Beyond the Old Ones

Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.

Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.

The familiar characters you see here belong to their respected authors and owners.

"Speech"

Time*

Chapter 28: Decisions

Finalizing... Idle S9Arbiter survived for 25 years.

Idle S9Arbiter brought back the Sefirot: Key of Light.

Acting Progress...99% 3x Boost in effect... 100%

Unlocking Beyonder's Abilities of the Justiciar Pathway's Sequence 9: Arbiter.

1. Charisma: They have a convincing charm and considerable authority, causing people to be more likely to believe and obey them.

Additional Note: When in conflict against an Arbiter, their enemies are often less confident and want to give in.

2. Physical Enhancement: They have an outstanding physique, with massively increased reflexes, sense, strength, and speed.

I stare blankly at the Card of Justiciar.

At least I had activated the Card of Wheel of Fortune earlier. Because of that, my Sequence 9: Monster abilities are stronger because of the connection to the Sefirot. Even so, this situation makes me uneasy.

Getting another Sefirot so soon after getting the Nation of Disorder yesterday makes me even more uncomfortable. I'm getting these Sefirot really fast, which is exciting but also worrying. I have four now, and there are five left. Every time I get a new one, I feel more and more like something big will happen.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of my anxiety. This is just another day in this crazy mess my life has become. I sighed and quietly peeked into Angelina's bedroom to check on her. She was still sound asleep, breathing calmly, but she looked a little troubled. I quietly closed the door and left her alone.

My mind wanders back to her breakdown during the ritual. Whatever caused her to try to kill herself like that? It must have been horrific. Unfortunately, I won't be able to truly help her until I advance to Sequence 7: Psychiatrist of the Visionary Pathway. At that level, I could significantly accelerate her mental recovery. For now, all I can do is wait, though patience has never been my strong suit.

For now, I'll have to use my Sequence 9: Arbiter's Charisma, which is now stronger because of the Nation of Disorder. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing. I have a feeling Bitch might be behind this.

It looks like I'll have to stay awake all night to watch over Angelina while she's unconscious. Whatever made her collapse during the ritual could still be dangerous, and I can't take any risks.

Luckily, I have the abilities of Sequence 9: Sleepless. Being able to stay awake easily is helpful in situations like this, where I would normally be exhausted. But even with this ability, staying alert all the time will be difficult.

I glanced back at her bedroom. Even though I don't like being in this situation, I have to protect her. I leaned back in my chair, letting the strange, quiet night surround me. Whatever happens, I'll be ready.

The next day*

"What happened to Madam Red?" Ciel asked, barely able to control his anger as he looked at his aunt slumped in a wheelchair, looking empty and lifeless. "It's only been a night since I last saw her!"

"There were a bunch of assassins after her life." I calmly replied, meeting his distraught expression with a calm face. "I killed them all. As for how she ended up like this... your guess is as good as mine." I shifted my attention to Sebastian, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps your butler might have an idea about what's going on."

Sebastian stepped forward; his crimson eyes glowed faintly with something mysterious. "If I were to speculate, it is likely that Madam Red encountered something beyond the limits of human comprehension, an experience that shattered her mind. Right now, she remains alive, but only in the physical sense."

Ciel clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as Sebastian continued.

"If you wish to restore her to her former self, it would require someone exceptionally skilled in matters of the mind. Even then, the chances of success would be slim. Until such a person is found, we will need to care for her body, as it wouldn't matter if we could find such a person if she ended up dead physically as well."

"It's best if I have her relocated to somewhere more private." Ciel's sharp blue eyes locked onto mine as he continued, "Chikao, I need you to remain her bodyguard and keep watch over her. I'll find someone to handle her physical needs while I search for a way to treat her mind."

"Alright." I responded with a firm nod, understanding the gravity of the task entrusted to me.

Ciel shifted his attention to Sebastian. "Sebastian, prepare the car."

The ever-efficient butler bowed slightly, his expression as calm as ever. "As you wish, young master." Without delay, he turned and left the room to carry out his task.

Turning back to me, Ciel added. "Chikao, help me pack Madam Red's clothes. I doubt she would appreciate waking up one day to find herself still in the same attire she's been wearing this whole time. Even in her current state, I want her treated with dignity."

"Understood." I said, stepping forward to assist.

The two of us moved quickly, carefully gathering Madam Red's belongings.

Hours later*

I watch as Ciel and Sebastian depart in the car, heading back to the Phantomhive Manor. The faint hum of the engine fades into the distance, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Turning around, my gaze falls on the ordinary-looking two-story house, a modest residence fit for a typical family of four. The household's main occupants, Angelina, and her private nurse, handle most of the daily responsibilities. The nurse manages everything, from tending to Angelina's physical needs to cleaning, feeding, dressing, and ensuring her muscles are properly massaged to maintain their functionality. Meanwhile, my role is less mundane—focused on safeguarding against any potential problems. However, they might arise.

Naturally, Ciel thoroughly investigated the private nurse before hiring her, conducting extensive background checks to ensure her reliability. However, I didn't leave things entirely to his judgment. Using Computational Divination at the Sefirah Castle, I performed my own investigation. The results were clear: the nurse was unremarkable in every way—no ties to notable figures, no involvement in extraordinary events, and no apparent significance in the grand narrative of fiction. She was, by all accounts, a truly random person.

It seems Fates has indeed calmed down and returned to the planning board, likely due to the realization that Angelina is in no position to assist Ciel effectively. While progress has been made in addressing the situation with Angelina, I can't shake the feeling that the ritual I performed last night may have played a role in this outcome. Regardless, if I were to return to the Sefirah Castle and leave Angelina behind, it's almost certain she would end up dead at the hands of an assassin.

Now, I find myself in the middle of nowhere in London. The location is so obscure that none of the people with significant status would stumble upon it unless by sheer accident or a deliberate search guided by a trail of well-placed clues.

Not that it matters much, as Ciel has provided me with plenty of resources to set up traps capable of neutralizing any potential threats, including Sebastian himself. With enough preparation, even demons wouldn't be immune. However, there simply aren't enough materials available to create countermeasures against every type of supernatural entity I could think of.

To add to this, it appears that I've been nudged away from influencing any further canon events involving Ciel and Sebastian. Whatever trials they face from here on, it seems I'll have no part in altering the outcome.

Quite honestly, it seems Fates has taken a particular dislike to my involvement, going out of its way to limit my access to powerful tools like the Death Scythe chainsaw. It's almost as if allowing me such a weapon would tip the scales too much—even if it means making Alucard, already a formidable force, even deadlier.

On another note, I can't help but feel a twinge of regret. I never got the chance to explore this world properly—or at least the parts of London—before everything spiraled downhill so quickly. The chaos left no room for curiosity, let alone a breather for development in building up myself and those around me.

I let out a long sigh and decided to stop wasting time standing here, lost in an endless inner monologue that serves no purpose other than to delay action. Instead, I head inside, determined to do something productive.

Actually, now that I think about it... What's going on with Mai?

The thought crosses my mind like a random moment appearing out of nowhere.

Was she dealt with somehow while my attention focused on other matters elsewhere?

The uncertainty nags at me.

Shaking off the unease, I quickly finish setting up a few traps around the area. Each one is carefully designed, but I'm well aware they're only temporary measures. With that done, I turn my attention to the ritual needed to return to the Sefirah Castle.

Summoning the Card of Door, I will it into existence, materializing smoothly in my hand. I toss it onto the center of the table, watching as it activates and begins projecting an image of Mai. The swirling light merges, and I brace myself for what will be revealed.

I blink in surprise, then shut my eyes and take a deep breath, steadying myself before reopening them. The image before me remains unchanged: Mai, sitting casually and enjoying her dinner, entirely unbothered by the scene around her—a room littered with corpses. Her calm behavior is completely different from her environment, and it's clear she is by no means in trouble.

This sight makes me pause, my thoughts swirling.

Why, of all things, has Fates chosen not to intervene when it comes to Mai? It's as if she's somehow beyond its grasp or simply not worth its effort, which raises more questions than answers.

I pulled up my laptop and then ran the Computational Divination, hoping to get some answers. The result? Nothing. No answers, no clarity—just an empty void where information should be. I figured as much, but it's still frustrating.

Could it have something to do with the anti-divination effects of the Cards of Blasphemy?

I doubt it's anything that straightforward, but who really knows with the Cards of Blasphemy? They don't exactly come with an instruction manual to help me use them fully. It also could be the City of Calamity's influence. I wouldn't be surprised if that Sefirot did something without my knowing.

Anyway, since I seem to have more free time than expected, I wonder if this is an opportunity to redirect my approach. Perhaps I could embrace the role of a behind-the-scenes mastermind, pulling strings where Fates can't see or interfere. Then again, part of me wonders if it's worth the effort. Maybe it's better to just wash my hands of Angelina and Ciel altogether. Their fates are already entangled with Fates' intricate design, and my interference feels more like a liability than an advantage.

Or perhaps I could shift my attention to Integra and see where that path leads. At the very least, it might offer some clarity—or chaos. Either works.

Out of curiosity, I take a quick glance at the vast possibilities of the many futures. The result is a troubling one: I see myself unraveling, succumbing to madness, and indulging in dark, twisted desires. All because I finally snap under the weight of Fates' manipulations and constant meddling. Unsurprisingly, these futures seem to branch from scenarios where I rarely visit the Sefirah Castle or avoid involving the other Sefirot.

Now, I'm slowly starting to realize why Fates don't like me that much.