143: A brief solo operation

"Unfortunately, it seems impossible to narrow this down any further."

"That's right. Since the OS is different, the opponent is definitely either an alien monster or a fake, but we can't seem to catch up to it."

"It's frustrating. Considering we've been unable to see even a hint of this enemy until now, this is a significant step forward."

"Lord Vee, Lord Sata, Lord Johalis. Regardless, let's call it a day. Our opponent was simply better this time."

We've figured out that the mastermind is an alien monster from space.

Though it closely resembles 'Vanilla OS,' the fact that the mastermind possesses a unique OS of their own makes this nearly certain.

Thinly, right now, we might just be mere tools being manipulated by the true mastermind, turned into a space monster imitation... but anyway, there's nothing we can do about it, so it doesn't really make a difference.

"Hah... Let's start preparing something light to eat."

"Thank you, Satu."

"Please take care of it."

"I'll also charge the memo and replenish its energy. Today's been exhausting."

For now, the幕后 figure is no longer in the Nierani Potz system.

Also, the 'Hetero Mirror' has been registered as a priority detection target, so the next time it's detected, we'll be able to act differently.

"Sweets, sweets... Let's start with glucose grapes..."

I take out the glucose grapes I bought from a shop within the colony—supposedly rich in brain-restoring components.

Now, what should I do with these...?

Meanwhile, as I'm pondering, I hear the voices of Viridianila and the others.

"Say, what should we do from tomorrow onward? Today had quite a few unexpected developments, so adjusting our plans might be a good idea."

"Let's just take tomorrow off. Given today's aftermath, it's uncertain whether the matches we wanted to see will even be held."

"Miss Viridianila. What about the event we were asked to watch? It's already a few days away now."

"We're still planning to go as scheduled. Currently, we don't sense any threats within the Niliani Potts system, and neither the cancellation of the operation nor the event has been announced yet."

"I see. ……"

Ah, right—now that I think about it, I recall receiving such a request. Still, I continued wrapping the glucose grapes in thin slices of meat and grilling them.

Adding soy sauce and a few other seasonings... hmm, thanks to the natural sugars seeping out from the glucose grapes, the sauce has turned out nicely sweet and savory.

Then, using the mod, I work the sauce into the meat and grapes.

Next, arrange warm bread, soup, and pre-cut vegetables on the plate... and it's done.

"Smells delicious."

"Nice aroma."

"Yeah, it turned out well."

The flavor... well, considering I just improvised it, it's actually pretty good, don't you think?

The savory richness of the meat, the sweetness of the grapes, their crisp texture, and the sweet-and-salty sauce—all of these come together in a way that feels fruity yet soothing to the mind, like it's easing mental fatigue.

"So, about our plans for tomorrow and beyond..."

"Satā, are there any tournaments you'd like to see or places you'd like to visit? As long as it fits with my schedule, we can go if it's no problem. It's fine even if Joharis picks the destination."

Now, continuing our conversation while eating.

For ease of discussion, before we knew it, Meemokshi had brought up a chart on the monitor showing the major upcoming tournaments in the Niriyanipotzu system, so we decide to talk while looking at it.

"Hmm, personally, I'm intrigued by the new species, rare species, and imperial goods exhibition taking place at the Niriyanipotzu First Prime Colony... but it's probably unrealistic to expect to make it there."

"What time is it? Ah, so it's only two days away. It's questionable whether we'd have enough time to all head there directly."

"It'll take a full day just to get from our current base colony to the First Prime Colony, considering we'll need to apply for docking permission and all. When you factor in the travel and preparations upon arrival, it'll be barely enough time."

Personally, I'm interested in the newly opened exhibition of rare and exotic species, as well as Imperial goods, which is said to be running until the day after tomorrow.

Apparently, over a hundred rare items collected from various regions of the Empire, as well as cultivated produce transformed into bizarre forms through repeated breeding, are being submitted for evaluation.

The event will run for about a week.

Incidentally, such judging events are held across numerous star systems and are not unique to the Nelianipotts system.

However, since each star system has different standards for Sw evaluations, truly bizarre items tend to appear, and the results of cooking them often produce surprisingly interesting dishes.

In the Nelianipotts system, for instance... there's a good chance items related to physical conditioning would show up.

That's why I'd personally love to go... but while I could easily teleport there alone, it's a bit too far for everyone to travel together.

"If that's the case, perhaps you and the others could wait aboard the 'Sexy Mazuma' tomorrow or the day after, while Satā-sama goes alone? Satā-sama should be able to teleport there without any trouble."

"That's true. In that case, it seems doable."

"Are you sure about that?"

I was just thinking that, when it started to feel like I was the one going alone.

Is that really safe, with me as the only guard?

"It's no problem. Even if something were to happen, since you, Satā-sama, can teleport back instantly, things should work out no matter what."

"I suppose that's true."

"Yes... If you're worried about going alone without any hesitation, then please bring back some vegetables you found delicious, or something you've prepared, from the venue. I'm looking forward to it."

"Got it. I'll bring some back."

And so, I was easily granted permission to go alone.

"Regarding that, Satā-sama. If you're heading to the judging event... I'd recommend finishing the accumulated reports by tomorrow at the latest."

"Whew..."

"It's really difficult..."

"Vī-sama, you're in the same boat. So is Jōharisu-sama. You'd better get to it when you can... Otherwise, they'll come knocking. Considering the scale of this incident."

"Psst..."

"Did it spread to us too!?"

In addition, since I had to finish the report first, it had quietly been decided that tomorrow would be a report hell.