Chapter 100

Having ability will inevitably give rise to ambition that matches it.

Therefore, one can seek personal gain, but cannot harm the company's interests.

As for moral blackmail... there's not much to say about that; it's purely a matter of willing buyer and willing seller.

"I can agree to that."

Amber didn't think as much as Rita did; she simply nodded because it was a friend's request.

Thank you.

Kotori didn't expect the other party to agree so readily and directly, assuming that her job change had been anticipated by Möbius. Yulande also received a response from Möbius.

By placing himself under Yulande's command, Möbius likely intended to reassure himself, suggesting that, at least in the short term, Möbius had no plans to take any action against his sisters.

Although Rita also quite liked the cute little girl Kotori Itsuka, since it was a serious matter, she smiled and added on behalf of the blonde who was 'unconcerned with state affairs': "From now on, we are comrades. Welcome Commander Kotori to Schicksal in advance. Let's work together towards our common goal."

Rita didn't say what this common goal was.

It can be interpreted in many ways: 'for all the good things in the world', 'for the greater good of Schicksal ', 'for Möbius ', 'for Yulande, the Blade of Immortality '.

But whatever the reason, it's all a reminder to Kotori to do something meaningful after she comes in, and not to tarnish Yulande.

"Of course, whether as a companion or a colleague, I will prove that I was able to become a commander not just because of my elf identity."

Kotori naturally understood what Rita had said, and it wasn't offensive to her. In fact, even if she was mocked Kotori didn't think much of it.

After all, she was indeed in a desperate situation. Although Schicksal had long planned to take in the sisters, which was to some extent a way of waiting to sell them out of kindness, Kotori didn't have much to choose from under these circumstances.

It's good enough that they're willing to sell.

Kotori's clear self-positioning made Rita's smile seem more genuine, so she didn't say anything more.

After discussing these matters, Kotori felt much more relaxed. With the arrival of Kurumi and Black Amber, they brought many water toys, such as water arenas and inflatable bumper boats, making the atmosphere even more lively. She was even drawn into the fun by Shiori.

Kurumi was somewhat unfamiliar with this atmosphere, but her deep-seated longing for beauty and everyday life made her let go of the reserve forged from her inferiority complex. After being repeatedly taunted by Kaguya, she summoned several of her own allies with a forced smile, and only stopped after successfully defeating all the spirits.

Thinking of the only spirit who didn't participate in the gathering, Kurumi felt she couldn't be missing her, so she took a group photo of the losers who had been knocked into the water by her and sent it to Miku's Line.

While sitting backstage at an advertisement shoot, enjoying the envious glances from all the supporting celebrities, Miku noticed the ringtone from her 'extraordinary contact' and slowly opened her phone.

Then, this high school idol, who hadn't lost her composure under the envious or jealous gazes of other celebrities, showed a stunned expression for the first time.

Miku: You did this behind my back?!

Kurumi: Didn't we tell you before that you didn't want to be with us?

That's because you elves don't have a good impression of me. Now that there are two beautiful girls I've never seen before, how could I not be interested? They didn't say that girls of this caliber were coming.

Even without those two beautiful girls, a group of super beautiful girls in swimsuits would be a feast for my eyes, and I might even get a chance to play around and touch them. I wouldn't want to miss that!

Miku felt regretful. She should have known better than to rush out to shoot the commercial. Thinking about it carefully, when could she have shot the commercial? Even if she didn't shoot this one, there were other top luxury brands she could have shot commercials for.

Moreover... Kurumi Tokisaki definitely sent me these on purpose, just so I could see them but not have them, to confuse my mind.

Onore Kurumi!

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Mana's Rebellion.

Miku desperately wanted to rush back, but her current ability to go out depended entirely on the Spiritual Power suppressor on her thigh. This device was designed to limit her Spiritual Power usage to a minimum. Wearing it would make it difficult to even summon an angel, let alone fly back. If she forcibly destroyed it, she would not be allowed to go out, and in serious cases, she might be locked up.

Therefore, Miku could only grit her teeth and rage.

The ordinary yet fulfilling day quickly came to an end. Everyone was happy after today's gathering, and after returning home, they began their own activities.

Another week has passed.

The recent Schicksal of Kotori Itsuka, one of the high-ranking members of Ratatoskr, from Schicksal has become a frequently discussed topic these days. Not many people may know Kotori Itsuka; most people have only met her once at the last Schicksal meeting.

After all, Kotori's identity as an elf was not suitable to be revealed under the circumstances at the time. Only after knowing that Möbius was likely to bring this matter to light did Kotori officially appear before the people.

Nevertheless, not many people know that Kotori is an elf, but quite a few know that Shiori Itsuka is a key figure in Ratatoskr's cooperation with Schicksal.

Therefore, everyone secretly wondered about Schicksal's joining the Itsuka Sisters. However, they were increasingly wary of Möbius and dared not show their curiosity openly. Thus, the technical Exchange Meeting between DEM and Schicksal became an opportunity for everyone to find out.

The Schicksal Artificial Island is a floating island covering an area of approximately 180,000 square kilometers. The source of its power is unknown, but the principle of its technology is undoubtedly similar to that of the Imaginary Domain. It modifies the physical laws surrounding the island, allowing it to float easily in the sky and even move, making it almost like an aerial fortress.

Upon first stepping into Schicksal's territory, the hundred people who had come with Wescott couldn't help but look around at the surroundings. They followed the Valkyrie was leading the way, looking left and right all the way, and didn't stop even after entering the experimental base.

Although only one hundred people from Exchange Meeting, many of them are actually double agents or more. All told, they have informants in more than two hundred countries and organizations. They are not only tasked with gathering intelligence, but also have the responsibility to understand Schicksal as deeply as possible.

As for how Wescott views the group of traitors he brought with him... we'll just have to wait and see...

Unfortunately, Schicksal has already taken the path of dominance, and DEM could only take the approachable route when it was established. But now, this approachable route has become Wescott's shackles. If he wants to continue to unite with everyone, he has to bring others along.

He wasn't worried that these people could hurt him. Putting aside his own strength, Ellen was also by his side and had already put on some simple, close-fitting armor for easy concealment. Although her combat strength was less than one-fifth of his full strength, it wouldn't be a problem for her to protect him.

Moreover... even though they are shackles, if used well, aren't they also a form of restraint?

Black Amber's assessment of this was... so-so.

Wanting to curry favor with Schicksal while also fearing becoming Schicksal's lackey, Westcott ultimately clung to those people for warmth. While Wescott's situation was indeed precarious and being cautious in everything he did was a viable approach, it seemed somewhat laughable to Black Amber.

Because Wescott overestimated himself.

Why, despite treading on thin ice and being so cautious in everything he did, did he make such a timid and defensive move, yet was he still considered to be overestimating himself? It's simple: because Wescott still considers himself a chess player and hasn't yet learned to humble himself.

He was certain he wouldn't have an attack because he believed he agreed to the Exchange Meeting because he wanted something from him or DEM.

But in reality, there was no such thing. The reason Black Amber agreed to this Exchange Meeting was simply to push him to the execution platform most suitable for his end.

Unaware of all this, Wescott maintained his smile, showing no signs of being the man who had uttered phrases like "Long live Mandate of Schicksal." His every move exuded confidence and ease.

"Welcome, guests from DEM."

Finally, they arrived at a gate. A Valkyrie approached, nodded to the Valkyrie from before, and then took over as the guide. "This is a restricted experimental area. Please do not bring any recording devices and stay here to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."

This process is normal. Although it's Exchange Meeting, they won't let you record or take pictures randomly.

Realizing they couldn't take advantage of the situation, everyone handed over their hidden cameras, cameras, and cell phones to the Valkyrie, including Wescott.

Ellen intended to protest, but Wescott stopped her. Möbius had no reason to attack him now. Although Wescott considered Möbius an opponent, Wescott knew very well that Möbius had no idea that she was his imagined enemy.

Moreover, it was clear from their previous interactions that Möbius didn't take him seriously at all, and wouldn't stoop to trying to take advantage of him.

Seeing that Wescott had no objections, Ellen didn't say anything more.

The Valkyrie secretly noted down the names of those who had brought the items, and then led them all into the key laboratory with a sweet smile.

On the other side.

Upon receiving the coded message on her phone, Mana Takamiya stood up and immediately summoned all the team members she could mobilize.

As the true elite force of DEM, the members assembled very quickly, arriving in front of Mana in just five minutes after putting on their equipment.

"Lord Takamiya, what is this...?"

As one of DEM's three major forces, Mana Takamiya naturally has her own troops and the right to temporarily call upon Magician troops. However, this does not mean that she can use DEM's power without reason. After all, there is obviously no urgent situation at present, and under such circumstances, it would require authorization from Director Wescott to launch an attack.

So, a squad leader from another team raised the question first.

Mana Takamiya remained expressionless. Seeing that no more people were arriving, and after Arutemi messaged her to ask what had happened, she replied, "A secret mission."

He then looked up and said, "Director Wescott gave me a secret mission before the Exchange Meeting: when the signal came, kill an elf while Schicksal's attention was Exchange Meeting."

As she spoke, she showed her phone, which displayed an authorized password. Normally, this would be something that needs to be checked and verified, but no one thought that Mana, one of the three great Magician, would use a fake password, so naturally no one would jump out to question and verify it.

Upon hearing Mana's words, some of the people exchanged glances, while others looked puzzled. However, most of them didn't pay much attention. Killing spirits was nothing unusual; they had done it often before, even though they had never succeeded.

"You mean we've already located the next Pokémon?"

The squad leader was also a bit confused. Now that Schicksal had said they wouldn't kill the Spirits anymore, and given Schicksal's technology, if they discovered a Spirit, even if the Spirit was slightly slower than DEM, it wouldn't be much slower, right? Since they would fight the Valkyrie anyway and the mission would fail, was it really necessary to specifically carry out this mission, and even classify it as a secret mission?

"More details are confidential and cannot be disclosed."

Instead of offering further explanation, Mana Takamiya sent the coordinates directly to everyone.

Upon seeing the coordinates, most of the Magician's faces turned astonished.

"That's right. The reason we are confident that Schicksal will not have time to react is because this time the target is... the universe."

"Mana Takamiya said."

A dark glint flashed in her eyes.

Lord Möbius, if I do this, will you let me see my sister?

Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Most Dangerous Elf.

Within the Schicksal's experimental base, there are always dedicated and responsible researchers on duty, as well as Valkyrie who help test the effects of inventions. Everyone who has come this far has seen quite a lot of things, from weapons to convenient equipment.

Under the Valkyrie's arrangement, those she judged to be normal researchers gradually remained on the road. When they were almost finished walking this road, only those who had taken out their camera equipment and those whose gazes had been suspicious along the way remained.

"The place where Bishop Möbius is located is just ahead."

The Valkyrie was leading the way turned her head and said.

The group then arrived at yet another gate.

"This is not Bishop Möbius's laboratory, but a sample storage room, or rather a display case, for the true core technology of Schicksal."

Wescott's expression didn't change. Although the Valkyrie opposite him said that this was the core technology, he knew that the Stigmata technology couldn't be exhibited here, and it was impossible to put the technical data here for them to see. What could be placed here was probably another technology: the Valkyrie Armor.

But frankly speaking, apart from the Valkyrie Armor from Schicksal, nobody uses Valkyrie anymore.

Because that thing isn't meant for human use, unless you're a humanoid tyrannosaurus with the strength to lift a tripod and the power to shatter steel with your fist.

But it didn't matter. He didn't think he could get what he wanted here anyway. What he really wanted was something he could only discuss with Möbius in person.

Just as he was casually listening to the Valkyrie recount the taboos and rules, and pondering this, the door suddenly opened unexpectedly.

"Bishop Möbius?"

The Valkyrie was also taken aback by this.

"What a clever scheme, DEM, no, Wescott."

Ignoring the Valkyrie's reaction immediately, Black Amber sneered and looked at the white-haired man who also seemed puzzled. Despite the significant height difference between them, Wescott instinctively tensed up under the gaze of those serpentine eyes.

This was the first time he had ever felt such immense psychological pressure from the gaze of others; he had never felt this way even when he made eye contact with Möbius.

Does this mean that Möbius never seriously considered him as an opponent (or prey) before?

Despite the thoughts flashing through his mind, Wescott quickly grasped what the other person was saying.

"A clever scheme? What does that mean?"

"It's really too embarrassing to pretend now that things have come to this."

The Green-haired Girl's face was visibly grim, and upon hearing this, her smile grew even colder, "Taking advantage of this opportunity to do those shady things behind my back, is this DEM's way of doing things?"

No, what are you talking about?

For the first time Wescott felt bewildered. "Although you seem to think I did something, as you can see, I am here right now and I don't have any communication devices."

"Do you think you were the first to discover that spirit? Actually, Schicksal discovered the spirit before anyone else, but Schicksal hasn't taken any action yet. Do you know why?"

Black Amber completely ignored Wescott's explanation and continued to push the conversation forward on her own.

Even though he was completely bewildered, Wescott understood at this point that the other party wasn't asking him to explain; they had simply dumped the blame on him.

I don't have the habit of taking the blame, especially not the blame that Möbius put on me.

"I don't know what you're talking about. If you want to condemn me and DEM, I hope you can let everyone here know the background and the current situation."

Wescott gave a forced, insincere smile.

Not only do those multi-talented spies need to know the situation, but he needs to understand it now as well.

Once again, Wescott suppressed Ellen's urge to attack, knowing that reacting here would only further confirm her intentions.

DEM doesn't yet have the ability to turn against Schicksal. Even if he could kill Möbius here, he wouldn't be confident he could survive the ensuing retaliation, especially Yulande's pursuit.

Moreover, only by knowing what happened can he prove his innocence in the most transparent way, even if it might involve things that cannot be shown to others.

Anyway, most of the people here are organizations and national forces that are related to them, so even if DEM does something dirty, they will pretend not to know.

Thinking this through, Wescott regained his composure, but this composure lasted for less than half an hour.

When Möbius led him to Schicksal's command center and he saw the DEM squadron in space, Wescott felt a cold sweat break out on his brow.

Mana Takamiya? Why is she here? Who told her to go...?

Wescott's gaze immediately fell on the Green-haired Girl beside him, and his expression turned cold.