Imperial IX-1

Watching the burning documents

"This is the end, right?"

Alex spoke in an unusually weak voice.

"Probably. We've fully completed the Empress's request."

After that, there was no further conversation, and they quickly returned to the location where Noelle and Coil had been stationed.

As soon as they arrived, Noelle punched him.

"What were you doing, disappearing without a single word?!"

"I'm sorry, but I had something urgent I needed to take care of. It's all finished now, so I think it's safe."

Coil gives him a scolding.

"Your words, right? I know it's probably fine, but at least think about how hard it is for me trying to keep this guy under control."

Saying that, he points at Noelle. Noelle starts struggling again.

"Both of you, I'm sorry. Let's go home."

They rested for one night at the outpost and returned to the empire early the next morning.

It had been just a brief event, yet it felt incredibly long and exhausting.

The familiar house I knew so well came into view.

The magic-powered four-wheeled vehicle descended slowly through the air.

As usual, it made a loud noise as it landed, prompting someone to emerge from inside.

After the greetings were exchanged, I called out to William and Lina.

"I've recovered your father's left arm."

Saying that, he showed them the secured left arm.

Both of them gasped.

William stared at the arm intently, while Lina gently took it in her hands.

She stroked the arm, encircled by spirit stones, as if remembering something long lost.

"May we take this arm, Lord Tarou? We wish to honor your father with it."

"Understood. Leave the rest to us."

"Tarou, what happened to the person who turned your father into a spirit stone?"

"He died in battle against me."

"I see... Thank you."

William clenches his fist.

"Tell me the outcome of the war."

As night falls, Lina asks.

"We broke into the palace and spoke with the kingdom's upper ranks."

"Break into the palace!?!"

She is utterly shocked.

Given only the literal meaning, it does seem like an incredible act—so much so that it's almost expected...

"Ah, according to rumors from the palace's upper ranks, it seems they're steering toward ending the war. If nothing happens after this, the war will likely come to a close."

Hearing my words, I could hear relieved sighs from around me.

After that, I spoke with a few others.

All of our conversations revolved around outcomes—what had happened, and what we'd do next.

It was through these exchanges that I truly began to feel, deep down, that the war was over.

Several days later, rumors spread that the Empire and the Kingdom had agreed to a truce.

The world was abuzz—some rejoiced, others mourned, reactions varied from person to person.

Meanwhile, I myself was busy attending to my own affairs.

First, I wrote a detailed letter explaining the circumstances and delivered it to the Empire’s upper ranks.

I returned the magical four-wheeled carriage to Emma’s care.

And I went about restoring the living conditions of Lina and the others, who had been neglected for so long.

What I spent the most time on among all of it.

Analyzing the writings left behind by Neumann.

Though it documented countless inhumane experiments, it also meticulously detailed the relationships between people and animals unknown to me and the gemstones, recording everything in a clear and comprehensible manner.

It’s frustrating to admit, but as a researcher, his skill was truly exceptional.

I can apply these findings to my own research.

It seemed Neumann had fully arrived at the concept of biological petrification.

Yet it was evident he struggled with controlling the amount and direction of magical essence flowing into the stone.

This issue could likely be resolved by using liquid magical stones.

Every time an idea came to mind, Neumann's words flashed back.

"Complete this research"... hmm.

I have absolutely no intention of following Neumann's words, yet part of me is already working to improve upon his work.

No, I'm just pursuing technological development out of sheer technical interest.

I keep telling myself to continue with the technological development.

Around a month after the war ended, peace negotiations between the Empire and the Kingdom had begun, and things were heating up.

I continued my research as usual.

My analysis of Neumann's research results was now completely finished.

It was an impressive achievement, yet filled with countless inhumane experiments and research.

I copied only the results I could use, sealed the acquired texts in the underground laboratory, and continued my own research.

Laying the documents on the desk, I drifted into daydreams.

Whether fortunate or not, thanks to Neumann's findings, my stalled research had advanced significantly, pushing my own work forward greatly.

Yes, it's about restoring a body that has been lost.

The healing crystal cannot revive the lost part.

However, the compatibility between the crystal and the human body is extremely high.

Could the crystal's power be used to stimulate healing? This is what I've been researching for a long time.

I had been stuck because human experimentation wasn't possible, but I've now overcome that obstacle.

Theoretically, it's now nearing completion.

Yet, there are still challenges remaining.

For instance, while signs of recovery have appeared, it's unclear just how much recovery will be possible.

Above all, we need individuals highly reactive to magic stones to assist us.

We'll be using bodily tissues.

In other words, this involves using one person's body as raw material for another.

Unless the technology is advanced enough to allow someone to heal themselves using only a part of their own body...

"Mr. Taro. There's a guest."

Called by Lina, I exit the basement.