Translator: Alpha0210
As far as Residue could determine, there were a total of twelve passengers on this spacecraft.
The being that could be called the captain was A-One, who had first revealed himself. In other words, he was the one responsible for this vessel and the entity that possessed the most information. To put it another way, it meant that the other machines could be completely destroyed without issue.
“It is finished, Your Majesty.”
A restrained voice was heard from beyond the door.
Residue stopped observing the view outside and left the storage room.
The cockpit was elegantly organized. It was not exactly an expression fitting for a situation where suppression had been completed, but anyway, that was Residue’s impression.
Not a single machine was intact; all of their limbs had been severed, yet the cut surfaces were so clean that not even a fragment of metal could be seen.
Additionally, the severed arms were stacked neatly in one place, and the legs in another, giving the illusion that the mechanical parts had been disassembled and organized.
[What is… what is the meaning of this?]
A-One spoke in a flustered voice.
Could a machine be flustered? Residue’s answer was “Maybe yes, maybe no.” It could be a machine advanced enough to possess emotions, but this reaction might also simply be a programmed response.
So instead of staring into that tin-can-like face, Residue focused on the faint electromagnetic waves emitting from A-One.
Compared to before, it seemed slightly shaken.
It could be a trick, but the possibility that it was genuinely shaken couldn’t be ruled out.
So Residue abruptly asked.
“Are you subordinates of Futurix?”
[……!]
At that moment, the signal surged explosively. The reaction was so simple that Residue felt somewhat let down.
“Were these ones puppets of Futurix? I recall you mentioned being affiliated with an organization called the Grand Galactic Alliance.”
“Perhaps the two powers have joined forces. At least, they hadn’t when I last assessed the situation. For now, there are two possibilities to consider.”
Just as Residue continued speaking-
The bodies of the mechanical soldiers, which had been making clanking noises, suddenly exploded almost simultaneously.
But just a step ahead of that, Agolet struck the ground with his shield.
Thud!
A translucent and solid barrier appeared. It could simply be called a shield.
Uniquely, instead of protecting Residue or Agolet, the shield enveloped the bodies of the exploding machines, an exceptionally accurate response. From the start, neither of them were the type to be harmed by such explosions, so the barrier was deployed to protect the already secured spaceship.
The machine fragments, flames, and shockwaves were trapped within the barrier without spreading. Amidst the flickering flames, the barrier gradually shrank in size, and accordingly, the internal vortex compressed further until it finally vanished with a soft “pop.”
“Should I have stopped the self-destruct?”
Agolet said, slinging his shield back over his shoulder.
“They were just small fry anyway. They probably did not know much.”
Residue began checking the condition of the spaceship. Although all the pilots were dead, there didn’t seem to be a problem, possibly due to an installed autopilot system.
Residue sat in the pilot seat and operated the control pad as he spoke.
“Anyway, to continue, there is the possibility that some factions within the Grand Galactic Alliance were recruited by Futurix. Of course, the probability isn’t that high. The chance that those particular ‘factions’ happened to be right above us in the closest airspace is slim.”
“Then the second possibility is more likely.”
“That’s right.”
Tap.
As the operation was completed, a hologram screen displayed someone’s face.
“It’s the case where the Grand Galactic Alliance officially formed an alliance with Futurix. …What happened while I was unconscious? Kiel Marlgol.”
[…….]
On the other side of the hologram appeared the leader of the Grand Galactic Alliance, Kiel Marlgol.
***
[You noticed later than I expected.]
Kiel said.
Residue carefully observed the face on the screen, filled with static. Was it possible he had been subjected to mind control or brainwashing? It wouldn’t be strange if Futurix possessed such technological capabilities… but through the screen, Residue couldn’t be certain.
The video quality was simply too poor.
Perhaps even this noise was something Kiel intended.
[You’re right. Our Grand Galactic Alliance has formed an alliance with the City of the Future.]
Kiel said in a calm voice.
[And we’ve decided to obstruct your actions as much as possible.]
“That’s not a choice befitting of you. Didn’t I already tell you? That among the Twelve Void Lords, there is Hide. This is something I learned relatively recently, but Futurix is highly likely to be Hide among the Void Lords.”
[Even so, the knowledge that the Void Lord called ‘Futurix’ possesses doesn’t disappear. Especially when you consider the nature of Hide. Wouldn’t you agree?]
“……”
[Are you aware? That there exists a document recording every detail of how the Half King came into being.]
Only then did Residue understand Kiel’s intent.
“You are saying you made a deal with him in exchange for that record?”
[That is correct.]
If that were the case, then this oddly confident attitude made sense.
From the beginning, Kiel’s goal had always been singular.
To give birth, with his own hands, to a perfect being, one comparable to or even surpassing the Rulers. For that, he wouldn’t hesitate to use any means necessary.
Residue felt more disappointment than betrayal. The intelligence capabilities of the Grand Galactic Alliance were a powerful card that could have been of great use in the current situation.
[I don’t bear any great grudge against you.]
“……”
[But since it’s come to this, I have no choice but to thoroughly obstruct you. You said you’re heading to the King’s Castle? I don’t know the reason yet, but… you won’t reach that place so easily.]
“The reason? It’s not something I can’t tell you. I’m going to meet the Half King.”
Residue revealed his purpose simply.
“You already know how the world is turning, so I’ll skip the tedious explanations… If you’re the leader of the Grand Galactic Alliance, you’re at least qualified to sit at the end of the conference table. So show up at the King’s Castle too.”
[A conference? End of the table? What are you talking about?]
“I’m planning to hold the largest-scale conference in history. A final gathering to prepare countermeasures against Destruction… I’ve summoned every useful individual. Not just the Void Lords, but also the Four Knights and all the Rulers will be participating.”
Kiel fell silent, seemingly flustered.
[…That’s absurd. There’s no way those beings would gather in one place.]
“Their behavioral principles are simple. Bringing them together isn’t all that difficult. What’s important is how we respond afterward. If nothing else, we must bring the Half King to that meeting. When the worst-case scenario occurs, we’ll need someone who can exert control.”
[…Without the Half King, you’re saying we might suffer catastrophic damage before we even get the chance to fight against Destruction. Are you threatening me?]
“Finally, it seems you’re starting to listen.”
Residue said with a short laugh.
“If you get in my way, the world is finished. It means the greater cause is on my side.”
[…….]
“Think carefully, Kiel. Just because you’ve received data about the Half King, can you immediately create the transcendental being you want? No. Countless trials and errors will follow. What you need most right now is time.”
Kiel was a man who could be reasoned with.
That’s why Residue knew that saying more than necessary would only be counterproductive. Now that he’d said enough, all he had to do was wait. Until this man finished thinking.
[…….]
Kiel said nothing, giving Residue an unreadable look.
Beep- And the screen went dark.
Vrrrrrrr…
The next moment, Residue realized the spaceship’s trajectory was changing. It seemed the vessel was making a wide turn to go in the opposite direction, and Agolet, sensing this, spoke.
“What shall we do, Your Majesty?”
“There’s nothing to be done. Now we just wait, and this spaceship will guide us to the King’s Castle.”
“Can we trust it?”
“He didn’t say anything in the end and turned off the screen. That was his silent affirmation.”
“…I feel that’s a rather convenient interpretation.”
“Well, if it comes to it, I’ll use One Step Through Time and Space.”
“……”
Agolet seemed to be thinking deeply about something.
Residue wondered if he still doubted Kiel, but then Agolet spoke up and asked something completely unexpected.
“The one who just showed up… is he the ruler of the Grand Galactic Alliance?”
“He’s referred to as the leader, but yes, that’s about right.”
“By any chance… is his race called ‘Petmic’?”
“Hm? I’m not sure. I don’t know what his race is called.”
“……”
Agolet fell silent for a moment, then spoke again.
“Could it be that this Kiel is……”
[Ho, ho, ho!]
It was at that moment that an unwelcome voice intruded.
***
The moment the fragmented laughter was heard, both Residue and Agolet were taken aback simultaneously.
Even with their razor-sharp senses, they had failed to notice the presence of a third party. That was a more serious matter than it seemed.
[Ooooh, I see. I get it nowww. Only now can I finally see your thoughts and intentionssss.]
The elongated voice was one they had heard once before.
Destruction, the voice of the Negotiator.
This repulsive creature was, shockingly, flowing out from Residue’s shoulder, forming a sinister shape like smoke.
As the creature let out a wide grin, Agolet once again swung his sword.
Swish!
The radiant blade once again slashed through the Negotiator, but Agolet felt no sensation of success in his attack.
“…Your Majesty. Be on guard. If I’m to erase that thing for good, I may have to show a bit of my true self.”
[You should stopppp. A-go-let.]
The voice called out Agolet’s name in a choppy, crawling tone.
Agolet felt like a grotesque maggot was crawling along the nape of his neck.
[I won’t die until my role is overrr. That’s what I ammmm. You mustn’t try to judge me by your petty common senseeee.]
The Negotiator chuckled low and continued speaking.
[And another thing, you’re both mistaken. I’m not your enemy.]
“Even though you’re Destruction?”
[Ohhh, Re-si-due. Of all people, you’re not in a position to say that. Haven’t you already tamed one Destruction?]
“……”
So he knows quite a lot. Truly a troublesome one in many ways.
Even his unpleasant speech and disgusting appearance might be intentional. Inducing discomfort, forcibly disrupting the opponent’s composure. If this being’s true identity really was that of a “Negotiator,” then that alone could grant him an advantage.
Look at that.
Even the ever-composed Agolet couldn’t hide his discomfort in front of this thing.
“If you wanted to play the spy, you chose the wrong character model. A blonde beauty batting her eyelashes might barely be acceptable, but your face is just plain revolting.”
“Perhaps making a worst possible first impression is part of the strategy. Then, if we come to trust him and he betrays us… it would be the worst-case scenario.”
“……”
It was Agolet who said it, but since Residue had approached him with a similar plan once, he couldn’t help but feel a strange awkwardness. It almost felt like a jab.
“Well then, he’ll first need to prove his usefulness.”
[Ho, ho, ho……! The worst-case scenario? The worst-case scenario……!]
Destruction repeated Agolet’s words and burst into a shrill laugh.
That laughter went beyond mere unpleasantness and began to have a tangible negative effect on the surroundings. The cockpit lights began to flicker, and the ship itself started to creak.
[Re-si-due. You probably haven’t even imagined what the true worst-case scenario really is…….]
Though Agolet had initiated the conversation, the being was clearly speaking to Residue. From their very first encounter, this creature had shown an unusual interest in Residue.
Why?
“I always consider the worst possible outcomes. I don’t necessarily prepare solutions, but… I inherited some of the original owner of this body’s tendencies.”
At that moment, Destruction’s laughter changed.
This time, it was far more mocking in tone.
[Then let me present one possibility. A possibility you’ve never even considered.]
“Your Majesty, you need not listen.”
“Wait a moment.”
Residue raised a hand to calm Agolet, sensing something.
[Have you finished pondering your identity? Are you now certain of who and what you truly are……?]
Residue gave a short, bitter laugh.
“Bringing up an outdated line of thought, are you?”
[Nooo. It’s different. What I’m talking about… is the day. Re-si-due.]
“The day?”
[That place called the ‘Outside,’ where your master left you.]
“……”
At that moment, Residue’s expression changed. For the first time, Agolet saw that ever-composed Residue wear such a look.
[You may think the lingering remnant of the Lightning God remained, and that Lukas Trowman left… But what if that wasn’t the truth? What if everything you remember is a fabricated lie……?]
“What nonsense are you-”
[What if the truth was the complete opposite……. On that day, in that place, it wasn’t you who was left behind, but the ‘remnant’… and you were merely overlaid with the Lightning God’s personality.]
Destruction laughed.
[What if you are still Lukas Trowman?]
*****
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