Ch-21: Anomalous Upgrade

[Back at the Mansion]

A notification flashed before Ethan, causing him to nearly jump in joy.

[Mission Complete: Acquire the Super Soldier serum.]

[Rewards obtained: 100 coins.]

"Hahahaha, mission complete! Alfred, you bloody genius! I knew we had a solid plan, but this is just fantastic! I've been waiting all morning for this moment, and it's finally here."

The tension of whether the mission would succeed or not was non-existent. This was due to the meticulous planning he and Alfred had done prior and Alfred's skill.

Ethan quickly opened the Gacha, 'Hope I get something good. Something that would be useful while fighting the Nazis, at least.'

With that thought, he pressed [Spin x2], and the wheel churned. After spinning for some time, it slowed down, and after a few clicks, it stopped.

With a similar animation to his earlier spins, the rewards appeared before him.

[Congratulations, you have obtained a "Random Skill Upgrade" card.]

[Congratulations, you have obtained "SCP-914 (limited use)" item card.]

Ethan scanned the item descriptions, "Yes! [SCP-914], the Clockwork! I can't believe my luck. I've read about this thing on the SCP wiki, and it's a pretty good item for upgrading or degrading things. Limited use, but still, this is huge, literally."

Excited about the item he got, Ethan scanned his memory, finding everything he could about it.

[SCP-914], known as the Clockwork, was a machine capable of refining or altering any object placed within it. The machine had five settings: Rough, Coarse, 1:1, Fine, and Very Fine. Through various experiments, it was discovered that 'Fine' produced improved versions of items placed within, while 'Very Fine' often yielded unpredictable, albeit potent, results. The danger lay in the fact that 'Very Fine' sometimes produced unstable or hazardous outcomes, rendering it a risky option.

'The safest use of [SCP-914] would be to put in some useful items and turn the dial to Fine. I could get slightly upgraded versions, which would be a lot better than what I put in. Very Fine is too dangerous, but still, I could try it, maybe once. For now, I'll wait till Alfred gets back home with the serum. Maybe I can upgrade the serum to see if I get something better,' Ethan thought, his mind racing with possibilities about the items he could potentially upgrade.

His thoughts then drifted to the other reward, a [Random Skill Upgrade card]. 'Does upgrade mean leveling up, or does it actually make the skill itself more advanced? If it's the latter, I hope it's either {Dash} or my shadow-related skills. Then again, the shooting and hand combat skills I learned from Alfred could evolve into something truly formidable.'

His excitement grew as he imagined the possibilities. Deciding to take the plunge, Ethan activated the Random Skill Upgrade card. The card dissolved into light, enveloping him briefly before fading away.

'Let's see what I've got,' he thought, opening his skill menu with eager anticipation.

At first glance, nothing seemed to have changed, but when he looked carefully, Ethan saw a slight change in one of the skill names and its description. {Swordsmanship/HEMA} had changed into {HEMA}, with the new description reading: an initiate in ways of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts).

´That's weird. Is just {HEMA} different from {Swordsmanship/HEMA}? How so?´ Ethan wondered. He focused on the skill and summoned a one-handed arming sword from his inventory.

The sword was newly acquired, crafted from high-carbon steel, meticulously heat-treated, and tempered to achieve both flexibility and edge retention.

It was a modern smithing masterpiece, requiring a substantial investment and considerable patience, but the blacksmith had delivered nothing short of excellence.

Ethan swung the sword around, relying on his muscle memory. The movements felt familiar, practiced. He frowned, expecting to feel something different, some new connection or understanding. But it felt the same.

He was puzzled and slightly frustrated as to why there were no changes despite the change in skill description and name.

But then he decided to test another weapon.

A dagger appeared in his hand out of thin air, its blade gleaming under the light, a perfect balance of weight and sharpness.

The moment his hand wrapped around the hilt, the skill upgrade kicked in. His skeletal body moved on its own, fluidly and precisely. Ethan found himself going through a series of motions.

He executed a perfect Oberstich, a downward thrust aimed at an opponent's head or shoulder, followed by an Unterstich, a rising thrust from below. The movements were swift and fluid, showing an understanding of angles and leverage.

He transitioned into a thrust, extending his arm fully while maintaining a balanced stance, and then finished with a Krumphau, redirecting an imaginary opponent's strike to the side.

As he stopped, Ethan understood that the upgrade had enhanced his skill beyond just swordsmanship.

´Maybe... just maybe, {HEMA} gives me the skill to use every martial art that falls under its domain,´ he thought, excitement creeping into his mind.

Although it was still at level 1, the versatility this upgrade provided was immense. His combat options had increased significantly, and he could now wield a variety of weapons with newfound proficiency.

His earlier frustration melted away, replaced by a sense of satisfaction. The skill upgrade was indeed very good.

[A few hours later]

The door to the villa creaked open, and Alfred stepped in. He was still in the same attire he had left in: a tailored three-piece suit that exuded an air of sophistication.

His appearance was impeccable, as if he had just returned from a high-profile business meeting, not a daring mission to steal one of the most sought-after items by the US military.

"Good evening, Master Ethan," Alfred greeted with a subtle bow. "I trust you've been keeping yourself occupied."

Ethan sprang up from his sofa, a wide grin spreading across his skeletal face. "Alfred, you did it! I knew you would. How did it go?"

Alfred's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Quite uneventfully, actually. I completed my mission without any complications." He reached into his coat and produced a small, insulated container.

Opening it with a practiced flick, he revealed a vial filled with a translucent blue liquid. "Here it is, the Super Soldier Serum."

Ethan's eye flames shimmered brightly as he took the vial, examining it closely. The liquid inside seemed to shimmer, its azure hue captivating.

Intrusive thoughts flitted through his mind: What if he accidentally dropped it? What if it shattered against the floor? He quickly shook his head, dispelling the thoughts, and handed the vial back to Alfred.

"Alfred, this is incredible. But, listen, I got something that might make this even better," Ethan said, his voice steady but filled with interest. "I got a card from the Gacha, an [SCP-914]. It can upgrade items, potentially even this serum."

Alfred's brows furrowed in confusion. "[SCP-914], you say? I must admit, Master Ethan, I'm unfamiliar with such a device."

Ethan nodded, understanding the confusion. "It's a fictional object. [SCP-914], also known as 'The Clockwork,' can refine and upgrade items. It's like a machine that can take something ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary."

Alfred's eyes narrowed in thought. "I see. Quite the intriguing notion. However, might I suggest we proceed with caution? We should study the serum in its current state, understand its properties, and then upgrade it. This way, we can compare and learn from both versions."

Ethan nodded, realizing the wisdom in Alfred's words. "Yeah, you're right. I was being too hasty. Besides, it's not like I have a use for the serum right now."

The two settled into the room, the air thick with the scent of aged wood and leather from the furniture. They began to discuss other potential upgrades.

"What items should we upgrade first?" Ethan pondered aloud, pulling out the [wrist-mounted rope dart]. He inspected the device, recalling its similarities with the one in Assassin's Creed games.

Alfred observed the weapon with a keen eye. "A fine choice, Master Ethan. Practical and versatile. I would also recommend we consider upgrading some automatic rifles, perhaps silenced ones. They could prove invaluable in your upcoming operations. And RPGs, along with other powerful explosives, could greatly benefit from enhancements."

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Good idea. And remember, if two items are put together in [SCP-914], they can merge and the results usually depend on the user's intentions."

Alfred gave a small, approving smile. "If that's so, our priorities should be on the most critical tools first. Let's make a list, shall we?"

Soon, a list was created, and the first item to be upgraded was the "Wrist Mounted Rope Dart."

Now, all he had to do was to summon [SCP-914] and commence with the upgrades.

Deciding that the basement would be the ideal location due to its size and seclusion, Ethan led Alfred downstairs. The basement was a cold, expansive space, its stone walls and floor emanating a chill that seemed to seep into one's bones.

The only light came from a few scattered bulbs hanging from the ceiling, casting long shadows that danced with every movement.

Ethan produced the item card and summoned [SCP-914]. With a soft glow, the card dissolved, and a massive clockwork device materialized before them.

A notification blinked in Ethan's vision, indicating the item's limited use of five times. He dismissed it with a thought, his focus on the impressive machine before him.

[SCP-914] was a marvel of mechanical complexity, a large device covering an area of eighteen square meters. Its myriad components—screw drives, belts, pulleys, gears, and springs—created a symphony of intricate movements. The clockwork was composed mainly of tin and copper, with occasional wooden and cloth elements woven into its structure. Despite its size and complexity, there were no electronic assemblies or power sources evident, save for the "Mainspring" under the "Selection Panel."

At the center of this intricate device were two large booths, each measuring three meters by 2.1 meters by 2.1 meters, connected to the main body of [SCP-914] via copper tubes. One booth was labeled "Intake," the other "Output." Between them, a copper panel with a large knob and a small arrow caught Ethan's eye.

The knob had labels positioned around it: Rough, Coarse, 1:1, Fine, and Very Fine. Below the knob, a large key protruded, waiting to be turned to wind the mainspring.

Ethan's eyes lit up with a keen interest as he gazed at [SCP-914], a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He reached out a hand, his fingers tracing the device's intricate mechanisms with a sense of fascination.

Ethan approached the "Intake" booth, carefully placing the [Wrist Mounted Rope Dart] inside. The door slid shut with a mechanical precision, followed by the resonant sound of a bell. With a steady hand, Ethan turned the knob to "Fine" and then grasped the key, winding it with deliberate care.

Now, all they had to do was wait. The basement was filled with the sounds of [SCP-914] at work, its gears clicking and whirring, a hypnotic rhythm of mechanical labor. Ethan and Alfred stood in quiet anticipation, their breath slightly visible in the chilly air.

After about five minutes, a ding signaled the completion of the process. The door of the "Output" booth slid open with a smooth, practiced motion. Ethan stepped forward, his skeletal fingers reaching for the upgraded item. As he lifted it from the booth, he marveled at the transformation.

The wrist mount, once made of leather, was now sleek steel, padded on the inside to protect the user's hand. The rope, formerly a coarse jute, had been replaced with a strong, flexible metallic cord. At the base of the device, a sophisticated pulley system had been integrated, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. The dart at the front gleamed with a polished finish, its aerodynamic design promising improved accuracy and speed.

Ethan turned the enhanced weapon over in his hands, appreciating the craftsmanship. "This is awesome. It really got upgraded, I mean it was expected but still…"

Alfred nodded, his eyes reflecting a blend of admiration and respect. "Indeed, Master Ethan. The transformation is quite impressive. This device will undoubtedly prove invaluable in your endeavors."

Next in line was an idea Ethan considered radical. The thought of combining the precision and long range of an M1903A4 sniper rifle with the automatic fire capabilities of an M1 Thompson submachine gun was quite thrilling.

With both weapons in hand, Ethan approached the Intake chamber of [SCP-914]. The sniper rifle, with its long, slender barrel and wooden stock, contrasted sharply with the bulkier, shorter M1 Thompson, its iconic drum magazine and metallic finish giving it a rugged appearance.

He placed them side by side within the chamber, the door sliding shut with that familiar mechanical precision. Ethan turned the knob to "Fine," his anticipation building with each click.

Five minutes felt like an eternity, each second stretching out, the rhythmic clinking of the clockwork device blending with the low hum of the machinery. Then, with a sharp ding, the Output chamber's door slid open, revealing the fruit of the machine's labor.

What lay before Ethan was a weapon unlike anything he had ever seen. The gun was an amalgamation of both the M1903A4 and the M1 Thompson, yet it transcended both in form and function. Its sleek, black metal frame exuded a menacing elegance, the long barrel extending from the body reminiscent of a modern sniper rifle. The precision engineering was evident in every detail.

Ethan's eyes traced the weapon's length, noting the elongated magazine positioned in front of the trigger mechanism. The magazine was designed to hold an impressive amount of ammunition, promising sustained firepower.

Just above the magazine, an ejection mechanism was situated on the right side, designed for efficient discharge of spent casings.

Further inspection revealed a switch on the side of the gun, its function immediately clear. With a simple flick, the firing mode could be changed from automatic to single fire, offering versatility in combat situations.

The gun also sported a high-quality scope, its lenses glinting faintly in the basement's dim light, promising unmatched accuracy over long distances.

The weapon was imposing, nearly 4.5 feet in length, a testament to its strength. It was both a sniper rifle and a submachine gun, a hybrid designed for a new kind of warfare.

"Wow! This looks so cool." Ethan said, running his bony fingers along the metal surface, feeling the cold, smooth texture.

A name inscribed along the side of the gun caught his eye: "Hunt Industries." Below it, a model designation added a touch of identity to the creation: [Model VX-9]. The name was unfamiliar but he didn't give it much thought and moved on.

As he hefted the gun, feeling its weight and balance, he knew it was a game-changer. Deciding to test it out later, he handed it to Alfred, who inspected it meticulously.

Alfred began, his eyes narrowing as he examined the rifle. "The craftsmanship is exquisite. Quite the blend of firepower and precision… Hunt Industries, never heard of them."

"Neither have I," Ethan replied, watching as Alfred continued to scrutinize the weapon. "But this combination... it's remarkable."

Alfred flipped the switch between automatic and single fire modes, testing the mechanism with a practiced hand. "Versatile. Could be a game-changer in the field, indeed."

Ethan nodded, his thoughts aligning with Alfred's assessment. "We'll have to test it out, see how it performs under different conditions."

"Indeed," Alfred agreed, handing the rifle back to Ethan with a satisfied nod. "But for now, I suggest we move on to the next item. We have a list to work through, after all."

Putting the rifle in his inventory, Ethan nodded and then brought out a crate full of dynamite sticks along with its detonator. The old wooden crate was hefty and cumbersome, its rough surface worn from years of storage. He placed it carefully into the intake chamber of [SCP-914] and, with a practiced motion, turned the knob to "Fine." The machine whirred to life, the clockwork mechanisms churning with precise determination.

As the minutes ticked by, Ethan and Alfred waited in silence, the mechanical symphony of [SCP-914] filling the room. Finally, after six minutes, the output chamber's door slid open with a soft chime. Inside, the wooden crate had been replaced by a sleek, metallic box, its surface smooth and polished. Ethan grabbed its handle, noting that the crate was noticeably lighter than its predecessor. He pulled it out of the chamber and set it on a nearby table.

With Alfred by his side, Ethan opened the box to inspect its contents. Inside the metallic box, nestled amidst protective black foam, were multiple cubes wrapped in clear plastic, each nearly a foot in length and breadth. The cubes had small electrical components attached to them, including what appeared to be digital screens displaying timers. Alongside the cubes, there was a small device that looked like a remote control.

Ethan's eyes lit up with curiosity as he picked up one of the cubes. "Interesting. These aren't just simple dynamite sticks anymore."

Alfred leaned in, examining the cube closely. "Indeed, Master Ethan. These modifications... it appears they've been transformed into some sort of advanced explosive device."

Ethan turned the cube over in his hands, noting the compact design and the intricate wiring of the electrical components. "The timers suggest these can be set to detonate at specific intervals. And this," he gestured to the remote control, "likely allows for remote activation. A significant upgrade from traditional dynamite."

Alfred nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see. So, not only do we have a more efficient explosive, but also one that offers greater control and flexibility in its deployment."

"Exactly," Ethan agreed. He placed the cube back in the crate and picked up the remote control, examining it closely. "This remote seems to be able to control all the cubes simultaneously or individually. The digital screens on the cubes should make it easy to set precise timers."

"Quite the advancement," Alfred remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "This could be exceptionally useful for your operations. Setting charges and coordinating explosions from a distance adds a significant strategic advantage."

Ethan nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities, of which, the first of many was already decided.

Finally, Ethan closed the box and transferred it into his inventory with a thought.

After all these successful upgrades, Ethan was starting to feel confident—perhaps overly so. His next target was more ambitious: his weapon and armor [Slimes].

In Ethan's mind, this idea was perfect. After all, there were only two more upgrades left, one of which he had to save for future use, specifically for upgrading the serum.

'This is going to be interesting,' Ethan thought. 'I've seen what [SCP-914] can do with regular items. Let's push the boundaries a bit and see what it can do with something magical.'

He carefully removed both [Slimes] from his body, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability as their protective and offensive capabilities left his frame. The [Slimes], one for weapons and the other for armor, jiggled and shimmered as he placed them in the intake chamber.

Ethan's trepidation grew as he turned the knob to "Fine."

'What if this doesn't work? What if it ruins them instead?...But I have to know. If it works, it could give me a significant edge in my future fights.'

The machine whirred to life again, the familiar hum filling the room. Ethan stood back, watching with bated breath. His mind raced with possibilities and concerns.

'Come on, don't let me down now. You've done wonders so far. These [Slimes] are crucial—my primary defense and offense. If they come out better, I'll be unstoppable. But if they come out worse…'

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as the machine continued its work. Ethan's mind flickered back and forth between hope and doubt.

'It's risky, but that's what this is all about, isn't it? Taking risks to get stronger, to be prepared for whatever comes next. I need to be ready. I need every advantage I can get to fight what's out there.'

Finally, after 9 minutes, the output chamber door slid open with a soft ding. Ethan stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest despite his skeletal form. 

'Here we go,' he thought, peering into the chamber to see the results of his daring experiment…

____

A/N:

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