Snowflakes danced in the air, stirring Morpheus's memories of his time in the Toaruverse. While confronting various nefarious magic cabals, he had traveled to many places, including Antarctica.
Morpheus sat in the back of a car driven by a man from the Clock Tower. After all, Chaldea and the Clock Tower shared a deep connection.
"I heard you have the qualifications to attend classes at the Clock Tower, yet you haven't gone. By now, you've missed nearly a year's worth of courses," the driver remarked, perhaps out of boredom during the long drive.
"I'm a bit lazy," Morpheus replied, gazing at the white expanse outside the window. His words sounded absurd, at least to the driver.
"Lazy? The Clock Tower investigated you and found you're quite diligent at Westminster School, with fairly impressive grades." The man's words carried a hint of invasiveness.
"Sir, can I use that statement as evidence to file a complaint against the Clock Tower? Monitoring me without my consent!" Morpheus shot back.
"Go ahead, make a fuss if you want. I think it'd be quite the show," the driver said casually. "Of course, I'll deny ever saying it."
This guy's a troublemaker, Morpheus thought, smirking. Figures... hardly any Magus are mentally stable. "To be honest, I just don't like it there, so I didn't go."
The driver chuckled. "I don't like it either. Too stifling, full of old-timers who can't keep up with the times."
Morpheus glanced at the driver, surprised. Perhaps noticing his expression in the rearview mirror, the man shrugged. "I'll deny saying that too, of course."
Morpheus waved his phone. "I recorded it. Video."
The driver's eyes widened, his mouth agape, but Morpheus grinned. "Kidding."
"Phew, don't scare me like that, or we'll end up in a crash, Mr. McRemitz," the driver said, his tone growing stern, almost threatening. Morpheus said nothing more, turning his thoughts to the FGO storyline, mentally reviewing his plan.
As a casual player, Morpheus recalled much of the early plot clearly, though later parts were fragmented... bits and pieces gleaned from player debates, barely cohesive.
But that didn't matter. As long as he eliminated Lev, the later issues wouldn't arise. Simple as that.
"The story starts with the protagonist, Gudako, oversleeping and getting kicked out, followed by the test. Lev sets off the bomb, triggering the crisis. Olga Marie dies, others are gravely injured, and only Gudako, the underdog with barely any magecraft ability, rises to save the day.
"Before the explosion, I should have a chance to confront Lev. Should I strike immediately? If I do, there's no guarantee the bombs won't still go off... those things could be set to detonate automatically…
"Hm, I'll make contact with Lev first, assess the situation, then take him out. That's the plan. He's never met me before, so he likely has no guard up, seeing me as just an ordinary magus."
Morpheus's thoughts were interrupted as he looked up at the massive structure before him.
It exuded a futuristic aura, like a sci-fi film's towering white edifice, with vast floor-to-ceiling windows for illumination, starkly different from the traditional image of a magus's workshop.
This was the convergence of science and magecraft, the forefront of scientific advancement, and the paramount organization dedicated to protecting humanity.
The Security Organization for the Preservation of Humanity, Finis Chaldea.
Morpheus couldn't help but stare at the building, which would later stand alone in the void. The driver stopped the car and said, "We're here. Wishing you a pleasant stay at Chaldea."
"I doubt it'll be pleasant," Morpheus replied.
"If you're talking about the Director, who's hit menopause early, you're spot on. It won't be pleasant," the driver said with a laugh, waving as he drove off, leaving Morpheus alone at the entrance.
Antarctica's freezing cold would typically demand heavy clothing like a down jacket, but Morpheus wore his usual outfit. While it might pass as substantial in Britain, it was woefully inadequate for the South Pole.
Yet Morpheus showed no signs of feeling the cold. It wasn't that he was immune... it was simply that, as a magician, he was accustomed to it. Harsh training was part of the path.
If he truly wished to avoid the chill, he could activate the formulae woven into his clothes.
Watching the car depart, Morpheus pulled a magnetic card from his pocket, resembling an ID.
Swiping it at the sensor by the sealed entrance, the massive gates of Chaldea opened to him.
"Sorry, sorry, kept you waiting!" A man in a green coat with disheveled hair approached, squinting as he spoke. "You're the forty-ninth, right? Morpheus Fraga McRemitz... a fine name, like one destined for greatness."
Morpheus's eyes narrowed as he saw the man, but he mirrored the smile. "No, you're right on time, Mr. Lev."
The man extended his right hand. "You know me, then. Just call me Lev. I've got some standing around here."
Morpheus shook his hand. "Then just call me Morpheus, Lev."
"Come on, I'll take you to your room. Rest up, and we'll notify you when it's time for the meeting and your first test."
As Lev led the way, he remarked, "That outfit suits you, Morpheus. It's like you stepped out of Victorian London."
"I'm fond of this style. Honestly, my favorite films are the ones depicting that era, like Sherlock Holmes."
Morpheus recited his prepared line, prompting a hum from Lev. "Is that so? Well, maybe we can watch some together sometime. I'm a fan too."
Morpheus hadn't expected Lev to personally greet him. The man's warm, friendly demeanor made him wonder about Lev's true intentions.
But even if Lev tried something underhanded, Morpheus wasn't fazed. As long as he wore this outfit, ordinary attacks would have no effect.
Finally, Lev led him to his designated room. As Morpheus prepared to enter, he spotted someone nearby.
A seemingly airheaded girl, around his age, was curiously looking around.
Beside her was a bespectacled girl, talking to her.
"That's the forty-eighth Master candidate, Fujimaru Ritsuka, and the one with glasses is a Chaldea staff member, Mash Kyrielight," Lev explained eagerly. Morpheus, however, had already recognized them.
FGO's protagonist and her Servant, Mash.
The two hadn't noticed Morpheus, and Lev showed no intention of introducing him. Opening the room's door, Lev said, "Go rest for now. I'll come get you later."
"Alright, thanks for the trouble, Lev," Morpheus replied, stepping inside. As the door slowly closed, a glint of manic glee flashed in Lev's eyes.
When the door shut completely, Lev let out a deep, relieved breath.
***
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