The so-called warning system was like the ancient seismoscopes; it didn't predict the earthquake before it happened, but rather announced that it was happening.
"Ten seconds? Isn't that a little too short?"
Percher was still worried.
"There's no other way. This is the absolute limit of what's currently possible." Saigō Homura shook his head, looking regretful.
"If the warning system issues a Code Orange, it means the scale of this small-scale starburst is within ten times that of the Atlantis incident. And don't be surprised—that's the best-case scenario."
"Forget ordinary people, even a Third Stellar Particle carrier would find it difficult to escape in such a short time."
"Even among us, I'm afraid only Izayoi could manage it. If a starburst hit Tokyo, the blast would cover the entire metropolitan area. Even with a speed at the level of the third cosmic velocity, it would be difficult to completely escape the starburst's range in time."
"If a disaster like this really happened, even for our Savior Group, the other three would have to be rescued by that one person."
"And that's assuming the energy level of this small-scale starburst is consistent with our predictions."
"If the warning system issues a Code Red, then even for you guys, the slightest hesitation could get you caught in the shockwave."
"If a starburst of that magnitude occurs, not only can you not save us, you can't even hesitate for a second. You must immediately escape in your fastest form and at your top speed. Otherwise, none of you will make it out alive."
At this point, Saigō Homura's expression became extremely serious as he issued a warning.
If they were to hesitate at a time like that, thinking about saving more people, it would only get those who could have escaped killed on the spot.
He understood how much the others in the Savior Group valued their comrades, which was why Izayoi and the others had to escape immediately.
If the entire Savior Group died here, the state of the whole world would change.
The others understood what Saigō Homura meant, and a heavy silence fell over the room.
Just then, Percher raised her hand again.
"You said before that the scale of a starburst is unpredictable. So, is it possible for a starburst even stronger than a Code Red to occur?"
Ever vigilant, she had spent her time catching up on all the common knowledge of modern society, so she wanted to understand every aspect of the situation clearly.
Saigō Homura naturally had no objection to such an inquisitive question.
"Of course it's possible, though the probability is extremely low. A starburst that erupts in a concentrated burst, powerful enough to tear apart the continental plate of Japan's main island in an instant."
"In that situation, the warning system would issue a Code Black."
Having said that, Saigō Homura fell silent.
"And then what?" Kudō Asuka asked, confused.
"If they encounter a Code Black, what should Izayoi and the others do to survive?"
Before this, for both Code Orange and Code Red, Saigō Homura had provided a corresponding course of action. No matter who had to be sacrificed or left behind, it was all based on realistic considerations.
So why did he stop talking about countermeasures when it came to Code Black?
In response to Kudō Asuka's question, Saigō Homura slowly shook his head.
"There are no countermeasures."
"What does that mean?"
Kudō Asuka was stunned, unable to comprehend for a moment—or perhaps, instinctively refusing to.
"It means that no matter what you do, it's useless. Black symbolizes a complete and total end. If a Code Black really occurs..."
"If that situation truly comes to pass, everyone else will perish along with us."
"When that happens, it won't just be our lab or the Holy Cross Group headquarters. All of human civilization will suffer a devastating blow. Forget the End Emptiness that will cross the future, even the process of humanity becoming a pantheon will be brought to a dead halt."
At this, Saigō Homura shook his head.
"If that happens, even the future of vampirization will become a complete pipe dream."
"This is also why, even though I know it's dangerous..." Those who knew the results of his research knew Saigō Homura was telling the truth.
Half a step ahead makes you a genius; a full step ahead makes you a madman.
The scientists of today couldn't even understand the proofs Saigō Homura provided, let alone grasp his meaning.
Saigō Homura, who deeply understood the progress of human civilization, knew this, and he still wanted to preserve his current findings in advance.
As he spoke, seeing the atmosphere had become incredibly heavy, Saigō Homura belatedly waved his hand.
"But, you don't have to worry so much. According to Lapko's calculations, we'll leave Japan as soon as we've transferred the critical data. Nothing will happen."
"The starburst is set to happen sometime within these ten years. If our luck was really that bad, it would've happened already. There's no way our luck is so terrible that we'd get hit tonight, right!"
Hearing Saigō Homura's words, Percher opened her mouth, wanting to retort.
Aren't you just setting up a death flag? Aren't you afraid you'll jinx us and it'll actually happen?
However, the words died on her lips, and Percher swallowed them back down.
Instead, her pupils reflected a terrifying, dark red light.
"B-Black... Code Black?!"