"Hehe… Miss Alina, you've really hit the heart of the matter."
"But I think you may have misunderstood something. Even if the status of the Infected rises dramatically, that doesn't mean the position of every uninfected person will be shaken."
"Everything we do—every step—is for the sake of a greater cause."
"Mephisto… no, perhaps I should address you by your future title—'The Light of the Infected,' Mr. Eno."
"The opportunity to change the fate of the Infected is right before your eyes."
"All you have to do is make the Infected stronger—more competitive—and in return, the Cape Group will provide them with wealth, the capital they need to earn their place in society: abundant food, warm homes… and, more importantly, freedom from scorn."
"After all, how could the defeated trash ever dare to look down on the victorious?"
"You didn't need to worry about whether the Cape Group can accomplish this goal. To be frank, I've accumulated quite a bit of wealth over the years."
"As for the exact method… well, that's a corporate secret. I'm afraid I can't reveal that."
"The Cape Group has dominated the market for many years—and we have never made a failed investment."
"So, young man, believe in your own ability… and in the judgment of the Cape Group's President. Together, let us work toward a brighter tomorrow for the Infected!"
"…Can I think it over a little longer?"
"Hehe, that's perfectly fine, perfectly fine. The Cape Group is a respectable enterprise—we would never stoop to forcing anyone's hand."
"But I believe that one day, you'll come to understand."
"This suit—keep it. Consider it a gift from our first meeting."
"And take this Black Card as well."
"With it, you'll receive top-tier VIP treatment at every Cape Group establishment."
"Don't worry—it's simply a personal gift from me."
"Use it however you wish. Anything you want to do—do it."
"Oh, right—since you'll be the first Infected to receive a Cape Group Black Card, the company will also provide you with regular doses of oripathy suppressants, free of charge."
"Haha, it's a small thing, really. Of course, if you ever feel the need to repay me, then by all means—join the Cape Group as soon as you can."
"Ah, what a shame—good times always pass so quickly. I still have business to attend to."
"Before I go, let me offer you a blessing, Mr. Eno."
"Live on."
"As for everyone else… goodbye."
———
Hmm, waiting a few more years isn't a problem.
I can take this time to 'learn' from both Leithanien and Rhine Lab.
To create an oripathy energy amplifier of the magnitude I've envisioned will be extremely complicated and troublesome.
And once it's complete… this body must never be exposed.
I've no intention of becoming a 'sacrifice' in an age where 'all beings suffer.'
Still… 'All Beings Suffer' can serve as one of my trump cards—just like 'The Seaborn Epic' and 'The Age of Demonic Proliferation.'
It may not affect the Feranmuts or other aberrations much, but it would certainly cripple, or even annihilate, the nations of Terra.
Oripathy is no joke, after all.
Heh. Truly, the number of cards in my hand… is far too many.
———
"Muelsyse, you know—little Ifrit is here too, isn't she?"
On the streets of Siesta, two figures in white lab coats stood out starkly among the crowds of beachgoers in swimsuits and shorts.
"…Why are you bringing up that test subject?"
Muelsyse's expression stiffened ever so slightly, her guard rising.
Ever since Mobius had taken over the Ifrit Project, Muelsyse had never appeared before the girl again.
"Back then, you used to call her Ifu-Ifu so affectionately," Mobius teased, a faint smile playing at her lips. "And now you just call her the test subject? My, Muelsyse, how coldhearted you've become~"
"Tch… Your sources are impressive," Muelsyse replied, narrowing her eyes. "I was sure I covered my tracks. Rhine Lab shouldn't have any record linking me to Ifrit."
"As one of Rhine Lab's department heads, you can easily alter records," Mobius said smoothly, adjusting the monocle on her left eye. "But tell me—can you silence machines? And more importantly… can you silence people?"
"…So, you've been getting along with Ifrit rather well. She's even told you about these little details of her daily life."
"Don't look so surprised," she continued with a sly grin. "I'm quite experienced when it comes to dealing with children. But tell me, why are you so wary of me, Muelsyse?"
"…Mobius," she said after a pause, her voice low but steady, "tell me honestly—are you connected to that Eternal Duke of Ursus?"
"Ah, so that's what's been bothering you." Mobius chuckled lightly. "No, no~ I have nothing to do with that arrogant fool."
Muelsyse said nothing, but her expression betrayed her doubt. She didn't believe Mobius' words for a second.
Before setting out on this trip, she had equipped herself with numerous Rhine Lab devices—some still in experimental stages and dangerously unstable—all for one purpose: to guard herself against Mobius.
"What's with that suspicious look?" Mobius sighed theatrically. "Do you really think every knowledgeable and capable person in the world is just that Immortal Black Snake wearing a new face?"
"…"
"Tch. My colleagues say the head of the Ecology Department at Rhine Lab is a cheerful woman, always smiling. But I can hardly recall seeing that smile of yours. I'm getting rather tired of your tedious little tests—they only slow down my pursuit of the world's true origins."
"If I really were the Eternal Duke of Ursus," she went on, voice low and faintly amused, "do you think that obsessive collector would simply allow a rare Elf—a body with such unique value—to roam free?"
"…"
Muelsyse faltered slightly.
In truth, aside from the fact that both Mobius and the Duke of Kashchey were Phidians, and both long-lived, there wasn't much actual connection between them.
Even the so-called Immortal Black Snake of Ursus—no one could say for certain whether it was truly a serpent at all. There had been Liberi, Ursus, and even other races who once bore the title Duke of Kashchey.
Maybe she was being overly paranoid. But could anyone really blame her? That so-called Eternal Duke was infamous for possessing the bodies of dying species—turning them into living trophies for his collection.
No one knew how many "rare specimens" still drew breath within his estate.
"You should let go of your prejudice, my dear Elf," Mobius said softly, her tone almost gentle now. "Rhine Lab exists to study science—to seek truth—not as a stage for you and the other directors to play your little games of power and paranoia."
"That rumor you've been whispering to the upper board—the one claiming Mobius is actually Kashchey—perhaps it's time you put that nonsense to rest."
After all, as the current Head of Rhine Lab's Philosophy Division, she needed to maintain harmony with the other departments.
Rhine Lab could afford to have a few carefree consultants—but not a director who stood alone above the rest.
"…I'm sorry," Muelsyse finally said quietly.
"It's fine," Mobius replied with a light smile. "I've always been a very forgiving woman."