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The morning sunlight illuminated the tranquil landscape of Pax Nova Island. Despite the scarcity of any intact buildings or people, it certainly felt peaceful.

There were no pirates, after all.

In the places where embers still lingered, smoke was rising, and the corpses of fallen soldiers lay scattered about.

The military stationed at the naval base was comprised of two battalions, including those on the main island and nearby mining islands, and it seemed that about half of them had perished.

It could even be more than that.

Moreover, there lay the massive carcass of a monster overturned on the path leading to the dock.

The enraged monster had rampaged, destroying warships and port facilities until the Scholarship Officer managed to subdue the Paranodon, causing Cascadia’s ships to have difficulty docking.

The smell was far from pleasant as well. If not dealt with swiftly, the decay would undoubtedly lead to undesirable consequences.

Of course, that wasn’t our concern.

Just moments ago, when we had cheered, there had been a bit of chaos and commotion, but now the governance of this island had passed to the Cascadia Family.

Cleaning up was a job for them.

“Wow! We don’t have to clean up after ourselves!”

They say with great power comes great responsibility, but I, Violet, have relatively weak individual strength; I only need to bear a small responsibility.

What a comfortable world this is.

Still, a nagging feeling tugged at the corner of my heart.

“Violet, thank you for the welcoming speech. However… I think it was a bit much. The family members appeared flustered.” Adela remarked.

“Really?”

I responded in surprise. According to my sister, when thousands suddenly roared and welcomed them, they had been taken aback.

While I had heard about our scale and military strength, it seemed there were those who doubted or thought it was exaggerated.

“Moreover, there were some conservative adults who were quite uncomfortable with it.”

Adela continued.

“Why? Could it be… did I make a mistake in front of you or your father?”

I asked, panic rising within me.

With an awkward smile, Adela responded.

“Do you remember earlier? When you called me ‘your daddy’s sister’?”

Upon reflection, I realized that might have been a bit rude.

“Ugh, I’m so sorry!” I gasped in horror.

“Haha… it’s fine, Violet. Really! Just so you know, my father will be fine with it. He’s rather strict, but he’s generous about these things.”

Sister Adela consoled me with a sheepish smile.

“After all, there won’t be anyone foolish enough to nitpick a title after handing over an entire strategic resource mine. Even those who felt uncomfortable likely won’t make an issue out of it. Don’t worry, okay?”

“I’m really relieved! Thank you, Adela!”

I sighed in relief.

“But what should I call him?”

“Just ‘Duke’ or ‘Your Grace.’ Feel free to choose.”

Sister Adela advised with a gentle smile.

Hearing that, I felt reassured it wasn’t a major mistake. Next time, I needed to remember details like titles.

Meanwhile, I spotted slaves preparing to board a ship to return home.

“Hurrah! Freedom! Screw the mines!”

“Thank you… thank you…!”

Seeing the slaves liberated under the banner of democracy filled me with joy.

Could it be that the only ones able to topple this evil controlled economic system and revive the free market economy were the countless hands of us Violets?

“Uncle Adam Smith! Watch over us from Earth!”

As the Violet Brigade finished the hand-off to Cascadia’s troops one by one, we finally had the opportunity to meet Adela’s father.

In the regional commander’s office of the naval headquarters stood a middle-aged man with soft blonde hair and a dignified presence, facing us.

“I’ve heard your story well. So, you’re a friend of our Adela?”

The first question I received, the Duke’s voice was full of curiosity.

“I’m a junior!”

I replied with a grin.

“I see. Violet, I’ve heard about your Unique Ability from Adela. It’s quite an impressive power.”

There was admiration in the Duke’s eyes, clearly he knew about my ability.

I glanced briefly at the Scholarship Officer and saw him nod, so it seemed nothing unusual was going on. Perhaps he had heard about it during the Magnavis incident.

“That’s true. Hehe…”

I decided to gloss over things. Frankly, I wasn’t sure why I was this strong either.

“Have you trained using any special methods for your power?”

“I think I just got stronger with diligent training.”

“Training is indeed important. But, you see, we can’t avoid addressing this.”

Suddenly, the Duke’s relaxed demeanor shifted dramatically, and an intangible pressure bore down on me.

The Duke regarded me with eyes sharper than Adela’s, now a striking shade of amethyst.

“I hear you’ve only been at the Awakener Academy for a year. Yet, a first-year student managed to single-handedly defeat the legendary Grand Mage’s military-industrial complex just months after enrollment; that’s quite a remarkable feat. And just recently, it’s said you even defeated a monster from another world… No ordinary person could even begin to imagine that.”

“I was just lucky.”

“Luck is important… but that’s still not a very convincing answer. Is it really true that it was just school training? Personally, I want to know if there’s something more.”

As I met the Duke’s gaze, my heart suddenly began to race uncontrollably.

“There have been many heroes throughout history. However, at such a young age, it’s rare to achieve such remarkable feats. Adding to your past accomplishments, you’ve now even conquered a heavily armed military base. It’s indeed nothing short of a blessing to have such extraordinary power at your young age. However, power can carry significant meaning for both the holder and those around them. It seems we have much to discuss…”

As the Duke’s mood started shifting ominously, Sister Adela interjected appropriately.

“Father, that’s not why we’re here. Didn’t you have something to give?”

The mood shifted slightly. The Duke offered a slight chuckle before returning to his softer tone.

“I must apologize for the rudeness; I’ve been asking so many questions of a young first-time visitor. However, necessary questions they were, so I hope you understand. First, I must express my gratitude.”

“Thank you?”

Almost immediately after he finished asking, the Duke bowed his head slightly. I could feel the attendants behind him stir uneasily.

“I sincerely thank you for saving our daughter during the recent Vittorio Dungeon incident. Thanks to you, Adela was able to stay safe. If it weren’t for you…”

Duke Alistair continued on with hospitable words.

“I also greatly appreciate that you handed over the mine to our family without complaint this time. It was a tremendously valuable gift. A talent like you lending a hand to our Cascadia family is nothing short of fortune. I hope we can maintain a good relationship going forward.”

“Oh, it’s really nothing. It was nothing much! If I had known it was your family, I would have done it faster.”

I shook my head, feeling embarrassed. I wondered why the Scholarship Officer had kept it a secret. If I had known, I could have cleared it up much sooner.

“No, there’s no need for modesty. If you want anything, just say it. I’ll do my best to assist. The Cascadia family does not forget its kindness.”

Oh, it seems he’s thinking of offering a reward. If it’s a family of this magnitude, they must have a great deal of money.

However, this sudden question left me a bit flustered, as I couldn’t think of what I wanted.

“Can I think about it later?”

“Of course, if anything comes to mind later, let Adela know. I will provide anything… and, Violet, are you perhaps interested in nobility?”

“Nobility?”

“You are more than qualified. I sincerely hope you do not refuse.”

In that instant, one of the attendants near us seemed shocked and tried to speak, but immediately closed their mouth upon meeting the Duke’s gaze.

Speaking of nobility, as far as I knew, there was no official ranking system in the current federal structure.

I was at a loss for how to interpret his words when, fortunately, Sister Adela kindly provided an explanation.

“We’re talking about a knightly title. There are only a few noble families in the old line that can bestow such recognition, including us and the Restraid family. Of course, it’s merely an honorary position, but possessing it could help in social circles, ensuring no one would dismiss you.”

After receiving a bit more explanation, we began to understand the value of the title.

Essentially, the knightly title implied ‘this person is favored by us.’

It would be quite effective against anyone who tried to boast about being a scion of a prominent family or the child of a clan leader.

If I used it too often, it might be a bit awkward to explain how I obtained it, but surely the family would clarify it for me.

“Wow.”

“Knight Violet sounds more impressive than expected. I hear they give badges to pin on chests and even a certificate on appointment.

Excited, Unit 1 shouted.

“I think it’s amazing! I want to be a knight!”

“Very well. Then we shall hold the appointment ceremony right away.”

Following the Duke’s words, our discussion swiftly transformed into a simple knightly ceremony.

After reciting several vows, the ceremony concluded with the Duke personally placing a sword on my shoulder.

“Remember well. It is a knight’s duty to help the weak, fight for justice, and safeguard the truth.”

“Yes! I’ll definitely remember, Your Grace!”

I knelt on one knee and solemnly swore. Now, I was officially a knight.

“Wait a minute, isn’t a knight also a noble?”

“We are nobles too! Wow!”

As the Violets debated the compatibility of democracy and knightly titles, Duke Alistair stood to leave.

“Alright, let’s call it a day. I still need to speak more with the Scholarship Officer. Violet, I wish you luck on your journey ahead.”

I took Sister Adela’s hand and stepped outside. I felt relieved that the interview had concluded without any major missteps.

Instead, I oddly felt good about receiving high praise from the Duke.

However, it was quite awkward when suddenly asked if I wanted anything. What should I ask for?

I would have to think about it more deeply when I returned.

**

Duke Alistair waved away all his attendants.

In the vast commander’s office, only the two of them remained. The Duke opened the conversation.

“Are you the Scholarship Officer?”

He seemed ready to unleash the questions he hadn’t been able to ask Violet earlier.

“As far as I know, a Scholarship Officer is a public servant who intervenes in academy-related issues, mentors delinquent students, or oversees certain programs. In the case of handling Awakened Ones, the use of force is not uncommon. However, I’ve met many Scholarship Officers, but… I’ve never seen anyone like you before.”

“Your Grace, if it’s not too much trouble, could you clarify the substance of your inquiries? It does seem that you’re asking about my identity and abilities rather than merely my occupational field.”

“That’s right. So, who are you, exactly? Last year, you not only stopped the threat to Adela but even saved my life. You quickly saw through and took care of the schemes aimed at our family.”

The Duke took a moment to catch his breath, his amethyst eyes coldly surveying Seijis.

“Is that all? This time, you took the lead in securing a rare mine while having her take the lead. Because of that, our family stands to gain tremendous profit. Just who are you to show such goodwill towards us?”

“I will not answer that.”

The Duke let out a sigh. In truth, he hadn’t expected a sincere answer.

He simply found this Seijis character to be ever an enigma.

“I understand. Then let’s turn to your real desires. What do you want?”

Seijis spoke.

“With this incident, the Cascadia family not only gains financial stability but also secures the honor of defeating Pirate Warlords and liberating slaves, all while expanding influence over the military. I would like you to strengthen your military capabilities, ensuring the suppression of nearby monsters.”

After a brief pause, he continued.

“And I kindly ask that you provide unwavering support to Violet.”

The Duke gazed intently at Seijis and mused with a sarcastic tone as if addressing a naive child.

“Should I have any reason to follow your wishes? This profit could be used solely for the prosperity of our family.”

“Because I trust you. The actions you’ve shown and the testimonies of those around you bolster your credibility.”

“That’s rather naive. I am an assassin, a warrior, but my primary role is that of a head of a family—a politician. Hypocrisy is a virtue of a ruler. What if it’s all a facade?”

The Scholarship Officer replied with conviction.

“The Duke, the Cascadia family is not one for such duplicity.”

He could answer that. The blood of Cascadia was evidence enough.

He had seen it.

A future to be avoided, watching Adela collapse in front of Aegis’s gates, fighting to the last alongside everyone from Cascadia who dedicated themselves to this cause.

Though he couldn’t voice it aloud.

“…Ha, truly a frustrating person you are. Just what is it you are hiding…”

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Duke Alistair quickly resolved himself.

“I see. So be it. And regarding that girl Violet—she has excellent grades and possesses a talent that seems bestowed by the gods, thus I always intended to support her. However, understand: it is not for world peace or the protection of humanity.”

Seijis responded with a slight smile.

“Unfortunately, as Your Grace said, I am indeed a frustrating person. I believe personal interests and the public good can coexist. That is all.”

The two continued their conversation for a while longer before switching topics.

“So you seek for us to suppress the terror from the depths? I see… there have been rumors about that recently. Was it indeed true? If it’s you, that may be credible. In that case, we should mobilize our assassins to prepare for the hunt.”

As the Duke prepared to make an immediate contact, the Scholarship Officer hastened to restrain him.

“My request is strictly to ask for surveillance. It’s not something we can pursue right now. It is rated among the highest of monsters, possibly classified as Code Theta-Kai under the federal military reports. To add my personal thoughts, to subdue such a monstrosity, we would likely require a nuclear weapon or an equivalent strategic device.”

“A top-tier colossal monster causing corruptive influences… it’s reminiscent of that creature that detonated with the spear of its kind. You wouldn’t suggest it to be an Apostle, would you?”

“Not an Apostle, but a beast rivaling one.”

The Duke displayed visible distress at this revelation.

“Surveillance? That’s not too much of a hassle. But nuclear weapons? If you’re part of the Inspection Bureau, you know that due to the Tea Time Accord, securing strategic weapons is impossible.”

“The Tea Time Accord is a sparse net with many gaps that even Your Grace is aware of.”

The Duke displayed his growing dissatisfaction but remained silent, as if allowing him to continue speaking. The Scholarship Officer took a deep breath before continuing.

“A strategic nuclear weapon; at minimum, a fusion bomb of 300 megatons or a weapon of equivalent class will be necessary. If we can rally support from the council and negotiate with the clan-affiliated factions within the federal army, it may be possible. If necessary, leverage precedents from Restraid. As Your Grace knows, during the Erosion Zone incident, they maneuvered council lines to replace the special forces commander with a compliant puppet, subsequently acquiring tactical nuclear weapon usage rights under the guise of renting them.”

The Duke’s furrowed brow deepened.

“That was a tactical nuke. What you are requesting is a weapon of mass destruction. How do you intend to achieve such a thing?”

His skepticism wasn’t out of contempt but genuine inquiry—curiosity about what this man, who had achieved unimaginable success in all he touched thus far, would come up with this time.

“Negotiate with the Strategic Weapons Division. They are secretly dedicated to developing advanced tactical weapons. The Kailus Project is a terrestrial-derived device that fires high-output Ether beams, reflecting them off satellites to strike the ground from orbit. It would require immense funds and rare minerals, including superconductors, for weapon development. If we can persuade them, it would be possible to lease nuclear weapons or equivalent strategic devices under the pretext of ensuring regional security.”

The Scholarship Officer’s proposal wasn’t particularly ingenious; he merely referenced past situations that had become obsolete. Restraid had also acquired weapons in this manner, albeit a bit late.

“How do you know all this?”

“It’s classified.”

“Another refusal to answer. Each time I lay eyes upon you, I can’t help but think of the military intelligence agency or the administrator of Arshith. I will take you at your word, so far you have not faltered in your past actions nor claims. I’ll abide by your counsel.”

Upon concluding discussions with the Duke, the Scholarship Officer called out to Violet 1, who had been waiting outside.

“What is it?”

“Where is Professor Bernike? You haven’t informed the academy yet, as per my instructions, have you?”

“No, there hasn’t been any communication yet! As for her location…”

Unexpectedly assigned the role of a radio operator, Unit 3891 questioned the actions of the Scholarship Officer but answered earnestly. He felt grateful for this girl who followed his words without doubt.

While he remained cautious and scrutinizing, how could she trust him so completely?

Regardless, there were still tasks to complete.

“Good to hear. Now, Violet, the professor is…”

Violet’s eyes widened in realization.

“Really? Got it!”

**

Bernike stared absentmindedly at the swaying sea from the creaking deck of the poaching ship.

While it was fortunate to have been rescued, traveling over a thousand kilometers to the Rustroom Archipelago had become somewhat of a hassle.

More than anything, the fact she had to endure this cramped, old ship irked her greatly.

Though she had changed clothes and showered at the naval base, it didn’t take long for discomfort and stickiness to return. The sunlight in the southern academy city felt particularly scorching.

She felt an overwhelming desire to shower again and sip a glass of champagne before sleeping.

“Hey, mercenary! Can’t you just drop me off at the Librian harbor? It’ll be much quicker to buy an aircraft ticket from there and return.”

The mercenary from Dunhind Security Services answered bluntly.

“Not possible. We might get ambushed again. For security reasons, it’s safer for you to stay with us.”

Bernike cursed inwardly at the dull mercenary as she fiddled with her recovered sunglasses and put them back on.

The lenses of the glasses, designed to betray emotions, failed to detect anything at all.

A sudden thought came to her. Why did all the mercenaries appear to have similar heights?

The blurred faces that resembled facial recognition interference used by the Foundation team and the strange vocal distortions were also on her mind.

Above all else, these mercenaries communicated very little amongst themselves, only exchanging necessary words.

What could be the reason?

Bernike recalled an immature urban legend circulating among the students.

There were rumors that quiet mercenaries or terrorists who communicate using psychic powers would occasionally appear in dungeons.

The rumors suggested they were assassins from Arshith or agents from the military intelligence division, or even clone armies from the federation.

Under ordinary circumstances, she would have brushed it off, confidently considering herself a rational being.

Yet today, those ghost stories kept swirling in her mind.

“Can you not detect emotions? Even antisocial humans tend to show some response wearing those shades…”

Bernike’s scholarly curiosity flared up, and she rifled through her bag.

What landed in her hand was a portable comprehensive diagnostic scanner— equipment she had brought for this investigation and exploration.

“Say, mercenary. May I take a look at your head? It seems torn; I’ll scan it to see if it’s a serious injury or not.”

“Professor, it’s just a tear. Medical scanning is unnecessary. And weren’t you a scientist?”

“What do you take me for? I hold both a medical license and a healing certification! I can perform first aid blindfolded. As a doctor, I must say your head injury doesn’t seem good. Let me check.”

Having outsmarted the dull-witted mercenary with simple logic, Bernike chuckled as she held the scanner up to his head.

While the scanner yielded results, a small broca, previously folded on her back, unfurled and slipped through her sleeves to scan without the mercenary noticing.

Once she stepped back to review the findings, Bernike gasped in shock.

She had to suppress her urge to hurl questions at the mercenary.

“This doesn’t make sense, why does his brain look like this? What about the frontal lobe… and furthermore, how did such a mutation happen? These are signs of procedures from Laplacian?”

Moments before, her yellow eyes, glittering with malicious curiosity like a snake watching its prey, now trembled.

This was unprecedented.

“Are they… human? This looks more like a monster than a human…”

Caught between terror and excitement, Bernike’s gaze drifted toward an approaching uninhabited island.

“Wait, where are you taking us?”

“Professor, you said you needed a plane, so we decided to drop you here. Our vertical takeoff and landing craft will arrive on the island.”

“What? Alright…”

It was a miscalculation. In her shock, she failed to notice the strangeness in the mercenaries’ words.

All she could think about was how she might study their brains, and she turned toward a clearing on the deserted island.

“Wait here. This will take time. You can wait while resting.”

“When will it arrive? Resting? What’s that supposed to mean? Where—”

“Sleep well!”

-Bang!

Bernike’s consciousness faded away.

 

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