episode_0167

After a hearty dinner, the Violets officially began constructing facilities to expand their vision memory chips.

“The trend is semiconductor factories, let’s build a factory!”

“Well, ‘factory’ sounds a bit strange. Vision memory chips are manufactured outside the network. How about a warehouse? Or a logistics center!”

“Logistics center? This isn’t a delivery service. Although we’ve done a lot of delivery work. How about a data center?”

“Data center…! It sounds cool!”

Once the name was decided, the Violets began building the data center.

As many gathered and focused their minds, thoughts bloomed like spiderwebs from the bottom of the network world. These thoughts intertwined like fabric, forming pillars and floors, and soon a building with sturdy framework and thick walls appeared.

The large, solid door was impressive.

“Construction successful!”

Now, this warehouse would be the storage place for vision memory chips. If a combat situation arose, they could take out and use the chips stockpiled here.

“It’s a shame that magic power is consumed. It would be great if it were free magic.”

The one regrettable thing was the amount of magic power our Violets possessed.

Vision memory chips were, after all, magical formulas fixed by utilizing the unique phenomenon of the Violet Network.

The magic power consumed when using a formula was the same as when using magic in a normal way.

Still, it was encouraging that the options available with their given magic power had increased.

The fact that magic power wasn’t consumed in creating the memory chips themselves, thus not hindering the production of hibernating bodies, was also appealing. Simultaneous production was possible.

“It’s about time to refill the warehouse.”

They never dreamed they would suddenly encounter those Magnabis creatures in the last dungeon.

Because of that, they fought an unplanned war, and the warehouse ended up completely empty.

“Our inventory is almost empty! We’ve used up nearly all our ammunition.”

“Already? We bought as much as we possibly could.”

“Of course. Nearly a thousand people were firing guns. Isn’t it natural for us to run out of bullets?”

When 657 pressed, 1 briefly made a simple calculation in their head.

“A single magazine usually holds about 30 rounds. Hmm…” Even with a simple calculation, the number of rifle rounds given to a thousand Violets exceeded thirty thousand. And awakened individuals don’t easily die from one or two bullets. Therefore, the pattern of gunfights, even when calmly aiming and firing, was primarily rapid-fire. In urgent situations, it would increase even more.

“Ugh, no wonder we ran out!”

“We can somehow get rifle rounds little by little. There are others who use these bullets besides us. The problem is other types of ammunition. While there’s some leeway for bullets for combat rifles and sniper rifles, rockets and grenades must be saved for when they’re truly needed.”

“The same goes for electromagnetic rifles. You can pretty much consider those unobtainable.”

Hmm, it’s a good thing there isn’t much time left until the weapon trade.

For now, if we need to exert power, we should primarily use magic and crossbows.

“Let’s think positively. We’ve used guns a lot, haven’t we? Think of it as an opportunity for us to practice with crossbows and magic. How about that?”

“Wow, that’s a good idea!”

After the discussions about what needed to be done, the Violets lay down one by one.

“Alright, let’s rest for today and focus on avatar and magic production starting tomorrow.”

“Good night!”

**

From the next day, the Violets divided into several teams and began their activities.

“You’re in charge of logistics, we’re in charge of training!”

“Then we’ll handle miscellaneous tasks!”

As soon as we finished breakfast, we swiftly moved to our respective places. There was so much to do, not even enough time to play.

The first task was securing bodies and magic.

“All members assembled!”

“Production start!”

The Violets consumed magic power to create avatars. The created Violets moved one by one and lined up.

The Violets waiting at the front of the line took plastic bags and body bags piled high on a table and headed to the warehouse.

“Alright, hurry in, get dressed, and lie down. That way it’ll be over quickly.”

After entering the warehouse, the Violets unzipped the bags and got inside. Then they pulled the plastic over themselves and lay down.

After all procedures were complete, the Violets lay down and transferred their consciousness outside the network. The worker avatars waiting outside zipped up the bags.

It didn’t take long for the shelves and floor to become neatly filled with stacked hibernating Violets.

“Warehouse 1 is full. You lot go somewhere else! Where’s the second line? You’re the training team. Go somewhere else!”

“Understood.”

While we produced hibernating bodies and reserve troops, other Violets mass-produced magic.

Inside the spacious factory building, the Violets sat on mats spread on the floor, closed their eyes, and focused on formula calculations.

In the meantime, the factory manager Violets moved around, checking if there were any errors in the formulas.

“No need to rush. Let’s focus on completion.”

“One, two, three!”

Each time the Violets performed a calculation, a vision memory chip appeared in the data center within the network.

The types of magic contained in each memory chip varied. The data center stored everything from the simplest fireballs to tracking blades, tracking lances, and various miscellaneous spells.

“Alright, it’s time to create high-difficulty magic. Everyone gather!”

Vision memory chips containing easy-difficulty magic were neatly stacked inside the data center. Having gained confidence, we decided to mass-produce more difficult magic.

“Shall we try?”

“Let’s do it!”

The factory door opened, and more Violets entered. Once they all sat in their places, the factory manager Violet gave instructions.

“Everyone sit. Take a breath, prepare! Start!”

A large and complex formula that constituted the Fusion Ray appeared before the Violets’ eyes.

In less than 10 seconds, the factory was filled with the groans of over two hundred Violets.

“Ugh! My head hurts!”

“Bear with it! It’s almost over! Just a little more!”

The uproar in the network was short-lived, and our work soon reached its final stage. The factory manager Violet continuously checked the progress of the formula to ensure there were no mistakes.

“Orbit 13 and Orbit 25 are progressing correctly. The coordinates and curvature handled by 674 are also fine. No, 841. Stop! You just missed a few functions during the heat calculation process!”

“Eek! Thanks, I almost exploded my head again.”

“No, that won’t do. Do it again!”

Several attempts continued to fail. This was because Violets kept making calculation errors. We grew exhausted.

Nevertheless, we still had countless versions of ourselves.

There were also the trials and errors and experiences gained through numerous deaths.

Most importantly, there were managers to check the progress.

After long attempts, the moment when all three elements harmoniously aligned finally approached.

“Whoa, wow! It’s done!”

“Not yet. Calm down! The last part is the critical moment. You still have the step of collecting magic power and transferring it to the network, don’t you? It has to be done simultaneously. Don’t make a mistake!”

“Here we go! Three, two, one!”

The Violets didn’t let go of their tension until the very last moment. With the sensation of their bodies floating, they all flopped onto the mats.

The moment a Violet in the warehouse shouted, we could see that our efforts had not been in vain.

“W-we did it! See here? It’s the Fusion Ray!”

We had achieved the long-awaited result. In a corner of the warehouse, a slab larger than a person, embedded with complex patterns, glowed in a kaleidoscope of colors. Everyone was overcome with emotion at the sight.

The power of destruction, which only a skilled magician could create, was now in our hands.

Just as everyone was about to rejoice, they each groaned and clutched their heads.

“W-we did it…! Ugh. My head is hot…”

“I’m dizzy. I guess I pushed myself too hard…”

The magic factory workers each grabbed cold water bottles and ice to cool their heads.

“Look at us. We’re all covered in sweat.”

Looking now, the factory interior was sweltering. The Violets’ bodies were also drenched in sweat.

Furthermore, it seemed our heads were strained during the calculation process. Some Violets were bleeding from the nose and had fainted.

Recognizing the severity of the problem, the factory manager Violet and the worker Violets held a meeting.

“What should we do about this? There’s a problem with mass production. My head is throbbing and hot, and I can’t concentrate.”

“How about alternating in new versions of ourselves?”

“That’s impossible, everyone has their own tasks. We can’t take more people from the training squad. Instead, let’s bring in a lot of ice and use it as a cold compress! And install a large fan. How about that?”

We put our heads together and discussed, but no proper solution appeared.

Most importantly, the strain on their heads couldn’t be prevented by cooling alone.

“This is maddening. So, we need a way to prevent brain damage… Ah.”

Suddenly, a dangerous thought circled our minds like a shark scenting blood.

“You guys just thought of it too, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but… it feels a bit awkward. Will it be possible? What if she says no?”

“Let’s just be honest first. She’ll definitely help!”

We headed to where Daphne was. Daphne was in an open space in the corner of the factory.

Since returning from the Vittorio Arcade, my roommate had been engrossed in something in the corner of the factory, saying she would focus on personal training.

On the table, various objects like apples, cans, and plastic bottles were arranged in a line. That sight reminded me of shooting targets.

Suddenly, a thin, light-green protective shield burst out with a thump from beneath an apple. The apple fell to the floor. In that manner, the objects on the table consecutively rolled onto the floor.

Daphne muttered with a serious expression, “Is it really impossible? What should I do…?”

“Excuse me, Daphne?”

After I called out a few more times, Daphne turned around.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so focused on my training that I didn’t hear you. What’s going on?”

“Uh, well… Could you just follow me for a moment?”

Upon returning to the factory, we felt the hot and humid air. Daphne seemed to feel the heat too, unconsciously fanning herself with her hand.

I explained our situation. Her eyes filled with curiosity.

“Memory chips, that’s a good idea! The Violets should be perfectly capable. But why? Is there some problem…?”

I explained the crisis facing the Violet factory, observing her expression.

Daphne’s blue eyes filled with concern.

“W-we pushed ourselves a bit too hard, but if Daphne helps, it’ll work properly. Could you possibly…?”

While we worried about her next reaction, an unexpected answer came.

“What’s there to not do? It’s a friend’s request. Of course, I’ll help!”

Daphne replied with a natural smile.

“Really? You’re not going to stop us…?”

She smiled at my question. That smile was filled with a certain bitterness.

“What right do I have to interfere or tell you what to do? I should be grateful. The Violets always risked themselves and stepped forward for us…”

A question mark appeared in my mind. While I wondered why Daphne would say such a thing, she walked to the center of the magic factory.

“I’m ready. If it’s alright, let’s start right away!”

“Oh, okay!”

The Violets, with cooled heads, once again began manufacturing memory chips.

The formula to be produced this time was also the Fusion Ray.

As the room became sweltering, I once again felt my head throbbing.

“Ugh, ugh!”

“I’m dizzy…!”

The moment the Violets began to feel their limits, Daphne’s unique ability activated, and a refreshing green magic spread from the center of the room.

“Oh, oh! It worked! My head feels clear!”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore!”

The Violets who were working were freed from their headaches.

The healing wave of her unique ability spread ceaselessly around like a fountain, enveloping everyone.

Freed from pain and heat, the Violets’ minds accelerated and carried out their tasks.

“This can’t be happening? No one made a mistake. What in the world…”

Before the factory manager Violet’s words, mixed with half admiration and half worry, could even finish, a vision memory chip containing the Fusion Ray formula appeared in the data center.

While we were rejoicing in pain-free production, even more astonishing news spread among us.

“Though slight, the production speed has also increased.”

“It might be a mistake. Let’s test it.”

Just in case, we kept Daphne positioned and continued magic production.

The speed I felt wasn’t an illusion. Although there were differences depending on the magic’s difficulty, the production speed of vision memory chips had slightly increased.

Faced with this revolutionary result, the Violets in the factory simultaneously stood up and cheered.

“Long live Daphne!”

“Thank you!”

Daphne, hearing our praise, asked with an awkward, embarrassed expression.

“…It really helped, didn’t it?”

“Of course!”

There was no way it wouldn’t help. The power of the Daphne Cooler was truly excellent.

The full-fledged history of the Violet Magic Factory, having secured the best cooling system, had just begun.

“Quantity is quality, let’s bury them in magic!”