(Chapter 53 Fontaine Research Institute II)
In the gathering hall of the Fontaine Research Institute, a prominent picture frame in the center honored the Father and founder of the Fontaine Research Institute, Alain Guillotin. The hall was surrounded by assault Mekas to prevent any disorder, and at the heart of the assembly stood two opposing groups: Tempest and his knights on one side, and Yegor with his Fatui agents on the other. In the middle of these two groups was Director Denis Papin, overseeing the tense standoff.
"Comrade Tempest! What a pleasure it is to see you again!"
Yegor's demeanor shifted instantly upon Tempest's entrance, his earlier frustration with Denis about the Ghost Program seemingly forgotten. He greeted Tempest with the warmth and familiarity one might reserve for an old friend as if their previous tensions had never occurred.
"Yes, it's great to see you as well, comrade Yegor..."
Tempest responded, his voice polite but his expression steadfastly emotionless and unreadable.
"I must say, it is an honor to meet you for the second time rather than the first. I can truly feel the aura you emanate, as blazing as the sun. It's an extraordinary privilege to encounter a vessel of Ra's power in my lifetime. I would wager that her majesty, the Tsaritsa herself would be thrilled to make your acquaintance."
Yegor said to Tempest, his voice rich with admiration and an air of flattery.
"I am honored, if she wants to meet me, she'll have to come to me herself. I hate the cold..."
Tempest replied, his tone cool yet polite, hinting at his preference for warmer climates.
"Haha, everyone feels that way at first, comrade, but once you meet her face to face, you'll experience the true presence of a graceful and formidable Archon. When you stand before her, Tempest, you'll find yourself compelled to kneel and-"
"Really now? Let me remind you, Yegor, I serve only two gods: one is my benefactor, and the other is the reason I am still breathing and standing, whom I have sworn to serve for life. The other six are mere strangers to me. You suggest I will kneel? You might find me a martyr before I ever bow to your god."
Tempest's voice was steely, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. His words clearly struck a nerve, as Yegor and his agents visibly bristled with offense.
"Careful now, Tempest Proudmoore. You may wield the power of the sun, but remember, Her Majesty commands servants whose abilities are beyond your comprehension. It would be unwise to underestimate the forces that stand with her."
Yegor's eyes gleamed with a mix of warning and challenge, making it clear that he held a deep respect for the Tsarista's might and influence.
'Send them all...'
Tempest thought to himself, the words almost escaping his throat. He considered challenging Yegor's warning, yet he remained silent, understanding that provoking a conflict between their nations was a risk far too great.
"Haha, let's just put this behind us, shall we, comrade?"
Yegor's expression shifted from one of offense to a mask of delight, his smile widening as if the earlier tension had never occurred.
"Indeed, let's get straight to the point, Yegor. What is it that you want?"
Tempest said, his tone steady and his gaze unwavering.
"What we seek is straightforward, comrade. We simply wish to obtain the Ghost Program. Your Father had agreed to our terms. Snezhnaya would supply House Proudmoore with exclusive resources found only in Snezhnaya. However, with his treachery now revealed, we regret making that arrangement with him. I implore you, as you are a hero to Fontaine, to allow me to offer you an even better deal."
Yegor said to Tempest, his tone smooth and persuasive.
"Really? I was under the impression that your dealings with my Father. Wasn't it the battery of indemnitium that we discussed? Did I mishear something back then?"
Tempest asked Yegor, his tone laced with suspicion and curiosity.
Yegor sighed before he spoke.
"That turned out to be a dud. It seems that indemnitium only works in Fontaine, where it is powered by the court. The moment it left Fontaine's borders, its lifespan began depleting rapidly."
"Right..."
Tempest replied not convinced if this indemnitium battery even existed in the first place.
"Now, let's get straight to the point. If you agree to give us the Ghost Program, we will not only supply House Proudmoore with resources unique to Snezhnaya, but we will also provide you with an array of advanced Snezhnayan ships. These ships are far superior, and we will even include the blueprints to build them. The power they offer is unparalleled, and with them, you could dominate the seas. Just sign this document, comrade, and both our nations will thrive together."
Yegor said, extending the document toward Tempest.
Tempest took the document from Yegor, his gaze scanning the document with a careful, analytical eye. After a moment of scrutiny, he turned back to Yegor, his expression remaining unreadable and devoid of any emotion.
"Do I look like I need your power?"
Tempest replied coldly. With a decisive motion, he activated his Pyro Delusion, setting the document ablaze. The papers quickly turned to ash, drifting away in a faint, smoky haze.
"You insolent blyat!"
Tempest's defiant action ignited Yegor's fury. With a swift motion, Yegor drew his sacrificial knife, signaling his agents to prepare for combat. Tempest's knights immediately unsheathed their swords, ready for battle. At the same time, Penance summoned a towering Hydro golem, its presence adding to the escalating tension in the gathering hall.
"Drop your weapons immediately! There will be no blood spilled on Alain's legacy!"
Denis shouted with authority, his voice echoing through the hall. As he spoke, the assault Mekas surrounding the room were activated, their sensors detecting the rising threat and preparing for potential conflict
"Yegor! The Duke has spoken, take your contingents and leave this Institute immediately! Or else!"
Denis commanded sternly. As he spoke, all the assault Mekas aimed their miniguns and extended their batons, their menacing forms poised to enforce the order. Yegor glanced around, seeing the intimidating array of weapons now trained on his group, and weighed his options.
"You will regret this, Tempest Proudmoore."
Yegor said, his voice laced with menace.
"Know that your actions here today will be remembered by Snezhnaya for a long time. This is far from over..."
With a final, scornful look, Yegor gestured for his agents to lower their weapons, signaling a grudging retreat.
"I think not... You can have this back."
Tempest said coldly, flicking the Cryo Delusion, once belonging to his Father, toward Yegor. The object spun through the air with precision, and Yegor caught it effortlessly, his eyes narrowing as he examined it.
"Hmph."
Yegor muttered to himself, his expression a mix of frustration and resentment. He and his contingent swiftly departed from the gathering hall.
"Uwahh... That was scary..."
Penance exhaled deeply as she placed her hands on her knees, the tension evident in her posture. The Hydro golem, sensing that the immediate threat had passed, dissolved back into the ambient Hydro energy. Meanwhile, the knights, having sheathed their swords, relaxed their stances as Yegor and his contingent exited the gathering hall. The atmosphere, once charged with imminent conflict, slowly returned to a tense calm.
"You alright?"
Tempest asked his sister, concern evident in his tone.
"Mhm... Just let me take a breather, brother."
Penance said, her voice tinged with relief. Tempest nodded in understanding and gently patted her head, offering a reassuring gesture.
"That was awesome, Your Grace. The way you burned that paper was nothing short of defiant.
Rohan said, admiration clear in his voice.
"Can agree. It was a bold move and showed your strength of character. Quite impressive, Your Grace."
Falric said, nodding his head with an approving smile.
"Hmph, we don't need allies from people known to backstab others."
"Indeed, Your Grace, this is precisely the outcome I anticipated. It's truly a pleasure to have you here at the Fontaine Research Institute."
Denis Papin said to Tempest as he approached his group, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Your presence has been invaluable, and I look forward to our continued collaboration."
"As do I, Director."
Tempest replied to him and accepted his handshake.
"Let's not waste any more time, Your Grace. Please, come with me. I'll show you the Ghost Program in detail. It's an impressive piece of technology, and I'm eager for you to see it firsthand.
Denis said, gesturing for Tempest and his group to follow him.
"Brother?"
Penance called out to Tempest.
"Yes? sister?"
"Can I go explore the Institute? I want to see those dancing Mekas again."
Penance asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Tempest paused for a moment, considering her request carefully. After a brief silence, he nodded, giving her his answer.
"Very well, change of plans."
Tempest announced, his tone decisive.
"Rohan, you'll accompany Penance. Make sure she stays safe and out of trouble. Falric, you and the knights inquire with the researchers about their current projects. See if any of their inventions could be of use to us in the desert, and if possible, request permission to borrow them."
With that, Tempest gave a nod of approval to Penance before turning his attention back to Denis.
"Is that allowed? Director?"
"Of course, Your Grace. Many of the researchers here are eager to make a name for themselves. They'll be more than happy to oblige and let you borrow some of their inventions."
Denis replied with a confident smile, pleased to accommodate Tempest's request. Tempest nodded in response, then turned back to his group.
"We'll meet back here, in two hours."
Tempest instructed, his tone firm. The group nodded in agreement before going their separate ways to carry out their tasks.
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As they walked through the labyrinthine halls of the Fontaine Research Institute, Denis glanced at Tempest, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and respect.
First and foremost, Your Grace, what is your current understanding of the Ghost Program?"
Denis inquired, his steps slowing slightly as they approached the room where the Ghost Program was kept, eager to gauge Tempest's knowledge before unveiling the Institute's prized innovation.
"From what I've gathered, the Ghost Program is considered the Institute's pinnacle achievement. It's a suit designed to render its wearer invisible to the human eye. The core technology behind it involves Primal Constructs, which are native to Sumeru. I interrogated a Ghost operative named Stone and learned that only those with exceptional mental fortitude can safely use the suit. The strain of becoming invisible can be quite taxing on the mind."
Tempest explained to Denis.
"Indeed, Your Grace."
Denis affirmed as he opened the door to the room housing the Ghost Program.
"Reverse engineering the Primal Constructs was no small feat. The technology is ancient and complex, but thanks to the relentless efforts of our top researchers, we've managed to create something truly remarkable."
Denis replied. Inside, the space was bustling with activity. Numerous researchers were engrossed in their work, surrounded by Primal Constructs in stasis along the walls. In the center of the room stood the centerpiece of their efforts, the Ghost suit.
"This is the last suit we have, Your Grace. Your Father took everything we had, but what he acquired was merely a prototype, far from complete. The suit still has numerous issues, and our supply of Primal Constructs has been significantly depleted. The Constructs currently in stasis have been inactive for quite some time."
Denis said as he led Tempest into the room.
"I suppose this is where I come in."
Tempest tells Denis, his eyes never leaving the Ghost suit.
"Yes, by your Father's actions, the Ghost Program rightfully belongs to you. However, to perfect it, we need something more substantial. In Sumeru, there exists a Warden-class Primal Construct known as the Algorithm of Semi-Intransient Matrix of Overseer Network, quite a mouthful, I know. This advanced Construct, identified by the Sumeru Akademiya, could be crucial for enhancing the Ghost Program."
Denis explained to Tempest, as he gave him a photograph of the massive Primal Construct.
"I see, so, you're asking me to retrieve this massive Primal Construct and bring it back to Fontaine?"
Tempest said, raising an eyebrow.
"Unfortunately yes, Your Grace, If possible, we would also appreciate it if you could retrieve some standard Primal Constructs along with the Warden-class one. They would greatly assist in our efforts to perfect the Ghost Program."
Denis replied with a sigh.
"Very well, now then, tell me, where do I find these Primal Constructs."
"They are relatively common in the ruins of Deshret's ancient civilization. However, locating the Warden-class Primal Construct will be more challenging. You may need to seek out the Eremites for assistance, as they are adept at navigating the vast desert and could prove invaluable in your search for this rare and powerful construct."
Denis explained.
"I see, now then, explain to me what are the weaknesses of the Ghost suit."
"I'm glad you asked, Your Grace."
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Denis guided Tempest to a vacant testing ground. As they approached, researchers carefully placed the Ghost suit down on one side, ensuring it was secure. Tempest's attention was drawn to the distance, where he noticed three steel boxes mounted on wheels, each equipped with a cannon on top. The sight piqued his curiosity.
"What are those?"
Tempest asked Denis.
"Ah, those contraptions are just Hatsume's latest eccentric inventions. She's undoubtedly brilliant, but she does have a few screws loose. Her innovative ideas are impressive, though they often defy conventional thinking."
Denis explained with a chuckle.
Suddenly, the hatch on top of one of the steel boxes popped open. A young woman with vibrant pink hair and goggles perched atop her forehead emerged. Her face was smudged with grime from her work, and an Electro Vision was fastened to her belt. On her back, she carried a small cannon of some sort. Upon spotting Denis and Tempest, her face lit up with excitement and recognition.
"Ah! It's the Duke!"
Hatsume exclaimed with delight. She quickly got out of the hatch and dashed towards Tempest and Denis, her excitement palpable.
"Hatsume! Reporting for duty! Your Grace! Would you like to see one of my babies in action?! You want to, don't you? Right? Right?!"