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Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Even with the issue of the Legion’s frame, the plan to manufacture a Lemures for Alfe was progressing smoothly. At this rate, I wanted to begin work on the Lemures’ main body as early as tomorrow.

Since the magic staff had been completed ahead of schedule, I decided to use the time after tidying up to write out the modification plan and work instructions for the Lemures. That way, I could divide the tasks between Isaac, Romeo, and myself.

The adjustments to the Lemures’ unit were mostly complete. I had already removed the control stick for the mobile armor from the control chamber, and all that remained was to recalibrate the associated magic control circuit (sphere).

I figured it would be a good idea to repaint the unit in colors that would better suit Alfe. The original paintwork was already damaged and, frankly, far from attractive. The current black-based scheme, adorned with red and gold patterns, felt completely out of step with Alfe’s image.

Since I had the chance, I thought I’d repaint it with a white base and add delicate patterns in pale purple and gold to match her hair color. I was sure Alfe would be delighted.

With the modification plan and work instructions finished, the entire Mecha Soldier production project had taken a significant step forward. While I still had no leads on securing a proper frame, there was no point in panicking. All I could do was focus on what I could accomplish right now.

“Now then…”

With the design work at a good stopping point, I figured it was about time I headed back to the dorms. As I stood up from the chair in the corner of the workshop, I thought I heard Alfe’s voice, ever so faintly.

“…No way, right?”

Logically speaking, there was no reason I’d be hearing Alfe’s voice in a workshop tucked away in a corner of the university division’s facilities. Maybe it was just that I hadn’t had a proper conversation with her lately, and I’d started to miss the sound of her voice.

But then, clear as day, I heard Alfe call my name.

“Leafa!”
“Alfe!? Where are you!?”

It was unmistakably her voice. I stepped outside the workshop and looked around, turning my head in all directions.

“Leafa!”

And there she was—Alfe, with Hom at her side, running straight toward me. Maybe she had traced my aether using her Pure Eye.

“I’m surprised. Hom must be tired too…”

There was something refreshing about the three of us coming together here in the workshop like this. Now that I thought about it, even though I was building units for the two of them, I hadn’t actually shown them the workshop. I’d been so focused on completing everything that I’d forgotten the most important part—hearing what Alfe and Hom thought.

“It’s beautiful… Can I really use this?”

Alfe peered at the newly completed Lemures magic staff, her Pure Eye sparkling with wonder.

“Of course. I made it for you. With the aether amplifier, you should be able to wield power many times greater than your usual strength.”
“The aether from you inside this… it’s going to give me strength, isn’t it?”

As I explained, Alfe gently placed her hand on the Blood Grail with a look of affection in her eyes. It seemed her Pure Eye could clearly see the golden glow of the blood-forged transmutation array sealed inside it.

“Do you like it?”

I asked with a smile, careful not to explain the full method of its creation—she’d only worry if I did. Alfe looked up and nodded several times, then took my hand and squeezed it tight.

“Yes, I love it! I’m going to beat Senior Melua!”

If it had been the Alfe of old, she would have said something like, “I’ll do my best to win.” But now, she outright declared victory. That strong resolve in her voice made me realize just how much she’d grown. If this staff was giving her that kind of confidence, I couldn’t be happier.

To match that resolve, I had to see the Lemures through to completion—to make sure it could help Alfe surpass Melua, a magician so skilled she was exempt from the elective magic courses and served as Alfe’s instructor.

“…Master. Is this Mecha Soldier meant for me?”

Hom, who had been quietly observing the workshop, waited for a pause in our conversation before gesturing to the Legion. With its armor removed, the unit looked less like a prototype and more like scrap.

“That’s right. Your Legion will be customized with additional framework. Progress has been a bit slow, but I’ll make sure it’s ready in time.”
“I’m hesitant to say this, Master, but… I don’t think this unit suits me very well. I’ve been using it for practice, but I just can’t seem to handle it properly…”

Though her voice was hesitant, I could tell Hom was deeply anxious. I stepped beside her, took her hand, and together we looked up at the Legion.

“Leave it to me. I’ll make sure it becomes a unit you can move as naturally as your own limbs, Hom.”
“Master… Thank you… so much, for doing this for me…”

Hom bowed her head deeply, eyes glistening, as if she’d been hoping to hear those very words from me.

“You’re a little off, though. This isn’t just for your sake—it’s for mine, too.”

I gently stroked her hair and spoke softly.

“…I want to use my weapon (alchemy) to bring happiness to others.”

It was something my past self never would have imagined. But now that I understood what happiness truly was, I believed I could make it real—with this weapon (alchemy). It was my new dream, my hope for the future.

“I want victory in Zersteller to be the first step toward that goal. So that everyone at this academy can live with a smile.”

That small wish was also Estea’s. And I wanted to make it come true. With everything I had to give.

“Yeah! We’re definitely gonna win!”

Alfe nodded with conviction and threw her arms around Hom and me. We drew close, looking into each other’s faces, and nodded in unison.

“…Ah, Leafa. Good, you’re still here.”

The sudden voice that echoed through the workshop belonged to the Professor. After roping me into doing that report, he’d left in a hurry, saying he had other matters to attend to—did something come up?

“Professor, is something the matter?”
“No, it’s just… I’ve had an urgent matter come up, and I won’t be able to stop by here for the next few days. But there was something I really wanted to give you before then…”

As he said this, the Professor pulled a single ticket from the pocket of his lab coat. It was beautifully printed with gold lettering.

“It’s a ticket to the exhibition match for the university division of Zersteller this Saturday.”
“Wha—really?!”

My voice cracked with surprise at the unexpected offer.

I had been thinking about going to watch the matches, but I’d been so caught up with everything that I hadn’t even done any research on the schedule.

“I was originally planning to go myself, but as you can see, work’s gotten the better of me. If you’re free, would you go in my place? I’ve reserved a private room—feel free to bring the other two along.”
“Thank you so much, Professor!”
“We’re truly grateful.”

Alfe and Hom both looked thrilled at the Professor’s offer. I’d heard that top-class operators would be participating in the exhibition match, so it would likely be a great learning opportunity for them. As for me, observing a live battle might help spark ideas for improving my current Mecha Soldier development plans.

“We’ll gladly accept it, Professor.”

I accepted the ticket with a polite bow. The Professor watched me raise my head again and gave a meaningful smile.

“Oh, and one more thing. This exhibition match will feature a rather special participant. I think you’ll find it very enlightening¹.”

1. Robinxen: Oho, how very interesting.

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