The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City

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Ennis’s hands busily darted among the fluttering documents on the table.

The volume of security spell paperwork to be signed after her promotion was enormous.

With each signature, blood drawn from the nearby blood extraction device stained the signature line, causing strange circuit-shaped patterns to emerge around it.

Ennis was inwardly astonished. Although she had signed the same type of paperwork several times before, it had never been to this extent.

If she were to sign all of this, she would have to be cautious even when uttering a single word.

Otherwise, her heart would stop.

Already, the sensation of the spell, penetrating deep within her organs and tightening around every nerve, made her body tingle.

“Well done, Dr. Lowell.”

As the procedure came to an end, Bernike’s tentacle clacked as it approached.

A blue name tag caught her eye, clamped tight in the beak of Broca.

“Temporary, but congratulations on being promoted to Second Rank Researcher. I believe you’re ready to carry out greater missions. Just don’t forget to be careful with your words around the department staff. Although, according to regulations, lower ranks can participate under the guidance of higher ranks, the principle is to either gloss over core information or remain silent.”

“Th-thorough, indeed. I can’t believe it goes this far.”

The name tag hanging around her neck suddenly felt unbearably heavy.

Only then did Ennis truly feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders, sinking into a gloomy mood.

Seeing Bernike’s expression turning annoyed, she hurriedly added her words.

“Ah, what I meant was, I am prepared for this important task.”

“Can you still say that after seeing this?”

The mechanical tentacle moved once more to deliver more materials.

The first page prominently displayed a warning label marked “Security Level 2” in bold red ink, catching her eye.

Ennis took it and cautiously turned the page.

The content was familiar.

Except for the fact that the usual black censorship lines had been completely removed.

The doctor, accustomed to the censored documents, soon found herself bewildered.

The truth hidden behind the restrictions was far too absurd.

“Aliens…? The ones behind the dimensional invasion? What’s this about Apostles, and Aedos Empire? What on earth…”

Bernike chuckled malevolently, tapping his temple with his right index finger.

“I believe you’ve understood that our research subject is a highly intelligent entity. The advanced research project you’ll be partaking in with me is not simply about ether beasts. It’s a life form with cognitive abilities equal to or exceeding that of humanity. Oh dear, Doctor! You haven’t been naïve enough to believe that the entity isolated in the depths has been a mere mutated monster as the field agents claimed, have you? You can hear that noise too, can’t you?”

“Aaaahhh!”

“U-uhhh…”

“Therefore, the being currently screaming is essentially a war prisoner. What we need to do is torture that war prisoner. Do you understand, Doctor?”

“Graaaah!”

The shocking truth left her mind in a whirlwind. The overwhelming nature of the information didn’t even allow her time to feel surprise or fear. The ironic situation that such overwhelming shocks could serve as comfort.

“God… I can’t even believe this. This is…”

The tentacles extending from his back gripped Ennis’s shoulders.

“Ugh!”

“You’ll know everything soon enough, whether you want to or not. Are you ready to see? Beyond the abyss.”

“Y-yes…”

The lights on the ceiling flickered uneasily.

Ennis was led by the professor through the corridor echoing with screams.

**

When I first heard that story, one word captivated my nerves.

Circlef.

“I grew up near that den of crime…”

Heroic memories of facing off against gangs flashed through my mind like lightning.

It felt like yesterday when I rescued Manager Leslie and his subordinates from the dark alley there, and yet it was almost a year ago now.

I noticed Enrica’s face scrunching up before she could respond.

Struggling to grasp the hazy memories floating like dandelion seeds in the air.

“I can’t remember either. I left home when I was young. They took me away from Sellafield Laboratory around that time.”

“I see…”

It’s only natural she wouldn’t remember as it was before she got the nickname Trinity.

We Violets couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Why had they been searching for so long only to come now?

“Did your parents ever contact you while you were at the lab?”

At my question, Enrica turned her gaze away with a sour expression.

Her shoulders slumped and her lips pressed tightly together for a while.

“Sometimes, really rarely they would. I remember they called… I think I saw them once or twice a year. But they haven’t come since the year before last.”

Oh no, of course, the answer was not good, just as I had expected.

If they hadn’t contacted for a long time and suddenly reached out, indicating they must have kept in touch with the laboratory frequently.

Mobilizing the collective intelligence of the Violets to find reasons led us to one conclusion.

“Could it be they found out I took the entrance exam for the academy and came to exploit me?”

“That might be it!”

If one made it into the academy, it meant being quite an accomplished talent.

There are many corporations and clans that come to scout or propose contracts right from the first year.

So there’s a possibility they could have malicious intentions.

They could think they’re looking for their child now that she’s entered the academy, maybe thinking she’s successful.

“But she hasn’t passed yet, right? Usually, stories of bad parents seeking out their successful children involve them showing up after success is guaranteed.”

“That’s true.”

Although our debate flared up again, there was still no solid conclusion.

Above all, how did they know?

It wasn’t like they received news of her passing or it was surprisingly quick for them to come looking.

“So what are you planning to do?”

Enrica slowly opened her mouth.

“I’m not sure. I don’t necessarily want to meet… They likely just came to see how I’m doing anyways. For now, I just told them I’d think about it and hung up.”

“I see, got it!”

I heard that Trinity’s parents were ordinary Non-Awakened workers.

Near Circlef, too.

Fortunately for me, I had subordinates from Circlef who specialize in background investigations.

– Yes, Boss?

“Yeah, Manager. It’s nothing special, but I have a job for you after a long time! I’ll mention a name, so look into it. Find out what they’ve been doing for the last ten years, whether they’ve been up to anything strange, or if there are any rumors. Got it?”

If I just investigate, I’ll soon find out their intentions.

For now, I’ll stand by.

It seems there will be no major wars for a while.

The Violet Navy is leisurely patrolling the coastal waters, hunting pirates and monsters.

The Violet expedition team in the Karnak archipelago is also casually engaging in a large skirmish across the entire archipelago.

And above all, our Violets are waiting for something important—a final exam.

We need to prepare for the exam.

We need to replenish ammunition, and check Rugilinn’s Iron Fist. Work does not release the Violets from duties.

“We need to produce more weapons!”

“We also need to create some new Violets!”

Thus, we spent our time preparing for the final exam leisurely.

As the power of magical energy supplied by Rugilinn’s Iron Fist gradually increased the number of Violets to over 7,000, ten days had passed.

“I’ve decided to meet them once.”

Amidst breakfast, Enrica’s sudden declaration made me look up. A spark of determination shone within her orange eyes.

“I got curious about why they’re looking for me. I want to know what they were thinking when they left me at the lab. That’s all.”

“I understand.”

I nodded quietly. Leslie Manager’s recent report came to mind.

– No particularly suspicious points were found. I was wondering how they had found out and it seems after the laboratory collapsed, they searched through one of our industry contacts. After speaking with that person, I found out there was a name overlap, so I confirmed it and it was indeed correct.

– Ah, it seems the father started a business two years ago but it didn’t work out well. Then a few months ago, the business started to recover. Other than that, no notable anomalies.

Alright, if the manager said that, then there shouldn’t be a big issue in meeting them.

I was mired in various thoughts when Enrica continued speaking.

“Umm, Violet, could you come with me? It seems a bit awkward to go alone…”

“Huh? An escort, huh! Of course!”

Right, it’d be necessary to have a friend’s protection.

I might as well take the Violet animal companions with me.

After making our plans, a few days later, we finished our preparations to depart.

Unexpectedly, another companion joined us.

“Oh, Kalia? Are you heading to Circlef too? You don’t need our help, you know…”

“It’s nothing special. I have a brief errand for the Brotherhood. There’s a person missing from our neighborhood, and they say that person is there.”

“Ah, I see!”

Kalia grumbled as she started her bike.

“Seriously, gambling addiction… Should I go and guide you? I used to go there often while looking for my uncle.”

“That won’t be necessary! I already figured out our meeting place. By the way, how’s the exam preparation going?”

“Ah, about that…”

Seeing Kalia sigh deeply, it seemed exam preparation was no easy feat.

“Well, as long as I pass without failing!”

The Violets and their friends set off toward Circlef, each with their quests.

**

Spring Victory Airport is the largest airport in the Lumeria continent.

Connected to the federal administrative capital, this place was constantly flooded with people.

Armed federal soldiers were watching the surroundings with sharp eyes, ready for terrorism and the appearance of monsters.

The lined-up people were being tested for their patience with tedious inspections and checks.

Another casualty created by the ills of bureaucracy.

However, among this tedious line, there were some exceptions.

A group was arrogantly escorted by soldiers, moving past the long lineup.

Dressed in suits, they entered through the VIP passage and took their seats in a lounge overlooking below.

As a gentle symphony flowed, one of the men spoke up.

“Finally, it seems Restraid will unveil the secrets it has hidden. Judging by the fact that only a select few among our Unified Party were discreetly invited, don’t you think it’s exciting?”

As the man smiled and lifted his teacup, a man fiddling with his sword responded gruffly.

“But isn’t it a bit too late? You’ve been parroting words about sharing what was discovered during the Erosion Zone incident and sharing information, while in reality you’re making clandestine deals with the military? Even the chairman hasn’t said a word… Could it be that Commander Cordo doesn’t trust us?”

“That’s not possible, Remar. He holds you in high regard. He appreciates how you’ve thwarted the Unified Party’s absurd legislature with that sword of yours numerous times. Isn’t that why you’re here? The ‘Guardian of the Parliament’! Just a little more patience is required.”

The middle-aged member’s words silenced Senator Remar.

Disputing the words of someone who had withstood the storms of Parliament for a much longer duration than he would be excessive for his career.

“And furthermore, if Restraid genuinely distrusted us, they would have made a formal request for artifact acquisition through the Parliament rather than inviting us like this. You may have heard, but this flight we are taking is carrying the artifacts they need as a ‘gift.’ That’s why our departure has been delayed. Honestly, why do foundations have to be so picky?”

Another member grumbled in agreement with the middle-aged member’s words.

His gaze fell upon a starkly dressed employee dispatched from Luminex, standing there expressionlessly.

“Exactly! With such little support or cooperation, why do they interfere so much with safety and such…”

“Right, those foundation people! We need to give them a solid lesson someday…”

“Ah, that friend is listening, you know. They might spill the beans? Hehe…”

Remar withdrew his hand from fiddling with the sword and gazed out the window.

Specially packaged crates were continuously being loaded into a cargo hold of the federal airliner docked at the airport.

As they chatted about world events, military trends, and Rustroom’s current state, time flew by like an arrow. By the time it was time to leave, the senators reached the boarding gate at a slow pace. Their aides and bodyguards followed in a line behind them.

As the seating concluded, one senator pointed to a bottle handed over politely by a flight attendant.

“How about whetting our throats? Since we’re on board, let’s have a drink. It’s good champagne. Alevor Crystal!”

“Sounds great!”

As the senators sipped their drinks, Remar, who had just taken a drink of champagne, scanned the surroundings before putting his glass down and shifting his hand to the hilt of his sword.

The older middle-aged senator stared at him with a puzzled expression.

“What’s wrong? Why activate your magic power suddenly? Planning to have a duel or something?”

“No, it was a mistake. Nothing…”

Remar sat back down. The sweet taste of champagne had washed away the instinctive doubts from his hunter days.

Soon the charter plane, departing from the airport, soared towards Rustroom under the escort of the federal air force.

The sky was incredibly clear and pristine. Senators were engrossed in merriment while their aides were busy.

Thus, it’s possible no one noticed.

The swarm of black figures that had infiltrated the cabin.

-Scurry!

Around the time the passenger plane reached its maximum altitude, the cockroaches began to move.

Their target locations were the wings and the cockpit.

The ominous red lights of the devices attached to their glossy black bodies flickered ominously.