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Cordo had only briefly enjoyed tormenting the Apostle before he had to return to the grim reality of the situation at hand.

Due to the recent slew of incidents and information flooding in, an emergency meeting was called within the organization.

“Currently there are three entities that the Restraid Order has identified as prime enemies.”

At the front of the meeting room, three photos were displayed in succession on the massive screen.

The Apostle species on the dissection table, Aedos, suspected to be behind the first-dimensional invasion. And the monsters they produced locally.

The terror organization, Ariel Group, continuously expanding after toppling Magnavis.

The federal navy, which had always had a fraught relationship with the clans even before the Tea Time Treaty, remains next in strength to the army, with its most hardline faction being the Fleet faction.

While opinions on them varied depending on interests, the positions of the other two clans were likely to be similar.

Today’s main topic was the first prime enemy.

“As you’ve seen from repeated skirmishes in the Red Zone and Yellow Zone, the offensive of the monsters has become increasingly relentless and threatening over the years. Especially, in cases like the AC-241 incident or BO-12, we’ve observed meticulous movements where they intelligently destroy logistical hubs and disrupt or sabotage major routes.”

Shadows darkened the faces of the high-ranking officials gathered in Restraid.

It seemed like only yesterday they had celebrated a brief victory in Asteria, yet despite having captured an Apostle since the dimensional invasion, the overall situation had not significantly improved.

There was, however, something even more concerning.

“…Following the suspicions raised by the Strategic Information Department, we conducted an investigation. The results are clear.”

A collective sigh filled the room. While the briefing continued, Cordo, sitting at the head of the meeting and reading through the reports, unconsciously crumpled the paper.

“Damn it, it turned out to be true.”

As the screen transitioned, the first image that appeared was of a grand monastic city.

Photos of knights and mercenaries operating under Restraid, searching the Erosion Zone that had now encroached upon the southern district.

“Based on the analysis results so far, testimony, various observational data, satellite intelligence from the federal army, and observations from the Rumyx Foundation, it is estimated that there are at least two or more Apostles involved in the incident at the Exhibition Hall.”

“Have there been any discoveries from the search? Did we find any traces of them?”

“…We concentrated our search on expected locations but only found signs of combat; no substantial clues emerged. While there’s a possibility they died, given the other clans that entered Asteria at the same time…”

Despite the resistance from Restraid and the federal army’s special task force, the Strategic Information Department had compiled a list of the clans that had intruded.

Just how many of these clans could suppress an Apostle?

Cascadia? Perhaps if they mobilized all their strength, there was a chance, but they had focused on civilian evacuation, so they were out.

Obsidian Legion detachment confirmed annihilated after the battle in the Erosion Zone.

Reclaimer? Atlas? Excluded.

Helios Frontier? They have a young and capable heir along with elite hunters, but they lack the means to subdue an Apostle. Excluded.

Ariel Group? They are persistent. However, according to recent detections, they had no means to deal a decisive blow.

They have since withdrawn from combat following the nuclear attack, so they are excluded. They are targets of vigilance anyway.

Unix, Ekaz, excluded…

After examining all possible scenarios, it seemed the Apostle likely survived.

Theoretically, if they had died, there would have been traces left behind.

“This is driving me crazy.”

Though he had anticipated some of this, when the time came to discuss multiple Apostles, the executives gasped and each exhaled their shock.

“We couldn’t find them even with that many personnel and resources? Are you kidding me?”

“It means that there’s more than one of their comrades roaming somewhere in the southern district! Let’s contact the Speaker of the Council. We need to persuade the army factions to lease more nuclear weapons!”

“Enough with the nuclear talk! Didn’t you see the records from the first invasion? Atomic bombs are useless! Let’s bring in Magnavis, who has been hiding in Rumelia! They’re the ones with the most kills of Apostles in the current age, right?”

The painful reality dawned upon them that a monster capable of distorting reality and even disguising itself as a human could be hidden somewhere right now.

Above all, they had to consider the worst-case scenario. It was entirely possible that the Apostle had already infiltrated the clans and was conducting assassinations or sabotage projects.

Unable to stand by any longer as the executives panicked, Cordo spoke in a deep rumble.

“Silence.”

The executives fell silent, lowering their eyes as if nothing had happened.

“Are you men trembling and sitting idle over uncertain information? You’ve distanced yourselves from the frontline, acting desk-bound, and now you’re scared of dying? Gawking and fussing like a bunch of girls is simply ludicrous. If you keep this up, resign from your positions immediately!”

Having assessed that he’d regained the initiative, Cordo slowly rose from his seat.

“Nothing is certain. The enemy may be pulling in more of their kind to seek revenge on us, or perhaps they have already withdrawn. However, as proven by the great war, they are a killable foe. And we have already demonstrated this. We were able to capture one of those filthy species entirely by our own strength.”

Reality was harsh. Just a few months since they began extensive studies into their true enemies, the Joint Research Lab faced countless obstacles.

Human knowledge hit a limit in investigating the enemy’s equipment, biology, and ecology.

‘If the investigation results are true, we’ve been quite lucky.’

Had they faced two or more Apostles, even if they emerged victorious, they would have endured tremendous sacrifices.

But Restraid was not the type to compromise with reality.

“We have the Goliath. Though it’s an early model, it was more than enough to subdue an Apostle. And as you all know, we are studying Apostles. We will secure the power to definitely subdue them, complete the Goliath, and mass-produce it. No need to be afraid!”

The self-assured and overconfident demeanor of their commander left the executives gathering their wits.

However, Cordo himself was coming to a quiet realization. There was nothing he could be confident about.

The commander felt the need to discuss their main enemy in the next meeting.

‘Damn it, the wall is too high.’

**

The Violets were conducting various experiments with their newly acquired weapons.

“Bang bang!”

The target board set up on the deserted island shattered into pieces. The rifles utilizing machine gun rounds were undeniably exciting.

“But they’re heavy!”

“The rate of fire is slow, and depending on the situation, they could be overkill. Just bringing several regular rifles would yield a similar effect!”

Due to the presence of monsters, the firepower in the academy city had escalated more than necessary.

Even the most basic rifles were quite hefty, and moving to heavy weapons made one wonder how they would even wield them.

It was necessary to go this far to pierce through a monster’s hide and magical defense.

“But they look so cool!”

“That’s true.”

Moreover, the Awakened Ones possessed strength and endurance far beyond that of ordinary humans.

Thus, since the first dimensional invasion, a world had arrived where people could fire cannons.

Weapons mounted on vehicles grew even larger, as if to compete.

Rugilinn’s Iron Fist would likely be an exemplary case.

However, the Awakened Ones frequently employed all sorts of bizarre and fascinating weapons as well.

“Brain Spear!”

The small order placed with Helios for Brain Spears appeared much more refined and powerful than those previously used.

They sharpened the spear tips to ensure they could penetrate enemy armor and improved the potency of the explosives as well.

Some warheads were inscribed with magic formulas, allowing for various effects.

In simpler terms, this meant they could now execute even more powerful self-destructive charges.

“Word is there are heavy metal projectiles embedded in there!”

“Great! We can self-destruct with more efficiency now!”

In truth, they wished to place various weapons orders with the blacksmith.

Things like swords or hammers filled with explosives, or axes.

However, the blacksmith had opposed this as inefficient.

“Romantics have no clue!”

Weapons should explode to be truly enjoyable.

Everyone should understand how a bomb slowly rolling into a high-speed kinetic barrier and smashing monsters to bits is a stunning sight.

“More massive bombs! Bigger romance!”

So, they are self-sufficiently producing bombs. In a corner of the factory.

“What is this? It looks just like the water tank I sleep in, though a bit smaller. Is it the water tank that carries me?”

Just then, Enrique, having finished her self-study, looked at their work with curiosity.

Seeing her friend ask a question, it was only natural to respond.

“It is a water tank, but that’s not its purpose. These are bomb materials!”

First, they select a suitable metal water tank. They acquire thick plates and cut them roughly with a blade before welding them into the necessary shapes and functions.

They also create a makeshift cockpit on top of a large drum where a Violet could lie down to pilot it.

And just like that, ta-da! The outer casing of the bomb is complete.

“I’ll be lying in here and zooming down! I’ll control the wings with my arms and legs!”

“Wow, Violets can really fly high.”

Once the explosives and high-magic particle liners are added in, it’s all set.

Of course, they could do that when necessary, and the basic shells would typically go in their inventory or be transported by vehicle.

“We’re also developing even larger bombs!”

The bomb’s name might become the 5-ton bomb. It would symbolize the Violet’s commanding strength.

Though they shouldn’t rely solely on weapons.

They should find a way to suitably apply the tactical immersion taught by the thugs to ranged combat as well.

With those thoughts in mind, they headed towards the private training ground for the weekend, only to be met with a rather shocking sight.

“Oh no! That’s it!”

Daphne was making serious expressions as she kept rubbing her palm, then repeating the healing process.

“Huh! What are you doing!”

“You startled me! Violet. Why did you come so early?”

At that moment, they realized the shocking truth.

“My friend is trying to end her life!”

“No!”

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