episode_0121

Good. We’ve set the stage.

I’m curious how my friends and others will react. And this is the first time I’ve moved this many Violets!

The number of Violets currently deployed inside the barracks is equivalent to two companies. We even brought out the hibernating bodies stored nearby, which increased the number to this extent.

“It feels like I’ve broken open a piggy bank!”

As the numbers grew, the amplified emotions were incomparable to before. The excited Violets shouted slogans.

“Revolution! Revolution! Revolution!”

“Destroy! Ruin! Kill! Woohoo!”

The building was filled with the Violets’ voices. The noisy sound reverberated so much that it could be felt on the skin.

There was another reason for deploying these clones. It was to show that we were ready to mobilize at any time. Seeing the Violets, who harbored a righteous will for violence, would surely change the attitudes of those who were skeptical about our terror—no, our revolution plan.

“If we show our strength, everyone will be relieved, right?”

Numbers are power. Power creates trust. Trust leads to a successful revolution plan!

Number 1 gestured to the Violets. As if they had never been noisy, the Violets fell silent. The boisterous factory building grew quiet.

I waited with anticipation, wondering how my friends would react. What would they say?

“…First, can you get rid of that army?”

“Huh?”

Irene spoke with a somewhat deflated voice.

“Why?”

“Why, you ask? Are you asking because you don’t know? Other people are scared! Look there!”

She pointed behind her with annoyance. I flinched, seeing a rare display from her, unlike her usual calm demeanor.

When I looked behind me, I understood why Irene was angry. A mass of black Violet troops, pressing down on the air like a yoke. And people frozen, watching warily.

Only now did I realize that the atmosphere had become even darker than when we revealed the hit list.

“Oh dear! I made a mistake!”

“It’s become a threat!”

Our intention was a magnificent parade, but it seemed others took it as a show of force.

-Violet! No threats!

On the laptop screen, Daphne, via the video chat program, pleaded with Number 1 with sad eyes. I wondered why she was telling me this, then realized a dormitory Violet, tormented by Daphne, had reverse-generated and fled. What a mischievous one.

“Hehehe…”

I scratched my head. Come to think of it, it was understandable for them to be scared. With machine guns and rocket launchers, anyone would find it threatening.

“Go back!”

“I have to wait in the network again. Ugh…”

I sent one company’s worth of troops back to their original storage and put them into hibernation. The remaining personnel stored their weapons in their inventories and changed into more girlish attire.

The Violets in black military uniforms became cute girls in skirts and dresses in the blink of an eye. Now they’d look less threatening, right? I had to prove somehow that Violets were harmless girls. I should start by apologizing.

“…Sorry for startling you. I had no intention of threatening anyone!”

“Yeah, that’s really convincing.”

Kalia retorted, leaving me speechless. I bowed my head.

“That plan, the ‘Witch’s Hammer’ or ‘Club’ or whatever it is, what happens if we don’t join?”

Lucian clasped his hands together and stared at Number 1. His gloved fingers twitched repeatedly, indicating he was inwardly nervous. It seemed his wariness and fear of us had increased after seeing the Violets’ quasi-parade earlier.

“As I explained earlier, we won’t penalize you for not helping with the plan. However, due to security concerns, one of our Violets will be assigned to each of you. Don’t worry, it’s protection, not surveillance.”

“Our…?”

He latched onto a single word and questioned it. Come to think of it, this whole incident started with the discovery of the hibernating bodies. I’ll have to explain our unique ability problem a little later too.

“Don’t worry too much about the word. I’ll explain later. Don’t like being here? I can smuggle you out. I’ve looked into how to do it.”

I’d looked into it before, and with Director Leslie, an all-purpose informant from the underworld, getting one or two people out isn’t difficult. It might even be safer to get them out of Rustroom than to hide them at home.

“So, what will you do? You don’t have to participate. We even provide a salary and welfare. See that old man Yurik over there? We brought that Doctor-nim in because of our unique situation, but we’re providing the best welfare we can.”

I asked the doctor, who was sweating profusely.

“Tell everyone honestly how it’s been so far. I’ll immediately improve anything you’re dissatisfied with.”

Yurik looked around, then hesitated as if recalling memories before answering.

“Well… honestly, it hasn’t been bad. Although there were restrictions on freedom of movement and communication, we were provided with calls to family and entertainment as much as possible. Come to think of it, the only problem is that the food is mostly fast food.”

“That’s only because that’s all you asked for, Mister. Did you forget I gave you steak last time as payment for taking my math test?”

“Haha…”

Hearing my words, he laughed awkwardly, perhaps embarrassed. Yurik had adapted to his weeks of confinement, living like a shut-in, clinging to streaming and video games. His body had also become plumper than when we brought him in. We’d fed him too much.

It’s not that I regret the food expenses. From now on, I’ll make him work for every bit he’s eaten.

“Let’s give him papers to translate and have him find out what those guys are researching.”

“Could we perhaps get some technical support? He’s a scientist. Let’s ask him to make equipment.”

While I was having these thoughts, Irene, who had been listening to our conversation, tilted her head.

“Test…proxy…?”

My mind instantly cleared. Realizing the proxy test might be exposed, I quickly changed the subject.

“So, is anyone going to help us with our plan?”

I looked at my friends. Irene raised her hand first.

“…What’s the point of asking? I was going to help from the start anyway. The idea you’ve put forth is radical, but considering your unique ability, it’s not impossible.”

“Thanks for the compliment!”

“But if left alone, you’d probably just charge recklessly. It’s okay if I offer tactical and operational advice, right?”

I nodded. If Irene helps, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s reassuring to have the best buffer and tank by my side.

Next, Daphne spoke. The sound of her letting out a deep sigh echoed through the speakers from the monitor.

“Honestly, I want to stop you, but what can I do? You wouldn’t listen even if I tried, would you?”

“You can drop out. Are you sure?”

“Drop out? I can’t bear to see my friend get hurt. I’ll help as much as I can.”

Lastly, Kalia.

“Haa… I should’ve known from when you were doing strange things at the research lab. You’re the craziest person I’ve ever seen!”

She furrowed her brows as if feeling dizzy and ruffled her hair. Pink strands peeked out between her fingers.

“I have Brotherhood matters and academy issues, so I can’t help much. But I’m too scared of what kind of trouble you’ll cause next to just stand by! Even if you say no, I’ll stay by your side. Got it?”

“Thanks, Kalia!”

I felt good at the news that my three friends from the Academy City were actively helping me.

I turned my head. What about the others?

“How about you all?”

If human relationships were categorized by rank, my three friends would be first-tier, and Lucian’s group and Doctor Yurik would be roughly second-tier. People I knew somewhat, but less important than my other friends.

I saw the three of them hesitate. Honestly, I didn’t expect much. Lucian was a rude punk who picked fights whenever I said anything, Levi was timid and shy. Granite was a big guy who didn’t live up to his size.

Well, it couldn’t be helped if they didn’t participate.

Then the blue-haired guy opened his mouth.

“Hey, Violet. I have a question.”

“What is it? Want me to look into smuggling for you?”

The guy, hearing my question, tilted his head as if he’d heard something strange.

“What nonsense are you talking about? Never mind that, I saw the student council president’s name on the hit list just now. Explain. I’m not mistaken, am I?”

“You saw correctly. That guy is a definite kill target.”

The student council executives have no particular relevance. Of course, the general affairs manager is a top priority kill target. The vice president is out of the question for now, as we have no information on them yet.

“Good. Your plan. I’ll participate. Let me have a showdown with that bastard later.”

“No, really? Why?”

We were bewildered by his unexpected choice. When asked for a reason, Lucian gnashed his teeth.

“Reason? It’s the Chloris Woods incident. Isn’t that obvious?”

“That’s all?”

“Of course. I’ve clashed with that guy a couple of times before. I didn’t like him from the first time I saw him. I’ll do anything if it means I can land a blow on that piece of trash.”

We were surprised by the unexpected choice. Still, for now, it didn’t seem bad. We’d gained a useful mage.

Now only two people remained. Granite slowly opened his mouth, hesitating.

“Um, if I participate in your plan, like… would I have to kill people?”

“No? Not at all! Do you want to?”

Granite quickly shook his head. Was he worried we would force him to commit murder or similar acts? Anyway, we planned to handle murders and demolition operations ourselves as much as possible. We were used to such things.

“There’s a lot of other work to do besides that. Like raising funds or hunting magical beasts. We’ll pay you for every job too. How about it?”

“…I’m a fugitive anyway, so I can’t fall any lower. Alright. I’ll participate.”

Now only Levi remained. The timid girl, who had been glancing around, spoke with a trembling voice.

“I, I’ll do it too… I’m being chased by the academy anyway…”

I felt good upon hearing the news that the two of them would join. A smile naturally formed on my lips.

“Good. I should make them hunt!”

I was about to proceed with other explanations when Yurik asked.

“Um, Miss Violet? What about me? Can I just stay in my room without participating?”

Number 1’s expression briefly turned blank before regaining its smile.

“Sorry, but you, Mister, are an exception.”

“What did you say?”

“You, Mister, have to do research. Your vacation is over now!”

“…Aargh!”

He’d played enough already; where else would he be loafing around?

***

Afterward, the conversation continued. There was much to discuss: explaining Violet’s unique ability, future plans, and what to do about their academic records at the academy.

Even getting them to understand our unique ability was a huge challenge.

“It’s a relief that everyone finally understood.”

One of the Violets shuddered. It was hard to answer questions about how a person could be plural. If my friends hadn’t provided supporting fire, it would have been difficult to finish before dinner.

Meanwhile, Violet 32 grumbled.

“I, I’ve started to dislike that Yurik a little!”

As expected of a former graduate student, as soon as Yurik heard the explanation about our unique ability and the Violet network, he couldn’t contain his excitement and rushed at us, pestering us with questions.

-It’s incredible. How did you create bodies that function almost identically to human bodies using only Aether? How do the interactions and communications between brains occur? This is similar to the topics Professor Sturges dealt with, isn’t it?

-I don’t know that. It’s difficult!

-This is a revolution! I can’t open your heads, but how about getting an MRI scan later?

-What?! Open my head? No! Go away!

I had never seen him so interested before. For a moment, I recalled the nasty researchers from the old lab, and it scared me a little. I also felt drained.

After that long discussion ended, I thought for a moment about what to do next.

A secret operation, its name already decided. Formulating the ‘Witch’s Hammer’ plan is the priority. We need to gather more data and distinguish the wheat from the chaff. The sabotage at the research lab is steadily progressing. Thanks to that, their research is somewhat delayed, so we have some leeway.

“There’s still time until the deal with Armas.”

“Then, we’ll need to secure more war funds.”

Since we’ve gained more Awakened personnel that can be mobilized, it’s about time we ventured into more dangerous dungeons. They’re risky, but we can earn more money than now, and if we’re lucky, even acquire 5-star equipment.

There was only one reason why we hadn’t gone there until now. It was a place difficult to conquer with just numbers. We needed powerful attackers. Just in time, a skilled mage and two friends suitable for hunting large magical beasts joined us.

“I’ll have a blast making them work!”

“We have an artilleryman and melee dealers now!”

Firearms are useful, but they alone aren’t enough. Our numbers are many, and our will is firm, but one cannot accomplish everything with just one tool. If we work with Awakened individuals possessing diverse characteristics, there’s nothing to worry about.

However, before initiating a major operation, there were still a few things to do. My friends’ personal issues. Daphne said she’d take a leave of absence and come here, and Kalia’s maternal uncle still hadn’t woken up. The attempted attack on Irene’s family was still a mystery.

“So, she decided to go?”

“She said some of her equipment is stored there. She’s going to retrieve it herself since they’re not answering calls.”

So Violet prepared to escort her friend. The destination was the Helios Clan office.