episode_0379

—Hum!

A low hum sliced through the desolate darkness, tickling his ears.

It had been a long-awaited moment of leisure after inspecting the recovery site. Yet, the Financial Director, who had been catching some sleep at home, furrowed his brows. With a pained groan, he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze drawn to the phone on the shelf.

‘What is it, at this hour…’

The moment he habitually reached out, his movement stopped, a sensation as if he were bound. He instantly snapped his eyes open, checking his situation. His limbs were firmly secured to the bed frame. But an even more chilling sight awaited him.

“You’re awake!” “Uncle’s awake!”

Voices rang out in the exact same tone, without a single error. Golden hair, reflecting the moonlight, shimmered like a field of wheat, as tiny girls, identical in appearance, surrounded the bed. The Director’s pupils trembled. It didn’t take him even a second to realize their identity.

‘Impossible! Weren’t they all dead? No, is it another hive? How could they…’

Fortunately—no, unfortunately—his chaotic thoughts didn’t last long. What he saw first was a tool glinting coldly in the moonlight. The small girls smiled ferociously as they encircled the bed.

“Muffled cries! Gagging!”

Just then, one of the little Violets’ gazes fell on the phone on the shelf. She looked at the Director, then with a cunning smile, she removed his gag.

“So, do you have anything to say?” “…Don’t think the Foundation will fall just by killing one of me.”

At the resolute reply, Violet grinned. This time, she even used tape to completely seal the man’s mouth. Without time to question, the flapping of wings cut through the quiet air.

“Is this enough?” At her owner’s question, the parrot perched on her shoulder clearly squawked, “Good, um… hm! Ready!”

The Financial Director’s eyes trembled with terror. Cold sweat trickled down his spine at the bizarre sight of his own voice emanating from a beast’s throat. Violet, with a triumphant smile, took the phone and went to the living room. The conversation that followed left the Director in utter horror.

“Yes, that’s right! It’s me. Understood…”

While the Director was grappling with his desperate situation, the little Violets, unconcerned, moved to the next step. The girl by his head firmly gripped his temple with a cold hand. Realizing the intentions of the clones, the Director twisted his limbs, struggling frantically.

“Stay still. You can live cutely if you do.” “That’s right! That’s right!”

The little Violets looked puzzled. They simply couldn’t understand why he was so afraid. Even alien beings and elite agents were living peacefully within their network, maintaining their past memories and individual identities. It was just that this new self, Violet, took precedence over all their past identities.

“Just think of it as becoming our citizen!”

A strange emotion flickered in a corner of Violet’s mind. A thought that perhaps this foolish being should be saved. She couldn’t understand why such a feeling had bloomed. She hesitated for a moment at the eerie sensation within herself, but then her resolve quickly firmed.

“Well… it won’t hurt!”

As Violet activated her unique ability, etheric waves vibrated the air. A chilling sensation burrowed into the man’s head, sweeping through his mind. As the ether penetrated his brain and into his central nervous system, a grotesque scream erupted from the Director’s gagged mouth.

“Choking screams! Choking!”

In a flash, a spark flared from the back of the Director’s head. A short, simple pattern manifested instantly.

—Boom!

The Director’s head exploded, scattering a red mist. The little Violets, covered in debris, puffed out their cheeks as they stared at the gruesome corpse. The assimilation had failed; the network had only managed to salvage fragmented pieces of memory.

“Damn it! Looks like they put something like this in to prevent unique abilities. How thorough.”

The little Violets thought the Foundation was indeed meticulous to a fault. They had expected an easy assimilation, but it seemed the Foundation’s key personnel, perhaps sensing danger after the Circliff Incident, had all implanted such self-destruct devices in their heads. Because of this, Violet had hardly ever been able to properly utilize her newly acquired assimilation ability.

“How infuriating! They hate the idea of becoming us so much?” “They’d rather die than become Violet! What anti-democratic brats!”

Disappointed, the little ones ransacked the house. They had succeeded in collecting some fragmented memories, but it was still regrettable that they couldn’t incorporate one of the enemy leaders into their network.

“All Violets, listen!” the Collective Consciousness Command declared in a firm tone.

“Since they wish to die, we shall dutifully grant them that wish!”

***

The August offensive began with surprise attacks by animal strike forces scattered across the country. Animals, mass-produced in laboratories and exploding in numbers, simultaneously assaulted bases using various tactics.

“That day shall come!”

In the darkness, the light of magic circles began to twinkle like stars. It was a result of their own interpretation of the mysteries of creation and anti-creation. The magic circles, drawn using reagents and a few chemicals, were not easily detected by those on site until a large amount of mana was injected and activated. For smaller animals, casting magic brought a fatal side effect: their bodies burned from the ether, but the practitioners didn’t bat an eye.

“By my sacrifice! The advent of paradise draws near!” “Charge!!”

The V-animals did not hesitate to burn their own bodies to summon comrades. Enduring pain for a moment for victory was nothing. Furthermore, the numbers and quality of the V-animals now were incomparable to before.

“Gather! Scatter! Charge! Disperse!”

The animals, having inherited Violet’s tactics and combat experience, moved nimbly as if they were a single organism. The combat capability of each individual V-animal clearly had limitations. Four-legged beasts couldn’t use human tools, and winged creatures lacked combat power. Rats were too small. Monkeys could handle tools, but their size limitations were clear. However, the animals perfectly overcame all these shortcomings through precise coordination via their network.

As agents moved to defensive positions, a sharp pain suddenly flashed through their ankles. It was the moment they screamed in pain and collapsed.

“Kneel! Inferior humans!” “Aaaah!” “You are not worthy to stand on two feet!”

Swarms of rats, having taken cover in blind spots and shadows, mercilessly attacked ankles and insteps, systematically disabling the soldiers’ movements. As agents quickly assessed the situation and tried to stomp on the rats, a glowing light poured down on their heads. Melting beams, shot by crows burning their own bodies, rained down, and in that gap, lightning whips fiercely lashed through passages and pathways.

As the agents, barely avoiding the successive attacks, retreated, nimble four-legged beasts plunged in like wedges.

“Meow!”

An agent, catching the red trajectory flying through the air, reflexively raised his sword. The pressure of the violent collision traveled through the sword to his grip. In an instant, three or four sword strikes crossed in the air. The cat, whose ambush failed, gathered its remaining strength, spun, kicked off the wall, and retreated. Using the ceiling as a springboard, it launched another fierce attack. Two mana-infused sword strikes clashed in mid-air, sparking. Ember scattered in all directions, escalating the fighting spirit.

“Growl!”

Dogs rushed forward and latched on, trying to bite their ankles again. As their attention was diverted, swarms of rats poured in. A dozen or so fell to the barrage of bullets and plasma, but one survivor leaped like an arrow, plunging a dagger deep into an agent’s shoulder. A black shadow fell over the disoriented agent’s head. A red trajectory, extending from the cat’s claws, grazed his helmet.

—Slice!

A comrade fell to the coordinated attack of the beast pack. The agent next to him, aiming for a counterattack, quickly kicked the cat and raised his left hand. The launcher on his wrist whirred open, ready to fire flames. But just before he could pull the trigger, a precise bolt pierced his wrist. Why? As pain and bewilderment mixed, warning signs belatedly appeared in the agent’s trembling pupils.

“Ugh!”

In the falling agent’s visor, the enemy’s figure was belatedly magnified. Crossbow-wielding monkeys continuously rained down suppressive fire from high ground. The animals, having inherited their master’s combat experience, understood deep in their bones that attack was the best defense and the only option.

And it wasn’t only the V-animals who precisely understood their limitations.

[All enemies identified as familiars. Analysis of their armament and numbers indicates a 75% or higher probability that they are the remaining main force of the enemy’s remnant faction.]

The Foundation’s control algorithm derived a cold analysis based on information collected from the field.

[The patterns and attack methods observed at each stronghold appear chaotic. Presumed to be a diversionary tactic carried out in place of clones.]

The Foundation recalled the memory of the previous night raid. This was clearly a diversionary operation.

“Calmly focus on defense! They’re just animals, after all. We can push them head-on!”

The field commanders’ judgment was also accurate. The fierce offensive of the animals reached its limit within 30 minutes. The Foundation’s forces, accustomed to familiar attacks and guerrilla warfare, held their defensive line firm, sacrificing a few, and began to reorganize for a counterattack. While reinforcements steadily arrived via the interdiction corridors and the sky, the wave-like surprise attack lost its momentum as if it had hit a breakwater.

And then, the Foundation’s full-scale counterattack began.

—Crackle!

A massive lightning bolt struck between the airfield and the hangar. The monkey squad, which had been holding out, instantly turned to ash and dust. Multi-legged walkers, equipped with enormous coils and cannons, steadily approached, escorted by hunters, burning the resistance. The V-animals’ desperate gunfire and magic flew in bright streaks but were futile. The semicircular energy barrier and thick armor surrounding the walkers deflected every attack to a frustrating degree. A heavy operational hum; the turret rotated again.

—Zap!

A bluish-white laser and electric discharge once again burned the enemy. The fatal weakness of insufficient mass and firepower was a colossal wall that could not be overcome.

—Thud! “Screech!”

The ironclad defensive line of newly deployed tactical androids also blocked sharp claws and teeth. The swords of rats and monkeys embedded in the armor, then stopped. The robots, with overwhelming strength and durability incomparable to older models, pushed into the enemy lines. The battle formation, combining vehicles, humans, and unmanned machines, advanced as solidly as a moving fortress.

“Retreat! Retreat!”

The beasts scurried about, desperately fleeing. Slowly, as if herding prey, the Foundation’s agents successfully pressured the familiars of the terrorist organization at each stronghold.

“Reports are coming in from each stronghold. We are successfully suppressing them.” “What about the other Directors?” “They are currently returning. The Financial Director stated he is currently en route from his residence, and the rest are managing the situation from the control room in Lustroom.”

As the night deepened, the Board of Directors meticulously reviewed the continuous data streaming in from various locations. Information compiled and organized by the control algorithm ceaselessly appeared on their retinas.

“What about the defense and troop deployment at each stronghold?” “It’s progressing smoothly. One Hellman unit is already preparing for deployment above eastern Lustroom. It can be deployed immediately if any high-ranking enemy personnel appear!”

Past experience had made Luminexa move with even greater caution. A too-typical attack method. The Foundation had identified approximately four elite executives. Where they would appear was the key. While the defensive forces in each sector prepared thoroughly, the agents of the Containment Enforcement Department stationed at the offshore base also heightened their vigilance.

“Preparation is complete, Director 02, please take command.” “…We will not fail this time.”

The Board of Directors once again transferred command. Director Kwabna Nkrumah gritted his teeth and took overall command.

“They’ve invented a new infiltration method. Not a single rat inside will be tolerated, so activate all detection systems to maximum. If anything is even slightly suspicious, do not take it lightly; take pre-emptive action. Over!”

Five Nemesis Protocol terminals floated in the air. Each terminal, resembling a flower bud, monitored the interior of the platform meticulously with various wing-like detection devices. Next-generation androids, multi-legged walkers, and anti-gravity hover tanks armed with thick armor moved into defensive positions across the offshore platforms and artificial islands.

“Air force?” “Drone squadrons and modified beast squadrons are on patrol flights.”

Their objective was clear. Some of the assaulted strongholds contained terminal access rooms. But preparations were already complete.

The Secretary-General watched all this unfold, muttering coldly.

“Let them come, if they dare.”

The Foundation was confident. We are ready, with the power of advanced science. And here, too, is humanity’s history-proven greatest warrior.

That was true until the next moment, when the Nemesis surveillance network detected countless red dots.

—Screech!

“Unknown mana signature detected!”

Beginning with the alarm from the protocol terminals, the operator shrieked as if in agony. Countless red dots flared up like sparks from the sea around the base. The red dots’ signals rapidly approached.

“Detected on A-01 platform!” “Also detecting on the experimental vessel! The signal is increasing rapidly…”

On the holographic map displaying the status of the X-B29 offshore base, dots began to appear one by one. Signals projected by the control algorithm spread out like constellations.

‘Have they even figured out our location already?’

Director Kwabna Nkrumah drew a cold breath. Their intelligence network seemed to be deeper than he had imagined.

“It seems the Ariel Group has cultivated marine familiars too. Prepare depth charges. All forces adjacent to the signal are to open fire immediately upon identifying hostile organisms and—” “Target identification confirmed, not familiars! They are humans!” “What did you say?!”

At the unexpected report, the command center froze. In that brief moment, red dots erupted continuously within the platform. In the residential area, in the laboratories, in the hangars. Their total number was small, but they rapidly increased everywhere. One, ten, a hundred…

“Control algorithm is analyzing mana patterns. This mana value is…”

It was at that moment a dot also appeared at the location of the X-B29 offshore base’s command and control center.

[Match rate 87% or higher, similar to Ariel Group clones—]

The operator muttered blankly.

“It’s, it’s here too.” “What?!”

The ceiling collapsed as if exploding.

—Crash!

A single girl tumbled and rolled into the center of the command and control room. Dropped amidst the cold, serious adults, the girl innocently surveyed her surroundings with bright red eyes, then touched the mask covering her nose and chin, before giving an embarrassed laugh.

“Ugh, busted. My transformation isn’t even finished yet…”

The little Violet playfully winked. Thanks to that, she confirmed that growing with mana revealed her.

“Kill her!”

The guards’ ruthless blades cut the girl’s form in two. The severed corpse rolled on the floor, slowly disintegrating into red particles. Everyone present knew too well what that sight meant. One of the flustered Directors screamed.

“No, this is impossible! Control algorithm, recalculate the patterns! They’re dead! This must be an error!”

As if refuting his denial, screams surged from all directions within the control room.

[Multiple armed personnel appearing on A-01 production platform!] [Explosion occurred on CB-113 vessel!] [They’ve assaulted us! Oh, my God! It’s them!]

Director Kwabna Nkrumah had to accept the unavoidable reality. They were back. The enemies the Foundation had thrown into hell, crossing forbidden lines by any means necessary.

“Secretary-General, they’re here.”

What appeared on the screen now were girls in black combat suits, wielding familiar-colored red sword energy, cutting down allied forces. This swarm of human-shaped pests had once again set foot in the Foundation’s territory.

The Secretary-General muttered with a hardened face.

“Yes, it’s them.”

How they had avoided satellite surveillance, how they had survived—there were many questions. But what needed to be done now was clear.

“Code Black activated. Disperse the virus.”

Director Kwabna Nkrumah’s command was issued. Canister rounds, prepared for such an emergency, rained down on every detected enemy location. As the shells exploded, the black mist of death, specially formulated to eradicate pests, spread thickly along the guided devices.

“Die! You bastards!”

The combatants were convinced that these terrorists would collapse right before their eyes.

“Upon confirmation of their incapacitation, immediately move in for a kill shot. And then—”

The hope that had been so full was shattered before their eyes.

—Bang bang bang!

The Ariel Group’s clones calmly ran out, unharmed, slicing through the black smoke.

“My God. How?”

The control algorithm spit out the results in an emotionless mechanical voice.

[Ariel Group virus action result confirmed. Corvus pathogen deactivated.]

The Secretary-General and the members of the Board of Directors gasped, their mouths agape in shock. A dull thud was heard. Director Kwabna Nkrumah looked back and saw one of the executives standing behind him slump weakly to the ground. He remembered him as probably the research director from Laplacian.

[Reporting! The Corvus pathogen is not working at all! They are completely unharmed!] [Useless! They are immune! They are completely immune! No! Aaaaargh!]

Amidst the desperate reports from the agents, someone muttered with a voice full of dread.

“These devils, how on earth did they survive?” “Isn’t it possible their clones evolved to withstand the virus? Just like those test subjects!”

Amidst the uproar, Director Kwabna Nkrumah recalled an ominous possibility. Dr. Drexler and the Selexis Nano Lab researchers, whom they believed had been taken by the enemy. And the presumed sponsors who had been there all this time.

‘Could it be?’

But there was no more time to think. The enemies had reappeared at the most crucial time, in the most crucial place. There was no room for complacency.

The Board of Directors, at this moment that might be their final battle, gathered all their strength with resolute determination.

Human-shaped monsters were coming.

“Yes, it’s not over yet.”

Though she didn’t hear the Board of Directors’ words, Violet was thinking something similar.

“This is just the beginning!”

Above the Violets, who emerged majestically through the viral gas, a violent explosion echoed. The dark sky glowed brightly like fireworks due to the exchange of fire from vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and drones.

“What about the Inspectors?” “They’ll come in once we secure air superiority!”

Violet smiled, confident of victory. Now that they had identified the enemy leaders, all that was left was to crush them all. Command saw countless red dots surging like a tide across the tactical map.

“Oh, this might be an equal fight?”

For a little Violet to grow into a body suitable for combat, she needed to invest the same amount of mana required for clone creation one more time. Thus, creating one combat-ready Violet consumed enough mana to create two little Violets. Looking up, enemy forces surged like waves from all directions of the vast base. At their forefront was a familiar figure of a swordsman. The man in white armor, wielding a cutlass. The monstrous bio-weapon of the Foundation.

Violet grinned and drew her ultimate weapon. A dark, two-handed sword taller than herself. The Death Throes of Grief slowly emerged from empty space, glinting ominously amidst the gunfire and flashes of magic.

“Alright, let’s fight, Swordsman!”

Thanks to the Director’s memories, she roughly knew what that was now. There was no hesitation. They had returned from death. The Ariel Group had returned after a long journey. Even adapting to the most fatal death aimed at them. To plunge a sword into the Foundation’s dream.

“Charge!”

One-ton guided bombs evaded interception and plunged from the sky. Beneath the devastation of close-range aerial combat, the fire of the two forces clashed fiercely.

“If they don’t surrender, kill them all!” “It’s either join us or die!”