Central Avatar Research Director Vivian - (3)
Many were thrilled to hear that Vivian had accepted the invitation from Starlink Times. The media staff were delighted to have secured such a famous guest, as were folks like Yuna upon hearing that another apostle under the same constellation was appearing on the show.
"What is this call about?"
"Vivian unnie! I heard you're going on Starlink Times this time?! I watch it sometimes too..."
"So, what's the point?"
"Tell me all about it later! Beatrix wants to hear too!"
But there were those who expressed concern as well—namely, the Super Galactic Empire Federation government.
They didn't see her merely as the director of the research institute or as the sole wielder of the unique ability called the status window. To some, she was the agent of an other-dimensional galaxy spirit.
"Greetings. Director Vivian. I am High Strategic Secretary No. 4, serving under a member of the Super Galactic Empire Federation's Supreme Council."
Different in appearance from the High Strategic Secretary No. 13 I'd seen before. Not a human body. A cyborg who had transferred their mind into machinery smiled.
"What brings a High Strategic Secretary all the way here?"
"Naturally, because you have become an apostle of the Whispering Star Cluster. And with the news of your upcoming appearance on Starlink Times..."
"Ah. Is that the issue? Nothing the Federation is worried about will happen."
"I think so too, of course, but the higher-ups seem quite curious about the Whispering Star Cluster's intentions. Hmm. And it's a live broadcast, no less? If it wouldn't offend the constellation..."
To cut to the conclusion.
They were wondering why my apostles—my proxies—had been so active lately. With the Silent Starlight pulling the strings behind the alliance leader, it was probably just a few rogue Supreme Council members acting on their own. They must have been curious if the other-dimensional galaxy spirit was up to something.
If they're curious, I should tell them.
"Conveniently, the constellation is watching me right now and has provided an answer to relay to the councilors."
"...Hmm."
[Just for fun.]
"...??"
"He says."
Of course, there were issues of mental state and information gathering too.
But obviously, it was for fun. Do they think I'm doing this to conquer the Federation or something?
But it's understandable. Rulers who stand above others must always be wary and suspicious of everything.
-_-
The High Strategic Secretary left, and Vivian's broadcast appearance drew near.
A broadcast team of hundreds arrived on a space battleship at the planet housing the research institute, swarming in to prepare.
The filming location was the Central Avatar Research Institute. The main focus was an interview with Vivian, but they planned to cover the institute where she worked as well.
Thus, the seemingly quiet institute buzzed with activity.
Researchers wandering awkwardly here and there. Broadcast staff efficiently hauling gear and giving explanations. Even among those staff were apostles—like the woman now approaching my third apostle.
"Hello? Director Vivian. I'm Charlotte Westfield, PD from Starlink Times. Feel free to call me Charlotte."
"Yes. Hello."
"Thank you so much for joining us. Ohoho."
Blonde curly hair. A middle-aged woman. She showed goodwill toward Vivian, who seemed annoyed by the hassle.
"Oh my. But you're so busy with research, yet your skin is amazingly soft?! I knew apostles have great bodies, but no plastic surgery...?"
"...?"
"A bit of makeup, and you'd be stunning? Your style too. Just the right outfit coordination..."
Objectively, Vivian ranked quite high in beauty. Even in this SF world with gene manipulation, surgeries, and prenatal enhancement drugs, her looks stood out. If only she fixed that blunt face and speech.
"Since it's live, we should prepare even more thoroughly, right? Here are the questions we'll ask—take a look~"
"...Yes."
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster, gazes at the third apostle with interest.
* * *
Glamorous lights blazed on, cameras whirred to life. Small drones hovering in the air and colorful holograms assisted.
The crisply dressed host's voice. Broadcast not just on public channels but also via GalaxyTube.
True to its fame as the Federation's top show on apostles, the real-time chat window scrolled rapidly.
"Hello, viewers! This is Starlink Times, diving deep into the apostles active in the Federation!"
Like a show with a host introducing guests, chat scrolled in one corner of the screen.
Censorship was quick—deleted chats or those turned to [BLAH] popped up occasionally.
Sharing viewer reactions live for real-time interaction. It felt just like a GalaxyTube streamer.
"Today on Starlink Times, we have the renowned superpower researcher and apostle across the Federation, Vivian! Come on out!!!"
"Hello. I'm Vivian."
Vivian, coordinated in a neat researcher concept, stepped out. She seemed a bit awkward, bowing slightly, drawing murmurs.
"Even before becoming an apostle, you were a famed superpower researcher, Vivian! And now you're director of the Central Avatar Research Institute, right?"
"Yes. That's correct."
"No one expected you'd contract with a galaxy spirit from another dimension! Could you explain in detail how you became an apostle?"
Galaxy spirit. At those words, Vivian's lips curved subtly upward. A touch smug, or like a kid itching to spill a secret. A sense of superiority over acquiring knowledge.
Like a pioneer discovering unknown knowledge for the first time.
"As many know, I passed the Whispering Star Cluster's trial and became the third apostle."
"Ah! You're referring to what the other apostles said on air."
"Correct. Thanks to my superior intellect, I discerned the constellation's intent."
"Ah. Haha. Well, you do seem truly exceptional, Vivian."
I knew her "superior intellect" bit wasn't just a concept but genuine.
But to say it in private chat or self-praise to me, the constellation, was one thing. To declare it on a broadcast watched by the masses? Unexpected.
"Your registered ability in the database is the status window, straight out of fiction. Care to elaborate?"
"It's the status window itself. Also called the Existence Measurement Scroll, this authority from my great constellation..."
But she wasn't wrong. She was smart. Young institute director, and now apostle to a known galaxy spirit like me.
Like... not the standard high school senior interview after perfect SAT scores saying they just reviewed textbooks.
More like, "My IQ is 200 and I have overflowing talent for studying, so I aced it."
I'd only seen humble types mindful of public eyes every day.
This was my first apostle flaunting raw confidence so openly.
Beatrix had a hint of it, but she channeled it into laughter. Not this matter-of-fact delivery like Vivian's.
"...So the status window is that impressive! But why did you want to become the Whispering Star Cluster's apostle?"
"Are you asking why I applied to the constellation's apostle recruitment?"
"Yes. You've rejected countless constellations before—even famous planet spirits and those known for info-based authorities."
Simply put, since I'm known as a galaxy spirit, it made sense. Everyone wants treatment matching their ability, so from that mortal genius's view, no constellation fit until now.
Vivian would naturally think that. Probably even there...
"I simply wanted to contract with the greatest constellation matching my abilities."
"...?"
"Exactly as I said. As the Federation's top superpower researcher, I deserved..."
The incoming hate and malicious comments she'd get didn't faze her at all.
From my vantage watching above, I couldn't help but laugh.
Truly. These apostles are a sight to behold.