Kapitel 30: BB's gift part 1

Continuing where we left off...

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The battle between me, Stelle and the clone of a Propagation Emanator that Ruan Mei had the "wonderful" idea of creating.

I decide to use the Noble Phantasm of Edmond Dantes so as not to destroy the Space Station in the process of the battle.

Immediately the Emanator attacks first by shooting a beam of blue light in Stelle's direction.

Stelle:!!!

Ritsuka:Stelle!

I immediately stand in front of Stelle and use my shadows in conjunction with my arms to defend against the attack.

I managed to defend Stelle and was able to withstand the Emanator's attack.

Ritsuka:My turn!

My body is covered in blue-black flames and I start running at high speed and I start using my sword (AKA: Excalibur) for several fast attacks in all directions on the insect's body.

Ritsuka: I'm not done yet!

At that moment I fly towards the wall and use it to jump back to where the insect is and transform my cape into large sharp claws.

My last attack pierces the body of the Emanator of Propagation making it groan in pain.

Ritsuka: Stelle! Now it's your turn to attack! While the enemy hasn't started creating other insects yet!

Stelle: Right! Hyah!

*Bonk*

Without wasting any time Stelle hits the insect's head squarely, sending its body flying towards the wall with a loud impact.

Stelle was only able to do this because I used my reinforcement enchantment spell on her, giving her more damage on her next attack.

Ritsuka: Great attack, Stelle!

Stelle: I know. I've been practicing the art of "bonk" in Jarilo-VI.

Stelle said this with a proud smile, but our little conversation didn't last long since the insect recovered from the blow it received and began to create several small insects and it began to charge energy from within itself.

Ritsuka: Ok, it seems like it wants to go all out. Good! I was expecting this! Stelle, as we agreed, you deal with the small ones and I'll take care of the big one.

Stelle: Alright!

The two of us ran together and Stelle began to attack several small insects while I advanced towards the Emanator who was preparing a powerful attack.

Several insects flew towards me trying to stop me from getting closer, but I simply summoned dark stakes in my shadow and impaled the insects in imitation of Vlad the Impaler.

As I approach the Emanator, I see that it has finished charging its attack, creating a huge orb of energy.

💭With this power, it might be able to destroy the space station!

Ritsuka: Hahahaha! How foolish! You are nothing more than a cheap copy of an Emanator! Allow me to demonstrate the power of a real Emanator!

The insect throws the giant orb towards me and I immediately use my Noble Phantasm to counterattack.

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I will go beyond the depths of vengeance, and venture beyond the stars!

And these black flames will guide me towards the Finality!

Paradis Château d'If!!!

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My Noble Phantasm shoots a huge wave of black flames that swallows the Emanator of Propagation's attack entirely and then the attack hits the target causing it to be consumed by the explosion of flames.

My phantasm's explosion was so intense that it consumed the entire room and before the flames could hit Stelle I quickly go towards her and use my body as a shield to protect her.

After a few seconds the effect of the explosion ended and I release Stelle from my arms.

Ritsuka: Are you okay, Stelle?

Stelle: I... I am. Thank you for your help, Ritsuka. It seems that you really did what you promised... You really burned everything without leaving a trace.

Stelle said this looking at the destruction that my Noble Phantasm caused to the place.

Even though the metal walls are very resistant it is possible to notice that the incubator room suffered very serious damage.

Ritsuka: That Emanator of Propagation was very weak. That creature only had the name and appearance of an Emanator, but it only had a fraction of the power.

Stelle looks at me, surprised by my revelation.

Stelle: Are you serious?! That thing only had a fraction of the power of a real Emanator?!

Ritsuka: Yes. I found that out when I didn't receive any power from HooH when the battle started.

Stelle:Oh! I forgot that you gain power based on your opponent's power.

Ritsuka: Exactly. And since that insect was weak, I already had enough power to exterminate it.

I say this looking at the destruction I made in the incubator room.

💭 That explosion must have eliminated any hidden eggs that were in that place, well if that thing was laying eggs.

Ritsuka: Well. With our target dead, I'd say we should pay a visit to the person responsible for this whole mess.

I say this in reference to us meeting Ruan Mei.

Stelle: I agree. What she did here was completely insane. What made her want to create a clone of an Emanator?

Ritsuka: Because of her stupid quest to discover the "essence of life". Just saying that out loud makes me furious.

Stelle: Why do you think that?

Ritsuka: The answer is simple, Stelle. To understand life, you must first understand death. Death and life go hand in hand; one concept cannot continue without the other. Ruan Mei is only focusing on the aspect of life, not including death. That's why I consider her crazy search to be nothing but foolishness.

Stelle: That makes sense. Ruan Mei was trying to understand the secrets of life, but she didn't include death in the equation.

Stelle said this with her arms crossed, analyzing my words.

Ritsuka: Exactly. Everything that exists in the universe will die one day, and that includes all existing beings, including even the powerful Aeons, who are not immune to death either.

I say this after finishing observing the destruction I caused and I look at Stelle who is looking at me up and down.

Ritsuka: Why are you staring at me like that?

Stelle: Nothing much. I'm just analyzing this new appearance of yours. The moment you used that attack on the Emanator of Propagation you immediately changed your appearance. Tell me something, Ritsuka. Why do you like being "edgy" so much? Why are you appearing like a true sinister and dark villain now.

Fou: Fou!

Stelle says giving her opinion on what I'm wearing and Fou nods his head in agreement with what Stelle said.

(Photo)

Ritsuka:.....

💭 This is not my fault! I need to use this appearance to use Edmond Dantes' Noble Phantasm!

I stay silent, not having words to defend what Stelle said and I just let out a sigh and go back to wearing my work uniform. (AKA: What Kevin wears in GGZ)

Ritsuka: Let's get out of here. I still have to talk to my Teacher after this.

With everything settled, Stella and I left the incubator room and got on the elevator to leave the sealed zone.

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Supply Zone

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Stella and I arrived at the supply zone to meet and talk to Ruan Mei about her crazy experiments in the sealed zone.

We spotted Ruan Mei standing near the Astral Express and we saw her admiring the space.

As we approached her, Ruan Mei noticed our presence. When she turned to speak, she was surprised to see me present.

Ruan Mei: You're back, but it seems you brought Ritsuka with you too.

Ruan Mei said this in a calm tone, but I can tell she seems to be bothered by my presence.

Which was to be expected since I don't have a happy expression on my face.

Ritsuka:Ruan Mei... Who would have thought our reunion would be under such unpleasant circumstances?

I say this while standing with my arms crossed, staring at the scientist. It's quite clear that the atmosphere around us is so tense that it's possible to cut it with a knife.

Stelle:I met Ritsuka in the elevator with the same goal of going to the sealed zone.

Stelle said this, noticing the tense atmosphere between us and she tries to explain what happened.

Ritsuka: Why did you decide to clone an Emanator of Propagation? You saw what happened in the Swarm Disaster and yet you ignored the risks and created that thing. Plus, you drugged Stella, preventing her from telling the truth.

I say this in frustration with Ruan Mei's actions.

Ruan Mei: I certainly regret my past actions, but I already knew that the code of life can only be considered an incomplete attempt. I was only able to replicate the moment it was born, however, it would soon disappear and be reduced to particles.

💭 So she knew she would eventually die...

Ritsuka: If you knew she was going to die, why did you leave her alive all this time?

Ruan Mei: I want to know the limits of the ability. That will indicate how far I have gone in this completely incomprehensible field to me. Hahe, and I will take a "tiny step". As I predicted.

I close my eyes as I hear Ruan Mei's answer, which is honestly to be expected from someone in the Genius Society.

I know none of them can consider themselves "good people," in fact the easiest way to describe them is pure selfishness.

All for the pursuit of knowledge, no matter how much they have to sacrifice in exchange for discovering all the secrets of the universe, they are willing to do anything, even do things that a normal person would consider crazy.

I know what happened in the Swarm Disaster, a war that took the lives of countless people that only ended with the majority of the Aeons going against Tayzzyronth.

Anyone in this universe doesn't want that disaster to happen again, but that doesn't apply to Ruan Mei's mindset.

💭All for the pursuit of knowledge.... And instead of eliminating the threat, she decides to test It is capabilities....

This whole situation could have gotten worse if Stella and I hadn't intervened.

Ritsuka: Alright. I've heard enough from you. I've already made my judgment.

I say this as I let out black flames from my body, catching Ruan Mei and Stelle by surprise.

Stelle: Ritsuka, calm down! Don't do something you'll regret!

Stelle said this, already understanding my intentions. Just by looking at Ruan Mei's silent gaze, you can tell that she knows very well what I about to do.

Ritsuka: Don't interfere, Stelle. This is a situation that you can't let It slide.

HooH: You have my permission to pass the judgment on to her. Her fate is in your hands.

💭That's what I needed to hear...

The moment I heard HooH's permission, I immediately prepared to make a quick attack on Ruan Mei, but just as I was about to act, another person interfered.

Herta: That's enough!

Herta's loud voice makes me stop moving and I look over to where Herta is.

Ritsuka: Hmpf. I have to admit that I didn't expect to see you here, Herta.

I say this without calling her "Grandma Herta" as usual, emphasizing that I'm taking things seriously.

Herta: What did you expect me to do? Let you spill blood on my Space Station? No way! It's going to be a real headache for my beautiful image.

Herta said this using the same casual and disinterested tone as usual.

Ritsuka: So now you care about your image? The universe must be ending.

I say this in a dry and sarcastic tone, irritated by Herta's presence.

Stelle: I'm glad you've arrived, Madam Herta.

Fou: Fou...

(Special translation: I'm disappointed. I wanted to see the blood!)

Stelle said this with a sigh of relief when she saw that Ruan Mei and I didn't engage in combat.

Ruan Mei: Weren't you talking to Screwllum, Herta?

Herta: I was, but Screwllum and I felt a great tremor coming from the sealed zone and I was curious to know what happened down there. And I have to say, you did a wonderful job of irritating my dear assistant, Ruan Mei. I have to congratulate you on this achievement, it's not something just anyone can achieve.

Herta said this looking at Ruan Mei with a slight smile on her face.

Ritsuka: So you came here to save your colleague, Herta?

I say this while looking seriously at Herta, who doesn't seem to be intimidated by my gaze; in fact, she seems to be quite happy to see my gaze.

Herta: Yes, but not really. I told you the truth about the headache of my image, if you kill Ruan Mei now it will greatly harm my plans and certain things that may happen in the Genius Society. Now, if you do it outside the Space Station, then you can do whatever you want with her.

Herta said this being completely direct and honest about the reason she came here and that is something that is to be expected from her.

Herta: Knowing that. Can you ignore what you discovered down there for a while? After all, you still owe me some favors.

Herta said this with a smug smile and I know exactly what she means by the "favors" I owe her.

Stelle: Favors? What kind of favors?

Stelle asks, confused by what Herta is talking about.

Herta: Let's just say it's a super important secret between the two of us. We can consider it a symbol of our intimate friendship.

Herta said this with a proud smile, not hesitating to show her enormous ego, and I let out a sigh, calming my temper and the black flames disappearing from my body.

Ritsuka: Okay, you won this round, Herta, but don't be fooled, if I find out about Ruan Mei's actions again, I'll have to continue with my duty.

I say this, looking coldly at Herta, I hope that this is just my impression, but judging by her expression and look, it seems that she is taking pleasure in this attitude of mine.

Herta: Don't worry. If she falters again, I won't get involved.

Herta said this with a smile on her face, not caring about the possible terrible fate for Ruan Mei.

Ruan Mei, on the other hand, is surprised to see Herta's attitude. It's not a fact that she handed her life over to me, but what surprised her is the expression she's showing when she's talking to her me.

Ruan Mei: You've changed, Herta.

Ruan Mei said this looking at Herta who has a smile on her face looking at me.

Herta: Really? I didn't notice anything different.

Ritsuka: One last thing before I leave. Are you going to give Stelle the antidote to the drug, Ruan Mei?

Ruan Mei: That's not necessary. The effects of the Anti-Truth Serum will wear off naturally, but she'll forget that she met me.

Stelle: So what I went through will I end up forgetting everything?

Ruan Mei: The effect won't be immediate, but it will happen slowly.

Ritsuka: Don't worry, Stelle. When that happens, I'll tell your future self what happened. You better not forget what happened today so you can be alert the next time you contact her.

I say this as I walk away from the group, but before I leave, Herta talks to me once more.

Herta: Wait a minute, assistant. Could you do a favor for me.

Ritsuka: What do you want now?

Herta: I want you to go investigate an anomaly that is happening in the Simulated Universe.

Herta said this, leaving me confused by what I heard.

💭 An anomaly in the Simulated Universe? Is that possible to happen?

Ruan Mei: And what's the problem with that? Isn't it good to have unexpected and new things happening inside the Simulated Universe?

Herta: I agree. But the problem is that Screwllum and I are unable to enter the Simulated Universe for some unknown reason.

Herta said this, leaving Ruan Mei with a thoughtful expression.

Stelle: And what does Ritsuka have to do with this?

Herta: Here's the interesting thing. Apparently the Simulated Universe is blocking our access, but it seems that only my assistant is not restricted.

💭 Why me specifically? Isn't the owner of that thing is Herta?

Ritsuka: So that's why you want me to enter the Simulated Universe?

Herta: Yes. While you do that, I have some little things to do that need my attention. Oh! Before I forget, I left something for you in your office. After you finish solving what's happening in the simulated universe, you can go see my surprise.

Herta said this with a happy smile, making me feel chills since this isn't something Herta does very often.

💭 I have a feeling that I won't like what Herta did in my office.

With Ruan Mei's situation resolved, I leave the Supply Zone and head towards Herta's room.

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3rd person view

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The moment Ritsuka leaves, Ruan Mei thanks Stelle for the help she gave in the sealed zone and she says goodbye to her, leaving Ruan Mei alone with Herta.

Herta: Hmpf. Judging by your face, you have questions, don't you?

Herta said this with an expression of pride and Ruan Mei continues to mask her feelings.

Ruan Mei: Who is this "Assistant Director" of yours, Herta. He is not an ordinary employee.

Ruan Mei said this being direct about the question that is on her mind at the moment.

Herta: I'm not surprised that you are curious about him, after all, you are on the verge of dying at his hands.

Herta said this casually to Ruan Mei, not taking Ruan Mei's possible death seriously.

Herta: There are many answers to your question, but the answer I can give is that my dear assistant is a very special and very dangerous person at the same time.

Herta said this with a slight smile, making Ruan Mei curious.

Ruan Mei: What do you mean by him being special and dangerous at the same time?

Herta: Simple. Ritsuka may seem like an ordinary person, but he is an Emanator of Equilibrium.

When Herta said this, Ruan Mei could not hide her surprise and Herta let out a light laugh, being pleased to see her colleague's reaction.

Ruan Mei: He is the Emanator of Equilibrium? So he is a member of the Arbitrators?

Herta: Yes and no at the same time. He is considered one of them, but he does not practice the methods they do. It can be considered that Ritsuka is aware of the existence of the Arbitrators and the Arbitrators are aware of Ritsuka's presence. Well, that's what he told me. Either way, his existence is very intriguing, but unfortunately that's all I can reveal. He and I made a very important deal, you know?

Herta said this while telling one of Ritsuka's secrets to Ruan Mei.

Ruan Mei: So I was about to die at the hands of an Emanator...

Herta: I don't know what you did to anger him, but I recommend that you don't try again, he's basically HooH's executor, so it's better not to be on his blacklist.

Herta said this to Ruan Mei who can now understand why Herta changed her attitude when talking to Ritsuka.

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Ritsuka's perspective...

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On the way to Herta's room, I send a message to my teacher that I'll be a little late for our private conversation.

Entering Herta's room, I find Screwllum, who seems to be waiting for my arrival.

Screwllum: It's good to see you again, Ritsuka. I assume Herta has already informed you of what's going on?

Ritsuka: Yes. Herta told me everything that happened. That you are apparently unable to access the Simulated Universe and that only I am allowed to enter. I can assume that you will be monitoring while I'm in there, right?

I say this with my arms crossed, looking at Screwllum.

Screwllum: Answer: Yes, I will be monitoring your actions and analyzing this intriguing event.

Ritsuka: Alright. Let's get this over with quickly. I don't want to have to get scolded by my teacher today.

I say this with a sigh, knowing that Dr. Ratio is at the space station.

Screwllum: Oh? So Dr. Ratio has already arrived at the station?

Ritsuka: Yes. And he's certainly not in a good mood as usual.

I say this as I stand in front of the device that will take me into the Simulated Universe.

Ritsuka: Screwllum. Do you have anything to tell me when I'm about to enter the Simulated Universe?

Screwllum: Unfortunately not. I admit that this situation is somewhat "exciting" for me, that's certainly something interesting to investigate.

Ritsuka: And of course you're happy about it. You and Herta love new things to do.

I say this in a sarcastic tone and I see Fou leaving my shoulder, getting out of range of the Simulated Universe device.

Ritsuka: So you're going to wait for me to come back, Fou?

Fou: Fou! Fou!

Ritsuka:Okay. I promise I won't be long.

With these words Screwllum activates the Simulated Universe and I am immediately pulled into the digital universe.

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Simulated Universe

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I open my eyes after going through a simulated Rayshift experience and I see that I'm on a beach.

Ritsuka:What? Since when does the Simulated Universe have a beach?!

💭Wait a minute... This place is familiar to me.

I look around and see that I'm on a beach at night and I feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.

Ritsuka:I've been here before... Wait a minute...

I immediately start to understand the place I'm in and I'm shocked at the time.

Ritsuka:How did I end up in Hawaii?!

I say this out loud being totally confused about what's happening in this Simulated Universe.

Ritsuka:Screwllum? Are you listening to me, Screwllum?

I get no response from him and this makes me worried since this has never happened before.

Ritsuka: Okay, Ritsuka, you're used to strange things happening, nothing can affect you anymore.

I say this noticing that the night is with a certain light behind me and when I take a look behind me I see the planet Earth in its round shape.

Ritsuka:....

💭Okay..... This is new...

The rain of surprises doesn't stop just that, at that same moment that I'm looking at my home planet in all its glory, I see a pinkish light falling towards me like a rocket.

Ritsuka: Again?! I thought things had already stopped falling from the sky towards me!

I say this talking to myself and I move away from where that pinkish light will fall.

*BOOM!*

The thing that landed near the edge of the sand between the sea and some kind of astronaut hatch, and the hatch door opens, revealing a person I never expected to meet on my journey.

BB: It seems I still have a lot of practice in the art of landing. I should have talked to that satellite servant before I came here.

💭 Impossible... I must have finally lost my sanity. There's no way she got here by herself!

My mouth drops open as I see the girl wearing a tight pink astronaut suit that is revealing the beautiful soft thighs that I honestly missed so much.

(Photo)

The person is none other than my chaotic and lovable AI, BB, who is apparently in the Simulated Universe without me having summoned her.

Ritsuka:BB?!

I say this showing my shock and surprise at seeing her, but at the same time I am extremely happy to see another person from Chaldea, especially one of the people I have a close relationship with.

BB: Oh! Hello Senpai! I'm glad you accepted my invitation! Welcome to my Simulated Universe! Mooncell Edition!

BB said this out loud leaving me once again speechless and my mind still registering what I just heard.

💭What?! What the hell is going on in this digital universe?!

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To be continued in part 2

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