"Then I look forward to them coming together."
Hearing Albert's news—Natsuki glanced at Kafka still lying in the crater. Smiled.
Government's elimination order—probably mistook him for a Traveler too.
Now—few knew his true identity. If kaiju faction Travelers planned tomorrow's surprise attack... he'd show them what "surprise" really meant.
After fighting Shinomiya—he'd gauged this world's power level. Had some substance—but not much. Just didn't know what tricks those Travelers would pull.
"About those behind the scenes—any new intel?" Natsuki asked.
Capturing Travelers—ultimate goal—expose those hiding in shadows.
"Not yet."
"But... that's exactly what feels strange." Albert said gravely.
"Last world—triggered judgment mechanism. But afterward—no related notifications. Like nothing happened."
Natsuki listened. Brow gradually furrowed.
They... too patient.
The system controlling Travelers—seemed truly just a program. Those behind it—left everything to this program. Even after such huge incidents—no sign of showing themselves.
Disdain for handling this? Or... something preventing them from appearing? Not even contacting their Travelers?
Hiding behind scenes. Not even touching their own pieces. Too bizarre.
"Understood." Natsuki said into phone.
"Also... the one on my end—when will you handle it?" Albert asked.
At Defense Force First Division base—another Traveler existed. Still unknown what happened.
"Now." Natsuki said. This delivery—wouldn't miss it.
"Then I'll wait here." Albert finished. Hung up.
Staring at black screen—Natsuki pondered briefly.
Put phone back in pocket.
Walked to crater edge where Kafka lay. Looked down at Kafka lying there: "Got something to handle. Leaving briefly."
"Today's training—about done."
"Rest well tonight. Save energy. Prepare for tomorrow's exam."
Though Kafka and Reno—only his students two days—he'd still protect them.
Tomorrow—whatever happened—he'd keep these two safe.
"Yes!" Kafka—hearing Natsuki's voice—opened eyes. Shouted.
"Good night, Master Natsuki!"
Saying this—seemed about to sleep right there.
Youth is good.
"Wait, senpai!"
"Sleeping here—you'll miss tomorrow's exam!" Reno—hearing this—ran over. Hands cupped like megaphone. Reminded Kafka below.
"Ah, right!"
"Gotta get back to the city early." Kafka slapped forehead. Belatedly realized.
Natsuki—watching this pair—eye twitched.
Japan Defense Force First Division. Ariake Coastal Base.
Near midnight. Few people left in lab.
Dimly lit room. Albert—white lab coat, silver-rimmed glasses—stood in lab center. Before him—transparent containers holding various kaiju tissue. Lines connected these containers. Controlled by multiple screens before him.
"Still in the lab at this hour—reconsidering my proposal?"
Suddenly—lab door opened. A man—also white lab coat, long black hair—walked in. Looked thirty-something. Japanese. Tone and expression—showed composure.
"Find a chance to approach Kafka Hibino. Trigger his internal kaiju's rampage. Make him a numbered weapon. Plus Defense Force's collected kaiju tissue—we can forge the strongest weapon."
"If we join forces—we'll definitely win."
This man—hands in lab coat pockets—gradually approached Albert. Spoke in tempting tone.
"You should know my thoughts."
"I won't do this." Albert—hearing his voice—turned around.
Dim room. Only monitor screens emitted faint light. Hit his profile. Eyes beneath silver glasses—showed refusal.
"What saint are you playing?"
"How many of us are clean?" Long-haired man—disdainful. Then spread hands. "I know you crave freedom. But we pawns—what right to discuss freedom?"
His unquestionable gaze—met Albert's.
"I'll ask one last time. Join me—or... die here."
He spoke—lifted white lab coat. Underneath—Defense Force Suit. Waist—special dagger.
He valued Albert's brain. If no cooperation—no need to keep him.
"I choose neither."
"And... the freedom I pursue—truly exists." Albert pushed silver glasses. Also pulled off lab coat. Revealed Defense Force Suit underneath.
After learning this guy was also a Traveler—wore the suit even sleeping.
Though couldn't unleash captain-level power—matching ordinary members—completely sufficient.
"Then die!" Long-haired man—suddenly attacked. Dagger thrust at Albert's throat.
Before coming—already cut lab surveillance.
After killing him—would disguise as experimental kaiju's loss of control.
Kill him—one less competitor.
BANG!
Albert raised Defense Force Suit's arm guard—blocked. But still sent flying backward by force. Smashed container holding kaiju tissue. Fell to ground. Mixed with shattered glass and nutrient fluid.
"Weak and frail."
"Don't know how you survived this long." Long-haired man—watching Albert try to rise—eyes full of contempt.
This guy—besides useful brain—combat ability truly garbage.
Wouldn't give him last words. Legs powered. Rushed to finish him before he stood.
"Seems I came at the right time."
Suddenly—lab door opened again. Unfamiliar voice.
Long-haired man's charging motion—suddenly interrupted. Lost balance midair. Fell to ground.
"Who!?"
Dagger in hand—looked toward door. A man in floral shirt.
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