251: Information on Funaka

"I see. When we look at it again like this, we can faintly trace a shadow, can't we?"

"Well, considering all the things he's been involved in across the empire, it's not surprising that some information would surface if his involvement became clear."

We were investigating Funaka.

Thanks to Vilijanila's eyes, we managed to gather fairly easily information about his appearance, collected from surveillance cameras and other sources across the empire.

Red hair, ordinary facial features, height of 170 centimeters, no noticeable moles or wrinkles observed, dressed in clothing typical of each region according to occasion and setting.

His voice and manner of movement were extremely average—perhaps slightly more likable to others.

In short, this was Funaka’s appearance and basic demeanor: Konplekusu.

After all, Funaka probably doesn't mind that his appearance is something he can't hide.

There are countless ways to alter physical traits, after all.

"Just confirmed he's definitely a teleporter. And he's even more advanced than me."

"Yes. We haven't been able to catch him in the act of moving, but otherwise, there's no other explanation for the distances he covers—his teleportation ability is definitely real."

Even though Funaka is normally expected to take days to cover distances via conventional FTL travel, traces have been found showing he moved across those same distances in just seconds.

If it were just a matter of time, I could probably replicate it myself... but unlike me, Funaka seems to need neither markings nor visual confirmation for his teleportation.

There's likely some kind of condition attached, yet he appears to be freely teleporting throughout the empire at will.

Yeah, catching him like this is impossible.

It's doubtful that disabling the mod would work, so we might have no choice but to kill him.

"But... Vee is quite confident that this is the same person, isn't he?"

"Is that so? Since even the minute physical characteristics match perfectly—beyond just appearance and build—I find it easy to assert that."

In addition, most of the camera footage showing what appears to be Funaka is neither completely blurry nor clearly defined.

However, according to Viridianiela, even artificial humans created from the same data can differ due to growth and experience—but in the case of the entity resembling Funaka, everything matches perfectly.

Moreover, Viridianiela claims that this aspect cannot be disguised simply by changing one's appearance...

Even hypothetically, if the disguised Funaka were to appear before us right now, Viridianiela alone would be able to see through the deception.

It's impressive, or perhaps I should say...

"What's more concerning is that no footage of what they're actually doing has ever been captured. While we don't know the specifics, judging from the Nelianipotts system incident, it's safe to assume they possess some kind of extrasensory perception capability."

"Likely so. Given that, it's probably no surprise they've managed to avoid capturing definitive evidence."

But even if only Viridianara managed to capture it, it wouldn't mean much—wouldn't be convincing, really.

After all, the target has high-performance transference abilities and could vanish at any time, no matter how many times they try.

Still, spreading information about Funaka's appearance among many people... that might reach Funaka too, and then they'd be able to escape again.

So what's needed is the ability to strike decisively and instantly, through surprise?

Hmm, I'll think about this for a bit.

Also, I still can't see what kind of powers Funaka actually has.

Teleportation, extrasensory perception, summoning cosmic monsters... Even if she has other abilities, it wouldn't be surprising... But right now, she's only known to be pulling strings behind various incidents as the mastermind... Is that even due to her powers as a cosmic monster?

It'd be good if we could figure that out, but if we can't, then surprise attacks seem to be our only option.

"Dr. Mizeon, Sir Vee. Dr. Mizeon and the others have arrived. It seems their investigation over there is complete."

At that moment, Dr. Mizeon and the others approach.

Dr. Mizeon's clothing appears slightly disheveled—there are visible traces of having been asleep.

"Hello, Lady Vilejaniara, Sata. How's it going on your end?"

"Pretty good, if I may say so. How about you, Dr. Mizeon?"

"From what I can tell, we've at least gathered the basics. That said, there are still a few more things I'd like to look into."

"I see."

I check the time once more.

Yeah, enough time has passed, and it's probably a good moment for a short break.

"Vee, how about we head over to the light refreshment area?"

"That sounds like a good idea. Let's do that."

"I'll come with you."

With that, we set off.

We headed toward the light refreshment area located within the library.

Note that bringing materials out of the refreshment area is prohibited.

The menu included sandwiches, onigiri... Drinks were available, but food items were mostly dry, with no liquids, and limited to things that could be eaten quickly and easily.

"Still, this is truly a library for intelligence operatives. All the materials here are things that can't be made public."

"That's right. Since these materials can't be made public, conclusions drawn from them can't be released easily either."

"Indeed. Some of the information here could shake the entire empire if revealed recklessly."

I took a bite of my sandwich.

Hmm, it's genuinely tasty.

Still, it feels more like a source of energy replenishment than a culinary delight.

As for writing articles... well, that's obviously out of the question.

The location's just too unusual.

Now, I need a bit more time for research.