Chapter 217

Efnir asked several more questions, including some trivial ones, while comparing them with the messages sent by Nishizaki Yuki, but she didn't find any clear clues.

"That's all for now... Anilas, I'll have Herul let you know if there are any new developments. For now, I'll just have to ask you to bear with it," Efnir, seeing that no further progress could be made, and prepared to leave. "Get some rest, don't think too much. It's fortunate that nothing worse has happened yet. If you need anything during this time, you can contact me through Herul."

"Um... thank you..."

After exchanging a few brief words, Efnir noticed Herul's hesitant expression and left her and Nishizaki Yuki alone.

Efnir then contacted Shinomiyami Nami and Lapith to inquire about the situation at the ICS Research Institute and the location of the water tower, and also to exchange information about the progress on this side.

Since she hadn't yet obtained many clues Efnir didn't contact Kusei Maki —since the matter was in her hands, Efnir was fully responsible, so there was no need to report every single detail. Moreover, Efnir always felt that there were still some overlooked clues that hadn't been discovered, Efnir didn't want to repeatedly bring this matter up in front of others before things became clear.

It was nearly evening, and the sunset was beautiful. After thinking for a moment, Efnir walked towards the temporary medical station.

Go check on Yukina in her hospital room, then go to Jasmine and Canary's rooms to see what's going on. Although Anilas and Herul don't have any clues about what happened between Feng and Lan, they might be able to get some information from the other members of the Muse Squad. At the same time, they can also listen to the opinion of Canary, the vice-captain of the Main Sequence Star Squad —since most of the others are out on missions, it's the perfect time to go and ask these two people lying in their hospital rooms.

However, just as Efnir stepped into the medical office Kusei Maki suddenly received a call.

It was rare for Kusei Maki to communicate directly with Efnir, so something must have happened. Efnir immediately stopped and, while leaving the medical office, answered Kusei Maki's call.

"Commander."

"Major General, have you discovered anything?"

"No," Efnir answered frankly, "I just went with Herul to see Anilas ..."

Before Efnir could elaborate, Kusei Maki interrupted her, asking, "Where are you now?"

"Medical Department"

What are you going there for?

"I need to ask Jasmine and Canary about some things, and also check on my sister."

"You should leave there for now and wait outside. My adjutant will come to find you; there are some things he needs to discuss with you in person."

"I'll come over if anything comes up."

"This is an order, Major General. Please wait a moment."

Today, Kusei Maki's behavior was somewhat abnormal. Although Efnir was suspicious, she still agreed and stood there for a moment until the adjutant appeared in front of Efnir with dozens of fully armed soldiers.

Efnir stared blankly at the huge crowd, clearly not understanding what was going on.

What are you all doing here?

At this moment, the adjutant stepped forward and gave Efnir a very standard military salute. "We are very sorry, Major General Efnir, please forgive our rudeness, but this is an emergency, so please cooperate with our work—please hand over your Beacon and Sacred Relic to us for safekeeping for the time being."

Efnir frowned slightly, took a step back, and looked warily at the soldiers in front of her.

Can you give me a reason?

"Please don't agitate His Excellency, Major General!" Seeing that Efnir had become wary and assumed a fighting stance, the adjutant hurriedly said, "Let me explain!"

Five minutes later, at the temporary detention area.

Anilas was temporarily freed from her restrictions and gathered here with Efnir, sitting down at a table.

Efnir's Beacon and Sacred Relic lay quietly on the table, shimmering with a silvery light under the lamp. In addition, a large number of documents and some printed papers were spread out on the table. Efnir, Anilas, and Herul kept flipping through the thick stack of documents, their brows furrowing from time to time.

The investigations by the ICS Research Institute and the Underground Research Institute have finally made new progress, but this progress is extremely worrying.

"You mean, it's all because of that 'underground space'?" Efnir asked slowly. "'Shard,' is that what it's called?"

"That's right... Major General Efnir," the adjutant replied, turning the document to the bookmarked position and handing it to Efnir. "These documents are what you and Anilas found in the briefcase inside the train that crashed in the underground tunnel. To ensure authenticity, we kept a copy for further analysis and brought this document here for you to see. We are very sorry for our overstepping our bounds."

The adjutant's so-called "overstepping" naturally refers to his actions of leading men to surround Efnir and demanding the Beacon and Sacred Relic.

However, this was an order given by Kusei Maki, a move made out of necessity.

According to their investigation of the data obtained from the documents and storage disks, the 'underground space' contained a very important Ruins product that was not recorded in the Human Federation's archives—the "Shard." The research report contained research conclusions related to the "Shard," one of which was the observation record of interference with "Agents"—"Eligible under the influence of energy Synchronization"—when exposed to the radiation of the "Shard," the Agents would exhibit a large number of negative reactions.

In simple terms, when exposed to "Shard" radiation, the agent's energy would go out of control and be lost, leading to exhaustion of all strength. If the Synchronization was not broken as soon as possible, this effect would continue to worsen. Although there were no suitable test subjects in the experiment to verify the final conclusion, the speculation written at the end of the document clearly stated that "it is speculated that if left unattended, the test subject will die from exhaustion of all strength."

This is the document content recorded at the location marked by the bookmark. The adjutant picked out this page and handed it to Efnir, Efnir frowned more and more as she read it.

"These symptoms are exactly the same as those of Anilas, and Lan back then... So this stuff doesn't work on ordinary people...?"

"Yes... these documents are unique. We've already sent people to search the ICS Research Institute, but we haven't found any related records. There's no data exchange between the ICS Research Institute and the 'Underground Research Institute.' To be precise, the ICS Research Institute doesn't retain any project documents from the 'Underground Research Institute,' but all the secrets within the ICS Research Institute can be found in the records of the 'Underground Research Institute'..."

Simply put, the ICS Research Institute is, to some extent, subordinate to the "Underground Research Institute," and all important research projects are eventually transferred to the "underground space."

"And regarding the second point..." The adjutant unfolded another paper report and handed it to Efnir. "It says that people affected by 'radiation' will exhibit abnormal irritability and mood swings..."

As he spoke, the adjutant glanced cautiously at Anilas.

Anilas also frowning, seemingly deep in thought.

"So, you're worried that I might suddenly become a destabilizing factor, is that right?" Efnir probably understood why Kusei Maki had sent her adjutant with men so urgently.

Because the radiation from the "Shard" can cause agents to lose power and suffer from emotional instability, Efnir, who also stayed in the underground space, is naturally a potential danger factor.

Therefore, temporarily seizing Efnir's Beacon and Sacred Relic is a safety measure to prevent the situation from getting out of control. Although we have temporarily lost a combatant like Efnir, the situation is gradually stabilizing, which is much better than having Efnir become an enemy.

Efnir glanced up at the tense soldiers around her with a subtle expression, then sighed softly, "Lieutenant, you didn't bring enough men."

The adjutant's face immediately fell. "I only came here with a heavy heart... The commander suddenly issued an emergency transfer order, and most of the team members are out on missions, so I couldn't find any more people..."

The situation was urgent, and he didn't have time to slowly deploy his troops. He arrived without even a single proxy fighter by his side, and he's still on tenterhooks ever since. Efnir is indeed a very easy person to get along with, but anyone who knows her even a little bit would never want to be Efnir's opponent.

Fortunately, Efnir did not lose control.

"I understand. You can take these two items."

Efnir pushed the star-shaped earring and silver ring on the table in front of her adjutant, whose expression finally relaxed. Efnir then suddenly asked, "By the way, does this mean I have nothing to do?"

"Huh?" The adjutant paused. "That's how it is for now..."

For security reasons, when the adjutant urgently dispatched personnel, Kusei Maki had already issued an emergency order to remove Efnir from all missions.

"What's wrong? Did you think of something again?" Anilas suddenly asked, her face serious.

The fact that "Shard" of Ruins were Garrison District beneath this very land filled Anilas immense unease and a sense of urgency. At the same time, she had many questions. When she saw Efnir suddenly fall silent, she immediately approached her and asked with concern.

"I see..." However, Efnir didn't notice Anilas's serious expression at all. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table twice, then suddenly chuckled, "So this counts as paid leave?"

123. Killing Weapon

"Thank you very much for your cooperation..."

The adjutant carefully packed the star-shaped earring and ring into a combination-lock briefcase. "From now on, we'll have people by your side. You can use them to communicate any health issues or messages you wish to convey. Of course, you can also contact me directly..."

Efnir shook her head, her gaze shifting as the suitcase closed. "Don't worry about it. This is just to ensure safety. But also, if you make any new discoveries during your investigation, I hope you'll let me know."

"I will relay this to the commander."

"I will need to be in isolation and under guard," Efnir continued, "But I can't be too far away from my sister."

"Of course," the adjutant nodded matter-of-factly, not surprised by Efnir's request. "We will arrange a room for you with a caretaker, right next to your sister's, and ensure that someone is watching over you 24 hours a day."

"That's good."

Efnir didn't want to be too far from Yukina. Unlike Lapith, Efnir felt that the things she cared about had to be by her side at all times to feel at ease.

However, Efnir cannot be with Yukina every moment during her "vacation"—although Efnir has not shown any abnormalities since the investigation in the underground space, this does not guarantee absolute safety. If something happens, Efnir does not want Yukina to be hurt because of her.

"By the way, could I have a copy of these research documents about the 'Shard'?" Efnir pointed to a thick stack of reports and research documents on the table.

The adjutant shook his head.

"This is a very important original file, so I can't leave it to you directly." Then he added, "However, I will send you a backup later."

"Then thank you very much."

"Furthermore, we are concerned about a passage in Lieutenant Colonel Anilas's report—you did not actually experience any symptoms of interference or influence from the Shard while you were in the underground space, is that right?"

"That's right, this can be confirmed with all the agents who were present at the time."

"That won't be necessary." The adjutant nodded, his expression returning to official business. He said sincerely, "Why you are the only one unaffected by the 'Shard' is a question, but also a potential breakthrough. Therefore, we hope you can dedicate some time each day to participate in our investigation. Would you be willing?"

"Of course, I'd be delighted."

Efnir readily agreed.

In fact, this is also what Efnir is concerned about - if the symptoms that Anilas and others have experienced are due to the influence of the "Shard", then why has she not experienced any abnormalities until now? Efnir has always believed that all coincidences must have their reasons, so naturally she cannot ignore or treat them differently.

"And what about the lieutenant colonel?" the adjutant asked Anilas, who was sitting to the side intently looking at the investigation report in her hand.

"I'll cooperate," Anilas readily agreed, "As long as we can get out of here quickly."

More than anyone else, she wanted to be freed from surveillance as soon as possible because she was very concerned about the suspicious research found within the ICS Research Institute, which presented an opportunity to get quite close to the clues she had been following.

The adjutant nodded. "Depending on the situation, we may ultimately decide whether to arrange for you to conduct follow-up investigations in the Garrison District or return to the city center."

After all, research and investigation naturally require the assistance of corresponding instruments. Some very subtle differences may only be distinguishable by sophisticated and advanced large-scale reaction detection instruments. The only place in the Maesakagawa Garrison District that has these instruments is the Underground Research Institute area, but some of the instruments there have been damaged and are temporarily unusable.

On the other hand, research and investigation naturally require the presence of researchers. Maesakagawa was completely cleared, most of the main research team, except for Nishizaki Yuki, remained in the central urban area.

So if the investigation doesn't go smoothly, Efnir, Anilas, and the others might be temporarily sent back.

The adjutant left behind a few soldiers and solemnly handed each of Efnir, Anilas, and the others a dedicated communication device, specifically for use in maintaining contact and locating them at any time.

After a brief handover of the remaining tasks, the adjutant took the briefcase and went back to report.

Efnir did not leave, but sat down next to Anilas.

Seeing that Efnir and Anilas seemed to have more to say, the soldiers in charge of guarding them did not rush to send Anilas back to her cell.

Are you alright?

"It's alright..." Anilas frowned, but still managed a faint smile in response to Efnir's concern. "It's just that my back muscles are still a little sore."

That was caused by Efnir.

Efnir caught the slight resentment in Anilas's tone and gave a dry laugh. "Then... shall I rub it for you?"

"That won't be necessary, Yukina will kill me."

After deliberately giving Efnir a sarcastic remark, Anilas began rubbing her shoulders, leaning back in her chair and letting out a soft breath to relax. "Efnir, what do you think about this?"

"You mean 'Shard'?"

"Yes..." Anilas stared at the bright light on the ceiling. "I've been thinking about this ever since. The Apostle have been eyeing this place for over a month, but why haven't they taken the 'Shard' away in all this time? The 'Shard' isn't anything difficult to move, so why was it abandoned?"

Anilas looked deeply worried.

"Since it's something that can cause the 'agent's' energy to go out of control, isn't it a deadly weapon for the Apostle Organization that has been stirring up trouble all along?"

Because the current operating system of the Human Federation relies heavily on the special system of "agents," without agents, a city would completely lose its ability to resist the Erosion Entity.

In other words, as long as the Apostle have the "Shard" in hand, they can paralyze all the agents' combat power in the entire city in a very short time. Then, if they use the "Summoning Crystal" at that time, the entire city will become theirs.

"It seems you've thought of that too," Efnir sighed softly, her previously relaxed expression gradually turning serious. "I've been thinking about this issue myself... I believe the Commander shares our concerns, which is why she's shown such an unusual attitude."

Everything about Kusei Maki today seems very abnormal.

Clearly, she immediately grasped the possibilities brought about by the "Shard"—if the "agents," the cornerstone of the Human Federation, were all destroyed, then the Human Federation would naturally collapse.

Would the Apostle let such a powerful weapon go? The answer is clearly "no".

"To be honest, I find it hard to understand. But there is another way to interpret it—" Efnir pursed her lips, not finishing her sentence.

Anilas turned her head, her expression serious. "You mean... this was deliberately left to us by the Apostle? In fact, they may have already mastered this technology? Or perhaps it's a warning, proving that they possess the power to completely overthrow the Human Federation?"

124. Accompany me

"Of course, all of this is just a hypothesis, and we cannot determine the exact cause until the investigation makes progress."

Seeing Anilas's furrowed brow, Efnir smiled and comforted her, "What if? Maybe the Apostle haven't found it yet—that passage is actually quite well hidden. If we hadn't happened to run into those Mutated Entity this time, we might not have discovered it either."

"That's true..." Anilas rubbed her cheek. "I hope everything goes well..."

"In any case, perhaps this isn't a bad thing. Now that we have the 'Shard,' we can study them, and we can also follow the clues to investigate the major research institutions on ICS. We might even gain some unexpected insights."