It was a good week for Roland. He mostly resided in the library, sorting books other servants left wherever they pleased. But there weren't that many of them, so he spent most of his days in the quiet atmosphere.
And he found it enjoyable.
The books here were coherent and had a solid structure. Comparing them to the gibberish with periodical clearing of something remotely useful that he usually found in The Library… well, there was a world of difference.
Maybe quite literally.
Roland was sure that if Tiph ever got a hold of any physics books here, she would praise the heavens above and the day might just become a holiday for her. She had a habit of whining about books being a mess. And them just not being useful in the world with singularities, but those are minor details.
He himself was particularly taken by the fiction section. While not so numerous, as say history or religion, it had some solid stories.
As of right now he was reading "Do Androids dream of electric sheep?".Comfortably seated in an armchair, he felt at relative peace. Until, of course, something had to ruin it.
-Uncle Roland, uncle Roland!
A white haired comet appeared out of nowhere and occupied his shoulders.He tore his eyes away from the book and stood up, holding onto the legs that hung down.
-What is it, Jack? - a small smile found its way to his face.
-Let's go play? Pretty please? - the white haired teen hung her head to look into his eyes.
Green met Black.
The stare off was long and Roland, naturally weak against children, folded.
-Alright-alright. What do you want to do?
-Yay!- she made a backflip and landed in front of him, - let's go, let's go! Nursery is having a tea party! She called other ladies there as well.
Fixer could only sigh, begrudgingly. The first time he had met the supposed gruesome serial killer (and he had to look that particular bit up, because he simply couldn't believe it) was a day after his summoning. As he was about to head for the library, he stumbled upon Jack playing ball with Nursery Rhyme in the corridor. And while seeing kids in here felt somewhat surreal, he didn't pay it much mind.
Until Jack barged into the library and just started staring at him. For hours on end, because he honestly didn't know what to make of the situation.And when he finally had enough and asked what her deal was…
-You seem familiar, no that's not the word. Similar, yeah, you are similar, Mister. Like a feeling… I dunno how to describe it. But I think you are nice. Let's be friends?
Having spent his childhood in the backstreets and adulthood as a Fixer, Roland had never experienced brutal childish honesty.
Which made him nod his head, on reflex alone.
-Yaaay!-she took off and he didn't hear from her for the rest of the day.
He would come to regret(?) that decision as soon as the next day, when he was dragged into a tea party with Boudica and Medusa. But well… it was all water under the bridge now. Choices were made and well, it's not like he hated the child. She was noisy all right, demanding his constant attention but not a bad kid. A lot better than most children in the backstreets but then again, a world of difference.
And so he was led into a more spacious room where he was met with…
-I brought him!
The doll-like kid nodded, giving a small smile.This is the second time Roland had been dragged into the tea party and for the second time he couldn't help but note that the little servant was what he expected his and Angelica's child to be: small, with puffy cheeks, big eyes, white hair, black dress. First time he drew a comparison it took every bit of self-control to put down the ache in his heart.
Now though, he was more ready.
-Hello-hello, little miss, this humble servant is here on your summons,- he said in mock respect, bowing his head to hide a smile.
-Umu, umu. Take a seat, others should be here any minute, - and with an incredibly serious look the girl was off to make the last preparations near the table.
Jack was swinging her legs sitting on the chair, humming something to herself.
And Roland just decided to do some mental gymnastics, god knows (and he had just discovered the supposed existence of the guy, no less) that he'll need it. This can take quite a while and the topics are usually nothing interesting, so…
He was brought out of his musing by the click-clack of the heels somewhere in the hall.
WIth a *whoosh* the door opened and a pair of beauties entered the room.
One of them had fair blond hair and this air of… he really couldn't pin the feeling down. Holy, maybe? He wouldn't know, there was literally nothing holy in the City. Well, her wearing mostly white added to the feeling of that calmness and friendliness.
The other one though was an all too familiar sight. She had an identical face to the first one, but hers was tainted with a perpetual scowl and that fire he could see in a mirror on occasion. Before the Library. Or, well, in everyone's eyes in the Backstreets.
What reinforced the feeling was the black. She was wearing black armor - which almost looked like it was charred - accented by the ashen-pale hair. Like whatever good there was once is now burned. This was what he felt and hey, he saw a few people, and could be considered an OK judge of character.
-Sorry, everyone, we are a bit late. Someone was in a dour mood, so I had to persuade her. You did invite both of us.
Nursery lifted her eyes to them:
-It's nothing. We haven't waited for long. Please, take a seat, I'll serve you tea in a minute.
-Maybe I can help? - the blond haired twin (and he guessed she was a twin, they looked identical) offered a helping hand, but with an exchange of glances between Nursery and Jack, the latter suddenly appeared near the newcomer and led her to her seat.
…That was some impressive teamwork.
The other, grumpy twin (or so he called her) sat herself with a huff in the corner of the table next to him, her sister in the seat on her right.
Nursery brought the tea set on a tray and sat next to Jack. Leaving him the only one sitting on his side of the table. There was another chair next to him, though.
-Er, what about this seat? - he asked.
-Oh, Uncle Cu was supposed to sit there…
-But he, along with Master, had to go on a supply run.
-We invited her as well but, oh well.
-Nothing we can do about it then, - Fixer said and eyed the tray, channeling some of his butler voice, - shall we begin?
Having been given a go ahead in the form of "umu", he picked up the kettle and started pouring everyone a cup.
-I should have asked this first, but everyone's alright with the black tea? - he asked as he poured the third cup.
The grumpy twin wanted to say something, but was promptly shut down with an elbow to the ribs.
-Ouch, stop it wen… ouch! I said fu-mghhgfm!- the palm blocked her mouth and thus she spoke no more.
For the next second.
-Stop biting me, please. My endurance is at B. I can handle your bite strength.
The dark one was screaming "bloody murder" with her eyes but relented.
Roland could only watch this scene in bewildered amusement.
Not even Tiph could be this… reactive.
It was then that he felt a tug on his sleeve.
-Tea, please…-asked Jack.
-Ah, sure, sorry.
With tea served there was only one thing left to figure out.
-Okay, so you guys probably know each other, but I'm kind of new here, so let's introduce ourselves? Name is Roland, a Fixer, grade 9.
-Is that a lot? - asked Nursery.
-Oh, no, bottom of the barrel.
The dark twin found something in that statement funny and gave out an amused huff. He didn't pay it much mind.
-It's a pleasure to meet you, Roland! My name is Jeanne. This here is my…-she tried to find the right words…
-Twin sister? - he offered and could hardly contain his laughter when both looked at him like an average Joe at a colored Fixer.
Which is to say "what the fuck" and extremely uncomfortable with the idea. But then Jeanne's face changed to the one of joy and she affirmed his statement:
-Yes, she is my twin sister.
And you could find a not so small amount of agony in the eyes of the other at that sentence.
-Listen here you little sh…-a stern glance from a Colored Fixer and her Sister pulled the rug under her rage.
But it was not enough to extinguish it.
-You little pest, I'm not your sister! I'm a better version of you! The one that sows destruction and shows those pathetic clerics their rightful place in hell! The dragon witch - Jeanne D'arc of Avenger class!
-Is that what's called a better version in this day and age? Seems more like the definition from my time…
-You shut up, you useless merc! How come I haven't seen you around the halls these days?! It's been a week! What? Too weak and scared to go out and meet legends? - she put her arms on the table and tried to intimidate Roland.
He scratched his neck and then, almost apologetically asked:
-Who are you again? My summoning went kinda wrong and I didn't get any info on other servants.
That put a wrench in her tirade and allowed the blond version of her to get her doppelganger to sit down.
What's important to note is that the little ones of the group were just chatting among themselves, letting the grown-ups sort out their grown-up business. To them it all seemed plain weird.
-I see, that's quite unfortunate. May I presume you were in the library to study, then?
-Yeah, sort of. My last workplace was a library as well, actually- a mocking chuckle, guess from whom - so I just feel the most comfortable there.
-Oh, then do you have a kind of higher education?
-No, no. It just happened, I guess.
-To be honest, I'm not very good with studying…
Roland nodded. He could relate. Most of what Yesod said just flew over his head.
-Yeah, people in the Library where I used to work were often a few heads higher than me when it came to knowledge. I was just a mailman of sorts, delivering their books to them.
His ears might be acting up, but he could swear he heard: "yeah, right, a bloke like you definitely wouldn't get sh…"
-Well, it's an important job as well, isn't it? If all the books are just piled up, it's rather hard to sort through.
-Maybe you're right. I did get along well with almost everyone because of it.
-Almost?
-There was this… coworker of mine, in charge of the philosophy section. Threw cryptic bull here and there, refusing to elaborate. Was an all around stick in the mud. It pains me to admit, but her advice did help. But there was also this super rigid dude, all fanatical. We didn't speak much, he was in charge of the floor of religion. He just shoo'ed me away after I got the books delivered.
That got both of Jeannes interested.
-Really? Was he a believer of that pathetic immortal up above? - was a snark question from the Jalter.
-Oh, no. To sum up, there was this friend of his called A, around two lives ago, - he decided not to bother with the quizzical looks from everyone at the table, - who had a very ambitious and equally crazy plan. He was a firm believer that A got everything covered and that my boss at the time shouldn't have stood in the way of said plan.
-Wow, sounds like a good-for-nothing nutjob.
-I know right? Hokma did have some good points…-he thought about it for a second, did he really? And should he really defend the enabler of Angela's suffering? - On second thought, I'd rather keep silent.
A smirk from an Alter and a furrowed brown from the real thing.
It was then that Jeanne pointed out a very interesting part:
-You said Hokma. Roland, was he in a way related to a Cabalic religion?
-I… wouldn't know actually. In my time, religion the way it's here is long lost. Maybe there is a text about them here and there, but no one believes in anything in the City. Or well, they join a cult. There are a dime a dozen of those. Most are just corporations who want your money though.
-Wait, the voice of the Lord is lost? His teachings, his virtues? All of it? - asked Jeanne beyond disheartened, while her doppel laughed hysterically. That must have made her day.
-And what is religion to you Jeanne? - he asked very carefully, maybe that would give him an idea where to lead this converation.
-I was a Saint.
Instead, it put in perspective just how big of a hole he dug himself into.
Shit, he was never good with this "comfort people" thing. Maybe switching to some other topic would work?
-You probably shouldn't think about it too much. Time passes. And considering most of the records about what has been are somewhere in A. corp or hell, right beneath the Head's ass, it might have just been intentional. So, em, don't feel too bad about it.
Judging by the look Jeanne was giving him, he did not at all succeed at lifting her mood. But she seemed to have noticed his efforts in moving from the harmful topic, so she just nodded, solemnly.
Oh, and if you are asking why it was harmful, the Doppel Jeanne had a very good hyena impression, it literally made your ears hurt. So Nursery bonked her with a book. Hard.
He could have sworn she lost consciousness for a second there. Before her laughter turned into an angry howl.
-Hey! Why'd you hit me you sh!- this time it wasn't just an elbow that hit Jalter, it was a fist.
And when the avenger turned around, she realized one very important thing.
While the original was a saint, it didn't mean that she didn't have bouts of righteous fury.And god help you if those were directed at you.
With a force unbefitting her small frame, Ruler dragged her dark counterpart into the chair, and forced the teacup into her hand with a piercing look and a saccharine smile.Jalter didn't find it in herself to object.
-Sorry for my outburst, earlier, Roland. This really isn't a place for a chat like that,- she eyed the kids, who weren't very perturbed by the earlier display, - what is important is that I keep my faith in the Lord. I believe that his teachings will always find way to reach a human's heart, one way or another.
-A..-he really was at a loss for words. Her dedication dwarfed Hokma's while also appearing more sane, - Commendable conviction, - he even started speaking weirdly!
-Thank you. Now, how about we speak on lighter topics. How's your time in Chaldea been, Roland?
-It's… nice I guess? Certainly doesn't lack colorful characters. Books here are also rather interesting.
-You know how to read?
-Mean to say you don't?- he squashed the desire to tease the saint. Memories of making fun of Angela because of her lack of knowledge came to mind. Now those were funny. It wouldn't quite work as intendent as well. Jeanne seemed like someone who had experience with the world. And, well, he didn't want to dig himself further.
-Well…-she looked down, slightly embarrassed.
-The summoning, for whatever freaking reason, found it unnecessary to provide us with a way to read or write. So we have to learn everything ourselves, - answered her counterpart for her.
-Huh, that sounds inconvenient.
-You wouldn't say…-voiced her discontent Doppel.
-As of late, I've been making some progress in written French and English. It feels rewarding to finally start writing something.
-You know, from the way you talk, many would think that you are some kind of noble lady,-he said ponting his cup at her.
-No, I was just a farm girl, who took up arms to protect her country.
Roland really didn't know what to say to that. The meaning of the word "patriotism" was long lost. And there is a real fat chance you'll find anyone in the City fighting for anyone other than themselves. Unless they were brainwashed in some way. Jeanne seemed to have picked up on that part herself.
-Ah, you do come from a place where no countries exist. Then, my resolve might come off as silly to you.
-No, no. The meaning of "loyalty" is not lost just yet, so in a way, I can understand.By the way, how'd you know? I mean, I told a bunch of things about my era, but you almost sound too sure.
-Oh, you may not know. My class is called "Ruler" I'm usually summoned in a very special holy grail war, - Roland made a mental note to figure out the hell that was supposed to be, - and one of my class skills allows me to see the legend of a heroic spirit, their stats and skills. I'm sorry to have done so without your consent, - she bowed her head.
Roland made a conscious effort to hide nervousness from his body language.
-And what have you seen?
-...your wife. And you. How you work, what you've done for a living. A very strange Library. It's all very blurry. The last part especially so.
Jalter gave her original a sideway glance. She smelled lies. Or more like omission. The girl would never lie even if her life depended on it.
Roland wasn't as sharp. Maybe it was Jeanne's Charisma C at work. A small sigh of relief escaped his lips, barely noticeable.
-I promise not to disclose anything, though. The stories of the heroic spirits are usually laid with peril, and I swore not to speak of them as long as it's not required for the mission.
-That's very noble of you… ah right, you are a saint. Makes sense.
-Ha-ha, I…
-Alright, grown-ups, stop talking grown-up stuff, let's go play!- said Jacky, with Nursery vehemently nodding her little head.
Jalter grunted and rolled her eyes. Roland and Jeanne smiled awkwardly.
-Alright, what do you want to play?
With that, playtime began.
********
The next time Fixer came across Jeanne she was all alone, brooding in the corner of the canteen.
That happened two days after the tea party, so he did some research into Cabalah, Holy grail war, Jeanne and her evil twin - Jalter. The part where Jeanne wasn't supposed to have an evil twin but still had, was kinda confusing, but he powered through. He also did some research on this thing called Christianity. Certainly one of the books he was going to…
Anyway, the depictions of Christ made him think about this one abnormality on Hokma's floor.
-Hey Jeanne.
-Oh, Roland. What brings you here?- she said as she was stabbing her food with a fork, not even touching it.
-Well, first of all, stop torturing the poor lasagna, it didn't deserve it. If you continue, I'm going to sick that archer-dimwit on you. And second, well, you looked lost. Penny for your thoughts? -Roland decided to try his hand in this thing called empathy. The era was just right as well - you won't have your head cleaved in half if you decide to dig into someone's thoughts.
-Well, - she sighed, - I've been thinking about what you had said the other day. About the teachings being lost, people becoming faithless. What I've seen from your history doesn't fill me with confidence either. It's just… frustrating to see the words of God lost and how the human soul turned out without His grace.
-Listen, I'm, - he needed to tread carefully here, she seemed like a genuinely nice person, and he'd rather not be on bad terms with her, just because… they are rare where he is from, - a person far removed from religion. In my time, most of it is hogwash seeking money, not salvation. Covering misdeeds and downright atrocious stuff behind the veil of piety. And I did research, the religion in the modern era can be much the same,- he interrupted her, as she took in the air to speak - not all of it, I know. You are proof enough, trust me. If someone told me that you ever existed while I still lived in the City, I'd call bullshit.
Jeanne had trouble deciding between chiding him for his language or blushing from a sincere compliment.
-But, I also have proof, that some part of your religion lasted until my day and age.
She tilted her head quizzically, some vigor slipping into her frame.
-This, - he pulled a piece of paper out of his inner pocket, - is a drawing. Now it's nothing fancy. But a little bit of context is needed to understand what this is.
In the picture, there was a skull in the middle of a cross, a crown of thorns on top of it. And she'd consider it a mockery of her religion if it didn't look… somewhat compelling?
-This right here is an abnormality, a human's psyche given form through some… questionable means.
-Wait, so maybe there was a believer…
-No, no. I wasn't there, and was never really given a detailed explanation, but basically, it has something to do with collective unconsciousness, - he then added under his breath, - who creates words like that…
-So wait, that means…
-That whatever it is your faith lies in, it's not all lost. It still lives inside people in some kind of shape or form. In the City, benevolence is a hard thing to come by, buried under all the hate, as people blind themselves to the suffering of the other.
Jeanne hesitated a little.
-And were you one such person?-she asks, voice small. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to know the answer.
Partially, because she already knew it and didn't want it confirmed.
Roland drummed on the table, his hands now in his gloves. It suddenly turned eerily silent.
-Yes…I was, - he admitted, but then added, - but I'd like to think that I've changed, - and then he looked her dead in the eye.
-After all, I forgave the one person who took my paradise.
He then leaned on the chair, gaze distant.
-And I had never felt so free. And lost.
It was now Jeanne's turn to find words. After all, Jeanne, after all, was of firm belief that everyone can be redeemed.
It doesn't help much with choosing what to say, however. Fortunately, she didn't need to.
-But I don't regret it.
Roland regained his focus. There was a backbone to his words. Not melancholy, but solemn acceptance.
He did the right thing for once, even if it was hard to swallow down his woes.
Relief washed over her.
-I'm glad,-she said, a smile blooming on her face, - it's not easy to let go of things we love, to forgive the slights life sends our way. But forgiveness is truly a divine gift. Which we all can share.
Roland grinned and stood up.
-I'll take it from a saint who burned at a stake without hating anyone, - he then shook his head, - No, seriously, how did you do it? I mean, I would have cursed them into oblivion.
-Well… - she allowed herself a small smirk, - let's say it's a trade secret.
-Ah, I knew it! You were one of those all along! - he cried in mock shock.
-Now prepare your money, sinner, it's time you've paid for god's forgiveness, -she played along, her smirk turning playful.
Silence reigned.
-Now that was a bit too realistic.
She couldn't hold it anymore and laughed. Roland couldn't help himself as well.
********
Roland's interactions with Jeanne didn't end there, however. During the slower hours of the day, somewhere from 3 to 6 pm, he got a visit from her. Or, well, a version of her.
Alter strode into the library like she owned the place. Her gaze sliding off the books, not stopping on anything in particular. Until she looked into the Religion section, her eyes stopping on the Bible, like she instinctively knew where her most hated book was.
But it didn't linger there for long. She moved to face Roland, who was sitting comfortably in a chair, one leg on the other, laid back and relaxed. He was having a time (and he couldn't quite call it a good one because of the theme of the book) reading "The Count of Monte Cristo". As he was flipping the page, he heard a very distinct klack of shoes. Something was telling him someone wanted to have a chat. And that it probably won't be a very pleasant one.
-So this is the place where a rat holes himself in…-she then glared at him, daring to bite back.
And Roland wouldn't be a child from the backstreets if he didn't.
-Hm? Didn't hear you squeal from there. Your voice was rather small. We are all mice here, after all, - he gave her a sideways glance, while clearing his ear with a pinky finger.
But, surprisingly, Jalter wasn't so easy to rile up. Rather, she seemed pleased with him humoring her. Maybe it was the presence of the real deal that made her act childish?
-Come now, is it a way to meet a saint?
He looked around.
-See no saints around here…
-Right, because you see a mirror.
The book closed abruptly and she now had Roland's undivided attention.
-Now that's better.
-A mirror? The hell are you spouting?
She ignored his question, leaning on the chair with her left hand, her head turned to the shelves.
-You know, it really doesn't take a genius to see when someone tries to avoid people. Just take that she-snake for example. Doesn't spent more than 15 minutes in the cafeteria, - she bent her thumb, - stuck in the library all day, - index thinger, - doesn't talk much with anyone at all, - middle finger, - keeps away from the large groups, refuses invitations for the most part, - ring finger, - and… you know what? That's enough to make a point isn't it?
-And what about it? Some are just antisocial. Others have someone they dislike prowling these halls.
-But you have neither of those. As far as I know, you are the only one from your era. No one to remind you of the past scars or get on your nerves, so what keeps you away? Better yet, unlike others, you are a good conversationalist. Well, good enough to get the foot out of your mouth, -came what could be considered a compliment from the Alter.
-It's very interesting and all, but firstly, you are not the picture of a social butterfly either and secondly, where are you going with this?
-It's very easy to see an experienced killer and a guy with vendetta, when you are of Avenger class. It's in the name, after all.
Despite her expectations, Roland didn't flinch. There was no indication that this surprised him. Rather, it made him seem more… assured.
-It would've been a good guess a year or so ago, but now you're quite off the mark.
-Nope, you are lying. You crave violence. I can see it in your eyes. You are like me in that, you want to see the world burn, and get some kicks out of the process.
-Oh, I want to see the City burn alright…
-See!
-But for all the reasons I hate it, I won't be getting any "kicks" out of it. Nor do I want people's suffering, - Roland's voice held that certain venom only Argalia got to experience.
-Well, now you just sound like that good-for-nothing whore.
-I'm no saint, no one in the City is, but while I hate a lot of things, I learned to direct it. Actually, you sound like your average syndicate member right now. Talks of world domination with a lot of violence on the way.
His disdain was well-concealed. Slight twitch in the brow, hands growing a bit stiffer and body, a bit more still. Like he was reading himself for an attack.
Jalter noticed it. Easily. It was second-nature to her. People hating her was nothing new, after all. However, she didn't, couldn't understand his position.
-You can't just forget the slights life threw at you!
-And what slighted you, oh Dragon Witch? Shouldn't you, technically, not exist? What did this despicable world do to you? What did it take from you? - there was a clear ridicule in his tone.
To Jalte's credit, there was not a moment of hesitation before she answered. She spoke as if this was the most obvious thing ever.
-It didn't need to take anything. I hate this world for all there is to hate. For people, for its workings, for that despicable, worthless heavenly dweller, which everyone adores so much. And I want nothing more than to see it ravaged by war. See the foundations of belief crumble and be the one to do it.
-Then you had never had anything worth living for. Never attained anything to save your poor black heart,-tension left Roland's voice gradually. There was no understanding to be found here and so, he wouldn't bother.
-And maybe it's a good thing. I can see in front of me a person who had lost it. A sorry picture, to be sure.
-And all I see is hate personified. Aimless and directionless. Born out of spite and that had known nothing beyond it. You are me, alright, but from a few years ago.
The quiet was long, tension palatable.
-But you are right, if only in one thing - I really should have been more active. Talk to people, get to know them. Old work habits speaking, I guess, - Fixer stood up, book disappearing into the blackness of his gloves.
-And where are you going?
-Socializing, of course. And I'd recommend the same. Honestly, you keep going at this rate, and a worthless existence is all but guaranteed,- he said, a condescending lilt to his voice.
He stepped out of the library, silence following in his wake.
*******
-They said it was around here, - said the Fixer, as the door slid open.
-Er, hello? Anyone here?
Roland peeked inside to see a well furnished room, with the kind of "creative chaos" Netzach would be familiar with (the man himself would call it "sorting books"). An occasional mystic code lying around, schematics drawn, sometimes, not even on paper but on furniture. A canvas with a picture of… something. And then there was a window (he was pretty sure it was supposed to be facing inside the mountain…) which invited the light in.
Overall, a pretty classy place.
-Ah, Roland! Give me a moment, just need to give this a few finishing touches,-came from beyond one of the cupboards.
Well, nothing better to do, but wait.
This whole place reminded him of some of the Ateliers and Workshops in the City.They too were sometimes classy, sometimes messy. And considering most of Angelica's weapons were made by some of the most prominent Maesters[1] in the City, he was a regular in a way. The memories echoed with dull ache, but he wasn't given time to dwell on them, as Da Vinci finally entered the stage.
-Okay, so I've done some research and came to a conclusion that… this doesn't make any sense! - she said, excitement in her tone apparent.
-Oookay. I guess this wasn't supposed to happen?
-Yes! I'm a genius! There isn't anything that I'm unable to crack. But this! Just marvelous! Makes my blood boil, to be honest.
Roland wearily snatched his mask out of her hands and stepped back a bit.
-It doesn't run on mystery, on physics, chemistry or any quantum mechanics. Nothing! Ha-ha-ha! - she started cackling like a madman and Roland took it as his que to leave.
-As soon as you return from the Singularity, I'd like to take another look at it! Do you perhaps have spares? I'd like to dissect it!
At that moment, Roland felt a shudder run down his spine. It wasn't him being dissected, but he sure as hell felt like it was a threat to him.
-Yeah, no? Maybe? Anyway, been good to see ya. Bye!
He left without looking back.
******
As Roland sat at the briefing, he couldn't help but feel…
Lost and really bored.
-Insignificant to magecraft… I see, the Doctor is…
See what he was talking about? Maybe he should still try though?
-To me it's just a place that said I put codes in my paintings…
Yeah, no. He'll just roll with this.
-There are deep-rooted legends of outlaws who would rebel against anything in that nation.
Now that was right up his alley.
-But this singularity will be very dangerous, so I'd like you to proceed really carefully.
-I got'cha doc! - said Ritsuka, an optimistic smile on her face.
Roland couldn't get her at times. The entire humanity's survival was at stake. Granted, he couldn't even picture the numbers involved, but still, he guessed your average Joe would fold under the responsibility pretty quickly. Her not showing a sign of that was… it earned his respect, at least.
Or she was just crazy, for which, he couldn't blame her really.
-Hey, black mask, you're not sleeping under it are you? - came from next to him.
Roland turned his head to see Cu smirking at him.
-Supply runs notwithstanding, this is supposed to be your first big singularity, yeah?
-Right. I'm quite nervous about unfamiliar terrain. Vegetation and all that is rather new to me. I'm better suited for urban settings.
-Well, we don't always have an opportunity to choose our battles, do we? - this time it came from behind him.
It was an archer with unkempt black hair and a friendly face. He instilled this sense of reliability in others.
-Guess you are right.
-It's gonna be alright, uncle Roland! - this came from Jack, who has already found a perch on Arash's neck.
-Indeed, Roland. I had to wage battles in unknown territory more than once. You can count on my leadership in a tactical sense and in my blade in combat, - this came from the gluttonous saber, also known as Arturia.
-I'm in a reserve team, but I will be down there with you should something go wrong, - and this was from Jeanne.
-Your Doppel isn't coming? -Roland decided not to humor the megalomaniac any more, and their interactions died right after he left the library. Good riddance.
-No, she refused to come. She was rather... upset as of late, might you know the reason?
From where Romani was seated, you could hear "as if she isn't upset all the time", which earned him a slap from Da Vinci.
-No idea.
-Alright field gang, and reserve gang (minus Boudica). You all heard the brief. We are going to Murica! The land of guns and freedom.
The freedom part was interesting, but it was at the "gun" part that Roland realized that he completely forgot to read up on guns of this era.
-Can you fill me in on guns of this time on our way? It kinda slipped my mind.
You know, it was hella embarrassing to admit it in front of everyone.
-Wait, don't you, like, use guns, - they left the room, and everyone, with varying degrees of attention, listened in on their conversation.
-Yeah, but in the City… well, the short version is - two mags of your average rifle is gonna cost you as much as the rifle. Which is a lot, and I mean, you can probably augment your whole body with it and then have some left over.
-So wait, no one uses guns?
-Corps do. Coloured Fixers do. Regular fixers if they have a buttload of money do. They are effective because most people don't know how to handle a bullet flying at them. And those who know, still have problems with it.
-Means they have some decent armor, right?-came from Arash.
-Well, with our technomagik, - Roland chose this word specifically not to confuse people with the singularity stuff, - you can weave an armor that can tank bullets, no sweat. Sometimes it's made out of humans though.
THAT made everyone come to a stop.
Jack was looking at everyone weird and emotions in the room ranged from confused to horror.
-Probably shouldn't have said that. Sorry.
-You know, maybe it's your world we need to save, not this one, - came from Ritsuka, some genuine concern in her voice.
-This is this, and that is that. There is time and place for everything, Boss. So don't worry about it just now. Back on track please,we are wasting daylight.
Master took a moment to gather her thoughts after that revelation.
-Well, guns are guns. They make loud booms, and people die. Sometimes they make silent booms, people still die.
-You guys have suppressors here?
-You don't?
-One of the rules. Guns must always be heard. No suppressors. Punishment - death. Guns must always be made with the permission of the Head. Workshops can't make weapons without a special permit from A. Corp.
-So, the Head.
-Right in one. The more the caliber, the shorter the barrel must be. Unless you are a very good workshop. And there cannot be a weapon capable of piercing through the buildings and steel. [2]
-Okay, so, those last ones are nil and void. We have Tanks, those can level a building like it's nothing.
-And aviation, - came from Mash.
-And that.
-Anti-material rifles also exist. They are produced to pierce through steel. There is also artillery. Hope this helped, Roland-san.
-Guess I have more reading to do… And thanks Mash.
With a *woosh* the door to the room opened, and Ritsuka went to her coffin while the rest reconnected with Boudica, who gave them the supplies to last a few days.
As the last preparations were being made, Roland whispered to Cu:
-Who the hell came up with the name "Coffin"?
-No idea. I find it morbid as well.
-Unsummon Program, start.
Spiriton Conversion, start.
Rayshifting starting in 3, 2, 1…
Light enveloped Roland, and the next thing he knew, he was already in the forest.
-Senpai, reporting, we have successfully rayshifted into the singularity. We are in the forest, somewhere in America. Year is 1783. Or to be more precise on the continent of North America.
As Mash was giving Ritsuka a history lesson, Roland matrealized his weapons and started rechecking them. It wouldn't be nice to be caught with his pants down.
Suddenly the transmitter came to life and Roland had a bad feeling settle in his gut.
-I know you've just rayshifted down there, Fujimaru-kun, but we've registered a big battle ahead of you!
Oh yeah, they were off to a great start.
Just his luck…
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IMPORTANT.
Weapons:
Roland, has very average stats, all things considered. He has skill going for him, but you shouldn't forget his equipment. While not all of it has a singularity applied to it (I imagine it costs a small fortune), I'll make an assumption that some do. This is to make the fights a bit more tactical on Roland's side and explain how certain things work. For example, how Mook Workshop allows him to do a Judgment cut.
Some of these are based on the in game ailments and bonuses you gain after using said cards. (Although "restore light" and "draw card" ones are not included for obvious reasons)
Zelkova Workshop ---
Ranga Workshop - Singularity: intervenes with the regeneration of the target, while also applying bleed.
Old Boys Workshop---
Allas Workshop (official [3]) Singularity - increases movement speed of the holder 5x.
Mook Workshop - can cut through space in a very limited range, provides momentarily speed boost 4x.
Atelier Logic - Being summoned as a heroic spirit just granted them enough power to actually compete with different servants' improved durability. Also, their base power was already very good because Atelier Logic is one of the high-end ateliers that have the usual restrictions lifted from them (can read that on wiki as well). They can can creat weapons that bite through steel. So it being improved through summoning is an icing on the cake.
Durandal - when damage is done, strengthens the user. Superior slashing capabilities are included.
Crystal Atelier - boosts the users speed 2x.
Wheels Industry - can change the weight of the sword at will. (Normal weight - 100 kg, up weight - 100 tons) (so one moment he can swing it easily, another it's a plane going down on you. Good luck surviving)