 'wine' in public, but they secretly replaced the 'wine' with Salt Water. They laughed even as they were hung in the streets."
After listening, I gently swirled the glass in my hand before taking a sip. It wasn't the most amazing wine I've ever had, but it certainly had its own charm after hearing that story. Sotis, presentation can enhance a flavor beyond simple taste. "I take it this is a bottle produce before they were burned down the first ti?"
"Indeed." Zelretch smiled softly. "It's just one thing I love about humanity."
"That we're unmatched when it cos to spite?" I offered.
"Hoho, that's certainly one way to take it" Zelretch chuckled in amusent. "How have you been Wilhelm? You haven't co by to visit in awhile, so I assu you haven't had any major problems."
"I'm sure you're aware of the broad strokes."
"I do keep up to date with things when I can." He nodded.
"Mmm, I'm as well as I can be. Stressed about so things, but that's just life. I can't really complain when I have so many people who support ." And honestly, I have many ways to relieve the stress with the harem. "You wouldn't happen to have a piece of the World Tree hanging around, would you?"
"Do you think I have a vault full of treasures you don't know about?" Zelretch snorted with an eye roll.
"Worth asking." I shrugged. "Odin realized my secret, and asked for my help, their Ragnar?k took a weird turn, their World Tree is dying, and not in tune with their cycle of rebirth. Everything else, I either already had plans in place or have help managing things. With this.....I'm honestly scratching my head and just trying to figure out a ga plan."
"A strange position you're in for sure. I can honestly say I have no plausible explanation off the top of my head. I can keep an eye out for anything that may be useful." Zelretch offered, which I nodded appreciatingly.
"I an..." I scratched the back of my head. "You basically know everything else. War with the Fae over there is looming. The peace conference happened, it was fun watching Yasaka verbally slap everyone. Oh, trying to help Revive Big G over there too, that's.....interesting. Got pulled into a conspiracy involving Gods due to that."
"Don't let anyone say that you have small ambitions." Zelretch grinned. "The revival of the Biblical God in that world, I assu you considered the ramifications?"
"I did, this isn't rely on a whim. I honestly think it'll be good for the world at large." I nodded.
"Good, then I won't say anything against it." Zelretch gave his approval.
"And I finally told ridia I love her." It felt a little embarrassing to say it out loud.
"I'm proud of you." Zelretch looked genuinely happy for .
"What about you and Lucretia?" I decided to shift the topic.
"I had not realized how much I missed her until she was here again." He smiled warmly. "I dare say that this place feels much more like a ho now that I have all of you running around."
"I know the feeling." It was nice to have sowhere I could actually call 'ho' again.
"That reminds ." Zelretch put on a thoughtful look. "I was approached by so of the other lords. They wished to schedule a 'get together' for the younger generation of the Clock Tower, a networking event if you will/want to call it that."
"To stroke their own egos, I presu?" I rolled my eyes. "Oh, look at my son/student/protégé, aren't they sooooo talented – blah blah blah."
"Undoubtedly." Zelretch replied without a second thought. "However, I do have a reputation to uphold, so I wish both you and Rin to attend. Attendees are allowed to bring a Plus one."
"I'm assuming that Rin will bring Saber with her."
"Agreed. And I have nothing against her doing so. They're already a well known duo amongst the Tower."
"Alright, I'll bring ridia."
"Vetoed." The old man deadpanned. "I wish for the Mages Association to be standing afterwards."
"....it would be hilarious introducing her to the idiots who're way too full of themselves. Here's my Eldritch Goddess lover, she's the physical manifestation of the universe's first light and embodies the concept of life."
".....you're making it hard to stick to my guns on this one."
"Fine, I won't cause too many problems. That ans Yasaka is probably out as well. A Nine-Tailed fox is going to cause a commotion because they're racists against Asians. Venelana would make the church go on a crusade. Jinn, I don't want to bring her into this kind of place. She's way too much of a sweetheart to force to interact with the worse here. So, probably Raikou or Scáthach, depending on who wants to do it."
"We can figure that out later, it is not for so ti." Zelretch stated. "For now, you wish to know about Chaldea, yes?"
"Before I just stumble into any potential ss, yes."
"Very well." He nodded. "Let start off by saying, I want you to investigate a strange happening on this World-Line. Sothing, or soone, is blocking my sight. I don't think I need to explain to you the degree of danger this can present."
Yeah, the things that can actively avoid his sight are...scary. Things like Ophis are completely beyond his ability to accurately simulate. The Spider was also sothing he can't properly simulate, only doing so in a round about ways due to how humanity was so thoroughly involved. There are certain items as well, that can escape his gaze through the nature of their existence.
But mostly, it's just very powerful entities that can actively obscure themselves by just existing.
"Chaldea Security Organization." Zelretch spoke. "Or more specifically – The Organization for the Preservation for Humanity -- Finis Chaldea."
"A lofty na." I whistled in admiration. "The way you speak, I assu it's more than just an ambitious title?"
"It's a beautiful combination of scientific research and Magic Research. They're tasked with preserving the Human Order beyond all else. Recently, they've discovered an anomaly that will happen in the year 2019. An event that makes all their models and simulations fall apart, as the Human Order unravels."
"And you have no idea either."
"I'm completely blind with all but the faintest idea of what's going on. That's why I need you to head over there to investigate. I would have Rin and Saber do it originally, but.....this task I feel is beyond their ability."
"By your words, it sounds like they're simulating the future. Most thods of doing so are unreliable in the best of circumstances, especially with Human sources."
"That's one of the aspects that makes this organization so interesting. They have invented so amazing ans of analyzing the flow of the world by utilizing the world's soul. Their accuracy is beyond reproach from what I've looked into. Granted, I believe my own ans are superior, but without the full aid of my Magic, they have achieved sothing like this, which is not without its own rit."
"I'm sure there's a lot you haven't told yet. But what's my entrance strategy? Do I just waltz in and start throwing around my weight as your Grandson to get the information I need?" I was being facetious; I knew that wasn't going to be the case.
Well, he took it as good natured humor as I intended. "As much as I would enjoy you doing that, I believe a more subtle hand is appropriate. Whatever is going on, we need to be cautious and not tip our hands. It's the reason the from over there is not going to be involved."
I fingered the rim of my wine glass in thought. "You think you're being watched over there?"
"It's a high possibility. I'm one of the few who would notice sothing strange happening."
"And I'm a complete unknown with no parallel there, so I can be your eyes and ears." I finished his thoughts. "So, infiltration mission. What's the ga plan?"
"They're hiring people from all over the world. From brilliant mundane Scientists, to talented Magi. Anyone they can get their hands on, they're doing their best to recruit. Specifically, they're making two teams right now beyond researchers and workers. To resolve this Singularity in what they perceive to be incorrect."
"Explain this irregularity."
"I won't go into the long explanation as of yet. But they traced the cause back to sothing that occurred in Fuyuki of all places, back in 2004. They're putting together a team to go back to that ti period to ascertain the cause and correct history."
"Ti Travel?" My eyes widened.
"Not with a thod you would initially think, but it's still a very intricate design and worthy of admiration." Zelretch replied.
"But to still cross the Ti-Line, that's by no ans an easy feat. If they're putting so much resources into this, this I can only imagine the scope we're dealing with."
"As I said, this is sothing that is weighing on . You can understand now, why I'm being overly cautious."
"So, want to join this super team of Magi or sothing?"
"No, you're going to join the B-Team. The second string, so to speak." Zelretch chuckled. "We need you to go....under the radar, but still maintain a level of actionable knowledge. Your entrance will be an Asian Magus recruited by chance by one of their various interdiaries. So-what talented, enough that you would have earned high marks in the Association."
"But with how racist they are against Asians, easily unnoticeable which lets slip under the radar, as you said. Until I gain so manner of respect or influence by my own hand."
"Correct." Zelretch nodded as he continued. "The most important bit of information is your compatibility with Servants."
".....I don't' believe you an what I do in the bedroom." Unless they want to know how well I've given the dick to Raikou and Scáthach.
Would be a fun conversation.
'On a scale of 1 – 10, how satisfied was your Servant after intercourse.'
Zelretch snorted, tossing a wadded-up piece of paper at . "You know damn well what I'm referring to. Beyond Servant compatibility there is also the compatibility for their process of Ti-Travel known as Rayshifting, which I'll explain later. Suffice to say, you'll pass with flying colors, I can guarantee that."
"Yeah, yeah," I smiled. "Okay, putting this 'Ray shifting' aside, What does Servants have to do with things. Are servants going to be summoned?"
"Mmm, their main thod is a system they devised to facilitate the summoning of Servants to help resolve the Singularity. Different than the one I helped make for the Grail, but it's quite well done. But they are seeking out those with the highest compatibility they can find for their back up team, as they view that as more important than prestigious bloodlines or similar."
"Make sense. This back up team, them being able to summon Servants when the need arises, it's more important than being experienced in Magecraft or other things of that nature. They're the back up team for a reason and it's easy to presu that the Servants would be doing the heavy lifting if things went sideways enough that they're required."
"And that's where you co in. A no-na Magus with so knowledge under your belt, even if you're Asian – in their eyes. And a very high compatibility with Servant Summoning, you would be a very easy grab for their needs." Zelretch explained. "We just need so background information to fill out and a na to go with it."
"A na, huh?" I rubbed my chin. "I do believe I have a perfectly fine na to use already."
"....are you sure you want to use that na?"
"I am in no way ashad of my old na. I originally changed it because I was scared and desperate at the ti. It was the na my mother gave , so I am more than happy to use it for this occasion." Unconsciously, I ran a hand through my hair. "It seems like Takao Shimoda is joining Chaldea."
[***]
It was fucking cold.
That was my first thought.
I felt like I was back in Skyrim – in the colder parts of Skyrim. Over at the college, but without the magicks there to keep everyone warm.
And I felt like I couldn't magically warm myself up in this situation, because I was supposed to be keeping a low profile.
And it didn't help that we were flying in a Helicopter at the mont over the God damned North/South Pole.
Funnily enough, the other's they've recruited, they had to use various ans to knock them out, as to not reveal the location of the place we're going to. For – as an actual Magus, I just had to sign a Geass to not reveal the location.
Not that it was effective on , but they didn't need to know that.
There was another man sitting across from . A typical Magus from the association, one who thought it was an honor for that soone like him would co to a primitive country like Japan just to recruit a hedge Mage like .
Already had to hold my tongue several tis at this point, and I'm sure it wouldn't be the last.
Had to get a good wrap on my own powers and shove them way down. You never know what they had lurking around here, better to not accidently tip anyone off about my abnormalities.
Gramps did good work.
Apparently the paperwork was almost all ready and he had been sitting on it for awhile. But everything was pushed through nicely, and I got a response after hanging around for a few days here.
There was a light interview, one where they asured my compatibility. Apparently I scored around a 91%, which would have technically put in the paraters that they wanted for the A-Team, but that's composed of what they believe to be the cream of the crop. Experienced and knowledgeable Magi, not so random Mage with no family na.
But they were quick to offer what I could admit were so pretty good terms for employnt. Very good monetary compensation, as well as so tutoring on certain subjects to enhance any crafts I was currently learning. They boasted about having a wide array of materials and books available if I chose to sign up.
I could see how it would be tempting to soone in my perceived situation.
It only ca with the stipulation of so pretty heft contracts – including Magical, as well as a guaranteed employnt term of atleast six years. Which, again, good compensation for my ti if I was really looking forward to it.
"We have almost arrived." The man sitting opposite of stated, opening his eyes. "Prepare yourself, you step into the illustrious organization of Chaldea. Headed by non-other than the Animusphere family itself."
I held back at his superior tone he took. "I've heard of them. An old and powerful Family."
"As you should have." He sniffed. "Even the savages of your country know about the Higher-Bloods of the Tower."
"....I'll be sure to thank Lord Animusphere if I am ever presented with the honor." Or was it lady? Because the family head was a young woman about Rin's age, according to what I've learned.
"See that you do." He replied without a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "You are not as lowly as one would first assu when hearing of your origins. Knowing to respect your betters is a lesson that takes years for those mongrels to usually learn. You have impressed , a feat you should be grateful for. Once you arrive and are bequeathed with the privilege of accommodations, you may ntion my na when seeking appropriate apprenticeship with the staff. Know that Friederike le Drachenk?nige looks upon you favorably. With your talents, you may even rise above your station and beco a noteworthy associate."
...
Zekram, is that you?
Just kidding, this was basically how every 'noble' family acted.
Just another reason why I usually don't spend my ti inside the Association unless I had to. I don't think I could not kill soone if I walked those halls every day.
"Pardon, did you say le Drachenk?nige?" Honestly, out of all that nonsense, this was the thing that took the most by surprise.
"I did indeed." He preened like a peacock. "It seems my family na is well known."
"....yeah, sothing like that."
Honestly, it's my first ti hearing the na. Well, hearing that soone dared take that as their family na. It basically ant – Dragon Kings, or sothing thereof.
I could practically feel Ddraig's amusent at the sheer audacity.
"If you wouldn't mind asking, what is the history of your family na?" I couldn't help myself.
Again, this Magus' ego seed to visibly inflate when I asked about his family. "My family originates from the Age of Gods. We were powerful and wise Wyvern Tars from before recorded history. Raising them from birth and even riding them into battle." He replied with no shortage of pride in his tone.
His family had a farm for the stupid, inbred, twice-removed cousins of dragons. That's why they called themselves – Dragon Kings.
And I thought I was pretentious.
"We are here." The magus declare, glancing out the window.
And I could see it myself. Beyond the cold winds that filled my vision with almost nothing but white there was the silhouette of a building in the distance. Absolutely massive in scope as it almost entirely blended in with the background.
The Helicopter flew towards it, the massive structure increased in size as we approached it. Large enough that once we landed, the Helicopter could barely be seen from landing upon the roof if one looked at it from the sides.
The cold winds smacked right in the face as the door opened. The Dragon King, had no such qualms as he cast a spell on himself to divert the winds.
Yes, it annoyed to no end, that he appeared pristine while I struggled to keep my hair and clothes from flying all over the place.
"Follow along, Asian." The Magus stated, hands behind his back as he walked towards the rooftop door. "We are already behind schedule; it is best not to make the Director wait."
Director? Was she waiting for ?
I let out a sigh as I followed along. Maybe it was my draconic pride, but I really wanted to punt his smug ass off the roof of this place.
The corridors upon entering the building were also a bleak white, no indication of direction, nothing telling soone where to go. But the man led without hindrance, turning several corners until so more individuals began to appear.
So busy with work as they passed, others giving him a nod or two as they went their separate ways. Even so maintenance staff here or there working on sothing or another.
I drank in all of my surroundings, making a ntal note of everything I saw thus far.
"We have arrived." He said again, placing a hand on the door, pushing it open.
"Finally, you're late." A feminine voice reached my ears.
"Apologies, Director." The Dragon King slightly bowed his head. "Unexpected weather appeared to slow down our flight."
"Whatever." I peaked my head in to see her. Young, early twenties at most. She had long white hair, and striking amber eyes. And honestly, she looked rather cute. "This the newest recruit?"
Yes, Director." He gently guided inside. "As you requested, Takao Shimoda, origins of Japan, second generation Magus."
"Very well." She looked over. "You are dismissed, Friederike le Drachenk?nige." She flipped her hand.
He nodded, walking out the door, tossing into the deep end.
There were several other faces present, the others sitting at tables and looked..... as confused as I was right now.
"Well?!" The Director huffed. "Take a seat, we're going to go over the New Employee orientation."
I blinked, following her directions as I slid into the closest empty seat.
"Good, we can finally get started." She huffed again. "You all are the first group to be hired and assigned to the temporarily designated 'B-Team'." She declared. "As the only ones amongst this group worth my ti, I will be personally giving you instructions on what your responsibilities will be and how we will proceed from here. My na is Olga Marie Animusphere, you will call Director."
[***]
Here's the chapter for Thursday.
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support , visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
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