Chapter 7

"What happened to the ear thingamajigs that are needed for the codec?"

"You mean the specifically made "ear plugs" that are surgically implanted into your ear for receiving and transmitting messages along with its many features?" Ahab responded while lugging his "cargo" being dragged across the floor with his bionic hand, its slumped form having debris clumped on its form along with sharp objects impaling its flesh. Its discomfort was not enough for it to wake up, but it will severely hamper its movements due to sticking it into certain joints and muscles. Of course, this went unnoticed by Ahab's attention due to him not particularly caring about this sack of spoiled meat that just happens to have sentience.

Or maybe it was because Silva had his complete attention

Either or

"Yea. That."

"Well, people find it intrusive to the idea at the time of these artificial microorganisms living inside our head for the rest of our lives, regardless of the numerous failsafe and benefits that would far outweigh the cons."

"…" Silva's thought about it for a moment before speaking "Is it because of the terminator?"

" *sigh* Yes, it's because of the terminator." 'He did think it through. Though I do wonder how he found a correlation to the release of a film.' Ahab thought to himself

"Well, it's ah more physical threat though I'm suare earlier works of science fiction novels should have gotten the point across earlier of the dangers and horrors of technological advances. Though most if not all humans, much less your staff in general, still allow the ignorance and stupidity of 'seeing is believing' to blind them to any possibility of it existing or happening." Silva went on even though his attention kept being dragged back to the 'meat' as it was being dragged by where it was tied by its arms and legs held in a cow tie. Think of meat at the butchers being hanged by a leg, that's how it was propped up while being dragged.

'I want ta ask what he is going to do with "it" as he so aptly put it. Though I believe it's a stupid question on what will be done to em. So, for now, I'll just go with it and not draw his ire.' Silva thought to himself, trying to distract himself by either looking forward or to the left side that Ahab was dragging it

He was succeeding, but it was hard to see what was happening when jagged debris snagged on

"Ar ya kiddin' me?" Silva continued the conversation flabbergasted "You people have seen n created de advancement of technology light years ahead of everyone else. You ken comprehend n even know the existence of these titanic Metal Gears with variations ranging froma degrees of lethality and utility added on ta the annoyance of nuclear armaments, beatin every single version of em might I add, an yet, the moment a simplified and easily viewable form ofa media that does not require da skill to read n everybody freaks out about AI in control seeking the extinction of mankind is what freaks them out? Really?"

He can understand their great advancements in robotics, warfare, and misc. But when AI is involved, THAT'S what crosses the line? 'Then how da fack did the Patriots get into control? Was it slow at first being human involvement before Zero automates it into AI? I mean it makes sense since it was all cloak n dagger fully while utilizing inventions to further their control over the individual in humanities, it still would not be possible that there wasn't any paranoid nutjob to come across it or even kick a fuss up about it. Or was their programming and processing up to the point where chaos theory was a walk n da park for them? It is a horrifying yet fascinating prospect to be that convoluted. But ocelot proved yet again in the end that even computers cannot outmatch humans in intellect, or cunning. Damn bastard is going to be a problem if we don git ta him as soon as possible.' Silva noted to himself

Ahab just scratched his chin nervously with his other hand "Yeah~. Different world, different standards I guess."

"That's bullshite and you know it." Silva rebutted "Your world was filled with ignorance and stupidity that was the same amount as mine. The difference was da means and da range it influenced da world." Silva's anger seeped through his accent coming in a bit more thickly. Already annoyed by the double standards that weren't different at all. If it was a different mistake humanity made along the way, fine, he wouldn't have any problem with it and move on. But it wasn't, as intended by Kojima. Then again, he would give less of a shit on politics and the so-called reasons that justify the ends when it's just the same song and dance again

"Hm…" Ahab gave some thought to it before having to put a little more force to drag 'it' after a branch snagged on its flesh again. "All right, I'll cede to you on that point that humans still do the same stupid thing regardless of the era and means. But you must admit that at least mine was able to progress a lot further than yours."

"I'm sorry, did your worald manage to colonize another astronomical object in your time?" Silva snarked

"…"

"I thought so." Silva said in a mirthless tone "No matter how maney dood-dads or giant fockin robats you build, your world sucks the same as mine. Admit it." The conversation may have devolved a bit into a stick-measuring contest

'I refuse to believe that his world was any better than mine. Just the means were bigger.' Silva thought angrily to himself

"Fine." Ahab answered without any hint of exasperation "You are right on account of it. But you must admit that mine progressed way further light years ahead than yours did." Ahab acquiesced

"Of course it did." Silva affirmed, "Why do you think people in mine thought yours was better regardless of all the suffering and stupidity?"

Ahab went silent towards that remark, contemplating those words…

The idea that people would rather enjoy a world just because of the difference in development and drive regardless of the increased risks that are caused by the same setting is a rather worrying thought to think of. But then again, no matter how similar their earth may be, it still strayed in slight differences such as values and the way history played out along with humans with extraordinary abilities

So it all boils down to the question "Was it that boring?". Silva explained thoroughly that the answer was that people were tired of all the work and trouble being for nothing or amounting to nothing, shown throughout history. All that effort, all that sacrifice, was for nothing. America had become Rome in the 21st century, its greatest that became the worst at the end of its own Pax Roma. Not as great or long, but the outcome is far worse than the fall of Rome.

At least it would still be a livable environment and the people can pick up the pieces to build again and keep on living when Rome fell

But it did, in fact, happen. America fell, it was the first domino to fall to start what Silva would call "World War facking Five, with n all-you-can-eat free-for-all buffet~.'

But it was just a theory, as Silva clarified, a close one that was proven by the evidence history supplemented. Though the issue is that it still missed a lot of small factors or whatever other holes some a-hole just wants to debate and argue when Silva didn't care about such a thing in the first place. Doesn't matter how the little things matter to a culmination of an end. The biggest stick is the one to end it all, and thus renders all things moot. So, it would all be pointless then, no?

The duo continued in silence afterward as Ahab led them to a relatively clear part of the carved clearing. When he was satisfied with how far out they were, he dropped the meat to the floor. Not reacting at all to the noises of flesh being made a pincushion out of, untying it before turning to Silva

"Be ready." Ahab said as his only warning before- " "*THUD*" Urrrrrh…" Kicking the filth in the stomach waking up before he threw a knife (a clean one that he found in the pile of melee weapons that was kept in good condition that will guarantee a clean kill. Not his knife that is most likely poisoned by whatever diseases these 'animals' picked up) between them and walking away from them a fair distance.

Silva was paralyzed by Ahab's sudden actions for a mere moment before getting into the basic combat stance, spreading his feet apart and angling them to move, give, and receive at a moment's notice. His palms open and kept up in the air near his face in a grappler's paws, fingers arched curving forward. The same way Solid did with the final fight he was going to have. It was awe-inspiring to know and in turn, have his body be in the same way as the final known form of CQC. But when the real battle starts, all sorts of thoughts were denied existence. Only to be stricken with confusion, anxiety, and foreboding. Something which Ahab could see on his face, no matter how hard Silva tries to hide it. Something like that would be a very big problem in a fight. He will train it out of him another day, but today was for something else. Something that must be dealt with the only proper way how

A trial by fire

He waited for the meat to be conscience and standing before he can begin

" *wheeze* W-what? Who-" The meat spoke out

"You're awake, now we can begin." The meat was startled and turned around to face in the correct direction of the one responsible for his current predicament

"Y-YOU!?" The meat Stuttered out in surprise and fear at what his captor looked like now that he had a face to the voice of stone

"Yes, me. Now if I could direct your attention to between the both of you-" he gestured to the knife in the middle "-you can see the only weapon between the both of you that you will be receiving. Only one of you is getting out of this alive." Silva snapped his head at that, shock adorning his face before gritting in unfairness and cruelty, but not betrayal, that Ahab was forcing him to partake in. 'So that's why he wanted me to disarm myself before we came into the clearing.' He thought grimly, frustrated that he did not even question it or bothered to hide one of his more easily concealable weapons. 'I mean really, I should have known bettar and knew one of the most basic rules is never to allow the circumstance to stand against you. Damn it. I really should've known bettar.' He berated himself, before snapping his head back at his befuddled opponent while ensuring he was paying attention and listening through his ears

When Ahab turned to face Silva to inform him of why he was doing this, was happy that he has hammered in thoroughly the importance of keeping your eyes on your opponent no matter what, though only time will tell if he also has remembered to keep his keen senses of his surroundings as well when, even under a pseudo-Mushin, is not an easy thing to do. And even harder to ensure you do not get tunnel vision. Though he was surprised he was able to do such a thing.

"Your greatest fault is that you have never truly killed before and that will be a hindrance. I will not tolerate such a fault that would put your life in danger or those around you." Ahab explained in a completely monotone voice with an emotionless face which unnerved the meat to no end

Ahab then turned to the 'object' in question "Kill him, and I'll let you walk away before he kills you." Ahab was straight to the point, with no need for dramatics or some speech about whatever it is you believe in life or what purpose there may be. The sooner he gets it over with, the sooner they can move on with their lives. "Run, and I will end you." Ahab unlatched his holster for effect to show he was willing to go through with his promise "You may begin when you are ready." Finished, he just watches stoically in a resting position with his hands behind his back

The meat simply looked back and forward between his opponent and his unsurmountable nightmare made a reality, taking a couple of seconds (seconds that would've already seen him killed) to contemplate what he just heard and understood before sloppily running in the most inefficient manner possible scrambling for the knife by dropping to the floor before holding it up shakily

Silva made no movement or reaction to this, just staring at him. Not even moving a muscle that can be seen by the naked eye. It started to unnerve the man, especially since he was thinking that this was some hardcore tribesman teaching his son or younger tribemate or whatever it was the runt meant to him. He has heard things like this happen In the frontier, but nothing like this.

"P-Please die f-for me. I-I have a f-family b-back h-h-home." The cowardly thing said

Both Silva and Ahab had to resist the urge to roll their eyes at the blatant lie, the words of a man speaking in desperation willing to use anything by any means to ensure they survive a little longer. Honestly, Silva's answer now was the same as when he heard it the first time.

Silence

Nothing but silence and the void that was devoid of emotion

It did nothing, or rather, made this even easier for Silva, as he has seen good men, women, and children say the same exact without the die part.

And you know what their response was?

Laughter

Laughter-filled glee and the unwonted desire to kill and maim and bring about as much suffering as possible. Innocent or guilty, every single one of them had family they cared about at the end of the world. But their pleas fell short of tone-deaf ears who have heard time and time again the same response to the point where they tire of it. Soon, the desire to kill easy victims was quenched, and through it, came new wants of even crueler machinations. It was like having an idea what a worshiper of chaos would do. But make no mistake, there was no outside influence causing this. It was men, man, homo sapiens, who realized that their actions can be committed without any punishment, for the common man with less than kind thoughts, if you could call it that, could act as they please without any punishment or penance as there was no one to enforce right or wrong and had the power to establish order.

It disgusted him and showed how quick and easy human beings are when given the slightest chance to commit foul deeds without any repercussions.

He jump-kicked the guy who was eating the meat off the bones of a 7-year old girl he tortured to death off the roof before running home after managing to escape the city when the world went away. But it always lingered in the back of his mind, if he truly did kill that man, since he didn't spend time checking the body. Though it perplexed him to no end that it didn't really bother him less than it should have as what was determined "normal" by a human being.

After all, being born in a peaceful time, creates a bridge, however long or short depending on the person, separates them from one who has killed, and one who hasn't. Changing them forever. And it's not something you can just uncross. It sticks to you. Forever. And it was one of the few things he considered to be true. It's a very slippery slope, and it's not something you ever should tread lightly. But people forget, it's a necessity. Not something that should inherently be considered good or evil.

But it's not to be taken lightly, nor is it to be neglected

Something Silva has no doubt he will be very familiar with in this world

Silva did not want to take the first move; he didn't feel confident enough to strike first as it were. Especially since the meat was beyond scared shitless and there is no indication that he even knows what he was doing. A dangerous opponent indeed to the untrained and/or inexperienced. He does have the techniques hammered into him, but knowing something is completely different from putting it into action.

'Might as well let him attack first to see how he will act. Then take over and determine the flow of the battle in my favor from start to finish. But there must be more to it, it can't just be for me to get over- oh. So that's what it was.' Silva exhaled silently as he waited for his jittery opponent 'It's to get an idea with the motions on how to use CQC. Not just experience, but to put into practice and understand how it works to have it 'click'. As I'm pitted against an opponent that is perfect for a beginner like me, and not someone as good as Ahab himself.'

The meat started to walk slowly, not even in a stance or a movement that was prepared for the enemy, as he held the knife forward. Shaking in his grasp as he held it in two hands.

As he got closer, Silva started to notice the height difference between them that was apparent and realized by the meat. Glee formed on its face realizing some preconceived notion that being older and taller would give it the definite advantage needed to kill some wild-born child savage

He walked closer in shuffled steps in whatever form of a battle stance it presumed to be effective in whatever it deemed so. It got close enough to lunge at Silva, to which it was simply punched to the side as a semi-sloppy deflection with the left hand while the right gave two jabs were given to the stomach before using the left to deliver a hook using both hands to finish off the combo by pushing him back towards the floor away from him and built up some distance between them. All in the span of a few seconds

"Arh- arh- ah. *wheeze* ah, ah-" its groans and weakened gasps of pain, not even to scream in agony correctly with all the wind punched out of its breath. Funny. You would think its stomach that can easily withstand all the horrors and atrocities it committed without being sickened by it would be stronger than that. It was wrong to presume so. It wasn't the body; it was the heart and body that got used to it

Silva felt dirty glee towards it, especially being throwing it hard back into the ground, finally reminding it of all the splinters, twigs, and assorted debris sticking into its skin, muscles, and nerves. All causing immense agony and losing control of its limbs. Silva knew he shouldn't, but he took in the pleasure of seeing it in pain gave clause to a sadistic desire from the failure of being to stop those like it from acting as they please

A bystander is no different from the one committing the act, as that is the way Silva saw it

'After all…' Silva thought 'For evil to win by default is for good men to do nothing.'

He didn't need his grandfather to teach him that. It was all on his own with front-row seats

He knows better than most what it's like to be discriminated against and targeted due to being slightly different as he made apparent. It was disgusting to think that humans thought themselves to be beyond such things, but the truth of the matter is that we never left the stone Age.

The thing in front of him was a perfect example of how true it was. That for all the "peace" and "progression" they had, it all comes down to who has the most power, how that is interpreted is how it is put into practice.

In this case, it was a concrete example of physical power, rather than proxy or borrowed

"Ar- ar ragh. *spits* I'll KI~ll YOu LITTLE SHIT!" The meat's voice cracked at its pathetic attempt to scare him. All it did was confirm how angry it was, which meant it was getting tunnel vision due to the red of anger losing rational thought process. It hit harder, but in return get sloppier which means it won't be landing his hits if Silva was properly following his training. Should be simple enough. Though now he was on a time limit to wrap it up due to the negativity the thing was spilling all over. It was expected, but it's his fault for having his standards just a tad higher than what was expected.

It lumbered forward in sloppy trotting while raising one hand above with the knife in an improper grip while the other hand was left to do nothing other than balance itself in the messy run which shows how rarely it took the exercise to be in condition enough to be in the wilds while its injuries were further hampering it in some joints and muscles. It may be meat, but that doesn't mean he should start ever underestimating his opponent.

When he got close, he simply moved to the side and tripped it manually whole and also gave a vertical elbow to the face. "*SMACK*" Spinning to the side by the impact supplemented properly by the hips, it fell on the ground with a floppy impact causing it to sprawl out on the dirt floor while dropping its knife easily

Silva never took his eyes away from it, nor did he relax and drop his stance. Now, it was time for a deep breath before the plunge

"AR~R~R~R~RRGHNH-!" it fell again on its front even as more splinters were pushing the ones that were forced in earlier even deeper. Its façade that it'd use to fool even itself falling through, the weak filth that it'd be muddled through. Already showing weakness and spasming in agony through simple pain it cannot endure. It astounded both Ahab and Silva, even though they don't show it, that this thing couldn't even put up a fight against someone recently trained and well-conditioned, there was no room for even the possibility of failure. The only differing circumstances would be independent variables, guns, supernatural abilities, and the like. But it shouldn't be a problem for long if at all to be considered if this is the lowest of the low when dealing with garbage beings

Silva, thinking it was now time to swiftly end this, shuffled quickly towards it. Forgoing the knife as it was far away to the point he was wasting this opportunity to end this and not allow it to heighten its negativity any further. Or allow it the chance to become something worse…

His breath was becoming sparse, his heart paced faster, anxiety laced in its epinephrine. This will set him apart from the rest and truly define him as a pariah amongst humanity. Even worse due to the situation this world is situated as and how it is looked upon. He couldn't care less, only what he can do to better himself and that the people who matter to him are the only ones whom he will care about what they think. He wasn't a fool to think he can think and do everything himself, that's how you get tunnel vision, and that's how you easily make stupid mistakes.

Make no mistake, this is the first step on his journey, doing it for himself and his people, no one else. If he does, then it's just a happy accident and he wouldn't mind taking credit for it.

But make no mistake, he never was a hero, and never will be

Especially in this Death World

Silva watched for any sudden movements or if it will do any dirty tricks and throw dirt in his face. Seeing its hands slacked and easily seen on the floor it seems that is the case. He swiftly pulled his head back and put one hand on the left side of the head and the other on the right to twist in a corkscrew motion, the thing moaning and babbling, unable to speak anything intelligible. It was something he had seen in multiple media numerous times, each with something significant or to be felt deeply about. Experiencing it yourself, and as your first kill no less cannot compound how grounded he is in this situation. Though Silva could not stop pacing himself with his exhales and inhales

"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu… fu fu fu fu fu fu fu fufufufufu AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"PLE-""*CRACK*! *fwhump*"

It was done

The body was left on the floor

The voice spoken wasn't something you wanted to hear in the end

Silva was lucky enough not to hear it through his screaming, but Ahab did

Which planted the seed of worry, not one that would sprout as a weed to erode on the foundations of his being mind you, but that of a seed that was mistaken for it, care in companionship. How far would it be in companionship? Only time will truly tell.

Time is truly fluent in one way or another, a story to view is but a window to another. The times are as turbulent as the ever-shifting weather. That's why almost everything cannot be certain

Almost…

Silva was barely in a fetal position and had his hands draped atop his legs instead of wrapped around them. Being prepared to be retching and shriveling in disgust at his actions. Something he wanted to fight all the way and refuse to retch out his stomach acids and hold it in want of proof. Proof of strength and control over himself, but it was also proof that he is a human, not, stone. He waited, and while he was waiting for the motions, Ahab walked over and picked up the blade.

Coming over to check on the body, its face was contorted into a face of horror and fear in its last moments. Something Silva was lucky enough to witness as he wasn't strong enough to twist it a full 180. He stabbed the blade in the neck before twisting and hacking into it for a bit, carefully doing so to avoid blood and ensuring its death. 'I'm glad silva has confirmed to me of the supernatural on a widespread scale and unending of what we will face. Best not to leave things to chance.' Ahab was already thinking about the problem and the unknown they will be facing, making it all the more dangerous of what they would be facing. This is why he has been having Silva te- talk, talk. About what they may face and how best to be prepared or at least deal with Silva compiling it into his iDROID. Ahab deftly took out the blade and tossed it to where the majority of bodies were gathered before looking down with his one eye and taking a good look at its face. 'Silva doesn't need such waste plaguing his mind. It doesn't deserve the courtesy, but it's best not to let the unworthy still have a grasp on the living.' Ahab thought as he swiped down with his bionic arm on its face to be left in a calm demeanor, one that can't be used to afflict the living, before standing up and walked over to Silva.

He didn't know what to do in this situation. His only experience with children was the brief instances the offspring of his comrades would come to see him or would be sicked with them whenever there wasn't someone to be covering babysitting duty. He just treated them like normal people and was reasonable with them. This resulted in them maturing far faster than children their age, along with the unknown effect of truly cementing the idea and story of big boss for the entirety of humanity's history in his world. Their parents praised how good he was with kids. But he denied it and said that all he did was treat them how he wanted to be treated. It made him seem humble and modest in their eyes, which is true, but his reply was also true.

But this. This type of major turning point he engineered is something completely new for him

He hadn't the faintest idea where to go from here

So might as well try something

He tried placing his bionic arm on Silva's shoulder before stopping himself and clenching his fist hard in frustration at his short-sightedness before reaching out with his right hand marred along flesh and blood. Resting it on his shoulder to which Silva flinched at the action

"Are you ok?" Ahab asked as he grasped his shoulder in a squeeze that meant to be reassuring

"Yes…" Silva replied after exhaling, his accent wavering that betrayed his inner turmoil within "…and dats da problem. I am perfectly, fine."

Ahab couldn't connect "Why exactly is that a problem?"

Silva laughed in a way that seemed to be directed at himself in a degrading manner

"I felt-" He cast an undisguised side look of disgust without turning his head at the body "-nothing when I ended that pathetic piece of wastes life. No disgust, no vomitin, no sorrow, and no remorse."

"I've always had problems feelin emotions all my life. To a certain pint, I could no langer cry easily. I didn't compute when ta be positive in happiness or negative in sadness. Or problems that didn't have me caring ar as affected as I Should be." Silva explained, breathing heavily as he did so which emphasized to Ahab how uncomfortable the situation has become. Borderline signs of a panic attack, followed by a complete breakdown and self-loathing. Borderline because he can see clearly how well Silva was holding himself together

"So you're a two percenter or something?" Ahab questioned

"It's more than tha't." Silva said before inhaling and then exhaling as he strained to center himself "I'd like to think it's more than that. Our universes are not that different at all, it's yours that is ahead of development in robotics? Weapons? Nanotech? Whatever it was that was extraordinary, you were ahaed. What you called a two percenter is what we call Alexithymia. A genetic mutation in which it'd be easy to kill without hesitation. Depending on how it's cultivated, the person in question can feel nothin ar feel remorse should they have a conscience in the first place." Silva rubbed his head furiously in frustration, almost painfully to his hair

"So you tested for it?"

"Nay." Silva shook his head, though was difficult to do so when in a fetal position hunched over

"Never found da need to. Though grandpa said it was normal on his side of da family. It would've been a waste of money, n an annoyance, and a stigma n itself. Besides, it was still in its theoretical phase. Couldn't exactly prove a theory if ya can't have willing participants now can ye? Or people wouldn't exactlee bee comfortable researching this would due to researching people involved in da business of killin people."

Ahab noticed that Silva started to calm down and that he has become distracted from the situation. Even though it's in direct relation to his current situation, he latched onto it to keep Silva distracted or put his mind in another direction

"So how exactly does this connect to you?"

"I felt nothin Ahab. Nothin at all." Silva was feeling constricted, his breathing hitching within himself. His nervous system alights in feeling it as a separately controllable organ while his fight or flight response goes haywire within himself, forcing adrenaline to go overdrive in an attempt to make him go anywhere but here. Because his will was determined not to allow himself to become weak. He has already been weak for most of his life, with too many excuses, and too many hindrances to himself just because he was in a bit of pain. He talked a lot, and he knew what he had to do. But…. He was his own worst enemy. Especially due to how pessimistic he was. Especially considering the state of the world. Had him in the mentality that what was the point of anything if nothing was going to be accomplished in the first place? Especially how the organizations and governments that were in place for too long that one man would have to risk all and more to make any real difference. Especially when the signs were clear that it was swirlin down the crapper had him in this mentality

"It's somethin me grandfather had and his father as well. He theorized it was due to how long our line had for numerous generations lived and have been bred for war. This of course brought numerous drawbacks to such a specialization. Especially with how hard-wired it was due to the situations-"

"Ok. So then how exactly does this apply to you?" "Did you not hear? I said-" "And I said how do they apply to YOU." Ahab cut off, already seeing the stems of self misery

"How do YOU see this? How do YOU feel about this?"

"I… I… I-I am worried, scared, and horrified it came soa easily ta me. I ima afraid of becomin less than human that can kill as easily as eatin. Tha it wiall jus snawball ta da point were ah act without hesitation or thinkin as a soulless killin machine with no purpose othar than ta kill."

"So you fear that this would be a sign of things to come?"

Silva immediately tucked in his head again before nodding or attempting to nod while being a human transformer.

"Look… Silva…" Ahab tightened his grip on silva to give reassurance "Silva…" Silva looked up "I may be a great warrior, healer, leader, and symbol, but I still don't have the slightest clue on how to psychologically help other human beings in this type of situation. But that doesn't mean I won't try, especially since you are showing emotion and care in this situation. It means you do feel something, anything, to care about how this will affect you as a whole for your future."

"….How. How doe you knoaw far shure? How do I know for shure?"

"Silva… these questions are something everyone goes through, every day of their lives. You and I are no different. I'm sure you have seen plenty of examples of those who have answered this question throughout your… Uh… What was it you called to immersive in?"

"S-stories?"

"Yes, stories. These, stories as you say, did they not show you what… people answered what they thought was right, which in turn… reflected onto the world." Ahab considered his words carefully. It seemed as it seemed that Silva was a smart kid who would understand best with the quality than the quantity of his words in a way that would be simple to get the point across. The human language, or English specifically in his opinion, was such a simple language that even the smallest of words can bring the biggest of meanings. Understand everything in the moment of a single word, it still amazes him to this day. Proud that he has a very high understanding of humanity and its language that he was able to learn through the time finally taken to read all those years ago and still did till it got too busy in Outer Heaven

"History is just another story being told right?"

"Yeah?" History was one of the only subjects Silva was comfortable with and enjoyed talking about in his awkward attempts of trying to talk to a rock with a temperament of steel. Not knowing if he was listening or if there was anything he liked to talk about. He just went on and on not knowing if he was annoying him. But it helped him stay grounded. Though actual practice on social skills is still up for debate. If he can, you know, talk about it clearly.

Social skills are the least of his problems at the moment for Silva, along with a couple of others that at the moment, fall under the purview of "nonessential"

"Did you learn from it?"

"W-woht?"

"Did you learn from it?"

"…"

"If you didn't learn from it, then you would've been reduced to your baser instincts with no control or reason from a dumb animal. Lesser than a human being and no better than the worst of those we have to go against."

Silva looked him straight in the eye, not breaking contact with him as he took, no, drunk every word that was spoken to him.

"Now I ask again. Did you learn from it?"

"… Yes."

" (exhales heavily) Good. That's… That's good. That's the best I can ask from you. I cannot guarantee that you can live by it for the rest of your life. The life you choose will make a hypocrite of you, a liar, and a monster. But you know and understand that. You know that you must as no one else will, and you understand the cost of doing so and are willing to shoulder your share of the burden. But if you are sure of yourself, your conviction will be swift and resolute. I have no doubt you will be capable of great and terrible things, this I cannot deny. But you must remember what you want to be and your goals."

Silva took it all in. He lived a semi-ordinary life isolated and cut off from almost all people. He has had this kind of speech before, with just positivity along with some "straight-shooting" from his grandfather. This, however, was completely different. Someone he looked up to as someone believed to be beyond him as he did not exist in his universe. Who had no connections, quarrels, or some form of an impression of him. No reason to lie or avoid speaking about the entire outcome of what was to come. It felt different than when his grandpa, his parental figure, his own blood, would speak to him to become better, to remind him again, that he can work for a better future for himself, that his numerous failures were not something that would define him. But rather shape him into a better person that learns from their mistakes. It got to the point where it was hard to believe that it was something that your own family is supposed to do.

It was an irrational thing. You're not supposed to doubt your own family or the person who is raising you and taking great care of your upbringing. You're not supposed to do that, but after so many times hearing the same thing over and over. Failing, over and over. Eventually, he got out of it. But not without scars and an uphill battle up his own man-made hill of his own making. So many badly ingrained habits that he needed to remove from his own self, making him weak and so easy to give up.

It's wrong on so many levels, but it is what happened. It wasn't anything extraordinary or different. An outcome that afflicted most of his generation, one that he too was affected by ashamed he was to admit. Weak by his own hands and laziness. Still flopping about figuring out what to do with his life. Being abnormally intelligent didn't help. Especially with how boring the world was.

Born too late to explore the oceans, born too early to explore the stars, but born in the most boring age of all.

It was very disheartening. But not. Now? Now he has a pretty good idea of what to do, at least in terms of direction.

But, it's still difficult to know exactly what you're going to do if you just have a goal.

What are the steps to that goal? That's what's tripping him up. He didn't think too deeply about what that meant, what those entails. And now he's paying for it. Thankfully in a controlled environment where it can be dealt with.

"Good." Affirmed Ahab, giving one final squeeze to his shoulder "Good…" Getting up and offering his hand to Silva. Taking it without a moment of hesitation in a strong clasp, being lifted off the ground.

"So…" Silva looked around " I guess that's something…" Already going back to being his usual self, doing the necessary stretches taught to him by Ahab.

Ahab looked at him befuddled "… You got over it quickly."

"What do you think I shauld do? Mope about and let it bring me down? Or get over it, learn from it, and move on with my life?"

"Move on with it is great. It's just… That was fast. Very fast."

"Well, I always liked being efficient. And wasting time doin nothing when I have a clear goal set is impossible for me. Especially our current situation which is oct-oct-octuple-octuplely- INFINITELY screwed as the moment if we face something beyond our capability."

"So then what should we do first in this situation?" Ahab was not the kind of guy who easily ribbed others for their mistakes or shortcomings. Never needed the aggravation or enjoyed the need to. Plus it was already time to start training Silva on his ability to assess the situation quickly and effectively.

Silva looked around before looking back into Ahab's singular eye

"Body burning!" Silva was a little too excited in his response

INSERT LINE HERE

"Urgh. Why did we havta leave this un for last?"

They just finished dumping the rest of the bodies into the pit they dug. Now lugging the last one which Silva aptly named "F.U.D."

Fat, ugly, dolphin. Something Silva came up with in his head. He wasn't sure what Ahab thought about it. If it sounded better in his head, Ahab didn't let him know other than a grunt. So he's sticking with it for now. 'Though the thing that is worrying me is that if dolphins exist anymore, or if they have been replaced by something worse, or have been evolved to be some sturdier and meaner in this world… Here's to hoping I don't git raped by what passes for a dolphin in this world…'

"Your guess is as good as mine." Ahab said, completely unfazed by the weight he was lugging. The problem was to avoid seeing the disgusting sight of the body. How did it even think in its right mind that It was a good idea to sunbathe in the middle of the forest? Would it even be considered even slightly more attractive to the opposite sex if it were even possible?

"Urgh. I don't even wanna think bout it." Both of them brought it as close to the pit, even if Silva was attempting to hold it without issue. The fatigue from earlier was starting to hit in stride, and carrying the bodies has started to finally stress his body. His already developing muscles are chafing over the strain from his exercises. But it was necessary, to not only remove a very good damn chance of any supernatural hokey pokey, but also to clean up any evidence of what happened here, their handiwork, and no uber diseases to be allowed to exist. God, or whoever is watching over this world knows.

"Alley-oop. *thwump*" Silva said as they finally got it into the pit. "Now ta see what exactly I'll be usin ta burn it all up." He already pocketed the flare to use along with the familiar canisters of siphoned fuel from the cargo bull. "Lets'a see wat ere workin with ere…" He popped the cap of and began to sniff the contents "…*sniff*.*sniff sniff*… Da fuq is dis shite?" Silva was insulted and disgusted that the fuel had no smell to potentially get high off of or that familiar liquid sloshing you would hear when moving it around.

"What is it?" Ahab was perplexed by the reaction Silva gave "Something wrong?"

"No *sniff* just *sniff* nuthin *sniff*"

"Then what was with that reaction?"

"… *sigh* it's something I hoped wasn true. That some of da stuff and people n' whatever it is we encounter will stay consistent with our home. Apparently not." He shakes it side to side for Ahab to barley able to hear the sound of what shifting sand sounds like. "Odorless dust tha happens ta be in grounded dust form tha is basically thisz woralds equivalent ta fuel. Its borain- oop." Silva shook a bit too hard which caused the dust-like "dust" to spill out. Brightly colored grains in multiple colors spilled out into the pit, dominated mostly by red grains that overlapped the rest.

"How is that a problem?"

"IT'S A PRBALEM TA ME! IT'S BORNIN!" exclaimed Silva "Sorrie… Just… Some things ta me should remain consistent. I can't stand shite like this if'tsa unfamiliar ta me. It'sa calmin normalcy. Ye understand?"

"Yes." Completely unphased by the outburst

"I, I uh, screamed out didn't I'ah?"

"Yes." Confirmed Ahab

"It's, not ah good thing is it?"

"Yes."

"Fack… I don't suppose I can ask your help with this kind of stoff? This… Sozial thing?"

"Possibly."

"Possibley? Why possibly?"

"It's up to you if you want to. I'm not going to babying you. If you want to improve yourself and you are willing to accept my help, then you have to be restrained and work on actual progress. I'm not helping you if you don't help yourself."

" *scoffs humorously* Figures. Shouldave expected tha't."

Silva was glad that didn't put a strain on their relationship. Or perhaps Ahab is already a literal stone at this point due to all the crazies he has dealt with. But he doesn't mind if someone came to him asking for help to improve themselves, but he's not going to hold their hand every step of the way. Especially the situation they are in now. Silva will get some help, but he needs to shape up and clean up his act as soon as possible. They are on a knife's edge by the way

"Naow. Where were we?... Ah yes, burnin bodies." He started pouring the dust all over, feeling like quite the dirty criminal he imagined him being while Ahab put bundles of firewood over the splash zone. Silva had to stop a couple when a rogue wind would come through to avoid splashing some of the 'gas' on himself. Finishing a canister before dumping it into the pit and popping another one open and continuing. He did this another 3 times before it was satisfactory and Ahab was putting the last of the bundles they put together.

"You sure we needed to wipe away our tracks this well? I mean there is also the wooden bottom we set up before we started piling up the bodies." Ahab questioned while stretching his right wrist in circular motions

"This is Atlas, we don' knaow wha kind of individuals with special abilities, they can utilize to track us or the remnants of this…." He gestured all around of the scar in the forest while looking Ahab in the eye "Whatever "this" happens to be. This seems like a very important shipment. Not something that should've ever been in da hands of bandits. Don't make sense that they haven't locked down the area yet and have it swarmin with retrieval teams al'ready." He grabbed the flare out before popping it open and- " *fsh-woosh-* I rathar be safe than sorrey. I rather we avoid Atlas as lang as possible and not have ta deal with them. Theay are reall'ie fackin annoyin." Silva finished before looking at the pit "Ta dust we come, ta dust we return. *FWOOOOM*" The fire was intravenous and had begun eating all its fuel already, Silva enjoying the sight for a moment before looking at Ahab in the eye again

"This cove'ars most of our bases." He gestured with an off-hand towards the fire "We already stripped the bodies of the crew as best as we could an' collected a dog tag each along with any other tags. But ah' say it wasn just-a for hindrance for identifyin and assistance for wha this was in da future, but ta at least respect for them." Silva was close to tripping up his words. Of course he respects the dead! He just, kinda forgot that reason as well for a while all right?

Ahab nodded in respect to that "I'll go secure the perimeter for a while. See If there was anything we missed. What will you do?"

"Ah'-" Silva started before stretching his back to get all the kinks out "Am gunna be checkin our new laot. See if there was anything missin and if this piece of shite came with a manifest. See what we can use and if there is anythin we need to be worried about in da future."

Ahab nodded and began walking away as the fire began to smog up and stepped through a few pieces of debris and moved a couple of boxes out of the way to make it easier to move to and fro

"AND DON'T TOUCH ANYTIN IFA FOUND SOMETHIN' BEFORE I CAN SEA IT!"

Ahab scoffed good naturally and just flicked a hand nonchalantly in the air with his right hand for Silva to see he got it

"Damn… he's way to'e good at this." Silva muttered to himself 'Or is it he's too used to it? Or am I da one who need to get used to some of kind of normalcy? Whatever, let's go see waht've have.'

Silva began walking over to the cargo bull and passed some of the cargo crates already put aside next to it. But it was just a small amount unloaded from its bowels. Though it seems he has a long way to go. It seemed as though the bull was mostly intact, only the engines on the sides seemed to be ruined, but the fuselage as a whole seemed to be intact except minor scraping one would expect from a crash landing in favorable conditions with a biome that can soften it real well. And if they crashed into the mountain instead? Tough luck surviving getting down. Especially if the land wherever they crashed on was a slanted slope, with a bunch of stick-up obstacles on the way that would increase their chances of death the more they encounter on the way down the longer they went. There were times when Silva imagined that exact thing, usually a more survivable landing. But sometimes he thought about what it would be like to experience a far more perilous experience with a far more unfavorable outcome.

He likes to imagine his own gruesome death sometimes, whether valiant or craven, he was equalized under the premise of death

Only the ones in a conventional sense. Hard to imagine what it's like to be burnt into the crispy ashes of a high-tech or super-powered magical flamethrower that carbonizes him. Most likely feeling anything long after his general receptors have been burned off before he can feel it atom by atom. 'Honestly, I woulda probabley die from shock ar organ failure before I can feel da whole thing. Not ta mention da risk of carrying un when yar fuel gits hit, explode in ah fiery storm of glorious inferno HALLELUJAH!' Silva threw up his hands in glorious worship for effect. Thankfully being small enough not to hit the roof, though his old body might have been enough to touch the roof, it was enough for Silva to notice

'… Damn. I really should've appreciated bein smol when I was, 'En'joy it while it lastz' as the sayin goes. Now, onto business.'

He began his search from the stern before moving along the bow. Looking through the cargo for an item that screamed manifest screamed out in a very eye-enticing way. All the crates were screaming out to him to be opened, their entrails all to be viewed and offered to him in all sorts of values and uses. It was hard resisting the siren's call, as he knew very well the danger of the unknown if any of them were handled improperly. For all he knew one of them would turn his body inside and out before switching the places where his junk and mouth should be

Let it be said, Lovecraft, SCP wiki, or even mentions of things like worm and online novels made by authors with a lot of time can come up with really sick twisted shit. A good majority of it cannot be dealt with permanently, which is another big problem in Silva's eyes.

God only knows how much patience he is going to need if he is going to live a very long life and live forever.

He passed by multitudes of crates, some different and marked separately from the rest. 'Seems Atlas has Germany's knack foar cataloging everything to ah fackin tee. It's going to be so simple to look through. Everything logged down and ready to go. I hope that nothing here is. On. A. timer… Huh.'

He was close to the bow now, and the light from the front view windows was finally lighting up with the rays of midday as a stark contrast to the flickering emergency lights. But… there was something else. Some crates have been opened but untouched as he made his way, some of them having varying sizes now, but the one that got his attention seemed to be the smallest one of them all. It was a container held in within a crate, with some cotton-like tuft surrounding the container inside, with a smaller case healed within what seemed to be even more measures of protection, some kind of soft gel that reduces kinetic impacts but hardens into the shape of the item in question it would be protecting to form a closed

It was nice, most likely the first found piece of high-tech this world can produce. It's most likely made with fragile objects in mind. Or to avoid any damage in mind to have it in prime condition. In the final case, was the object under all this protection. A cylinder-like object that was 8 inches in width, and 2 inches in diameter. It was similar to a cylinder in shape but cut off there as it was very intricately carved in natural shapes and iconography of nature. Silver-shaped vines, golden saplings, and varying blue branches, all asymmetrical in some formed cohesion only found in nature. No repeating patterns or symmetry that humans favored in most of their works. It was the most beautiful imperfect thing he had ever seen. Though the thing was in a crate filled with what seemed to be historical artifacts and ancient items it seemed to be one of the more important ones with how much it took up space, it was one of the items that drew his attention with the way it glowed

It was as if it were alive somehow

But what truly got his attention is how the artistry carved into the unknown material seemed to coil around and embroil a single sentence he was familiar with. Something that was not native to this world

'Darllener fel y mae yn ysgrifenedig, ffydd o waed, fel prawf o berthynas'

'Wot ar ya doin ere?' He thought to himself. He knew exactly what it said, his grandfather ensured he beat one of the most important languages of their family used into his skull. Granted it was only to speak privately between them along with a few times visiting one of their homelands. But it was enough to speak as easily as English (American his grandfather would correct) without any hint of an accent. Though reading it was something

'I really shouldn't be doin thisz…' He continued contemplating, slowly drawing out his own knife 'But it should be no problem whatsoever, it is simple as a show of faith, no matter how fickle I tink of tha…' He internally grumbled 'Faith in kin is what grandfather instilled in me. It's something that all those properly raised to be true descendants of da celts. He believed, and in turn, I believed as well.'

He slowly brought his knife to his left hand, finally cutting slowly across the center, a little deeper than it should've been, but cut him some slack. He doesn't really have experience in self-mutilation, ok? Though it may have been a bit too earnest. It's foolish but come on. It's obvious its magic, and the lost magic of his people fed into the urge to get hands-on magic as soon as possible. The idea that magic, regardless of how weakened it is in this world, existed, was enough for Silva to go ballistic at the slightest hint of it. Even if it were the magic and teachings of Scáthach, he would be beyond ecstatic to even have it. Regardless of the risks and penalties for acquiring this knowledge, this was more than worth it.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained right? And for the hijinks they would- sorry, uncanny, and outright ruthlessly greedy situations, every single advantage gained that could be controlled in their own hands without need or worry of failure. That was the truth Silva realized. This world was completely set in the law of the jungle, and only the strongest could set the rules, and determine what was theirs and only theirs. The weak would have no choice but to obey. Obey or die for their transgressions for their heresy

For Silva, there was only one response to that

'Fack~. That.'

There is literally no way Silva would ever submit to that. Subverting and manipulating it to his advantage, until his own power surpasses everyone else until he can ultimately resolve the problem before he is clear to move on with life without having to worry about any loose ends from trying to screw over his life in some stressful and unnecessarily cruel way. It is the way the world is, no matter how "civilized" it may be, the weak rule over the strong. Most of the weak flood in to follow and receive benefits from the Strong's scraps. Luckily, it is perfect for most of the ideas and actions needed to ensure an absolute future fully in his control. Or at the very least control over his own life.

Being born in America at the time, instilled the belief in guaranteed rights, the way a man should act, and a very good idea of right and wrong. There was more, but he refused it after mellowing out later. Completely disillusioned at the lie's, cheating, and deceit the country was built and lived upon. He became a better person for it, but it brought a burden upon his mind until he realized it wasn't something he necessarily needed to allow to bother him. Though being too smart for his own good helped with that, it sparked a desire to know more than anything else, and further gave him a 'need' to understand and learn more. It almost broke him. To learn how stupidly cruel humanity could be, to their fellow man, whether it be ethnicity or perceived race, to nationality, and just one difference of opinion. The reality is that humans would love nothing more than the slightest chance and don't need an actual reason just to kill their own. Especially

No one was safe, and those who stepped out of line too fast too quickly were dealt with permanently, still doing so right up until his time.

And thus, why Silva was quick to decide, want to be free, to be in control

He would be more than happy to leave others be

But when it conflicts with his way of life, there Is no way in heaven or hell, he could let it be

Such is the law of the jungle

After cutting into his hand enough that a steady yet small flow, he slowly reached out to grasp it. Trying to ensure it was put exactly on the sentence's placement. His need for perfection shone in that moment, all to ensure the best possible chance of assimilation, receiving, accessing, whatever it is he's doing to receive the knowledge. The desire was there to receive what was given. Though it seems nothing was happening yet. Was he supposed to do something more? Or-

Ah. It just started to glow in the deep blue of the ocean. Apparently, it needed a moment to boot itself up and go through the motions. 'Finally. Was bein'n ta think I overestimated a shiny bit of'a history. Would've kept it either wey. A little something ta prove that home existed at least.' Then the blue started to become deeper, and deeper, until the blue intermingled with purple, then black as it became what most forget of the watery deep. The void, that encroaches forever and fills all, becoming the expanse that never ends.

'That's a good sign. Right?' Silva thought as the colors intermingle into a balanced, pitch-dark, ever-encompassing black that drowns out all the other lights and colors. Becoming a force that is all that it will ever be. There was no beginning because there is only the end, all began as it ended, and all endings began with new endings. All of it converges to one point, and all of it diverges into one point. These thoughts, ideas, images, descriptions, all of them are being transferred into Silva's mind. Then, he felt pain

The cylinder started unraveling intricately upon itself and started wrapping it around his hand as the pain slowly ramped up and the process delved into him unto itself. He could neither scream nor cry out, as the otherworldly force assured he would be completely imprisoned in his own body. Even if he was allowed to, he still did not strain against his own muscles to scream bloody hell through the burning cold that encroached from the starting point in his hand.

Will above all else will pull him through. It is what makes up a key survival aspect of the human species. But it can only be obtained and further improved by extreme stress. This was an opportunity he will not miss. A chance to improve his mental fortitude, strength, and flexibility is quite literally a muscle that needs to be used to be built on continuously. Silva knew instantly that this was a blessing in disguise, all those books, stories, theories, novels, and manga of all types he was interested in were read from beginning to end. It was collectively agreed that mental strength along with cultivation through not only enlightenment but also intelligence and wisdom. Mental exercises, insightful book reading, and any and all activities that can improve and enhance the mind will create an even greater synergy with magic as all magic is reliant on the mind. Practice will make it greater with consistency so that you further understand and know your magic, but it can only take you so far.

Course, all these thoughts were not at the forefront of his mind. I believe it was along, or rather the middle of the lines of '-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-' or somewhere along those lines. He would've been cursing up a category 7 hurricane if he wasn't in so much unimaginable pain there wasn't any consistent thought. All Silva knew at that exact moment, was that he must not pass out. And he most certainly cannot give in. Never.

The pain increased to the point where his body felt as if he were the border between Helheim and Jötunheimr, both completely opposing forces ravaging his body as his mind received the worst of the pain as something passed through his brain, the feeling of something changing was unmistakable yet indescribable. Finally, the cylinder went through the last of its changes, fully unraveling itself upon his hand, to reveal a perfect gem master-crafted into a diamond shape as the "roots" took hold. The diamond shone brightly in primes of blue, purple, and black before dissolving upon itself, then it swept up unto his hand.

At this point, the tolls on the body were becoming even more apparent upon his body. Sweating as a mad pig, veins bulging as rich iron veins, and muscle spasms as unknowable as earthquakes. His body began to take its losses as the fight of pure attrition was not a battle it could fight any longer. The violaceous-colored light entered through his hand, its many-tentacled arms fading along with it as it traveled up his arm before finally resting in his mind. The knowledge, or rather more apt to say complete guidebook as it were in fact runecraft… along with space manipulation. With the final pieces in place, the ritual of implementation was complete. Silva's strings were cut as soon as the deed was done, flopping on the fuselage opposite of the crate before sliding down.

"… Heh. Heh. HehehehehahAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YOOOOOOSH! I DID IT! I FOCKIN DI-` OW! OW! Ow. Still hurts! Mmmmmmmmm." Silva was beyond ecstatic. A dream long since believed to be unattainable, is now achieved. 'Heh hehehe heeee.' "*cough*" 'I did it! I finally got mai hands on gen-ui-ne MAGIC! Everything hurts though. Again. Im sure it'll be fine in a bit.'

1 hour 24 minutes and 34 seconds later

"Ow. Ow, ooo, Ow. Tssssss, owowowowowowowowowow-rrrrrrr-ahhhhhhh." It took awhile, but he's up again "so-urgh… So worth it."

Course now he must tell Ahab about the stupid risk that he took almost unhesitatingly. Can't hide it now that they are in it together, though he should probably hide the fact that it's magic and pass it off as a semblance or some ability acquisition like that.

Can't be too careful in a world where literally anything is possible. Mind-based abilities and anything related to the manipulation of the mind, are always utilized for ill gains for even more horrible purposes. Silva shudders in disgust at the complete and utter perversion of the complete disregard that the last place a person should be defiled. It was why he was so adamant and completely unwilling to just tell everything to Ahab. Better to either die with it, than to share a burden with many more targets for their enemies to choose from. His confidence in Ahab was absolute, but his knowledge and the dangers they will face inevitably are far too overwhelming for a legendary man such as Ahab.

But it was better safe than sorry

He was about to continue his hunt for the manifest, truly, but~ "Oh wat da ell." His curiosity peaked along with the new aches and pains he didn't even know he could feel going through his mind. 'If tha was in that box, wha else could be in ther?' He already opened pandoras, might as well see what other goodies were in it

He went back to it and began to rife through the items. Almost all of it was random knick-knacks such as pottery, ancient objects such as mini figures and possible idols, along with some partially rusted brittle tools.

Though what did take his attention was a dark fabric. As soon as he picked it up, he noticed it was cool to touch and was the softest of linen. 'Thank gahd it ain't silk. Feels the same as tha artificial linen crap.' Silva thought to himself as he took it out, unfolding it with great care as he did so. Feeling out what is most likely an object older than his existence. He looked at the obsidian black cloth, he could scarcely see very faint white dots in varying shapes matting the cloth. The cloth seemed to be paper thin but pressing on the fabric proved that it was an optical illusion, and in fact, had a cushiony buoyancy of its own.

'Fascinating…' He said to spread it out completely. Showing it to be what was essentially a shroud or could be a scarf, give or take. He flipped the cloth to look at the other side to get a look before back to the front. He did again two more times to notice the very faint ethereal effect that the white spots were never in the same spot as he saw them, shifting every time he took his eyes off it. The effect was similar to online art pieces people did online that you can view as though it were a window looking into another plane of existence. '…b'very fascinatin…' he mused. It was a beautiful thing, something you would drape a lovely woman. But in this case, it would be fine to furnish a lovely gentleman.

'Always like'd these kinds of thiangs. Finally have a good reason to do so.' With that in mind, he draped it around his neck, after ensuring his neck was clean of course and did a simple tasteful knot to secure it on his neck after getting comfy and ensuring there was no loose cloth to be snagged upon. The feeling of being enveloped by it was a very nice feeling he enjoyed. Cool, yet a modest temperature to enjoy. He snorted in amusement 'Stay frosty-e'

He moved on heading towards the bow, showing it to be completely intact except the windshield was scratched up badly and the archaic controls sparking with completely familiar dials. Readouts, numbers, and practically English words describing them in complete copy-paste.

'Going to need to pick up the manual for it while I'm at it. Get an idea how to fly bullheads while I'm at it…' He was cut off from his thoughts as he noticed the last crate was opened beside all the rest and how the manifest was propped up on a corner. 'Ahhhhhh shite. That's not a good sign.' He picked it up a bit and desperately skimmed through it quickly before checking the side of the opened crate for its marking signifying it as 'A-1'. "This is goin ta be a problem…" Seeing as how there was another container in there (surprise surprise, atlas takes its safety in important goods seriously) of what it is marked 'A-0' as importantly dangerous goods. "… Going ta need time to look through it all on what was init. This is no-… No way." He dropped the manifest atop another crate before reaching in and pulling out his satchel he thought he had lost after death. "TWMAH! TWMAH! TWMAH! TWMAH! TWMAH! TWMAH! HOW I MISSED YOU!" He exclaimed before snuggling into it "Oh~, yeah." He whispered at the end "We're going to be doing a lot, together~."

"'Silva you there?'"

"What- Iwasn't- Ididnt- You can't-'" Silva tightly grasped onto his bag before looking around for Ahab

"'Your nanomachines have finally settled in. If you want to utilize the codec, just think it up and you'll be connected to me'"

"Fuuu, Finally!" "'It's about damn time. What were you calling me for? Actually, now that I think about it, what else can these nano-'"

"'Save it.'" Ahab cut him off, not wanting to waste time "'They come with a manual and a tutorial on how and what you can do with your nano's. If I start telling you now it would take us far into the morning just to explain everything it can do and more. Read it and figure out on your own time. Did you find the manifest?'" Ahab was blunt to the chase, skipping right ahead and when into his no-nonsense tone

"'Yes.'"

"'And?'"

"'We have a problem'"

"'How So?'"

"'I got the manifest, and from what I could see everything is in order and has been untouched. All but one.'"

"'Ok~. How exactly is that a problem?'"

"'The crate that's missing is the most dangerous one. And from what I can tell and see they opened quite a couple but touched nothing. Most likely to be interested in what was in those crates. None of the items I have encountered do not belong here. In fact, they shouldn't even exist in this world.'"

"'Should we be worried of it at the moment?'"

"'Definitely so, never mind the implication it would be used against us. These people most likely have no experience, knowledge, care, or an idea of what they are messing with.'"

"'What are we looking at here then?'"

"'Well, I mean, besides the fact that such a thing actually exists-'"

"'Silva.'"

"'Right right. (inhales before exhales) We are looking at a doomsday scenario. Planet Killer at worst, civilization ender at best. I suggest a healthy dose of wariness along with complete and utter delicacy with the situation with a willingness to eliminate all hostiles in connection to it before securing it.'"

"'Basically, make it and everyone else disappear into history with no one having any idea where it went or who took it. Done with just the two of us now because the people of this world cannot be trusted to be left to their own devices of it because of how grossly incompetent they are from what you are telling me.'"

"'Precisely'"

"'(sigh) Not even half a year into this world and we are already involved in a conspiracy. God damn it.'"

"'Well there's nothin we can do about it at the moment. All we can do is keep our ears open and our eyes peeled.'"

"'Anything else?'" Ahab asked, already wanting to get it over with

"'Well, it's regarding our "loot". And I really don't think we should leave it out here and I think its best we don't leave it here as we can have a better use-'"

"'Silva"'

"'Y-yeah?'"

"'Just spit it out'"

"'Right. Ok. I have a solution to this problem and a way we will never have to worry about our possessions, cargo, and loot ever again.'"

"'….You touched one of the items, didn't you?'"

"'Wha-!? So fast!'"

"'I may not know as much of the stuff as you do, but I learned a very long time ago, something you will learn right now, is that the slightest clue or even from simple logic to utter lunacy is enough to determine a lot of things. Something I have no doubt you'll be picking up very soon.'"

"'Huh. So, insanity goes a long way?'"

"'You have no idea. Anything else?'"

"'Well, I found some of my stuff in here as well. Which the chances are practically nil.'"

"'Hm. I'm finishing over here on the finishing touches of our perimeter. I'll meet up at the dining table we found to review.'"

"'Roger that. Oh wait, Ahab. Did you see what I was doing before you calle-'"

"'I don't want to know.'" He masterfully dodged before hanging up

'Ahab? Ahab? Hello? Damn it.' Silva clapped his arm on his side in frustration since his other was holding his satchel, before looking at it 'I foresee amazing thingsz in ar future.'

*STAB* "*GRHK*!"

A man was just stabbed through the heart before the blade that skillfully flowed into him released its grasp before its master decided to finish his second to the last opponent and give mercy to him by resting his blade on his neck, with his left open palm resting on the dull edge of the blade to steady it. Ending it in a soft cutting motion without waste of energy. The blood falls on the suave men's jacket. Not his of course. He had the foresight to wear someone else's jacket to save him the trouble of washing it this time. "Tch." Though he still clicked his tongue in slight irritation at allowing it to happen in the first place 'Need to train it up again. It hasn't been too long since I was fully flesh and blood. Now I just need to work it through again.' He rotated his right arm a bit in annoyance. He was grateful for the chance to have it again.

But he's starting to think retraining it was more trouble than it's worth

"DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST DID?!" A shrill female voice screamed out "DON'T YOU REALIZE YOU JUST MESSED WITH THE BLACK DOGS!?"

The 'battlefield' as he would put it was a warehouse owned by the aforementioned low-ranking gang. Bodies were all over the place as a result of handiwork, one body in the rafters somehow, hanging by the spine as its entrails were slowly pushed out by just hanging in the middle of its body on the rafter.

'Deus acima me dê forças'

"Honestly?" A nice calm, soothing voice on the verge of mocking laughter spoke "I don't really care how loud you think you are when you are nothing compared to me Senhora. Especially considering no man will consider being with you if you scream out like ah- how do they say? Ah yes, Rooster!" He finished with a self-satisfied smirk

"WHY YOU SONOFA- *GRHK GRK GRK GRK-*!" And then there were none, as the decent looking yet forgettable lady dropped to her knees as she choked on her blood, and desperately tried to stop what was already a foregone conclusion. Completely forgotten by the swordsman as he looked at his current blade which is already chipping under stress at his highly skilled hands. Alas, the quality was not good enough to par up to his demanding rigor

"*sigh* ai ai, minha bela lâmina. onde estás tu?"