May 6, 1615 Central Calendar, 13:16

MOASEC Magic Technology System Development Facility, San Redentore District, Runepolis

A small optical device, only slightly bulkier in size than that of normal binoculars, sat on a table placed at the back of a dark auditorium, a tangle of cables snaked out from it and followed a path on the floor before its ends vanished to the back of the room.

Finding such a setting as part of their penultimate agenda, the GP inspection team with Arthur Arkland as the resident facility member and supervisor walked into the venue, eager to complete the series of agendas that brought them seeing new prototypes for the past two days.

Nodding to each other, the group let Meteos step closer to the device and pick it up.

“Not much change from operating a BIRTH-DAY, right?” bringing the ocular lens closer to his eyes while his index finger was hovering over what felt like a Second-Generation Manadriver’s Power Trigger on the device, he asked for confirmation from Arthur who was watching from behind.

“That’s right. Besides, it already comes with a built-in battery, so there’s no need to channel your mana to the device. Just think that you want to see in the dark and the device will turn that desire into reality.”

“Good to know.”

After activating the device and peering into the lenses, Meteos can clearly see the auditorium’s corners, the empty seats, his friends’ faces, the faraway podium, and even a statue placed right in the middle of said podium as if it’s midday. Naturally, the boy’s face also brightened seeing this device that he designed also worked like the previous ones.

Seeing what the device was capable of, a feeling of excitement just like what they experienced for the past two days also burst forth within them.

“So this is how it feels like to see in the dark…?” Walman gasped. “I can see everything as if the room itself is lit!”

“Hahaha, convenient, isn’t it?” agreed Robin, giving her comments after her turn to use the device.

Meteos muttered, “No green tint whatsoever?”

“Huh? Green? No? Should it be there?”

Walman raised his eyebrows in confusion, but his friend quickly shook his head. Just some random thought, apparently.

Upon activation and with the appropriate spell components, the circuits installed within the device generate screens made of magic particles that transform incoming photons into electrons, and then convert them back into photons of light. Through this process, the ambient visible light was enhanced, while near-infrared light was converted into visible light which can be seen by the user. However, this device by itself was merely an image intensifier that could not be used in total darkness, which was why there was a part that might be just a Runite Charger stacked on top of it, set to provide extra infrared illumination. This supplementary component did contribute to the device’s slight heft when compared to standard binoculars, but the rewards were worth the minor bulk. The beauty of this device lies in its efficiency, as it consumes only a trifling amount of mana to operate. As a result the Discharge Wings, regulators for excessive mana input, were notably absent from the construction.

After they finished checking the device, Meteos signaled Arthur who proceeded to tell the operators through his bracelet-mounted manacom to turn the auditorium’s lights back on.

“So, are you satisfied with how it worked?” the green-haired beastman asked nonchalantly to Meteos, who answered with a thin smile. “Yeah. The GP one-one-zero works exactly as envisioned when I designed it.”

“But that’s not the end of your inquiry, isn’t it?”

“Correct. Your… ingenious modifications, for example.”

Meteos glanced to the deactivated device, and then to the cables. “I see that you skipped a lot of development time by really brute-forcing—I mean, finding the workaround of the problem, throwing a lot of spells and the Second-Generation Manadriver technology to see which ones will work…”

“Are you displeased?” Arthur asked.

The boy shrugged, “No? As long as you know what you’re doing, it’s fine by me. But by the way, my notes are still useful, right?”

“Of course. Those notes were the reason why we finished the prototype in such a short time. Without a guide, we will have to scrounge every single library for spells, making the effort not worth it and maybe slower than just following your design’s example.”

“Mm-hmm.”

When it was apparent that the Magic Technology System Development Facility would be assigned with two of the GP designs, -19 and -110, they were already swamped with the work of developing conductive magnetic radars. At the same time, however, the Second-Generation Manadriver technology was emerging, and in it, Baroness Clara Steinbelt as the facility head saw an opportunity.

“Creating these components from scratch is too time-consuming and the higher-ups are too demanding! Improvise, adapt, and overcome, everyone! Let’s put that new Aikon tech to good use and get this problem out of our hair fast!” she declared, putting the Magic Technology System Development Facility’s pride on the line.

Following their examination of the GP-110 design, the crew tried to find out if they could omit or bypass some of the more complicated parts using magic. The ‘microchannel plate’ was conspicuously absent from the current setup, but the ingenious application of the latest circuits paired with the appropriate spell components allowed them to achieve a function similar to that of the ‘photocathodes.’ The design’s unwieldy infrared illuminator was shrunken courtesy of a Runite Charger. This resulted in a notably more compact device compared to if the crew had rigidly adhered to Meteos’ somewhat outdated blueprint. Furthermore, with an understanding of its inner workings, the crew created a makeshift ‘database’ brimming with carefully selected spells from their available sources, connected to the device using cables. When the prototype was put into use, it drew upon spell components from this database, which was computed to project into reality an effect like what was witnessed by the trio when they used the device.

Not long after its conception, a prototype was done and everyone high-fived each other. It was a quick success, creating a Manadriver-like device specialized for aiding one’s vision in the dark, but not without its own set of problems.

“But a device that has to be connected to a truck like this is, you know…” Walman trailed off uncomfortably.

“Impractical considering its intended use, yes,” Arthur without hesitation admitted with a stoic expression. “We are also aware that even though we can produce a working prototype, it will be a while until we figure out the specific spell components used to make it work or we decide to just blindly copy Meteos’ design. Luckily for the former route, we only have a truckload to narrow down.”

Robin commented with a frown, “But that’s still quite a chore… Besides, it’s not a guarantee that a specific combination can work for everyone. Each person’s eyes have a different ability to see in low-light conditions, so we can assume that the device uses… ehh, maybe slightly different spell component combinations to produce an image enhancement that fits what each person considers comfortable, neither too dim nor too bright.”

“So, what should we do?” finally, Walman asked.

The Magic Technology System Development Facility crew unintentionally set a rather high bar for their first time making a night vision device. As a prototype, it was considered sufficient, but when it came to practicality, versatility, and availability for mass production, the modified GP-110 prototype still fell short of those criteria.

“Trying to make it fit for everyone is quite a troublesome thing to do for now… so it should be sufficient if the device can accommodate a certain range first, that’s what I think… and oh, if I remember correctly, Teacher, the Aikon Corporation is now working on means to make a Manadriver capable of memorizing the computation it performs, right?” he turned to Robin who quickly realized his intention. Similarly, Arthur nodded after getting the gist of what Meteos was on to.

“Ah, I see. That can work!” she grinned, lightly pounding a fist to her palm. “…What do you want us to do, kid?”

“A meeting where I can present my ideas and help expedite their progress would be preferable for starters. It will be much better than doing things separately considering Aikon has a partnership agreement with us, is it not?”

“Okay, I get it. That’s easy to pull off, actually.”

“Nice.”

Not only improving the NVD they’re making, but what came out of such a collaboration will also contribute to the further advancement in all magic technology related to computers, including the Manadriver. An optimist must be able to see opportunity in every difficulty. This was what Meteos saw after pondering the current predicament.

“Then, can it be done before the third quarter of this year?”

“…Impatient, are we?”

Meteos silently laughed at Robin’s teasing tone. Had it not for the fact that he had entered Victor Legendorga’s radar, he would have been talked down from requesting that short of time as a young boy, MOASEC member or not.

Thermals will be next on the menu for the local crew.

…………

18:10

MOASEC Apartment Complex

“Yo! I have a legit reason for showing up here!”

Go-Daguva-Zeba appeared out of nowhere as soon as the car slid into the parking lot. The inspection team, tired but in high spirits from finishing their trip, looked at each other with uncertain glances.

After lowering the side window, Arthur grunted, “Oh, yeah?”

“Ooooh, yeah. Chief Birkburn…” The stag beetle beastman leaned forward and whispered, “He’s here.”

“Huh…? Is he here for, umm…” Robin pointed to herself, then to her apprentices sitting at the backseats.

“Huh. I wonder what your superior wants in visiting this place…?” Walman said.

“I guess we’ll have to see it by ourselves.”

Seeing Daguva beckoning them, Robin sighed to herself and muttered with a thin smile, “Haha, there goes my Friday evening…”

Being Professor Robin Calvello of the MOASEC, being able to come home and chill for the rest of the evening on Friday can be considered a bonus in itself amidst her piling workload, but the same cannot be said being Agent Flamberge of the MOASEC’s secret department and the Eyes of the Order, where work can be as unpredictable as the sea.

…………

As far as the public eye was concerned, Andreas Birkburn was a respected figure, a man of influence within the Ancient Ministry’s General Affairs Department, someone who could maneuver around the political avenues to ensure the Ministry’s survival and relative harmony with its counterparts. He had Director Lippin’s ear, and his smooth-talking ways had averted countless potential disasters. Thus, it raised many an eyebrow when a person of Birkburn’s caliber, seemingly tailor-made to ascend to the position of Director upon Bandero Capone’s departure, willingly sidelined himself in favor of Arsene Lippin, an unassuming nobody by comparison. After one explanation later, it became known that Birkburn saw himself better suited to provide unwavering support to whoever was in charge rather than occupying the limelight himself, but not everyone was convinced.

He was indeed reluctant to such leadership. Birkburn’s plate was already brimming as the head of the Ancient Arms Analysis Tactical Operations Department. In this capacity, he delved into the most arcane and enigmatic facets of the Ministry’s words, grappling with ancient artifacts and technologies that the public could scarcely imagine, and even oversaw his own intelligence assets. Yet, that was not the extent of his role. Birkburn was also Magister Eblis the Summoner of the Order of Ancients—an organization that predated the existence of the Ancient Ministry itself. Leading a branch known as the Left Arm, the men and women under him were tasked with identifying individuals with exceptional potential and recruiting them into the Order’s ranks. This duty entailed meticulous assessments of candidates’ suitability and dedication, as well as conducting evaluations to ensure that the Order maintained a membership of the utmost caliber.

He was leading two secretive but powerful positions already, and he was afraid of a reduction in performance if he were to take the direct leadership of the Ancient Ministry, but the shitstorm that marked Lippin’s leadership not long after Birkburn shoved him into the position made him feel quite remorseful about it. Or maybe Birkburn was just afraid of more exposure.

Nevertheless, while these two duties have their distinct roles, sometimes they align and it just so happens that handling the Person of Interest fits perfectly with both of his tasks at the same time.

“Please, make yourself comfortable.”

Even though he must be tired, the Person of Interest still smiled warmly as he honored Birkburn, a guest and superior officer who came unannounced in the evening, with treats and a deliciously-smelling tea.

“Thank you, young man, but you don’t really have to,” Birkburn replied with a gracious nod.

“Nonsense, Chief Birkburn. Hospitality is a virtue, is it not?”

On their sides, the boy’s friend named Walman and Birkburn’s MOASEC subordinates took their seats on the couch.

“Mm,” he took a moment to savor the aroma before taking a careful sip. “Where did you learn to brew a beverage this exquisite?”

“My mother, Meteora Roguerider,” Meteos said, settling down as well. “The white dragon bush tea is her favorite. She always made them for me when I was still in Leiden, so I naturally took a liking to it as well.”

“I see.”

A few sips later, Birkburn decided it was time to broach the subjects that had brought him here.

“Your hospitality is indeed commendable, Young Roguerider and Young Falkenhausen,” he began, setting the teacup down gently on the table. “But I didn’t come here just for tea and pleasant company, though I do appreciate both! First of all… congratulations on having ten out of fifteen of your GP designs getting completed or proceeding smoothly one after another, those magic technologies will surely be a boon for the Holy Empire.”

“Ah, thank you, sir.”

“Next, I went to the Imperial Bureau of Intellectual Property this afternoon and retrieved this document.”

Birkburn reached into a bag he’d been carrying and retrieved a sealed envelope, handing it to Walman who accepted it with a mix of surprise and excitement.

“Ooh! The grant for the fuel can I designed it’s here!” the boy exclaimed amidst the cheers and applause started by Robin. When he calmed down, he blurted “…But I still don’t get it.”

“Don’t get… what?” Birkburn raised an eyebrow.

“People say that you need to wait for two years after applying before it’s processed and approved. How is it possible that the applications me and Meteos submitted were done within… months?” he wondered aloud, eliciting chuckles from the adults (and a light scoff from Meteos) who knew why.

Shrugging, Birkburn commented, “Well, you belong to the Ancient Ministry, are you not? Consider it a privilege for a productive member.”

“Huh…”

“Besides, you don’t need to worry about them. This kind of thing will become commonplace more sooner than later,” the older man continued with a cryptic smile.

“………”

It may have appeared as a clear case of flexing, but Birkburn’s position as a Magister of the Order granted him the authority to advocate for the placement of a few agents to keep a watchful eye on these matters. This was a precautionary measure, undertaken to ensure the safety of their Person of Interest. After all, the last thing they wanted was disgruntled assassins or, August Star of Heaven forbid, cultists of you-know-who sprouting up targeting these individuals due to mishandling of the situation.

As a result, to maintain a façade of impartiality and prevent any potential unrest among those whose patents were processed prior to Meteos and Walman’s, the hidden hand of the Order ensured that they too received expedited treatment through their assistance. Birkburn often found himself perplexed by the Imperial Bureau of Intellectual Property’s clerk who complained so much about it. Their pay was more than generous, and the number of patent applications in recent times wasn’t that overwhelming anyway. In his view, they had little reason to be such annoying cunts.

Since the Imperial Bureau of Intellectual Property had gained quite the notoriety for its sluggishness, the recent injection of unprecedented speed into its operations caused the backlog of pending cases to shrink at an astonishing rate. This newfound ‘efficiency’ did not escape the public’s notice, who started to wonder, “Did they undergo a major reform lately?” In response to this, the Order received explicit directives from the Grand Magister himself, emphasizing the need to maintain the charade and whip the bureau into an efficient agency for real, even dragging everyone involved kicking and screaming if they must. Then again, the “Grand Magister” is just the way the Order of the Ancients refers to “His Majesty the Emperor” within the framework of their organization, so one can say a pissed-off Emperor Milishial VIII finally ordered a multifaceted clandestine organization under his direct command to kick the lazy ones into shape so that they will not be an embarrassment for his country.

In a way, Birkburn was kind of impressed at these two young boys, who unwittingly sparked a reform even though their hand had been forced in the matter.

“Anyway, with that out of the way, let’s continue,” Birkburn clapped his hands once and continued. “The other day, I also had a talk with the Director about the direction to be taken in the future… ah, yes, you two are tired from running around the place as of late, don’t you?”

Glancing at each other and to the younger adults, Meteos and Walman shrugged.

“Not really.”

“Kind of.”

“Well, it’s good to see that you’re still brimming with energy,” Birkburn chuckled. “I promise I won’t bore you with details and make this too long. Actually, I have proposed the establishment of a joint research initiative comprised of remarkable individuals from all four of the Ministry’s facilities to better coordinate our future projects. Nominally someone else will have to be appointed the leader, but this time… you,” he pointed to Meteos, then to Walman, “and you, will be the central part of a team where you can harness your talents to the fullest, no longer as mere members, but as one of the coordinators… the ‘Special Technical Advisor’ will be the appropriate title for that. What do you think?”

While Walman’s eyes widened slightly at the offer, Meteos picked up a treat and commented in a contemplative tone. “Wow… that’s a very convenient proposition, Chief Birkburn… for us especially. What gives?”

“Hm? Do I even have to list it? All of your past achievements, personal or jointly done, are widely varied and revolutionary in nature. And you still question why we hold you in such high regard? If anything, some of us have judged that your talents are actually underutilized in your current position.”

Birkburn crossed his arms before continuing, “You can even request the exact same kind of thing as what I’m proposing now and we shall provide. I have heard from Robin that you are harboring a desire for ‘something high’ yourself. Now, the question is, what holds you back?”

‘Well, I’m merely testing the waters right now, so…’ Meteos thought to himself. So, some of the predictions he made regarding just how high the MOASEC and the Order regarded his efforts were a bit off the mark, but they still fell to his advantage… so yeah.

After listening to Birkburn’s words, Meteos brought the cookie to his mouth and munched on it while his expression turned sheepish.

“Mmngh… well… I just think… that our efforts aren’t good enough yet to be listened that way…?”

‘This kid…’ Birkburn inwardly sighed, half in disbelief. “My boy, then you made a mistake in thinking that the Ancient Ministry cannot be reasoned with. Now that you’ve done enough to prove yourselves, help me in making things convenient for you. Now, what say you? I won’t force you, though, so don’t worry if you’re not interested.”

Nodding with a grateful smile, Meteos said “…You honor us with your patronage, sir. Then, we’ll do our best to return the favor.”

“Don’t you think so too, Robin?” Birkburn glanced to his side.

“Why, yes, we’ll make a great team…!”

This plan was already conveyed to these three, the rest of the secret department, and the Order as early as the night of May 4, but back then that plan was still largely in the drafts.

“Good! This initiative will be made official as soon as the Alpha Edge Project is completed at the earliest, so we still have time to prepare for all that entails, such as a dedicated facility. These three,” gesturing to Robin, Arthur, and Daguva, Birkburn smiled. “Will be joining as well.”

“Nice,” Walman nodded, glad that he would get to see familiar faces.

“I have a question.”

“Let’s hear it.”

Cerulean eyes glimmering, Meteos leaned forward, “Then, Mister Birkburn, there are so many remarkable individuals out there with unique insights and talents as well. If this initiative comes to pass, do you think we could invite some of them to join or at least be consulted by us? Their perspectives could be invaluable.”

Birkburn nodded approvingly. “Not bad, Young Roguerider. You may go ahead with it. If you have someone in mind who you believe could contribute to our efforts, by all means, invite them. We will handle the rest.”

“Then, I guess I should start researching for potential collaborators.”

“Sure thing. I think that’s all for tonight, we shall discuss this at a later date. Sorry to disturb your evening.”

Clearly pleased with the proactive approach, Birkburn smiled as he got up from the seat, shook Meteos and Walman’s hands, and donned his coat and fedora hat before taking his leave.

“Once again, thank you very much for taking your time coming here, Chief Birkburn.”

“No, Young Roguerider. Thank you.”

After he disappeared beyond the doorway, Daguva stretched and followed suit.

“Gotta drive the old man home,” he groaned. “See you next time, pals.”

“I’ll take my leave as well, good evening,” Arthur nodded.

With only the three of them remaining in the room, Robin leaned back on the couch. “That’s a pretty productive evening, I must say.”

“Yes, come to think of it, it’s amazing how far we’ve come, isn’t it?” Meteos poured another round of tea for himself. While getting used to his new ‘ghost memories’ and plotting for the next sidequests to undertake, he felt that this white dragon bush tea was somehow even more delicious than usual.

❖⟐❖⟐❖

San Redentore District, Runepolis

Sitting on the driver’s seat of Birkburn’s car, Go-Daguva-Zeba let out a sneer as his boss finally emerged from his detour to the bathroom and settled into the backseat. This had not gone unnoticed by the older man, who lowered his fedora to cover his face and leaned back with a groan. The white dragon bush tea from earlier was so good that he felt sleepy. But before that, his de facto aide seemed to have one or two words to say.

“You want to speak?” he tiredly inquired.

“Uh, huh,” the raven-haired man shrugged in response. “Did you see those kids’ faces when you told them that? …Bright and hopeful, isn’t it?”

“…They were happy with the proposition, what’s wrong with that?”

“Yeah, because they don’t realize they’re being used to serve your agendas, Chief Birkburn.”

Birkburn lifted the hat that covered his face and peered at his driver’s back. The car was already on the move, cruising the dark and winding roads of the San Redentore forest.

“It’s not ‘using’ them if they will get exactly what was promised to them,” he calmly argued. “People like them are rare. I’d like to think that I’m giving them a guiding hand so that their talents will better benefit the society.”

“Psh… so fucking wholesome,” Daguva dryly laughed, his gaze still fixed on the road. “You must’ve feeling good about yourself, huh?”

“Well, at least she will scold me less for my troubles, though I’m curious about what she will do next,” Birkburn muttered. “As for you, I’ve been used to you criticizing my every single decision, but for some reason… your tone is more scathing than usual. Is there something bugging you, Daguva?”

“…? That’s… Tch… damn you, old man…”

Without realizing it, Daguva’s hands gripped the steering wheel even tighter. What was intended to be another barbed remark instead came out as an almost whimper that surprised even himself.

This kind of exchange is the usual routine between Andreas Birkburn and this stag beetle beastman ever since he took him under his wing. Crass and having a tendency to speak what he wants, he seems to be an extremely unpleasant delinquent to go along with. However, those were lies. An empty shell who tries to emulate normal people’s mannerisms—that’s what Go-Daguva-Zeba really is.

That’s why, when this young man who tends to annoy people as a default persona suddenly sounded more genuine with a touch of vulnerability as he responded to his question, it first caught Birkburn off guard, but then he was curious as to when it started happening.

“…Never mind,” Birkburn relented, however. “Just focus on driving for now.”

“………”

“But know that if you want to talk about something, I’m always available.”

Once again, the tired man placed his fedora to cover his face and drifted off in silence, unaware of the younger man’s silent gazes that occasionally lingered upon him through the rearview mirror.

MINISTRY OF ANCIENT SORCEROUS EMPIRE COUNTERMEASURES Ancient Arms Analysis Tactical Operations Department, Control Division, Personnel Bureau

Additional Information

Real parent, birthdate, and birthplace unknown. Official records state that he was born and raised in an orphanage in the capital, Runepolis. Daguva graduated high school with high marks and was recruited by the Ministry for his college, granted a degree in engineering by the Ministry after three years of assignment with the General Affairs Department.

[END CLEARANCE RED-I SECTION]

[REQUIRED CLEARANCE RED-II]

[FILE RETRIEVED AND EDITED BY W. C. AJAW – APPROVED BY B. CAPONE]