◈ Episode 207

News of the Shiran Palace terror attack that swept across the continent gradually became heated and distorted.

It was an incident that left many questions unanswered. For example, how did the terrorists manage to break into the palace? Where did they get the equipment they needed? Which force helped them get it in?

Opinions from various perspectives were exchanged.

In other words, the whole world was in an uproar over a groundless conspiracy theory.

Among them, there were some ridiculous rumors, such as Kim Lee-hyun of Dustborne being the mastermind, and Legion being just a disguise. Of course, these were nothing more than instigation and fabrication that Kim Lee-hyun himself did not care about.

I didn't even hear it in the first place.

"Eww! What are you doing?!"

"What are you doing? I've seen everything, so I have to clean it up."

"You cold-blooded…! You're still human after doing that!?"

Tamtam cried out as he watched the child (armored vehicle) being discarded in real time. His eyes were filled with tears as if his heart was truly aching, but he didn't know.

Originally, tears came out even just by yawning.

"Why are you making such a fuss? It's all going according to plan."

Kim Lee-hyun snorted with his arms crossed.

"We have to eliminate as much evidence as possible that we were involved. Not only the vehicle, but also the guns and unused ammunition. If possible, it would be better to completely erase it from memory. We don't know about this."

"I, I know that. I'm not stupid."

Even though it was hidden in the Bastet Royal Palace, it can't be guaranteed to be 100% safe. It's possible that someone in the palace might steal it. Or maybe it's a traitor within the lab.

Trusting your colleagues is certainly a great virtue.

If possible, it is better to avoid creating situations where one must rely on trust.

"Still…! My heart doesn't feel like that…!"

"Stop, stop. There must be separations for there to be new encounters."

"Don't try to sneakily wrap it up, huh? You told me to make it!"

"Hmm. Then, I guess you could call it a breakup…."

"What the hell is this psychopath, ahhhh! What are you doing to my child!"

Although Tamtam was half-conscious, it was just an incident. As a result, he was able to proceed with destroying the evidence without any problems. He also sent away the gas mask of the Legion that he was gradually becoming attached to.

From then on, well.

"To be honest, there's really nothing to do."

As I finished up the matter that needed to be resolved in a hurry, I suddenly had some free time. Even when Ainoa, who was tired from working hard, started to complain, I was able to have a leisurely meal together.

"To be exact, it's closer to 'don't do anything'. Just sitting here like a bum gives you an alibi. After all, it's like turning a blind eye to things."

So Dustborn and Rap returned to their daily lives. Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world. They even refrained from contacting any informants connected to Kushan, so they couldn't even watch the fire across the river.

"It's important not to give excuses."

Ainoa nodded in agreement.

"If there is a summit meeting soon, it will be a time when you have to be even more careful. Just think of it as a vacation and relax. From then on, you will be busy again without a moment to breathe."

"I already told you to get some rest."

The phrase 'do nothing' does not mean that you should just breathe in the palace. Even if you are caught by a spy, as long as you do not find fault with them diplomatically, that is fine. Minor deviations can be overlooked.

"Everyone still feels restless. They've just finished a big operation and now they have empty hands. But in times like this, wouldn't someone who can turn the switch on and off freely be first-class?"

"Are you talking about yourself?"

"I'm not specifically mentioning anyone."

I take a sip of tea after removing the tea leaves.

"Oh my. What a person."

Ainoa sighed at Kim Yi-hyun's relaxed attitude. But there was a faint smile on her lips that she didn't even notice. All the while they were sitting at the same table.

"Now that you mention it, does Leila look okay?"

"Why Leila?"

"Why? Isn't Leila the one who would be most likely to think about this incident? I wasn't there so I don't know the details, but I don't think she would have been very moderate in many ways."

Ainoa thought back to the way she had seen Leila until now.

"She's a young child. She's different from everyone else."

"I wonder what you have to say."

"I'm not weak, am I? If I straighten up and set the mood, the nobles will tremble."

"The image of the purged princess hasn't gone away yet."

"There's no way I'll ever lose it. I have to carry it with me for the rest of my life. If it's comfortable, then it's comfortable."

In my opinion, Ainoa Salviati is far from the type of person who would be described as 'weak'. I would say that even if he hesitates at first, he is the type who doesn't look back once he makes a decision.

However, to Kim Yi-hyun, it only seemed like a joke. This is probably because he has seen many sides of Ainoa. For example, she is too generous to those who give her her heart, and she often gets lonely.

"Anyway, you don't have to worry. Rather, Leila is probably one of the most energetic people."

"I see? That's a bit unexpected."

"I guess he's also becoming mentally armed."

If it were in the past, I would have suffered as Ainoa said. However, just like Kim I-hyeon, Leila has also gone through many hardships to get to where she is today, and has grown mentally through each hardship.

'I feel like I've shed a layer since we talked separately last time.'

Now, he must also feel a sense of responsibility to come to his senses. After all, Kushan has stepped down, even if only on the surface. He must feel burdened, but it is a desirable change.

'Kushaniya, it's still the same.'

Kushan and Leila.

As long as the two pillars remain unshaken, the Cellbrox Lab will not collapse. Not only now, but even after the end. Even after the disaster is over, they will continue to atone for their mistakes.

The remaining problem is the professor.

'It's time to slowly regain my memories.'

The professor's forgotten memories and knowledge of the past. It is an essential element to end the disaster. It is much earlier than the game, but there is a way.

It is a memory that was artificially erased from the beginning.

Then, wouldn't it be possible to retrieve it by human hands?

* * *

Step, step.

The sound of footsteps echoes hollowly in the closed room.

Only then did the professor realize that he was walking somewhere. His body moved on its own even though he didn't try to move. On the contrary, he tried to turn his head, but his gaze remained fixed straight ahead.

The walls are a familiar color. The width of the hallway is also very familiar.

'Celllogics Lab… .'

The research lab built in the basement of Shalem. It is the 'home' that he has not been able to return to since the raid by Shiran's enforcers. It must have been a long time, but the emotion the professor felt was quite different from longing.

Somewhere, it's cold.

Suddenly, the professor felt a sense of foreboding. He knew what was about to happen, as if he had watched the same movie over and over again. If it was as expected, 'she' would come running out from around the corner across from him.

As expected.

― … … Professor! You were here.

With her thick brown hair and innocent puppy-like eyes, she didn't really match the pure white gown. But that was just a side note, and the professor felt a strong sense of familiarity.

She looks exactly like Leila. If Leila had grown up normally for about 10 years, she would have looked like this. Not only the appearance, but even the unique atmosphere was similar.

In the midst of my surprise, my mouth opened by itself.

- Have you found the temple? What is it?

- It's nothing else, you know. It's what I was talking about last time… .

- Oh, yes. I remember.

It took some time for him to recognize that it was his own voice.

Even though it was the same tone, it was so different. It was a cold tone that didn't even make me feel basic respect, let alone goodwill towards the other person. The feeling of annoyance was clearly revealed.

- Didn't I tell you that I would pretend I didn't hear it?

― … … Could you please think about it seriously one more time?

A woman who looked like Leila spoke with a tearful expression.

― This is too dangerous. It is not an area that scientists should touch. Especially now that foreign influence is involved. At least I think it is time to step out.

― I find it difficult to understand the director's attitude. If it is as you say, shouldn't 004 also be scrapped? Instead of taking care of it with utmost sincerity like we are doing now.

- You speak that way well. Doesn't the professor care about that child just as much as I do?

- Yes. I don't think of it as simply a test subject.

The conversation continues in a dry tone.

― If possible, I hope 004 can live as a human. For personal reasons and for the advancement of research. I think I am contributing more than anyone else in the lab to make that possible.

― … I acknowledge the professor's achievements. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have achieved even half of what I have now. Leila might not have been born either. That's why I'm saying this separately.

- Thank you for your words.

The 'professor' let out a dry sigh.

― But let's stop because it's dangerous. We've come too far to turn back with just those words.

― … … .

- I'll be going now. I need to check on the progress of medication 004.

The scene passed quickly as my feet lifted off the floor.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there were many parts of this place that were different from the lab I knew. Most of the researchers passing by were unfamiliar faces, and there were far fewer floors accessible by elevator.

and.

In the white room, there was Leila.

- What is the status of 004?

― Immediately after taking the medication, the brain waves were somewhat unstable, but now they are back on track. Every time the director visits, he becomes noticeably more stable. I guess she is like a mother.

- Ha. What on earth is that guy trying to do?

- yes?

- It's nothing. It would be nice if I didn't have to take tranquilizers. Tomorrow...

His gaze was fixed on number 004, Leila, through the window. She looked similar in age to the Leila the professor knew, but other than that, almost everything else was different.

A cotton garment reminiscent of a hospital gown. Medical equipment clinging to her in such a way that it's almost annoying. Her mouth is wide open as if she's lost her mind. She's sitting in the middle of children's blocks, looking up at the ceiling.

Soon, the head slowly lowers.

Empty eyes looked at the professor.

"...Ugh!"

He regained consciousness as if someone had pulled him out of the water. The professor instinctively raised his upper body. His clothes, soaked in cold sweat, clung to his skin.

With each exhale, the memories of the dream I had just had dispersed like smoke. However, the emotions remained intact. Things like regret and frustration that are hard to describe in words.

"Another strange dream…."

This wasn't the first time. Since the day the catastrophe happened, the professor had been suffering from strange dreams. Even if it was an exaggeration, it was quite frequent.

'I quickly forget the details.'

I guess that just because it's a dream doesn't mean it's completely fictitious. I interpreted this phenomenon as if there was a box inside of me, and memories were leaking out from there.

There is no guarantee that the box will ever be completely opened. I feel anxious about this fact, but at the same time, I feel relieved. The 'professor' in my dream, who I vaguely feel, is so different from my current self.

'Are you not ready yet?'

There was also the fact that the professor himself had no other option. It was not like he could recall all his memories just by sleeping soundly. If he consulted anyone, they would only respond with an embarrassed expression.

'No. If it's Hyun, I wonder what he'd say.'

… … I thought that too.

Until Kim Lee-Hyeon suddenly showed up.

"No need to make a long story short. Decide before the summit."

"No, that. It's not like it can happen just because you want it to, right?"

"I'll tell you because I think it'll work. I don't have any particular connection to the old Cellbrox Lab, but I have an idea. Leave that to me for now."

He spoke as if he saw right through the professor's worries.

"Shouldn't you be coming to your senses now?"