120. Virus / Interlude 5
Shiro and the others decided to search the Great Library—the largest in the magical academy city—for records on virus development.
"Even if we're looking for virus development, there's no point if the concept of 'virus' doesn't exist in this world," Shiro muttered.
"Microorganisms, in the sense of extremely small life forms, are known," Ida said.
"Microorganisms... Could something like that even be developed? I mean, even on Earth, scientific technology hasn’t managed to create artificial microbes or viruses yet... Well, genetic modification exists, but magically speaking..." Shiro muttered under his breath.
"Senior! What are you muttering about? Maybe we should just ask someone first?" Kotone said.
"You're right. But someone who'd know something like this... wouldn’t be easy to find," Shiro mused.
"Ah, let's ask my father," Ida suggested.
"My father? Oh, you mean Principal Enrico?" Shiro started to say,
"Come to think of it, could it be that Principal Enrico..." Shiro began to ask, but hesitated.
"Yes? Oh, my father is a demon. He's a descendant of demons left behind during the ancient demon rampage incident that scarred the academy city. And I'm half-demon, by the way," Ida said lightly.
"Ah, I see. So maybe Principal Enrico knows a lot about demons... and the incident?" Shiro asked.
"Probably. To be honest, I don’t even know how much my father actually knows about that. But we can always ask him," Ida replied.
And so, Shiro and the others decided to speak with Principal Enrico.
◇
Since large groups tended to escalate matters, Shiro, Mitoka, Shestia, Kotone, and Ida alone visited the headmaster’s office.
"Brother Apostle, you've come at last. So, what is it you wish to discuss?" Enrico said.
Yes. Um, Shiro, please. Actually, I'm looking for records on virus development—no, rather, research into microbes and using them to cast magic. If you happen to know anything, I’d appreciate it. I tried searching at the library, but I just can’t figure out where to start.
"Ah, I see. Microbial research—and magic, is it..." Enrico frowned.
"…You know something?" Shiro said, studying Enrico’s expression, a flicker of suspicion rising—something was off.
"Yes. I’ll tell you, since you’re Master Shiro— but please keep this confidential," Enrico said, his expression serious as he looked around at everyone.
Shiro and the others nodded.
"Actually, before the great magical accident in the past, the Demon Kingdom was already conducting virus research."
And Enrique said.
“Wait— viruses exist in this world too?” Shiro said, surprised.
"Yes. When I read the report on the sealing of Lady Shirena and Lady Altia from Sotohaim, I saw the word 'virus' you mentioned, Shiro, and I thought it must be that the facts about the virus research conducted in the Demon Kingdom in the past had leaked out."
"Ah, I see. But the word 'virus'—that's too convenient to be coincidental. What kind of research was it, exactly?"
No, I don’t know the details. All I know is that it’s a process of adding magic to a lifeform called a Virus. And that these Viruses are said to be extremely small organisms—nothing more than that.
Hmm, that’s exactly the kind of info I’m looking for. Could there be records of it somewhere?
Shiro asked.
Enrico spoke seriously to Shiro.
"Head to the Magiwesuto Research Institute in the Magistia Kingdom. That city survived even the great magical catastrophe. Old records are still preserved there. I’ll write a letter of introduction. Take Aida with you—she’s been to the Demon Kingdom before, so she’ll make a good guide. She has contacts there, too."
"Right. I haven’t been to Magiwesuto in ages. I’d love to show you around!" Aida said.
And so, Shiro and the others began planning their journey to the Demon Kingdom.
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