Chapter 129: Leave it to you

“We traced back along the existing intelligence, investigating their information paths, as well as the quantity and destination of their communications, and we’ve already obtained some valuable information. But how should I put it… there’s one point in the intelligence they provided that I’m particularly concerned about.”

Masaki Hinaki was unusually serious today.

She lowered her gaze and took out something from her pocket that was enclosed in a plastic box.

—A silver ring.

There were also some research materials and reports.

“I’ll let you look at these first. Since it involves Apostle-related content, once it’s reported to the Federation, it will immediately be classified. It’ll be difficult to get it out again then, haha.”

Masaki Hinaki chuckled.

Ephnel, somewhat surprised, frowned and raised her eyelids.

“This is an Apostle’s Beacon, isn’t it? Is this the one from Uzuki Saori?”

“Yes. As one of the rare research materials you brought back, it was sent to the lab for analysis. The final result is this: this ring is no different from the one Sakurai Sachi had. One sample like this is enough, so I brought it out.”

When they first encountered the Apostle Sakurai Sachi, they had obtained the first Apostle Beacon from her, which was also a silver ring.

In just a few short days, the researchers in the Order Organization responsible for this project hadn’t been able to obtain any valuable information from the Apostle’s Beacon.

With only one Beacon, they had to be extremely careful.

Even if they had theories, they didn’t dare to casually use the Order’s Agents for experiments.

But now, the situation had changed.

Because of Uzuki Saori’s case, the research had found a new direction.

“Has there been any progress in the research on this thing?”

“No significant progress, but we have gathered some intelligence. I think you might be surprised, or maybe you’ve already guessed it—the Apostle’s Beacon is essentially the same type of equipment as an Agent’s Beacon. It’s been proven that only Accommodators can use it. Naturally, all Agents have the ability to awaken an Apostle’s Beacon. Uzuki Saori was not a special case. In fact, different Agents’ ‘aptitude’ for the Apostle’s Beacon is almost completely consistent with their aptitude for their own Beacon.”

Masaki Hinaki paused.

“Research on this equipment has already begun. Ayse volunteered to attempt a synchronization with the ‘Apostle’ and succeeded. We are now observing her physical condition and comparing it with Sakurai Sachi and Uzuki Saori.”

“…”

Ephnel listened quietly, neither refuting nor agreeing.

Conducting experiments like this when the intelligence was unclear was not prudent.

Ephnel could understand their methods, but she couldn’t approve of them.

Seeing Ephnel’s silence, Masaki Hinaki roughly knew what she was thinking.

She spoke softly, handing the ring to Ephnel.

“This one, I want to give it to you.”

Masaki Hinaki’s gaze was serious.

Ephnel rarely saw such an expression on her face.

In their usual interactions, Masaki Hinaki always displayed a mischievousness that didn’t match her age, even giving Ephnel a headache as if she were dealing with a child.

Unconsciously, when facing the real Masaki Hinaki, this impression created a sense of disconnect.

But when it came to official business, Masaki Hinaki was exceptionally reliable.

After a moment of contemplation, Ephnel lowered her gaze to the plastic box in Masaki Hinaki’s hand.

The silver ring lay quietly inside.

“The power of an Apostle… Are there no other suitable candidates? This thing might not be very useful for me.”

Ephnel said, rejecting Masaki Hinaki’s suggestion.

Using a captured enemy weapon was not a despicable act of betrayal.

If the Apostle’s power could be used by them, that would be for the best.

But in reality, putting aside the safety of the Apostle’s power, for Ephnel, she was much more adept as “Ephnel” than with the unfamiliar power of an Apostle.

So there was no need for Ephnel to abandon “Ephnel” and choose the Apostle’s path.

But after saying this, Ephnel’s heart suddenly stirred.

She thought of Fuurin Shion.

‘If I don’t accept it, who will the Apostle’s Beacon end up with?’

Without a doubt, in the current situation, giving the Apostle’s Beacon to Fuurin Shion would be the optimal choice.

Having lost an arm, she could no longer be active as Fifina and should have retired.

But if she could wield the power of an Apostle, she could return to the battlefield, which would be a great asset to Seikyo City.

But such an outcome would be too cruel for Fuurin Shion.

Ephnel pressed her lips together and said no more.

Fortunately, Masaki Hinaki didn’t seem to have any intention of giving the Beacon to Fuurin Shion.

“Not exactly… I made this decision after careful consideration. And I’m not asking you to give up ‘Ephnel,’ I just want to give this to you.”

“Hm?”

Ephnel was a little surprised.

“Why me?”

“I can’t think of anyone else…”

Masaki Hinaki hesitated for a moment, staring at the plastic box in her palm, and said in a low voice.

“Ephnel, you’ve fought against an ‘Apostle.’ You should be able to feel how obvious the advantage of an ‘Apostle’ is as a ‘weapon,’ right? Compared to Agents, their use of power is more primitive, but also more direct, possessing a versatility and lethality that is difficult for Agents to match… But where this power comes from, when it was born, and what it will bring, we know nothing.”

Masaki Hinaki took a deep breath.

“I’m going to step down from my post soon. How the road ahead will unfold, where it will lead, none of us know… I have to go back to the central province, and I also have some things I’m concerned about that I need to take care of… The current Federation has probably changed. Ephnel, continuing our previous conversation, why do you think so many people from the Apostle’s side suddenly appeared in the organization right under my nose? There were no suspicious points found in their files and identities. In other words, the suspicion should fall on the review and records management departments, or… the Human Federation. So… who is it that is removing me from my post at this time?”

Masaki Hinaki threw out a long string of questions, then raised her gaze and said solemnly.

“The people who stood up to save the world are long dead, Ephnel. You know this better than I do. So if at some point in the future… perhaps very soon, the Federation’s tentacles will definitely reach into Seikyo City. No matter what, absolutely, absolutely do not harbor any illusions about the people sent from the central province.”