The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City

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It has been nearly a year since I escaped from the research facility, but I still often suffer from nightmares.

Every time I open my eyes, the white laboratory filled with the strong scent of disinfectant stretches out before me.

And there’s that unpleasant researcher wearing glasses who barges in through the door. Team Leader Eva Liston.

“Hehe… Violet… come with me…”

Of course, our Violet is an adaptable being. She now immediately realizes it’s a dream.

“Hey! You old hag! You’re dead, so get lost to the afterlife already!”

“Kyaaa!”

Although I had grown accustomed to tearing and killing the ponytailed team leader in various ways in dreams, the moment I faced that figure in front of me, we couldn’t help but feel fear.

「Ugh! Evil ponytail woman!」

Bernike always felt unsettling from the start, but now she gives a creepy chill up my spine.

According to the Scholarship Officer, this woman is a relative of the Laplacian chairman.

It seems our Violet’s ponytail theory strikes true once again today!

「Related to Raihan? You can’t be serious about that!」

Now, every puzzle piece falls into place.

Not only has she modified monsters, but she also has an oddly advanced knowledge of biology and medicine.

「It was all foreshadowing!」

Moreover, even though we’ve only encountered her a few times, I have no idea how she figured out our identities in an instant.

「Do you remember when we met on the ship? She put some weird detection device on our heads. Could that be why?」

「That makes no sense!」

Whatever the reason, our Violets were deeply uncomfortable in her presence.

Why on earth did the Scholarship Officer assign us to such a crazy woman?

The Violets recalled the information provided by Eckhart University.

Bernike, despite her appearance, is quite old.

Aside from someone like Professor Albert, she ranks first among the doctors or professors we know.

While Clones 3231 and 2511 guided the professor outside, Clone 2211 asked a question.

“Scholarship Officer! I don’t like her! Why did you assign her to us, especially as a relative of the Laplacian chairman?”

“That’s exactly why I entrusted her to you. Professor Bernike is an important figure, but she is not to be trusted.”

“If she’s not trustworthy, why save her? How impressive could she possibly be…”

I grumbled while giving Seijis a look of disdain.

That woman is definitely going to cause trouble.

Seijis offered a rare smile — a bitter and weary one.

“I’m sorry to keep relying on you, Violet. But there’s no one else I can trust. For now, please guard the professor while watching over her. I need you to report daily on what she is doing. I’m counting on you; it shouldn’t be too difficult for you with your numbers.”

“And what’s in it for me? First, pay up! I won’t do it for free!”

“Of course, I’ll pay you. And… let’s see.”

After a moment of contemplation, Seijis pulled out a sword from thin air.

What was revealed was a zweihander taller than me.

The moment I saw it, I nearly lost my senses for a moment.

I scratched my head, asking.

“What’s this?”

Fortunately, since I hadn’t taken off my mask yet, my expression wasn’t revealed.

I was pretending not to know, but in truth, I did know what that was.

「Oh… that was it? The weapon given for capturing the limitless witch.」

The Scholarship Officer glanced at me with an expressionless face and walked ahead while explaining.

“It’s a weapon obtained from the depths of a dungeon in the northern region. It boasts high durability and excellent power. Seeing as you usually use a shield and one-handed weapons, I thought a more powerful equipment would be necessary.”

I subtly reached for it, and my expectations were met.

[̴̧̛̝̺͓͎̪̟̥̮̭̪̈́̍̾͂̉̀̈͊̇̏̒̒̚͠
비탄■̬͙̞̟̗͉̞̄̊͊̓̈̄̏͟■̬͙̞̟̗͉̞̄̊͊̓̈̄̏͟말마★★★★★]̛͈̜̐͂͑̌͂̓̎̏͟͞

It might have been a long time since I’d trusted my status window to view an item.

The translucent silhouette before me was quite shattered. Nonetheless, recognizing the name was not difficult.

The last gasp of lamentation, the main weapon once wielded by the limitless witch.

I remembered it was something you could obtain through a combination of materials when caught. The effects were ordinary, merely a tremendous increase in attack power and critical hit probability.

Now that I was in the real world, it seemed to have transformed from what I obtained in the dungeon. I had no idea what its capability would be.

Still, my excitement bubbled up. A long-awaited five-star weapon in my hands. Classified as a two-handed sword.

Although it couldn’t be cloned, it would still be quite useful.

Lately, while training at home and in the Aegis, I had gradually been trying out two-handed swords besides one-handed ones, so using it might not be so bad.

「As expected of the Scholarship Officer! To give such a wonderful item! What a nice guy!」

With this, I couldn’t refuse the job.

However, something piqued my curiosity.

“Scholarship Officer, I’ll keep watch, but… will that professor listen to us? Besides, she knows our identities! She’ll definitely betray or run away.”

“Don’t worry about that. She promised directly to follow your and my instructions. I’ve put numerous high-security magic formulas in place to ensure she can’t talk about us carelessly. I’ve blocked all other indirect means as well.”

As the Scholarship Officer said this, she abruptly handed me what she was holding.

I took it and examined it closely.

It was a sleek, black rectangular object with a blunt antenna and a button.

“This is an Electric Shock Remote Control. You and I are supposed to each have one. If the professor plans to conduct dangerous research secretly, watch her and use this to stop her.”

Oh, now I have a means to control the ponytail. That puts my mind a bit at ease.

I had one more question to ask.

“How did Bernike agree to listen to us?”

As soon as I stepped out, I felt a surge of magical power vibrating for a moment in the room, followed by complete silence.

It seemed they had cut off the noise; could she have used torture?

「Did they beat her up badly?」

「Maybe they used electric torture?」

The Violets began to speculate about the hardboiled physical coercion methods the Scholarship Officer might have used. What means did she employ to compel that insolent professor to submit?

Surprisingly, the Scholarship Officer shook her head at my question.

“Not at all. I merely persuaded her with words. That’s all.”

“You persuaded her with words?”

We were engulfed in skepticism. What possible correlation was there between the Electric Shock Remote Control and persuasion?

**
Bernike grumbled inside as she followed two incredibly stupid mercenaries.

She had no idea how it had come to this.

‘What kind of crazy woman am I in the future to make such absurd decisions? No matter how I think about it, this is…’

No matter how much she reviewed it, she couldn’t understand but couldn’t suppress the feeling of rage.

However, it was unavoidable.

She considered herself the greatest intellect of Rustroom, but she never dreamed her future self would give orders to a time traveler to corner her past self to this extent.

In the distant future that had yet to come, when the hordes of monsters swept through the last strongholds of the federal army and the clans, and the sky tore open to release alien ships and lords.

Inside the bunker, the Scholarship Officer questioned the advice to ‘finish her off’, wondering if that method would really work.

Bernike let out a snort, subtly indicating her denial.

“Ah, sorry. I skipped an important point. Simply beating her or torturing her would be useless. You’d only end up with two outcomes. If I were in that position, I’d act like I’m complying on the outside while plotting to betray you and at worst seek to align myself with your enemies, even if it means teaming up with those legion bastards.”

Even while coughing, she preached that indefinite pressure and threats were just gateways you had to pass through.

“First, I’m going to ignore whatever you say completely. So to start, hit her a few times hard to render her senseless. During that time, implant control devices. Things like position trackers or security spells. I’m a lunatic, so if that doesn’t happen, I’ll be causing a ruckus as an apostle, just like last time.”

“Understood, what’s next?”

“After sufficiently pushing her not to think useless thoughts, start persuading her. That’s the only way she’ll take you seriously! Just confess flat out. ‘I came from the future, and I need your cooperation!’ Your past self will indeed cooperate with you. What? You don’t believe me? No, I’ll take your word at face value. Just present clear evidence that you met your future self. Now, listen closely. Never forget this…”

As Bernike whispered in a twisted expression, Seijis was left dumbfounded for a moment.

Surely this wouldn’t work?

“I’m telling you, it will! This is something only I know! At any time, any world, any Bernike could view it as evidence of another version of myself that I could come up with. Just remember one thing. I am a thorough scientist. As long as there’s clear and verifiable evidence, above all else I prioritize logic and truth. Personal feelings are a secondary matter.”

Though still skeptical, the Scholarship Officer chose to heed the future’s advice once more.

“Coming from the future? Now you show signs of delusion?”

Seijis retorted.

“I have clear evidence… I memorized it all. This is the letter you personally wrote, right? Isn’t that correct?”

It was undeniably effective.

Recalling that shocking moment, Bernike gritted her teeth in silence as they got into the car and drove for a while until they reached a safe house near the Inspection Bureau.

“You, how did you…”

“You don’t need to be so ashamed. The love letters or mistakes you wrote in your school days are commonplace events occurring hundreds of times daily in the academy city. Anyone can experience that at least once. I, too, have given advice on such concerns occasionally. But still, that student is really too harsh. To take the effort to write a letter and then toss it in the trash without even reading it—”

“Shut up! Damn it! Don’t! Close that filthy mouth of yours!”

Fueled by humiliation, Bernike clenched her teeth.

What on earth was her future self thinking, revealing her past mistakes like a school love letter to that Scholarship Officer?

Especially that letter which ended up in the trash.

‘Well, for the time being, I have no choice but to accept it.’

It was hard to deny her embarrassing past moments during school or the misadventures she had while writing her thesis for her master’s and doctorate.

Even the thought of her contributing to time travel didn’t seem so fabricated anymore.

“So, was it Ariel? What kind of powers do you all possess?”

“It’s not Ariel! That’s the name of our organization. Each of us has a separate real name.”

What a bunch of fools they had assigned as guards.

She suddenly found herself intrigued. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to conduct a personal study on these fools while studying the apostles simultaneously.

‘Well, I’m going to do it anyway.’

As soon as the car stopped, the soldiers of the Ariel Group pulled her out.

“Hurry up and move! Old hag!”

Bernike glared irritably at the face behind the skull mask.

“Hey, weren’t we supposed to cooperate going forward? Show some manners. Don’t call me ‘old hag.’ It’s ‘Professor’ or ‘Teacher’, got it? I’m still young. They don’t teach manners nowadays at school, do your parents not teach you that?”

“I have no parents. And according to the papers, you’re old, so you’re an ‘old hag’! Didn’t a learned person know that?”

Professor Bernike scoffed and replied mockingly.

“Age on paper? Focusing on such superficial numbers is foolishness. We are the Awakened Ones. Thanks to our magical powers, our aging process is drastically slowed. My telomeres are at the level of a person in their early twenties, and shall we start with the brain? Our neuroplasticity is on a whole different level compared to ordinary folks. The rate of neuron generation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex is maintained at the level of someone in their twenties. It’s not only the brain. Shall we check my telomere length? The telomeres in my cells are at the level of someone in their early twenties. Is that all? The mitochondrial function is top-notch, and the ATP generation efficiency is flawless.”

“What? What are you even saying?”

“Hehe, don’t you get it? Shall we talk about something else? The fiber regeneration speed, bone density, hormone secretion, vascular elasticity, and pulmonary functions of the Awakened Ones infused with mana are maintained in optimal condition. I’m at the level of someone in their early twenties in all aspects. No, I’d even say I surpass an ordinary person in their twenties. The point is simple. Biologically, I’m in my early twenties. It’s not strange to call me ‘young lady’. This is a clear medical fact. Why don’t you counter that, you fool?”

Feeling dizzy, Violet hesitated for a moment before responding.

“Y-yeah, but you’re still an old hag! No matter how young your body is, you have the age and experience behind you!”

“Kya hahaha! Years lived? Experience? You’d judge me based on such subjective standards? Your narrow perspective is just unfortunate. My brain operates more efficiently than others. The balance of neurotransmitters is perfectly regulated, and synaptic plasticity is maximized. What do you mean by ‘experience’? Isn’t it just the stored memories in the brain and the cognitive changes that come from them? My brain processes all information as quickly and efficiently as one in their twenties. It’s incomparable. Plus, I’m constantly absorbing new knowledge — just like high school students in their prime. While you might have lived passively during that ‘time’, I’m evolving every moment. What you call ‘old hag’ applies to someone with a declining brain, erratic hormones, and reduced physical functions.”

Bernike playfully tapped Violet’s head with her finger.

“I’m not any of those. If anything, regarding cognitive ability, I’d say you’re the less efficient one. Now, who’s the real old hag? Me, or the ignorant you? You already fit in one category. Do you understand? Or should I explain it more simply? Oh, sorry, with your cognitive abilities, it must be tough to grasp.”

Overwhelmed by the sudden barrage of technical terms and sharp criticism, Violet found herself at a loss for words.

“Now, since time is wasting, let’s get moving. Once we finish here, I still need to handle the students’ graduation thesis and finish work with the companies and universities. Far more important things await me!”

Seeing the professor striding ahead with confidence, the Violets thought to themselves.

「Indeed, just like the evil ponytail. Not to be underestimated!」

「I’ll make sure to bring justice someday!」

The Violets decided to take a step back, secretly waiting for the opportunity to use the electric shock device and love letters handed to them by the Scholarship Officer.

**

On a rainy day in March, in an empty classroom situated in a corner of the academy building.

There, Violet was passionately recounting her heroic tales to Irene.

“I see. Suddenly there was news that Cascadia wiped out the pirate warlords, and I didn’t think you were behind it.”

Irene’s voice was tinged with little admiration. Feeling pride from her friend’s reaction, Violet continued.

“Yep, I went with the Scholarship Officer and subdued the bad guys. And you know,”

Violet’s voice rose a pitch.

“I even conducted bombing operations with the aircraft you gifted me! I dropped a huge bomb, and it succeeded! It was so much fun!”

Irene smiled as she spoke.

“I’m glad I could help. Do you need more planes, perhaps?”

Hesitating for a moment at her friend’s question, Violet carefully opened her mouth.

“To be honest… I would like more aircraft. But I don’t want to burden you! You’re busy too, right? There must be many expenses for the clan as well.”

“We’re worried about you?”

Irene said with a gentle smile.

“You don’t need to. Helios’s finances are solid. Buying one or two more aircraft isn’t that much of a strain…”

Violet shook her head with a bright smile.

“No, it’s fine. Irene, I appreciate your help, but I’m okay now. Besides,”

A momentary playfulness appeared in Violet’s voice.

“Someone else is getting me an aircraft!”

“Someone else? Who—”

Just as Irene was about to ask, Violet suddenly waved her hand toward the exit.

“Adela! Over here!”

A beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair approached with elegance.

“Oh, there you are, juniors! It took me a bit to find you.”

Irene greeted politely, but her instincts as a hunter alerted her to something.

Despite knowing her face, an inexplicable unease began to creep up.

“…Student Council President. What brings you here?”

Adela smiled gracefully in response.

“Actually, I came to discuss some matters with our Violet about introducing new equipment and restructuring the military.”

“Discuss? Equipment? Military restructuring?”

Irene’s eyebrows twitched with suspicion.

As unfamiliar words lingered in the air, Violet interjected excitedly.

“Yes! Speaking of which, Adela decided to buy me an aircraft!”

“What did you say?” Irene’s expression balled up in disbelief.

Adela, thinking that the juniors were surprised by Violet’s stunning statement, began to explain in a kind voice.

“Oh, it’s not like that,”

Adela’s voice dripped like sweet honey.

“Our Violet expressed a desire to have a fighter jet. Thanks to Violet, our family secured valuable mines, so I wanted to present her with something special as a reward.”

Adela’s face blossomed with a grandmotherly smile, eager to shower her precious granddaughter with valuable gifts.

“So, following the lord’s instructions, we decided to establish the Violet Flight Squadron!”

Adela’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. A flight squadron composed solely of cute girl pilots who are Awakened Ones!

In her heart, she already envisioned the Violets confidently walking through the airstrip.

-One, two! One, two!

-The strongest Violets guarding the skies!

What’s cute isn’t all they are; Awakened pilots are relatively free from the burdens caused by extreme inertial acceleration or loss of consciousness.

Most of the ultra-supersonic fighter pilot positions are occupied by Awakened Ones for that reason.

A flight squadron composed only of pilots with superhuman abilities would become an overwhelmingly powerful force, unlike any regular pilots.

Excited, Violet bragged with joy as if showing off her new toy.

“They’re getting us fighter jets! A whole lot of them! I hear it’ll be dozens?!”

“That many…?”

Irene’s typically calm face twisted with astonishment.

“Yeah, for now, we’ll be forming the flight squadron with the jets and attack planes available on the market, and later on, they’ll provide transport planes and bombers from the family!”

“That’s truly incredible…”

A sense of inexplicable unease gradually grew in Irene’s voice.

And when Violet’s next words followed, Irene felt as if her heart had plummeted.

“So, Irene, you don’t need to buy me planes! Because Adela is providing everything! Right, sister?”

Adela nodded and continued.

“That’s right. We’re currently in the process of expanding the airstrip. Would you like to visit once the flight squadron base construction is complete? We plan to hold a founding ceremony for the Violet Flight Squadron as well. Oops, time has already flown by.”

“Then I’ll leave first! I need to discuss the purchase of fighter jets with my sister!”

“Okay, take care… and you too, President.”

As Violet left, arm in arm with Adela, Irene was engulfed in an indescribable sense of emptiness.

Surely, she should have been happy for her friend, but a sense of hollowness and loss emerged from a corner of her heart.

Why was that?

While struggling to pinpoint the root of her complex emotions, a sudden realization flashed through Irene’s mind.

Ah, it has been taken from me.