Chapter 309: Gears (2)

Silence fell.

The words that came out of Iriya’s mouth were that far outside Lennok’s expectations.

“The Gate of Ascension…”

It wasn’t an unfamiliar term. It was one of the pieces of information he’d stumbled upon while searching for data on the Black Consumer Project.

The Gate of Ascension.

The greatest ambition of Machine City Makina, a top-secret project whose name was publicly known but thoroughly shrouded in mystery.

Considering its incredibly grand name, it wasn’t difficult to figure out what the leaders of the Machine City desired.

It wasn’t surprising that the Machine City was struggling to avoid its demise, just as the Vulcan City Council had been doing.

However, it was unexpected that Sybrid Echo possessed even a partial blueprint for the Gate of Ascension.

And that the term was even mentioned in connection with this Gearsight incident.

Iriya looked at Lennok, who was lost in thought, and spoke again.

“I won’t deny that I borrowed the power of another councilman to participate in this operation. But I have no intention of clashing with Councilman Meyer.”

“…”

“Preventing the full authority of this operation from going to you back then was solely to prevent our forces from being excluded from this matter.”

She said, her gaze turning to the corpse she had killed.

“For us, dealing with Gearsight is that important.”

“…So you knew who was behind the Defense Force command. You knew this from the start and decided to participate in the operation.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Iriya nodded readily.

“The reason I, as the most specialized individual in solo operations within our organization, was mobilized for this is precisely that. I had to survive and deliver the information, no matter what.”

“…”

“Although I accepted a deal with another councilman to participate in this operation, which Councilman Meyer is leading, it was merely a stopgap measure for us, who had no particular contact with Meyer, who belongs to the new councilmen. I hope you understand that we have no ulterior motives that go against the operation’s intent.”

Sybrid Echo.

It was certainly surprising that this organization, famous for specializing in Android production and development even within the megacity, shared the same faction as the infamous Gearsight, which was also known by the alias ‘Machine Cult’.

Was Iriya’s true intention in mentioning information about the Gate of Ascension blueprint at this very moment to express how desperate they were regarding this matter?

But even after understanding that, Lennok shook his head.

“It’s true that I’m interested in your internal affairs, but even so, that’s not proof enough for me to trust you.”

“…”

“How can you guarantee you’re not planning to contact Gearsight using the fact that you’re from the same faction?”

“…Wouldn’t digging into such fundamental trust issues be endless?”

“It would have been, if you hadn’t brought this up in front of me.”

Lennok’s eyes gleamed coldly.

“Ultimately, it’s just meaningless talk. Do you think a few words can excuse the attitude your side has shown so far?”

At his chilly reply, Iriya fell silent.

After a moment of silence, she belatedly realized Lennok’s true intention and asked,

“You want a deal.”

“The list of councilmen who inserted your side into this operation. Information regarding related factions. Why Gearsight collects combat data in this manner. The inside story of the Gate of Ascension.”

“…”

“If you can’t justify all those motivations, it’s only natural for me to suspect your intentions.”

Admitting to participating in this operation at the instigation of another councilman, yet offering a hollow persuasion that they only want to stop Gearsight, holds no value.

Who are the councilmen who are hoping for failure behind this operation?

Without sharing at least that much information, wouldn’t it be strange to consider them anything less than allies, or even worse than enemies?

Iriya hesitated, then replied.

“If we share information about that councilman, it’s a foregone conclusion that our organization will become enemies with him. It’s a matter I can’t decide on my own right now.”

“Simple enough.”

Lennok nodded.

“Make your decision before this operation ends. I’ll give you until then.”

Without waiting for her reply, he got on his bike.

Woo-woong!!

Lennok ignored the gaze following him from behind and exited the abandoned building parking lot in District 51.

As he sped down the wide road, Lennok immediately spoke.

“Davi.”

[Collecting data related to Sybrid Echo. Scanning the network with ‘Machine City Machina’ and ‘Gearsight’ as keywords should yield meaningful results.]

“Organize the recent conversation and send it to Meyer. Regardless of Iriya’s decision, securing the list of councilmen involved in this matter will be important.”

It was impossible for Lennok to worry about the internal power struggles of the City Council, but at least he could inform Meyer of necessary information.

Meyer would likely not forget such a transaction and would try to maintain a good long-term relationship.

It was only natural for Lennok to wish that Meyer, who was quite favorably disposed towards him, would continue to survive and rise within the City Council.

Just as Lennok, having quickly sorted out what needed to be done, turned on the bike’s built-in interface to check his location.

Beep-beep-beep

The life signals of allied freelancers displayed on the map began to rapidly disappear from specific points.

At the same time, shocked voices repeatedly echoed over the communication network.

[Defense Force Special Forces appearing!! They’re Commander-level supers!]

[Uncontrollable with current forces! We need immediate support!!]

[Aargh!!]

“…”

Just as Lennok was about to turn his bike around and speak.

Iriya’s cold voice rang out a moment sooner.

[I’ll join. Others, please continue to assist in tracking other operatives.]

With her words, a flash of light shot out of the parking lot Lennok had just exited, rocketing down the road.

Iriya, floating on five spears, began to pick up speed, leaping low over the road.

Piiiiing!!

At the sight, Lennok, who had unconsciously been gripping the throttle, stopped his bike and stared at her.

Maximizing maneuverability using her unique equipment.

That was probably the driving force that allowed her to move smoothly through vast areas like Lennok’s bike and carry out the operation.

He couldn’t know the specifics, but Rundel, too, likely possessed a similar level of mobility, allowing him to achieve unparalleled results in such operations.

Lennok thought that, and started to pull the throttle again.

He had to achieve as much as possible today to drastically reduce the number of Defense Force members hidden within the city.

As time passed, the enemy would be more likely to realize how they were being tracked, and the task of reducing dangerous elements within the city would become more difficult.

Maximizing efficiency at this moment, while the enemy was surprised by the sudden ambush, was the core framework of the operation planned by Pallard and Meyer.

Just as Lennok was about to lower his head to check the tracking records of the Defense Force special forces, which were continuously appearing on the interface.

His gaze met someone perched on an outer road traffic light, and they instantly passed each other.

Kiiiiiik!!

He stopped the bike the moment he registered it.

The thick-bodied monster bike spun halfway around on the empty road and headed in the opposite direction.

The something on the traffic light remained exactly as it had first appeared, staring down at Lennok.

“…”

A motorcycle helmet covering its face. A jet-black rider jacket and leather boots.

An outfit far more befitting a rider than Lennok, who was currently on a bike.

Yet the life signal emanating from its body was incredibly faint and weak, far less than that of an ordinary human.

Lennok immediately recognized the opponent and spoke.

“The face I saw in the meeting room.”

It was an ordinary helmet, but if that helmet was worn even in the meeting room, that’s a different story.

A man who had remained silent in a corner of the meeting room, not interacting with anyone.

His attire wasn’t particularly unique, so he was confused for a moment, but it wasn’t difficult to recall.

“The tracking and elimination of the Defense Force confirmed in this area is over. You’d better look elsewhere.”

“Doesn’t matter. It wasn’t anything serious to begin with anyway.”

The helmet responded and lightly jumped down from the traffic light, walking towards Lennok.

“I just wanted to play around a bit before starting the real work. Ah, but getting pushed to third place is a bit annoying.”

“Third place… I see. So you’re Rundel?”

The remark about being third place was proof that this man was the one who had been achieving results second only to Van and Iriya.

Meaning he was the one who had been eliminating Defense Force members with mobility and skill comparable to Lennok and Iriya.

But the man, Rundel, ignored Lennok’s words and began to rapidly close the distance.

“I don’t usually like this method, but I didn’t want to ruin the stage I’d prepared, so I intervened. I couldn’t let that woman from Echo interfere, could I?”

“What are you talking about…”

Lennok’s words, as he furrowed his brow to respond, abruptly stopped.

Rundel, raising one hand, suddenly began to crumple the helmet he was wearing.

Crumple-crumple-CRACK!!!

What emerged from within, as he crushed and threw off the helmet with his bare hands, wasn’t even a human face.

A chilling, skull-like appearance. Dozens of mechanical wires spilling out of empty eye sockets, twisting into the nose and mouth.

A paradoxical appearance that held a human form, yet was utterly detached from human likeness.

Even his subtle behavior, as if he disliked Iriya. There was no need to ask who had revealed themselves at this very moment.

Gearsight. The organization that had been hiding behind the Defense Force command, directing all these events, had begun to move directly.

“…”

Only then did Lennok slowly dismount his bike, which was emitting smoke.

Cigarette smoke dispersed and vanished into the cold pre-dawn mist.

Slowly gathering mana again, Lennok asked,

“Since when?”

[Since when, indeed?]

A completely different, rigid mechanical voice from before. His vocal cords weren’t moving at all. Was wearing the helmet to conceal that very fact?

Lennok stared intently at Rundel and said,

“Yesterday evening.”

[Oh, correct. How did you know?]

“If you had infiltrated from the start and fooled Meyer, you would have had far more things you could do.”

Lennok replied.

“Did you steal information about the operation’s circumstances a step late, and then pick someone suitable to impersonate and disguise yourself as?”

From Lennok’s memory, Rundel was not a particularly prominent skilled individual among the freelancers gathered here in the first place.

It wouldn’t make sense if he had been hiding his abilities until today, so it’s more accurate to say that the one standing before him now killed the real Rundel around yesterday and assumed his identity.

Once a line of deduction began, it continued to extend rapidly without stopping.

“If there was someone in the Defense Force’s intelligence unit with such abilities, information about it would have spread. It’s also strange that he’s been hiding until now and has just shown his face, so we have to consider the intervention of a third party.”

[…]

“Gearsight. You’ve decided to handle things directly now.”

Rundel, who had been listening to Lennok’s words, clapped his hands.

Clap, clap.

Slow claps echoed hollowly into the empty street beyond.

[This is why dealing with smart people is tiring. It’s hard to get a sense of how much leeway to give.]

“…”

[But such minor amusements are certainly quite good entertainment. Aren’t you enjoying these moments too?]

“Hmm. I don’t know.”

Lennok chuckled in response.

“There are just too many people who say things like you.”

He generally understood what the other side was saying.

According to the information Jenny had gathered, Gearsight was a magic-engineering research group. And an elite one, formed by gathering only a small number of talented researchers.

The opponent facing Lennok now likely harbored considerable pride in his intellect and research capabilities.

But that fact wasn’t particularly important to Lennok.

Such minor backgrounds were, after all, things that could be found out even after crushing the opponent in front of him.

[Arrogant. But I like it. If you didn’t have that much confidence, I might have been disappointed.]

Rundel, casually stroking his chin, slowly lowered his center of gravity and muttered.

[I, too, have repeatedly prepared to create this stage today. Try not to disappoint me.]

Clank!!

Rundel’s left palm split open, and a sharp blade shot out from within, a rigid mechanical sound echoing from his unmoving throat.

[Securing combat data for Adamant Thunder, Van, the wizard of District 49. Let’s begin now.]

Rundel’s body, his shoulders slightly hunched, vanished from where it stood.

Immediately after, a blinding flash and immense heat erupted from Lennok’s right rear.

KWA-A-ANG!!

An intense bombardment, unbelievable coming from a human body.

Under the impact, the asphalt on the nearby road peeled back, traffic lights shattered completely, and glass fragments scattered.

[They said he’s a powerful spellcaster with combat abilities rivaling a vanguard, and it wasn’t a lie.]

In the instantly superheated air, Rundel’s skull-shaped head glinted.

Wiiiiiing!!

Rundel’s right wrist was completely inverted, using his entire forearm like a cannon barrel.

Rundel had just preempted Lennok’s rear with a high-speed movement so skilled Lennok could barely detect it, then used his arm as a muzzle to unleash a massive energy blast.

The aftermath vaporized the asphalt on the road across the entire area, revealing bare ground, and an unpleasant smell began to fill the surroundings.

[Reflexes. Incantation speed. Spell composition. All are flawlessly perfect. Like a programmed machine.]

“Aren’t you talking too much for a hunk of machinery?”

A chilling voice from the smoke.

Immediately after, a searing blue lightning bolt struck the ground directly from the sky.

KWA-A-A-A-ANG!!!

An immense amount of heat, easily surpassing the firepower Rundel had just unleashed.

But instead of taking the lightning bolt head-on, Rundel retreated as if disappearing, delicately avoiding even the aftermath of the strike.

An overly sensitive attitude. But what was more impressive was the high-speed leap itself, achieved with that steel body.

A faint presence, difficult for Lennok’s senses to pinpoint.

Combined with position-selection invisible to the naked eye, it almost felt as if he truly was teleporting on the spot.

Rundel’s first offensive move also would have caused damage had Lennok not detected the impact location with an enhanced shield, compressing and focusing its strength.

[It seems you’re misunderstanding something.]

Rundel said leisurely, his voice smooth.

[We are researchers at the forefront of magic-engineering, not fools who worship machines without intellect or substance.]

“…”

[And it’s only natural for seekers of knowledge to talk a lot. To teach ignorant fools, shouldn’t we explain our knowledge in an easy-to-understand way?]

“Whichever way it is, it seems clear you’re both out of your minds.”

Lennok let out a cold scoff.

“Are you going to tell me you’ve been hunting the Defense Force all this time just to say those words?”

No matter how he put it, the fact that Rundel had been impersonating a freelancer and hunting the cooperating Defense Force intelligence unit remained unchanged.

No matter how grand the cause he spouted, his essence was ultimately no different from Lennok’s: a lawless figure of the shadows.

[I won’t say it wasn’t fun. It was quite enjoyable.]

Rundel, shrugging, cast off his tattered rider jacket.

At the same time, mechanical parts protruded from his body, rapidly forming an enhanced exoskeleton.

He began to transform into a form optimized for combat.

[But it’s also true that as data acquisition concludes, the Defense Force’s personnel become unnecessary. I was merely pruning them in advance, preparing for that moment.]

“Pruning, you say.”

At that arrogant declaration, Lennok couldn’t help but laugh.

“That sounds less like a researcher and more like a terrorist.”

Based on Rundel’s words alone, it wasn’t difficult to understand the ideology of Gearsight.

An elite group that prioritized improvement and development through magic-engineering above all else, skilled at ruthlessly cutting away anything else.

The achievements they poured out in that process contained a fanaticism different from religious faith, and that likely developed into a form akin to religion, creating the alias ‘Machine Cult’.

But even at Lennok’s biting reply, Rundel nodded.

[Terrorist, huh. Heard that a lot. Our beautiful homeland has proven that if you fret over ethics, morality, and human dignity, you ultimately can’t do anything.]

“…”

[Come to think of it, is there truly a need to cling to the human body? If one can fully exercise a precisely perfected intellect, then any body that helps showcase that intellect is irrelevant. The ultimate destination we strive for doesn’t change.]

Shhhwick!!

Rundel, appearing instantly before Lennok, whispered.

[There’s no law saying machines can’t reach ascension, is there?]

“You mean, then, after all…!”

KWA-A-ANG!!

Before he could finish his words, Rundel fiercely kicked Lennok.

The shield surrounding Lennok couldn’t withstand the force and was sent flying backward, slamming into the outer wall of a nearby building.

Ku-gu-gu-gu-goong!!

A blow that properly exploded the ground beneath the building.

The empty abandoned building couldn’t withstand the external force striking it and collapsed entirely.

Massive cement dust erupted from between the crumbling ruins, covering the street in a gray mist.

[Temporary spatial interference rate 89%. Adjustment mostly complete.]

Whoosh!!

[Let’s go.]