/simu/ - >Date: November 12th, 2017>Location: The Axiom - Nexus of Magic>Time: 8:12 AM [Relative to Sanctuary City]>A sentient soundwave ripples through the air of the midnight black sky - morphing and growing in size rapidly as it begins polymorphing into

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[Event] - "The Winnower" Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 17:13:59 No.5097

>Date: November 12th, 2017
>Location: The Axiom - Nexus of Magic
>Time: 8:12 AM [Relative to Sanctuary City]

>A sentient soundwave ripples through the air of the midnight black sky - morphing and growing in size rapidly as it begins polymorphing into different shapes. Its appearance is only visible due to the faint glowing white outline of the soundwave itself, as it emanates miniature soundwaves to communicate.

"I know, Sonori. You're getting impatient, but we'll find the rest of your people."

>Doctor, the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth-0, is meditating in the middle of the open space in his white and gold robes. His mask hides the ethereal glow of his eyes as he makes a set of gestures with his hands.

"Let's try something different to ease your mind for now."

>As Sonori, the living soundwave, continues to expand and shift its form to demonstrate its nervousness and concern, Doctor uses his hand gestures to produce a large set of mystical tuning forks - structured around different portions of the open space. The tuning forks then begin to resonate - producing a unique, arcane frequency that eases the mind of the sentient soundwave, causing it to produce more soft purrs of distributed sound. Its form begins to shrink once more as Doctor looks on in relief. He then holds out his hand, as the large tuning fork artifacts rapidly move to converge on each other, fuse into one composite tuning fork, and then shrink down - with Doctor holding the grip of the tuning fork in his hand.

"That's good, hopefully you'll be at ease for now."

>Thinking to himself for a moment, Doctor then senses the arrival of two beings, not looking behind himself as he says:

"Hey, it's good to see you two. Is there something you need?"

Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 17:21:03 No.5098

File: 1783099262967-0.jpg (421.03 KB, 1280x1717, Doctor - 5.jpg)

File: 1783099262967-1.png (1.12 MB, 1134x1504, Mosaic - 40.png)

File: 1783099262967-2.jpeg (579.13 KB, 950x1425, Andromeda - 4.jpeg)

>>5097
>As Doctor slowly lowers himself to his feet and turns to look around at the two new arrivals, he then says:

"Because I apologize if this is just a casual meet and greet. You've caught be at a bad time, as I've got a living being in distress who needs to find their family."

>Mosaic and Andromeda, having just arrived, look up and see the sentient soundwave - intuiting that it's been calming itself down.

"Oh, that's wonderful, Isaac! A Sonorian! I remember reading about them in a bestiary volume!"

>Mosaic looks at Andromeda, saying:

"You've read the bestiary?"

>Annoyed, Andromeda glares at Mosaic and replies:

"Of course I've read the bestiary, Aiden! I read everything!"

"Did you read the note I left for you on the fridge?"

>Silence falls between the two of them, as Mosaic starts snickering behind his mask and helmet, with Andromeda now whacking him on the side of the head as Doctor looks on, sighing in amusement.

"Alright you two. Is there something you need?"

>Getting back on track, Mosaic and Andromeda turn around and look at Doctor, their expressions darkening and their bodies getting more stiff.

"….Did I say something wrong?"

>Shaking his head, Mosaic then says:

"….We've got something that you may not want to hear, but we've got to tell you anyways."

>Andromeda nods slowly as she walks forward, putting a hand on Doctor's shoulder - stating:

"I mean this in advanced, Isaac. Don't let this get to you."

Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 17:45:01 No.5099

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File: 1783100700380-2.png (2.87 MB, 1398x1862, Mosaic - 39.png)

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>>5098
>Location: Axiom - Nexus of Magic - Living Quarters
>Time: 8:20 AM [Relative to Sanctuary City]

"…….Mastix."

>Slowly turning around to look at Mosaic and Andromeda, Doctor then says:

"And Aesop told you this?"

>Mosaic is somewhat surprised by the remark, taken aback as he then asks:

"You're aware of him?"

>Doctor then snaps his fingers as a large tome quickly floats to him, flipping itself open up to a page that has a stylized artistic rendition of the young boy with vivid hair, bright eyes and a jubilant expression on his face.

"Astrals are indexed within the encyclopedia arcana of the Axiom - as are all other known sentient beings. Aesop is a younger Astral, but he's still known to the Axiom."

>Sighing, Doctor then says:

"He's not my concern though. I imagine he assisted you - which is appreciated. But the main issue is who Wrymwood served under."

>Flipping the page of the tome with a two finger swipe gesture, Doctor crosses his arms as he sees the new image appearing across the two page spread of the tome - a man with charcoal skin, dark and sullen eyes - with a snow white long flowing mane of hair.

"Mastix Unum. 'The Calamity of One'. He's a primordial Astral, one of the first."

>Andromeda looks at the figure, whom, even within the confines of an artistic rendition in a tome - causes Andromeda to feel a chill run down her spine, gaining goosebumps.

"…..I don't like looking at him. God….it's unnerving…"

>Closing the tome, Doctor then says:

"It's part of his nature. Mastix is the original sin of Astrals, so to speak. The first malevolent being conceived from the species. His very presence is hostile and antithetical to life and the cultivation of everything good natured."

>Mosaic looks at the tome, now closed, and shudders lightly, speaking:

"….I felt something even deeper than the chill. Something…primal, Isaac. Like my brain wanted to crawl out of my skull and run…..What is that?"

>Doctor looks at Mosaic, stating:

"That, is your Astral nature reacting to Mastix's presence. Whether it's his physical avatar, a corrupted figure infused with his power, or anything marked or branded by him - Mastix's very presence is hostile to us as Astrals."

>Mosaic places his hands down on the table in front of him, looking at the closed tome with an aimless expression for a few seconds, before lowering his head to the ground - staring at the table.

"….Someone's been stopping him from wrecking havoc in the universe, haven't they?"

>Doctor sighs, releasing a breathe that he was barely conscience of holding, as he then slowly nods.

"….My parents. They're Astrals too. Younger, but still primordial. I don't know much beyond that."

>Andromeda places a hand to her mouth, instinctively - as she begins looking away in pain.

"……That's why you had so much faith in me when you first met me. You already knew-"

>Doctor then interjects, confirming Andromeda's conclusion:

"What you had went through, regarding abandonment by parents. Though I can't truly substitute my experience for your own, as I still had the Gods to raise me here."

>Doctor then turns back to Mosaic, saying:

"If Wyrmwood was used by Mastix as part of a ploy, then we have to operate under the assumption that he is attempting to break the stalemate that he's locked into with my father and mother."

Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 18:01:53 No.5100

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>>5099
>Mosaic then lowers down onto a seat that quickly floats over to his location, sensing his intent. As he seats himself, he leans forward, his brow furrowing behind his mask and helmet.

"…..So this Mastix, he's stuck in a fight with your parents, in some cosmic, higher-dimensional struggles; and he needs proxies to work on his behalf - like Wyrmwood."

>Doctor replies as he gestures the tome away, saying:

"That's correct, at least from what the Gods understand. The agreement they came to, regarding my parents, had them rotate guardianship over me in the Axiom - while they went off to confront Mastix."

>Andromeda remains standing, but now has her hands on her hips as she looks over the living quarters area, her eyes narrowing behind the visor on her face, and her teeth instinctively grinding out of concern.

"…..So what do we do now? He's still out there, and we're not certain what he's going to try next. Sure, your parents have him stalemated for now. But if he's smart enough to realize that he can't break that stalemate himself, then he'll also be smart enough to set some plan into motion; something that will sabotage that same stalemate…."

>Doctor takes another tome from nearby, gesturing to it with his hand as it quickly flies over, opens up, and lands in his hands as he begins flipping through it with a combination of speed and precision.

"He'll try some other method of attack. The indirect proxy method has failed, so he'll have to try something more abstract. Abstract, unconventional and….."

>Mosaic speaks up, completing Doctor's argument.

"Destabilizing."

>Both Doctor and Andromeda look at Mosaic, as he continues to explain his train of thought:

"He's the 'Calamity of One', right? Every Astral has a core nature, that compels them to do what they do. Wyrmwood was corruption. He sabotaged Thaumian society and slowly brought it to ruin."

>Andromeda looks away instinctively, her hands balling up into fists at the mention of Wyrmwood, before regaining her composure. Mosaic recognizes this, and quickly shifts to the next point.

"Aesop is narratives and stories. He's compelled to observe us and the 'major events' of our lives - since a sequence of major events leads to a narrative."

>Doctor sees what Mosaic is insinuating, and then says:

"….Oh, I see. Mastix has to operate in a way that destroys. He cannot build something, like an organization for example. He must act through destructive impulses and actions."

>Mosaic makes a pointing gesture to Doctor after snapping his fingers.

"Exactly. Meaning he's going to do something that's inherently destructive. High entropy. It can't be subtle and it can't be covert - because his fundamental nature literally can't allow it."

Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 18:15:05 No.5101

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>>5100
>Andromeda then walks forward, moving to take a seat beside Mosaic as she then places a hand on his own, and looks up at Doctor.

"So then, I guess the right question to ask is…..What exactly is Mastix trying to destroy?"

>Doctor continues looking through the tome, making micro gestures with two fingers every now and then.

"That's what has stumped me for years, ever since I first learned about him. What could he destroy that would possibly undo the stalemate-"

>Mosaic then stops thinking as he then looks straight up, starting Andromeda.

"Wha - Aiden? What is it?"

>Mosaic then places both of his hands to his helmet as he then mutters out loud:

"….Oh my God. How could I have been so stupid? Of course that's what it is!"

>Confused, Doctor looks at Mosaic, stating:

"…..Aiden? What have you concluded?"

>Mosaic looks directly at Doctor as he then replies:

"You don't think it's a coincidence that your parents are the only two Astrals who can seemingly stalemate him? That and the Axiom decided to take you in - before even Stephanie?"

>Doctor's eyes slowly widen behind his mask, as the realization encroaches on the periphery of his mind - before burrowing deeper into his awareness.

"….Holy hell."

>Andromeda then looks at Mosaic, still confused as she says:

"I don't understand. Isaac's parents left him in the Axiom in order to give themselves the ability to fight Mastix without having to hold back, correct? Why is that a revelation?"

>Mosaic shakes his head, clarifying:

"We had it backwards, Stella. Isaac's parents didn't leave him in the Axiom in order to free themselves up to fight Mastix. They left Isaac in the Axiom to hide him from Mastix."

>Pointing at Doctor, Mosaic then states:

"…..The reason why Mastix is doing this, is because he's trying to find Isaac. If Isaac's parents, working together, could stalemate him. Then what about their son? A union of their concepts and essences?"

>Looking back at Doctor, Andromeda then says:

"….Isaac, what Astral are you? What aspect do you embody?"

>Doctor looks down at his hands, stating:

"….That's the issue, Stella. Much like Aiden, I don't know what Astral I am, specifically."

>Mosaic then slowly stands up, with Andromeda doing so alongside him.

"He's right, Stella. Neither of us know. But what we do know now, is that whatever Isaac embodies - Mastix is terrified of it."

>He then turns back to Doctor and concludes:

"All of this with Wyrmwood and his other proxies? He's doing this to draw you out."

Event 07/03/26 (Fri) 18:43:55 No.5102

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>>5101
>Walking over to both Mosaic and Andromeda, Doctor then looks over both of them, as he then says:

"Given the circumstances, there's something that you two both need to know."

>Mosaic and Andromeda both look at each other, before looking at Doctor as he continues:

"As Sorcerer Supreme, I was chosen by the will of the Crystal. But the Axiom technically only needs one Sorcerer Supreme. From what I understand, and from what she's shown - that was supposed to be Stephanie."

>Mosaic and Andromeda look at each other in shock, as Doctor then says:

"For the longest time, I didn't fully understand why I was chosen - if my other half would eventually also take the spot. But now, after realizing why I was placed in the Axiom, for my safety? I understand why."

>Crossing his arms once more, Doctor then states:

"…..I think part of my purpose as Sorcerer Supreme is to destroy Mastix. The best way to do that might be as you said, giving him bait to take."

>Pausing to get his point across, Doctor then continues:

"But it has to be gradual and systemic. We can't draw him out until we're absolutely certain of how I can defeat him."

>Andromeda looks at Doctor, then at Mosaic as she says:

"…..Which means leaving a breadcrumb trail for him to pursue, slowly letting his guard down. But how do we do that? If we're too telegraphed, he'll recognize what we're doing."

>Mosaic looks at Andromeda, then at Doctor, as he then elaborates:

"Simple. By doing what we do best - improvising."

>Turning to Andromeda, Mosaic then says:

"Ready to take your first company retreat on Archeon's dime? Because after what we just did to Wyrmwood? We're on Mastix's radar now."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 18:15:34 No.5103

File: 1783707332899-0.jpg (2.01 MB, 2000x955, Archeon (Earth-0) - 3.jpg)

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File: 1783707332899-2.jpg (114.4 KB, 850x1202, Aiden - 68.jpg)

File: 1783707332899-3.png (702.13 KB, 671x1000, Stella - 8.png)

File: 1783707332899-4.png (2.53 MB, 1472x1472, Phoenix.png)

>>5102
>Location: Sanctuary City - Archeon Incorporated
>Time: 10:20 AM

"Are you sure you want to do this? I'm still skeptical…"

>Stella says as she leans forward in her seat beside Aiden, as they look over various corporate documents that Aiden has to sign off on. As Aiden continues to quickly sign papers on the dotted line at a blinding pace, his dexterity leads to occasional pen flips as he trains his eyes on the wording and text in front of him.

"If it helps, I've never used a vacation as bait before. It'd be funny if the stakes weren't so high."

>Stella scoffs lightly and then gives Aiden a small, soft smirk as she then replies, tracing a small trail of mana across the air in front of her with her index finger.

"You know, when I was a little girl, I wanted to know what the Gods were like. How they were, before my ancestors hid my people away in a separate dimension. I would always imagine them to be noble, heroic and protective - and that we just hid from them out of shame."

>Finishing her tracing in the air, Stella narrows her eyes to see a clear drawing of an arcane symbol or rune - a glowing pink symbol of a flaming bird with ethereal wings.

"I should've known better, but I couldn't stop myself from believing in something, y'know? Something good. Something better than what I had."

>Aiden slowly refrains from signing papers as he allows the pen to drop from his fingers. Remaining silent, he then removes his sunglasses and holds them in his hands as he looks down a the ground.

"…..I know the feeling."

>Raising an eyebrow in interest, Stella then looks at Aiden, an expression of concern slowly forming on her face.

"How do you figure, Aiden?"

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 18:32:20 No.5104

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File: 1783708339823-2.jpeg (153.28 KB, 850x1413, Stella - 3.jpeg)

>>5103
>Aiden remains fixed in his gaze on the papers in front of him, as he remarks:

"Because that's how I handled my life for years, like a battering ram. Eventually all you see are barricades. It's hilarious, I know. The idea that I could ever possibly experience hardship or pain - and I agree."

>Looking up at Stella, Aiden continues speaking.

"I'm the definition of a silver spoon. Never went a day without food in my life. Never went hungry, or neglected or unloved by my father. I had nothing material that I could ever say that I had gone without - for any extended period of time."

>Making a gesture with his hand, Aiden continues:

"I really had everything. I have everything that I could ever need. But…."

>Stella crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes as she then gives an exasperated sigh, stating:

"….But that doesn't make you feel like you were living a life actually worth living."

>Surprised, Aiden looks at Stella and says:

"…..Yeah. I didn't know that you-"

>Stella then immediately cuts Aiden off, stating:

"Aiden, I was the princess of an entire civilization of ancient magicians who handled God-like magic beyond comprehension, at least at the time. I know what it's like to feel like an impostor. Like someone who never made something for themselves."

>Stella's face darkens slowly as she looks down, and her hair moves slightly to partially obscure her features.

"…..To always be in the shadow of a father; someone with a legacy that is inescapable."

>Aiden remains silent as he looks away. The hum of the room's fan and internal AC being the only audible noise for a few seconds. He then says in response:

"That's not fair to you. My father cared for me, and put a lot of faith in me - but he never tried to control me. I can't say that about your father. To make that comparison would be extremely dishonest of me."

>Slowly standing up, Aiden then turns and moves towards Stella, placing a hand on her shoulder. Stella looks up at Aiden and gives a weak smile, trying to hold her composure together.

"It's just…..I know I should hate him for everything that he's done. To my mother, my brother, all of my people - and to me. I should despise him with every single iota of my very being. But…"

>Aiden is silent for a moment before he then says:

"But he's your father, and despite everything - you still wish that things could've been different."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 18:43:59 No.5105

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>>5104

>Stella nods slowly, wiping away tears that have formed at the periphery of her eyes.

"….I hate tears. They always made me feel weak."

>Aiden looks up at the room and looks around, while saying:

"….Lacrimal glands."

>Looking up, Stella continues wiping away her tears as she says:

"….Are those responsible for tears?"

>Aiden nods slowly, still looking away from Stella as he states:

"….Your body secretes tears for 3 reasons. They clean your eyes, they keep them from drying out, and they help your immune system, funnily enough."

>Stella gives another scoff and a weak smile as she then says:

"So which one of those did I cause?"

>Aiden then turns back, giving his own small, soft smile as he replies:

"None of the above. I lied about there only being 3. There's a 4th reason."

>Aiden then sits back down beside Stella as he says:

"I could bore you with the science of it all. Your brain's amygdala sends a signal in response to heightened emotion from your hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex. The limbic system then triggers the autonomic nervous system to cause a signal cascade on your lacrimal apparatus - which then causes the lacrimal glands to produce an excess amount of the membrane aqueous fluid that you call tears."

>Falling silent for a moment, Aiden then states:

"….But that's the boring stuff that gives me an M.D. at the end of my name. That's not why anyone cares about that."

>Leaning back in his chair, Aiden then looks up at the ceiling and says:

"….I think people shed tears because it means something. It's a strong way of showing that someone's in pain, so that people are more likely to listen to them. Might be an evolutionary response, with nature being clever about using what we've already got - like tear production, for different applications. Or it could just be a reflex, like tears already can be."

>Looking at Stella, Aiden then says:

"But that doesn't really matter Stella. You're crying because you're in pain, and you're in emotional pain because despite everything that he's done - you still have some love for your father. Probably because he used to be a good person a long time ago."

>Stella then sighs and leans on Aiden's shoulder, as Aiden continues looking up at the ceiling.

"…..I wish sometimes that I could've met you earlier. If I knew you back then, maybe I could've had the strength to change things - before it all went wrong back home…."

>Aiden shakes his head slightly as he replies:

"You didn't need me for anything. The fact that you're here means that you had the strength to do what was right. More than I did as a teenager."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 18:53:36 No.5106

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>>5105
>Stella looks up at Aiden from her rest on his shoulder, with an intense and somewhat somber expression on her face.

"Phoebe told me about what you did - the early heroism as a teenager. You could've gotten yourself killed!"

>Aiden sighs as he looks at Stella, giving her a dumb grin on his face as he replies:

"….That was kind of the idea. I…."

>His grin fades into a more neutral and reserved expression as he then closes his eyes, exhales, and then opens them again.

"….I wasn't Gradient back then because I wanted to help people, or right any wrongs. I used a costume and a mask as an excuse to get even. I wanted revenge against someone who almost hurt my sister. Then I got into a fight with someone whose life I almost ruined - just because I had something that I wanted to prove to myself."

>Stella remembers more details about Aiden's past, from Phoebe's recollection. Her eyes then slightly widen as she says:

"….Jack. He's the one who you're talking about, isn't he?"

>Aiden nods slowly, maintaining the somber expression on his face.

"I ruined his family's lives, Stella. Sure, Jack's parents were engaged in organized crime, but they did it to give him a better life - since my father put them out of business."

>Leaning forward in his chair, Aiden then says:

"There are times where I ask myself if I am actually doing anything to help anyone, or if I'm doing what I do, just to justify my own ego. There's nothing really noble about a rich kid with a 9 figure bank account going around waving for cameras and making donations to charities and non profits. That's the expectation from someone who has everything."

>Considering his next words with full honesty, Aiden then elaborates further:

"I did what I did, because I couldn't stand the fact that I hadn't accomplished anything without my dad's own legacy being there to prop me up. Yeah, sure I'm an M.D. before 25. That's extremely rare. But that's nothing compared to what so many people in history have done - stuff that's actually changed the course of humanity for the better."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 19:12:48 No.5107

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>>5106
>Aiden then gets silent for another moment, before he stares out in front of him - at the wall at the other end of the room.

"….I'm not a good person, Stella. I'm trying to do the best that I can. But that's not because I don't have anything to lose, or a reputation to maintain or uphold. I can't look myself in the eye in the mirror and tell myself that I'm driven purely by the desire to do the right thing. I never could."

>Stella then falls silent herself for a moment, collecting her thoughts, as another epiphany hits her.

"…..That's why you picked Orion, isn't it?"

>Nodding slowly, Aiden then says:

"Y'know, it's funny. Most people would probably guess that he's some abrasive dick who doesn't care about people. But you know that's not true at all, Stella. Orion cares about people more than he's willing to let on. Throughout the 2 or so years that I've known him, even before I met you, I can say with absolute certainty that he'd sacrifice himself just to make sure that innocent people don't die."

>Looking back up at the ceiling, Aiden then states:

"…..I can't say that about myself. I've never been put in that situation-"

>A loud sound then echoes across the room, a surprisingly sharp reverberation of sound that disappears as quickly as it appeared. Aiden remains silent for a moment, as he then slowly reaches his hand up for the side of his cheek.

>Stella then lowers her hand, tears now back in her eyes as she states:

"….Do not ever say that about yourself."

>Aiden, somewhat confused, then says:

"But I don't-"

>Stella then slaps Aiden again lightly on the cheek with her hand, her expression resolute and fierce in her eyes as she then shouts:

"You complete idiot! You did save people! You saved me!"

>Silence falls in the office again as Aiden lowers his head, giving a sigh as a slow nod.

"….You're right. I just….I just wish I could've been a better person from the start."

>Stella takes her hands and shifts Aiden's head to where his face meets her own, eye to eye, as she then says:

"….Aiden, there is almost nothing that I would give to turn back time by thousands of years, and take it all back. What happened to my mother, my aunt, my brother and my cousin. To my people. Everyone. I would give up almost anything in the world to do that."

>Aiden then looks at Stella with genuine concern as he then states:

"….Almost? What would hold you back from doing that, if you could?"

>Stella then leans forward and gives Aiden a kiss before she then looks at him and says:

"….You, Aiden. You buffoon. You're the reason why I was able to change myself for the better and move on. I want you to do the same."

>Aiden's mind internally grinds to a halt as he then says:

"….I…Right, sorry. I will."

>Stella then gives a satisfied smile as she then leans back, sitting in her chair more comfortably as she looks ahead, as Aiden does from beside her.

"When I was young, I would go to the Elysium fields in Thaumia with my mother and practice with air and wind magic - separating grain from chaff to help with agricultural projects in the land."

>Stella looks at her fingers as she sees the small micromarks from millennia of agricultural work on her hands. She closes her eyes and then opens them again as she says:

"My father thought he was doing the same thing on a grand scale as ruler of Thaumia. Separating the wheat from the chaff - the strong from the weak. I stood by and watched as he tore our society apart. As he turned my brother into a Djinn, a living magic battery. Actual cattle….."

>Stella then steels her resolve once more, as her expression hardens. She then continues:

"I learned from a very early age that life doesn't neatly organize itself between love and pain, or comfort and suffering. Sometimes life is all too eager to violently mix the two, and force you to make a choice. Either you deal with the mixture, or you do the hard work of separating the two."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 19:25:03 No.5108

File: 1783711503324-0.jpg (200.5 KB, 1650x928, Archeon (Earth-0) CEO Offi….jpg)

File: 1783711503324-1.jpg (138.17 KB, 850x1203, Aiden - 84.jpg)

File: 1783711503324-2.jpeg (314.44 KB, 1242x2048, Stella - 6.jpeg)

>>5107
>Aiden forms another small, soft smile on his face as he then says:

"….So that's what you are then? A winnower?"

>Stella gives Aiden a side eye of annoyance as she then replies:

"Yes, genius. I literally handled agriculture before this country was even created."

>Sighing, Stella gets more genuine with her expression as she states:

"My father thought he was doing the right thing by separating the 'weak' from the 'strong'. The eugenic undertones aren't lost to me, and I'm still disgusted by his actions. But I'm not my father. I don't want to think as he does, or act as he does. Never in my life will I ever allow myself to be defined by his actions - not anymore."

>Looking at Aiden more intently now, her expression of determination and resolute intent returns on her face.

"I'd rather want to be like you, someone who separates good from evil. That's what I always liked about you Aiden, as well as the rest of your family and friends. That includes Orion, Phoebe and Jonah. I always liked how no matter what happened, you all knew right from wrong. Whether you showed it on your faces didn't matter. I've never seen any of you hesitate to do the right thing."

>Crossing her arms, Stella then looks up at the ceiling, her expression showing a hint of wistful desire in her eyes as she continues speaking:

"You can think whatever you want about how rough your guiding principles were in the past. But actions speak louder than words - and all I see from you and the others, is unadulterated, raw conviction. You don't need a reason to do the right thing."

>Turning to face Aiden, Stella then says:

"Remember what happened when you first met me? You didn't ask for a reward in exchange for helping me. You just did it. You fought my father and defeated him. You gave me structural and emotional support in exchange for nothing. A lesser person would've tried to manipulate me - but the thought never crossed your mind."

>Aiden feels his face turn red slightly as he states:

"I didn't want anything, I just wanted to help you. I didn't need-"

>Stella then finishes the statement herself:

"You didn't need a reason to help me. You did it just because you could. If that doesn't prove to you that there's good in you, Aiden - then I don't know what else will."

>Then Stella has an epiphany as she laughs to herself. Confused, Aiden then asks her:

"What's funny? I'm not that existentially amusing, am I?"

>Shaking her head, Stella then says:

"No, I think I just figured it out."

Event 07/10/26 (Fri) 19:36:52 No.5109

File: 1783712212071-0.jpg (200.5 KB, 1650x928, Archeon (Earth-0) CEO Offi….jpg)

File: 1783712212071-1.jpeg (140.52 KB, 850x1203, Aiden - 50.jpeg)

File: 1783712212071-2.jpg (122.9 KB, 850x1128, Stella - 15.jpg)

>>5108
>Confused, Aiden instinctively raises his eyebrow up as he inquires about Stella's statement.

"Figured what out? How to trick Mastix into springing a trap?"

>Stella shakes her head as she says:

"Not in the way that you think, no. But I have figured out something else that could help."

>Looking at Aiden, Stella then elaborates:

"You said that you wanted to know what you were the Astral of, right? What concept or principle that you embodied."

>Aiden nods, stating:

"Yeah, me and Isaac. Knowing that could help us understand how to best draw Mastix out. Since Astrals are drawn to each other in some way, shape or form apparently. At least according to Isaac."

>Stella then stands up, gesturing for Aiden to do the same thing. As Aiden walks over to her, Stella then takes her hands and puts them on Aiden's face - around the edges of his cheeks as she smiles.

"The nonchalance about everything that you've done, for me and for the sake of others, makes it pretty obvious what you are, Aiden. Whether it was helping me, confronting Faust, stopping a million different supernatural and alien monsters - or even something as simple as choosing to spend every single night out in costume, even when I don't want you to…."

>Closing her eyes and exhaling as she accepts the reality of Aiden's nature, Stella then opens her eyes as she says:

"…..You're the Astral of Courage, Aiden. I have never once seen you even so much as flinch in the face of danger. Not even for a moment. Every single time someone is in trouble, you drop everything to help them."

>Seeing the expression on his face, the gears turning behind his head as his eyes dart back and forward - likely now having his brain attuned to his superhuman hearing of voices across the city, Stella then sighs as she says:

"Like I said, as much as I don't like it, and worry about you - I know that I can't stop you from helping people. Isaac said that Astrals act according to their fundamental nature - and it is in your nature to help others no matter what."

>Stella then takes Aiden's round, circular black sunglasses and slowly places them back on his face - hiding his sapphire blue irises as she then smiles once more.

"Stubborn little fire you are. Your dad named you perfectly whether he realized it or not, as much as I wish you were less of a daredevil."

>With his sunglasses now covering his eyes once more, Aiden exhales a breath that he didn't know that he had. Looking at Stella, he then says:

"….Thank you, honey."

>Stella taps him on the cheek as she replies:

"Any time. Now, let's start planning that feint maneuver with the others. If we're going to catch Mastix and his lackies, then we're going to have to exploit that same fact; the fact that they can't go against their own natures."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 18:02:36 No.5110

File: 1783965755213-0.png (2.93 MB, 2566x1448, Seattle.png)

File: 1783965755213-1.jpg (93.62 KB, 850x1692, Dominic.jpg)

File: 1783965755213-2.png (4.18 MB, 1200x2510, Mary.png)

File: 1783965755213-3.png (3.4 MB, 1472x2220, Ophidian - 2.png)

>>5109
>Location: Seattle, Washington - DataDrive Northwestern HQ
>Time: 11:30 AM

>Inside of a large board room, a group of figures are sitting around at a large table. The overcast dim lighting of the interior is contrasted with the shuttered blinds and eerie silence of the interior. Two of the figures lean forward in their seats, with their modified cybernetic enhancements softly whirring as they move their hands.

"….Pertaining to the aforementioned guidance that we've provided to investors, I concur with my wife that our departments need to be reorganized; stripped of the excess until they've reached a more 'lean' state of operation."

>Beside the man in the hat, a woman with mechanical prosthetics then smiles smugly as she passes a folder of papers to him, stating:

"In accordance with my husband's proposals, I've already drafted a preliminary statement for public PR relations. I'll have legal work over the details as we prepare for the reorganization."

>As the meeting with the executives continues, the large doors leading into the conference room then swing open - as a figure in black clothing and a silver face-obscuring mask slowly walks inside.

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 18:03:20 No.5111

File: 1783965799918-0.png (3.21 MB, 1168x1804, Ophidian.png)

File: 1783965799918-1.jpg (47.79 KB, 736x672, Gestalt.jpg)

>>5110
"Who in the world-"

"What-"

"Where did you-"

>Before the board room executives can even respond, the man in the black outfit snaps his gloved fingers, causing a surge of grey material to suddenly materialize around him in the air. As the grey techno-material manifests, it then quickly flies to the board members of DataDrive, seeping into their bodies, through the pores of their exposed skin - and causing them to immediately fall unconscious.

>As the figure clad in black slowly walks forward, hands now crossed behind his back, he looks over the boardroom for a moment before speaking in a distorted voice.

"Mentally decapitated as easily as headless chickens. Amusing."

>Slowly turning his head behind him, the figure then says:

"Gestalt, wipe their minds and reprogram them. I've wasted enough time using DataDrive through proxies. Direct control is far more efficient."

>A burst of green flames then appears from behind the figure, manifesting in the black and red hooded robes and bodysuit of a man with ethereal, glowing green eyes.

>The figure, Gestalt, nods slowly as he then speaks with the voice of seemingly a thousand other men:

"Ophidian, have we begun the project? Will the cries finally cease?"

>Looking back ahead in front of him, Ophidian then replies:

"Of course. I have brought you this far, have I not?"

>Silence falls over the area of the board room once more, as Gestalt then slowly nods again, now hovering over to the unconscious DataDrive executives as he then places a gloved hand on the forehead of one such executive. A pulsing green light flows through his fingertips, as the psionic rewiring occurs.

>Gestalt continues this process as Ophidian watches, arms still behind his back as he states:

"Perfect. Then we proceed as expected."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 18:41:50 No.5112

File: 1783968108454-0.png (7.46 MB, 1938x2454, Ophidian - 4.png)

File: 1783968108454-1.png (7.9 MB, 1936x2710, Gestalt - 4.png)

File: 1783968108454-2.jpg (93.62 KB, 850x1692, Dominic.jpg)

File: 1783968108454-3.jpg (95.67 KB, 850x1202, Mary - 3.jpg)

>>5111
>Ophidian then watches as the DataDrive executives slowly come to their senses, rubbing their eyes in confusion as they slowly adjust to their environment once more.

"What in the world…..Ugh, my head."

>Turning to see Ophidian standing in front of their large table, the board members ease up and relax as a result.

"Oh, Ophidian! Sir, we weren't aware that you were arriving! Please forgive us!"

>The DataDrive executives quickly stand up and bow apologetically. Ophidian waves his hand in dismissal, stating:

"Irrelevant. What is the status of the N-Zone projector research that was authorized three months ago?"

>The woman with the mechanical appendages then speaks up, stating:

"Of course, Lord Ophidian! We're operating on a smooth timetable regarding the dimensional aperture construction! However, we hit a minor setback after being attacked by a mutated Meta-Human."

>Ophidian cuts her off, stating:

"Yes, yes. I am aware of the pyrokinetic Meta-Human who attacked your convoy a few weeks prior. Bedlam was his name, yes? A pity he retreated. I would've loved to take a sample of his Meta-Gene, if possible."

>Turning back to face the board members, Ophidian then says:

"Regardless, time is of the essence. I must expedite the process. When is DataDrive's next privately funded science conference? Only there can I bring the Robinsons, the Graysons and the rest of my enemies under one roof, under the cover of corporate machinations."

>The man, Dominic Montague, looks at his wife Mary, and then back at Ophidian, stating:

"Lord Ophidian, that is a brilliant idea! The next conference is in a week, and it will be hosted at the Paradise City Meta-Gene Research Center!"

>Ophidian looks at the board members once more, before saying:

"Excellent. Make the preparations - and ensure that invitations are sent out via the 3rd party non-profit research centers to all executives at the major corporations. UP, Hoyokazi, Meta-Gen, and especially Archeon."

>Looking at the window, Ophidian then says:

"Oh what I would give to meet Aiden once more, and especially his sister."

>Instinctively curling his fingers into a fist, Ophidian then remarks:

"As for those vigilantes? Mosaic? Omnius? Speedrunner? If danger arrives, then so will they - like moths to a flame. Only then, will I finally capture and kill them."

>Gestalt then hovers over to Ophidian, stating:

"Then we will consume them, Ophidian? I hunger for their souls. Their minds. Their spirits….."

>Ophidian looks at Gestalt, and gives a small, wry smile underneath his face-concealing mask, musing:

"Of course, Gestalt. Your form requires sustenance, from the spirits of the strong. I will see to it that you are nourished effectively."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 18:51:35 No.5113

File: 1783968694787-0.jpg (111.14 KB, 1280x630, Base - 3.jpg)

File: 1783968694787-1.jpg (544.55 KB, 1291x661, Base - 2.jpg)

File: 1783968694787-2.png (2.21 MB, 1100x1688, Infernus.png)

File: 1783968694787-3.jpg (63.81 KB, 479x671, Sophus.jpg)

File: 1783968694787-4.jpg (348.32 KB, 1200x960, Psionic Amplifier Device.jpg)

>>5112
>Location: Unknown Base
>Time: 11:35 AM

>Looking through the advanced detection systems installed into DataDrive's Seattle HQ from a thousand miles away, Infernus scoffs and spews a molten stream of scaling hot magma from his boney mouth off to the side. Annoyed at developments shown before him, he then says:

"The buffoon has finally taken the bait. Well done, Sophus."

>Remaining silent in his seat, the telepathic man with the advanced harness on his head, sighs and looks away.

"Masking my psionic presence while controlling the body of a DataDrive executive, is not how I necessarily imagined I would be serving you, Infernus."

>Craning his head to the side as he looks at the security system data being sent to the Underground Base in real time.

"Part of life is leaning to adapt, Sophus. You've done a magnificent job so far."

>Turning away from Sophus, Infernus then looks at the other attending figures, telling them:

"As for the rest of you - your opportunity to redeem yourselves in the face of your embarrassing showings against the vigilantes, has now presented itself."

>Waving his gloved finger at the screen and the diagnostic data of the DataDrive building itself being fed to the base - Infernus then cackles with fiery breath flames as he continues to speak.

"The idiot really intends to breach the N-Zone. Humans, you truly are backwards primates in suits. Always willing to point the largest gun in the universe directly at yourselves - and claiming to call it bravery."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 19:07:02 No.5114

File: 1783969620968-0.png (2.21 MB, 1100x1688, Infernus.png)

File: 1783969620968-1.jpeg (1.17 MB, 2591x3624, Lucifer - 2.jpeg)

File: 1783969620968-2.jpeg (132.65 KB, 850x1133, Lilith - 2.jpeg)

File: 1783969620968-3.png (3.08 MB, 1094x1678, Psyker - 3.png)

File: 1783969620968-4.jpg (217.79 KB, 1920x2400, Ecton.jpg)

>>5113
>Lucifer unfolds his large span of black wings from behind his jacket - laughing uncontrollably at Infernus's statements.

"Yeah you've got me there boss. We're a bunch of dumbfucks and hicks."

>Narrowing her eyes, Lilith jabs Lucifer in the side with her elbow, causing him to wince slightly in pain and annoyance as Lilith stares daggers at him as she mutters.

"Not all of us act like we came from the broad side of a barn, dear. You'd best remember that."

>Turning her attention back towards Infernus, Lilith gives a disarming and charming smile as she casually bows, stating:

"Of course, master. We're more than willing to serve your every whim. Especially myself…."

>Rolling his eyes behind his literal flaming eye sockets, Infernus then turns to Psyker and says:

"Psyker. You've had a run in with Omnius before. You'll lead the strike team of psionic Meta-Humans against him.

>Psyker hovers in the air slowly, as his red cape flutters beside him, seemingly caught by a sudden wind that has materialized in the room.

"Sure thing, boss. I owe the bastard an ass kicking anyways."

>Looking around, Infernus instinctively turns towards a seemingly empty part of the room, pointing a gloved hand at the empty area as he speaks:

"As for you. Ecton. You will be reconnaissance. I'll need you to survey the entirety of the conflict with the science expo. The delays into next week caused by that idiotic woman with the green skin - has bought us time to prepare."

>Laughing with a sinister tone in his raspy, ethereal voice, the form of Ecton suddenly materializes in place - responding:

"Of couuuuuuuuuuuurseee, masterrrrrrrr. I wiiiiiiiill…..obseeeeeeeeeerrrrveeeeeeee."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 19:18:16 No.5115

File: 1783970294191-0.png (2.21 MB, 1100x1688, Infernus.png)

File: 1783970294191-1.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

File: 1783970294191-2.jpeg (4.52 MB, 6000x7000, Lilith - 4.jpeg)

File: 1783970294191-3.jpeg (70.16 KB, 433x650, Hollow - 4.jpeg)

>>5114
>Thinking to himself for a moment, Infernus then snaps his fingers, stating:

"The event will likely be guarded by a larger contingent of MRD officials than ever before, provided how many high profile executives, scientists and researchers will be there for networking and collaboration opportunities. I would expect both Mobius and Panoptica to be there, along with Valkyrie and Magnetar."

>Eyes opening wide behind his helmet, Psyker then says:

"…..The MRD Director and 3 of his nationwide commanders are showing up? Fuck that, boss. We're gonna need more firepower then!"

>Infernus casually waves a hand at Psyker, a dismissive and annoyed gesture as he replies:

"Do you take me for a fool, unaware of the gravity of our circumstances, Psyker? Of course we will require a stronger contingent of forces to counteract the combined Meta-Human artillery of the entirety of the MRD!"

>Holding out his hands, Infernus then produces the same black protoplasm from before, spontaneously in front of him. As the large, amorphous, Vantablack material rapidly expands in size, it begins reshaping itself instantaneously into different humanoid forms.

"Fuuuuuuuuck! It's good to be back!"

>Faust stretches his arms and his back, casually easing up his body as he then looks over at Lilith - staring at her chest.

"Damn, your tits are still big as fuck, blondie! That's some good shit right there…."

>Annoyed, Infernus then calls out to Faust, stating:

"Faust, enough of this nonsense. I didn't recreate your form simply for you to mentally undress a woman."

>Lilith herself rolls her eyes at Faust's statements, clearly used to his choice of verbiage.

"Shut up and listen to him, you pig."

>Turning back to Lilith, Faust then says:

"Or what, bitch? You've got a mouth on you for all that nagging. Maybe you should suck my di-"

>Beside Faust, another amorphous blob shifts instantly into another humanoid form - that of Hollow. He then immediately cuts Faust off, by stating:

"Forgive my associate, Lilith. He still holds himself to the same standard as a preteen - with a similarly stunted mental capacity. A quintessential manchild, even."

>Hollow says with a smug smile on his face, as Faust spins around and grabs Hollow by the collar of his outfit.

"What was that, shithead? Wanna run that by me one more time?"

>Infernus then flicks two fingers down, causing Faust and Hollow to slam into the ground with telekinetic force, being held there by a seemingly infinite amount of raw kinetic force.

"Aight! Aight! I call uncle, bossman!"

>Faust shouts, clearly in pain as a result of the force slam. Hollow, beside him, is equally pained, but is wincing in silence by comparison.

>After a few seconds, Infernus relinquishes the hold that he has on them as he then says:

"You two are the main diversion. When I give the signal, and the attack on the Research Center in Paradise City begins, you'll lead the attack force, serving as the attention dispersion mechanism - while the rest of the team perform their work."

Event 07/13/26 (Mon) 19:33:39 No.5116

File: 1783971218881-0.png (2.21 MB, 1100x1688, Infernus.png)

File: 1783971218881-1.jpg (36.15 KB, 852x480, Protoplasm - 2.jpg)

File: 1783971218881-2.jpeg (574.63 KB, 1920x2213, Maximus.jpeg)

>>5115
>Infernus then holds up his hands once more, creating a massive surge of black Genophage material.

"I have one final surprise for you all though. Your vanguard force."

>The material then morphs into the form of a figure in a red and purple bodysuit, face concealing helmet and cloak. As the man hovers above the ground - he then says:

"Returned at last. Thank you, Infernus."

>The form of Maximus, one of the strongest Meta-Humans of his era, remains hovering in place as Infernus then says:

"Your priorities are to neutralize and capture the vigilantes. They will likely be there, as the conflict starts, and further escalates. Whether that be Mosaic, Omnius, Speedrunner, Hyperia, Scalar - or any of the MRD Meta-Human agents, Commanders and even the Director himself. They are the highest priority targets imaginable for this operation."

>Pointing at the diagnostic data on the screen, Infernus continues speaking:

"Ophidian will be my priority. Defeating him, and turning him to our cause, will remove the final obstruction - before we can begin a more unified assault on Kagemusha. After which, I will regain control of all of Eukaryon's resources."

>Hands balling into fists slowly, Infernus then says:

"May the best team win, Kagemusha. I will have my revenge on you yet. Then I will dismantle that infernal Eidolus android for his insolence and his defection against me as well."

Event 07/16/26 (Thu) 15:54:56 No.5117

File: 1784217296165-0.jpg (883.63 KB, 1838x923, Sci-Fi Lab Interior.jpg)

File: 1784217296165-1.jpg (93.63 KB, 850x1133, Aiden - 70.jpg)

File: 1784217296165-2.jpg (140.76 KB, 500x933, Jericho - 8.jpg)

File: 1784217296165-3.jpg (34.71 KB, 300x460, Mariah.jpg)

File: 1784217296165-4.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

>>5116
>Location: Sanctuary City - Archeon Incorporated - Meeting Room
>Time: 5:20 PM

>After the end of work hours at Archeon, the shuffling of shoes, ambient chatter and reduced noise signals the exit of hundreds of staff in the central building of the complex.

>As Aiden sits in his chair at the end of a large table within the conference room of the Archeon complex, his ears perk up. Superhuman auditory detection, or hearing rather, is one of his many abilities. He's honed it to the point of selective hearing - focusing on the voices of a group of personnel who are walking towards the conference room.

"…..wonder what he's going to talk to us about, Mariah? I definitely am. Whenever it's a big meeting, it's almost never good."

"You're catastrophizing again, Jay. Aiden literally never does the 'bad news all hands on deck' shtick. The meeting's probably about all of the other job that we do, after work hours."

"She's right. If it's after hours then it's serious - but it's not about Archeon."

>As they enter the room, they find Aiden sitting in his seat, with Stella sitting next to him, in the first chair perpendicular to his own around the table.

"Thanks for making it, you three. I'm waiting for the others as well before we get started."

Event 07/16/26 (Thu) 17:34:23 No.5118

File: 1784223262397-0.jpeg (94.68 KB, 850x1159, Aiden - 48.jpeg)

File: 1784223262397-1.jpeg (153.28 KB, 850x1413, Stella - 3.jpeg)

File: 1784223262397-2.png (281.38 KB, 1275x952, Damian.png)

File: 1784223262397-3.jpg (171.36 KB, 1000x1467, Mariah - 3.jpg)

File: 1784223262397-4.jpeg (330.72 KB, 660x968, Joshua.jpeg)

>>5117
>A few minutes later, a young man in a well dressed black jacket, shirt, jeans and shoes quickly runs into the conference room. His large, spectacled glasses subtly alter the hue of his irises - hiding their true ruby red, by shifting them into a passive sapphire blue.

"Hey! Sorry I'm late! I was finishing up a lab at SCU."

>Damian fixes his wavy black hair as he removes his backpack from behind and lowers it onto a nearby empty chair as he takes a seat.

"Somebody's slacking. What, did your girlfriend hold you up?"

>Mariah says, in a tone that could be construed as partially taunting and partially amused. Damian himself is not amused at the remark, and vehemently defends himself with quick, stammered responses.

"She's not my girlfriend M-Mariah! Will you just s-shut up about this?!"

>Josh rolls his eyes and looks at Aiden, stating:

"Who's left anyways?"

>Pausing for a moment to look around, Josh then says in a lower voice:

"….Out of the people who are in the know, I mean."

>Aiden then rests the side of his cheek on his fist for a moment, before saying:

"Just one more person at this point - but I'm not having them reveal their identity if they don't want to. Well, reveal it to you all anyways. Besides them, Damian's parents obviously know, but they're kept out of this at his request."

>Damian nods, stating:

"Yeah, they're kind of a mess to deal with at times, I know. So getting them involved with this would probably just make things worse."

>Josh then says:

"Your mom, maybe. But your dad's not a wallflower. I know he's still trying to control his powers, but Bedlam is insanely powerful. With his help we could-"

>Damian then cuts Josh off, immediately speaking:

"No. He's not a fighter. My dad isn't the combative type. Those DataDrive suits are the worst, sure. But he wouldn't transform just to pick a fight with random street thugs or supervillains. He's not like that."

>Mariah then chimes in, stating:

"I know Mr. Desmond isn't much of an experienced fighter, Damian. But Josh has a point. He's physically stronger than me, and about as strong as you and Josh - if not stronger. Especially in that transformed body. That and his fire powers could seriously help us out."

>Sighing, Damian then places his hands on his face, murmuring:

"I'm trying not to turn my entire family into an army of genetically engineered super soldiers."

>Aiden then perks up, stating:

"….I'm sorry Damian, but that more or less went out the window when your mom took my late uncle's research."

>Sighing as he slowly lowers his hands, Damian then says:

"Yeah I know. But mitigation is what I was aiming for now. At least that was the hope."

>Stella gives Damian a warm smile from across the room, responding:

"If it helps, Damian - I think you've done a wonderful job of being a hero with your powers. I obviously don't know anything to speak towards your father, but if he's anything like you, then he can likely use his powers to help others as well."

>Damian's cheeks turn red at the compliment, as the final affirmation of his own actions was enough to push him over the edge of indecision.

"…Alright. I'll talk to him about it. But he's going to be a part timer at best. Especially once he realizes what I've done all this time under the mask."

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 01:14:30 No.5119

File: 1784250869158-0.png (4.1 MB, 2162x2158, Aiden - 87.png)

File: 1784250869158-1.jpg (34.56 KB, 1920x1080, Quantum Tuner.jpg)

File: 1784250869158-2.png (348.1 KB, 802x896, Stella - 12.png)

File: 1784250869158-3.jpg (34.71 KB, 300x460, Mariah.jpg)

File: 1784250869158-4.png (146.05 KB, 300x342, Damian - 3.png)

>>5118
>After a few more minutes of idle discussion, Aiden then says:

"Alright. Orion's likely busy with matters, so I'll keep it brief."

>Taking out his quantum tuner device and quickly flipping it between his fingers, Aiden then grabs onto it and then produces a large holographic map, with two figures standing separately from each other. One of them has a flaming skeletal design with a hooded cloak, and the other has a black leather outfit with a black helmet and a glass mask that completely hides their face.

"These are our two problems. Infernus and Ophidian. Two attempted wannabe power brokers in the country, and each of them want the same thing - the destruction of the vigilantes. Mainly Mosaic and Omnius."

>Stella raises an eyebrow at Aiden, who then sheepishly shrugs with his eyes closed, stating:

"Hey, I don't make the rules. I certainly didn't ask to be the center of attention for supervillains either."

>Turning back to the hologram, Aiden then says:

"Ophidian's the alias for Johnathan Hildebrandt-"

>Immediately cutting Aiden off, Mariah then states:

"Wait, Hildebrandt? The media tycoon? Isn't he a billionaire?"

>Mariah then adds on:

"Not counting present company, of course."

>She states, with a hint of amusement in her voice as Aiden sighs.

"It's a long story, but he's Ophidian. I technically caused him to become who he is now - or rather Mosaic did."

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 01:36:37 No.5120

File: 1784252196380-0.png (4.1 MB, 2162x2158, Aiden - 87.png)

File: 1784252196380-1.jpeg (153.28 KB, 850x1413, Stella - 3.jpeg)

File: 1784252196380-2.jpg (144.22 KB, 1000x1000, Damian - 7.jpg)

File: 1784252196380-3.jpg (171.36 KB, 1000x1467, Mariah - 3.jpg)

File: 1784252196380-4.png (788.6 KB, 700x1457, Joshua - 2.png)

>>5119
>Looking at the other figure in the hologram, Damian then says:

"….So that's Infernus then, right? The Thulcandran?"

>Aiden nods as he presses a button on the quantum tuner, causing Infernus's image to take center stage and increase in size.

"He's the priority. Hildebrandt is just noise as far as I'm concerned. Infernus is actively fixated on me and a few others as priority targets."

>Confused, Mariah then speaks up.

"Like who? Other CEOs?"

>Aiden nods as he continues speaking:

"Correct as usual, Mariah. He's tried ambushing me before."

>Stella looks at Aiden, saying:

"Oh, right. When you were with Mister Monroe for the agreement with…."

>Stella's voice trails off as she starts to feel awkward. Aiden sighs at that and shakes his head, saying:

"It's alright Stella. You don't have to feel awkward about it."

>Joshua raises an eyebrow in intrigue as he then asks:

"Agreement? With who?"

>Aiden looks at Joshua and says:

"Hiyuki Hoyokazi. That business agreement with Archeon didn't come from nowhere."

>Murmurs move throughout the room as Jay feels his jaw drop.

"You talked to Hiyuki Hoyokazi? Head of Hoyokazi Industries? Isn't she like the matriarch of the entire Hoyokazi family or something?"

>Aiden rolls his eyes behind his sunglasses as he then says:

"Yes, and she's about as human as anyone else."

>Mariah then looks at Aiden, and then at Stella who has a somewhat annoyed look on her face at the mention of Hiyuki Hoyokazi. She then narrows her eyes in an amused expression as she then says:

"Ohhhhhhh that's what that is. Someone had a bad daaaaaaate~."

>Damian looks at Mariah and gives her a "cut it out" gesture with his hand to his neck rapidly, as he glares at her.

>However, Aiden holds a hand out to gesture to Damian to stop, saying:

"It's fine Damian. We had a rather 'unpleasant' first meeting, and subsequent meeting. The only reason she's relevant to this is because our companies have an agreement. That's all."

>Josh then looks at Aiden and narrows his eyes as well, stating:

"….She knows who you are, doesn't she?"

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 01:54:45 No.5121

File: 1784253284513-0.jpeg (94.68 KB, 850x1159, Aiden - 48.jpeg)

File: 1784253284513-1.jpeg (252.66 KB, 1184x2048, Stella.jpeg)

File: 1784253284513-2.jpg (34.56 KB, 1920x1080, Quantum Tuner.jpg)

File: 1784253284513-3.png (146.05 KB, 300x342, Damian - 3.png)

File: 1784253284513-4.jpg (34.71 KB, 300x460, Mariah.jpg)

>>5120
>The entire room then grows silent as everyone turns their attention to Aiden. Stella sighs and places a hand on her face, as Aiden groans in annoyance.

"Yeah, she does."

>Then the entire room bursts into fervor, disbelief and sheer shock, as everyone jumps out of their seats besides Aiden and Stella.

"What in the world-"

"Are you stupid?!"

"Why would you even-"

"Does she know about us then?!"

>Aiden then shouts:

"HEY! THAT'S ENOUGH!"

>Everyone then goes silent as they all sit back down in their seats - with a sense of trepidation still in their voices.

>Aiden looks at all of them from behind his sunglasses - with them all feeling his gaze despite hiding his eyes, one by one. He then sighs again as he starts to speak:

"I revealed my identity as Mosaic to her as part of a good faith gesture. A member of her family felt that I was a threat, business-wise."

>Damian's eyes widen as he then says:

"Holy shit. The attack on you by that ninja in white? That was her family member?"

>Aiden looks at Damian and states:

"He was acting on his own. Believe it or not, the Hoyokazis don't do random assassinations. Just targeted ones."

>Looking back at the others, Aiden continues:

"I figured it'd be a good way to defuse the tension and make her and her family feel less awkward about the whole 'sorry for the assassination attempt by one of our own' thing. I didn't think about the long term ramnifications."

>Mariah, being ever astute and known for her bluntness, then says:

"Yeah, because you wanted to fuck her too, I'd bet."

>Damian's eyes widen, along with Jay's own. Even Joshua, ever the stoic, feels his eyes reflexively widening at the audaciousness of Mariah's statement.

>Stella's face contorts into one of immediate irritation as she then stares daggers at Mariah, who defensively holds her hands up in the air.

"Hey, just saying. Aiden's not exactly the most chauvinistic guy around."

>Aiden looks Mariah dead in the eyes from behind his sunglasses, as he then lightly sighs and says:

"Do you guys now understand why I tell you to think before you act? Always?"

>Mariah, Damian, Jay and Joshua all nod slowly, as Aiden then mutters to himself:

"Every fucking time this keeps coming up. I am so God damned sick of talking about you, Hiyuki. Get out of my damned life."

>Damian, Mariah and Joshua all overhear this due to their enhanced hearing, whereas Jay does not. The three of them then look at each other, and ease up their expressions, feeling some sympathy for having brought the topic up.

>Now at an audible volume, Aiden then states:

"Right, now back to Infernus. If we're going to stop him, just know that he's likely not doing this of his own accord. Well, not entirely."

>Damian asks Aiden the obvious question in response to that statement:

"You mean he's being manipulated into attacking us? Attacking you?"

>Aiden nods and then says:

"That's why I'm going to the science research expo next week with Orion, and I'll request that you all show up. It's very obviously bait to drag me and a few others there."

>Mariah then states:

"Oh, you mean like Ms. Dawkins? Her and Hiyuki?"

>Realizing that she said the H word, Mariah then quickly looks away, as Aiden then says:

"Yes, Mariah. Both of them will likely be there, assuming that their schedules allow for it. Whether they're there or not, keep your guard up and get ready for an attack from both Ophidian and Infernus."

>Aiden then deactivates the holograms with the quantum tuner as he then places it back in the interior of his jacket. He then stands up, as Stella stands up with him, and he begins walking towards the entrance to the locked conference room.

"Anything else we need to keep in mind going forward Aiden?"

>Damian asks as Aiden walks towards the entrance with his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah. Do me a favor and don't mention a Hoyokazi around me again."

>Aiden then opens the door and leaves the conference room, as Stella leaves with him. She looks behind her at the others, mainly Mariah, and maintains her irritated expression at her, before she turns around and then leaves as well.

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 02:20:09 No.5122

File: 1784254808400-0.jpg (578.39 KB, 800x507, Mansion - 5.jpg)

File: 1784254808401-1.jpg (894.1 KB, 4096x2214, Grayson House - Interior.jpg)

File: 1784254808401-2.jpeg (252.66 KB, 1184x2048, Stella.jpeg)

File: 1784254808401-3.jpg (668.15 KB, 846x1200, Phoebe.jpg)

File: 1784254808401-4.png (726.74 KB, 700x881, Alt!Jonah - 9.png)

>>5121
>Location: Sanctuary City - Residential Sector - Grayson Manor
>Time: 8:24 PM

>Jonah and Phoebe are talking to Stella in the living room area of the manor, as the night sky is visible through the giant windows and retracted curtains of the manor's living space.

"…Then she brought up Hiyuki, and I honestly wanted to smack her across the face, Phoebe. I legitimately almost did it."

>Exhaling, Phoebe leans back in her seat as she crosses her arms - staring at the ceiling.

"Yeah Mariah's kind of a bitch. She means well, but she's got no filter."

>Jonah looks over at Phoebe, narrowing his eyes as he says:

"Not unlike familiar company, no?"

>Phoebe immediately sits upright in an instant, staring at her brother as she says:

"I'm sorry, baby brother. What was that?"

>Jonah suddenly looks very interested in his book on fluid dynamics which he's reading as a form of leisure activity.

>Phoebe then turns back to Stella, who is looking at her hands with a saddened look on her face.

"I actually agree with Aiden on this. I'm tired of her always appearing in our lives. Every single time Aiden's past is brought up, she is also brought up! I can't stand it! I can't stand her!"

>The air around Stella begins to rapidly condensed as pressure builds up, along with a miniature cyclone of air that begins wildly scattering various objects around the living room.

>Jonah and Phoebe react immediately, as they both move towards Stella, placing a hand on both of her shoulders as they tell her to calm down.

"Hey! Stella! Snap out of it! You're letting your emotions get to you!"

"I agree with Phoebe! Please, Stella! You're potentially going to spiral if you keep ruminating!"

>Stella then eventually calms down - as the cyclone subsides into nothingness. As objects fall to the ground with resounding 'thud' noises, Stella's hair covers her face, casting a shadow that matches her sullen mood.

"…Earlier today, I told Aiden that I remember doing agrarian work in the fields of Thaumia. I remember separating the wheat from the chaff. Or as my father called it, the strong roots from the weak remains. It was the same mentality he had when he culled our people in his sick and twisted form of Darwinism."

>Phoebe's expression darkens as Stella feels tears welling up inside her again.

"….I felt that I was becoming that same type of Winnower as my father. A sociopath who throws people's lives away for a twisted form of power. I felt myself spiraling, like you said right now. Until I met your brother."

>Phoebe's natural attunement to emotions begins to activate, as a soft glowing gold spark in her eyes. Feeling Stella's emotions through her hand contact with Stella's shoulder, Phoebe then says:

"….You're afraid that Aiden's going to spiral himself into negative emotions because of her."

>Stella is silent for a moment before she continues speaking:

"….Not because of her, persay. But what she represents. 'The one that got away'."

>Jonah and Phoebe look at each other, and then back at Stella, stating:

"Stella, Aiden is not in love with Hiyuki. His issues just come from the fact that they got off on the wrong foot. Believe me, I know he doesn't have any feelings for her anymore."

>Jonah narrows his eyes as a solemn expression comes over his face as well:

"….Regardless, it all went awry the moment he came to this city."

>Phoebe turns to look at Jonah in confusion as she then asks:

"….What are you talking about, Jonah?"

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 02:44:00 No.5123

File: 1784256239136-0.jpg (894.1 KB, 4096x2214, Grayson House - Interior.jpg)

File: 1784256239136-1.png (4.1 MB, 2162x2158, Aiden - 87.png)

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File: 1784256239136-3.jpg (81.36 KB, 1200x686, Phoebe - 12.jpg)

File: 1784256239136-4.jpg (1008.6 KB, 1849x2261, Jonah - 24.jpg)

>>5122
>Jonah puts down his book on fluid mechanics and then looks at Phoebe, square in the eyes. For the first time in a very long time, Jonah's eyes are entirely serious, fixated and emotionally heavy.

"What's the first thing that happened the day that Aiden first showed up in Sanctuary City? A bit over a year ago. January 20th, 2016. What did Aiden say happened?"

>Phoebe's eyes widen as she then recalls the events with her photographic memory.

"….Orion. He first met Orion that day."

>Jonah then says in response:

"Exactly 365 days later, Sanctuary City's crime rate spiked dramatically. The Helixers started showing up. Meta-Humans with experimentation from humor started appearing. "

>Phoebe lets the situation sink in as the realization starts to compound in her mind. Jonah then continues:

"10 days later, a ninja in white attacks Aiden. A few days later, Jay shows up in Sanctuary City in order to get a job at Archeon. He then gets roped up in a mercenary operation, and Rafael's Index bonds to his wrist."

>Phoebe is silent, as Stella listens to Jonah's recounting with extreme detail, not privy to these events prior to now.

"A few days after that? The Gemini Twins show up, attempting to find the Helixers' boss. We're not sure why, and Aiden has to fight them and defeat them. Then after that, the same ninja in white appears, and attempts to assassinate Aiden in broad daylight. We're not sure who he is, or why he did it at first."

>Phoebe then speaks up finally.

"After that, then we suddenly start encountering Eukaryon and making breakthroughs on leads to find their bases. Then Arachne first shows up. Then the Breakers, and then….."

>Phoebe and Jonah's faces darken as Stella looks up in confusion.

"…Then what? What happened?"

>A voice then calls out from the upper levels of the manor.

"Then Chiral showed up. The guy who did the experimentation on the Meta-Humans."

>As the voice gets louder, and noise can be heard coming down the stairs of the large manor, the figure continues speaking:

"The guy who effectively destroyed 25 years' worth of reverence in our family, even after he 'died'."

>Aiden then comes down the steps from his room, standing in the middle of the living room area as he looks at Stella, saying:

"Chiral was our uncle, Elias Grayson."

>Looking up at the ceiling, Aiden then says:

"….Turns out, the one who was responsible for all of the chaos that was eating up Sanctuary City alive before I showed up - was our own dead uncle. Or at least, presumed dead."

>Phoebe and Jonah both look at Aiden, with pained expressions on their faces as Aiden grimaces, barely holding back his anger towards his deceased uncle.

"….You know how funny it is, in retrospect, that I think that I'm a hero? That I'm someone who's doing something that matters?"

>Aiden then gestures up to the ceiling as he then says:

"I thought I was doing the right thing when I first became Mosaic, but from the very start, it's been mess after mess."

>Aiden then looks at Phoebe and states:

"….I never told you why I first became Mosaic, right sis? I did it to protect you, from Hildebrandt."

>Silent for a moment, Aiden then sighs as he says:

"The same Hildebrandt who's become a megalomaniacal billionaire supervillain hellbent on killing me and getting to you again. Except with a terrible sense of fashion with glass masks."

>Phoebe looks on at Aiden in disbelief as she replies:

"….He's Ophidian? The supervillain terrorist?"

>Aiden simply nods.

"Like I said, funny in retrospect."

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 03:03:28 No.5124

File: 1784257407625-0.jpeg (94.68 KB, 850x1159, Aiden - 48.jpeg)

File: 1784257407625-1.jpg (122.9 KB, 850x1128, Stella - 15.jpg)

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File: 1784257407625-3.jpg (1008.6 KB, 1849x2261, Jonah - 24.jpg)

File: 1784257407625-4.gif (1.62 MB, 500x281, Speed.gif)

>>5123
>Jonah then speaks next, stating:

"…I'll never forget what you said, about what Uncle Elias told you. That we were…."

>Jonah looks down at his book once more, as he then says:

"….The fact that we were made. We weren't born. We were made, Aiden."

>Phoebe looks at Aiden and Jonah as well, while Stella looks on in disbelief.

"….You were….made? Your father created you?"

>Aiden looks at Stella and says:

"For all intents and purposes, yeah. Our older siblings were naturally born as twins. We weren't."

>Silent for a moment, Stella then speaks up, as her tears dry up somewhat.

"….You remember that I said that my father chose my mother due to her inherent potential for magic? That's how they had my brother, and then me. I thought I was the only one in the world…who was…..who was made for a purpose that I didn't choose…."

>Aiden looks at Stella and says:

"Hey, Stella. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you earlier-"

>In an instant, Stella jumps over to Aiden and hugs him tightly, as Aiden slowly puts his arms around her as well embracing the hug as well.

"…..There's a lot more. A lot more that's happened - but I think I understand Jonah's point."

>As Aiden pulls back from the hug with Stella, but still has an arm around Stella's waist, he then turns back to Jonah and says, point blank:

"Things only escalated in the city after I arrived. That's more or less your point. Mosaic appearing caused a chain reaction that lead to more chaos in 2 years, than in the past 20 years."

>Jonah nods and looks at Aiden, stating:

"It wasn't just Sanctuary City. The other cities too. Honestly, the escalation just got worse. We went from handling street thugs and Meta-Humans, to aliens, killer robots and literal monsters."

>Phoebe then speaks up:

"…But we also stopped a lot of bad people along the way, right? We stopped Uncle Eli. We beat Eukaryon. The Helixers. Thrasher, Eidolus, Faust, Hollow and a billion other bad guys. We've done a lot of good here, even if things started to escalate rapidly."

>Aiden nods at Phoebe and then looks at Stella as he says:

"Also, for the record. Phoebe's right."

>Stella feels her cheeks blush aggressively as she looks away, trying her hardest to look angry.

"…About what?"

"About not having feelings for her. Just you."

>Stella pouts innocently as she tries, and fails to maintain her streak of righteous indignation and jealousy, before Aiden turns her head to kiss her. Stella then gives up the game entirely and closes her eyes, surrendering her emotions to the moment.

>Phoebe rolls her eyes but smiles, as Jonah gives a soft smile as well. As Aiden and Stella then pull back, Aiden then says:

"…..We're still not out of the woods yet. I need to talk to Orion, Jack and Sun. Along with anyone else that we know. I think we're going to need quite literally all of the help that we can possibly get."

>Phoebe gives Aiden a scoff and then a smug smile as she says:

"Oh I'll go deal with Orion. Don't worry, I can handle an ex unlike you."

>Aiden glares at Phoebe with an annoyed expression on his face.

"Did we not do this already Phoebe? Hiyuki and I weren't a thing!"

>Phoebe snickers in amusement as she says:

"Oh I know, but I will always tease you about how badly you fumbled that."

>Jonah places his open book on his face in secondhand embarrassment as Stella sighs and rolls her eyes for the first time that night.

"Of course. Just pretend as if his girlfriend isn't right here next to him….."

>Phoebe then disappears in a blink of an eye at super speed, moving through the large manor in a flurry of fast motion blurs - as Aiden immediately follows suit. The result is an exponentially faster version of the classic sibling chase.

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 03:23:27 No.5125

File: 1784258606154-0.jpg (128.28 KB, 1280x621, Haven City - 2.jpg)

File: 1784258606154-1.jpeg (421.14 KB, 1920x768, Wyngarde Manor.jpeg)

File: 1784258606154-2.jpg (513.9 KB, 1920x1036, Wyngarde Manor - Interior.jpg)

File: 1784258606154-3.png (2.51 MB, 1113x1574, Melissa.png)

File: 1784258606154-4.jpeg (79.27 KB, 850x1063, Jack - 2.jpeg)

>>5124
>Date: November 13th, 2017
>Location: Wyngarde Manor - Haven City
>Time: 9:32 AM

>The overcast and dark rain of Haven City's eternal storm anomaly contrasts with the bright marble coloring of the Wyngarde Manor. The architectural abode of Melissa Wyngarde, or Rafael Thaumiel as she is known to a select few.

>Inside of the living space of the manor, Rafael is flipping through books in her disguise as Melissa. Her bright red hair contrasts with her dark clothes, regal and perfectly trimmed, fitting and ironed, without a single potential crease. Her favorite book, "Out of the Silent Planet", is in her hand as she rests her facial cheek on her other hand. Looking eerily bored out of her mind, the alien super genius takes a moment to parse the words on the page at a million miles per hour, in a dozen different languages, while also making a perfectly vivid mental picture of the scene in her mind.

"…..I'll never forget this book, Blackburn. Did I tell you why that is?"

>Sitting beside Rafael is her partner, Jack. As he sips his hot tea, he looks over at Rafael in the other seat and gives the predictable response.

"…Not really, honey. You didn't."

>Giving a small scoff of amusement, Rafael then says:

"The name that the Malacandrans in the book, the Martians, give to Earth. It comes from two root words. 'Thulc' meaning 'Silent' and "Handra" meaning "planet"."

>Jack takes one look at the cover of the book, and then mouths out slowly:

"…'Out of the Silent Planet'….If the Martians are Malacandrans…Then the Earthlings are…."

>Looking at Rafael as the realization hits him, Rafael then smiles and closes the book with one hand as she then says:

"Fables and stories are the bedrock of humanity, and what it means to be human. In my universe, we almost forgot that. Which is why Samael and I chose to name ourselves Thulcandrans. It was an ironic name, as being cut off from the rest of the universe was the exact opposite of our intent - but it ultimately came to pass with Thulcandra."

>Rafael then looks off aimlessly at the wall in front of her as she says:

"Cutting ourselves off from the rest of our solar system, and then our entire universe - just to escape….them.

>Jack then takes Rafael's hand within his own, placing his hand over hers as he then says:

"Well they're not here. Not yet. We've got a lot of time to prepare. Eons, thanks to what you and Mechanicus were able to do."

>Rafael smiles softly again as she then turns towards Jack and states:

"That, we do - and I am so happy that I can spend those eons with you…"

>Blinking in surprise, Jack then says:

"Did…did you just rhyme?"

>Rafael then groans loudly as Jack laughs softly.

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 03:35:31 No.5126

File: 1784259330665-0.png (4.1 MB, 2162x2158, Aiden - 87.png)

File: 1784259330665-1.jpg (76.43 KB, 600x420, Virgil - 8.jpg)

File: 1784259330665-2.jpeg (227.76 KB, 850x1249, Melissa - 8.jpeg)

File: 1784259330665-3.jpg (119.95 KB, 850x1105, Jack - 6.jpg)

>>5125
>Suddenly, Rafael and Jack then hear the doorbell. In an instant, Rafael bends the fabric of space-time, to appear before the door in blink of an eye. She then opens the door - to see Aiden and Samael waiting for her.

"Ah, Samael, Azrael. It's good to see you two."

>Aiden groans as he then mutters to himself:

"Would it kill you to call me by my actual name?"

>Scoffing, Rafael then says in response:

"And undermine the sanctity of House Thaumiel?! I could not think of a greater offense to our house!"

>Aiden waves at Jack as he walks into the house, and Jack waves back.

"Hey, how you feeling?"

>Aiden sits down across from Jack in the seat, separated by a small table as he responds:

"Oh you know, juggling corporate meetings, foiling random burglaries, trying to find a way to end world hunger without collapsing the global economy. The usual."

>Trying not to groan, Jack then says:

"You can understand now why I wanted to kill you as Faust, correct?"

>Aiden shrugs in response, stating:

"I know, I know. I'm far too pretty to die, especially at this young of an age. Right Jack?"

>Rafael then sits down next to Jack once again, as Samael takes the seat opposite from them.

"If I may inquire, do Stella and Phoebe know that you're visiting us instead of performing the ritual that humans still refer to as 'work'?"

>Aiden and Samael look at each other nervously and start laughing nervously as they say:

"….Yeah, well about that-"

>In that moment, the door is flung open as two women's voices can be heard from outside:

"AIDEN ETHAN GRAYSON!"

"SAAAAAAAAAMMM!!!!!"

>Aiden and Samael look at each other, their eyes widening and their skin turning pale, as if they've become ghosts departing the living world.

"Uh oh."

"….'Uh oh' is an understatement."

Event 07/17/26 (Fri) 03:51:09 No.5127

File: 1784260267527-0.png (4.1 MB, 2162x2158, Aiden - 87.png)

File: 1784260267527-1.jpeg (153.28 KB, 850x1413, Stella - 3.jpeg)

File: 1784260267527-2.jpg (81.36 KB, 1200x686, Phoebe - 12.jpg)

File: 1784260267527-3.jpg (61.45 KB, 429x600, Virgil - 15.jpg)

File: 1784260267527-4.png (3.22 MB, 2428x3508, Melissa - 6.png)

>>5126
>Before Aiden and Samael can move, two figures immediately appear in the living room, searing with anger.

"…Hey Stella…."

"……Phoebe….."

>Aiden and Samael give weak waves of a hand to Stella and Phoebe respectively. At that moment, Stella uses her magic to teleport Aiden right in front of her, grabbing him by the collar of his jacket as she begins shaking him rapidly.

"Did you seriously leave right before we were supposed to spend the day together?! I've planned this day for weeks! You know how much overtime at Archeon I handled just to clear my schedule for today?!?!"

>Aiden laughs nervously as Stella's eyes glow with supernatural pink magical fire and flames, as Phoebe has moved towards Samael with superhuman speed - grabbing him by the collar of his coat in a similar way.

"Hello Sammy….."

>Samael's eyes dart rapidly back and forth between Aiden and Rafael as Phoebe stares him down. Rafael simply looks on with amusement at her younger brother as she picks up her copy of "Out of the Silent Planet" to begin reading once more.

"I was having a wonderful time preparing for the Eros Corporation's annual fashion event week, but who do I find missing before the start of the event but my own boyfriend. Isn't that strange? Him not showing up to the event that I effectively organized months in advance, just so that we could spend time together?"

>Aiden and Samael both look at Jack for help, their eyes manic and pleading - as Jack opens his mouth to say something.

"…….I-"

>Stella and Phoebe both immediately snap their heads at Jack, exuding a combined aura of malicious intent so powerful that it stuns Jack into silence, as he then coughs and looks away instead.

>Then, both Stella and Phoebe turn to Rafael with smiles on their faces, speaking:

"Oh, hey there Rafael! It's so good to see you!"

"Are we still on for brunch later this week?"

>Rafael smiles and nods from her book reading as she says:

"Of course. Though I would request not pulverizing Samael and Azrael in my manor. Tidiness is a virtue."

>Stella and Phoebe then relinquish their anger at Aiden and Samael respectively, and let them go. Turning around to Rafael and Jack, they then speak:

"Actually, speaking of which - that's also why we're here."

"We need your help, both of you. Infernus is likely going to try and spring a massive trap at the Paradise City Research Center next week, during the scientific and research gathering."

>Musing to herself for a moment, Rafael then says:

"….Yes, Selathiel would be arrogant and stupid enough to attempt something so brazen. Ouranos, Infernus - whatever nonsense he calls himself now. It makes no difference. I will take great pleasure in humiliating him for his betrayal of Thulcandra."

>Looking at Rafael with a look of surprise, Jack then turns towards Aiden, Stella, Phoebe and Samael - as he then states:

"Yeah, count me in. I don't like the idea of someone recreating Faust for their own ends. I- sorry Faust needs to be stopped at all costs by Paladin. By me."

>Aiden and Stella nod, as Phoebe gives them a thumbs up and Samael sighs in relief.

"Alright. In that case, we just need to talk to Orion, Stephanie and Isaac, and we should be good to go."

>Aiden says as the others agree with nods, murmurs and hand gestures like a thumbs up gesture.