Xiao Ran led the group aboard Gaius's warship toward Andor Star. El-Elf remained on Laguna Planet to continue investigating Gaius. Meanwhile, Kane, who had been investigating the entire situation, received orders for Xiao Ran's diplomatic mission to Windermere. Before he could even set out, however, the sheer volume of what he had uncovered—too vague, too extensive, and involving far too many parties—forced him to request Cruze's support.
Kane stood on the bridge of his small MACORSS-class warship, silently watching Cruze on the large screen before him. Cruze sat with one leg crossed over the other, wearing a faintly amused expression.
Instead, Cruze spoke first as soon as the Communication Link connected. The corner of his mouth curled beneath his mask. "Kane, contacting me at a time like this... does that mean your mission has run into trouble? So there really is some incredible secret hidden within this cluster, isn't there? Xiao Ran has stayed on Laguna Planet the whole time and even had El-Elf investigate Gaius. I figured you people must be plotting or investigating something again. Otherwise, why would that guy have so much spare time to waste accompanying a bunch of little singers?"
Kane glanced at Cruze and said in a low voice, "Cruze, cut the nonsense. How much do you know right now?"
"Nothing at all." Cruze spread his hands and replied casually, "I never knew what you were trying to do from the beginning. I only knew you were investigating matters related to Berserk Syndrome. But if I had to guess, the follow-up investigation probably uncovered something dangerous. Is that right?"
"Then put away that relaxed attitude and get serious." Kane continued gravely, "The consequences uncovered by the follow-up investigation into Berserk Syndrome cannot be handled with such an easygoing mindset. This concerns the safety of