Chapter 121

“Wow, it’s really pretty….”

“Ta-da!”

Nisia gazes at the ship in admiration, and Seoli responds absentmindedly.

During this time, Miss Banetta approaches us.

Her unkempt green hair remains the same, but her dark circles seem lighter, likely because she’s been heeding my advice not to overwork herself.

Her pristine white gown flutters slightly, and Banetta smiles confidently as she begins to speak.

“Hmm, how about it, Edu?”

“Miss Banetta, what is all this?”

“It’s a present for you, Edu.”

Miss Banetta stretches out her arms wide.

Her fingertips point at the ship, giving the illusion for a moment that she’s holding it.

“Eh… seriously, is this my present?”

“Yes! The Argonaut, humanity’s starter-class battleship! Well, actually this is its core module, Jason.”

The starter battleship Argonaut and the core module Jason.

But strangely, I recall these names in a different context within my mind.

‘Cut content.’

In simpler terms, omitted content.

This refers to game contents that were created but eventually cut from the final version due to various reasons, content made but never utilized.

And the Argonaut is one of the most famous examples of cut content.

Why? Because the Argonaut was a dream content piece, a warship that doubled as a combiner system. It was literally a concept that oozed with ambition.

Mech and ship enthusiasts couldn’t have possibly resisted the idea of a combiner warship!

‘Romance…!’

However, as the term “cut content” implies, there was no chance to use this ship in the game.

The only ways to access it were through mods that aimed to restore cut content or by using dummy data.

Due to this, whenever people discussed their regrets regarding cut content, the Argonaut always made the list.

After rubbing my eyes, I alternate glances between Banetta and the core module, Jason, standing in the corner of the deck.

No matter how many times I check, there stands the prestigious core module of the Argonaut—Jason.

“Ohh…!”

The realization that the Argonaut exists right in front of my eyes brings an overwhelming surge of emotion.

“Miss Banetta, how did you do it?!”

“Hmm, you like it that much? Truthfully, it’s all thanks to Edu.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

Banetta nods and raises her index finger toward the sky.

“Remember when Edu neutralized the alien fleet and captured several weapons?”

I lower my head, reminiscing about the Third Fleet incident.

“Yes.”

“Well, we tried combining the materials from that incident with our own and alien technology. One of the results is this Argonaut.”

“Hooh….”

I turn my head to check the shape of Jason.

Its form consists of an oval-shaped hull glowing white with wings resembling angels’ on either side.

The curve-centric design gives it the impression of being less of a military weapon and more like a futuristic redesign of a luxury yacht or cruise ship.

“The body section, the Hercules module, is still under construction, but even with the Jason module alone, it can function as a battleship, so I brought it over quickly.”

“You didn’t have to rush so much… Are you sure you didn’t overwork yourself?”

“What are you talking about, dear?”

Banetta flicks my nose.

“Edu, your sister knows everything.”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you ask Jo for support?”

A sudden realization hits me.

I remember proceeding with my own plans with Jo without saying a word to Banetta.

At the time, I thought it was for the best, but now I realize that perhaps I should have said something.

Is my pride hurt a little…?

“Eh, well, I don’t really know what you’re talking about.”

I laugh while avoiding the subject, but Banetta’s arm stretches out toward me.

Her hands grab my cheeks and pull them tightly.

“Eheee?”

“Edu, lying to your sister won’t work. You told me to go to the sealed city because of Jo’s request, remember?”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, I must have let everything slip when I informed Freya and Banetta about the Red Dragon.

I thought I had covered my tracks, but apparently, I didn’t!

“Sorry… Did I hurt your feelings?” I mumble.

Banetta stares at me blankly for a moment and then bursts into laughter, releasing my cheeks and patting my head.

“No, Edu. You don’t have to worry so much. How could a sister dislike such a cute and considerate little girl?”

“Is that so?”

“Exactly.”

Banetta enthusiastically rubs my head.

Her smile appears genuine, without any hint of deceit.

“And, thanks to Jo’s financial support, we didn’t have to worry about funding, allowing us to accelerate our research.”

Banetta points behind her with her hand.

“Look at that. How could we ever have built something so massive without Edu’s help? That’s why I brought it here as soon as it was completed.”

“Ah.”

Indeed, as Banetta mentioned, constructing equipment of the ship level is not a simple matter.

It’s definitely not something that can be achieved with mere pocket change.

At that thought, another question pops into my mind.

“Miss Banetta, you said this was expensive. Is giving something like this to me really okay?”

“Oh, that?”

Banetta waves her hand dismissively as if it’s no big deal.

“No worries, this is just the beginning.”

“The beginning?”

“Yes, the aliens are out there in space, right? We’ve secured enough technology now, so we’ve decided to build warships that can travel into space and fight them more effectively.”

“Wow!”

At the mention of space-faring warships, my eyes open wide.

I remember how in AOE, right before the final chapter, humanity, now united with the protagonist, prepared to face their mighty foe together.

‘So, time flowing differently isn’t entirely bad.’

I nod after organizing my thoughts.

The events from the Fangju invasion exceeding our expectations were undoubtedly dangerous.

But discovering that Banetta created the Argonaut, which was erased from AOE, and that plans to build a fleet are underway, is certainly an advantage.

If we can prepare and mass-produce a fleet ourselves, we could definitely deal a blow to those aliens lounging around in space.

“So, think of the Argonaut as a kind of test model. We’ll use it to gather data.”

“I see.”

In short, she’s suggesting to operate it practically, receive feedback, and then design or select the mass-produced battleships accordingly.

As I contemplate this, Banetta continues.

“Ah, although it’s technically a test model, it’s more like what you’d call a one-off model rather than a true test or technology demonstration model…”

Banetta seems to contemplate as she trails off.

After a moment of choosing her words, she claps her hands together brightly.

“Exactly, exactly! This is more like a custom-made model made especially for Edu.”

Test model, technology demonstration model, and custom model.

Though the words may sound complex, they really carry simple meanings within.

A test model is something made experimentally for the first time.

A technology demonstration model is something made to confirm and verify technology.

A custom model is something made specifically for an individual.

And in robot fiction, these custom models carry a lot of significance.

They represent everyone’s dreams and aspirations—the very essence of custom models.

The mere act of customizing standard equipment specifically for an individual is already pretty cool!

“Eh, but Miss Banetta, I’m only a lieutenant colonel. Is it really appropriate for me to receive a custom battleship?”

“Hmm, Edu really does think deeply.”

Banetta grins mischievously.

With a playful expression, she rummages inside her white gown and pulls out something.

A gold, dazzling emblem in the shape of a clenched fist— the emblem of a colonel.

Holding it in my direction, Banetta smiles brightly.

“Congratulations Edu, from now on you’re a colonel.”

“Uh… Really?”

Colonel.

Even I can admit that I’ve done quite a few things, but to be specially promoted as a colonel? The next rank would already be a general.

…Is this really okay?

I ponder this as I feel the warmth of someone’s touch on my chest.

Coming back to my senses, I realize Banetta is pinning the colonel’s emblem onto my chest.

“Uh, Miss Banetta?”

“Congratulations, Edu!! And by the way, there’s no veto. This promotion was personally decided by the Commander-in-Chief.”

“Eek…”

Just as I’m surprised by Freya’s meticulous handling, the sound of clapping comes from the side.

“Wow, another rank promotion, Edu? Congratulations!!”

“Kyaa!”

Nisia claps her hands, and Seoli follows her, bringing her tiny hands together.

I press her cheeks, and Seoli giggles.

“Ta!”

“You both seem to be doing well, Seoli. You’ve both worked hard.”

After patting Seoli’s head, Banetta shifts her gaze toward us.

“Not at all.”

“Uh, not really. Seoli is very gentle.”

Their responses flow smoothly, as if rehearsed in unison.

Upon hearing this, Banetta blinks and bursts into laughter.

After laughing heartily for a while, Banetta remarks:

“My goodness, our children have already become wonderful mothers.”

“Uh, wonderful mothers?”

Nisia blushes bashfully.

“Just call me an ordinary mother.”

“…So, you’re not denying the title of mother then, right?”

The light-hearted conversation continues.

Banetta’s gaze shifts back to me.

“Then, Edu, what do you think? Would you like to give it a try now?”

“Ah? Is that really okay?”

“Of course, if you want to try it out now, you can go ahead.”

At that moment, an incoming message notification suddenly sounds.

[Message from Ryeoju Erharknen has arrived.]

“Hmm?”

“Dean?”

Our gazes meet in mid-air.

Her head nods slightly, and I follow suit before instructing the system.

“Show me the message.”

[Code confirmed, displaying the received message.]

A holographic screen appears.

It reads that I should return to the academy as soon as possible.

“Hmm?”

“Edu, what’s the matter?”

“Dean is urgently calling me.”

“The Dean?”

After repeating the words, Banetta contemplates for a moment.

“There must be something urgent, so how about you go to the academy for a bit?”

“Is that really okay?”

“Of course.”

Banetta raises her right hand and gives a thumbs-up.

Her action makes me smile unintentionally.

“Thank you, I’ll be back shortly. Nisia? What about you?”

“Hmm, was I only called or was it both of us?”

“It seems to be just you.”

After hearing my answer, Nisia nods.

“In that case, I’ll stay here. Since we’re here already, I’d like to take Seoli for a walk.”

“Ta-Ta!”

As if understanding Nisia’s words, Seoli raises her voice.

“Alright, then I’ll be back shortly.”

“Yes, take care!”

After exchanging greetings with Nisia and Seoli, and Banetta, I head back to the academy.

Upon arrival, I immediately head to the Dean’s office.

The now familiar dark corridor leads to murmured voices.

Hmm? It seems Dean Ryuje is not alone.

Knock, knock.

“Dean, you called-”

“Come in, Edu!”

“Understood.”

At the same moment as my response, the large door swings open wide, and Bungbungi sensibly moves into the room.

And what meets my eyes are the identities behind the voices echoing from the Dean’s office.

“Grandfather Halpundel? Miss Freya, you’re here too.”

“Welcome, Edu.”

“Edu, come in.”

The warm smiles directed at me from both of them.

However, the atmosphere in the room suggested that something unusual was occurring.

“What’s the matter?”

“Halpundel has brought some important information, Edu. Do you know about the Second Army Corps?”

“Yes.”

The Second Army Corps—Genghis Khan, more commonly known simply as Khan—bore the name of the conqueror who established a great empire, but they held little other significance.

Created more for the sake of appearances, they weren’t much more or less than that.

So their nickname was “Fake Genghis Khan.”

They were often teased with questions like, “Do they even exist?”

Yet the Dean’s reaction suggested that something had happened.

“Why are you bringing them up?”

“Do you remember the talk about the revolution?”

“Yes.”

“One of their preparations involved reaching out to the 2nd and 5th Army Corps to bolster their strength.”

Ah, that’s why the talk about the 2nd Army Corps came up.

As the Dean mentioned, it’s logical that while they’re heavily armed with the latest weapons and stationed inside the ark, fighting the First Army would require more manpower.

“It’s not a bad plan, but some problem arose, right?”

“Yes, take a look at this.”

A hologram appears in front of me.

Within it is a signed statement pledging allegiance to us by the 2nd Army Corps Commander.

“Eh? Isn’t this a good sign?”

“It seems so at a glance.”

“???”

As I tilt my head in confusion, Grandfather Halpundel loosens his tie and speaks.

“Actually, we obtained newer information.”

“New information?”

“Yes, it seems that the 2nd Army Corps is already aligned with the Government.”

“Ah…”

Now it all makes sense.

The 2nd Army Corps contacted for the coup attempt.

But if that unit was secretly allied with the Government, that essentially means our plans may have leaked to them.

“Therefore, we are preparing a response to this situation. We summoned you, Edu, to seek your opinion since you’re also a party involved.”

“That’s true.”

“Good, what are your thoughts?”

“Um—”

The 2nd Army Corps secretly collaborating with the Ark Government through which they might have sensed our intentions.

Both sides pose a danger, but here the priority is clear.

“Then, we should deal with the 2nd Army Corps first.”

“Indeed, as I thought Edu would agree?”

“Yes, the 2nd Army Corps is not hiding within the ark.”

The 1st Army Corps stationed inside the ark means the fleets we’ve recently acquired cannot be utilized.

However, the 2nd Army Corps—different story.

Moreover, there is one more advantage with the 2nd Army Corps Commander: they’ve already made a mistake.

Heh.

A smile involuntarily spreads across my face.

“And, didn’t you just show us something? If we use it well, we could even gain legitimate justification. For instance, by altering the content slightly.”

Perhaps in an attempt to play both sides and profit or to avoid suspicion from us, the document turned out to be their own downfall.

Always be careful with signatures.

“Hmm, in fact, we’ve prepared something along those lines.”

At the Dean’s quick hand gesture, the hologram screen shifts slightly to display a slightly modified version of the initial document.

Indeed, Dean Ryuje.

His preparation for all eventualities is impeccable.

“So, it’s settled.”

The Dean, after a moment of solemn expression, nods.

“From here on, the race against time begins. Let’s move without delay. Diana, are you there?”

Upon the Dean’s call, Miss Diana appears from the corridor.

“Yes, Dean.”

“Inform our collaborators in the press and other networks, and launch the information warfare.”

“Understood. Are you going out, Dean?”

“Yes.”

In response, the Dean stands up.

“I’m heading to the 2nd Army Corps.”