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Lanel Recreational Center. Emerith District. Melbury City. Melbury State. Central Republic.
01:20 PM. Filloni 30, 2025.
Once Agent Arisa Montessori Romanov and I returned to the crime scene where my Father was murdered, the first thing I did was head to the Scene Commander to resolve something I promised Sariel when we were back in the Interrogation Room at the Morian Police Station about 15-20 minutes ago.
—Commander Roger–
I locate him immediately. This heavily built 40-year-old man—dressed in his typical blue uniform, a pistol holstered on his right hip, and a silver star placed on his right chest with the emblem of the Emerith District Police Station, the station in charge of incidents in this area—upon seeing me, quickly heads toward me and makes a slight 15-degree bow.
—Detective Montenegro, welcome back –He says, his tone formal and respectful–
—Have you found more evidence regarding the murder of my Father, Officer Leon Montenegro Solís? –I ask the Commander. After finishing my question, I am surprised for a moment that, upon saying this, I do not feel the deep and severe sadness I should. After all, I, Salieri Montenegro Neiruk, am his only daughter. I should be suffering from grief. However, now, though I am sad, I am not at the level of what I was about to feel this morning when I saw my Father's body… I suppose I am applying his teachings well, those about leaving the emotional state for when the work is finished. Furthermore, I suppose that man, Sariel, also helps my state of mind quite a bit–
—Commander Roger lets out a sigh of disappointment and shakes his head upon hearing my question– No, Detective. Aside from the bloodstains, the bullet casings, the remains of some advanced weaponry, the bodies of the two officers who were the first to arrive at the crime scene, and their heads turned into grotesque lamps, there is nothing else. It's as if the killer simply vanished into thin air, because we didn't even find fingerprints on the heads. Simply claw marks–
—I understand –I nod my head. It is understandable. The demon that killed my Father early this morning was supposedly eliminated by sunlight, after my Father and Sariel had severely damaged it. It's obvious they weren't going to find anything about it. After all, no one would truly believe a demon is my Father's killer. Even to me, it still sounds like nonsense– So there is nothing else, right?–
—The Commander does not respond; he simply looks away for a few seconds, toward the bushes behind the basketball court.– The only thing left for us to analyze is that strange greatsword we found near the basketball court, but due to your instructions to cordone off the area around it and not let anyone else near, the forensics team hasn't been able to do anything–
—I nod my head. I regret having to limit them, but it is necessary. Sariel said it would be dangerous due to the "demonic miasma"– Have you found any proof that the unknown subject from before was the killer? –I ask. I already know Sariel was not the killer, so I have to find a way to release him without having to resort to "Sariel is a divine being of billions of years whose powers were blocked to 99.9%, so clearly he couldn't kill my Father. Thus, you must release him now or otherwise face the consequences from the Montenegro Family." No one would believe me, and furthermore, it would be considered a threat and nepotism by using my superpowered family. I am respectful of the law. I am not going to waste nearly 5 years of extremely exhausting work over an impulse–
—Negative, Detective –Commander Roger shakes his head again– Aside from that person being the only one at the crime scene, having traces of Officer Montenegro's blood, and his prints on one of the weapons found, there is nothing else indicating that young man was the killer –He explains, his face marked by doubt. This is because Sariel, to them, was clearly the true killer. I don't blame them. If anyone saw the same thing, they would doubt too. I did. And were it not for the hour we spent together in the interrogation room back at the Morian District Station, I would still believe he was the killer– The weapons were not fired at Officer Montenegro, but at someone else whose identity we do not know –Commander Roger adds– The blood was the result of having been near Officer Montenegro close to his death. And finally, aside from saying nothing when we tried to question him about the situation, nothing indicates the unknown subject was that killer–
Upon hearing him, I cannot help but sigh with relief. Fortunately, there are still possibilities for Sariel to go free without so many bureaucratic or legal complications. Regarding firing at someone else, we can plead self-defense. Fortunately, aside from the officers murdered by savage and ritualistic methods, there are no others involved, and since the security cameras were destroyed by the demon itself before the battle it had against my Father and Sariel, there is no way he can be implicated either. In the case of my Father's blood, we will say he tried to help him—which, in fact, is not false, as there are records of an Emergency call made by him. And about not talking, well, isn't the situation obvious?: Psychological trauma. A simple plea, yet powerful and effective.
—Good. I need the entire forensics team here to gather all the obtained evidence and send it to the City's forensics laboratory. Afterward, once the analyses are done, they must send the results to the Morian District Police Station and to the Prosecutor of the State of Melbury –With this, I will be able to get him out of prison–
While it is true that I could easily, as I just did with that greatsword, turn to the National Prosecutor, Colette Lafayette, to have him released without going through the System as a favor from our Founding Family to another, I won't do it. First, I have already bothered her too much today, and second, I am not one to automatically use powerful contacts to skip the legal system. Furthermore, if I do that, rumors are likely to spread that could harm both of us, something I could not tolerate. Because of that, it is better to be safe than sorry.
So, I'm sorry, my little Sariel. Although I would like to release you right now so you could come help me, or simply because I would like your presence alone, I cannot do it. I will not sacrifice years of fierce struggle for you—a still unknown subject whom I've known for barely three hours at most. Let the legal system of this country do its thing, heh, heh.
—Understood, Detective Montenegro –Commander Roger tells me–
After exchanging a few more words with him and parting ways, I gesture to Agent Montessori, who was nearby, to head directly toward where the sword was—that strange and fantastical-looking greatsword found a few hours ago near the bushes on one of the basketball courts.
—Hmm…–
Now, both of us are standing in front of the weapon, separated by the security tapes I ordered to be placed earlier to prevent the demonic essence from infecting others (yes, it is unbelievable that I am saying this). This is because I have no idea what to do to begin moving this weapon and take it to Agent Montessori's contact. Yes, I have the Lightener stored in its briefcase, which I am holding in my right hand. According to this device, it allows one to carry extremely heavy things, but I don't really know how that thing works, as it was created for laborers and construction workers. So, I look at Agent Montessori, the one who should know about this.
—Sariel told me this weapon could be dangerous –I say, after turning my gaze back to the greatsword with hints of an Eastern video game weapon design, while recalling his serious gaze when speaking to me about the potential danger of this greatsword. At the same time, I leave the briefcase with the Lightener on the ground, as it weighs quite a bit– Its wielder, according to him and what he told me during the part where he was fighting alongside my Father, was a demon named Lumen, described as a being with an antique lantern for a head. In addition to that, he also mentioned that it could be infected by his demonic essence –As I said before, it is unbelievable that I am saying this. They seem like such foolish things for a pragmatic and science-minded woman like me–
—Don't worry, Detective. I will help you –She tells me while puffing out her chest, which seems to grow larger despite being under that jacket, with pride and pointing to herself with her index finger– As I told Sariel, I am a Fuchsgenheit. Our race of golden-furred foxes, aside from being able to see the past, also specializes in the use of White Magic. We cannot use Divine Power because we, and in general all existing Surnaturel, were once creations of Chaos Incarnate, until, of course, we detached ourselves from it. Even so, since Divine Power comes from the Creator Goddess Astel herself, who would represent Order, naturally, we the Surnaturel are incapable of using it –Fuch what? Divine Power? Chaos Incarnate? Seriously, the things these people come up with. However, the most surprising thing about all this is not what they tell me, but that I am no longer as surprised as the first time– Case contrary to you, humans, who were created by her and possess this capacity –After that, she directs her gaze toward the weapon– However, even though we cannot use that Primordial Energy, we can use this White Magic, a subtype of Mana, that other Primordial Energy, at a level where it looks like we truly use the "power of the Gods." Not as much as the Kryshal, those yellow-furred cats who are specialists in this, but those of us from the fox races hold our own well–
—And in other words…? –I ask. A lot of talking to not really answer me anything, heh, heh. It sounds more like an explanation of the lore from some story. However, the fact that she is occasionally glancing sideways both ways, as if she were looking for something or someone, causes her narration to not be understood very well. What could she be looking for? And why do I feel as if someone were watching us with suspicion, like someone looking at another person who is breaking absolute rules?–
Agent Montessori, after looking back at me and sighing—probably because she knew I was thinking that what she told me still seemed like fantasy—says nothing more. She simply brings her hand toward her right pocket with her gaze fixed upon it, searching for something inside.
—Here –She says–
Finally, she extends her palm toward me and opens it, revealing an item. Just as she wanted, I take it, and then I hold it between my fingers, feeling its weight. It is a circular pendant, a polished gold medal with an edge engraved with intricate filigree that resembles ancient vines. In the center, against a background of milky white mother-of-pearl, stands out the golden relief of a fox's face; its eyes are outlined with a hypnotic precision and its expression is serene, almost watchful. The silver chain is thin but resistant, cold to the touch.
—And this? –I ask, while I inspect both sides of the medal. Behind it, there were some letters written in a strange language that read "Protegat te Magnus Vulpes Quindecim Caudarum ab omni malo daemonico."–
—It is a protection necklace. It is blessed by a Great Fox Sage, as those who have 15 full tails are called. Out of all the members among all the existing fox races, there are only 25 with this title, so take good care of it, all right? –She tells me with a smile– And as for its effect, well, it will allow you to resist a demonic essence up to Demon Emperor Rank, which on the Demonic scale would be at Level 14 out of 18 total. Higher than most existing demons in this world.–
—How is it that you're giving me something so precious? –I mean, I still don't believe all of this, even when I also practically listened to the story of how this planet, Astel, was created (yes, my world has the same name as the Goddess we worship) from Sariel's lips, as well as its fall 67,025 years ago due to a rain of atomic bombs caused by an Artificial Intelligence named Irisviel, destroying the ancient galactic metropolis (yes, I still don't believe that). However, that doesn't stop me from feeling that this is very important, and something that many would probably kill to obtain– Besides, how did you get something like this?–
—I have my tricks –Agent Montessori winks at me playfully. Clearly, she is not going to tell me anything– And don't worry. I have two others. It doesn't affect me to give you one–
—I understand… –I say, while I place the necklace around my neck. And upon doing so, even though the medallion and the chains feel cold, I feel a strange warmth and safety. A safety similar to when I put on a Military-grade bulletproof vest– Thank you–
—You're welcome –The Agent responds, while she walks toward the weapon, passing the security tape–
—By the way, won't you need it? –I ask, worried about her. I don't see her having another one–
—Nop. My white magic protects me constantly from this type of evil energies –She responds. And I can only say… Are we seriously having this type of conversation? Salieri, did you forget that we are a pragmatic and science-minded woman?–
—And the Antiquarian we are taking it to? Will nothing happen to her either? If it turns out that what Sariel said was true, that person could also be in trouble –Someone help. I am getting too deep into these kinds of topics. Could it be because I like fantasy fiction so much that a part of me is excited that the fantastical is actually real?–
—Don't worry about her, Detective –Arisa then sketches an amused smile while she begins to walk– Her race, whose specialization is Black Magic, naturally has immunity to this type of evil energies. Not even the strongest curses affect that foolish black-furred cat, hee, hee–
Seeing that Agent Montessori was already in front of the sword, I take the briefcase and decide to also enter the cordoned-off area, with a certain nervousness. As I have been saying for a while, I still don't completely believe in these things, even when I listened to everything Sariel told me during our interrogation that lasted an hour. However, in his case, even when he told me many fantastical stories, I did not detect a single lie in him. As a Detective, I have that ability developed through many cases.
However, for some reason, everything that comes from that man makes me believe it is possible. Not only because of the fact of not being able to detect any lie in him, but also because of a deeper and stranger feeling that I cannot explain or describe.
Even so, as I like to say, "it is better to be prepared." Prevention is the foundation for not having to suffer losses in the future.
—Are you ready, Detective?–
After walking slowly, scanning my surroundings to ensure I didn't actually catch anything dangerous, I reach Agent Montessori's side. There, both of us look at that same imposing weapon—a greatsword of massive proportions driven insolently into the grass, made of what appears to be dark metal capable of absorbing sunlight, with electric violet runes that seem ready to vibrate and light up from hilt to tip at any moment. Although it remains inert, it feels as if it were looking straight ahead, as if its runes were analyzing whoever approached it.
—Go ahead –I nod my head at Agent Montessori's question.–
—Right. Let's take out the Lightener–
I nod again and leave the briefcase I was holding on the ground. Then, I squat down, place one knee on the ground, and bring my hands toward the item, opening it and revealing its inner contents.
Inside, resting on a perfectly molded black foam, lie two gloves that look like they were taken straight out of a science fiction movie. They are not made of leather or fabric; they are made of a gray composite metallic material, with segmented plates covering each finger and the back of the hand, extending to protect a good part of the forearm. In addition, it also has two cores: blue crystals embedded in the center of each palm and smaller ones distributed across the knuckles and wrist, all powered down, but which will surely glow with a constant blue light once turned on. At the same time, the gloves also possess black cables that serpent from the crystals toward the joints, as if pumping energy.
—Wow. Agent Montessori didn't lie when she said they were gloves –I murmur, while I admire the item which, at first glance, looks very expensive. How much did this cost my Father? Did he buy it with his own money or with the station's money? Furthermore, what did he buy it for? According to the Agent, it was to help carry heavy supplies that arrived at the Station, but who is going to believe something like that?–
—Before putting them on, the gloves need to detect skin. For that very reason, you must take off the gloves you are wearing right now –The Agent indicates to me, looking toward the black gloves that perfectly cover both of my hands–
—Ugh. Thank goodness my affliction that prevents me from touching men doesn't work on objects even if they are masculine; otherwise, I'd have a lot of trouble, heh, heh –I joke in a low voice, amused by this situation. Can you imagine if I started to feel nauseous or feel small electric shocks just from touching the gloves, just like it happens with men or male animals? And what if this same thing happened with the gloves? It would be funny, but at the same time, it would take away the fun of testing these gloves myself. Even if I'm afraid of the sword, discovering something new always passioanates me–
Doing as Agent Montessori said, with my right hand I remove the special black glove from my left, and then, using the other, I take off the second one. After that, I fold them tightly together until they form a thin rectangle, and finally, I store them in the right pocket of my suit.
For now, they will stay there until I need them again. I still don't know the gender of the antiquarian, but from what I could gather from Agent Montessori's words, it is very likely she is a woman. If this is so, it won't be necessary to use them, since my affliction only applies to men, but not to women or females. However, as I usually say, it is better to be prepared. That's why I put on a new pair, because the previous ones I had, though they looked good, had a millimetric tear.
Fortunately, I didn't touch Sariel at any moment. I wouldn't want him to experience the same symptoms as me.
—Done. What's next? –I ask, once I've taken off the gloves, leaving my bare hands to the air. I must admit I feel strange doing this in public. At home I never use them since I live alone in a small apartment near the National Police Headquarters back in Centralia, the Capital. I only put them on when I am outside, because I have to interact with society.–
—Now…–
The Agent then leans toward the ground, takes one of the gloves—the right one—with both hands, and then extends it toward me, with the opening where the hand is inserted facing my way.
—It's time to put them on–
I nod. Despite the nervousness, as I said, I like discovering new things, so I extend my hand toward this item to insert it into its opening… (yes, I already know how that sounds, heh, heh). The Agent, in front of me, helps me slip them on properly, moving it to ensure it fits perfectly, but also using gentle movements to avoid hurting me (something that isn't necessary; I am capable of defeating S-Rank bodyguards in a few moves, you know?).
Finally, once I put the first one on, a sound—a "whoop," one of those that is sometimes used in movies when charging a laser weapon—is heard, lasting two seconds. And then, the crystals softly power up with an electric blue light. Along with them, the lines that looked like circuits begin to pump electrical energy, or whatever this was, from the core, covering the entire right glove.
After about five seconds, an electric blue light, similar to what projectors would emit, extends upward from the core. Finally, the top part of this light spreads out to the sides and upward, forming a perfect rectangle the size of a 5-inch screen.
After blinking for a few seconds, a typical futuristic animation appears, with large circles wrapped in neon lines shrinking until they disappear. And once that happens, an interface deploys—an information panel where a battery with a number next to it (100%) can be seen in the upper right, the time (01:05 PM) and the date below it (Filloni 30, 2025) in the upper left, and a large number zero in the center along with "kg," which is the abbreviation for kilos, beside it. Finally, a flashing sign that reads «No load detected» appears beneath the zero in red letters with black relief, over a red rectangle.
—Wow…–
Normally not many things impress me, as I have been living in Centralia. Unlike the rest of the states that make up this country, which are more "historical," the Capital, Centralia, is considered the most advanced not only in the country, but in the world. Even its architecture is, so to speak, futuristic. Tall, pointed buildings or extravagant designs surrounded by neons, floating screens, drones flying over at every moment, trains attached beneath rails that rise more than a kilometer from the ground, and even the occasional prototype of a flying car. At the same time, this is combined with real nature on both buildings and streets, preventing the city from looking like a "concrete jungle."
Because of this very reason, seeing technology no longer catches my attention much. However, I must say that these gloves are very impressive. This is because, just as Sariel said, I hadn't seen them before, since I am not one to be in environments where construction workers labor. I am a Detective in the Homicides Unit of the National Police, which is a completely different environment.
—Let's continue with the next one –Agent Montessori tells me, while showing me the second glove.–
I nod and extend my hand toward the left glove. Again, with her help, it fits perfectly on me. And with both of them on, to my surprise, it wasn't how I imagined it; I didn't feel them as annoying. My hand wasn't trapped in cold, restrictive metal, but in something padded, probably foam or something softer.
And, just as happened with the other glove, this one also goes through the same processes. But unlike the previous one, the second did not deploy a virtual interface. However, an animation appeared on the screen of the other one, interrupting the previous content. Here, a circle made a turn and then transformed into a green checkmark, with a sign that read "Left Connection" secured. After that, it disappeared and the previous panel returned. In other words, it seems the right glove is the "Master," the central Core.
—What now? –I ask, with these bionic gloves already equipped on my hands–
The Agent directs her gaze toward the weapon that remains buried in some bushes. Afterward, she stands up and moves toward it, stopping just a few scant centimeters away.
—Now –She points to the hilt– Place your right hand on this first –Afterward, she points toward the metallic spine of the blade– Once it moves enough, lean down to be able to hold the blade with your left hand. Make sure to grip the surface, but not the sides, as you could cut yourself on its edge–
Once I nod my head, I stand up and get moving. First, I place my right hand on the hilt, wrapping my fingers firmly around it. And once it is completely surrounded, I see how the neon lights of the glove holding the hilt—previously dim—light up with force. At the same time, the sign from before had changed from the previous one to a new one with a green background and green letters with black relief, which read "Load Found."
Seeing that a connection had been established with something tangible, I exert force to be able to move it. And with this, the previously large number zero begins to change, showing different numbers. They weren't short jumps, but large ones. 25 kg, 70, 150, 200, 500, and finally, when it passed one ton, the "kg" changed to "tn," along with short numbers with decimals: 1.05, 1.10, 2.2. However, the "kg" was not completely replaced, as above it appeared another section where the amount in kg was still fully displayed, even in decimals.
—Does it really weigh this much? –I ask, stunned, seeing that it had already passed 3 tons and kept rising– How is this possible? Could this thing be damaged?–
Finally, when the gauge indicated 4.09 tons, something happened. The sword, which had seemed immutable to all attempts, moved a bit. Not enough to pull it out, but enough to encourage me to continue. So, that's what I did. I kept putting in my effort and applying more force to my hands.
And then, upon reaching 9.9 tons, something happened. The sword, which previously seemed immovable, finally broke through from the ground upward, and once it reached 10 tons, I finally managed to move this extremely heavy thing. Fortunately, it wasn't all at once, as the gloves apparently exerted staggered pressure, so I didn't end up losing control.
Even so, it wasn't all smooth sailing, because I began to feel the weight in the hand I was using. I didn't feel all those tons (it's not like I'm a mass of muscles and therefore have super-strength; my figure is athletic but without visible muscle), but I was able to feel as if I were carrying about 10 kilos in the hand holding the weapon.
—Now, Detective –Agent Montessori indicates, seeing that I had already raised the weapon a meter– Use the other one to stabilize the weight–
Without saying more, I bring my hand toward the spine of the weapon. The glove, as had happened with its partner, goes from being dimly lit to glowing with force once I hold the weapon with my left hand.
However, I feel something different. Instead of feeling that my right hand was carrying 10 kilos, I felt how it had decreased to half, 5 kilos. Furthermore, on the interface of the right glove, the single gauge had been displaced to the right to give way to a new one, which belonged to the left, also showing how it changed gradually. In the end, both settled at exactly 5 tons. There weren't even any variations on the gauge that showed the kilos.
In short, the sword weighed 10 tons, but each glove distributed 5. And in the case of my hands, I was left feeling as if both were carrying the relative equivalent of 5 kilos. A manageable weight compared to this weapon, which would probably weigh the same as a bus.
—Good, it's all set. Now we can go to my contact's antique shop –Arisa responds, turning around to grab the Lightener's briefcase–
—Well… –I say, walking behind her as well, while I carry the sword with both hands as if I were carrying a table, since I was holding it from both corners. And yes, I was able to walk. I couldn't see where I was going since the weapon blocked my feet, but at least I could move. And even more so thanks to Arisa's help, who guided me all the way to the nearby parking lot–
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______________ >> Parking Lot >> ______________
—Hmm, Agent Arisa…–
—What's the matter, Detective?–
—I think there's a problem–
—And what is it?–
Fortunately, the parking lot where I left my truck wasn't that far, so I didn't have to walk much. Mind you, I had to brace myself for the glares of the forensics team and police officers who were nearby. Looks of complete surprise upon seeing the weapon that "could not be moved," being moved, transported, and above all, removed from the crime scene. They had already shown surprise upon seeing the Lightener, as they probably didn't know of its existence either (except for the forensics and the uniformed officers from the Morian Station), so this surely surprised them greatly.
I just hope they don't detain me for it, believing it to be an illegal removal, heh, heh~. I have already requested the necessary permits and signed the paperwork, so don't worry~. I am a Detective. I wouldn't do anything illegal…
—Hmm…–
However, upon reaching my black utility police truck, I realized something. Something extremely important that no one could overlook. How the hell were we going to carry this?
—Agent Montessori, you know, this thing surely weighs as much as a bus. My truck is strong, but it's not like it can carry something this heavy either. If I attempt to put it in, the suspension is going to get destroyed –I begin to report the problem– And furthermore, as I told you before when I went to look for you so Sariel could see you, I care a lot about my truck, as it is the fruit of my effort when I bought it at 18 years old when I was just starting in the National Police back in Centralia. I have no desire to see it destroyed after caring for it with such dedication–
Agent Montessori lets out a small chuckle of amusement after listening to me. Afterward, she nods her head while walking to my right side and directs her gaze toward this specific glove.
—Don't worry, Detective. ZeriX Military Factory foresaw that something like this would happen, which is why it added a special function to its programming and design when creating the Lightener for laborers–
After saying this, she brings her hand toward the interface, slides three fingers across it—as if she were taking a screenshot on a cell phone—which opens a second panel. Among those choices, there is a box that reads «Special Options».
—First, the weight you feel right now is more of a somatic effect than something true. You are not actually carrying anything. The ones doing the actual carrying are the gloves themselves –Agent Montessori explains– Second, these gloves do not have a single battery. They have two, and one providing the necessary electrical energy, and another to manipulate heavy objects and make them light –Her finger points toward the domes, those crystals in the center of the back of the glove– These cores you see are loaded with a Primordial Energy called Aura, another of the 5 Primordial Energies. Aura is the energy that comes from the body of whoever wields it. When an Aura User activates it, their body becomes enveloped in it, allowing them to perform activities that for a normal body could be dangerous or fatal. For example, they could jump from a 100-story building without breaking their legs, carry way beyond what they normally could, strike with a colossal force, etc. These cores you see here are in charge of processing the Aura coming from the second battery, and once processed, it is distributed from the cores, through these lines you can see here, toward the fingers and palms. And once everything is perfectly distributed and something to carry is detected, the glove goes injecting the sufficient amount of Aura until achieving the necessary range to be able to lift this object –Agent Montessori looks back at me– Furthermore, remember I told you it is the gloves that actually carry it? Well, this is because one of Aura's characteristics is that it can absorb the weight of what it is holding, eliminating it for others. So, if you were to put the sword on your truck right now, nothing would happen, as the gloves have absorbed its weight, momentarily eliminating the weight of it –Then, a smile sketches across her face– And in fact, Aura not only absorbs, but also allows using the very force of what it is absorbing. For example, if a boulder is carried, and it weighs about 5 tons, after absorbing this property, it can transform into a strike of the same impact as the weight. And yes, the gloves can do this. However, for safety, this conversion option has been locked and configured to absorb properties temporarily, with a time range established by the battery itself–
—So, basically, while carrying this greatsword with these gloves, others could carry it too? –I ask, after analyzing the part where it temporarily eliminates the properties–
—That's right. And in fact, right now I could lift it –Agent Montessori responds– However, once you cease to exert pressure, meaning, touching the object, it will return to its original weight. This is also a safety measure–
—I nod my head, understanding– But wait, what do you mean by the weight being somatic? I felt 5 kilos in each hand. Aren't they real?–
—It's an effect of the gloves. It makes the wielder believe they feel this amount to prevent them from getting ahead of themselves when carrying it. For example, if they feel no weight at all, they might easily drop it from one moment to another, or fling it at someone else, which would end in a catastrophe –She responds–
—Oh… It's understandable–
—However, despite all this, the gloves are not independent of needing a person. As I told you, the gloves need to detect someone wearing them to be able to turn on, and they also need to detect that something is being held to be able to activate correctly –She keeps speaking– Furthermore, since ZMF knew that some heavy materials had to be transported from point A to point B, and the person doing the carrying couldn't always be in the same position or transport it by themselves, it developed a new function to prevent transport vehicles from being affected when being hauled. They performed a Core update, where they placed the option for that weight absorption to remain active even if it doesn't detect someone wearing them. But of course, two operators are needed for this. One to activate the option, and another to keep holding the object, because if they let go ahead of time, the separation cannot be carried out.–
Then, the Agent turns her finger back to the interface, where the box to activate the «Special Options» was still located. Here are several other choices, among them—where her finger points—the «Automatic Mode».
—Are you ready, Detective? –Agent Montessori asks, while hovering her finger a centimeter away from that box, ready to press it–
—I nod my head– Ready. Go ahead–
—Good. Hold the weapon firmly and correctly, make sure your fingers firmly wrap around the hilt and properly grip the spine of the sword. Do not let go until I tell you.–
I do so. I firmly grip both parts, and then I nod again. With that signal, Agent Montessori activates the option. Then, something happens on the virtual interface. A second battery appears next to the previous one, but this time with a darker blue, along with a gauge indicating 100%. Beneath the numbers that marked 5 Tons, a new legend could be seen reading "Automatic Mode Activated," and further below it, "Time Remaining: 500 minutes."
—Good. Do not let go yet, Detective. Begin to place the sword into the truck, but this time, let the gloves be on top and the sword be on the bottom. This will make the Aura detect the surface where it is going to be placed. The gloves have an extra function called "Surface Detection," which consists of mapping a certain area that will subsequently serve as an anchor point, preventing the gloves from deactivating as long as they remain within this area. This helps a lot if, for example, there are potholes on the road and the sword moves a bit. The gloves will hold firm in their grip and won't deactivate –She indicates, while opening the trunk of my vehicle– Once the gloves settle on the surface of your truck, you can withdraw your fingers. You will feel how something loosens around your fingers, on the part where you are holding. This is normal, as it allows you to pull your hand out without getting stuck. The rest is simply taking them off and that's it–
I nod again. Afterward, I gently move the weapon toward the trunk of my truck. Fortunately, the sword measures approximately one meter in height—not as large as a classic greatsword, but not that small either. The trunk of my truck measures one meter twenty in length, so it fits well. Even so, I had to exert extra effort to place it, since I even had to get inside; because if I simply slid it in as if it were lumber, I would end up letting go, and while I could simply just do it because supposedly the Automatic Mode was already activated, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Fortunately, Agent Montessori helped me in the process, since it apparently was true that as long as I held it, it would weigh nothing to others. She even got into the trunk with me.
In the end, with nervousness, I rested the spine of the sword upon the surface of the trunk, and I let go after the Agent indicated to me. Fortunately, nothing bad happened. Upon letting go, the suspensions were not shattered, nor was the truck itself. There was no sign of it being affected either.
—Ufff. That was difficult –I say, sighing with relief after that arduous work. I even had to wipe the sweat from my forehead and clean the dust from my clothes, as I had to crawl inside due to the space limits of my trunk–
—Taking it out will be easier –The woman in front of me tells me, who was also wiping away her sweat from the effort– You can simply lift it with either hand as if it were a pencil and place it on the ground to be able to hold it properly, since, as I told you, for anyone else the weight does not exist, because the gloves are the ones doing all the work. Normally, a one-minute margin of maneuver is also given after the gloves stop detecting the designated surface, so there is no risk of the absorbed weight deactivating. That way you just take it out, place the weapon on the ground in a way that you can grip the gloves well, put them on, and you're set–
—Perfect –I say. They seem like simple instructions. I just hope everything goes well later on– Anyway, what time is it?– I quickly pull out my phone to check the time– Hmm. It's half an hour until two. Let's go before your contact closes for her likely lunch hour–
Thus, once the logistics were ready, and seeing that time was pressing, both of us, after closing the trunk lid, climbed once more into my black utility truck and set off toward that place, with me following the Agent's directions, as she was the one who knew how to head toward that location—toward her contact's antique shop.