"Do you know why I called you guys here?" I said to the Users seating on the red couch.
"Nope," replied Caesar.
"Um, does it have anything to do with food?" said Ava.
Hope shook his head. "No idea."
Lily, on the other hand, was silent for a few moments before she answered. "I'm not sure, but I'll be glad to help if you need anything."
"Great!" I nodded at Vincent and he proceeded to pull the white blanket covering a rectangular, wooden table to the floor.
"This is . . ." Ava pointed at the metal objects that were revealed.
An assault rifle and a sniper rifle rested on the flat surface of the table. Other than that, a pair of charcoal black gloves with a matte finish sat at the edge of it.
I cleared my throat and started to explain what those objects were.
"We have decided on using these weapons to help you guys fight better with your Aegis. Though, these things are still prototypes."
"Weapons?" mumbled Lily.
"Yup. We named it, Aegis Gears." I swept a quick gaze around the room to see their reactions about the name. However, they just looked at me, silent, their mouths shut tight.
"Go on," said Caesar.
I sighed and then continued my explanation.
"These prototypes are capable of utilizing your Aegis and its specialty, allowing tons of options to be available right at your fingertips. The Aegis Gears we made are designed specifically for its intended Users. For example, these two rifles are for you, Caesar."
"Me?"
"These Aegis Gears," I held the assault rifle in my hands, "can only be used by you and your Aegis. As you can see, this rifle right here has a small tube dangling at its side. Before you can use it to fight, this tube must be connected to your arm, and don't worry; this thing will automatically pierce your skin when you are near."
Caesar took a step back when he heard those last few words. "That sounds . . . Grim . . . And dark."
"Well, you will only feel a slight prick from it. Anyway, when the tube connects itself to your bloodstream, it would suck out a bit of your blood, and filtered it. When enough chemicals from your Aegis have been collected, the rifle can fuse it with the bullet-like projectiles inside the magazine."
I tapped at the rifle's sleek surface a few times. "When you pull the trigger, the bullets act as an extension of your Aegis. Meaning, you can manipulate the bullets however you want. Remember, these bullets are a part of you too."
"So it's like, I'm firing my own crystals," said Caesar.
"Precisely. Oh, one more thing, these so-called bullets will explode upon impact. That sniper rifle over there also bears the same traits at this one, but the bullets are more explosive."
Vincent took the assault rifle in my hands and placed it back on the table. I picked up the Aegis Gears: Gloves, and handed it to Lily.
"These pair of gloves are yours, though it is still in the prototype phase," I said.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "What can it do, Klaus?"
"Hmm . . . Well, those gloves are made up of specialized fibers. It packs quite a punch if you use it as it is. Though, that is just a minor feature. Your Aegis Gears allow you to convert objects at about a two-hundred meters distance into your own pink Aegis crystals."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "I don't have to activate my Full Aegis Form?"
"Yup, you don't have to. As I said, it has a limited range of two hundred meters. Because of this, I think it is more effective to be used in stealth operations, or long-ranged battles."
"Ah, I see," muttered Lily as she examined the gloves.
"I will try to upgrade it in due time."
"Because it is still a prototype, right?" said Lily.
"Yup."
I turned to Hope and Ava as they stood next to each other. "I'm sorry. No Aegis Gears for you two."
"Eeeeh?" said Ava. "Why? I want one too."
"Haha. We could not make one for you yet, Ava. Your Aegis is so unique that we haven't come up with an idea on how to enhance the way you use it." I glanced at Hope. "The same goes for you too. We will try our best to make one in the near future."
"Thanks, we appreciate what you have done for us. Truly," said Hope. "But if it's too difficult to make one for the both of us, I'm fine with it."
"I want one. Pleeeease," said Ava with bright, gleaming eyes.
"We will," I said. "Um, can I pat you Ava?"
I had been meaning to do so for a while. She reminded me of my own little sister, so it couldn't be helped that I felt connected to her in a way.
"Huh? No. I'm not a kid. You can pat Jennifer though." She pointed at her, where she was standing at the corner of the room, eyes on Hope.
"Haha . . . No way," I said, my mouth curved downwards. "Anyway," I looked back at Hope and Ava, "The Four Pillars . . . they can only be taken down if everyone gives it their best. I'm sure I will. Even if I have to endure sleepless nights for a week to complete the prototypes, I will still do it."
Ava giggled and touched my right hand. "I will give it my all too. Thank you Klaus, for what you have done for us."
I smiled at her. "You're welcome."