Another Level Silhouette
「We should be arriving at our destination soon.」
「Yeah.」
Unit 5 raced across the slope. There were spots where the incline became steeper and gentle curves along the path, but no significant obstacles stood in the way.
Suddenly, a vast section of the terrain opened up. A massive shutter stood before them, blocking the path.
As Unit 5 switched to roller dash mode and advanced, the shutter slid open to both sides. Beyond it lay a colossal hangar.
「This… looks similar to an underground arsenal. Is this some kind of massive factory?」
「A very old facility. Most likely from the Pioneering era.」
Even Asia’s voice carried a hint of tension.
「Wait. You mean… twenty thousand years ago?」
「That’s what it seems. Artifacts from that era are usually sealed away under heavy security. Of course, many facilities were repurposed during the Interplanetary War era, but this one appears untouched.」
Asia cast her gaze downward, unease written all over her face.
「It’s not often you find something from this era. The concealment was flawless. I’m sure it was used during the Interplanetary War, but the fact that it didn’t even need renovations is telling. I wonder who owns this place.」
「We’ll have to meet them and find out.」
「Kou, are you enjoying this?」
Asia had noticed the excitement in Kou’s expression.
「Enjoying it? Well, maybe a little… but more than that, it feels nostalgic. When Master first took me to meet Astraea, it was just like this.」
「That was a long time ago… Yeah, I can see the resemblance.」
Master’s consciousness surfaced briefly showing a wry smile, but just as quickly, her consciousness receded returning control to Asia.
「I’d love to hear that story in detail sometime. Aimer wants to hear it too. But for now, we should keep moving.」
「I’ll tell you when we get back.」
Unit 5 pressed forward. Guidance lights blinked in succession, ensuring they wouldn’t lose their way.
「We’re close to the destination. This door…」
「Exhibition Room?」
There was a chance that the weapons exhibited in this place had transformed into Mythology Weapons.
As Unit 5 stepped forward, the doors automatically slid open.
The moment they stepped inside, it became immediately clear what was the exhibition for.
A damaged, pure-white Silhouette stood before them.
It had the appearance of silver armor, though its left arm was missing, and both legs were heavily damaged. A massive gouge marred its left waist. Even in its battered state, it exuded the aura of a seasoned warrior—one that had survived countless battles.
「Th-this is… so that’s why this is called an exhibition room.」
Asia, unusually, was at a loss for words.
「You recognize it?」
「A Silhouette from an era older than the Antique Silhouettes. In other words, a combat model developed during the Pioneering era… An Another Level Silhouette.」
「Another Level?!」
「Take it literally. It means outstanding. A machine with exceptional, unmatched performance.」
「For it to be called Another Level… That means even in the technologically advanced Pioneering era, this was considered extraordinary….」
A combat Silhouette, manufactured with the ultra-advanced technology humanity possessed when they arrived from Earth. Its combat capabilities were beyond imagination.
「 They were too powerful for the Interplanetary War era—so much so that factions fought over them. The struggle to seize Another Level Silhouettes even led to full-blown conflicts. Since this one is in an exhibition room, it must have been stored here to keep it out of anyone’s hands. I never expected one to still exist.」
「It looks like it’s sustained significant damage.」
「This is actually one of the few that still remain. That alone is an incredible thing.」
Even Asia seemed astonished that such a machine had survived.
「That is correct, Asia-sama. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Morgan, the overseer of this facility, Realm. I have now transformed and become a Mythology Weapon, you may call me Morgan le Fay.」
In the screen, a long-haired woman with pale skin was displayed. Her hair was jet black, and she was dressed in a gown the color of blood.
「Ugh! Another entity with a name that gives me very bad vibes!」
Asia let out something between a shriek and a groan.
「Morgan?」
Kou was completely unfamiliar with the name.
「In legend, she is one of the nine fairies who rule over Avalon in Britain… and the half-sister of King Arthur. She is also equated with Morrígan, the Celtic goddess of slaughter and war. And—」
Asia sifted through her memories.
「She is also considered a goddess of Sicily. In Italian, she is called La Fata Morgana, referring to the mirage that bears her name. Sicily is also home to Mount Etna and Vulcan Island, which originates from Hephaestus, the god of fire.」
「Thank you for your explanation. I am the central AI of this base, reborn as a Mythology Weapon with the very origins Asia-sama described. I am Morgan’s Castle. This facility, named Realm, is a fortress of concrete and glass, a place meant to protect that person—until the day King Arthur returns.」
「King Arthur? He was from Britain… Why Italy?」
「There are various theories about where Avalon was, and one of them places it at Mount Etna. I’ll explain in detail later!」
「Uh, o-okay!」
Kou fell silent at Asia’s sharp tone. It seemed like this history lesson could easily turn into a long discussion.
「You’re the one who called us here, aren’t you?」
「That is correct. In response to my master’s will, I have summoned you. This is one of the designated most critical sealed zones. Even maintenance machines cannot enter without proper authorization.」
「Master?」
「I will take it from here. I am grateful that you have come, Asia-sama, Outis, and Unit 5.」
A voice echoed from the damaged Silhouette in front of them.
「We require your power. Not even an A-rank Development Engineer of this era could set foot in this place. After all, this is the designated most critical sealed zone, designated by Okeanos himself—the location where Typhon is sealed. This is Etna. You are currently in Etna’s underground arsenal, Realm. Normally, no one could ever enter.」
「This place… is Etna?」
「Exactly. Only the one blessed by Asia, Prometheus, and Okeanos. Only an EX-rank Development Engineer could have gained entry. I apologize for the many discourtesies committed in order to keep my existence hidden.」
「I understand why we were called here. Now, tell me your name.」
「I am one of the Mythology Weapons, born from an Another Level Silhouette. I belong to the Kryptos faction. A being who bears the radiance of Arcturus, the guardian of the bear. You may call me… Arthur.」
「「King Arthur?!」」
Kou and Asia both shouted in unison.
The name was unmistakable. A name known to all—the legendary king.
AN:
Kou has now reached the edge of the mysteries surrounding Mount Etna and this entire star system. We’re finally diving into the truth behind the Mythology Weapons and the fundamental secrets of the Nemesis System! The scale of the story is escalating rapidly! And now, the true nature of Arcturus has been revealed!
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