134: Suspicious Confidential Talk

"Looks like they've arrived."

"……"

Suddenly, Vee said that.

We tensed up slightly and became alert, scanning our surroundings.

But there was no sign of anything happening.

The training ground echoed with loud combat sounds, but those were within normal ranges.

"Master Vee. Are you certain?"

"There's no mistake. I've identified the nobles from the Nerialni Potts system—up to the head and their aides. Unless they're using a high-grade disguise mod, there's no doubt about it."

"From the way the story's unfolding, you're saying the one attacking the entire Nerialni Potts system with discord, correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"So that means they're the mastermind behind the current events happening in the Nerialni Potts system."

"Exactly."

It seems an enemy has arrived at a location observable only through the eyes of the Viridianiela.

Yet you've managed to identify the faces of the noble's head and their aide, both from the Nerialni Potts system. Quite impressive, Viridianiela.

Given the scale of this system, it's hard to imagine fewer than several thousand—possibly even over ten thousand.

"Sat. Sat, could you confirm this as well?"

Understood. I'll direct the main body. But I can only confirm the number of people. Don't expect me to verify appearances or conversation.

That's fine.

Following Vilijanira's instructions, I turn the main body toward the designated location.

Here, at the fifth area of the Free-Form Comprehensive Training Ground, there are dozens of viewing spots resembling VIP seats or private booths, just like the one we're in now.

A room with no cameras inside, soundproofed thoroughly, and locked from the inside—there's virtually no chance for unwanted intruders to slip in.

Perfect for secret conversations.

Only those present in the room can know what was discussed.

"There were people there. To my eyes... it looked like about seven humans."

"Is that so? I'm glad we double-checked with Satā. I could only see around four, due to the angle and shadows."

"Shouldn't we get the proper nouns soon? I'd like to understand this a bit better."

Still, it was a reckless move.

Rooms like this are ideal for secret conversations, which is precisely why their management is strict—every detail, who used it, when, and with whom, is meticulously recorded.

Hmm, is it possible to tamper with such records? Or does he assume even he won't be affected? Or is he just here for practice... Well, none of that matters to me.

That's right. What I can see is the head of the Niliyanitek viscount's family, their aide, the body designed for mechanical intelligence that Memoqsi used yesterday, and... an unfamiliar ordinary human. The other three, excluding the aide, are positioned where they can see into the training arena. The aide is behind the viscount.

"I see. Of the remaining three, two are guarding the room's door—quite sturdy builds. One of them… probably a maid or something similar. They're moving about quite precisely."

"Looks like it. Even with my own eyes, I could see them serving drinks."

And now, the head of the Nillanitek viscount's family has come here...

According to my research, the Nillanitek viscount's family should have been responsible for managing and coordinating the Sw system in the Nillanipotz star system.

I'd already suspected something was off, given the evolution of the Sw system and how criminals had exploited it... but I never thought it would be the head of the household in person?

Considering that the body Memokushi used yesterday has now appeared, and Virijianira is already suspicious, it's perfectly reasonable to consider that possibility.

"Vee, what should we do? There'll be a commotion, but if we extend the main body's arm, we can trap them inside their room completely."

"Let's hold off. We only have circumstantial evidence. If we attack here, we might end up taking the fatal blow ourselves."

"I understand."

The more I think about it, the more it feels like the human guarding the room is actually an android... one that was probably just created.

There's something about the lack of natural movement, the absence of individuality—it reminds me of the artificial humans I saw right after production at Seiryō Corporation, just having essential data installed.

"Note: Has the recording been captured?"

"Apologies, Vee-sama. The memo camera doesn't have sufficient resolution."

"Should I sneak in myself?"

Let's not do that. The other party is a professional at mod creation. Getting too close might not just result in detection.

Hmm, I get it.

It's come to this now.

The one using Memokushi's body from yesterday is that heretical mechanical intelligence, or whatever it is.

Could that unfamiliar ordinary human be someone from a criminal organization?

I wonder... what's with the maid?

Hmm, everyone just feels suspicious now, I guess. If we actually checked inside their bellies, there'd probably be something, wouldn't there?

"Vee. It's good to take precautions, but that won't get us anywhere. What do you suggest?"

"I understand. So for now, we wait. Once they move, Sata will follow the machine intelligence. Among the people gathered there, the one using that body is clearly the culprit. If we can capture its nest, the situation is likely to shift dramatically."

"Got it. I'll follow as far as I can."

"Track Momo and Joharis within the same range, but prioritize avoiding detection. Follow them indirectly rather than directly."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Well, honestly, I'm not particularly skilled at tailing just one individual... but I'll do my best within my limits.