86: 'The Cup of Interwoven Thorns'

Today's update features three chapters.

This is the second chapter.

"If this is a natural formation, it's understandable why it would be designated as a nature reserve."

"The Cup of Interwoven Thorns."

Here, on a typical planet, this would be a lake.

Strange rocks pile up, interlock, and merge together, forming a cup-like shape with no gaps, into which rainwater collects to create a lake.

However, due to Sw's influence, the gathered water forms a water sphere that flows into the cup-shaped depression.

A gust of wind, funneled through the gaps between the strange rocks, blows into the space.

Ordinarily, a lake on a regular planet would merely ripple on the surface, but due to Sw's influence, the water forms spherical shapes that seem highly susceptible to the wind. They roll vigorously, collide with other water spheres, and keep rebounding, churning the entire lake.

Result.

Before us, the scene resembled shaking a cup filled with dozens of marbles—hundreds of water spheres were violently bouncing and swirling around.

If a living human were to enter this, the combination of the thorny rocks inside the lake and the violent movement of the water spheres would surely tear them apart without a trace.

"But even in such an environment, life exists, huh?"

"It seems so. There appear to be many species unique to this region, even within the Flaretanbo system."

"Look at those fish—skipping nimbly from one water sphere to another."

Yet even in such an environment, resilient creatures thrive without issue.

For example, fish that skillfully leap from one water sphere to another, reading their movements with precision.

Plants resembling moss that cling tightly to the lakebed, seemingly oblivious to any current.

An animal resembling a frog, rumored to live hidden in the shadows of rock spines.

Remarkably diverse.

"Still, why is the lake water so clear, despite such biological diversity?"

"Apparently, the details are still under research, but it may be because the remains don't accumulate at the bottom, but are instead ejected outward."

I see.

Moreover, water orbs that couldn't fit within the 'Cup of Thorns Mixed In' are ejected outward, roll around, and eventually break apart and vanish once they fall outside Sw's range of influence.

It's said to be a location prone to water balls due to its terrain, so access is restricted for safety reasons.

Apparently, the Sw system in the Flaretanbo constellation is causing quite a bit of trouble.

"Alright, then, let's move on to the next location..."

After observing the "Cup of Mixed Thorns" for about ten minutes, Virijanila was about to suggest heading to the next destination...

"«««!?»»»"

That was the moment the shield I was projecting—no, the shield my main body was projecting—reacted.

"Sat! Memo!"

Dozens of transparent objects flew through the air, slicing toward Vilijania's back.

They were visible only if you recognized them for what they were; otherwise, even if you knew they were there, they were nearly impossible to see with the naked eye—thin, transparent ice crystals.

There was no doubt: this was the perpetrator of the series of bizarre murders... in other words, an attack from Maglennia.

"I know!"

"I'll handle it!"

But the surprise attack failed.

Vilijaniira appeared unscathed, but the movement of the ice crystals seemed sluggish, as if shaken by the failed attempt to break through the shield.

And in the future, the shield of Viridianila will never be breached at this location.

The reason is that I'm channeling a shield mod—normally used to protect ships—through my custom hair accessory to grant it to Viridiana.

It's not something that could be broken by a person-to-person attack.

"Here it comes!"

I swung the titanium stick, sending ice crystals flying.

I had intended to shatter them, but whether due to the mod attached to the ice crystals increasing their strength or some side effect of telekinesis, I couldn't break them.

But if my movements become erratic, it seems the ice crystals fall out of Meaglinia's telekinetic range—once they hit the ground, they stop moving, so it's not a wasted effort.

"Master Sata!"

"Got it!"

At that moment, Meokushi opens the attaché case and turns its mouth toward me.

So I shoot the ice crystals into the open mouth, sending them inside the case.

After confirming that the ice crystals were inside the attaché case, Memokshi closed his mouth and used the disposable mod previously handed to him.

"Lord Vee! Evidence secured—complete!"

"Well done, Memokshi. Excellent work."

The mod Memokshi used was a custom-made one I designed.

Its two effects:

Prevents interference with the attaché case from external sources—be it radio waves, mods, dimensional jumps, or teleportation.

While the attaché case remains closed, it fixes the composition of any objects inside, preventing any changes.

In other words, once something is sealed within the attaché case, it becomes impossible to tamper with the contents from the outside—no matter the method—unless the case itself is destroyed.

This level of effectiveness holds true even against cosmic monsters.

Incidentally, while the briefcase itself doesn't have a shield mod, it's incredibly sturdy—unscathed even by standard blaster fire.

"So, what's next... securing evidence from the satellite?"

"No, that's already been taken care of. Isn't that right, Memo?"

"Yes. The local mechanical intelligence assisted us. The camera recording this area is owned solely by Megalina's personal satellite. We've confirmed that only Megalina is currently using that satellite."

"And there are no other humans present in this vicinity. Therefore, Megalina's involvement has been proven. Additionally, the camera footage has already been sent to the security authorities."

"I see."

Perhaps it's just frustration from the fact that attacks against Viridiana aren't working.

Megalina's ice crystals rush toward me and Memox.

But before the ice crystals reach our bodies, my main form adjusts the shield.

By expanding the shield's range, I and Memox retreat inside it, successfully blocking the attack.

"Then, while we withstand this, the main body of Maglenia should be apprehended by the authorities—game over."

"That's the plan."

With that, I should have felt relieved... but I didn't.

Given that the Spafana noble family was involved in military research, Maglenia seemed to understand the weaknesses of the shield.

The water spheres that had been moving around within the 'Chalice of Mixed Thorns' now floated aimlessly in midair, unsupported.

There were at least ten of them—definitely more.

"Therefore, Satā. Under the name of Virijianira En Banaragengruuto P Banarashido, I grant you permission to unleash the true power of Satā Common Seitekusu L Seiryō. Drive back the evil hands that seek our lives!"

"As you command!"

Thus, to respond to that, Virijianira placed her hand on her hair ornament, declared it, and released my power.