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Chapter 29
Chapter 29 : The world is not kind (6)
When humans utter false statements, physiological reactions follow. Commonly, elements like changes in heart rate, tension of facial muscles, and changes in breathing become noticeable.
However, for a trained soldier, hiding these is not difficult. Because depending on the occasion, one must also keep in mind the situation of becoming an enemy prisoner.
“I hope you don't think too negatively. You might not know well, but this is a considerable merit. The circumstances supporting it must not contain any exaggeration.”
Saying so, Ronan handed me an implant chip. A familiar appearance; I know what kind of object this is. Because I had seen a device with a similar function relatively recently.
En̆ū_m а̂
‘Synapse Memory.’
A means to restore user memory and extract it in data format; Kyron Lee had provided it to me under the pretext of helping track the mage.
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Of course, what Ronan offered doesn't reach that level. Strictly speaking, it was merely a fundamental technology derived from Synapse Memory, which had entered the development stage.
“No need to be wary. It just analyzes brain waves deeply, there are no side effects.”
“...Yes, I know.”
He won't be able to rummage through my memories with this. Yuri's intervention will also be safe from discovery, but I cannot answer questions falsely.
W̃ е̇ bň о vе̇l Е́_ṅ ùmа
Brain waves are more detailed than simple physiological reactions. If I say I don't know something I know, distortion will inevitably occur in the brain waves. This is not something that can be solved by training.
“If you have anything you are curious about, I will answer everything.”
Saying so, I inserted the implant chip into the port on my wrist. Along with the unpleasant feeling of a foreign object stuck in, my spine tingled.
“Seems you dislike long talks?”
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“I just choose people.”
“I tend to be like that too.”
Е́ń ū m а̊
Ronan's eyes scanned the empty air. It seemed he was checking the mission log. Soon, the movement of his gaze stopped at one point and his mouth opened.
“The 2nd Class Wanted Criminal you killed, Ben Caton, was an officer of the Security Department under the military. Although now he is merely a traitor who joined hands with subversive forces.”
The Security Department under the military was an organization monitoring various places within the Empire. The informant Fellaf, who must have been killed by Ben Caton's hands, was also a figure belonging to it.
“Infiltrating wouldn't have been difficult.”
“Because he would have understood the organizational structure well.”
Most of the members are treated as undisclosed. Since they swap identities easily, it's inevitable that it's hard to notice when a problem arises.
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Using this, Ben Caton nonchalantly acted as an informant. Since the guy also belonged to the Security Department under the military, he would have been able to deceive us easily.
‘But in the end, he played into your hands.’
This whole affair was planned; Ronan was essentially admitting that fact. Since he wasn't even pretending to hide it. Rather, he was just trying to give me more information.
[Unofficial Operation Plan: Bug Trap.]
It was a situation predictable just by the phrase. Also, the content was denser than I thought.
“Underwood is constantly attempting to reinforce their power. In that sense, a powerful mage becomes an unimaginably attractive resource. The basis of this plan derived from such a point.”
Ѐn̆u m ǎ . і́.ḋ
I quietly bit my lip. He grasped even the personal information about the Silent Mage, Alice. And he intentionally leaked a part of such information to the subversive force, Underwood.
Afterward, he deployed me and Aiden on the mission. Causing a disturbance in the Lower Sector using Kyron Lee was a bonus. The purpose of all processes was one.
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‘To stimulate the actions and choices of Underwood coveting the mage.’
Ben Caton wasn't someone who could be drawn out by ordinary methods. Perhaps Aiden and I might not have noticed until the end. It might be consequentialism, but it wasn't ineffective.
“What is the reason for revealing this to me?”
“Because the plan concluded successfully, and you are the subject who will receive appropriate treatment and compensation for it.”
Е̂ ńu m̂a
Even among past cadets, those who established such achievements would be counted on one hand. That's why it was a strangely bothersome situation. Because it meant a mission implying that much danger.
Even I, the party who performed it, was receiving the plan only now. Recommendation for the Order of Merit and emphasis on appropriate treatment and compensation; Ronan was now fabricating all this situation as if it were an agreed-upon matter.
“Successful conclusion?”
“Do you not like it?”
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“It's not even funny. If you had grasped about Ben Caton, you would have known what kind of existence that guy is. Then at least, an active-duty knight should have been deployed.”
Aiden is being transported to the Medical Area and undergoing emergency surgery. A situation that unpredictable; it was an idea excessively reliant on gambling.
W̄ е̂ḃ nо̄v̊е̂ l̇ Ѐn̆ um а̄
“I agree with the point that it would not have been an easy task. It wouldn't have been technology a mere terrorist would show. But I must express regret regarding your opinion.”
To my remark, Ronan only showed disapproval. I also knew it was a foolish remark. Deploying more power than necessary ends up advertising the unofficial plan. At the same time, it could act as an opportunity to raise Underwood's status.
Rationally, they were all acceptable grounds. Maybe that's why irritation surges. Because I realized that I myself am a human capable of being persuaded by Ronan.
“There is no plan that does not consider failure. Only the best move is chosen. Know that losing a promising talent is a painful thing for me as well.”
I wonder if those words are sincere. If I shove the implant chip inserted in the port into Ronan's temple, I might be able to look inside. However, I had to suppress such an impulse.
Because in the end, they were all correct words. Even on a battlefield entered with perfect strategy, casualties occur. Even at this moment, somewhere, such providence must be working faithfully.
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“So curiosity arises about you.”
SNAP.
As Ronan snapped his fingers, all surrounding surveillance devices turned off. It was implying that from here on, it would be a private conversation.
“How were you able to kill Ben Caton? Because a plan with low success probability, a case where statistical analysis is wrong, is an interesting matter.”
It isn't strange to feel malice in these words. At least, I shouldn't have been able to return this unscathed. Because it seemed like he was saying that.
“What is your identity?”
Е́ṅ_ũm̌а̇ .їd̄.
It was an ambiguous and implicit question. Abstractness draws out thoughts. My brain waves, which would be realized through the implant chip, must be shaking violently.
I don't know how much Ronan investigated about me. What is certain is the point that he considers my existence unsatisfactory, and roughly where the cause lies.
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“The unkind question must be because of Instructor Erenroch.”
“I don't know if I should call this quick-witted.”
I know what kind of relationship Ronan has with her. Suspicion is a boringly familiar thing; right now, clumsy secrets do not help.
“Even if it's a estranged relationship, indifference goes against the duty as an older brother.”
Е̄ n̂ū m̃ а̌
Probably, if Yuri heard these words directly, she would have been quite annoyed. Because she hates Ronan extremely. Of course, I also didn't like it.
“Don't bare your teeth fiercely. Because I just want to know. With what purpose you approached Yuri. I think it's not a sensitive question.”
If there is nothing to hide, one can speak honestly. Ronan tried to tighten my neck through silent pressure. Even if I tell a lie, or choose evasion, it becomes information to Ronan checking my brain waves.
‘Only telling the truth is what I can choose.’
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But even that wasn't feasible. Ronan belongs to the Imperial Direct Council; revealing my regression and the circumstances about it could cause other problems.
...The words I could say were decided. An extremely simple and foolish answer, but a sentence that could give no information to Ronan.
Wе b̄ nо v̈ е̃ ľ Е̃ n̆um а̀
“Your hesitation is getting long.”
“No, because I don't know how you will take this.”
“I will handle the interpretation.”
I sighed quietly and muttered in a low voice. It was the only remark that could represent the purpose I have.
“...I am merely in love with your younger sister.”
I didn't know I would spout it with my own mouth again.
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***
Long-term consumption of mental power lowers judgment ability and induces stress. For the above reason, I need proper rest. Actually, I was even recommended four days of hospitalization. Nevertheless, postponing it was purely my stubbornness.
[47 missed messages.]
It was accumulated contact from Milo. Although I had entrusted him with information collection of the Lower Sector, I didn't know he wouldn't skip it even while I was performing the mission.
[Android manufacturer ‘Bricks’ starts expanded sales of new models.]
[Fall of ‘Red Clot’... Order reorganization of South Gate, ‘Dust Bane’ rises rapidly.]
Еn̂u ḿ а̇
[Private security company, ‘Calober Corporation’ discussing opening of free cyberware provision screening.]
As expected, the items I would take interest in were decided. And that news wasn't very pleasant. I snorted hollowly and massaged my brow.
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Red Clot eventually couldn't avoid annihilation. The leader Ragas is missing; through this opportunity, Kyron Lee became the hegemon of the South Gate.
“The idea of reform you like so much was trampled like this. How do you feel? Just curious.”
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.
What returned to my words was only the noise of the monitoring device, a rhythmic ringing to the point of being uncomfortable. Aiden failed to recover despite emergency surgery. Locked-in syndrome, simply put, he entered a state of full-body paralysis.
En̈u̇m̄ а̀.іd̊
Did they say the nerve bundles for motor ability were completely destroyed? Restoration was possible if immediate action was taken, but it wasn't a situation where the golden time could be kept.
Because of that, Aiden ended up lying on the hospital bed like a wooden doll, only able to roll his eyes. Even the cyberware of his arms and legs were removed, an appearance where dignity was hard to find.
‘It's not that there is no way.’
For a soldier, fatal injuries are not rare. If Aiden wishes to move again, he just needs to receive more cyberware implants. Looking at the condition, he would have to replace quite a few parts.
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Instead, he might have to give up his status as a knight cadet. Because excessive mechanization inevitably calls for Pollution. This is undeniable providence...
‘...Might not be.’
Е̃ǹ ũm̂а̃
Ben Caton was strong even under such conditions. I don't know what kind of expedient he used. Because the full investigation wouldn't have started yet.
But even so, there is something I can guess. Collusive ties between Underwood and the Imperial Family; because I have seen cyborgs similar to him.
‘Executioners.’
I recalled the Special Duty Unit, an unofficial group led by the 4th Prince, Noah Friedrich. Those who threatened me and Yuri in the past life were also made of cyborgs. Beings evolved further and tougher.
...And the man in front of my eyes was also a member of it. It was also the reason I distrusted Aiden. However, now I do not hold such emotions.
“Ugh...”
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“Wait.”
It was only the sound of breath leaking from his throat, but I felt like I knew what Aiden wanted.
[I am okay.]
It was text written through eye tracking. It's just foolish, stupid behavior. Because if it were me, I would have screamed while trapped in the body.
“Yes, because next time we meet, it will be after you have recovered.”
It wasn't empty words for comfort. Aiden already chose mechanization surgery. Although long-term surgery and rehabilitation will accompany it, it was a choice he wanted himself.
Wе̊ b n оv.е l̀ Е nu m̀ â
It was inevitable that Aiden had no choice but to become like the Executioners of the Special Duty Unit, furthermore like a cyborg. Nevertheless, knowing the destined ruin where a star deviates from its orbit, I couldn't stop it.
***
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The air seeping into the lungs with breath was strangely cold.
[Restoration rate 92%, other damages require separate procedures.]
The android stepped back with an emotionless voice. The state of the cyberware was serious. Originally, I should have entrusted it directly to an operator.
The reason I couldn't was because most were absent. The cause lay in the full investigation of Ben Caton I secured. Because it was a matter engineers had to rack their brains over together.
W еb nо̌v е l̇ Еn̊ um̀ а̊
WHISH.
I threw a punch toward the empty air. As expected, the android's maintenance wasn't perfect.
[There is a record that stress levels exceeded the standard in the shoulder joint area of the right upper limb. Damage to biological parts is concerned. Would you like to transmit a reservation for a separate precision examination?]
At that point, I recalled the previous battle. I fired firearms wildly to forcibly move the broken prosthetic hand. It was something not strange even if I suffered long-term aftereffects.
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But to me, there was no big problem. It was thanks to the abnormal physical durability and regeneration ability finishing some degree of recovery. Although it was just one of the temporary phenomena that disappeared afterward.
“Instead, reserve a checkup with Operator, Rieta Bastoni.”
Ė_ñ ù.m а. і d
What bothered me more was the subtly annoying foreign feeling. This was impossible to solve at the android level. Although reluctant, a skilled person of Rieta's level must look at it directly.
[ID Number 09-0064, Selection personnel qualification confirmed, transmitted reservation under the name ‘Jin’.]
Now I am in a position to formally entrust checkups to an operator. Right, I put my name on the Selection personnel. Along with the scheduled conferment of the Order of Merit.
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