(T/N):TEN chapters today because I just pulled Hyacine and that made my mood shoot up
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"So... you aren't the real Cocolia..."
After listening to [Cocolia]'s explanation, the light in Serval's eyes dimmed for a moment, and her fingers twisted together unconsciously.
She looked at [Cocolia], who was tilting her head slightly and seemed a bit guilty, and confirmed in a low voice.
[Cocolia] nodded, her voice softer than usual: "...Yeah. I was'summoned' into existence based on some... uh, you could understand it as a 'parallel possibility.' But I share most of her memories and emotions, especially... the parts about you."
"Huu..."
Serval took a deep breath and let it out slowly, as if trying to force down the churning disappointment and complex emotions in her chest.
She slapped her cheeks hard, striving to regain her composure.
"You said... the real Cocolia has already been bewitched by the Stellaron and has become its'spokesperson'..."
She sorted through the explosive information she had just heard, feeling as if she were chewing on broken glass with every word she spoke.
"And you... have a 'copied,' or rather'simulated' Stellaron power within you, but you are clear-headed and here to solve the problem."
[Cocolia] nodded again, adding: "To be precise, it's 'utilizing' this power, but not being controlled by it. Our goal is the same: resolve the Stellaron on Jarilo-VI, stop the real Cocolia, and save Belobog."
"But she doesn't have the Stellaron inside her, right? The actual Stellaron is still hidden somewhere?"
Serval grasped the key point.
[Cocolia] nodded again: "Yes. She is just eroded and connected; the power comes from the Stellaron, but the Stellaron is not within her. This is our chance."
Serval was silent for about ten seconds.
During these ten seconds, her gaze shifted from confusion and struggle to sharpness, finally settling into a determined resolve.
She stood up abruptly, the legs of her chair scraping harshly against the floor.
"Then..."
Serval turned around, staring intensely at [Cocolia], her tone resolute.
"You must be better than her! At least more clear-headed! Please... stop her before she does something irreversible! Bring her here!"
Without waiting for [Cocolia]'s response, Serval seemed to flip some mysterious switch, lunging toward a seemingly ordinary locker next to the workbench and yanking the door open with a "clatter."
Then, under [Cocolia]'s widening, incredulous gaze, Serval moved with lightning speed, pulling out of the locker:
A dusty, large-looking sack;
Several bundles of ropes of varying thicknesses, but which looked very sturdy;
A black blindfold with an elastic band;
And... a quite standard-looking, even slightly leather-glossy... gag.
Serval shoved all these items into the arms of the completely petrified [Cocolia], her expression serious and her tone resonant, as if she were handing over some sacred strategic supplies:
"By any means necessary! Use whatever method is required! Please, bring her back alive and intact! These things... might come in handy! For the sake of Belobog!"
[Cocolia]: "..."
She looked down at the pile of "props" that had suddenly changed the tone of the situation, then looked back up at Serval, who wore an expression of righteous solemnity as if she had just presented blueprints for siege weaponry; she felt her brain and common sense suffer a violent shock.
The corner of her mouth twitched subtly, and her gaze drifted toward Serval with a complex expression.
The air seemed to freeze.
A few seconds later, Serval seemed to finally cool down from her passionate state of "offering strategies for the greater good."
Following [Cocolia]'s gaze, she clearly saw again what kind of things she had shoved over.
"!!!"
Serval's cheeks flushed red with visible speed, even the tips of her ears not spared.
She stepped back abruptly, waving her hands frantically, trying to explain: "Wait! No! Listen to me! These things... they, they are actually... samples custom-made for a rock theater troupe's special-themed prop set! Yes! Samples! They're here because... because..."
The more she spoke, the more muddled she became, her eyes darting around, her voice trailing off.
Watching [Cocolia]'s increasingly profound gaze, which seemed to say "I understand, I understand everything, no need to explain," Serval completely gave up, covering her instantly burning face with her hands and letting out a self-abandoning groan:
"Ahhh—that's not what I meant! Believe me!"
The "props" in [Cocolia]'s arms now felt like a hot potato.
She made a split-second decision, placing the items on the workbench nearby, moving as fast as if she were throwing a ticking time bomb.
"I, I'll go 'invite' her over first!"
[Cocolia]'s voice carried a rare, subtle hint of panic. She didn't even dare look at Serval a second time. Her figure flashed, as if being chased by something terrifying, and she instantly pulled open the door, turning into an ice-blue afterimage and disappearing into the street outside with a "whoosh."
Leaving only a few passersby staring blankly at the empty doorway, wondering if their eyes had deceived them.
Speeding all the way, [Cocolia] arrived near Qlipoth Fort at top speed, landed in a hidden corner, leaned against the cold wall, and raised a hand to pat her chest.
Too scary!
She was still shaken.
It was the first time she realized that her old friend, who in her memories was talented, passionate, and free-spirited, actually hid such... such an "amazingly proactive" and "well-equipped" side!
This had exceeded the scope of "cherishing old memories" and gone straight toward some unspeakable obsession!
"Could it be... if the original self is 'lucky' later and draws [Serval]... will the one summoned also be..."
[Cocolia] couldn't help but shiver, quickly shaking this terrifying association out of her mind.
"No, no, this image is too beautiful to even imagine."
She silently made a mental note to Stella: absolutely, absolutely, do not let that kid draw [Serval] for now! For the sake of the universe's peace, and for everyone's mental health!
Fortunately, the original self hasn't drawn Serval yet.
This is probably the lucky thing amidst the misfortune... right?
Composing herself, [Cocolia] turned her gaze back to the towering and solemn Qlipoth Fort not far away, her eyes regaining their usual calmness and sharpness.
Alright, joke time is over.
Now, it's time to "visit" that "self" who has been bewitched by the Stellaron.
Hopefully the process... will be a bit more normal than those few minutes at the workshop just now.
Silently taking the rope in her hand, [Cocolia] thought to herself.
Wait, didn't she put these things down? When did she pick them up again!?