A Path To Omniscience

After Tom left, heading back to Company HQ, Gran was stuck trying to figure out how he was going to get the new equipment loaded onto the ship. It looked like it weighed half a ton, which meant he would need to use machinery to get it on board. But every crane was already in use, busy loading and unloading goods from the cargo ship.

"Ugh, just great," Gran muttered under his breath. He'd have to close up the crate again too. But as he thought about how he would bolt the lid shut, that's when he looked back at the strange headset-like device sitting in the corner of the machine. It looked fragile. Sure, it might have survived getting loaded on and off a truck, but it definitely wouldn't handle being moved by a crane.

If this thing breaks, they're definitely pinning it on me.

With that thought in mind, he reached for the headset. He could hold onto it during loading and then put it back once it was safely on board. But the moment his hand touched the headset, he heard the machine in the crate start to hum, lights flickering on one by one.

[User detected. Please identify yourself.]

A synthesized female voice, clearly AI, spoke from the headset. It caught Gran off guard for a second, but he realized it was probably part of some setup procedure.

"Gran Russet, Ship Security Officer, aboard Frostvale C-06."

[Identification accepted. Scanning for local network... scanning... scanning... network detected! Please state your network key.]

He hesitated on that request but figured that since HQ sent the equipment, there shouldn't be any security issues.

"4gT9-PvX2-nQz7-Lf3K-ZrV8." 

[Network key accepted, identification confirmed. Please equip the headset.]

Following the prompt, Gran put the headset on. It was an odd design, with two small extensions above where the earmuffs would sit. If there had been glass between them, it could've doubled as a pair of glasses. The moment he put the headset on, the device activated fully.

A hard light dust display appeared before his eyes, forming holographic visors—frameless, hovering right in front of him. As soon as the visors came online, Gran noticed something off about the world around him. Workers moving around, busy with their tasks, now had their details and information floating above their heads whenever he focused on them.

"Augmented reality?" Gran's voice held a genuine surprise. He knew AR tech existed, but seeing it implemented through hard light dust and on such a small scale was something else. That kind of technology was typically reserved for military use only. Not to mention, it lacked the glaringly blue glow that most hard light tech gave off.

It was seamless, almost like looking through his own eyes.

"Whoever made these, they didn't cut any corners," he mused. As Ship Security Officer, the headset alone was already proving its worth. The visors could help him quickly identify crew members and spot any potential stowaways or smugglers, based on whether or not their data appeared.

Seems like all the info is being pulled from the company's employee database. That's why it needed network access.

After fiddling with the headset for a minute or so, the AI spoke again.

[Hello, sir. My name is GAIA. I'll be your onboard AI assistant, helping you navigate the S.I.R.E.N. System.]

"And I'm guessing that's the name of the system you run on?" Gran asked.

[Correct, the Spectre Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Environmental Network System.] 

Gran rolled his eyes at the unnecessarily long name but pressed on.

"And who made you exactly? Which company?"

[I'm afraid that information is classified.]

That raised an eyebrow, but Gran decided to let it slide.

"Is that so? Fine. Probably better, I don't know, anyway."

[Is there anything else I can assist you with?]

"Yeah, I suppose so. Seeing as you're so high-tech, what exactly can you do?"

=====================================•=====================================

July 10th, 2033

"Hmm, looks like all of the S.I.R.E.N. Systems are officially online," Asher mused to himself, eyes fixed on the holographic screen in front of him, where a detailed list scrolled across the display.

[S.I.R.E.N. System Activation List]

System 1: Online & Active...

System 2: Online & Active...

System 3: Online & Inactive...

...

This was the program he had designed, one that allowed him to remotely access and link to any S.I.R.E.N. system connected to the CCTS. In simple terms, it was a backdoor, giving him control over the SU-P drones he had shipped out, while also letting him view, compile, and download any data they've collected.

Normally, this kind of setup would be blatantly illegal—a breach of cybernetic, national, and consumer protection laws. But Asher had hidden the backdoor so deeply within the drones' network that it was nearly impossible for anyone to stumble upon it by accident. On top of that, he'd embedded several layers of security to safeguard it, knowing his parents' cybersecurity division would eventually run their checks on the drones' programming.

As for why he went through all this trouble? It all came down to the simple fact that he was still a child, officially uninvolved with Frostvale Enterprises.

My parents may not mind discussing company matters with me, but they definitely won't grant me free access to classified company information—security protocols, contracts, finances, and the like.

For starters, it would just be an odd request for him to make. Why would a fourteen-year-old kid be interested in something like secure routes, escort layouts, or security measures? Even if his parents were willing, the legality of it all would be. Company contracts were private, and so was most of their financial information.

Even as the heir to Frostvale Enterprises, there was no way they'd let him near that kind of stuff. 

But if I'm planning to start my own company and eventually merge it with Frostvale Enterprises, then I need to know more than what my parents choose to share with me every now and again.

Gaining access to the company's database would also help him get a better grasp of the market if he planned on selling things in the future.

That's why he installed the back doors. Once the drones were activated, they connected to Frostvale Enterprises' network, albeit on a limited scale. Still, that was enough. Asher's programming skills had already surpassed the hundred percent mark, meaning his ability to hack into secure networks was likely the best in the world.

Even though it would still take time, he knew he could break through Frostvale's security and gain near-total access to the company.

And if my parents find out, I'll just say I wanted to test myself against their security and was planning to report the vulnerabilities I came across later. At worst, I'll get grounded for a couple of months.

Minimizing the 'S.I.R.E.N. System Activation List,' he glanced at the black consoles hidden on the layer under it, spitting out streams of attempts, errors, and lines of code. They were programs Asher made to run in the background, their purpose being to brute-force Frostvale's security systems.

Using the drones' initial network entry means I don't have to worry too much about their firewalls or IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), but it'll still likely take a day or so to crack through their MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

As Asher mentally ticked off the next steps in his mind, suddenly the door to his workshop slid open. He spun around in his chair to see Lavi, the maid, stepping up the stairs with a tray in hand.

Her familiar blonde hair gleamed in the light, and her emerald eyes locked onto him as she approached. On the tray sat a perfectly cooked, golden-brown sea bass drizzled with lemon-herb butter sauce. Off to the side, a quinoa salad with finely diced vegetables and a glass of sparkling water with a lime wedge to complete the meal.

Asher smiled at her while turning off his computer monitor.

"I didn't realize it was lunchtime already. I probably would've missed it if not for you. Thank you, Lavi."

"It's my pleasure, Young Master," Lavi responded, flashing a charming smile. She had grown accustomed to checking in on him and bringing him food, but she never stopped being fascinated by what she found in his workshop.

Every time she came up, it seemed like the Young Master was working on something new. As she headed over to where he was sitting, her eyes flicked to the Optical Interface Terminal, which displayed a holographic blueprint of some kind of mechanical tubing. The simulation showed it bending and flexing, almost like a human arm.

She had no idea what it was for, but it intrigued her nonetheless. As she placed the meal beside him, she spoke up about something that caught Asher's attention.

"Your mother wanted me to let you know that she's arranged a playdate between you and the Schnee siblings for tomorrow. She seems very happy that you're taking the initiative to make friends." For a moment, Asher was confused by what she meant, but then he remembered.

Right, I didn't have a formal reason to visit the Schnees, so I told Mother I wanted to visit them so we could become better friends. Still... I didn't think she'd go so far as to call it a playdate. Oh well, as long as it gets me a chance to get closer to the siblings, it doesn't matter what anyone calls it. 

Returning to the present, he gave Lavi a nod.

"Thanks again. Tell her I'll be ready."

And ready he was.

With the news Lavi brought, Asher spent the rest of the day, right up until dinner, setting up his workshop so things could run smoothly without his active involvement. By the next morning, he had risen early, taken a bath, gotten dressed, and finished breakfast with a few minutes to spare before the limousine arrived to pick him up.

Standing by the manor's front doors, Asher waited patiently. The quiet was broken by the distinct sound of heels clicking on the marble floors behind him. He turned, spotting his mother approaching.

As usual, she was dressed in dark, somber colors, which matched her hair that had been tied up as well as her mascara. But, she also wore a long black dress that hugged her figure and fell gracefully to her ankles, stopping at her high heels. A jeweled silver necklace rested just above her neckline, complementing the matching bracelets on her wrists. Draped over her shoulders was a fur-lined jacket, and tucked between her arm and body was a leather purse.

It wasn't the type of outfit she typically wore when she headed to the company.

"You're not going to work today?" Asher asked as she noticed him standing there.

"No, not today, dear. There's a charity event I need to attend," she replied.

"Oh, Father's not going with you this time?" Nillia shook her head.

"Afraid not; sadly, he's going to be stuck in the home office today. But never mind that—look how handsome you are." She walked over, bending down to straighten his collar. Asher usually wore suits, but today he opted for a long gray coat with ornate silver buttons and intricate embroidery along the inner collar and cuffs.

Underneath, he wore a matching gray vest and black necktie, with subtle striping that complemented his black trousers.

"I was so surprised when I heard you wanted to visit the Schnee Siblings. I'm really glad you're finally making friends," Nillia said, stepping back to admire him with a warm smile.

"Of course I am," Asher responded, mirroring her smile. Just then, the front door opened, and Lionel, the butler, stepped inside with a respectful bow.

"Your rides are waiting outside," he announced. Asher and Nillia nodded and made their way out to the stairs, where two identical limousines waited—one for Nillia's charity event and the other for the Schnee Manor.

"Have fun, and don't cause any trouble," Nillia said as she descended the steps, pausing only to give Asher a quick kiss on the cheek. Lionel followed, opening the limousine door for her. A few moments later, her vehicle pulled away down the drive toward the property gate.

Asher watched her leave before heading down the stairs himself. Lionel moved quickly to open the door of the other limousine for him.

"Thank you, Lionel. While my mother and I are out, please keep an eye on my father. You know how he gets when he's alone in the home office," Asher said, settling into his seat.

"Of course, Young Master. Have a lovely day with your friends," Lionel replied with a slight bow, closing the door.

With that, Asher pressed the button, signaling the driver to depart. As the limousine rolled forward, his expression shifted back to its neutral state. Leaning his head against his hand, he gazed out the window, his thoughts wandering as the scenery passed by and they made their way onto a familiar street. 

The drive was quiet, with Asher mostly sorting through his thoughts as the city skyline gradually came into view. It wasn't until the looming mountain, upon which the Schnee Manor sat, came into view, that he snapped back to reality. The limousine wound its way up the road carved from the mountain.

From so high up, it felt as if the world below could be seen in its entirety.

As they passed through the gates and approached the manor's entrance, Asher noticed how still and silent everything was. Without any events taking place, the manor felt almost eerily calm. Aside from the guards patrolling the perimeter, there wasn't a single person outside.

Stepping out of the limousine, Asher approached the front door, ready to knock. But, before his hand even reached the door, it swung open. Standing there was a short, balding man in a black vest over a crisp white long-sleeve shirt. For a brief moment, Asher could have sworn the butler's eyes shifted color before he spoke.

"You must be Asher. My name is Klein; I'm a butler for the Schnee family," Klein introduced himself.

"A pleasure to meet you," Asher replied with a smile, which seemed to catch Klein slightly off guard. His expression softened, and a smile appeared on his face as he gestured for Asher to enter.

"Though we were expecting you, I'm afraid-" Klein was cut off mid-sentence by a familiar voice from the second floor.

"Asher, you got here sooner than I expected." Looking up, Asher spotted Whitley standing on the landing, smiling down at him. Whitley made his way to the stairs, but as he descended, his smile faded slightly as he glanced around before turning to Klein.

"And where, pray tell, is my sister?" Asher noticed Klein's eyes shift again—from yellow to pink—as his body language changed, becoming more timid.

"Ah, Young Master Whitley… well, she's, um, still training in the courtyard… with Miss Winter." Whitley let out a barely audible sigh.

"Of course she is," he muttered, before turning to Asher with an apologetic look.

"My apologies, Asher. It seems my sister is otherwise engaged."

"It's no problem. I was the one who suddenly decided to drop by," Asher said, dismissively waving a hand.

"Though I am curious—what kind of training is she doing out in the cold? I doubt it's dancing." Asher's curiosity made Whitley hesitate for a moment before responding.

"I'll have to explain on the way. Klein, you're dismissed." Klein gave a polite nod before quietly leaving, and Whitley gestured for Asher to follow him. As they walked through the halls, Whitley began talking.

"You see, my older sister, Winter, was originally meant to be the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. However, after persuading Father to let her attend Atlas Academy, she decided to join the military after graduating instead of returning to run the company. That left Weiss with the title." Asher nodded, already familiar with the general family dynamics through his own research.

"But it seems both of my sisters share a certain stubbornness. In recent years, Weiss has become obsessed with becoming a Huntress. No doubt influenced by Winter," Whitley continued.

"Oh, so it's a bit of rebellion, then," Asher remarked. Whitley chuckled but nodded in agreement.

"You could say that. Honestly, I don't understand either of them. But whenever Winter visits, they tend to practice in the courtyard—some sort of test for Winter to gauge Weiss's progress." As they arrived at the large windows that looked out into the courtyard, Asher's attention was drawn to the scene outside.

In the snow, two figures dressed in white were clashing, their movements so fast that they blurred together. Asher's eyes narrowed as he watched. 

"How interesting."