บท 15: Chapter 15: Progress
Words: 2,081
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The thought of being unable to do research while being a superhuman with magic and other abilities is torture.
In addition, Rias sends pictures through Group Chat that show something penetrating through a hill.
It's not bad to be in charge of a growing and pretty profitable business, but I had to meet many people and check a lot of paperwork, and it took a lot of time.
However, I am now free and will go to one of the underground buildings under LexCorp's engineering department.
Lena and I have already checked this place, so I knew they hadn't yet installed surveillance systems and other sensors.
"Finally."
I said this while taking out the "Vision" from my Gacha inventory and immediately felt a magic had opened completely to give access to this energy.
I was now a few dozen meters underground in a building complex that was almost finished.
Lex wanted to create something like a secret laboratory with various kinds of research here.
One of the rooms was very big, and that's where I decided to stop. This place suited me perfectly at the moment without fear of getting caught.
I stomped on the floor, and a fairly large column of soil emerged while violently cracking from the inside.
I let out a small smile, and the ground beneath me started to flow.
I wasn't limited to manipulating the earth, and it was easy for me to make it rise and form different geometric shapes.
This ability is very good since even without fully assimilating with Albedo, I could manipulate a huge amount of earth.
I felt the earth for hundreds of meters around me and could easily navigate while standing on the ground sensing all the vibrations.
Albedo (B) (16%)
I haven't been able to focus on these abilities very much these days, and my assimilation has been slow.
However, assimilation went from fourteen percent to sixteen percent after I enjoyed my abilities for a few minutes.
I jumped hard onto the big stone blocks and punched them without worrying that I would hurt myself.
I broke the stone that had been strengthened with my abilities with just sixteen percent of the assimilation!
Moreover, this doesn't mean I have almost two-tenths of the strength because each percent is stronger than the previous one.
I clearly felt I could destroy this underground by burying it in the ground within a few seconds.
There are limitations as well.
For example, it's difficult to manipulate metal when there's none around him, but it's very easy when he can create it from ordinary earth using alchemy.
It's very strange to turn ordinary earth into pure gold.
It's as if I'm doing something I shouldn't because my brain might just fry from those thoughts.
My assimilation hit twenty percent when I started using alchemy and this expanded my capabilities.
I knew how to create not only different metals from the earth but also had a vague feeling that I would soon remember how to create ingredients for potions, elixirs, pills, and more.
It wasn't too far away that life could be created since Albedo was able to do that.
One of the possibilities of alchemy is manipulating matter that can turn unimaginable possibilities into reality.
In addition, it is possible to manipulate energies but it is more difficult to do.
The art of chemistry is precisely what set Albedo's alchemy apart from most others, and focused on creating life.
'Incredible...'
I sighed as I realized the potential of my powers.
Alchemy worked even without the 'Vision,' but several times weaker because of this divine artifact.
In addition to magic, it makes the soul stronger and more resistant to many effects, even telepathy.
Still, it's not nice that I can only access some of the power when the artifact is on me.
However, I looked through the Gatcha inventory because different things can happen, and my eyes were drawn to one card.
[Weakness Removal Card (B): This card eliminates one weakness of a certain characteristic in the user's physical or magical abilities.]
It's not necessary to use the card on myself, and I could use it on someone else.
This might be enough for me right now since Albedo is classified as a Rank B character.
I immediately took out the card and thought about which weakness I wanted to eliminate.
Then the 'Vision' lit up with a faint glow and disappeared, and the 'Vision' itself began to melt as if under high temperature.
I didn't feel any pain. I just stood there and watched as the 'Vision' completely melted. It seemed to absorb into my shoulder and become a tattoo.
"Convenient."
I couldn't help but admit it.
There is only the tattoo which is just a sign of the once-existing 'Vision. I feel that my powers haven't decreased, and I was pleased with the result.
Albedo (B) (28%)
"Tony, you need to sign form T503 as one of the directors."
I took the elevator to the office, and when I got back to the main building, I saw Lena working at her desk.
"Is this about the final purchase of the building in Gotham?"
I asked while recalling what this form was needed for.
"Yes, Lex has already paid most of the cost, and there are just a few finishing papers left, and this is one of them."
Lena said this while pulling her gaze away from the computer screen.
"Where have you been?"
Lena asked curiously.
"Do you remember the underground laboratory?"
After receiving a nod from Lena, I continued.
"I was checking it and considering how I should use it. There aren't any new plans yet. I've chosen to join the engineering department. I've wanted to make something for a long time."
I said with a smile while rubbing my hands together.
"Do you even know how?"
Lena raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, I didn't just manage to finish several semesters of university in a couple of days for nothing. Our company isn't particularly involved in energy. I think I'll try to fix this misunderstanding and improve our reputation in this industry."
"Energy? Why energy specifically?
"Well, Wayne Enterprises hasn't developed into it yet, so we already have a good chance to establish ourselves in this industry if everything goes as I hope."
I replied, circling around Lena and placing my hands on her shoulders to start to massage them.
"Are you overworking?"
"I'll rest when I find the time."
Lena snorted and relaxed under my hands.
"Now I understand why many directors often look so bad; it's because there's not even enough time for sleep sometimes."
"That's why there are different kinds of assistants and a board of directors. It's just the two of us here right now, so the workload has fallen on us. Do you want me to help with your part? It's not difficult for me."
"How did you manage to sort out your documents so quickly?"
Lena asked with curiosity.
"Maybe talent?"
I said uncertainly and changed the subject.
"How's Mercy doing?"
"She's doing her job more than well, and I have no complaints. If only she looked at me with a more kind gaze."
"Yeah, I felt that when I passed by her office, but she does her job very well."
I nodded, agreeing with Lena.
"By the way, have you talked to the chief doctor at LexCorp Medical?"
I asked about the company's medical branch which is also related to the biotechnology complex.
"That's..."
I felt the tension in Lena's shoulders and turned her chair to face me.
"Don't look at me like that..."
Lena covered her face with her hands.
"Like what?"
"With pity and I've had enough of that. So many people are surprised that a disabled person became the head of this company."
Lena exhaled and seemed about to say something else, but I interrupted her by hugging her.
"Don't listen to those narrow-minded people, and soon you'll be able to walk again. I'm more than sure of it."
I said, and it reminded me once again that soon I'll be able to heal her myself.
Alchemy will help me with that because it's much easier to fix her leg condition than to create a fully functional living body.
With twenty-eight percent assimilation, I don't have the ability to do that right now.
I just have a vague sense that it's possible, but I will when assimilation is complete.
"Anthony, I went to the doctor, and his prediction isn't good news."
Lena smirked, but there was resentment at the unfairness and also a kind of acceptance.
"The doctors we've had before either wanted to profit off us or just tried to cheer me up. This one said that the chance is very, very small, and you could say it doesn't exist. It looks like my situation will get worse over time based on the results of some tests. Not now, but in a couple of years."
Then tears appeared in Lena's eyes at the end.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
I knew she would go for tests, but I didn't think it would be this bad. The genuine concern in my voice couldn't have escaped her notice.
"I... I was afraid... that you'd leave me too."
Lena's hands squeezed me tighter as if afraid I'd walk away right then.
"Lena, we literally have a "Superman" flying outside our window who can shoot lasers from his eyes and jump higher than buildings. There's a Killer Crock, and new altered people keep appearing. I'm more than sure we'll find something to cure you."
I said while struggling not to sit down and tell her everything about Group Chat.
I feel like a complete jerk, but... it's likely to cause more trouble than good.
It's one thing if she finds out about magic.
It won't be as mind-blowing as Group Chat connecting multiple worlds, and by worlds, I mean not just one universe.
"Hmm, you sure know how to calm someone down."
Lena smirked again, but I could see fear and uncertainty in her eyes. Lena stepped back a bit and I acted impulsively.
"What are you... u-uh..."
I felt the exquisite softness against my lips and saw Lena's eyes widen in shock and evident confusion.
It felt like the moment went on forever.
Maybe that's how I felt at the time, or maybe it was just the false feeling of something forbidden but very tempting.
I thought Lena was a pretty girl the first time I saw her.
The old Anthony loved his sister, and sometimes, there was something forbidden slipping through, but I strongly doubt anything would come of it.
The old Anthony would have shut those feelings even deeper in his heart, but I couldn't hold back and couldn't stop myself, and now I feel fantastic.
I wanted this kiss to show how important she is to me as my sister, my best friend, and a girl.
It wasn't overly "lustful," but rather closer to sensual and conveying sincere care rather than the desire to pounce like an animal.
I wanted to freeze time to enjoy it a little longer, but Lena put her hands on my chest, and I felt a resistance, so I had to pull away.
"..."
I didn't know what to say once our lips parted.
"Tony..."
Lena said while lowering her gaze.
"These are just emotions that you found out about me. I don't want you to think about it too much. Brother, let's just forget this moment."
Lena spoke more confidently towards the end as if she believed in her words.
"Lena."
I licked my lips to taste the flavor of the beautiful girl standing in front of me.
"I'm sorry if I was so sudden..."
"I need to get back to work,"
Lena swallowed and looked at the monitor.
"I think you should go, and you wanted to join the engineering department."
"Sis..."
"Tony, it's fine. Just go."
Lena seemed afraid to look at me and made me feel a pain in my heart.
"Okay, if you need me, you know where to find me."
I smirked awkwardly and headed for the exit.
This impulse was too foolish and impulsive. I just couldn't control myself.
I hope I didn't scare her, or else she might start imagining things. I'll need to visit her again later.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw her working quietly at the computer table. I sighed and went to the elevator.
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