Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Scott Fellman.
Serena's POV – September 6, 2008
"Experiment number 27 on the Agares Crystals has concluded with results within the expected parameters. As anticipated, the crystals are capable of storing vast amounts of information. From what we have observed, the crystal possesses the characteristics of a high-level supercomputer, capable of generating countless equations in a fraction of a second," GLaDOS announced in her monotone voice. I hummed softly as I gazed at the crystals.
"That damned Ajuka. Basically, he takes some crystals that function like a quantum computer almost naturally and gives them to everyone without them even knowing what they are." I said incredulously with a snort.
"Even so, that means the crystals have little to nothing to do with the reincarnation process," Riveria said from the side. I could only nod.
"Definitely, the crystals are simply capable of storing enormous amounts of energy and capable of recording countless magical circles and equations to generate extremely complex phenomena impossible for a normal person to replicate," GLaDOS said, sounding genuinely fascinated.
"That just makes Ajuka's work damned amazing." I snorted, sounding genuinely impressed. "Although... these crystals look a lot like the Photonics Crystal or Philosopher's Stones of Fate." I hummed softly. "Photonic crystals that encapsulate light, regulating it through the use of nanostructures that, by manipulating the photoconductivity of the crystals, use light as a medium through which quantum computing is made possible." I said, sounding genuinely impressed.
"Moon Cell." GLaDOS said immediately, and I nodded.
"On a large scale, yes, The Moon Cell is made of a huge amount of Photonic Crystals." I said easily. GLaDOS's gaze was practically fixed on the crystals. "And that makes me wonder... have you already started terraforming any planets?" I asked GLaDOS curiously. She wrinkled her nose.
"Not yet. I've found some viable planets, but I haven't started sending machines there yet. I was thinking of putting a portal there; the distance shouldn't be a problem." GLaDOS said immediately before looking at me cautiously. "You're not thinking of backing out, are you? " she asked almost dangerously. I snorted, amused.
"No, definitely not," I said playfully. GLaDOS visibly relaxed. "Although, I would like to know what your plans are, or rather, what you hope to achieve with them. Because the only technology worth deploying to create a machine world that would serve you would be a massive Cluster, or the infrastructure to simulate a Cluster of Exmachinas on that planet."
"Which... I admit, that would be more than enough." I snorted. "In canon, nearly 5,000 units were able to replicate, in a few seconds, a combined attack of weapons of mass destruction that included a Godly Smite launched by an Old Deus, at 70%."
"Placing hundreds of thousands of those processors on a planet, with that much processing power, is simply ridiculous and incredible," I admitted with amusement. " And it would be by far the best option, among all the machine worlds or similar things I can think of... yeah, I don't think very few would even come close. Unless we buy or gain access to the Vex or their technology for creating machine worlds, there aren't many better options." I said with a hum.
"So?" GLaDOS asked, frowning.
"You already said it. The Moon Cell." I said with a smile. "Honestly, I don't think a planet-wide Moon Cell is better than a massive planetary cluster, but I don't see why we couldn't use both and combine them." I said, shrugging. GLaDOS stopped stiffly before breaking into a wide smile.
"Wow, you do have some good ideas sometimes, Serena," GLaDOS said mockingly, though she seemed genuinely excited. "I could use the same Moon Cell system as the computing infrastructure, mass storage, memory, and simulation, and especially if we can replicate the S.E.R.A.P.H. System, an artificial environment within the Moon Cell capable of creating virtual worlds, would be ideal."
"Furthermore, the Prüfer units, which are the only ones I can believe in, specialize in analysis, so it would be a waste to use them for anything else. I would need to create other specialized units if I wanted to perform other specific tasks efficiently so that it would be the same level of research." GLaDOS murmured before starting to think quickly.
"Can you replicate the crystals?" Riveria asked curiously; I just nodded.
"Oh yes, my Reality Marble scanned them as soon as I saw them. They're... simply magical crystals with certain inherent properties. Whether those properties allow for the creation of quantum computers is another matter," I said playfully. "Creating crystals is the easiest part."
"I already have experience with Soulcasting, using it to change materials into god metals constantly, so I should be able to use the same system to transform them into Agares crystals easily."
"But putting aside the easy part, it will take us a long time to research it and build the right structure for it to function as a large-scale quantum supercomputer. Moon Cell is no joke, so you might have to postpone terraforming for now." I told GLaDOS with a grimace; she just grunted slightly before nodding.
"Even so, I'm choosing my worlds." GLaDOS said dryly; I just nodded.
"Well, I have no problem with that. We can always hide one or more worlds with the Fidelius Charm. We'd have to prepare a lot of things to launch something on such a large scale, but it would allow us to go unnoticed, like insurance," I said, shrugging.
"Although that sounds very interesting, and putting aside how absurd it sounds to hide and terraform planets, do the crystals still serve your purpose for what you expected?" Riveria asked, uttering the first part of the question dryly. I chuckled.
"Actually, yes," I said playfully. "My plan was simply to replicate what Ajuka had done, but to place other races as the main template and make them temporary, so that anyone could simply change race temporarily."
"Then I would simply try to create a way to accumulate them all in a single device and create my own magical Omnitrix," I said honestly and without any shame. "And that hasn't changed; only the way to achieve it has changed," I said honestly. "Maybe I'll have to take a planet for myself, and then I'll simply place all the races I have access to there."
"I could basically create a Codon Steam from the crystals, a planet that would function as a crystalline database containing the DNA of all the magical races I have access to. I would just do the same thing as Azmuth and have an artifact access that data remotely."
"And what's even better, the crystals are capable of generating countless theoretical equations and simulations. If I could use and exploit that capacity, I could add the Ultimatrix's evolutionary function. Placing certain selected species in a million-year simulation under 'worst-case' scenarios so they evolve into their final forms."
"This would make the evolutions, in a survival-of-the-fittest routine, more focused on combat." I said excitedly, smiling broadly at the idea, also sharing general information about Ben 10 and what I had just mentioned to both of them.
"While that would work, it's more complicated, or rather, much broader than having a single evolutionary path, or simply choosing one of the many states defined as a 'worst-case scenario.' It has been determined that species can evolve in different ways depending on the environment in which they are placed. After many years, two descendants that share a common ancestor will be completely different species."
"So, the same race can have different 'Ultimate Forms ' depending on the environment it's placed in. It would just require many more simulations." GLaDOS said easily; I stopped and finally nodded.
"As interesting as it sounds, and the thrill of potentially reaching that point is exciting, we're getting ahead of ourselves, so let's set it aside for now." I said with a sigh. "Getting back to the crystals, I already have many ideas about them. They're... simply wonderful."
"Yes, we're correct; I could even place all the data of a Noble Phantasm inside one of these crystals with such ease. Or even anything that's scanned within my Reality Marble."
"We would just need a system capable of running that data, and I would practically have a replica of my Reality Marble. Or like a backup. A huge library of my Reality Marble! "
"But also, it could utilize its processing and simulation capabilities; it's truly incredible what these things can do. Simulations could be created around Noble Phantasms or weapons with ease, and different ones could be recreated if necessary." I said excitedly, looking at the small crystal.
"I thought you said we'd leave it aside," Riveria said playfully; I just pouted.
"It's just that when you think about their capabilities, you always reach the point of what we could achieve on a large scale; it's not my fault." I defended myself. Riveria just shook her head.
"Even so, we just need to figure out how to harness them to their full potential," Riveria said with amusement. "We don't even know how to utilize the crystals properly, only that they're capable of storing a vast amount of information and energy within them, from demonic power to holy power, and even things like The Light and Darkness. Still, we need to see if their properties are similar to Photonic Crystals before we even think about creating something like a quantum computer, let alone a Moon Cell," Riveria said dryly. I sighed and nodded.
"You're right." I agreed. "It will take time, but time is what we have," I said playfully.
"Shall we use a time bubble?" Riveria asked curiously, and I shook my head.
"It's not necessary; we're in no hurry to create something like a Moon Cell. We can take our time. Only GLaDOS is eager to create her worlds." I said playfully.
"I'm focused," GLaDOS replied. "And I'm not so weak as to be distracted by such mundane things. Science and research come first." GLaDOS snorted, though her eyes began to tremble. "So let go of me and stop touching my body right now!" GLaDOS snapped, glaring at me. I blinked slightly before realizing where my hands were.
I was sitting in a chair facing the experiment table, but I had GLaDOS sitting on my lap. One of my hands was on her chest, and the other was stroking the inside of her thigh. I blinked before continuing.
"Y-you-" GLaDOS growled furiously.
"How long have I been like this?" I asked Riveria curiously; she just sighed.
"About an hour ago, since experiment 12," Riveria said dryly. I snorted slightly.
"And you haven't freed yourself?" I asked GLaDOS brazenly. She glared at me, but still did nothing to free herself.
This was a really bad habit, somehow. When I got lost in thought, my hands tended to act on their own, and I'd start groping whichever of my girls was closest. Apparently, GLaDOS counted as one of them.
"You're surprisingly soft," I added playfully. GLaDOS just grunted even more. "Very well, let's keep investigating!" I said cheerfully, still holding her. GLaDOS just grunted, then began controlling the mechanical arms around the room as she manipulated the small crystals and spoke aloud to announce the next experiment.
Although I was really excited about the crystals, my thoughts drifted to the past few days.
The Rating Game of Sona and Rias had taken place a couple of days ago, followed by the one of Sairaorg vs Zephyrdor and then the one of Diodora and Seekvaira.
Just as I had expected and as it turned out in canon, Rias had won her Rating Game, which I had attended mainly to obtain the 'Reversal' ability, which the members of Sona's Peerage had used, and which had been given to me by the Fallen Angels.
Which was… pretty incredible. The ability to reverse the effects and attributes of powers and special objects was simply ridiculous. There was so much to investigate there; the sheer number of things I wanted to subject 'Reversal' to was overwhelming.
From Sky Flame and hundreds of potions, since Reversal worked on items like Phoenix Tears, to The Light itself, and seeing what results it produced. Although Reversal had a truly enormous cost to use, especially for more powerful abilities and items, it didn't matter; the amount of magic it contained made the cost barely noticeable, and even if it didn't, it would still be worth it—some effects would be simply incredible.
Honestly, the only times I can recall Reversal being used in canon are in that Rating Game and then when Diodora used it on Asia. It's a complete and utter waste, considering Reversal could be the ultimate counterattack if used correctly, or capable of creating a vast amount of new magic. Truly, a complete waste.
But now it was mine.
Putting that aside for the moment, the fight between Sairaorg and Zephyrdor was just as overwhelming for Sairaorg as I expected, and the fight between Seekvaira and Diodora was the same. I had wanted to give Seekvaira some help after our exchange, but she had refused, so a Diodora powered up by Ophis was just too much for her.
After that, the following matches were also drawn, and finally, I would be participating—Rias and Diodora in a couple of days, and then Sairaorg against us.
I didn't even know if this was completely random, or maybe it was Sirzechs' favoritism so that Rias could shine in the final fight of the tournament, or it was simply destiny to pit Diodora and Rias against each other, or something else, but it would happen.
That meant we had to prepare for the Khaos Brigade ambush in a couple of days.
"Excuse me, Mistress Lady Serena!" said Dobby, suddenly appearing. The three of us stopped and looked at him.
"Yes, Dobby?" I asked curiously.
"There's a guest at the island's entrance!" Dobby said cheerfully. I stopped and frowned slightly.
"Guest? I don't recall inviting anyone." I hummed softly. GLaDOS only moved one hand before a holographic screen appeared in front of us, displaying the image of a teenage girl, and my eyes widened slightly. "Kurome?!" I exclaimed in surprise.
"She was from the Akame Ga Kill series, right? " Riveria hummed to the side. "The ones who appeared with Honest in this world." Riveria added with a hum. I just wrinkled my nose and nodded.
"The same ones. She should be with the Jaegers beneath Esdeath, so it's strange that she came so easily, and even showed herself like that, completely alone," I said, frowning. I could see Kurome standing there, a gentle smile on her face as she waited at the island's entrance, right at the edge of the defenses. "I suppose I could go see what she wants." I hummed softly, finally releasing GLaDOS, who immediately turned away from me and glared at me.
I chuckled under my breath before creating a portal in front of Kurome. I looked at her closely; she tensed up in surprise before looking up and smiling broadly.
"Lady Prince! It's a pleasure to see you! " said Kurome as she bowed deeply.
"And who are you?" I asked simply. Kurome just smiled.
"I am Kurome Sargatanas! Of the House of Sargatanas, those who have sworn to serve the bloodline of Lucifer, and I am here to serve you and honor the oath." Kurome said with a smile, bowing slightly. My eyes widened.
Sargatanas? Was she a Sargatanas? The Six Houses of Lucifer, those who served the Lucifers directly, were practically extinct, or, well, most of them.
Lucifuge, Satanachia, Agaliarept, Fleurety, Sargatanas, and Nebiros. The Lucifuge still had Grayfia and Euclid; I think some Nebiros were still around; Agaliarept was almost certainly locked up along with the Fleurety; the Satanachia … I think there was Elta Satanachia, who appeared in the Junior High School DxD novels, along with Avi Amon, a descendant of the Amon Clan and Algaliarept.
But Sargatanas… I've never heard of them. I couldn't remember what had become of them after the civil war. And apparently, here was the result, with Kurome, if what she said was true, and she was a descendant of the Sargatanas.
"Sister," said another voice, one that made Kurome tense up completely. I could see the warning sign in her eyes, yet she turned and smiled broadly.
"Akame!" Kurome said with a strained smile, and I tensed up too. That damn Akame was here?! It shouldn't surprise me that she existed after seeing Kurome, but that she was here, right next to her, was more surprising. Akame approached us, also tense and on guard. I could only blink in disbelief. Akame practically ignored Kurome and came right up to me, bowing.
"My Lady, I am Akame Sargatanas. Please accept me as your servant instead of my younger sister. She still has much to experience as a free devil," Akame said respectfully.
"No- Wha- way!" Kurome said incredulously. "What are you doing?!" Kurome hissed at Akame and glared at her. Akame just smiled, almost petulantly.
"Following the deeply respected wishes of our ancestors, serving the glorious House of Lucifer, as its eldest daughter, is my duty. You, you may return home and... enjoy your life," Akame said, almost petulantly. Kurome only growled slightly and looked as though she were about to attack. Akame merely smiled at her sister, but still seemed on guard for any retaliation. I could only blink in disbelief.
What the hell was going on?!
"How amusing," Lucius thought to himself. "It's more than obvious that Kurome is with Esdeath, and in turn, with Honest. So she's here following orders. What orders? Who knows, but they exist."
"Akame, on the other hand, is here because of Kurome. Apparently, she found out about the plan and is trying to stop it. She doesn't want Kurome in the mansion, or even in the city. She seems... rather protective of the city. Quite curious." Lucius chuckled.
"Is that all you can find out?" I asked Lucius; he just laughed.
"I'm glad you think I'm more capable, but I don't have the necessary information to work. Give me... two days, and I'll have everything I need. I'll put your dear flowers and stars to work on it." Lucius said easily. I just wrinkled my nose.
"Two days?" I teased playfully. "You're losing your touch, Lucius." Lucius laughed.
"Darling, I can have it done in half a day, but I thought you'd appreciate the extra day," Lucius said, winking at me mentally. "We'll have a busy day tomorrow, so we can leave the intrigues for the day after that," Lucius hummed. I just nodded. I glanced at the two sisters, who were still glaring at each other. I clapped my hands loudly to get their attention.
"Akame and Kurome, were you?" I said easily, and they straightened up. "I'm... very grateful for your dedication, but I'm really not interested in receiving the service of one of Lucifer's Six Houses. I'm a succubus before I'm a Lucifer, and I couldn't care less about anything related to Lucifer." I said dryly. Kurome visibly tensed. "But."
"If you're still waiting for this, come back in two days. I'm too busy with some other matters to see you now." I said firmly. They both stopped stiffly.
"Of course, Lady Prince, I'll be here in two days." Akame said immediately, bowing while hiding a triumphant smile. On the other hand, Kurome seemed really tense, even worried; a look of conflict crossed her eyes. Finally, she gave in and bowed.
"I'll be here, my Lady," Kurome finally said. I just nodded.
"I'll be waiting for you then," I said easily, then stepped through the portal to where I was. I glanced at the screen as I watched the two sisters. They were glaring at each other; I almost expected them to start attacking, but they both vanished in opposite directions. I just sighed wearily as I massaged my temple. This is only going to give me more headaches; I can already feel it.