The Magician’s Return

 

Trireme’s executives had gathered at the Silhouette Base.

It was an emergency meeting—called in response to the results of Kou’s talks with Hermes.

「So for now, I’ll be Asia’s proxy. After Sabazios is defeated, and Asia awakens, I’ll transfer to Planet Europa, receive the planetary-management super AI authority from Hermes, and turn it into Planet Athenai—is that the plan?」

Athena’s Aimer showed no sign of displeasure as she weighed the proposal.

「That’s the core of Hermes’s offer. If you don’t want it, Athena’s Aimer, we call the whole thing off immediately. As for how we deal with Europa, we go back to square one.」

「I’m fine with it. I’m a super AI born from Asia—one who wished to be like Asia. And—」

Athena’s Aimer gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

「I’m Athena, too. If the center of the Nemesis System—modeled after Greek myth—is to become Athena and Athenai, I have no grounds to object. This is a