Decades ago, Yoroshi-san had already secretly mastered a great deal of high-end technology, becoming a dark mega-corporation hidden in the shadows.
Dr. Ashiki was fanatically obsessed with the study of ninjas, spending all twenty-four hours a day thinking about ninja-related phenomena or their history.
Through his interpretation of the Kojiki, he became one of the few who understood the truth of the world—a concealed reality, the true cause of Katsu Wanshon's death, and the truth behind the decline of the ninjas!
"Over twenty years ago, based on intelligence from the Kojiki, we found this 'core'—a power related to the legendary angels."
"It contains the power to change the world, a power that surpasses even ninjas, yet for several years, our research made no progress."
"So we changed our approach. Instead of trying to seize its power, we decided to let it master its own power. Thus, the 'Artificial Angel' project began."
Dr. Lee began his explanation without reservation. This wasn't him getting carried away; rather, in the presence of Schwarzer—a true angel who could easily pass judgment on the world—he was demonstrating his unparalleled value.
Compared to the power of the core, even ninjas were mere ants. Since mortals could not wield such power, then let an angel use it.
Alice, inside the cultivation tank, was the result—the culmination of over a decade of cultivation, Yoroshi-san's greatest technological crystal.
"So you deceived Saburo Arasaka? Was the body-snatching plan a sham from the start?"
Schwarzer hadn't anticipated this turn of events either. The sudden appearance of a soul fragment left her a bit dazed; the surprise was so great that her rational logic nearly crashed.
"It wasn't a sham. Alice was never intended to be his vessel. Besides, she has already developed self-awareness. For an artificial lifeform to gain a self... that is a miracle, a miracle brought about by the power of an angel!"
A body for Saburo Arasaka? Any clone from outside would do. The clones here are grown normally, for data reference.
Alice's body was his attempt to probe the power of a god. She even has an angel's halo above her head.
The fanatical mad scientist truly seemed to view her as a 'god'. The more he researched the history of ninjas, the more he discovered Schwarzer's power—a power that truly transcended this entire world.
In his eyes, this world was merely her plaything, but until she initiated contact, he dared not overstep and offend her. Only today did he reveal everything.
'Why would the Kojiki have records of these things?'
Schwarzer was utterly perplexed. By interpreting the Kojiki, Lee Araki had learned of her existence and power, and had even used it to find a fragment of her soul—something she hadn't been able to find herself!
'It must be due to the special rules of the Ninja Slayer world. When the Kinkaku was born, it transcended time, existing in both the past and the future. The Kojiki is a similar existence; everything in the world can be found within it.'
The location of the soul fragment, and the true nature of the angel's power—these things are also recorded in the Kojiki!
Despite such a far-fetched explanation, Schwarzer accepted it. She was already aware of the differences between worlds.
Just as resurrection is forbidden in No Game No Life, and humans in Jujutsu Kaisen can curse 'All the World's Evils' to death, it was perfectly reasonable that in the Ninja Slayer world, one could find all information within the Kojiki.
She looked at the other girl in the cultivation tank, feeling a resonance with her—a connection far stronger than that of twins or anything else. They shared the same soul.
The fragment was right in front of her. Why not retrieve it?
"She already has self-awareness?"
"Of course. But a nascent consciousness is like a blank slate. I didn't dare to awaken her."
Schwarzer took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and after thinking for several seconds, chose to let it go.
'Sufficient emotional stimulus can allow the soul to restore itself. Isn't that right, System?'
'With enough time, it can be made whole without needing any soul fragments.'
The System seemed to know what choice she would make. She could never bring herself to act against Tendo Alice, who had already gained self-awareness.
She quickly convinced herself. It was just one fragment. Hadn't she just encountered it in the third world? It was no big deal. Not recovering one small fragment wouldn't be a problem.
"I thought I'd found a soul fragment, but it turns out I've found a daughter?"
Schwarzer looked at Alice in the cultivation tank, wondering what to do.
She was already used to her plans changing. Every time, her script would be derailed by various unforeseen variables. She no longer had the time to concern herself with David and V's affairs.
"Can you awaken her now?" she asked, looking at Dr. Lee beside her.
"Of course, no problem. Will you be taking her with you personally?"
Although he conducted human experiments and held no regard for ordinary lives, he was extremely respectful towards Schwarzer.
Perhaps this was the legendary 'end of science is theology.' It was ironic that he, who had read the Kojiki so thoroughly as to see through all of history, would treat an angel as a true god.
At least until his usefulness expired, Schwarzer didn't plan on eliminating him. She would let him live.
"From now on, Alice will be with me. You continue your 'plan' with Saburo Arasaka. Maintain the status quo."
Dr. Lee quickly leaned over the instruments, his hands moving like a pianist's, becoming a blur. Within seconds, the cultivation tank began to change.
The fluid inside gradually drained away. Alice's life signs grew stronger, and her closed eyelids trembled slightly.
Schwarzer moved closer and put a dress on her—the same rabbit-eared dress that Schwi had once worn. Their builds were similar, so the clothes fit perfectly.
"I've already downloaded some common knowledge of this world for her. The database is completely open to her, with no restrictions."
"It will probably take a few minutes. She has to choose which parts of the knowledge to download herself."
Dr. Lee had completely opened up access, letting her learn on her own. Fearing Schwarzer might misunderstand and think he was brainwashing Alice, he raised his hands and stepped away from the console.
Schwarzer felt a strange sensation. Holding Alice, she could feel her data stream. Having been made with part of a Machine Ex Machina's core, Alice could be considered a half-Machine Ex Machina herself.
However, she also chose to let Alice learn on her own and choose the knowledge she liked.
A few minutes passed quickly. The data transfer slowed noticeably. The blue-haired, blue-eyed girl had opened her eyes at some point and was now staring at Schwarzer.
The learning ability of a Machine Ex Machina had been well preserved, allowing her to easily grasp the current situation. She slowly opened her mouth and spoke a greeting.
"Excuse me, are you my master?"
"?"
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