Chapter 96 – ９６ – After Finishing the Prototype Tests

Sports Festival Arc

“Thank you very much for today.”

This was after Marie and I had conducted the field tests for the prototype ‘Silkcloud Crown.’

Suzu and Ichi had also performed tests within the scope of basic operations.

The results were excellent, and all four of us were satisfied.

“The data we collected today, the data that will be gathered via the Devices moving forward, and the requests from Lord Midorikawa and the others—by utilizing such information, our company will undoubtedly complete the Devices for you all. Once again, thank you very much for today.”

It seemed that the people from the Silkcloud company, including Ms. Tanoshine, were equally satisfied with the results.

Not only Ms. Tanoshine, but even the men in suits and sunglasses—who appeared to be guards but were actually technicians—looked visibly pleased, even behind their lenses.

“I’m glad you’re happy. By the way, when do you think the finished products will be ready?”

“Let’s see… regarding the first batch of finished products, even if research and adjustments proceed smoothly and we complete them as quickly as possible, I believe it will be around September.”

“I see.”

“But please rest assured. We have the confidence and the data to prove that even the current prototype is already superior to general Devices. Should any malfunctions or failures occur, we will respond with the utmost speed and priority.”

“I see. Thank you.”

The finished Silkcloud Crown would be ready in September at the earliest.

In other words, after the summer break ended.

Until then, I’d probably be testing prototypes in front of the Silkcloud staff a few more times, or perhaps using them in Duels as part of my academy classes… It looks like I’ll be spending a fair amount of time with these Devices for a while.

I’ll have to make sure I learn how to properly maintain them later.

Since this is a tool I’m staking my life on, I ought to be able to handle at least the bare minimum of maintenance.

“Well then, we shall take our leave. Good luck with the Sports Festival!”

With that, Ms. Tanoshine and her group departed, escorted by their professional-looking security detail.

“Well, let’s head back to the Inui Dormitory. Adjusting Skills for the Masked Form, gaining a deeper understanding of the changes caused by the new Device… it looks like things are going to get busy.”

“You’re right, Naru. But I think this is the kind of ‘busy’ that feels good.”

“I shall assist you. Coming from my family, I am accustomed to meticulous work.”

“Marie used one up, so we will have to replenish them, will not we?”

And so, we made our way back to the Inui Dormitory.

The Sports Festival was approaching.

From here on, it would be time for final adjustments.

I didn’t have the ambition to aim for first place, but I wanted to do my best to leave behind a good record.

✧

Late that same night, in front of Room 0504 of the Inui Dormitory.

“Good evening, Senior Moeuta. How are you feeling?”

After confirming that the room lock had been released and ensuring no one was around, Suzu entered the room.

“Ahahahahaha!! How am I feeling? I’m feeling absolutely high!”

The moment Suzu entered and the door closed, Moeuta’s loud laughter echoed through the room.

“…Senior Moeuta. If you are in a state of agitation due to excessive caffeine intake, shall I call an ambulance or Senior Akagiri? It is late at night; while I know this room is completely soundproof, I think this level of noise is a bit much.”

“Hm, is that so? Then I shall calm down. Well, that level of excitement didn’t quite fit my persona anyway. However, the fact that I’m feeling absolutely high is simply a reality. Rather, any technician involved with Masquerade technology who wouldn’t be excited after seeing the data you brought would be an anomaly. That is a mountain of treasure.”

“I’m happy to hear you say that, Senior Moeuta. That means Naru dear’s charm is reaching many people.”

“Charm… well, it is a charm. Though the direction of it differs greatly from the general sort.”

What Moeuta had been looking at were the various data sets collected while Naru and the others were testing the prototype Silkcloud Crown today.

Moeuta’s lips were curled into a clear smile, and her voice was tinged with joy.

“By the way, Senior Moeuta. Specifically, which parts were the ‘treasure’? I would like to know for my own future studies.”

“Almost everything. The Device’s influence. Narcissus’s outfit changes, shield enhancement, and physical regeneration. Marie Aurum’s Unique Skill ‘Accumulation’ and the skills enhanced by utilizing it. Even the various confirmations for you and Fas—if you look closely, it’s full of treasure. As for me, once the Sports Festival is over, I believe it would be best to negotiate with the Silkcloud company and show this data to the people in this country who handle Devices and Skills. For some, it will be so stimulating that it’ll trigger a flood of inspiration they’ll drown in. Honestly, even I can’t stop the inspiration. I’ll start immediately with a Cyber Barrier utilizing Narcissus’s physical regeneration…”

“Is it really that significant? I originally intended to do that after the Sports Festival, but perhaps I should adjust the pricing…”

“…Do that. Taking an appropriate amount of money is the smoothest path for everyone. One should hold as much money as can be circulated.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Following Moeuta’s words, Suzu operated her smartphone, adding a new note to her schedule.

“But really, the magical power movement during the color change is truly fascinating. If I utilize this…”

“By the way, Senior Moeuta.”

“What? If it’s business, keep it brief. I am not an idle person, even as a Cyber Duelist.”

“…Do you have a Skill that does [this]?”

“Not in my memory. Wait here; I can create something like that for you in a few minutes.”

“Thank you. With this, I think I’ll be able to reach a Duel with Naru dear.”

As Suzu spoke, Moeuta’s fingertips moved, weaving something into existence.

A few minutes later, a single Skill was registered in the archive known as the ‘Library,’ flowing past unnoticed by anyone but Suzu.

“Couldn’t you just manipulate the Duel pairings so you can face him in perfect condition?”

“I don’t want that. Rather, if I face him in the first round, I’ll start thinking about what comes after, so that’s no good. To achieve my goal of having Naru dear think only of me, even if only temporarily, I must create a situation where he doesn’t have to think about the aftermath. Oh, but perhaps leading him to a state where he doesn’t give his all because I exhausted myself in the first round could also be an option.”

“…Moeuta Neon.”

“No pouting. Besides, I’m busy, so the thing that would make me happiest is for you to do nothing. Furthermore, if my memory serves me correctly, the first round of special Duels is designed so that you always face a student from a different dormitory, so you won’t face him in the first round. If you did, it would actually raise suspicions.”

“…”

Immediately after, as if scenting something, the Abyss whispered to the two of them.

However, both of them ignored it as if it were nothing more than a passing breeze.

At their reaction, the Abyss choked on its words as if bottling something up… and then, the presence faded away.

“I wonder if she’ll explode when facing those fanatics?”

“Probably. Well, as long as she explodes outside the country, it’s none of my concern.”

“True. As long as it doesn’t get in Naru dear’s way, it doesn’t matter to me. Well then, Senior Moeuta, thank you for the Skill.”

“Submit a report with your impressions after using it.”

“I will.”

Ignoring the Abyss’s state without much thought, the two of them decided to end their midnight secret meeting.

Abyss: Are those two truly my believers?! They believe in me, but they have absolutely no heart of reverence!! Do not separate emotion from reason! No, wait, don’t just connect them there and start talking fast!! What on earth are you people thinking!! In the first place, you are using things granted by a mysterious existence called a Goddess…