episode_0370

A new joy had come to the monotonous life of the Red Zone: puppies. “Woof! Woof woof!” “Pant pant pant!” Their fur came in various colors. There were black and white puppies, but most were cute little ones with soft, bright yellow fur like butter. My friend said they were a hunting dog breed. They were trained to retrieve birds, apparently, a clever breed that understood human speech well. That proved to be true. These guys were really obedient. “Whine! Play with me! Throw the ball!” “Master! Master, let’s play! Woof!”

The puppies ran around excitedly, heedless of the Red Zone’s rough terrain. Behind them, Violet-units assigned to walks ran alongside them, each taking one puppy. The speed of these V-puppies, enhanced by magic, was comparable to that of magical beasts. Their strength was probably similar too. It was astonishing that they were this strong even as small puppies; I wondered how powerful fully grown dogs would become. “Suddenly, puppies in the network?” “Yeah! Guess what, puppies are roaming around Violet Plaza.” These puppies, who had suddenly appeared during the animal rescue operation, were cuteness itself! At first, they were wary, thinking, ‘They might be friends with bad people!’ but once they were materialized, they became so obedient. “They’re good masters! The best!” Above all, they said they liked it here more than the research lab. I’d wanted to raise puppies, so this worked out perfectly. The only problem was that some of them were in quite a gruesome state.

“Our sibling is sick…” As I watched the puppies playing near the large magical beasts with the Inspector, the puppies suddenly stopped playing and started talking about their siblings. We were resting after driving away a herd of magical beasts that had had a seizure, as usual in the Red Zone. “Master, please help…” “My friend is still sick! Whine…” I remembered what Cocoa and the other monkeys had said. Among the test subjects, there was one that had served as the leader of the revolution. The moment I saw that puppy, I was shocked. Most of its fur had fallen out, and its flesh was rotting and festering. Faced with that terrible sight, my colleagues and I realized: “Anyone can see they’re Corvus infection test subjects.” “It looks that way! Poor things!” It was a heartbreaking reality. The ones who had died during experiments and been resurrected, or lost their lives fighting for freedom, had returned healthy through the network. The same was true for other rescued animals. Pus flowed freely, and blood seeped out, clearly indicating a serious condition.

“It’s strange, why are they alive? Shouldn’t they have died like us?” “Further investigation is needed, but if they survived the disease, it’s worth noting. It’s consistent with the memories of the animals you saw, right? They were isolated in one place for a long time.” “That’s true.” “That means the Foundation also considered these animals important in their own way. Of course, considering they tried to kill them as soon as the rebellion broke out, they weren’t the top priority.” The following afternoon, after returning to the continent and examining the new V-animals in the safe house, Daphne’s opinion was similar. “I’m not a professional veterinarian, but this looks like it needs immediate treatment. It seems they’re barely holding on with magic. You absolutely cannot call them healthy.” “Then treat them!” Instantly, warm green magical energy enveloped the animals. A moment later, the animals’ bodies became pristine. Their festering flesh regenerated, and lost body parts grew back.

“New fur is growing!” “I’m healthy! Woof! I’m full of energy!” The new V-animals’ external appearances recovered faster than expected. Though I didn’t know about their internal condition. There was also work to be done separately from the treatment. 「Alright, free V-animals! Listen carefully!」 When the command was given, the animals raised their heads in confusion. I decided to give them two options for their health. Before that, I needed to explain my current situation in detail. I thoroughly explained everything that had happened so far. Through the network, I vividly conveyed battle scenes and various situations to the new V-animals. “Whoa… such a thing!” “Screech! Oh my god! The Foundation truly was trash!”

Watching them, I fell into thought. Our Violet-units pursued equality and freedom, but as subordinate networks connected to the main network emerged, an unintended hierarchy seemed to form. The fact that I had to transmit information directly proved this. 「It is a bit cumbersome that the animal network is subordinate to ours.」 「Right! If we don’t give them information, they can’t receive ours.」 While free thought and action were generally guaranteed, as seen with Ruzilin’s Iron Fist and these animal friends, if one pushed their will strongly, they could be controlled like a puppeteer manipulating puppets. Of course, we rarely did that. 「Can’t it be the other way around?」 「That would be impossible.」 We had discussed that possibility before. According to the professors and doctors at the Violet Research Lab (tentative name), it was ultimately impossible. -The analogy may not be perfect, but the upper-lower network connection is similar to the blood-brain barrier. Only what is permitted can go up, and the rest is blocked. -No! That’s an inappropriate analogy. You’re making the common mistake of aether engineers. It’s better to explain it with basic physics instead of biology. Like water pressure. The pressure of the Violet network is stronger than the upward pressure of the subordinate networks. Do you understand? Upon careful consideration, it seemed that our Violet network was much more powerful, and when connected, its penetrative force was overwhelming. Anyway, I emphasized the urgent need to develop a vaccine against the Foundation’s biological weapons. 「So, I’m giving you two options!」

The first was to self-destruct and regenerate. 「If you do this, you’ll be completely free from the virus! After that, you can play to your heart’s content and then fight the enemies of freedom.」 The animals wavered at the attractive proposal. It would have been a very sweet choice for those who had suffered in the laboratory. 「The second is to maintain your current state until a vaccine or cure comes out. Your treatment will be the same as the first option, but experiments like blood draws will continue.」 Agitation spread among the V-animals. 「Escaped the lab only to be experimented on again…」 「I really hate being sick…」 My heart was heavy, but I decided not to force them. If I gave a command through the network, they couldn’t refuse, but that wasn’t what I wanted. 「That’s dictatorship!」 「Right!」 Free Violet-units must sincerely care for and look after their subordinates. That’s what makes it fair. In the tense atmosphere, the animals’ emotions traveled through the network. There was no sense of betrayal or disappointment, but rather a mix of reluctance, fear, and hesitation. Then, one animal stepped forward. 「Master! Me! I’ll do it!」 The first to raise a paw was none other than the revolution puppy. It seemed to hesitate for a moment, then wagged its tail and barked with a voice full of conviction. 「Are you really okay with this?」 「Yes! Thanks to Master, I’ve met my lost friends again, and gained freedom! Now, I want to live for Violet and the Ariel Group!」

Inspired by the puppy’s resolve, other test subjects also began to step forward, one by one. 「Yes! We gained our freedom thanks to Violet-nim!」 「My life for Violet!」 「We’ve already died once! If we can be revived anyway, I’ll gladly offer myself for the Ariel Group and animal democracy!」 My heart was touched by the sight of the animals volunteering themselves. I’d thought they were just ordinary animals, but to think they possessed such noble self-sacrifice. 「We must take revenge on those Foundation bastards!」 I was deeply moved to see almost all the animals volunteer for the experiment. 「The animals’ grace!」 「Let’s never forget it!」 We Violet-units swore right then and there. That once the fight with the Foundation ended, we would create a better future for the V-animals. These brave and wise animals would become the founding contributors of the future Violet Nation. 「Let’s also establish a V-Animal Special Autonomous Zone!」 If possible, a form of beautiful girls would be even prettier though. 「A village of free animal-beautiful girls!」

***

Thus, with the start of August, the self-proclaimed Violet Biology Research Institute began a new chapter. The current purpose of the institute’s existence was twofold: to neutralize the Foundation’s surveillance system and to develop countermeasures against mutated biological weapons. By properly disposing of the valuable items plundered from the Foundation and accepting sponsorships and various investments, funding issues were quickly resolved. From Yurik’s perspective, he couldn’t have been happier. “Are you that delighted?” “Professor-nim, please understand!” Yurik’s eyes sparkled. “How could I not be? Do you know how I feel? My goodness, it’s a real research institute building! And at my age… a director? Wow…” The three-story building, overlooking Eckhart University, was small in scale but had an impressive, clean exterior. Apparently, it was previously used by a small company for industry-academia collaboration with the university. Yurik couldn’t believe his situation. At just thirty years old, he was suddenly abducted, and then, through a series of coincidences no one else could imagine, he found himself in this bizarre situation. Then, after only a year, he became the head of such a place. Of course, it was a temporary position, and the real power lay elsewhere, but his official title was still Research Director. To him, it still felt like a dream.

Professor Albert clicked his tongue softly upon seeing Yurik, who was lost in contemplation as he watched countless pieces of equipment extracted from Luminexa and newly purchased items being moved into the research institute. It was the sight of a grown man, well past his prime, as excited as a child receiving a birthday present, but he decided not to disturb him. ‘I was like that when I was young too…’ What broke his brief reverie was the sudden sharp sound of an engine tearing through the street. A sleek black sports car slid in and came to a smooth stop. Clunk, the door opened. “So, Pereira-gun, how does it feel to move into a new building? Hm?” There stood a white-haired woman who would make anyone look twice. Her slender physique, reminiscent of a model, was clad in a white blazer, a black turtleneck, and white pants that accentuated her long legs. As striking as the contrasting outfit was the presence that perfectly carried it all off. She smiled.

“Huh? Uh, well…” Bernike smiled faintly, seeing Yurik staring blankly at her. From the man’s stammering appearance, Bernike was momentarily reminded of the clumsy engineering students she often saw in university labs. Those male students who flustered and couldn’t even hold a woman’s hand. But soon that feeling transformed into an inexplicable cuteness. Only when a mechanical tentacle extending from her back tapped his neck did Yurik snap out of it. “Oh, um… yes! Professor Bernike-nim? So, did you have something to say…?” “No, Professor Albert-nim is waiting.” Bernike glanced at her wristwatch. “Let’s move quickly. I’m also short on time. I got over ten days of vacation, but I don’t know when I’ll have to go back in.” To hide his embarrassment, Yurik quickly changed the subject. “Ah, now that you mention it, you’re talking about the test subject rampage incident, aren’t you? The mental damage was quite severe…”

“That’s right. The woman in charge was affected first. She was a magical engineer from Magnavis, brought in by the Federal Prisoner Management Program. She endured the monster’s memetic attack for a long time but eventually screamed and slit her wrist. She’s an Awakened, so that’s not enough to kill her, though.” “Oh dear… That’s terrible for whoever it was.” Bernike grumbled with a sigh. “Yes, it is terrible. Thanks to that, the joint research lab project has been somewhat delayed. Half of them dropped out right after that started. All we confirmed was that the monster was extremely sensitive to our Ariel Group. Though, thanks to that, we did find out what the Foundation has been up to. Now, Mr. Mouse? Change your boss. We’re starting to cure the disease.” As soon as she finished speaking, a whirring sound came from her back as Broca extended. The pristine white mechanical tentacle opened its pincer-like claw and plucked the mouse from her pocket as if a snake snatching prey. The mouse squirmed and cried out. “Squeak! My boss can’t take too many calls yet!”

Tsk, a voice came from behind Bernike, who was clicking her tongue. “Professor, even if your words are harsh, it seems you were quite worried about our student. Connecting us with a location, equipment, and even personnel. I’m truly grateful for that.” “Hmph, we can’t lose the rarest and most precious test subject in the world, can we?” Professor Albert’s eyes narrowed as he stared at her, arms crossed. Bernike continued, undeterred. “Anyway, others will be here soon. They are industry experts who have been doubly vetted by your clan members; obedient and intelligent. And…” Her eyes sparkled. “I hear that genius high school girl and her group are coming too?”

“Genius high school girl? Squeak? That auntie?” The V-mouse, connected to Violet, asked Bernike in a bewildered tone. “You wouldn’t know. Finding child prodigies was popular on old TV shows. That woman was a regular guest there. With titles like ‘Genius Girl Who Mastered Engineering from a Young Age!’ It was when I was in middle school, but I still remember it.” No sooner had she finished speaking than a small bus stopped on the roadside. Researchers alighted, sternly escorted by clan hunters. A young girl leading the group looked around, then spotted someone and approached with a wide smile. It was Phoebe. “Wow! Yurik Oppa! How have you been?” “Ah, yes! I’ve been well, Doctor-nim. And you?” While Violet, beyond the mouse, was bewildered, something in the form of a black-haired girl grinned widely and waved.

“What do you mean, ‘you’? ‘Doctor-nim’? Come on, ‘Oppa’? We’ve met more than once, why are you like this? Just call me Phoebe! Okay?” “No, Doctor-nim. This is a formal setting, so that’s… a bit…” Phoebe, who had been enjoying Yurik’s discomfort, suddenly frowned when she saw the stiff, hardened face of the woman standing behind Yurik. After a moment of thought, she grinned, as if realizing something. “Ah, you’re the one I’ll be working with this time! Nice to meet you, Brodman Unnie!” “…” Watching Phoebe, who stuck out her tongue slightly as she left, Bernike opened her mouth. “Professor Albert-nim? Could I have a word for a moment? Would you mind holding the mouse for me?” At her chilling tone, Violet in mouse form instantly sensed something was wrong and turned its head. When their eyes met, Professor Albert shook his head. Bernike’s two hands and a tentacle gently grasped Yurik’s hand, enveloping and pulling him. A cold sensation wrapped around his hand. Yurik was led away, dumbfounded.

A sudden question was thrown. “Pereira-gun, what’s your relationship with her?” “That person? Well, it’s nothing! She just seemed like someone with a lot of stories. So I listened to her quite often… Professor-nim?” “Pereira-gun, you know how much I value you, don’t you?” “Yes, yes. I do, but why are you asking…?” Bernike continued softly towards the hesitant Yurik. “I expect Pereira-gun to achieve great things in the future. Your research will further refine your teacher’s ideas and bring innovative change to this world. That’s why I hold Pereira-gun in such high regard.” “Yes, I remember that. I’m embarrassed, but thank you very much for the compliment—” “However, Pereira-gun, you’ll need to interact with many people for the great things ahead…” Bernike’s voice grew even softer. “Unfortunately, some people prioritize reputation over logical consistency. And that woman and her group… as you know, they have the worst reputation in the current Lustrum. Do you understand? It’s better not to get too close.”

Yurik opened his mouth to protest. “Professor-nim? I think those people were framed by the Foundation. It’s not something to speak lightly of—” Bernike’s stiff face instantly relaxed. She slowly leaned closer, whispering. “Hmph, Pereira-gun is truly a warm person, aren’t you? I understand that feeling. It might seem pitiable… I’m not criticizing. I’m just telling you to be careful. Because you are someone doing truly special work.” “…” “I apologize if I caused a misunderstanding. I just want to help. You know I’m doing this out of concern for Pereira-gun, right? There’s still so much we don’t know about that person. You understand what I mean, don’t you?” Her yellow, raptor-like eyes stared at him unmoving, piercing through him. Yurik, fumbling for words, blinked and nodded. “Yes, yes, Professor-nim…” “My point is, keep an appropriate distance. You’re intelligent, so you’ve understood me well. Hmph…” Bernike, her face completely relaxed, walked away. Violet, watching the scene from the mouse’s perspective, murmured. “That’s kind of scary.” “You saw it correctly, Violet,” Albert replied with a heavy voice. “I find it awkward why those two strange women are on our side. The professor is one thing, but to be such a bizarre woman. I admit she’s smart, but…” He sighed. “If those two are left close together, they’re bound to cause some strange trouble.” “Trouble?” “…That kind of thing exists, you see.” Violet halfway understood the professor’s concern but wondered if he was overreacting. 「It’s strange, they already have chips embedded in their heads and security spells used on them anyway.」 Violet thought. If they betray or cause trouble, she would kill them.

***

Twenty-four hours later, Professor Albert’s concerns, though different in direction, were quite accurate. “I saw Oppa’s theory! It’s truly revolutionary!” Doctor Phoebe Drexler couldn’t hide her scientific excitement as soon as she learned about the existence of Violet. Of course, to obtain that information, she had to sign security spells filled with all sorts of sanctions and threats, from imprisonment to assassination, assault, and even drum barrel submarines. “Can I help a little? Huh? Huh! Let me participate!” Bernike interjected with an irritated voice. “Doctor Drexler. You were primarily released to research countermeasures for the Corvus infection. Don’t forget that if there are no results, you can be re-detained. You know this isn’t the time to talk about such things, don’t you?” “Aiya, Unnie, what’s wrong? I know, I know!” “Furthermore, your research method is already an relic of a bygone era. Gene manipulation based on reverse transcriptase via retroviruses? Inducing cellular-level awakening through microscopic aether manipulation? The paradigm of modern artificial Awakened research focuses on brain enhancement and stimulation. Just as Raihan and I have proven. That Violet is the living proof of it.”

“Right! I don’t know what you’re saying, but did you hear that? So, Auntie, stop harping on about being an Unnie and just do your work! Make my vaccine!” As even Violet in mouse form joined the consecutive attacks, Phoebe puffed out her cheeks and pouted her lips. Just as Professor Albert felt anger at her uncharacteristic behavior and was about to stand up, Phoebe’s expression changed, and she pointed out sharply: “Okay! I admit it, Unnie. Modern science is truly amazing and fascinating~ But! Can merely injecting collective intelligence to broaden one’s thinking and strengthen neural pathways be enough? Shouldn’t we look more closely? And with the current method, you have to calibrate each person individually, right? All those non-Awakened. Are you going to seat them in chairs and work on them for dozens of minutes? Ugh! It’s too inefficient!” “…Go on.” “The current method, you see, is nothing more than plugging a 220-volt device into a 110-volt outlet! It said so in the report, didn’t it? Most of them go berserk due to network pressure, either becoming like Violet Unnie or dying. Or nothing happens at all! You don’t want to create ghouls subservient to the network, do you? Am I right?”

Yurik nodded without realizing it. Because that truly was the problem. A subtle interest entered Bernike’s eyes as well. “So what’s your conclusion?” Phoebe’s lips curved upwards, confident of victory. “What’s needed is a medium that connects the non-Awakened brain and the network, and works precisely down to every neuron! Like an adapter that connects individuals with different consciousnesses and personalities? In my opinion, if there was a regulator that could go down to the nano level and control aether at the cellular and molecular level… Ta-da! Problem solved, wouldn’t it be? We could make people into Awakened far more cheaply and in mass quantities!” “Hoh. Is that so?” Only Violet in mouse form, who hadn’t understood a word, squeaked alone. “Don’t beat around the bush, just say it directly! It’s too hard to understand!” Phoebe spun her head towards the mouse and laughed innocently. “Unnie, you can just think of it simply. A virus that turns any human into a Violet without laying a hand on them. Or perhaps a prion would be even better. Anyway, what do you think? Isn’t it completely revolutionary?” The mouse’s eyes widened. “Wow. A V-virus?” “Ding-dong-ding! A V-virus! Correct!” Bernike, who had been listening silently with a cold gaze, subtly lifted the corner of her mouth. “Truly a crazy idea.” “But interesting, isn’t it?” The two women’s eyes met for an instant in the air. Bernike fell into thought. One second, two seconds, three seconds… A strange light gleamed in her eyes. “Yes, it would be interesting. When will you start?” Yurik exclaimed, aghast. “Professor-nim!”