Academy’s Dark Perspective - Chapter 340



Only Krnovel

Academy Dark Curtain Viewpoint Episode 340

“Oh, no… … ! Absolutely not… … !”

Miyu shouted in an agitated voice.

It was quite rare for her to show such a firm rejection towards someone.

Lately, I’ve been more open about talking straight to Aaron and my colleagues, but that’s only when they’re familiar to me.

And now the one she’s dealing with is none other than Kalia Stingray.

She was the eldest daughter of the Stingray family and was also a princess who was trying to rebuild the fallen empire.

I was born differently and grew up in a life that cannot be compared to anyone else’s.

A character created by the accumulation of such extraordinary experiences. Just like the eldest son Aaron, Kalia also had something that overwhelmed those around her even when she was still.

Even if he had the charisma to easily crush ordinary people, there was no way that Miyu, whose interpersonal skills were just beginning to reach the ‘ordinary’ level, would be okay in front of him.

In fact, Miyu’s hands would tremble just from making eye contact with Kalia.

If it weren’t for my long association with Aaron, I would have probably been so scared that I would have hid somewhere like a rat.

Nevertheless, Miyu was courageous. Even though she felt like her stomach was twisting due to extreme stress, she did not give up until the very end and spoke to Kalia.

“Ah, if it can’t be done, then it can’t be done… … !”

“Um… … That’s a bit difficult.”

Kalia smiled faintly.

When he turned his gaze to the other side, he saw Airi Aliceval glaring at him. It was as if she was threatening him with her eyes, saying, “Just talk as much as you want. If you say anything weird, I won’t let you off easy.”

It wasn’t just Iri.

For some reason, the special class students that Aaron had been looking after were surrounding Kalia and looking at her warily.

If Maria hadn’t been standing behind Kalia to support her, it looked like they would have rushed in at any moment.

‘What is this? Treating people like the worst villains in the world… ‘

Of course, it is true that he and Aaron were not on good terms. It is also true that they had a fierce competition for the chairmanship a few months ago.

But that was something they had no choice but to do because they had their own circumstances. If it weren’t for the late Chairman Drake Stingray, who is now unknown, the competition wouldn’t have been so fierce.

And actually, until then, I was pretty close with Aaron. At least, I could say that I was much closer to him than my second son, Benedict.

So there was nothing to be embarrassed about.

Kalia, who had almost fainted for a moment, raised her voice again.

“This is a crucial moment that will determine whether or not our Stingray Group can stand up again. If Aaron Brother does not step forward in this matter, we may never have another chance.”

“Even so, that won’t do! I told you! The reason Mr. Aaron’s condition is not worsening right now is because we’ve minimized the use of modules! If we were to use high-level mystical modules like [Cloud Spider] or [Tech Blade], there’s a risk that the stable state that has been maintained so far will be shattered in an instant!”

“Doesn’t ‘there are concerns’ mean that it might not get worse?”

“What I just said… … !”

“I heard. I’m not ignoring you either. But… … You said ‘Miyu’? The story about the student is famous in many ways, and there was even a rumor that spread throughout our engineering department. I recognize your ability to that extent. That’s why I asked you for advice first.”

“But, but… … !”

At the moment when Miyu was trying to refute with difficulty.

Silence intervened.

“[Where on earth is this consultation?]”

“……you are?”

“[Silence.]”

After briefly introducing himself, he took a step forward and opened his mouth.

“[You said you’d consult him, but when I told you ‘no,’ you didn’t even think about listening. Didn’t you hear? Your brother isn’t feeling well right now, so I told you not to push him. But you kept insisting… … When you ask for an answer after deciding on a conclusion, it’s called ‘answering the question.’]”

“I didn’t even think about that. I just had a little doubt about that ‘possibility’. Didn’t Miyu say it herself earlier? Your brother’s current replacement rate of 95% is practically an unprecedented figure.”

“To be exact, it’s 96.38%.”

“Yes. In any case, I understand that it is a fairly high number. I don’t know much about technology, but I find it amazing that you haven’t completely lost your sense of self in that state. However, when I asked you to explain, I heard that you are still in a fairly stable state?”

This is not the general case.

Most people lose their humanity completely after about four months, with the rate of personality loss accelerating.

But for some reason, Aaron continued to maintain a stable state, even though his human emotional reactions were fading. This was surprising, considering that it had already been five months since he became an over-adjuster.

“That’s why I’m asking just in case. Aaron’s brother has been a ‘special’ person to begin with. So I’m wondering if he might be an exceptional case.”

“That, that is… … .”

“And Aaron Orabeoni was born with a body designed for ‘combat’. In a way, you could say that ‘fighting’ itself was his purpose. So, I’m guessing that having him experience the battlefield again might actually help improve his condition… … As an expert, what do you think? Don’t you think it’s possible?”

“… … .”

Miyu seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then shook her head firmly and shouted.

“Oh, no… …! I can tell you this much for sure! Using the module in its current state will only cause adverse effects, and it will never get better!”

“That’s… … too bad.”

Kalia’s face twisted into a look of genuine distress.

Of course, she wouldn’t be making that face because she truly cares about Aaron. However, from her perspective, she can’t help but be genuinely worried about Aaron’s health.

Kalia and the special class members.

What both sides wanted were diametrically opposed.

Kalia believed that reviving the Stingray Group would ultimately benefit Aaron, even if it meant pushing Aaron a bit for a while, while the special unit led by Miyu was of the opinion that they should never borrow Aaron’s power until he had fully recovered.

At first glance, it may seem like Kalia is doing this out of her own greed, but it is true that there are signs of a monster wave at the moment.

And if we fail to stop it, this city, which is barely regaining stability, will be in danger again.

Airi knew that, so she couldn’t bring herself to take sides.

She turned to Maria as if asking for advice, but Maria seemed equally unable to make up her mind.

I guess he must be even more worried now that he knows the current situation of Stingray Company.

“… … .”

However, it is not possible to continue watching the argument like this. Finally, Airi finished thinking and opened her mouth.

“Ms. Kalia.”

“… … Do you have anything to say?”

“To be honest, Miss Kalia, you’re doing this because you don’t really care if the Chairman completely loses his personality, right?”

“No, not at all. That can’t be.”

Kalia made a face as if she didn’t think so at all. Her facial expressions were so skillful that even Airi, who had excellent intuition, was a little hesitant.

But she continued calmly.

“From your perspective, don’t you think it would be better if the Chairman were to become a cyborg? After all, what’s needed is the Chairman’s physical strength, and if the Chairman’s personality remains, it would be difficult to handle in many ways.”

“What are you talking about?”

“But think about it. If the chairman’s symptoms worsen completely because of this incident and he loses his personality, can you guarantee that you will be able to control him then?”

“… … .”

“What if, by any chance, instead of staying at home like you are doing now, you start to run wild? What if you start to wield the power that brought down the Sky Dragon indiscriminately according to the ‘purpose of birth’ you mentioned?”

In response to Airi’s remark, Kalia was speechless, like a mute who had eaten honey.

Judging by his pale complexion, it seemed he hadn’t anticipated that situation.

“You know what? So, I think it would be helpful for you if we left the chairman alone until his condition improved.”

“… … It won’t be that easy. In the end, no solution was found for the monster wave.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

Iri answered immediately.

At those words, everyone present looked back at her in surprise. Airi hurriedly added her words as if making an excuse.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do. If the chairman is in that state, someone has to do something.”

“I understand your feelings, Miss Dalia. You’re still just a student, aren’t you? Rather than hiring you, I’d rather hire useful mercenaries-.”

“I was the one closest to the scene where the Chairman was fighting the Sky Dragon. Of course, I am far from the Chairman, but… … If you provide me with enough modules and equipment, I can do something.”

“Iri… … .”

Maria looked at her with concern, but Airi shook her head as if to say that it was okay to be at ease. And then, Silence opened his mouth.

“[I do it too.]”

“Seo, senior?”

“[Our junior is stepping up, so as a senior, I can’t just sit still. After all, we need to use our power right away, right? My comprehensive module level is pretty high, so I think I’ll be able to use it.]”

“I will join in too.”

“Then me too.”

Behind Silence, Hoho and Reina also showed their intention to participate one by one. Maria and Miyu looked flustered and tried to say something, but before they could, Kalia struck first.

“… … Okay. I’ll believe you.”

“Miss Kalia… … ?”

“Don’t worry, Maria. I have confidence in my ability to read people.”

Then he continues speaking.

“First, I’ll share with you the materials and remaining modules from our Technology Department’s Module Research Lab. There will also be some remaining Security Department equipment. Maria, is that okay?”

“… … I will finish it by tomorrow.”

“Okay. You’re free to use it however you want, but of course, external leaks are prohibited. You can use the data to create a new module, or something… I don’t know much about that, so figure it out yourself. I just need you to bring me results.”

Everyone paused at Kalia’s cheerful acceptance.

Airi asked cautiously on their behalf.

“What exactly is achievement…?”

“According to the information I received from the defense forces, [mysteries] have begun to gather in several places outside the city. Please deal with them before they develop into a monster wave. You know that this is the most realistic method.”

Airi nodded to him.

“… … Okay. I’ll do that.”

“You’re quite obedient and accepting it?”

“Because there is no other way.”

“Huh.”

Kalia let out a small laugh.

“I understand, but if those groups start to turn into a full-blown monster wave, I can’t help it. Regardless of my brother’s health or anything, if I don’t borrow that power, I’ll have to worry about the extinction of humanity. So please show me some results before then. Understood?”

“yes.”

That’s how the conversation ended.

As expected, Kalia was busy, and as soon as the conversation ended, she dragged Maria away and moved to another place.

The other members who remained in Miyu’s studio looked at each other and nodded as if they were making a resolution.

Okay, let’s try to do something, he said.

* * *

After that, preparations proceeded quickly.

Miyu, who had received the database and materials from the Stingray Technology Department, began using them to produce modules, while the rest of the Jeon Gyo Bu members began to plan specific operations.

The biggest framework for their strategy was to attack from the point where monster waves are most likely to form, and they drew up detailed plans by referring to the advice of surrounding experts and external materials.

So the day before the first operation began.

Airi went to Aaron’s house as usual.

“… … I know that too. That woman Kalia is only using us because we get it for free. It’s not really a loss to hand over data and equipment that we can’t use right away anyway, and if we can get results with it, the return on investment will be enormous.”

“Right…….”

“I guess they probably made plans in case we fail. In the end, if nothing works out, we can just rely on the chairman.”

“… … .”

“Mr. Chairman.”

“… … .”

“Aaron.”

“… … .”

Iri continued to speak to Aaron while facing him, but he did not respond.

About a week ago, his condition, which seemed to be stable, began to worsen little by little, and now, no matter what I said, he would only reply with a blank expression and a light “I see” or “I see.”

It was still evidence that Ciel’s efforts were not producing much results.

Still.

Iri continued to talk to him.

Because Miyu had advised that doing so would be of some help.

“If we fail, Kalia… … no, not just him, but the entire city will start looking for you. Regardless of your condition, they’ll definitely send you to the battlefield by injecting you with drugs or manipulating your brain waves.”

“……is it.”

“therefore…….”

Iri continued, barely swallowing the something that was bubbling up in her throat.

“This time, we’ll try our best.”

“… … .”

“You’ve been fighting hard on your own so far. I’ll fill in the gaps until you get enough rest and return to your original form.”

Then, Airi wiped away the tears that were flowing down her face and got up from her seat.

“Then I’ll be going now.”

“… … .”

“Please wish me good luck.”

“okay…….”

It was unclear whether he had truly understood and responded, or if it was simply a reflex reaction, but Iri felt a little comforted by that alone.

So Airi packed her gear, turned around, and left.

At that moment, silence filled the living room of the mansion.

“… … Be careful.”

That soft murmur that spreads through the air.

No one heard.