"Well, there's only one way to find out," Cynthia murmured as she approached the table where the ring rested. With a small, deliberate motion, she picked it up and channeled a bit of Psy energy into it. A moment later, an object materialized in her other hand.
It was unlike anything she had seen before, deep black in color, with a cold, metallic texture that was both smooth and sleek. Shaped like a dew drop, its surface was marked with intricate, segmented lines hinting at potential movement or transformation.
"This resembles nothing I recognize at a glance, but the texture..." she trailed off, running her fingers along the surface. "It gives away the truth. This may be one of my father's latest works."
"But how do I activate it... If that's even possible?" she mused aloud.
As if in response, a faint glow pulsed from within the strange object, only to fade moments later.
"The object appears to have the capability of bonding with a host," Vesan said, it`s voice calm as it finished scanning the device.
Cynthia looked down at it, then asked, "So are you saying you could eventually leave my mind and inhabit this? Operate from it?"
"That is not possible," Vesan replied. "The core of my existence is derived from your consciousness. Separation from you would be... impossible."
"I see. Well then, let's see what it can do," Cynthia said, placing the object gently on the table.
"Please place your hand firmly on the object," Vesan instructed.
She complied, laying her hand across its dark surface. For a few minutes, energy pulsed softly from her palm into the object. Then she pulled away, eyes focused.
Silence lingered until faint, crisp clicks echoed through the room.
Segments of the object began to shift. Thin edges unfolded from its sides, separating into what appeared to be four fingers, three toward the front, and one extending backward. The core began to segment further, revealing the basic structure of a head, torso, and lower body.
A faint blue glow lit up the newly formed head, two lighted eyes flickering to life.
"Well?" Cynthia asked, watching intently as the object slowly rose from the table, now hovering in the air.
"This vessel is fully operational. Mobility is fluid," Vesan said, gliding left, then right, demonstrating full control. "No issue detected."
"Good," Cynthia said, folding her arms as she observed.
"So, Vesan… that idea of yours, does it involves using this to help us collect shards?" she asked as she returned to her chair.
"Indeed," Vesan said, floating nearer to her. "This object presents a new avenue: the ability to take action without you having to move personally. I can establish a link between your consciousness, as the source, and myself as its administrator. From there, we can construct a network of autonomous entities, modeled after this prototype."
Cynthia leaned back, processing his words. "Hmm… that's an interesting thought, I'll admit." She gave a slight nod. "And you're saying this is actually possible? What about the production, the design process, the materials needed, and how they would operate? All the usual tedious concerns?"
"All of those questions can be answered," Vesan responded. "Now that I inhabit this vessel, I've already begun analyzing its composition, energy structure, and design protocols. I can extrapolate and replicate the necessary specifications within minutes."
Cynthia gave a quiet laugh, tinged with irony.
"Imagine that. My father spends years perfecting this, and I, his daughter, might be able to not only reproduce it but improve upon it… with barely a fraction of the effort." Truly a peculiar circumstance." Cynthia finished off by saying.
"The collection of shards won't be an easy task," Cynthia said, her gaze fixed on the vessel Vesan now inhabited. "So tell me, how confident are you that something this small could handle such a responsibility?"
"I believe modifications can be made," Vesan replied calmly. "With this vessel as the foundation, we can use its structural principles as a blueprint to inform the design of future units in the network."
Cynthia hummed in thought. "Hmm… we'll need a name for these things..."
She paused, eyes narrowing with intent as an idea formed.
"The Sentinarch Project, will be the name of the initiative. And the vessel you're occupying... it will be designated the first of its kind: Sentinarch model Arbex."
"Designation recorded and will be referenced in all future documentation," Vesan confirmed.
A moment of silence passed before Vesan spoke again.
"Analysis complete. Composition materials include Adamantium Ore, traces of Mystilith Steel, and high concentrations of Myst-ink commonly used in talismans, enchantment arrays, and enhancement matrices. The power source appears to be an intricate network of woven Myst-ink running throughout the internal frame, enabling the Sentinarch to draw Psy energy when connected through you via me. Blueprints have been successfully recorded."
Cynthia nodded slowly, her mind already racing with implications.
"So Myst-ink is the central channeling medium... and the structural matrix uses various tiers of mystic-infused metals. Most likely to ensure smoother energy flow or possibly even to amplify it."
"That is a likely possibility," Vesan agreed.
"You know, my research just got a lot easier now that it aligns with this objective," Cynthia said, gazing pensively out the window.
"A suggestion for the design of the first Sentinarch," Vesan offered, "I recommend incorporating animalistic features. It would expand the unit's movement capabilities and allow for a more advanced combat repertoire."
Cynthia smirked slightly. "Which means I'll need to get my hands on the compendiums for Mystic Beasts, Spirit Beasts, and Legendary Creatures... you'll need those references to enrich your knowledge base."
"That would be highly useful in achieving our intended goal," Vesan confirmed.
With their next steps clear, Cynthia turned her attention back to the ring. She examined it closely, searching for any remaining contents. After a moment, a new item shimmered into existence: a bracelet adorned with two crimson gems and detailed engravings etched into its surface.
With a soft click, the bracelet latched itself onto her wrist. The gems began to pulse, cycling through a range of colors before finally settling into a steady blue glow.
Then, a familiar voice emerged from the bracelet, warm and filled with concern. "Cynthia, my dear... are you alright?"
The sound of it struck her like a wave. She hadn't heard that voice in what felt like ages.
"Hello, Father," Cynthia replied softly, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I've been well."