The newly-formed weapon continues to process the information it has acquired, its red eyes fixating on Dolura. "Your name is Dolura, according to the information I acquired you are weak and stay close to my master despite him clearly waiting to leave you behind," it states with a clinical coldness that belies its human appearance.
Dr. Hartwell, taken aback by this revelation, stammers in confusion. "E-eh? I didn't give him any information like that." Her surprise is evident, suggesting that the weapon's ability to analyze and draw conclusions extends beyond the data it was provided.
As the weapon takes a step forward, rubbing its forehead in a seemingly human gesture, tension rises in the room. Everyone braces for what might come next, anticipating a possible hostile action.
Dolura, visibly shaken by the weapon's blunt assessment, tries to defend herself. "I-I am not a pest... I-I may have been weak but I have an ability now, all I need to do is master it and-" Her explanation is cut short as the weapon interjects.
"And what?" it interrupts, its voice devoid of emotion. "My understanding is low, but from what I've read, master is stronger than all of you combined. What is the purpose of you following him?"
The weapon then sits down, its form shifting again. It changes its appearance, creating clothes that closely resemble those worn by Caelum. The transformation emphasizes its connection to Caelum and its ability to adapt and mimic.
"We are all pests to him... I don't know whether he created me out of curiosity or boredom, but he has left me here, indicating I am useless to him, just like all of you," it concludes, its words carrying a profound sense of realization and resignation.
The weapon, embodying a human form but grappling with its own nascent consciousness, voices a profound existential crisis. "My existence... is meaningless," it utters, reflecting a struggle to understand the very concept of life. This statement reveals a depth of self-awareness and confusion that is unexpected for a being that has just come into being.
Dr. Hartwell, ever the scientist, seizes this opportunity to gather more data. She busily takes notes and scans, documenting the weapon's behavior and words, fascinated by this unprecedented development.
Draken, observing the weapon's turmoil, decides to offer his perspective. "Hey, come on now, I think you are misunderstanding Caelum," he says, trying to provide some context. "He likes to pretend he is a normal person, so obviously he wouldn't 'make you' in a traditional sense. He probably enjoys making things happen while making it seem like it was an accident. He most definitely made you for a reason; he just won't outright tell you. I'm sure if you meet him, he'll pretend like he doesn't know what you are and consider you a normal person."
Jenna nods in agreement with Draken's assessment. "You were just born and shouldn't think too much regarding your existence. Even if you collect information, there will always be something wrong or missing. Don't rely on information alone," she advises. Her words aim to reassure the weapon that its self-worth shouldn't hinge solely on its origins or the information it has accessed.
"Caelum is not normal, so none of us can understand him," Jenna continues. "If we were really pests to him, couldn't he disappear instantly? Or just outright kill us?"
The weapon, while devoid of emotions, still manages to convey a sense of disbelief through its body language as it listens to the group's insights. "You're all blind... Well, regardless of why he chose to create me, he is still my master. And like you said, he likes to pretend to be normal," it muses aloud, tapping its chin in contemplation.
After a moment of thought, the weapon arrives at a decision. "I'll be responsible for taking him out of the city," it declares, seemingly assigning itself a mission related to Caelum.
Its red gaze then shifts to Dolura, and the weapon stands up, its posture assertive. "You," it addresses her directly, "do not touch him, do not cling to him, do not bother him. I cannot force you to leave him be since he might get angry, but I will not allow you to cling on to him like some parasite." The weapon's words are firm, indicating a protective stance towards Caelum, albeit one that seems to stem from a programmed sense of duty rather than emotion.
Saxon, observing the unfolding drama with a mix of amusement and interest, decides to interject with a lighthearted suggestion. "Hey, you're going to need a name," he says, smiling.
The weapon pauses at Saxon's suggestion, considering the idea of having a name. Its expression remains impassive, but there's a hint of curiosity in its stance.
Dr. Hartwell, always keen to engage with this new being, chimes in enthusiastically. "Yes, a name! Every individual entity, especially one as unique as you, should have a name," she encourages, her eyes sparkling with scientific intrigue.
The group begins to ponder potential names, each person offering their ideas. Jenna suggests, "How about 'Eidolon'? It means a phantom or an apparition, which kind of fits your origin." Her suggestion carries a poetic touch, aligning with the mysterious nature of the weapon.
General Harlan, more practical in his approach, proposes, "Let's call it 'Adam,' as in the first of its kind." His suggestion is rooted in symbolism, representing the weapon's status as the first of a new form of life.
The weapon listens to each suggestion, its red eyes flickering slightly as if processing the information. After a moment, it speaks up, "Eidolon... Adam... both are suitable. But I will choose for myself. I will be known as 'Novus,'" it declares, selecting a name that signifies 'new' reflecting its unique status as a newly created being with no prior existence.
Novus stands up, embodying a sense of purpose that seems to have solidified with his new identity. He exhales, a human-like gesture that conveys his readiness to act. "Master is nearby. I will head to him," he announces, indicating his intent to seek out Caelum.
The group nods in understanding, recognizing Novus's desire to connect with his creator. However, as they prepare to leave the room, Novus pauses, his attention drawn to the machine that Caelum used to create him.
With a deliberate movement, Novus extends his hand towards the machine. In response, a dark blue sphere materializes, hovering in the air. He studies it for a moment, then manipulates it with precision and focus. The sphere condenses around the machine, enveloping it in a dense aura until it vanishes completely, leaving no trace behind.
"Now you won't be able to attempt and copy his methods," Novus states, turning to face Dr. Hartwell, who stands with her mouth agape in astonishment. "W-what was that? Oh my god," she murmurs, scrambling to jot down notes and gather any residual data lingering in the air.
Eager to learn more about this unprecedented entity, Dr. Hartwell quickly poses a question. "Wait, to know more about you... do you by any chance know what number he chose?" she inquires, her curiosity piqued.
Novus looks at her, his expression unreadable yet attentive. "I saw a number one being displayed."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
In the dimly lit hallway of the underground facility, the group, led by General Harlan, progresses with caution. Novus walks alongside Aeliana, who, curious about his unique existence, asks, "How is it? To exist?" Novus, maintaining his stoic demeanor, responds, "That question is impossible to answer."
As they move forward, Jenna, alert to their surroundings, suddenly announces, "Someone is approaching." Novus acknowledges this with a nod, and the group halts, preparing for a potential confrontation.
The figure that emerges is intimidating: a tall, gaunt man with piercing, cold eyes that seem devoid of empathy. His features are sharp, and his movements calculated, exuding a sense of control and sadism. This man, with his calculated demeanor, appears to be a master manipulator, adept in the arts of control and pain.
The man stops, his gaze fixed on General Harlan. With a sinister ease, he says, "You came to me yourself, General. This makes things easier." The confidence and sadism in his voice are unmistakable.
General Harlan, recognizing the man, addresses him directly, "I see, you're the man responsible for breaking into the base and enslaving civilians."
The man smirks confidently, his sadism evident in his expression. Suddenly, a large group of men armed with assault rifles and explosive weapons appears, surrounding the group. The man, identified as Vorn, commands, "Let's test out if you're worthy of being a general."
The tension escalates rapidly as the armed men aim their weapons at General Harlan and his group. Saxon intervenes, "You don't want this place damaged right, General? Let me deal with this one." His confidence is palpable as he prepares to act.
As the bullets and explosives are fired, the situation reaches a critical point. In less than an instant, Saxon taps on his glasses, activating a special feature. The glasses display the positions, speed, and trajectory of the incoming projectiles, providing him with crucial information.
With a calculated movement, Saxon spits out the metal toothpick in his mouth. As it leaves his lips, it transforms, sprouting hundreds of tiny spikes that shoot out in precisely calculated directions. These spikes intercept the bullets and explosives, neutralizing them before they can detonate.
Saxon chuckles, "Hahaha, how beautiful right?" acknowledging the smooth execution of his action.
The sadistic man grins menacingly, preparing to retort, but before he can, Novus interjects decisively, "This is a waste of time, I wish to see master." He strides forward confidently, his unique pink-white hair pushed back to reveal his striking crimson eyes more clearly.
The man attempts to question Novus' identity, "Who are—", but is abruptly cut off as Novus extends a finger, launching a dark blue, marble-sized attack towards him. In an instant, he disappears and reappears elsewhere, narrowly escaping the attack, and boasts, "You can't kill me."
Novus observes the spot where the man was standing just a moment ago and mutters, "Teleportation..." He fires another shot, but he evades again using his teleportation ability. Novus nods, acknowledging the pattern of his movements.
The man's laughter rings through the hallway, "Hmhmhmhahaha," as he teleports behind Dolura in a swift, unexpected move. Jenna, quick to react, draws her katana, nearly slicing him before he teleports away once more.
General Harlan, analyzing the situation, inquires with a strategic mindset, "Interesting ability. Are you capable of teleporting through rooms?" His question aims to assess the extent of his powers.
The man, constantly teleporting around the group, grins and responds, "Unfortunately, I can't, otherwise this whole facility would've been under my control already." His admission reveals the limitations of his ability, even as he continues to dodge attacks.
Novus, calculating his next move, shoots another attack at him. However, as soon as he teleports, Novus himself teleports right behind him, demonstrating his own formidable ability. "I don't have time for this," Novus states coldly, his fist piercing through his head in a brutal, precise strike.
As his body drops to the ground, Novus casually cleans the blood from his hand with a swift motion, displaying a chilling efficiency.
Aeliana, witnessing the outcome, sighs and flicks her fingers in a subtle gesture. In a synchronized and deadly move, the heads of the remaining rebels fall to the ground, their demise as swift as it is silent.
General Harlan quickly delegates tasks to his team. "Aeliana and Saxon, can you both head back and deal with the rebels that just appeared out of nowhere? The rest of you can go find Caelum. Dr. Hartwell and I need to check something," he instructs with a tone of authority.
Novus, seemingly indifferent to the general's instructions, is already walking forward with a determined stride. His focus is singular: to locate his creator, Caelum.
Jenna, along with the rest of the group, lets out a collective sigh, acknowledging the weight of the situation. They quickly catch up with Novus, moving through the dimly lit hallways with a mix of urgency and apprehension. Despite their resolve, there's a palpable sense of unease among them, mostly stemming from their uncertainty about Novus. His recent emergence and the display of his extraordinary abilities have left them wondering about the full extent of what he's capable of.