Chapter 356: Episode 13

After careful discussion, the investigation team agreed to converse with the intelligent lifeform in the form of a young girl. As a human, I have too many things I want to ask. According to Katlai's intuition, the enemy does not seem to harbor any Malice. The priority is to Collect as much information as possible, rather than ignoring them or worsening the relationship. In any case, letting her escape alone is not a good situation.

Fortunately, the girl waited quietly for the investigation team to reach a conclusion. Thus, the meeting between the Quantum and the mysterious girl, between humanity and "something" from the outside world, raised its curtain.

Gragg and Katlai are the two who will attend the meeting. The situation is recorded by cameras, and the images are transmitted in real-time to the other members and the ship.

They held their breath in front of the girl. The first thing that caught their eyes was the mysterious creature coiled around her right arm. Its shape has insect-like structures, but its linear form also hints at artificial, machine-like objects. The metallic luster of the armor presents an eerie red, making one feel uneasy.

Never mind that red bug; the girl herself, who makes it obey, also feels abnormal. One look and you know her Nen Ability has awakened. The aura on a man with large pores cannot be concealed. If you become a powerful person, you can feel a certain degree of power difference from the Flow of that aura.

From the aura rising from the girl, the Gragg family has already determined a portion of the talent hidden within her body. If this girl is as old as she looks, I am surprised by the skills she seems to have cultivated at her age. Probably, I realized immediately that there is no chance of winning in a one-on-one battle.

However, this intensity difference was expected. Battles between Nen Users do not depend solely on the data visible from their appearance. The amount of aura displayed, potential, category, unique abilities, the accuracy of the Four Major Principles, the degree of Ryu, observation skills... most importantly, Spirit Power. The elements necessary for battle are intricately intertwined; it is impossible to talk about simple advantages and disadvantages.

Gragg is not weak enough to retreat from this kind of adversity. Rather, I felt relieved that the girl's thoughts were within the scope of power as a "human." What made him feel different was something else. It was the "quality" drifting from the girl's aura.

The difference in quality appears in the aura possessed by an individual. The personality and emotions at the time are also reflected in the aura. The aura of good people and bad people is easy to distinguish. Especially those whose genitals are rotten will emit a nauseating, evil aura. Even if you are not a villain, you can use it to intentionally intimidate your opponent with bloodlust.

In terms of pleasure and displeasure, the girl's aura is not the kind of presence that would offend her. Extremely neutral. So should I say it's interesting? If I had to use one word to describe it, it would be "emptiness."

Aura is the manifestation of Life Energy. Therefore, it is closely related to the psychological state of the living user, embodying their personality. Even so, I could not feel any positive or negative traits from the aura emitted by the girl in front of me. It has an inorganic and artificial aura, like a machine or a doll.

(Is this a human...?)

Even if told that the other side of the skin is empty, I could not immediately deny it. Despite this, it possesses an aura of the radiance of life. Feeling that there is an inexplicable contradiction there, my spine chilled.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Gragg Mcmiyah."

"Huh!? Ah, I am Katlai Benson..."

Of course, I tried to speak in a calm tone, not letting my inner feelings show on my face. Gragg does not have confidence in his negotiation skills, but as the captain, he cannot entrust this role to anyone else.

As for Katlai, I cannot conduct proper negotiations or communication, but this time I was asked to be present because his ability is necessary.

"Quin Almeiza"

The girl gave herself a name. She has a name.

The investigators put forward various opinions regarding the girl's identity. The first is the possibility of being an "alien." In the Dark Continent, there are many traces of vast civilizations that were once established. Materials indicating that their appearance was similar to humans have also been found.

Various theories have been proposed, such as it being an organism, the ancestor of humans, or an organism that evolved differently from humans and adapted to the environment. However, there are currently no successful cases of actual contact with aliens. The truth behind why their civilization perished and whether it still exists is shrouded in mystery.

The second is the possibility that it is a monster. Some intelligent lifeforms can understand human language but are not human. They are called "Beasts." It is said that the roots of the Beasts now living on the continent inhabited by humans are in the Dark Continent. In fact, so far, contact with several races has been confirmed, such as the Beast clan known as "Gatekeepers" that separates the Dark border seas.

Among Beasts, there are also species similar to humans. There are also those that imitate human appearance. I cannot completely deny the possibility that the girl in front of me is a Beast.

However, the biggest question is "How did you acquire knowledge of the common language?" If she was born in the Dark Continent, it would be impossible for her to use the language of the human continent.

Amidst various speculations, the girl revealed her identity. Her way of speaking was clumsy, sounding like a machine without emotions. Coupled with that expressionless face, it created an even more doll-like atmosphere. However, the content of the story she told was so shocking that I didn't care about such things at all.

Her father's name is Luan Almeiza. That person is said to have been a member of the previous Dark Continent research team. This is a unit that was said to have been wiped out 40 years ago.

Gragg does not know if this story is true or false. Immediately sent eye contact to Katlai next to him. Katlai shook his head violently.

This has to do with his ability. Katlai is sensitive to Malice directed at others. That extreme sense sees through the Malice hidden behind others' words and actions. In other words, I am able to detect lies. This is not absolute, but the truth can be determined with high precision.

Katlai does not feel that the girl's statement is a lie. I still doubt whether she is telling the whole truth, but at least I feel she is not lying.

Information about this meeting was also sent to the research ship's headquarters. They should have already queried the database there. If there is a person named Luan, the details will be revealed soon.

If this story is true, it explains why this girl can speak the common language. She must have learned the language from her father. The girl also understands that the Gragg family is an investigation team from the human continent, and it seems she also tried to contact them.

But then another big problem arose. As a member of a unit considered to have been destroyed, Luan continued to survive on this Dark Continent for decades until the research ship stopped.

Or this girl is decades older than she looks. If you are a person with Nen Ability, you cannot say this is absolutely impossible. Since the sea of Nen is good at controlling Life Energy, it is possible to suppress aging to a certain extent. Skilled use can make your appearance and your actual age very different.

When I asked the girl her age, she replied that she was about 10 years old. I don't know much about myself. Katlai cannot feel any Malice behind this statement, so he cannot tell if she is lying.

After all, a person named Luan was very likely alive until recently. Even if you think you were 20 when you landed, you would live to be between 50 and 60. Gragg simply cannot believe it. In this inhumane demon world, how is it possible to connect life for so long?

However, it cannot be ruled out as impossible. In fact, there is a precedent for achieving this feat. Moreover, the number of years of lifespan is not about 40 years. There is a legendary figure who is said to have lived on the Dark Continent for three hundred years.

Don Freecss. He is known as the author of the book "New World Journey." A fantasy novel published about 300 years ago, it is a funny fairy tale about the Dark Continent. However, recent research shows that the content is not just an entertainment novel. As the investigation into the Dark Continent continues to deepen, information consistent with the descriptions in the book emerges one after another, and it cannot be treated as fiction.

Legend has it that 300 years ago, Don Freecss crossed Mobius Lake alone and began exploring the coastal areas of the Dark Continent. Anyone who has participated in the investigation might laugh it off. At that time, navigation technology was still in its infancy, and adventurers who set out to open up sea routes from the Yorb Continent to the Aijian Continent died one after another.

The age 300 years ago is also uncertain. The "East Volume" of the New World Journey is said to have been published 300 years ago, and it contains extensive information on the east coast. That is to say, considering the time of the investigation, it is possible that they landed on the Dark Continent even earlier.

The "West Volume" has not yet been discovered. It is possible that he simply died when he finished exploring the eastern coastal area, but the theory that he is still alive and continuing to write the West volume is strongly supported. If you use rewards like "Ultimate Longevity Food" and "Healing Herbs," this is not an impossible story. Or, there is a theory that there are many people who claim to be Don Freecss, and there are still some people who continue to search for them while continuing their will.

Tracking his whereabouts is very meaningful. The "Human Adaptation Plan," which is to develop permanent residential areas on the Dark Continent, is the ardent wish of various countries. His knowledge of surviving in harsh environments will bring this grand plan closer to reality.

In this sense, I want to obtain the knowledge possessed by a man named Luan and a girl named Quin.

Unfortunately, the girl's father has passed away. Gragg also immediately asked about her mother. I asked casually as if I were saying something, but in fact, this question is more important.

If this girl named Quin is human, then she must have her parents. Who is Luan's father, and who is the mother? Fortunately, there was a female member, and they all survived? When did you have children? Counting back from Quin's age, it seems very unnatural.

Is it really a "human" mother?

Quin said she knew nothing about her mother. She was raised by Luan all her life, never saw her mother, and her father never mentioned this matter.

Katlai felt obvious Malice toward this behavior. It was not a malicious lie to hurt her, but it gave the impression that she was hiding some inconvenient things.

Gragg decided that asking too many questions about her mother would lead to poking a Snake out of the bush, and he did not pursue it further at this time. Even on the surface, you still have to maintain a friendly relationship with the girl. We need to extract as much information as possible.

Then, the story approaching the core was cut off from the girl. That is, why did she want to contact the Gragg family?

She wanted to escape the Dark Continent and cross over to the human continent. I have been seeking help.

Even Gragg, who does not have the ability to perceive Malice, could sense the girl's state of mind. If you grew up in such an environment on the verge of death, your emotions would also be dead. Luan should have told you about the human world. How long have you longed for the outside world, and how long have you wanted to escape this hell? There is pity.

"... Okay. Can you give me some time to think about it?"

But I cannot accept it immediately. This is not something they can decide on their own.

Katlai has no hostility toward her humanity. It seems they are truly seeking help. They show themselves and Exchange opinions by creating a place for dialogue. I have such moral thoughts.

But it is also true that the girl did not reveal everything. Even if she has no hostility, it is unknown what kind of impact this inconvenience will have on humans. That is the common sense of this Dark Continent. Also, the story that she has no Malice is limited to here; it is unknown what will happen after arriving in the human world. After that, it will be too late.

The girl honestly accepted that it takes time to answer. I guess they didn't expect to be able to board the ship immediately. I fully understand the position I am in. This is also a bit annoying. I am not a child who tells bad lies.

After understanding her position, the girl proposed a new proposal. That is to cooperate to Collect rewards. She knows that the research team came to the Dark Continent to seek rewards, and the deal is that she wants them to board the ship in exchange for their cooperation.

Commander Andem carefully read the materials at hand. Just now, it was a document submitted by my subordinate. It contains information about a person named Luan Almeiza. Without a doubt, his name, as one of the members of the previous Dark Continent investigation team, was listed on the military personnel list.

Contact with one of the Five Great Disasters, "Weapon Gold Bar," was listed as one of the top terror events in US military history. Only two special forces personnel survived the incident.

Luan is a member of the third research team. This was one of the units searching for a return route, distinct from the special forces that encountered Brion. Five days after the investigation began, contact with the unit was lost. Subsequently, the missing status continued, and it is presumed that the entire headquarters unit was wiped out.

Andam scrutinized Ruan's career. Ruan was born in the countryside of Nedalas and became famous as a hacker at the age of 17. He belonged to an international hacker organization called "jammaker" and was involved in multiple cybercrime activities.

However, two years later, he was arrested by hacker hunters after accidentally discovering unauthorized access to a large corporation. In prison, he worked hard to reform himself, became a model prisoner, and served his 10-year sentence. Afterward, he returned to society as an engineer.

He enlisted in the military at age 34. Although he was a criminal, he was allowed to join the army due to the long-term shortage of soldiers caused by the war. Because of his expertise, he was assigned to the electronic information processing team. At this time, he learned of the existence of Nen and began Cultivation.

At age 41, he was selected as a member of the Dark Continent investigation team.

Andam placed the file on the table. Looking over his career, I do not consider him a person with "anything special."

It seems only the speed of his mental rotation is abnormally fast, and his ability to command a squad is quite excellent. It looks like he is very good at parallel thinking (Multi-tasking), as if he had a Computer installed in his brain, but I think he cannot survive in the Dark Continent with that level of ability. He may have talent, but he learned it too late. As a Nen user, he is not a very good user.

If that is the case, did it adapt to the environment with some kind of return? If so, I really want to obtain information regarding that return.

"... Commander, what do you intend to do?"

A man beside him asked Andam, who was still thinking. The man was named Tapornado; he was sweating more than usual and had a look of being unable to bear the pressure. He was an official from the Special Missions Department.

"We should consider all possibilities."

"Please do not evade me."

"We should consider including this possibility."

"You're crazy...!?"

"If her story is true, leaving a young girl in a danger zone like this is inhumane. She is a souvenir left behind by 'our' soldiers... 'As America' we protect her." We have a responsibility to fully consider whether...

"Even though it might endanger all of humanity! In the past, the Five Great Disasters caused such destruction; if the response is mistaken, humanity will be wiped out... This danger must be emphasized above all else!"

Andam has a special ability to mask the quality of the Aura he emits. Perhaps because of that constitution, he is also very good at reading people's emotions by observing the flow of their Aura. From the look in his eyes as he observed, Tapornado's mental state was very calm.

He is not as frustrated as he appears. He is calmly judging the situation. In other words, the attitude that makes me feel nervous and annoyed is an act. Even if he has rotted, he is a person sent from an international organization that spins conspiracies all over the world. I know the level of his stomach art.

However, there were some fluctuations in his emotional map. A bit of repulsion. This might be repulsion toward Andam's attempt to interpret the protection of the young girl within the scope of "the country's discretion." This could lead to giving the Sahelta America an excuse to monopolize the information obtained from the girl.

"Of course, we cannot deny that she is an unidentified threat. First, we need to know. Is she our friend or our enemy?"

"I agree with you on this point."

No matter how much the Special Missions Department hates bringing anything out of the Dark Continent, this case is an exception. There is a suspicious girl, so I ignore her and go home—but that is not how the story goes. Even the Special Missions Department is in a position where it cannot stop the investigation into the girl's identity.

In other words, we reached the conclusion of "wait and see." After understanding the other party's reasons, they are simply demanding the interests of the organization they belong to.

"I would also very much like to help that girl. Even if you decide to bring him in, from a security perspective, do not forget that the Special Missions Department has the right to manage and protect his custody."

The resources (return) discovered by the Dark Continent investigation team will be shared entirely by the countries conducting the investigation. However, a secret treaty stipulates that any other items or creatures brought out must be handed over to the Special Missions Department.

This is a measure to share the risks and dangers and their information with countries around the world and respond internationally. Mismanagement by one country could lead to the extinction of all humanity. Especially creatures deemed dangerous (such as humans suffering from unknown diseases) are isolated, preserved, and studied under a strict monitoring system by the relevant organizations of the Special Missions Department.

In short, it is a claim to hand over the custody of a girl named Quinn to the Special Missions Department.

Filthy hyenas...

Andam's heart was filled with anger.

"It's as if you labeled her a risk from the very beginning. Frankly, she thinks it is best for us in America to protect her responsibly."

"What is the basis for such a thing...!?"

"This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I think everyone on this research team is my family. They are irreplaceable compatriots.... I know I shouldn't make such complaints as a person in charge, but I feel very self-reproachful."

"Uh, uh... well, that is certainly true, but what exactly is this..."

"At that very moment, the daughter of an expedition member who I thought had long been destroyed appeared. I know nothing about Mr. Luan, but he was also a like-minded soldier. My brother's bloodline. A child pulling a leash is still alive, coming to seek help; if one does not answer this, she cannot face her dead father and her dead companions...! To those who only see her as adventure and experimental research material!"

University teacher!

A terrifying force radiated from Andam's body, as if accompanied by a sound. His clenched fists were deeply pierced by his claws and soaked in blood. His expression was pulled tight, as if he were desperately suppressing his passion, but only his gaze revealed explosive emotions, glaring at Tapornado.

The non-Nen user Tapornado could not see the cleverly disguised Aura waves. However, he could feel the abnormally swelling anger. He couldn't even keep his suit on; he was frightened head-on and almost fell off his chair.

"Hey...!? Ah, hey, what did you do wrong...!?"

Andam scoffed at the Special Missions Department person in his heart, but the other party unexpectedly calmed down and expressed opposition.

There was not the slightest room for his acting or his desperation, and his signature greasy sweat set an all-time record, but even so, his heart did not break. Although he was not yet fully sober, his courage was evident for all to see.

He was also a person who had made up his mind to board this ship. Risking his life to carry out the surveillance mission of the reconnaissance team. Andam gave up, saying that no matter how he threatened him, it would have no effect other than scaring him.

"Sorry."

"No, that was for both of us... I will rest for a while, I will talk about this matter later..."

Andam was troubled. I said earlier that I would protect the girl, but that was a statement to control the Special Missions Department. In fact, I really wanted to gain knowledge from her, but I must avoid a disastrous ending caused by my own greed.

However, the encounter with the young girl was also a turning point for Andam, who was about to end his research period without discovering anything new. I feel it could be a Poison or a medicine, depending on how I handle it.

I will investigate it first. The girl took the initiative to offer to accompany Quinn and help collect the return. Andam has already ordered Captain Gragg Mcmiyah to accept this proposal.

Shall we take a look at the manual work?

In order not to disregard the girl's will and take a hard-line attitude, there is still too little material for judgment. I don't know what this girl is doing, but you can roughly understand her intentions and humanity from her actions. Andam is willing to provide Quinn for the experiment.

After the first contact with the human expedition team, I reflected on my actions again.

The original plan was to be more cautious during the contact. He would follow the research team, encounter some kind of threat that developed into a battle, rush to where they were in trouble, and pretend it was a Coincidence, brilliantly rescuing them. This trend might have been easier to accept.

However, unexpectedly, the members of the research team were all excellent. The range of the Quan he mastered was terrifyingly large, and there was simply no chance to get close. In the end, he was lured into the circle, and his own Shadow was exposed. He was just a suspicious person. The first impression was not very good.

Well, things have already passed. For the time being, I lied about my background and told a lie. I don't know the part that would be difficult if asked too deeply. Currently, their impression of me seems to be that of a suspicious person. I don't think I can board the ship smoothly.

So I told them I intended to cooperate with their investigation in exchange for boarding. There was some speculation about this. There is a risk of disclosing information, which would be bad if known, but I chose this strategy after thinking about it.

As long as we seek a return, we can only assume that we will encounter risks. If that happens, it will be difficult to survive without using the power of the Almeiza Machine. If done poorly, life will be in danger, let alone the strategy. That is to say, humans will be able to see my power.

This will make them more wary of me, but that is not so bad for me. To some extent, I think we must show that we possess armed force.

First, they want to know how I survived in this Dark Continent. This place is not sweet enough to let an ordinary human child live by luck. You would expect it to have some kind of special ability.

The power of the Almeiza Machine is the explanation for this. Without needing to tell you, it is a virus that feeds on Life Energy. We call it a special poison bomb produced by the subject.

I think that by showing power, we can negotiate under a certain degree of coercion. If you hide everything and seek help as a weak girl, you have no standing. It is difficult to refuse the conditions proposed by the other party.

For example, even if Quinn is allowed to board, the subject might not be able to board. Furthermore, Quinn's body might be examined in detail. If that happens, there is a high probability that they will discover they are not human.

While seeking help, I also approved this request. The important thing is how to balance the negotiation. As a trump card, I think I will temporarily keep the existence of the Soul Stone Hidden. You don't have to show all your cards from the very beginning.

If I remember correctly, there must be a few flowers left over from the Dead Treant incident in my duffel bag. It is dry and brittle, but the components are still there. I don't know if this will be a reward, but if you line up to sell anything, even a lie, you might find value. Use whatever is available.

Cooperating with the investigation team's follow-up visit is also part of the negotiation. This is the main axis of the strategy, the liver. By showing a cooperative attitude, I am appealing that I am a human-friendly existence.

A reliable partner, appearing like a comet before an extremely difficult research team. We will conduct a life-or-death exploration together and deepen this relationship of trust. Hard work, friendship, victory. I have learned from the memories of my previous life (mostly manga) that humans are easily influenced by these words.

Facing a powerful enemy, my strength is not enough, and I might even let some people in the research team die. However, by overcoming the death of that comrade, our bond will become deeper.

No matter how I turn, there are no blind spots. However, I remain vigilant, distracted by simulating various situations.