Kirunax
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Chapter 18
🕑 Added 2025-05-13 17:55:23 +0000 UTCChapter 18
A/N Sorry for missing last week. I've been really sick, and then I had to catch up on work. But she should be back on schedule now.
Armsmaster
“This concludes my report,” Colin said, adjusting bracers on his arm.
They were seated in the PRT HQ briefing room, where Colin just finished delivering his report.
Not that there was much to report on his end—he had spent the entire encounter locked in a desperate defense against Hookwolf.
The ambush was swift and effective. The opening move, as they had learned later, was Stormtiger leveraging his power to create a wind tunnel in a confined alleyway for Hookwolf to launch through.
Colin also suspected that Cricket had something to do with him not noticing the Changer’s approach before he was hit with the force of a battering ram. Thankfully, his armor held.
That level of coordination implied foreknowledge of his patrol route. The Empire had actionable intelligence—disturbingly accurate at that.
It wasn’t clear however if they knew he would have Wards with him. His patrol route would have taken him through that road either way.
After the impact he was too battered and disoriented to effectively fend off Hookwolf’s assault.
That fight would have been a forgone conclusion, with him either dead or severely injured, if Argent and Armiger hadn’t weathered the crush significantly better than him.
The children managed to disable Stormtiger, Cricket and Alabaster fast enough, for Armiger to assist Colin’s own fight.
The boy had launched swords with precision and force, uncannily reminiscent of Allfather’s infamous volleys.
There was a note in Armiger’s file, raising a strong possibility of him not disclosing everything about his powers. The demonstrated Blaster capabilities lend credence to that.
That, and his ability to replicate tinkertech.
Colin was still processing the opportunity that fell into his lap. For years, he had hunted for ways to streamline his production cycle—compressing sleep into chemically regimented segments, automating fabrication, optimizing his overall schedule. And now...
Now, a substantial part of his maintenance cycle was eliminated. His primary weapon system was effortlessly replicated. Meaning that even after this fight, when his halberd was damaged, he didn’t need to postpone the return to his duties – Armiger could simply supply the unit he copied earlier. The damaged one could be freely used for the next iteration of the design.
For the first time, he was free to innovate without the looming burden of sustaining old systems. No longer was progress hostage to upkeep.
Granted it was only part of his core loadout, but it was nonetheless a significant development.
More than that, the rest could be potentially replicated too, even if partially.
And if it turned out that further understanding of his tech will allow Armiger to replicate his gear more freely...
It was too early to count on that yet. Tinker-tech was notoriously difficult to explain to others. The things obvious to Colin seemed to simply elude the notice of others, even other tinkers – Dragon being the sole exception.
However, Armiger’s understanding of physical objects was power-assisted, so there was a chance. Colin was prepared to explore that possibility to the fullest.
And that wasn’t even mentioning that the boy was somehow able to increase power output of his halberd’s stun discharge array. It shouldn’t be able to generate such voltage, otherwise Colin would have put the Emipire cape down himself.
The visual effect of Armiger’s power suggested use of his ‘reinforcement’ ability on Colin’s weapon. Until now, it was assumed that his power simply increased durability of the objects. In hindsight, it was clear that it had to be more than that, since it had much more profound effect on the boy himself.
After an in-depth explanation of Armgier’s Tinker – such as it was – power, Colin could somewhat understand the connection. The function of the object played a more important part in his ability to replicate that object than its actual physical makeup. Following logic, his Brute power – Colin was of the opinion that Armiger’s profile required a significant rewrite – allowed him to improve the function of the object in question.
Applied to a rock, all it would to is to make the rock harder to break. Applied to Armiger’s own body – his body becomes faster, stronger and overall, better at performing its functions. Applied to Colin’s halberd...
So his power not only replicated tinkertech, but enhanced it as well.
Armiger was shaping up to be a strategic dream—an asset any Tinker would kill to collaborate with.
It would require further testing. But for now, he kept his observations quiet. As far as everyone was concerned, Armiger took down Hookwolf by managing to pierce his outer layer while the cape was distracted, and delivering the electric shock deep into Hookwolf’s body.
“This attack is a direct retaliation to our recent probes into the Empire territory,” Director Piggot concluded.
Colin’s thoughts flicked to the timing. Barely a day had passed since their last push. If this was retaliation, it had been planned long in advance—or they had someone feeding them updates.
“Most likely. We made our presence known and dismantled several Empire operations in Downtown North.”
“That was a very... decisive retaliation,” Assault chimed in. “Doesn’t strike me as Kaiser’s style.”
“Indeed. Our initial assumption was that we would have at least a month before any major moves on the Empire’s part.”
“Calvert’s strategic analysis hit my desk this morning, predicting this exact outcome. He will be glad to know it was accurate and I’ll tell him to expand upon this new development ASAP,” Director said, “His suggestion was that Hookwolf might have acted unilaterally.”
“That’s good for us, right?” asked Triumph. “Now we’ve got four Empire capes in custody.”
“Rory,” Hannah shot him a look. “The most violent arm of the Empire just ambushed two Wards. That’s not a win.”
“But crippling one of their cells is,” Director cut in. “We’ve scored a major blow. Let’s not downplay that.”
“A bit early to count you chickens. No way Kaiser won’t try to bust them out,” Assault said.
“We’ll be ready. Miss Militia, Dauntless, Assault and Battery will remain stationed in HQ while we prepare the transfer.”
“That leaves three of us—Velocity, Triumph, and myself—for active patrol,” Colin observed. “Kaiser will exploit that imbalance.”
“Yeah,” Assault nodded. “I get that it’s important to secure this windfall, but with only three capes on patrols and response? Kaiser will hit the city to draw us out,” he said, needlessly repeating Colin’s own point.
“The Wards will supplement the Protectorate roster for the time being,” Piggot said flatly. “Patrol routes are being reassigned.”
“Director, is that wise?” Miss Militia tried to object.
“We don’t have the luxury of alternatives. This ambush failed, yes—but it handed us a strategic gift. Extracting Hookwolf and the others from the city is now a critical objective.”
Dauntless spoke gently. “It’s a miracle Armiger and Argent survived.”
“It wasn’t,” Armsmaster interrupted him.
They all turned to him.
“They dispatched their opponents quickly and decisively—despite being caught in a disadvantageous position.”
It was fact. They’d survived a high-speed ambush with minimal injuries, and then took down the Empire capes in under three minutes. Furthermore, Argent was pinned trying to cover her brother with her forcefields, while Armiger, being a melee combatant had a bad match up dueling Cricket.
Even then, Armiger came out victorious and managed to give Argent an opening to dispatch both Stormtiger and Alabaster... in an admittedly brutal, though effective, fashion.
“They’re still kids, Armsmaster,” Dauntless continued to push his incorrect opinion. “This should’ve been traumatizing.”
Colin shook his head. “There are no signs of trauma. No panic. Armiger is physically injured, yes—cuts and bruises—but otherwise, nothing.”
“They’re in shock,” Miss Militia said firmly. “It doesn’t always show.”
Colin disagreed.
Dauntless was simply wrong. Argent showed no hesitation in neither maiming Stormtiger nor keeping Alabaster down by repeatedly stabbing and shooting him in the head. Armiger was more annoyed at the delay on because he had some unfinished business back at the HQ.
“After the fight, they argued over who would keep Alabaster down,” Colin calmly explained, “Armiger didn’t want Argent firing a gun repeatedly—claimed it would cause a disturbance—and that little girls shouldn’t be shooting guns anyway. After getting an explanation on how Alabaster’s powers work, he fought to push his sister away to stab Alabaster with his swords. Argent took offense. She insisted on continuing. They didn’t stop until I cuffed Alabaster’s limbs. And after that, Argent still shot him again, when he regenerated and started insulting her.”
The room fell into a long, uneasy silence. Triumph stared blankly. Battery muttered something inaudible. Velocity shifted in place, visibly disturbed. Dauntless just closed his eyes.
“They showed no fear in the face of violence. No remorse in wielding it.”
“That’s...” Hannah tried to form words.
“Need I remind you,” Piggot interjected, “Argent and Armiger both have a body count. It’s not the first time they have been in a similar situation. Only this time, no one is dead. It’s a marked improvement on their part.”
“It’s still wrong,” Hannah quietly said.
“You concerns are noted, Miss Militia,” Piggot continued, “But the reality is that the siblings held themselves well in a fight, are functional and uninjured. Now, onto the other matters.
She turned to Colin. “What is the extent of your injuries?”
Colin frowned, “Lacerations, cracked ribs, minor concussion, closed fractures in my arm. All treatable. Panacea could have me field-ready within the hour.”
“Brandish isn’t feeling very cooperative right now. When we reached out, she refused to send her daughter here, claiming the hour is too late,” Piggot said with evident disdain, “So your choice is either taking a leave,” Director’s face plainly showed what she thought about that, “or asking Argent for treatment.”
He didn’t need to ask why. It was expected that the altercation between Argent and Glory Girl, being still recent, would lead to a period of time where Brandish would be difficult. On the surface, her demands had been fulfilled – even if they weren’t but the woman had no way of knowing that – so had no real grounds for complaint. But that wasn’t how Brandish operated.
She had an unfortunate habit of showing her displeasure even if she got everything she wanted from you.
Which was shy Colin hadn’t bothered arguing with her. The situation had already been resolved, and the only variable left had been Carol’s sentiment. Which wasn’t a variable at all, since it would be negative either way.
It was still confusing why she wanted him to be the person who assured her that Argent will be punished, when Colin had absolutely no input in that.
Even as the girl’s guardian – any theoretical misstep had happened in her capacity as a Ward. Colin could either act in his own capacity as her guardian – meaning he had no grounds to issue punishment since it wasn’t a civilian matter – or in his capacity as Leader of Protectorate ENE – a position with no authority over the Wards anymore.
It was absurd.
Still, he gave her what she asked for—his complete inaction.
And in the process, discovered something far more valuable.
“I’ll see Argent after this meeting.”
***
The Wards' quarters were dimly lit when he arrived. Through the door, he caught voices.
“...should have told them you got injured.”
“It’s only a few cracked ribs, sister. I didn’t want to drag out the night.”
“You are still looking at a few weeks of recovery.”
“Good thing you can heal,” there was a smirk in the boy’s words. “And I promise I won’t compare you to Panacea.”
Colin stepped in.
Argent straightened. “Armsmaster, did you need something?”
“I require your healing.”
She nodded, then winced. “After I finish with Shirou, if that’s alright.”
“Of course.”
Armiger was still in his red-and-black armor—an inverted palette of his usual costume. At Argent’s request, he dismissed it. The armor dispersed in a shimmer of motes that the sensors in Colin’s armor couldn’t fully analyze. Light emission, but little else. It was curious.
Instead he got readings on the armor itself.
Alternating layers of synthetic material and twin sheets of carbon lattice just a single atom thick – graphene.
He wanted to ask questions but the boy suddenly tensed as his sister put her hands on his bare back and started the healing process. His eyes widened, and then closed with a resigned sign.
“Are you alright, Shirou?” Argent asked, feeling his distress. “You shouldn’t feel anything, I gave you enough painkillers,” she said gently. “Is it hurting?”
“I’m fine,” he muttered, “You were comfortable in that fight.”
Argent froze, “What do you mean?”
“You didn’t panic. Two-on-one, and then calmly executed one of them. Not just anyone can do that.”
Argent took a moment before answering. “I suppose it’s just how my Thinker power works,” she started slowly, “It’s like I’ve done this before. Countless times. Fighting, shooting...”
“Killing?”
“I suppose.” Argent hesitantly answered. “It’s like muscle memory,” she added quickly, as if repeating a script. “I just... know what to do.”
She didn’t look him in the eye.
“Why do you ask?”
“Curiosity. I suppose it’s much the same for me.”
“Well, powers do tend to bear similarities between family members. The technological leaning of your own power could be attributed to Armsmaster,” she nodded at Colin, who felt like he was intruding on a conversation not meant for him. “Don’t think too much about it.”
Argent couldn’t see her brother’s face, but from his position Colin clearly saw the the boy’s face. It was... almost defeated.
What was going on?
A burning smell drew their attention. Argent clicked her tongue and pulled a warped calculator casing from her pocket.
“I’ll need more of these if I want to get you two patched up enough. Wait here,” she said, walking out of the room.
The silence that followed was heavy.
Then, softly:
“Was it worth it?” he asked, eyes still closed.
Colin blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Getting us into the Protectorate. Was it worth it?”
Colin’s instincts prickled. Something shifted in the boy’s voice.
“I am not sure what you mean,” Colin carefully replied.
“Your halberd. You put a lot of yourself in it. Your hopes, your ambitions, your dreams. Especially your dreams. It’s a beautiful weapon, and it told me a lot about you. I understand you on a level that I don’t think anyone else does.”
Armiger’s Thinker power. It gave him information about history of the objects. It worked best with blades, so it wasn’t a stretch that it would also tell him about their creators.
“I don’t really see someone so single-minded, so focused on shedding everything excessive, every irrelevant, caring about gaining things like family. After all, it has nothing to do with your one single goal.”
Armiger leveled Colin with accusatory glare.
“So whatever the reason was for signing us up to the Wards and bringing us into this city – was it worth it?”
There was no accusation in his tone—just a weariness Colin couldn’t just ignore, for some reason.
The boy was right. He didn’t want to become the guardian for these children, and for the exact reason Armiger described. He only agreed because the increased budget allowed him more resources for his tinkering. His lie-detector, his anti-brute tranquilizer. His nanothorn.
He could lie. Should lie. It would be easy to claim nobler motives.
Only... it wasn’t.
In that moment, stripped of excuse and posture, all Colin could offer was honesty:
“Yes. It was.”
The boy smirked mirthlessly, “Everything to become a better hero, huh?”
He turned away.
“I hope you succeed.”
Comments
Greisvandir
Tanya saw him shirtless on may occasions, and he's definitely not as ripped as his adult version. The armor itself is a vest and form fitted for his adult self. Emiya has defined muscles just not on the level of his Servant version.
Wun Wong
Is it part of the joke that Emiya's armor is form fitting rather than 'shaping' or 'sculpting'?? Will people be surprised to see him with his shirt off from the front and realize he actually have defined muscles?
Dmitry Gumin
Totally worth the $10. Thanks!
