The Discovery

Some time later, outside the eerie and desolate Dead Forest, the Ultimate Magicians had set up a temporary camp. Shin sat near the edge of the camp, staring into the distance, lost in thought.

"Shin? What are you thinking about?" Cecily asked as she sat beside him, her voice soft and reassuring.

"I don't know... I just feel anxious," Shin admitted, holding her hand for comfort.

Cecily gave him a thoughtful look. "Maybe it has something to do with the fortress? It's not every day we stumble upon something like this."

"Maybe," Shin replied, his brow furrowing.

Their quiet moment was interrupted as August approached them. "Ahem!" he cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "We just received the order. We're to investigate the fortress."

"Finally!" Maria exclaimed from nearby, stretching her arms. "My body's aching for a good fight!"

Cecily, ever cautious, turned to the group. "Let's not get too excited. There might still be Demonoids lurking around. We need to stay alert."

Shin watched his classmates, a sense of pride swelling within him. "The S-Class... they've really grown into such formidable fighters," he thought to himself.

He stood up, taking the lead. "Alright, everyone, let's move out. Stay sharp!"

With determination lighting their eyes, the Ultimate Magicians readied themselves and began their march toward the mysterious fortress.

As the Ultimate Magicians approached the mysterious fortress, an alert reverberated deep within the underground base.

"Intruder Alert!" a voice declared as red magic screens popped up throughout the control room.

Dr. Mei, seated comfortably in her workshop, glanced at the flashing screens. A faint smirk graced her lips as she rose from her chair. "Hmm? Interesting," she mused, walking towards the central console.

She tapped a few glowing runes on the console, summoning a detailed holographic report. "How long has it been?" she murmured, scanning the information.

A small screen materialized in front of her, displaying the answer: Two years.

"Two years, huh?" Dr. Mei thought aloud. "Though I've been waking up occasionally to refine artifacts and test my abilities." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That means Milady, Chu Yuechan, and her daughter have been cultivating for two years straight without interruption."

Her attention turned to a cascade of holograms appearing across the room, each displaying updates on the progress of the material production line.

"It seems everything is running smoothly," she noted, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "The production line has exceeded expectations, and the output is more refined than I had predicted."

Her gaze returned to the alert screen, where a live feed of the intruders approaching the fortress was displayed. "Now, who could these be? Are they Demonoids? No... these energy signatures feel different." She adjusted the controls to zoom in on the group.

"Well then," she said with a playful grin. "Let's see what these so-called 'intruders' are made of."

As Dr. Mei prepared to leave the control room, a voice resonated in her mind, stopping her in her tracks.

"Milady, do you have any command?" Dr. Mei immediately knelt on one knee, bowing her head with utmost respect.

Kate's calm, authoritative tone replied, her voice echoing as though coming from another dimension. "I'm communicating through the Void Archives. I grant you permission to begin. Execute the plan immediately."

"Yes, Milady!" Dr. Mei responded with unwavering devotion, her voice resolute. As the communication ended, a faint shimmer of energy dissipated in the air.

Rising from her kneeling position, Dr. Mei's eyes gleamed with determination. "Since Milady has given the order, the construction of the Mechs begins now!" she declared.

She reached for a circular orb resting on the control console, its smooth, metallic surface pulsating faintly with energy. Holding it in her palm, she infused it with her Qi. The orb immediately activated, releasing a cascade of radiant light that engulfed her entirely.

The room buzzed with an intense, mechanical hum as the orb's power enveloped her, synchronizing with the production systems across the base. With the ancient artifact refinement techniques she had mastered, every mechanism in the fortress roared to life, signaling the start of a new phase.

"Let's see how these intruders handle the fruits of Milady's vision," Dr. Mei murmured, her voice carrying both excitement and resolve.

As the light enveloping Dr. Mei's body dissipated, it left behind a striking transformation. Her once familiar appearance was now entirely altered, radiating an aura of undeniable power and elegance.

"This is the Reality Orb Artifact," Dr. Mei muttered, her voice resonating with a new clarity, "an artifact capable of blurring the lines between illusion and reality, applied directly to one's body."

She examined her reflection in the mirrored surface of a nearby console, her gaze sharp and contemplative. "Thanks to Milady's profound knowledge, I stumbled upon traces of someone remarkable someone who might be my reincarnation: Raiden Mei, the Herrscher of Thunder."

As the residual light fragments fell like shards of delicate glass, her new form became fully visible. Her figure now exuded unparalleled strength and grace, her sleek attire and refined features an exact replica of Raiden Mei. Her eyes glowed faintly, pulsating with a mysterious energy, and an electrifying aura surrounded her, crackling softly in the still air.

Dr. Mei flexed her fingers, feeling the immense potential coursing through her transformed body. "This form will suffice," she declared with quiet determination. "Let's see if the intruders are ready to face what lies ahead."

With that, she turned toward the control room's exit, her movements fluid and confident, every step radiating the overwhelming power of her new identity.

Meanwhile, outside the fortress, Cecily noticed Shin's unusually tense expression. "This is the first time I've seen you like this," she said softly, sitting closer to him. "It seems your anxiousness can't be ignored."

Maria, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, "If even Shin is this worried, we better keep our guard up at all times." Her serious tone earned nods of recognition from the group.

"If Shin feels this uneasy," August added, his face mirroring the concern, "then there's a real chance we're facing an enemy here one that's exceptionally strong."

The group fell silent, the weight of August's words settling in as they glanced toward the looming fortress. The ominous atmosphere around the structure seemed to grow heavier, fueling their collective unease.

"This fortress is just a black dome," August said, examining the imposing structure. "I wonder how the demons managed to build it."

"Maybe this is one of the Empire's tricks," Alice speculated, her eyes narrowing at the peculiar surface of the dome.

"First, we need to find the door," Shin suggested, scanning the perimeter.

"Can't we just destroy it?" Julius asked, flexing his fists impatiently.

"Everyone, step back," Shin commanded. The group moved behind him as he raised his hand, summoning a swirling, intense blue fire. He launched the fiery attack at the dome, confident it would make an impact.

But just before it made contact, the flame veered sharply upward and disappeared into the sky.

"What!" Shin exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.

The others echoed his surprise, their astonishment mirrored in their expressions. "How did that even happen?" Cecily asked, staring at the dome with growing unease.

"It's as if it's rejecting any kind of assault," Maria said, her voice tinged with frustration.

"This isn't going to be easy," August muttered, gripping his weapon tightly as the group continued to study the enigmatic structure.

"The methods of humans are truly barbaric," Dr. Mei said, her voice resonating with disdain as a glowing outline of a door appeared on the black dome, slowly sliding open.

"Humans?" the group echoed, their confusion turning to alarm.

"Everyone, get ready! A Demonoid is about to come out!" Shin commanded, his stance firm as the others prepared for a confrontation.

"Demonoid? Please, do not insult me by comparing me to such lowly beings," Dr. Mei replied coldly, stepping out from the opening, her presence commanding immediate attention.

"Lowly?" Shin said, narrowing his eyes. "Then... that means you're from a completely different race. You're not a Demonoid or a Human, are you?"

"Indeed," Dr. Mei said with a smirk. "I hail from the race of Herrschers."

The name sent a ripple of unease through the group.

"Since Milady loves her role-playing games, I'll give her something entertaining to watch," Dr. Mei thought to herself, her lips curling in amusement.

"Our proud race consists of only thirteen Herrschers, but I alone am more than enough to handle all of you," she declared confidently.

Before anyone could react, a surge of Honkai energy erupted from her body, pulsating outward in an overwhelming wave. The energy distorted the air and caused the ground to quake, forcing the Ultimate Magicians to brace themselves against the shockwave.

"What is this power?" Maria gasped, gripping her weapon tightly.

"This energy... it's completely different from anything we've faced before," August muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Shin stepped forward, his eyes locked on Dr. Mei. "No matter what race you come from, if you're here to harm us or this world, we won't back down!"

Dr. Mei's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Harm? Oh no. This isn't harm... This is merely me showing you what true power looks like."

"I've been staying here for hundreds of years, not bothering anyone, and now you come to my door to stir up trouble?" Dr. Mei said, her voice echoing with irritation.

"Everyone, run!" Shin shouted, his instincts screaming danger.

"S-Sorry that we disturbed your slumber! We'll leave now!" Shin added hastily, trying to defuse the situation as he urged the others to retreat.

Dr. Mei's expression turned colder. "Do you think you can come and go as you please? What do you take my home for—a playground?"

As her words resonated through the air, the group suddenly froze in place, unable to move a muscle.

"I can't move!" Thor exclaimed, panic evident in his voice.

"Wait!" Shin pleaded, desperation in his tone. "Look, we're sorry for our grave mistake, but please let us go. We are the foundation of the human race in this world! If you kill us, humanity will suffer greatly."

Dr. Mei tilted her head slightly, her piercing gaze locking onto Shin. "Why would you think I care about your pathetic race?" she replied coldly, her indifference chilling the group to their cores.

The Ultimate Magicians collectively trembled, their confidence shattered by the overwhelming disparity in power.

"Pl-Please!" Shin stammered, bowing his head. One by one, his companions followed suit, their pride swallowed by the fear of extinction.

August clenched his fists, his mind racing. "I never thought we'd encounter a monster of such unreasonable strength here. If we don't survive this, the Demonoids will have no opposition. At this point, only the Ultimate Magicians can stand against the higher-ranking Demonoids in battle. If we all die here, humanity will undoubtedly go extinct!"

"Please... spare us," Shin continued, his voice trembling. "For the sake of humanity, we beg you."

Dr. Mei's expression didn't soften. Her gaze swept over the group like a predator sizing up prey. "Begging for your lives now? How very human of you," she remarked, her voice laced with contempt. "Convince me why I shouldn't end this pitiful existence of yours right here and now."

"I've already encountered someone far more powerful than you, Madam," Shin said, his voice steady despite the tension. "If I'm correct, she's still in this world. Once the Ultimate Magicians disappear, she'll discover your existence."

Dr. Mei's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. "Hmm? More powerful than me, you say?" she mused, her tone laced with skepticism.

"What is Shin talking about?" August thought to himself, confused but sensing the weight of Shin's words.

"If what you're saying is true, I can't afford to engage her right now," Dr. Mei finally admitted, her tone cautious.

"Then, please let us go," Shin added quickly, sensing a glimmer of hope and pressing his advantage.

"But here's the thing," Dr. Mei countered, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "When I spread my Honkai Energy, I didn't detect anyone worthy of my attention. That so-called being you speak of... she's likely left this world already."

Shin's breath hitched, his plan unraveling before his eyes. The others exchanged nervous glances, their hopes faltering.

"Your attempt to bluff me is amusing," Dr. Mei continued, her tone dripping with condescension. "But I don't take kindly to lies." Her aura flared once more, sending shivers down their spines.

Dr. Mei raised her hand, aiming directly at Shin.

"Everyone, use your barriers!" Shin shouted urgently. The Ultimate Magicians reacted instantly, casting layers of glowing magic barriers around themselves.

"Our objective is to flee!" Shin added, determination surging through his voice as he dashed toward Dr. Mei. His magic barrier pulsed with energy, his jet boots roaring to life as he closed the distance.

Dr. Mei observed his advance, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "This is my first time fighting in this form," she murmured, her tone laced with eerie calm, "but Milady said the Transformation Element is deadly for the knowledgeable. Let's see if my studies bear fruit."

With a flick of her hand, her space ring emitted a soft glow. Instantly, a swarm of materials appeared from nowhere, swirling around her like a chaotic storm.

Shin's eyes widened in shock. "What the!? She summoned all those materials in an instant!" he thought, his composure faltering.

The components hovered briefly before converging into a dense black orb. It pulsated with raw energy, shimmering ominously as it floated in front of her.

"Thanks to Milady's knowledge, I've spent years mastering theories from the Void Archives. Time to put them into practice," Dr. Mei muttered to herself.

Before Shin could react, the orb began to transform. In mere seconds, it expanded and solidified into a sleek, jet-black shield, its surface glowing faintly with menacing energy.

Shin's charge came to an abrupt halt as his path was blocked by the impenetrable shield. His eyes darted across its surface, disbelief etched across his face.

"She... she created this out of thin air?!" Shin thought, his voice caught in his throat. "No magic I know could allow such precise manipulation of materials. What kind of power is this!?"

The rest of the team stood frozen in place, equally stunned, as Dr. Mei stood behind her creation, her expression unbothered and composed. "Is this all the humans can muster?" she asked coldly, her voice cutting through their disbelief like a blade.

Dr. Mei's shield shimmered for a moment before it began to reshape itself. The black orb transformed into a floating, long triangular structure with a sleek metallic design. Glowing energy lines pulsed rhythmically along its edges, exuding an overwhelming presence.

Shin came to an abrupt halt, his eyes fixed on the creation. He couldn't help but admire it despite the imminent danger. "What is this thing? It sends shivers down my spine!" he thought, his unease growing with each passing second.

Dr. Mei's lips curled into a faint smirk as she observed his hesitation. "This design was inspired by the Gundam Dragoons and Bits," she thought to herself. "But mine surpasses them in every way."

The floating construct, Triastra, hummed ominously as it moved toward Shin. Its energy lines brightened, signaling its intent.

Shin's instincts kicked in. "Everyone's still nearby... I need to buy them more time!" he resolved, activating his barrier just as the Triastra fired a concentrated shot.

The beam struck Shin's barrier, forcing him back from the sheer force of the impact. "What is that thing? It's bigger than me!" Shin thought, his heart pounding as he soared upwards, trying to create distance.

But the Triastra wasn't done. It hovered briefly, its glowing edges intensifying as it charged its primary weapon.

It's charging something huge! Shin realized, panic setting in.

A split second later, the Triastra unleashed a massive violet Honkai beam, the energy searing through the air with deafening intensity. Shin narrowly avoided the attack, dodging in the nick of time as the beam tore through the sky, lighting it up with an eerie glow.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the forest, the Ultimate Magicians began to regroup one by one. Their breaths came in gasps as they tried to recover from their frantic retreat. But their attention was drawn upward as the violet beam pierced the heavens, casting an ominous light across the horizon.

"What is that?!" August exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and dread.

"That thing... is Shin still in there?" Cecily asked, her hands trembling as the beam dissipated into the atmosphere.

The group stood frozen, watching the aftermath of the attack, each silently hoping their leader had survived.

"I can't really kill them for Milady, but instilling fear? That's not a bad alternative," Dr. Mei said, her voice echoing coldly in the silence of the fortress. She extended her hand, commanding the Triastra to retreat. "They should learn to stay away from us." With a final glance at the scene outside, she turned and headed back into the fortress, her steps confident as the massive doors began to seal behind her.

Meanwhile, high in the air, Shin watched the Triastra stop abruptly. His heart raced as he prepared for another attack, but instead, the construct began to drift back toward the fortress.

She's calling it back? Does that mean she doesn't plan to kill us? he thought, his tension easing slightly. He glanced toward the forest where his comrades had gathered. This is our chance. We need to leave and report everything.

As Shin flew away, keeping his guard up, his gaze shifted back to the fortress. The Triastra hovered near the black dome for a moment before its sleek form dissolved into a viscous black fluid. It merged seamlessly with the surface of the dome, vanishing completely as if it had never existed.

Shin's mind reeled at the display. What kind of technology... or power is this? he wondered, shaken. Without another glance, he sped toward the outskirts of the forest to regroup with his team, the image of the formidable Triastra burned into his memory.

Dr. Mei arrive outside the house, her posture stiff as if weighed down by an unseen burden. She eased herself into a chair by the table, her fingers trembling slightly. Suddenly, a harsh cough escaped her lips, and she brought her hand to her mouth streaks of crimson stained her palm.

"The consumption of the Transformation Element is too heavy on my body," she muttered under her breath, her voice hoarse. She leaned back in the chair, her chest heaving as she wiped the blood away with a cloth. "And the mental strain... thinking through the entire process of transforming one thing into another... it's overwhelming."

Her gaze fell to the ground, distant, as she tried to steady her breath. "It's not just about the energy used," she mused, her voice quiet yet sharp with frustration. "The intricacy of the process, understanding the composition and reconstructing it in real-time it's exhausting."

Despite her apparent weariness, a faint smirk tugged at her lips. "But for Milady's vision... it's worth it," she whispered, her resolve unshaken even as her body cried for rest.