“Not every novel’s like that, but in the case of [The Weakest Hunter], the events subtly unfold…”
Unfortunately, I was whisked into this world before I could reach the end, so I can only follow the readers’ assumptions to a certain extent.
Some believe that the Gate is a divine power, while certain beings who have reached a particular level know how to create those Gates.
The reason for connecting worlds is that they think it’s a revelation from the gods. They assume that since creating Gates is divine power, they are entitled to what lies beyond those Gates.
Though I don’t know exactly what that organization is, I can surmise from the villains that appeared during the Saintess episode.
“…….”
Hmm.
“Why, are you worried about something?”
“Well…”
Ria asked, noticing me lost in thought while sweeping, and I hesitated for a moment.
Should I say it?
But the hesitation didn’t last long.
Honestly, I’m not fond of the being that sent me to this world.
However, it does seem like that being genuinely wants to save people. Every time my power is used to save someone, it intensifies, so I can’t help but think that’s the path that being is presenting to me.
Anyway.
It was too late to back out now, and at the point where my feet were already in, I thought I might as well do my best to achieve the best outcome.
“It seems like there might be a thief at the National Research Institute.”
“Ah, I see. A thief at the National Research Institute.”
The two of us continued to sweep the floor for a few more seconds. It should be spring by now as winter has passed, yet for some strange reason, the ground still had the occasional fallen leaves rolling around. Could there have been leaves that didn’t fall during winter?
“No, wait a minute.”
Ria stopped sweeping and spoke.
“A thief at the National Research Institute?”
“Yes.”
“Are you talking about that place, the one that researches Gates?”
If you just say ‘National Research Institute’, there are tons of them. It’s pretty much like saying ‘National University.’
But among Hunters, there’s almost only one ‘National Research Institute’. The National Multidimensional Research Institute. It’s where they research Gates themselves and the worlds beyond them.
Gukdayeon, Multidimensional Research Institute, Dimension Research Institute, or just Research Institute or National Research Institute. The reason Hunters can communicate just by saying ‘Institute’ is that this place gathers all sorts of materials from Hunters or the Association.
If someone manages a Gate outside the Association, that management place naturally falls to the Multidimensional Research Institute.
“A thief in such a place?”
“Yes.”
Ria slapped her forehead with her hand and then rubbed her face.
“Where on earth did you get this information? You and I have been stuck together almost all the time… No, wait, I think I know.”
Luckily, it seemed Ria understood without me having to explain the reasons in detail.
“Why didn’t you tell me such important information earlier?”
“I was going to! It just didn’t matter before.”
I replied a bit defensively at Ria’s words.
Before this, saying it would just drag us into that incident. In the original plot, by the time they went looking, the research institute building was already ablaze.
…It was an incident that could be called the ‘first incident’ in the original work.
“What do you mean it didn’t matter?”
“To be honest, I don’t know either. I can’t see the whole future.”
That much I could say openly and confidently.
“…….”
Ria fell silent for a moment at that.
For some reason, her gaze felt like she was looking at someone pitiful.
Well, I guess it’s better than envy.
“So, Ria, do you happen to know anyone over there?”
I took a few steps towards Ria and spoke while looking up slightly.
I didn’t try to make an intentionally pitiful face, but even so, my eyes were quite bright. I didn’t reach the level of the cat with boots from the old animation, but I already knew it had an effect on Ria.
Sure, being a bit bashful was a different story, but it was less provocative than Ria, who would suddenly grab my hands.
“Ah, okay, okay. I do know someone, so step back a bit.”
I took a step back.
“But… even if you do, they won’t just let you in. It’s a government agency, you know? We’re currently affiliated with the Church. …Well, there might be a way if you ask them to find a method.”
The way would be pretty simple, really. Just write a letter to someone influential who’s friendly with both the Church and the government, asking for help.
And for Ria, that someone is her father.
But Ria is currently in a situation where she’s at odds with her father. It seemed she almost forced her way in, so writing a letter to him wouldn’t seem very appealing in this situation.
“You don’t have to worry about that. All I need is the connection. As long as it’s someone who would listen to me.”
“I might have a way that only I can do.”
To be honest, it’s not a method I’m particularly keen on.
But if it’s effective, then…
*
Religion and science are generally in opposition.
While there are religious scientists, most scientists use scientific methodologies when making claims.
Scientists continually attempt to prove the truths of the world scientifically, and some religious individuals don’t take kindly to this. This often mixes in with existing religious common sense.
Theories of evolution, the Big Bang theory, cosmic background radiation, other galaxies, molecular biology, the possibility of life outside Earth – wouldn’t they seem a bit off from a human-centered perspective?
This also applies to this world. If any scientist suddenly says, “Let’s name a species after God,” religious people would foam at the mouth.
The reason I was able to keep quiet when I said that before is that I’m indeed a being who draws power from the gods.
Moreover, the complicated political relationships and interests between the government and the Church mean that, usually, the Church and the National Research Institute don’t cooperate very often.
“Welcome, Sister Anna. Is it okay to call you that?”
“Yes, that’s the only name I have.”
I answered, bowing my head toward the female professor who was welcoming us. She looked to be around twenty years older than us, but she didn’t seem particularly old. Though she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin was quite pale.
…Oh, rather than pale, is it just that she looks like someone who hasn’t seen the sun for a while?
“It is an honor to host you. Now, let’s move this way. Although it’s called a research institute, we have everything prepared for receiving guests.”
After all, it’s a place where important people often visit.
While it’s said that important people do come by, most of the things in the reception room weren’t anything excessively luxurious.
There were just the kind of snacks you’d find at convenience stores… and cans or cup noodles, boxes of coffee mix, and for some reason, a fridge stuffed with bulk-sized canned coffee and energy drinks.
…Graduate students, hang in there.
“First of all…”
As soon as I sat down, the professor’s eyes lit up. It seemed she had already gotten a hint from Ria.
Seeing her forget to introduce her own name while her eyes sparkled, I bitterly smiled and took a small bundle out from my pocket.
As I slowly unwrapped the bundle, which was covered with several layers of dark-colored handkerchiefs, a white glow began to emerge.
“Ooh…!?”
Perhaps the glow exceeded her expectations, as the professor jumped up from her seat in surprise.
As one might expect, this world naturally has sacred artifacts, just as there are Saint Powers and Saintesses or Saints.
There are beings exposed to immense levels of Saint Power, and these entities manifest power just by their material existence. They could be a sword wielded by someone, clothes worn, or even a part of their own body. This isn’t much different from existing religions.
Or, it could be something like that stone over there.
“……”
Watching the professor hold it carefully like it was some kind of treasure, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Turning my head, Ria had an utterly dumbfounded expression.
Even after seeing me create that, she looked like that.
…This isn’t even the first time she’s seen something like that.
Isn’t that right? I’ve already made a Saint Power crystal and given it to Ria. Twice, in fact. Although Ria herself didn’t seem to feel that change yet, for me, who presumed that was the moment Lee Si-yoon awakened his powers in the original story, seeing Ria make such expressions at this point was a bit amusing.
“So… is it alright to tour the research institute building?”
“Of course! Certainly!”
At my words, the professor seemed to have completely forgotten that she hadn’t introduced herself yet and said joyfully.
Is it really that exciting to be able to scientifically research sacred objects?
I guess that’s what makes them scientists.
I shrugged while looking at Ria.
As for Ria, she just rubbed her face with her hand.
…Why?
I tilted my head, but Ria did not return a response.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
