209: Interrogation

"What would you like to know? I've heard about the progression of the battle, but I'd appreciate a bit more detail."

Well, since the interrogation is being conducted in a relatively proper room, we begin moving through the interior of the 'Jichikane-to.'

And since just moving around would be pointless, I ask in advance what I'd like to inquire about.

"That's right. Mainly, what were we discussing? There were certainly sounds from that space or unit that the microphones couldn't capture."

"Shifting from that, would it be about Magatsuki's motives and ecology?"

"That's true. According to the information we've received, there are still five more Magatsuki entities. If all five possess similar abilities and become even more aggressive when cornered, then the Empire's military can't afford to be unprepared."

"Of course. This time, we happened to be here, but if we hadn't been, it would have been only natural for you to prepare for such a possibility."

And we arrived at what looked like a maintenance room for powered suits.

"Then, Satā-sama. Could you please remove your powered suit first? We'd like to collect samples of any Magatsu blood on your hands, and if you could also provide data from your camera or other devices, that would be greatly helpful."

"Ah... um..."

And that's when I realize something here.

Perhaps the imperial army doesn't truly understand what kind of being I am.

"Satā-dono?"

No, it's just that I've just realized there was something I should have explained beforehand.

"Things that need explaining?"

So, to clarify, even though I appear to be wearing a powered suit like this, I'm actually not wearing one—I'm completely flesh and blood.

Since permission has also been granted by Viridianiela, explain that she was the one controlling things during the battle.

Since I'm flesh and blood, there's no camera or similar equipment. I should also explain that any data would be stored in the cockpit she used to control things during the battle.

Result.

"Living flesh…"

"I see, that's what it means that the OS is different…"

"Anyway, I've prepared the cleaning solution for washing your hands. Please, go ahead."

"Thank you. Once I've finished washing my hands, I'll bring out my usual self for everyone to see."

The surroundings were momentarily stunned, but as expected of a professional, they quickly adjusted and responded in a different manner.

In addition, conversation logs and visual data were handed over to the Imperial Army by Memokshi, who had extracted them from the cockpit.

Truly, Memokshi is a mastermind.

"Here we go."

"Oh…!"

"It's really gone."

"Hmm, if we were to respond to this…?"

Now that the handwashing is finished, let's move on to the interrogation.

Then, Satatou. What do you think about Magatsuki?

That's right... Let me explain step by step. First, regarding Magatsuki—he started calling himself Shu Suumeree after teleporting to 'Jichikane to,' and ever since then, the output of mods and OS has noticeably increased. At that time, it felt as though Suumeree was grasping Magatsuki himself. Afterward, he began repeatedly speaking of revenge.

Hmm, hmm.

Magatsuki is a name we arbitrarily gave it—something from the Shiblasmith system, or rather, from our side.

Suumeree was the name of an elf girl who became the wielder... no, who was used as the wielder.

Then, Shuu, this must be the original name of that cosmic monster, the sword's true identity.

"Was revenge against humanity truly its purpose?"

"Probably. And I think that only someone as powerful as Shuu Suumele acquired that kind of strength because it was Suumele who wielded the blade. Perhaps their ideologies resonated, or maybe it was because Suumele had endured that personal colony—the hell on Earth. Anyway, it was because of Suumele that it happened."

"Ah, I see. Both Magatsuki and Suumele swore revenge on humanity. That’s why, then."

"Yeah. We can't verify it, and probably shouldn't even try."

We don't know what kind of cosmic monster Shuu originally was.

It's likely been altered beyond recognition, and given how intensely it was fueled by hatred, it's hard to believe it wouldn't have mutated in some way.

And Suumele possessed a will worthy of Shuu's feelings... no, perhaps she developed it after the incident with that individual colony.

That must mean that when my poison weakened Shuu's control, and Suumele consciously reconnected the fragments with her own will, Shuu-Suumele became a new cosmic monster.

"So, the chances of the other Magatsuki manifesting the same level of power are slim?"

"Only if no one orchestrated this particular event."

"I see."

In that case, it's unlikely that a comparable being would arise by mere chance.

But on the flip side, it's entirely possible that someone deliberately orchestrated this.

The red-haired grave robber Shuu spoke of, the one who instructed Magatsuki to strike at Zensuza Workshop—likely the same person, someone who probably understood just how much resentment Shuu harbored.

If that guy... he could certainly do it again.

And if this person had ties to the Siltrilich System, and if those individuals in the private colony also had ties to the Siltrilich System... wouldn't that mean the Siltrilich System was once again lurking behind this incident?

No, that's just speculation with no evidence.

This is nothing more than a conspiracy theory.

Still, I should definitely check the data left behind by the private colony to see if there are any traces of the Siltrilich System.

Thank you for your cooperation, Sata-dono.

No, I'm simply being allowed to do what I can.

In addition, the interrogation continued afterward... When I mentioned the poison mod designed for Shuu Suumeree and how the camouflage had been dynamically adjusted in real time to match Shuu Suumeree's line of sight, I saw their astonishment.

Well, I was just as stunned by the latter myself, so there's nothing else to say but accept it.