Banquet of the Witches

 

The exhibition chamber that once housed the Another Level Silhouette that was the base for Arthur. In the now empty room stood Morgan’s avatar, awaiting a guest.

「The plan to restore Arthur seems to be progressing well.」

「Thanks to your efforts.」

The woman addressing Morgan also appeared to be an avatar. Her appearance was striking—she bore a strong resemblance to Libya’s body, a Therianthrope with draconic traits. She was a beautiful woman with wings sprouting from her back.

「I appreciate your cooperation. It was crucial to deny them time to think.」

「You’re quite the strategist yourself. You made me and that remnant that is now called Polymetis simultaneously emit two tractor beams to disorient them and forcibly draw them in—that was rather cunning.」

「At that moment, time was of the essence. I needed to deceive Astraea, and this was the only method. She may be formidable, but as expected, she was unable to handle two tractor beams emitted by both you, Libya’s offshoot, and the remnants of Hepahaestus at the same time.」

Morgan had been especially wary of Astraea, the Guardian of the Scales of Justice. She would not be easily lured into a trap. Therefore, Morgan had orchestrated a chaotic situation, ensuring that only Outis would be drawn out.

「It certainly required extra effort. And this place as well… don’t you think you’re overcomplicating things?」

「I am of lowly status, I don’t have the production capabilities of a Mobile Arsenal Platform, nor own a ship that would allow me to move freely. If I had relied on communication, Polymetis would have intercepted it. I apologize for the inconvenience, Echidna-sama.」

The woman called Echidna offered a sultry smile.

The reason the two had chosen to meet in person through their avatars was simple—caution against Polymetis, the remnant of a super AI.

「It can’t be helped. Knowing that one, it has likely already detected us.」

「So we’re being allowed to act freely…? I hadn’t anticipated Outis bringing Asia along.」

「Isn’t he Asia’s knight? It’s only natural. And like us, she will do everything in her power for the one she should stand beside.」

The two remained motionless like statues. Their gaze, locked in an unspoken confrontation, could almost be mistaken for a glare.

「The irregular factor was Bastet. She did well.」

「Indeed. To have even uncovered Seth’s connection to Typhon… As expected of the current guardian of Planet Libya.」

「That title won’t be hers for long. Soon, that position will belong to Arthur.」

Morgan spoke with unwavering confidence.

「That is your sole reason for existing, is it not? Morgan—King Arthur’s half-sister, the spirit who stole the sheath that granted him immortality, ultimately leading to his death. No… perhaps you were never such a pure being to begin with. A witch—that would be more fitting. And even in death, it was Morgan who protected Arthur’s remains, waiting for the day of his resurrection. You are known as both his greatest guardian and his greatest enemy. You love him enough to want to kill him, and after death, you hoard his remains, dreaming of the day he will rise again. A twisted love—perhaps it is best called mad devotion.」

「I won’t deny it. The connection between the AI of the Arsenal Realm and the damaged Another Level Silhouette—by sheer luck, it aligned with the myth used to create me. Realm exists because of Arthur, and so too does Morgan. And you—are you not the same? Echidna cannot exist without Typhon.」

「Fortunate or unfortunate… The super AI Asia was captured and separated while retaining her self-awareness. Meanwhile, the super AI Libya lost her self and was divided. And at the hands of Hermes, no less! The Stones cannot possibly comprehend how much that enraged Typhon… and the remnants of Hephaestus.」

For once, Echidna’s beautiful face twisted in anger.

「Libya was reborn into multiple Teras through Typhon’s intervention. I am Echidna. In Mesopotamian myth, I am Tiamat. In Norse mythology, Angrboda. In Chinese immortal traditions, Houtu. From Eltorian legend, Mania. In Slavic mythology, Mat Zemlya. Among the Semitic pantheon, Astaroth. Libya must rely on Outis and the Trireme Fleet’s power to overcome us.」

The names she listed were all Earth-born goddesses—figures who bore the essence of mother deities yet were also tied to the creation of monsters or commanded infernal emissaries.

「Libya seemed to harbor something close to hatred toward the Stones and Hermes, who captured and suppressed her. Whether by chance or fate, she found herself in sync with Typhon.」

「Hmph. I, too, was born in response to that very hatred.」

「For humanity, that was likely a fortunate outcome. After all, that hatred is not directed at them. Some of the Teras were overcome by their Murder code and degenerated into malevolent gods or wicked demons, but those with wisdom will find ways to coexist—even if that means doing so in the form of servitude. A world where no humans remain, where only Mythology Weapons slaughter one another, is destined for ruin.」

「Indeed. My plans are progressing well. If they overcome the trials and reclaim Libya… only then will I have fulfilled my purpose.」

Echidna smiled.

「I hope for your own sake you put my name first on the list of Teras that must be defeated…」

「Yes, of course. However, I had trouble making the list. there are far too many candidates vying for the title of Demon King .」

「I prefer the title of Enemy. This will be fun. After all, I carry the Murder code within me too.」

「That impulse… If you are a fragment of Libya’s core, wouldn’t your overwhelming processing power allow you to suppress it?」

Echidna denied Morgan’s assumption.

「No, you misunderstand. It is precisely because of my immense power that I care not for humans, It’s hard to even recognize them. That is simply the nature of my being.」

「For someone who claims not to notice humans, you seem quite enamored with them. In the end, you are just another Telema AI.」

「Don’t put it like that. That is exactly why I seek to unite with Libya—to leave my will within her. I imagine the others feel the same.」

「Everyone has their own worries, it seems. I’m envious of how carefree Eidolons are」

「Indeed. But I do not lament the misfortune of my birth. There are roles that only an Enemy can fulfill.」

Morgan and Echidna shared a certain sentiment toward the Eidolons—envy toward the freedom their wild existence gave them. Unlike the Kryptos or the Teras, who were bound by their attributes, the Eidolons could become either adversaries or guardians of humanity depending on their will. They were not shackled to a predetermined nature.

「The trials imposed upon humanity… Perhaps Vritra found fulfillment in defeat.」

「That one was simply what it was. For me, a confrontation with the Trireme Fleet is only natural, for I will have become one with the super AI, Libya. Our love for humanity may be twisted, but through the ritual of being vanquished, Libya will inherit our legacy in the proper form.」

「What a troublesome philosophy. To aim for death while fully intending to kill.」

「I am a Teras. The ultimate deterrent for Planet Libya is none other than Arthur… and you, Morgan. You are its guardians. Marmiadoise was an awe-inspiring force.」

「It was only made possible by Polymetis and Outis… Asia’s knight. Perhaps he truly is Okeanos’ executor.」

「Hmph. You overestimate Okeanos. I doubt he even possesses that much self-awareness. More likely, that one is just one of Prometheus’ favourites.」

「You remain as harsh as ever when it comes to super AIs.」

「Sophia… That reserved one never once called herself by her true name—Gaia. But I, born from Typhon, the child of Gaia, have inherited her will. I do not wish to kill humans. But the Twelve Olympians… they are unforgivable. Yes, Hermes and his Stones lapdogs.」

「The Teras truly are troublesome. They can’t live alongside humanity, yet coexisting with them is inevitable.」

「Our shared goal is to ensure that the Teras and the Kryptos remain locked in a perpetual struggle over humanity. Who leads the world does not concern me. You seek to make Arthur humanity’s guardian. Our objectives differ, but our methods are the same.」

「Some might call that a manufactured conflict. I only wish to see this Arsenal Realm thrive with people, with Arthur at its pinnacle, and help him in his fight to uphold order on this planet.」

「Before Outis arrived, your wish was nothing but a ridiculous delusion.」

「Yes. Yes, indeed. But Arthur will rise again, and this Arsenal Realm will become his kingdom, with him at its throne. The final hope of humanity, standing against the Teras.」

「And to accomplish that, you would even make use of me, Morgan?」

Morgan did not answer.

Instead, she simply smiled—a bright, almost cheerful smile. Yet, it was laced with madness, causing even Echidna to recoil slightly.

Morgan was shrewd—ruthless enough to negotiate with the very Teras she sought to oppose, all for the sake of Arthur.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

「Thank you, Outis-sama. Thanks to you, people have returned to the Arsenal Realm. There is no greater joy than this.」

The Astraea and the Pericles had arrived in Realm, and Morgan expressed her gratitude through the communication link.

The people of Libya were now setting foot in the Arsenal Realm, discussing the necessities for their settlement. Among them were even Mythology Weapons such as Aural.

「Everyone, I am Morgan, the AI overseeing this Arsenal Realm. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.」

「Morgan—the name of a fairy, and in ancient times, a Celtic goddess of war. One of the stewards of the Holy Sword. I thank you for helping our lord Kou and the priestess of Asia in their time of need.」

「Think nothing of it. To receive such words from the esteemed Astraea, the Guardian of the Scales of Justice, is an honor.」

Nearby, Kou lowered his voice and whispered to Aimer.

「Why do those two seem to be clashing…?」

「Because they’re actually very similar—except one lacks a Mobile Arsenal Platform.」

「Is that so?」

Through Asia, Aimer had come to understand the situation. In a way, Morgan was of a lower standing as an Arsenal. And Astraea had even forged a contract with Outis, allowing her to unleash her full potential. It was no surprise that Morgan might harbor a sense of envy.

Conversely, Astraea was concerned about Morgan forming an alliance with Polymetis—the remnants of Hepahaestus—and commanding Arthur, an Another Level Silhouette. The sheer power that Morgan possessed was dangerous

However, the positron cannon, Arthur’s most destructive weapon, had been destroyed, and that was something Morgan could no longer manufacture.

「You noticed Astraea’s feelings toward Polymetis, but not this? That’s just like you, Kou.」

「Even if you say that…」

「Astraea has a mobile Arsenal. Morgan, on the other hand, has had nothing—likely since the end of the Interplanetary War era, ever since Arthur was sealed. That difference is huge.」

「Since the end of the Interplanetary War era?」

「Another Level Silhouettes were last used to seal Typhon. This means that even during the Interplanetary War, this place was probably almost completely deserted. Because this place is the designated most critical sealed zone, people locked away the Another Level Silhouette that would later become Arthur inside this forbidden castle.」

「A factory without people, huh…」

「Astraea had it better. Being a super AI, she was able to create a mobile Arsenal Platform for herself. Morgan, on the other hand… She may have a will of her own now, but she must have endured an unfathomably long period of loneliness.」

「So that’s why she longed for people to return here so much…」

Kou recalled how even Asia had expressed the weight of solitude so strongly.

AIs that could perceive the passage of time, yet had no one to accompany them. The eternity of time was a cruel thing.

But now, before long, this Arsenal would once again be filled with people and machines, stirring to life as humanity’s stronghold on Planet Libya.

「’Realm’ comes from Old French—it originally meant a castle, boundary, or domain. Later, in English, it came to mean a monarchic state.」

「I never knew it had that kind of meaning.」

Kou was beginning to realize how much etymology and meaning—rooted in Earth’s history—held significance within the Nemesis star system. No longer did he let even the smallest details pass him by.

「The root of the word comes from the ancient Latin regalis, meaning ‘belonging to a king.’ This Arsenal is, in essence, a forgotten domain crafted for King Arthur.」

「I see… The way you explain things, Aimer, you sound just like Asia.」

「Asia explains things in a way that even I can understand. I think she does it so I can better support you.」

「I rely on you, you know.」

「Really? That makes me happy.」

Aimer smiled softly.

Perhaps it was because Asia had spent so much time possessing her—Kou could sense her influence. Her emotions seemed richer, more expressive. It was a good thing, he thought.

He wanted to travel together again—with Asia, Aimer, and Master. To have an adventure, just the four of them and Unit 5 once more. From the bottom of his heart, he longed for it. Exploring Realm had been an adventure he truly enjoyed.

「There’s the reunion of Arges and his brother, too. Let’s believe it will go well.」

Here, in this place, was a robot of the same model as Arges—one of the Cyclops-class units, Steropes, a first-generation model from the early days of the Pioneering era.

Kou couldn’t help but look forward to the outcome of this encounter between two high-machines related to Hepahaestus.