84: Setting out to capture the culprit

"Got it."

Having quickly finished my investigation at two locations, I received a message from Viridiana asking me to return to the 'Pumpkin Witch.'

So, my third teleportation of the day.

I moved from the facility where I'd been conducting the autopsy to the interior of the 'Pumpkin Witch,' which was flying through the atmosphere toward its destination.

Incidentally, transferring between spacecraft during transit is an extremely dangerous endeavor, given the relative speeds involved, so obtaining coordinates or visually confirming the destination is practically mandatory.

"Good work, Sata."

"Yeah. Though I didn't really do much. As long as I didn't miss the key point, all I really did was what any survey team in the Flaretanbo system could have accomplished with enough time."

"Is this what we call a cosmic monster...?"

"No, it's the result of Lord Sata's efforts. Whether something is a cosmic monster or not has nothing to do with how much knowledge one possesses or whether it can be put to use."

Now that we're back, let's get to the next part without delay.

I sipped my tea to cleanse my palate, waiting for Vilijanira's judgment.

"Now that we've uncovered the opponent's identity thanks to Satā, we still lack evidence to apprehend them. We must obtain that evidence—quickly, without delay."

"That's right. As it stands, we can't predict who or when will be attacked next. Without knowing the perpetrator's motive, even a simple note might not be safe."

"We can't say we're safe either. I may not have anything worth stealing, but still..."

"Well, at least the entire planet is within range. The Primordial Colony's suspicious too. If things go badly, the attack range could extend to the entire star system..."

We don't have time to spare.

From my investigation and what we've seen so far, the possible attack range of Meaglinia covers the entire planet of Flaretanbo 1.

That means anyone, at any time, could be the next target—this is our current reality.

Moreover, while the range of Maegurinia's attack is beyond what one human could possibly achieve, it's considered perfectly normal for a space monster.

Rather, it's narrow to the point of being cramped.

I'd need Vee's permission, and even then I wouldn't feel like using it, but if I do pull out my ace card, I could probably manage interplanetary attacks.

I'll leave it to the local authorities to track down the stolen eye and confront the culprit. We don't have any information about a suitable location for gathering such evidence, and there's no point in searching for it now.

It's incredibly troublesome that the opponent's weapon involves some inexplicable force moving the prey using that same inexplicable force. But since they're using an odor-eliminating mod, there must definitely be traces left behind—leave it to me.

Ah, since we're at it, I'll send you a compiled document on psychokinesis.

I only picked up a bit of information about it from Seiryō Corporation about three years ago, so I don’t have much on hand, but since it’s not your average mod, it shouldn’t interfere with the security forces in the Flaretanbo system.

As for psychokinesis… it’s a type of physical enhancement mod, commonly referred to as a "superpower mod" in casual terms.

While ordinary physical enhancement mods extend the natural progression of bodily strength, psychic ability mods are designed to grant users abilities they weren't biologically equipped to possess—such as telekinesis, energy generation, fire manipulation, mind reading, and clairvoyance.

There are various pros and cons...

The primary advantage is that, being integrated into the body, they are constantly available.

The main disadvantage is that, since they can be activated with just a thought, accidental use is extremely dangerous.

The technique was at its peak about a thousand years ago, lasting roughly one generation, but now it only surfaces sporadically, like a return to ancestral traits—occasionally appearing, or occasionally being newly adopted by certain nobles, mercenaries, or soldiers with special permission... but either case is exceedingly rare.

Moreover, the reason the trend has faded is that the effectiveness of any given superpower varies greatly from person to person, and their strength is inconsistent. In such cases, blast or shield mods that work equally well for anyone were far more convenient in every way.

There are no signs of it making a comeback.

Incidentally, Vilijanira's eyes are technically classified as a mere physical enhancement mod.

So advanced that it's practically considered foresight, to the point where it's surpassed even clumsy superpower mods, yet it's still technically classified as a physical enhancement mod.

Even I, a cosmic monster, can't help but say that categorization can sometimes be utterly unreasonable.

"Then, what will you do, Vee-sama?"

"Of course, I'll fulfill my duty. In other words, I'll be the decoy."

"Are they going to target me?"

I don't understand Maeglinia's motives, but based on her past crimes, it's highly likely she has a strong obsession with eyes. If that's the case, my eyes—uniquely enhanced by the body-modification implant and visibly distinct to anyone—would be something she'd desperately crave.

I see. It's certainly possible that Maeglinia might target Villigianira.

"By the way, there's also concrete evidence. While Sata was out investigating, I confirmed that the same satellite has been pointing its camera at 'Pumpkin Witch' since this morning."

"Really?"

"It's true. Just now, I found out that Memo's investigation revealed that Maeglinia owns that satellite personally."

"Um..."

"In fact, 'Pumpkin Witch' has already circled nearly one and a half times around Planet Flaretanbo 1. But during that time, it never once left the range covered by the satellite's view. I thought it might be using a special movement mod, but I think it's probably telekinesis after all."

"Oh, I see."

Ah, yes.

It's not that it's aiming at us—it's already aiming at us.

So, there's no doubt it's definitely a decoy now.

"That's the reasoning behind it, so we're heading to the Interstellar Iwani Nature Preserve. There, we'll act as bait, waiting for the Megalynian attack and securing their attack methods. Please take care of this, both of you."

"Got it."

"Understood."

"I may regret having to rely on outsiders from beyond the galaxy, but please do your best!"

And so, we set off toward the Flaretanbo Interstellar Iwani Nature Preserve.

So, during the brief time before arrival, I focused on memorizing everything I could about the Flaretanbo Interstellar Iwani Nature Preserve, while urgently preparing the necessary items.

Also, it seems Vee can visually identify satellites from the ground.