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The chaotic uproar, unlike its noisy beginning, ended swiftly as the violent rebellion of the experimental dog was quelled in just one minute.

-Patcheck!

“Woof, ooof…!”

“How dare a beast like you defy humans in such a manner, huh?”

The dog lay flat on the ground, the smell of charred fur emanating from it.

Professor Albert’s lightning-speed shock and a swift kick had knocked it out cold.

It turned out to be just an ordinary beast, easily subdued as it wasn’t a monster to begin with.

“Grrr…”

The creature whimpered in indignation, but whenever Uncle Yurik approached, it bared its sharp teeth as if nothing had happened at all.

I couldn’t quite grasp the reason behind its behavior. Let’s start by giving it a good smack on the head.

“Hey! Aren’t you gonna keep your eyes down?”

-Clang!

“Yip… Grrr…!”

It didn’t react to Professor Albert or me, but only showed this behavior towards Uncle Yurik, which seemed suspicious.

“Professor, this one is acting strange. It doesn’t resist us, but look at it…”

“Really? Let me see… now, lie down.”

“Yip!”

Caught by the leash and feeling the intimidating aura of magic, the dog immediately flattened itself on the ground.

“Now you try, Uncle.”

“Understood. Come here, you good boy—”

“Grrr!”

“Ow!”

The experimental dog lunged with its sharp teeth.

As Uncle Yurik stumbled backward in surprise, the dog’s lips twisted into a peculiar grin.

Its smirk reminded me of a sly punk who relishes in squeezing easy prey.

“This guy is smiling!”

“…Hah, I didn’t expect its intelligence to ascend to this level. It might have inherited some of the aggression too.”

After pressing down on the dog’s head, Professor Albert bent down to examine its jaws and looked around.

“It seems like this fellow only acts up against those who appear weak.”

“Who looks weak? No way…”

Our gazes fell upon Uncle Yurik, wearing a research lab coat.

Tall but lanky, with a slight belly, it was clear to anyone that Uncle lacked exercise.

“Hmm, he looks like someone who’d be easily bullied.”

I often noticed Uncle Yurik being dragged around by Bernike when peeking into the office, but now I finally understood why.

It wasn’t just his personality; he simply lacked physical strength.

Among the Awakened, there’s no difference between men and women.

Generally, those who aren’t fighters would certainly be easily subdued by non-combatant Awakened.

“Maybe Daphne could take him on with no hands? Even if she brought a whole squad, she’d probably flatten him!”

“With his level, he’d probably lose to a squad!”

“Hehe! Uncle is weak!”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as I heard Professor Albert clicking his tongue.

As he helped Uncle Yurik back up, he chuckled playfully.

“Tsk tsk… Should a man be so scared? You’re quite the coward.”

“Hah, but that’s a dog! It could really hurt if it bites. I’m not an Awakened like you all!”

“Oh, that’s true…”

Dismissively shrugging at Uncle’s excuse, Professor Albert commented on his physique.

“Still, look at this! You’re all soft and squishy! Now that I think about it, you seem a bit out of shape too. You look like you’ve been dealing with fatigue. You should exercise consistently going forward. You can’t let a dog look down on you!”

“Ugh…”

After a few more intimidating gestures to the mutt, Unit 221 tightly secured it with a leash and headed outside.

Professor Albert sighed a little as he followed behind.

“…I’m worried about what might happen if we experiment on such a highly-intelligent animal. I think we might need an electric shock collar.”

“An electric collar? I have one! I can bring it right away! Oh, shouldn’t Uncle also have a self-defense gun?”

“Yeah, I totally forgot about that! Thanks for reminding me.”

I’m worried we might end up seeing Uncle exploited by the experimental animals.

“If he’s that weak, he might end up getting his food snatched by those animals.”

I need to prepare him a bulletproof vest or a weapon at least.

**

While the animal experiments were in full swing, Unit 5821 headed to the hospital, arms full of gifts.

This was all at the request of Lucian.

“I got everything you asked for! But what are these gifts for?”

“…It’s nothing much. The kids seem a bit bored. They can’t go out much, right? So they probably can’t concentrate on their studies either.”

Once granted permission, I connected the game console in the ward, and the kids in patient gowns cheered as soon as they saw it.

“Wow! Awesome!”

Oddly enough, the kids who were bedridden in the Erosion Zone still hadn’t been discharged, making all sorts of excuses.

Sometimes they showed signs of fever, so they definitely weren’t in perfect health.

“Why the hell are there so many tests and diagnoses?!”

From what I could gather, it didn’t look like they were undergoing some kind of human experiment.

Every time I peeked in, the hospital staff clearly had a worried expression.

“…We still can’t discharge them. Just when we think they’ve fully recovered, the symptoms keep resurfacing…”

“Aren’t there any treatments?”

“We’re not even sure what that illness is. It’s still under investigation in academia, but no proper results have come up. It’s the first time we’ve encountered such a case.”

That’s troublesome. Even Daphne, who can barely restore the partially melted Violet, can only ease their conditions.

It was obvious that not just Ariel, but the other children in the same ward would feel quite gloomy as well.

This was the time for the pure-hearted guardian Violet to step up.

“Hey, kids! Stop that! I brought something delicious, so let’s eat together!”

“Wow!”

I decided to feast on the vast piles of delicious food I had brought and also hand out the prepared gifts.

“Ariel! How’s your studying going?”

“I think I’ll finish soon! Big brother Lucian is teaching me well!”

“Oh really? If you keep working hard, you might get to enroll in Aegis!”

“Yes!”

Ariel answered cheerfully with a confident smile.

Just then, Lucian, who was playing games with the other boys, suddenly turned his head towards us.

An instantaneous change in his expression—he had a haughty look, as if to say, “How about that?”

“Wow! Amazing! Bro! Over there! Over there! What if we miss it!”

“What? That was your chance, so why blame me? It’s coming! Hey! Grab it!”

That guy surprisingly gets along well with the kids after all.

When the atmosphere of fun calmed down a bit, Lucian and I decided to step outside the ward for a moment.

“Who knew he could tutor so well? The kids seem to have warmed up to you!”

He snorted briefly at my words and replied grumpily.

“Warmed up to me? You have no idea how annoying those little kids can be! They keep pestering me with questions about the academy and if I’ve fought any monsters. It’s exhausting answering those inquiries. I’m starting to regret why I even agreed to your request.”

“Still, the kids seemed to enjoy it! And I think you have a pretty decent teaching ability!”

Lucian rolled his eyes again.

“What’s so great about that? Teaching those brats isn’t difficult. You probably think that just because you’re so slow. Ariel even said that having me tutor her is much better than her sister teaching her!”

“Gasp! Ariel!”

The Violets couldn’t help but be astonished.

Had that ruthless Lucian stolen Ariel away from us?

Being adept in magic, did he perhaps use hypnotism or a brainwashing spell?

“That can’t be!”

“I’m sorry, but Ariel and the others simply prefer studying with me. Sorry, idiot.”

Outside the ward, a girl peeked her head in from slightly ajar door—it was a patient who lived with Ariel.

“Lucian Big Brother, why are you so late? Have you finished talking with Sister Violet?”

The kids began to raise their voices again.

“Bro! The pizza is getting cold! Hurry and come eat!”

“Ahh! She ate my share!”

Lucian shook his head and pointed inside the ward.

“See? Those idiots always fight among themselves. I’m going in first. Hey! Everyone, quiet down! Shut your mouths! Want to be hit by an electric arrow?”

“Wow! An electric arrow! Show us just one more time! Just once more, please!”

“If you don’t shut up, I won’t show you!”

“Wow! No way! That’s real electricity! Awesome!”

Lucian’s playful voice mingled with the kids inside, as Violet felt a suspicion brewing.

“There’s definitely some hypnosis magic going on! How come that rude guy is so popular with the kids?”

There must be a dark conspiracy lurking here.

I should devise a way to steer the innocent future children away from the evil combat mage’s grasp and guide them onto the right path.

“What if we promise to take them for a tank ride! Once they’re discharged, we’ll take them for a drive in a tank! They’d totally love that!”

The idea proposed by Unit 332 drew admiration from the Violets.

Next time I come, I’ll definitely have to take Rugilinn onto that tank.

**

There have always been chilling rumors circulating about the sealed depths of the Joint Research Laboratory.

Some whispers claimed they were torturing the most heinous of beings, while others spoke of research so brutal it could rival the exposed experiments of Magnavis.

And quite rightly so. Anyone entering the laboratory would inevitably hear a gruesome dissonance echoing in their ears the deeper they delved within.

“■■■-!”

As one approached the innermost depths, these eerie sounds only intensified.

Those who had been exposed to the mystique containing magical power for too long would feel that noise even more vividly.

Undoubtedly, it was that of screams.

“Ahhhhhh—!”

In the innermost chamber lay a massive containment facility.

The walls, several meters thick, crafted from the hardest alloys and materials humanity had produced, along with various protective magical formations and barriers, sealed off the area as tightly as a prison wall enclosing a vile criminal.

All this effort was simply to seal away what lay in the center.

So far, keeping it contained had gone smoothly, but alas, considering the nature of the prisoner trapped within, that alone was insufficient to fully suppress its power.

-Opening Barrier 5. All personnel other than level 5 must evacuate to Barrier 1 immediately. The team leader of the Relic Analysis and Development Team and three others. Prepare for operation once inside.

Upon entering the containment area, Ennis finally had the chance to confront the source of the screams that had been ringing in her ears.

“You cursed humans! The law of causality never lies! Retribution will come!”

What lay before her was shocking. Inside the containment facility stood a massive monster, its limbs severed.

Chains bound its limbs in place, and countless intricate magic circles filled the floor and walls.

Various unfamiliar machinery flickered incessantly.

Even someone unfamiliar with magical engineering would immediately understand that these were tools for sealing.

The problem was the identity of the beast.

Though it was referred to as a monster, even for these prisoner researchers who had encountered countless beasts, this was an unprecedented existence.

The tangible malice was palpable, pricking their skin even through the protective research coats.

-Complete evacuation of personnel. Barrier closure complete. Restraint devices activated. Level 5 personnel, begin installation of monster containment relics as per the instructions.

As the speaker relayed commands and other Magnavis personnel prepared for operation, Ennis raised her head.

The lights of the surveillance cameras seemed to blink repeatedly, as if watching her actions.

“Another pathetic insect comes crawling in! A vile attempt to defy the might of the great being!”

That was the last voice she would hear that day.

No sooner had the monster’s screams subsided than Ennis felt something hot and sticky trickling from her ears.

She, drenched in a gloomy mood, covered her ears.

“…Um, everyone. Is that really a monster? And… my hearing is gone…”

The monitor in front of her flickered, displaying a message as if admonishing her.

-Team Leader, questions are not permitted under the first-class confidentiality oath. If there are no abnormalities other than your hearing, begin operations immediately.

After installing the relics and completing a check, the level 5 personnel left, clutching their ears and heads.

Shortly afterward, a deep voice resonated from the speaker.

“Nothing starts the day better than hearing the screams of the enemy. So tell me, how does it feel to be humiliated by bugs? The ‘great’ Aedos’ remnants.”

Cordo chuckled, mocking the monster’s pitiful state.

The Apostle unleashed a ferocious rage.

“I will not submit! I shall not bend! Every attempt to shatter my mind shall fail!”

“Is that so? Everyone boasts like that before the pain starts. Raise the switch.”

As the relic gear activated, the Apostle was immediately engulfed in a wave of powerlessness and overwhelming pain greater than before.

“It’s a containment device developed by the Joint Research Laboratory. How does it feel? This is a result of thoroughly analyzing your body and the equipment you possessed along with any odd relics. Dream not of escaping. Foolish alien child, do you think you are anything? You will never escape from here.”

“Ahhhhhh! Cordo of Restraid! Fools’ king and dreaming fool! My defeat was merely due to misfortune. Do not mistake this victory for permanence. I shall engage you again and kill you with my own hands—Ahhhhhh!”

The Apostle once again let out a desperate scream.

Even restrained, the powerful aura it emitted forced the researchers and bodyguards to struggle for breath, leaning against the walls from the pressure.

Their expressions resembled those of prey that had heard a wild beast’s roar.

Amidst the pale-faced crowd, there were only two individuals who maintained their poise and calm.

“Graaaah!”

“So, Professor, what are your thoughts on observing that creature until now?”

Cordo, humming while chuckling at the Apostle’s howls. Bernike maintained a level gaze towards the screen, calmly answering.

“It’s just noisy and vulgar. It’s a shame that we can’t anesthetize it. The minor reactions from the test subject won’t severely impede the research, but if it were with Luminecsa, we could have conducted studies in a much quieter environment.”

“Well, we aren’t Luminecsa. Just remember that we are always doing our best. Request any support you need.”

As the Apostle struggled, the heavy chains rattled. A researcher monitoring the containment facility adjusted the controls.

Soon, the suppression systems kicked in one after another. High-voltage electricity, venom penetrating the bloodstream, and various diverse instantaneous attack spells.

The Apostle’s screams morphed into incomprehensible wails of agony.

“Ahhhh—!”

“Oh, of course. I firmly believe you will do better than Luminecsa. Would you not?”

Cordo thought for a moment about whether to get angry, but ultimately decided against it. The Professor could be picky, but their skill was undeniable.

There was no need to provoke those of a high caliber.

The hidden robotic arms within the containment facility unfolded.

Bernike’s face beamed with an odd light, like a child unwrapping a birthday present.

The three robotic arms moved about, making incisions on the Apostle’s head and spine as they began their examination.

“Ahhh!”

“Oh, so you do not break from a jab to the mouth, yet you cry like a girl! Should I have expected that you were a female?”

Cordo jeered at the monster’s pitiful form. Though Bernike was puzzled by the unexpectedly familiar sound she heard, she soon resumed her observations.

‘Could it be that Violet’s influence still remains in it?’

The Apostle too realized this truth amidst its torment.

“Damn it. The trace of my nemesis still lingered!”

So the Apostle lamented its miserable state while also feeling fortunate.

What kind of dire plights would its comrades, facing the dreadful nemesis, be enduring right about now?

Experiencing a fate worse than death was perhaps preferable to suffering as a test subject.

“I must survive! I must endure! The nemesis’ presence must be known before the magnificent throne—”

About the same time, Unit 2501, while enjoying a meal, suddenly tilted its head.

“Strange, didn’t I just hear someone screaming?”

“That’s the sound of us taking down monsters!”

“Oh, I see! Never mind then. Let’s just eat!”

Unit 2501’s mouth watered at the sight of the mountain of French fries and the pile of hamburgers before it.

Biting into one, the greasy, savory patty and the crunchiness of the lettuce filled its mouth.

The sweet yet spicy sauce blended perfectly with the soft bread.

With three fries stuffed in its mouth, Unit 2501 washed it down with soda.

Satisfaction was written all over Unit 2501’s face.

“It’s delicious!”

Meanwhile, the Apostle, trapped in the inner depths, thought:

“I’d rather face death than live like a lowly bug!”

Unit 2501 thought:

“Living as Violet is the best!”

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