Ch.321IF Side Story. From the Beginning (89)

The massive spaceship traversed the cosmos, and even in a world where each country and region had enormous warp gates, not many Earth inhabitants had actually used such facilities.

Ironically, people from countries once classified as “developed nations” barely enjoyed these benefits.

This was because, from Earth’s perspective, these were entities that held vested interests at the national level, and naturally, they resisted joining the Federation—an act that would mean surrendering those privileges in one fell swoop.

To acquire technology, they welcomed morally questionable but technologically advanced corporations like Noir Corporation. They offered tax havens and various conveniences, even turning a blind eye to certain misdeeds these companies committed within their borders.

Regardless of public opinion, this approach proved effective.

The Federation couldn’t move freely. Even when making first contact with less developed regions, there were limitations to their actions.

They needed to maintain the pretense of being “democratic,” so they couldn’t forcibly conquer or absorb nations, nor did they have exclusive rights to develop those territories.

Socially and security-wise chaotic countries, regions with outdated technological and social infrastructure—developing these areas required enormous time and resources. It wasn’t something that could be accomplished in just a few years. Even if all the infrastructure was built, it would take additional time for everyone living there to benefit.

Rather, from their perspective, developed countries were the entities they needed to partner with. That’s why this “balancing act” worked. After all, once they joined the Federation, they could quickly “federalize” through existing infrastructure.

Ironically, because of this reality, very few Earth inhabitants could freely travel beyond Earth. Officially, the Federation was a non-diplomatic entity.

So, this was my first time aboard such a massive vessel.

“It’s our first time too.”

Unfortunately, none of us had ever been on such a ship before. Even Magical Girls had no particular reason to visit other planets. In fact, in some ways, it was better not to leave.

We needed to stay here to respond when Noir Corporation stirred up trouble.

“But I know the structure. Not this ship specifically, but I’m familiar with the standard layout most space-faring vessels use,” Ju-a said.

“I’ve done my research too.”

“…Me too.”

Looking at Ju-a, Yeon-woo, and Chae-yeon, the three of them wore somewhat proud expressions.

“Well, despite appearances, I am Federation personnel,” Seo-hee said.

“We received training about potential combat situations on ships before you arrived.”

“Why didn’t I get that training?”

“When we first started as Magical Girls, Noir and the Federation were clashing much more intensely. The Federation was burning through their goodwill by acting recklessly without understanding proper boundaries, and we were busy figuring out what creative stunts they might pull next while confronting them.”

“Ah.”

That does seem right.

Even though Noir Corporation built a large department store on the first three floors of their headquarters, made charitable contributions to society, and created useful products for people, their image didn’t easily improve. People still remembered how Noir Corporation ran wild during that first year, seemingly testing the boundaries of what was acceptable.

“But what about Ju-a?”

“Oh, I’ve been researching warp technology for several years now.”

Ah, I see.

I understood.

Boom.

I felt the ship move once more.

“Then, I’ll leave the guidance to you.”

“Yes, where should we go?”

“Well, if we’re looking for our opponent, perhaps the bridge?”

The most important place on the ship.

I couldn’t tell how many crew members operated this enormous vessel, but it certainly wasn’t just one or two people driving it like a car.

However, among all those people, the most important ones would definitely be at the helm.

So, let’s find whoever is piloting this place and extract information. Whether our target is here or elsewhere.

The three seniors and Ju-a nodded together.

We ran as one.

*

We broke down the door and entered the bridge, but found nothing.

“Completely automated…?”

Yeon-woo muttered.

“…That’s difficult,” Chae-yeon replied.

“Navigation by artificial intelligence alone is illegal. Humans need to be aboard to make clear judgments and determine whether a ship is derelict or not.”

“But still.”

The bridge of the flying ship was empty—

[Ha.]

And then, we heard that sound.

[So you’ve made it this far. Too late, though.]

“…”

I frowned and looked up at the ceiling.

The voice echoed from all directions. They must have occupied some broadcasting room and were transmitting throughout the entire ship.

[We’ve already reached an altitude where warp is possible. No matter how much you struggle, we’ll navigate to our destination. Well, if you want, you can destroy the ship. If you fancy being irradiated or suffocating in the middle of space, be my guest.]

Destination.

I had some idea where that destination might be.

Probably Jupiter. The Jupiter where Pang Pang was supposedly hidden.

Our opponent likely already possessed this information. After all, they had been in a high position within the company.

High enough to stage a coup.

Truthfully, my body ached all over. I was somewhat tired too.

But somehow, just listening to that voice, I felt my strength slowly returning.

“…You’re here, aren’t you?”

I spoke with a voice full of longing.

“You. You’re here right now, aren’t you?”

Watching us from somewhere.

I gripped my hammer tightly and said:

“You did all of this.”

Well, rationally speaking, maybe not “all” of it.

Until the coup, whatever the purpose, the former chairman was probably in control. Only after overthrowing everything did the company fall into that person’s hands.

But what do I care about that?

I just hate them.

Not just them, but the previous one too. At least that one was Pang Pang’s grandmother, so I might consider it a bit more, but this one isn’t even that.

They might be trying to use Pang Pang to take over the company. Perhaps some security system only recognizes direct descendants of the chairman.

It was all Noir Corporation’s fault, but this person twisted what could have been a situation resolved calmly and methodically, and ruined everything.

“Ah, right.”

And one more thing.

Something I’ve been desperately curious about.

“You. Was it you who blew up that complex?”

[…]

No answer.

And that silence speaks volumes more than any excuse could.

Lies beget lies. No matter how perfect a lie seems, it’s common sense that statements from high-ranking corporate officials these days are preserved and documented everywhere.

Even if they denied it now, that denial would create more things to deny. And our opponent staged a coup.

Naturally, they must be suspicious too. Maybe they think we’re wearing cameras?

But because of that, I was certain.

It was them.

“…I can’t just let this go.”

I said.

“Even if I’m not a completely righteous person, I know human lives are important.”

Well, that makes sense.

According to James, the people who staged the coup have “short-term vision” and prioritize “immediate benefits.”

And they planned to extract those benefits from Earth’s inhabitants.

I’m not sure what that “long-term vision” was that made James think we would seriously consider it, but at least the other side is worse.

They probably don’t even think there’s a problem if a few people die while being sold as batteries.

[You talk too much.]

Finally, without answering any of my questions, the voice spoke through the speaker.

[You’ve illegally entered a critical Noir Corporation facility, so from here on, I’m acting in self-defense.]

“We both know that’s not true.”

I said.

But there was no response.

Click.

The walls on both sides of the bridge opened.

And from inside—

Kaijin literally poured out in droves.

All of them were Kaijin with human-like appearances.

[Ah, yes, that’s right.]

Just before the Kaijin rushed at us, the voice spoke.

[I’ve prepared a very special gift for you. I’ll show it to you when you get there. Well, it doesn’t matter if you don’t see it.]

If it didn’t matter, they wouldn’t have prepared it.

I looked at Hayun.

Hayun drew her sword with a slight smile on her lips.

That smile was somewhat fierce.

None of the other Magical Girls had joined our conversation. Everyone seemed deep in thought. Even Jihye, who had just joined us.

But although everyone had drawn their own conclusions, none of them seemed to view our opponent positively.

Well, this is troublesome.

It seems this piece of trash won’t be satisfied with just one hit from me.

How pitiful.