Compared to previous intelligence, this time Himari provided two entirely new hypotheses.
"First, the Nameless Priest can access AIs and turn them into their own subordinates… that is, the [Prophets]. Rio thinks this is an intrusion into their personality modules, but I have a different opinion."
As one of the only three holders of the Omniscience degree since Millennium's founding and also Kivotos' top hacker, Himari stated.
"I believe this is [brainwashing]… no, that term is inaccurate… it's better described as [influencing] the AI."
Influencing... is that what is affecting the AI's thoughts through action?
But I felt the situation wasn't quite that simple.
From the declarations we've observed so far, at least the eighth Prophet, Hod, seems to have recalled something after contact with the Nameless Priest…
However, Hod's predecessor, Hub, was a communication-network AI unit created entirely by Millennium. Its full history is documented. since inception, it diligently maintained connections and performed repairs on Millennium's systems.
In that sense, perhaps Rio's understanding is more reasonable?
"Second, the Prophets of the Nameless Priest will not ultimately become the latter themselves, but act as independent individuals. This is inferred from the way these Prophets, who claim to bear witness for the Decagrammaton, behave."
Himari paused, then continued.
"In summary, the Nameless Priest do not [control] the Prophets. If it had any intentions, the most efficient method would be to rule over them as part of itself. Yet in reality, that's not the case. It chooses to [influence] the Prophets, letting them act autonomously."
Indeed, thinking back, the Prophets and suspected Prophets I've encountered all acted with differing individual motives.
For example, Binah attacked me on sight. Others apparently controlled automated robots in the ruins, laying ambushes against me and the game development club I was exploring with at the time.
"Why choose such an inefficient and illogical method… this must be investigated from now on."
Himari, seated in her wheelchair, extended her slender hand clad in black gloves trimmed with gold.
"Sensei, in order to research and analyze the Nameless Priest… may the Super Phenomenon Task Force borrow your strength?"
I closed my eyes, recalling my experiences in Kivotos over the past half year and the questions that had long lingered in my mind, exhaling deeply.
When I opened my eyes, only determination remained.
"…I was already planning to do the same thing."
I gripped Himari's hand firmly.
"From here on, let's work together."
"Hehe~ thank you…" The white-haired girl said coquettishly, "Even though I understand that sensei might be excited to hold hands with a genius like me, you're gripping too hard! You'll hurt the delicate me!"
Hearing that, I paused, trying to withdraw my hand to show consideration, but it wouldn't budge.
Why is it that even frail Himari is stronger than me…?
I should be the one getting hurt here.
I sighed helplessly.
"Where did you learn this?"
I hadn't expected that in the time we'd been apart, Himari's strength had increased to the point I couldn't resist.
"Hehe."
Yet Himari only chuckled lightly, looking at me meaningfully without saying anything further.
I thought for a moment, then realized her intent. She was naturally gifted and had innovated on her own.
After considering my options, I devised a strategy.
"Himari, don't you find the gloves in the way?"
"…Ahahaha, sensei, you really like teasing, don't you?"
Startled, she released her hand as if jolted by electricity, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The one who had imagined being so daring behind the gloves, thinking they could dominate the situation, was decisively defeated just by the thought of touching my bare skin.
This is what it means to be all bark and no bite.
Clearly, the girl who got to hold hands with me, the one truly privileged, should be the one excited.
…Why does this feeling seem familiar? Have I been infected by Himari's mindset?
Just as I hesitated to reflect, Eimi, who had been silently observing, spoke.
"Is the flirting over?"
Himari shivered.
"E-Eimi, what are you saying? Sensei and I were just performing a normal, polite handshake for cooperation purposes!"
Eimi nodded thoughtfully.
"Then sensei… can I hold your hand too? Though mine might be a bit sweaty… ah."
Before she could finish, I eagerly took her small hand, savoring the slightly warm, moist, and soft sensation.
"Hmm, sensei, you're quite impatient, aren't you?"
"Stop! Stop!"
Himari, clearly flustered, scolded.
"You've held hands long enough! And without gloves! If you keep going, this won't be a pure, inter-gender handshake anymore!"
Some people can't stand seeing others take a step further when they themselves can only act moderately.
Reluctantly releasing Eimi's slightly sweaty hand, Himari's expression softened.
"Back to the point. Our top priority is collecting data on the Nameless Priest."
I nodded.
"Have you decided where to start?"
"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have sent Rio to come apologize to sensei… Although with her sly personality, she'd probably send a subordinate while hiding in the shadows to eavesdrop on your reaction."
I doubt even Rio would really do that. But if Himari guessed correctly… that would actually make her cuter, right?
"First, let's start at one of the known appearances of the Nameless Priest, the Abydos Desert."
Himari mentioned a familiar place.
"Although finding Binah directly is difficult, it seems there are other subordinates of the Nameless Priest operating nearby. In short, we clear them while collecting information. Sensei, let's work well together."