A Path To Omniscience

Asher and Nillia stood at the top of the stairs overlooking the driveway, their hands raised in polite farewell. Gentle smiles adorned their faces as Weiss and Whitley climbed into the hovering limousine that had brought them here. After a pleasant meal and some conversation, the siblings decided it was time to leave.

It was still early in the day, and they had responsibilities awaiting them back home—lessons and whatnot. Asher didn't bother persuading them to stay longer; he had already gained what he wanted. The data and firsthand experience of fighting Weiss using the O.M.N.I. Frame had exceeded his expectations.

It was a perfect trial—a chance to measure one of his creations against what could be considered the pinnacle of human capability. Beyond that, he'd managed to exchange contact information with the two of them. Now, he wouldn't have to go through his mother every time he wanted to reach out.

As the limousine disappeared down the long driveway, Asher lowered his hand, glancing at his mother. Her soft smile had shifted to one of satisfaction.

"A sleepover? I didn't think you'd come up with something like that," Asher remarked with a quiet chuckle.

"What can I say? Those two have hardly experienced a normal childhood," Nillia replied, her tone light yet thoughtful.

"I suppose your father, Jacques, and I aren't much different in that regard. Consider it a chance for them and you to enjoy something ordinary. And if it happens to get you closer to the youngest Schnee daughter, well… I wouldn't complain." Asher shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

"I can't believe you of all people are trying to play matchmaker." He turned back toward the house, his laughter soft but genuine. Nillia simply smiled and followed him inside, the grand double doors shutting automatically behind them.

"So, what's on your agenda for the rest of the day?" She asked casually.

"I've got data to review and blueprints that need updating. So, I'll be in the workshop for a while," Asher answered.

"Fair enough. I have some work to finish in the office, but before that, I think I'll take a nice, long bath," she said, more to herself than to him. Her musings seemed to spark something in Asher's memory.

"Oh, that reminds me," he said, pausing.

"Weiss and Whitley mentioned a charity event coming up. The Schnee family will be helping host it. Were we invited?" Nillia nodded.

"Yes, we received invitations while you were still grounded. Why do you ask?"

"Could you make sure I'm marked for attending?" He asked. That gave her pause. She rested a hand on her hip, eyeing him curiously.

"You don't usually volunteer to attend these kinds of events."

"I know," Asher admitted, meeting her gaze with a knowing smile.

"They're usually a waste of time unless you're making an eye-watering donation or the one hosting the event. But this time, there's someone I'd like to meet." His expression betrayed nothing, which only added to the mystery of his words. Nillia studied him for a moment before sighing softly.

"Alright, I'll talk to your father and make sure you're signed up. Though I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about who this person is."

"Thanks," Asher replied, his voice casual as he turned toward the hall leading to his workshop. Mother and son parted ways, Nillia heading to her office while Asher made his way downstairs. As the door to his workshop slid open, he took off his jacket and tossed it onto a nearby workbench.

Unlike before, Asher wasn't wearing the O.M.N.I. Frame beneath his clothes. In fact, he hadn't been wearing it even seconds before his duel with Weiss or when meeting the Schnee siblings in the living room. The Nexus Space could act as a form of dimensional storage that allowed him to store and retrieve items with astonishing precision.

So precise, in fact, that it let him equip or unequip the O.M.N.I. Frame as effortlessly as a video game character donning or removing their armor. As he crossed the room, he grabbed a white trench coat draped over the back of his computer chair and slipped it on. Then he held out one hand and summoned the O.M.N.I. Frame from the Nexus Space. 

A split second later, the device materialized, flashing into existence. Without being powered on or attached to his body, the frame hung limply in his grasp, resembling a lifeless metallic serpent. He carried it to the Optical Interface Terminal, where a retractable cable extended from the control panel. Plugging it into a port near the frame's neck joint, Asher entered a few commands on the panel.

The machine hummed to life, projecting a three-dimensional hologram of the O.M.N.I. Frame into the air. Ignoring the display for now, he settled into his wheeled chair and swiveled toward his computer. It was time to get to work.

First things first: transfer the frame's data from the duel into my computer. Then, I'll design an algorithm to analyze everything. With that, the new system for the first official version should be far more responsive than the prototype. After that... alternate designs.

The mental checklist buzzed in his mind. Testing the prototype had been enlightening, but the current version was far from the level of precision and power Asher envisioned. Most of the frame's components were off-the-shelf parts—adequate but nowhere near optimal. The motors, for instance, were compact and powerful but lacked the strength he required.

I'll need to develop custom motors.

That was the thought that crossed his mind as his fingers typed in commands at a rapid pace. No existing compact motors could meet the frame's demands. Not the type of frame he was visualizing in his mind. But customization would mean disassembling the entire prototype and rebuilding it from the ground up.

It would be a painstaking process, but Asher could already see the payoff—the next step toward achieving his goal. The thought was enough motivation to keep moving. 

"I'll have to talk to Whitley about sourcing higher-quality dust crystals as well," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the rhythmic clacking of keys. His hands moved with machine-like precision, typing commands with no hesitation or second-guessing.

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

August 19th, 2033

Asher could be found lying casually on the bench built into the wide sill of his window. The day was fading, the sun's last light stretching across the horizon, painting the sky in shades of deep orange and amber. One of his legs was crossed over the other, and his head rested against a soft, fluffed pillow.

A book was propped open in his hands, though he seemed to breeze through it effortlessly. He barely lingered on each page, absorbing the story almost as fast as he could turn the paper. It was a book Weiss had recommended in a message, part of their growing habit now that they had direct contact with one another.

The group chat he'd started with Weiss and Whitley had quickly become a daily routine, their conversations shedding the weight of formalities and taking on a more easy, casual tone.

He was nearing the end of the book when a notification broke the serene quiet of his room. The sound came from his scroll, signaling an incoming call.

"Hm?" He raised a brow, marked his page with a ribbon, and set the book aside. Picking up his scroll, he tapped to accept the call and brought the device to his ear.

"Yes?" He greeted, his tone neutral.

"Hey, Asher." The familiar voice on the other end instantly shifted his demeanor.

"Liv," he replied smoothly, leaning back.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Not much," Liv began.

"Just wanted to give you an update on the warehouse. It's been a while since we purchased it, and I've reviewed the renovation plans and the list of installations you wanted. No major issues there, and no risk of breaching any contracts. But..." Her voice hesitated, laced with concern.

"The security measures you're planning are a bit of a problem."

"What kind of problem?" Asher asked, his voice a bit sharper now.

"Well," Liv explained, her tone carrying a trace of exasperation, "even though you own the unit and have some freedom over its modifications, a lot of what you're proposing violates Atlesian law. To implement that level of security, you'd need certifications and permits that only the Atlas Military can authorize." Asher could tell she'd done her homework. The weight in her voice spoke of thorough research and slight frustration.

"I see," he replied evenly, already shifting to problem-solving mode.

"All right. I'll contact Lionel and have him oversee the renovations. He'll also handle the purchase of any equipment we'll need. I'll direct him to you so he can access my private account and cover all the expenses." As he finished speaking, a sharp knock at the door interrupted him.

Just as Liv was about to respond, Asher interjected, "Give me a moment, Liv."

He muted the call and raised his voice slightly.

"Come in."

The door to his room opened, revealing the person at the door was Lavi, which was unusual. Although Lavi had been instructed to monitor him by his mother, it was typically confined to his time in the workshop. Outside of that, she spent most of her time assisting his mother. Aside from fetching him for his parents, she rarely, if ever, visited his room.

"What is it, Lavi? Do my parents need something?" Asher asked. Lavi shook her head, her posture poised as always.

"No, Young Master. I have something to report to you." The subtle quickness in her voice made him squint slightly, sensing a certain urgency. After a moment, he nodded.

"Alright. Let me finish this call first." Turning back to his scroll, he unmuted Liv.

"As for the security measures," he began, his voice steady, "keep them saved for now—I'll need them later."

"Understood," Liv replied briskly.

"I'll contact Russet and let him know you'll be sending people over for renovations. I'll follow up once that's handled." They exchanged brief goodbyes before Asher ended the call and slipped the scroll into his pocket. He then turned back to Lavi.

"All right," he said, walking over and into the sunken seating area near the fireplace. He sank into the couch and gestured for Lavi to join him.

"You mentioned you had something to report. What is it?" Lavi hesitated for a fraction of a second before crossing the room. She brushed her skirt delicately and seated herself across from him.

"It's about what we discussed a while ago, Young Master," Lavi began, her voice steady but carrying an edge of unease.

"Someone approached me yesterday after I got off work and was heading home." That caught Asher's attention. He straightened slightly, his gaze sharpening.

"Who were they?"

"I- I'm not sure," she admitted, her brow furrowing as she recounted the event.

"They confronted me just as I was about to head inside. Their face was hidden, and their voice was muffled. At first, I thought they were going to rob me, and I was ready to run, but then they showed me their identification. It said they were part of the Atlas Military." Asher remained silent, his expression unreadable as he nodded for her to continue, indicating he was listening.

"They didn't tell me much," Lavi continued, "just that they were working undercover for the Atlas Military as part of an investigation into Frostvale Enterprises. They asked for my cooperation and if they could come inside to ask me a few questions. I agreed."

Leaning back against the couch, Asher rubbed his chin thoughtfully before asking, "What kind of questions?"

Lavi took a moment to think, her gaze flickering as she pieced together her memory.

"Um... they asked about the Sir and Madam—how they've been acting lately, if I've noticed any suspicious behavior, or if we've had any special guests over recently. They also asked about the other staff and even you, Young Master." She paused, glancing at him nervously before continuing.

"That's all I can remember, but they were thorough." Asher nodded again, his expression calm and contemplative.

"All as expected," he murmured, more to himself than to her. He then met her gaze.

"And did you answer the questions the way I told you to?" Although Lavi's initial nervousness hadn't entirely faded, she nodded firmly this time.

"Yes, Young Master. I told them exactly what you instructed me to say. They didn't seem to question it... but it was hard to read them with their face hidden."

"That's fine," Asher replied, his voice steady. "It doesn't matter whether they believed you or not. What's important is that the information was delivered to them. It'll get to where I need it to go." Lavi hesitated, her lips pressing together as though she wanted to say something but wasn't sure how. Asher noticed her hesitation and made a small gesture with his hand, encouraging her to speak.

"What's on your mind?" Asher's question caught Lavi off guard. Her gaze snapped to his, realizing he had already seen through her hesitation.

"Young Master... considering this involves the Atlas Military, don't you think it would be wise to inform your parents? If you're in any sort of trouble, the last thing I want is for you to face it without the Sir or Madam's help." Her words carried genuine concern, and for a moment, her professionalism softened.

Asher smirked faintly.

"There's no need to worry about that. I'm not in trouble. The Atlas Military is simply trying to trace the origins of the drones I showcased for my parents a while back. Thanks to you, they'll have a better lead." Lavi's eyes widened briefly at his explanation. The situation, which had felt vague and unsettling moments ago, started to fall into place.

Yet doubts lingered in the back of her mind.

I knew the Young Master was talented, but talented enough to catch the Atlas Military's attention? It seems... difficult to believe. Though, given everything I've seen, maybe it isn't impossible. He's always been far beyond what you'd expect of someone his age.

Asher waited for her to process her thoughts before speaking again, his tone calm yet firm.

"In any case, if you're truly concerned, feel free to tell my mother and father. I won't punish you for it. That said, I could handle this far more efficiently if you didn't." He left the choice in her hands, his dispassionate demeanor making it clear he wasn't pressing her one way or the other.

Still, Lavi hesitated, feeling conflicted. By all rights, this seemed like something Asher's parents should be informed about. But there was something in his tone—his confidence, his composure—that gave her pause. It wasn't arrogance. It was the assurance of someone in full control of their craft, someone who had already calculated every step ahead.

Meeting Asher's gaze again, she saw his distant yet observant eyes. They weren't cold, but they seemed to weigh her every reaction—the slight furrow of her brow, the way her teeth grazed her lip, even the hesitation in her breath. He was analyzing her, silently waiting for her decision.

Finally, she exhaled softly and made up her mind.

"I'll leave this matter to you then, Young Master," she said, bowing her head slightly. Asher's smirk deepened as he rose from the couch.

"Thank you. In that case, if there's nothing else, you're free to go."

Lavi stood, smoothing her skirt before heading toward the door. She paused for a brief moment, casting one last glance at him. Without another word, she stepped out, the door clicking softly shut behind her. Now alone, Asher moved to the balcony that overlooked a vibrant sector of Atlas.

The city glowed with life beneath his gaze, his eyes reflecting a sea of lights reflecting off steel and glass. He placed both hands on the railing and drew a deep, silent breath.

Two more days until the charity event. That should be enough time for the information to reach 'him.' If everything goes as planned, it'll make consolidating power in Atlas much easier. If not... well, I'll just have to convince him on the spot.