episode_0358

Given Violet’s characteristics, the reorganization was handled by the others brought in as allies. Fortunately, casualties were few, but some damage occurred when those monsters appeared in the latter half.

Just like the Aegis Academy student council president right before my eyes. As the medical team removed the arrow lodged in her shoulder, Adela gave an embarrassed laugh.

“Haha… this is really embarrassing. To show such an un-senior-like appearance in front of my cute junior.”

“It’s okay! That guy was a monster, wasn’t he? You did your best, unnie!”

The archer in front of me seemed more concerned about not being able to respond properly than getting hit by an arrow. It was natural. Just as Irene was injured by a sword at Point C, all of Adela unnie’s support attempts had been in vain.

“Damn it! To intercept all of them!”

While at Point C, they barely managed to corner the sabre-wielding swordsman into a trap and pressure him, the archer at Point B could be approached while being suppressed by unnie’s covering fire. The problem was that he shot an arrow and escaped before she could properly use her unique ability.

“Should we try a sniper battle next time? We need better countermeasures!”

“Right! He’s a sniper!”

Ultimately, it was our fault for being careless and failing. We should have anticipated that the opponent would have one or two combat awakened individuals of that caliber.

Of course, Adela unnie had another reason to be surprised.

“The enemy’s skill is quite astonishing. To think they could injure Irene…”

In front of unnie was Irene, examining her wound wrapped in bandages. Even for Adela, who knew Irene’s abilities and physical characteristics well, this injury seemed quite shocking.

“There’s no excuse… it was just my mistake.”

“No, Irene. It’s extremely rare for even a regular monster to injure Irene’s body when it’s imbued with her unique ability. Her body can withstand cannon fire, can’t it? Even among monsters, only high-tier ones should be able to do that, and it’s rare for even veteran hunters to unleash that much power in a head-on confrontation.”

I agreed with unnie. Irene’s durability is such that she usually doesn’t flinch even when sparring seriously with her sword aura fully unleashed. To inflict damage on her means that their physical strength, magic output, and operational capabilities are all at an abnormal level.

“I don’t know. Unless it’s power like those two scholarship students, this level of…”

The more I thought about it, the more unanswered questions arose. In the end, it seemed the Luminexa Foundation possessed a secret weapon we hadn’t anticipated. Moreover, there was a possibility this wasn’t all they had.

“Could it be a Luminexa original? A cyborg?”

“No! Perhaps they’re using what Laplachia left behind!”

In any case, we needed to devise a plan to subdue those two human weapons next time. The Violets fully mobilized their collective intelligence, reviewing the battle and pondering how to neutralize those bizarre beings. After all, seizing the terminal was the top priority.

I almost missed something more important if Adela unnie’s sudden remark hadn’t caught my ear.

“By the way, that archer from a moment ago, right? The more I think about it, the stranger he seems. His posture handling the weapon, and… his combat style of manipulating arrows.”

“His skill was impressive, indeed. But why are you saying that? Is there some problem?”

Adela unnie’s expression darkened uncharacteristically.

“…The technique that person used, though somewhat old, was our family’s archery.”

The collective intelligence momentarily froze.

“Ugh.”

**

Luminexa scholars meticulously investigated the isolation facility, which had been turned into ruins. Amidst the deployed camouflage and escort of Arsith soldiers and armored knights, researchers constantly scanned the surroundings. A Nemosys Protocol device, with its camouflage deactivated, floated in the air, thoroughly collecting data from the site.

[-Aether pattern scan in progress…]

[Analysis impossible.]

Their movements were swift and persistent. Unfortunately, judging by the expression of the Containment Enforcement Unit agent holding a tablet, their investigation seemed far from achieving the intended results.

“What is the cause? Following Circleiff, we haven’t acquired any significant data this time either.”

In response to a question from a director in the command and control room, a field researcher calmly reported via video call.

“The subject’s magic traces dissipate into the atmosphere too quickly. Furthermore… there’s a difficult-to-understand point. The subject’s magic pattern is almost random. A certain regularity exists, but… it’s at an undecipherable level. We can only confirm that ‘something’ existed in this space.”

Against the backdrop of the field researcher, the busy movements and tragic traces of battle were clear. The directors could not hide their disappointment. Deploying two Hellmen to simultaneously block access to the central archives from two bases was successful, but they failed to secure any clues for the plan’s progress. Director Kwabna 02’s expression darkened.

“At this rate, past combat patterns will only repeat. Moreover, we’ve revealed our trump card, the Hellmen. The enemies will heighten their vigilance even further. Now, they’ll launch operations to lure out the Hellmen. We’ll have no choice but to deploy the Hellmen according to their intentions. The situation of being dragged along hasn’t changed.”

The finance director, 07, joined the conversation.

“Director 02, excessive concern is unnecessary. Once the initial production cost is invested, Hellmen are overwhelmingly more efficient to operate than existing weapons. Hasn’t their combat power been proven this time? They are, quite literally, a one-man army.”

Following Director 07’s remarks, other directors also carefully put forth their opinions.

“Raihan and his research methods were abnormal, but… the technical superiority of Laplachia cannot be denied. We should consider bringing Laplachia’s researchers back. The Hellmen project is worth re-evaluating. It’s time to consider transitioning to a mass production system.”

“From a long-term perspective, let’s consider negotiations with the Restraid side. A suitable pilot is key for the Restraid family’s Colossus project. If we could secure Jemont Restraid’s or the first knight order’s genetic samples…”

Director Kwabna’s mind reeled as he was about to raise an objection. The sight of those who were initially hesitant now being seduced by a single success and attempting to cross the boundary of taboo filled him with dismay.

‘What are these people talking about?’

“Directors, such a drastic change in stance is somewhat concerning.”

His finger moved towards the window opposite him.

“And I have a question. Are those individuals over there truly just imitations?”

In one corner of the room, two men in pure white protective gear were fixed to restraints, undergoing ‘re-calibration’. That is, if piercing dozens of probes into a person’s medulla oblongata and attaching mechanical devices to both eyes can be called re-calibration. Especially notable was that they maintained full consciousness.

“Advance! Keep advancing! Hunters lead the vanguard! Go first, retreat last!”

“…Draw your swords. One step more to home! Come on, let’s go! Let’s go!”

Gazing into the void with empty eyes, they mumbled incessantly. Director Kwabna’s face contorted as he listened to their fragmented monologues. Though he had committed all sorts of unsavory acts for the Foundation in his past life, even this sight left him disoriented.

The answer came from the Laplachia executive standing beside him.

“These are not the originals of those heroes from a century ago. They are merely imitations, possessing only memories reconstructed through artifacts and biotracking. Just because they share identical memories doesn’t mean they are the originals themselves, does it?”

“…Why do the individuals’ memories exist? There was no mention of this in prior reports. Was this intentionally omitted?”

The executive gestured, and a doctor in a green gown emblazoned with the Laplachia crest raised his head to respond.

“It was the Chairman’s idea. They judged that restoring their memories from life was effective in maximizing their inherent combat power. After all, one of the core elements of the Hellmen Project was the perfect recreation of martial arts!”

At the words “recreation of martial arts,” the director asked, demanding a detailed explanation.

“Recreation of martial arts?”

“The first subjects cloned, the Grand Archmage of the Zenith and the Witch of Lightning, were individuals with exceptional unique abilities and magical talent. In the second research phase, the focus was on the perfect recreation of overwhelming physical abilities and martial arts prowess. While the physical capabilities were successfully implemented, the crucial point was their actual combat proficiency from life. Due to incomplete memories and issues with suggestions for control, currently, even at maximum power output, the limit of what can be recreated is only about 55%. If we push beyond that, the suggestions break.”

The two individuals in restraints finally fell silent and closed their eyes. Flickering signals began to be detected on the monitors connected to the numerous probes and various devices attached to their heads.

[-Aether pattern scan in progress…]

[Initial data measurement complete. Second analysis in progress…]

The researchers’ expressions brightened.

“We have successfully identified Ariel’s aether pattern. We were also able to collect trace amounts of lingering magic! It’s clear evidence of their use of brainwashing technology.”

The Laplachia executive continued his explanation with a proud tone.

“…So the report of them infiltrating the Containment Enforcement Unit interrogator was true. The countermeasure of additionally equipping sedatives and control drugs as defense against brainwashing and amplifying the suggestion effect proved effective.”

One director exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed, mental strength befitting a great hero of the age.”

Hours later, an aether storage crystal containing trace amounts of scarlet particles was transported. The crystal’s final destination was the biological containment research lab. A satisfied smile spread across Secretary-General Pagan’s lips upon receiving the report. Although administrative gaps and damage recovery from the recent airstrike were expected to be difficult, this alone would be a sufficient reward.

“The pesticide plan will soon reach its completion stage.”

Immediately adjacent to where the crystal storage box was settled, a sealed container shimmered with black mist, thoroughly contained by a multi-layered isolation system. These vermin that threatened the Foundation and humanity’s system would now have no place to set foot on this land.

**

A bustling open space. Personnel who had finished their meals moved in an orderly fashion in one direction. In the space converted into a temporary lounge and waiting area, office workers’ desks were arranged, and beside them, our Ariel Group monitored the situation.

“Line up! Please receive the documents, fill them out, and submit them!”

This is a safe zone owned by a clan under Cascadia. They would wait here until the Foundation was completely neutralized and lost its functionality, then be transported to their desired destinations or homes.

“What happens if we want to work?”

“They said employment would be decided based on ability!”

Indeed, the reason they became subjects of the Foundation’s containment might simply be that they displeased the Foundation, but there’s also a possibility it’s due to abilities with inherent risks.

What was currently underway was a basic identity check. It was a procedure of distributing simple forms and having individuals voluntarily fill in their names, ages, addresses, and so on. Afterwards, a second verification would confirm their identities by cross-referencing with separately collected information. There were complaints when this was first announced, but it couldn’t be helped.

“…What year is this, you said?”

Everyone had been in cryo-sleep for at least several years, so they couldn’t be immediately found even if one wanted to. They could also be Foundation spies. In the end, a scene like a boring community center unfolded. At least the television mounted on the wall provided some comfort, alleviating the boredom for us and those waiting.

Just then, our operation was being covered on the news.

The seated individuals collectively erupted in anger.

“Regret? How absurd! By what right!”

“Who was it that imprisoned us!”

While observing the crowd’s reaction with interest, an old man approached us and gave a thumbs up. He was one of the rescued.

“Hey, you terrorist friends! Next operation, kick those bastards’ butts even harder!”

“…”

“Wow! We got praised!”

Receiving direct support made me feel good.

**

While supervising such monotonous work, a familiar face entered my sight. “Who was that kid again.”

“Hi, unnie! Oh, are you that unnie? Hehe.”

“No.”

She was a mischievous girl with black bobbed hair. That nameless kid we rescued last time. She approached us, holding documents in her hand.

“Excuse me, what kind of organization is the Ariel Group, originally?”

“That’s not important.”

As soon as my answer ended, the girl glanced around subtly and gave an awkward laugh. Behind her stood adults of completely different ages and appearances, with uncomfortable expressions.

“Oh! Really? Then… do you also do experiments? Like research? Is that why you’re fighting the Foundation?”

“Who are the people behind you?”

“Ahaha… those people? Yes! They’re my oppas and unnies. Not real family, but… ah! Like sworn siblings? Coworkers! Something like that! Hehe!”

“No one can leave until their identity is confirmed. It’s for your safety.”

“Oh, come on… don’t be like that! Is the Ariel Group also a research place, by any chance? It’s nothing big. I might even end up working there, you know?”

Watching the kid repeatedly ask strange questions, I picked up the documents. Come to think of it, I don’t even know her name.

“Elly?”

“Oh! Right. I’m Elly. Elly Drex… Elly Drake! That’s my name. Isn’t it cute?”

The kid was suspicious, constantly glancing around even while filling out the documents. Especially whenever words related to laboratories or research came up, her neck would tense.

Since she couldn’t get anything from us, she went to other staff members and persistently asked them. She seemed to be trying something with a smile, but in the end, all she kept asking was what kind of organization the Ariel Group was.

The news had been loudly covering our nocturnal activities for a while. However, the problem was that, perhaps having taken money from the Foundation, none of our anonymous network broadcasts or propaganda were mentioned, only our “evil deeds.”

Even the people watching seemed dumbfounded and chimed in to support us.

“Excuse me, don’t mind that kind of thing! Those hack journalists are always like that, aren’t they?”

Then the screen changed, suddenly showing the location we had raided yesterday.

Suddenly, Elly’s hands trembled. I saw her exchanging strange glances with her “colleagues” who were behind her.

“Um… unnie! Has the Ariel Group been fighting the Foundation for a long time? What happened to the Foundation’s researchers?”

“Oh dear… can I change the channel? Let’s not watch that, let’s watch something fun…”

Just as someone, unable to bear it anymore, was about to turn off the television, a familiar photo appeared.

Our Violets on guard duty widened their eyes. The person in the wanted photo, suddenly appearing on the screen, was a sharp-looking girl with short black hair. Following her were a series of other photos.

Elly instantly turned pale. She stopped asking questions that she had been throwing around just moments ago and merely bit her lip.

All eyes converged on one spot. They looked identical.

Even the staff member who had been kindly explaining things to the girl just moments ago froze upon seeing the face before them.

I grabbed the kid’s shoulder, whose dismay was clear.

I learned for the first time today that people’s gazes could possess mass.

At an opportune moment, an urgent report also came through my earpiece. Irene’s sharp voice hit my eardrum.

-Violet! Those Foundation guys are liars, but this is real!

“Hey, Elly.”

“Ehehe… uh, unnie? No, other Ariel unnie. What is it?”

“Are you really Elly?”

She forced a playful expression, awkwardly curving the corners of her lips. But it was futile. Sadly, the group behind her had long since hunched over, clutching their heads as if the world had ended.

Elly, or rather the girl named Phoebe, forced a composed smile.

“Oh, come on~ I told you I’m Elly! Is it because of that, that, that thing? I’m just a high school girl! What kind of terrorist…”

-That person is real! Helios just confirmed it!

We gripped our flails.

“Uh, unnie… why? What’s wrong! Huh? I told you that’s fake…”

“No arguments needed!”

-Thwack!

“Kyaaak!”

We mercilessly beat up the terrorists. To think there was a truly dangerous one mixed in.

“We don’t forgive terrorists!”

“Kyaaak! It hurts! It hurts! Ugh!”

Someone was heard muttering, but I decided to ignore it.

“…But, weren’t those people terrorists too?”

“Shh!”