Chapter 176

Miyu was hiding something.

An unknown past.

I didn’t know exactly what it was either. It was a narrative never even hinted at in the original story.

Right after parting ways with Evangeline, I made my way toward the [Living Fireworks] exhibition installed near the main lobby.

After lunchtime, the festival had become even livelier. But since the invited guests were limited, it wasn’t crowded to an overwhelming degree.

Thanks to that, I could reach my desired destination without much trouble from the crowd.

More than anything, people who made eye contact with me simply stepped aside on their own.

‘Oh……’

I let out a quiet exclamation in my head.

The last time I checked this place, the tank meant for the “fireworks” to swim in was still under construction.

Back then, only a makeshift frame had been haphazardly set up. But now, a temporary structure about three or four stories tall had been proudly erected.

A long line had formed at the entrance.

Students and outsiders alike were tangled together. Peeking through the entrance gap, it seemed much more spacious inside compared to the long line. They were probably limiting the number of people entering to ensure a pleasant viewing experience.

“–Wow, that was seriously amazing!”

“–It would’ve been great if we could take pictures.”

“–I’m definitely coming again tomorrow!”

The expressions of those walking out through the exit were noticeably bright. Their faces clearly showed how satisfied they were with the experience.

‘Just how good is it?’

Curiosity started to stir within me.

A scenario was still a scenario, but this was a festival, after all. I figured I might as well enjoy what I could, and before I realized it, I was already walking toward the entrance.

When I handed over the VIP ticket Miyu had given me before, an android greeted me with a bright smile. It looked like I wouldn’t have to wait in the long queue.

Instead…….

“Adaptees and Augmentees, please deactivate all modules and cyberware here. Additionally, cameras and electronic devices are prohibited inside, so please turn them in~”

“No electronic devices allowed?”

“Yes~ All the ‘fireworks’ inside the exhibit are living organisms~. We use programmed electromagnetic waves to guide their growth and behavior, so if external electromagnetic interference occurs, it could trigger abnormal actions~”

“I see.”

It seemed similar to the reason why using electronic devices was prohibited during airplane takeoff and landing.

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

I deactivated all my modules.

Even after that, I had to go through a thorough check to measure electromagnetic emissions before I was allowed inside.

That probably explained why entry took so long. For adaptees like me, it wasn’t too bad, but it seemed that highly augmented individuals couldn’t enter at all.

Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel a bit displeased, wondering if I really needed to be subjected to this kind of treatment. But the moment I stepped past the entrance into the exhibit hall, all such thoughts melted away like snow.

“Ah……”

Ever since I became like this, I had been trying not to show emotions outwardly. After Aaron’s personality disappeared, acting had become increasingly difficult. Even so, I worked harder to maintain the public image of the “coldhearted chairman.”

But in that moment.

I completely forgot all the effort I had put in until now and let out a heartfelt exclamation of awe.

It was beautiful.

A bizarre creature swimming inside a tank designed like outer space, or perhaps the deep sea, captured my gaze and wouldn’t let go.

At first, a tiny flicker.

A soft-bodied animal resembling a sea anemone wiggled through the soil at the bottom, radiating a lava-like glow. It would hide between the sand, teasing the audience with glimpses of its form.

Then suddenly…… swoosh, boom!

It instantly extended a stem toward the ceiling, and at its climax, it burst forth countless branches in all directions.

At the end of each branch, brilliant multicolored sparks radiated dazzlingly. It would shake gently in the tank like a breeze had blown through, then begin to fade away in a wistful posture.

The fireworks fell.

Downward, downward.

Once they reached the bottom, they left only irregular afterimages like embers before extinguishing. And then……

“……”

An image overlapped my vision.

A face.

One that was familiar, even dear—

But one I never wanted to remember again……

By the time I came to my senses, a strange pain throbbed at my lips.

The metallic scent of blood. I must’ve bitten down so hard that I bled without even realizing it.

Haah.

A quiet sigh escaped through my bleeding lips. Meanwhile, inside the tank, new fireworks were beginning a new life once again.

From a new seed, with new colors and forms.

They were undeniably breathtaking in a completely different way than the one before…… but my mood had already been ruined.

They say that shaking a person’s emotions is the very essence of art. In that sense, these “fireworks” undoubtedly held great value as art.

As if nothing had happened, as if it had nothing to do with me, I forced myself to maintain composure and kept walking.

Miyu was probably in the control room.

With that assumption, I asked a nearby android for directions, and sure enough, Miyu was there.

“Ah! Ah, Mr. Aaron…!”

The moment I stepped through the door, Miyu greeted me warmly. Around her were a few other professors who had participated in the Living Fireworks project.

Despite the grand name of “control room,” the interior was practically just a break room. There were only a few sofas and chairs, with snacks and bottles of alcohol scattered across the table.

One person was already snoring away on a sofa, despite it being only early afternoon. I didn’t know their name, but they were probably part of the faculty.

“P-President Stingray!”

“O-oh, what brings you here…!”

A few professors belatedly reacted to Miyu’s voice and hurriedly tried to stand. One even attempted to wake the sleeping person on the sofa, so I quickly gestured for them to stop.

“It’s fine. Please, continue to rest.”

“B-but…”

“It’s fine.”

As I repeated myself firmly, the professors hesitantly sat back down. Still, they seemed unable to ignore my presence. Even as they resumed their card game, their glances kept flicking over toward me.

I must’ve made things awkward.

Maybe we should talk outside instead.

But only for a moment did I consider that.

“A-Aaron! Over here…!”

Miyu, her expression visibly brightened, pulled me over to where she’d been sitting. Several monitors on the desk before her displayed the ongoing “fireworks.”

“P-please sit here… it’s a little messy…”

“Sure. Thanks.”

She quickly brushed snack crumbs off the chair with her sleeve and made space for me. Once I sat, Miyu scurried off to fetch another chair and plopped down beside me.

Then she started sneaking glances at me, her intentions practically written across her face.

“You have something to show me?”

“Gasp… H-how did you know…?”

It was obvious, really.

“Alright. Let’s see it.”

“Th-this is it…!”

Miyu tapped on the keyboard in front of the monitors.

Soon, the screens lit up simultaneously, displaying vibrant and colorful fireworks. It seemed like any input Miyu made from here altered the shapes of the fireworks being displayed in the exhibit.

Like a pianist, she pressed keys in perfect rhythm, and with each action, new bursts of fireworks captured the eye.

After continuing for quite a while, Miyu glanced sideways at me, clearly hoping for praise.

‘She must’ve really appreciated the compliment I gave her last time.’

It was the same mindset as an elementary schooler showing off their drawings after finally receiving praise from a parent.

I silently patted her head.

Though not as small as Evangeline, Miyu had quite a petite frame herself. If Evangeline felt like my youngest daughter, then Miyu was like the second. Honestly, I wanted to react more enthusiastically to her work, but…

It was time to begin.

Without revealing my intentions, I spoke up calmly.

“Miyu.”

“Y-yes…?”

But despite my effort, Miyu immediately sensed that something about my tone was different. Having always been hyper-aware of others’ moods, she didn’t miss even subtle shifts like this.

Not a bad start.

Judging that I’d gained control of the mood, I began to carefully and deliberately speak the lines I had prepared in advance.

“Would it be alright if I asked you a few questions?”

“Ah, yes…”

Good.

I’d started riding the flow.

A very subtle but certain current.

But diving deep from the start wasn’t ideal.

Miyu was an extremely delicate one. If I moved too quickly, she’d likely get scared and retreat.

The first step was like casting bait.

Naturally. Gently.

“It’s been quite a while since we first met.”

Starting with light small talk.

Keeping her just tense enough, I guided the conversation smoothly. This much wasn’t difficult for me.

I knew my kids well.

The late Shade, Iri, Miyu, Silence, Evangeline. Ciel… and the Guardian I had yet to meet.

Even before coming to this world, I had often conversed with them in my mind as if they were real.

And after arriving here, I had successfully predicted their behaviors multiple times. The precision of my brain’s simulations—fueled by delusions—could rival most computer programs.

Of course, due to the presence of other Transmigrators, many things had changed from the original, and the people I loved were becoming those I no longer recognized.

Because of that, the kids’ actions had recently started to deviate from expectations more often. But Miyu was an exception.

Her interactions with others were severely limited… so aside from intellectual growth, the “current Miyu” didn’t differ much from the “Miyu I knew.”

Which meant my predictions wouldn’t be wrong.

I could clearly foresee what kind of responses I’d get to specific lines. I knew exactly what kind of rhythm I needed to pierce through the shell wrapped around Miyu’s “self.”

“It was a surprising meeting in many ways.”

“I imagine you were startled when I suddenly appeared.”

“I’ve been very grateful that you’ve gone along with my demands all this time.”

Calmly, and with clarity.

While putting Miyu at ease, I created a small opening. Thanks to the trust we’d built up, I was able to lower her guard a little more easily.

“There’s really only one thing I want to ask.”

And I was sure of it.

This was the moment.

The perfect timing to probe the gap in Miyu’s heart.

Without missing my chance, I asked—

“……Have you ever killed someone?”

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