episode_0319

“The Arsiet Consortium proposes reclassifying the Ariel Group as a top-tier threat, equivalent to an Apostle.”

Cordo’s eyebrows shot up at the unexpected declaration.

Had an anti-clan terrorist organization with a strangely cheerful name become important enough to occupy the final moments of such a crucial conference?

He straightened his neck and spoke, an incredulous expression on his face.

“Chief Administrator Elena, I’m curious why you’re suddenly bringing up those rogues. We don’t have time to discuss those clone terrorists. We’re already hard-pressed to prepare countermeasures for the Apostles. I believe we’ve already covered them sufficiently in the last meeting.”

In the recently concluded meeting, the leaders of the Three Great Clans, along with their executive officers, had agreed on a cooperative system and response protocols for the emergence of Apostles.

While practical teams would iron out the details, the core was the establishment of a special anti-Apostle task force.

This would require vast resources, as it entailed selecting elites from each clan.

But why now, at a time when the Three Great Clans needed to unite against an otherworldly threat, were they concerned with human armed groups?

The woman, addressed as Administrator, gracefully swept back her dark hair, which shimmered with an ominous green aura.

“We haven’t strayed from the agenda, Cordo. This meeting is to address the Erosion Zone situation and security issues. After the recent terror attacks, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the organization, and the Arsiet Counter-Intelligence Bureau concluded that they should be assessed as a Code Omega-level threat. The Foundation also concurred after reviewing the classified information we provided. Secretary-General Pagan?”

“…Information?”

Elena’s gaze turned to the man with navy blue hair seated across from her, to Cordo’s left.

“That’s correct. They are quite threatening.”

Cordo also looked at him, sensing a subtle exchange of glances between the Secretary-General and the Chief Administrator.

Information? This was the first he was hearing of it.

A wave of displeasure spread through Cordo.

“Hah, how absurd. Has the information sharing principle gone to the dogs [a phrase used to express disgust at something being disregarded]? Did you two make a secret pact behind my family’s and clan’s backs? This is the first I’m hearing of it. Is it possible that there was no notification?”

“Commander, this is a public setting, so please calm down. You know well that no other organization can match our two in intelligence capabilities. It’s just a matter of time difference; this is naturally an issue that must be shared. Before getting agitated over this, don’t we have much to discuss regarding the Apostle research?”

“Apostle research is a separate matter!”

The leader of Lestrade’s face contorted as he faced the cold shoulder from the two clans. Suppressing his rising anger, he decided to temporarily tuck this complex situation into a deep drawer in his mind.

He could guess why the two clans had suddenly delayed information sharing.

They were probably sulking.

‘They were always obsessed with alien beings and alien technology.’

Reminding himself that this was an official setting, Cordo took a deep breath.

“Alright… I hope that information sharing happens without delay.”

The Administrator’s fingers moved gracefully in the air as if dancing, and a blue hologram bloomed like a flower in the center of the table. A cascade of numbers and a whirlwind of images poured down onto the glowing screen.

Scattered across the floor were the shattered remnants of the Magnabyss unit, countless spent casings strewn everywhere.

“While there are several possibilities regarding their identity and backers, the armed organization known as the Ariel Group first appeared at the Vittorio Arcade.”

What played were audio files collected over the past few months from anonymous hunters.

*It was a hellish sight. On one side, artillery fire tore the city apart, while on the opposite street, those madmen plunged into the fiery inferno… I’ll never forget that insane charge!*

*At that time, there was truly no hope of survival. Beasts rampaged through the streets, and the outpost collapsed. But then, a heavily armed special unit appeared from the smoke with footsteps like thunder! It was like a scene from a movie…*

“Their scale has steadily grown. During the Magnabyss attack, although clumsy, they performed combined arms tactics and acquired and operated a large number of heavy weapons.”

Images of scattered artillery shell fragments and trucks armed with heavy weapons flashed by.

“Besides these, many suspicious signs have been observed… A month ago, they even began deploying aircraft and tanks in the Erosion Zone. They were also witnessed using magic of intermediate level or higher, which they hadn’t used before. The parties involved would be aware of this, wouldn’t they? Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, that’s true. We also felt on-site that their equipment and power had improved compared to last year. But overall, their level is still far inferior to ours. If we just identify their identity and backers while preparing for surprise attacks, assassinations, and sabotage, we can immediately…”

“That’s currently true. But how long do you think that superiority will last?”

The Secretary-General cut Cordo’s droning words short with a resolute tone, as if bored.

“I understand your concerns about the Apostles, Commander, but the current situation demands a more rigorous analysis. The Ariel Group inflicted critical damage on the clan of the war hero who conquered Academy City in just six months. The fact that key Magnabyss executives and major figures from their subordinate clans were eliminated without even direct engagement clearly demonstrates their tactical superiority.

What’s even more alarming is their exponential growth curve.”

The hologram unfolded in the air, complex graphs dancing into view. Values soared along the timeline, rising towards the sky like city skyscrapers.

“Joint analysis by the Foundation and Arsiet confirms a significant improvement in the Ariel Group’s combat capabilities. According to collected data, their firepower shows a quantitative increase with every encounter. Their initial unsystematic movement patterns have evolved into highly refined tactical operations, and their close-quarters combat abilities have also seen a noticeable qualitative improvement.

Particularly noteworthy is their magic-wielding ability, which was not observed before. This suggests a fundamental change in their power structure.”

The raw truth of battle was revealed on the screen, flickering with static.

Tanks roared and charged like steel monsters, and the splitting sound of helicopter propellers echoed in their ears. Amidst the sounds of military boots, advancing soldiers had one goal: the overwhelming might of the Apostle army before them.

“Although only a few heavy equipment pieces have been confirmed, this is just the tip of the iceberg. According to the Counter-Intelligence Bureau’s analysis, the rapid advancement in equipment and dramatic improvement in operational capabilities strongly suggest the presence of a sponsoring force with considerable financial and technical power. It’s estimated that they may have already acquired fixed-wing aircraft and main battle tank-class conventional equipment, and the possibility of them possessing artifact-level weapon systems classified as high-risk cannot be ruled out.”

“Alright, I won’t deny the data itself. I understand that they are specifically threatening. But, Secretary-General, Administrator.”

Cordo, having regained his composure, clasped his hands together and gazed at them, puzzled.

“Even so, they are ultimately just humans. If we concentrate our forces, we can annihilate them. What, are you afraid of getting hurt like a bunch of girls? … Ah, Administrator. My apologies. Let’s pretend I didn’t say that.

The key is this: whoever their backers are — whether Federal Army hardliners, old noble factions, or rival corporations — Lestrade is ready to confront them at any time. Though you two don’t seem ready yet.”

Elena spoke a single word to Cordo, who was muttering as if growling.

“You won’t say that after you see this.”

“What on earth…”

“The Counter-Intelligence Bureau restored records filmed during the construction of a Magnabyss Group research facility during the serial terror attacks in the Western District eight months ago. It took some time to investigate, as the Magnabyss fellows secluded themselves in their continental stronghold. Now, I ask for everyone’s full attention.”

On the screen, distorted by crackling static, the intense battlefield unfolded vividly.

The Chief Administrator of Arsiet continued in a heavy voice.

“Witness the true power our enemy possesses.”

The Chief Administrator of Arsiet cut in with an icy voice.

“This is the true power our enemy possesses.”

On the screen, countless armed personnel were engaged in a fierce back-and-forth battle with Magnabyss security forces.

Someone broke the tension, saying, “What, it’s nothing specia—”

Before the words could even finish, the video fast-forwarded rapidly.

Soon, everyone in the conference room gasped at the breathtaking succession of scenes. Even Cordo’s mouth hung open in shock.

“My god.”

Heavy silence enveloped the conference room as time passed.

“Damn it, they can even transform?”

“Yes, that is the true identity of the monster that bit off Valefor’s arm.”

A moment later, Arsiet’s additional agenda item was unanimously approved.

**

“Damn it, it’s a miracle we didn’t provoke those bastards. If they had transformed there, we would have suffered immense damage.”

Cordo clicked his tongue. The image of the monstrous woman fighting on par with an Archmage in the video was hard to forget.

“That senile old man, he didn’t tell us anything about this…”

His annoyance lasted only a moment, then the Commander organized his thoughts.

“That technique I just saw, it looks familiar. It resembled the martial art used by those terrorists who attacked Arturia in the east recently. Wasn’t that Sycamore’s specialty?”

“Indeed, you’re quite knowledgeable about martial arts, Commander. That’s Raix-Haiburn. It’s the secret combat technique of the cursed augmented humans.”

“Is that so? Anyway, whether it’s a unique ability to create clones or some kind of replication technology, it’s been confirmed that the Ariel Group has deep ties to the Obsidian Legion.”

Cordo’s senses began to fill in the blanks, like fitting scattered pieces onto a white puzzle board.

“Obsidian Legion, huh… It’s possible that the Federal Army Intelligence bastards and Ariel are in cahoots… Though nothing is certain. Damn terrorists. Our fathers were subjected to their machinations before the Teatime Treaty. And this crap is still going on. Such pettiness from those commoners.”

“Colonel Rogers’ animosity towards us is well-known. I believe there’s no need to try to understand his stubborn attitude. More importantly, Commander-in-Chief, I’d like to have a more personal conversation now.”

The air froze at Secretary-General Pagan’s words.

A tense atmosphere filled the room, centered on the ‘Apostle,’ a treasure chest lying between the two factions.

Cordo’s stomach churned at the Secretary-General’s vexing smile. That expression reminded him of Laflaxia’s devious schemer. They say blood is thicker than water [a proverb about the strength of family ties over other relationships], indeed.

“Is it about the Apostle? We didn’t oppose research cooperation, but you refused it. Who in the world would try to monopolize a big fish caught by someone else?”

“As the Secretary-General of the Foundation, I must remain true to our fundamental ideology. Our very existence is to manage knowledge that could be harmful to the world. Apostle research can be no exception.”

“Hmph, why don’t you say Lestrade is harmful too? Once all research is complete, we will share all core data. We’ve conveyed as much to the Federation. But the Foundation is different. You hide important things all by yourselves, keeping them tightly under wraps, don’t you?”

“We have never permanently concealed information. We have always shared it with everyone once its safety has been sufficiently verified.”

A scoff echoed through the room.

“Decades later, perhaps! I’m reminded of something my late father used to say. He claimed you were hiding an alien battleship retrieved from a dungeon during the first Secretary-General’s era in the Foundation’s basement. When do you plan to reveal that?”

“There’s no such thing. I’ll take that as a joke. And Commander Cordobado.”

The Secretary-General’s gentle smile vanished, and his voice turned frosty.

“The Foundation is serious.”

“Oh, so you’re planning to send your Patent Decapitation Unit?”

“The Board of Directors is concerned about the Joint Otherworldly Organism Research Lab’s activities. Uncontrolled knowledge is a sin, and unrestrained technology is a catastrophe. You must have heard from your esteemed father about the outcome of the liberals’ delusions opening portals to other worlds.”

“How could I not know? Look here, Secretary-General. Are you looking at me as an idiot who’s fallen for primitive and barbaric ideologies like democracy? Huh?”

Seeing the enraged Commander, Pagan took a step back. He had failed to consider the disposition of the old royal lineage, who loathed liberalism and civil rights ideologies the most.

His own words could easily have been taken as sarcasm.

“Of course not. That was not my intention, my apologies.”

“Secretary-General, why are you acting like this too? Do you know how much trouble these commoners, spouting about civil rights and whatnot, are causing these days?”

The Secretary-General let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the Lestrade Commander momentarily changed the subject and began to complain about the current state of affairs.

“…Look at Magnabyss, acting so arrogant just because they were momentarily intimidated. The ignorant swine always just complain. They completely forget who they have to thank for living in peace… Tsk, tsk.”

Having finished his grumbling, Cordo glared at the Secretary-General.

“No more than research cooperation and consultation. Absolute interference in research direction or scope, or demanding the transfer of the Apostle, or samples, is out of the question. I don’t even want that Raihan fellow involved! Do you even know how much blood my subordinates shed in the process of capturing that Omega?”

The Secretary-General smiled and replied.

“That’s a reasonable point. I accept it all. I’ll also keep my immature younger brother out of the way for a while.”

“…”

Unlike his previous oppressive attitude, the Secretary-General accepted without much friction.

Cordo was puzzled by the sudden change, but after a moment of thought, he naturally realized the reason.

‘Now that I think about it, Professor Bernike and some researchers had connections with Luminex. It seems he had his own clever plan.’

Well, that much circumvention was tolerable.

It was better for things to be good.

**

After the discussion concluded, a green-haired man suddenly appeared before the two as they stepped out the door.

“Commander! You’re here! The discussion regarding Code Omega—”

Deep lines creased Cordo’s forehead. He had intentionally not invited him to the meeting, yet the fellow was persistently clinging. Seeing the Secretary-General beside him give an awkward smile, it seemed he was an unexpected guest to him as well.

“Chairman-nim! Why that woman, Bernike, of all people? Why weren’t we, Laflaxia, entrusted with this? I, we can do it! The Apostle, with us—”

Ignoring Raihan’s desperate pleas, the two men walked past him with cold stares.

“Commander! Secretary-General! Damn it, Elder Brother!”

Armored knights, who had appeared out of nowhere, waved them off with a firm gesture. The Chairman’s attendants tried to step forward at the knights’ assertive behavior, but the Chairman gestured to stop them, then smiled awkwardly and backed away.

“…”

As he retreated, Raihan turned his head one last time. Chairman Cordo and Secretary-General Pagan’s backs disappeared as soon as they rounded the corner.

Flames of anger, hot enough to melt steel, surged in his eyes.

Etched into his lingering gaze, following their retreating figures, was resentment.

Raihan stood rooted to the spot for a long time.