14: Event Collapse
Today's update is five chapters.
This is the fifth chapter.
"Master Satasektus. Would you have a moment, please?"
"Memoqsi, was it? No problem. Would you prefer my room or the hallway nearby?"
"I'd prefer the room, if you don't mind. I don't want this conversation to get out."
Memoqsi approached me outside the cafeteria, ready to speak.
I asked whether this was something to keep secret or something that could be discussed openly... and Memoqsi answered the former.
Indeed, Memoqsi seemed to understand what I'd done earlier.
So, the two of us headed toward the private room...
"Is it really okay to leave Virijanira alone like that?"
"Please rest assured. We've confirmed there are no unruly crew members aboard the *Tsumebakei* today. Even if it were for an extended period, we can certainly spare enough time to speak with you."
"I see."
Truly impressive, Gaiinoid.
Or rather, by Imperial standards, such a being would now be classified as mechanical intelligence, wouldn't it?
Even now, despite temporarily leaving Vriljaniela aside, they're still acting independently... It seems safer to think of it that way, to avoid mistakes.
In that case, I can't afford to casually reveal our information.
The network of machine intelligences is beyond our grasp, as we are bound to physical bodies.
"Frankly speaking, do you understand what you yourself just did?"
After entering the cabin and locking the door, Memoxy immediately spoke up.
Standing straight, looking directly at me.
"I understand, but I can't reveal the details."
I leaned back in my chair and replied to Memoxy.
I know I'm not at fault, so I kept my demeanor calm and composed.
"……"
"……"
Both of us fell silent.
I forced a smile, as if to say this kind of thing was nothing at all.
Memoxy also wore a smile, though beneath the artificial expression, something seemed to stir and shift.
"Must I explain the details?"
"You can't just rely on the current explanation—it's clear enough that if we don't clarify things, they'll assume we're acting without understanding. I'm not asking for a full breakdown of how the information terminal operates or a lecture on foundational theory. If we don't provide a bit more detail, they might decide to take control right here, right now."
"Ah... I get it. Then I'll say it. In short, I caused a minor anomaly. I used the mod found in several seasonings loaded onto the 'Tsumebakei.' Is that clear enough?"
"Ah, I see. You truly understood it and executed it on purpose. My apologies—I underestimated you."
Well, since they're knowledgeable enough to question me directly, there's no point in hiding it.
So, I'll just come clean.
Moreover, "event collapse" refers to a phenomenon that occurs when multiple incompatible mods conflict with each other—a piece of knowledge not widely known among the general public.
Event collapse comes in several stages. At its mildest level, or under normal circumstances, when incompatible mods conflict, one or both will be forcibly halted, or only the higher-powered mod will remain. However, such occurrences are unlikely to be recognized by the average person as actual event collapse.
Even the phenomenon collapse I caused just now is on this level.
"Truly, a product of Seiryō Corporation. A case of 'old habits die hard,' wouldn't you say?"
"Feel free to think that way. Seiryō Corporation is a company that even maintains interstellar colonies, dedicated to the research and testing of mods. If you've worked there for five years... well, it's variable from individual to individual, but something like this is certainly within reach."
Then, what happens as the phenomenon collapse progresses?
At first, it's just a faint smell.
The smell gradually grows stronger, eventually becoming a foul stench.
If the stench isn't contained, it will trigger a destructive explosion-like phenomenon.
I recall that the most catastrophic event in imperial history—the so-called "catastrophic collapse"—caused a region roughly one light-year in radius centered on the site to vanish instantly.
That's precisely why companies like Seiryō Corporation research safe mods while simultaneously probing for incompatible mod patterns, and why the Empire hunts down illegal mods with relentless vigilance, withholding even the existence of phenomena like Event Collapse from the general public.
About Memokushi knowing I'm a Seiryō Corporation android?
That's pointless to even consider—given that the other party is a noble-class mechanical intelligence from the start.
Frankly, even if he fully understood my hidden secrets, there'd be nothing strange about that.
"Still, that combination of phenomena disruption would prove useful—perhaps for detoxifying poison mods and such."
"Ah, that's impossible. I deliberately designed it so that, taking into account the environment of the 'Tsumebakei,' the mods used in that serial, and all related factors, the mods barely stay active within the serial."
"Ah... If that can be achieved on purpose... That would truly be useful. Though, it's your personal skill, of course."
"I should mention that it's not yet fully developed theoretically—just a matter of instinct, so it usually doesn't work out. This time was just a lucky coincidence. A fluke."
"A fluke... Then, let's just go with that."
"Yes, please do."
Did I talk too much?
Still, if something strange comes up from this, I don't want to be involved.
I'd prefer to focus on my work as a freelance writer, so if you'd like that, please get in touch with Seiryō Corporation yourself.
I don't think there are others like me around.
"Meaningful conversation. Satā-sama. If you're interested, please contact us at the address I just sent. Your skills would be welcome here."
"We, huh."
A message arrives on my information terminal.
It seems Mekoshi has sent over some address or another.
Hmm, judging from this... Mekoshi... no, the person in charge, Virijanila, isn't just some noble lady. She's a high-ranking official with a significant role in the Empire.
Possible positions include maintaining public order, investigating illegal mods, researching mods, espionage... anything's possible.
Anyway, she clearly holds a position firmly loyal to the Empire.
Well, it never hurts to have something like that on hand.
"Well, if the situation ever arises—like needing money or something like that...!?"
"What's this!?"
And at that very moment, the conversation reached this point.
Me and Meemokushi instinctively looked up, as if we'd just been targeted by a blaster's sights.
Then, an announcement echoed through the interior of the 'Tsumebakai.'
Warning! Warning! The vessel 'Tsumebakei' is experiencing interference from outside hyperspace! No identifying code from the source! Additionally, no large-scale gravitational anomalies or OS malfunctions detected! Therefore, this is likely interference from space pirates! All hands to stations! Crew members only...
Sky thief...
The memo heads toward Lady Vee. Then.
It seems the 'Tsumebakei No. 1' is being targeted by space pirates.
With this, the continuous updates are temporarily concluded.
Starting tomorrow, one chapter will be posted daily at 12 o'clock.