Chapter 47

1.

There are many ‘villains’ in this world.

Not in the sense of antagonists or enemies, but villains as in entities that cause harm to others.

So to speak, they are self-centered, have an overly inflated sense of self-esteem, lack consideration for others, and are trapped in their own world—these are the ones who create chaos.

This is nothing less than a kind of universal madness inherent in everyone, from ordinary citizens to students in Kiburatos, and even entities that can hardly be called human.

People who possess this madness—whether they term it purpose, belief, or ambition—always act in pursuit of realizing something.

Now, consider some prime examples of these individuals.

The ‘adults’ of Gematria.

The Kaiser Corporation, which aims to establish a corporate city.

The AI of Decagrammaton that claims itself to be the absolute being, ‘God.’

The students in each academy, who are the epitome of madness.

And the countless incidents occurring throughout the city.

Could I possibly stop all of them by myself?

It’s impossible. Unless I have the ability to use shadow clone techniques, there’s no way I can stop all of them.

Moreover, considering that I’ll soon have to intervene in both the upcoming main storyline and various event stories, it’s not reasonable for me to shoulder everything alone.

Therefore, I need more allies.

I require greater strength and power.

…Someday.

If only to prevent the city’s sky from turning red.

So as not to despair upon seeing the city in ruins.

In preparation for the battle against an entity that transcends the realm of the divine, which I have foreseen in my dreams.

To avoid repeating the scenes of chaos I’ve witnessed in my dreams.

“…Is this how Tony Stark felt?”

The hero from a distant future who, despite ultimately failing and losing most of his comrades, managed to secure victory only at the cost of Iron Man’s life.

Will I meet the same fate?

An ominous thought that suddenly occurred to me. But I shook my head.

“No. It will never come to that.”

Sublime sacrifice? A hero’s final stand?

That is not the ending I desire.

A happy ending where everyone finds happiness.

That is a sufficient goal for me to pursue.

I will not tolerate a tragic finale.

Thus,

“Teacher, I need your help.”

For the sake of achieving my goal.

2.

Before the formal conversation began, I handed over the materials I had prepared beforehand to Teacher and Yuuka.

Although Yuuka initially tried to step back, claiming that she didn’t need to hear this dialogue between the two of us, I felt it was necessary to share the information with her as well, given her role in the organization known as Seminar. So I asked both of them to listen.

As the two read through the documents, their expressions hardened with each page they turned, and soon their eyes widened in shock.

“Is this real?”

“Yes. This is based on observations made in the Millennium Ruins and further investigations conducted across various districts. Additionally, the frequency of supernatural phenomena occurring in each district has significantly increased.”

“…”

“An incredible story, indeed.”

The Millennium Ruins.

This was the phenomenon—or entity—observed by Himari and Amy before I joined the Special Task Force for Supernatural Phenomena.

Divi:SION.

Later revealed to be a being known as ‘Hessed’ from the Decagrammaton.

Himari and Veritas had concluded that ‘Divi:SION’s’ autonomous thinking system and learning capacity were far superior to any artificial intelligence they had encountered before — almost human-like.

With past knowledge of Decagrammaton, Himari had identified ‘Divi:SION’ as part of Decagrammaton and analyzed its thought patterns and influence. They then conducted investigations across each district to see if similar phenomena were occurring.

Thus, it was discovered that,

“…There’s a snake beneath the desert of Abidos?”

“Yes. It is said that the pattern of that entity is eerily similar to Divi:SION’s thought pattern. Though not identical, it’s akin to the patterns exhibited by animals within the same family.”

Binah.

I was heading to Abidos with the aim of tracking Binah while also intending to become involved in the main storyline.

Of course, my objective wasn’t merely nominal—it was to conduct a proper investigation.

“According to observations and testimonies, that entity also appears to have a mechanical form.”

“Yeah, I think I’ve heard about it before,”

Yuuka, a member of Millennium Academy’s Student Council, confirmed that she had encountered information related to this entity. I nodded in gratitude toward her.

Decagrammaton is spread throughout Kiburatos.

Moreover, it is either expanding its forces and growing in strength for reasons unknown to us, or it lies dormant.

For what purpose?

We don’t know. One thing’s for sure—its objectives are beyond our human understanding.

“Our Special Task Force plans to investigate these phenomena. For that, we require your assistance.”

Hence, we must stop them. This is a judgment made by me, Himari, and all of the Defenders.

“What kind of help… exactly?”

“I would like you to guarantee and support our activities. I request assistance with the restrictions and supply issues we may face while operating in other districts.”

If someone overheard this, it might sound like asking for cover under SCALE’s influence, but unfortunately, this part cannot be avoided.

Political obstacles always arise when conducting activities in other districts.

As the Special Task Force for Supernatural Phenomena is still a Millennium Academy club, it will forever be bound by political issues while conducting its operations.

That’s why we need the existence of Teacher and SCALE.

SCALE, in particular, possesses extralegal authority, has garnered considerable influence and accomplishments, and is now recognized by many districts.

In a way, it’s a form of legitimacy.

Between the student ‘Nanashi Hiiro of Millennium Academy’s Special Task Force for Supernatural Phenomena’ and ‘Nanashi Hiiro, whose investigation is endorsed by Student Council SCALE,’ which one sounds more reliable and trust-worthy?

“Alright. I’ll approve it.”

Just as I was in the middle of the explanation, Teacher suddenly approved my proposal without hesitation and started to stamp the document.

…Wait, approve with just this level of explanation?

Yuuka also seemed to think the same as me, her eyes widened in surprise. Filled with suspicion, she asked,

“Teacher, have you really thought this through?”

“That… the explanation isn’t even over yet. Are you sure it’s okay to make a decision so quickly?”

To both of our queries, Teacher replied,

“Hiiro seems like a good student. When a student asks for help, it’s the teacher’s duty to assist them.”

“…”

“…”

Compared to just a moment ago, Teacher’s tone had become solemn, not even a speck of doubt in his eyes. I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

‘This is incredible.’

To trust a complete stranger just because he is a student?

Teacher does not ignore the words of students.

When a student makes a request, the teacher willingly responds.

“Amazing. You, Teacher.”

“…What, really?”

“Thank you very much. I look forward to your continued support.”

To the point that, at this moment, this entity before me seems to perfectly embody the word ‘teacher.’

I suddenly wondered if, among all the madness in this world, this individual might be the most deeply mad of them all with such unwavering beliefs.

“I’ll help if there’s anything more you need.”

Perhaps,

Through this teacher,

I too might learn something,

Even as I differ from the normal students in Gematria.

I might come to insights or revelations through this teacher that I couldn’t reach before.

Just such a thought crossed my mind.

3.

Immediately after deciding to collaborate with Teacher, an unexpected person also volunteered to help me.

It was Yuuka, who had been listening in the same place.

As the treasurer of Seminar, she said she would relay the story she just heard to Seminar’s leadership.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. The issue you raised isn’t something Seminar can ignore. Also, you seem trustworthy? I’ll help out, especially with the financial and complex aspects.”

“Ms. Yuuka… Thank you so much…”

With SCALE’s collaboration, plus now Seminar’s support,

I had inadvertently gained two incredibly strong allies. It was now a situation where I would no longer lack support in any future activities.

“Now, are you heading back? I’ll drop you off. Let’s go together.”

“Senior, may I call you ‘Sis’?”

“Hahaha! Sure, go ahead!”

On top of the unexpected camaraderie with Yuuka,

I returned to Millennium Academy with her, discussing various topics along the way. Though Yuuka, as Seminar’s treasurer, might be someone I need to be wary of, for the moment I just enjoyed relaxed, pleasant conversation with her as merely Nanashi Hiiro.

Right after returning to Millennium Academy,

Before heading back to my room,

I stopped at one location.

This place was,

“To everyone, I’ve come up with a new piece of equipment!”

“…”

“…”

The place where my Meisters are — the Engineering Department.

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