Chapter 54: Fontaine Research Institute III

(Chapter 54 Fontaine Research Institute III)

On the vacant testing ground, Tempest found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm radiating from the pink-haired girl standing before him. Her boundless energy seemed to fill the entire space, catching him slightly off guard.

"Babies?"

Tempest muttered to himself, perplexed by Hatsume's odd habit of referring to her inventions as 'babies.'

"Hatsume, please maintain some distance. You're covered in grime."

Denis reminded her, gently urging her to step back.

"Ah, sorry about that! Got a bit too excited to show off my babies! Apologies for the outburst!"

Mei said as she stepped back, but her enthusiasm did not falter one bit.

"I heard you're traveling to the deserts of Sumeru. May I introduce you to my latest baby? It's an amazing invention that will surely leave you impressed!"

Hatsume exclaimed eagerly, pointing enthusiastically to her inventions.

"Hatsume, perhaps another time, we were just about to demonstrate the weaknesses of the Ghost suit. But actually, your timing is perfect, you can assist us, given that you have an Electro Vision."

Denis interjected and Hatsume's enthusiasm dimmed slightly at the change in focus, but she nodded in understanding.

"Ah, sorry, I got a little too excited there! I thought you were here to see my babies, but I suppose I was mistaken. Still, I'm more than happy to assist in any way I can!"

Hatsume said, scratching her head sheepishly. Though her enthusiasm had dimmed slightly, she remained eager to be of help.

"No, actually, I'm quite interested in those inventions of yours."

Tempest said, glancing at the contraptions.

"They look like they could traverse the desert with ease. Once we're done with the Ghost suit, I'd like to see them in action."

As soon as Tempest spoke, Hatsume's enthusiasm reignited, her smile returning full force.

"Got it, chief!"

Hatsume exclaimed with excitement. Tempest raised an eyebrow at the nickname, but he didn't mind it at all.

"So! What'd you want me to do?"

Hatsume asked, placing her hands on her hips with a confident grin, eager to get started.

"Simple, Hatsume. Just move closer to the suit over there."

Denis instructed, gesturing for her to approach the Ghost suit.

"Huh? Is this the Ghost suit I've been hearing so much about?"

Hatsume asked, leaning in for a closer look. The intricate patterns on the suit reminded her of the Primal Constructs from Sumeru.

Denis held a small device in his hand and pressed a button. In an instant, the Ghost suit vanished, turning completely invisible. Hatsume instinctively stepped back, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Woah!"

"Now, Hatsume, I want you to channel some Electro energy into your glove and point it at the Ghost suit, just don't touch it."

Denis instructed, his tone serious.

Hatsume glanced at Denis, nodded in understanding, and adjusted her goggles. She then focused, using her Vision to conjure a crackling surge of Electro energy in her glove.

Hatsume followed Denis's instructions, carefully pointing her crackling Electro-infused glove toward the Ghost suit without making contact. Almost immediately, the results became apparent, the outline of the Ghost suit, previously invisible, began to shimmer and reveal itself as a faint silhouette.

"As you can see, Your Grace, the suit's invisibility can be compromised by Electro. Unfortunately, this is just one of its many flaws."

Denis said to Tempest, his tone heavy with regret.

"The Ghost suit operates using these as its power source."

Denis explained, holding up a small prism delicately between his fingers.

"Due to the challenges we've encountered in deciphering the ancient technology, we are unable to fully harness the potential of this prism. Once it is depleted, we must acquire a new one from a Primal Construct. While the prism can theoretically be recharged, the precise process and its limitations unfortunately remain unknown to us. Additionally, I should mention that if the Ghost suit comes into contact with both Electro and Dendro elements simultaneously, its cloaking ability will be permanently disabled. "

Denis explained.

"I see, how long can it turn invisible?"

Tempest asked.

"Under optimal conditions, the suit can maintain its invisibility for approximately four to six hours, Your Grace."

Denis replied.

"Hm, so the suit's battery needs to be replaced every four to six hours? That's quite inefficient. If I were to create a division of a hundred Ghosts under my command, I would require a thousand Primal Constructs just to make them operational. At that rate, the desert could very well run out of Primal Constructs. Do you believe this issue would be resolved if I were to provide you with the Warden-Class Primal Construct?"

Tempest asked Denis.

"I believe it will, Your Grace. We will make every effort to address this issue. The Warden-Class Primal Construct could significantly enhance our ability to improve and stabilize the Ghost suit's functionality."

Denis replied, offering reassurance to Tempest.

"That's good to know. Now then, I'd like to see her inventions in action."

Tempest said, turning his attention to Hatsume, who was still eagerly observing the Ghost suit.

Denis used the device to turn off the Ghost suit's invisibility, catching Hatsume's attention.

"Hatsume, it's your turn to enlighten the Duke."

Denis said.

Immediately, a broad smile spread across Hatsume's face as she eagerly ran over to them.

"So! Are you prepared to be enlightened by the wonders of my inventions, Your Grace?! Brace yourself for this amazing showcase!"

Hatsume exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Quite curious. Firstly, what is that cannon-like device you have strapped to your back?"

Tempest asked, intrigued by the contraption she was carrying.

"Oh, this? This is one of my beloved creations! I call it Sparky!"

Hatsume exclaimed, proudly holding up the cannon. It was smaller compared to the larger versions, and on top, it had a glass dome.

Tempest glanced at Denis, noting Hatsume's repeated references to her inventions as 'babies.'

"Haha, I did warn you. Hatsume is brilliant, but she definitely has a few screws loose."

Denis said and chuckled softly.

"Let me show you in action!"

Hatsume said enthusiastically with a bright smile. She then raised the cannon, named Sparky, and aimed it at the practice dummy in the distance. Her Electro Vision flared to life, its energy connecting to the cannon and casting a purple glow. Moments later, a burst of crackling Electro energy shot from the cannon, striking the dummy with impressive force and precision.

"Impressive and quite dangerous..."

Tempest remarked, clearly amazed by the cannon's power. The practice dummy had been reduced to nothing but dust, with Electro energy still crackling in the air.

"That's right, Pal!-adin! I am dangerous!"

Hatsume exclaimed with pride, pointing to herself with her thumb while holding her cannon confidently in one hand.

Tempest raised an eyebrow once again at Hatsume's choice of nicknames, noting her casual address of him as 'Pal.' He didn't mind it, though, her enthusiasm was infectious.

"Can it be mass-produced?"

Tempest asked, gesturing for Hatsume to show him the cannon. Without hesitation, Hatsume handed the cannon over to him, eager to demonstrate.

"It can! However, at the moment, the only way to fire it is with an Electro Vision. But that's not all! It also works with Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo! Each element produces a unique effect! Isn't that amazing?!"

Hatsume explained with boundless enthusiasm.

"It is indeed impressive, though it's a pity that it can only be fired by individuals gifted with Visions. Nonetheless, it's quite an extraordinary piece of technology."

Tempest said, his admiration evident as he handed the cannon back to Hatsume.

"Thanks, chief! Now then, let's get to the main event shall we?!"

Hatsume said with excitement, dashing off to board the steel box with wheels.

"She's quite eccentric, isn't she? Also, her name sounds like she might not be native to Fontaine."

Tempest remarked, glancing back at Denis with a raised eyebrow.

"Haha, she has always been like that, Your Grace. And yes, she wasn't born here in Fontaine, she originally hails from Inazuma. We once traveled there to address an issue with the Mikage Furnace in Tatarasuna. During our visit to Inazuma City, we encountered her and were immediately struck by her remarkable interest in machinery. Unfortunately, due to the limited technology available in Inazuma, her talents couldn't fully shine. We wanted to bring her with us at the time, but we couldn't. Would you like to hear how she ended up here in Fontaine?"

Denis said to Tempest, waiting for him to ask how.

"How?"

Tempest asked.

"She literally convinced her Father to sell her to us. Her Father, a drunkard with little interest in her well-being, agreed without hesitation. Despite the circumstances, we provided Hatsume with a home and the opportunity to showcase her talents. She's incredibly bright and is on track to become one of the youngest top inventors at the Institute. Although she doesn't like to dwell on it, she has no regrets about leaving Inazuma. It's remarkable how she's transformed her circumstances into a chance for greatness here in Fontaine."

Denis said with a smile on his face, clearly reflecting on how Hatsume's presence at the Institute was one of the best decisions he ever made. It was evident that her remarkable talents and vibrant spirit had brought immense value to the Institute, and he took great pride in witnessing her growth and success.

"Really? That's quite a story. I agree, that people with exceptional talents should have the opportunity to shine. I'm glad you brought her here, Director."

Tempest said to Denis, his tone reflecting genuine admiration for the decision, and Denis smiled in response.

"Steam engines, rolling!"

Hatsume announced with enthusiasm as she sounded the foghorn attached to the steel box with wheels.

"What does she call this one?"

Tempest asked Denis, watching as Hatsume maneuvered the steel box with wheels, leaving tracks imprinted on the ground as it moved.

Denis sighed before he answered.

She calls it the Wobblewagon..."

*Wobblewagon pic*

Both Tempest and Denis watched as Hatsume maneuvered the Wobblewagon around the testing ground. Tempest couldn't help but be impressed. Not only could this machine traverse the desert terrain with ease, but it also had the potential to support infantry as a mobile shield while providing additional firepower.

"Alright, get ready! Let me show you its true power!"

Hatsume called out excitedly through the foghorn. With a grin, she turned the Wobblewagon's cannon toward a cluster of test dummies, carefully taking aim. In a matter of seconds, she fired, eager to demonstrate the machine's capabilities.

*Boom!*

Tempest's eyes widened in astonishment as the test dummies were completely obliterated, leaving behind nothing but a smoldering foxhole. Smoke billowed from the cannon of the Wobblewagon, a testament to the sheer power of the blast.

"I want it..."

Tempest muttered under his breath, unable to hide his amazement. Moments later, Hatsume emerged from the hatch, her face beaming with pride.

"Fontaine science is the best in the world!"

Hatsume shouted with pride, extending both her arms dramatically as she gazed at the crater where the test dummies had once stood.

She leaped from the hatch and dashed over to Tempest and Denis, her excitement palpable as she ran towards them.

"Well? Well?!"

Hatsume exclaimed with bubbling excitement, her eyes wide and eager for Tempest's reaction.

"I want it, I want those two, I'm prepared to offer a substantial sum of Mora for them. Additionally, I want you to mass-produce these creations. They will be invaluable for my operations."

Tempest declared firmly.

Hatsume's smile widened, and she began to bounce with excitement, her enthusiasm nearly overwhelming.

"I'll give it all to you, chief! But there's one condition!"

Hatsume said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Name your price."

"I'm willing to work for you! As long as you fund my projects, those three Wobblewagons over there cost me my entire wage!"

Hatsume exclaimed, pointing energetically at her inventions.

"Also, I want to come with you to the desert! I need to test them out in the real conditions! That's my condition, chief! Accept it, and I'll work for you forever!"

Hatsume declared to Tempest with determination.

"Hatsume, I don't think its a great id-"

"Very well, I accept."

Tempest accepted Hatsume's condition, cutting off Denis before he could finish his sentence.

"Yes! Thank you so much, chief!"

Hatsume said, grabbing Tempest's hand and shaking it vigorously with excitement. Despite being covered in grime, Tempest didn't mind at all, he was enlightened to have secured someone who would be instrumental in creating his war machines.

"Hm, I'll have your uniform ready by tomorrow. Also, I'm renaming your Wobblewagons to 'Siege Engines,' and I want you to board them on my ship tomorrow."

Tempest said to Hatsume.

"Got it, chief! Now, I'm going to sleep for twenty-four hours straight! Don't worry, I'll be there tomorrow!"

Hatsume said with a wink, then dashed back inside the Institute.

"I'll assign some of our volunteer researchers to pilot the Siege Engines, Your Grace. Please make sure to bring them back safely."

Denis said to Tempest, his tone earnest.

"I'll do my best, Director."

Tempest reassured Denis.

"Also, you should have this, every citizen of Sumeru, wear these, accept the Eremites of the desert."

Denis handed over a small device to Tempest. The Akasha System.

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The next morning, Tempest made his way to the dining room where his sister, Penance, was already seated. Denis had arranged private rooms for each of Tempest's knights, and he himself was no exception. Later that day, they would be departing for Sumeru.

"Brother, are you dating, Miss Robin?"

Penance asked his brother, as he sat down on the table.

"What are you talking about, Penance? It's still early in the morning..."

Penance, with a gleeful expression, handed him a newspaper that was making waves.

"Breaking News from the Steambird: Tempest Proudmoore Officially Dating Miss Robin from The Family?!"

"In a surprising turn of events, the Steambird has uncovered exclusive details about the personal life of Duke Tempest Proudmoore. Our reporters have captured a candid moment featuring Miss Robin from The Family, who was seen affectionately holding the Duke's arm. The photograph was taken during Miss Robin's recent performance at the Opera Epiclese, where Tempest Proudmoore was notably present."

"Could this indicate a secret relationship that predates Tempest Proudmoore's rise to the Duke? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this intriguing development. The nature of their relationship remains the talk of the nation, and more updates will follow."

Tempest gritted his teeth, a vein throbbing visibly on his forehead. After a moment of tense silence, he let out a deep sigh, visibly frustrated by the unexpected news.

"That sly woman..."