episode_0290

The morning sun illuminated the peaceful landscape of Pax Nova Island. There was hardly a building or person left unscathed, but it was peaceful nonetheless. Because the pirates were gone. Smoke billowed from places where embers still glowed, and the corpses of fallen soldiers lay scattered everywhere. The forces stationed at the naval base, including the main island and the nearby mining island, amounted to two battalions, and it seemed about half of them had been killed. Perhaps even more. Moreover, a massive beast’s corpse lay prone on the path leading to the pier. Until the Inspector subdued the Paronodon, the enraged beast had relentlessly smashed warships and port facilities, making it difficult for Cascadia’s ships to dock. The smell was also unusual. If not dealt with quickly, decay would surely set in and cause unpleasant effects. Of course, that was not our concern. Though there had been some confusion and commotion when we cheered moments ago, control of this island had now passed to the Cascadia family. They could handle the cleanup themselves.

“Wow! So we don’t have to clean up!” They say great power comes with great responsibility, but I, Violet, am weak as an individual, so I only need to take on small responsibilities. What a convenient world this is. Still, a corner of my heart felt uneasy.

“Violet, thank you for the welcome. But… it might have been a bit too much. My family members were flustered,” Adela said. “Really?” I asked back in surprise. My sister said that thousands of people suddenly let out cheers and greetings, which startled them. They had heard about our scale and forces, but it seemed some had doubted it or considered it an exaggeration. “Moreover, some conservative elders felt uncomfortable,” Adela continued. “Why? Surely… I didn’t make a mistake with you or your father?” I asked, flustered. Adela, wearing an awkward smile, replied, “Do you remember, a moment ago, when Violet said ‘Unnie’s dad’?” Thinking about it, that might have been a bit rude. “Oh, I’m sorry!” I apologized, startled. “Haha… It’s alright, Violet. Really! Let me tell you now, my father will be fine. He’s a bit strict, but he’s quite generous when it comes to things like this,” Adela Unnie said, smiling awkwardly as she comforted me. “Hehehe, no one would be so foolish as to pick a fight over a mere title with someone who handed over an entire strategic mineral mine. Even those who felt uncomfortable won’t make an issue of it. Don’t worry, okay?” “That’s a relief! Thank you, Unnie!” I let out a sigh of relief. “But what should I call him?” “You can just call him ‘Duke-nim’ or ‘Your Grace.’ Do whatever feels comfortable,” Adela Unnie advised with a kind smile. Hearing that, I felt relieved that it wasn’t a big mistake. Next time, I’ll be sure to remember titles.

Meanwhile, slaves were seen boarding a ship, preparing to go home. “Hooray! Freedom! Screw the mine!” “Thank you… Thank you…!” It felt good to see the slaves liberated in the name of free democracy. Could it be that the only thing that could dismantle this evil controlled economic system and revive the free market economy was the countless hands of us Violets? “Uncle Adam Smith! Watch over us from Earth!”

As the Violet Brigade gradually reverse-generated and completed the handover to the Cascadia soldiers, we finally met Adela’s father. In the Regional Commander’s Office of the Naval Headquarters, a middle-aged man with soft blonde hair and a dignified impression faced us.

“I’ve heard much about you. So, you’re a friend of our Adela?” It was the first question, and the Duke’s voice was filled with curiosity. “I’m her junior!” I answered with a grin. “I see. Violet, I heard about your unique ability from Adela. It seems to be a truly remarkable power.” Adela’s father’s eyes held a hint of admiration. It seemed he knew about my ability too. I glanced slightly at the Inspector, who nodded, indicating that there would be no problem. I suspected he might have heard about it during the Magnabyss raid. “I suppose so. Hehe…” I decided to give a vague answer. Honestly, I didn’t even know why I was so strong.

“Do you have any special method for training your abilities?” “I think I just got stronger by training hard.” “Training is important, indeed. But there’s something I must address.” Suddenly, Adela Unnie’s father’s relaxed demeanor changed, and an intangible pressure descended. The Duke looked at me with amethyst-colored eyes, similar to Adela’s, but sharper.

“I hear you’re a student who’s only been enrolled at the Awakener Academy for barely a year. Yet, a first-year student, within months of admission, single-handedly defeated a military-industrial complex established by a legendary archmage—that’s truly remarkable. And recently, you even defeated that monster from another dimension… It’s unimaginable for an ordinary person.” “I was just lucky.” “Luck is important… but that’s not a very convincing answer. Is it really true that you only received school training? Personally, I’d like to know if there’s something else.” As I met the Duke’s gaze, my heart suddenly pounded without me realizing it.

“There have been many heroes in the world. However, few have achieved such remarkable feats at your age. In addition to your past accomplishments, this time you even captured a heavily armed military base. To possess such astonishing power at a young age is truly a blessing. But power carries a great deal of meaning, both for the one who wields it and for those around them. It seems we have much to discuss…” Just as the Duke’s demeanor was about to take a serious turn, Adela Unnie interjected appropriately. “Dad, that’s not why we came here. Didn’t you have something to give?” The atmosphere softened slightly. The Duke let out a small, empty laugh, then spoke in a gentle tone as if nothing had happened.

“I apologize for my rudeness. I was too hasty to ask so many questions of a young person I just met. But please understand that they were necessary questions. First, I must express my gratitude now.” “Gratitude?” As soon as the question ended, the Duke slightly bowed his head. I felt a slight stir among the attendants standing behind him. “Thank you very much for saving my daughter during the last Vittoria Dungeon raid. Thanks to you, Adela is safe. If it weren’t for you…” Grand Duke Alister continued to speak with a favorable attitude.

“I’m also very grateful that you readily gave our family the mine without any significant opposition this time. It was an incredibly valuable gift. It can only be seen as a heaven-sent blessing that a talent like you helped our Cascadia family this time. I hope we can continue to maintain a good relationship in the future.” “Oh, it was nothing. It wasn’t a big deal, really. If I had known it was Unnie’s family, I would have done it even faster.” I shook my head, feeling sheepish. I didn’t understand why the Inspector had kept it a secret. If I had known, I would have finished it much sooner.

“No, there’s no need to be modest. If there’s anything you wish for, please tell me. I will grant it to the best of my ability. The Cascadia family does not forget favors.” Oh, so he intends to reward me. If it’s a family comparable to a large clan, they must have a lot of money. But it was such a sudden offer that nothing I wanted came to mind right away. “Can I tell you later?” “Of course. If anything comes to mind later, tell Adela. I will give you anything… And, Violet, are you interested in a title?” “A title?” “You are more than qualified. Please don’t refuse.” For a moment, one of the attendants nearby seemed surprised and about to say something, but immediately silenced themselves under the Duke’s gaze.

By the way, a title… I thought there was no official class system in the current Federal system. While I was confused trying to interpret his words, fortunately, Adela Unnie kindly added an explanation. “He’s talking about a knightly title. Among the old families, only a few, including us and the Restraids, can outwardly bestow recognized titles. Of course, it’s purely an honorary position, but having it will help you in social circles and ensure you’re never looked down upon by anyone.” After listening to a few more explanations, we understood the value of the title. A knightly title simply meant, ‘This is someone we look favorably upon.’ It seemed useful for dealing with anyone who might try to show off, claiming to be an heir of a prestigious family or the child of a clan leader. If I used it too often, explaining how I received it might be troublesome, but the family would surely clarify it themselves.

“Wow.” By the way, Knight Violet—that sounds cooler than I expected. I heard it comes with a medal for the chest and a letter of appointment too. Number 1, excited, shouted, “That sounds great! I want to be a knight!” “Good. Then we shall hold the investiture ceremony right away.” Following the Duke’s words, the interview instantly transformed into a simple knightly ceremony. After a few oaths, the ritual concluded with the Duke personally resting a sword on my shoulder.

“Remember this. It is a knight’s duty to help the weak and the struggling, to fight for justice, and to uphold the truth.” “Yes! I’ll definitely remember it! Your Grace!” I knelt on one knee on the ground and solemnly swore. Now, I was undeniably a knight.

“Wait, aren’t knights nobles?” “We’re nobles too! Wow!” While the Violets debated the compatibility of democracy and knightly titles, Grand Duke Alister rose from his seat.

“Well, let’s end things here for today. I need to speak with the Inspector further. Violet, I wish you good fortune on your path.” I took Adela Unnie’s hand and stepped outside. I felt relieved that the interview had concluded without any major mishaps. In fact, I even received significant praise from the Duke-nim, which made me feel strangely good. However, being suddenly asked if there was anything I wished for was a bit awkward. What should I ask for? I’d have to go back and think it over carefully later.

Grand Duke Alister waved his hand, dismissing all his attendants. Only two people remained in the spacious commander’s office. The Duke spoke first. “You, are you truly an Inspector?” It seemed he intended to pour out the questions he hadn’t been able to ask Violet moments earlier.

“As far as I know, the profession of an Inspector is a civil servant who intervenes in inter-academy issues, guides delinquent students, or overhauls certain programs. It’s not uncommon for force to be deployed to deal with superhumans known as Awakeners. But I’ve met countless Inspectors so far… and I’ve never seen anyone quite like you.” “Your Grace, forgive me, but I would appreciate it if you could clarify the gist of your question. It doesn’t seem like you’re simply asking about my profession; you clearly seem curious about my identity or abilities.” “That is correct. Who exactly are you? Last year, not only did you prevent a threat targeting Adela, but you also saved my life. You instantly saw through and shattered the schemes to defame my family.” The Duke paused to take a breath, then coolly stared at Seijis with his violet eyes.

“Not only that, this time you used that child to secure a rare mine and then handed it over to us. Thanks to that, our family gained enormous profit. Who exactly are you, that you show us such favor?” “I will not answer.” The Grand Duke sighed. In truth, he hadn’t expected a truthful answer. This man, Seijis, was simply a riddle every time he saw him.

“Understood. Then answer me properly this time. What do you want?” Seijis opened his mouth. “Through this incident, the Cascadia family will not only gain financial余裕 but also secure honor for defeating the pirate warlords and liberating slaves, as well as influence over the military. Based on that, I ask that you expand your military capabilities and suppress the nearby beasts.” He hesitated for a moment, then continued. “And, I ask that you spare no support for Violet.” The Grand Duke stared intently at Seijis, then muttered in a cynical tone, as if speaking to an immature child.

“Do I have any reason to follow your words? I could use the profits gained this time solely for the prosperity of my family.” “Because I trust you. Your actions so far and the testimonies of those around you prove Your Grace’s trustworthiness.” “Naive. I am a hunter and a warrior, but above all, I am the head of a family. A politician. Hypocrisy is a virtue of a ruler. What if all of that was fabricated?” The Inspector answered with a voice full of conviction. “Duke-nim, the Cascadias, are not those kinds of people.”

He could answer. The blood of Cascadia was the proof. He had seen it. The future that must be avoided, what Adela, who fell before the main gate of Aegis, and all those of Cascadia who fought to their last breath and vanished, had proven with their lives. Though he couldn’t utter it aloud.

“…Hah, you truly are a frustrating person. What exactly are you hiding?” Grand Duke Alister clicked his tongue and shook his head, then solidified his resolve. “Alright. I will do as you say. And that child, Violet, with her excellent grades and God-given talent, I was going to support her anyway. But understand this: it’s not for the sake of world peace or the protection of humanity that you mentioned earlier.” Seijis replied with a faint smile. “Regrettably, Your Grace, you are right; I am a frustrating person. I believe that private and public interests can coexist. That is all.” After a brief further conversation, the two changed the subject.

“Suppress the terror of the deep sea, you say? Yes… I’ve heard such rumors recently. Was it true, then? If it’s you, I suppose I can trust it. In that case, I must mobilize all our hunters and prepare for a hunt.” As the Duke was about to make immediate contact, the Inspector quickly had to dissuade him. “My request is merely for surveillance. It’s impossible right now. That creature, in terms of hunter grading, is at the top-tier to special-grade level; if we follow the Federal Army’s reporting name, it corresponds to Code Theta-Xi. If I may add my personal opinion, to suppress that beast, you will need a nuclear weapon or a strategic weapon of comparable power.” “A top-tier, colossal beast causing mimetic contamination… It sounds like the monster that fought the Spear Wielder to a mutual destruction. Surely it’s not an Apostle?” “It is not an Apostle, but a beast comparable to one.” The Duke expressed his difficulty.

“Surveillance, that’s not difficult. But a nuclear weapon? If you’re also part of the Inspectorate, you must know that acquiring strategic weapons is impossible due to the Teatime Accords.” “Your Grace must also know that the Teatime Accords are merely a loose net with many loopholes.” The Duke revealed his discomfort but remained silent, as if prompting him to continue. The Inspector took a deep breath, then spoke rapidly. “A strategic nuclear weapon, at least a 300-megaton fusion bomb or an equivalent weapon or artifact, is needed. It would be possible if you can secure support from the Parliament and negotiate with the pro-clan factions within the Federal Army. If necessary, use the Restraid precedent. As Your Grace knows, during the last Erosion Zone incident, they influenced the parliamentary line to replace the Special Forces Commander with an obedient puppet, then secured tactical nuclear weapon usage rights on loan.” Deep wrinkles furrowed Alister’s brow.

“That was a tactical nuclear weapon. What you’re asking for is a weapon of mass destruction. How would that be possible?” It was a pure question, not mockery or doubt. The Grand Duke of Cascadia wondered what ingenious plan this man, who achieved unimaginable results in everything he touched, would propose this time. “Negotiate with the Strategic Weapons Command. They are secretly dedicated to developing cutting-edge strategic weapons. Project Kailus is an orbital weapon that fires high-output aether beams from the ground, reflecting them off satellite mirrors to strike the surface. Immense funds and rare minerals, including superconductors, will be essential for weapon development. If you persuade them, you could lease nuclear weapons or comparable strategic weapons under the pretext of regional security.” The Inspector wasn’t proposing some grand, ingenious plan. He was merely referencing a past future. Though slightly delayed, the Restraids had also borrowed weapons in such a way.

“How do you know that, too?” “It’s classified.” “You can’t answer again. Every time I see you, I’m reminded of the military intelligence agency or an Arcit administrator. I will trust you. Your words and actions have never been wrong so far. I will follow your advice.” After concluding the meeting with the Duke, the Inspector stepped outside and called one of the Violets who was waiting.

“What is it?” “Where is Professor Bernike now? As I instructed, you haven’t notified the academy about her rescue, have you?” “Yep, I haven’t contacted them yet! Her location is…” Number 3891, unexpectedly tasked as a radio operator, answered diligently despite questioning the Inspector’s actions. The Inspector felt grateful to this girl who followed his words without doubt. He was still trapped by memories of the future, suspicious and vigilant, yet why did she trust him so completely? Nevertheless, there was still work to be done. “That’s good. Then, Violet, the professor…” Violet’s eyes widened upon hearing the request. “Really? Okay!”

Bernike stared listlessly at the undulating sea from the creaking deck of the whaling ship. Being rescued was fortunate, but having to travel over a thousand kilometers to the Rustrum Archipelago was becoming a bit tiresome. Above all, the fact that she had to travel on this cramped, old boat irritated her. She had changed clothes and showered at the naval base, but the unpleasant, sticky feeling soon returned. The sunlight in the southern part of the academy city was particularly scorching. She desperately wanted to shower, have a glass of champagne, and then sleep.

“Hey, mercenary! Can’t you just drop me off at Libria Port? It would be much faster if I bought a plane ticket and went back from there.” A mercenary from Dunhind Security Service replied gruffly. “No. You might be attacked again. It’s safer for you to stay with us for security reasons.” Bernike, cursing the ‘stupid mercenary’ inwardly, fiddled with her retrieved sunglasses before putting them back on. The lenses of the emotion-detecting sunglasses still registered nothing. A thought suddenly occurred to her: all the mercenaries were roughly the same height. The blurring effect of their facial recognition jamming devices, similar to those used by Foundation operatives, and the strangeness of their voice changers also bothered her. Most importantly, these mercenaries exchanged no words with each other beyond what was necessary. What could be the reason?

Bernike recalled a childish urban legend circulating among students. A rumor that mercenaries or terrorists who communicate telepathically, thus maintaining silence, occasionally appeared in dungeons. Stories that their true identities were Arcit assassins, military intelligence agents, or clone armies of the Federation. Normally, she wouldn’t have paid them any mind, as she prided herself on being a rational individual. But today, the strange tales kept lingering in her mind.

‘No emotions detected? Even humans with antisocial tendencies show some reaction to these sunglasses…’ Academic curiosity about the mercenary in front of her was piqued, and Bernike rummaged through her bag. Her hand found a portable comprehensive diagnostic scanner. It was equipment she had brought for this survey and exploration. “Hey, mercenary. Can I take a look at your head? It looks torn, and I can scan it to see if it’s a major injury.” “Professor, it’s just a tear. A medical scan is unnecessary. And weren’t you a scientist?” “What do you take me for? I have a medical license as a basic, and even a healer’s license! I can do first aid with my eyes closed. Your head injury, as a doctor, I’d say it’s not minor. Let me take a look.” Bernike chuckled as she tricked the seemingly dull mercenary with simple logic, then aimed the scanner at his head. While the scanner was generating diagnostic results, the small Broca folded on her back unfurled, slipped out from her sleeve without the mercenary noticing, and emitted a beam of light.

The moment she stepped back and checked the results, Bernike gasped in shock. She had to desperately restrain herself from questioning the mercenary. ‘This is impossible. Why is the brain like this? And the frontal lobe… More than that. How could there be such a deformation? These are traces of a Laplaxia procedure!’ Her yellow eyes, which had been glinting with a malicious curiosity like a snake eyeing its prey moments ago, now trembled. This was unprecedented. ‘These things. Are they even human? They’re more like beasts than humans…’ An uninhabited island, growing closer and closer, entered Bernike’s vision, which swayed like a pendulum between fear and excitement.

“Wait, where are you going now?” “Professor, you said you needed a plane, so we decided to disembark here. Our VTOL will arrive at the island.” “What? Alright…” It was a misstep. Due to her shock, she failed to notice anything unusual in the mercenaries’ words. Bernike simply pondered how she could study the mercenaries’ brains as she headed toward an open clearing on one side of the uninhabited island. “Wait here. It will take some time. Wait while you sleep.” “When will it come? Sleep? What does that mean? Where—” “Good night!” -Thwack! Bernike’s consciousness faded.