Caspian sat cross-legged in his living room. Beside him, Suiko slept — exhausted from their hours of passion and her sleepless night before.
After draping a light blanket over her, he'd settled into his current position, where he then closed his eyes and activated 'Sense.'
In his mind's eye, the dark void enveloped Z-City Ghost Town, then Z-City, then the vast surrounding wastelands, then Y-City, then X-City, and it continued without end. Innumerable stars speckled the void.
After focusing in on more stars than he wished to count, he found the individual he was searching for and opened his eyes.
Looking over at Suiko and hearing her soft respirations, he frowned. Should he take her home to her dojo? He refused to leave her here alone when he had to leave in a while, but he also didn't want to wake her…
Determined, he stood. The easiest solution to this problem was for him to believe that he wouldn't cause any disturbances capable of waking her as he brought her home.
Now that he had received another massive boost to his existence, he intuitively knew such a task would prove effortless.
¤ ¤ ¤
The House of Takoyaki had recently shifted to weekend-only operations, and even then would close if more important matters arose.
With Mosquito Girl permanently attached to Caspian and Armored Gorilla out practicing his social integration by taking walks, Dr. Genus found himself with all the time and resources required to expand his laboratory.
A knock at the door shattered Genus' excogitations. He rose, crossed the takoyaki shop's floor in measured strides, and grasped the doorknob. The door swung open to reveal Caspian, and looming behind him, a mountain of spiked golden armor.
"Hey, it's been a while. Sorry to drop this matter on you on such short notice." said Caspian.
Genus shook his head. "Opportunities for research like this are what I live for."
"Caspian, who is this human? I expected the surprise you had mentioned to involve heading underground."
"We'll still be heading underground." Caspian motioned behind him. "Dr. Genus this is Boros."
Genus observed the light-pink haired alien and stepped aside. "Nice to meet you. Let us head downstairs."
Boros ignored him, striding after Caspian as they moved toward the basement entrance.
Genus remained unfazed by the dismissal and smiled when he recalled Caspian's explanation of Boros' 'Meteoric Burst' ability, its lifespan-shortening drawback, presented the perfect opportunity to advance his immortality research from a new angle. If he could negate this flaw, or better yet reverse it, so the ability extended lifespan instead... His mind raced with possibilities.
Mental calculations snapped into place. The complex variables formed a theory for mass-producing a superior immortality serum. But proving it would require Caspian's full backing, not just nominal support. For they would assuredly hunt him down were he to sell said serum.
If I create a solution for 'Meteoric Burst,' which permanently increases both Boros' strength and lifespan with each use...
Genus reached the stairwell.
A breath later, all three stood in the basement.
Boros and Caspian scanned their surroundings.
"I barely recognize the place... Is that an elevator?" Caspian gestured toward the far wall of the lab.
Genus walked past them. "That's our destination."
He reached the silver elevator doors and turned back. Boros stood by a stainless steel workbench, gripping a chunk of purple alloy.
"You obtained a piece of my ship."
"Ah, I forgot to mention Boros arrived on that ship in A-City. You should've seen it on TV. How did you get this? I figured Metal Knight nabbed the entire ship." said Caspian.
"I see." Genus adjusted his glasses. "Your ship's destructive potential was remarkable, Boros. Targeting such a major city provided invaluable data. You have my thanks." He glanced at the alloy fragment. "As for this piece, an anonymous dark market seller acquired several ship fragments."
Boros spared him a glance for the first time. "Your words please me."
"Alright you two, let's continue to… I'm hoping a combat experimentation room."
Genus cleared his throat. He turned, pressed a button on the wall, and watched the elevator doors slide open. After entering, he waited for Caspian and Boros to follow before selecting the lowest floor.
Caspian craned his neck upward. "Never seen an elevator this massive. Then again, Armored Gorilla stands over ten feet tall..."
"Who is this 'Armored Gorilla'?" Boros cut in. "A 'Mysterious Being?' The New Dark Matter Thieves are always looking for new recruits."
Genus kept silent and observed.
"Speaking of the New Dark Matter Thieves, you recruited Suppon, right?" Caspian continued. "Pointed ears, clawed hands, those dark circles under his eyes... and waist-length hair."
Boros tilted his head. "Why are describing his appearance as though I do not recognize my latest recruit's name?"
"You—"
Ding
The elevator halted, doors parting to expose the combat experimentation room. The design mirrored the one he had back in the House of Evolution, though quadrupled in scale.
Boros exited first. "Caspian. Why am I here?"
"Dr. Genus," Caspian said, stepping out behind him, "I believe explanations fall to you now." His eyes swept the expansive space. "You've certainly upgraded."
"Right." Genus strode into the combat room, passing both figures before turning to face them. "Caspian explained your 'Meteoric Burst' to me. I believe I can eliminate its drawbacks and enhance it further."
Boros crossed his arms and narrowed his large eye. "I have spent centuries searching for a solution. Now you claim you can not only remove the drawback, but improve it?
I do not believe a feeble existence like you could deliver on those words.
But Earth's inhabitants have surprised me before.
Maybe you will be the next."
"Okay. What does he need to do?" asked Caspian.
Genus paused before saying, "I will, of course, need to see his ability in action."
"Right away." Boros attempted to remove his armor, only to be stopped by a shout in the next instance.
"Wait!" Caspian sighed and look at Genus. "Is there someplace safer for you to watch from? His energy output isn't kind to most lifeforms."
Genus pointed behind him toward the far wall. Where a secured room with a single thick window stood aligned with the chamber's center. "We'll observe from there."
Caspian nodded and looked back at Boros. "Once we're in that room, all you need to do is remove your armor, enter your 'Released Form' and then into your 'Meteoric Burst' and flicker about for a short amount of time.
And maybe don't fly directly past our room. Latent energy and all… Oh, also, tomorrow is the day we raid the 'Monster Association.'"
"Your words please me Caspian!"
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