"In short, the weapons inside this weapon case—which utilizes space-folding technology—cover every category, and each one is forged from Soul Steel."
A rectangular, ink-black case was handed to Lin. The extending straps allowed it to be worn on the back; Lin tried it on, and it fit perfectly.
"Beyond that, the weapon case is equipped with a simplified anti-gravity device, so you won't feel its weight. It can also perform short-distance rapid maneuvers in mid-air."
After synchronizing his helmet with the weapon case's system, Lin reached his hand into the opening on the right side and pulled out a long blade.
He paused in thought, then used his helmet to call for a greatsword. The weapon case opened from the center, ejecting the hilt of a massive blade. Lin drew it out—a greatsword far thicker and heavier than the case itself appeared to be.
Vil-V smiled at his clumsy attempts to adapt to the new equipment, then pulled out a watch-like device.
"And here is the Phase Transfer Device you commissioned. Although the design of this device seems quite dated now, and many of its technologies are no longer necessary, I managed to fully replicate it using the notes of the former Head of the Research Department combined with Time Fracture technology."
The notes of Delta, the former Head of the Research Department, were something Lin had accidentally discovered while searching for data on Svatok-51. As mentioned before, that "trash heap" contained deleted data fragments. Even if the notes were incomplete, similar structures could be found in Time Fracture devices; reverse-engineering and replicating them wasn't particularly difficult for Vil-V.
"Thank you, Vil-V. I've troubled you."
Lin took the Phase Transfer Device. This watch-like apparatus differed little from its original form; for a moment, he could almost see that person excitedly introducing the equipment to him.
"No need for thanks, just make sure to remember my kindness. When I want to do something in the future, you won't be allowed to refuse," Vil-V laughed heartily, hands on her hips.
"Mm."
Lin lowered his head, an unreadable emotion surfacing in his eyes.
...
"Oh my, so sorry~! As your captain, I haven't even met you until now~"
When a girl with pointed ears, beautiful enough to have stepped out of a painting, smiled and greeted Delta, the latter was still utterly bewildered.
"I've already heard from Lin about your training. Sigh, why is Lin so harsh when it comes to raising kids? If he becomes a father later, I bet he'll be just as strict with his own children." The pink-haired girl spoke cryptic words with a look of feigned headache. "But then again, you never know. Lin is unexpectedly popular with children."
"Um... may I ask, are you Captain Elysia?" Only then did Delta catch the clue from the way she spoke about Lin. She hadn't reacted when Elysia first introduced herself, but this magnificent, elf-like girl whose words seemed to dance like musical notes was actually the Captain of the 13th Squad.
Elysia response to the disbelief on Delta face was to squint her eyes with a smile: "Mm-hmm, that's right~ I am the cute and clever Elysia, like a flying flower. Since Lin was recently transferred back to headquarters, I'll be the one training you from now on."
"Lieutenant Lin was transferred back to headquarters?" For some reason, Delta heart skipped a beat. She asked subconsciously, "Then... is he not coming back?"
"Ara? Sakura said you didn't like Lin very much, but it doesn't seem that way, does it?"
Elysia captivating eyes seemed capable of peering into the deepest corners of one's heart. Flustered, Delta lowered her head, not daring to meet her gaze.
Disliking Lin?
It wasn't quite that. Even if that helmeted guy acted cool, was sharp-tongued, manipulative, and had a wicked sense of humor, it was undeniable that his training results were immediate. Moreover, while he tormented people, it wasn't simply to assert his authority.
In short, Delta feelings toward him were complicated. He was a detestable fellow, but simultaneously a reliable senior and lieutenant.
If only he were a bit less irritating, had a bit less of that dark humor, and acted a bit more "cool and aloof."
If only he... could act a bit more like an elder should.
To change the subject, Delta snapped to attention and asked, "Captain, may I ask what your training method is?"
Lin training tortured the soul, and Sakura training tortured the body. She only hoped this Captain would be somewhat more normal.
"Ah? I don't have a training method." Elysia smile was like a blanket warmed by the spring sun, soft and cozy. "Lin told me your training results have been remarkable and told me to keep things exactly as they are."
"..."
...
The oppressive atmosphere in the room was exceptionally thick. As the lowest-ranking person among the three, Erwin licked his dry lips and tremblingly raised a hand: "Can I... can I leave now?"
"That's probably a no," Einstein said, focused on lining up several lollipops on the desk.
Erwin looked pitifully at Ato, who was deep in thought with a furrowed brow. Noticing Erwin's gaze, Ato gave a bitter smile and shook his head: "Erwin, the moment you went to steal high-level data and eavesdrop on conversations, you reached the point of no return. If we are exposed, you certainly won't be able to distance yourself."
Erwin lowered his hand despondently. "Fine then. Sigh, why would anyone want to turn against their own comrades... We're all fighting for the same goal; can't we just understand each other?"
"The same goal..." A flicker of something strange crossed Ato's eyes, though it vanished quickly. "Mutual understanding cannot solve every problem. You remember the 'Great Purge' incited by the Chairman, right?"
"Yes. The first rebellion, and this current rebellion is also influenced by him."
"Do you think he didn't understand what the other high-ranking officials wanted to do?"
"That..."
"Or was it that the other officials didn't understand his thoughts?"
Einstein divided the three lollipops into two piles—one with a single candy and the other with two. Without looking up, she said, "They understood each other's thoughts perfectly. Even I can understand the Chairman's demands. But it is precisely because of that understanding that the conflict deepened."
"A profound understanding that the other person's ideology is contrary to one's own, leaving no choice but to eliminate them," Ato finished Einstein's sentence. "Those with malice in their hearts know better than anyone else exactly how evil they are."
Einstein gave Ato a lingering look. she picked up one of the lollipops, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth. "What we need to know now is how far the Fire Moth traitors' plan has progressed. Based on the information Erwin heard, they are not only collaborating with the remnants of the Chairman's faction but also have some connection with the host of the Eighth Herrscher."
"I have a proposal."
Ato spoke calmly to the two of them. "Let me be the undercover agent."