Chapter 379: An Angel of Artificial Apotheosis
Under the light, the girl slowly opened her bright eyes.
She looked around and found herself surrounded by pure white walls, dazzling illumination, and impeccably clean air.
It was a highly formal research laboratory.
Numerous medical electronic instruments silently gazed down at her lying on the bed like statues. Carved into the marble bed was a sacred scripture written in ancient holy script, emanating an aura of sanctity.
This was a ward used to isolate special patients, yet it also served as a solemn chapel, as if she were a saintly figure.
"Experimental Subject XDA-7, awakening level of power rising."
From somewhere distant came a harsh, mechanical voice devoid of warmth—an inorganic sound no different from a computer's.
Unconsciously, the girl tried to escape that voice, twisting and struggling on the bed.
The light gray handcuffs on her arms emitted faint, cold, grating sounds.
"Blood pressure and pulse increasing, body temperature rising by 0.3 degrees, cortisol concentration in the blood rapidly escalating. Based on Procedure 2544, request recitation of Pseudo-Canon, Chapter Six, Section One through Chapter Nine, Section Eleven."
"Request approved. Begin recitation."
A figure resembling a mage nearby pressed a button.
Solemn music cascaded over the struggling girl's head, filled with sacred radiance as countless melodies and repeated hymns echoed in rounds.
Accompanied by the noble tones of a pipe organ, a hymn composed of mechanical sounds began to play.
As if responding to the holy song, the script carved into the bed grew brighter.
The room gradually filled with a sacred atmosphere, and the girl slowly ceased her movements.
She wore a dark blue short patient gown and a black metal mask, her delicate face now concealed behind an eerie mask adorned with countless eye patterns.
The girl's exposed limbs were pale, slender, and fragile.
On the surface of her fair skin, peculiar engravings emerged—intricate Magic patterns reminiscent of electronic circuits.
As the mechanical hymn poured down, her Magic engravings flickered incessantly, radiating a divine presence of a higher dimension.
"Continue recitation. Begin administering painkillers and sedatives. Proceed with sleep-inducing protocols!"
The cold interactions of the mage technicians reached her ears even in her shallow slumber.
Now, she could no longer feel pain or sorrow.
A torrent of beautiful light and sound enveloped her.
The sacred fluctuations generated by her Magic patterns caused her very being to transform, ascending to a higher spiritual existence.
It was as if an omnipotent deity seated in the distant heavens—lofty and holy.
Like a nun blessed by God, she became a pure angel ascending to paradise, akin to a divine messenger granted blessings through Magic.
The diffusion of high-level, otherworldly fluctuations made each mage watch her with vigilance, fearing she might spiral out of control.
After all, she was a manufactured high-level power, belonging to a divine tier, and not a single mistake could be allowed.
Using Magic formulas engraved onto a human to create a higher-dimensional deity was indeed unimaginable for mages of their caliber.
But those who dared covet such high-level power had to pay a corresponding price—a glimpse of which could be seen in the girl's expression of unbearable agony.
One of the familiar faces watching quietly from the side stared expressionlessly at the girl on the sorcery platform.
He did not utter another word, nor did he care about the girl's pained expression.
Everything, everything, was merely to fulfill his own grand dream.
If Mahiro had been present, he would have surely recognized that man as Kanase Kensei, who had once intended to adopt Kanon Kanase—a senior magician at Magecraft Industries.
It was just unexpected that this man would use shrine maidens with spiritual power for human experiments...
"This is the closest to a 'finished product' we have. How does it feel?"
Kanase Kensei turned to the woman beside him and asked.
His tone was very respectful.
The woman had deep blue long hair, wore an alluring black dress, and possessed a model-like figure. Her appearance was also quite beautiful, with a black mole at the corner of her lips that was particularly enticing.
From the inside out, she exuded an aura of mature intellect and elegant grace.
On all of Itogami Island, only one person possessed such looks and temperament—Gamma.
But at this moment, it was more accurate to call her Lina.
However, in response to Kanase Kensei's inquiry, Lina did not speak. Instead, it was Nu, dressed in secretary attire and standing beside her, who replied.
"If we merely stand here and observe, it is impossible to determine whether the so-called finished product you mentioned meets our standards. We hope Mr. Kanase can provide a detailed test data report."
Nu gently adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of her nose, adopting a strictly business-like attitude.
Her deep brown hair was tied high at the back of her head, revealing a slender, fair swan-like neck.
She wore a pure black pencil skirt, paired with a lightweight white silk blouse. The collar was slightly open, exposing a glimpse of her delicate, porcelain-white collarbone.
But what was most captivating were her exquisite, slender legs, wrapped in sheer black stockings.
Unfortunately, none of the researchers present dared to steal a glance.
Simply because, not long ago, an unwary security guard had tried to sneak a look and even whistled teasingly, only to have his head sliced off by the black high heels on this woman's feet.
Her expression was cold and ruthless, showing no mercy.
Just as her tone during the negotiation with Kanase Kensei was icy.
And the opinion she raised made Kanase Kensei's expression turn somewhat unpleasant.
After a moment, Kanase Kensei finally sighed and said softly:
"Alright, but I cannot provide the specific data report to you at the moment. It will take some time. An exceptionally excellent spiritual medium tool is currently on its way to the research institute. It is estimated to arrive..."
Beside him.
"Hmm, it's fine. We can wait."
This time, it was Lina who spoke. She smiled and extended her delicate hand, wrapped in black stockings, saying warmly:
"Then let's wish for a pleasant cooperation."
"Yes, a pleasant cooperation."
Facing the institute's financial backer, Kanase Kensei did not dare to be negligent and quickly respectfully shook her hand with both hands.
As a result, Kanase Kensei completely failed to notice the flicker of coldness in Lina's eyes.
Shortly after, escorted by Kanase Kensei, the two left the research institute.
Stepping out of the institute's doors and bathing in the sunlight once more, Gamma shed her disguise as Lina and stretched lazily, completely without restraint.
Then, she took off the black silk gloves that had been touched by Kanase Kensei and casually tossed them into the trash bin.
"What a disgusting maggot."
Her eyes were filled with an indescribable disgust.
"Lady Gamma, should this recording be sent to Lady Eta?"
Nu retrieved an extremely concealed miniature camera from her person, the storage device now in her hand.
This was precisely the purpose behind establishing an awe-inspiring presence in the research institute.
"Hmm~ Then let Eta study it. Only she can maximize the value of this recording."
Gamma was the strategist of Shadow Garden and the only merchant among the Seven Shadows, well-versed in how to reap greater profits.
Whenever and wherever she wished, she could quickly establish a foothold locally and develop her own unique commercial empire.
This was also the case when Mahiro first met her, even though she was still very weak at the time.
Even on the brink of death.
Immediately after, Gamma strode toward the vehicle parked in the distance.
Walking with the elegant gait of a model, her seductive movements swayed her hips gracefully. With each step, the sharp heels of her shoes clicked crisply against the stone pavement.
However, before she could take more than a few steps, an unexpected mishap occurred—
"Oof—"
Gamma tripped on the perfectly flat ground.
Yes, as always, lacking athletic coordination—a commonplace stumble on level ground.
"Lady Gamma, please be more careful."
Nu shook her head with a sigh of resignation.
Then she quickly stepped forward to help Gamma up, wiping away the nosebleed from her fall.
Every action flowed smoothly and naturally, clearly a routine occurrence.
"Wah... It's not my fault. It's all because these shoes are too high."
Gamma, teary-eyed, once again shifted the blame onto her shoes.
Finally, with Nu's support, Gamma limped into the car. As the engine roared to life, the two drove off into the distance.
Not long after their departure.
In the research room bathed in holy light, a tall woman dressed entirely in a black uniform, resembling a secretary, approached Kanase Kensei and whispered something into his ear.
Kanase Kensei frowned and instructed a white-coated researcher beside him to bring a modified subject—different from the girl currently being altered but emitting similar fluctuations—to the tall woman.
The girl seemed to be under restraint, her divine fluctuations suppressed within her body, preventing any exposure.
The tall woman let out a loud laugh, roughly grabbing the modified girl's hand and leaving the research room.
Like a child who had just gotten a new toy, eager to tear open the packaging.
Kanase Kensei paid her no mind and continued observing the seventh modified subject.
Night fell.
A luxurious ship shrouded in flames, sailing through the night sky at an altitude of one thousand meters, slowly approached Japan's artificial island from the north. Its total length exceeded 200 meters.
It was a massive armored airship covered in a special alloy shell, equipped with four turbine engines and twelve machine cannons.
Painted on the ship was a War Goddess wielding a greatsword—the exclusive emblem of the Aldegyr royal family of Northern Europe.
The luxurious and noble vessel, adorned with a glacial luster of pinkish-blue and gold trim, was a flying fortress permitted only for royalty and their attendants.
Bathed in the bright moonlight, the fortress appeared dreamlike and romantic.
Compared to Vatler's cruise ship, it exuded an extra touch of opulence and mystery.
Under the moonlight, its silhouette resembled a celestial palace, though now the graceful hull bore the tragic marks of severe damage.
"Sigh... how boring."
A tall woman in uniform stood on the burning ship's deck, a long spear gripped in her right hand.
Her appearance unmistakably matched that of the woman who had appeared in Kanase Kensei's laboratory.
Her eyes were the same vivid crimson, like freshly spilled blood, and the pure white fangs visible between her lips revealed her true identity—a Vampire.
Moreover, her ability to wield a Beast Vassal as a weapon indicated she was a D-Type Vampire.
"Unbearable, wasting so much of my time. Nothing could be more tedious..."
She dragged the spear along the deck.
Its crimson tip scraped against the ship's armor, producing sharp sounds and sparks.
She was the perpetrator who had attacked this vessel, mercilessly destroying its magnificent hull and plunging it into a sea of flames.
"You... who are you? Who hired you?"
Blocking her path was a knight clad in reinforced armor, a gold-trimmed combat suit with the Aldegyr emblem engraved on the shoulder guards.
This marked him as a royal guard knight, a protector of the royal family.
"Do you even realize, by causing trouble here, that this ship is the 'Lanvard,' guarded by our Holy Ring Knights?"
Despite his injuries, the knight glared angrily at the woman, raising his sword, which emitted a pale glow.
The Vampire woman lazily halted, looking down on the knight before her.
Behind her, an explosion occurred, destroying the ship's buoyant gasbag section.
As the precious buoyancy leaked away, the massive armored airship tilted helplessly.
Watching the gold decorations gradually peel off, the knight trembled with rage.
The Vampire woman casually brushed back her wavy, flowing hair, urging impatiently:
"I've already told you, hurry up and hand over the Aldegyr sow you're so carefully hiding, and I'll make it quick for you."
"Don't overestimate yourself! How dare a single Vampire demon dare oppose our Aldegyr royal family!"
The steel sword he wielded radiated intense Spiritual Power, akin to a Holy Sword for exorcism.
At the same time, the Vampire's spear sliced through the air with a whistling sound.
Explosive Magical Power swirled around the crimson spear, surging toward the knight.
The knight, holding the Holy Sword, clashed head-on with the Vampire woman.
The astonishing Magical Power released shockwaves, deflecting the crimson spear tip.
The Vampire observed this without particular surprise, instead letting out a weary sigh.
"The Artifact System developed by Aldegyr? It's truly a nuisance, draining all the fun."
"Filthy Vampires actually dare to attack our knights! I won't let you have your way any longer—you'll pay the price!"
The knight pointed his pale-glowing sword at the woman and thrust once more toward her heart.
The Artisan Elite System is the most advanced knight equipment developed by the Aldegyr Kingdom. By channeling vast amounts of Spiritual Power from the mothership's Elf Furnace, it temporarily elevates the weapon's spiritual rank to the level of a Holy Sword, making it a powerful tactical support weapon.
The Aldegyr Holy Ring Knights have achieved numerous military successes with this system, even becoming the natural enemies of the demon clan for a time.
However, faced with the radiance of the imitation Holy Sword, the woman's expression remained unchanged. Still appearing lazy, she held her spear and looked mockingly at the wounded knight.
At that moment, a dark figure appeared behind her.
It was a Beastman with pitch-black fur.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, BB," the Beastman called out to the woman in a tone devoid of any enthusiasm.
He was enveloped in a heavy scent of blood—splattered from attacking the airship's crew—with bloody shreds of flesh still clinging to the tips of his sharp claws.
"Hey, welcome back. Where's that sow from Aldegyr?"
The woman asked without turning her head.
The Beastman shook his head quietly.
"She's not here. Both the bridge and the bedrooms are empty."
"So we came all this way for nothing? What a bother~ Will we still get paid? Ah, whatever."
The woman spoke with disinterest.
The killing intent faded from her weary yet beautiful face, and the crimson spear vanished from her hand as if it had never existed.
Her attitude was so arrogant, as if she didn't even regard the knight brandishing his sword before her.
"Are you mocking me—"
Facing the knight's attack launched with a furious roar, the Vampire woman leisurely dodged, then glanced back at him with an annoyed, mocking smile.
"I admit that system is highly effective against the demon clan."
Then she took out a mobile device shaped like a phone and skillfully operated it.
The words "Descent" appeared on the device's screen.
"But what a shame, what you're dealing with isn't a demon."
Something tore through the dim night sky, descending from a gap in the clouds.
It was a petite figure radiating a menacing glow, with several twisted wings on its back, veined with vivid red blood vessels.
"What in the world is that?!"
The knight swung his sword at the figure in the sky. The spiritual energy of the imitation Holy Sword transformed into a flash of light lunging toward the approaching figure—a purifying spiritual radiance capable of repelling all manner of demonic creatures.
However, that blade of light shattered and dissipated upon contact with the airborne figure, like glass breaking.
Like an egg hitting a stone a hundred times harder—they were not on the same level.
Noble.
"No... impossible."
The knight's resolve wavered, and the woman in red smiled at him as if in sympathy.
The winged monster descended upon the heavily damaged armored ship. The scattered waves of Spiritual Power turned into a storm, violently shaking the vessel.
The knight swung his sword again, but no matter how many times he repeated it, the result remained the same.
The spiritual radiance of the imitation Holy Sword could not reach the figure in the sky, as if feeble artificial lighting were being overwhelmed by the brilliance of the sun.
The power that nullified and extinguished the purifying spiritual radiance indicated that the twisted figure before them was not evil. In fact, it was likely far more sacred than the artificial imitation Holy Sword generated by the Elf Furnace.
Its thin limbs bore eerie patterns, its wings were grotesquely ugly and nauseating, and its head was adorned with a strange mask.
Yet, what it emitted was the purest, most sacred vibration.
"Could it be... she... she's an angel..."
The knight stood dumbfounded, the scene before him utterly unbelievable.
Accompanied by a clear song, a winged monster released a dazzling flash—a purifying light that incinerated everything.
The knight had no time to process this before his consciousness was swallowed by the scorching radiance.
And before that, the woman in red and the Beastmen had long since fled.
The once-beautiful armored airship exploded and shattered, its wreckage plummeting into the dark, gloomy sea.
At the same time, a luxurious escape pod burst forth from the explosion.
Its egg-shaped body was encased in a plastic shell, with automatically inflating rubber floats.
Judging by its shape alone, it wasn't far from what people imagined an escape pod would look like.
However, its outer layer was plated with pure gold—rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, with excellent conductivity and lightning resistance, which seemed to be the reasons for choosing such a material.
"Damn it, that Aldegyr sow was indeed on board, and she still managed to escape."
Watching the escape pod vanish into the horizon, the Vampire appeared somewhat disappointed...