Bifrost Industries.
Teslovik's base.
"Ahn~ ah. What a bust."
Fenriru muttered while standing in front of another female. Shoulder-length white hair and striking yellow eyes.
Sova looked over to the Lieutenant and fell into a thought.
{So, that's her purpose}
Having known the lieutenant for quite a while now, she could deduce her superior's goal. That would mean:
"So, the supreme commander…"
"Indeed, his ability is total annihilation rather than separation. It's no surprise that he possesses such strength."
"…I remember witnessing the three generals attempt to battle him simultaneously. They were utterly defeated."
Fenrir said that, waving her hand before pausing and then sighing. After all, she was there that day.
Regardless of that.
"By the way, how's our second awakener doing?"
Sova then replied, "She's been in the simulation ever since."
Being a building dwelling amongst the sprawling cybernetic towers of Bifrost's towering building.
Teslovik.
A specialized unit within Bifrost Industries that focuses on explosives and unconventional warfare tactics.
While they also worked as an R&D department, they are also specialized members who help Bifrost in taking missions.
"Oh my, it seems that everything is settled! The generals have given us our very first mission."
"Moreover, this will be a great opportunity for the newcomer as well!"
Along the dimly lit, metallic hallways of Teslovik's base, one felt as if they were in an underground cave.
The two of them strode.
"Eh? Lieutenant? But isn't it too early?"
"Oh, come on now! Both generals have already given their approval. Everything will be just fine~, and if anything goes awry, we have the Supreme One supporting us~"
It was clear Fenriru wasn't bothered by this, and if anything, went along with the orders.
Not that Sova could complain. Orders are orders. Not to mention, they were orders from the one person she admired.
"Alright then…"
Heh.
Fenriru seemed to smirk. She seemed to know Sova best in that regard, but didn't tease her about it.
Arriving at a massive door.
Simulation room.
Fenrir clicked the keypad attached to the wall, pressing some numbers before clicking a red button that eventually turned green.
TSSSS–!
The door hissed open, revealing a sleek, silver-painted, high-ceilinged chamber embedded with blue lights.
It was huge.
At the center, a raised platform serves as the arena, surrounded by an array of holographic projectors.
It was also guarded by a field to ensure users would not leave the platform.
There, they saw her. Alongside one other girl inside the simulation.
"Raimei o todoroke! Banchi ga shizumarikaero!"
(雷鳴を轟かせ!蛮地が静まり返ろ !)
Let thunder roar! Silence the savage land!
Yellow lightning crackled from the staff she wielded.
Luckily, their barriers were strong enough to withstand this level of shockwave.
In the simulation, they were fighting the shadow of the Eastrice leader.
Though at 30% of her full power, it was impressive nevertheless that she held her own.
The yellow lightning crackled on the black staff, then pointing it toward the shadow.
It condensed further, forming five balls of lightning in a circle; then, everything burst with a loud, resounding screech.
KRTCHHHHHHHHH—!
BOOM!
"Haah. Haah."
She panted. Her hand hung low, along with her staff. And it was then—
"Hai! That's enough."
Fenrir below the elevated platform clapped to call their attention while everything shut down.
"Hngh."
The beautiful black-haired girl obviously grunted with slight dissatisfaction.
But she turned towards Fenrir.
"I understand that you're eager to assist your sister right away. However, it's important to practice a bit of patience."
"Our wonderful leader is currently working hard to ensure your sister's safety, so let's show a little gratitude, hehe~"
She jumped down from the elevated platform, looking at Fenriru. She then hung her head, releasing a stiff smile.
"Thank you."
"No, no, don't thank me. However, you have been called for debriefing. Our supreme commander also wishes to meet you."
The black haired girl flinched before nodding, clenching her hand on her staff.
Since the calamity struck, the ratio of males to females has dwindled to about one-tenth of its original count.
As such, most of those transformed using the power of Case Technology are female.
Most of them now wield supreme and unparalleled power in the world.
From Nebu's Osiris, to Eastrise's Reaon, to the Empire's Levia.
And from there to…
Entering the room, two people were already waiting; they were two members of Sova's squad.
With them, and in front of them was him—
"Greeting Awakener Reyha."
Her sister is named Rayna, and the name was derived from her own name, Reyha.
Standing before the beautiful black-haired female was her counterpart, a black-haired male.
Golden eyes and a demeanor that certainly matched his position.
With him was General Niz.
"Yes… nice to meet you too."
They were now in a room, filled with desks and personal computers, a room that screamed more of a tactical operations center than anything.
"I've heard of what happened to your sister. Don't worry, we've secured her. We'll be moving her for protection."
"Hehe, with General here, she's practically safe."
Fenrir said that earning a serious glare from Niz shut her up on the spot.
"Now then, Lieutenant!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Civil unrest has been incited by a former general of Bifrost, and they have been tasked to investigate.
"Your job is not to interfere, but to investigate. Got it?"
Niz's words and glare were particularly harsh on Fenriru who wryly smiled, but nodded her head.
"In case anything goes wrong, I or Adonis would step in."
"Supreme General stepping in…"
Sova, Snezhana, and Eriri were completely taken aback. It was a sort of law in Bifrost already.
Unless it was an international conflict, or Abyss invasion, Adonis would never be dispatched. But now…
"Is Yulia that big of a threat?"
"Not really."
Adonis shook his head. "However, I believe she's resorted to brainwashing people. Niz alone can handle the job; there's no need for me to step in."
Hearing that, Niz turned her gaze to him.
"Another…"
"What? I pretty much explained how my powers work; there's no reason to be surprised anymore."
"Though you say that..."
Both faced each other, with Niz patting her head slightly lowered, while Adonis's lips curled upwards as though he enjoyed her reactions.
The atmosphere was...
"As expected, the Supreme General and General Niz are really suited for each other."
Eriri said that much to Sova's displeasure, but the captain did her best to hide it.
Even Snezhana was laughing.
The only person, however, whose reaction didn't change much was Reyha.
"Alright then—"
Niz began speaking; however, before she could, Adonis cut her short.
"Don't move yet. You know how influential Yulia is. Chances are she has a few spies here."
"Was it another revelation?" Niz asked, arms crossed, eyeing him; however, this time it wasn't.
It wasn't every time he relied on his clairvoyance. Even he couldn't control it.
"No. But you should know your friend better."
The moment it is known that Niz has left Bifrost, Yulia will be alerted.
"You'd like to avoid that, no?"
"Ugh… I know."
After saying that, Niz relented, then turning to Fenriru, who, for some reason, had a smug look on her face.
Niz's expression darkened.
"And? Lieutenant. Why are you still here?"
"Hehehe~ Pardon us then, we'll be out."
Saying that, Fenriru glanced over to the rest who nodded, as they walked out the room.
As she got to the door, Reyha looked back at Adonis one last time who blinked, however, after lingering for a moment. She eventually left.
The moment they did, Adonis immediately raised his hand and patted the head of the general beside him.
"Why do you still worry?"
"I'm not worrying. Ugh. …I just haven't gotten enough sleep."
Despite rubbing her head so intimately, she paid no mind.
"We both have it tough, don't we?"
"Haah. You can say that again."
Later that day. Bifrost industries. Private bar. Inside a private bar.
A luxurious bar made for only the highest ranked of Bifrost Industries for access.
Even from the structure of the interior, one could tell how grand this place was, even though it was empty.
And though empty, it was a well-maintained bar. Its staff mostly took care of the interior.
Beyond that, only one person was legally employed there.
First, all prototypes of wines, drinks, or beverages are purchased here before being sold.
From here, depending on how well it is received by the VIPs of Bifrost, it is then distributed.
But before then, there was little they could sell. Most alcoholic beverages were now almost extinct.
Fruit wines were teetering on the edge, after all, Bifrost lands were completely filled with snow.
However, thanks to the implemented greenhouse, rather than exporting from Eastrise, things became easier.
And obviously, it was also thanks to Adonis.
"I'm here."
Adonis, who had come, swung the bar's door open. A cool, soft, yet warm air brushed against his skin.
Unlike his military attitude, he was dressed in a more casual outfit: a simple long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and matching footwear.
"Boss!"
The instant he stepped inside, a burst of purple darted towards him, accompanied by those boisterous words.
Her hair was a deep shade of purple, matching her captivating eyes, and she was clad in a tantalizing bunny suit, clearly designed to entice him.
This girl was the one in charge here, often indulging in her own pleasures when she wasn't out on missions or spending time with Aiken.
"I've missed you already." she purred.
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, her chest pressing against him.
As she did, her lips parted, drawing him into a passionate kiss.
Yora.
She was like him, but, at the same time, unlike him, born from the abyss while he was born of will.
Both were the same, synonymous in nature and existence, yet different, coming from two opposite natures.
Unlike the case of Bifrost or Divine Ritual of Nebu, both were the only beings in existence, born naturally with their powers; their bodies filled with beauty and power.
And when they met, they felt a deep sense of familiarity.
But for Yora, who didn't truly understand her emotions for him, the only way to convey her longing for his presence was through this intimate act.
Despite his attempts to communicate, she persisted, and eventually, he surrendered, beginning to mirror her desires.
"Mhmm."
His tongue met hers, pushing back gently as he gradually encircled her waist with his hands.
His fingers delved into her soft curves, sinking into her inviting form.
And she responded with even more desire. Especially when he caressed her like this.
But then, since this wasn't what he came here for, he slowly pulled away.
"Ado…nis."
Saliva followed the path of their lips as he separated from her, causing her to angle her head towards him.
"Are you here for "that"?"
"Yes. Have you heard anything from their side?"
"Nope, those voices have stopped talking with me. …They're scared of you…"
She raised her hand, looking at Adonis, who also angled his head at her words.
Ever since the calamity, the gods no longer favored humans.
Abyss, eldritch, deities. These forces turned their backs on humanity.
And the one thing humanity feared was not even the abyss or the gods.
But the ancient one.
At some point in time, Dr. Aiken speculated that the abyss might have a connection to the ancient one.
Through that understanding, Adonis had used the [Heavenly Voice].
He had attempted to make a connection between Yora and the abyss to communicate as he does with the Voice.
Using that, he thought he might also gain more understanding of the abyss and by extension, the ancient one through them.
After all, even the [Heavenly Voice] doesn't respond to him whenever he asks it about the ancient one.
However, disappointment came after a short time; they completely stopped responding to her, for reasons… (him)
And now, they no longer respond to Yora.
"I see. Thank you very much."
"Hehe~ You'll reward me, right?"
"Of course. But not now, I'm busy at the moment, but I'll definitely reward you, okay?"
"Mhm."
Patting her head, he said that. She rubbed her head under his palm as she did.
He was the only one other than Aiken capable of doing this.
Technically speaking, even Aiken was aware of the two. Even Niz herself was aware.
However, since the new world wasn't restricted by the old world's rules in any way.
She didn't object to his having as many lovers as he wanted.
Men like him also didn't exist. So, in that sense, he had the greatest freedom.