Near the entrance of the SIGIL research department division, the Crucible, a messy-haired scientist gazed upon the black-suited young man with intrigue. His eyeglasses shifted with his brows as he stepped forward and introduced himself to the newest visitor.
"You must be Damien of Block 7. I am Doctor Creed, a director of the Crucible." The two of them shook hands, though Damien felt the tight grip of the seemingly ordinary researcher. Creed's lips curved into a smile as he continued. "I have heard of you, the third member."
"Your identity as an Aberrant boasting intelligence has always been a fascinating mystery for those within the research department. Sadly, the SIGIL Command was tight-lipped about your circumstance."
Creed shook his head as if it were an unfortunate thing. However, Damien felt relieved since he didn't want several scientists to start experimenting on him. No one wanted to be a test subject, not even someone as calm as him.
'But the director of Crucible... It appears that they hold me in a high regard.' He didn't know if it was related to his boss, Miss Alastair, or his identity as an Aberrant. Perhaps, it could be both of them.
"Thank you for your time, Doctor Creed. SIGIL has sent me to choose an Armament from the Crucible." Although the doctor might have already been aware of his reasons for entering the research department, there was no harm in giving a reminder.
"Of course, of course... Miss Francine has already told me about your purpose." Creed chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. He led the black-suited young man into the Crucible, the second-most protected facility within the SIGIL Headquarters.
Damien observed the interiors of the research department, watching researchers and inventors build technology that was far more advanced than the machines outside. Some of which even utilized exotic matter such as Aether.
It was an amusing sight, but it also bolstered his expectations for the Armaments stored within the division. Along the way, Creed expounded about the research department division of SIGIL.
"Of the SIGIL Divisions, the Crucible was amongst the first ones that were established by the organization. Our duty is not that different from Jaegers. We must construct and invent technologies that would save humanity from extinction."
"With the introduction of Aether as an exotic variable, what was once thought to be impossible became reality. Even Jaegers weren't that different from the fictional heroes of the Old World."
"Unfortunately, while inventing new technology is hard. Making these technologies viable for humanity is much more difficult. No matter how bright the inventors within this facility are."
"They wouldn't be able to compare against the combined might of humanity. But not all was bad news for the research department. One of our inventions managed to become a vital part of humanity's hunters."
"Armament." Damien interrupted, prompting Creed to grin. The doctor could remember the times when they first developed the technology. Since then, Armament Technology has become the cornerstone of Crucible.
"That's right... I'll be leading you to its creator." The two of them continued walking through the complex hallway of the research department, passing through scientists who gazed upon him like pirates discovering a nearby treasure chest.
It didn't take long for the two to arrive outside the office where the Armaments dwelled. Creed stepped forward and slid his card to the identifier, triggering the metallic door to open. The doctor entered the office while the black-suited young man trailed from behind.
"Doctor Krieger, the newest member of Block 7, has arrived. I believe that Miss Francine has already notified you of his arrival." Creed stated while looking around the office. It didn't take long for his gaze to land on his colleague.
Krieger was a beauty attired in the usual lab coat, tinkering with an Armament and consumed by the intricacies within it. However, hearing Creed's remark about Block 7, she was interrupted from her focus.
She returned various scientific utensils to their usual place and glanced at the visitors in front of her. Her eyebrows rose when her eyes landed on the newest member of Block 7, the Aberrant, Damien.
Her lips curved into a predatory smile as she stood up from her chair and walked towards them. "Doctor Creed, I have already been notified. Thank you for delivering him to my office." She stood before them, her hands within her pockets.
Creed, noticing the behavior of his colleague, could only give a complicated smile before tapping the shoulder of Damien. "I will be taking my leave. I hope that the two of you will get along."
With that, the director of the research department division left the office. Only the two of them were left behind, sparking an eerie silence that consumed the atmosphere of the room. Coughing to herself, Krieger stepped forward and shook his hands.
"As per the words of Doctor Creed, I am Krieger of the Crucible. I have already been informed by the higher-ups and Francine about your procurement of an Armament." She uttered and continued as she leaned on the chair.
"You must be the one who brought in those aetheric weapons, am I correct?" Krieger questioned while folding her arms. Damien nodded in agreement and explained. "Those aetheric weapons belong to a mercenary group."
"But I don't believe that they own those weapons. If a mercenary group could maintain such an arsenal, they would have long broken off from the federation." He didn't hide his suspicions regarding the origin of those aetheric weapons.
Krieger pondered for a moment and gave a subtle nod. "The aetheric weapons you recovered from Manhattan were much more advanced than the official ones available in the records of the federation."
"The only ones capable of producing such sophisticated technology would be the corporations of CORE." Even within CORE, a strict hierarchy was maintained between corporations and conglomerates.
She could only count three possible conglomerates and corporations capable of creating such an aetheric weapon. It wasn't too strong, but it could be mass-produced. It would give normal humans the ability to fight back against the Aberrants.
But she also understood the danger of the technology. It was probably created to instill conflict between SIGIL and the Federation of North America. Nevertheless, it wasn't her problem, so she returned her attention to the Aberrant in front of her.
"Only five Armaments are currently available. Are you okay with that? You could return later and have a wide array of options." Krieger asked the young man before her. Damien thought for a moment before shaking his head.
"My expectations aren't too high, Doctor Krieger. I merely wanted a long-range weapon that could handle adversaries from afar. I hope that an Armament could provide this requirement." He didn't want to be unarmed while commanding his summoned monsters.
"Long-ranged Armament, huh?" Krieger placed her pale finger beneath her chin and thought about it for a couple of seconds. The current array of Armaments was close-ranged, but there was an experimental weapon that could fit what he wanted.
After nodding to herself, she responded while shaking her head. "I don't have a long-range Armament available, but there is an experimental weapon I am currently developing." Her lips curved into a smirk.
"What about it? Are you interested?"