(Note: I'm sorry, but this chapter will be boring because most of it will be a simple narration to one of the official cinematics: Warm Up. I have plans for Maxbot in the future, but I feel like this is the only proper introduction we could have for him. I will post another chapter soon, since I feel like I haven't written much yet.)
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"Monsieur Brimstone! I must say again how wise it is that you have embraced our partnership. Trust me, I understand your reluctance - I am new, unknown - and it is unfortunate that we found each other in such unpleasant circumstances. But, we will get to know each-other. Look into me if you must, I am an open book. In the end, we want the same thing, non? And I'm in the unique position to deliver it. There is only benefit. You will not be disappointed."
-Chamber
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"Hallo, Brim! Uh, sorry about the power outage last night, it won't happen again... uh, probably. It's this Everett-Linde portal. I managed to build it thanks to the blueprints from Chamber. It's going fine, I - I think it's going fine, but finding a viable energy source is proving... problematic. Standard electrical currents just won't work. But, you know what could help? More lab funding. Haha! Now, I know what you're thinking... 'Killjoy! Are you exploiting the urgent nature of this very fine mission to weasel MORE money out of the quarterly budget?!'. The answer is yes. But seriously, this portal won't power itself. Thank you!"
-Killjoy
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"Bonjour, Brimstone! I have sent you my intelligence for numero (number)19. The file is quite comprehensive... Kingdom keeps far too much data on its employees. As you see, her abilities are uniquely suited to help with the... Special Project. She is a perfect fit, I think. Unfortunately, I cannot reach out to her directly, there is a past... misunderstanding... that may make her less receptive. But, as a fellow K-SEC veteran, I'm sure she'll meet with you! Appeal to her sense of service, she gets that from her family. This is exciting, non? Good progress!"
-Chamber
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"Brimstone, you wanted to see me?" Skye said as she walked into the room. Brimstone and Yoru were in the room, their conversation put on hold as she entered. Yoru immediately stood straight, trying to look his best.
"Glad you could make it, Skye. There's something I need your help with," Brimstone said.
"What is it?" Skye asked as she reached the front of his desk, standing next to Yoru. Brimstone then spun the folder he was holding so that the others could see its contents.
"What's this?" Yoru asked as he picked up the folder and took out the files inside.
"We have a new agent joining the team, and she's a Radiant. Although she has experience working with K-SEC, they don't train anyone on how to use their Radiant powers," Brimstone explained.
"So you want us to train her?" Skye asked.
"If we're gonna keep recruiting more Radiants like her, we need to formalize Radiant training as part of the process. There's no telling what could happen if they don't learn to control their powers on the battlefield," Brimstone said.
"I thought you just recruited Chamber and the robot a few days ago. And there was Glitch sometime before them," Yoru remarked. Brimstone nodded, acknowledging the rapid influx of new agents. Indeed, he has been expanding the team quickly. But no doubt, these additions have been instrumental in strengthening the Protocol. Omega earth's Valorant Legion might be doing the same thing. No one can tell.
"We need all the help that we can get," he added firmly, emphasizing the importance of having a robust team to face the challenges ahead. His focus then shifted to Skye. "As for the Radiant training program, I had planned to ask for a volunteer to lead it. But Sage mentioned that Reyna would be eager to take charge. We know her methods can be intense, so I've decided to task Sage with leading the program instead. However, we still need more instructors. Astra said that she doesn't have enough time for it," Brimstone said.
"If you leave Reyna out of the 'fun', she'll be furious," Yoru warned. Brimstone nodded in agreement. "I'm well aware of that. That's why I'm allowing her to train new recruits, but not lead the program. Her philosophies will be dangerous for new recruits," Brimstone explained.
Skye took the folder from Yoru's hand and began reviewing its contents. Yoru crossed his arms, giving her space to absorb the information. "So all we have to do is train her and upcoming Radiant agents? What about Jett and Phoenix?" Skye asked.
Brimstone sighed, considering the matter carefully. "Jett and Phoenix have their unique strengths, but they can be rather playful at times. Too playful. Jett would likely teach acrobatics or whoosh-whoosh this and that more than anything else. Phoenix on the other hand would just try to prove who's boss. I might as well make them the trainees instead. The two of you are much more experienced and mature, making you ideal for the task," Brimstone explained, showing his confidence in their abilities.
Yoru and Skye exchanged knowing glances, their amusement evident in their expressions. They couldn't help but agree with Brimstone's reasoning; Jett and Phoenix's are indeed rather reckless.
"So when do we begin?" Skye asked. "You'll take turns with Sage. She'll inform you when the training sessions can begin," Brimstone replied.
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Knock, knock.
"Uh... you okay in there?" Sage asked, standing in front of the door.
"Uh, come in!" a voice from behind the door replied. The door then slid open, revealing a freshly decorated room. Standing in the middle was a young girl with blue hair and a hint of yellow. Her sporty dark blue outfit shone brightly. She placed a hand on her hip, avoiding direct eye contact with Sage.
"I see you've... made a few changes," Sage said, her eyes scanning the room.
"Y-yeah... I-I just..." the girl stuttered, but before she could finish, Sage interjected, "It's beautiful."
The young girl smiled in appreciation of Sage's response.
"Is there anything you're not satisfied with? Maybe the room is too small or anything?" Sage asked. The young girl immediately shook her head, "No, no, no! It's perfect, Sage, thank you."
"I'm glad to hear it. Let me know if you need anything. And again, welcome, Neon. I'm thankful that your path has led you here," Sage said warmly. Neon smiled again, grateful for the kind words.
"Hey, the team's waiting. Race you there?" Sage said, pointing her thumb towards the door. Neon's eyes glowed blue, and her hair sparked with excitement, ready to run like the thunder, accepting the challenge with a bright smile.
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"Say hello to Maxbot. The perfect blend of tactics and firepower," Killjoy announced proudly, gesturing towards a robot in the training room. Maxbot, once designed as a simple helper robot for cleaning, had now evolved into a formidable training buddy. Killjoy turned to Jett and Yoru, who were standing nearby. "Now you can train against, well... you!" she quipped.
Yoru couldn't resist a chuckle and playfully underestimated Phoenix, who had just entered the training room to take on the robot. He leaned slightly towards Jett and whispered, "My money's on the machine."
Jett, however, wasn't amused by Yoru's jest. She let out a sigh, then shouted through the glass panel, "You got this, pretty boy!" Her words were filled with encouragement and support for her sweetheart.
As the training session began, Phoenix faced off against Maxbot, showcasing his skills with determination. The room filled with the sound of gunfire and tactical maneuvers, making it apparent that Phoenix was not one to be underestimated. The robot fought back with precision and speed, presenting a worthy challenge for the skilled agent.
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Yoru couldn't help but chuckle as they witnessed Phoenix's defeat in the training room. He playfully stretched out a hand towards Jett, teasing her that she had lost the bet. Jett, clearly irritated by the outcome, begrudgingly paid him. "닥쳐 (Shut up)," she muttered.
As Phoenix stepped out of the room, he couldn't help but feel defeated by the relentless bot. His jacket was riddled with bullet holes, a testament to the intense training session. "Lucky for you, I buy these by the dozen," he muttered, trying to make light of his torn attire. Just as he stepped out of the training room, KAY/O entered, bumping his shoulder playfully against Phoenix's. "Outta my way, your majesty," KAY/O teased, a hint of mischief in his mechanical voice.
The robot confidently strode into the room, immediately aiming his Odin at the rival bot, and the next training session began. The sound of gunfire filled the air once again, echoing through the training facility.
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"UWAWAWAAAAA!" KAY/O let out a loud voice as he got up from the floor, reeling from the surprise of Glitch pulling out his own knife stuck in his chest. He looked around and saw all the other agents gathered around him, witnessing his embarrassing defeat by Maxbot, who expertly threw back the knife he had launched. "Well, uh... this is embarrassing," he muttered, feeling a mix of amusement and chagrin.
As the room filled with momentary silence, Yoru couldn't resist seizing the opportunity. He stretched out his hand again towards Jett, teasing her about their bet. Jett groaned in response and reluctantly paid her bet to Yoru before leaving the scene.
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Next up were Killjoy and Raze, who entered the room with confidence. They quickly deployed their turret and Boombot, preparing to face Maxbot head-on. However, before they could make a move, Maxbot surprised them by using his hacking device to take control of their own creations. Even though Killjoy and Raze were the ones who designed Maxbot, they never anticipated that he could be so intelligent and powerful. Despite their best efforts, they too were ultimately defeated by their creation.
Their defeat also means more credits for Yoru. Jett had no choice but to hand out more to him.
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Phoenix and Sova.
Defeated.
More credits for Yoru.
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Jett and Killjoy.
Defeated.
More credits for Yoru.
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Sova and Killjoy.
Defeated.
More credits for Yoru.
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Sova and KAY/O.
Defeated.
More credits for Yoru.
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Phoenix and Glitch.
Defeated.
Jett ran out of credits.
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The agents gathered in the prep room, visibly worn down from their continuous defeats against Maxbot. Despite their frustrations, Killjoy couldn't help but wear a proud smile, marveling at Maxbot's abilities that exceeded her expectations. "Oh... he makes me so proud!" she exclaimed, delighting in her creation's prowess.
Yoru, ever the opportunist, chimed in with a grin, "He makes me so rich!" He fidgeted with the credits he had won from betting with Jett, who sat nearby, looking dejected and upset over her lost credits. She held back her tears, refusing to let them fall.
Phoenix let out a groan as he took a seat across from Cypher, who had been immersed in playing chess with himself. "I should've picked this game," Phoenix muttered, picking up a chess piece and contemplating his move. Cypher chuckled at his comment, "Winning requires sacrifice. Not really your style," he teased, knowing Phoenix's penchant for bold and reckless moves.
As Phoenix heard those words, his expression lit up with determination. An idea surged through his head, urging him to give it one last try. "Hey fam, let's go again!" he called out to the other agents. They weren't sure what he had in mind, but they followed him into the training room without hesitation. As Phoenix took the lead, he summoned a ball of flame in his hand, "That bot owes me a coat." His fiery resolve was evident as he prepared to face Maxbot once more.
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"Haha! Team Forge, baby!" Phoenix exclaimed victoriously as the team finally succeeded in defeating Maxbot. However, their moment of celebration was short-lived as the ground suddenly shook, and a jade wall emerged from the floor, crushing Maxbot against the ceiling of the training room. Phoenix and KAY/O turned to see Sage and Brimstone.
"Alright, playtime's over. Ready up!" Brimstone commanded, urging the agents to prepare for their next assignment. Relieved in their triumph over Maxbot, the agents followed Brimstone as he led them out of the training room and into the hangar.
KAY/O couldn't resist commenting on Phoenix's chosen team name, "Team Forge? Really?" Phoenix grinned, explaining, "Fire!" as he pointed to himself. "And Steel!" he continued, pointing at KAY/O. KAY/O found it a bit lame and couldn't help but groan in response.
Meanwhile, Yoru's victory celebrations were put to a stop as Sage extended her hands, silently signaling for him to hand over his credits from the bets. With a slight groan, Yoru obliged and handed over his winnings.
The team made their way to the Vulture, ready to embark on their next mission. "Where are we heading?" Glitch inquired. "Tokyo. We're having a meeting at Kingdom Headquarters," Brimstone informed the team.
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The Valorant Legion's Tower, Omega Earth
Omega Omen wandered around the tower, searching for someone specific. He had met other heroes of the Legion, but the one he sought eluded him. His search eventually led him to the kitchen, where he found Viper pouring herself some coffee. Upon noticing him, Viper inquired, "Omen? What brings you to the kitchen? What are you looking for?" Omen approached her and replied, "You. I've been searching for you."
In a swift and mysterious motion, shadows enveloped Omen, concealing his form from sight. Within seconds, the darkness dispersed, revealing the figure of a human male standing in front of her. Omega Viper's grip on her coffee cup faltered in astonishment and uncertainty. She couldn't believe her eyes, wondering if she should be scared or overjoyed.
"Surprised to see me?" the man asked, a warm smile on his face. He took a step closer to Viper, who was still trying to process the situation. The man was none other than Frederick Wallace, not as Omen, but as a human. As Fred stood before her, Viper—also known as Sabine—hesitantly placed her hand on his cheek, attempting to ascertain if he was real. Fred gently showed her his hands, allowing her to confirm the reality of his presence. Viper grasped his hand and ran her fingers through his, reassuring herself of his existence.
Looking up at him with a mixture of emotions, she finally managed to ask, "How? How is this possible?"
"Faust granted me a wish. I don't remember the details, but it involved undergoing another surgery, I suppose," Fred explained.
Sabine's heart ached with a sense of longing that had been fulfilled by his miraculous return. The reunion was a mix of happiness and confusion, yet she couldn't deny the joy of having him back in human form.
From a distance, Omega Sage witnessed the intriguing events unfold. Her back pressed against the wall, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her, as if something was amiss or missing. Faust had made an enticing offer, promising her anything she desired. However, Sage couldn't shake the suspicion lingering in the depths of her mind. She wondered about Faust's true intentions and the nature of the gift he planned to bestow upon her.
Feeling uncertain and unable to pinpoint a specific wish, she had requested more time to contemplate her decision. To her surprise, Faust had agreed to her request. As she observed Omega Phoenix preparing for his first audition next week and Omega Jett preparing to open her restaurant around the same time, she understood how Faust was able to grant their wishes. With his immense fame and boundless wealth, Faust possessed the means to fulfill their dreams.
But it was Omen's wish that raised her concern. Sage had dedicated months to trying to find a way to bring Omen back to life, only to face disappointment when he was resurrected as a spectral being. Yet, Faust seemed to offer a solution with ease. It didn't sit right with her; it felt too convenient, too good to be true for a mere mortal.
As Sage pondered this, a sense of foreboding crept into her heart. She knew she had to be cautious, for Faust's power and influence could hide deeper intentions behind his generous facade.
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To be continued
(Nothing much in this chapter. Look forward to the next one. I'm thinking of fast-forwarding for a bit, so I hope you're cool with that.)