Dr. Aleena walks towards the center of the room, where a massive pillar machine stands in the middle of the floor. It towers upwards, filling the entire room and casting light and shadows on the walls. Its design is like something from another world, a marvel of engineering and innovation. Dr. Aleena stops and looks at the machine in wonder, the lights from the device illuminating her face and creating an otherworldly glow around her. She begins to move towards it, her eyes taking in all the details, her mind racing with thoughts and theories. The intricate gears and metal constructs look like they belong in a science fiction novel, the entire machine built with precision and care.
A hum emanates from somewhere within, its power barely contained. Dr. Aleena stops in front of the machine, gazing at it, her expression full of curiosity and awe. She reaches out, wanting to touch the machine, but stopping herself just before her fingers brush against the metal. She looks around as if expecting something to happen. The pillar is made up of numerous pipes, valves, and gears, each part interlocking together with mechanical precision. The machine is a work of art, its movements smooth and controlled as it hums and ticks away. Dr. Aleena can't help but be in awe of the invention before her, its beauty drawing her in like a magnet. She turns to the three of us and her eyes look pleased.
"Those large tanks filled with various colored liquids represent the different mana-types a living or nonliving being can possess. There are twelve that we know of but as you know, the universe holds many mysteries. As such, our world hides truths from us that as scientists, we must solve. Most people only possess one, maybe two, but not all. In all of recorded history, only thirteen individuals have possessed more than three mana-type, I bet you can guess who the most recent of these individuals are?" Aleena Walker quipped as she guided the three of us through the vast laboratory to what I can only describe as a forge of some kind.
"I assume you mean my brother, Allen von Yeager?" I questioned.
She stops before me, leaning towards me as if trying to bait me with her impressively large bust and giggles.
"Absolutely correct, my dear Adam. Your brother is the thirteenth in recorded history to possess all the cardinal mana-types related to the four elements, and more. But that's classified," she said before turning on her heels and walking around the sizable forge-like structure.
"So, how does that relate to me? Being his younger brother doesn't mean I am the same as him?" I countered.
She abruptly turns around again.
"Not-at-all, Adam von Yeager. If anything, it means you have just as much, if not more, potential than your older brother Allen von Yeager! Awww... I can't wait to see what potential awaits you," Aleena Walker quipped with such glee I thought she'd have a heart attack.
"Okay, if you say so!" I replied.
After turning around, she began typing on the screen of a device that I can only assume was a piece of technology in some way. Her attention seems to graduate toward that of a more serious nature than her previous carefree nature. After a moment, she looks over her shoulder at me. Her eyes were stern and calculating.
"Hmmm… Who shall go first? Any…Mini… Miny… Moe…," Aleena said as she pointed at each of us until her finger landed on Evander Schroeder.
"Me?" he said.
"Ah… Yes… You will go first. Place your hand on the emerging device and follow my instructions!" Dr. Aleena Walker said, emphasizing her words
She quickly began working again, and as she said, a panel opened up on the massive forge.
"Place your hand on the panel there!" she said, pointing to something opening near the device she was at.
Evander nodded and placed his hand on the device, and a moment later, something akin to needles jabbed into his hand, causing him to flinch.
"Do not remove your hand until I finish my preparations, Evander Schroeder!" she said firmly.
"O-Okay…," Evander said.
The moment he did, he tensed up.
"Christ… That hurts a whole lot!" Evander blurted.
"Ahem… It does… It does… Always does… Don't move an inch, please!" the doctor said in an almost sing-song voice.
"Analyzing Subject…," a feminine force said out of thin air.
"Yes… Yes… I see… you have two types of mana, maybe even three if we're lucky… Oh my, you are special!" she said as her hands worked like they had a mind of their own.
Suddenly, three of the liquid vats begin bubbling, and a hume fills the room.
"What-What… What's happening!" Evander yelped.
"Ah, hold on dear, it's almost finished," she quipped.
Then, the ceiling opens up, slamming a gigantic hammer down like a piston into the forge-like machine. Electricity sparks everywhere, and I duck to avoid being hit by the electrical arcs. The liquids within the instrument flow violently, sloshing against the walls as the hammer pounds away repeatedly, sending sparks everywhere. The scene is frantic, the crashing hammer causing me to jump at each blow. The hammer comes down in a powerful, relentless rhythm, causing the entire building to shake. Every time it hits, I feel as though I'm in the middle of an earthquake, the vibrations shaking my whole body. The machine groans with every impact, its gears grinding louder with each blow, threatening to break.
Dr. Walker looks into a scope of some kind, a giddy expression on her face. She's clearly excited about what she is observing, her eyes fixed on the lenses as she focuses and adjusts the scope. Her eyes widen as she attends to the results of her mechanism. Whatever she is looking at must be fascinating to elicit such a response. Perhaps it is a groundbreaking new discovery, a scientific miracle that will change the world as we know it. Or maybe it's something even more incredible, something beyond the confines of science and logic. I can't help but feel curious and eager to see what Dr. Walker is so excited about. She adjusts the angle of the scope, studying the images closely and muttering to herself as a series of observations are made.
"Oh may, look at that. It's finished already?" she said, sighing.
"Attention, Evander Schroeder, please take possession of your new Lionheart-type Exorcist Longsword of the Holy State Imperial Order! A-rank, AA-rank, S-rank, and SS-rank, dual sentient light-type weapon," the feminine voice said.
Suddenly, the machine opens up, and a bright light nearly blinds me. It takes a moment to adjust my eyes, and when I can see again, the protective shield has risen into the ceiling. I can feel the heat of the machine radiate from the center as if the machine were a living, breathing being. The engine hums as the protective shield rises, its gears and mechanisms moving with precise precision. The light from the machine casts an otherworldly glow, illuminating the entire room in its gentle radiance. The air feels charged, as if something incredible is about to happen. I squint, trying to protect my eyes from the radiant glow of the light. The white walls reflect the light, amplifying its intensity and making it seem even brighter. I cannot look away, but my eyes hurt.
Once we regained our vision, an ethereal sword floated at the center of the great machine. Its blade radiated a glowing light that lit up the entire area, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. The sword hummed with an ethereal power, filling the room with an otherworldly melody. The newly forged longsword hovers in the air, its light dancing and twisting like a flame, gracefully swirling in the air. As it does, I can feel its power, the magic radiating from it in waves. The sword is beautiful and yet also unnerving, its presence commanding attention and respect. I cannot look away from its mysterious aura calling to me. Almost as if it was made of transparent crystal, its edges gleamed with a ghostly light that caused them to appear white in color. The sword was an impressive feat of engineering, a true masterpiece of magical craftsmanship. I could not tear my eyes away from it, its beauty and power enchanting me.
"Now, Evander Schroeder, take your brand new exorcist weapon. May it help you in your future battles," Doctor Aleena Walker said in a giddy voice. "Well, you are nearly as special as Allen von Yeager. But, there is always room for a deux ex machina!"
He holds his hands out, as if calling for the weapon to come to him. Slowly, it starts to float towards him, its glow illuminating the room and casting strange shadows on the walls. With a whisper, the sword-like weapon floats to the man, landing gently in his hands. He carefully grips its hilt, his gaze never leaving the weapon. He held it like it was something precious, perhaps even dangerous. His every motion is practiced and methodical, his face set in an expression of pure focus. It is clear that he is a master of the blade. The man smiles, his eyes lighting up as he holds the sword in a tight grip. I cannot help but marvel at its beauty, the light shining off of it a reminder of the power it holds. The sword exudes a sense of strength and power, and it is clear that this man knows how to wield it well.
The light vanishes moments after it touches his hand, leaving only the hilt behind. The sword disappears, and he holds nothing but a simple hilt in his hand, an expression of confusion on his face. The blade had been so vibrant and full of life, its light and beauty captivating in every sense. I watch in awe as he inspects the hilt, perhaps wondering where the light had come from and where it had gone. He glances around, trying to figure out the mystery, but I am just as puzzled as he is. The hilt is simple and elegant, and its design is carved with intricate patterns and symbols. The man holds it firmly, his gaze fixed on the blade as if waiting for something. I stand nearby, my heart racing with anticipation. I do not know what will happen, but I cannot shake the feeling that this is important. I watch, mesmerized by the simple yet mysterious object in his hands.
Another lab assistant hands Evander a hilt that the forge also made for him, its shape and style similar to the first man's weapon. He takes it in his hand, staring at it for a moment before turning towards the forge. His face reveals a sense of anticipation as he walks over to the forge, the lab assistant following shortly behind. I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement myself asI watch on, my eyes glued to every movement he makes as he prepares to wield the blade. His fingers caress the surface, a look of deep introspection on his face as he studies the weapon. The hilt is made of forged steel, its finish smooth and refined. The patterns inlaid on its surface resemble a knotty vine, the intricate patterns almost seeming to move as light glints off of them. The assistant hands him the hilt with a shy smile, but Evander remains focused on the weapon in his grasp, his face stoic and unreadable. Dr. Walker hums as she works at her station. Elara and I can only wait to see who she picks next.