Lost in the dream of sending Violet to Adela’s house for a while, we soon returned to reality.
This was because a new mystery had arisen that needed solving.
“Still, why isn’t it working?”
“Exactly.”
Over the weekend, our Violets continuously swung their swords in search of something.
This was all in an attempt to recreate the technique used during the duel with the professor.
“Unit 1461, switch!”
“Unit 988, engage!”
Despite rotating every hour, the Violets struggled to replicate the technique from that day.
It felt like gaining enlightenment from a wuxia novel or movie, but perhaps it was just good luck?
Eventually, the Violets, bored, put down their swords.
“How did we use it?”
“I don’t know!”
I tilted my head and inspected the sword I held. It seemed like there might be some understanding here, but whether there was a better method remained unclear.
“Is there any better way…?”
The Violets thought long and hard but found no answers.
“I don’t know. Should we ask Instructor Frederick?”
I immediately went to the adjacent room and asked Instructor Frederick,
“How can we regain our technique?”
In response to our question, the instructor looked baffled and replied,
“That’s what I’d like to ask you. How exactly did you manage to use it?”
“We don’t know either!”
Attempting sparring in hopes of finding a good method proved futile.
“This is tough…”
“Perhaps this has something to do with your Unique Ability.”
After pondering deeply, the instructor called Professor Albert to exchange opinions.
“Violet possesses Collective Consciousness. Perhaps it’s an accidental phenomenon?”
“That could be. But if so, it only makes interpretation harder. This isn’t some surprise box, after all. Should we practice until the technique resurfaces?”
“Dual sparring might have an effect.”
Though they discussed difficult matters, no conclusion was reached.
Maybe our Violets are geniuses.
“Hold on, have we examined this closely before?”
Right, our Violets had a status window. In our focus on weapons, we hadn’t really checked our situation.
“Let’s take a look then.”
I casually called up my status window and frowned at its altered appearance.
“Why is it like this? Is it because it’s been too long since I last saw it?”
…
<CHARACTER STAT>
Name: Violet Dunhind Rugilinn
Nickname: Calamity of the Western Zone
Status: First Year Student at Aegis Specialized Academy/Member of Ariel Group/Helios Frontier Service Special Operations Division
Lv:6̷̡̭͙̝̱͉̰̥̮̯̹̳̯͋̆̾̋̀͌̌͗͗̎̐͌̑͘ͅͅ5̴̬̤͕̠̑̎͆̏͋͘
Health:7400/7400
Magical Power:120̵͈̞͈̞̜̣͚̰̈̇̈́̄100/120100
Skills and Knowledge:
<Polaris Hunting Close-Combat Technique> Lv■̴
<Aegis Ryu Mont/Sedric Sword Style> Lv■
<Ether Emission and Operation> Lv■̴̐
<Intermediate Magic> Lv■
<Explosives Manufacturing Skill>: Lv■
■■■-■■■ ■■■■Skill:■̴
■■■ ■■■■: ■
Unique Abilities:
<Collective Intelligence> Lv5
<Fluid-Consciousness/Self-Linked Clone Technique> Lv5̴̨̧̢̦̫̞̺̱̳͍̩̣̤͋́͂́̈̎
Resonance Traits:
Backstab Bonus – Increased damage when attacking from behind.
Weakling Disdain – Increased damage against low-health opponents.
…
The overall content remained the same. The last time I checked was around level 30, now it’s nearly doubled.
Had the level increased due to the sheer number of people eliminated?
“Indeed, the best way to grow stronger seems to be through killing!”
“But what level are we at now?”
The issue was that the status window was heavily distorted.
“Why is it like this?”
“I don’t know.”
We could only scratch our heads in confusion over this inexplicable situation. What had gone wrong?
“Eh, I don’t get it. Let’s eat instead.”
“Sure!”
I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
Perhaps there’s some hidden power within us Violets!
During the intense study sessions at the academy, the Violets engaged in various miscellaneous exercises.
“Cement is mixed like this.”
I followed what I’d learned from others, carefully measuring cement, sand, and other materials into a drum according to the ratio.
“This way, you’ll make strong concrete,” they said.
“Alright, I’ve made it. Seems fine to me.”
“But we’re not construction workers. Where would we even use this?”
After finishing the practice, the Violets chatted freely through the network.
“Later, let’s put someone inside a drum and pour cement! That way, it’ll be easy to throw them into the sea.”
“Great idea! Just like in movies!”
Unit 1515, who had silently listened, voiced an opposing opinion.
“But throwing someone into the sea is simple enough without the drum. It’ll be heavy with the drum!”
“True. Cutting them up and scattering them might be better.”
“What about using it to seal an Awakened One alive? Like encasing them entirely except for their head!”
“Oh, that’s a great idea!”
We debated what would work best.
Since all Violets’ opinions are equally respected…
Every Violet, regardless of creation order, has the right to voice and chatter their own ideas freely.
Free and equal discussions are the robust force behind building a healthy Violet Network.
“Meeting concluded!”
Based on the discussion results, we decided to use concrete as situations arose.
Sharing ideas and discussing made us feel productive once again.
“Discussions are fun after all!”
Feeling accomplished by the democratic process, Unit 661 went for a stroll outside the school.
Waving to the guards at the gate, I stepped out to greet the fresh, cool sky.
“I am a free Violet!”
Excitedly stretching my arms forward, I walked for a while until someone stopped me in the city.
“Excuse me, could you spare a moment?”
I turned around startled to see a neatly dressed man and woman approaching me with friendly smiles.
“Excuse us, we’re from ‘Ilshimdan.’ We’re conducting research on the changing values of modern people. Could we have a moment of your time?”
The man spoke softly. I furrowed my brow slightly—unexpected surveyors.
“Ilshimdan?”
“Ah, we’re a group that helps students achieve mental stability and self-development.”
The man continued kindly,
“We aim to help find inner peace away from the stress of studies and daily life. We offer meditation, concentration training programs, and operate study groups.”
“In these complex times, it’s better to face challenges together than alone, hence the name ‘Ilshimdan.'”
The woman joined in with a warm smile.
“Are you attending Aegis Academy?”
“Yes, how did you know?”
Surprised, I widened my eyes. How did they know I attended Aegis Academy?
“Ah, I saw you leaving the gate just now. Actually, my younger sibling also attends Aegis!”
The man answered brightly. Though questionable, it sounded plausible.
“If you’re from Aegis Academy, you might be interested in our program. Why don’t you experience it? No pressure, of course.”
I shook my head. They definitely seemed like the type to push you into buying Ok boards or cosmetics next.
“Sorry, I’m busy. See you!”
I briskly walked away, ignoring them.
A few steps later, I felt uneasy. Unit 661 glanced back.
“Where did they go?”
The duo had already disappeared into the crowd, leaving an uncomfortable feeling.
Suddenly, a chilling thought struck me.
A Violet cautiously pointed out,
“Wait, didn’t we activate the Recognition Interference Device right after leaving school?”
Unit 661 almost jumped in shock.
…
For years, the Federation endured the mockery and humiliation from the four major clans. Once given justification, they swept through the academy city over several months, releasing pent-up frustration.
Revenge against the arrogant religious forces who dared to challenge them was merely an added bonus.
The Federal Army’s mobile unit entered the southern district dungeon alongside the Restraid Armored Knights, who made no effort to hide their discomfort.
“We’ll finish off the Unity Cultists here today.”
Adjusting his newly acquired rank insignia, Major Klein issued the command.
The crackdown on illegal religious organizations was nearing its final stages.
Soon began the operation to eliminate the remaining forces of the Unity Cult. The previously tranquil Islei Forest was filled with the screams of monsters and humans.
-Tut-tut-tung!
Non-Awakened soldiers fired their electromagnetic rifles in rapid succession. Bullets pierced through the bodies of believers, splattering flesh.
-Kwa-kabang!
An Awakened Believer launched an Ether-infused bolt. White smoke rose from a damaged armored vehicle.
Unable to withstand the onslaught of artillery fire, the believers retreated behind cover.
“Ugh, ughhh! I cannot die without seeing Unity!”
“Brother! Sister! Please calm down!”
Amidst the chaos, a terrified believer stepped forward with raised hands.
“Spare me! I surrender!”
-Phoo-bang!
The believer’s head exploded from a heavy metal bullet. The cries of grief from losing a comrade were drowned out by the deafening roar.
-Kwa-kabang!
Rapid-fire cannons obliterated the cover. Awakened officers charged forward.
A blue blade cleaved through the air. The Ether-enhanced sword strike cut through the magical defenses of the believers, slicing their bodies.
-Kung! Kung!
Giant knights in armor trampled the cultists underfoot.
With each swing of the massive sword, the resisting believers were bisected like harvested crops, blood gushing forth.
The clinging to life and regret of failed faith were overshadowed by the heavy footsteps and rail sounds of the armored suits.
“All remnants have been eliminated.”
Hearing the report, Major Klein’s brow furrowed.
The battlefield was now a slaughterhouse littered with the corpses of believers.
Past memories flashed through his mind.
‘The incident at Vittorio Arcade is finally over.’
Closing his eyes, he still saw the soldiers who fell meaninglessly in the dungeon.
Thanks to the Ariel Group’s efforts, the biggest grudge had been resolved, though he harbored no particular fondness for these believers either.
At that moment, a subordinate approached, saluted, and reported.
“Commander, we’ve secured important data from the raid on their hideout.”
He led the way to the shabby tent cluster where the Unity Cult had hidden.
The pungent smell hit him as he entered, revealing numerous documents.
“This is…”
“Evidence suggests the Unity Cult had connections with multiple underground organizations. It seems they aren’t just a few individuals.”
Klein sifted through the papers. Despite the chaotic cipher covering everything, he managed to recognize some unfamiliar names. Were these clues to a new conspiracy?
“Hey, Commander. How much longer are you staying here? This is why non-Awakened are considered slow…”
The armored knight beside him grumbled condescendingly.
The creaking sound of the armor exuded intimidation.
Klein barely resisted the无形 pressure and looked up.
“It’s not slowness, it’s thoroughness. These guys are dangerous. They can control monsters with unknown means.”
“So what? Controlling low-level monsters isn’t rare. Even if we encounter them, sweeping them all away should suffice. What’s there to worry about?”
“They’re not just low-level. They can control upper-level ones…”
The knight snorted mid-sentence, showing disdain for non-Awakened.
“Hmph, scaredy-cat. Anyway, don’t forget to share the information. Got it?”
The knight grumbled and left. Watching him go, Klein sighed.
He suddenly missed the mysterious girl terrorist organization he encountered in the dungeon.
Back in the command vehicle, the major reviewed the documents again. A never-before-seen word caught his eye.
“Ilshimdan?”
Klein’s gaze sharpened. What kind of organization was this?
“Returning to base.”
The mobile unit departed with new questions.
Shaking in the moving vehicle, Klein reflected.
This cramped academy city had too many bizarrely named groups.
