-1472- The unfavourable individual

Medical Science Division, Underground Research Facility

This underground facility is dedicated to research on the Armored Beetles.

Since one of Elis Wiegert's main objectives in coming to Mistgun was to obtain a sample of the Shinjuku [2] Variant, the group decided to visit this place before heading to the Alchemist Division.

"Thud... Thud... Thud..."

With the sound of their footsteps clearly audible, Rozen, Freon Flamel, Elis Wiegert, and Cristine Barkhorn walked down the corridor of the underground research facility, heading towards the highly confidential Fifth Research Lab.

Throughout this journey, none of the four spoke a word, simply walking in silence.

The temperature was well-regulated by the air conditioning.

The surroundings were brightly illuminated.

As the academy's overseer, Cris used her security clearance to swipe and open the automated door to the Fifth Research Lab, allowing the group to enter together.

"Ugh..."

As soon as they entered, the girls wrinkled their noses.

This was due to the slightly unpleasant smell that permeated the air, causing a bit of discomfort.

However, compared to the scene that appeared before them, a mere odor was nothing.

It was a surprisingly vast and spacious laboratory.

The room extended deep into the back, with numerous cables and monitor-like devices operating.

Around the room, various large machines of unknown purpose were haphazardly placed.

Researchers engrossed in their experiments moved about within the lab.

"This facility is highly classified for the average student. Within Mistgun, it's a secret area known only to a select few high-ranking officials. Without the council's permission and a pass, no one other than the relevant researchers can enter."

Cris explained the situation to Elis.

But whether Elis was paying attention or not was unclear.

The young girl simply gazed ahead, saying nothing.

That was understandable, too.

In this laboratory, numerous tanks and unknown containers filled with unidentified liquids were placed in various corners.

Inside these tanks and containers were either the corpses of Armored Beetles or parts of their bodies, creating a rather grotesque sight.

However, the most striking feature was a large tank positioned in the center.

This large tank was filled with a pale blue liquid and contained a strange mass of flesh.

The mass of flesh looked as if it were alive, wriggling like a caterpillar as though it were struggling from within.

"That is a part of the Shinjuku [2] Variant's body, recovered by several Sky Wizards squads from Mistgun after the previous battle. It's currently being analyzed and dissected."

Cris explained, and Elis nodded slightly, her expression indifferent, her thoughts unknown.

Rozen, too, remained silent, glancing around the laboratory with a disinterested look.

As for Freon, she stepped forward, seemingly acting as the group's representative.

"I'm the head of the Sky Wizard Division. Who's in charge here?"

Freon called out to the interior of the lab.

Then, a voice responded.

"My apologies, I'm late."

The person who came running over was a slender young man, wearing a lab coat and glasses, with the typical look of a researcher, though for some reason, he gave off a slightly neurotic vibe.

"Hm?"

Rozen, who had been disinterested up until now, suddenly made a sound of surprise and turned to look at the newcomer.

"What's wrong?"

Elis and Cris, who had been quietly observing Rozen, immediately noticed his reaction.

But Rozen didn't respond, only narrowing his eyes as he looked at the researcher who had just arrived.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Real Nua, a second-year undergraduate in the Medical Science Division. The head of the department isn't here, but the division head has already given instructions. Thank you all for coming."

The young man named Real Nua greeted them with a fawning smile.

Even in this situation, his attitude and tone were filled with uncertainty and neurosis, and his lowly demeanor caused the girls to wrinkle their brows again.

However, many of those conducting research here had a similar disposition.

They spent most of their time in this underground lab, conducting dissections and other tasks, constantly dealing with the corpses and innards of Armored Beetles. Their mental state was somewhat different from ordinary people, making them individuals who were generally avoided.

For instance, even now, despite the fact that the academy's overseer had arrived, accompanied by the head of the Sky Wizard Division, a researcher from Vebel, and even Rozen himself, the other researchers, aside from Real, merely glanced over, then continued with their work, paying no further attention.

This could certainly be considered highly disrespectful.

Of course, none of them were petty enough to argue with people who had mental issues.

At that moment, Freon stepped forward again.

"Since the head of the Medical Science Division has notified you, you should know why we're here, right?"

Freon spoke in a business-like tone.

"Of course, of course." Real immediately nodded and bowed. "This lady here must be the academy chief executive, right? And this lady must be Vebel's Armored Beetle researcher? Both of you are truly beautiful!"

Real displayed an expression of slight intoxication.

"Hello."

Cris could only nod.

"Thank you."

Even Elis didn't offer a proper greeting, simply giving the minimum response.

This clearly showed that the group didn't particularly like the person before them.

But Real seemed completely unaware, only turning his attention to the last person in the group.

"And this must be Mistgun's hero, Rorelai Arneet?"

Real turned to Rozen with an awkward smile.

"Welcome, welcome. I never expected someone as important as you to come along."

Hearing this, Rozen's eyes, which had been fixed on Real, flashed slightly.

Then...

"It's nothing, don't mind me. I'm just here with them."

Rozen responded calmly.

"Even so, you're still a guest. I'm Real Nua, nice to meet you."

Real said with a fawning smile, extending a hand toward Rozen.

Seeing this, Rozen narrowed his eyes, then extended his hand as well, shaking Real's hand.

At that moment...

"——"

Real's expression subtly changed.

Rozen's eyes also sharpened, then turned into amusement.