Chapter 249

This is not an exaggeration; at least in Nishizaki Yuki's opinion, Efnir's adaptability as "Ephnel" is astonishingly high.

"Oh, by the way, Nishizaki Yuki, you also stayed in the Central Province, right?"

Shinomiyami Nami suddenly remembered that Nishizaki Yuki had also lived in the Central Province, so she lowered her voice and leaned closer to Nishizaki Yuki, "Do you know anything about Thalesius?"

"I'm sorry, my knowledge is very limited..." Nishizaki Yuki rubbed her temples. "And it's all outdated information, so I don't know if I can talk about it—after all, back then my hobby was staying in the lab. However, my former teacher had some exchanges with the researchers there, so I've heard some rumors. If you're interested, I'll check on Saori's injuries later, and then we can talk in detail."

"Alright, I'll leave it to you then, reliable Miss Nishiki."

"Don't call me that... it's making me want a cigarette." As she spoke, Nishizaki Yuki kept her hands in her pockets, rubbing her cigarette case and lighter, clearly indicating that she was indeed craving a cigarette.

"Efnir told you to smoke less."

"I've been holding back."

"That's strange. Little Eve, your aptitude is so high, yet you didn't receive an 'invitation.' That's a question I've been pondering." Ignoring the whispers between Shinomiyami Nami and Nishizaki Yuki, Lapith looked Efnir up and down, blinked, and asked, "Would you mind if I took a look at your aptitude record form?"

"Ahem, sorry, that's confidential," Nishizaki Yuki interrupted Lapith before Efnir could speak. "If you have any questions, you can ask me. I'm her attending physician, and I probably know more about her than she does."

"That's true..."

Efnir didn't deny it, after all, her file contained some information that shouldn't be shown to outsiders. "Dr. Nishiki knows me a little better than I do."

"Oh...that's quite a strange statement," Lapith glanced at Efnir, then looked at Nishizaki Yuki with interest, and smiled apologetically. "I apologize for my abruptness. So, is Ephnel's suitability only for 'Ephnel'? What about for other Beacon?"

"I can answer that for you. As far as the results are concerned, Efnir's 'aptitude' is almost '0' for all other 'Ability' except for 'Ephnel'."

"That's really rare... but it makes sense. While the first requirement for mastering the 'Zero Series' Beacon is extremely high 'aptitude,' due to the special nature of the 'Zero Series,' a single aptitude won't work—this is the biggest difference between us 'First Generation' and the 'Zero Series,' what they call 'experience.' In my memory, there was one 'Zero Series' member who possessed several high aptitudes at the same time."

"Possessing several 'aptitudes' simultaneously... isn't that what a 'Absolute Compatible Candidate' is?"

At this point, Lapith suddenly noticed that Efnir's expression was somewhat subtle.

"What's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about some old friends, please don't worry about it."

Efnir paused, then suddenly asked, "Lapith, you just said... one of the conditions for obtaining the 'Zero Series' qualification is to possess multiple 'aptitudes' simultaneously?"

If that's the case, then Yukina...

Lapith's next words dispelled Efnir's worries.

"Not quite..." Lapith thought for a moment and said, "That guy is a bit different from the 'Absolute Compatible Candidate' you mentioned. An 'Absolute Compatible Candidate' can use all types of Beacon, but there are differences in 'aptitude' for different Beacon. But that guy only has those few 'aptitudes'. Putting aside the strength of the 'aptitudes', the number of Beacon types she can use is far less than that of an 'Absolute Compatible Candidate'. But similarly, compared to the 'generalist' 'Absolute Compatible Candidate', the strength she can exert in her own field far exceeds that of an 'Absolute Compatible Candidate'."

"I see..." Efnir breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

"What's so great about it??"

Lapith was momentarily bewildered.

"Speaking of which..." At this moment Fushihara Ayaka pondered for a moment and slowly spoke, "If the 'Zero Series' really exists, are Angel a match for them?"

"If it were the two I've seen before, I'm afraid they wouldn't be up to the task."

Lapith made a straightforward judgment on the outcome. The "two she had seen" she mentioned naturally referred to Qinglan and Flying Swallow. "Without a corresponding 'power,' no one could possibly be a match for the 'Zero Series.'"

At this point, Lapith added, "'Zero Series' is unique in that they possess a template that is infinitely similar to the Ruins Beacon. Although they are still a degraded version of the 'Ruins Beacon,' they can distort their own power to create a special, powerful force field out of thin air. This force field, or similar technology, is called a 'shield' in the Ruins Beacon and is one of the core powers of the Ruins Beacon. We generally call it a 'domain'—a strong energy field radiating from the user and completely controlled by the user. The existence of the 'domain' is a hallmark of 'Ruins Technology.' For example, the Boundary Stele System protects cities from the Corruption Energy through the existence of the 'domain.' That's right, the Boundary Stele's 'domain' is what we usually call a 'barrier field.'"

"But we 'First Generation' members cannot exercise such abilities, or rather, our 'domain' cannot be dispersed. We must rely on the transmission of weapons to invade the body of the Erosion Entity. This is why we can destroy the Erosion Entity, and it is also the source of all the superhuman power of our agents. On the other hand, the 'Zero Series' can annihilate the Erosion Entity from hundreds of meters away. Their 'domain' is even so powerful that it is immune to the White Hole Erosion field."

"It is precisely because of this extraordinary power that each of the agents granted the 'Zero Series' Beacon is, without exception, an agent whose personal strength has reached its peak, and each is a solid shield capable of protecting the safety of a city. It is because of their existence that the Human Federation has been able to stand firm in that dangerous 'Bottom of the White Hole' and withstand the most ferocious and numerous Erosion Entity for all of humanity, firmly locking the greatest threat to the north of the coast."

As she spoke, Lapith looked at Efnir with an uncertain yet intriguing gaze, "I think Codename J was mistaken in calling you 'Zero Series' —because the fighting style of 'Zero Series' is different from yours. I can be so sure because I've fought 'Zero Series' face-to-face... In the end, I naturally lost. The levels of power are different, so the outcome of the battle has nothing to do with skill or experience. And undeniably, when you 'Apostle Form' and killed Codename J Beyond the Boundary, you displayed an energy field extremely similar to 'Domain' for a fleeting moment... I... can't be sure what caused that, but I will never mistake that special feeling."

188. Silence

Maesakagawa, temporary command room--

Kusei Maki received a communication request directly from the Xijing City Orderkeeper Headquarters. She put down the battle plan in her hand and answered the call.

"Commander."

Efnir's voice came from the other end of the communication line.

"Efnir?"

Kusei Maki lifted her gaze from her hands, somewhat surprised that Efnir would take the initiative to contact her at this time, but after thinking about it, she quickly understood the reason.

It's clear that Lapith has already told Efnir something.

Kusei Maki glanced at the adjutant beside him, who, upon seeing this, put down the report in his hand and left the command room.

"You've had a hard fight, Major General Efnir," Kusei Maki leaned back in her chair, relaxing her shoulders slightly. After a long day at work, this short phone call became her break. "Thanks to you, we've gathered even more intelligence. But why did you come to see me so quickly? Is there something you need?"

On the other end of the communication, Efnir left the conference room and found a quiet place to be alone.

"After the battle, Lapith spoke to us about some concerning things, so I'm seeking your confirmation." Efnir didn't mince words and went straight to the point, "Commander, are you a member of Thalesius?"

"Thalesius... you heard that from Lapith, didn't you?"

"That's not important, Commander. If necessary, Lieutenant General Masaki can also pass this message on to me—I believe it's not a secret in the Central Province."

Kusei Maki shook her head; Efnir couldn't see her expression. "No, she won't."

Why do you say that?

"She never does anything meaningless."

"It sounds like you, Commander, know quite a bit about Masaki, who worked with us before."

"That's not the case. I only met her once when I was serving in the military," Kusei Maki paused, then changed her tone, "But she's very easy to understand."

Is it easy to understand?

Efnir didn't think so. Masaki Hina almost never shared her thoughts with anyone, not even Efnir, whom she considered a friend.

However, Kusei Maki is referring to here is clearly not Masaki Hina's personality, but rather her distinctive approach to things, in which she is indeed quite "easy to understand".

"However, perhaps, as you said, what you want to know isn't a big secret in the Central Province, so I believe you already have the answer in your heart—you're right, I did indeed spend a considerable amount of time in Thalesius."

Kusei Maki affirmed Efnir's words, slightly raising her eyebrows as her gaze fell on the epaulets. "But before that, Major General Efnir, is your question based on a personal stance or other considerations?"

Is there a difference?

"Of course, I can refuse to answer any questions unrelated to work while on the front lines."

Kusei Maki's tone left no room for argument; it was the tone she used most often at work.

"Then let's just consider it a personal stance."

Efnir said noncommittally that she didn't mind these rules and regulations compared to Kusei Maki's deliberately formulaic approach to things.

Because that's the nature of an agent's job. Corruption doesn't give you any warning before it comes. Agents must be ready to fight anytime, anywhere. Similarly, they can switch roles from missions to real life under any circumstances.

"Yes, I understand," Kusei Maki paused, "Then, Ms. Yanase, may I call you that?"

This was the first time Efnir had heard Kusei Maki address him by a title other than "Efnir" or "Major General," and he found it rather strange.

"If the commander wishes..."

Kusei Maki turned the call to her earpiece, stood up while holding her uncapped pen, and locked the door of the temporary office she was using while she was talking.

"You don't have to keep calling me 'Commander,' you can just call me Maki."

"Ah?"

Efnir forced a dry smile, skeptical of Kusei Maki's suddenly changed way of speaking. "This is very unusual."

"Why? Because I'm the commander?"

Kusei Maki chimed in, unusually chuckling, "But isn't this time for 'private' time? I noticed you treat Furan and the others... no, I remember you always do that with Lieutenant General Masaki too, so I thought you preferred using these more affectionate terms, and I was hoping to get a little closer to you."

"This obviously cannot be generalized, and I don't think it's necessary to 'close the distance' when discussing something that could potentially jeopardize urban safety."

Just as Masaki Hina rarely shows a rigid and serious expression, and Kusei Maki seldom smiles, people with different personalities cannot simply be treated in the same way.

"And... well, let's get back to business..." Efnir awkwardly steered the conversation back on track. "In short, Commander, you once served in Thalesius ... why 'once'?"

"My arrival in Xijing City means both leaving the Central Province and distancing myself from Thalesius —you can understand it that way; I no longer work for Thalesius."

Kusei Maki rested her chin on her hands, "As for why... it's not a particularly touching story, so please excuse me for skipping over it."

"You never mentioned this to us."

"Because it's unnecessary; partisan strife won't affect a small town more than a thousand kilometers away from the Central Province —let alone someone who has left a political party."

Kusei Maki said it bluntly.

She has left Thalesius and will never return; for Kusei Maki, Thalesius is not a place that brings her hope.

"Is that so? They really don't hold back."

Efnir twitched the corner of her mouth, because Kusei Maki was a serious type with a rigid personality, and her words sometimes felt blunt and could sound like she was deliberately being sarcastic.

She herself seems to be aware of this, but even so, she has no intention of changing anything.

"Now that Lapith has found you, you must have been invited, right? Therefore, you now have the right to seek an explanation. So, what are your plans?"

"Me?" Efnir paused for a moment, lowering her voice slightly. "My stance has been clear from the beginning. I hope that the world I fight for will one day be at peace—a world where no one has to live in fear of impending doom, where no one has to kill each other for power. If Thalesius can achieve this, I have no reason not to support him."

"Conversely, if it's a source of conflict, then it's your enemy—may I put it that way?"

Kusei Maki countered with a question, but this time the person on the other end of the call remained silent.

189. The Lost End

"I see."

Efnir's tone was firm and resolute, Kusei Maki, sensing this, didn't press the matter further. "However, you don't need to worry about me doing anything unnecessary. At least we can easily agree on the point that 'both the Erosion Entity and the Apostle are enemies.' You can rest assured that you can entrust your back to me, but..."

Kusei Maki turned around and changed the subject.

"I think you might consider Lapith's suggestion. Having a strong ally in times of disaster always gives you a better chance of survival than going it alone. Although I don't like Thalesius, the benefits of joining are real. Anyway, since there's nothing to lose, why not give it a try?"

That's true.

Survival has always been a very realistic and harsh topic. Compared to the idealism that Efnir yearned for, most of the time, surviving humans can only choose to compromise time and time again.

Whether Efnir likes it or not, everything that has happened and will happen is unavoidable. The Apostle Organization's move from the shadows to the light is a trend that no one doubts. So, under this trend, will the Apostle Organization launch another attack on Xijing City at some point?

The Human Federation's Union's attitude towards the Apostle Organization is subtle; they are both concerned and seemingly indifferent.

Efnir didn't know if there was a deeper reason behind this, but what she did know was that the "Zero Series," possessing absolute power, could easily dismantle the crisis brought by the Angel. This was perhaps a microcosm of the Human Federation's attitude towards the Apostle.

That might be true, but there are fewer than ten people in the Zero Series, and how many Angel are there?

Can the technology possessed by the Apostle Organization be widely applied? Can Angel be mass-produced? Before becoming Angel Qinglan and Flying Swallow were just ordinary agents, but after becoming Angel, their strength increased to a level that most agents could not withstand. If this power were to be replicated on a large scale, could the "Zero Series" still easily resist it?

Of course, the strength of the Human Federation as it has developed to this point is not only reflected in its agents and the "Zero Series," but similarly, the sharp blade in the hands of the Apostle is not limited to the "Angel."

From the moment the Apostle Organization appeared in Xijing City, their actions have been unpredictable. However, the only thing that can be foreseen is that everything they plot will bring enormous trouble to the various cities under the jurisdiction of the Human Federation. In the midst of such a massive wave, Xijing City is merely an insignificant little boat, which will be easily capsized by the waves stirred up by the two behemoths Apostle Organization and the Human Federation.

If strong assistance could be obtained in such a situation, such as from Suzuda City or Thalesius, then the safety of Xijing City might be somewhat guaranteed.

Conversely, if faced with a crisis like the one a month ago, Xijing City will inevitably find itself in a perilous situation with no way out. If that happens, will the Human Federation still send Kusei Maki and her Second-Generation Agent to provide support, just as they did this time? Will they still send Suzuda City to provide support?

Perhaps.

But what if the Apostle Organization extended its reach into the Central Province at that time? What if the Human Federation was too busy to help itself? Would they still heed the plea for help from a small Xijing City?

"I'll take this as your opinion and convey it to the Bushiyuan and the others."

"Is that so? In any case, whatever your plans are, I will not interfere, nor will I deliberately pander to you—I withdrew from Thalesius a long time ago and have nothing to do with them anymore."

"This matter can be put aside for now," Efnir said noncommittally. "It concerns the future of Xijing City, so I'll reserve my opinion on this for the time being—there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. If you get the benefits, you naturally have to pay the price, right?"

"You seem to have a good eye."

"This is just a trivial and simple truth, but there's something more important to me. It concerns the Flagbreakers... I just heard some different things from Lapith, that 'the Flagbreakers are the predecessor of the Apostle Organization.' I wonder if there's a similar claim in the Central Province?"

Efnir evaded the topic— Kusei Maki's statement was sufficient; this level of probing was enough to express a person's stance. In comparison, only the crisis brought by the Apostle was far from over.

"The Flagbreakers..."

Kusei Maki read it aloud in a low voice, then slowly leaned back in her chair. "This is a rather sensitive topic."