Bifrost Laboratories. Adonis Specialized R&D development team.
"Welcome, General."
A female scientist, dressed in a white lab coat, bowed before him.
The lab was clad in reinforced steel and glass, enclosing the place.
In front was a huge metallic floor built alongside an echo crystal that further influenced it.
Such a wall could tank several attacks from the Cases, even with their full power.
Pressing his finger against the panel by the metallic door, the panel showed green before the words appeared.
[Welcome Administrator]
The artificial intelligence voice said that as it slid open.
When it did, cool air escaped from within as Adonis took a further step inside.
The floor gleamed with a polished finish, reflecting the soft glow of overhead lights that bathed the room in a sterile, bluish hue.
With that, there were also monitors displaying data streams.
In other areas of the lab, robotic arms moved with precision, adjusting variables and collecting samples.
Scientists were also scattered around, each minding their own technological projects.
But in front of him were rows of cylindrical glasses towered, numbering more than two hundred in the massive underground space.
They were containers for high tech cores. [Neolith].
"Ah, you're finally here, General."
"Good day, Dr. Aiken."
Greeting him was a woman with long red hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a corset-style top, high-cut bottoms, and thigh-high red stockings.
Behind her were mechanical extensions that waved around, much like an octopus, but mechanical.
Her case was that of a giant squid, hence the mechanical, octopus-like arms behind her.
"You've received the message from Niz, yes? It's finally done."
Aiken sighed, crossing her hands under her chest, as she motioned to a cylindrical glass behind her.
Stepping closer,
Adonis looked at the contents inside the glass and let out an impressed gaze.
"I can only say, as expected of Dr. Aiken."
Inside the glass was a long, elegant spear with a sleek shaft, elongated and sharp, designed for piercing attacks.
Around the top of the spear was a crown-like halo. The entire weapon radiated a golden-black glow.
Neolith.
Ancient artifacts, imbued with immense power, are remnants from a bygone era.
These relics resulted from humanity's desperate attempts to harness the mysterious Echo Crystals that appeared in the sky after the catastrophe.
As the Echo Crystals began turning all living beings into crystals, humanity sought refuge underground and studied this phenomenon.
Through their research, they discovered that by using the Echo Crystals as catalysts, they could create powerful weapons and armor, leading to the development of Neoliths.
"Why not [Vibration Arms] instead of Neoliths?"
Dr. Aiken asked as her assistant handed her a tablet while she worked on the data and statistics displayed on her screen.
"Is the doctor confident she can create arms capable of handling my power?"
Adonis asked with a slight tilt of his head.
She could see a hint of arrogance in that expression. She couldn't tell him off.
Using the data they had on his output, they had designed [Brionac], and honestly speaking,
"With time, I could," she said, contrary to his shock.
Knowing Aiken, she probably could. After all, she created the [Snakelet].
Yora's vibration arms were capable of handling her full output.
He was definitely stronger than Yora, but it was possible.
"..."
Adonis brushed his hair, much like Niz does whenever she is embarrassed.
"Currently, with our existing technology, it remains impossible. Even Brionac is not the most powerful weapon we can create."
"If we were to assess it in terms of ranks, Brionac would be classified as a legendary weapon."
Adonis then muttered, "A prototype?"
"Yes. However, it should be capable of managing the output we have measured thus far."
"Additionally, we can utilize the data from your usage to develop other Neoliths."
At some point, he had become the unit of measurement for every tactical warfare in Bifrost.
"Dr. Aiken. If I recall correctly, every tactical weapon has had a high output lately. Don't tell me..."
"Don't think much about it, General. It's for your sake, as reliable as you are. We cannot rely on you for everything."
It made sense in many ways. Dr. Aiken was a pragmatic woman, as was Niz.
"So, Niz approved of this too."
The doctor didn't reply. If anything, she averted her gaze back to her tablet.
Regardless of whether they were using him as a measurement of power or not, Bifrost has only been able to replicate 5% even in their simulation.
Perhaps, if the whole Neo-Earth came together, then they would replicate about 20%.
Levia, being one of the strongest, could only be replicated to 30% of her original strength.
"So, what can Brionac do?"
"It has the ability to control gravity and lightning. Additionally, it can enhance both physical and magical capabilities… haah."
Aiken could only sigh.
If anything, Adonis would be the one enhancing its capabilities. And that was why she needed his data.
"We also installed the other feature you requested using the Crystal."
"So, it will be able to do 'that'…?"
"Not yet. We need more testing, but for now, I'd like to know what you are capable of doing with it."
"So, reach out to the Neolith and try to control it."
"Alright."
Hearing that, Adonis moved closer to the cylindrical glass as, slowly, the glass winded downwards, now revealing the majestic spear that remained.
Slowly, Adonis reached for it. Grabbing the spear, gold met gold, and upon contact, the spear vibrated.
"Calm down."
His eyes glowed golden, and immediately the vibration stopped. Now, it accepted Adonis's purification energy.
Then, it changed.
'I already expected this, but… seeing this happen right in front of my eyes is…'
The fragmented particles that made up the spear were being exchanged for entirely different particles.
It was dubbed [Spiriton] by Aiken.
Spiriton was inherently dangerous in any case, as they knew.
But unless he wanted to harm them with it, it wasn't inherently dangerous.
WHRRR–!
After a low whir that resounded, the spear became completely still, a Neolithic now part of Adonis much like a [Vibration Arm].
"So, how was the reading…?"
Adonis spun the spear before facing the scientist, who went silent. She glanced at Adonis, then back at her tablet.
Silence.
Naturally, she was a little frustrated. She couldn't even read the erratic numbers anymore.
"You… can't you coexist with Echo particles?"
"It's not like I can't, even I'm yet to know my powers entirely."
"...prevert."
"How did it get to that? And also, I'm your superior."
"But younger in age, and also, by extension, your mother."
"....fine, you win."
Using Yora as a means to gain superiority over him was low, even for the Doctor, but she couldn't care less.
Giving up on [Brionac]'s data, she decided that the other way she could make this work was through his combat data.
At the very least, if they couldn't calculate more than five percent of his combat data, then she would at least study Brionac's data through that.
"By the way, General, have you determined Yulia's punishment?"
"Mhm. Honestly, I plan on letting Niz decide that. I can't say I'm interested in punishing Yulia."
Adonis said that with a matter-of-fact tone. But his tone then became chilling.
"However, as the leader of Bifrost, should she try such a stunt another time, then I might not take it lightly with her."
Aiken said nothing. If she had something to say, then it would be… it's always like this.
Knowing Niz, as cold as she may have seemed, that one wouldn't punish her longtime companion.
Unless Adonis commanded her to. But then, even he wouldn't do anything to make anyone sad, unless...…
"I can't believe the almighty general who decimated the Nebu gods is this soft."
"Nebu deities, huh?"
They were mortals too, but their powers were undeniable. Nile, the drunken blade; Nephthys, the death goddess.
And then, Horus of the moonlight.
"Though, we are yet to meet. It's a pity Horus remains oblivious to Rasparta."
"Now I think about it, you participated in the Northern War, didn't you?"
"Yeah. In a way, I was the cause of what happened to that woman. I wouldn't blame Nile if she hated me."
"Yet, the former Nebu leader doesn't seem to. Rasparta is to blame, no...?"
Though she said that, Adonis didn't say anything. It wouldn't change the fact that it was because of him that Nebu suffered that loss.
"Guess I still owe Nebu one to this day."
Saying that, they finally entered the simulation room, with Adonis walking towards the elevated platform.
"Make sure you go easy, okay? The forcefield won't be able to handle your power."
Aiken said that while heading to the control panel. Adonis, on the other hand, let out a wry smile, spinning Brionac in his hands.
"I know. …Now then, who's my opponent?"
Saying that, the surroundings atop the platform changed.
For better maneuverability, the platform was about half the size of a football field.
Originally a dimly lit room with blue LED lights, the surroundings had changed to that of a cathedral.
Towering spires and intricate stained-glass windows were juxtaposed with advanced technological installations.
Adorned with luminous mosaics and holographic displays depicting the Empire's history and its revered figures,
the nave led to a grand altar, behind which stood a colossal statue of Saint Peter.
In front of the statue…
"Jupiter, herself, huh?"
Long, silver hair styled with parted bangs. Adorning her head is a mitre-like headpiece.
Her outfit: a revealing robe with gold trim, bridal gauntlets, and a cape or capelet.
The outfit emphasized her cleavage, featuring a pelvic curtain that added a sensual nature to her attire.
Lastly, wearing white thigh-high boots with cross-laced designs and may be depicted with wings, bringing out an authoritative yet sensual presence.
"....."
He called her by many names. Her official title was Saint Jupiter, one of which he used most often.
Next was Leviathan, as her case was based on it after all; third was Tsundere Ruler.
Fourth was, arrogant and selfish leader, and the last was, of course…
Fake Gilgamesh.
Her ability to send spears of light at her target was extremely similar to a certain King of Heroes he vaguely remembered.
"Mortal, you dare hold your head up in my presence?"
"You… were it not for the fact that you're a simulator, I would teach you an unforgettable lesson."
Adonis' lips twitched as he pointed at her. True to his words, the moment she attacked him with her spears of light:
"Here is your final odyssey: Retribution."
TSUN–!
Numbering easily in the hundreds. Possessing high-class magic and techniques, as well as high echo particle regeneration.
She was strong by every means.. Yet,
TSUN–! TSUN–!
That was the sound of Brionac shooting down each arrow. Legs parted slightly as he jumped back.
Poised in a stance to adjust his footing, the world appeared slow, and each spear that neared ten meters was instantly cut down by the spear.
TSUN–! TSUN–! TSUN–! TSUN–!
Unlike conventional spears, [Brionac] was truly different, even without using its inherent abilities to manipulate gravity and lightning.
Its reach was even greater, despite its normal size. If he were to guess, it was the gust of wind from the tip.
TSUN–! TSUN–! TSUN–! TSUN–!
Everything was cut down.
"Y-you…—"
"How dare you? Something, something, something, is that not it?"
"Nngh!"
Adonis interrupted her before she could continue. Simulations like hers were made with advanced AI.
More like role-playing AI to simulate people behavior or characters based on the data they possessed on the person.
The more data they had on the person, the better they could replicate him or her.
For users here, their senses replicate those of their normal senses.
Blocking an attack would send an impact, much like in the real world.
"Fuu."
Shifting his leg to the side. Concentrating [Spiriton] into the spear, his grip tightened.
"General!"
He could have sworn he heard Aiken call out to him; did it matter? No. But he wasn't that heartless, either.
While the tsundere queen annoyed him, he lowered the attack. Perhaps, maybe a tiny bit.
"Yes. This would do!"
FYUN—!
The spear trailed, accompanied by crackling lightning, with gravity wrapping its tip.
Silence.
That was the end result. Yet, at the end, a massive thud erupted.
THUD–!
The spear now lodged in the walls of the Simulation Room.
As for Levia, on the other hand, her upper half was already missing, breaking down into bits of code.
"Seriously, what a letdown."