Endless Debt Chapter 1143 - 6: Forming an Alliance

Rest... what a truly comforting notion.

After a demanding conversation with Lebius, an intricate work handover, and various directives from the Decision Room, Bologue finally found a moment of respite. This pause offered a much-needed break from nearly a month of intense combat.

Yet, this sudden relaxation left Bologue feeling adrift, his purpose momentarily lost. His eyes mirrored his confusion, unsure of his next step. In his daze, he even found himself yearning for the simpler days of his early career, a time far more carefree than his present circumstances.

But such changes are inevitable. As one's Tier escalates and authority expands, even if Bologue maintains his inner core, the shifts in the world are beyond his direct influence.

With a subtle motion of his hand, Ether flowed and settled around Bologue’s fingertips. Though his time as a Negative Power User was relatively short, Bologue could distinctly sense the augmentation of his strength.

This wasn't a mere perception; it was a tangible alteration. The amplification of this power was even more pronounced during the rescue of Yoni at the Ethereal Vortex Point disaster site.

Bologue understood the source of this transformation: the escalating concentration of Ether.

Where once the Ether available to Condensers in the environment was akin to a mere trickle, now, in this altered landscape, casually activating an Alchemy Matrix could unleash the force of a devastating flood.

It was like a ticking clock.

The more power Bologue accumulated, the more profound his sense of unease became. Imagining the future state of the world was a daunting prospect...

No, Bologue had, in fact, already glimpsed it.

At the very location where Yoni was discovered, Bologue had witnessed harrowing sights—forests succumbing in swathes, the sky rent asunder, and sunlight so fierce it threatened to incinerate all it touched.

Fortunately, the disaster had struck a primordial forest; had it occurred within a city, Bologue shuddered to contemplate the sheer destruction.

"Take it easy, Bologue. You can’t allow yourself to be consumed by work," Bologue murmured, massaging his temples.

Bologue was, in essence, a pure individual. The prefix 'pure' could aptly describe a multitude of Bologue's attributes.

A pure assassin, a pure enforcer, a pure specialist, and purely...

Bologue didn't delve further. He recognized his immediate obligations. After all, being such a pure soul meant he had precious few pursuits outside his professional duties.

...

The Sublimation Furnace Core, while functioning as the operational hub for the Order Bureau's technical division, also served as its primary equipment manufacturing facility. Within its confines, multiple automated assembly lines tirelessly produced a steady stream of standard armaments for the Field Staff.

Aimou, seated in her office, meticulously reviewed document after document, her gaze fixed downwards. To be candid, the task of reviewing files was exceedingly challenging for her. Ever watchful of potential errors, she compelled herself to scrutinize each document multiple times.

While a Steel Body offered immunity from physical fatigue, the mind and spirit were inevitably susceptible to exhaustion.

Aimou let out a sigh. Despite having occupied this role for nearly two months, she still struggled to adjust to this new work-life dynamic. Although the privilege of having her own office was certainly gratifying, Aimou found herself nostalgic for the countless hours spent immersed in the laboratory.

"I understand your dedication to research, little sister. However, as a researcher, one cannot solely immerse themselves in technical studies."

Belli's voice echoed in her thoughts. The mere recollection of her voice conjured an image of Belli's characteristic smirk and the way she would raise her arms in a playful gesture.

"After all, research requires more than just intellect; it demands significant financial resources. Therefore, securing that funding is a critical concern."

Amidst Belli's spirited laughter, Aimou had been promoted. Alongside her ongoing research endeavors, she had undertaken numerous administrative responsibilities, including the arduous task of grant applications.

Aimou once believed she possessed a certain aptitude for numbers, but after days spent reconciling accounts, the mere sight of figures began to induce dizziness.

The process of applying for funding was an art form, and Belli, without question, was a virtuoso.

Aimou couldn't fathom how Belli managed to maintain the Sublimation Furnace Core's smooth operation while skillfully diverting substantial funds.

Just as Aimou grappled with the intricacies of the accounts, a gentle knock sounded at her door. Without looking up, Aimou responded,

"Please, come in."

A figure entered, casually retrieved a chair, and settled opposite Aimou. Lifting her head, Aimou found herself face-to-face with Bologue.

Their gazes met, each maintaining an expression of serene composure, a shared silence enveloping them.

After a considerable pause, Bologue finally initiated the conversation.

"My apologies. I had intended to bring back some tokens of remembrance," Bologue reflected, recalling scenes from cinematic narratives. "However, my work has been relentlessly demanding, oscillating between eliminating targets and en route to do so. The villages and towns I traversed were utterly devastated. There was nothing left behind, not even mementos or gifts, only the lingering scent of ashes."

"Oh," Aimou replied, nodding slightly. "It’s quite alright... have you only just returned?"

"Mm, I have," Bologue confirmed. "

A heavy silence descended once more after Bologue concluded his statement.

The incident involving the Decay Plague had triggered a cascade of changes: the dissipation of the Great Rift’s obscuring haze, the promotion of numerous individuals, and, quite possibly, the advancement of the relationship between Bologue and Aimou.

Bologue’s memory of that particular night remained remarkably clear. Following a sharp cry, Aimou had burst through the door, her eyes a chaotic jumble of incomprehensible text, betraying her extreme distress at that moment.

One stood framed by the doorway, the other just outside. Their gazes met; Bologue’s expression was one of utter calm, while Aimou’s face evidently flushed a deep red. She seemed on the verge of speaking, but only ragged breaths escaped her. In her haste, she resorted to sign language, yet Bologue, to her dismay, could not comprehend her gestures.

After a period of nearly ten minutes spent regaining her composure, Aimou finally managed to steady her breathing and address Bologue with a serious tone.

"Are you being serious? This isn't some bizarre prank, is it?"

Aimou was completely taken aback. While she had entertained the idea of closing the distance between them through a movie marathon, she had never anticipated Bologue’s unexpected counter-move. Could it be said that he was truly an expert? Even in matters such as these, he navigated them with effortless skill.

"Hmm..."

Bologue paused for a moment, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "Do I need to prepare a formal written declaration?"

Within the confines of the Order Bureau, for the sake of maintaining proper conduct, romantic relationships between colleagues were generally discouraged, though not strictly forbidden.

"Ah?"

Aimou found her thoughts in complete disarray, unable to anticipate Bologue’s next move.

"Then... then..."

Aimou attempted to gather herself, first by consciously controlling her facial muscles, and then by bringing her emotions under stable command. She made a concerted effort to align herself with Bologue’s distinctively logical approach to thinking.

That efficient, detached, almost mechanical mode of logical reasoning.

"Then... are we expected to engage in some sort of intimate gesture to concretely affirm our close association?" Aimou inquired tentatively.

In response, Bologue contemplated for a moment, his brow furrowed, his expression clearly conveying a negative answer to Aimou’s suggestion.

Aimou’s grasp on rationality grew increasingly fragile. She tried to match Bologue’s line of thought, but why was the actual outcome so drastically divergent from her expectations?

Aimou let out a soft murmur, "Is something amiss?"

Bologue inquired earnestly, "And what about yourself, Aimou?"

"Me? What about me?"

Aimou pointed to herself, her expression one of complete bewilderment.

"While I suspect you harbor sentiments akin to mine, I wish to confirm this directly to avoid any potential misunderstandings."

Bologue, who professed a lack of skill in administrative duties, nevertheless delivered his words with the precision of a model official document.

"So..." Bologue let the sound draw out, leaving his sentence unfinished.

"So, I feel the same way you do!"

Aimou made an effort to maintain her composure, but it was evident that she ultimately failed.

"Hmm, not unsatisfactory. This can serve as a suitable basis for establishing a close relationship."

With that, Bologue extended his hand. Aimou, still somewhat disoriented, reciprocated by extending her own, and they performed a gentle handshake.

Aimou suddenly perceived a strangeness in the act; it bore no resemblance to a heartfelt confession but rather resembled the formalization of an alliance, solidifying a close partnership.

Aimou even found herself contemplating whether Bologue might produce a formal contract for her signature next… At times, Bologue’s peculiar disposition was so unconventional that it evoked a desire to both laugh and lament.

"Shall we take a stroll?" Bologue proposed.

"I am experiencing a degree of nervousness coupled with a sense of excitement and elation," Bologue stated, his calm demeanor belying the contrasting nature of his words. "Based on my understanding of you, Aimou, you must be experiencing similar emotions… It’s not as though we have anything pressing to do, is that acceptable?"

Aimou blinked, subtly checked Bologue’s physiological indicators, and then observed his facial expression. She began to question whether Bologue was, in fact, capable of displaying any genuine emotion.

However, none of these considerations held ultimate importance, and Aimou responded with an enthusiastic nod.

"Absolutely!"