Chapter 240

Our Violet decided to learn more about the exhibition.

Upon finding related materials, the Rustroom Academy’s integrated exhibition certainly lived up to its name, being large in scale and filled with a variety of attractions.

“Look here, it seems like several academies from the academy city are participating and running booths showcasing their unique features. Companies are also coming to present the latest technology.”

The photos overflowed with countless weapons.

Just at a glance, there were high-end equipment everywhere.

“Based on the atmosphere, it looks like a defense expo.”

Hearing that the Restraid guys were coming made it feel like something big was happening.

“Oh, there’s going to be a dimensional relic exhibition too. They say we’ll even encounter unknown relics that are still under research.”

As I read through the materials, I started jotting down questions one by one. The Violets in my head began to add their opinions.

“Clans are opening promotional booths too. It’ll be a chance to see the latest equipment that’s usually hard to come by.”

“Experts from various fields are gathering.”

“I’m looking forward to the relic exhibition. You never know, right?”

One of the highlights of this exhibition is undoubtedly the dimensional relic exhibition.

They say rare relics discovered so far will be on display.

“Wow! Is it really okay to exhibit things like this?”

The first thing to catch my eye was an Echo Crystal. It absorbed surrounding sounds and when thrown, it reproduced them exactly.

Though it had no real use, it was said to be very rare.

“Wow. That’s a bit amazing.”

There were many other relics, but they were generally ordinary.

For example, an Eternal Quill that could write without ink, or an Infinite Notebook that could regenerate an infinite number of pages.

“Hey, what’s this? It’s just a relic in the literal sense.”

I felt a little disappointed. This was just a toy that ignored physical laws.

“Isn’t there something like a weapon?”

Of course, if I dug into the catalog, there looked to be quite a few things that seemed plausible.

“A Fog Cloak! When you put it on, you can’t be seen!”

“Anti-Gravity Boots? This one’s a bit interesting. It says you can hover?”

But of course, the reality was disappointing despite the flashy introductions.

“That one gets caught by thermal imaging equipment and multi-spectral surveillance, right? It’s not even better than invisibility magic.”

“The anti-gravity boots… let’s see. It says it rises up to 50cm from the ground? Ugh!”

Somehow, though the introductions of the relics were grand, the actual items were quite subpar.

If we looked through the power of our status window, they would just show up as level 2 or 3 at best.

“A Bleeding Ring? This one looks a bit okay.”

“It amplifies body enhancement abilities and magic output, but at the cost of increased mana consumption and random bleeding occurring in the body.”

“Not useful at all.”

“Stuff like that a hundred times over is nothing compared to the Hand of Destiny or the Flame Blade we have.”

The Violets in the network laughed at the level of the exhibition items.

“A Grand Flag or a single chain would crush everything over there.”

The standard of the relics was lower than expected. Sure, there were some decent ones, but not better than what our Violets had.

I thought to myself. The truly precious relic equipment was probably stored away at the clan warehouses or used on the field.

“Wow, there’s even a relic that grants wishes?”

“Really?”

The most intriguing relic that caught our eye was this one.

“A Small Miracle Box?”

In the photo, there was a small metal cube displayed.

According to the description, it was said to grant the person who directly touches the box the ability to fulfill a small wish once a day.

“Money, they say?”

“No, it’s super modest!”

As examples, it could make a bottle of juice, a box of cupcakes, or a plate of cookies.

The ability to grant wishes operated in a trivial and everyday range.

It doesn’t grant grand or unrealistic wishes.

“Wait a sec, they say it’s delicious?”

The food made by the box was said to be extremely tasty.

“Wow!”

“What should we eat?”

Hearing Violet’s words, the other Violets got excited.

A thing that makes delicious food suddenly sparked our curiosity.

“They said it grants one wish per person per day, right?”

“But there are many of us! Maybe it’ll grant one wish each for every Violet? Then we could eat a variety of things!”

Our Violets’ anticipation for the exhibition grew stronger.

“It’s like a free buffet!”

“Definitely! Let’s just do a rough report later and pack in a lot of fun while we have the chance.”

The Violet Network’s excitement swelled. The reporting assignment was bothersome, but it seemed like there would be more fun than expected.

A week after the day the professor announced, we prepared to head to the exhibition hall.

“What about the others?”

“They said everyone is busy.”

Unfortunately, it was going to be tough to hang out with friends this time.

Irene had to fly to the central part for some clan-related matters, and Daphne and Kalia apparently had personal things to handle at the academy.

“Then should we just go by ourselves?”

“It’s no fun going alone.”

After pondering hard, I suddenly thought of a new friend. I knocked on the door of the girls’ dormitory.

“Hey, it’s Levi!”

“B-b-b-b-b Violet? Wh-what are you doing here?”

Whether she was asleep or not, Levi walked out rubbing her eyes with disheveled hair.

“Let’s go to the exhibition!”

“Huh? Oh, ugh!”

“Let’s go!”

Just as we were about to head out, a new person greeted us.

“Violet, can I join you?”

“Sure!”

With Older Sister Sophie El, we set off toward the exhibition.

On a bright spring day, the convention center where the Rustroom Academy’s integrated exhibition was being held was filled with energy.

Violet and Levi’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the booths filled with vibrant colors.

“Wow! It’s huge!”

“Is, is this real… they really said it was the biggest event, and it really is…”

Flags marked with the emblems of various academies fluttered in the wind, and the bustling pathway was prepared with an event stage, creating a festive atmosphere.

“Stop!”

As we reached the entrance, the guards stopped the two girls. The checkpoint was thorough.

Strangely, the guards were aiming camera-like devices at the attendees, scanning each one individually.

The moment Violet was scanned, a strange sensation crept through her skin, as if a cold current flowed beneath it.

“That’s the same thing I saw at the Sacred Heart Monastery, right?”

Images of the large equipment seen during the visit for bread arose in Violet’s mind.

Receiving the inspection, Violet finally sensed the strange atmosphere.

Around them were local police, Inspection Bureau personnel, Armored Knights from Restraid, and even the Federal Army’s military police, all patrolling with serious expressions.

“What’s with all the tight security?”

“No matter how important the event is…”

Violet asked a nearby Inspection Bureau employee.

“Miss, why is the security so tight here? Is it usually like this?”

“Exhibitions are generally important events, so security is strict. But last year was never this extreme… maybe the Restraid took measures?”

Sophie El also seemed puzzled, and Violet shrugged.

Inside, booths from each academy, companies, and workshops were busy showcasing the latest equipment and weapons.

Various security firms and excavation-specialty clans hustled to attract students for internships.

Numerous businesses had set up flashy promotional booths to flaunt their presence.

“Wow, look at that. So many weapons and equipment!”

“Wow, we… someday…”

While admiring the curious displayed weapons and equipment, Violet’s gaze shifted to one side.

Despite the name “academy exhibition,” it looked like military heavy equipment had lined up.

Heavy armored vehicles, enormous bipedal weapons, and magical power-enhancing power armor.

And even gigantic steel giants larger than power poles. It was a sight reminiscent of war.

“Is this even the academy exhibition? It looks like a weapons exhibition.”

For a peaceful academy event, it felt rather out of place.

There was an atmosphere where the surrounding people seemed to whisper uneasily.

“All of Restraid’s weapons are featured!”

“They’re the biggest suppliers in this area.”

Of course, it didn’t concern Violet.

“They’re annoying, but they do make good weapons!”

“I want one too!”

While briefly examining the armored gear, Violet and her friend quickly turned their heads.

A relic exhibition hall caught their eye.

“Levi, let’s go see the relics now!”

“Huh? Okay? Oh, I got it!”

Violet took her friend’s hand and cheerfully walked towards the relic exhibition hall.

And unexpectedly, they encountered someone.

“Huh? Hey!”

A blue-haired male student, Lucian, caught Violet’s eye. With a playful look in her eyes, Violet approached the boy.

“You, you! What are you doing here…!”

Lucian jumped back in surprise and fell over.

Seeing that, Violet thought to herself.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“Are we that scary?”

While Violet was having a good time in the relic exhibition hall, a group of men entered the convention center.

The man in a suit at the forefront presented his ID and calmly passed through the checkpoint.

Following him, others in similar attire began to appear one by one. They appeared unfazed as they went through the security procedures.

Throughout the scan, they maintained straight postures, seemingly trying not to raise suspicion.

– Step 1, passed.

After finishing the inspection, Aspen nodded, and the subordinates quickly dispersed into the exhibition hall.

They needed to cut through the crowd to reach where the target was.

However, it was no difficult task for Aspen.

– As expected, the information was correct; the security checks are tightened. Have they become aware of us?

To a subordinate’s question, Aspen quietly replied.

– Not at all. We have only operated within the jurisdictions of the Federation, Lumineksa, and Arcith until very recently.

As the operation leader of the Obsidian Legion, Aspen hesitated for a moment. He had been granted maximum authority, and the operation could always be canceled or postponed.

– The operation will continue.

– Understood.

With an emotionless gaze, Aspen slowly moved forward.

As he slipped between the crowd, there was no color or scent to his presence.

His existence was inconspicuous, and there was no energy felt from him.

At that moment, Aspen’s eyes caught a peculiar sight.

After walking for a while, Aspen suddenly halted. Someone nearly bumped into him.

Looking up, he saw a man praying while placing his lips on a trinket with three overlapping triangles.

“Divine Goddess… lead us with your three mercies, love, and generosity…”

His demeanor was quiet but seemingly possessed by madness, detached from the surrounding clamor.

“Tsk, a crazy person?”

Aspen clicked his tongue and sidestepped past him. But he also felt relieved that he hadn’t been discovered.

Successfully infiltrating was fortunate. He hastily pressed on.

Before his eyes, only the target remained.

– All units standby. Do not move until instructed.

Exchanging glances with his subordinates, Aspen nodded. There was no interfering elements to the operation, and all preparations were complete.

– Remember, from now on we are the Ariel Group. Understood?

– Yes, understood.

At the commander’s order, the Legion members self-suggested and advanced forward.

Their figures vanished into the crowd.