ALL NOVEL The data floating on the screen displayed the six towers that had fallen in Kivotos, along with their coordinates and energy scale.
Since the meeting was conducted via video conference, this information had already been properly conveyed to the academy side participating in the meeting.
“First of all, let me say one thing to everyone. I’ve been aware of the possibility of this color invasion for quite some time and have been preparing accordingly.”
The information about the colors that I and the Supernatural Special Forces had obtained so far was documented without filtration. With that information now public, it was evident that the other academies, aside from Trinity and Millennium, were frantically reading it.
“The reason I mentioned that you should immediately avoid the area when exposed to this phenomenon called color is that it is a tremendously dangerous phenomenon. It has been recorded in many ancient texts as a light that drives people to madness, and there’s actually another ‘Mika’ existing in this Kivotos, having been tainted by it…”
“It appears that a mysterious wave is affecting the area within a certain radius of the tower that has emerged in the spot where the Sanctum Tower used to be. We need further investigation to determine the exact effects…”
[We might be able to provide insights on that. Based on the materials about the colors that our academy’s engineering department preemptively secured, we’ve analyzed sample data from the black tower and detected signals that disrupt human minds.]
Rion, who was attending the video conference, picked up on Rin’s words.
[If a person is exposed to these colors for an extended period, mutations in their personality and consciousness will occur, and ultimately… yes, as Mika said, Shinpi will transform into a realm of fear. Once that happens, there’s no going back. There is no way to revert someone who has lost themselves, at least not in the current Kivotos.]
Various sounds could be heard over the video. People groaning, sighing, and some rapidly tapping on keyboards.
Everyone was brainstorming hard, trying to come up with solutions to the imminent situation they faced.
In some ways, it seemed the Supernatural Special Forces had expanded into an organizational structure that spanned all of Kivotos.
[By the way, Veritas has also formulated their own hypothesis regarding this phenomenon. If the high-level energy emanating from that mysterious tower is left unattended, it is estimated that in about 300 hours, it could spread throughout Kivotos through four mutations. And if that happens…]
[It would lead to the conclusion where all life in Kivotos is forcibly exposed to the colors. But the real problem isn’t that. Even now, the tower just existing like that is creating a storm of considerable scale, and if the energy mutates and increases, covering Kivotos… we might literally face physical annihilation.]
The information previously secured by the Supernatural Special Forces was processed by the Engineering Department and Veritas and conveyed to everyone through Hifumi and Rion.
In less than two hours since the crisis began, a clear direction for everyone to head towards had been established.
“So, we have a time attack to destroy all six towers within the 300-hour timeframe. Got it.”
“This goal is refreshingly straightforward, isn’t it? Since we are reacting swiftly at the outset, if everyone puts their all into it, we should be able to resolve this situation before it escalates any further.”
“Hmm… Well, maybe? Who knows…?”
Aco’s point had merit. With only two hours gone out of the 300-hour limit, it was natural to feel that this was somewhat leisurely.
However, I still had my own worries.
“I can’t predict what will happen if we are exposed to the wave influencing that tower for a long time. Hypothetically, that influence might permanently affect one’s mind. Will the students really step up to destroy that tower, risking such dangers?”
“…You mean that when this information is disclosed to everyone, the number of students who are hesitant to act for self-preservation might be quite significant. That’s what you’re suggesting.”
“Yep, Rin’s right. Traditionally, leading the charge isn’t as easy as it sounds.”
[Nya-ha-ha! Then keeping that information secret from everyone is… Yes, I apologize. That was a slip of the tongue. So could you stop looking at me like that?!]
Nya’s attempt to lighten the mood with a non-serious joke ended in a pitiful failure.
Honestly, given Nya’s impression, it did sound like it came from the heart, but I was sure that wasn’t the case. At least, from what I could see, she wasn’t that malicious.
It was just that dealing with her could be daunting, as it was hard to read her true intentions, on top of her penchant for mischievous pranks.
…Hmm. Doesn’t this call for a direct intervention from the teacher? They really should guide these troubled students in the right direction.
It was a pity that the teacher wasn’t here. Given the situation, it would be better for them to remain there and reduce the scale of damage rather than abandoning their post right away. Nonetheless, it was still disappointing.
Instead of making the students juggle overseeing everything and listening to the discussions, it would be far better for me to pass the baton and provide the teacher with information as well.
“So, the situation at the other towers is similar to ours, right?”
[The High Cathedral of the Union is in a similar predicament. As soon as they heard that the cathedral had disappeared without a trace, the Sisterhood got right on it… Speaking of which, I’d like to ask how long until support from the Student Council arrives.]
[…Without needing to say, the Student Council is already on their way to the High Cathedral. You can ease your worries.]
Atsuko and Hina’s responses followed in succession. After that, answers regarding ongoing military movements and plans for evacuating citizens were pouring in, as previously discussed by the acting committee.
And then,
[Mika-chan, we’d like to share information that we just secured at C&C. Is it alright if we speak up?]
“Uh? Yes, please do. Any information that may help in this situation is welcome. By the way, Himari-chan, don’t you seem a bit more cautious than usual?”
[Hmm… Is that so? It’s just that, given the change in position, Mika-chan feels so much more serious than usual…]
“I’m not sure if I have that impression… Hmm, are you exaggerating?”
[…Hehe, maybe so. Anyway, saying this makes me feel a bit… no, very awkward, but let’s get to the point. Currently, C&C has dispatched to a tower that has fallen in someone’s domain. According to the information relayed from there, a powerful entity is guarding the tower, leading a massive number of Nameless Guardians.]
…A powerful entity is guarding it?
So, it’s a boss fight, huh?
“Are you saying that the situation at the other tower isn’t likely to be much different from that one?”
[I can’t provide certain confirmation, but I can speculate that the situations at the other locations are similar. And one more thing. About the identity of that entity reported by C&C…]
Himari sent over the data. In an instant, a photo of a bizarre, huge mechanical being appeared before my eyes as we completed the download.
[Our database has an entry for a being that matches most, if not all, of its characteristics. This also holds for Shalle and the Student Council. This entity perfectly matches the prophet Hod of the Decagramaton, who was repelled via a full-scale offensive led by the teacher. Oh, except for its physical characteristics.]
“…Aha? Wait a second. So, a color-tainted Hod is guarding that tower. We need to deal with it to handle the tower, and there are six of them existing throughout Kivotos?”
[That’s about the gist of it.]
So, we’re talking about simultaneous full-scale offensives against six towers, all on a time limit.
Yeah, and if Hod appeared as a boss in Millennium…
It’s hard not to wonder what might be guarding the towers that fell in Abydos and Trinity.
No, logically, it shouldn’t be so. It couldn’t be…
In the case of Vina for instance, it’s not just repelling her but completely exterminating her, as she had been utilized as a reinforcement material for Aabi Eshuh, right?
So, it couldn’t be the only case; one thinks only of Vina in connection with Abydos…
[Right now, C&C has entered into combat against Hod. I’ll be certain to relay any additional information we secure to you immediately.]
[Ugh, Rion! You’re stealing my thunder here…!]
“I’d appreciate that, but is C&C enough for that?”
[I believe with Toki and Neru teaming up, the odds are looking quite favorable. While it’s impossible to operate the maximum output of Aabi Eshuh… the performance of the modified Aabi Eshuh, powered by Hifumi and me, is not to be ignored.]
[As much as I hate to admit it, considering the entirety of Millennium’s history, the collaboration of those two ranks among the finest.]
The relationship between Rion and the two from Millennium clearly seemed to have developed significantly since the Ark incident. Honestly, these two seemed to match well right from the start.
Sure, it didn’t seem odd that they maintained a mild relationship since Rion had let go of so much.
Well… even if I trust C&C, I think additional military support will definitely be necessary.
As the meeting progressed, the name ‘False Sanctum’ rather than ‘Black Tower’ was officially adopted, revealing one by one the identities of the guardians guarding each sanctum.
The identity of the guardian of the sanctum that took the place of the Sanctum Tower was, unsurprisingly, the color-tainted Perorozira. It wasn’t hard to guess considering the Mini Peroros that occupied the surrounding area.
…Hifumi would probably be thrilled and then faint on the spot.
One question remained, though. Wouldn’t it be odd that in our Kivotos, there’s never been a full-scale battle against Perorozira? Although this question would be resolved under the assumption that Golkont had merely been preparing Perorozira without showcasing it.
Since Golkont was attacked by ‘Mika,’ and upon being tainted by colors transformed into Francys, a scenario where colored Perorozira would emerge could be logically supported. Yes.
In fact, what truly left me aghast was that the False Sanctum had fallen in Slumpia.
Despite no longer being as fond of it as before, it’s still a presence ingrained throughout my everyday life.
Wavecat.
That very worst memory regarding Wavecat returned to haunt me once more.
Maestro, you won’t get away with it next time, alongside your Black Suit.
You’re like the nemesis of my Wavecat…!