176: A Split-Second Reaction

"Just confirming. There was some kind of reaction, wasn't there? Not from my main body near the Sixth Prime Colony, nor from this puppet of mine here—something else entirely."

"It was there. Though only for an instant, a negligible span of time, my eyes definitely detected a reaction near the Fifth Prime Colony."

"I agree with Vee-sama. I've also recorded it, so I'll rewind to the exact moment the reaction occurred and output the data."

We're absolutely certain it's not Satou. We definitely felt a clear difference from Satou's usual reactions.

Immediately, Vilijanila, Mekoxi, and Johalis respond to my confirmation words.

The way the 'Ishui Mirror' reacted when it responded was projected as a hologram by Memokushi.

Yeah, at least the possibility of me misreading it has been ruled out.

"There was a reaction near the Fifth Prime Colony."

"By 'Fifth Prime Colony,' you mean the colony known for hosting various events, right?"

"Yes, exactly. It features spiral-shaped branches surrounding a central trunk, and parts of these branches are permanently used as exhibition halls. The colony primarily serves as a hub for outreach to other star systems and fostering交流 between companies within the Sibra Smith system."

The hologram is no longer projected from Mekoxi's eyes, but instead comes from equipment installed in the room.

Well, it's easier to have discussions and conduct verifications when the hologram is projected from fixed equipment.

And just as Virijanila said, the Fifth Prime Colony has a shape resembling the tip of a large tree that's been cut off.

In terms of size, it's not much different from the other Prime Colonies.

Well, the location of the reaction... it's only identifiable as the base.

"Memoqsi. Just to confirm, can we increase the resolution a bit more, or pinpoint the exact location?"

"Apologies, Satasama. In the current mode prioritizing range, we can't achieve higher resolution."

"Ah, focusing solely on the Fifth Prime Colony isn't possible either. The 'Aniswater Mirror' is primarily a passive sonar, not an active one."

"Ah, I see. Well, that makes sense."

Unfortunately, it seems impossible to pinpoint exactly where the reaction occurred within the Fifth Prime Colony.

If you want to know more details, you'd probably have to be in the same colony yourself.

Incidentally, we don't need to consider any malfunction of the 'Aniswater Mirror.'

Since it accurately identified my main body just before the reaction, there's no need to worry about malfunctions.

Side note.

Now then, what should we do from here?

It's not up to me to decide, no matter what we do—what matters is how Viridianiara chooses to act.

"……"

And Viridianiara is… taking a moment to think.

Probably processing various pieces of information.

Likely perceiving future events or sensing threats as well.

"First and foremost…"

With that, Viridianiara speaks, and we straighten our posture to listen attentively.

"Just because something is a cosmic monster doesn't mean it's automatically an enemy of the Empire, just as Satu is not."

"That's true enough."

"Therefore, what we truly need to determine is whether this cosmic monster poses a threat to the Empire or not—nothing more should be questioned."

"I agree completely, Lady Vee."

That's why we shouldn't make direct contact unless absolutely necessary. Satu, please keep the main body away from the Fifth Primeval Colony and its vicinity. I believe it's safe as long as it remains in the Aether Space, but just in case there's any possibility of trouble, we should be cautious."

"Noted."

Yes, I think Virijanila's judgment is sound.

Launching an attack without knowing the enemy's true nature or origin would make us the ones committing a crime.

There’s a possibility that the cosmic monster is, like me, loyal to the empire and desires to live in peace.

So, indeed, there’s no need for us—those who might provoke the other side—to be the ones to step forward from the start.

But we can’t just ignore it entirely.

Just as I am, as Meglinia was, and as the mastermind behind the Siltrilich system likely is, the cosmic monster probably possesses overwhelming power.

If a cosmic monster, whose existence is unknown to the imperial upper ranks, has infiltrated human society, we should certainly investigate its nature somehow.

Otherwise, it might be too late when something happens.

"Given this situation, I respectfully ask the mechanical intelligences for your cooperation."

Fortunately, there is a way to investigate without causing a commotion—right nearby.

Mechanical intelligences residing in the Shibrausmith system.

"We have confirmed the request from Lieutenant Vrijiani La En Banalagengroot of the Imperial Military Intelligence Division."

"We have thoroughly reviewed the request. Both content and authority are deemed acceptable."

"Understood. We will investigate within the scope of our mechanical intelligences' capabilities, subject to limitations."

"We kindly request your assistance."

Thus, Vilijanira effortlessly secured the cooperation of the mechanical intelligences.

After all, considering the opponent is a cosmic monster and the incident at the Nerialni Potts system still lingers in effect, it's reasonable to expect that, given Vilijanira's position, they'd at least check the surveillance cameras of the Fifth Prime Colony and look into any unusual incidents—yes, that seems likely.

"Let's wait a little then. Please send the first report in one hour. We'll figure out the rest after that."

" " "Understood." " "

"Received. Lord Vee."

"Got it."

"Roger that."

Well, the best scenario would be to be found out honestly and just live as an ordinary person for several years, you know.

That way, this whole matter could just end right here.