NOVEL WEB Chapter 42 - Arma Valentine 2
Chapter 42 – Arma Valentine 2
—–CROW—–
The next morning.
But, Karen and Max, who had stayed up all night, fell into a deep sleep, their eyes covered with blindfolds.
Arma Valentine remained motionless, either standing in the massive crimson armor as if sleeping, or perhaps, like a terminal puppet, had entered sleep mode.
“We’ll see each other in nine hours.”
It seemed that Luther had suggested taking a rest before discussing things, since he didn’t look too well.
Therefore, Luther lay down near Karen and Max and closed his eyes.
[Master, how are you feeling?]
‘No, I’m not actually that sleepy.’
[Still, please rest. I will wake you in four hours.]
[Would you like me to activate sleep mode?]
Luther hesitated slightly before nodding to Integra’s question.
Since Arma had suggested meeting again in nine hours, taking a four-hour nap didn’t seem to cause any issues.
‘Please.’
[Sleep well, Master.]
[Sweet dreams.]
At Integra’s gentle whisper, Luther smiled slightly, then immediately fell into a deep sleep, as if it were all a lie.
And four hours later.
[Master, it’s time to wake up.]
[Did you have sweet dreams?]
Integra’s whisper seemed to act as a switch, and Luther opened his eyes.
Not only was his body refreshed, but his mind felt as clear as if it had been washed.
‘Integra.’
[Yes, Master.]
Luther briefly looked up at the sky.
The sun, which had been rising in the east, was now at the highest point in the sky.
[Karen and Max are still sound asleep.]
[Arma Valentine remains silent.]
[Additionally, the analysis of the magical stones collected by Karen and Max has been completed.]
One of the reasons Karen and Max had passed out.
While the number of dragons Arma Valentine had taken down totaled nineteen, the number of magical stones that could actually be salvaged was only nine, as Arma’s attacks with the four enchanted swords were so destructive.
However, even these nine stones showed abnormal signs due to the fragments, so Integra had decided to analyze them before absorbing them.
[The fragments seem to have caused the magical stones to double their output.]
[However, the contamination caused by the alteration seems to be quite significant.]
[If absorbed, there is a possibility that unexpected anomalies could occur, so I recommend postponing absorption.]
‘Is purification possible?’
Integra quickly replied, as if prepared for the question.
[It is being attempted.]
[With enough time, it should be possible.]
‘Good, that’s a relief.’
It would have been pointless if he had gone through all the trouble only to be unable to use them.
‘It would also be a problem for the web novel.’
There would probably be countless complaints in the comment section about how there was no gain despite all the effort.
Luther smiled faintly at the ridiculous thought, then straightened up slightly before closing his eyes and speaking.
‘Integra, have you figured out the reason for the mutations in the dragons and monsters?’
[Not yet.]
[It’s certain that the fragments are the cause, but we lack both the data and analysis tools to figure out the exact mechanism.]
[However, the fact that only dragons and monsters have been mutated suggests that there is a specific factor unique to them that is likely the cause.]
[If we focus on this area, we should be able to obtain meaningful research results.]
‘I see.’
Though he wasn’t sure, it seemed like if the cause was understood, there might be some way to use it.
‘But if the fragments act as a stimulant for the dragons, what about me?’
[It’s much weaker, but Master might also experience similar effects.]
[It’s likely that this was the reason the Jogress relentlessly pursued you in the Forest of Primitive Trees.]
Upon hearing this, Luther nodded involuntarily.
It made sense that the appearance of Jogress at the moment he was collecting fragments wasn’t a coincidence, but rather inevitable.
‘So, for now, we can’t know for sure.’
[Sorry about that.]
‘No, there’s nothing for you to apologize for. The fact that we’ve learned this much is impressive enough.’
[As expected, I knew you’d say that.]
Integra, switching to a more confident tone, caused Luther to laugh again.
She had probably intended to say “sorry” from the beginning, knowing full well how he would respond.
‘Anyway, Integra, report on the absorption results of the fragments.’
[Understood.]
[Please close your eyes and focus your consciousness. Can you see me?]
Though it seemed somewhat contradictory, Luther nodded immediately.
Integra’s image naturally appeared in his mind.
As always, Integra, dressed in her simple maid outfit, was surrounded by a soft light, gesturing in the dark.
[Now, I will report the results.]
[Please don’t just look at me; pay attention to the chart in front of you.]
“I’ve been looking at the chart since earlier.”
[Hmph, liar.]
Integra giggled teasingly, but only for a moment.
After taking a deep breath, she resumed speaking seriously, but kindly, explaining the changes.
[To cut to the chase, there are two main points.]
[First, the nature of the fragments.]
[The first and second fragments are both believed to be part of the same spaceship.]
[If we acquire the third fragment, we should be able to determine which spaceship you were aboard when you arrived on this planet.]
“Is it possible to restore it then? Like recreate it?”
Restoring the spaceship by collecting the fragments.
Integra shook her head at Luther’s words.
[It is unlikely that collecting the fragments alone will restore the spaceship.]
[However, if we continue gathering data on the spaceship and the materials that make it up, we should be able to achieve meaningful results.]
“What exactly do you mean?”
Integra smiled as if waiting for the question, then snapped her fingers.
At that moment, the silhouette of a spaceship, made only of lines, appeared next to Integra.
[Though it’s still in the realm of possibility, we might be able to create a completely new spaceship.]
“Really?”
[Yes, really. But to be honest, this is a low probability…]
[The more realistic approach is, as I mentioned earlier, finding the battleship of Emperor Clausewitz of the Founding Dynasty.]
“Add the fragments to the battleship?”
[Correct.]
[If it’s a battleship created using the technology from the time when the nanosuits were active – or even if it’s from an older generation – as long as the basic frame exists, it should be possible to modify it.]
It was an intriguing idea, and even Luther thought it was a very practical plan.
It was obviously much easier to improve something that already existed than to create something from scratch.
“Have we found any information on the location of the new fragments?”
[Yes.]
[The signal is weak, so we can’t pinpoint the exact location, but it’s estimated that there are at least one fragment scattered in each of the five regions of the Holy Empire: north, south, east, west, and central.]
[If we acquire the third fragment from Arma Valentine, we should be able to determine the precise locations.]
Though the majority of the fragments, including those near Luther, were concentrated in the west, it seemed that they were scattered fairly evenly across the entire region.
“Did it really get shattered this badly?”
To be scattered this far apart.
Integra nodded at Luther’s words.
[That’s likely the case.]
[The fragments discovered so far are all very small.]
[It’s possible that larger fragments may be found later, but based on the current state, it’s safe to say they’ve been shattered.]
What exactly had happened just before Luther possessed this body?
After pondering for a moment, Luther shook his head.
It was a question with no answer.
“Integra, move on to the second point.”
[Understood.]
[Now, please look at me.]
When Luther turned to face Integra, blue light symbols and shapes were scattered all over her body.
[As a result of absorbing a large amount of new data, the software has been upgraded.]
[The processing speed has increased by 150%, and the energy efficiency has improved by 120%.]
[The maximum levels for each function have also been raised.]]
[It is now possible to grow up to level 10.]
[And… Master, you’re not listening, right?]
Integrra placed both hands on her waist, narrowing her brows as she questioned. Luther nodded obediently.
“So, you’re saying you’re stronger now?”
[Ugh, yes. Human.]
[I will just compress the parts that Master would like to hear and deliver them to you.]
As Integrra spoke, she lightly snapped her fingers, and in the darkness, a pure white suit appeared.
Luther’s familiar nanosuit.
But there was one major difference from before.
“It has legs!”
[That’s right. And it also has a chest.]
Integrra tapped her own chest and then slapped the chest area of the nanosuit.
Unlike before, a solid white metal breastplate had been attached, and the center of the chest had a circular indentation.
“This design has truly become the standard now.”
It was a design that had appeared in Star Savior anyway.
In any case, when Luther smiled with satisfaction, Integrra shook her skirt lightly and spoke.
[Master, look at the legs too.]
[Even someone of high rank could easily tell that these are not decorations.]
Strong, sturdy legs.
As expected, propulsion units were attached all over them.
But the most impressive part was the soles of the feet.
“Ooooh… The propulsion units are huge. Could it possibly be able to fly?”
The entire bottom of the foot seemed to be a propulsion unit.
But sadly, Integrra shook her head.
[Flight is still impossible.]
[However, it will allow for much more diverse and effective movement compared to the previous methods.]
Luther nodded.
“You’re right. And the strength enhancement will be applied to the whole body now, right?”
[Of course.]
[Unlike before, the burden from the strength enhancement will be shared across the whole body, so both arms should be able to exert much stronger strength.]
“Good, I’m satisfied.”
In Star Savior, it had been the basic suit equipped right at the start, but no matter what, it was a full-body suit.
He couldn’t help but feel his chest swell with pride.
And then, there was one more thing.
[Why are you looking at me like that?]
“Because you’re making that face while smiling?”
Integrra, who was grinning with a face full of mischief and playfully swishing her skirt, gave the impression that she was hiding something.
[You’re sharp.]
Integrra, still grinning, suddenly gestured for him to come closer.
“Why the sudden request?”
[Important things should always be whispered, right?]
“But there’s no one else around.”
[So you don’t want to hear it?]
“Where else can you find a support AI like this?”
[Isn’t that the good part, Human?]
Integrra tilted her head slightly and gestured again. Luther, unable to hold back a smile, replied.
“Alright, I’ll come.”
[You were going to come anyway, so hurry up.]
As Luther sighed and moved closer, Integrra approached him, almost as if nestling into his embrace, and stretched her neck.
[So…]
And then, the conversation continued.
A smile spread across Luther’s lips, as always.
***
In reality, the matter to discuss wasn’t just the report on the absorption of the fragments.
Now, the question was how to act.
“First, I need to persuade Arma to obtain the third fragment… but that’s more of a side event. The main event will definitely be the descent of the Beast Master.”
The main event that would conclude the Western Arc.
[In the original story, after the battle with Astra, it immediately transitions into the descent of the Beast Master, right?]
“That’s right, during the fight with Astra, Annerose loses the Spirit Jewel.”
In the original story—more specifically, the Western Arc—it went like this.
Annerose, having fled from the Gleston Count’s household, healed her wounds and reinforced her strength before defeating Balboa, who had been chasing her.
Annerose learned that the people after the Spirit Jewel were responsible for the tragedy at the Gleston Count’s house and were plotting some other scheme.
After much deliberation, she decided to return to her mentor, Arma Valentine.
She believed that with her mentor, one of the top ten superhumans in the world, she could safely protect the Spirit Jewel.
As Annerose hurried back to her mentor’s residence, she met up with an adventurer party near the Asain Gorge, which included an old acquaintance.
[After Astra and his subordinates annihilate the adventurer party, right?]
“That’s right. In the original, they were attacked at this campsite.”
Annerose barely escaped with her life, traversed the Asain Gorge, and after a bloody battle, managed to defeat Astra.
[But she still lost the Spirit Jewel.]
“That’s right, Astra had his subordinate escape with the Spirit Jewel and blocked Annerose’s path.”
During the battle with Astra, Annerose pieced together the words she overheard and deduced that some kind of scheme was happening at the Valken Ruins.
“Since time was running out, Annerose went alone to the Valken Ruins. There, she witnessed the Beast Master’s descent being triggered by the Dragonborn, Jenadu, a servant of Hekaton Kaeres.”
In the original, Annerose failed to stop the Beast Master’s descent.
She fled once more, but the Beast Master, Balakia, became a massive catastrophe, laying waste to the forests, cities, and villages around Venus City.
“The power of the Beast Master was truly overwhelming. Thankfully, there was a gimmick where it weakened with each passing day, but in the original, it still took until the fifth day to defeat it.”
But the damage caused in those five days was immense.
More than half of the Western region, including Venus City, had been devastated.
[The best course of action would be to prevent the descent altogether.]
“That’s right. The Beast Master’s existence is far too dangerous. Preventing its descent in the first place is the best option.”
Luther closed his eyes for a moment, recalling the battle with the Beast Master from the original.
He vividly remembered the scene where the Western region was destroyed day by day.
By the fourth day, the death toll caused by the Beast Master had reached about 60,000.
By the fifth day, it was about 130,000.
By the sixth day, about 280,000.
By the seventh day, about 600,000.
Dragon Hunter Origin truly was a story about heading towards ruin.
Just following the original plot resulted in massive casualties.
[Even though she didn’t lose the Spirit Jewel like in the original, Hekaton Kaeres could still find a substitute, right? So, you’re saying we should head to the Valken Ruins—specifically, the site of the Beast Master’s descent, right?]
“We might find some clue there.”
Whether it was Dragonborns dispatched for the descent ritual or a ritual altar already set up, it was better than waiting idly.
“Moreover, Arma Valentine is here now. As a renowned archaeologist, she would be able to uncover much more about the Beast Master’s descent ritual than we could.”
In other words, now was the chance.
Luther had to persuade Arma to go with him to the Valken Ruins.
[Understood.]
[Let’s work together to persuade Arma. However, Master, there’s one more thing we need to take care of before moving the story forward.]
Before proceeding with the original plot, there was one more thing to deal with.
Knowing what Integrra meant, Luther wore a wry smile.
—–CROW—–
“Integrra, how about we just give up now?”
[The fairies must have all gone blind!]
—–CROW—–