The assessment was over.
Fiammetta had originally been fighting with utmost focus and care. She had never experienced such an intense battle before, and had even forgotten what she had heard earlier, throwing herself wholly into the fight, feeling as though the slightest misstep could get her killed.
And now, someone wearing a laurel crown and golden armor had appeared before her. Fiammetta's mind froze for a moment.
"Y-you-you-you..."
Fiammetta could not speak, her words coming out in a jumble.
"How should I put it? Our weapons design department does everything it can to make our products look more sci-fi."
Hoshino explained casually, "But in the end, you realize that anything sci-fi is bound to be classical as well. The stronger the religious feel, the more novel it becomes. The classical and the modern are like branches on the same tree, growing intertwined and spiraling upward."
So...
Hyperion was not a religious organization. It just made everything feel overwhelmingly religious?
Fiammetta was a little confused.
"We believe firmly in Schicksal. Or at least, we used to. But clearly, there are many questions Schicksal cannot answer well. So now, we only believe in ourselves."
Hoshino smiled as she explained, "People grow. If an organization hinders development, then it should not exist."
She was actually a pragmatist.
Fiammetta nodded. She had no desire to argue with Durandal over this. First, it would turn into an endless quarrel. Second, debates needed the right setting.
For example, now was a particularly unsuitable time for debate, considering she was being held in her hand.
Fiammetta asked, "Since you said it's over... why not hurry up and deal with Hephaestus?"
"I'm measuring the safe distance."
Hoshino answered unhurriedly, "Getting accidentally killed would be miserable. The instantaneous heat and pressure would burn you into a diamond, then