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After subduing the Fusion Creature, we focused on the follow-up tasks.

Returning to the academy wasn’t a major issue.

I don’t know what that Fusion Creature was thinking, but it became a bit troublesome when we bombarded the connected bridges and severed them all.

But our Violet has the Hang Glider.

“Wow… this is my first time flying in the sky! It’s my first time on an aircraft too! It’s a bit smaller than what I saw in the books!”

Seated in the back, Enrique gaped in astonishment.

Having been stuck in the research lab for ten years, she found everything to be fascinating.

“No, this is a Hang Glider! Once we’re out, I’ll take you on a real airplane and helicopter! I’ve got it all!”

“What? That’s a lie!”

“My friend gave it to me! I’ll show you later!”

While we were chatting about this and that, our glider squad safely arrived on the other side.

When the Fusion Creature vanished, the swarm of monsters that had been rampaging also disappeared, and the groups of Crysatus that were flying around the cliffs scattered.

The foggy Cutlass Valley regained its calm and peaceful appearance.

Soon, the two-seater gliders clattered down onto the dark blue rocky surface.

“How did the research facility search go?”

In response to Older Sister Sophie El’s question, I pulled out a large, black hard drive bundle from my pocket.

“I’ll hand this over as soon as we get out. And I’ll leave the remains of the Fusion Creature to Helios. It will take time until the bridges are restored.”

“Are you planning to take the tank?”

“Yes! It’s cool, right? I was going to leave it at home, but it was too big.”

“Well, there are people who sometimes preserve monster heads or body parts by taxidermy.”

To be honest, I had wanted to display it proudly at home, but that was too much. It would stand out too much.

The Fusion Creature is treated as very valuable and rare, just like the ship I caught in the last incident at sea.

A vehicle is treated like a living relic, with people scrutinizing even tiny pieces of metal as if they were examining treasure.

“Other rumors will spread soon. That Fusion Creature has killed quite a few people this time!”

For us Violets, death is just a part of daily life, so it wasn’t a big deal, but as rumors spread about it being an alien relic, people started flocking, leading to a disaster where they got trampled by the tank.

“There aren’t even enough academy students; now even the Lumineksa are here!”

I wondered why those Lumineksa were there, but since one of their clan exploration teams had been wiped out, they certainly wouldn’t be in a good mood.

Hearing that a regular academy girl subdued the Fusion Creature could provoke some annoyance and confrontation.

That’s how huge clans are.

“We’re already tangled up with Restraid. If Lumineksa shows up, Arshite from the north will probably come sniffing around too.”

Therefore, there was only one solution: pass the ball to Helios.

Helios had always been a successful clan, so they would likely take it in stride.

As my friend’s clan fame grows, so will their influence and profits.

All we Violets need is notoriety; I just need to ask Irene for it.

“Notoriety is a sort of fame!”

“Let’s ask for a cannon and a mortar. We used up all the ammunition in this insane fight.”

“How was the first flight?”

“It was good… But my Ballista is too heavy, so it’s a shame we can’t ride together…”

Sadly, the test was a failure.

I overlooked the fact that the weight of the Ballista was nearly equal to that of two or three adult men.

I have to abandon the idea of having Levi ride along and perform aerial bombardments with the Ballista.

“But today’s hunt was fun for everyone, right?”

“Yes, this exciting outing is my first time! Let’s go again next time!”

“Me too…!”

I laughed, reminiscing about today’s thrilling battle together with Enrique and Levi.

**

While we waited for Violet’s trucks to return, time trickled by slowly.

Daphne kept a distance from the three girls, sitting on a rock, meticulously examining her exoskeleton.

Meanwhile, Violet and the girls were exuberantly sharing their impressions of the fight.

“Did you see the explosion? If my magic had hit, the Fusion Creature would have been blown away in an instant.”

“But it ultimately missed… What can you do with such a slow projectile speed?”

“Tch, you only rely on your weapons. This is purely my ability!”

“What about you? You couldn’t hit because you’re too slow, right? No one can use that but me…!”

“Calm down, you two. Anyway, I captured it, didn’t I? I’m the strongest! I use magic and trigger bombs!”

“That’s not true!”

Watching the three girls bicker, Sophie’s amused mutterings slipped into my ears.

“It’s really strange, you know? Those three look so gentle and cute, yet I wonder how they all developed such personalities.”

“Right? If they just kept quiet, they’d look like model students. I wonder what the Student Council President would think if she saw them like this…”

Daphne fell into thought.

Having often conversed with Violet’s roommate, she had somewhat grasped the Student Council President’s preferences.

In fact, she found some alignment with her own views, leading to mutual understanding.

“The Student Council President is right; Violet is really cute. She is cute, but sigh…”

Violet always boldly ranked first on the list of the noble Duke family’s beloved daughters.

With her charming appeal and exceptional abilities, how could anyone not like her?

Her somewhat violent tendencies and the various incidents she sometimes caused were merely considered top-notch seasoning, enhancing an already exquisite dish for Adela.

“Schneider is the same. She looks quiet and timid on the outside…”

Levi would probably be on the Student Council President’s list too.

With her small, adorable stature, she must fit her tastes perfectly.

What if she saw Enrique? Similarly petite, with fluffy orange hair like wool and deep, clear eyes like a lake.

If she saw her, she might throw her dignity and elegance aside and scream like an enthusiastic fan meeting a superstar.

“One should never judge a person by appearances. They really do look like charming little girls on the outside.”

Agreeing with Sophie El’s words, Daphne simply smiled.

“That’s true…”

**

After returning from the thrilling adventure with Enrique, I felt a bit empty.

It felt like the morning after a Christmas party, staring blankly and having to clean up the aftermath.

“I want to go again…”

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind: Aren’t we transforming into a combat tribe?

Like Vikings or Gurkhas.

For them, spending a day without fighting would be no different from suffering hunger all day long.

“We need to raid those wicked villains to build our rightful wealth!”

“Right! The feeling of slashing monsters with a sword is so exhilarating!”

Wait, hold on. Let’s recall the original purpose of going to the dungeon.

We went not to destroy but to save someone.

Fortunately, it seems that goal has been somewhat achieved.

“I’ve left the data interpretation to the experts. From their reactions, it seems there are significant materials included.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Enrique. I believe we might be able to find clues to wake your friends. And we might also secure the medicine you take soon.”

Upon hearing encouraging news from Older Sister Sophie, a bright smile spread across Enrique’s face.

After leaving the research lab, two pressing issues that had been troubling Enrique seemed to be resolved, leaving her only to focus on what she wanted to do.

“Wow! Then I’ll start studying right away. I made plans to go to the academy with my friends!”

“Academy? You’re coming to Aegis, right?”

I asked in an excited voice, but Enrique looked puzzled. Her following answer was unexpected.

“Huh? Why? I’m going to Vesperia Academy. I’ve been set on that for a long time.”

“What?!”

That was terrible. I had thought I would be able to study with Enrique in Aegis, but it seemed she intended to head to a different academy just as in the original story.

“Enrique, do you hate being with me?”

“No, I like Violet. I just want to learn magic more deeply. The researchers said Vesperia is good!”

“But you can learn magic in Aegis as well.”

The Violet Network shook with betrayal at that moment.

Had Enrique forgotten the delightful memories of adventuring with us?

“I want to go to the academy together for some fun!”

As Enrique scratched her head, a voice rang out from behind.

“Isn’t that the path she herself chose? It seems there is a lack of persuasive power to obstruct that. Vesperia suits her.”

“Professor…”

Professor Albert, with a tone more serious than what one would expect from a research lab, continued to explain.

“Aegis is a wonderful academy. However, when it comes to magic, Vesperia Academy covers much more specialized and in-depth areas. There are those in this world who prosper by delving into a single path. Enrique is truly among those with the qualities of an outstanding mage.”

“Ugh… while that might be true…”

“Moreover, consider Enrique’s peculiar physique. To learn how to control her abilities, attending a magic-focused academy would be the best course for her. That place gathers various talents who shine through just their magic. They should handle radiation leakage issues better than Aegis can, both with relics and magic formulas.”

With that logical analysis, I found myself unable to counter.

I can’t block my friend’s future.

“It’s alright; Aegis and Vesperia are in the same southern region, right? I’ve heard the distance isn’t that far. We can meet up on weekends. Oh, wait! A better idea just came to me.”

“What is it?”

“Violet can enroll in Vesperia too, right?”

“Eh, that can’t be possible… Oh wait.”

Right! Why hadn’t I thought of that.

We’re not singular entities.

Caught in a singular way of thinking, I hadn’t made that connection.

It seemed Professor Albert had a similar thought, as he stroked his chin with an intrigued look.

“Oh, that’s quite a splendid suggestion… Why didn’t I think of that before? In fact, it might be great to enroll everyone into the top academies in the academy city. Violet, are you interested in schools in the east or north? I’ll consult with Frederick and prepare the curriculum.”

Wow, if we could attend all the prestigious academies in the academy city, that wouldn’t be bad at all.

“Those academies? I think it sounds great!”

Suddenly, when Older Sister Sophie El realized our idea, she jumped in, surprised.

“Professor Albert? You’re well aware of Violet’s situation. Enrolling in several schools simultaneously… isn’t that too risky?”

“Hey, Miss Inspection Bureau. That’s a decision Violet should make for herself. Besides, wasting such a talent aimed at learning? That’s a waste of ability. And didn’t you feel anything from experiencing the erosion zone incident firsthand at the last expo? In this world, we—”

As the professor began to speak, he cast a sideways glance at me and Enrique before walking away with Older Sister Sophie El into another room.

I tried to eavesdrop lightly on what they were discussing, but the professor quickly snapped his fingers.

“Ouch, it’s soundproofing magic!”

I remembered Daphne using this magic when I tried to eavesdrop on conversations of other friends before. It seems she’s doing that again.

Lately, it’s become uncomfortable with so many people overly conscious of us.

“Should we learn that too? Until now, we’ve only focused on attack magic.”

“I think it would be good. It would be useful for quietly sneaking around too.”

I decided to give up on eavesdropping and wait by the door.

After a while, the door swung open, and Older Sister Sophie stepped out with a thoughtful expression.

“Tell your sister to meet with us. We’ve arranged our direction and position; there’s something we need to discuss. It will be a lengthy conversation.”

“Singularity… Understood. I’ll see you again later.”

Older Sister Sophie waved goodbye to me and left the Violet Barracks.

Hmm, I wonder what she intends to discuss with the Scholarship Officer.

After Bernike briefly stopped by our house, Professor Albert was often holed up all night in the office debating fervently with Doctor Yurik or buried under stacks of books.

Is it related to Doctor Sturgis’s research?

“What’s a singularity?”

Instead of answering my question, the professor instead posed another question to me.

“Violet, do you want to become stronger?”

I was curious why he asked such a sudden question. Isn’t it normal to want to become stronger?

“Yes! I want to become stronger. That’s why I’m not neglecting my sword training and learning magic. I’m also increasing my numbers.”

“I see… Then what is the reason you want to become stronger?”

“Then I would be free!”

A shadow passed over the professor’s face for a moment.

“Freedom, freedom… If you become so powerful that no one in the world can rival you, what would you want to do with your complete freedom?”

Why is he asking such a blatant question? If we Violets were to seize the freedom of not being constrained by anyone, what we have to do was already decided.

“I’ll play! Every single day, just like summer break or holidays!”

Professor Albert stared at me in surprise for a moment after my answer, then couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! That’s such a Violet-like response. Please don’t ever change that attitude and make sure to keep it close.”

**

As I was finishing up the tasks for Enrique, Professor Bernike finally packed her bags.

“What a shame! Really a shame! Aren’t the Restraid folks pushing it a bit? I still have so much to do here!…”

Bearing the farewells of Professor Albert and Doctor Yurik, Bernike’s face was shadowed with an inexplicable reluctance as she dragged her luggage out.

“Hooray! The witch is leaving!”

“We are free!”

I still vividly remember the time Bernike was rampaging to try to dissect our heads.

After a complex series of conflicts and disputes, that crazy lady could only manage a brain scan.

Even so, each time she went through our data, we would inexplicably get chills down our spines.

“I guess we won’t have to see her for a while…”

“Foolishness, did you think I’m leaving completely? I’ll be back whenever I have the chance. Our collaboration isn’t finished yet! I’ll be back at least bi-weekly, so be ready. Got it?”

With a chuckle, Bernike turned, and metallic tentacles discreetly reached out behind her.

“Ah!”

“Why are you so surprised?”

Little Broka snapped its jaws noisily as it opened and folded repeatedly.

This little brat is teasing me.

“Professor Albert, till we meet again. And you, Pereira. Just a moment? Could you come a bit closer? Yes, even closer.”

“Professor, what’s the matter?”

The uncle approached with a puzzled expression. The professor gently held his shoulder and brought his lips to his ear.

“…Ah!”

In an instant, mechanical tentacles coiled silently around the professor’s neck and shoulders.

The professor whispered something.

A tongue wriggling like a snake in his ear.

I couldn’t hear what he murmured, but Uncle Yurik’s reaction was unusual.

“Hehe, Pereira, understood? See you again.”

“Um, that is… uh…”

Leaving behind a blushing Uncle, Bernike leisurely headed toward Room 2212.

“What did you just say?”

“You don’t need to know.”

That scoundrel. I don’t even want to imagine what bizarre things he said.

“But it seems we won’t have to see her often, right? Let’s think positively!”

“That’s true!”

It seemed there wouldn’t be any major issues for a while. The Fusion Creature matter was agreed to be handled by Helios’s relic excavation team, and Enrique’s issue seemed to be resolved smoothly.

“Special Operations Division, so is the matter settled?”

“The handover is complete! Chief Morgan has arrived!”

Indeed, following the gaze of Unit 4891, I noticed simple formulas engraved on barricades and belts surrounding the captured Fusion Creature.

On top of the charred Super Medium Tank, a small flag bearing the emblem of Helios fluttered, and various signaling devices and alarms were set up.

Nearby, Mech Hounds and turrets were keeping a strict watch.

“Chief, when will we be able to get it out of the dungeon?”

“It will take a while. Little one from the Special Operations Division. We need time for the bridges to be restored.”

Chief Morgan pointed with his finger beyond a hazy fog.

Because the tank had blown away everything, both the natural paths and artificial bridges were destroyed, and it would undoubtedly take time to inject materials for repair work inside the dungeon.

“By the way, capturing two Fusion Creatures already? That’s beyond imagination. As expected of Magnavis… Hm, I shouldn’t have said that. Anyway, the future looks bright.”

“Thanks for the compliment!”

“Still, you’re far from catching up with our captain. You’ll need to work harder, little one.”

Tch, that’s boring. This believer of Orion always has to say things like that.

“Anyway, I’ll be counting on you!”

Although I passed the fame to Irene, the Fusion Creature’s frame is ours.

The body was charred black, and it was hard to find any intact areas, but it still boasted the magnificence of a Super Medium Tank.

Not just because of its rarity as a Fusion Creature but also due to its size, there were already numerous people taking pictures or sightseeing.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

“Can we recycle this? It’s a Super Medium Tank!”

“Maybe it’d be better to buy a new one.”

Unless there’s a special reason, it seems a stretch to recycle it for use.

After coming to that conclusion, I climbed onto the tank.

I was curious about the view from the turret.

-Clatter!

The moment I sat up, the turret shook slightly.

“What was that?”

Sensing something strange, I meticulously inspected the tank but found nothing.

I waited for some time, but no changes occurred.

“Must’ve been a misconception, or maybe an earthquake.”

Passing it off, I erased that strange feeling from my mind.

That oddness was brought back to my mind one midnight.

“Wake up! Special Operations Division!”

“Ugh… why…”

A rough and sturdy hand shook Unit 3321 vigorously.

Having slept in the tent, I rubbed my eyes sleepily, startled awake by Chief Morgan’s prodding.

“There’s something you need to see for yourself. Hurry up!”

Curious about why he was making such a fuss, I followed him to a place where I witnessed an unimaginable scene.

Dressed in arms, Helios priests were confronting in front of the Super Medium Tank.

And…

“How dare you! Identify your affiliation and identity!”

A small girl confidently crossed her arms over the main gun turret.

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