The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City

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As the chaos of the underground facility experiment engulfed the Violets, two girls from the academy confronted the shock experienced by the Violets.

Firstly, Irene, who was strolling through the campus, suddenly sensed danger as her body instinctively entered a state of combat readiness. The sensations ingrained in her through training and experience sent her a warning signal.

‘Who is it?’

She cautiously retrieved the folded spear she had slung on her back and surveyed her surroundings.

Is it an ambush? I need to counter without hesitation. If it’s a sniper, I must take cover immediately. It could be magic or some unidentified unique ability. If that’s the case, I should quickly draw upon my magical power and use my unique ability to fight back. The memorized list of response procedures pierced through Irene’s mind.

Then, an anomaly occurred.

– Zzzz…

“…?”

A ringing noise pierced her ears. Her eyes widened in surprise. A strange sensation began to burrow through her mind. She quickly channeled her magical power to the maximum.

This situation… someone is forcibly opening my mind and digging into my sensitive areas. Is it magic? What’s their intent? It’s impossible to discern. There’s no time to figure it out. At this rate, I’ll be compromised. This isn’t enough!

Determining that circulating magical power alone wasn’t sufficient, Irene activated her unique ability. A small whirlwind surged around her. Golden magical power radiated outward from her center in a starburst. Golden particles enveloped her body. Vitality surged, and her mind was lifted. While the unidentified force continued to invade Irene’s thoughts, she managed to resist just barely.

Time, which had been stretching like a rubber band, suddenly contracted into reality.

“Hah… Hah…”

Cold sweat trickled down her forehead. Though only a few seconds had passed, her breathing was ragged as if she had just run a marathon, and some of her magical power had been consumed.

‘What was that? Just now…’

She managed to move her stiff body and looked around. Under the clear sky, the wind brushed past the surrounding bushes as if taking a leisurely stroll. Nearby students ambled by her as if nothing had happened.

‘Is it just me experiencing this?’

Though it had only been a few seconds, she felt an immense sense of incongruity about the situation.

Memories of the strange experience were fading like waking from a dream. The purpose and meaning of the actions had vanished, leaving only emotion behind.

Before long, Irene found herself questioning why she had reacted so sensitively.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Daphne, listening attentively in the front row of the classroom, was also swept into this bizarre situation.

The difference was that her reaction was very slow, unlike the swift response seen from Helios’s heir, as she lacked both rough training and experience. By the time she comprehended the situation, that unsettling alien sensation had already deeply infiltrated her mind.

“…Kyaaak!”

She let out a short scream, repulsed by the physiological discomfort. Her body instinctively activated her unique ability in response to the threat. A pale green barrier enveloped her. That unpleasant sensation that gnawed at her insides vanished as if cut by a knife.

“Oh, um… Excuse me?”

Worried she might have disrupted the class, she tried to apologize. The classroom was deathly silent. Was it because of the sound she had inadvertently made?

Feeling embarrassed by the silence that filled the classroom, she glanced around and nearly screamed again.

Everyone in the classroom, except her, was staring blankly into space with dazed expressions. All of them looked up, eyes lifeless like dead fish, staring blankly into nothingness.

‘No way, is this a prank? Is this one of those hidden camera shows?’

After a few seconds, the students and professors who had been frozen like statues began to move again. They behaved as if nothing had happened, showing no memory of their earlier actions. Daphne was flustered. Did I imagine it? Did I see it wrong?

“So, regarding the human body’s mechanisms… Student? We’re in class right now. Please stop using your magical power.”

As the professor pointed out, Daphne realized that she still had her barrier up. She was extremely confused by what had just happened. She couldn’t distinguish whether her experience was real or an illusion.

Trying to refocus her chaotic thoughts on the lecture was difficult, especially with the strange scene from earlier lingering in her mind.

Did I really imagine it?

***

We Violets could no longer afford to take risks.

Having firsthand experienced that mental shockwave, the threat had turned into a reality. We confirmed that that certain experiment was affecting Violets in other regions. Our unique abilities are not an inviolable domain. We can be compromised at any moment.

And without my unique ability, I am just a pretty girl who knows how to use magic just a little. I might really die. If I do, it would all be over.

I grew frightened. It’s the first time since forgetting my name that I’ve felt this chill run down my spine.

“Leave only the minimum number of people and reverse the rest. Right now.”

“Does that include those stationed in the underground facility?”

“Of course, they need to be included.”

Except for one person remaining in the dormitory, the minimal number of people instantly vanished in a sparkle of dust. The goal of the remaining individuals in the dormitory was to grab as much valuable stuff from inside the school before the situation erupted. Class attendance? What do grades in a soon-to-be-defunct school matter?

“There’s no secret safe…”

“Must be because it was five years ago.”

Since eating the Crystal Flower, we had searched for the main items within Polaris Academy. Tragically, there were no important items available in this area after the Crystal Flower.

There were no secret safes hidden in various locations that would yield money and miscellaneous items upon opening. Important equipment or weapons could only be found in the central or southern regions. Even there, it remains uncertain whether they exist now.

In fact, there is one five-star weapon at Polaris Academy.

It’s a one-handed sword called Flame Blade, and it has pretty decent performance and the ability to deal fire damage. So right now, there’s no way to obtain it. This is because it’s an item that appears when you defeat one of the ghouls in the game. Perhaps a student has it.

However, there were still things worth swapping for money if searched for. For example, equipment or teaching aids. I plan to secretly roam around at night when nobody’s around and tuck them into my inventory.

This isn’t stealing. It’s a donation to a poor girl. Since this school is going to be defunct soon, all the items here are potential ownerless lost property. As for the crime of illegal possession of abandoned property? I don’t really understand laws like that; they’re complicated.

Feeling like whatever will happen will happen, I lay down on my bed. I intended to take a nap, but sleep eluded me. I had too many thoughts swirling in my head.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, I peeked my face out from under the bed. It was Daphne who had come in, so I waved my hand to greet her and lay back down.

It’s annoying. It’s exhausting. It’s boring. How did it come to this? I really feel foolish. I should have never come to school.

“Rugilinn, are you ill again today?”

“Huh? No. Just a bit tired.”

Not wanting to worry her more, I managed to smile.

Why does Daphne get so flustered every time she sees me? I haven’t done anything special for her.

From the moment we first met in the dormitory, she had always been kind and gentle. However, Daphne’s attitude toward me has been more than just kindness.

Thinking back, she had been even more supportive since the entrance ceremony, offering to share various things. Even when I carelessly took snacks out to eat, she just let it slide, and she never got truly angry when I accidentally fell off the bed.

And every time I struggled at night, she used her powers to make me comfortable. Thanks to that, I’ve been able to sleep well lately and have fewer nightmares.

If I think about the storyline, she might just be unusually kind.

She will likely survive the downfall of the academy as well. She will create a small medical service organization within a few years, helping sick and injured people with her abilities and knowledge.

And then a catastrophe will occur when a gigantic gate opens and monsters pour into the heart of the city. Daphne and her organization will save countless lives caught in the disaster. As a result, she will earn the title of ‘Saint of Salvation,’ given to her by the media and citizens.

Given that she’s someone who can achieve such feats, she must possess some extraordinary qualities that someone like me will never understand.

Slowly, it got dark outside. As evening approached, Daphne prepared to head out.

“By the way, Rugilinn. I enjoyed the cake I got the other day.”

Oh, she must be talking about the half-eaten cake she gave me that day.

“I found out a little while ago where that cake shop is! Apparently, there’s a new cake out now. It’s called… Pineapple Mango Cream Cake.”

“Really? That sounds delicious. But why?”

“I have some personal things to buy, so I’m going out. I’ll grab a small one on the way back. Want to share it? I have a small mouth, so I can’t eat too much.”

I wanted something sweet, and this is perfect. If she’s buying, I should enjoy it.

“Have a good time!”

I waved her off, expecting the cake.

Pineapple mango cream cake, the cake from the shop that Levi bought last time was really delicious. Ever since turning into a girl, I’ve become addicted to sweets, and that pleasure is even greater now.

Whatever the case, our roommate is the best!

After hastily eating an early dinner, I waited for Daphne to return.

I waited.

Two hours passed. She must be busy with a lot of tasks.

Three hours passed.

She must be meeting a friend. Maybe she is involved in club activities or group assignments?

Four hours passed.

By now, it was 9 PM. Huh, why isn’t she back yet?

My smartphone vibrated lightly. A text appeared on the screen. It was Daphne’s phone number.

[Violet! It’s Daphne! My luggage is too heavy!]

[I’ll give you the address, can you come help me?]

A message came along with the address. The location was in an alley just slightly outside the city near the school.

But it felt strange.

Why is Daphne using informal speech with me?

A sense of impending doom crossed my mind. I called her, but she didn’t pick up.

“…Is there anyone else around the school besides me?”

“Yeah. Fifth Clone. Just you, really? You still have magical power, so quickly summon a few of us. And…”

I dashed to the address written in the message without hesitation.

Passing through the suspicious gazes of the guards, I went through the main gate and caught a taxi heading to the city. As I walked towards the alley with the address, no one was there.

“Daphne! I’m here! Where are you?”

I called her again. This time, her phone was turned off.

As I walked anxiously through the alley, I heard footsteps approaching from behind.

“Who’s there?”

– Caw!

Ah? I felt dizzy. A strong impact hit the back of my head. My vision faded to black. The ground rushed closer to me.

***

I opened my eyes. The bed was a bit hard.

“Hey, she’s awake.”

“Shall we begin?”

The surroundings were a bit noisy. I could hear the sound of something being smashed repeatedly.

It was a bit chilly. The academy city in September becomes colder than expected at night. But I had worn thick clothing.

My blurry vision gradually focused. I realized I was only wearing underwear.

“Where is this…”

– Slap!

“Damn it, are you seriously not getting up?”

As I tried to rise, someone slapped my cheek. It didn’t hurt, but it was unpleasant. Who is this person?

An unknown assailant grabbed my hair and forced me to stand. I staggered as I rose. Could they be a perverted crime organization that targets only cute girls?

“Hey, can you see? I’m asking if you can see.”

A girl, probably around my age, was urging me impatiently. Ugh, that’s going to ruin my hair. I’ll have to shave her head later.

I focused on the scene before me. I was in an unfinished building. Thanks to the attackers turning on their smartphone lights or flashlights, it wasn’t as dark as I’d expected.

Up ahead, I could see four or five kids around my age swinging swords and axes wildly at a green glowing spherical object. Their weapons were emanating both large and small sword energies.

And I could see who was inside that translucent sphere.

“Rugilinn! Why are you here?!”

The girl inside the sphere looked at me and shouted in a sorrowful voice. It was Daphne.

I was horrified.

“Eek! Daphne! Why are you there… Kyaaaa!”

The attackers kicked my stomach, and I rolled onto the ground. These guys must be infusing their kicks with magical power.

Though the pain was dispersed, the impact on my organs was real. The dinner I had eaten earlier came pouring out of my mouth. Laughter surrounded me, piercing my ears.

“Fifth Clone! I’m coming in now!”

“No, wait. Hold on. Call in more reinforcements.”

My head was jerked upward. Could you stop pulling my hair?

“Oh… this is seriously hilarious. Do you know why you’re here?”

“I don’t know!”

– Slap! Slap!

If they keep this up, my cheeks might puff up like balloons.

About a dozen boys and girls my age surrounded me. I turned my eyes away. Daphne was holding her ground inside the barrier. She looked terrified, and her complexion was pale, but she wasn’t hurt. Two people beside her kept laughing and striking the barrier.

“Hahaha!”

“Open it! I’m telling you to open it!”

A black-haired girl that seemed to be the leader of the group grabbed my hair and pulled me up. I could see a face smeared with mockery and arrogance.

With a servile attitude, I altered my tone to sound as pitiful as possible. Maybe I should take on the stuttering Violet concept from the lab days.

“I-I don’t know… I’m sorry… Please don’t hit me…”

“Looks like you’re starting to grasp the situation?”

First, I need to hear the reasons. Why were Daphne and I dragged here?