Risk Level <4>: The Girl
"Come in."
".. Yes."
Following the Team Leader into the dimly lit conference room, my hand clutches someone else's tightly. Glancing nervously at my side once more, I see Lav, her face lit with pure delight at simply holding my hand. We'd at least washed up cleanly beforehand, so there was no worry about any lingering scent, and with the Team Leader present to block her uncontrollable false manifestations, it should be fine. But after that one incident—when I fired a pistol into the Team Leader's chest—I knew the protocol: any containment subject at Risk Level 4 or higher that leaves its designated space without authorization is to be terminated on sight rather than subdued. Bringing her into this meeting has every nerve in my body on edge.
"Given the hour, the President has already left for the day, and the Response Team Leader is pulling another all-nighter, so I asked her to stop by briefly. No need to worry. I'm the only one who couldn't make it home on time."
".. I'm sorry."
"No, at least I wasn't bored while waiting."
Knowing exactly why the Team Leader hadn't been bored makes my face burn.
"In exchange, I also requested the Field Team Leader's presence. This serves as a sort of closure for the incident, and any profile revision for a containment subject requires the approval of at least three decision-makers."
"Huh..?"
I suspect she did it on purpose—bringing up the Field Team Leader right as we stepped into the conference room.
"..."
The first thing I notice is the Field Team Leader, arms crossed beneath her ample chest as if proudly displaying it, legs elegantly crossed even in the meeting room, waiting for the discussion to begin. And the reason for that posture is obvious...
"Well then, let's begin with confirmation. How does this containment subject appear to everyone?"
"...?"
At the question, both the Field Team Leader and the Response Team Leader—Yerin—turn their gazes toward us. Their expressions differ, but neither looks particularly pleased.
"..."
The Field Team Leader presses her lips into a thin line. As for Yerin...
"That.. fox ears...? And a tail..?"
That seems to be her impression.
"It appears the subject's form remains consistent even outside the Founder's special containment space."
".. It's different from the profile. Does this mean she's become closer to a distinct entity rather than just a phenomenon wearing a human appearance?"
Crack. Crackle.
Suddenly, the sound of bones creaking fills the room. The Field Team Leader has uncrossed her arms and is now clenching her fists tightly on the table. Can knuckles really make that noise...?
"So, why the hell did she suddenly show up here with ears and a tail?"
I flinch.
"Ah~ If it's about that.."
"I..! I asked her to do it!"
I jump in before the Team Leader can add some unnecessary remark like "It seems she found the Field Team Leader's appearance yesterday quite arousing," which would only make things worse. But I clearly underestimated the Team Leader.
"Indeed. The sight of her grabbing the tail and mounting from behind like a beast was quite memorable. Perhaps she was thinking of someone else?"
"..."
"..."
Whether she was annoyed that I spoke first or not, the Team Leader delivers a public execution with no lifeline whatsoever within the first minute of entering the room. Enduring the stares from the two team leaders now directed at me is excruciating. In the end, I have no choice but to tell the truth. The Field Team Leader's golden eyes look ready to tear me apart with nothing but her gaze.
"... At first, yes.. but I really just wanted to touch the fluffy tail and ears once.."
"Oh..? So you really were thinking of someone?"
"No..! I wasn't! No matter what, I wouldn't think of someone else during that!"
Before I can get worked up by the Team Leader's leading questions, a loud bang!! echoes through the room.
"...!"
It comes from the Field Team Leader slamming her fist into the steel table, leaving a clear dent.
".. I don't care about that crap. Just get to the original agenda already."
"Ah, right. That was part of it. Anomalous transformations originally don't discriminate between targets, but after gaining a sense of self, they've only applied to Ung-ssi, making her appearance consistent to us as well. I no longer see that bitch's form either. A bit of a shame, really."
"...?"
Instead of telling us to sit, the Team Leader pulls out two chairs for Lav and me before circling around to sit opposite us. I fidget with Lav's hand in mine, tension rising for no reason. We have to let go to sit, but once seated, Lav quietly offers her hand again, and holding it helps steady my nerves.
"Moving to the main point—the false manifestation that caused numerous casualties, including among the field team."
"Hmm, before that.. one thing. What's that thing on Counselor-ssi’s neck..?"
"Ah, that. It's a device that injects pain directly into the nerves in response to certain words. No need to worry too much. It suits him quite well, too."
She's being more merciless than usual—probably payback for my unauthorized actions. I stepped on the in-ear device, ignored her warnings, and acted on my own even after the situation ended. I have no excuses. Well, I do have things to say, but now isn't the time.
"Hmm.. Yes, I understand."
At least Yerin's concern is a small comfort right now. .. She's always been like that. She's the only normal one here. Though calling her "the only normal one" doesn't sound entirely positive, she's still the most reliable person in this room.
"I've received the report, so I understand the situation. For the anomalous transformation, we can simply add a line about Counselor-ssi to the profile. But the false manifestation will be completely different from before."
"Correct. We initially suspected she was feeding through the manifestation, but it turns out it's merely a phenomenon occurring around the containment subject."
".. I'm a bit skeptical. Relying on something as vague as others' attention or affection for sustenance.."
"I fully understand the doubt. However, the Observer also advised that this containment subject's origin consists of concepts and illusions, so it's not entirely implausible. Much like how Undine is particularly fond of the vague concept of pollution."
While the Field Team Leader turns away with a displeased expression, the Team Leader and Yerin discuss Lav with serious expressions. I can only hope the conversation ends well.. but being summoned together like this probably means I can't just stay silent.
".. It's essentially a hunting tool to easily charm targets. The fact that it can interfere with the mind and even erase or create things with physical form is clearly dangerous."
Screech..!
"...?"
"So what you're really saying is: now that this containment subject—who used to be nothing more than a walking natural disaster—has gained a sense of self, should we treat her as the same entity or a different one?"
After sitting in silence for a while, the Field Team Leader suddenly stands up, crosses her arms again with clear dissatisfaction, and stares straight at the Team Leader's mask.
The Team Leader doesn't deny it.
".. You're correct. I didn't expect you to take such interest in my intentions. So here.."
"And then you'll slyly try to add her to the rehabilitation project. I'll agree to the profile revision, but I oppose the first outing evaluation. Now, if you'll excuse me?"
She cuts in before the Team Leader can even show whatever document she's pulling from inside her coat, then turns toward the door.
"... And you—haa.. Never mind."
She pauses mid-exit, glances down at Lav and me, mutters something as if she has more to say.. then walks out anyway.
Thud.
.. Is that a relief?
"Ahaha, I suppose it was too obvious."
"Team Leader, that document..?"
"My personal opinion is that if someone has truly changed their ways with sincerity, they should be viewed as a different person from before. Of course, that's just my personal view."
Still, I hadn't expected her to prepare the first outing evaluation documents already.
"The first outing evaluation can be seen as determining whether a subject is eligible for the rehabilitation project. It will be a difficult path for a containment subject responsible for so many casualties, but securing the Field Team Leader's approval for the first step—the profile revision—is quite significant."
"Thank you. I didn't expect you to go this far.."
"Hmm?"
"...?"
Before I can finish, the Team Leader suddenly interjects with a questioning tone. When I look up, I see her tilting her head, the unfamiliar clown mask looking oddly askew.
"It seems there's a misunderstanding. I oppose all of it."
"What?"
Wait, the person who prepared the documents is suddenly opposing it..? And didn't she just say she personally believes we should view someone differently after they gain a sense of self?
"Agreement only comes after sincerity has been proven."
"Then..?"
So that was the source of my unease all along. .. Setting aside the fact that proving sincerity without being able to show it is another problem entirely,
"Therefore, try convincing me and the Response Team Leader—along with that containment subject. That's what this meeting is for."
.. Is it even possible for me to outtalk the Team Leader?