Disclaimer: English is not my first language. I'm using Grammarly to check the Grammar and using Word to write it.
The uniform that Henry is wearing is the Decisive-Battle Chaldea Uniform.
Describing clothes is hard, I don't think I would be able to do it without the wiki helping me.
Next chapter we get more servants and more action.
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"Weird, I could swear that there was still some beer left," Isaac rubbed his chin while looking at the open refrigerator.
I drank all of it after coming back home last night.
I was hoping to find something a little more strong but Dad was never much of a drinker anyway.
I even asked Morgan to make something stronger than beer.
She was not amused.
I also used the internet to refresh my memory and tell Morgan more about parahumans. I focused more on the capes from Brockton Bay.
"Put in the grocery list for later," Nora was putting a fried egg on toast. "Here you go Henry," Nora puts the plate in front of me on the dining table.
"Thanks, mom," I said.
Nora notices the wristband on my right wrist.
"What language is that?" Nora raised an eyebrow at the writing on the wristband.
"I think is Latin," I was hoping no one would notice.
Nora hummed, "What does it say?"
"Something about good health and fortune," I said. "I bought a while back in the Boardwalk."
I have no idea what's written on it, this isn't a language that humans can ever hope to understand.
This is the language of fairies.
Last night when I was changing clothes I saw that all my scars were back. Morgan theorizes that my body changed to match the current state of my soul.
My parents would freak out if they saw this, so I asked Morgan for a way to hide it.
She made this wristband that will hide the scars and command spells when I'm wearing it.
Nora nodded at what I said and started to wash the dirty plates that were on the sink.
Daisy was eating cereal in the living room while watching TV.
I glanced to see that she was watching some cartoon about chibi versions of the Protectorate.
Taking a bit of the toast, I thought of the next step to re-establish contact with Chaldea.
We need to find a ley line.
Making contact with another world will require high amounts of magical energy that a ley line can provide.
Morgan said that she felt one in the city, now they just need to find it.
"Look, it's New Wave!" Daisy said excitedly.
I jumped a little at Daisy's voice and turned to see what she was talking about.
Footage from last night's fight is being shown by the morning news.
"New Wave last night was confronted again by the empire but this time they received assistance from two unknown capes," a man said. "With their help, New Wave was able to defeat Fenja, Stormtiger, and seventeen members of the empire. They're currently in the custody of the PRT."
"The PRT is also asking for these new capes to enter contact with them immediately," the man said. "Now we will go to Tracy who is at the site of last night's fights. Tracy, how's the situation there?"
The image changed to the same reporter from yesterday.
The background showed the destroyed street from last night's fight and people leaving their homes as it isn't safe to stay there anymore.
There were also construction workers cleaning the rubble and fixing the street little by little.
"It's not good Ben, while there weren't any deaths in the fight, thankfully, the damage done to some buildings has injured some and left many more without a home," Tracy said.
"Is there any idea of when they will be able to return home?" Ben asked.
"Unfortunately no. There's a shortage of material and manpower to fix all the damage all the damage across the ci-"
"Hold on Tracy," Ben puts a finger on his ear. "I'm being informed that Oni Lee has been spotted near empire territory. Nothing has happened yet but it's advice to be careful as another confrontation might happen soon."
"That's enough of that," Isaac turns off the TV.
"I was watching that," Daisy whined.
Isaac turns to Daisy, "I'm going to drive you to school today, so don't take long to get ready."
Daisy grumbled a little while going to her room to change clothes.
"Speaking of school, we need to find out when they expect Henry to return," Nora said.
I groan loudly at that.
"Oh shush, it's not the end of the world," Nora said amused.
I hold back a snort.
"So listen, I'm going to go for a walk after I eat," I said.
"Why?" Issac raised an eyebrow.
"To stretch my legs a little, and get some fresh air," I shrugged my shoulders.
Nora and Isaac traded concerned glances.
"Don't worry, I'm going to the Boardwalk and stay there," I said, trying to reassure my parents.
Normally the boardwalk is a safe place to go but right now there isn't anywhere that's safe in the city.
"Return before gets dark and don't forget your phone," Isaac said sternly.
"Gotcha," giving thumps up to my dad.
"Oh, look at the time!" Nora looks at her wristwatch.
"Daisy, are you ready?" Isaac asked.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Daisy was putting on her school bag.
"See you later shrimp," I ruffled her head.
She batted away my hand and stuck her tongue out at me.
"I'm going later to the market," Nora grabbed her purse. "Is there anything you want?"
"A pepperoni pizza and some chocolate would be nice," I said.
She nodded and left with the rest of the family, leaving me alone.
But I'm not alone.
"So that's your family," Morgan materialized on a chair at the dinner table.
I nodded while putting my plate on the sink, "Do you want anything to eat or drink?"
"Is there any tea?" Morgan asked.
"Sorry, no one here drinks tea," Even if there was, it wouldn't be from a brand she likes.
"Shame," Morgan glanced at the TV."Is such occurrence common here?"
"The cape fight?" I asked.
"Yes, your parents didn't seem surprised about how more fights are expected to happen," Morgan said.
I sighed, "Cause that's the normal here. They will butts heads for a while, make claims of how strong they're, or any other nonsense. All the while not caring how many innocents are hurt in the process."
Morgan frowns, "Their actions are too bold, do they not fear reprise from the heroes?"
"Not really. They're outnumbered and without special circumstances, heroes don't kill here," I said.
"Having such leniency towards pests that only destroy is the height of foolishness," Morgan said coldly. "They should be crushed and be displayed as a warning for others that think they can act with impunity."
I kind of agree with her, maybe that way they would think twice before causing trouble.
The problem is that Morgan would have everyone put to death.
Including the heroes.
She would never tolerate their incompetence.
I better not even tell her how commonly they fail to stop the villain from escaping confinement.
"The Protectorate and PRT wouldn't agree with that," I said.
Morgan scoffed, "From what I see, they have no right to complain."
This isn't getting anywhere, let's change the topic.
"Besides the ley line, what else do you need?" I asked.
"Only the ley line is required," Morgan puts a jewel on the table.
It was a ruby the size of an orange, looking closer I could see a kaleidoscope of colors.
It was mesmerizing.
"What's this?" I asked.
"A mystic code that the wizard marshall gave us. It will work as an anchor for Chaldea to connect to this world," Morgan said.
He is going the extra mile to apologize, but I'm still going to punch him.
"Did you finish my uniform?" looking away from the ruby.
"It's in your room," Morgan said.
I nodded and went to my room, laying on the bed was a white uniform with gloves.
Grabbing both the uniform and cell phone I put all inside a school bag.
After that, I went back to Morgan.
"Aren't you going to change?" Morgan tilts her head.
"Not here, don't need the entire city to know where I live. Which direction are we going?" I went to the front door.
"North to Northwest from here," Morgan comes to my side.
Before opening the door I turned to Morgan.
"You need to switch to spiritual form," Morgan raised an eyebrow. "If anyone sees you leaving, we're going to get some very curious people around here," I explained.
It's going to be the Protectorate/PRT or the gangs that will come knocking on that door later if that happens.
She huffs in annoyance and switches to spiritual form.
She doesn't like to have to hide.
Better not keep her waiting then.
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Leaving the apartment I waited to be a few blocks away before finding the first empty alley to change clothes. Morgan materialized next to me and created a small bound field so no one could see me change clothes.
After changing I put the school bag on my back and left the alley with Morgan.
"There's something that puzzles me," Morgan ignored all the looks she was receiving.
"What?" I also ignored all the looks.
"What are the gang's ultimate goals," Morgan said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"This struggle has been going on for years, correct?" I nodded. "And yet no one of them seems close to conquering the city. Is that not what they wish for?" Morgan asked.
I honestly don't know.
I can't remember them ever saying anything like that.
"I guess that would be what they want in the end but taking over the city wo-" Morgan abruptly stops and snaps her head up.
I was startled at first and quickly did the same as her.
Looking up I saw a flying man wearing Greek armor approaching us quickly. Anyone who lives in Brockton Bay knows who he is.
That's Dauntless.
He lands a few meters away from us.
"Hey," Dauntless said.
I took a glance around us and saw some people move away, others were using their phones to record this.
Of course, someone was going to call the Protectorate.
With how Morgan and I are dressed, we scream 'cape'.
"It's okay, he's one of the good guys," I said quietly to Morgan.
Morgan narrows her eyes at him.
"Hey," let's make a good impression. "Wans't expecting to get a visit from a celebrity," I joked.
"I was passing by and decided to say hi," Dauntless shrugs his shoulder. "So what're you two doing here?" He asked casually.
"Taking a stroll," I said.
"A stroll," Dauntless said amused.
"It would be a shame to stay indoors on such a nice day," it's kinda cloudy today but still nice.
"You did pick a nice place for a stroll. There's a bakery around here that has a chocolate cake that you just have to try," Dauntless said.
"Oh, that does sound nice but right now I would prefer some hot chocolate. Unfortunately, everything here is so expensive," I lamented.
A cup of hot chocolate is almost thirty dollars here!
Dauntless nods, "That's true, the coffees here are good but I'm not paying thirty dollars for it. If it wasn't for a friend telling me about the bakery, I wouldn't buy the food here."
"You don't say," Great, now I'm getting hungry.
"It's a small place, easy to miss if you don't know about it, and they have better prices. I could give you the address if you would like," Dauntless said.
"I would appreciate that," I'm liking this guy. "Pleasantries aside, do you need something from us?"
"Not really, I was told to check on two unknown parahumans that were walking here. Didn't expect to be you guys." Dauntless said. "My boss on the other hand would like to speak with you two."
I don't want to do this right now, they're going to make a pitch for me to join the wards.
"Going to take a rain check on that, right now I'm kind busy," I'm finding that ley line today.
"Any way I can change your mind?" Dauntless asked.
"Sorry," I smile apologetically.
"All right then," Dauntless grabs a card from his pocket and offers it to me. "Here's the number you have to call to warn us when you're coming."
I grabbed the car and put it in my pocket.
Dauntless leans closer to us, "You two have to be careful," he lowered his voice so only Morgan and I would hear him. "The empire is going to come after you two hard," he said seriously.
I tensed, "Cause of Stormtiger and Fenja?" I also spoke in a lowered voice.
"Little bit about that but mostly is that they can't let newbies give them a bloody nose without retribution," Dauntless said.
They have to attack us or lose some face for letting rookies get one over them.
"New Wave was also there but we're the easier targets," I said grimly but was smiling on the inside.
They're going to have a nasty surprise.
"Exactly, so don't hesitate to call this number if you're in trouble. Don't want to see two new heroes die so young," Dauntless said sincerely.
I smiled at the gesture, it's easy to see why he's so popular.
"Got any other advice?" I asked.
Dauntless hummed in thought, "The ABB might take a shot at you two but right now I'd say that has a very low chance. They will most likely stand back and see how the both of you react to the empire."
"What about Coil?" I raised an eyebrow at him not being mentioned.
"Him?" Dauntless asked surprised.
What's with this reaction?
He has been a gang leader for years now.
"I'm not sure what he would do," Dauntless said after some thought. "Look, it should be fine as long as the two of you stay out of his territory," Dauntless shrugs his shoulders.
What the fuck, how do you have no idea what he might do!?
Alarm bells went off in my head, "Don't take this the wrong way but how the hell do you not know?" I asked in disbelief.
"Unlike the ABB and the Empire, Coil actions are difficult to track. And yes, we're keeping an eye on him but the other two cause too much trouble that that we have to focus more on them. Leaving Coil with less oversight," Dauntless sighed in frustration.
He's using the ABB and Empire as a smoke screen. Clever bastard.
I winced, "I'm sor-"
"It's fine, I know what this sounds like," Dauntless waved off my apology. He suddenly perk up his head, "Yes?"
The question wasn't directed at us. Seems like there's trouble somewhere.
"Understood, I'm on my way," Dauntless said. "I'm going to have to end this talk here but before I leave, Lady Photon said that you didn't have a cape name before. Do you have one now?" he asked curiously.
"Magus," I'm not wasting my time with this.
"Interesting name," He moved a little away from us. "It was nice meeting you two and enjoy your stroll," Dauntless said louder before flying away.
This meeting gave me a lot to think over but right now I have a more immediate concern.
"You okay? You stayed quiet the entire conversation," I asked Morgan concerned.
"I was trying to discern the origins of his spear and shield," Morgan tilts her head in thought.
"And?" I asked.
"They're embedded with some unknown energy that turned them into something akin to a mystic code. How curious," Morgan said.
"How strong would you say they're?" I asked seriously.
I know how strong mystic codes can be.
"Without a closer look I can't say for sure," Morgan said.
Looks like I'm going to have to make a list of things we need to check.
Now I'm wondering if tinkertech could hurt a servant's body.
"Let's pick up the pace, we already lost enough time," the next interruption might not go so well.
Morgan nodded and we started to walk faster.
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After an hour of walking, we have reached our destination.
The Boat Graveyard.
We're atop a building observing the dockworkers walking around the place, doing miscellanies activities.
"All right, let's do this quickly. Then we can find a more secluded place to set everything up," I said.
"It doesn't work like that, husband," Morgan shakes her head.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"The jewel has to be placed where the ley line is the strongest and it will become rooted to it when used," Morgan said.
I can feel a migraine coming.
"Fucking perfect, we have to hide the damm thing in a place where thousands of people work," I pinched my nose.
"We could kick them out," Morgan suggested.
"No, we can't," don't make this more complicated Morgan. "Hide us with an illusion and let's get this over with," one problem at a time.
Morgan casts an illusion that hides us from everyone and we jump down towards the Boat Graveyard.
Walking towards the warehouses we stop in front of one that seems to have been left unused for a while given how the door hinges groaned in protest when opened.
The air was humid on the inside and everything was covered in dust.
Morgan quickly creates a bound field that will make anyone who comes near the warehouse will ignore it.
"Disgusting," Morgan looked around with a frown.
"Yeah, times have not been kind to the Lord's Port," I said with a shrug. "How long is going to take?"
"It shouldn't take too much time," Morgan walked to the center of the warehouse with the ruby at hand.
I walked to a pair of old wooden crates and sat on them.
Morgan creates a magical circle on the ground and places the ruby in the center. She starts to chant an incantation that makes the circle glow brightly.
The ruby, glowing just as brightly, starts to levitate. Small wisps of light slowly connect with the magical circle, as if it was creating roots with the ley line.
Huh, so that's what she meant by rooted.
I cover my eyes when the light becomes too much. I don't know how long it has lasted but I opened my eyes when Morgan spoke.
"It's done," Morgan stepped away from the circle.
"No one saw that right? Cause it was very bright," that was one hell of a light show.
"I'm certain no one saw," Morgan said.
The ruby glowed once more and a screen manifested in front of it.
There was static on the screen for a moment before it was replaced with the image of a young woman with lilac hair and wearing glasses.
When she saw me, her face lit up with joy and relief.
"Senpai!" Mash said with happiness.