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The concept was born nearly two centuries ago, a far cry from the average citizen's impression today. It was only twenty-some years ago that Ulpianus made it into a reality.

In the hundred plus years before that, it was never afforded any systematic scrutiny or research. Only endless debates.

To exploit our countrymen and integrate the flesh of other species into ourselves to save our humanity was tantamount to toppling the very foundations of Ægir.

But Ulpianus is a decisive man. He can abandon his research, ideals, emotions, and even his humanity without a shred of hesitation. The sole principle he abides by is 'To benefit Ægir.'

And perhaps he <i>will</i> save Ægir someday, but our country should not be founded upon boundless self-sacrifice.

Ulpianus understands better than anyone that his very existence is actually his country's woe.

And so, 'The Abyssal Hunters do not need a second Ulpianus. Ægir should not have a second Ulpianus.'

'There should be no one in Ægir who wishes to become another.'

...I could practically hear him saying him.

I once joked to him how much better it would be if you were my student instead. Perhaps you could continue the research he and I used to work on: 'The evolution of Ægir cells.' Or perhaps you'd start a new field entirely.

You could have become one of the leading scientists of our time, with the opportunity to explore the primordial mysteries of all existence and lead us into the future.

Blandus, the two of you had no right.

I'm sorry, Secunda.

Did you start reminiscing about the old days just to tell me I shouldn't bear a grudge against Ulpianus?

I did it so you'd see him in a new light.

Being too eager to capture him will do neither of you any good.

Aren't there cultists ready and available for questioning? Don't forget your duties, Secunda.

Where are they?

The first floor. In a booth in the equipment administration room. Do you need me to show you the way?

I know where it is. The Sea Patrol will take over the detainment of the criminals.

I'm so sorry, but you can't go any further. We're currently—

Wait, didn't I see you at the tribunal?

I know who you are, the emissary from land. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are your duties on this diplomatic mission?

The data scientist seemed to have completely transformed into a Seaborn by the time she was found.

It would be difficult to obtain any further information from her, other than the fact that this set of data seems related to the 'Waterway' and the 'Beacons.'

I've finished analyzing the contents: there are unusual data interactions between the beacon within the city and the ones deployed in the nests.

The signals come from many spots within the city, and I have already inspected the port hub and any possible ships.

The only remaining location is Lab C-22. One of the earliest Abyssal Hunter experimental research labs.

You should be familiar with the place, then.

However, it is far livelier here than I can remember it ever being.

Secunda has even deployed a garrison in the name of protecting Blandus.

A hindrance.

I'll help draw their attention if needed.

I can manage the Sea Patrol for now.

You should focus on the toughest target.

You would be... the Doctor of Rhodes Island, yes?

As you say.;In the flesh.

You say your institution helped diagnose and treat Oripathy in our Hunters, and now you hope to assist me with their organic regeneration surgery?

Absolutely.;That's exactly what I'm here for.

Then you can leave with peace of mind.

The Church's assault here was just a minor episode, and the Hunters have already returned to their hibernation.

I'll be constantly monitoring their physical condition, so your gaze—no matter how vigilant it may be—will be of little use in their recovery.

I see the Hunters were telling the truth.

You really have a terrible sense of humor.

...I see they have developed a deep friendship with you while wandering about on land.

Insist all you want, it doesn't change the fact that you will be of no help during the operation.

I mean no offense.

This place was just recently raided, so please return to where you came from, for your own safety.

Blandus no longer pays you any attention, his gaze falling back onto the holographic projections before him.

Through those squares you can clearly see Gladiia, Skadi, and Laurentina deep asleep in a transparent gel.

You didn't manage to get a full grasp of Ægir's writing system before coming here. After days of fumbling your way through the city, you can still only recognize about half the symbols shown in the visuals.

But you observe a more important phenomenon within them:

Whenever Blandus selects an image, it would emit a faint beep.

That is to say, every chosen image generates a corresponding beep on the monitoring unit.

Could I help arrange the visual display?

Of course, of course.

I see you really want to stay. I won’t force you to leave, either. It seems you really do care for the Hunters, and I like people like you.

Little Handy, the Doctor is unfamiliar with the equipment in Ægir, so keep an eye on things.

Understood.

Doctor, as long as you don't touch anything you shouldn't, then—

The corridor's monitoring unit just beeped. Someone's looking in here.

Another beep for the experimental cabin in front and the corner further ahead... Hmm? There seems to be some sort of pattern.

Someone in the control room is rapidly switching the order of the holograms back and forth.

...Doctor? What are you trying to tell me?

This way, then.

The operation is complete, Doctor. Thank you for your... fast and furious cooperation.

The Hunters will need another ten minutes to awaken, but I guarantee the procedure went without a hitch.

So if you could now leave—

The Hunters seem to be deep asleep.

They were unable to get any proper rest on land, despite what I'm sure was the best possible accommodation from you and Rhodes Island.

Even now, they've just only arrived home, yet now must rush back to the frontlines.

A single operation and hibernation session is far from enough to restore them to full strength.

It sounds like you tried your best.

I wouldn't say so, even if I've fulfilled my duties. There is a fundamental difference between the two, after all.

I believe you mentioned your expertise in the field of Oripathy?

Could you tell me what it's like, to be a patient?

They fight their fate for the rest of their lives.

'Fate'?

It means an inevitable direction or end.

Interesting. The ancient sages once discussed the concept of 'fate,' but it's been a long time since anyone has brought it up.

You see, Oripathy does not exist in the ocean, and most other diseases we managed to cure.

We all choose our own paths in life, and the trajectory of our civilization is ours to define.

For the longest time, we have forgotten what 'fate' even is.

Yet now, the ineradicable disease we've engraved into our Hunters' blood cannot be dealt with medically.

To borrow your concept, one may call such an problem 'fate.'

Each of the Hunters held their own dreams, their own lives. But now? They have no choice but to live alongside slaughter until they die themselves.

I've tried many methods to bring them back from this dead end, all to no avail.

Even now...

Gladiia's awake.;Laurentina's awake.;Skadi's awake.

They seem to be in a hurry.

...I should get going too.

It has been an honor to speak with you, Doctor. I hope you can take good care of them, if given the chance.

Sea Patrol. Here to interrogate me?

'Interrogate.' Ha. I never thought I'd have anything to do with that word.

You should have thought of that when you intruded on the lab.

What about before then? What makes you and I so different?

Why 'interrogate' me? What have I done to deserve being 'questioned'?

At times like these, I feel like our methods are too gentle.

According to our envoy from Iberia, they're more than happy to incorporate punishment into the process.

So if you're finished talking nonsense, state your identity.