Chapter 205

It took a long time to prepare to counter Rigel’s group’s conspiracy.

As the Year-End Party drew near, the Violets checked their plans.

“How’s the status of the weapons and ammunition?”

“We’re good to fight at least once! But if it turns into a full-scale battle, we’ll run out immediately.”

The ammunition was the problem.

Once we handle the clan issues and transfer students, we should make some money and buy bullets and explosive materials again.

“Should we arrange another meeting with Armas?”

“After the work’s done, we can ask a friend for help! We can also get ammunition through the clan.”

“Right. That sounds good!”

Once the work is over, we should be able to procure weapons and ammunition more reliably through Helios.

Of course, for some gear, going through Armas might be faster.

Violet-1670 pointed this out.

“Once the work is done, let’s switch to new weapons and armor! Remember how good the Helios people looked when we went to the dungeon last time?”

During this time, our Violets had been using weapons we sneakily acquired at the academy.

They performed reliably, but that was all.

Based on our experiences thus far, there were definitely qualitative differences even among 3-star and 4-star equipment.

“There’ll be no resting even after it’s over.”

The topic of discussion among the Violets soon shifted.

“By the way, how’s Irene doing?”

“She’s calm now.”

Everything had gone well, but there were still many shortcomings.

It wouldn’t be easy for her to accept the results.

In fact, it was our fervent persuasion that allowed her to undergo surgery.

“Irene, think about it! Running across the land with a steel body! The power to destroy monsters with overwhelming force!”

“Is, is this really possible? But…”

“Trust us!”

Thanks to the researchers and technicians we captured on site, we were able to obtain positive results.

“Everything else is finished. Now let’s wait and prepare until the Year-End Party.”

“By the way, the Scholarship Officer is supposed to help us, right?”

“Yeah! They seem to know what kind of weapons Laplacian might support us with. It’s a very risky deal.”

We need to be cautious.

Stregonics was a weapon that appeared in Part 1, so I was familiar with it, but I couldn’t even guess what weapon Laplacian was supporting us with now.

“There’s a high probability it’s a biological weapon, right?”

We’re diligently listening in and tailing them, but it seems Rigel’s group also doesn’t know exactly what weapon it is.

“Everyone, don’t let your guard down!”

We’ve prepared this much, so there shouldn’t be a chance of failure, but complacency is forbidden.

As time passed, the day of the Year-End Party arrived.

In the late afternoon, the banquet hall where the Year-End Party was held was bustling with people.

The lavish decorations and numerous tables exuded an exotic feel.

Dressed in formal attire, men and women hurriedly moved between the tables, engaged in conversation, while waiters bustled around with plates and trays.

“This Year-End Party feels different somehow.”

Morgan said to Viktor as he looked around.

“Yeah, it does. Even though the results weren’t good this year.”

The two exchanged meaningful glances while watching Rigel, who had arrived early and was chatting with others.

The story the captain’s daughter told them last night lingered in their minds.

“I think Irene’s right. Rigel is planning something here.”

Originally, this event aimed to introduce the year’s achievements and foster camaraderie among high-ranking officials and guests had been somewhat downscaled due to recent poor results.

However, this year’s event was unusually large. Who would have thought they’d rent such an unnecessarily large venue?

“I’m glad we called the operation team to wait nearby.”

As usual, Morgan threw a question at the man in front of him.

“By the way, why are you here when you said you’d quit?”

“I… I don’t know. I was just told it’s better to have the members wait outside.”

Morgan clicked his tongue, seeing Viktor downing his champagne carelessly.

“Whoa!”

“Hey, be careful!”

Morgan grumbled.

A female waiter awkwardly backed away, flustered.

As everyone gathered, the host finally appeared to announce the start of the event.

First, a brief introduction of the clan’s achievements and performance for the year followed.

“Oh dear, still not recovered, huh?”

“We’re in big trouble. How did it come to this?”

The audience, seeing the projected materials displayed in front of the banquet hall, clapped half-heartedly, wrapped in silence.

The people gathered there weren’t ones who couldn’t read the clumsy fabrications displayed.

The lack of substantiated reports reflected the clan’s deteriorating condition.

“My, my…”

Morgan, hearing someone mumble in embarrassment, lowered his head.

After several presentations concluded, the atmosphere became subdued, and the host cleared his throat to attract attention.

“Ahem! Now, before we proceed with the main event, we have something to hear from Mr. Rigel Solstice. Please welcome him with applause!”

Before the words finished, Rigel, clad in white formal wear, appeared on stage.

After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth.

“Everyone, there’s an important reason I gathered you all here today.”

Taking a calm breath, he continued as if he never hesitated.

“Unfortunately, now is the time to face reality. It’s a bit discouraging to speak of such unfortunate matters at year-end, but let’s be honest. Our clan is in crisis!”

The expressions of the crowd stiffened.

They hadn’t expected someone to openly discuss bad news during the Year-End Party.

“My brother, the clan leader. The chief executive officer is currently in a state of unconsciousness. The board of directors is divided, and the morale of the employees is at an all-time low. In situations like this, we need to unite as one.”

An elderly official from the conservative faction shouted.

“So! What do you expect us to do? Do you think you can take over as the leader?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“What…?”

“Therefore, I dare to declare in this place that our clan, Helios Frontier Services, needs a new leader! With my shares and authority as a director, I propose we hold a temporary assembly immediately. I ask you all to grant me management rights right here. I will do my utmost to lead the company!”

The unexpected declaration turned the faces of those gathered in the banquet hall pale.

“What? Are you crazy?”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Excuse me, but I don’t think this is the time for such talks…”

As the crowd began to murmur, Rigel suddenly burst into laughter.

“I knew this would happen. In your minds, you’re still obsessed with that guy, right? You still miss that half-dead man?”

“What…?”

At the sudden outburst, those below the stage looked bewildered, and Rigel wiped the smile off his face, adopting a stern tone.

“Let’s begin.”

-Boom!

As the signal was given, masked hunters and mercenaries burst into the hall.

They swiftly surrounded the crowd and locked the doors.

“Get down! Put down your weapons!”

Screams and panicked voices echoed. The waitstaff and employees in the banquet hall fell flat in shock.

“Please! Don’t kill me!”

“Ahhh! Save me!”

Even among the invited guests, terrified cries erupted.

The faces of the officials also stiffened.

“What, what’s going on? Who are those people?”

“They’re armed! Could this be a terrorist attack…?”

Amid the chaos, the Year-End Party erupted into turmoil. The banquet hall quickly divided into two factions with arms drawn.

On one side were Rigel’s relatives and faction members gathered around him.

On the other, the people facing off against the encirclement of hunters.

Morgan and Viktor, in shock, looked at each other.

“Could it be…?”

“It’s what Irene warned us about.”

They both let out a restrained breath.

As they looked around, they noticed some people, like themselves, silently observing the situation as if they had been given a prior tip.

However, not everyone was able to calmly accept the situation.

Amidst the confusion, one person raised their trembling voice.

“W, what’s going on here?”

Rigel sneered.

“What’s going on? It seems you still don’t grasp the situation, so let me make it clear. Everyone with shares, immediately transfer them to me. And sign this document without delay.”

Rigel’s secretary walked up from behind, holding documents.

An assassin from the conservative faction shouted.

“Rigel! You inferior fool! Are you playing games? Do you really think signing this will make you the CEO of the clan?”

His words were immediately cut off by the crossbows and swords aimed threateningly.

“It seems you still don’t understand. If you refuse to cooperate, you won’t be leaving here in one piece. And…”

“Everyone, charge—”

As the frontlining hunters charged forward, Rigel coldly threatened.

“It’s best you don’t think about resisting.”

At that moment, several of the encircling mercenaries suddenly inflated like balloons.

-Boom!

“Gahk…!”

Everything happened in an instant. The assailing hunters were subdued and thrown to the ground.

“Monsters!”

What took down the hunters appeared to be creatures resembling monsters.

Red behemoths, boasting a grotesque figure three meters in height, threatened the people with their sharp claws and appendages.

“With this level, they won’t be able to resist at all. Now, everyone, make your choice. Will you sign? Or will you speak?”

As Rigel scoffed, the mercenaries threatenedly aimed their weapons.

The faces of those who realized the situation turned pale.

“W, what is this! Are you insane?”

“Please stop! Let our families go!”

As someone screamed in despair, Rigel and his followers smirked coldly.

Cries of despair and wails surged one by one.

“It seems we’ve really stepped in it. Isn’t that right? Even if we call the members, we can’t prevent the damage.”

“Are you giving up already? For now…”

While Viktor smiled wryly, Morgan was trying to quickly summon the excavation team.

If not for the waiter who was lying flat at their feet stopping him.

“…Irene! Later!”

“…?”

As Morgan hesitated at the unexpected detainment, the situation changed.

-Crash!

The ceiling of the banquet hall exploded. Two shadowy figures struck the monsters down.

“!”

“Kraaaah!”

The red monsters shattered to pieces.

At the same time, a crowd clad in black combat uniforms spilled out from beneath the shattered floor.

-Swish!

“It’s an ambush!”

Simultaneously, the waiters who were lying flat on the floor ripped off their wigs and masks.

The waiters charged towards Rigel’s direction.

“Attack!”

“They’re enemies too! Stop them! Aaaah!”

The mercenaries began to fall one by one.

Rigel, with a shocked expression, gazed across the banquet hall.

“…Ariel Group! What are you doing here!”

Just as he was about to panic, his wife barely pulled him back to reality.

“Dear! Get a grip!”

“Ah, got it. I won’t try to persuade you anymore. Kill them! Fire! Shoot!”

As the command was given, his subordinates immediately squeezed the triggers.

Bullets and bolts ricocheted off a light green protective shield and fell helplessly to the floor.

“Oh my god… What the hell is that!”

Rigel’s golden eyes trembled violently at the unexpected barrier.

And as if to put a period on this chaos, the main entrance of the banquet hall shattered.

From the broken door, a golden light radiated like the sun, enveloping the people.

“Thank you, Daphne, for protecting everyone.”

“You’re welcome!”

A girl with violet hair, holding a spear, stepped forward.

“Violet. Subdue everyone except one person.”

“Got it!”

The Violet Squad and Irene charged across the banquet hall.

The core of this operation was simple. Disguise and infiltration!

The day before the Year-End Party, a group of Violets laid clones on the banquet hall floor.

Of course, this alone wasn’t enough.

“I investigated the place and company where this Year-End Party is happening.”

At Irene’s request, our Violets underwent various complex procedures to masquerade as waitstaff.

Insoles and makeup. Wigs and silicone masks. Adding the power of the Recognition Interference Device operated at minimal output, we could deceive people temporarily.

Thus, the waiter Violets awaited the signal.

With Seijis and Sophie El breaking in from the ceiling and cutting down the monsters from Laplacian, everything came to an end.

“Let’s capture them alive!”

Thanks to that, Rigel’s group, caught unawares, was subdued one by one.

“Let go of me! Let me go!”

“Ahhh! My leg! Don’t bite me!”

As the Violets subdued the people, Irene, who had charged ahead, quickly took down several relatives blocking her path and reached Rigel.

“Irene! You filthy girl! How could you team up with a terrorist!”

Irene paid no mind to her uncle’s screaming and pounced.

Soon, the two were locked in a furious brawl.

“If it weren’t for you…!”

“…”

“Shouldn’t we intervene?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Rigel swung his weapon madly. His weapon was a massive scythe. When the magically infused spear met the blade, sparks erupted.

His momentum was overwhelmingly furious.

“Ahhhhh!”

In contrast to Rigel’s wild struggles, Irene wielded her spear without a hint of emotion.

Twisting her trajectory, thrusting, and flowing into slashing movements seamlessly.

“I got you!”

“Stay still!”

Not long into their fight, we had subdued everyone present.

Now all eyes were on the duel between the two.

At a glance, it seemed like the girl, who lacked the physicality and magical power, was being overpowered by the adult man.

However, the reality was different.

-Swish!

A fierce blade of energy emanated from the scythe, wavering helplessly like a flag in a storm.

Conversely, the thin stream of magic converged into a steady spear.

The next moment, the seemingly disadvantageous position flipped in an instant.

“Gah…!”

Had it all just been an act?

As Rigel’s weapon, previously only swinging around, suddenly burst with golden magical energy at the spear’s tip, it soared into the air.

Rigel’s severed right arm fell to the ground.

“Darling!”

“Ah, no! We’re doomed!”

The cries of his wife and the despair of his relatives echoed through the banquet hall.

“What? That guy is weak?”

“Irene is strong!”

-Poof!

Even with his arm severed, Rigel attempted to resist.

He struggled to draw a dagger with his left hand and swung it, but a kick to his chest sent him sprawling.

“You filthy…! Damn it!”

“Shut up. You talk too much.”

As Irene’s cold spear tip aimed at his neck, only then did he finally fall silent.

The outcome was determined.

“We won! The fight is over!”

Now all that was left was the cleanup.

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