Magus Craft Group
Magus Craft was not just an ordinary industrial company; it was an international giant dominating the field of Automata manufacturing. The company was globally renowned as one of the largest and most important pioneers in this domain, combining magical sciences with advanced technology to create quasi-human machines capable of performing tasks with the highest level of efficiency.
Although legally registered as a company specializing in producing domestic robots, such as smart cleaning units and service machines, its true fame and reputation in closed circles came from its secret innovations that touched the boundaries of the forbidden. Some of its advanced models were said to possess combat capabilities or even a primitive consciousness, elevating them beyond the concept of mere "tools" to that of "independent beings."
It was not surprising that the company had an official branch on Itogami Island, the famous artificial island entirely built through human effort and advanced technology. The island itself represented a blend of cutting-edge technology and avant-garde architectural design, making the presence of a Magus Craft branch there both natural and expected.
The company's branch was specifically located on North Island, the area hosting the most important research laboratories and major development centers. There, among towering glass skyscrapers reflecting sunlight like shards of crystal, the headquarters of multinational corporations competed fiercely to lead the future. The Magus Craft building itself was a symbol of elegance and uniqueness: its dark metallic façades were threaded with blue light strips suggesting vitality, and inside, laboratories buzzed with the sounds of machines and researchers working day and night to create a new generation of automatons that could change the world forever.
When Kojou and Touka passed through the massive glass doors that opened automatically with a smooth motion accompanied by a faint mechanical hum, they stepped into a vast atrium with a high ceiling illuminated by cold white lights. Crystal chandeliers with intricate geometric designs, blending modern art and industrial magic, hung from above. The lights reflected on the polished black marble floor, giving the place a solemn, institutional gravitas.
At the end of the hall was a sleek reception desk in a dark metallic color, surrounded by several neatly arranged chairs, some occupied by a few visitors whispering quietly. Everything suggested order and discipline, as if the place itself were monitoring its entrants.
The receptionist, however, was no ordinary human; she was an Automata of near-perfect human appearance. Her short brown hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, and her large, gleaming eyes emitted a faint blue glow, revealing their artificial origin. She wore a dark formal suit embroidered with the Magus Craft Group logo in silver thread on the chest, and her flawless smile remained unchanged even while observing the guests.
"Welcome to Magus Craft Group – Itogami Island Branch," she said in a soft, metallic-toned voice, as a hidden optical scanner activated to scan the faces of those entering, searching the database for any matches.
Kojou stepped forward steadily while Touka looked around with evident curiosity.
In a serious tone, Kojou said:
"We've come to see Kanase Kanon in room 204."
The Automata's eyes dimmed slightly, processing the information, before responding:
"Unfortunately, Ms. Kanase Kanon is not in her room at the moment."
Kojou and Touka exchanged quick glances before he continued:
"Then, may we see Kanase Kensei?"
The Automata paused, tilting her head as if analyzing the situation from a different angle, and spoke in a cold tone:
"Excuse me… but who exactly are you?"
Her gaze froze on them, and despite being a machine, a hint of artificial tension appeared on her features. The reason was simple: her system could not retrieve any personal data regarding these two teenagers, as if their identities were protected by a complex firewall beyond even Magus Craft Group's intrusion technology.
The Automata issued a faint internal alert, on the verge of initiating a security order to remove them. Kanase Kensei was not an ordinary employee but one of the most crucial research minds responsible for the Angel Faux project, a highly sensitive experiment. In fact, the prototype Angel Faux units had already been deployed across the island for combat missions, making the security level around Kensei exceed normal limits. Any attempt by outsiders to contact him could be considered a potential threat.
Before Touka could intervene to explain the situation, Kojou broke the silence with cold confidence:
"…The Fourth Primogenitor, Akatsuki Kojou."
He spoke his name as a final declaration, leaving no room for argument, as if merely mentioning it could shift the balance. He was not concerned about hiding his identity; he knew his name had long transcended secrecy, and anyone with real influence on this island would be aware of his existence.
The Automata's blue eyes brightened further, signaling an emergency update in her internal system. A subtle look of astonishment appeared on her artificial face as she said with more respect this time:
"…Fourth Primogenitor… Akatsuki Kojou… identity confirmed."
A heavy silence filled the hall for a moment, as if the entire building were trying to process what it had just heard.
The ambient machinery sounds suddenly dropped, as if the security system itself reprioritized after hearing the name. The edges of the reception desk glowed with blue lines, revealing previously dormant hidden security systems.
The Automata responded in a low voice:
"…Identity confirmed. Immediate notification sent to upper management."
At that moment, a side door slid open quietly, followed by a faint mechanical whir, revealing the silhouette of a woman with a commanding presence. Her blonde hair flowed softly over her shoulders, catching the light in golden strands, while her deep purple eyes were hidden behind simple glasses, adding gravity and authority to her features.
Her full lips, painted a striking red, added an alluring touch to her mature face. Her attire reflected a blend of strict professionalism and elegance: a deep crimson tailored suit with a violet inner blouse that accentuated her figure with calculated precision. A delicate red necklace rested on her slender neck, reflecting light with every slight tilt of her head.
She held a sleek tablet in her hands, and her graceful steps announced her presence with every click of her high heels, imposing a rhythm as if she owned the space.
She stopped before them calmly, bowing slightly in a formal gesture of deliberate refinement.
"I am pleased to meet you… I am Beatrice Basler, the personal secretary of Kanase Kensei," she said with a gentle yet professional smile.
While speaking and gesturing to some data on her tablet, Kojou and Touka noticed a metallic glint on her right wrist—a simple silver bracelet with no ornamentation, but one that carried an unspoken meaning: Demon Registration Bracelet.
Touka glanced at the bracelet, a mixture of caution and curiosity in her eyes, while Kojou remained unmoved, staring at the woman without any reaction.
Beatrice closed her tablet lightly and said in a composed tone:
"We have received notification of your identity, Fourth Primogenitor. It seems your presence has caused some… stir in the research floor."
She stepped closer, reducing the distance to less than two meters, tilting her head slightly while narrowing her purple eyes behind her glasses.
"But, as the person responsible for organizing Mr. Kensei's meetings… I need to know first: what is the real reason that brought you here?"
A brief silence ensued, broken only by the steady hum of hidden ventilation systems in the ceiling. The atmosphere shifted instantly, as if the woman's presence added a new weight to the situation.
Kojou offered a faint smile and replied coldly:
"The reason? … Let's just say it concerns the safety of someone you know well: Kanase Kanon."
Beatrice's features froze for a fleeting second; her gentle smile vanished before she reestablished her professional mask.
"…Understood."
She raised her hand to adjust her glasses slightly, then slowly turned, saying:
"Unfortunately, Mr. Kanase is not here at the moment, as he is on a separate company-exclusive island. However, since you requested the Fourth Primogenitor, a private aircraft will be arranged to take you to Goldfish Bowl to meet Mr. Kanase."
With confident steps, she moved toward the glass elevator suddenly illuminated by a blue glow, followed by Kojou and Touka without comment, both aware that what awaited them above could be far more dangerous than they imagined.
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