Chapter 105

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 16, 2025

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As the truck came to a halt, the students disembarked. Upon opening the gate, a small factory and several attached buildings came into view.

This is one of the Violet Barracks. It was recently purchased for personnel expansion.

Though smaller in scale than the factory we first bought, the multiple buildings were more recently constructed and thus had better facilities. The spacious basement is another advantage. So, not many Violets lived here yet.

Reactions from the people were mixed.

“So, this is the home of the Violets?”

“It’s not a home, it looks like a factory.”

My friends all curiously looked around.

“If it’s a home, are you talking about the dormitory or the offices inside?”

“Yeah, they live there too.”

Primarily, those places are used as PC rooms or kitchens.

Lucian asked with a skeptical expression, “So, all of this is yours?”

“Yep! That’s our home.”

“No, I mean, it’s a factory, not a home.”

“The factory is our home!”

“…Is that so?”

Lucian mumbled, his tone slightly more hostile than before. Maybe it’s because I mentioned I don’t have parents.

It’s surprising. Technically, it should be called a barracks instead of a factory, but there’s no need to correct them.

Our Violets are legitimate property owners.

For a population of a hundred to eat, sleep, and carry out various tasks, a regular house won’t cut it. Vehicles like trucks and buses need parking space, and we also needed room for miscellaneous items that are either awkward to place in the inventory or too large to fit in.

Fortunately, there were many medium-sized factories and warehouses on the outskirts of the Central District, where the Kaliane Vigilante Group operates. We pooled our money and found a property waiting for a new owner, which we transformed into the Violet Barracks.

Though others see it as a factory, it’s our precious headquarters. We lost count of how many Violets died in the dungeons to buy those buildings. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every building is drenched in the blood and sweat of Violets.

While it looks a bit worn out, electricity and water supply are functional. All thanks to the connections of the Kaliane Vigilante Group. After being worked on by some experienced older gentlemen from construction sites, it became quite livable.

“Uh, there’s a room, right?”

“Of course! You see that two-story building in front? It used to serve as the factory dormitory. It has bathrooms, showers, and a kitchen. We just finished the repairs recently. Let’s go check it out right now!”

Levi asked with a nervous look, so I smiled and replied. Seeing it once is faster than a hundred explanations.

We walked up the stairs and opened one of the rooms to show them.

“It’s better than I expected!”

“It looks a bit rough, but we don’t need to be picky in our situation. The room is surprisingly spacious.”

“I heard it was originally a four-person room. The first floor has a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. You can either cook for yourselves or I can do it for you.”

“That’s fine. Just this much is more than enough luxury. But how? You’re supposed to stay at school.”

“There are ways. If you don’t want that, fine, I understand.”

It’s rewarding to see the results of fixing up a building that was originally useless.

Granite, who had been looking around, hesitated before speaking.

“Uh, but what about bugs?”

After saying that, he awkwardly scratched his head.

“Ah! Don’t worry about that at all.”

I dismissed their concerns.

Granite’s worries were valid, as back in the day, centipedes, cockroaches, and pillbugs infested this dormitory. There were even bedbugs.

Only after I set off a gas bomb in the entire building could we finally be rid of the bugs.

The insecticide gas was so toxic that there was a minor issue where one Violet suffocated to death during the operation.

“Oh, right! Don’t go into the basement of the dormitory!”

“Why not?”

“It’s currently under repair! It’s leaking and moldy! There could be bugs there too.”

“Ugh!”

That was a lie. The truth was different. The basement contained the unconscious bodies of dozens of Violets, all packed away.

“It’s a good thing we quickly hid the drums.”

“Let’s move them to another factory complex later!”

As I only thought about hiding Lucian’s team, I had overlooked the crucial detail of not clearing them out. I’ll need to find an excuse to go shopping later, then reverse their consciousness and move them myself.

After taking a look around the house, everyone’s reactions were positive.

“I thought you were just a weird one, but it turns out you’re rich. So, how much is the rent?”

“Rent? You don’t have to pay! It’s true, you can live here for free. But there’s one condition.”

Upon hearing my answer, Lucian’s face became a mask of confusion.

“It turns out it wasn’t free after all. Well, although this seems more reasonable than just saying it’s free. So what’s the condition?”

He took the bait I threw. I looked at the other two, who shared his curious glances.

“The condition is simple. You have to help me every time I go to the dungeon. Got it?”

“Well, that’s not hard to do.”

“I’ll give it a shot.”

“Okay, I’ll help!”

Everyone answered without hesitation. Maybe it was due to their pride, but they didn’t seem inclined to mooch off of me.

Good! I’ll have to make them work hard little by little!

“Do you want to just look around? I have things to discuss with my friends.”

“Sure, got it.”

I had the three of them explore the dormitory while I took my friends to another spot.

“Where are you going now?”

“To my house! I want to show you around there.”

“Isn’t that over there?”

“That’s only recently been repaired. I’m currently living in a bigger place. And I happen to have someone I want to introduce to you.”

The factory with the dormitory was small. There were many areas that needed renovation. Hence, there were almost no Violets there, which is why they let it go. One day, Violets will frolic and train there too.

“How are you going to explain the clone situation?”

“For now, I’ll make excuses, and later when they get involved in our plans, I’ll explain it properly.”

Most of us are still at the first barracks. That place is a factory that integrates dorms, warehouses, and offices. It’s even bigger than this one and good for parking, and it’s close to Kaliane’s house, the Ospri Brotherhood building, and the Brokers’ detective agency.

Also, the room where Teacher Yurik is imprisoned is nearby.

“What’s he up to these days?”

“He’s been busy achieving game achievements.”

“No escape for him then.”

I opened the folding door and walked into the factory grounds. In front of the large factory building stood a girl with pink hair, wearing a white jumper, sorting various boxes of all sizes. I wonder what Kalia brought this time.

“Unit 97. You just arrived?”

“I’m Unit 363! She hasn’t finished her work yet.”

“Hey! How am I supposed to distinguish you when you all look the same? To me, they’re all just Violets. But…”

Kalia, who had been grumbling, narrowed her emerald eyes at the two girls standing behind Unit 363.

“Who are those people behind you? If they’ve come this far, they can’t just be ordinary people…”

“They’re my friends from school. Say hi! This is Irene and Daphne!”

With a mix of suspicion and curiosity, Kalia scrutinized them. She had sometimes heard me mention meeting people, but it was the first time she would see them directly. It was far away, so there hadn’t been much chance to visit often.

Kalia cautiously extended her hand.

“So, you are the friends Violet mentioned. I’m Kalia.”

“I’m Irene. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Daphne. Pleased to meet you! What’s your relationship with Violet?”

As Daphne greeted her with a bright smile, Kalia awkwardly responded.

“Uh, we’re friends. Just give me a moment to talk to Violet, okay? I have something to ask.”

“Sure, don’t mind us!”

Kalia led 363 to a place where the two wouldn’t be able to see. After glancing around a few times, she leaned in to whisper in my ear.

“Hey, 363. No, let me ask the whole unit. You said they’re friends from school, right?”

“Yep. They’re our friends. But why? Is there something wrong?”

Kalia glanced over at where they were, then spoke cautiously.

“This is your house, right? No matter how friendly they are… how do you plan to explain the clones?”

Ah, now I understood why Kalia was wary after seeing my friends.

“Don’t worry about that. They know all about my unique ability. They’re trustworthy!”

Upon my assurance, she responded with a somewhat uneasy tone.

“Uh, if you say so… I guess that’s fine.”

After the conversation ended, I led Kalia back to my friends.

“Sorry, I took a little longer to chat. Let me show you our house!”

“I had a little misunderstanding with Kalia. Also, since we’re around the same age, you can speak casually.”

“If that’s what you want, I can do that.”

“Okay, Miss Kalia!”

“No, I’m saying it’s fine to just be casual!”

While Kalia and Daphne momentarily debated the meaning and range of formal address, I opened the factory door and stepped inside with the three of them.

“Welcome to my house!”

Irene’s golden eyes were filled with astonishment.

“Violets…”

“There are so many!”

Countless mats and bunk beds filled the gray epoxy floor. Up on those beds, Violets busied themselves or lounged around.

On one side of the factory, Violets swung their swords, sweating. Others were seated at a dining table, eating or preparing food, while some cleaned or checked weapons. In the far-off spacious table and blackboard, the temporary command center Violets were engaged in discussions.

“What should we have for dinner tonight?”

“Let’s eat French fries!”

The place was filled with girls all having blonde hair and red eyes.

“I’ve never seen so many Violets at once…”

Irene stood there, speechless in surprise.

“Isn’t it strange?”

“What is?”

“When we fought the Crawltide last time, you didn’t react like this. We even ate together at your house.”

Irene replied, “That’s because when we were in the dungeon, we were all covered head to toe, so I couldn’t connect you with that.

This might sound odd, but exploring the dungeon with you felt like working with a combat robot army. Please don’t misunderstand, it was just that the vivacity was more intense, making it feel a bit surreal.”

Unlike the two of them, Kalia, who often visited the Violet Barracks, was unfazed.

“Yeah, isn’t it amazing? I couldn’t make sense of it when I first heard and saw it. The notion of the collective consciousness being a thing, and that they all have individuality? It’s dizzying. Ugh.”

“I see, I’ve just never seen this many Violets in my daily life.”

“It’s filled with Violets!”

Irene curiously scanned her surroundings. Daphne also looked around with interest.

Oh right, I forgot to greet them.

The Violets simultaneously turned their heads and waved.

“Welcome to our house!”

“Hello! Hello!”

“Nice to meet you!”

Irene jumped back, startled. Daphne let out a short scream, “Eek!”

Kalia pointed in irritation.

“Geez, really! Do you need to scare friends who came from so far? I said to tone down the simultaneous staring last time, didn’t I?”

“Sorry! But we usually move like that.”

“You called them friends, right? I’m sorry. She tends to do that often. I sometimes find it unsettling, so I can only imagine what you felt?”

“No, it’s okay! Miss Kalia. I’m fine; just a little…”

I felt bitter that my friends were surprised because of us. It’s embarrassing to have guests!

Determined to treat them properly, the Violets sprang up and quickly prepared snacks.

“Sorry! My bad!”

“Here, eat this instead!”

A mountain of snacks and drinks were set on the table within a minute.

“Oh, this is my lot in life…”

Kalia held her head in her hands, and there was something akin to sympathy in Irene’s gaze as she looked at her.

“Violets are just Violets, no matter where you go…”

“Huh? Irene, did you call me?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

After a while, silence fell upon the table. It felt a bit awkward, suddenly enjoying snacks together. Noticing this atmosphere, Daphne decided to speak up.

“Uh, you said your name was Kalia, right? Can I ask you something?”

“I told you not to be formal, right? So, what are you curious about?”

“You said you’re friends with Violet. How did the two of you become friends?”

Irene’s interest shifted towards Kalia. Upon hearing Daphne’s question, Kalia fell silent for a moment, seemingly reminiscing about the past before finally speaking up.

“Well, it’s a bit of a long story. A lot has happened.”

“Then please explain it simply.”

When Kalia began to share her story, I felt like I was leaving something out.

“First, I should start with how I met Violet at the research facility. It happened when I…”

“Research facility?”

The sudden mention of that word piqued Irene’s suspicion, and she interjected.

Wait, have I ever mentioned my experimentation?

“As you know, the Violets were in the research facility. I was there too.”

“What do you mean? Violets were in a lab?”

“First time hearing this. A lab? Violets? No way…”

The two, sensing something odd, began to probe. In a bind, Kalia turned to me for help.

“Huh? You didn’t mention this?”

“Right, I didn’t.”

I sensed the situation was turning for the worse.

“A lab? Violet, it’s not what I think, right?”

“No, it’s nothing. Just an old story about the past…”

Then Daphne gripped my hand tightly.

“I’m not angry; I just… want to know. Please, can you tell me honestly?”

“Uh… okay, I’ll tell you.”

I felt that saying any more would ruin the atmosphere, but with both friends looking at me with desperate eyes, I couldn’t refuse.

“So, the truth is…”

I began explaining where I had been, how I met Kalia, and how I broke into the research facility and escaped amid the chaos.

As I continued, I could feel that even I was telling an impressive tale.

“…That’s how I could defeat that ogre wielding a hammer. I stole a car, drove away, lost the other pursuers, and escaped with the help of the Kaliane Brotherhood guys. What do you think?”

I thought they would be amazed.

“You’re amazing, Violet! You’re a genius at combat!”

“Well done, Violet!!”

However, the situation took an unexpected turn.

By the time I realized things were going awry, their expressions were already seriously troubled.

“Laplacian… human experimentation… Oh my…”

Irene covered her mouth in shock.

Daphne’s reaction was even more intense.

“So… unknowingly… sniff sniff…”

She froze like a statue. Soon, tears poured from her clear eyes like a waterfall.

“D-Don’t cry!”

As the nearby Violets surrounded her, Daphne hugged me tighter, sobbing even more violently.