Chapter 188

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

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At 9:30 AM, somewhere on the outskirts of the Western and Central Districts.

The Witch’s Hammer operation had regretfully ended at the last moment, but the Violets gathered their spirits and returned to the mission.

There was much to be done.

First, the girls had a brief interrogation with the enemies.

In the dark warehouse beneath the sewers, the Violets actively utilized various non-verbal expressions to finish their unfinished conversation.

“Answer me! Lightning Strike!”

“Uwaaaah!”

The main targets were clan members from various sectors who had been kidnapped from the facility.

Under normal circumstances, they should have been handed over to the Inspection Bureau immediately, but after seeing the girl who had been experimented on, she had many questions she wanted to ask.

“Kuh, kuh…! I don’t know who you are, but do you know who I am? I won’t let this go!”

“Hmm, who is this? I’m asking since I don’t know, but they aren’t answering…”

“There’s always a method. Let’s use Water Magic!”

“No! Wuuuuh!”

Saying this, Clone 1679 shoved a suited man into the bathtub.

Bubbles began to rise to the surface.

Meanwhile, at the withdrawal point, a group of Violets busily carried out new tasks.

A group of prisoners was lined up in the factory area on the outskirts. The investigation was underway.

Clone 678 grabbed the suited man’s face and looked him over.

“Please spare me…!”

“Let’s see… Hmm, it’s not you! Move along!”

The Violets were checking the faces of the lined-up people one by one against previous data.

“James Johnson? That’s right? You can go out.”

“Yes! That’s me! Thank you!”

After releasing the named individuals, the Violets sent them out the door.

As the freed people lined up and exited under guidance, the remaining prisoners wept or hung their heads low.

“No! Save me! Ugh! Ugh!”

The sobbing researcher’s mouth was gagged.

As everyone sensed death approaching and fell into despair, one prisoner noticed something strange.

‘What is that?’

The man saw the terrorists in black combat uniforms moving something large and heavy outside.

If you were to stretch a huge gun into a cannon, that would be the feel of it.

The Violets stepped outside and set up a heavy machine gun.

The eyes of the people standing outside were shaking as if an earthquake had hit.

Before them was the ominous muzzle of the black machine gun.

“What, what is that?”

“You said you would let us go!”

As the people panicked, Clone 1202 tilted her head.

“When did we say that? Clone 676, did we say anything?”

“No, not that I recall. Looks like they’re just confusing themselves. Fire!”

“No—”

-Bang! Bang bang!

The sound was more like factory machinery than gunfire, and a fog of blood quickly spread.

The people inside shrank back, trembling at the unexplained explosion.

“Quickly clean this! Light it up and clear the debris!”

“Cleaning starts!”

During this time, the Violets cleaned up debris while carrying a dustpan and broom, along with oil cans and plastic bags.

“Cleaning finished!”

One female prisoner fainted at the sight of the red debris in the plastic bag.

“Ugh, aaah…”

“Huh? What’s wrong with her?”

Afterward, the Violets were puzzled as they observed the significantly reduced resistance from the prisoners.

As felt during the last battle at Vittorio Dungeon, war isn’t just about charging in and smashing things up.

Post-war handling is always crucial.

In that sense, managing the prisoners was very important.

Having dealt with nearly everyone listed on the death list, those who were too vague to kill were captured and detained.

There was a need for interrogation, and some of the undetected individuals might be mixed in with them.

“This will be the temporary prisoner camp from now on! You’ll have to live here for a while. Understood?”

-Clang!

“Let us go!”

I slammed the door shut. The quiet abandoned mine was now filled with shouts, screams, and cries.

“Indeed, it was a good idea to set up the prisoner camp!”

The Violets looked on with satisfaction at the place they called a prisoner camp, which was actually an abandoned mine.

This place would now become a space under 25-hour surveillance by the Violet prisoners.

“But now what? We caught them, but what do we do?”

However, right after capturing the prisoners, we fell into contemplation.

How should we handle these guys?

“We can’t kill them, but we don’t want to let them go either.”

“There are many who can’t even be interrogated due to security spells. They’d be fine to release later, but…”

Discussion among the 1,800 Violets. The most received suggestion was this.

“Let’s hand them over to the Inspection Bureau and the Federal Army. They can deal with the trial or release them as they see fit.”

Clone 894, who had been listening, objected.

“I don’t want to! They’re specialists from Magnavis. The Inspection Bureau doesn’t matter, but if the Federal Army gets their hands on them, they might do something strange. Did you forget the Federal Army is also a bunch of weirdos?”

Upon hearing Clone 894’s opinion, the Violets couldn’t shake off their unease.

It’s not just the four main clans being trash; the Federal Army isn’t any less savage.

“We don’t know what could happen if clan technology gets into Federal hands.”

“That’s inevitable! We haven’t taken everything—the database and engineers. It wouldn’t be surprising if other clans got involved anyway.”

Clone 825 shouted.

“Ugh! You fools! Don’t you remember? The Federal Army is collaborating with the Obsidian Legion!”

Unit 1 nodded in agreement with Clone 825’s statement.

“I also agree from another angle! Of course, I’m not worried about the future being twisted. Our existence is a variable itself, and besides, Magnavis collapsed before the main scenario even started, right? So whatever happens after that shouldn’t surprise us. But…”

Instead of finishing her sentence, Unit 1 envisioned an image within the Violet Network.

The Stregonics unit marked with the federal insignia and the Vanguard unit of the Obsidian Legion appeared.

Seeing that, we felt a chill run down our spines.

Perhaps the Federal Army could gather orphans just like the Chairman did to create a pseudo-Polaris network.

Outside the islands, there are countless people with no homes or parents.

“What do we do then?”

As the discussion on the first suggestion deepened, the Violets presented another plan.

“Let’s carry out the second plan!”

“Building a research lab and weapon factory, you mean?”

We had previously discussed what to do with the resources gained from tearing down the Magnavis Clan.

It would be foolish to give away such technology for free.

In that case, utilizing the technology and workforce obtained from them to create equipment for me and my friends seems like a good idea. We could also sell it, right?

And regarding personnel, suitable candidates were nearby.

“For the research lab, let’s appoint Uncle Yurik or Professor Albert. What do you think?”

“That fits perfectly!”

I’m curious how the response would be if I gave the title of lab director to an unemployed man who went through post-doctorate research.

As ideas poured in, they filled the gaps as if piecing together a puzzle.

“Let’s make Ennis the deputy director and chief slave. Give her just a pittance for salary.”

“That sounds good. The rest under the chief slave will be simple slaves! They’ll serve for free.”

If I were to establish a research lab and a secret weapon factory?

The prisoners from Magnavis would work 10 hours every day except for one weekend, serving to strengthen Violet military power.

“Hey? Wait. Let’s exclude the lady. She said she’d testify later. Let’s see how things play out after turning herself in.”

“Then, for now, we’ll keep her name on the list. Who else can control the slaves as chief slave?”

We concluded our discussions. The prisoners in the abandoned mine would soon work for the Violets.

Of course, not everyone would have the chance to work in the Violet factories and labs.

The truly bad guys would face trial and be thoroughly punished.

Even in the grim world of the Crimson Scholar, they still feign adherence to surface-level ethics and laws.

The one who implanted electrodes in kids’ heads and set up a massive facility in the underground academy would surely receive the death penalty.

If they were to mobilize an army of lawyers or pull a trick like favoritism to escape?

Then, Violet would become both the judge and prosecutor to bring charges against them.

“I will pronounce judgment with bullets!”

Of course, the most wicked of the wicked wouldn’t see trials or anything at all.

These people have no human rights!

Thinking this, I walked out of the mine and headed toward the vehicle waiting outside.

In there was a notorious war criminal awaiting execution.

“Wake up! Doctor!”

I splashed water on Doctor Sturgis’s face.

The slumbering doctor struggled to open his eyes.

The Violets released Doctor Sturgis and began questioning him.

Unfortunately, their efforts met an obstacle right from the start.

“It seems you have many questions to ask, but unfortunately, that’s going to be difficult.”

Doctor Sturgis pointed behind him, laughing heartily. Upon removing his clothes, a clear magic circle was embedded in his back.

“This is a confidential security spell!”

The Violet frowned.

They hadn’t thought it would be there to interrogate the top person, but the situation had gone awry.

“Just kill me quickly. I have nothing more to say. Even if I wanted to, I can’t speak about the research. Indirect questions or hints are meaningless. So what will you do?”

The Violet found it absurd that the Chairman had placed instant death magic even on important individuals.

“Hmph, do you like it being stuck there? Working under someone who would implant such things on their back? What a foolish man.”

Sturgis maintained that stubborn expression as he retorted.

“Don’t be mistaken. I requested this personally from the Grand Mage. I have no intention of spilling a single drop of this precious knowledge that I’ve seen and studied.”

“Knowledge created at the cost of human lives, you mean?”

As the Violet countered, a shadow passed over the doctor’s face.

“I express my regrets. I wouldn’t have done it if it was unnecessary. But sacrifice is necessary for progress. Even for medicines that save lives, countless animals are sacrificed for safety testing. Are you not sorry for the mice and rabbits?”

The doctor spoke as if it were no big deal.

From his cold attitude, the Violet suddenly recalled the girl who was suffering and searching for her mother.

“Someone who knows that says such things? Progress and all that? Humans aren’t animals! Doesn’t a learned child know that?”

As the Violet burst out in anger, the doctor fell silent. For a moment, shame appeared on his face.

But that didn’t last long; Doctor Sturgis responded with a resolute expression.

“Of course, we’re not animals. But there are tiers among humans. Some are expendable, while others are not. I simply consumed those who fit that tier. It was necessary!”

Clone 1655 roared as she grabbed him by the collar.

“You’re just like Unit 731!”

Other Violets rushed out, not wearing their masks, likely out of anger.

As they suddenly appeared, the clone girls dragged Sturgis out like a fish out of water, leaving him flabbergasted.

“I will execute you!”

“Let’s tear him to shreds!”

“Die, Mengele! Die, Shiro!”

Sturgis was suddenly pulled out of the vehicle and rolled on the dirt ground.

As the Violets glared at him with weapons drawn, he braced himself for death, when suddenly one Violet rushed in with a tablet.

The girls collectively clicked their tongues and stepped back.

“You’ll get to live a few more minutes. A former student says he has some last words. Consider yourself lucky!”

The Violet tapped on the tablet as if to show him.

Through the dark screen, the voice of a man could be heard.

-Professor! I’ve seen everything! What on earth are you doing? You’re not like this!

The tone of the man was filled with anger and sorrow. Doctor Sturgis scoffed and replied.

“Ah… Hearing that voice feels familiar… Could it be you, Yurik? I wondered why you hadn’t shown up since the first day of orientation. Seems you were participating with these scoundrels, but as I said, I absolutely will not speak. I can’t do so.”

“…If you think using a former student to indirectly question me will work, you’d best stop.”

-I have no such intention! I know everything! Adjusting ether wavelengths through the Vision Prism and Particle Accelerator, brain interference and connection, large-scale spell deployment for ether synchronization and activation, and the construction and concentration of collective consciousness!

“Hmm, clearly, I can’t respond…”

-It’s obvious, increasing the range and precision of ether manipulation through the concentration of collective consciousness! It’s a means for enhancing magical computation ability. But is this really necessary? Do you have to kill people for this?

“…”

Behind the monitor, it seemed Yurik was on the verge of tears as his voice grew high.

-Professor, I know you personally helped me find grants and scholarships when I had no money for studying. I know I’m not the only one. How many students and people did you help? You always stepped up to help whenever we needed it. So why, why are you partaking in this madness?

Through the monitor, Yurik’s voice surged in anger.

-When I struggled financially, you found scholarships and grants for me, helping me apply.

-Not just me. How many students benefited from your help? During scheduling and research project adjustments, students were always prioritized.

-Whenever students needed help, you always lent a hand. So why would you involve yourself in such madness? You, who dedicated your life to the pursuit of knowledge and learning, how could you be part of something like this!

“…Someone had to do it.”

-Is that true? Are you the same professor I once knew? What have you become? You realize how many have died for this nonsense?

While the Violets and the professor fell silent, Yurik suddenly shouted in agitation.

-Want to hear something even more absurd? I don’t know what that guy Valefor promised you to persuade you, but what you did, throwing away your humanity, was all for nothing. Coincidentally, that project was already successful. By someone else!

While the former student rambled on in frustration, Sturgis asked in astonishment.

“What nonsense is that?”

-You don’t realize, do you? I don’t know the ultimate purpose behind this, but a result that closely matches your research intentions is right here, in front of you!

A long sigh escaped from the speaker before the connection abruptly cut off.

The Violets unsheathed their swords in unison.

‘What did that mean earlier? Right before me?’

The perplexed Doctor Sturgis pondered over his student’s last words as he looked at the girls.

Now that I see, they look strikingly similar.

At first, I thought they were twins; there’s a possibility they could be clones or individuals with clone abilities.

But looking closely, their actions feel somehow off.

They don’t say a word outside of what’s necessary.

However, they have an eerily coordinated group action ability. They must have some means of communication.

In the midst of the ominous uncertainty, Sturgis slowly opened his mouth.

He could not comprehend why he found himself asking questions.

“…Shall I kill you with a knife?”

“Let’s dismember him!”

“Hey, you guys. Are you Awakened Ones?”

In that brief moment, the girls glanced around at one another. The professor’s gaze did not miss the movements of the Violets.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Sturgis, almost transfixed, continued questioning.

“Then, are you singular or plural?”

The Violets, not understanding the intent behind the question, looked back at him. One girl answered.

“Plural? Yeah, we are going to take revenge!”

‘We?’

Anxiety surged within Sturgis as he reflected on the term that the Violets had just uttered.

The Violets grabbed him by both shoulders and dragged him somewhere.

Doctor Sturgis felt a shocking jolt to his head.

It felt like an amateur inventor, running to patent his hard work, discovered that the name and design had already been registered by someone else.

It resembled the feelings of an artist who was branded as a plagiarist as soon as he presented the work he crafted over his entire life.

Sturgis queried in disbelief. No way. Yurik was simply rambling out of rage, right?

Yet a memory in the corner of his mind opposed that notion. Yurik Pereira wasn’t one to make careless remarks.

As he was led to the execution platform, the doctor thought, calculate, and analyze through it all.

His theories and designs, hypotheses clashing with the possibilities of reality, sparked.

Even when he wanted to deny it, he couldn’t help but face a possibility he couldn’t ignore.

Before the Violets raised their swords, feeling the dread of the unknown uncertainty that confronted him, he laboriously posed what might well be his final question.

“Let me ask you one more thing: you aren’t just clones, are you? Is it a collective consciousness? Are you communicating with telepathy?”

The Violets collectively jumped in shock.

“Huh! How did you know?”

“We must kill you quickly!”

The moment he witnessed their affirmation, he felt a sense of despair from which he could not escape.

My life, my research.

Radical schemes bordering on human sacrifice.

Possibilities for the salvation of mankind.

Sacrifices, success, war.

My honor, the ethics and morals of research.

‘What have I done? What was my justification for this?’

In the endless despair that mercilessly swallowed his life’s research and self-rationalization, Doctor Sturgis impulsively pulled the trigger.