"No problem. As long as I have crystallized marrow, I can quickly build the purification device according to the data. But for this Fatui item, you'll have to give me some time."
Xavier picked up the Fatui's disc-shaped device and frowned, examining it carefully for a long time. The technology of Snezhnaya was vastly different from that of Fontaine.
If Fontaine was steampunk, then Snezhnaya was magic-tech; though similar in some ways, their branches were completely different.
"By the way, do you mind if I take it apart?"
"If you can reassemble it, yes. But you don't have to put it back together perfectly, just enough to show its general shape."
This thing was one of the pieces of evidence; if only a pile of parts were presented, the Fatui, with their thick skin, would surely deny it.
"Then just give it to me. Other than that, the basic shape is completely fine."
Xavier nodded, then placed the disc device on the table.
"Then come back at this time tomorrow. I should be able to make a prototype. If it passes the tests, we can start the purification."
"Okay, then I'll look forward to your purification device tomorrow. Do you have any other needs?" Shiki asked.
"Not for now."
The most important component of the purification device was the crystallized marrow, as it would be used as a blueprint to inert the curse gods. As for other materials, they could be sourced locally without any shortage.
After confirming the time, Shiki left Tatarasuna. Meanwhile, at the Evil Eye Factory on Kannazuka, Balladeer received news of his subordinates losing contact.
"Lord Balladeer, it has been confirmed that Squad 114 has lost contact. They were supposed to transmit information to the intelligence officer an hour ago."
"No matter, if they failed, they failed. I have a new objective now. It was just a vanguard squad; if they died, they died."
Balladeer appeared indifferent, showing no concern for the lives of the four Fatui. His mind was now solely focused on making the girl truly awaken and then rebel against his creator.
He was the one who made that disc device, which contained his power. Using certain lost technologies, he knew the outcome of the four Fatui's deaths immediately.
As for who did it, it didn't matter. Destroying the Mikage Furnace Core was just something he did out of boredom anyway. Now, he was thinking about how to force the girl out of Narukami Island.
Narukami Island was the electro element Archon's territory. Once he, a prototype puppet, unleashed his power, the Shogun puppet in Tenshukaku would surely sense it immediately.
Although the Fatui's technology had made him stronger than before, he still felt uncertain facing his creator.
That's why he wanted to force the girl out of Narukami Island. As long as she left Narukami Island, that puppet wouldn't be able to sense his power; he had tested this.
At the very least, Kannazuka would be safe. As for Narukami Island, he would naturally avoid making a move if possible.
"Oh, right, how is the girl's plan progressing?" Balladeer asked.
"Reporting, Lord, the Vision Hunt Decree promoted by the girl has more than doubled the resistance's forces. Our Delusions are also ready for secret distribution, and the Tenryou Commission even organized something called the 'Hundredth Vision Hunt Decree Ceremony.'"
Balladeer's mouth curved into a smirk when he heard this. He had a good idea:
"Oh? It seems to be progressing well. Tell the girl for me to make Shiki the target of the Vision Hunt Decree. She won't refuse me."
"Understood, my lord!"
The Debt Collector didn't doubt him and instantly vanished into a black mist in the room. A Harbinger's orders only needed to be executed, not questioned.
"Heh heh, we'll meet very soon, Shiki!"
Balladeer said, pulling down his hat, a chilling glint emanating from his purple eyes.
At the same time, Inazuma City.
Traveler Lumine had finished visiting the samurai Kurosawa and understood that the relief food was entirely the samurai's own will. The reason he stopped distributing relief food was entirely due to the Vision Hunt Decree.
After his Vision was taken away, he forgot about the relief food, and even his reason for wielding his sword.
After that, Lumine further learned that Kurosawa had even gone into debt to distribute relief food, and he owed the proprietress of Kujukumo an unknown amount of Mora.
"I feel like this person is so pitiful," Paimon said. "Losing a Vision feels like losing a life goal; his whole person has become lost."
"How about we tell Miss Kamisato about this later? The Yashiro Commission should be able to help him."
"Hmm..."
Lumine's mood was a bit heavy. She hadn't expected that losing a Vision would have such severe consequences.
And what kind of change would Domon undergo next?
Arriving at the Meikyo Shisui-ryu dojo, the usually bustling place now seemed a bit desolate. Although there were still people practicing, it was less than half of what it used to be.
People are just that realistic. As soon as they heard that the head of the school had been defeated, they left without hesitation.
After all, in the eyes of some, Meikyo Shisui-ryu was just a backing. And when that backing was defeated, they naturally had to find a new one.
"Hey, who are you two? Don't you know that Master is not seeing guests right now?" At this moment, a girl in a kendo uniform saw the two.
"Uh... we..."
Lumine was pondering what excuse to use, when Paimon, with her limited brain capacity, came up with a surprisingly reliable reason.
"We're here to become disciples!"
"Become disciples?" Nanako's eyes showed a hint of confusion: "Are you serious?"
"Right now, many people can't wait to leave Meikyo Shisui-ryu, and you two actually want to join?"
"Besides, if you want to become disciples, shouldn't you find the person who defeated my Master? If she establishes a school, it would be the number one school in Inazuma!"
Nanako said, a mocking expression appearing in her eyes. Those opportunistic fellows were probably already searching everywhere for that girl, begging her to establish a school, right?
"What does that have to do with me wanting to join your school? I am a Traveler from another land, I just want to learn the unique sword techniques of Inazuma." Lumine hit the nail on the head.
"Furthermore, didn't you also say that the girl hasn't established a school, right? If that's the case, why should I go find her? Will she teach me Inazuma's sword techniques?"
'Besides, I've already seen it.'
Lumine said expressionlessly in her heart. Although she had only met her twice, she knew that with Shiki's personality, she was definitely not the type to teach.
Nanako heard this and re-evaluated the Traveler, finally stepping aside and gesturing for them to enter.
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