serum

Rhodes Island Engineering Department

Practical Science/Technology Project Unit 13

'The Next Step in Corrosive Research, and Corresponding Protection Countermeasures'

Project Leaders: Corroserum, Astgenne

Good work, everyone.

Now if you don't mind...

No sooner has Corroserum said this than he puts on his blindfold to take a break, as is his habit.

Good evening, Doctor.

Good evening, Astgenne.;Is Corroserum asleep?

Doctor.

Good evening.

Just passing by. All good here?;Any setbacks with your project?

If you're really curious...

Could I ask you to hold this up for a moment?

No need to panic, the experiment will be conducted within controllable limits.

The armor plate you're holding has our latest reworked protective coating applied, which should suffice to ensure your safety.

Sure. Just hold it like this?;Wait, safety? Mine?

As you can see, it has previously suffered a degree of corrosive wear. However, the improvement to our new coating technology lies not in anti-corrosion.

Care to begin, Astgenne? Please attack the plate with Originium Arts.

Hold up, isn't this method a little dangerous for an experiment?

It's fine, I believe in your tech.;Relax, I can protect myself.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, Doctor.

Well, I... Okay, then...

That's right, this improved protective coating retains a level of resistance against Arts attacks even when corroded. That's new.

Of course, all credit is due to Astgenne and her efforts.

Unfortunately, I have yet to achieve any particular breakthroughs on the corrosive front.

Sorry about this, Doctor. I need you to play along with me for one more attack.

No problem.;W... Wait!

Lightning, illuminate! Hah!

Thought so... It took such an excessive attack just to pierce the plate's defenses.

Oh, uh! You're okay, right? Sorry... I...

No worries, I'm fine.;That was one insane attack.;That was one tough defense.

Phew... Sorry.

As should be obvious, this protective coating's strength has far exceeded the project goals.

But it still hasn't reached the theoretical limit of the design.

What if we took it a step further? I think there's a call for more testing.

I agree, but I also wouldn't consider it wise to chase the theoretical limit.

I need to make a detailed record of the results of this trial.

Thank you, Doctor.

Honored I could be of help.;Likewise.

Doctor, it just passed six o'clock.

Please allow me to clock out for the day. Thank you very much for joining us for today's experiment.

Oh right, I have some candy from Quercus and Yanese tea from Mister Lee sitting on my desk. They're both excellent for relieving fatigue, so please feel free to help yourself.

In any case... I'll see the two of you later.

Aren't you going to clock out too?

Oh... Don't worry about me. I might be working late again.

I still need to do a bit more research and testing.

(Takes a deep breath)

(Stretches)

(Takes a deep breath)

Phew... Time to head back!

Oops, music's a bit loud. Wouldn't want to disturb others. I'll have to turn it down a little.

Hmm hmm~ (Grooves along with the music)

Gotta turn on the humidifier since the room's a bit dry.

Project Lead Corroserum, are you in?

I have something for you.

These are the materials you requested. Please sign here, if you don't mind.

Thanks a bunch. Go ahead and leave the stuff over in that corner.

You can go after dropping it off. I'll sort it all out myself later.

By the way, why'd you request so many discarded experimental materials? And not just from our team either.

It's not work-related; just a personal hobby of mine.

A personal hobby, huh... And for Astgenne, it was a personal idea.

I really have no clue what the two of you are working on in secret.

Here's the receipt.

Did you need anything else?

Corroserum... When I left the lab just now, ours was the only one with the lights still on.

Astgenne hasn't been back to her room for days now. I think... you should go check up on her.

Raythean Industries Experimental Engineering Department

Come in.

Hello, everyone! I'm the new researcher, Corroserum, and my specialty is...

Alright, fill out these forms first and bring them over to the accountant's office by tonight.

Sure! If any of you need any help, feel free to give me a call.

Let's get started.

On it!

See that?

Yes, the person right there on the screen.

Not leaving yet?

I'm not heading back today.

Not like I have anything else to do, so I might as well knock this out.

Relax, you still have plenty of time.

Yeah, I know. I just happened to have a flash of inspiration.

You can head back first.

By the way, Corroserum, how long have you been with the Engineering Department?

...About half a year?

Oh...

Good luck then.

Yup!

Did you get a good look at how they appear on the screen?

Corroserum, come here for a moment.

What is it?

It's been two years since you joined the Engineering Department, right? I've always seen you as an intelligent and hardworking young man.

Thanks, boss!

So... There's a project, but it's not one of ours. It belongs to a friend of mine in the military, and they urgently need a new type of protective material for their soldiers.

I can handle it.

I'm not joking around here. Think it through carefully—I have no way of sending you extra assistants, and you can't afford to fall behind in your day-to-day work here either.

Trust me, I can handle it.

Fine, do your best.

Will do!

Do you still remember his name?

This data set... shouldn't be possible.