291: Anomaly detected in faster-than-light technology

"Are you saying this?"

Two days had passed since the completion of the battle against Funaka and the space monster Shu, as well as the resolution of the space egg incident, which had been named the "Imperial Star Vanilla Sid Simultaneous Multiple Attacks."

These past two days, I focused solely on treating the main body, while the Viridiana group, though involved in investigations and recovery efforts, also advanced preparations for the 'Carnival Viper,' planning to depart from Imperial Star Vanilla Sid as soon as everything was ready.

Then, once the necessary approvals came through, I thought we could finally set sail... but...

"Currently, due to the incident's effects and unknown factors, spatial anomalies have occurred in the Vanilla Sid system and its surrounding areas, making faster-than-light travel impossible—subluminal travel is still feasible. It will take about a month for the situation to stabilize. Therefore, please remain aboard the Imperial Star Vanilla Sid and carry out your duties there."

"That's the situation. Unfortunately, even the Emperor's authority cannot change this, so please accept it quietly and focus on what you can manage. Vee."

"……"

It seems the mod related to faster-than-light travel can no longer be operated within the Vanilla Sid system and its surrounding areas.

This is an extremely rare occurrence—indeed, as far as I know, this kind of anomaly has never happened in history.

And Vilijaniela, having been told about this phenomenon by her mother, wears a very grim expression.

This is quite unusual as well.

"I understand. I'll stay quiet."

"Yes, that's right. Please do that."

Since there was nothing we could do about Vilijaniela's mother for now, we all returned to Vilijaniela's room to discuss what to do next.

"Sata. Is escape impossible even with Sata's power?"

Wait a second... No good. I can't jump to either the Seiryō Corporation or the Hira Toratsugumi star system. I can fly just fine within the Vanilla Sid star system, though. Hmm, given the nature of this mod—or rather, the OS anomaly—it seems more likely to be the work of the Creator rather than Funaká.

Is that so?

First, Viridiani checked whether it was possible to jump to another star system via my ether space.

The answer is no.

Something seems to have happened with 'Vanilla OS,' and as a result, things are acting strangely.

My OS and ether space are unaffected, but coordinates and other data in the real space are based on 'Vanilla OS' standards... If we don't fix it, who knows where we might get flung to.

That said, since it was Chirarizumu = Konpuruexus who did it, not Funaka, there's probably no need to worry about Funaka secretly maneuvering during this abnormal state.

Maybe I just want to believe that.

"Did something happen with the Cosmic Egg?"

"Perhaps. But even if that's the case, there's nothing the memos can do about it."

Hmm, could it be that they're trying to hatch the Cosmic Egg in the right way, aiming to create a cosmic monster that would replace Chilalism = Conplarexus?

And is that the reason behind the current abnormal situation?

The fact that this seems like a perfectly plausible scenario is what's really troubling.

Well, I don't know, and I can't interfere further—thinking about it more won't change anything.

"So, Vee-sama. Let's look ahead positively and consider what the memos might do."

"You're right. Fortunately, there are several plans I'd intended to cancel simultaneously with the launch of Teisei Vanilla Sid, so let's just work through those to pass the time."

"What should we do about Prince Shinku Birimum?"

"From what we've gathered over the past two days, it seems most of the incompetent or malevolent individuals affiliated with that prince were purged during the 'Teisei Vanilla Sid Simultaneous Multi-Attack Incident.' So, until hyperspace travel is restored, we shouldn't have any more trouble from them."

What Vilijanira had originally planned to cancel was...

Securing my transfer destination.

Inspecting Vilijanira's restaurants and factories.

Vilijanira's lecture at the Vanilla Sid Empire University.

That's right.

If there's no interference from Prince Sinquubilimzo and those around him... Well, I suppose I have the luxury of accepting it.

"What's the order like?"

"First, securing Satā's transfer destination. The location is near a gate colony bound for the Shibrasmiss system. Deep within the colony—out of public view, or rather, normally used as a warehouse—Satā has been permitted to place a marker there as a landmark."

"I see. So we should just go ahead and get it done quickly?"

"No, we're going along to verify the actual state of things and confirm whether it's truly safe. The departure time is...

"According to schedule, it's in two days, Master Vee."

"Right, I understand."

For now, I'll secure my transfer destination two days from now, ensuring a safe evacuation point in case of emergencies.

That said, in terms of safety, it's probably safer to jump directly to Seiryō Corporation.

"Now then, the inspection might include areas affected by the incident, so perhaps we should revise our plan a bit. Sata, Meo, Johariss. Will you help out?"

"Got it."

"Understood."

"Got it, boss."

Well, let's tackle things one step at a time.

That's the situation we're in right now.