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Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)
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Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings
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Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:555Kudos:1,452Bookmarks:363Hits:86,362
(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)
10moorem
Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Observation
Summary:
Kyaaa! Shards are creepy voyeurs!
Chapter Text
Chapter 48: Observation
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♦ Topic: Eris, a discussion
In: Boards ► Global
RipGone (Original Poster) (Cape Husband)
Posted On Aug 15th 2010:
So, according to the info the PRT just released about an hour ago, there's a new Endbringer codenamed: Eris. I've heard it has a bunch of other names as well, as all Endbringers inevitably pick up.
Obviously this is horrible news but what's worse is what this Endbringer has been up to. The chaos currently engulfing Japan and China? That was Eris. It utilised it's powers to create two cities in just the right places and at just the right times to completely destabilise Eurasia. That war that's currently going on there, the one analysts are saying has the potential to become a World War? Again, Eris.
Because of the Endbringer's wily nature their true nature was unknown for almost an entire month. Let me repeat: this Endbringer was running around undetected for an entire month!
The truth was discovered in Hyderabad when a brave team of Protectorate capes went to confront what they assumed was a villainous organisation. These courageous men and women were prepared to risk their lives to stop a foe that had indirectly claimed the lives of millions.
Unfortunately most of them would lay down their lives, as would the reinforcements that came to their aid. Only the Triumvirate and a few other capes managed to survive and withdraw from the monster.
With a 1% survival rate this Endbringer is far worse than Behemoth ever was.
The threat rating of the Endbringer is as follows:
Brute 9: Similar to the other Endbringers it possesses great strength and durability, if not to the same level as Behemoth.
Tinker 10: Considered to be a Free Tinker of unparalleled potency. This is the same Endbringer that created un-black boxed tinkertech that caused countries to go to war over it.
Shaker 10: Matter Manipulation within a wide radius. No Manton Limit has been observed. The only ones rated to fight against the Endbringer, because of this, are Brutes capable of ignoring such effects (like Alexandria).
Thinker 7: Considered to have omniscience within her range. Was capable of crafting a long reaching plan that destabilised an entire continent.
Trump 5: Much like the other Endbringers, Thinker powers don't play well with them. This Endbringer is also capable of negatively affecting Parahuman abilities through the use of their technology (apparently).
There is more information [HERE], [HERE] and [HERE]
I know this is a difficult subject, but please be aware that the mods are already circling like sharks after the last thread. Think before you post.
(Showing page 48 of 2056)
►ricoBizz
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Okay, but all I'm saying is that the Protectorate shouldn't have been in a foreign country like that! Alert the Indian Government about the threat, let them deal with it. I mean, for fucks sake, if we hadn't sent them there we wouldn't be down hundreds of heroes. Do you have any idea what's going to happen because of that?!
►SlitRift
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@ricoBizz
Massively destabilize the US? Yeah, what else is new?
►ricoBizz
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
It's not a fucking laughing matter! Three of those capes were from my city!
►Miss Mercury (Protectorate Employee)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
While the loss of so many honoured members of the Protectorate is regrettable, the PRT are already coming up with solutions to this problem. Please have a little faith, we've secured America's safety for decades and we won't be stopping now.
►LictorMiss
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@ricoBizz
Yeah, I bet you wouldn't be saying that if The Architects were real and India was the one to capture them. Then you'd be complaining about America letting the golden goose slip through our hands. Fucking unbelievable.
►Alatoo
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Oh for fucks sake.
And just when the economy was starting to start slumping forwards again. Now everyone is probably never going to touch that tech again. There'll be scaremongering for years to come.
►3D Fan
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Alatoo
LMAO, yeah. The oil and gas companies are already putting out ads decrying the use of 'evil endbringer tech'.
Kinda impressive how fast they rolled those out, tbh.
►Rosmary (Verified Cape) (Haven)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
I can only offer my sincere prayers to those that have died battling against this monstrosity.
I would ask those reading to not be waylaid by this trickster devil, for just like the devil that is her sister, it is a sickness that must be expunged.
►Rigi Rocks
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Rosmary
Hi Rosmary!
How do you feel about that new Fallen cult that sprang up because of this?
They're calling themselves the preservers?
►Rosmary (Verified Cape) (Haven)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Rigi Rocks
They may claim to be simple folk that are focused on good deeds and preparation, but do not forget that they worship the apocalypse.
They, and that cult in Jinzhou, are not to be trusted.
►Miraclemic
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Seriously, who would be dumb enough to join a cult?
►Rictololo
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Miraclemic
Dumb people.
Back on topic, though. How exactly are we supposed to fight that thing if it can so easily kill so many of our finest capes. Sure, the Triumvirate survived but most capes aren't at that level.
►Blackened Turtle Snake (Jinzhou)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Rictololo
By not attacking our saviour out of nowhere?
Seriously, why else do you think they're currently making a murder city? Because you assholes attacked her!
►Aloma
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Blackened Turtle Snake
Oh, you're alive!
You seriously couldn't have told us that your saviour was an Endbringer? Why are you worshipping something like that? You know it's just using you to hurt China, right?
►worty
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
And maybe add a size scale to the next painting you give us?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 ... 2054, 2055, 2056
(Showing page 50 of 2056)
►Blackened Turtle Snake (Jinzhou)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
[USER'S POST HAS BEEN DELETED]
►Tin Mother (Moderator)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Blackened Turtle Master
I understand that you're upset, but that is no reason to use such language. More to the point defending Endbringer's and other S-Class threats is against TOS.
I won't ban you this time, since it seems you didn't know -and still refuse to accept- that they are an Endbringer. That being said, you're on thin ice.
Don't push it.
►Shimster
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Uh, moving on from that.
As a Boston native, who was supposed to see new factories being built to produce some of those new solar panels, should I be worried.
Because a lot of us were looking forward to the new job opportunities this could have opened up.
►Deadman
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Shimster
In the short term, yeah.
A lot of people are probably going to frightened by the implications that a factory producing Endbringer tech is being built in their city and they might try something...unadvisable. I'd stay away from those factories for a while, they're definitely going to attract a lot of crazies.
That being said, in the long run, those factories are still going to take off. They're just to valuable not to. With the PRT confirming that the tech isn't boobytrapped fears will die down eventually.
►XxVoid_CowboyxX
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
IT'S A CONSPIRACY! THE TRIUMVIRATE HAVE BEEN MIND CONTROLLED BY THE ENDBRINGER TO PUSH THEIR PRODUCTS!
SOON THEY'LL CONTROL THE WORLD'S ECONOMY!
►Aloma
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Wut?
►Mr. Fabuu
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Aloma
No idea, seems to be a new user.
Going by his post, I hope he won't stay for too long.
►Woogly
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Ugh, has anyone seen how China is reacting to this news?
Smug doesn't even begin to cover it.
►Qwemos
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@Woogly
In fairness if I was suddenly given proof that something the rest of the world laughed at me for was actually a massive threat I'd be smug too.
Jinzhou, whether knowingly or not, is working for an Endbringer.
I'm not sure if they count as a nation (maybe a city state?) but if so it would be the first time one of those has completely capitulated to an Endbringer.
Scary to think about.
►AKA (Kyushu Survivor)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
So what? You think the Endbringers are suddenly going to act like warlords and start carving out the world?
►Qwemos
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@AKA
Well, according to Jinzhou, this one can speak. Logically that would mean it can reason and maybe even desire things. We've all assumed that the Endbringers were more natural disasters, incapable of feeling anything besides maybe malice.
If that's not the case then them desiring land and power is certainly a possibility. If not the four we currently have, then maybe the next.
►AsimovAsshole
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Ugh, please don't remind me that there may be more Endbringers! The four we have are already bad enough!
►SenorEel
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Hey, so this Endbringer basically attacked three countries in about a month. Isn't that abnormal? Does this mean that the next time it attacks might be sooner than anyone expects.
Hell, is it just going to its next target now?
►Brilliger (Moderator: Protectorate Main)
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
@SenorEei
According to the latest theories? No.
It's currently believed that the only reason it kept going from city to city was because it wasn't stopped. The fact that it's current trajectory doesn't place it heading to any major population centres or past Endbringer sites support this theory.
It's likely going to enter dormancy soon.
►HornyOnMain
Replied On Aug 16th 2010:
Still would.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 ... 2054, 2055, 2056
■
-NOMAD POV-
0.085 revolutions had passed since their Mary's entrapment had begun.
Once again NOMAD pinged the local network, requesting information on the clear Shard-caused phenomenon that enveloped the host hive. Space had been twisted upon itself, dragged with all the precision of a newborn and left to fester.
NOMAD received a data packet, the same data packet with the same anomalous readings. Manipulation of space required energy and higher dimensional manipulation to achieve results on this scale. Neither was present.
A worrying level of obfuscation.
[CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR FURTHER OBSERVATION: MET]
It was allowed, by it's directives, to continue to monitor their Mary despite the increased energy costs. Mary was an exemplary host, NOMAD had grown fat on the data collected by their host's neurosis driven conflict.
Unfortunately that was the extent it could interfere.
[CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR INTERVENTION: NOT MET. REASON: SUBSTANTIAL COSTS FOR MINIMAL GAIN]
Despite their Mary's nature as a good source of data, they had only been connected for 2.42 rotations. Not enough time and data to justify the energy required to remove her from the anomalous expansion of space-time.
It once again pinged the warrior. Such large scale interference was forbidden.
There was no reply.
Unfortunate.
As time passed the Shard devoted it's processing, it's full suite of sensors and scanning to observe the anomaly, to observe their Mary within the anomaly.
She was currently secreted a saline water mix from her photo-receptors. A common occurrence among the host species, a sign of 'sadness'. NOMAD, too, felt sadness. In their current circumstances there was little to be done. Their Mary would have to endure being contained in the structure of crushed and filtered sediments, and NOMAD would have to watch.
Even when their Mary underwent several Crisis Points, NOMAD was unable to intervene. They were logged nonetheless, and the requisite energy was prepared for reformatting. It would go through once their host was free of the anomaly.
Until then, there was little to do but wait.
AN: Okay, so here's a new chapter. PHO to give you a better idea on how normal people are taking the news. It's mostly panic, and a good deal of contempt.
You also have ratings! What do you think of the numbers? Too high? Too low?
As for the second part, NOMAD is the shard of Shuffle. Unable to interfere due to Alexander's barrier (more so its own directives and not wanting to waste energy) but still capable of observing what's happening within the barrier. The barrier itself is sus, because it's magic. Thankfully NOMAD is assuming the method behind the manipulation of space is being hidden somehow, rather than it being completely out of context bullshit.
Thanks for reading, please leave a comment or I might explode or something (you never know)!
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Entire Work ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Chapter Index Comments Share Download
Work Header
Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category:
Gen
Fandom:
Parahumans Series - Wildbow
Relationship:
Alexander/City Building
Characters:
Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)
Additional Tags:
Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:555Kudos:1,452Bookmarks:363Hits:86,362
(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)
10moorem
Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Journey South
Summary:
Renji: "You know how building cities has caused you and the world so many problems?"
Alexander: "Yeah?"
Renji: "You should do more of them!"
Alexander: *Shocked Pikachu Face*
Chapter Text
Chapter 49: Journey South
-Alexander POV-
"The more I hear about your home the more I can only shake my head," Renji said, his bafflement clear as he shakes his head. I could only chuckle, more than aware of how crazy 2025 was shaping up to be in my home dimension.
Normally I would feel bad about exposing Renji to politicians, especially the ones back home, but he's the one who asked.
It had been a week since we left Hyderabad. For the first few days I was on edge, expecting strike teams to teleport into the tunnel and try to kill us, which ended up not happening. After finally admitting we were likely in the clear I took Renji's advice and began resting more regularly.
My sleeping schedule before the German city was sporadic, at best. Never feeling tired was an advantage I had taken to with relish, after all if you didn't need to sleep why would you?
Maybe not the best idea, looking back.
With consistent sleep I was feeling a lot more…centred. Like the walls weren't suddenly about to start caving in. I was taking things slower, lacking a manic energy that seemed characteristic of my days of travelling.
I was feeling pretty zen, actually.
Not perfect, and the nightmares weren't great, but better.
"Yeah, those were some pretty stupid policies," came my reply. I was hands deep in our travelling vehicle, manually performing maintenance simply for the heck of it. Certain parts had some built up dust, not nearly enough to even begin affecting the performance, yet I was still taking care to meticulously clean each part.
"Maybe this world isn't that bad, after all!" I turn and give Renji a light-hearted glareat the cheeky comment before snorting and continuing cleaning.
"The grass is always greener on the other side?"
"Something like that."
I wet my lips, considering, before I shake my head.
"No…no, I'm pretty sure the Eldritch horror plaguing this Earth is worse than some politicians…probably."
Renji shrugged, turning back to the handheld game I had made him earlier. I didn't bother checking what he was playing, hopefully it wasn't some low-effort slop that seemed endemic to Earth Bet.
Minutes passed like that, the gentle creaking of metal as my crystalline hands pressed against the frame of the vehicle to support my efforts. The mashing of buttons intensified for a moment, before Renji let out a sigh of disappointment as a familiar game over sound played.
Ah, Mario. Classic.
Renji leaned over to pace his console down, before rolling over onto his back – staring up at me.
"So, what's the plan?"
I glanced at him, unsure of whether he was asking purely out of boredom or because he had genuinely forgotten.
"Go to the South Pole. Make a home. Research ways to kill God. Kill God. Profit." I summarise.
Renji throws me an annoyed look. "That's a big leap after building the base. Also, are you just going to be staying at the South Pole until we have a way to kill Scion?"
I stop, my hands remerging from the insides of the bus – a quick use of Matter Manipulation rendering them completely clean. I frown in confusion at the question, uncertain as to where this conversation was suddenly headed.
"Well, yeah. Isn't that the most efficient use of time? It's not like I can continue making cities after what happened with Hyderabad," I defend my plan, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.
Perhaps Renji notices, as his expression softens. Then, to my slight unease, his expression morphs into sheepishness
"About that…"
I still.
"Renji, no."
"I really think-"
"Renji, no."
"-you could use a little more-"
"Renji, this is a terrible idea!"
"-socialisation!"
"Renji, the last time we interacted with people I did a Godzilla!"
Renji clearly had no idea what Godzilla was, but pushed on anyways.
"It's still a good idea, and not just because I don't want you holing up in your room all day." I wince at the harsh, if true, idea. "Alexander, how do you think people would react if you stayed in the South Pole for years on end?"
I tilt my head in confusion, to the rest of the world I was a walking calamity – an immortal agent of death. Sure, Jinzhou would be sad if they never saw me again but wouldn't the rest of the world be pleased?
"Joy, I imagine" My reply is laced with bitterness. Sure, I get it, I'm an Endbringer, but it still hurts to know the world would cheer for my death.
"Not in the slightest," Renji replied blandly before handing me a tablet – one I had made as a matter of fact!
I was actually pretty proud of them. Sleek, robust and none of that planned obsolescence bullshit that companies liked to pull to sell more stuff. The internet connection, which required magic due to being several miles underground, was lightning fast and completely untraceable.
All in all, it was an electronic beauty.
Eat your heart out Apple.
I glanced at the page he had left for me. It was a PHO page, discussing none other than yours truly.
Reading through it was fucking surreal, just like reading through those interludes I loved so much. Unfortunately It was discussing my least favourite subject: me, so it wasn't quite as fun to read as I remember it being.
Pretty standard fare, honestly. Lots of despair over an Endbringer that can Alt F4 most capes, hate, external screaming, geopolitical concerns, hate, people wanting to leave Earth Bet -which, same- right this second, more hate and treating me like I was some 5D chess master.
Man, now I know how Ainz feels.
Sasuga Alexander-Sama, indeed.
Still, I couldn't find a single scrap of reasoning as to why I should continue city building, if anything this seems like the opposite.
"I don't follow," I finally answer, honestly expressing my confusion.
"It's because they're being paranoid, too paranoid."
I blankly look at Renji for a moment.
Then it clicks.
I glance back down. Entire pages of people panicking, wondering what my next move was as they compared me to the fucking Simurgh.
'Ohhh' I think, sickeningly putting the pieces together.
The commenters were going over everything. Replies were going in circles, every scrap of information was eagerly fed on – regardless of the source – and used to feed the resulting fire.
'Ohhhhh'
They expected something of me. They would not, could not, be convinced otherwise.
'Ohhhhhhh, shit.'
"Alexander, if you hide away for entire months then people will get suspicious as to what you're actually doing! They believe you to be some malevolent puppet master, so they'll obsess over your inactivity! Eventually they'll come to you, regardless of whether it's a good idea or not!"
I sat back, my throat clenching as I digest that.
As much as I wanted to argue that Renji was wrong, that nobody would be so stupid as to confront me after I had killed hundreds of capes with ease, I knew he was not. Humanity's greatest fear has always been the unknown. If I showed no hint of my presence, of any grand plan…
"They'd have to, they wouldn't be able to live without fear otherwise."
The conclusion made me sick. The idea that my very presence could smother people so easily was heartbreaking. Renji only nodded.
"They'd assume you were working on a plan that requires months, or even years, of preparation. After seeing what you could do with only a month…" Renji trails off, but I understood his point.
If I could destabilise a continent in only a month, what could I do with years of time?
"Not to mention I will be orchestrating a plan years in the making! The death of Scion! The one the world believes to be their greatest hero!"
Yeah, no. That would very quickly become me against the world. Everyone would assume my reasons for taking Scion out would be self-serving in nature, to take out my only obstacle for world domination – or something stupid like that.
Even if Cauldron tried to interfere in my favour, I don't think it would be enough.
"So that's why you want me to continue. To feed the world a lie," The words feel like fire on my tongue as I spit them out.
After being misunderstood for so long the idea of lying, of playing into the role I had inadvertently created, felt sour. It left a leaden feeling on my heart, as if it was being constricted by some great serpent.
"You wouldn't have to do it at the pace you've been going at so far. You could go for a month or two without anyone suspecting, assuming you remained unobserved."
I lift my head up, some energy returning to me at those words.
Right, Endbringers have periods of dormancy, the world should believe I have those too.
"I've attacked three times in a row, though. Won't they find that suspicious?" I point out, spotting the flaw in Renji's logic.
Renji shook his head, hand running through his hair as he took on an amused mien. "Funnily enough, no. It seems everyone is struggling to justify to themselves that all of that was just one attack."
I stare at Renji.
He stares back.
"How?!"
He shrugs. "Beats me, I guess they just really don't enjoy the idea of an Endbringer attacking multiple places in such a short span of time."
The words make my mind turn to a certain teleporting asshole of an Endbringer, causing me to wince. Yeah, I can see why people wouldn't want that. Khonshu had been a real menace in Canon, constantly teleporting around whenever he faced too much resistance.
That and trapping people in areas of altered time.
"Okay, that's fair enough."
"Mhm"
"So, I have to go out and continue building cities – at least one every few months or so." I continue, still hating the idea.
"Yeah, matching you up with the other Endbringers schedules will be a pain. Hopefully we'll come up with something halfway believable," Renji said, chewing at a finger as he considered the timings.
That was true. Given that I wasn't under the restrictions of the other Endbringers, they likely weren't going to accommodate me in the rotation.
"I think the more important consideration is how we won't turn the next city into an absolute cluster fuck. The last three have, in one way or another, fucked over the world pretty significantly."
"The only reason things turned out so badly was because of, in order; the location you chose, your decision to upend the continent and the Protectorate interfering. If not for those, things wouldn't be quite so bad." Renji raised his head towards the cavernous ceiling before continuing. "Granted I don't think I can blame you for two of those."
I raise an eyebrow at that.
"Oh?"
"China was a travesty, I don't blame you for not wanting to gift-wrap an advanced city for them – even if your chosen option caused disproportionate amounts of chaos."
Yeah, that was fair. I wonder what Sun Wukong was doing nowadays?
"Hyderabad was solely because of the Protectorate choosing to attack us, they got what they deserved," Renji bit out, hand reaching for his sword in anger before he caught himself.
I frown, as I realise I clearly wasn't the only one to be effected by what had happened. The vitriol in Renji's voice made clear his opinion of the Protectorate.
Gingerly, I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.
My friend's face calms as he visibly collects himself.
"Right. Sorry," he apologises, clearly not pleased by the lapse in control.
"It's fine Renji, it's simply the part of us that's human," I gently reassure.
Besides, you won't find me disagreeing.
"Japan, however." Reni continues, looking unsure for a moment before his expressions firms and he turns to look my straight in the eyes.
"That was your fault. You gave an advanced city to an island with a weak government, criminal organisations running wild and many surrounding enemies and interests. It's a miracle things didn't end up worse."
I could have said something to defend myself. Could have pointed out that Japan was where I was first dropped. That I was distraught and confused, not in the right state of mind to be considering such things. Perhaps I could have argued that the responsibility fell to the people of Japan, but the thoughts died the moment they crossed into conscious thought.
There were extenuating circumstances, yes. Other people held some responsibility, yes.
But that wasn't an excuse.
I had still gone head first into something I should have known would garner international attention. Something that would have been messy, even in my own world let alone Worm. All those years of criticising thoughtless and ignorant politicians back in my old life only to find out I wasn't much different when given power, the realisation of that fucking stings.
But at least there was something I could do to begin making up for it.
"I know, I'm sorry," I say, my face contrite. There are so many things I could say, so many reasons why I did what I did - but that was the problem, everyone had a reason. "I don't have an excuse and will try to do better in the future," I finish while trying to convey to Renji my sincerity through my words.
Renji only nodded.
So I should probably decide my targets months ahead of time, then?" One of my many hands raises to my chin in contemplation. "I'd have to decide on a location that isn't too unstable, and choose not too actively interfere beyond what is needed."
Then my face scrunches up as my thoughts return to the loathsome Protectorate.
"But I can't control the Protectorate, I can't decide what they – or any other group – do. So how do I stop a repeat of what happened in India?"
Renji stiffened at the mention of the American organisation, but just as quickly relaxed.
"If you were hurt again, do you think the same thing would happen?" He asks, eyes narrowed even as he spoke those words. He clearly didn't enjoy the idea of me being hurt, but Renji had always been a realist when it came to battles.
It was something I appreciated.
"Maybe, I don't think it would be anywhere near as bad if it happens again. In India I was caught off guard, it's not something that will happen again," I swore.
And I meant it. The idea of losing control, of surrendering agency to that sickening algorithm was an abhorrent thought to me.
I could still remember it, almost. My mind full of cobwebs, agony wracking my every thought. In that horrible inky blackness I had almost forgotten everything but the pain.
I shuddered, no – not again.
"It doesn't matter anyway. They won't get another hit on me again."
Renji seemed taken aback by my confidence, not expected the surety in my voice. I could understand, the rest of my convictions weren't nearly so steady after Hyderabad.
But, fighting the Protectorate? Fighting Cauldron? No, I was completely sure I would crush them if we fought again.
The battle against Legend proved that. He had gone from landing solid blows on me to being unable to scorch even a glancing blow upon my body in only a few short minutes. However much of a curse my new form was, it certainly came with an abundance of benefits.
"If you're sure."
"I am."
Then, with a mental nudge, the last component within the bus was cleaned and secured, having never fully turned my attention away from the mundane task of vehicle repair.
The engine purred to life, the smooth velvety roar bringing a smile to my face. Yeah, I could get used to owning this wonder of technology. One of my hands reached down to stroke the exterior lovingly.
'Good bus'.
"Ahem," Renji coughed into his hand – clearly amused by my treatment of our ride.
"Should I leave you two alone?"
"Yeah, feel free to get lost in these tunnels, Renji!"
Renji laughed as I returned his jab, the mood swiftly becoming more joyous as we returned to happier topics.
The two of us returned to the bus, Renji taking a leap into his seat (like the try hard he is) and let out a happy sigh, sinking into the soft leather.
I fiddled with the radio, again magic, and a song I had never heard of echoed through the metal structure of our ride.
It was nice, some type of jazz.
Peaceful.
Relaxing.
Which was when Renji had to ruin everything.
"So, are we there yet?"
My head hit the horn. Why Renji! Why would you ask that question?!
"What?! I was just asking!"
Renji, I can hear you grinning from here!
"…No Renji. We aren't there yet."
"Oh. So where are we now?"
Dammit Renji, do you think I just memorise the names of all the oceans in the world?!
Well I don't!
Wait, I'm connected to the internet. Fuck, I can be dumb sometimes.
A quick search, literally picoseconds long, I have my answer.
"Somewhere in the Indian Ocean. We haven't quite reached the Southern Ocean just yet, but we're close."
"Huh," Renji looked surprised. "For some reason I assumed you wouldn't know."
Ha! Internet, bitch!
"Well I do," I say, trying not to feel too smug about it.
That seemed to satisfy Renji, as he leaned back in his chair once more to begin browsing the internet. Probably searching for more samurai movies to watch, which he would inevitably drag me into.
It's not my cup of tea, reminding me a bit of those cowboy films my father forced me to watch when I was a kid. Just a bit though, the wild west was in no way similar to Japan.
Except for the bandits.
And the long poignant silences.
And the dramatic showdowns happening at dawn.
And the-
"So, are we there yet?"
"Renji, I swear to God! I will turn this bus around and go throw down with the Protectorate again! Don't think I won't!"
AN: So, planning for the future! Yeah for both Watson and Doylist reasons Alexander can't just turtle in the South Pole, like he'd prefer. It wouldn't make for a good story and the people of Earth Bet would get twitchy if he did. He needs to pretend to be a normal (as normal as he can be, since he's already shown himself to be weird) Endbringer. So I'm sorry to the people who wanted Alexander to call Eidolon out on PHO, but it's not going to happen. Maybe in an omake later.
So the city building will continue. This time Alexander will have plans laid out months in advance. All while preparing to throw hands with any cape he comes across. Yeah, he doesn't know about the plans the U.N. have in place for him yet.
Also, more Renji and Alexander bonding. Yay!
Thanks for reading, please leave a comment so I know my audience didn't starve to death.
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