Akiol didn't take offense to the previous suspicion. The circumstances didn't allow any leeway for mistakes. So Akiol spoke as if it was a trivial matter, "No need."
Terwin lowered his head nonetheless, "I have been a horrible host. Not only have I assumed you to be suspicious, but I have even endangered your life."
"Let's focus on the important things. First of all, what is going on?"
Although hesitant, Terwin found it only proper to tell Akiol the truth, "In my line of work, you can call us arms dealers. Privately owned companies who design weapons of sorts to be sold, patented or not. Harrell was our top competitor. That weapon you hold currently is a prototype we've been designing."
"Poor sword design, there's no guard."
"It wasn't meant to be a sword. Rather a larger version of the knife Hank wielded. These were designed to make it easier to cut through doors regardless of the material. The one you hold was a prototype to make it larger, although our technology falters the larger the tool becomes."
Akiol flipped the sword around and offered the handle to Terwin, "In that case it gets a pass. It was quite sturdy."
Terwin accepted it and handed it to a nearby guard, "Part of the trouble was a recent increase in hostility from Harrell's company. It was because of this that I asked you to visit me. I hadn't predicted he would strike so blatantly like this."
Looking towards the suit Terwin noted, "Although it seems I've come across the reason why."
Corolla tugged at Terwin's sleeve, "Now. . . isn't the time for this?"
Nodding at Corolla's comment Terwin continued, "Let us treat your wounds. I have several questions, but that can come later."
Akiol accepted the offer. His body ached terribly from being tossed around. Additionally deflecting the suit's blows proved to be a difficult ordeal and put a burden on his arms. Truth be told he was almost struggling to stand without the assistance of Aura.
After being led by a medical staff to another room. Akiol reflected on his usage of Aura. To be blunt he was too used to the vast quantity he had in A World's Legacy. It was clear that the quantity still remained, but the output was drastically limited. Perhaps it was due to the difference in physical body? Or maybe it was because A World's Legacy allowed easier access to the soul?
Time passed in a blink as he contemplated all of this. Eventually the next day arrived and his temporary living quarters was visited by Terwin. Taking a seat in the corner Terwin held a grave look, "We were careless. I have to ask for your forgiveness yet again."
"What happened?"
"Harrell was cautious. It seems the data from the suit was being sent back to their headquarters. This means they know we have their suit, and who dealt the damage to it."
"They know of me?"
"Yes. Since you're an ordinary citizen it was easy to figure out your identity through some strings. They may very well be trying to hunt you down."
". . ."
"I'll have to ask you to stay here. We will make sure your every need is met, and even fulfill many of your wants. Any demands we will do our best to meet since this is entirely my fault.", Terwin gripped his knees, "This is all I can do however. For now we're trying to solve this matter, but since we have access to the suit they're being entirely too hostile."
"They won't accept it back?"
"They can't."
"A reason you can't discuss?"
"I'm afraid so."
"What of my friends and family?"
"There is a chance. . . they may be put at risk. We can send people to keep an eye on them at all times. Should anything occur it will be handled-"
"Passive excuses.", Akiol's eyes narrowed.
Terwin flinched, "What?"
"Diplomatic reasoning, negotiations, it's all just talk. I've seen it all. Time and time again.", Akiol turned his head to stare directly at Terwin, "I'll make this clear. This clear hostility must be dealt with. No matter what. I will not allow this potential threat harm me or anyone I care about. I have seen what they are capable of on a small scale."
"I cannot allow you to do that. Such violent-"
"You have heard my warning."
Terwin felt he misjudged Akiol's character. Often times he felt as if Akiol was a free-spirited type. Someone who didn't take too much care for the world. Right now he couldn't have been more wrong. Remembering how Akiol eliminated Johnson without hesitation reminded him of Hank's unhesitating efficiency. This was someone who was experienced with these matters.
Akiol on the other hand was being extremely cautious. He had underestimated this world without mana for too long. After what happened with Rebecca, he knew for a fact that any threat that showed itself needed to be eliminated. So no one will be hurt again.
This emotionless attitude. A determined fighter protecting who he cares for. Features Akiol had that slowly faded away with James' presence. They were now resurfacing. The old, deadly, efficient warrior. The one hailed as Hero.
Jokes, humor, carelessness. These were aspects of James. Now that he was gone. . . the several decades he spent in unconscious training. . . it dug back up his real self. Someone who was used to constant bloodshed. Someone who knew better than to let a threat fester like an infected wound. If something arose, threatened him or anyone, then cut it down and don't let it arise again.
Terwin couldn't meet Akiol's eyes. It felt as if they were piercing through him, like some sort of beast weighing his worth. When was the last time he felt like this? Even when facing Hank's cruel nature he didn't blink. Years of training to make this constitution. A facade meant to bluff the most experienced veterans. All of it shattered under the man who faced the end of the world, and cut it down.
He would not fully submit. His pride and will refused to. If he cannot stop a situation, then profit from it. Looking up and braving Akiol's stare he spoke some daring words. Words that shocked even himself.
"Then let us be of assistance."
. . .
Hank sipped a strange looking liquid from a cup, "Was this necessary?"
Terwin placed his hands behind his back, "You've seen it. Somehow that guy managed to fight with a high tech suit on equal grounds. We did a scan of his body, and there wasn't any signs of bionic parts or artificial enhancement."
"An unknown variable."
Nodding solemnly Terwin spoke, "He's almost alien. Like a whole different person when he picks up a sword. Considering he solely handled a force we couldn't take on. . . I don't think we'll be able to stop him."
"Forced to pick a side. You chose his?"
"Perhaps I'm also upset at my inability. A childish method to take revenge.", Terwin smiled.
"We'll need information. How's the reverse engineering proceeding?"
"It's technology that shouldn't have appeared for another decade."
"You could say that for a lot of technology."
"No, this suit would revolutionize wars and political conflicts to a new level. Wars were already an economical battle, but when one suit is equal to a hundred men. . . whoever monopolizes their production will rule the world. It'll tip the favor further towards those with wealth. No matter how tenacious a fighter is, they stand no chance against these suits."
"Except for him."
"Except for him.", Terwin agreed.
"So we become the heroes in this situation? Save the world from being suppressed by the powerful?"
"Heroes? Let's not make such jokes Hank.", Terwin walked towards the door. Opening it he paused, "We're a company. This is clearly to protect our bottom line."
"Of course."
Terwin paced across the underground area of his Manor. Opening a set of vault doors he walked through, "Report."
Someone dressed in a casual outfit, but also a professional one, spoke immediately, "We can't replicate the suit. Our best bet is to repair the one we have currently."
"What do we lack?"
"The suit operates on what we assume to be an artificial body. An unknown alloy acts very similarly to the human muscle to enhance the strength of the one inside. What we can't figure out is how they managed to control it. We suspect enhanced AI, but that would mean they've created an AI that operates on a similar level to a human brain."
"So this is their insurance to maintain monopoly. Interesting. Pause research on the suit, instead accelerate the projects I proposed."
"Sir?"
"We won't be standing about idly. If we maintain this progress we'll forever remain a step behind. Besides they came to my front door and made a mess of my home. It's only fair that we bring the fight to them."
"Right away then. Your presence is needed in the R&D department, the changes you requested need some input over there."
"I'll head over. For now organize all the information we have of their locations. Send it to my terminal when you're done."
"Of course."
Terwin moved to another room and entered with ease, "What's the issue here?"
"The changes you wanted to the cutting tools. You're trying to make it into a sword? We're already having trouble maintaining the same frequency of vibrations with larger surface. The guard will only affect it more."
"I don't want this to be for future products. Just one."
"Just one?", someone in a lab coat perked up at the topic, "In that case it doesn't need to be efficient for mass production right?"
"You have an idea?"
"If we're just making a single product we could get it done easier if we don't have to worry about production costs. We can skip a lot of the slimming down and have a functional prototype within a few days."
Another added, "Additionally with a guard we could potentially use it to enhance the vibrations, temporarily solving the issue we have with surface area. Although the alloy needed to maintain that while being sturdy won't come cheap."
"I just need a single functional weapon. That is all."
"No matter the cost?"
"Don't go overboard.", Terwin replied simply.
"Then we can make it."
"Good, for specifics you can ask our guest. I have a feeling he might know more about swords than some of our experts."
The various researchers glanced at each other. Terwin did not wait for anyone to speak and instead left the room. Today was a busy one, but it was nearing its end. Now he had one more thing to do.
A ring entered his ear and he narrowed his eyes, "Just on time."
Tapping an ear piece he answered, "Terwin speaking."
"Are you certain of this plan? You know very well the others won't like this. A private war? Are you serious?"
"A war? You seem to misunderstand something. This won't be a war."
"Word is already spreading about their new product. It's reached the ears of our competitors, we're doing our best to make sure it doesn't spread further. Yet if you go and proceed with this war no amount of coverup is going to stop rumors. This is just a huge campaign for their new product and it's going to put the rest of us out of the market."
"Which is why you're not willing to let it reach the market."
"None of us are. Yet we're aware of just how powerful those suits are. You'll need numbers and an expensive amount of gear to fight against them. That's just a war!"
"Again, we're not planning a war."
"You think you can do this without a significant force?"
"Let's just say they've offended someone they shouldn't have. This won't be as grand as a war. Rather it's going to be an operation from just a few people."
"Infiltration? With their technology?"
"Keep yourself informed, I can't risk anything leaking. You'll be getting a call from me again here soon. Tabs open old friend."
A sigh could be heard from the earpiece, "Fine. If this gets out of control I can't cover your ass again. Tabs open."
A beep sounded and the call ended. Terwin continued walking with purpose. Often times he considered himself a part scenes behind the world. Someone with significant information, someone of importance. Yet upon seeing Akiol's strength sourced from something he couldn't find out. . . it seems there was still so much more he lacked knowledge in.
It's fine. He's okay with not knowing the secrets. Prying into the unknown was risky. It would be infinitely more beneficial to maintain their current relationship. Akiol became a larger unknown variable, and carried a significant risk.
"Compared to that suit however. . .", Terwin was well aware which side was less risky.