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A week before our infiltration into the mine, the Scholarship Officer and we had a deep discussion about the internal infiltration plan.

“Keep in mind that Pax Nova Island is controlled by a naval faction that has anti-clan tendencies. Have you ever heard of the faction politics of the Federation?”

I confidently replied.

“Yeah! There are pro-clan and anti-clan factions, as well as pro-parliament and anti-parliament factions.”

The Federation’s military is entangled in a complex web of political forces, much like a wild vine.

Broadly speaking, they are divided based on their closeness to the parliament and their relationships with civilian forces represented by clans.

Some soldiers are close with parliament members but are wary of the clans, while others are friendly with the clans but clash with parliament.

Of course, it’s also possible for them to like or dislike both.

“You hit the nail on the head. But that’s just a superficial distinction; the internal circumstances follow another set of rules.”

We all felt a headache from the ensuing explanation.

“Ugh!”

On the surface, the Federation’s military is divided into four main factions.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Strategic Weapons Division, plus the minor factions that have survived amidst these large forces.

“The Army faction is the largest in scale, but the Navy is not to be underestimated since they possess air battleships.”

In fact, the air battleships originally belonged to the Air Force.

But a dispute arose.

The Navy argued that ‘airships flying through buoyancy are a type of ship, and the naval officers handled airships of the International League Army before the establishment of the Federation, so how dare the Air Force claim them?’

In the end, the Navy acquired the air battleships after the faction struggle.

As a result, the Air Force can only operate fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and they cannot touch airships equipped with anti-gravity flotation devices beyond a certain tonnage. That’s the rule.

Outraged by this miserable reality, the Air Force joined hands with the Strategic Weapons Division faction, which oversees strategic weapons and special forces.

Although their troop numbers are small, they play a balancing role between the two giant factions due to the importance of air supremacy and weapons of mass destruction.

“The rest are the small factions insisting that everything needs to be overhauled and those who take a step back and maintain neutrality amidst this conflict, but that’s not very important to us, so I won’t explain further.”

“So how is all of this relevant to our mission?”

“It’s crucial. The dynamics I just mentioned have created the peculiar characteristics of the area where our operations will take place.”

At that moment, a photo of a man wearing a beret appeared on the screen. The eyes of our Violets, who were seated in the factory, turned towards it in unison.

“The person you are currently looking at is Colonel Kurt, the leader of the naval warlords who dominate Pax Nova Island. He was an ordinary naval officer, but he gathered soldiers and mercenaries who followed him, killed his superiors, and seized control of the entire island to establish his own kingdom. He currently claims to be the regional commander of the island.”

“What? Isn’t that a rebellion? Why is the Federation letting this happen?”

Even Seijis, who was explaining, couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at the absurdity.

“Principally, yes. But Colonel Kurt has been evading responsibility by claiming it was an unfortunate accident during a friendly duel.”

“And he justifies his takeover by claiming he bought the regional commander position from the previous commander.”

After all, in the Federation’s military, if you want to attain a high rank or specific position, it’s possible to buy it through deals with the current holder.

“Moreover, he bribes the anti-clan generals with huge sums of money and makes contracts to supply military-owned businesses with minerals and superconducting materials at rock-bottom prices, effectively glossing over the situation.”

In the end, Pax Nova Island has become a quarantined military zone that one can enter but not exit.

“That’s the background, but how do we infiltrate?”

The Scholarship Officer tapped the screen with his finger, and the image changed.

“I’ve identified three main routes through various information and a broker. The first is the trade route through the mines; the second is the supply transport route.”

“Oh, I see. No matter how powerful, it’s impossible to be self-sufficient on a small island; they sell minerals to raise funds and import the necessary goods.”

“Finally, there’s the route for labor influx.”

“Labor influx?”

“Remember the superconductors I mentioned earlier? Pax Nova has a mine. Colonel Kurt is suspected of operating this major resource by utilizing a large amount of slave labor.”

According to the explanation that followed, about half of the laborers are slaves.

The other half are reportedly associated with subcontractors of subcontractors.

According to information from Cascadia, some people who owe debts to financial institutions under the parliament and military are sent here.

“I get it…”

It’s not surprising. The wicked capitalists of this world consider exploiting those with debts or weaknesses as a wise business strategy to reduce labor costs.

“The first step is to approach via that route. The second is to infiltrate and confirm the doctor’s whereabouts. Lastly, we need to rescue the doctor and escape promptly.”

“For the doctor’s safety, the escape must be swift and flawless. Although the doctor is an Awakened One, he isn’t as strong as you. If there’s a reckless confrontation, it could end up in injury.”

As it is a rescue mission, handling it quietly would be the best strategy.

After finishing his explanation, the Scholarship Officer suddenly looked at me with something in mind.

“By the way, there’s one more option.”

“What is it?”

“It entirely depends on your abilities, Violet. Do you have confidence in swiftly detecting and neutralizing key defense facilities, generators, and surveillance systems? Disabling only the anti-air defenses would be enough, as I will handle the ground entry myself.”

Oh, it looks like the Scholarship Officer is planning to enter directly.

“Of course! I’ll blow everything up! Leave it to me!”

“Good. Then let’s initiate internal reconnaissance first, and if conditions allow, we can switch to the second plan. If the reconnaissance results look good, it might be worth considering taking over the entire island… If possible, it’d be better to handle it now.”

As I was intrigued by the Scholarship Officer’s mutterings, something he mentioned earlier captured our attention.

“Wait, taking over the island? Does that mean we can occupy it?”

Seijis shook his head.

“Sorry, but the person to hand it over has already been decided when the island is taken. As I explained earlier, this island has a complex political background. However, that person will surely be very grateful to you and reward you handsomely. You can look forward to it.”

Hmmm, I’m not sure exactly who the person the Scholarship Officer mentioned is, but they must be a good person.

Unfortunately, we’ll have to put the occupation of the island on hold. After all, we already have the Karnak Archipelago.

“…I understand!”

At the end of the briefing, Seijis emphasized not to forget.

“Colonel Kurt is a delusional man. If he intentionally kidnapped the doctor, it’s obvious he will make unreasonable demands. The safety of the hostage is the priority. Keep that in mind.”

Got it. Given the repeated warnings from the Scholarship Officer, it seems the Colonel is not your everyday dangerous person.

“But, how on earth could he make such a dangerous demand?”

We tilted our heads in confusion. Engineering and science are distinctly different fields, and I know well that it’s something from movies for one or two scientists to create something all on their own.

Only future students who have yet to enroll can pull off such acts even in the Rust Room.

“Don’t worry too much, Scholarship Officer! After all, he’s just a scientist. What could he possibly do that’s so remarkable?”

Our reactions made Seijis mutter something incomprehensible.

“Still, you never know. We should just pray that the crazy woman doesn’t cause any trouble inside…”

“…?”

**

At that moment, while Violet and the Scholarship Officer were holding a meeting, deep within the subterranean depths of Pax Nova Island.

The professor was dragged into a damp and eerie underground storage by soldiers. After being shuffled through countless staircases and four elevators while blindfolded, her eyes were finally freed from darkness.

In a vast space filled with a briny sea scent, a man with a beret was waiting for her beyond a dim light.

The sight of the man fiddling with his red eye made the professor instinctively realize.

He is the actual ruler of this island.

“Ah… you prick. So, you called me, Colonel? There must be some reason for treating me so barbarically, right? If not, just kill me right now. I don’t have much time.”

“If not, at least return my stolen prosthetics. I’d appreciate it if you’d take off this wretched collar too. I’m not a pet.”

Bernike tugged at the cold metal collar, making a mocking gesture.

Though her tone was relaxed, her appearance was anything but. Hours earlier, soldiers had suddenly pulled her away and ruthlessly beaten her.

Fortunately, her precious brain had not been touched. The professor silently thanked that fact while simultaneously expressing her unhidden humiliation at being assaulted.

“So, what exactly are you plotting?”

Even though the sharp gazes of the guards seemed to pierce through her, the professor continued to speak unabashedly.

“When a high-ranking officer personally meets with me, it signals that there’s something special at stake, doesn’t it? Logically, you wouldn’t just capture someone like me and leave me alone.”

“The lack of mention regarding external contacts indicates that it’s not a ransom. At the very least, it would be normal to threaten by sending my voice or a part of my body. Savages like you wouldn’t hesitate to do that.”

The Colonel stood emotionless, simply listening to her tirade.

The surrounding officers couldn’t hide their disgust, yet they remained silent with cheeks reddened from fury in response to the incessant insults.

Observing this scene filled the professor with a thrilling sense of satisfaction and certainty that her deductions were correct.

The professor continued to unleash her verbal barrage.

“I’ve considered other possibilities as well. Surely, it’s not crude and base intentions, is it? After all, I’ve fallen into the midst of these rough and foul-smelling apes!”

“But that seems not to be the case. They show at least some superficial courtesy without handling me carelessly. Even though there’s a beauty with both intellect and allure like me defenseless among you. At least it seems you don’t treat me as trifling. You did resort to violence in the end, though.”

Bernike swayed her white hair, glistening with a hint of red at the tips.

The soldiers surrounding her seemed ready to pull the trigger at any moment, but the professor looked unfazed.

‘Whatever the reason, you intend to use me for your purposes. If you wanted to kill me, you would have done so already.’

“Well then, Colonel Kurt, are you not going to reveal your true intentions? Whatever it is, it must be something dignified, splendid, and productive, right?”

After scanning Bernike thoroughly, the Colonel coldly replied.

“To be direct, create weapons as I instruct. Then I shall release you.”

Bernike crossed her arms and burst out laughing, treating him like a plagiarism student.

“No, Colonel. Isn’t that an absurd request? Have you watched too many movies? Or are you addicted to games? You seem seasoned, yet you’re already losing touch with reality! Goodness! That’s pitiful. I have an acquaintance who’s a psychiatrist; should I connect you?”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’m perfectly sane, despite staring into the darkness of the abyss.”

“Oh, enough with the pointless conversation. What are your conditions-”

While the Colonel stared intently at the chuckling professor, he received a switch from one of his bodyguards.

With a light click.

-zzzzzt!

“…!”

A thrilling shock coursed through her body.

As ice-cold water was splashed onto her, Bernike found herself face down on the damp concrete floor, reeling her senses.

“Are you awake now? Doctor?”

“…Ugh… as if you would care? And I’m not a doctor; I am a professor. Tenured, too. You’re just in a rush, aren’t you? So, what exactly is it that you want me for?”

The Colonel gestured toward one side of the storage. One of his subordinates quickly brought something out.

It was a metallic object with a clearly embedded purple phoenix emblem. It approached her nimbly on four legs, lay flat at her feet, and barked.

“Woof!”

The mech hound wagged its tail equipped with a machine gun.

“I heard you designed the core components that control this fellow’s brain and nervous system. Am I right?”

“What a cute little guy. Indeed, it’s the masterpiece of my first foray into professional life. I did contribute to this guy’s development while working at the foundation. But what of it?”

The mech hound wagged its machine gun-tail playfully.

“You excel in both theory and practice. You have accomplished many groundbreaking feats as well.”

Bernike, observing the Colonel intently, let out a scoff of disbelief.

“Are you asking me to create a high-performance killer robot dog or something? The idea is interesting. But why should I do such a thing?”

In that moment of chuckle, Bernike noticed she was being pulled deep underwater, firmly bound.

Damn it, the water tastes saltier than I expected.

“Cough… you scraggly human scum!”

The Federation Navy’s waterboarding was rather brutal. As the professor gasped for breath, the soldiers repeatedly submerged and pulled her back up.

As she emerged from the water, the Colonel pointed his electromagnetic pistol at her, seemingly running out of patience.

“There is no choice here, Professor. According to my orders, you can safely leave this island. If not…”

Bernike could only keep her mouth shut. Her level of magical power was insufficient to stop him. Taunting the dullards was an enjoyable pastime, but getting a heavy metal bullet lodged in her skull wasn’t what she desired.

“Alright, what exactly do you want me to do?”

Rather than talk, the Colonel chose to show her.

The gloomy silence engulfing the storage room was pierced by light.

Bernike squinted momentarily against the brightness, realizing why the sea scent was so strong.

In the brightly lit vast space, calm seawater was gently lapping in the center.

It was a docking facility for submarines.

Instead of submarines, a gigantic creature, resembling a mix between an octopus and a whale, was half-submerged where a submarine should have been.

“Professor, I hear you have made groundbreaking discoveries and inventions regarding the nervous systems and brains of Awakened Ones and monsters.”

Perhaps due to the effects of the anesthetic, the monster was faintly pulsing with barely noticeable waves, tied securely within a massive restraint.

Countless drug injection tubes were embedded throughout its body. Bernike couldn’t help but smirk at the bizarre and absurd sight.

“Oh, it’s a Paranodon. How on earth did you capture it? Don’t tell me… you…”

“Indeed, it was a bit of a hassle to catch.”

With a serious expression, Colonel Kurt opened his mouth.

“My request is simple: within a month, develop a device that can dominate and control that monster. Just like you did with the Mech Hound. If you can do that, I’ll set you free. Don’t you think it’s possible for you?”

By now, the bindings had been removed, and she staggered to her feet.

“Damn it, do you think a scientist is some kind of magical lamp? With no tools, surgical instruments, or drugs, what exactly do you expect me to make? I don’t even have a portable multi-diagnostic scanner. You’ve already taken my precious prosthetic arm…”

While she grumbled, the soldiers began hauling in countless equipment and machinery, making her speechless.

“We will supply enough equipment and support. Yes, even your prosthetic arm will be returned.”

The professor alternated her gaze between the advanced equipment with the Laplacian logo and the monster. A spark of possibility began to flicker.

‘Wait a minute, how long has it been since I worked on something like this?’

This feeling, which she hadn’t experienced in a long while, made her heart gradually race.

A peculiar glint began to glow in her golden eyes.

“You’re insane.”

As she focused on the restrained Paranodon, her excitement rose.

While the professor absentmindedly gazed at the beast, Colonel Kurt asked her.

“So, are you going to reject my offer?”

Bernike grotesquely twisted her lips into a smile.

“No, this sounds entertaining. Let’s get started right away.”

As the Colonel extended his hand for a handshake, the professor gladly took his hand with a bright smile.

**

One week after the meeting wrapped up.

While the slave Violets were toiling in the mines, preparing for a massive rebellion, we reflected on the time gone by.

“That took longer than expected.”

“It could have gone quicker.”

A week had passed since the formal infiltration commenced, and the Violets had launched their operations through various routes.

“This isn’t it. These guys are oblivious.”

After sweeping away a trivial group of pirates and stuffing the defeated into drums, Unit 431 reported back.

– Splash!

“Checked here too! They were just simple smugglers.”

“Please, spare us! We only smuggled gold bars and antiques! It’s the truth!”

“Then why were children found underneath the roofing? They had no clothes on.”

“Th-that’s because…”

– Rat-tat-tat-tat!

Having crushed five small human trafficking organizations like walnuts in a compressor, neither the professor nor even a woman resembling her with white hair was seen anywhere.

Just a scene of utter devastation.

“Uwaaaah! I finally made it to the mine! This is the sea in front of Pax Nova’s main island!”

In the meantime, Unit 2881 finally caught a lead.

Just in case, they had shaved their heads and blended in with a specific smuggling route, and it turned out to be the right choice.

“Let’s switch! This is too tough!”

“Got it, you left clones planted in the mines, right? Also find empty places ahead of time!”

Contrary to the information, it seemed there were several mines scattered about.

From the guards’ conversation and various circumstances, it was likely that not only the main island but also the smaller surrounding islands had mines present.

That must be why they covered this narrow island with concrete and even built structures for the miners.

“Alright, bring the fishing boats close!”

If they were to cross over to the main island’s mines immediately, they could, but first, they test the defenses of the main island’s naval base.

If it turns out easier than expected, they were ready to charge right in.

As they scanned the surroundings, numerous fishing boats were visible along the Librian coast.

According to the visual information of the slave Violets, fishing boats occasionally surfaced just beyond the horizon near Pax Nova, and since they frequently came and went, it appeared they weren’t reckless enough to attack.

“Unit 12’s boat! There’s a hole in the hull! Yikes! It’s sinking!”

“It’s going down!”

Of course, as they had heard, the route to the island was not easy. While the Librian coast was endlessly peaceful, entering this area felt peculiar.

Monsters swimming in the water frequently attacked and ripped out the bottoms of boats, and once in a while, monsters as large as whales would appear.

“Is there any way to avoid the monsters?”

“Well, I don’t know either.”

Even so, after sacrifices and efforts, several fishing boats managed to barely approach the island.

“Alright, it seems they aren’t firing yet… Helicopter!”

As expected, attack helicopters equipped with searchlights stormed down with fierce momentum. The Violets onboard quickly jumped into the water.

“At this rate, we’ll just have to swim!”

They swiftly removed oxygen tanks and flippers from their inventories and pressed forward toward the island.

Fish showing sharp teeth continuously lunged at them, but they pressed on, slashing away with their swords.

“Are these also some type of monsters?”

“Seems so. But infiltration is surprisingly smooth, huh?”

At that moment, as the Violets swam through the waves, they spotted a spherical object the size of a basketball floating underwater.

“What’s that?”

Just as they were suspicious and tried to pass by without touching it, the light attached to one side of the sphere began blinking red and exploded.

“Huh, it exploded underwater!”

“It’s a mine! Be careful!”

Is this the underwater defense system mentioned by the Scholarship Officer? It’s no joke.

The underwater Violets narrowly avoided the shockwave of the explosion and faced a new obstacle ahead.

A delicate net was shimmering beneath the water. Some Violets became ensnared in the net.

“Ah! It’s a net! I got caught in the net! Help me!”

“Wait! I’ll cut it off right away!”

The Violets attempting to untie the net suddenly felt it tightening. It was constricting, stinging. It hurt. Aah!

What followed was a gruesome sight.

“Huh? Why am I inside the network? Did I die or something?”

“Screeech! Unit 4012 is down!”

The divers who spotted the cube steak Violet were engulfed in shock.

“Quickly, let’s move to the beach! It’s dangerous!”

Perhaps due to the earlier explosion, silhouettes of boats with searchlights and warships were now flickering above them.

-Boom! Crash!

“Is that a grenade?”

“It’s a portable bomb!”

Before long, battered Violets finally managed to crawl into the shadows on the coast.

“If we charge in recklessly, we would’ve been wiped out…”

“Yeah…”

The results of testing the surveillance network had been excessively harsh. Still, they should take comfort in having landed on the main island.

“First, I’ll implant the hibernating bodies and then take a break!”

For now, they need to prepare for the rebellion of the mine slaves, understand the configuration of critical facilities and defenses. And then…

“I need to find the professor!”

Fortunately, locating her proved to be no struggle.

The next day, on the eighth day of the operation’s initiation, we found a white-haired woman casually strolling on the island. Although soldiers were watching her, she appeared more free than expected.

“I found her! Professor!”

Upon confirming her whereabouts, we halted the search in other areas. It was time to plan the official rescue operation.

“Land! Explode!”

“Air drop!”

 

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