Chapter 115

After the successful test of the Violet Guided Bomb, we gained confidence. The Violets continuously discussed how to improve their weapons, brainstorming ideas.

“How about putting incendiary grenades in bomb vests?”

“But how will we operate them inside the dungeon?”

The discussions went on without pause. Deadly ideas for destruction and war flowed freely. Most were either useless thoughts or full of absurdities, though.

“Let’s make a catapult! We’ll use it to fling ourselves far! For wingsuit deployment!”

“That’s impossible. There are limits to catapults.”

“What about cannons then?”

67, who had been quietly listening to the temporary Violet Weapons Development Department’s discussion, chimed in.

“Stop talking nonsense. If we have a cannon, we should use it to fire shells. Why should we hurl ourselves?”

“Ugh! I have no comeback for that,”

Before 67 could finish, 3 and 46 quickly opposed with their opinions.

“The use of guided bombs should be strictly when necessary. We shouldn’t overuse them.”

“Self-destruction tactics are powerful, but we need to focus on the basics. The V-1 Rocket will be completed soon. We should also secure mortars.”

The arguments from the two Violets were valid. The Violet Guided Bomb is not omnipotent. It requires limited means like aircraft or hot air balloons to be used effectively. A battalion of artillery is also soon to be formed.

“Well, you make a good point. I shouldn’t overly rely on wingsuit self-destruction.”

Thus, the bombardment enthusiasts among the Violets were subdued in no time.

Of course, amidst countless trash ideas, some surprisingly decent suggestions emerged.

“How about trying to make a tank? Not now, but later!”

“What? What kind of nonsense is that?”

Everyone was taken aback by 112’s fanciful thoughts drifting through the Violet Network.

“No, listen to me. There are plenty of welding technicians and vehicle experts working in the Brotherhood. We can ask them to modify cars later. Or we could learn the skills ourselves to do it.”

“That was already concluded before. We decided to make an armed truck.”

112 shook its head, conveying its unwillingness to back down and expressed its opinion more assertively.

“Will just a truck be enough? Let’s modify a bulldozer or a forklift. They have tracks and are powerful. We could cover them with armor and equip them with weapons. What do you think?”

“A bulldozer? That sounds somewhat plausible.”

“Will just armor plating be enough? Let’s inscribe defensive magic formulas. We’ll ask Lucian to do it. He’s smart, so he’ll be helpful.”

“If we can get cannons or missiles, or large magical artifact weapons, we could mount them and use them. Good!”

New plans for innovative weapons were conceptualized and recorded, soon to be filed away. While they can’t be used right now, they might come out later to see the light of day.

“Lastly, let me add a word. What do you think about moving the workshop?”

The Violets in charge of explosive manufacturing brought up their opinion.

“While making bombs, I felt that we should move soon. Seeing the shooting practice on that deserted island made me think it’d be nice to work outside the island.”

“What about electricity?”

“We’ll just use a generator.”

“Then, let’s pick a day to scout out a deserted island. There are plenty out there anyway. Besides, I was looking for a place to bury drums.”

Everyone quickly agreed on the workshop relocation plan. Now, there would be a place where they could test weapons without worrying about being seen. They could also conduct shooting training outside.

*

Let’s take a moment to switch the perspective and check the internal situation of the Academy City. While the Violets worked hard outside the Rust Room Archipelago, those inside the Academy City were also engrossed in their tasks.

“Delivery starting!”

“Is this the right way? The direction is kinda vague.”

“We’re going the right way.”

56 and 128 were riding a motorcycle heading for their destination. It was delivery work.

Our delivery and food transport, which had started when we first utilized our clone abilities, had grown larger than expected. Of course, it was essential to wrap ourselves up tightly to avoid getting caught, and recently, they’ve even been wearing Recognition Interference Devices.

“This smells good. Can I sneak a bite?”

128, who was driving the motorcycle, grumbled.

“No! Then we won’t get paid.”

When 486 pointed this out, 128 replied.

“I was just joking. And who are you to tell me what to do? You’re not working!”

“But I’m still on standby. Everyone else is active.”

Hearing that, 128 seemed to be at a loss for words and closed its mouth. 486 was indeed a standby.

Currently, the number of newly generated Violets exceeds 500.

However, this number counts the “consciousness of generated Violets.” The actual number of Violets moving about in physical bodies is only about half that. Violets without physical bodies roam the Violet Network on standby.

The discrepancy between the number of Violet consciousness and the number of active bodies is simple. They had been producing physical bodies like crazy while keeping a reserve of magical power.

Bodies in hibernation don’t need to consume food, so they can be left unattended. This helps save on food costs and creates extra space, which is why most bodies are currently in hibernation.

In the basement of the building and warehouse where the Violets reside, hundreds of newly created hibernating bodies are neatly arranged on shelves, wrapped in plastic. These bodies are fully prepared to rise all at once for significant events in the future.

Meanwhile, the newly generated consciousness heads straight for the Violet Network as soon as the body undergoes hibernation.

When people think of a mental realm, they often envision a void or a dull waiting lounge, but the Violet Network is different. To put it in real-world terms, this place resembles a department store where you can freely enjoy what’s presented to you at no cost.

Inside the network is a ladder of emotions and a road where sensations and pleasures flow in real-time—a conveyor belt. Violets on standby can peruse the network and select whatever they desire, like picking sushi off a revolving belt.

For example, right now, 89, who is waiting in the network, can experience the taste and temperature of the ramen 12 is eating, the texture of the broth gliding over the tongue, and the sensation of noodles chewed between teeth. 511 and 280 savor the sweetness of the ice cream being enjoyed by 1. 320, during a game, takes over the control from 120 to engage in play.

If all this feels boring or you have nothing to do, you can simply wait inside the Violet Network. Being a mental space, you can manipulate the environment like in a lucid dream.

The current interior of the Violet Network resembles a modern international airport.

“Let’s change the design a bit. This time, we’re going for a medieval concept!”

Leading the charge, Violet 195 and a series of other Violets began redecorating the inside of the network, as I thought this background had been used for far too long.

The sleekly designed international airport slowly began to warp and twist. The surrounding colors changed, and the floor and structures repeatedly vanished and reappeared.

“Pirate fortress complete!”

Before long, the consciousnesses of the Violets donned pirate attire and sat in a tavern at a port bustling with sailing ships. Pirate ships adorned with flags bearing Violet’s faces frequented the docks. Just like RPG players spend time in the plaza, the Violets waited, watching the antics of others.

“Ugh, this is tiring.”

One Violet murmured, pointing to a corner of the tavern. A wall-mounted TV seemed out of place in this medieval-themed establishment.

On the screen, Violet 5 was learning magic from Professor Albert.

-Oh dear, you fool. Try doing the calculations a bit faster. Stop focusing on increasing the power of the magic bolt and get used to the mechanism.

-Strange, you struggle with such simple calculations and yet, when it’s time to use them, you succeed without a hitch. What a weird one.

Professor Albert muttered while observing me with a bewildered expression. As I switched channels, the screen changed to 230 engaged in a fierce sword duel with Instructor Frederick.

-That’s good, but how many times have you fallen for that trick already? I’ve told you countless times not to just follow the paths of the weapons.

-Okay. Let’s start again.

“The instructor is really something. How does he know all those weapon techniques?”

“Well, he’s from the first generation. He’s an old hand at this.”

That way, we spent our time waiting until we could swap our bodies with another Violet.

“This is the security team; a friend has arrived. Go meet them.”

“Oh, it’s finally my turn. I’m off!”

215, who was dozing off in a chair, vanished into the physical body in reality, crossing over through the network. After exchanging minds with 347, I recognized the familiar girl ringing the doorbell in front of our house in the Central District.

Her golden eyes were staring at the camera at the door. The girl with purple hair looked like she was quite tired.

“So, you finally made it to our house.”

Standing in front of me was Irene, carrying a bag.

“You’re here! I’m 215.”

“I see, 215. Thank you so much for offering to help. So, sorry to bother you…”

“I told you, what’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s those guys who are the bad ones! I’m okay. There’s plenty of room at my house. Come along!”

I grabbed my friend’s bag and headed for the dormitory building.

Today, while the Violets were testing the guided bombs, a new tenant had arrived. The identity of the tenant is Irene.

Having lost her home and reduced to an impoverished state, Irene had finally moved into our place.