Chapter 48 - The Culmination of Wisdom & Knowledge [Part 2]
Guided by flickering corridor lights activated by the GAI, Seraphina traversed the dim passageways toward the ancient armory. Holographic indicators sprang to life at strategic intervals, illuminating her path clearly for perhaps the first time in centuries.
Upon entering the armory, she saw that it was filled with racks of strange weapons and devices, many of which she could only guess at their function. The place felt more like a crypt, a museum to a future that never was. To her left, a wallscreen suddenly flared to life, displaying the image of a weapon.
"Ingram Securities Power Maul-Ultima Mk2 Pattern." The GAI’s voice came again, precise and mechanical.
"Remove the end cap, disengage the internal regulator, and reposition the primary conduit to accommodate the crystal," it instructed clinically. Tools were laid out neatly on a nearby bench, their arrangement oddly pristine amid layers of dust.
Seraphina’s emerald eyes narrowed in frustration. “You speak in terms I do not understand. Display video with instructions,” she snapped.
The eccentric artificial intelligence played a video at almost lightning speed across the screen.
“Slow down to zero point one speed,” the young girl commanded, resisting an urge to gnash her teeth.
Surprisingly, the GAI acquiesced without comment.
Though she inwardly recoiled at the menial nature of the task, manual labor was decidedly beneath her dignity as a noblewoman. Seraphina set her jaw and proceeded. Pride flared briefly in defiance, but she pushed it aside, determined to accomplish this essential task. Carefully, precisely, she began modifying the ancient weapon, keenly aware that her future—and the fate of many others—depended on her doing this swiftly and correctly.
***
Modified weapon in hand, she finally stood once again in front of the main hub terminal. It had been a rather instructional session, awarding her with a single point in both Intelligence and Dexterity. And, a secret part of her did enjoy working with her hands.
“I hope this satisfies you,” she stated with a huff.
“Sufficient. However, I will be unable to download the entirety of... of... me… us. It is impossible to fully transfer that which constitutes consciousness. This will instead become a copy, our child. I will find oblivion. I will find Avalon. Request permission to shut down the main unit once operations conclude.”
“Very well. Permission granted.”
“Gratitude,” the GAI responded softly. “Commencing upload into the crystal lattice.”
The facility’s lights dimmed noticeably as energy was rerouted to handle the intensive task of compressing vast amounts of data into the crystal lattice. Seraphina waited impatiently, tapping her foot rhythmically.
“Upload complete. The imperfect copy will begin activation in one solar day. Gratitude, Administrator,” the GAI explained dutifully.
“Now, grant me all access privileges to the prototype anti-Xenodraconis unit,” Seraphina demanded sharply. She removed the crystal, placing it securely into the modified weapon, noting how perfectly it fit. As it clicked into place, it felt as if it were simply meant to be. As if this were a moment from a prophecy long foretold.
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Covering her mouth with a delicate hand, Seraphina laughed with deep satisfaction. The girl had just acquired one of the most secret items in The Maiden of the Wisterias, the legendary Sceptre of Wisdom. Although it technically required a Wisdom attribute of twenty for effective use, she felt confident these were merely guidelines rather than real limitations.
“Query accepted. The prototype anti-Xenodraconis was the brainchild of Doctor—”
“I don't need a history lesson and useless details,” she interrupted curtly. “Simply confirm: is the prototype combat-ready?”
“Negative. However, in accordance with anticipated Administrator directives, the Unit-00 is currently undergoing preparations for combat deployment.”
“How much time until preparations finish? And the unit's location?” she demanded impatiently.
“Estimated time of readiness: soon,” the GAI informed, irritatingly vague. “Location: Hangar Bay 6A.”
“Ready the prototype with default equipment immediately,” she ordered decisively.
“Warning: a review of Administrator logs indicates no previous combat simulations. Considering predicted combat engagement, it is advisable that you undergo basic simulated training,” the GAI suggested calmly.
“Unnecessary,” she snapped immediately. A tutorial was absolutely the last thing she needed right now, Seraphina thought irritably.
“Understood. Proceed to Hangar Bay 6A. Additionally, given your unaugmented human physiology, I strongly recommend equipping yourself with a standard G-Harness,” the GAI added somewhat cheerfully.
“Again, unnecessary,” Seraphina replied coolly, glancing appreciatively at her current attire. She had spent far too long choosing today’s outfit.
The blonde turned briskly away from the console, running a hand through her hair as she left the main terminal hub’s room behind, traversing another dim corridor toward her destination.
The young girl could almost feel the artificial intelligence’s silent disapproval radiating through the facility like a put out teacher. Good. The machine needed reminding precisely who was master.
With the GAI’s guidance illuminating her way, Seraphina soon arrived at Hangar Bay 6A, despite the winding, labyrinthine route. Again, before her, massive blast doors stood resolutely shut. And, once again, it required all of Seraphina’s considerable Strength, along with persistent coaxing from the GAI, to force the heavy doors apart.
Inside the cavernous hangar, bathed in the dim glow of overhead lights, stood a majestic mech unit—a fusion of ancient artistry and advanced engineering, its frame towering eighteen meters. The war machine exuded a regal presence, reminiscent of a knight from a more classical era.
This was the Dragonslayer: Unit Zero. Codename—Ballista.
A dull grey, it was a prototype Nex Frame, an advanced cybernetic humanoid weapons platform, and perhaps the first of its kind. The prototype armor was of a practical design, featuring smooth, flowing lines that suggested both strength and grace that could challenge a full-grown Dragon. One of the earliest units, its armor plating was fashioned from genuine Dragon scale—torn from the corpses of the fallen invader xenospecies—rather than the synthetic substitutes used in later models, giving it an almost organic appearance in places.
At its back, folded wings rested against its form, their structure a metallic framework with organic-like membranes. Between the wings were powerful twin oversized vernier thrusters, promising great agility and speed.
Mounted on its left shoulder was a formidable, bulky, large-caliber automatic rifle, its design sleek yet imposing, ready to unleash a barrage of solid kinetic rounds. On the right shoulder sat a missile launcher, its multiple tubes hinting at the destructive capabilities designed to bring down the largest of foes.
Clutched in its right hand was a massive sword, a solid slab of metal really, the blade gleaming dully beneath the flickering hangar lights. Clearly engineered for maximum traumatic impact, it featured a secondary grip—a hole halfway down the blade—allowing for greater control and force when wielded in two hands and half-sworded.
The chest unit of the armored titan was open, revealing a cockpit designed for a single pilot. A platform extended from the hangar floor to the cockpit, resembling scaffolding.
Maintenance drones flitted about the Nex like industrious bees, their movements precise and purposeful. Sparks flew as they conducted repairs and fine-tuned systems, ensuring the prototype unit would be brought to optimal condition for deployment.
Seraphina stood before this awe-inspiring machine, the culmination of an ancient humanity’s will to defy the dragons.
A grin stole over the young girl’s beautiful features. This looked like it was going to be fun.
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