A Rider Kick in Marvel Rewrite Vol 2 Ch 85

Ace scanned the crowd, looking for a spot where he could slip away unnoticed. He spotted a small service hallway tucked between two massive exhibits, perfect for a quick detour. He made his way towards it, keeping his head down and blending in with the bustling attendees.

Reaching the hallway, Ace slipped inside, breathing a sigh of relief. The space was cramped and dimly lit, stacked high with crates and maintenance equipment. He pulled out his Ryuki Advent Deck, the familiar weight comforting in his hand.

"Alright, let's do this," Ace thought, feeling a surge of determination. He inserted the Advent Deck into the V-Buckle, the buckle emitting a mechanical hum.

"HENSHIN!"

A surge of energy coursed through Ace's body as the transformation began. Crimson armor materialized around him piece by piece, the visor of the DragCrown helmet snapping into place with a satisfying click. Kamen Rider Ryuki stood ready, prepared to uncover the truth behind the Irminsul Group's operations.

Time to find out what Dai-Shocker is up to, Ace thought.

The world shifted as Ace stepped through a nearby mirror, the garish I-Island Expo replaced by a muted, desolate reflection. Twisted versions of the exhibits loomed, and the air hung heavy with a metallic scent. He was in the Mirror World, ready to infiltrate Irminsul's operation.

He moved towards the area, but as he approached, he found his path blocked by a perplexing absence. The reflective surfaces—mirrors, polished metal, even windows—that should have been there were gone. In their place were blank walls or frosted glass, meticulously scrubbed of any ability to reflect.

What the… Ace thought, surprised. They must've upped their security since I got in last time.

Frustrated, Ace realized his usual methods were useless. He couldn't simply slip through the looking glass into secure areas. Dai-Shocker clearly anticipated his moves, adapting their defenses against a Kamen Rider. He needed a different approach.

He thought about all the people he met, then it struck him, Momochi, he has to be involved. Momochi was his only lead now. He might be able to learn something by watching him.

Ryuki began to move through the Mirror World, searching for the scientist. After some time Ryuki found him in the mirror world, he watched him get in a car. Ace, still invisible to the world, followed him.

Ryuki watched as the vehicle sped away from the Expo grounds, weaving through the meticulously planned streets. Where are you going? he wondered.

The car drove into a secluded part of I-Island, where support gear production plants were. It pulled up to a private entrance, and Momochi exited, adjusting his tie with a practiced air. He glanced around before disappearing inside. Ryuki maintained a safe distance, observing.

After a few minutes, another figure emerged: David Shield. He walked towards Momochi with a weary smile.

"Eisuke, good to see you," David said, extending a hand.

Momochi grasped it firmly. "David, my friend. I'm glad you could make it."

Ryuki, hidden in the Mirror World, watched the exchange with growing suspicion. What was going on between these two? He needed to get closer and find out.

David squeezed Momochi's hand. "I got your message through Melissa, I apologize, I was meeting with Toshinori."

Momochi waved off David's worries. "It's fine, David. Your dedication to All Might is admirable."

David turned serious. "So, is it true? Is the project really at its final stages?"

Momochi nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes, David. We're on the cusp of a breakthrough."

David's eyes lit up with excitement, his voice gaining a hopeful edge. "If it works… if it actually works, there's a chance to save Toshinori! After all these years!"

Momochi smiled reassuringly. "Indeed. I plan to showcase our progress at the gala later this evening."

David frowned slightly. "At the party? Are you sure that's wise, Eisuke? The Quirk Amplification Device is technically prohibited, isn't it? If it wasn't for the Irminsul Group, the Hero Commission would confiscate the design for the headset."

Momochi chuckled, a hint of arrogance in his tone. "David, my friend, don't fret. Numerous sponsors were invited, many of whom are very keen on the capabilities of the device."

David seemed to relax, his worry fading into a more optimistic expression. "I understand. As always, you've thought of everything."

"Indeed. We will meet again at the party, David" Momochi said.

Ryuki stored the information in his mind. He knew that All Might is close to the pair, and what Momochi said about showcasing the Quirk Amplification Device and the sponsors. This is going to get tricky, Ace thought.

What the hell is going on?, Ace thought, as he watches the pair leave and return to the expo. He is going to need to go to the party and find out. He just hopes there are no unexpected guests.

Back in the real world, Ace canceled the transformation in a swirl of crimson energy. He hurried towards the hotel room they had booked, eager to tell Asahi what he found.

The hotel was small, but the rooms were clean. Ace opened the door, finding Asahi channel-surfing on the television.

"I'm back," Ace said.

Asahi perked up, turning off the TV. "Did you find anything?"

Ace shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. "Not exactly. I saw Momochi meeting with David Shield, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. They mentioned a Quirk Amplification Device and a showcase at the gala, but that’s it."

Asahi slumped slightly, his enthusiasm waning. "Aww, that's a bummer." Then his face brightened. "But on the bright side! Melissa gave me two tickets for the party later. She figured we could use a night out after all this craziness."

He held up two ornate invitations with a flourish. "She said we have to wear proper suits. I guess it's fancy?" Asahi was excited.

A suit? Ace shuddered internally. I haven't worn one of those since… never. He thought, Still, the party will be a good chance to keep an eye on Momochi and David, without drawing too much attention. He sighs.

"Alright, a party it is," Ace said. He agreed to the mission, but now he had to find a suit.