Fuck, I still have work left; I'm so fucking exhausted already. Is it all because of the treatment? It was fast, but man, does it leave me drained.
I complained internally as I watched the new researcher gather the notes compiled by everyone and gather them all in one singular stack.
"We've come up with 4 possible different ways to make a weapon to avoid causing the same side effects on the testers. " The researcher began his explanation by handing me the notes.
As soon as I took them, I skimmed and saw many
"We based the first idea on the way you describe the split demon within you." He explained as he turned to the second page of the notes.
"So as the user borrows the power of the weapon, he will be able to communicate with the demon; the consciousness shouldn't be able to interact on its own with the wielder."
"The intensity of the interaction, the duration, and the effect should all be dictated by the wielder; that way many of the problems we currently have should be fixed." He explained.
It makes sense; so long as the two of them remain separate, the user won't suffer from the demon trying to merge himself with the user.
"What about the soul?" I asked, as I saw no mention of it on any page of the large stack of papers.
"So far we haven't made much progress in that aspect; the best thing to avoid is basing it off animals, more specifically aggressive ones. " He answered.
One of them didn't seem to agree with that statement while the others simply nodded in silence.
"What about the other 3 methods? " I asked them as I turned to the next page.
"So, the second would see the artifact mirrors the soul of the user; by mirroring the user, it allows for a much more seamless merging. There should be no rejection, and it should allow for the user to be able to fully utilize the artifact at its highest potential."
How would you even mirror a soul? Do you have the slightest idea what you're asking me to do? Even if I asked the demon to do it for me, I doubt he would be able to.
"I can kind of see it… maybe. Is there something simpler?" I asked them.
It is a bit risky… because the constant exposure to demonic energy could bring the worst sides of you to the surface; no, it's most likely a guaranteed side effect.
"The third method could be by far the riskiest." The new hire added, before clearing his throat, and adjusted his tie.
Oh, is this yours? Let's hear it then.
"Definitely the most unethical; this might be allowed in testing, but I don't see this ever being sold. At most, it could be awarded to our own soldiers," he warned me with a somber look.
But I could smell the faint aroma of pure excitement leaking out of him.
"You're making me worry a little. What are you proposing? I asked him.
I hope it's nothing too dangerous.
"I would suggest possibly making it so that the weapon itself is empty; it is a vessel that can host any soul, and it's up to the wielder to find a suitable soul to store in the artifact," he proposed.
"That…"
It did sound incredibly outrageous.
I looked inside his notes and saw something equally outrageous; he wanted to look into the nature of demons, trying to see if a human soul would be capable of controlling a demonic body.
He wanted to explore what a human soul even is.
"I don't think we could do that."
"The reason I proposed this is to be able to solve the issue of the artifact's inability to grow; if instead of making an artifact, we make a pseudo-demon with the soul of a human, it might just be able to keep on growing." He pleaded to try and change my mind.
I think you're trying to solve the wrong problem here; as a matter of fact, the uncle doesn't want that problem to be fixed. He doesn't want to sell weapons that could grow stronger.
"This could go wrong in so many ways; we don't have enough knowledge on how demons actually exist. If we recklessly try to merge the two like this… we would need some really tight and advanced security measures and possibly constant surveillance on the wielder as well as some other tool to make sure nothing nefarious is happening under our eyes."
I don't even know if I can possibly allow this to take place.
"But this could answer many of our unanswered questions regarding your power and how demons work."
This guy… why are you pushing for something… Ah, I get it; you're not here to help me; you're trying to discover more about demons through me… However, I'm not here to prove your theories right or wrong; I just want to sell weapons, and this…
This looks like way too much trouble.
"Every tool for containment and surveillance could easily be handcrafted by you."
Stop. I already said no; don't make me repeat myself.
"No, that's not going to happen; we can't do something like this without warning the uncle."
"But sir."
"End of the discussion! The risks this experiment poses are way too high; if we do make an attempt, then we must get his permission first along with his full support." I slammed my foot on the ground, making the whole room tremble to intimidate that impertinent researcher.
Learn your fucking place; we're not here to serve you. You're here to develop my weapons! Any goals you had before were scrapped and thrown into the bin; if you still wanted to go in with your research, you should've proposed to my uncle instead of coming here.
"What was your last method you came up with?" I asked as I pointed at Mr. Shang.
He stepped forward and took his place to end the small presentation.
"Before I say something, I must say, I took a great amount of inspiration from the axe prototype. I don't think a weapon that tests you to see if you're worthy of wielding it is a bad idea." He explained as he began his speech.
"That's why my idea differed from the rest; I wanted to focus on the test part. If the user is strong enough, he could handle the weapon; the ability of the weapon, therefore, should be attached to the soul instead of the weapon, meaning the user must beat the ability to be able to use its full power."
"The only adjustment needed is a way to make sure the wielder can escape if it's too weak to be able to pass the test, a way to not kill as many people."
It's… very romantic… That's all I can say about it. I don't dislike it, but I doubt it'll make for a good product. If I spend money on it, I want to be able to use my new weapon; I don't give a damn about being worthy or not.
It reminded me of old fables, ones where the hero had to be tested by the gods and overcome impossible odds to prove himself worthy of a legendary weapon.
All of this talk is a bit… I mean… well… Maybe we should take a break; I think we've done more than enough. I probably need a couple of days off—
Suddenly the words of my uncle echoed back in my head.
No, I can't possibly postpone this, but… when was the last time I had proper sleep?
"Mhh, so since we don't have testers, we can start with something simple so that we ourselves can… I'll fix any problem that might occur; I have the perfect tool to heal you guys, so don't worry, even mental damage can be reversed."
This seemed to worry the other; I could tell they were growing anxious, but I pushed through before they could change their minds.
I crafted two tiny pencils using their methods, following the concepts they had in mind. The abilities of the weapon were simple; they left a glowing trail behind, completely harmless so that we could focus solely on the soul aspect.
The one with the test had me facing off a tiny kitten; as ferocious as it was, one kick was more than enough to pass the test.
As soon as the test was over, I found myself surrounded by the researchers.
"So how did it go?"
"How was the test?"
"How hard was it?"
"Can you now use the ability of the weapon?"
They all asked simultaneously.
I smiled in response as I raised the pen and showed off the pen by drawing a straight vertical line.
"Mhh, I may have forgotten about securing an escape route, but the test should be easy enough for everyone in the room to pass it if you have the stomach to do so." I said as I gently tossed the pencil to one of the researchers.
The researcher instinctively fled and got trapped in the test area; he turned completely stiff.
"Now that I think about it, you become pretty vulnerable during one of those tests; maybe we should do something about that." I commented.
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
One of them raised his hand.
"Wouldn't that make the weapon too heavy?" He asked.
"You're completely right, it totally would so… we'll think of a way once the time comes." I replied.
"Is he okay?" Mr. Shang asked as he tried to poke the stiff researcher.
"He should be…" I hesitantly replied.
"Shouldn't we intervene now?" Someone else asked.
"Nononono, he can do it; the test is super easy, it can barely harm you." I explained.
"What do you face up against during this so-called test?" Someone asked.
"You Monster!" The original screamed at me as he threw the pen at me.
The researcher had finally completed the test.
"Oh, you see, he's fine; there was no need to worry. I told—"
"How could you put a kitten in there?" He asked, still furious.
Everyone suddenly turned to me, disgust visible in their faces; some were just disappointed instead.
"I had to make it harmless." I said to justify myself.
"You could've put a fucking worm in there; why a kitten specifically?" The infuriated researcher didn't seem to accept my justification.
This guy… all the honorifics are out the window the moment you have to kick a kitten in the face. Can't believe this.
"It was just the first thing that came to my mind, and it was simple to beat, you—"
"I don't want to beat up kittens." He interrupted me, screaming.
"Ah, sorry then." I awkwardly as I tried to hand over the pen to another researcher.
All of them refused to take it and looked at me with disgust in their eyes.