episode_0215

In the deep darkness, the meeting room door opened with loud footsteps.

People with expressionless faces sat on cold metal chairs.

A round table was placed before them, with four seats, symbolizing the head positions, left empty.

Blue holograms emerged from three seats at the head table. Each individual was a powerful magnate, recognizable to anyone and wielding immense influence.

The presence of the figures in the holograms overwhelmed the meeting room.

Breaking the lingering silence, a deep voice from one of the hologram figures echoed through the meeting room.

“Well then, let us begin. It’s regrettable that we cannot meet in person to discuss matters due to our respective circumstances. The Grand Mage’s incident, in particular, is truly unfortunate.”

As a man in a research gown with dark indigo hair looked around, a bald man with a tough and stern impression responded.

“What is there to regret? There’s no reason to pity that pathetic old man. His collapse at the hands of such a small terrorist group is proof of how weak they were.”

In response to the man’s words, a green-haired woman retorted in a chiding tone.

“Commander. While it’s true Magnabyss was careless, it’s not wise to blame it entirely on the old alliance. I hope that smooth head of yours doesn’t reflect your level of thinking. The Ariel Group is not an organization to be underestimated. Even their Vanguard agents were defeated.”

At the woman’s remark, Commander Cordo snorted and said.

“Administrator. Didn’t we request security enhancements from you then? You’re hardly in a position to boast when you haven’t uncovered the Ariel Group’s backing for months. And the Vanguard collapsed? They probably just ran away to the continent out of fear. How ridiculous they looked, whining about wanting to avenge the humiliation they suffered at the hands of those arrogant terrorists.”

“It was a strategic retreat. Objectively, it was a successful operation in that they preserved their clan’s fighting power to that extent.”

“They should have engaged in an all-out war! That’s a lack of will. Retreating like that only brought humiliation. You know that in this business, humiliation means ruin. All they did was give the Federal Army an excuse to intervene. Valefor is old now too.”

Secretary-General Pagan, who had been watching the two bickering individuals, spoke in a cool tone, as if admonishing them.

“Both of you, that’s enough. We are gathered here to discuss our current plans and recent developments.”

At the Secretary-General’s words, the Chief Administrator of Arcyt and the Commander-in-Chief of Lestrade turned their gazes to him.

“The whereabouts of the Ariel Group remain unknown, and the Federation’s airborne carrier fleet has been dominating the western sector for months. Furthermore, incidents continue ceaselessly in the Academy City, the continent, and even other dimensions beyond the Gates and barriers. We must not forget our purpose for being in Rustroom.”

Commander Cordona snorted and crossed his arms.

“Naturally. We are always prepared. Now, let’s get down to business. Vanessa, you start.”

Arcyt’s Administrator began to explain.

“First, the Ariel Group’s whereabouts are still unknown, as if they fell from the sky. We suspected they might be receiving support from the Federation, like the Obsidian Legion, in terms of armament and equipment, but there’s no certainty. However, we have secured a few important clues and countermeasures.”

At that moment, the two magnates beyond the holograms received new information through a secure channel.

“Investigation results show traces of their infiltration through passages like sewers and ventilation shafts. While not confirmed, it’s highly probable they possess the ability to pass through walls or pillars.”

After hearing the Administrator’s explanation, the two exchanged opinions.

“Security procedures and checkpoint enhancements have been completed. The command structure has also been further decentralized. While it will be more complex and slower to react than before, this is the only way to cope with simultaneous attacks.”

“Administrator, as per the advice of the team you dispatched, the command and control system has been split into underground and aerial systems. It won’t be easily dismantled in one go.”

After sharing their information and opinions, they changed the topic.

“Commander, what about the Gigantic Project?”

“It’s currently stalled, but we’ll see results within a few years. By the way, the noise is growing louder, both internally and externally.”

“The Federation’s gaze is too sharp for us to move our main forces. That inspector from the Audit Bureau who was newly appointed last year is also no ordinary individual.”

“We’ll have to lie low for a while. We’ll need to outsource.”

The clandestine meeting continued for some time.

**

The short winter break was drawing to a close, and the start of the Aegis Academy’s second semester for first-years was just around the corner.

On this day too, the Violets began their new day with the refreshing morning sunlight.

「A strong and powerful morning!」

The Violets got up, tidied their bedding, washed up, and prepared breakfast.

They turned on the TV out of boredom, and the day’s news repeated.

[Abyss Clan, unfortunate withdrawal during Redfort region exploration…]

[Trial concerning Polaris Academy continues]

Perhaps because it was morning rush hour, only boring news was on.

An unfortunate reality for the unemployed Violets to accept.

“This looks a bit interesting.”

As the channel was changed, the image of a person swinging a sword inside what appeared to be a parliament building became visible.

[Failure to pass the Parliamentary Dueling Prohibition Act and Disaster Compensation Bill Amendment… 26 injured after duels]

[Senator Remar, boasting a record of 20 consecutive wins. ‘Dueling is a sacred tradition of the Federal Parliament.’]

News came that politicians were excitedly fighting today too. It’s called a parliament, but in reality, it’s just a dueling ground where they fight using laws.

Watching the broadcast, an interesting idea popped into my head.

「Should I become a member of parliament too?」

「That would be super fun!」

Fill all the parliamentary seats with me. Then I could do anything, right?

「Let’s pass the Violet Universal Welfare Act!」

「And create a bill to build a Violet-exclusive amusement park!」

「How about collecting taxes from the citizens and clans? Even if we only collect 1000 credits per person…」

Even after breakfast, this thought wouldn’t leave my head.

A Violet with a golden badge… it sounds cool.

While I was grinning from ear to ear in the training ground, Instructor Frederick asked.

“What’s making you so happy, kid? Is it because the day to go to the new academy is almost here?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much…”

When I brought up the news from earlier, Instructor-nim clicked his tongue.

“That again. Politicians are always like that, I suppose.”

“Watching that made me think being a parliament member would be fun. I’d probably do well, right?”

After hearing my words, Instructor-nim, who had been silent for a moment, opened his mouth with a subtle expression.

“If you ever enter parliament in the future, don’t go blowing things up just because you don’t like them.”

“Oh, come on, no way…”

I can’t understand why people keep worrying I’ll blow something up whenever they see me these days.

“If it’s truly a dream you desire, I’ll support you. But it’ll be difficult to be appointed as a parliament member without a recommendation from a clan or the military, so it would be good to look into that first.”

Now that I think about it, how does one become a Federal Parliament member? There must be a way.

“By the way, Instructor-nim, why did you call me this morning?”

“It’s nothing else, Violet, but I have a proposal for you.”

Instructor-nim said that and took out a large book.

His newly fitted, gleaming prosthetic left arm handed over the book.

“What is this?”

“It’s a textbook containing the unique close-quarters combat techniques of Polaris Academy. Fortunately, I had it stored at home before the academy was destroyed.”

“You mean…”

I felt something amiss in this place.

“For the past several months, I had you build a foundation. Now it’s time to truly begin. Albert will also start teaching you seriously, so I, too, must impart important knowledge.”

Instructor-nim continued in a serious voice.

“The academy may be gone, but its knowledge hasn’t disappeared. I want to teach that to you.”

“Really?”

A question suddenly came to mind. Why did I have to learn this, of all things?

“Instructor-nim, but I’m already a student at Aegis Academy. Is there any particular reason I *have* to learn this? I’ll be learning their swordsmanship and weapon techniques at the academy anyway.”

In response to my question, Instructor Frederick began to elaborate.

“You’re right. Normally, I would never have brought this up. Learning it poorly would only hinder your studies. As a first-generation member, I believe Polaris was the best academy, but I acknowledge Aegis Academy’s standards. However, they have a problem.”

“What kind of problem?”

“Aegis Academy’s weapon techniques are relatively strong in defense. And they tend to pursue excessive balance. While there’s nothing to fault, having considered both anti-monster combat and anti-personnel combat, there’s also nothing outstanding about them.”

The instructor picked up a one-handed sword and began to cleave the air.

“Of course, there are many aggressive weapon techniques and swordsmanship styles. I’ve heard rumors that the old Federal Army created powerful techniques for anti-personnel combat. But do you think techniques designed to fight humans would work against monsters? To subdue monsters of varying sizes and habits, you need appropriate techniques.”

The sword slowly drew a trajectory, creating a certain form.

“Polaris’s martial arts are different. These are techniques devised for combat against monsters. The behaviors of monsters and humans are fundamentally different. Their species and characteristics are different. Naturally, you must fight them in a different way than you would humans.”

Instructor-nim paused for a moment, then spoke in a serious tone.

“I wouldn’t have taught this to other children. It would only hinder their new learning. But Violet, you are different from other students.”

“What’s different?”

Instructor Frederick pointed to the other Violets and said.

“There are many of you! You can take in countless pieces of information in real-time from various locations and act without major issues. You even implement magic through parallel processing. That’s why I thought, it might be the foolish stubbornness of a human clinging to Polaris, but with you, there wouldn’t be any problem in adopting these techniques. And…”

Instructor-nim hesitated for a moment, then slowly continued.

“A fascinating idea suddenly came to mind. What if you were to combine the techniques you learn from me with the swordsmanship acquired at other academies? Couldn’t you create an even more exceptional martial art than what exists now? Couldn’t an invincible technique, dreamed of by all hunters and warriors, emerge?”

Instructor-nim’s words contained a proposal. It was also a wish, imbued with a certain expectation he held as a former warrior and hunter who once wielded a sword.

「Oh… now that I think about it, that makes sense!」

We asked first.

“Please show us a demonstration of the martial art!”

“Watch it first, then decide.”

I carefully observed Instructor-nim’s demonstration.

“Watch closely. These are techniques forged from the blood and sweat of countless predecessors from Polaris during the Great War.”

The instructor’s sword swept like a whirlwind, drawing a massive trajectory. Its ever-changing movements followed dynamically.

“It’s astonishing…”

The blade’s trajectory, cleaving the air, was like waves crashing against a cliff.

Grand movements, reminiscent of a massive tsunami.

Threatening footwork blended with powerful strikes.

Sword strikes as swift as lightning bolts striking the earth.

At times, it was unstable.

Movements like watching a small sailboat struggling head-on against a storm.

Perilous yet intense.

Before they knew it, the Violets were applauding.

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

“Why didn’t you teach us earlier?”

In response to our enthusiastic reaction, Instructor-nim grinned and replied.

“I wondered if you kids, without proper basics, would even truly understand it if I taught you earlier. So, have you decided?”

I shouted without hesitation.

“I’ll learn it!”

We were filled with anticipation. A martial art just for Violet…

「We’ll create the Violet-style weapon techniques!」

This happened a few days before heading to Aegis Academy.