Chapter 36: Without Losing Sight

"Now, we shall begin the regular meeting. The agenda concerns the new S-class Slayer, 'Hero Asuna.' Research division, report."

"Yes, sir! Currently, 'White Chrono' is in a state where her extra-dimensional abilities are completely inaccessible. We attempted a forced activation, but there was no response. We couldn't even detect a ripple in the electronic waves."

"I see. So you're saying it's becoming difficult to utilize the power of White Chrono?"

"According to the research, the ability is likely locked because the primary consciousness is inactive."

"In that case, should we transplant the core to another Phantasm Girl?"

"The barrier is only active around the eyes. If we destroy the main body, she'll lose function, and extraction might be possible, wouldn't it?"

"Start listing viable Originals while we have the chance."

I watched these fools chatter on as if everything were going according to plan, and then I spoke up.

"It seems none of you understand the fundamental issue here."

Every eye in the room turned toward me at once, but I ignored them and continued.

"Why do you think such a product was never utilized during Fordbolt’s era? Wasn't it because it was far too risky for a Phantasm Girl to handle in the first place?"

"But a mass-produced model is using it now..."

"I explained at the last meeting exactly how dangerous memory transplants are. Have you already forgotten? Your lack of intellect is truly staggering."

I waited for the silence to settle in the tense air, gave a small sigh, and opened my mouth again.

"It is a thing so dangerous that we have no choice but to be cautious. The fact that Asuna... A37... proved compatible is nothing short of a miracle. Do not carve up an invaluable specimen; we should be welcoming her as a symbol of peace."

"You all remember 'The Rapid Velocity Rabbit,' don't you? You remember what we were like back then!! I understand all too well how terrifying an S-class can be. But the entirety of Paradise has confirmed it's unusable for now. Have some faith in the researchers."

The high-ranking officials of Paradise wore visibly displeased expressions. These fledglings—who couldn't even match me in political maneuvering—always let their personal greed dictate their logic, and this was the result.

"Hey, is it about time we got to speak?"

Heroes Estoc had been unusually quiet until now.

"Permission granted."

"Indeed! We’ve been waiting long enough!! That said, we only have one thing to report..."

The announcement that followed left everyone in the room stunned, immediately sparking a wave of opposition.

"We, Heroes Estoc, shall be merging with the Amane Squad to form a new unit!!"

"...Absolutely not!!"

The first to object was the man serving as the sponsor for Heroes Estoc.

"You want to throw yourselves into a disaster like that? Do you want to be recalled again?!"

"They are not a disaster; they are comrades—fellow knights!! However, I fully expected that we wouldn't be granted approval here!!"

King stepped back and let Noise take over.

"Your concern is the control of Lady Asuna, isn't it? That won't be an issue. Commander Amane will hold the reins. It seems Lady Asuna wishes for the Amane Squad to survive. Therefore, he will stake his life on maintaining control to prevent a rampage, and by adding the three of us to their numbers, we will provide additional safety locks."

Stop it.

"We want Lady Alter to hold the management rights. We can't leave this to fools who only chase profit and fail to see what's right in front of them. As for you, sponsor... you can go ahead and cut our funding. We don't care."

"Wh-What?!"

Please stop. I’ve already given up.

"Lady Alter, your decision."

Please, don't show me hope. I am a traitor who weighed Asuna against Paradise and chose Paradise. What kind of face could I possibly show her now?

'Do not lose sight of the truth.'

Those words turned into a curse, echoing infinitely in my mind.

'Do not lose sight of the truth.'

Why won't you let me be at peace, Asuna?

'Do not lose sight of the truth.'

I... A... M...