Within Schicksal's experimental facility, there were always dedicated researchers at their posts, along with Valkyries assisting in testing the effectiveness of various inventions.
Whether it was weapons or convenient equipment, everyone walking through had seen quite a lot along the way.
Under the Valkyrie's arrangement, those she judged as regular researchers gradually remained along the pathway.
By the time they were nearly at the end of the route, only those who had earlier pulled out recording devices and those whose attention had been suspiciously focused throughout the journey were left.
"Up ahead is where Bishop Mobius is located," the guiding Valkyrie said, turning her head.
The group now stood before yet another large door.
"This is not Bishop Mobius's laboratory, but rather Schicksal's storage room—or display chamber—for samples of its truly core technologies," the Valkyrie explained.
Westcott's expression remained unchanged.
Although the Valkyrie opposite him called this a core technology showcase, it was obvious that something like the Stigma technology couldn't just be put on display here, nor would technical data be laid out for them to see.
What was likely stored here was another technology entirely: Valkyrie Battlesuits.
But Valkyrie Battlesuits, frankly speaking, was useless to anyone except Schicksal's own Valkyries.
Because that thing simply wasn't made for ordinary humans—unless you were a human-shaped dragon capable of lifting tripods with sheer strength and shattering steel with your fists.
But it didn't matter. He never expected to get what he truly wanted here anyway.
The things he really needed would have to be discussed personally with Mobius.
Just as he was listening half-heartedly to the Valkyrie outlining the prohibitions and rules while lost in these thoughts, the large door suddenly swung open, catching everyone off guard.
"Bishop Mobius?" Even the Valkyrie was taken aback by this.
"What a clever scheme, DEM—no, Westcott."
Ignoring the Valkyrie's reaction, Dark Amber wore a cold smile as she fixed her gaze on the white-haired man, who also looked puzzled.
Despite their significant height difference, Westcott instinctively tensed under the stare of those serpent-like eyes.
It was the first time he had felt such immense psychological pressure from another's gaze—not even when he had faced Mobius before had he experienced this sensation.
Could it be that the previous Mobius had never truly regarded him as an opponent—or prey?
Though thoughts raced through his mind, Westcott quickly processed the words she had spoken.
"A clever scheme? What do you mean?"
"Putting on an act at this point is just pathetic." The green-haired girl's expression was visibly darkening, her smile growing colder as she spoke.
"Taking advantage of this moment to carry out that shady business behind my back—is this the DEM way of doing things?"
Wait, what in the world is she talking about? Westcott felt genuinely bewildered for the first time.
"While you seem convinced I've done something, as you can see, I am here right now, without any communication devices."
"Do you think you were the first to discover that Spirit? In fact, Schicksal detected that Spirit before anyone else. But we never took action. Do you know why?"
Dark Amber completely ignored Westcott's explanation, pushing forward with her own narrative.
No matter how confused he was, Westcott now understood: she wasn't looking for an explanation at all. She had already decided to pin the blame on him.
He had no habit of taking the fall for others—especially not for a pot Mobius was trying to place on his head.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. If you wish to condemn me and DEM, I hope you can make everyone present understand the cause of this situation and the current circumstances." Westcott's smile didn't reach his eyes.
Not only did the various double agents need to know what was happening, but he himself also needed to grasp the situation.
Once again, he pressed down on Ellen's urge to act beside him. Westcott knew that causing a scene here would only further cement her accusations.
DEM did not yet have the ability to openly clash with Schicksal.
Even if they could kill Mobius here, the ensuing retaliation—especially Durandal's pursuit—was something he had no confidence in surviving.
Moreover, only by understanding what had happened could he prove his innocence in the most transparent way, even if it meant exposing certain things that shouldn't be seen.
After all, nearly everyone here was affiliated with organizations or nations connected to him. Even if DEM had dirty secrets, they would pretend not to know.
With that thought, Westcott regained his composure—but it lasted less than half an hour.
When Mobius led them to Schicksal's command center and he saw the DEM fleet positioned in space, Westcott felt cold sweat breaking out.
Takamiya Mana? Why was she there? Who sent her to—
Westcott's gaze immediately shifted to the green-haired girl beside him, his expression turning grim.
Who else could be behind this? Of course, it was Mobius.
Everything up to this point had been a setup—a trap laid for him, including his communicator being confiscated so he couldn't immediately receive news of DEM's deployment.
But why stage this whole act? To completely destroy his credibility with others, forcing him to board Schicksal's pirate ship?
If Dark Amber knew that Westcott still believed himself to be of great importance even now, she would probably burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"I had no knowledge of Takamiya Mana's deployment. Perhaps some unexpected situation occurred. After all, it's a Spirit. If one appears before you, there's no reason not to engage."
Westcott shifted the blame outright. After all, this incident alone couldn't prove anything. Who could say for certain that he had given the order?
The various double agents shared similar thoughts. No one believed Westcott was responsible for this.
Besides, as Westcott had said, eliminating a Spirit—what was wrong with that? Not everyone was like Schicksal, choosing not to kill on a whim.
Dark Amber hadn't expected to use this incident as definitive proof anyway.
Once this matter was fully concluded, the truth wouldn't matter. Everyone would only accept the "truth" she presented.
"Do you know why Schicksal, despite being aware of that Spirit, never attempted to subdue or contain it?"
Mobius paid no attention to Westcott's words, instead posing the question once more.
"...That is indeed rather puzzling," Westcott admitted, a sinking feeling growing within him.
He was beginning to regret coming here. Mobius was more inscrutable than he had imagined.
He had originally believed they had reached an unspoken understanding, but now it seemed that understanding—even his earlier assumption that "she didn't take him seriously"—had all been traps set to lure him to Schicksal.
But... once again, what was Mobius's true goal?
"It's simple." Dark Amber's lips curved slightly, yet no warmth reached her eyes.
"Because... this is the most dangerous Spirit in history, capable of cleansing the entire planet's surface within a single minute."
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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.