The next morning, Eliza received a phone call. "Yes?" she answered.
"The Silver Prism, it's me, Lionel Lockhart," said Lionel Lockhart
Eliza inquired, "Got a new request?"
Lionel replied, "No, but today I want to see those GENESIS pilots, what's his name? Joseph?"
"Yes, Joseph. But for what?" asked Eliza.
"I've got a discussion for him and my son William about the previous operation Fortress VW-982," said Lionel Lockhart.
"If you say so, sure, I will inform him later," said Eliza.
"Good, thank you, Eliza. I will send a pass for him to visit our palace," said Lionel Lockhart.
"You're welcome," said Eliza as she ended the call.
Suddenly, Joseph asked, "Boss, did you sleepwalk again?" He was puzzled because Eliza had slept in the same room with him. As Eliza realized her slip, she quickly changed the subject and said to Joseph, "Lionel Lockhart, one of the elites, wants to see you today. They will provide you with a pass to visit their palace."
"Understood... but...." Joseph began, but before he could finish his sentence, Eliza abruptly left the room, leaving Joseph puzzled and wondering what he had wanted to say.
Joseph made his way to the teleport station and approached the counter where an officer greeted him. Joseph showed the officer the pass from the Lockhart family, and the officer nodded in acknowledgment.
"I see, come with me," the officer said, leading Joseph to a VIP room. In an instant, Joseph found himself standing at the front gate of the Lockhart Family palace. A guard stationed there requested to see his pass, which Joseph promptly presented. After verifying the pass, the guard allowed him entry into the palace.
Joseph was then greeted by Alvis, the butler of the Lockhart Family. Alvis welcomed him warmly, saying, "Welcome to our palace. Please, follow me. The master is wanted to meet you."
Joseph followed Alvis, his eyes wide with awe as he took in the grandeur of the palace. The architecture of the building was a testament to its opulence, with intricately designed engravings adorning the walls. The staircase before him was massive, its steps leading to upper floors in a majestic ascent.
After Alvis gently knocked on the door, he ushered Joseph into the room. As they entered, they found Lionel Lockhart gracefully playing his violin. Joseph was in awe, captivated by the enchanting melody that filled the room. It was his first time experiencing the beauty of a live violin performance.
Lionel Lockhart suddenly ceased playing and turned towards Joseph with a warm smile. He began, "Joseph, welcome to the Lockhart Family palace." With that, he resumed playing the violin, the music wrapping around them like a soothing embrace.
Lionel Lockhart paused once more, his violin resting gracefully on his shoulder. He turned to Joseph, a thoughtful look in his eyes, and asked, "Joseph, have you ever read 'Auguries Of Innocence,' the poem by William Blake?"
Joseph, intrigued, replied, "I've heard of it, but I can't say I've read it."
Lionel nodded and began to explain "explores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the delicate balance of the universe. It delves into the idea that every action, no matter how small, has a ripple effect that can impact the world in profound ways."
He continued, "Blake's verses paint a picture of the beauty and wonder of the world, but they also highlight the injustices and suffering that exist. It's a reflection on the dual nature of life, where innocence and experience, good and evil, are intertwined. In essence, it's a philosophical exploration of the human condition."
Even though Joseph didn't fully understand the intricacies of Lionel's performance, he couldn't help but be moved by the soulful melody emanating from the violin and Lionel speech about Auguries Of Innocence. He began to clap his hands, not just for the music itself but also for the profound emotions it stirred within him.
Lionel continued, his tone sincere, "Firstly, Joseph, I want to apologize for the ruse I used to bring you here. I told Eliza we needed to discuss something, but in reality, I wanted to meet you personally. Your actions during Operation VW - 982 were exceptional. William spoke highly of your performance, your morals, and your overall conduct. I'm genuinely impressed by your character. Do you have any questions, Joseph?"
Joseph asked him "I had a question, about the BEOWULF i am amaze that it's had a system called Berserk mode can you explained me a detail"
Lionel replied with enthusiasm, "I'm glad you're interested in BEOWULF. It draws inspiration from the epic tradition of the old English poem 'Beowulf,' where a hero embarks on journeys to prove his strength against supernatural foes and demons. I also decided to add and create the Berserk mode. In this mode, the BEOWULF mech fuses with its pilot, creating a symbiotic connection. The mech's head transforms into a mechanical wolf's head, and its movements resemble that of a werewolf, complete with sharp fangs and claws. It's howl, struggle, are more likely represented as The Starving Wolf."
Joseph couldn't help but feel amazed, his passion for machines and technology making him excited to learn more. However, his thoughts were interrupted when William entered the room unexpectedly.
"Hey, I didn't expect to find you here as our visitor today," said William.
"Hey, William," Joseph greeted.
Lionel interrupted, "William, please show our guest around."
"Yes, Father. Follow me, Joseph. I've got something to show you," William said.
As they left the room, Lionel Lockhart watched Joseph and William, and he muttered to himself, "GENESIS... Is GENESIS truly still there, or does he just not know that name? If it's true he has the GENESIS core, he's going to be a man who shakes the world."
While William was showing Joseph around the palace, he eventually led him to a room where Alisa was reading a book. William announced their arrival, and Alisa, without looking up from her book, inquired about their guest.
"Who is it?" Alisa asked, her eyes still fixed on the pages.
"It's Joseph," William replied.
Alisa paused her reading and looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Oh, hello, Joseph. How are you?" she greeted him.
Joseph returned her smile. "I'm good. How about you?" he asked.
Alisa approached Joseph and said, "I'm fine. Joseph, you haven't eaten yet, have you?"
Joseph nodded. "Yeah, I forgot to have breakfast today."
"Then let's eat together," Alisa suggested.
She called for Alvis to prepare a meal for Joseph and her. William, feeling left out, couldn't help but interject, "Eh? What about me?"
Alisa glanced at him. "You've already eaten, haven't you?" she asked.
William let out an exaggerated sigh.
After they finished their meal, Joseph expressed his gratitude to Alisa. "Alisa, thanks for the food. You're the best," he said. Alisa blushed at his sudden compliment. "You're welcome, Joseph."
"Hey, Joseph, since you're here, don't you want to pay a visit to Scarlett?" suggested William.
"Scarlett? Yeah, it's a good idea if I visit her too," Joseph agreed.
"Okay, wait here. I'll get the pass for you," William said as he left the room, leaving Joseph and Alisa alone.
Alisa took the opportunity to bring up Joseph's recent performance. "I heard that you performed well, Joseph."
Before Joseph could respond, Alisa surprised him by giving him a kiss on the cheek. Joseph, in his usual dense manner, asked, "What's that for?"
Alisa couldn't help but chuckle at Joseph he can't take the hint. She replied, "It's a gift for you, for saving my little brother William during the mech pilot test." Said Alisa in playful tone
Joseph continued, seemingly unaware of Alisa's intentions. "Oh, about that, you're welcome. You see, Alisa, It's my responsibility to save someone because every life is precious,"
Joseph added "When I saved William, I wasn't just saving him as an individual, but I was also preserving a piece of the intricate pattern of life itself. " furthermore he explained in a philosophical manner. Alisa can't help but she love hearing Joseph speech.
As Joseph took the Royal Pass from William, he examined it with awe. "This is a Royal Pass, exclusive for elite families serving under the royal," he remarked.
William nodded. "Exactly. Just hold onto it; we have plenty. By the way, Alisa really enjoyed with you."
Joseph smiled. "Well, I didn't realize she was so interested in my philosophical speeches."
William chuckled. "She has her quirks. Anyway, Joseph, when you reach the front gate, show the Royal Pass to the guard. They'll escort you to another room, and from there, you'll be teleported to the Empire of Crimson Land."
Joseph raised an eyebrow. "The Empire of Crimson Land?"
William nodded. "Yes, don't you remember? She's the daughter of the Crimson Queen."
Joseph laughed. "Right, I almost forgot about that. Anyway, thanks a lot, William."
As Joseph arrived in the Empire of Crimson Land, he couldn't help but be awed by the grandeur of the palace before him. Its architecture was inspired by gothic designs, and the rich crimson color made it unlike anything he had ever seen. The imposing structure stood as a testament to the power and opulence of the Crimson Queen.
Joseph was welcomed by Benedict, the butler of the Crimson Queen. "Welcome. Can I see your pass?" Benedict inquired, eyeing the Royal Pass in Joseph's hand. "A Royal Pass? So, you're from the Lockhart Family?" he asked.
Before Joseph could answer, Scarlett arrived and enthusiastically hugged him. "Joseph!" she exclaimed, clearly delighted to see him.
Seeing this, Benedict inquired, "Are these your friends, my princess?"
"Yes, Benedict. Joseph is my friend. It's okay; let me show him around the palace," Scarlett replied with a warm smile.
While Scarlett led Joseph around the palace, she explained the intricate details of its interior. The walls were adorned with crimson tapestries, and the floors were made of polished marble that gleamed under the soft, warm light of the chandeliers. Paintings and sculptures at lined the corridors.
As they walked through the grand halls, Scarlett shared anecdotes about the palace's history and the significance of various artworks. Joseph couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of the palace.
As they walked, Scarlett inquired about Joseph's current occupation. "So, Joseph, what are you doing now?" she asked.
"I'm a mech pilot, Scarlett," Joseph replied.
"Mech pilot? Congratulations on that, Joseph. But who are you serving under?" Scarlett inquired.
"I serve under The Silver Prism," Joseph answered.
"The Silver Prism? I see," Scarlett replied.
Scarlett continue, concern in her voice. "Joseph, my mother, the queen, wants to see you. Are you okay with that?" she asked.
"The Crimson Queen wants to see me? Sure, why not," Joseph replied.
"Alright, Joseph, come follow me. I'll take you to her painting room," Scarlett said with excitement after hearing words from Joseph.
As they walked toward the Crimson Queen's Painting Room, Joseph asked, "A painting room?"
Scarlett explained, "Mother loves art, and she has her own painting room. She's in there right now."
"I see, that's why there are so many paintings and statues around," Joseph remarked.
As they arrived at the door of the painting room, Scarlett suddenly stopped. Joseph noticed the apprehension in her eyes and asked, "What is it, Scarlett? Is there something on your mind?"
Scarlett replied hesitantly, "Nothing, Joseph," and then proceeded to knock on the door gently before entering the room.
When they entered the room, Scarlett spoke with a mixture of respect and fear, saying, "Mother, I've brought Joseph here."
Karina, the Crimson Queen, paused her painting, her cold presence filling the room.