141: What the mastermind fears ※

This story is told from Vee's perspective.

"Vee. It's me. We've successfully eliminated Inakaini."

"Understood. For safety, I'll deploy the anti-mind-control dummy and confirm everything is secure before sending over the接手 personnel. Please wait a little longer, Sata."

Sata's voice comes from the hair ornament.

It seems Inakaini, the heretical machine intelligence that had become a cosmic monster-like entity, has been successfully eliminated.

However, since there are suspicions that Inakai possesses mind-control abilities, we must be cautious in how we handle matters from here onward.

While instructing Sata to wait on the spot, I also signal Joharis with hand gestures, urging them to proceed while remaining aware of the imperial army's brainwashing attack.

Got it. I think I'll be fine, but I'll also share a self-diagnosis mod for myself.

"...Do such things even exist?"

"？ Confirming one's physical condition objectively is necessary for various experiments, isn't it?"

"That's... true. Ah, please send me details about the mod later. It'll help ensure Satā's mental well-being."

"Understood."

Also, just in case, I was considering having Satā undergo a checkup...

Perhaps it's a testament to her, or maybe a result of Seiryō Corporation's education—she already seems to be using a self-diagnosis mod.

Considering the poor effectiveness due to differing operating systems and the other defensive measures already in place, it's highly unlikely that Sata is under brainwashing.

Still... yes, I suppose I should ask one more question just to be safe.

"Thank you for your hard work this time. But now it seems... another report is about to be added."

『I'd rather you didn't bring that up right now— I understand it's for assessing mental consistency, but still...』

"Good, that's reassuring. Since preparations are complete, please gradually lift the lockdown at a rate of about 1% per second."

"Understood."

You seemed reluctant to bring up the report.

But you're not stopping your writing, are you?

Then it's fine, I suppose.

"Vee-sama. A general from the Imperial Army is requesting a video conference."

"I see. I'll be right there. Is he asking for a report?"

"Probably. I'll connect the call now."

Joharis operates the monitor, displaying the face of the Imperial Army general currently overseeing the operation.

"General Vilijanira. Thank you immensely for your invaluable cooperation. On behalf of the Imperial Army, I wish to convey our deepest gratitude."

Thank you. However, the success of this operation is due just as much to the efforts of the Imperial Army and the mechanical intelligences. Therefore, I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who participated in the operation.

First, a brief greeting.

We are not entirely finished yet, so there's absolutely no room for complacency. Still, it's best to get our mutual praise out of the way early.

"So, General. Shall we get to the main point?"

"...General. What do you think lies behind Inakaini—the heretical mechanical intelligence, the cosmic monster-like entity?"

"..."

Well, how should one respond to that?

After all, the opponent isn't even visible in form, let alone shadow.

So whatever one says would be nothing more than speculation.

Speaking such things to a general like this... would that even be appropriate?

Still, there is one thing I can say for certain.

There's no doubt he's no ordinary opponent. He chose to abandon even Lord Niliannitek and the space monster-like Inakaini, opting instead to conceal his own existence.

You're right. We certainly agree that this isn't an ordinary opponent. However, Lady Vilijanira, may I ask you something?

What could it be?

Lady Vilijanira... To be precise, without the assistance of the cosmic monster you're accompanying, our imperial forces belonging to the Narianipotts system would have been completely destroyed. Indeed, it's not impossible that the entire Narianipotts system might have been wiped out. In short, the only one abandoned was Lord Narianiteck.

"...You're right, I suppose. I apologize. I naturally assumed that Sata could handle it—or win, for that matter."

『Not at all』

I slightly adjust my understanding in response to the general's words.

Now that you mention it, Inakaini really was too powerful a card to simply discard.

It's possible that things could have ended in catastrophe—far beyond just a minor disaster—if Satā hadn't been there, or if the situation hadn't been handled properly.

『But if initial response was mishandled, a cosmic monster-like entity capable of easily destroying an entire star system appears so casually... I wonder what exactly is it that's being created, and what are they afraid of?』

"Being afraid of what?"

"That's exactly what it means. Currently, the enemy is deliberately holding back their forces and avoiding detection. But if, as has happened before, the cosmic monsters resembling Virijanira-sama's encounters were to appear simultaneously within a single star system, what would happen? I know I'm the general, so I shouldn't be saying this, but that star system would inevitably either be destroyed or completely overpowered. Yet, the enemy hasn't done that."

"So, there must be a reason they can't?"

"That's right. And as for why I can't, I believe there's something within the Empire that the other side fears. Lady Vilijanira. Does anything come to mind?"

...

I pondered the general's words for a moment... then shook my head slightly.

I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything. However, at the very least, the person in question isn't afraid of us.

"I see. I had thought to use any potential leads to press forward with this matter... but it seems that's not possible."

Yet, whoever could create something like the cosmic monster imitation... what would the mastermind possibly fear?

I don't know what it could be, but if such a thing exists... it would be Imperial Star Vanilla Sid.

Though I may not be able to directly touch upon it from my position, let us keep it in mind.

"Then, Lady Vilijianira. It seems my subordinates are ready, so I'll leave the rest to you."

"I understand. I'll trust you with it."

With that, the communication with the general ended safely, and shortly afterward, Sata returned, having transformed their body into a new one.