[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/HWhWXIx.png[/img][/center] [center][h2][color=92278f][b]Cristina Bernardino[/b][/color][/h2] [h2] & [color=f7941d]Callie Lidmann[/color][/h2][/center] [i]- A collab post by [@Lewascan2], [@Digmata] & [@Nimbus][/i] [hr] [center][h1][b][i][color=92278f]THE STARCHILD[/color] [color=f7941d]and[/color] [color=39b54a]the SERPENT'S[/color] [color=f7941d]CONSULTATION[/color][/i][/b][/h1][/center] [hr] [b]Mischief Reef/Đá Vành Khăn/Panganiban Reef - 11/01/2022 08:22 UTC+8[/b] [color=39b54a]"Hoh?"[/color] Qingshe raised a brow at Cristinia's request, a pleasant surprise. Although the timing could perhaps have been better... Glancing around at how crowded the section of the beach they were in was getting all of a sudden, the Snake had to loose a small chuckle, shaking her head in exasperation. To Jin Li, she eventually said in Mandarin, [color=39b54a]"It seems our conveyance is growing less discreet by the moment. Perhaps we should continue this elsewhere another time. Perhaps tomorrow?"[/color] For now though... She addressed Martha in English. [color=39b54a]"Hah, please excuse my interruption. I'll soon leave you again to your relaxation... this time hopefully more comfortable than before."[/color] From beneath her dress hem, her bubbling ooze spread forth, crossing the short distance to Martha and raising up a thin metallic plank from its mass that the ooze then proceeded to largely coat. [color=39b54a]"Simply stick any part of yourself that requires treatment into the shadow, and I'll have you fixed right up~. No need for a full dunking... unless you [i]want[/i] it, that is~."[/color] Giving a small hum, she grinned. [color=39b54a]"It may take a small while to complete, as I don't believe I've treated you yet. The first time is always the slowest."[/color] She didn't elaborate on why. Finally turning her attention fully back to Cristina, Qingshe chuckled and spoke in Filipino. [color=39b54a]"I cannot say I was expecting such a request, Miss Bernardino, but regardless... I'd be more than happy to oblige you."[/color] Humming lyrically, she tapped her lips and grinned. [color=39b54a]"Still, such a conversation as I'm sure you'd require may be... sensitive in nature. Let us take our consultation away from prying ears, shall we?"[/color] The Snake paused at the approach of yet another still, letting out a small chuff at the arrival of Callie. Shaking her head in good humor, Qingshe's lips quirked with a hint of wryness, as she answered the blonde's question. [color=39b54a]"Ah~, you're not interrupting all that much by now, really~."[/color] Grinning, her slitted golden eyes squinted into smiles. [color=39b54a]"As it happens, Miss Bernardino and I were just now taking our leave, I believe."[/color] She smiled apologetically. [color=39b54a]"I'd invite you along for what promises to be a [i]fascinating[/i] subject of consideration, but well..."[/color] She chuckled. [color=39b54a]"Consider the nuance of the matter something not dissimilar to doctor-patient confidentiality... Unless Miss Bernardino is willing to have you along, of course."[/color] Nervously shook her head, she barely felt safe with what she's doing and would appreciate a company but this is her battle, she needs to face it alone. [color=92278f]"I'm not willing,"[/color] she answered as she waits for Qingshe's move. [color=92278f]"Lead the way."[/color] Qingshe’s mouth quirked. [color=39b54a]“Well, there we have it then~.”[/color] Sketching a small waggle of her fingers in farewell to the other beachgoers, the greenette practically sauntered away back towards the more industrialized portions of the island. Grinning to Cristina, Qingshe added, [color=39b54a]“I know [i]just[/i] the place~.”[/color] [hr] [hider=A Walk Through the Reef... and what the Serpent has wrought there.] [b]Mischief Reef/Đá Vành Khăn/Panganiban Reef - 11/01/2022 08:40 UTC+8[/b] There was no particular rush, and so the pace the Snake led was a languid one. Traversing the streets of the Qing Restoration Society’s present capitol, the pair naturally earned glances everywhere they went. After all, Qingshe alone cut a notable figure even were her position in this nation’s hierarchy not also nothing to sneeze at. Despite her own apprehension of the tall, unnaturally beautiful woman, if she had a mind to be looking, Cristina would likely notice that Qingshe’s presence seemed to put a pep in the step of many of the civilians. Some smiled. Others even waved. And the Snake sometimes returned those wordless gestures of amiability. Whatever her past or often uncanny presence, actions in the present spoke louder still. The Zodiac were meant to be symbols of power, of hope and order, showcasing their government’s glorious inevitable victory against those that would oppose them. For these people, traitors to that tyrannical regime, the fact that their movement had seemingly stolen away one of those beacons of power, those propped up as symbols? It was fortifying, hope granting, and it enhanced the legitimacy of their cause. To have one of the Zodiac take their side made the odds seem just that little bit less long, a welcome morale boost even for the genuine believers. It was, in a sense, a PR coup… one that had only gained even greater momentum after the latest mission had seen the QRS’s Zodiac soundly defeat the CCP's with the death of Ai Chen by Qingshe’s hands. Qingshe, of course, did not fail to comprehend and bolster this phenomenon. In a sense, it was rather similar to the role she’d once played for the PRC, and it cost her little to form connections with the people of her new faction where she could, to show the flag and keep spirits high. Not to mention… but there was a certain presence of “humility” one could cultivate by being a powerful figure and yet continuing to interact with everyday folk instead of sitting in an ivory tower. And so, now, as she had before, Qingshe didn’t waste the opportunity to be seen on the way to her destination, throwing a smile here and a small wave there. A few times, she even addressed someone by name, inquiring after old business and their well being in passing. And the Snake naturally knew that the more she did this, the tighter her coils intertwined within the social structure of the QRS. Soon enough, she was confident her position would be quite secure and irrevocable regardless, provided the aims of the QRS panned out, but it never hurt to lay a firmer foundation for the future. Not that that would have been too difficult anyway. The residential district the pair of Arms Masters were traveling through was located atop a massive stretch of land around 2 kilometers across that jutted out of the side of the already artificial island. This “land” was, in fact, rather a series of interconnected concrete blocks, spreading out over the central waters of Mischief Reef’s lagoon. If someone were to have the right power, they might ascertain that the blocks had all been welded together somehow on a molecular level, such that it almost wouldn’t be incorrect to say the structure was simply one large half-circle jutting down southward into the innards of the existing half-moon of the island. Meanwhile, unseen, beneath that structure, dozens of thick steel alloy pillars acted as supports, punched hundreds of feet into the earth. But perhaps far more interesting was what was built atop it. A sprawling residential district proudly gleamed under the light. Largely composed of two and three-story buildings, this place was easily the most homely section of the island, home to the many QRS loyalists and many refugees from the PRC’s China. It was here that had quickly become the heart of the island in the past year, thanks in large part to the recruitment of the Snake. It hadn’t take her long after arrival for Lei Qingshe to make no bones that the living conditions and quality of life were insufficient. To see the citizenry stuck living in meager bungalows wouldn’t be allowed on her watch. Therefore, for once put in a position of true authority, Qingshe had used her power to produce masses of material and oversee a sprawling, expansive construction project to invigorate and modernize the locale, truly turning it into something worth calling a “nation”. And for that, she had determined, they could not remain a mere military base. No, they must be able to support a civilian population. And the results were clear to see. The buildings here in large part possessed metallic, armored exteriors, layered with rust-resistant alloy that was often a foot thick or more. The windows similarly were largely constructed with conventionally considered “bulletproof” glass. For, though their defenses were good and the central area not as easily reached, Qingshe hadn’t failed to prepare for the eventuality that the Reef might come under siege. In such a case, the construction here in the heartland would resist splendidly, all but a massive sprawling fortress of a zone. Despite the militaristic mind taken to the construction, however, aesthetics weren’t sacrificed, and the entire district gave off an air that could only be called “futuristic”. Instead of the “boxy” shape of most modern construction, these buildings had smooth, rounded outsides and sweeping curves. This, of course, was also slightly militantly minded, as curved armored structures would be more difficult to destroy with bombardment, providing angled armor to assaults. Yet, still, they gleamed with a silvery sheen in many places, their fresh nature apparent. And where they did not shine silver, many other colors had quickly cropped up, as people came to live here and add their own personal touches in the forms of storefronts and homes. Though, most dominantly, there seemed to be a preference for brilliant yellows and vibrant blues, which seemed to be the factional color. Though, secondary still to that, there was a not inconsiderable number of buildings that hewed towards a light-drinking black and bright green, Qingshe’s own aesthetic and likely something many had adopted in acknowledgement of her role in pushing for this place to exist at all. And all the while, the flag of the Qing Restoration Society flew proudly on practically every street and over many shops and domiciles, displaying a winding blue and white-scaled eastern dragon on a bold yellow background with a red dot in the top-left corner. Striding along the bustling sidewalks, Qingshe led the way down the main street of this district towards a notably larger structure, positioned roughly dead center of the reef’s lagoon. One could use several descriptors to encompass the place, but perhaps foremost among them might be “traditional”. The six-story building hearkened back to images of Chinese palaces, standing roughly twice as tall as the average building in the area. It wouldn’t be a long stretch to call the structure a declaration in and of itself of the intent of the QRS, announcing that they treated this palace is as a vision of the future where they had restored their monarchy. And it was to that place that Qingshe was gradually making her way. Cristina quietly followed the snake, as she makes her stroll around the capitol. It wasn't as hasty than she would've preferred, but there is no reason to voice her complaints to someone who's lending a hand. She never felt so small standing next to someone, and she wasn't talking about their heights. The unexpected part was it doesn't felt that's being suffocated. Admittedly, a huge part of it might be conscious effort, but seeing how she interacts with her own people, to see her talk to them and inspire confidence on them. She looked like a symbol of hope to them, no she is one. She snapped out of her thoughts when she saw the residential district of the Reef. It looked more like a resort than a refugee center and judging by how Qingshe looked at it, it seems like she had a hand on its construction. [color=92278f][b]Compared to little, weak, cowardly her she might as well be a god. Does she deserve to stand in this ground? She wasn't a hero, just a girl who wanted her sister back, and said sister hates her.[/b][/color] Qingshe will hear a laugh, a defeated laugh, one that you could hear when someone had enough as they enter the palace. She might not intend to do it, but she had already beaten Cristina's self-esteem. At the defeated noise from Cristina, Qingshe nearly paused. Though, being that she was still in public and in a position to be upholding appearances, she didn't allow her smile or confident air to wane, as she shot Cristina a brief look in the corner of her eye, observing the worn quiet the girl was languishing in. The reasoning for her depressed air wasn't quite clear, but perhaps she was still mulling over the past and the future? The after-action reports regarding the interactions with "Superbia" and the one calling herself Cristina's sister had been... "interesting" to read... at least as far as how ridiculous they were. It all seemed so... absurdly petty to her, but then again, what was she [i]really[/i] expecting from the Downward Descent? They were the embodiment of all that was irrational and loathsome. Tangentially, Qingshe still could not fathom how horrendous Nico's luck was. How did this man somehow unfailingly manage to gather obsessive and powerful stalkers from every antagonistic faction he encountered? This was just [i]ridiculous[/i]. So... [i]so stupid[/i]. Honestly, it made her wonder if the likes of Huo Ren hadn't gotten such foolishness from the Downward Descent's influence... It was a nice fantasy anyway. Letting out a hum of consideration, the Snake dragged herself back to the present and took a moment to organize her thoughts, as she and Cristina reached the palace complex and passed through a quick routine security check. As they stepped into a lavishly decorated and expansive foyer area, Qingshe allowed her pace to quicken minutely, heading for a large staircase and shooting some passing staff a nod. Heading up toward the fourth floor, Qingshe smirked and leaned over slightly to conspiratorially whisper to her fellow Arms Master, [color=39b54a]"Personally, I'm not much for ostentatious grandeur of this kind, but [i]apparently[/i], there's certain appearances to uphold... or so Ren Zhao would insist."[/color] She chuckled at the thought of that silly, jealous man. [color=39b54a]"He was the one to greet us on arrival,"[/color] she elaborated as a reminder, just in case the man had somehow gone overlooked. Which would be markedly funny and true to form, regardless, given that the entire reason for his own defection as far as she was aware was being overlooked for his brother. Loosing a chuff, as they traversed hallways gilded with traditional Chinese finery, Qingshe added, [color=39b54a]"Don't get me wrong, I enjoy showing off as much as the next person..."[/color] she smirked, [color=39b54a]"but I prefer to show off things with purpose."[/color] She gestured broadly to the halls. [color=39b54a]"In the end, what is all this but an imitation, filled with impermanence. For all that the QRS is using this as our capitol at present, we know it won't last. This is effectively a loan from the Philippines, given their own territorial claims, and I quite imagine that if we win this war, ceding it to them fully will be part of negotiations to maintain the sanctity of our alliance. Anything we build here is... fleeting, in the end."[/color] Shaking her head, Qingshe chuckled. [color=39b54a]"But I'm getting away from myself. There's something to be said for putting on a show, but isn't it better to draw admiration for a purpose other than bragging?"[/color] She shrugged, grinning. [color=39b54a]"Grand works should do more than simply put others down or raise yourself up. They should inspire, lead by example. What they should evoke is [i]aspiration[/i], not jealousy. For in the end, one of those encourages others to rise up... while the other only urges them to drag others down."[/color] Tapping her lips with one finger, she chuffed. [color=39b54a]"Such things are the reason the balance between admiration and spite is so delicate in the end. That's how I feel anyway."[/color] Cupping her chin with one hand, Qingshe's golden, reptilian gaze focused more intently on Cristina, as they neared their destination. [color=39b54a]"What one should hope to invoke with one's own greatness in others is [i]ambition[/i], the thirst to improve and... [i]evolve[/i] for the sake of themselves and others."[/color] Her smile was all teeth. [color=39b54a]"The development of one's Noble Arm most often is rooted in such a genuine desire as well... which leads me to ask..."[/color] The pair arrived at a doorway with keycard scanner and number pad, the light on which flashed green without any movement from Qingshe to interact with it. Perhaps it had been remotely triggered somehow? Regardless, the door swung open to admit the pair into a room that was -though comparable to a luxury apartment- far less ostentatious than the halls outside. These facilities here, rather, seemed to share a greater reminiscence to the futuristic lean of the district outside the palace, and the Snake's black and green aesthetic was heavy here... though largely inverted. The dominant color was greens in the decor with black as an accent, creating a fairly more welcoming and less inherently ominous "vibe" than the owner usually championed. [/hider] [hr] [hider=The Consultation Proper - Contains large lore exposition on Noble Arms] As soon as the two had stepped inside and the door closed securely behind them, Qingshe finally deigned to finish her prior thought. [color=39b54a]"...What is it that [i]drives[/i] you, Miss Benardino?"[/color] There was a quiet passionate intensity in the Snake's words, as she strode further into her abode towards a small sleek... tea table? It had enough seats around it to easily accommodate them both at least. Qingshe availed herself, at that, and a small wave of her hand beckoned Cristina to make herself comfortable as well. All the while, Qingshe was still speaking. [color=39b54a]"And I do not... necessarily mean what drives you in this particular moment."[/color] She chuckled, tapping a finger on the table. [color=39b54a]"I mean what drives you to improve as a [i]concept[/i]. I mean as a [i]pattern[/i]."[/color] Leaning back in her chair, Qingshe tilted her head slightly. [color=39b54a]"I mean in the sense of what mindset first drove your Noble Arm to awaken at all... and I'm willing to bet strongly that there's a correlation between that moment and many of the future points of... improvement in your capabilities."[/color] Inclining her chin, Qingshe paused, seeming to stare into the distance for a moment, before chuckling and shaking her head. [color=39b54a]"Though, perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself again."[/color] She smirked in a manner that was almost self-depreciating. [color=39b54a]"Let me ask you then, adjacently, how much do you [i]really[/i] know about the nature of Noble Arms?"[/color] Cristina was visibly nervous, as she enters Qingshe's mansion. She'd infiltrated other mansions before, but this the first time she enters one as a guest. It felt wrong if anyone asked her. [color=92278f]"To raise others up? Was it really a good ideal?"[/color] she asked. Qingshe after all is not the first person who said those words. Her sister was the best of them, the only one to unlock her Noble Arms among them. The best fighter, the most clever... ...and the kindest. The most caring. She wondered what would happen if she [color=92278f][b]just saved herself[/b][/color], she would make a better member of the Obsidian compared to her. She did her best to keep up with the Serpent's ramblings. Noble Arms are powered by desire, the will to do 'something' is what makes it powerful. It needs a 'drive'. She initially tried to answer money but it wasn't what really drives her. What made her start [color=92278f]"Everything I did was for a small hope that I can save my sister instead what she always do, it wasn't meant to be however."[/color] she answered as she looked at a window. [color=92278f]"As for the nature of Noble Arms, I think they are a reflection of what their owners wanted to achieve, some sort of soul manifestation?"[/color] [color=39b54a]"Naturally, raising others up is a most laudable thing,"[/color] Qingshe said with a grin, before chuckling. [color=39b54a]"Though, I find it more sustainable to encourage others to raise themselves up in turn. Rather than doing all the work for them, give others the tools to help themselves."[/color] She smiled warmly. [color=39b54a]"In such a way, they will not be left helpless without you, and you will not find yourself burdened with unnecessary expectations. And those you help raise up can help raise others in turn."[/color] Not making any move to address her guest's nerves verbally, Qingshe chuckled and favored the anxious Cristina with a smile, as a small puddle of her shadow bubbled out from beneath her arm and smoothly ejected a small, pristine glass tea set with two empty cups and a cozy little teapot presently steaming merrily from the spout. A sweet, herbal scent drifted into the air, as Qingshe filled both cups and took one for herself, the other standing in silent offering. [color=39b54a]"Though your knowledge is incomplete, you're on the right track,"[/color] the Snake praised in response. Taking a slow, comfortable sip, the greenette let out a pleased hum and then placed her cup down upon one of a pair of saucers that had manifested in the interim of her handing it. Her shadow slunk away, disappearing from sight once more. Licking her lips, Qingshe briefly organized her thoughts, before continuing to address the primary topic of this meeting, [color=39b54a]"You are correct that Noble Arms have a connection to the soul. Most of them -the naturally born ones- are reflections of their user in some capacity. In fact, one could say a Noble Arm is never more possessed of potential than it is with its creator."[/color] Leaning back in her chair, she sighed. [color=39b54a]"Try as many might, inherited Noble Arms will never truly match up. There will always be some level of... let's call it 'spiritual dissonance' that holds them back."[/color] [color=39b54a]"Despite the [i]vast[/i] majority of Noble Arms not having anything worth referring to as 'sentience', it can't be denied that they possess a certain capacity to [i]reject[/i] a user they find unfavorable."[/color] Qingshe let out an amused chuff, grinning. [color=39b54a]"They truly are immensely picky little things, and they exercise stiff favoritism. When it comes to inheritance, a Noble Arm holds all future users to the standard of their first one, and the more precisely alike one is to the original user, the more likely the Noble Arm will bond with them and successfully develop further abilities under their partnership."[/color] Her expression turned a bit more serious. [color=39b54a]"Of course, because it's simply impossible for two people to have truly identical souls, there's no scenario where an inheritor will truly possess the same potential as the original. Really, it's a stroke of luck for a Noble Arm to allow itself to be inherited at all... never mind operating optimally for another."[/color] Shaking her head, the Snake sighed, a glint of warning and pity in her gaze. [color=39b54a]"Some have thought it wise to try and force a bond by various means, of course, but the backlash of incompatibility is such cases... Well, let's just say the would-be inheritor usually ends up lucky to survive... or even come away sane..."[/color] The Snake let that statement hang ominously, allowing the warning to sink in, before adding grimly. [color=39b54a]"And still others... the likes of the Downward Descent... They have found... truly unholy ways to manifest success... at the cost of everyone involved. Forcing a Noble Arm to work with a normally incompatible user... Forcing [i]two[/i] Noble Arms to coexist under the same host...?"[/color] Closing her eyes, Qingshe let out a sigh of genuine sympathy. [color=39b54a]"I wasn't there to witness it personally, but I read the after-action reports..."[/color] Her golden eyes reopened, half-lidded. [color=39b54a]"What happened to your sister... The madness, irrationality and unfettered twisted desires... Such things are not unusual consequences of undergoing the Downward Descent's abominable enhancements."[/color] Taking another sip of her tea, the Snake exhaled and tapped the table with one finger rhythmically. [color=39b54a]"The process of forcibly bonding to an unwilling Noble Arm is a [i]wholly[/i] unnatural thing, and for it to result in anything but painful death or the agonizing evisceration of the recipient's soul, it requires both Arm and User to be... [i]twisted[/i] to artificially create a commonality between them for the bond to truly take hold..."[/color] Scoffing derisively, the Snake briefly scowled, shaking her head. [color=39b54a]"Or so I can only strongly theorize. Even under the PRC, [i]that[/i] isn't something I've ever attempted."[/color] Largely for lack of technical capacity than any moral-based unwillingness at the time, granted, but Cristina didn't need to hear that less flattering tidbit. [color=39b54a]"But as for what Noble Arms truly [i]are[/i] in more explicit terms... Hmmm, how shall I put this?"[/color] Qingshe tapped her lips with one finger. [color=39b54a]"Tell me, have you heard of the phenomenon succinctly named... 'Occult Programming Language'?"[/color] Cristina took the tea, it did little to calm her nerves but it was enough to make the 'consulation', breathable for the lack of better word. She smiled a little bit at getting the question partially right, making inferences was one of the few things she's good at. She recoiled in fear as she heard of what Qingshe thought happened to her sister. Everything that happened to her was because she left her alone that time, she should've have stayed with her. [i]"And what will you do, fight with that piece of metal, please save yourself instead.[/i] The freelancer stayed silent, before asking. [color=92278f]"So in order to free her, we need to undo the enhancements? Their forced bonds?"[/color] The then looked at the teacup before answering the snake's last question. [color=92278f]"I know nothing, but if you ask me about it, it must be something important."[/color] she answered looking at her snake-like eyes. Huffing, Qingshe took no pleasure in partially shooting Cristina's idea down. [color=39b54a]"It may not be so simple. As I said..."[/color] As inconvenient as it was... [color=39b54a]"Dabbling in matters of successful forcible Noble Arm grafting isn't something I can count under my repertoire. I have theories... ones with strong basis, yes, but only theories."[/color] Taking another sip of her tea, Qingshe sighed. [color=39b54a]"I've inspected those... 'gifted' by the Downward Descent in the past, of course, enough to form the aforementioned conclusions, but I've never tried to revert the process."[/color] Not with a living subject to show for it afterwards... She lifted up a finger, listing off. [color=39b54a]"The problems are threefold here. One, breaking the bond between the victim and a grafted Noble Arm. Already, that would be an immense feat, to shatter such a normally inviolable bond... and to do so without harming the bonded. This is the first step, because if we tried to return the victim to normal before doing so, even if we succeeded, they would immediately suffer from 'spiritual dissonance' and likely die due to the still bonded and now incompatible Noble Arm."[/color] A second finger rose. [color=39b54a]"Secondly, there's no guarantee such a separation would inherently revert the victim's mind and soul. I suspect what the Downward Descent does is nothing so [i]flimsy[/i] as an 'enchantment', fit to be unraveled wholly by the right hands."[/color] Her expression darkened. [color=39b54a]"What I [i]believe[/i] they do is [i]twist[/i] the victim's soul irrevocably... like [i]playdough[/i]. And like playdough, returning it to its [i]precisely exact[/i] former shape is something nearly impossible."[/color] The Snake rubbed her chin, frowning. [color=39b54a]"No two souls are ever truly alike, and successfully determining the exact nuances of even a single subject enough to restore them? Well... the only one I might succeed in such an endeavor on is myself. There's no-one I know better, after all..."[/color] Nor whom she had such in-depth "blueprints" of. A third finger rose. [color=39b54a]"And lastly... there is the matter of repairing your sister's Noble Arm itself. In this, at least, I can say I actually have some experience... not the 'repairing' so much as the ability to alter a Noble Arm at all, [i]but[/i]... it is a delicate and finicky process with much risk involved. And I still need to know what my final result should be."[/color] She tilted her head, a humorless smile on her lips. [color=39b54a]"I'm sure you can see how that might be an issue, yes? I've never personally met your sister. I don't know her like you. I don't have her... [i]template[/i] to restore her from backup."[/color] Snorting, Qingshe paused to down the rest of her tea in one gulp, before moving to pour herself a fresh steaming cup. [color=39b54a]"As usual, no matter how much I learn, I'm still lagging behind where it matters..."[/color] she muttered, before shaking her head and reforming her smile. Though, it didn't fully reach her eyes. [color=39b54a]"Ah... but the path of science is one without end, and everyone has to start somewhere. Someday, eh?"[/color] she mused aloud, before refocusing herself on the matter at hand. [color=39b54a]"Of course,"[/color] she chuckled, [color=39b54a]"if we were to find that there was a way to institute a process of... 'self-correction', that would remove much of the burden of our side of the restoration. In that case, all we would need to do is remove any grafted Noble Arm your sister might have and start the process, allowing her soul to gradually sort itself out..."[/color] Pursing her lips, Qingshe's brows scrunched in thought. [color=39b54a]"Either way, we must successfully capture your sister before anything can be attempted. She did show the capacity to teleport through portals, which complicates matters, unfortunately, but... if we can get her inside my shadow... spacetime will not avail her in escaping."[/color] [color=39b54a]"As for how we might be able to actually [i]do[/i] any of that, even with only our present Noble Arms...?"[/color] Qingshe chuckled. [color=39b54a]"Why, we'd attempt to revert the Downward Descent's work with the same thing they used: Occult Programming Language."[/color] Having finally pivoted around to addressing a topic she'd expected would be fairly necessary at some point in this meeting, the Snake continued. [color=39b54a]"I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it. If anything, I'd be shocked if you [i]had[/i]. It's a [i]highly[/i] classified topic, kept deep in the dark by just about every organized entity large enough to comprehend and utilize it."[/color] Leaning back in her chair, Qingshe cradled her teacup in both hands and took another sip, smiling wryly. [color=39b54a]"This may sound absurd, so I'd brace myself if I were you. I promise... as much as I wish I were joking, this is no laughing matter,"[/color] the Snake warned, before forging forward without hesitation. [color=39b54a]"Occult Programming Language is, to put it bluntly, magic. Very real and very dangerous magic. There's really not a tamer way to say it."[/color] Qingshe leaned forward, placing her cup back on its saucer with a quiet [i]clink[/i]. [color=39b54a]"Occult Programming Language -or as it is most often abbreviated, 'OPL'- is the art of 'programming' -or perhaps hacking- [i]reality itself[/i]. It is a freeform, intensely math-based magic that functions by means that have... unfortunate cosmological implications. It treats everything in reality as something based in a form of underlying 'code', which OPL can manipulate."[/color] Qingshe's expression was deadly serious now. [color=39b54a]"I don't think I can understate how dangerous OPL actually [i]is[/i], just how much unfettered calamity can result from its careless use."[/color] Snorting, the Snake's mien was one of bitterness, like she'd swallowed something unpleasant. [color=39b54a]"As much as I normally abhor the denial of knowledge, this is one such matter where I can at least understand... not going out of one's way to spread it around. There is a very good reason those in the know keep OPL quiet... and jealously hoard any secrets they uncover in how to manipulate it."[/color] The Snake paused for a moment, cocking her head silently, as if she was organizing her thoughts, before adopting a wry expression. [color=39b54a]"To put into perspective just how existentially dangerous Occult Programming Language [i]truly[/i] is... I will finally say it plainly."[/color] Qingshe grinned in a manner that was perhaps unsettling, as an old bout of ire resurfaced within in the same as it did whenever she revisited this absurd bit of history. [color=39b54a]"Noble Arms are quite simply the completely unintended result of the first successful, fumbled use of Occult Programming Language, the blind shot in the dark of an idiot savant that [i]somehow[/i] managed to alter something so utterly [i]fundamental[/i] to reality and Humanity as a whole that it would eventually create the world we have today."[/color] Closing her eyes, Qingshe audibly inhaled in frustration. [color=39b54a]"For good or ill, that is the truth. Noble Arms... were nothing but an [i]accident[/i]."[/color] Upon more fully restoring her composure, Qingshe's eyes slipped into a half-lidded expression of distant derision... though not one directed at Cristina, merely a memory. [color=39b54a]"Noble Arms, in truth, are a form of OPL."[/color] Pursing her lips, Qingshe tapped the table with a finger rhythmically. [color=39b54a]"A... 'preset' form of manipulation, if you will. Freeform OPL is [i]difficult[/i] for reasons I won't get into immediately, but for that reason, it is flexible, technically capable of doing anything but generally lagging behind in practice. [i]Noble Arms[/i], by contrast, generally shoulder the burden that makes OPL so difficult, allowing their user to make use of OPL far more easily than a general practitioner... without even really knowing [i]how[/i] they are doing anything. As a result, Arms Masters are typically more powerful. They are 'masters of one' compared to 'jacks of all trades'."[/color] Tilting her head, Qingshe chuffed. [color=39b54a]"Noble Arms are essentially glorified, premade 'casting focuses', only capable of accessing a set series of 'code' that is generally determined on their manifestation. But for all they are generally highly secure and finicky, they are still ultimately expressions of OPL, and because of that... Well, once someone finds a way to cross the threshold of OPL mastery that allows them to manipulate the forces that presently largely shape today's world order?"[/color] Qingshe's expression darkened. [color=39b54a]"That's when forces like the Seven Virtues..."[/color] She sneered. [color=39b54a]"-The Paragons of Science..."[/color] Her lip curled in derision and disappointment. [color=39b54a]"-and the Downward Descent arise."[/color] There was a cold, distant chill in her voice, as she mentioned the last one, before taking a quiet calming breath and smiling once more. [color=39b54a]"Though they all achieved that pinnacle of understanding in recent years, their machinations can be felt throughout the world. Even this entire war..."[/color] the Snake trailed off, before shaking her head. [color=39b54a]"Regardless, you understand then?"[/color] Qingshe inquired. [color=39b54a]"If you want to save your sister, more than any amount of personal development of your Noble Arm, you will almost certainly need Occult Programming Language to address what has taken hold of her."[/color] Cristina wasn't sure on what to expect when she asked for the Serpent's help, the most vivid image she could think of was her being strapped to a surgery table like a patient in need of a surgery. The second image was her meditating some form of eldritch knowledge where a single moment of weakness will lead to insanity. She didn't expect the knowledge to be weirdly comprehendible even if such comprehension shows how impossible saving her sister was. And yet... [color=92278f]"It was still possible."[/color] she muttered, there was a path to save her, it won't be easy and she may die and fail but the path was there. She owe her sister this much and more. [color=92278f]"I do know that she will go for my head, does that mean that I would to stick with you?"[/color] she asked. [color=92278f]"Or hope that my own Noble Arm can impede her escape?"[/color] She listened on Qingshe's explanation of the Occult Programming Language. She was right, it was an absurd concept and yet it would explain how these 'magical' items existed. [color=92278f]"Should I really know about this? What was your guarantee that I won't reveal this to the anyone."[/color] She then looked at the table, this Occult Programming Language was a huge thing, so important that no one should knowledge about it. [color=92278f]"It was a lot but how exactly would you use that to make me stronger?"[/color] Leaning back in her chair, Qingshe nodded with a small chuckle. [color=39b54a]"Not discouraged? [i]Good.[/i] [b]Excellent[/b] even. Such determination will serve you well going forward."[/color] She grinned widely, approvingly. [color=39b54a]"That sort of attitude is exactly the type that creates great Arms Masters. While one should always be mindful of the odds for the sake of avoiding recklessness and waste, when it comes to your ideal future, never let them stop you from [i]trying[/i]."[/color] She chuffed. [color=39b54a]"You can't succeed without doing at [i]least[/i] that much, after all. The fact of the matter is that success is [i]always[/i] possible, no matter how daunting the odds. The possibility is there... You just need the tools to make it happen."[/color] Giving a hum of contemplation, Qingshe considered the younger Arms Master's other questions, folding one arm under her chest and cupping her chin with her free hand. [color=39b54a]"Of course, while I cannot deny that my presence is a fairly secure place to be, generally speaking,"[/color] she smirked, [color=39b54a]"there's a chance that your sister, even in madness, at least retains enough of a survival instinct to avoid a confrontation with me."[/color] Snorting, the Snake grinned wryly. [color=39b54a]"While in the past, I went to... great pains to conceal the extent of my strength... until the time was right, those days of obscurity are admittedly long behind me... for better or worse."[/color] Looking morbidly amused, Qingshe's expression was conflicted. [color=39b54a]"While I have yet to attain Mr. Makri's own particular brand of... [i]popularity[/i]... at least in that respect, I hope it's not too bold of me to speculate the reasoning at least stems from my enemies' conception of my threat level... which was perhaps elucidated upon more clearly than ever in my battle with the Rooster."[/color] Shaking her head, the Snake clicked her tongue. [color=39b54a]"That is all to say that I quite suspect my presence will act as a deterrent, even accounting for your sister's twisted state."[/color] Taking her cup, Qingshe hummed and downed another soothing sip of the brew within. [color=39b54a]"If your sister is to pursue this imagined feud of hers with you further, I predict she will at least attempt to exercise it in situations where she can be confident in absolute victory."[/color] Qingshe frowned. [color=39b54a]"The Downward Descent are... generally speaking power-mad cowards. They -including your sister now- will likely wish to never invite a situation that makes them look or feel powerless. The only losses they will accept are ones they can somehow justify as being 'planned' by themselves beforehand. They laud nihilistic anarchy and the power of the individual, domination, the exercising of one's own whims above all else. The greatest insult they can suffer is to be forced to submit to the dominance of another absolutely and without recourse... well..."[/color] She snorted. [color=39b54a]"Aside from those that are 'into that shit', as they say..."[/color] [color=39b54a]"But that aside,"[/color] the Snake redirected, [color=39b54a]"your sister will probably try to corner you alone or with limited backup, and with the power to create long-range portals, she likely won't find it all that difficult."[/color] Tapping her lips with one finger, Qingshe hummed in thought. [color=39b54a]"Then, presuming in the worst case that you cannot avoid a fight whose circumstances are dictated by your opponent, your best option is to simply prepare for that eventuality... One where it is quite likely I will be unable to immediately aid you."[/color] At Cristina's words of concern(?) -perhaps mild paranoia(?), Qingshe only chuckled, her gaze half-lidded. [color=39b54a]"My [i]dear[/i]~, I didn't tell this to you with any expectation that you'd remain silent... at least not by any means of my doing."[/color] Leaning back in her chair, her lips quirked. [color=39b54a]"I'll leave it up to the best judgement of your survival instinct, [i]neh[/i]~?"[/color] Her tone was laced with amusement as much as warning. [color=39b54a]"I'm not saying not to share this with other members of the Task Force. [i]My[/i], if anything I'd almost encourage it, especially..."[/color] She paused and stared out the window, briefly frowning. [color=39b54a]"-if I am unable to tell them myself at some point."[/color] Golden eyes tracking back to Cristina, she huffed. [color=39b54a]"Still, always keep in mind, as things stand in the world, there are some very powerful people that are [i]very[/i] interested in that information not reaching the public consciousness. If you spread it around too recklessly..."[/color] she trailed off leadingly, before shrugging. [color=39b54a]"[i]Well[/i], not everyone is as difficult to [i]'disappear'[/i] as I am, after all..."[/color] Qingshe let those words hang in the air ominously for a while, polishing off her cup of tea and pouring a new one in the interim. Finally, after perhaps too long a while, Qingshe chuckled, not a hint of tension left in her mien. [color=39b54a]"But onto a more productive subject, I think..."[/color] Her golden gaze was half-lidded in contemplation, as the Snake lazily swirled the contents of her cup with one hand. [color=39b54a]"How will Occult Programming Language make you stronger, you ask?"[/color] Qingshe loosed a chuff. [color=39b54a]"[i]Ideally[/i], not directly. Though I wouldn't call myself a novice in using it by any means, I am not unaware of its risks and limits."[/color] Rubbing her chin with one finger, Qingshe hummed. [color=39b54a]"When it comes to granting you the strength to accomplish your goals, we should focus firstly on your capacity to actively improve your Noble Arm's abilities."[/color] Grinning now, Qingshe's hand dipped down from her chin underneath the table and returned with several sheets of paper and a pen. [color=39b54a]"To that end, I have prepared a series of questions for you, ones aimed to identify with certainty your Noble Arm's Value, Element and Growth type."[/color] Placing the papers on the table, she tapped the stack, indicating several large, empty spaces with accompanying questionnaires. [color=39b54a]"For the sake of security, I ask that you write these things down, rather than explaining it all verbally. This part of the process will require we delve into the functions and limits of what your powers can presently do before we truly explore expanding them. And perhaps it is needless to say, but I quite imagine that in the case we [i]were[/i] somehow being spied upon, this should make it a bit more difficult for compromising details about your capabilities to be learned by others."[/color] Pausing, Qingshe chuckled. [color=39b54a]"Of course, if you desire truly absolute security, we could both dip into my shadow, but I don't think that's quite called for yet, eh?"[/color] [color=39b54a]"And as for OPL, itself, as an asset in your quest?"[/color] Qingshe tilted her head. [color=39b54a]"Well, I can provide you two main options."[/color] She raised one finger. [color=39b54a]"Firstly, tools of restraint."[/color] Her shadow flowed up onto the table, expelling a collar-shaped device. [color=39b54a]"Like this, an implement to restrict the flow of OPL in a subject that wears it."[/color] She snorted. [color=39b54a]"In short, it is a tool that could greatly weaken -if not outright seal- a wearer's Noble Arm. As a mercenary who travels around, I imagine you've never had the misfortune to encounter these personally, but [i]some[/i] governments -provided they have the means- 'encourage' identified B and A-Rank Arms Masters to wear these out of 'concern for public safety' if they should be of a mind to shun military recruitment. Similarly, they are often used to keep dangerous prisoners manageable by the same entities."[/color] Qingshe's tone was leading. [color=39b54a]"I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this... I could provide you a few devices of this nature, but it would be up to you to apply them. Of course, there's always the risk of them being used against you, but if ever you are granted the opportunity, these could make the difference in ensuring your sister doesn't evade capture before more secure means of containment are prepared."[/color] Meanwhile, a second finger rose. [color=39b54a]"Secondly, if you think yourself inclined to the dedication to see the path through..."[/color] Qingshe paused, her lips quirking invitingly. [color=39b54a]"Then I would provide you the means to learn Occult Programming Language."[/color] Smirking, Qingshe leaned back in her chair. [color=39b54a]"Of course, knowing it exists only gets you so far, merely strips the curtain off the stage, but I would offer you the means to pluck the world's strings as well... all for the chance to rip your sister from the tendrils of the Downward Descent."[/color] She let that sink in for a moment, before continuing. [color=39b54a]"Naturally, you might ask what guarantees I have that you wouldn't misuse that knowledge, and the truth is?"[/color] She chuckled. [color=39b54a]"None of worth. None but my own intuition. Call me reckless if you like, but I've got a good feeling about you, Miss Bernardino. And in the end... can I really call myself someone that leads by example if I don't show others how to follow me? What do I get out of teaching you?"[/color] She paused then, allowing her expression to adopt an edge of forlornness. [color=39b54a]"I get a legacy... in some form or another. Of course, I would hardly leave such an arrangement exclusive if opportunity provided, but..."[/color] Her golden gaze rose to meet Cristina's eyes. [color=39b54a]"For all that I have learned, the secrets great and terrible I've uncovered, the wonders and horrors I am capable of... What does it matter in the end, unless I can ensure that my knowledge lives on beyond me?"[/color] The Snake glanced out the window, her eyes tracing across the glimmering blue of the horizon, the vibrant ocean waves rippling in the distance. A smile crept across her lips, even as an old, cold fear trickled into her gut. [color=39b54a]"I've made many enemies in my lifetime... in the frighteningly short amount of time I've been an Arms Master. Looking back on it, in hindsight, it's... almost frightening how things have changed. I've made many sacrifices, more than my share of mistakes, but for all the bounty I've made off with, I can't help but worry it will all be for nought. I've done everything I can to reach the top, but I still can't help but wonder... When the devil comes to collect his due..."[/color] Her gaze flicked back to Cristina. [color=39b54a]"-will it be enough?"[/color] Her smile didn't reach her eyes. [color=39b54a]"I've been thinking about it for a while... and I've been taking measures, looking for ways to ensure that if the worst should happen, my dream... and the treasure trove of knowledge that was bought at all too dear a price... will outlive me. To make a better world, even if I'm not there to see it."[/color] After a moment, her eyes closed, and she chuckled, shaking her head. [color=39b54a]"But listen to me ramble on..."[/color] She smirked. [color=39b54a]"I apologize. This is about you, not me, so please excuse my digression."[/color] A small laugh escaped the Snake. [color=39b54a]"Sometimes, I've got more thoughts than I know what to do with, and a few extra slip out."[/color] Tapping the stack of papers on the table, she grinned. [color=39b54a]"First thing's first. We focus on this and address the most practical means of strengthening you with any immediacy. Beyond that...?"[/color] She shrugged. [color=39b54a]"The offer is on the table. No more. No less. So, don't feel pressured to answer me now. There will be other days, and my door is always open."[/color] In the comfort of her own mind, Cristina felt relieved that she is likely to personally deal with her sister, it was little bit selfish but she still wants to be the one face her. She wants to face her and not run away like a coward. She just hopes that her sister wasn't into the latter, it would raise some uncomfortable questions. Cristina raised an eyebrow, she expected her to eventually leak it? That everything is up to her? [color=92278f]"You are too different than what I expected, or maybe you are the same but I'm just knowing why."[/color] she laughed as she asked for a refill. She just sigh as she looked at the stacks of papers, it was more closer on what she expected albeit in a scale she didn't see coming. Cristina nodded at Qingshe's words, she made a point of taking safer missions perhaps if she had been more daring. [color=92278f]"I could use some of that, if I got overpowered, me having that or not won't change a thing. My teleportation was short ranged after all."[/color] As for Qingshe's second offer, it was a large step probably the largest she would take in her life. [i]But she had no time for hesitation, it is either she do it now or she wouldn't do it.[/i] [color=92278f]"I accept your offer, do whatever it takes to make me stronger. [b]I can take it."[/b][/color] She immediately took the stack of papers and begin answering. Qingshe's lips quirked into a smile, as she refilled Cristina's cup obligingly. [color=39b54a]"Different? Yes, I suppose I would be a bit... if all you'd ever heard about me came from curated propaganda... be it positive or negative."[/color] Shaking her head, she gave a small laugh. [color=39b54a]"Although, while some get it all wrong... others barely scratch the surface in how all too right they are..."[/color] Whether that was positive or negative... she didn't elaborate. Returning to the matter of the OPL restraints, Qingshe nodded. [color=39b54a]"I will provide you a few then. If you have a preferred format or ideas for what shape they should take for best implementation, please don't hesitate to raise the matter."[/color] She smirked. [color=39b54a]"Really, the worst I can do is shoot an idea down, but it never hurts to consider your options."[/color] Giving a small hum and waggle of her fingers. [color=39b54a]"The collar is the most secure generally, of course, but it's more easily identified. I can certainly make it fairly easy to conceal, but once you whip it out, I'm sure your sister might have some conception of what you're attempting... Food for thought."[/color] At Cristina's unhesitating acceptance, Qingshe cocked a single brow highly and then grinned widely, chuckling, as her shadow bubbled atop the table and with a static-like crackle deposited an inch-thick book atop the surface with a pitch-black cover and raised, golden text across the front cover, reading: [color=aba000][i][b]"Collective High Codic Conversion - A Primer to Occult Programming Language, by Lei Qingshe"[/b][/i].[/color] [color=39b54a]"This,"[/color] the Snake replied, [color=39b54a]"will be your gateway into the art, and this-"[/color] She flicked one hand closed, a puddle of her humming ooze suddenly bubbling up from beneath her fingers, before she opened her palm to reveal a black USB-drive with glowing green lines crawling down the sides as per usual of Qingshe's cyberpunk aesthetic. [color=39b54a]"-will be your alternative."[/color] The ooze disappeared from her hand, as she held the drive out to Cristina. [color=39b54a]"Should your physical copy be stolen."[/color] She smirked cheekily. [color=39b54a]"I wouldn't worry too much about the digital copy being stolen. I've packed some... fairly nasty surprises into this little cutie for those that dabble in unauthorized access."[/color] [color=39b54a]"I give these to you as aids for self-learning, but I will find whatever free time I can to tutor you personally."[/color] Chuckling, she added, [color=39b54a]"And even if I don't necessarily find time for us alone, I do consider myself [i]quite[/i] the accomplished multitasker when needs must. Rest assured, you will not lack for my input should you have questions."[/color] Grinning, her fingers flicked in a show of sleight of hand, and a card slid across the table. [color=39b54a]"My personal contact details, to more easily keep in touch."[/color] That said, Qingshe lapsed into quiet, avoiding giving Cristina distractions from filling out the stack of questionnaires. If ever she had questions or need of clarification, only then did Qingshe speak up, otherwise keeping to herself until there was nothing left to cover. The forms themselves, if not for the context of the situation, might have read as much like a personality test as any actual power analysis. The questions covered a fairly wide spectrum and often touched upon moral quandaries and other if/then situational inquiries. Much of this, according to Qingshe, was meant- [i][color=39b54a]"-to narrow down your most defining characteristics as a person... particularly those with a high chance of being what your Noble Arm "values" most in a User, the defining trait upon which hangs the crux of the reason it chose to appear in your hands."[/color][/i] Other questions, aside from the actual capabilities of her Noble Arm (in as fine detail as she could manage) included what she thought was her weapon's "element". [i][color=39b54a]"Noble Arms typically have a centralized... Hmm, I don't know if you play video games, but I suppose 'skill tree' wouldn't be a poor comparison. It's under the umbrella of whatever theme your Noble Arm is rooted in that largely determines what sort of abilities it's most likely to develop."[/color][/i] And lastly... [i][color=39b54a]"Based on what I've seen of the field reports, I already have some suspicions, but I won't openly speculate yet. Even so, we should confirm for sure what manner of Growth your Noble Arm is inclined to. Generally speaking, Noble Arms fall under 'breadth' or 'depth'. To use the skill tree comparison again, a depth type invests all their power into a singular tree or specialty... or perhaps specific series of 'programs', as it were. By doing so, they become a 'master of one' and are vastly more powerful in their area of expertise... This type, in my experience, breeds higher -if not top- tier Noble Arms on average. Conversely, breadth-types do not typically constrain themselves to a single skill tree. They branch out to others and gain a certain level of unpredictability to them, a flexibility under which radically opposite elements can coexist. They are jacks of many trades... and accordingly, they cannot approach the greatness of a specialist in any of them. And then, there's the fairly common middle ground type..."[/color][/i] All in all, reading between the lines, the Snake seemed rather... excited to have someone to actually say all this to. If one didn't know any better, they might think she was a bit pent up. Though she seemingly made an effort to keep herself on-task, once she got going, the words and knowledge flowed like water from her. For every question, she seemed to have both an actual answer and at least a couple speculations to share as a bonus. [color=92278f]"Then give me the strongest variant."[/color] Cristina answered before giving the idea a few more thought. [color=92278f]"Can also make something into the form of a extendable handcuff, in the off chance I could catch her off guard."[/color] she added. Cristina took a look at the book and the hard drive, here it is the secret that everyone will kill for to know literally in the palm of her hands. [color=92278f]"I will make sure that it won't ever happen in the first place."[/color] she promised. She also took the card and add her number on her phone, to confuse anyone who will try to get access into it she didn't use Qingshe's name or serpent on the number. [i] No one in the right mind will call her Linlin, she's pretty sure of that.[/i] The questionnaire however proves to be little tougher than she expected until she realized that the only way to answer it was through sheer instinct and honestly. [color=92278f][i] My Noble Arm, I think it values my resolve specifically the resolve to keep finding my sister. I cannot think of any other trait.[/i][/color] [color=92278f][i]As for element, it would be Space as most of my abilities themed around making use of portals to move around or limit my enemies. Weirdly enough, I felt that it was an incomplete descriptor. Mainly because it doesn't explain my ability to create orbs of fire, normally I would think of it as a bizarre off-shoot but given everything I hear now, it could likely as huge of a part of my space abilities, considering I recently learned how to light Sinagtala on the fire of said orbs.[/i] [/color] As for last question... [color=92278f][i] Most of the time, it was 'depth' considering that my 'abilities' are derived from other abilities but... My trump card, Mirage Space seems to have the ability to induce my growth through 'breadth' considering that being inside it grants me the power to fly, shoot sword beams and even teleport as long as I'm inside. [/i] [/color] After answering the questions, she passed the paper to Qingshe. Come to think of it, she never went to an actual school. That would mean that Qingshe is her first teacher. That was weird, but it wasn't that bad. She smiled a little as Qingshe was checking her papers. Chuckling, Qingshe nodded at the custom request for the restraint. [color=39b54a]“Well… as long as you’re confident in your aim~.”[/color] Smirking, she nodded again and made a note, as somewhere deep in her shadow, her power processed and went about churning out an answer to the request. [color=39b54a]“I’ll provide you a collar and a pair of bracers with a detachable set of chain-links. Individually, they should be able to greatly weaken a wearer, and all together…”[/color] She frowned and hummed in thought. [color=39b54a]“Well, they should probably be capable of rendering your sister incapable of doing much other than summoning her Noble Arm. Given how powerful her portal-making Noble Arm appears to be, I doubt it will do more than that, and if she has more than one Noble Arm now… it might be even less effective, being that there will be approximately twice as much energy that needs to be suppressed.”[/color] Shaking her head, Qingshe smiled reassuringly. [color=39b54a]“Be cautious is all I am saying. Even if she appears to be completely at your mercy… don’t count her out. A single slip-up could mean her escape.”[/color] She chuckled at Cristina’s promise and simply smiled in wait while the space-manipulator added the Snake’s number to her phone contacts. She continued to wait patiently while the forms were filled out and then received and reviewed them quietly, making small noises of acknowledgement. Once she was done taking it all in and letting the details percolate, Qingshe nodded and set the papers down into a navy-blue binder she produced for that purpose, closing it and securing the contents from any prying eyes. [color=39b54a]“On the matter of your Noble Arms’ value… I would speculate it has little to nothing to with your sister. Such a thing would be… how shall I say this… too specific?”[/color] She shook her head. [color=39b54a]“Not that it’s impossible per-say, but the ‘value’ of a Noble Arm is usually far more general. For example, the Love of Family as a whole wouldn’t be unexpected… but something relating to a specific individual?”[/color] She frowned. [color=39b54a]“Now, [i]that[/i] would be very unlucky in a long-term sense. Let us hope the actuality is far more practical, like general Resolve or Determination. Those would be more reliable. Still… whatever the case, given that you wield a natural Noble Arm, I’m sure any Value it has will be well-suited to your desires.”[/color] [color=39b54a]“As for your Element… Hmm… Space makes sense, and as it does, I’m inclined to wonder about some of your conclusions. There’s your flight, which sounds less like a separate tree delve and more like you are simply altering your position in space… which has some interesting implications. Similarly, your “homing” shots are most likely warping space to course correct. Your teleportation? Also space warping, of course. I [i]am[/i] curious about the explosive orbs, but I have to wonder if space warping isn’t somehow responsible for them as well, perhaps by combusting matter with compression? Of course, we should test this, but…”[/color] Qingshe paused, and a glimmer entered her eyes. [color=39b54a]“Alternatively, these ‘fire orbs’ might be an expression of ‘Space’ in the galactic sense; that is, it could be an element drawn from the concept of stars shooting through space. If [i]that[/i] is the case, it means your Element is one with a [i]generous[/i] interpretation indeed~.”[/color] Leaning back in her chair, Qingshe giggled merrily, a grin on her lips. [color=39b54a]“And assuming that either of my suppositions are correct, I would indeed classify your [Sinagtala] as a Depth-type, if not a Composite-type.”[/color] Humming, she tilted her head in thought. [color=39b54a]“The best way to confirm one way or the other though… Well, we’ll need to test just how much of your powers are actually, in fact, entirely centered around your so-called ‘trump card’. If I’m not incorrect, then I suspect that everything you do is actually drawn from [i]that[/i] as the root ability, which you are only able to exercise to its fullest in a limited capacity. And if we were to pursue full mastery of that aspect, [i]well[/i]…”[/color] Chuckling again, Qingshe’s golden eyes glimmered with anticipation, a wide smile on her face. [color=39b54a]“…I’m truly excited to find out what would happen.”[/color] Cristina quickly took the collar and the bracers, she would need to adjust her pants to keep these items on her. A pouch or something will solve the storage issue. She grimaced at Qingshe's words about her sister. She got it wrong? But she cannot think of any other words that felt right? Hopefully it won't be a problem right? [color=92278f]"It might a very generous interpretation."[/color] she agreed noting how she acquired the Noble Arm. [color=92278f][[i]If searching for her sister meanings finding a needle in a star-filled night, then she will find her or die trying. [/i] [/color] She clenched her fist as she listen to to her teacher's explanation, she could see her vision and it makes her excited for some reason. [i][color=92278f] For once, she felt like she was actually closing the gap.[/color] [/i] [color=92278f]"When will we start?"[/color] she asked. Seeing Cristina’s grimace, Qingshe smiled reassuringly at her. [color=39b54a]“Don’t be disheartened. Even if we cannot identify your Noble Arm’s precise Value, just being true to yourself is often enough to align with it regardless.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=39b54a]“Speaking of, the very reason identifying your weapon’s Value is important is that the more your actions and desires align with that Valued Trait, the more easily your Noble Arm will be inclined to develop and improve your abilities.”[/color] Leaning back in her chair, Qingshe sighed. [color=39b54a]“In a sense, your Value is a measure of your core self, and your Noble Arm recognizes that. It was [i]made[/i] to fulfill that attribute. Therefore, you are rewarded for essentially… simply being [i]you[/i], really and truly, not allowing yourself to be fettered by restraints or the opinions of others. Arms Masters are, in a sense, empowered by doing whatever the hell they truly like, growing more powerful than their peers… which, as you might imagine, then conversely contributes to the reputation of powerful Arms Masters being unstable or forces of anarchy and disorder.”[/color] She snorted. [color=39b54a]“Which then creates fear that encourages others to try and regulate them harder, only for them to buckle back harder in return… A vicious cycle.”[/color] Shaking her head, the Snake grinned wryly. [color=39b54a]“But I digress.”[/color] She chuckled at Cristina’s question. [color=39b54a]“When shall we start? Hah, well, though I expect we shan’t have much time for this leave, what with the diplomatic event encroaching so soon… If we want to make progress in a timeframe enough to be relevant…”[/color] She grinned widely. [color=39b54a]“…[i]When better than now~[/i]?”[/color] [/hider] [hr] [hider=The Agent Who Knew Too Much - Callie Interlude] [color=f7941d]“My God,”[/color] Callie pronounced to the empty room. Her portal had closed a few seconds ago; no danger of any complications now. [color=6ecff6][i]That’s about right…[/i][/color] Spindle’s thought, tinged with uncharacteristic shock, echoed across her own. She’d tugged at the thread in her mind just about as soon as she’d managed to return to the barracks she’d found. The things she had been hearing at the time seemed [i]important[/i]. [color=f7941d]“I –”[/color] Callie took a breath, closed her eyes, let the wave of fatigue from keeping distant space connected for so long wash over her as she recentered herself. [color=f7941d][i]The biggest societal shift since industrialization was an accident caused by one guy playing with eldritch physics. Sure. Yep. That’s not disturbing.[/i][/color] Listening in on Qingshe and Cristina’s conversation hadn’t been especially difficult. Mischief Reef’s wide open sands and utilitarian grid layout made for some long sightlines; she’d been able to introduce herself eloquently to the young Emperor ([color=f7941d][i]Difficult to get a read – that theatricality both very clearly is and very clearly [/i]isn’t[i] a mask…[/i][/color]) over the course of a few minutes while comfortably keeping half an eye on the departing figures (and compartmentalizing the base part of herself that floated somewhere between maximizing the opportunity to [i]appreciate[/i] one of them and being stunned by said appreciation). After politely excusing herself ([color=f7941d]“I think I’ll take a walk, get a sense of the place – yes, I saw it on the news a couple of times when I was younger, it looks so much better now the QRS has made it into a home and a haven as much as a base… Oh, no, thank you [i]so[/i] much for offering, your Majesty, but I like getting to know somewhere by experiencing it myself, you know?[/color]), it had been similarly trivial for her to follow the pair at a distance of several hundred meters, relying on her usual combination of experience, over-tuned instinct and Charter’s vision to keep a bead on them while remaining beyond notice. All that preparation had been in aid of a single portal, less than a centimeter wide, placed on the wall of the tread of Cristina’s left boot – barely visible even if you could get the angle to see it and only audible on the other side from the rush of blood through the inside of Callie’s ear. Granted, feeling the throb of the air in that ear each time the boot hammered on the ground hadn’t made for a pleasant jog back to the barrack block – nor had the guilt she’d felt over [i]entirely[/i] violating Cristina’s personal boundaries, if she was being honest – but the intel had been… Well. ‘worth it’ was perhaps the wrong way of looking at things. ‘earth-shattering’ might be a better fit. [color=f7941d][i]So magic runs on code and Charter is a glorified programme. I mean, sure, but… Why tools of war? Are people just that prone to violence? I mean…[/i][/color] Callie furrowed her brow. Then she sat up, blinking. [color=f7941d][i]Wait – how does all of this square with the whole ‘human potential’ aspect? Either humans are just innately, metaphysically special or he [/i]rewrote the codebase of the universe to treat them as special[i], and Hell would [/i]either[i] of those be something! Sure, the ‘NA proves the soul’ argument’s been done to death on every NA forum and chatroom but… Did people even [/i]have[i] souls before the 1940s? God…[/i][/color] She covered her mouth, holding in a disbelieving laugh. [color=f7941d][i]Not that that concept means much anymore if one man could have[/i] changed humanity’s foundational metaphysics by accident![/color] Callie did laugh, now; the sound in the empty room and the whirl of her mind covered Spindle’s silence. [color=f7941d][i]By accident… And, if what she said was right, it’s a wonder that it hasn’t happened again. Or maybe it has! Maybe the stories of wizards and magic swords are true and every one is a precursor to [/i]this![i] And as more people find out, the likelihood of a rogue actor or an idealist doing something like it [/i]again[i] grows…[/i][/color] Her mind stopped dead. That amount of power being apparently in reach of those who could tap into OPL… Suddenly, granting magical powers almost at random to individuals dotted across the world seemed positively benign. If, instead of building something new within the universe’s nature, that first great act had been to [i]undermine[/i] it… [color=f7941d][i]The higher-ups have to know about all of this, right?[/i][/color] Callie asked suddenly. [color=f7941d][i]They have to. I know we’ve got – I mean, I don’t [/i]know[i] but we have to have people embedded in the Big Three, even if we didn’t know before then, right? If…[/i][/color] For the second time in a minute, her mind screeched to a halt. If they had that kind of power, there was the potential to rewrite geopolitics in a truly literal sense. Would the CIA not use that power? Would not every organization in the world that got its hands on it? [color=f7941d][i]But they clearly haven’t, they [/i] clearly [i]haven’t, so what’s going on? What made that first act special?[/i][/color] Callie shook her head. [color=f7941d][i]And –[/i][/color] [color=6ecff6][i]Augur.[/i][/color] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LZ7LYBPtLY]Spindle. Their thoughts clear and controlled.[/url] [color=6ecff6][i]I’ve just received a directive from the very top of command. You’ve done well to secure the information you did and you [/i]will[i] be briefed on its implications.[/i][/color] Was that a hint of [i]dread[/i]? Would have made sense, given what they’d both heard… [color=6ecff6][i]For now, you’re exhausted from using your Noble Arm for such a period of time – you need to [b]sleep[/b], to recover so that you will be at maximum effectiveness for Obsidian’s next deployment.[/i][/color] [color=f7941d][i]I…[/i][/color] She felt it, the growing weight of her shoulders, the fuzziness in her mind even as her thought jabbed at it, some new revelation waiting to pierce through. [color=f7941d][i]You aren’t wrong… I just don’t know how well I’ll be able to rest with so much –[/i][/color] [color=6ecff6][i][b]Sleep.[/b][/i][/color] Tiredness crashed over her. [color=f7941d][i]Sure, sure…[/i][/color] Sluggish, weighty, Callie clambered onto the bunk. Her head dropped back against the pillow; her eyes fell shut. As she slipped away, the last thing she felt in the midst of the haze was a thread pulling in her mind. [/hider]