Ch.298298. Magic Tower

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“I apologize for the sudden summons, Darwood Campbell.”

The electronic voice spoke those words.

“I heard that you should be enjoying your vacation around this time.”

“…To be honest, it wasn’t that enjoyable.”

Just thinking back a little brings a series of dizzying moments.

Just the thought of having exposed my naked body to countless strangers isn’t exactly a pleasant memory.

As I said this with a bitter smile, the massive steel body across from me shrugged its shoulders.

This is the cyborg I’ve encountered a few times before.

A figure from the Demonic Spire named Alpha. The person Calivan referred to as the “Executor” and feared.

“Still, this was originally supposed to happen a bit later. It proceeded without any notice to you.”

“…I agree with that.”

I have no intention of arguing with that statement.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to be dragged away so suddenly either.”

Right now, I’m heading to the Demonic Spire with this person.

It’s related to the “transport” matter that Bogart Marquis had previously mentioned.

“I understand. It’s the first time I’ve seen the executives take such a hard stance.”

“Hard stance?”

“They want to see you as soon as possible. You’re apparently a top priority research subject.”

“I was told I’m just escorting a prisoner.”

“That’s right. Administratively speaking.”

“…”

Alpha’s head turned slightly.

“…The human being escorted is one thing, but it seems your importance has somehow skyrocketed within the Demonic Spire. I don’t understand why either.”

People who normally stay locked up in their labs, what wind has blown them out, really.

Alpha sighed and continued.

“…Sending this to bring you immediately is truly exceptional.”

Alpha tapped the seat of the “flying object” we were currently riding.

The most commonly used mode of transportation in the Sera world is the carriage.

It’s probably because it looks the most formal and has been used for the longest time.

However, this isn’t a world with particularly low technological levels, so things like steam-powered trains and fantasy-like portals are also commonly used.

Of course, despite all that.

I can’t help but think that an anti-gravity hover car is a bit too advanced.

“…”

“…”

“…”

Elnore and Minister Sullivan are like statues, and I too stare at the rapidly receding ground with a dumbfounded expression.

I mean, I’ve been on airplanes before, but I’ve never experienced a car-sized object floating in the air.

Carrying five people at that.

Unlike me who has at least some experience being airborne, I don’t even need to express how surprised Elnore and the Minister must be.

Of course, if you’re wondering why these people are here.

Minister Sullivan is going as the Empire’s representative, and Elnore is…

“…”

…I’m not sure what her role is either.

But given that Elnore confidently said “I’ve also received permission to enter the Demonic Spire,” and Alpha isn’t stopping her, it’s unlikely to be a lie.

‘…The most likely possibility…’

The only connection between Elnore and the Demonic Spire could be Professor Astrid, whom she’s met and spoken with at least once.

She probably had some kind of conversation with her.

“…How high are we going?”

While I was thinking about this, Elnore, uncharacteristically pale-faced, asked such a question.

The speed at which we’re ascending is terrifying enough to make even someone who rarely changes expression nervous.

“Quite high up!”

That reply came from the back seat.

It was Bogart Marquis, wearing tattered prisoner’s clothes and covered in wounds, who spoke in a cheerful voice.

“There’s a reason why not even a fragment of information about the Demonic Spire has been revealed to the world!”

“…You’re still a prisoner, you know.”

Alpha responded in a half-dazed voice to the man’s continued cheerfulness despite his situation.

It seems even Alpha is tired of this man’s optimism.

Of course, meanwhile, the hover car carrying all these people continued its high-altitude journey at a frightening speed.

Things on the ground look like dots. We’ve risen to an altitude that even birds can’t easily reach, with clouds floating around the hover car.

As such scenery came into view, Alpha sighed and spoke again.

“Actually, calling it a ‘spire’ is somewhat misleading.”

While it began as a tower-shaped research facility and is still called that for symbolic reasons.

The actual structure of the Demonic Spire is very different from such a name.

“Let me introduce you all.”

Alpha folded his arms and said.

“This is the Demonic Spire, the world’s greatest think tank where the finest minds gather.”

“…? But there’s nothing around—”

Before those words could continue.

Something revealed its massive form through the clouds.

“…!”

I can see Elnore and the Minister’s mouths dropping open simultaneously.

My reaction probably isn’t much different.

Anyone who saw a massive “floating fortress” suspended in the air would likely have a similar reaction.

“Mass approximately 40 megatons, total area 600 square kilometers… a floating metropolis. Though the permanent population isn’t that large.”

Indeed, as described, no matter how much I crane my neck, I can’t see its edges. It’s impossible to guess how large it is.

And around this imposing structure, there’s a massive force field surrounding it for protection against external impacts, along with unmanned aerial combat machines patrolling nearby.

“…”

Is this really not science fiction?

Those Sera developers, they said in interviews that they only put the Demonic Spire as dummy data in the game because releasing it officially would break the balance.

Seeing this, I immediately understand why.

‘…No wonder they handed out such equipment freely.’

I thought it made no sense to distribute over-technology like optical camouflage to Empire nobles just because they provided some funding, but seeing this, I understand immediately.

For those who can create such a structure, that level of technology is merely a byproduct that they could take or leave!

“…”

Then.

One question arises from this fact itself.

‘…Why would people capable of creating something like this be interested in me…?’

Since not much information was released even within the game, I don’t know everything.

But I remember that the researchers of the Demonic Spire, as Alpha said, were people who didn’t care about anything other than their “research subjects.”

Why would such people “suddenly” show interest in me?

“…”

I don’t understand.

If anything comes to mind, it would be related to demonic power.

While I was thinking about this, the hover car carrying our group slowly began its descent.

One of the platforms protruding from the floating fortress slowly extended outward. The entire landing process seems to be unmanned, as no people are visible at any stage.

“Well then, shall we go in?”

Right.

Just thinking about it won’t change anything.

Anyway, I’ll have to face it to find out.

●

“Whoa.”

Such a groan escaped as soon as we got off at the “station.”

I had just heard from Alpha that there weren’t many permanent residents, but I didn’t expect actual “androids” to be casually walking around.

Elnore and Minister Sullivan, who got off the hover car with me, look around nervously.

“…The floor is made entirely of rare metals…”

“…Even the imperial palace wasn’t built this luxuriously…”

“…What is that, an automated automaton…?”

“…They move too smoothly to be just that. Almost like real humans…”

These two are among the most prominent people in their country, but here they seem to be shrinking in presence.

Well, they say the source of fear comes from the unknown. How can one maintain confidence when surrounded by unfamiliar things moving about everywhere?

“First, I’ll take this person and put him somewhere appropriate. Your accommodations will be prepared soon, and you can rest freely until tomorrow.”

“Do we have something scheduled for tomorrow?”

Alpha quietly rolled his laser sensor lens once and looked at me in response to my question.

“There will be a hearing regarding Bogart Marquis here. You’ll probably be in attendance too.”

“…Is there any reason I need to be there…?”

“You’ll probably understand when you get there.”

Those words echoed calmly.

As he spoke, Alpha’s gaze fell more heavily on my eyes than usual.

“Oh, and. May I ask one favor if you attend the hearing?”

“…Yes?”

What kind of sudden favor is this?

As I tilted my head in confusion.

After a moment of silence, Alpha opened his mouth with a slight laugh.

“You probably won’t have a good experience while you’re here.”

“What?”

And then.

“The Demonic Spire is corrupt, Darwood Campbell. Tainted by evil.”

Suddenly, those words flowed out.

Without any context, prior information, or background explanation.

“Professor Astrid, myself, and this fool who volunteered to be a prisoner have known this fact for quite some time.”

Just those sentences. Calmly.

Looking directly at my face as they were spoken.

It was naturally difficult to read the expression of a machine, but the sentiment behind it was clearly conveyed.

Compassion for someone caught in hardship.

And.

At the edge of it, some inexplicable “expectation.”

“So, resist.”

“…”

“The stage has been set for that purpose for quite some time.”

As I stood silently, weighed down by the gravity of those words.

Alpha smiled slightly and continued.

“Oh, and.”

The lens quickly scanned Elnore and Minister Sullivan.

“Have a good night.”

“…”

“You’ll probably be sharing a room.”

Was it just my imagination that this statement seemed more significant than the previous ones?

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