Miku desperately wanted to rush straight back, but her current permission to leave depended entirely on the spirit power inhibitor strapped to her thigh.
It was equipment designed to allow her only minimal spiritual energy usage.
With it on, forget flying back—even summoning her angel would be difficult.
Forcibly destroying it… well, she wouldn't be allowed out at all then.
In the worst-case scenario, she might even be locked up.
So, all Miku could do was grit her teeth in frustration.
A bland yet fulfilling day quickly drew to a close. Everyone had enjoyed today's gathering, and after they all returned, they each began their own preparations.
--+--
Time… passed another week.
The recent departure of Kotori Itsuka, one of the upper echelons of Ratatoskr, to Schicksal had become a frequent topic of conversation these days.
Speaking of Kotori Itsuka, perhaps not many knew her—most had only seen her once at that last meeting convened by Schicksal.
After all, Kotori's identity as a Spirit wasn't suitable for exposure under the circumstances at the time.
It was only after realizing that Mobius was likely to bring this matter to light that Kotori formally appeared before everyone.
Even so, not many knew Kotori was a Spirit. However, quite a few were aware that Shiori Itsuka was the key figure in the cooperation between Ratatoskr and Schicksal.
Because of this, everyone harbored a vague sense of curiosity about Schicksal, now joined by the Itsuka sisters.
Yet, growing increasingly wary of Mobius, they dared not show this curiosity openly.
Thus… the technical exchange meeting between DEM and Schicksal became everyone's chance to get a real look.
The Schicksal Artificial Island—a floating island covering approximately 180,000 square kilometers.
The source of the island's power was unknown, but the technical principles were undoubtedly similar to those of the Territory system, altering the physical laws around the island to allow it to float effortlessly in the sky and even move. It was practically an aerial fortress.
Setting foot on Schicksal's territory for the first time, the hundred individuals accompanying Westcott couldn't help but survey their surroundings, looking left and right as they followed the guiding Valkyrie.
Their curiosity didn't wane even after entering the experimental base.
Though DEM had only sent a hundred people to this exchange, many among them were actually double agents or worse.
All tallied, spies from over two hundred countries and organizations were likely present.
They were tasked not only with gathering intelligence but also with gaining as deep an understanding of Schicksal as possible.
As for how Westcott viewed this pack of infiltrators he'd brought along… he'd just have to play it by ear…
There was no helping it.
Schicksal had taken the hegemony route, so when DEM established itself, it could only take the populist route.
Now, that very populist route had become Westcott's shackles. To maintain a united front with everyone, he had to bring others along to play.
He wasn't worried these people could harm him.
Leaving aside his own strength, Ellen was by his side, already wearing a form-fitting, easily concealed light armor.
Though its combat power was less than a fifth of her full capacity, it was more than enough to keep him safe.
And besides… though they were shackles, used well, couldn't they also serve as a form of restraint?
Black Amber's assessment of this was… mediocre.
Wanting to show goodwill to Schicksal while fearing truly becoming its subordinate, and ultimately clinging to those others for warmth—Westcott's situation was indeed like walking on thin ice.
Being cautious at every step was a viable method, but in Black Amber's eyes, it was somewhat laughable.
Because Westcott overestimated himself.
Why was walking on thin ice and being so cautious, acting so turtle-like, evaluated as overestimating himself?
Simple. Because Westcott still saw himself as a player in the game, without the self-awareness to lower his head.
He assumed the reason she wouldn't act out was because her agreement to the exchange meant she desired something from him or DEM.
But in reality, there was no such thing.
The only reason Black Amber agreed to this exchange was to push him onto the execution stage most suited for his finale.
Unaware of this, Westcott maintained his smile, showing no trace of the man who had uttered 'Long live Schicksal.' His every gesture radiated confidence and ease.
"Welcome, guests from DEM Industries."
Finally arriving before a large door, a Valkyrie approached.
After nodding to the previous guide, she took over as their escort.
"Ahead is a restricted experimental area. We request that you do not carry any recording devices. Please leave them all here to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."
The procedure was normal. Even for an exchange, they couldn't just let anyone record or photograph freely.
Understanding there was no way to slip through, everyone handed over their hidden cameras, cameras, phones, and similar devices to the Valkyrie.
Westcott, of course, was no exception.
Ellen initially intended to protest but was stopped by Westcott.
Mobius had no reason to move against him now. Though Westcott saw Mobius as a rival, he was well aware that Mobius didn't even know she was his imaginary adversary.
Moreover, their previous interactions made it clear that Mobius didn't take him seriously at all—she wouldn't bother scheming over someone she considered small fry.
Seeing Westcott had no objections, Ellen didn't say anything more.
The Valkyrie quietly noted those who had brought devices, then with a sweet smile, led everyone into the key laboratory.
--+--
Meanwhile…
Seeing the coded message appear on her phone, Mana Takamiya stood up and immediately summoned all the squad members she could mobilize.
As DEM's true elite force, the members assembled swiftly. In just five minutes, they were equipped and standing before Mana.
"Lady Takamiya, what is this…?"
As one of DEM's top three combatants, Mana Takamiya naturally had her own unit and the authority to temporarily mobilize wizard teams.
However, that didn't mean she could use DEM's forces without reason.
Since there was clearly no urgent situation, deploying under these circumstances required authorization from Director Westcott.
Thus, a squad leader from another team was the first to voice the question.
Mana's expression remained unchanged. Seeing no more personnel arriving, and having received a message from Artemisia asking what was happening, she replied with 'A secret mission.'
Only then did she look up and say, "Before attending the exchange meeting, Director Westcott issued me a secret mission. Upon receiving the signal, while Schicksal's attention is focused on the exchange, we are to eliminate a Spirit."
As she spoke, she displayed her phone, showing an authorized encrypted order.
Normally, this would need to be verified, but no one thought Mana, one of the top three wizards, would use a fake order. Naturally, no one wanted to offend her by stepping forward to question or verify it.
Hearing Mana's words, some exchanged glances, others looked puzzled, but most didn't pay it much mind.
Killing a Spirit wasn't particularly novel—hadn't they tried often enough before? Even if they'd never succeeded.
"You mean we've already located the next Spirit?"
The squad leader was also confused. Now that Schicksal had declared it wouldn't kill Spirits, and given Schicksal's technology, if a Spirit were discovered, wouldn't Schicksal react almost as quickly as DEM?
They'd just end up fighting the Valkyries and failing the mission again. Was there a need to specifically execute this task, and classify it as a secret mission?
"Further details involve classified information and cannot be disclosed."
Mana Takamiya had no intention of explaining further. Instead, she directly sent the coordinates to everyone.
Upon seeing the coordinates, the expressions of most wizards turned to astonishment.
"That's right. The reason we're confident Schicksal won't react in time is because this time… the target is in space."
Mana Takamiya stated.
A dark glint flashed in her eyes.
Lady Mobius, if I do this… you'll let me see my sister, won't you?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.