Multiverse Gacha

Magus Craft, once a renowned manufacturer of industrial robots, had fallen on hard times. Despite its declining fortunes, the company still maintained a significant presence on Itogami Island.

The information August had acquired from Natsuki Minamiya offered little more than general knowledge about Magus Craft—the kind of sanitized details the company preferred to share with the public. As for Kensei Kanase, the intel merely stated that he was a former royal mage technician for the Kingdom of Aldegia, now employed at Magus Craft.

Beyond that, there was nothing. It wasn't surprising, and August understood why. Secrets of real consequence rarely left the shadows.

Seated on the plush sofa in Natsuki's private office on the top floor of a government building, August stared at the dossier spread out before him. The files detailed Magus Craft's operations and Kensei Kanase's background.

Natsuki, observing him with suspicion, crossed her arms. "Why are you so interested in this? Is it about Kanon Kanase?"

"Maybe," August replied nonchalantly, though his fleeting expression of steely resolve did not escape her notice.

Natsuki's gaze sharpened. "What are you planning?"

August's lips curled into a faint smile. "Nothing you need to worry about, Natsuki-chan."

"Don't call me 'Natsuki-chan.' We're not that close," she snapped, irritated.

But August merely chuckled, his eyes fixed on a photograph of Kensei Kanase in the file. Despite his interactions with Kanon over the past few days, August had found no evidence that she'd been subjected to any modifications. This meant the Faux Angel hadn't started yet, and Kanon remained unharmed—for now.

With this in mind, August resolved to act preemptively. He would eliminate both Kensei Kanase and Magus Craft, cutting the problem off at its root.

He rose from the sofa, his decision made. "I'm heading to Magus Craft."

Natsuki's brows knit together. "Magus Craft? What's so important about them that you're going there yourself?"

"Just tying up loose ends before they become problems," August replied casually.

"Tying up loose ends?" Natsuki's tone turned sharp. "What are you planning to do?"

Her concern wasn't unwarranted. August was an unpredictable entity, far more troubling than the Fourth Primogenitor—the still-dormant vampire progenitor who was supposedly the island's biggest threat. August's goals and capabilities were an enigma, and the unknown was always the most dangerous.

"If you're so worried, why not come along?" August suggested, a sly grin on his face. "Your presence would make things much easier."

Natsuki huffed. "I'm not your hired muscle, but fine. I'll go. Someone has to keep an eye on you."

"Thanks, Natsuki-chan. I appreciate it."

"Don't push your luck," she snapped as she followed him out of the office.

Though Natsuki could use spatial teleportation magic, traveling long distances without a fixed spatial node was still difficult, even for her. They left the Saikai Academy grounds and boarded a maglev train bound for the industrial sector. The sleek technology of the train served as a reminder of how this world seamlessly blended the mystical with the mechanical.

Throughout the journey, Natsuki's eyes never left August. Her wariness was palpable, and she was determined not to let him out of her sight. She knew the chaos a single rogue mage could unleash—she'd spent countless hours as an Enforcer dealing with the aftermath of such incidents. Many of those cases involved bloodshed, with humans invariably on the losing end of any confrontation with the supernatural.

Before long, they arrived at their destination: a cluster of dilapidated buildings that made up Magus Craft' primary facilities. The sight of the rundown structures contrasted sharply with the pristine, state-of-the-art image portrayed in the company's promotional materials.

"So this is Magus Craft," Natsuki murmured, eyeing the main building. "Not exactly what I expected."

Magus Craft was known for its production of industrial automatons, and its CEO, Beatrice Basler, was a T-class vampire. Rumor had it she employed a powerful beastman enforcer for added security. In recent years, as the company edged closer to bankruptcy, Beatrice had partnered with Kensei Kanase to develop the Faux Angel. Her goal wasn't world domination or supernatural upheaval; she simply wanted to make a fortune—a more grounded motivation, albeit no less dangerous.

As they entered the building, they passed displays showcasing various robots: janitorial bots, industrial assistants, and more. Some designs were clearly functional, while others appeared almost experimental, their purposes inscrutable.

At the reception desk, a humanoid robot greeted them with a pleasant, synthesized voice. "Welcome to Magus Craft. How may I assist you today?"

August stepped forward. "Where is Kensei Kanase?"

"I'm sorry," the robot replied. "Dr. Kanase is currently out of the office."

"Where did he go?"

"I'm afraid I don't have that information."

"How about your boss?"

"Ms. Basler is also out of the office, accompanying Dr. Kanase."

August's lips curled into a wry smile. "What a coincidence."

Natsuki shot him a questioning look, but he offered no explanation.

Meanwhile, in the depths of Magus Craft's research lab, Kensei Kanase frowned at the notification on his monitor. Someone was asking for him by name. Transferring the camera feed to his screen, he studied the visitors. The man was unfamiliar, but he recognized Natsuki. Their paths had never crossed directly, but her reputation preceded her.

Beatrice Basler entered the room, her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. "We have guests," she remarked, her voice dripping with amusement. Behind her loomed a tall, muscular figure—Lowe Kirishima, her beastman enforcer.

Kensei shook his head. "I don't know the man."

"And yet he's here, with the Witch of the Void at his side," Beatrice mused. "Do you think our little project has been exposed?"

"Impossible," Kensei replied firmly. "We haven't even started."

"True," Beatrice agreed, though a hint of unease lingered in her expression.

***

Bonus Chapter:

100 Power Stones = 1 BC

300 Power Stones = 2 BC

500 Power Stones = 3 BC

700 Power Stones = 4 BC

1000 Power Stones = 5 BC

***

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