317: The seeds of discord in the world shall never run out.

Today marks the fourth chapter update.

This is the fourth chapter.

"-----~~~~~!!"

Funaka's scream shook space itself, echoing throughout the Silutolilichi star system.

From the point where the event horizon rupture cannon struck, Funaka's body began transforming into light, one after another, crumbling away.

Perhaps trying to escape the collapse somehow, Funaka severs several of her tentacles, but that was something I’d already anticipated, so the detached portions are immediately prioritized for disintegration.

My main concern is how slowly the event horizon rupture is progressing... but from observing from a slight distance, it seems Funaka has no means of dealing with it.

"Haha... hahaha! You've done it! The discord! The rift with the laws won't cease!! It's joyful, yet I can't even utter it! Ah, what frustration this is!!"

Funaka's voice echoed throughout the Siltrilich System.

Despite the imperial forces launching relentless pursuit in an attempt to drown out her voice, her words could not be silenced.

I'm being destroyed! Just as he planned, I'm being obliterated! Ahh, this is what it means to have my insides boiling over!! He probably thought that by causing discord through my very existence, he'd spur humanity's growth! Without even considering the torment and strife I've endured as a being!

It doesn't seem possible to stop it with my mod.

Even regarding the progression of the phenomenon's collapse, it's already advanced to the point where external assistance would be futile.

If that's the case, then what Fuunaka is screaming right now... is some kind of desperate struggle, a curse.

"But remember this! Even a mere twig like me—know how a god such as I met my end! The fact that an individual wielding such power is among you, disguised as a human! The fact that there exists a monster far sharper than gods at perceiving the future!! Who could possibly claim that power isn't turning against you!!"

This... is just words meant to sow doubt between me and Villigianira.

"Those who helped me are no different! There's a god out there enjoying watching us dance! Just because I was the one danced this time doesn't mean you're safe—there's no guarantee the next toy won't be you!!"

This is clearly meant to sow distrust toward Chilarizumu = Conplerekus, or rather, the upper echelons of the Empire.

It's infuriating—knowing it's true, yet being unable to stop it.

Hahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!! There's rotten discord in this empire—plentiful, everywhere! Race! Machine intelligence! Criminals! Malice! Cosmic monsters! Megacorporations! Nobility! Religion! The list goes on endlessly! Ahh, I see it! No doubt about it! I will rise again someday! I'll devour the discord hidden within your empire, and one day, surely, I'll become... Zu...

But it seems this is the end.

Funaka's body had completely disintegrated, leaving nothing behind.

And then, one second, two seconds passed...

"Exploration via 'Hetero-Water Mirror' complete. No response from Funaka. Appears to have been completely eradicated."

"Confirm presence of hostile entities. Then proceed with rescuing survivors!"

"Battle confirmed over! Begin post-combat procedures!"

After about ten seconds, the situation suddenly sprang into motion.

Reports flew back and forth as everyone hurriedly got to work.

"Please listen to me while you continue post-combat procedures."

Amidst the chaos, Vilijaniara's voice rang out.

"This battle is our Empire's victory. Therefore, let us first focus on rescuing those still alive. Then, all forces belonging to the Siltrilich System must disarm and surrender. If you do so now, no harm will come to you. I, Vilijaniara en Baninageloot, guarantee this."

As I return my main body to the Ether Space, I summon the puppet into existence within the 'Shakeborder.'

Meanwhile, I'll have the main body deploy modules related to inspection and treatment, healing the damage it sustained.

"What we must fear most right now is allowing his words—those of Funaqa—to sow doubt and nurture discord. If we descend into chaos, we would only be giving him exactly what he wants. Therefore, to prevent him from having his way, let us cease fighting, tend to the wounded, and offer prayers for those who have fallen. This is the path we must take."

Well, what will happen from here on out?

As for rescue operations and reorganization, that goes without saying.

After that, it'll be post-war cleanup... We'll likely end up investigating various things in the Siltrilich System.

What happened to the duke who was supposed to have ruled the Siltrilich System? What's the real situation with the criminals? And what's the actual relationship between Funak and the Siltrilich System?

Suddenly rushing into the Siltrilich System and immediately knocking out Funak must have left quite a few things misunderstood.

We can't possibly leave the Siltrilich System without investigating these matters further.

"……"

I wish there were something delicious about the Siltrilich System, but I wonder…?

Thus, the conflict between the Empire and Funak came to a temporary end.