episode_0307

After subduing the Fusion, we focused on the follow-up.

Returning to the academy wasn’t a big problem. We weren’t sure what this Fusion creature was thinking, but it had blown up all the connecting bridges with artillery fire, which made things a bit difficult.

But our Violets had gliders.

“Wow… I’m flying for the first time! This is my first time on a plane! It’s a bit smaller than I saw in books, though!” Enrica, sitting in the back seat, gasped in admiration. Having been confined to a laboratory for 10 years, almost everything seemed new to her.

“No, this is a hang glider! Once we get out of here, I’ll let you ride a real plane and a helicopter too! I have all of them!” “What? No way!” “My friend bought them for me! I’ll show you when we leave!”

As we chatted, the hang glider squadron safely reached the other side. With the Fusion gone, the rampaging beast hordes also vanished, and the flocks of Chrysatos flying around the cliffs dispersed. The misty Cutlass Valley had now regained its quiet and peaceful appearance.

Soon, the two-seater hang gliders clunked down onto the dark blue rock.

“How did the research facility search go?” To Sophieel Unnie’s question, I replied by pulling out a large, black bundle of hard drives from my pocket.

“I’ll hand these over as soon as we get out. And I plan to leave the Fusion’s remains with Helios. It’ll take some time until the bridges are restored.”

“Are you planning to take the tank?” “Yes! It’s awesome! I originally wanted to keep it at home, but it’s too big.”

“Hmm, well, some people do taxidermy and preserve monster heads or body parts.”

I actually wanted to display it grandly at home, but that was impossible. It stands out too much.

Fusions are treated as extremely valuable and rare, much like the ship I caught in the sea last time. A single vehicle is regarded as a living artifact, so even a small piece of metal is scrutinized with intense focus.

「Other rumors will spread soon. That Fusion creature. It killed a lot of people this time!」

For us Violets, death was commonplace, so it wasn’t a big deal, but unfortunately, rumors spread that it was an alien artifact, drawing crowds, and a tragedy occurred where people were trampled by the tank.

「Not just academy students, but even Luminexa!」

It was questionable why those Luminexa guys were there, but since one of their clan’s exploration teams was obliterated, they definitely wouldn’t be in a good mood. In such a situation, hearing that a regular academy girl subdued the Fusion might cause them displeasure and lead them to pick a fight. That’s what a giant clan is like.

「We’re already annoyingly entangled with Restraid. If Luminexa pops up, then Arcit from the north will catch a whiff and crawl out too.」

Therefore, there was only one solution: give Helios all the credit. Helios was already a successful clan, so they’d probably just accept it.

If my friend’s clan’s reputation grew, their influence and profits would increase accordingly. All we Violets needed was notoriety; anything else we needed, we could just ask Irene to buy for us.

「Notoriety is also a reputation!」

「Let’s ask for howitzers and mortars. And ammo! We used it all up, pouring it out like crazy in this battle.」

“How was your first flight?” “It was good… but it’s a shame that my, my ballista is too heavy, so we can’t ride it together…”

Sadly, the experiment was a failure. I overlooked the fact that the ballista’s weight was equivalent to that of two or three adult men combined. I’ll have to abandon the idea of carrying Levi and launching aerial bombardments with the ballista.

“Still, everyone had fun hunting today, right?” “Yeah, this is the first time I’ve had such an exciting outing! Let’s go again next time!” “Me too…!”

I smiled, replaying the exciting fight of the day in my mind with Enrica and Levi.

**

While waiting for Violet’s trucks to leisurely return, time slowly passed. Daphne sat on a rock, a little distance from the three girls, meticulously inspecting her exoskeleton. Meanwhile, Violet and the girls were passionately discussing their impressions of the fight.

“You saw the explosion, right? If my magic had hit, it would’ve blown away the Fusion in an instant.” “B-but it missed in the end… What can you do with such slow projectile speed?” “Hmph, you just rely on your weapons. This is purely my ability!” “What about you? You’re too slow to even hit anything! Nobody else can use that thing except me…!” “Calm down, girls. Anyway, I caught that guy, didn’t I? I’m the strongest! I can use magic and make bombs explode!” “No way!”

Watching the three girls squabbling as if in an argument, Sophieel’s murmuring, mixed with laughter, drifted into my ears.

“It’s really fascinating, isn’t it? Those three look so innocent and cute, but I wonder how they all ended up with such personalities.”

“Indeed. If they just kept quiet, they’d look like such model students. I wonder what the Student Council President would think if she saw them like this…”

Daphne fell into thought. Since she often conversed with Violet due to being her roommate, she had a good grasp of the Student Council President’s tastes. In fact, Daphne’s own views somewhat aligned with hers, so they understood each other well.

*’The Student Council President is right, Violet is truly cute. She is cute, but, sigh…’*

Violet always proudly held the top spot on that noble ducal lady’s internal list. With her adorable charm and outstanding abilities, how could anyone not like her?

Her somewhat violent tendencies and frequent incidents were, to Adela, merely high-end spices lightly sprinkled over a supreme dish, enhancing its sweetness.

“Miss Schneider is also like that. On the surface, she seems quiet and timid, but…”

Levi’s name was probably also on the Student Council President’s list. Her small, dainty physique would perfectly suit her taste. What if she saw Enrica? Similarly petite, with fluffy orange hair like lamb’s wool and clear, deep eyes like a lake. If she saw her, she might abandon all dignity and elegance and shriek like an ardent fan seeing a top star.

“Indeed, one shouldn’t judge people by appearance alone. On the surface, they truly are adorable beautiful girls.”

Conveying her agreement with Sophieel’s words, Daphne simply smiled. “It really is so…”

**

After returning from an exciting adventure with Enrica, I felt a strange emptiness. It was like waking up blankly the morning after a Christmas party and having to clean up the aftermath.

「I want to go again…」

A thought suddenly crossed my mind: were we perhaps transforming into a warrior race? Like the Vikings or Gurkhas. For them, a day spent without fighting would be no different from suffering hunger all day long.

「We must plunder wicked villains to accumulate righteous wealth!」

「Exactly! How thrilling it is to cut down magical beasts with a sword!」

No, wait. Let’s remember our original purpose for going to the dungeon. We went not to destroy, but to save someone.

Fortunately, that goal seemed to have been achieved to some extent.

“We’ve left the data analysis to the experts. Their response indicates that it contains quite significant information.” “Really?”

“Yes, Enrica. It seems we might find a clue to awaken your friends. And the medicine you take might also be secured soon.”

Upon hearing the encouraging news from Sophieel Unnie, a bright smile spread across Enrica’s face. The two major challenges that had plagued Enrica since leaving the lab were now resolved, meaning she could now focus on what she wanted to do.

“Yay! Then I’ll start studying right away. I promised my friends we’d go to an academy together.” “Academy? You’re coming to Aegis, right?”

I asked with an excited voice, but Enrica wore a puzzled expression. The answer that followed was unexpected. “Huh? Why? I’m going to Vesperia Academy. I’ve been set on it since before.” “What?!”

It was dreadful. I had thought we could study at Aegis together, but it seemed she was heading to a different academy, just like in the original story.

“Enrica, do you hate me now?” “No, I like Violet. I just want to learn magic more deeply. The researchers also said Vesperia is good!”

“But you can learn magic at Aegis too.”

The Violet network instantly churned with a sense of betrayal. Had Enrica forgotten the memories of our exciting adventures together?

「Waaah! We have to go to the academy together to have fun!」

Just as Enrica, scratching her head, was about to speak, a voice rang out from behind me first. “Isn’t that child choosing her own path? It seems there’s not enough persuasion to block it. Vesperia suits that child.” “Professor-nim…”

Professor Albert continued to explain in a serious tone, one typically heard in a research lab. “Aegis is an excellent academy. However, when it comes to magic, Vesperia Academy deals with a much more specialized and in-depth field. There are those in the world who delve into a single path and make their talents blossom. Enrica possesses the qualities of an excellent mage, fully fitting such a case.”

“Eek… That’s true, but…”

“Furthermore, consider Enrica’s unique constitution. To learn how to control her abilities, attending an academy specialized in magic would be best for her. That place gathers various talents who excel in magic alone. They’ll also be able to handle radiation leakage problems better than Aegis, with artifacts and spell formulas, you see.”

With such a logical analysis, I lost all room for rebuttal. I couldn’t block my friend’s future.

“It’s fine, Aegis and Vesperia are in the same southern district, aren’t they? I heard they’re closer than you’d think. We can just meet on weekends. Oh, wait! A better idea just popped into my head.” “What is it?” “Violet can just enroll in Vesperia too!”

“Oh, come on, that’s impossible… Oh.”

That’s right. Why hadn’t I thought of that? We aren’t singular.

Trapped in a singular way of thinking, I hadn’t managed to come up with such an idea.

Professor Albert, perhaps having had a similar thought, stroked his chin, his eyes sparkling with interest.

“Ohh, that’s a brilliant suggestion… Why didn’t I think of that before? Now that we’re at it, it might be good to enroll you in all the prominent academies in the academy city. Violet, are you interested in the academies in the eastern and northern regions as well? I’ll consult with Frederick and prepare a curriculum for you.”

Wow, if I could attend all the prestigious academies in the academy city, that wouldn’t be bad at all.

“Those academies? I think it would be fine to go!”

Sophieel Unnie, who had belatedly realized our idea, interjected into the conversation with a start. “Professor Albert? You know Violet’s situation well. Attending multiple academies simultaneously… isn’t that too dangerous?”

“Look, Miss from the Inspection Bureau. That’s something Violet must choose herself. Furthermore, to just let such a talent for learning rot away? That’s a waste of talent. And haven’t you learned anything from directly experiencing the recent Exhibition Invasion Zone incident? In this world now, for us—”

The professor, who had been speaking, glanced at Enrica and me, then headed to another room with Sophieel Unnie for a moment. I tried to subtly eavesdrop on their conversation, but the professor quickly snapped his fingers.

「Ugh, it’s a soundproofing spell!」

Before, when I tried to secretly listen to other friends’ conversations, Daphne had used this magic. She’s doing it again this time. Lately, too many people have become overly conscious of us, which has become inconvenient.

「Should we learn that ourselves while we’re at it? Until now, we’ve only focused on offensive magic.」 「That’s a good idea. It’ll also be useful for quiet infiltration.」

I gave up on eavesdropping and decided to wait by the door. After a while, as if they had finished their conversation, the door swung open, and Unnie walked out with a thoughtful expression.

“Tell your sister to meet me. We’ve more or less settled on a direction and stance, so we have something to talk about. It’ll be a long conversation.” “Singularity, huh… Understood. I’ll see you again later.”

Sophieel Unnie waved goodbye to me and left the Violet barracks.

Hmm, what would she say to the inspector, anyway?

Ever since Bernike briefly visited our house, Professor Albert and Dr. Yurik would lock themselves in the office all night, engaging in passionate discussions or burying themselves in piles of books. Was it related to Dr. Sturges’s research?

“What’s a singularity?” Instead of answering my question, the professor posed one in return.

“Violet, do you wish to become stronger?”

I wondered why he was asking such a question so suddenly. Wasn’t it obvious that I wanted to become stronger?

“Yes! I want to become stronger. That’s why I don’t neglect my sword training, and I’m learning magic. I’m also continually increasing my numbers.”

“I see… Then, why do you want to become stronger?”

“Because then I’ll be free!”

A shadow briefly crossed the professor’s face.

“Freedom, you say… If you become so powerful that no one in the world can approach you, and you attain complete freedom, what would you want to do?”

Why was he asking such an obvious question? If we Violets achieved freedom, unconstrained by anyone, what we had to do was already decided.

“I’ll play! Every single day, like summer vacation or a holiday!”

Professor Albert, appearing bewildered by my answer, stared at me for a moment, then couldn’t suppress his burst of laughter. “Hahahahaha! Yes, that’s truly an answer worthy of you. Please, don’t ever change that mindset and hold onto it tightly.”

**

While I was wrapping up matters for Enrica and focusing on organization, Professor Bernike finally packed her bags.

“It’s a shame, truly a shame! Those Restraid guys, aren’t they rushing people too much? I still have so much to do here!…”

As Bernike pulled her luggage out, bid farewell by Professor Albert and Dr. Yurik, a lingering regret was discernible on her face.

「Hooray! The witch is leaving!」 「We are free!」

I still vividly remembered when Bernike rampaged, insisting on opening our heads. After repeated complex conflicts and arguments, all that madwoman could do was a brain scan. Even so, every time she examined the data, our spines would unconsciously tingle with dread.

「Still, we won’t have to see her for a while…」

“Fool, you didn’t think I was leaving for good, did you? I’ll drop by whenever I have a chance. Our collaboration isn’t over yet! Expect me at least bi-weekly. Got it?”

Behind Bernike, who cackled as she turned away, a metallic tentacle hissed out.

“Gah!” “Heehee, why are you so surprised?”

Little Broca repeatedly opened and closed its maw with incessant clicking sounds. That rascal, it’s mocking me.

“Professor Albert, I’ll see you again. And Mr. Pereira. Just a moment? Could you come a little closer this way? Yes, a bit closer.”

“Professor-nim, what is it?”

The old man approached with a puzzled expression. The professor gently grasped his shoulder and brought her lips to his ear.

“…Gah!”

In an instant, mechanical tentacles silently wrapped around the doctor’s neck and shoulders. The professor whispered into his ear. A tongue flickered like a snake at his ear. I couldn’t hear what she was muttering, but Uncle Yurik’s reaction was unusual.

“Heheheh, Mr. Pereira, you understand, right? See you around.”

“Uh, that… Hmm…”

Leaving the old man with a flushed face behind, Bernike leisurely headed towards the car where 2212 was waiting.

“What did she just say?” “You don’t need to know.”

What a sly and cunning person. I didn’t even want to imagine what bizarre things she might have said.

「Still, we won’t see her much, right? Let’s think positively!」 「That’s true!」

It seemed no major problems would arise for a while. Helios’s Artifact Excavation Department had agreed to take charge of the Fusion matter, and Enrica’s issue also seemed to be smoothly resolved.

「Special Operations Department, so is the work finished?」 「The handover is complete! Manager Morgan is here!」

Indeed, following unit 4891’s gaze, I saw the captured Fusion surrounded densely by barrier poles and belts inscribed with simple spell formulas. A small flag bearing Helios’s symbol fluttered on the blackened super-heavy tank, and various signal flares and alarm devices were installed. Mech Hounds and turrets were vigilantly guarding the area.

“Manager-nim, when can it be taken out of the dungeon?”

“It’ll take some time, little one from Special Operations. Bridge restoration requires patience.”

Manager Morgan pointed his finger beyond the hazy mist. Because the tank had fired its siege cannon, both natural passages and artificial bridges were destroyed, and bringing materials into the dungeon to carry out restoration work would inevitably take time.

“By the way, you’ve already caught two Fusions? That’s beyond imagination. As expected, Magnabyss… Hmm, I shouldn’t have said that. Anyway, your future looks promising.”

“Thanks for the compliment!”

“Still, you’re a long way from being like our Captain. You’ll have to work harder, little one.”

Tch, this got boring. That Orion fanatic is always like this.

“Anyway, I’m counting on you!”

I passed the renown to Irene, but the Fusion chassis was ours. The chassis was charred black, and it was hard to find any intact parts, but it still boasted the majesty of a super-heavy tank. Not only due to the rarity of it being a Fusion, but also its sheer size, crowds of people were already taking photos or just gazing at it.

A thought suddenly came to mind. 「Could this be recycled? It’s a super-heavy tank!」 「It might be better to just buy a new one.」

Unless there was a special reason, it seemed impractical to recycle and ride this.

Having concluded that, I climbed onto the chassis. My curiosity was piqued as to what the view would be like from the turret.

*Clunk!*

The moment I sat down, the turret subtly swayed. 「What was that?」

Sensing something unusual, I meticulously examined the tank but found nothing. I waited for a long time afterward, but no changes occurred.

「Must be my imagination, or maybe an earthquake.」

Dismissing it, I erased that strange feeling from my mind.

It was in the middle of the night when I was reminded of that odd sensation again.

“Wake up! Special Operations Department!” “Ugh… why…”

A rough, sturdy hand grabbed unit 3321 and shook me violently. Sleeping in my tent, I heard Manager Morgan’s urging and rubbed my eyes, groggily getting up.

“There’s something you need to see yourself. Come quickly!”

Wondering why he was making such a fuss, I followed him to a sight I could never have imagined.

Helios personnel, fully armed, stood facing off in front of the super-heavy tank.

And…

“How dare you! Lay hands on the military’s precious assets! Identify yourself and your affiliation!”

A small girl stood proudly on the main turret, arms crossed.