So many things had gone wrong, and even as she sit on her chair beside Nazca's bed, Ryuuko's mind were still filled with so many different thoughts. Things that could have been done differently, the secrets of the island that were being hidden from the students, what those bizarre creatures that attacked her and Nazca were... It were all, simply put, a big mess.

She were only put off from her thoughts when she noticed Nazca stirring, groaning in pain and coughing.

"Nazca!... Thank goodness. You're finally awake." Ryuuko's expression immediately shifted to that of relief as she looked at Nazca. The Abya Yalan was still in pretty bad condition, but her return to consciousness lifted some weights off Ryuuko's shoulders regardless. Soon enough though, Ryuuko realized that she have a lot to explain to Nazca... And the others of the Jeanne Defense Team. Her mind immediately started working, wondering how to tackle the issue, and she did not yet answer Nazca's question.

Bang, who was initially levelling an unreadable stare at Ryuuko, turned to Nazca. He spoke gently. "You're in the hospital right now, after... Well. What do you remember?"

Nazca winced. Probably both from pain, and from the answers of her two peers that were at her beside. Well, at least they were visiting, even if she didn't know why she was hear to begin with. "Yes... I can see that." Still floundering for what had happened or was going on, she very briefly recounted her last memory. "I... was eating at the party. Then I'm here."

... What?... Ryuuko frowned and paused briefly as she looked at Bang and Nazca. If Nazca don't remember about what happened the night before, then this might just become an even more troublesome situation for Ryuuko. She then sighed and talked again after considering this. "..... After the party. You and I went out after curfew to try to find the Manbat... You don't remember, Nazca?"

She looked startled by this. "...No. I was considering it, but I didn't make up my mind yet." If that was true, was there that much of a gap in her memory from last night?

Bang had his eyes on Ryuuko again, silently waiting.

Ryuuko grimaced upon hearing of Nazca's reply. It doesn't seem like she's faking it... Drats, this is complicating things. Her mind was racing. There were so many ways that this can possibly go, and she wondered whether or not to try to exploit Nazca's seeming amnesia. In the end, though... "No, Nazca. We did go, the two of us. We didn't find the Manbat in the end... But we found something else instead. Can you really not remember? Your clockwork things frozen midair, seemingly defying physics? And then those... creatures, whatever they were, that attacked us within the mist."

So she was attacked after they had left Jeanne's apartment during curfew? Her mind raced, as much as it could through the residual pain that she felt. Had she been given painkillers? But wait, her birds, frozen in the air? She narrowed her eyes, not understanding. "I... do not. Are you saying my birds were frozen in the air? That is... literally impossible. Tell me what happened. In full."

Ryuuko didn't immediately answer. Again, she paused, this time while staring straight into Nazca's eyes. This lasted for a few seconds as she considered her options before making her decision. And that decision, it turned out, was to just tell things as it were. Lying didn't seem like it will serve much purpose, and might came back to bite her after all. "Alright... Well, here goes..." And that was exactly what Ryuuko did. Concisely, she told Nazca and by extension everyone else present in the room, exactly what had occurred last night. No embellishment nor deception, just the plain truth.

"..."

It took some time before Nazca opened her mouth as she processed the information. Had Ryuuko been lying to her? She didn't think so. She couldn't discount that the dragon girl was lying to her face, but it would also be a very poor lie to say that she had been injured as a direct result of Ryuuko torching her with a fireball. There were circumstances, yes.

It didn't make her any less unhappy with the Japanese girl. Not when she was still in pain all over, and when her head was feeling suspiciously lighter and devoid of most of her precious silver hair.

"...What possessed you to think that was a good idea."

Ryuuko replied without missing a beat. "I did not." She sighed tiredly, shifting her gaze to look out of the windows as she continued speaking. "I had, what, a second? Yeah, a second, to make a decision. A cocoon made out of pitch black webbing. I don't even have any idea what the hell that was, how can I even think of a good idea? Especially in that ridiculously short time span with you being lifted into the air... Who's to say you'll still be there if I decided to land first and jump up again? So no, Nazca. I did not think that was a good idea. Just the best of the worst, given the situation."

Nazca fell silent. After a while, the bandaged girl sighed. "It will take more than a while for me to forgive you for this, but if your recounting is true, then thank you for rescuing me, at least. Whoever orchestrated all of this is going to pay." She grit her teeth, but did little else, lest she injure herself more. This was not how she was expecting to spend her third day on this island, but more than ever, she was determined to find out what was going on during the night under that terrible blanket of fog.

"Whatever you need, we'll make sure you're provided during your recovery," Bang said, looking to Ryuuko and Jeanne for agreement. "You went out for our group's efforts after all. As for whatever's behind this..."

The Egoist frowned.

"It's not just Miss du Bordeaux that's been placed in danger. Potentially the whole island is being monitored by..." He didn't know how to finish his sentence.

Ryuuko nodded, both in affirmative to Bang's words and to Nazca's thanks toward her. "As if I can just let someone working with me to get kidnapped or killed by some... Whatever crazy things those were. As for forgiveness, I understand... And you don't need to take my words for it." Her expression slowly turned from a slight frown to that of anger as she continued speaking. "I'm going out again tonight, and I'm bringing the camera and recording device with me. This isn't just about that damn Manbat anymore. It's this whole freaking island. I don't know what the management is hiding and I don't care why they're hiding it, but I'm going to find those creatures and expose their damn existence to light!" By the end of her speech, Ryuuko was practically fuming, sharp teeth bared as she glared, still facing the windows.

Nazca let out another sigh. "Be careful. Judging by what happened to me, we're going to have to approach this with more caution. Not remembering anything at all in and of itself is frightening, not to mention... everything else."

"You shouldn't go alone." Bang's head snapped towards Ryuuko. "No. You shouldn't be going out there at all."

Face still uncharacteristically angry, Ryuuko looked at Bang with one eyebrow raised. "Huh? Why? Are we supposed to just let this go after what had happened? No way, Bang. As I said, it's not only the Manbat but also whatever it is that the academy is hiding from us. We have a duty to expose this damn thing!"

"There are ways to go about this without throwing yourself in danger again."

Nazca supported Ryuuko. "The threat must be ended."

And Ryuuko, unconvinced, did not back down. "Ways like what? Obviously talking isn't going to work, considering it's the whole dang academy that's playing secret with us, no?"

The argument went on, seemingly with no end.

”Perfect! Then what are we waiting for? Let’s pay the restaurant and go towards the hospital.”

And with much enthusiasm (along with a quick attempt to pay the servant). The duo finally started walking towards the hospital, where this mysterious incident involving Nazca Whitehall happened. She is simply curious at what happened last night, and perhaps conversing with Nazca might very well uncover the brouhaha that happened while she was fast asleep.

“James. If you would lend me your imagination. What do you think happened last night?” Bunga asked, her face expressing confusion at the thought of such chaos happening last night. The scale of the chaos, at least from her reading through the grapevine. Seemed to be quite unprecedented. A student hospitalized, a building destroyed, and potentially even more yet to be uncovered acts of destruction.

She’s kinda thankful that her dorm wasn’t really affected by the happenings of that night.

”It’s easy enough to speculate that there was an altercation. Destruction of that scale means that multiple combatants - perhaps polymaths - were involved. Whether or not it was Jeanne’s fault remains to be seen.” James had other reasons to go to the hospital. First was to see if Jeanne was around for the tonic and the other was to see about his roommate and Bunga’s meeting.

As he entered the hospital he uncovered his head, holding his hat with one hand and walking briskly while looking around for Jeanne and her compatriots. All the while walking alongside someone who’s admittedly underdressed. He paid no heed, though one could probably find such a sight strange.

He approached one of the nurses at the reception. ”Good day, we’re looking for a friend of ours. Perhaps their friends are here too, such as Miss Bordeaux perhaps?”

The nurse greeted the British man, and gave Bunga a weird stare, examining the choice of clothing she wore, her eyes squinted for a little bit. The dark-haired woman made no moves that looked overly cautious, however, and after a moment, she nodded towards the two of them. “And the name of your friend, Mr…?”

”Mister Porter. The name of the person I’m looking for is a Mister Le Bang Kieu or perhaps a Miss Nazca Whitehall? In fact, my language is a bit misleading. I don’t particularly know who’s injured, I just know they are in the same group and I wanted to check in.”

James smiled politely, knowing that this scene is particularly strange. He wasn’t lying though, Jeanne did write to him as if they were friends for a long time and Bang was his roommate who he found good company in, and Nazca was a half-lie they weren’t friends but they were both from the land of fish and chips - Good old Queen’s England damn it! So he did have some valid reasons to check in. The question really was, would they be surprised? Would they be friendly? What was going to happen if they were really here and if they were to meet them? These thoughts intruded in his mind, though he doubted any interaction would be met with too much hostility, especially around someone who’s wounded.

“I see. Well, if you could allow me a moment, Mr Porter.”

As she spoke, the receptionist’s eyes flickered down at a directory not visible to the two students, her long fingers spinning the dial of an old-fashioned phone before picking it up. A few more moments elapsed, and then she said, her voice a couple degrees brighter than before, “Good morning, is this Miss Whitehall? Your friend, Mr. Porter, is here to pay you a visit. Would you like me to send him and his companion up, or would you prefer to be left alone for now?”

…

“A Mr. Porter.”

…

“Understood, I’ll send him up promptly.” She ended the call, turned to the couple once more, and, without smiling, directed them up to the third floor of the hospital, towards the east wing, five rooms down.

The group walked towards the room directed to the nurse. She says that Nazca’s room was the East Wing, five rooms down. But it felt more like some sort of maze rather than going to the East Wing of some hospital.

Bunga herself is feeling a little bit confused by the directions within the hospital, not really helped by the crushing silence of the all white interior, white halls, white doors, white lighting, it was all white, save for the occasional window letting sunshine through. Honestly it would be trivially easy for Bunga to just simply get lost within the interiors of these halls if it weren’t for James accompanying her.

It was much to the fortune of the duo that they finally found Ms Nazca’s room in the east wing. Both of them finally standing in front of the door where Ms Nazca should be held.

And the sounds of argumentation can be heard inside of it.

“Hmm?” The woman wondered. Listening to the rather loud murmurs of debate and argument from the other side, not really able to decipher anything, but able to understand the rage and frustration welling on the other side. “Perhaps… you should open the door Mr Porter? I feel like some stranger waltzing into the room right now would not be preferable. Considering the… rather heated nature of whatever’s happening in the other room.”

Gosh, just what could they be arguing about? The woman’s curiosity burned.

James stared at the door for a few moments, trying to make sense of their conversation, but as he was out of the loop, he might as well be direct. He took his right hand and knocked on the door as to make their presence known.

”Pardon the interruption, I’m sure whatever you’re talking about in there is of great import, but may I ask if we could come in gents?”

He paused before stating his intentions, ”... I understand tensions are high, but I’m here on some business relating to my ’good friend’ Jeanne, whilst the person beside me has some business with Bang. By the way, if you’re in there Bang, the dorm may smell a bit weird. If you should return today, know that it’s perfectly normal and perfectly safe and nothing relating to drugs of any kind.”

The last part he said in jest and one could almost hear his tone shift from professional to casual and laid back in an instant.

Bang’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a small smile gracing his face as he recognised the voice. Nonetheless, he looked to Jeanne for confirmation.

Jeanne nodded, rising from her seat and moving for the door. She deigned to offer James her arm, though her gait made it clear that she would be the one to lead in this walk they were taking.

He gave a small nod to Bunga before turning back to Jeanne and taking her invitation. Of course the package he had for her was ready, as for the rest of the walk, there was more that remained to be seen.

Bunga slowly opened the door. Sliding herself as slyly as an untrained snoop, her training back with that pervert master of hers didn’t really help her when it comes to sneaking around.

She meekly waved her hand to the group. The woman’s eyes glazing over the quintuplet of individuals, on the bed is definitely Nazca Whitehall, the woman injured by last midnight’s scuffle, and right next to her is Higashiakemi Ryuuko. A Japanese-German egoist who fled her homeland, while the man wearing the suit seems to be the Mr Le Bang Kieu she has heard some much about these last couple of days.

She should know these people, although not personally acquainted, all these polymathematicians are famous in their respective fields

Making such an observation. Bunga gulped a little bit, she’s standing among young prodigies, but there’s no reward without risk, and so, the Egoist introduced herself.

“Hello everyone. My name is Bunga Kurniawan. I’ve been searching for a Miss Nazca Whitehall and a Mr Le Bang Kieu. I have always been interested in the clockwork machines Miss Whitehall has created for herself, while I have a much more personal set of questions for Mr Kieu. Would you mind if I interrupt your uhh, discussion for a bit?”

“Oh, dan untuk awak yang faham bahasa melayu. Saya juga cakap berbahasa melayu, saya datang dari bandar Palembang. (And for anyone who understands Malay, I can also speak malay. I’m from Palembang)”

If she can make herself as small as possible while the quadruplet discussed among themselves who this stranger is, the better. Sadly, formulae that can change one’s size have not been invented in this world.

Perhaps she might innovate one assuming this turns sour? Ugh, the mood’s turning sour real fast for her to even think of such things. Wait, now that she thought about it, maybe formulae changing one’s size smaller might be invented after all. Has it though?

Her mind’s too scattered to think right now, considering the frying pan she entered here in this hospital room.

---

“We must take immediate, proactive action!” Nazca could be heard insisting as her new visitors filed into her room. As angry as she was, her voice was not overly raised despite the heated discussion going on in her room. Even after all this, she had not forgotten her manners, after all.

She did pause, however, to fix a withering glare on one Mr. Porter, and then the strange, ill-dressed woman that followed in afterwards. After all, she had been told that she was going to be visited by one acquaintance of an Englishman, yet said gentleman had entered the room and failed to address her, let alone offer his condolences for the reason she was in this recovery room to begin with.

Nazca was done with these shenanigans almost as quickly as they started.

“Yes. I mind very much, thank you.”

Expression still showing some degree of anger due to the heated discussion, Ryuuko looked at the two people that just entered the room with a raised eyebrow. The man left again, with Jeanne in tow, almost immediately after. While the other one was a woman who wore what seemed to be unfinished articles of clothing on her person. ”.... What’s this all about? Never mind. Frankly, we’re currently in a rather important discussion… So unless Bang would prefer we stow this talk for later in favor of having whatever conversation it is that you intended to have with him, Ms. Bunga…” She looked to the side at Bang, not finishing her sentence.

“I’ve uh… This is the first time I’ve seen this person,” Bang felt a strange need to clarify that. He winced. He was the type to try and see the good in people but this girl had interrupted at a very awkward time. Still, she didn’t need a third person haranguing her.

“I apologise, Miss Kurniawan. Do you have actual business here or is this purely a, uh…” He eyed her outfit warily. “...a social visit?”

“Ah… uhh. I think I’ll just.. slither into this couch right here and pretend that I don’t exist until whatever you’re arguing here is finished.” She responded. Slowly making her way into a nearby couch within the hospital bed and curling up, she knew that she interrupted at a bad time, and now it seems that their ire is going to be directed to Bunga herself.

She knows she can’t really go outside. Lest she won’t be ever let in again, but she has to get something off of both Bang and Nazca right now. Lest everything will become considerably harder for her.

Bang blinked in disbelief. He’d met kids like this in the hospital, the types too unaware to be left to their own devices or they would harm themselves or someone else. The level of severity was varied of course. He should have expected the ‘genius’ types to be socially stunted in some way. He watched the girl take her corner, cringing at the display the entire time, and stifled a beleaguered sigh.

“...We can continue this later.” If Bang still experienced headaches, he probably would have felt one at this moment. “I’ll answer whatever questions you have, Miss Kurniawan. Let’s talk. Outside.”

He left the room without waiting for a response, cane clacking with a sharp tempo.

Huh. For someone with such a provocative outfit, this Bunga girl was a very meek one. So this likely meant that the outfit is merely something commonly worn where she came from. What a pity, I thought she's one of those who's brave enough to go against the norm... Ryuuko sighed and shrugged, and then responded simply to Bang. "Very well..."

Nazca shot the two of them a dirty look as they left.

The woman decided to go follow the Vietnamese man outside of the room. Her enthusiasm of the morning turned into nervousness as she walked towards the door, she bowed her head towards the man wearing the suit, and promptly introduced herself yet again.

“I’m Bunga Kurniawan, as you might know, but just call me Bunga if you prefer practicality. I’ve been uh, looking for you the entire day yesterday Mr Bang, and also I have some uhh, more professional business involving academics with Nazca. But, first things first.”

The Nusantaran Egoist proceeded to shake his hand very vigorously, smiling at the prospect of meeting another person from the same region. “You are the first person from Nanyang that I’ve met before. I know that Vietnam and the Federation ain’t really that close culturally, but I’ve been dying to meet someone from the general vicinity.”

She proceeded to let go of his hand, now awkwardly smiling. “Sorry, just… a bit too wound up from being the only person from the Southeastern Orient here. I’m just very excited to meet you.”

“I…” Huh, was that it? He gave her his best reassuring smile, finding it a little more difficult than usual. “I understand that one can feel a little homesick in these times. I hope you will find the solace you need soon. Though I imagine that isn’t the only reason you were seeking me out, I assume? A whole day is a long time to spend.”

Bunga does have a more klutzy and significantly more carefree demeanor than even most of her colleagues back in her days in Palembang, but she is a Polymath through and through, and one of the qualities Polymaths must possess is the ability to see detail, even if it’s just for a split-second.

And she noticed Bang’s porcelain arm as she shaked the Vietnamese man. Something she’ll keep in mind for some later use perhaps, but nothing worth mentioning right now.

“Yes actually. I have much bigger inquiries for you than just the pleasure of meeting you, for one. Are you aware of polymaths from the Majapahit Federation around Bermuda? This sorta relates to you, but I feel that I am literally the only Polymath from Nusantara around here. Don’t you feel the same?”

He shrugged and answered honestly. “I suppose I have. I can’t say that has led me to feel any sort of isolation during my brief tenure at Bermuda however. The acquaintances I’ve made have proven to be engaging and I’m looking forward to furthering my connections with them. The aim of this academy was to unite the regions and Majors after all. I’m enjoying my freedom abroad.” Anything was better than his ‘castle tower’ back home.

Honestly. Bunga can’t really disagree with the Vietnamese man. She has enjoyed her time studying here in Bermuda, the libraries and other magnificent architecture wowed the woman when she first disembarked, and the various peoples from many different cultures also astounded her as well. It’s been a good learning experience for her.

But it just feels awfully strange that she is the only Nusantaran to be on this island.

“Don’t you find it weird that, for such a cosmopolitan and multicultural island, that we are perhaps the only ones from Nanyang here?” Bunga asked Bang. “This is supposed to be the nexus of knowledge and innovation, a place for everyone to meet and trade knowledge, and while I have seen many people from the Mughal Empire, Zhongguo, Nippon, Abya Yala and the Occident. I haven’t seen anyone from the region I lived in.”

“Say, have you encountered other Vietnamese while you’re here? Certainly Vietnam has made contributions to the field of Egoism, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t met any Vietnamese while I’m here. Hence my question about Polymaths from Nusantara not being here.”

“I haven’t myself but…” What was she talking about? “I really don’t think we’re the only ones from the South East? I was reading through the student register just last night actually and I did see people from our region. And even if what you’re saying is true, it might just be a case of personal bias on behalf of the administration. Our countries are rather small, you know. Comparatively.”

Ah, how to phrase this gently.

“I’d suggest going out and seeing more people. We’re only in our first week of arrival, I’m sure there’s plenty of familiar faces we both haven’t encountered.”

Well. you don’t become a polymath just by agreeing to every single idea, and Bunga did reluctantly agree mentally. This whole affair of hers has only been going for a couple of days, but the woman still felt like she’s the only person present here from her own nation.

But no point in beating around the bush. It doesn’t seem the Bang is all too familiar with the matter himself, Bunga expected the man to know people from Nanyang personally, not from reading the student ledger.

“Ah well. You might be right.” She relented. “I’ll try and go mingle with other people, it’s only been a couple of days.”

“Speaking of a couple of days though. Mind if I ask, but are you aware of what happened last night? Nazca Whitehall appears injured, and a building was also tentatively destroyed. I’m kinda tempted to investigate the matter myself, since everything that happened these last couple of days happened while I was asleep.”

The woman tapped her chin while she imagined the events of last night, fantasizing about potentially great duels and fights while she’s out like a light.

“She was out on her own investigation on behalf of Jeanne’s defense in a few days and she was attacked by…”

Bang glanced down the hallway, wondering who would be able to overhear this.

“Do you know anything about the fog that appears after curfew?”

“I’m aware, what about it?” She responds, leaning on to Bang’s face, her ears perking up.

Bang coughed politely and took a step backwards from the proximity. “There appears to be some unknown creatures out in the fog. Jeanne was attacked on the first night, and now Nazca was almost cocooned and taken away. For your sake, I’d urge you not to do anything reckless at those hours. Especially not an investigation.”

“Hmmm.”

Bang’s description certainly piqued the woman’s interest. So Jeanne du Bordeaux, the woman who got caught in the morning for burning the library was attacked by unknown creatures, and now Nazca whitehall was cocooned by some unknown creature as well. A mysterious assailant is afoot in this fair island.

Her mind’s thinking up possibilities, but one piece of information from Bang catches Bunga’s attention, and she needs to ask about it.

“Mr Bang, you said that Jeanne was attacked? Jeanne du Bordeaux right? Is her burning of the library an act of… uhh, self defense?”

Her tone was more hushed, she knew the gravity of the information Bang had told her, and she is fully intent on keeping it secret.

“Indeed.” He nodded, suddenly recalling something. “Actually, you may be able to assist with the matter of tracking down one of the unknown parties. You’re an Egoist who specialises in impermanent animal transformations, correct? Would you know of any Occidental Egoists who are capable of the same? Someone with bat-like wings, stinger tail, head like a two-sided battleaxe.”

The woman’s head tilted, and tilted back again, swinging around like a pendulum. Her eyes closed, and her arms were on her chin. Occidental Egoists? Might as well draw a needle from a haystack, an Occidental Egoist with such a specific characteristic though? Whew. That might be a bridge too far.

But now she has a mental image of a bat-like Occidental Egoist, and her curiosity is leaking out of the seams.

She’d always wondered what she’d do if she fared in combat, and if blows come to blows, she might try and fight this bat-like being.

“No. But thank you for the information.” Bunga responded. “Egoists from the Occident are already an endangered species, but with such specific characteristics. Sorry, but my mind came out blank. If you list someone from Nippon or Zhongguo I might have a bead on the person and telegraph my University back home. But someone from the Occident? Nay, not a chance.”

“Well, at least it gives me an idea on what to search for. I’m not a big fan of someone attacking students for no reason. Speaking of attack, you also mentioned Nazca being cocooned? So potentially an Egoist with spider-like abilities too?”

“It’s a possibility. But from the description given to me, there were several creatures in the fog acting in conjunction.” He frowned. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘search’?”

“Hmm? OH! Oh that. Hah.” Bunga laughed a bit. “Calm down Mr Bang, I’m just going to trawl the document space for all Occidental Egoists, don’t go assuming the worst from me Mr. I’m not a suicidal person y’know?”

She hopes that the feint works, an agent has to be good at misdirection after all.

“...I see. My apologies.” He found it difficult to believe her but he had no choice but to take the stranger at face value. “Well, do let us know if you find anything. Your efforts would be appreciated, even more so by me if you don’t risk your life in the fog for it.”

She nodded, smiling, partly to be polite and nice, and partly in the prospect of gaining a degree of trust from someone close to Nazca. “Well. Give my condolences to Nazca. I hope she recovers well, I don’t approve of random Egoists going about and attacking random Polymaths at night. I’ll buy a bouquet of flowers for her tomorrow while I’m at it.”

“I’m sure she’d appreciate it,” he answered reflexively, before remembering who they were talking about. No, that wasn’t correct, was it? “Uhh. Perhaps when she’s further into her recovery at least. I don’t think she’d want a stranger in her business so soon after the incident.”

“Well, you did ask for my help on the matter.” Bunga retorted. “Mysterious Egoist aside. I’m more than willing to help, consider me as a… mysterious benefactor to your cause if you will. Now then, I guess you wouldn’t allow me to go back to the room again, yes? Well, tell Nazca my best wishes, and for the moment, I guess I’ll stay right here.” Bunga said as she sat down on some hospital chair by the wall. “I need to wait for James to finish up his discussions.”

Bang tiredly wondered if he’d signed up for more he could handle. He debated telling her how strange it was to linger outside the room of a stranger she’d barged in on but quickly decided it wasn’t the trouble. Instead he just bowed his head, offered a simple “Thank you for the conversation. Have a lovely rest of your day.” and headed back into the room.

A while after Bang returned to the room following his rather bizarre talk with Bunga, it was Ryuuko's turn to leave the room, excusing herself after mentioning that she needed some fresh air. There wasn't really any need for a further discussion between the three at the moment, and Nazca will be in good hands with Bang taking care of her. Thus Ryuuko thought it was as a good time to go out for a little bit.

"Haaa..." She sighed softly after she closed the door behind her. Lots of things to think about... Still not enough information nor time to plan anything solid. Oh well... Ryuuko then started walking away from the room. It didn't take long for her to stumble into a certain other Egoist, however, considering said Egoist had been sitting on a chair near the room in her wait for James to return.

Of course, at the moment, Ryuuko was not aware that the other girl was actually also an Egoist.

Huh, she's still here. What did she said her name was... Bunga? Bunga something, yeah... Wonder who she is to that young British fella who went with Jeanne... Speaking of which, Jeanne's not back yet. I should look for her soon. But for now... Now no longer in a state of high tension, Ryuuko was back to her usual friendlier self. She approached the sitting girl, waving a hand at her. "Hey there. Bunga, right? We got off to a bad start, sorry about that. Stress will do that to you, especially when one of your friends just got horribly wounded, haha." She grinned wide, showing her prided shark-like teeth in full display.

Bunga was deep in thought, her recent conversation with Bang ignited a series of neurons within her, just who is this mysterious assailant that attacked both Jeanne and Nazca? This assailant that managed to defeat two very talented technologists? Her mind was spinning round and round, but unfortunately she couldn't connect two and two together. This must be some powerful Egoist, like someone with experience in the last war, or someone that was trained in the art of fighting or something.

She almost ignored Ryuuko, her mind too busy thinking up possibilities, and she only recognized her at the last minute. Her mind switching back to 'polite mode' the moment the Japanese woman introduced herself, the girl from Palembang quickly stood up and bowed.

"Eheheh. Sorry, I was a bit too busy with my thoughts back there. Hello to you too miss Ryuuko." Bunga also smiled, although her teeth did not show the same razor edge as Ryuuko's, she tries her best to reciprocate Ryuuko's kindness with a short compliment. "I like your Chimeric studies within Egoism, as a fellow Egoist myself. I'm a fan."

"Very sorry for what happened to Nazca though. I didn't read the morning papers, but I can tell from the rumors that Nazca was attacked by a mysterious Egoist."

"Haha, don't worry about it! Sorry for disturbing your line of thoughts. Anyways, no need to stand up and such." As if to emphasize her words, Ryuuko took a seat on the chair next to Bunga's as she then turned to face the taller girl. "Ha, you flatter me. Needless to say, it's still a work in progress, this Chimeric design of mine. Still, thanks for the kind words."

She quirked an eyebrow up, an amused smile on her face as she heard Bunga mentioning of the rumors. "Heh, is that what the rumors are saying? How cute. It would be way simpler if it had been an Egoist attack..." Ryuuko sighed, pausing in silence for a few seconds, before then shrugging. "Oh well, let the people speculate for now... The truth will come to light soon enough. Oh by the way..."

"I must admit that I am not familiar with your name or reputation, Ms. Bunga. If I may ask, what is it that you do? Some form of dynamism?"

Bunga was interested in Ryuuko. A woman that left Japan for a foreign land due to disagreements within her family, and judging by the way she acted around her she can tell that this woman definitely preferred Germany over her homeland of Japan. She hasn't met a Japanese that was as blunt as Ryuuko.

It's refreshing from her perspective at least. What came to Bunga as a surprise was Ryuuko's ignorance on the field she studies, surely she has heard her papers on Animalism at this point, no? She was told that her field of study was bleeding edge in many an academic conference.

"Oh uhh. I'm actually an Egoist myself. I focus on studying the formulae that resides in animals and other living creatures, and then grafting said formulae into my body. I should note that my transformations are ultimately temporary though, and I have not grafted anything into myself today, so I don't have much of the traits that make Egoists stick out."

"I do have two animals in which I can temporarily graft their formulae into my body, the Red Fox, and the Goat. The Red Fox gives me fox ears and tail, and also their sight and speed, while I gain the strength, climbing proficiency, night vision, and the horns of the goat."

"Oh, and my name is Bunga Kurniawan. I came from Palembang, the Majapahit Federation. It's the island chain south of Nippon, the ones in the equator. You've heard of our islands right?"

"Temporary grafting... Hmm..." It wasn't something that Ryuuko had never heard of before. Somewhere in her memory, she recalled hearing something like that. After a few more seconds of silent ruminating, it finally came back to her. She snapped the scaled fingers of her left hand in recognition. "Aaah, right right. I remember now. I heard of something like that being talked about before. I see, so that was you then, Ms. Bunga. Interesting..." She grinned widely, eyes narrowed as she looked at Bunga, as if analyzing her and taking in every details of her visage and body. Then she nodded, and her expression turned to that of a small, calm smile.

"Of course. The island nation far bigger in total area than Japan. I've never been there yet, but I've heard stories of the, so to speak, exotic things that can be found there. Haha, perhaps one day I'll visit it myself."

"By the way, if you don't mind me asking... Why are you still here? Waiting for that British man to return? Also, you said that you have business with Nazca. What's that all about?"

Bunga was quite pleased that Ryuuko remembered about her papers. Obviously she didn't expect every Polymath to know about her studies, but it would be weird for an originally Oriental Egoist to not recognize her papers on the subject. "Yeah, those series of papers on Animalism was apparently my breakthrough that got me where I am now. I'm currently working on making these changes permanent if necessary."

Bunga also made a quick response to Ryuuko's inquiry about why she's still here. "Yes. I am actually waiting for Mr Porter to finish whatever he is doing right now. I have... some affairs with him that needed be done. Let's just say that we somehow clicked." Bunga sincerely hoped that Ryuuko didn't take this as some kind of Romantic interest. She has no problem with relationships, but just a couple of days wasn't nearly enough to make Bunga very attached to James himself.

Even though his personality, while different than hers. Somehow clicked.

"Also. In regards to Nazca. I have always been interested in Technologism, it's one area where the Federation is admittedly underdressed for, and I've always wanted to discuss along with Nazca how her clockwork machinery works. At the very least, it can lead into a blossoming of Technologism and Technologist Polymaths back home, and garnering more knowledge has always been a priority for every university, or at least, the University I worked for.

"By the way. Mind if I ask, since I am curious about your case and all. But why did you choose Germany out of all places? I know that you desire your independence and all, but I didn't expect for a Japanese woman to make such a visible break like that. Personally? I would expect you to run to Temasek rather than go straight to the Occident. It's by far our most cosmopolitan city, with many cultures and polymaths abound, and I'm sure that you'd like the food too. A bit spicier than what Nippon has to offer, but definitely different."

Temasek has garnered a... reputation within the Orient as the place for trade and culture. A massive, strategically located port city in the Orient where traders from Africa, India, and China would sell their wares and interact with each other. Making connections, exchanging knowledge, and generally contributing to the city's well-being. It would be perfect for Ryuuko's more... independent mindset. Or at least that's what Bunga thinks.

"I see..." Ryuuko quirked up an eyebrow at Bunga's remark of possibly making the changes permanent. Wouldn't that just make it like any other Egoism transformation? It's killing what's making it different... In the end, she said nothing about it, thinking that it's not her business to question Bunga about it. More interestingly... "Mmhmm. 'Clicked' huh..." She grinned wide with her eyes narrowed again. "I see, I see. My, that British gent sure has quite the... Brave taste then." Alas, with how vague the word 'clicked' was in term of definition, she indeed misunderstood the relationship between James and Bunga. "Then again, I do not disapprove of having exotic tastes. Not at all. Haha!"

"In any case, I imagine you will have to wait for quite a bit for that discussion. Nazca's not going to be in the mood for that. And frankly, I think she is a bit cross with you because you, ehm, barged in and showed no concern for her well-being." She paused, looking at the door to Nazca's room briefly before looking at Bunga again. "In fact, I imagine she might not be feeling up for such discussion until the true culprit that caused her misfortune is caught. Well, I'm already going to do something about that, so no worries."

"Anyhow... Why German, hmm? Simple. I quite admire the Occident, and Germans are well known to be... Efficient. Not to mention that my benefactors are from Germany. It wasn't a difficult decision at all to make, considering the circumstances. Besides..." She smirked wildly. "I know it will hurt my family far more, me going to an Occidental nation, than if I had gone to another Oriental one. Ha."

The Nusantaran woman cringed a little bit from Ryuuko's response about her relationship and James, and she has no idea how to fix her perception in any way without making things awkward. I have to maybe inform James about this, and I don't think he's going to be too happy with me afterwards. Huuuhhhh, I need to buy lunch for him to compensate for this aren't I?

She had parents who are merchants, and their conservative nature when it came to money handling has rubbed off to Bunga as well. But oh well, that can wait for a later date. Besides, Bunga has more pressing issues at play here rather than buying James lunch. "Well. I do agree that I shouldn't be visiting Nazca's room for quite a while, that I agree with, but well... maybe a couple days would be better to discuss about Academic topics with Nazca rather than today, at least given her rather cranky mood when I visited her."

"And well. I have never been to the Occident myself. But I have heard many things about them. Is it true that Germans sometimes act more like automatons rather than people? I've heard from several traders that have gone to Germany that Germans are very direct people no? They don't swim around the issue in order to make it more palatable, just straight up inform you you're ugly if you are indeed ugly to them right? Also, darn, is your family really that odious? What did they do to you to warrant such an extreme measure?"

Now Bunga's interested. She was sure that Japan and Majapahit would have their differences in culture and some values, but they were both Oriental nations. So it would be interesting to see Ryuuko's grievances and compare them to her own upbringing.

In all her small conversations though. Bunga almost forgot that Ryuuko mentioned something about finding the 'true' culprit in Nazca's attack, and such a prospect. Well, that interested Bunga greatly. "You said something about finding a true culprit behind Nazca's attack? What do you mean by that?"

"Germans acting like automatons, hmm? Hahaha!" Ryuuko laughed heartily at that. It was definitely not the first time she heard of that stereotype. "There is some truth to that. Just look at the scion of the Konigsmahne family, for example. She's like a living doll... But in the end, the Germans are just people like everyone else. That is to say, their personality differs person by person... Still, the inclination to be direct is indeed there, due to the culture... As for my family..." Her smile grew wicked, with some degrees of fury visible in her eyes. "Let me put it this way, Ms. Bunga. If it was up to them, I wouldn't be here right now. I'd be home, dressing up like a stereotypical Yamato Nadeshiko just because it's 'a women's duty to be a good wife to their husband'. I'd have been married off to some pompous influential man that is probably twenty to thirty years my senior, and my duty would be to bear his offspring, feed him good food, prepare the bath for him, and all around satisfy his every needs." With every words, her wicked smile turned more and more into a downright hateful frown. "To hell with that. Japanese traditions my arse. Pathetic. It can and should all burn to ashes. Such things are what's holding Japan back from advancements, and yet they refused to let it go anyway. Bloody idiots."

Ryuuko paused, and then sighed, letting the tension out of her mind and body. "But enough about that. Heh..." Her expression slowly turned to that of a light smile again. "Why, it is exactly as the words suggested. You said earlier that the rumor is that Nazca was attacked by a mysterious Egoist, yes? Pfft. That's far from the truth. It was not an Egoist, Ms. Bunga. I was there with Nazca. We were attacked by creatures that roamed the mist at night. The things that those in charge of Bermuda refused to bring to light, likely to protect their own ego or some such petty things... Well, it won't be for long now. Tonight, I will be going out to catch some of those creatures, record the proof of their existences, and then spread it in and out of Bermuda... It's ridiculous that they're keeping such things hidden. It is, I believe, a duty of all moral individuals to bring it to light."

Bunga is from the Orient, and it is for sure that the Federation has... mixed feelings about women. She has heard her mother many times try to prevent the unwanted advances of many a man just because she looks 'like an unpicked flower', whatever that means. But hearing about the pressure the women of Nippon has to go through is quite something else. "Well, forgive me for being someone from the Orient, but that is... quite something Ryuuko. Perhaps it is because of Occidental influence after the futile war. But I've never heard of women being put to such pressures where I came from. I'm quite sorry for what you have to go through."

Still, Ryuuko's remarks about the state of women in Japan give Bunga sometime to reflect on the state of women in her own lands. It was for certain such pressures do not exist, but certainly the pressure to continue the family line is present, if admittedly significantly weaker than whatever is present in Nippon, as are some aspects of Nusantaran society that degrades women.

She remember being in Jayakarta along with Anggini, waiting for her journey to the mountains, and while waiting, she heard a bunch of drunkards talking about women and how Nusantaran society has 'lost their way' in terms of giving women rights, like the right to vote, the right to work, the right to self determine, and many other things Bunga take for granted. What motivated these men to think like that? Just what pleasure do they bring in making women feel as miserable as Ryuuko presumably was when she's in Nippon? She has to investigate this further later on.

Ryuuko's further remarks concerning her future plans further piqued Bunga yet again. She has an intent on finding out who attacked Nazca, and it seems that the two are of one mind in this one. "Are you saying that you wanna break curfew Ryuuko? And you mention creatures too?" The woman closed in on the Japanese Egoist, her tone more hushed. "Are you interested in taking a partner? Or two? More help would be welcomed no?"

Ryuuko shook her head. "Haha, don't be sorry about it, Bunga. It is, unfortunately, what it is. And I'm sure you have your own experiences with such things... It's a rather common thing in the Orient after all, oppression against women. Changing that is part of what I'm trying to achieve. So we'll see, huh? Anyways..."

She leaned closer in to Bunga as well at the other woman's questions. "Hmm..." Then, she seemed to quietly consider something as she put her right thumb to her lips. After a while more, she spoke. "First. Yes, I am saying I am going to break the curfew. Second, yes, creatures. Unnatural creatures, as if they're the creations of some insane polymaths..." She paused again, as if to allow Bunga to absorb what she just said, before continuing. "It is an interesting proposition that you are offering, Ms. Bunga. However, let me tell you more first..."

"Nazca became so badly wounded last night because she and I were breaking curfew to... Well, let's just say we believed a certain Manbat was responsible for framing Jeanne... However, instead of finding this Manbat Egoist, we were attacked by these unnatural creatures instead. I came out fine. But Nazca, not so much. So my questions are: One, hearing this, are you still eager to join me? And two... How confident are you in your abilities to fight? You're a fellow Egoist, so I have more confidence in you than I would in a Technologist or Dynamicist, but still... I'd rather not have another Nazca. It was a mistake last night, bringing her with me."

Bunga absorbed everything Ryuuko has to tell her, and yes, she is aware of the potential risks of such an operation. But she has to do it, the risks of not doing such an Op would be total failure for her mission, and for Bunga herself too. She has to gain the trust of Nazca by cooperating with Ryuuko. It's a must.

She hopes Wiro trained her enough that she can handle whatever threats lurk within Bermuda after dark. But she has her fox perception and goat vision to fall back to if needed. "Well, hearing that, I must say that I am still interested in uncovering this unique mystery Ryuuko. But don't tell anyone of my involvement in this. Since I'd rather keep this fact with the two of us until night falls."

"Also. In regards to my combat abilities. I will admit that I may not be the strongest Egoist out there, but once I have my extensions. I do notice that I can notice threats much, much faster than even my fellow Egoists back home, I can be your eyes and ears should someone, or something, tries to attack us. So I hope that you're okay with bringing me in, I really don't want to have another unwitting Nazca be the victim of these unknown aggressors yet again."

"Oh, and one question Miss Ryuuko. Would you be okay if I bring in assistance with me? A certain British person you might be aware of? I'm sure I can convince him to prepare some concoctions as backup and in case the worst happen."

Ryuuko looked to the side, deep in thought as she considered Bunga's words. It seemed that, like herself, Bunga was not an Egoist who focused fully on combat like a certain Chinese man did. Still, in Ryuuko's mind, if Bunga was at least as physically powerful as Ryuuko then it should be far safer bringing her than bringing a Technologist like Nazca. That she boasted about having more acute senses were also an interesting point, as the lack of acute senses was part of the problem with identifying threats last night.

Her rumination done, Ryuuko looked back at Bunga. She nodded, and smiled casually at her. "In that case... Very well. Welcome aboard, Bunga. I will wait for you tonight outside of Jeanne's and Nazca's apartment." She told Bunga of the address and directions of how to reach the apartment, and also exchanged contact numbers with her just in case. "As for bringing assistance... I'm assuming you meant Mr. Porter. I certainly don't mind you trying to convince him to prepare concoctions and such, if you're confident they will be of help... But if you meant actually bringing the person himself along... Again, I don't want another case of Nazca. If you want to bring him along, it will be at your own risk, Bunga."

"Alright. Sounds like a deal then." Bunga responded to Ryuuko's offer. "And of course. I'll ask James for some of his concoctions, but I'm just wondering that he might as well join the group due to the sudden information of myself joining you. Wait, maybe I can just frame it as just me being curious of his potions. Yeah that'll work. Yeah."

The Nusantaran woman nodded to Ryuuko. "So, see you at night then Ryuuko? I'm still waiting for James unfortunately. That British guy sure does take his time on things does he?"

"Wonderful. Then it is settled. Looking forward to working with you then, Bunga! We'll keep in contact, hmm?" Ryuuko grinned wide, excited with the prospect of having another partner for her curfew breaking, this time a fellow Egoist which she believed meant that Bunga shouldn't be so squishy like Nazca was. "I'll leave the matters with James to you in any case. For now, indeed, I have other things to tend to." For example, where Jeanne had gone to. "Indeed. Maybe you should check to make sure if he had forgotten about you and left you, hmm? Anyway... I'll see you around, Bunga." And with that, Ryuuko walked away to search for Jeanne, giving Bunga one more friendly wave as she left.

Suffice to say, Franz had not expected the news about last night. When he left the dinner party, he assumed everyone would wake up fully intact the following day. He was wrong. Franz woke up to an early morning mail from Bang, which caught him up to speed on the whole thing.

Ryuuko had ignited Nazca. It was by accident of course but good intentions do not change the result. On one hand he felt bad for Nazca for the tragedy the befell her. But on the other, Franz had to hold back a small laugh to himself. With his understanding of rumour and public perception, the irony that one of the fire witch’s guards had just been burned was not lost on him. This would make winning the trial considerably harder even if the two had managed to get some evidence.

The final part of the message caught Franz’s attention. Bang had decided upon a suspect, Solomon Antedivula. A French Egoist who is a hobbyist in photography. It was as if some higher power had come and bestowed this investigation with the perfect target. His only wish was that he had thought of it first, but alas, he didn’t so much as recognize the name.

Franz was eager to meet this ‘Occidental Egoist’ and not just for the sake of the investigation either. There were a number of topics he would love to pick Solomon’s brain on, the value of Egoism for the Occident and the psyche profile of one Jeanne du Bordeaux being primary among them.

With lack of any company, he had let them roam the dorm room overnight. Franz set to get them back into their cages and packed away. He had a slightly more important task than studying his spiders today.

Leaving the house in smart casual attire, Franz begun the commute toward the newsletter offices

Lucretia was just done dropping off the compacted Schwarzritter to be sent off to Sukuro Jinga's address and was now trying to locate a certain Austrian Polymath, but as luck would have it, said Austrian Polymath just so happened to be in the area as well, heading toward the newsletter offices to be specific. Perking up like a hunting kitten who had just located her quarry, the petite girl beelined toward Franz, the same maneuver that she did before their very first encounter at the Hall of the Greats.

"Guten Morgen, Herr Steiner," But unlike before when the older boy was seated, this time Lucy had to crane her neck to look up at him, the ridiculous gap in their height at full display.

Franz turned to look at the person addressing him, just to equally surprised by the height difference between himself and Lucy. The girl looked noticeably more tired than when he first met her, although he wouldn't jump to the conclusion she had been out past curfew. Such a thing wouldn't fit Franz's impression of her.

Franz hunched ever so slightly down, so as to ease his company's craning neck a little. "And to you, Frau Konigsmahne."

"It came to my knowledge that you'll be serving as a defense attorney in the upcoming trial of Jeanne du Bordeaux, I must express my disapproval and implore you to see reason. Bordeaux is guilty and you should let justice come to pass, we - Polymaths, Occidents, and every civilized person really - will all be better for it." No beating around the bush, no bells and whistles, blitzing straight to the point like a charging Schwarzritter.

Franz was a little taken off guard by Lucy's confrontation. He had known the girl to be blunt, such a thing was no surprised to him. But he did not expect her to be so invested in the matter of the Bordeaux trial. He didn't mind talking about such a thing, but Franz wanted to avoid staying in one place while talking and making a scene. Franz's expression of mild surprised gave way back to a welcoming smile. "Please, lets walk while we talk. I'm afraid I have quite a busy schedule this morning." He talk a few small steps in the direction of the news letter offices then waited for Lucretia to join along.

Just like before when he stood up to get food in the Great Hall, Lucy followed him like a puppy... or more like a hungry kitten demanding food; a puppy would follow someone out of a sense of joy and companionship, the kitten only did so because it had a very specific purpose and wouldn't appreciate any delays to the fulfillment of said purpose. It was clear that she didn't want to walk while talking, it'd be best if matters could be settled right then and there, Deutsche Effizienz.

"You know, Frau Konigsmahne, I was once called guilty myself. I was falsely accused of murder. Had 'justice come to pass', I would have been imprisoned for the rest of my life. So you I hope you can imagine why I would have doubts when someone is immediately labelled as guilty. It was ultimately these doubts that made me want to defend Jeanne in the first place." There was beating around the bush, with bells and whistles, dancing around the point like a well seasoned politician.

Now that was interesting, she supposed she had heard of this information about Franz's alleged murder case, but it was nothing conclusive and what she experienced from the older student so far didn't paint him as a murderer, hence Lucy subconsciously shelved the idea of Franz murdering someone as ridiculous as the rumors said about herself being an automaton. Now that he said it though, it'd be a lie if she couldn't see his reasonings for defending Jeanne, which was unfortunate, not all good intentions led to good results after all. Thus, it was her duty to see the error in his ways.

"I understand, Herr Steiner, but this is different. Have you seen the behavior of Jeanne? She's a black sheep of our kind, so blatantly anarchistic and sociopathic in her behavior, it's only a matter of time before she unleashes her violent urges. We all should be glad that it's 'just' a library this time, we must nip the problem in the bud before innocent lives are lost."

The weaknesses of Franz's double intentions wrung through in this public confrontation. How differently would this have gone had it been behind closed doors. Instead he had to deal with the fact that eyes were on him and rumours of his actions could spread. Franz had no choice but to lamely dance around the issue, weakly defending his case. If he were to lean to close to one side here, the option to turncoat to the other would be forever closed.

"It is hard to consider a woman who has made it into Bermuda to be a senseless madwoman lacking in reason. Is her history rife with unpredictable behaviour? Correct. Did the flames of her furnaces burn down the library? Also correct. But to dismiss her as a guilty without trial would rob all of our kind of a brilliant mind, and a potentially innocent one at that."

"When I look at you, despite the rumours, I do not see gears turning. Much the same with Miss Bordeaux, I do not see a dangerous mind without reason."

"..." Lucretia's brows frowned ever so slightly at Franz's counter-argument on why he should continue on this path; while her intention was clear, she couldn't help but feel inveigled by his points. Yes, it would only be fair that he gave Jeanne a chance just as he was given a chance, her barbarism might just be ridiculously exaggerated rumours just like the hearsay that Lucretia wasn't human, that an academy as prestigious as Bermuda wouldn't have enrolled Jeanne had she was truly a violent lunatic. Ja, had this conversation taken place in more conventional circumstances, the German Polymath could've been convinced...

However, after what occurred last night, Lucretia wasn't so sure about Bermuda's integrity anymore, there was definitely something more here than meets the eye. "Bermuda... peculiar of you to say that, Herr Steiner, because you see, just last night..." Thus, Lucy began concisely explaining her sordid experience the night before - the fog, the man-bat, and everything else - implicitly revealing why she looked worse for wear compared to their first encounter, "...what do you know of these oddities then, Herr Steiner?"

If it could help ease his worries of being in public view, all this time, Lucretia had been conversing with him not in Latin, but in their shared native tongue instead.

Franz's expression turned from one of confusion to one a joyful excitement as Lucy described her experience the previous night. "Miss Konigsmahne, I did not take you for one to skip curfew, even by accident." He joked. "But I am fascinated about this bat figure you mentioned. I'll be frank, I was unsure whether Jeanne's talk of demons was real or some hallucinatory episode bred from darkness and an ill mind. I guess this clears things up."

"It was only because I was searching for your whereabouts, Herr Steiner." She murmured, a rosy tint of shame coloring her pale cheeks.

The abrupt shift of expression on Franz's part didn't go unnoticed by the younger student, such was the degree of change that even Lucretia could recognize it. Peculiar, it seemed that Herr Steiner was more interested in the mystery of the fogged night than Jeanne, this man-bat Egoist figure being the focal point. Emerald eyes blinked twice at their fellow green-eyed individual, staring in awed silence for a brief moment. "Preposterous, so du Bordeaux also encountered this winged figure?" She stood still in contemplation, unwittingly allowing Franz to gain some distance from her.

Franz looked back when noticing he was walking alone and saw Lucy had stopped. It was clear what she was thinking about. "Well I must say, I'm flattered that you risked being at the mercy of such a creature just to conduct a meeting with me. However, it is unnecessary." Franz details Lucy about his address and where to find him. "Considering we a collaborating our academic endeavours, it is best you can visit me when needed."

"As for Jeanne, well I cannot tell you for certain if she met the same Egoist. But a hulking bat figure with wings would match her talk of demons pretty well, no?" Franz smile widened. "Why do you ask? Are you having second thoughts on whether Miss Bordeaux is guilty or not?"

Lucretia made a slight disapproving frown, but she exchanged address with Franz without protest... because she had saved it for after the deed was done, "It was necessary because I didn't know your address, it isn't necessary now." A part of her felt ashamed at forgetting something as simple as an address exchange when she had the chance, but it's in the past and no longer a relevant issue.

"Mmmngh..." The smaller girl frowned again, but deeper this time, "Nein, I still firmly believe that whatever her motivations were, it’s still a crime to burn down such a valuable archive of knowledge." She surmised.

Franz simply smiled back at her response about Jeanne. He began to walk off again toward the newsletter offices before stopping and turning back to Lucy. "I enjoy our conversations, but I wasn't lying about being on a tight schedule I'm afraid." Franz gave out an inviting hand gesture. "I would like you to join me. Now that I know such a figure exists, I would say it's pretty likely I am going to meet this bat egoist myself. A French egoist with a passion for mobile photography fits the description pretty well, no?"

"Who knows, maybe he can help me see reason" Franz teased.

She was just about to catch up when he stopped and turned, extending her an invitation despite his tight schedule. ...? What an odd gesture, why would he need to invite her to discuss about the curfew incidences, something that they were already doing right at this very moment, but she knew by now that Herr Steiner was an eccentric figure, his chosen Major notwithstanding. "I'll also demand an audience with this Bat Egoist, I believe he wasn't being entirely truthful with me regarding the nighttime phenomenon of this accursed island," Lucy replied as her short legs pattered forward to close the distance and follow the significantly taller boy.

"If he's indeed French, I wasn't in the proper state of mind to properly recognize his accent, but I did remember his physical features and the object he carried around his neck. Correct, it was a camera." What were the odds that du Bordeaux, Robespierre, and this Man-Bat were all Frenchmen, huh?

"Well then, lets not waste a second. We have a date with a bat and we don't even know where he lives. I just hope the newsletter offices have some answers, no doubt the man can't help but contribute." Franz stated as he picked up the pace.

---

Unfortunately, just as how another individual had found out the night before, the location of the Bermuda Triangle's offices was obscure, none of the students who they questioned being able to come up with any particularly convincing answers as to where it might be located. It was, after all, a newspaper agency that had only been established two days prior, and no one who submitted information or materials to the agency had done so in-person.

Always through mail, always through the surprisingly private postal service run by the Bermuda Administration.

Finding Solomon Antedivula, was a much easier prospect. After all, he was the Diamond in the Rough, the self-taught Egoist who nevertheless also had talents for Technologism. He needed a specific space to continue his development and advancements in photography, and with Bermuda being such a novel place, there were plenty of other students who wanted his cameras as well. The 'Atelier du Moor' was located on the entire second floor of a triple-stacked yurt, crafted of more modern materials that sacrificed such a design's transportability in exchange for the sturdiness that allowed it to be host to such heavy machines to begin with. Even from the outside, Lucretia's trained eyes could pick up the Formulae that shone through glimpses in the windows, and without much hesitation, the two Occidental Polymaths ascended the stairs and reached the door.

It was a humble door. A wooden door with a simple, handmade 'Welcome' sign and a brass knob that did not possess any alterations. From beyond, they could hear someone pacing back and forth, inaudible mutterings leaking out from the cracks in the doorframe. Perhaps there was only one way to do this, but maybe this was an opportunity to plan their approach as well.

A Technologist without her tools and a scam artist were hardly a match for a skyscraping Egoist, after all.

Franz expected a larger accommodations. In his mind this Egoist was larger than life. This was a figure who could skulk through the night and someone who could overcome Jeanne. For him to live in such a... humble place did not mesh.

Still, any Egoist was strong and one with his accomplishments made him even more terrifying. Certainly, should fighting break out, Solomon could take both himself and Lucy out in seconds. But Franz had no need for such fears.

"Well, this is it. I would say to let me know if its the same person you met last night. But how many Bat Egoists could there be?" Franz joked.

With a silent, yet firm nod, Lucretia continued following the taller student to the newsletter offices, but first they had to locate the establishment in the first place, in which the process struck Lucy with a dose of Deja Vu. This was just like searching for Sukuro's whereabouts, but at least their objective was a static building this time around. At first glance, Bermuda's administration might seem like they knew what they were doing, but only on the third day of her enrollment, the German polymath could already notice the cracks beneath. Once she returned home, she'd do all in her power to make whoever responsible for this so-called prestigious academy be brought into court.

Once they've finally located the office, finding Solomon's abode was a foregone conclusion. A simple inquiry was all it took for the Deutsche Duo to go to a Mongolian-style dormitory, specifically the atelier on its second floor. "..." Lucy's Technologist vision spotted the many formulization patterns shining through its windows, "There's a technologist on the second for sure."

At last, they arrived before a wooden door, and Lucretia could see that it really was a simple wooden door, no starsteel or anything like that. The presence of an occupant was audible enough that it wouldn't take a Bunga to notice them, hopefully whoever inside was their elusive man-bat. If the petite girl was alone, she'd have immediately tried to open the door but an instinctive part of her decided that she'd let Franz have the honors, perhaps out of a sense of safety as the tall Austrian served as a surrogate for Schwarzritter in lieu of the drone knight's absence.

With no visible signs of fear, Franz knocked on the door with confidence. He then returned to idle chit chat while he waited for an answer. "I am unable to see the flows of technologist energies as well as you. But I am curious, are they complex? If his primary interest is in Egoism, I wonder if he is good in two disciplines. It is quite a rare and exciting thing."

"Ah, just a moment!"

Various sounds of feet shuffling and button clicking and steam hissing could be heard, before the door clicked and swung open. A brass bell atop it rang, announcing a customer that had already announced their presence, and holding the door open was a tall young human in a three piece suit, though the jacket had been hung by the brass coatrack right by the door. His bolo tie was secured to his white shirt by an iridescent resin gem, while his vest was a dark purple that matched his suit pants. Over one eye rested an upraised magnifier lense, and his white hair fell in soft, well-combed tufts.

He smiled at them, somewhat shyly. "Sorry, you think I should put up a 'no need to knock' sign on this? You'd be the twelfth group to have knocked..."

But that was not what caught either Lucretia nor Franz's attention first. No, looking at this young man for the first time in person, they would come to the same conclusion: if this was the face that Jeanne had seen mere moments before being knocked out cold, she could not have presumed that they were an Egoist of Occidental origins.

Upon a sun-glazed windowsill, a chubby Persian cat let out a long, lazy yawn.

After Franz knocked on the door, he somehow deigned that it was an opportune moment to be conversing, how odd, but she shouldn't be surprised by now. "They aren't as complex as Starsteel, but they certainly aren’t the work of an amateur technologist, Herr Steiner." She mused for a moment, "Some Polymaths - whether through talent or dedication - are proficient in multiple Majors, just like yourself, ja?" After all, what was Mesmerology but not an attempt at harmoniously blending all three Majors?

Talents in two professions was useful. Not only was Solomon a incredibly capable Egoist, but a talented technologist as well. He could be quite the asset. Franz tried to hide his widening grin. "Why yes, I am. But it is uncommon, hence my excitement."

Then, the atelier's occupant answered followed shortly by the door being opened, revealing the figure of Solomon, yet another French Polymath. "..." He... didn't look anything like that man-bat, not one bit, but Lucy was aware that Egoists were masters of sculpting their bodies, and who was to say that he couldn't just shift between his chiropteran form and his current humanoid self? Without delay, Lucretia took a half-step forward and literally put a foot in the door.

"Mr. Antedivula, are you the photographer bat Egoist that I encountered last night after curfew?" She inquired, now switching to Latin for obvious reasons.

Franz was caught by surpise when confronted with the relatively mundane appearance of Solomon. This gave away to disappointment, it surely can't be. He stood in place letting Lucy go ahead of him. "I apologize for my companies... bluntness. Greetings, I am Franz Steiner and this is Lady Konigsmahne." He gave a small bow. "We would like to ask you a few questions. The most pressing of course" gesturing toward Lucy "is your lack of Egoist features."

Lucretia's straightforward interrogation, followed by Franz's more subdued confusion, set Solomon aback as well. "Photographer... bat... Egoist?" he repeated, more befuddled than anything. "Uh, no...I'm not? Ah, but yes, introductions should be at hand, even if one can surmise your reputations pretty smoothly."

He ushered them into his atelier soon enough, a single large room that was sectioned off into individual cubicles with thick canvas. There were benches filled with small gears and machinery but no tools, large vats of chemical solutions that would be used for the more difficult portions of photography, in which no Technologism could directly effect, as well as dark rooms and storage rooms humming with dark red lighting. A cast iron stove burned near a table, and he placed a saucepan atop to heat up some milk.

"As you'd know, my name is Solomon Antedivula, Egoist and Technologist. I'm not as sure how much common knowledge this is, but my own specialization within Egoism is essentially..." He opened his mouth up, revealing a set of razor-sharp incisors, before clamping them down onto his left thumb. It sliced open the skin easily, drawing blood from within, and as both Lucretia and Franz watched, a tendril of blood extended outwards like a snake, before waving back and forth at the two of them.

"Prehensile blood's my deal. Makes it easy to do fine work without relying on tools, as you see."

Now, that wasn't a reaction that Lucy preferred coming from Solomon, but yet it was not unexpected as his confusion seemed to align with his mundane appearance, together adding more weight to the possible conclusion that he was not the man-bat Egoist. "..." The disappointment was visible in her emerald eyes as Lucretia looked more than ready to keep pressing the tanned French like a single-minded detective, but fortunately for everyone involved, Franz was there to keep the situation civilized.

Though the tallest Polymath of the three kept the atmosphere (mostly) casual, Lucretia clearly had no interest in trivial things such as introductions and small talks, she was here for a purpose and due to the urgency of the matter, it must not be delayed. As far as she knew, it'd only be a matter of time until someone got murdered during those eldritch night hours. The man-bat Egoist wasn't much of a help either as he left her with more questions than answers, and she hated that. For the moment, she just followed the pair of older boys into Atelier du Moor, eyes meticulously scanning over the various tools and devices contained within, not missing the fluffy persian cat lounging by the windowsill. As much as Lucy wanted to go over and pet its luxurious fur, there were more pressing businesses, and besides, she had always been more of a rabbit person anyway.

Then, Solomon introduced himself and revealed that his Egoism specialization was... manipulating his own blood like an elephant's trunk. What? That's it? Where were the extra arms, horns, and most importantly, the bat wings?!

Lucretia frowned and it wouldn't take a genius polymath to see that she was this close to just get up and leave, but not yet...

"Then, what do you know of your fellow French Polymath in Bermuda, Mr. Antedivula?"

The gears in Franz's mind turned at the developing situation. It couldn't be concluded if Solomon was the Bat Egoist or not. Certainly the details of both fangs and blood control were similarly themed to that of a bat. Egoists drew inspiration from nature, so how many in Bermuda could realistically have used a bat as their muse. Either way Lucy's claim that the bat had a portable camera means it was either Solomon himself, somehow hiding his more bestial form, or a customer of his.

Franz took a nearby seat and lounged comfortably in it. He imagined these question were going to take a while longer yet. "As Frau Konigsmahne asked. I am sure you have heard about the trial of Miss du Bordeaux. Do you have a particular opinion on her guilt?" Franz subtly focused in on Solomon's face looking for the slightest change of expression. Also analyzing him for signs he lacked sleep.

"Hm, well..."

Solomon tilted his head to the side for a moment as he prepared refreshments for his guests, only for his eyes to widen when Franz was kind enough to elaborate on the situation. He set aside some sugar and cream in two little containers shaped like cats' paws, before turning to the two again.

"Ah, Miss du Bordeaux's trial..." he trailed off, then shrugged. "Well, I'm not particularly in the habit of speaking of other's faults, but in her case? It's not someting out of character for her. Much could be said, as I trust you've heard, of her temperament." He raised up a placating hand. "But don't take this the wrong way. As far as I know, she's never killed anyone, so Miss du Bordeaux is hardly just a runaway train."

Lucretia was all eyes and ears as Solomon pondered about this curious situation that involved multiple French Polymaths in the spotlight, time itself seemed to slow down as she took in everything that came from the dark-skinned Egoist; every sweat from his pores, every breath he exhaled, just waiting if there was any indication that he'd divulge any information useful to her goals.

"..." His answer regarding the insane Frenchwoman was... disconcerting, wasn't the photographer bat Egoist the one who provided the proof of Jeanne's arson? So, with the context of everything she had seen from Solomon up until now, it seemed he wasn't that Egoist after all, he might just be using one of Solomon’s cameras, they were of exceptional quality after all, perfect for taking pictures in such an inhospitable fog-choked environment.

Regardless, she had to say something about Jeanne, "Not being a murderous lunatic is not worthy of recognition in itself, that's the barest minimum of a being civilized person. Jeanne is an unstable powder keg, a black sheep that besmirches the reputation of Technologists and Polymaths everywhere, it's a travesty of the highest order to call her as one of our own. Letting this beast roam free will bring nothing but torment to everyone."

Her tirade done, she exhaled once before continuing, "Is it possible that this Bat Egoist used one of your cameras for his nightcrawling journalism? Do you have a ledger documenting your clients?"

Solomon's response was... inconclusive. It would be exactly the answer Franz would have given if he were in the same position. 'Yes she is probably guilty, but actually I don't think she is that crazy.' Accounting for implications, Franz was not sure where Solomon stood on the matter. Was this intentional to hide his real position or was he genuinely so disinterested in the event? But the glimpse of the boy's eyes widening implied the former. Franz needed to dig.

Keeping a focus on the boy's expression, Franz decided to stay silent as Lucy ranted idealistically about Jeanne and the concept of justice. He did not want to give away too much information on himself yet. But that question at the end was perfect. But his surprise at the start around the Bat Egoist topic would imply he has no record of someone like that buying a camera. "Or could we assume that you have not meet such an Egoist before?" Franz added to Lucy's inquiry.

"The tea smells lovely. Thank you." Franz finished with a polite smile.

"I do keep a ledger regarding my business transactions yes," Solomon replied, completely and unashamedly sidestepping Lucretia's little tirade. "If the topic is of Jeanne's transgressions however, why are you looking for this 'Bat Egoist'?"

Lucretia genuinely didn't even care that no one reacted to her rant about Jeanne, for it was a conclusive statement, Jeanne was an unwelcomed wildcard in the Polymath community and everyone would be better off without her around; she believed no one would disagree, not even Franz here even though he was amongst those willing to at least try defending the madwoman. Now then, with that done, they could return to the main topic at hand, that was identifying and locating this elusive bat.

"Wunderbar," The white-haired girl leaned forward just a little bit more, "The Man-Bat was the one who provided proof of Jeanne's arson, and he used a camera that was likely designed by you, he's a witness to a grave crime, therefore it's important that we meet him personally." She blinked once after a brief pause, "Where is this ledger, Mr. Antedivula?"

Franz leaned back in his chair. Was the investigation really the only reason he wanted to talk with the bat? Of course not."Yes the bat egoist is quite an important figure in this investigation. But, it was only until this morning did I know such a figure really existed. I must say the prospect of meeting such an enigmatic figure has me personally excited."

"Although, I doubt we will find much record of a bat egoist in your ledger. Isn't that correct?"

The pan of milk left on the stove was boiling now, filling the air around the three with a mild butteriness. Solomon stood up and poured the milk into three dainty little cups, mixing it with tea that had been left cold. The resulting milk tea was hot but not scalding, and he placed one cup per individual, before settling himself down again.

"Unfortunately, while I don't particularly mind cooperating with this investigation, it appears that Miss Konigsmahne's interest is a bit, hm...personal? Considering the first question she's asked me and all." He peered into the German Polymath's eyes briefly, curiosity mixed with a tinge of confuddlement and suspicion, before continuing, gaze shifting towards Franz. "Regardless, however, it would be a breach in confidence to hand over my ledger in its entirety. Do either of you have a name or a proper description I could reference?"

Though the Occident-style milk tea was served, it remained untouched as Lucy didn't have the muse to be enjoying tea time at the moment. The youngest Polymath in the room slightly tilted her head quizzically as Solomon's ruby eyes peered at her emeralds, for the moment wondering just what exactly he meant by that? How odd for him to pick that reason as an excuse to refuse her request. "It is personal. I wish to meet with this Bat Egoist to acquire more information." Or else, why should she even be here in the first place? Would he have accepted the reason wasn't personal? For one reason or another, Lucretia believed he'd have refused nevertheless, just as he admitted himself.

Her eyes narrowed, a part of her mind briefly entertaining the idea of intimidating the ledger out of him, then she remembered that the tall figure beside her was Franz, not Schwarzritter. The young girl sighed, precisely in that 'Why are you being so difficult?' way that insufferable geniuses often did, those who couldn't comprehend why the world wouldn't immediately bend to their beck and call. "He had a pair of bat wings, large muscular build, four arms, a two-sided axe-shaped face, and..." Thus Lucy continued listing off all the nightcrawling Egoist's physical features that she could remember.

"Will that satisfy you, Mr. Antedivula?"

"Ok, so you two are here for different purposes. That makes sense." Solomon slapped his fist into his palm, then drew out a notepad and a charcoal pencil from his vest's pocket. Flipping through what looked to be sketched out diagrams of unrecognizable machinery, he settled on a new page before sketching out Lucretia's own descriptions, bobbing his head back and forth as he did so, pausing only to ponder over the 'axe-shaped face'.

"Well," he spoke, leaning back a bit to inspect his work. "That's certainly a...thing. I must confess, friends, that this combination of traits makes for a very striking individual, but while there are certainly some winged Egoists out there, as well as ones with furry limbs or a prehensile tail, this axe-shaped face sorta...makes no sense? What does it even do? What animal is this based off of?"

Truly, it was befuddling. Egoists did take on some strange appearances to realize their ideals, but even then, those were gradual transformations that showed some sign of having some reason for molding their bodies into such a manner. In the case of this Bat Egoist, it really looked like they just stuck two unnecessary chunks of flesh on the sides of their head.

"Are you certain that, perhaps, you didn't mistake their hat for a part of their head?"

Stating that she and Franz were here for different purposes was correct, one wanted to persecute Jeanne while the other planned for the opposite, however, it was also true that they both sought the Bat Egoist for their respective purposes, he was a key figure in the case, whether as the prosecutor or defender. Lucy went into a thinking posture upon Solomon's reply after the sketch was done, that was certainly something no one would disagree with there, this particular Egoist was so striking that unless he had shapeshifting abilities, no one sane would mistake him for anyone else. "That is something I had hoped for you to answer as I have insufficient knowledge regarding the intricacies of Egoism."

However, Lucretia could at least firmly shake her head at the Moroccan-Frenchman's next inquiry, "I am confident that he didn't wear headgear, it'd have fallen off considering how swift he moved to evade Schwarzritter's assault."

Franz sat back for the following exchange. It was important for him to look less invested than Lucy. Still, every action that Solomon took was under the scrutiny of the mesmerologists eye.

But when Solomon started pulling out a notepad to sketch the Egoist, Franz could only let out a chuckle. It was an amusing display. But with all the ties to this man could he really still be playing dumb. This wasn't even mentioning the visible mood changes throughout the conversation that let on he was more invested in this than he lets on.

Franz leaned in with a warm smile as if greeting a friend. "I must say this is amusing, Solomon. But I believe my companion here may have lead you down the wrong train of thought. So with all due respect, I must be blunt."

Franz then chimed in and Lucretia let him take the spotlight for now, she just listened at the Austrian's deduction on the matter. That's true, both of them think that the elusive Bat and Solomon had ties in some way, as patron and client at least, else, why would they even be here?

Meanwhile, the petite girl decided to sip the served milk tea while the two boys conversed.

"We believe you have ties to the Bat Egoist, in fact, I'm convinced of it. The ledger, Lucy's vivid description, this is all to ask a very simple question. Do you have a connection to this Bat Egoist?" Franz's smile faded slightly to one of focus. His eyes were locked into eye contact with Solomon's. Not even the slightest change in expression would go unnoticed.

While engaged in this question, Franz pulled a notebook out of his pocket. Without looking, he opened up to a specific page and wrote a small note. The context of that page hidden from the other two.

"Well, in terms of Egoism, I am honestly unable to recall whether there's a way to 'shapeshift' like they speak of in mythology and fairy tales," Solomon spoke. "The apex of the Oriental Egoists can increase their mass to titanic heights and then regress, but subtler transformations...well, in general cases, it takes a week or two to even obtain cosmetic additions and modifications to one's body through Egoism."

Franz, however, was pushing the point once more, and the dark-skinned Egoist turned towards the Genius of Vienna, amethyst eyes matching Franz's own. "As we've established beforehand, I may or may not have manufactured a photography device for this 'Bat Egoist'. Going by the description Miss Konigsmahne has provided, however, none of my clientele match what she had encountered, and Egoism itself, so far as I am aware, does not allow for swift shapeshifts."

Solomon sipped at his own cup of milk tea.

"Hmmm..." Solomon's answers present an interesting conundrum, given all the arguments presented, it seemed like the Frenchman wasn't lying after all. If most Egoists can't change their body on the fly, especially one such drastic transformation if Solomon was the Man-Bat, and that he claimed that none of his clients looked like the elusive photographer, then could Solomon really not be related to him? However, that high quality camera he carried, that fact still convinced Lucy that Solomon had relations with him, indirectly at the very least.

"Might have purchased one of your cameras through a proxy, Mr. Antedivula?" She inquired, hand on her chin, in deep thought.

The damned Frenchman was lying. Franz would not accept that answer as anywhere close to being the truth. But what could he do now? Solomon had responded in a polite and respectful manner, he didn't so much as show a lick of hesitation. Pressing him further now would yield no results and only serve to degrade Franz's image. With nothing more to be gained here, it was time to leave. All that was left was to finish up the small talk. But this was not over.

Franz leaned back returning to his friendly demeanor. "Ah, thank you. I appreciate such a direct answer. I believe that concludes our investigation here. A dead end is a dead end after all." Franz shrugged it off. "But I must say your company is enjoyable, Mr Antedivula. Should the circumstances of our meeting were different, I am sure we could have made fast friends."

"But alas, I can only thank you for the tea and be on my way."

"If it was purchased via proxy...well in that case, I certainly couldn't help you," Solomon replied, an apologetic smile forming. "I do wish you two the best in your future investigations, however."

He lifted his left hand up, offering a handshake to first Franz, then Lucretia.

"Good day to the two of you. Perhaps next time, I'll see you two as customers proper?"

"Hmmm..." Lucy spared a few more moments to think, Solomon's answer made sense, perhaps it was time to search for this proxy. Well, there was the possibility that the Man-Bat is indeed one of his customers, just a backroom deal kind of thing, not registered in the ledger; even if he was, the Moroccan Frenchman wouldn't let her see it anyway. If only Schwarzritter is here... In hindsight, perhaps it'd have been a wiser move to not lend it to Sukoro for a few days, but hindsight had perfect vision for a reason.

Right now, continuing the conversation would just be a waste of time, so Lucretia had similar thoughts as Franz. She finished her cup of milk tea then stood up as well, "Actually, I'll also be going myself. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Antedivula." After reciprocating Solomon's handshake, she proceeded to position herself to tag along with Franz, something the Austrian student would no doubt notice, "I'll be coming with you, Herr Steiner." ...and that too, perhaps.

Franz said his farewells to the French Egoist, knowing full well this was not the end. A friendly smile hid ill intent as Franz was already plotting his actions for the coming night.

On his way out, Franz noticed that Lucy was still insistant on joining him on his daily adventures. While he didn't mind the company, he did prefer to do his work alone. So instead, he may as well meet up with the investigation team and let them in on the developments. Plus, he found the idea of bringing Lucy into such a place quite amusing. "As you wish, Frau Konigsmahne."

Unfortunately for Ryuuko, it seemed like the interruptions weren't quite finished for her yet. Turning the corner after she left Bunga to her own devices brought her almost face to face with another pair of students. "Hey, Ryuuko. Just who I was looking for." For someone with enough bandages that he wouldn't have looked out of place next to Nazca, it sure didn't seem to affect his mood. "Just hoping you could shed some light on what happened last night with Miss Whitehall," he explained as he cut straight to the point instead of dancing around it. "I think that's what Miss Zhukova is interested in too, although she's also looking for Miss Bordeaux."

"Indeed. Miss Higashiakemi, was it? I believe we met in the sushi restaurant yesterday." Valeriya nodded politely to Ryuuko. "To make a long story short..." She lowered her voice, making sure they weren't overheard by anyone passing through the hospital hallway. "We've had yet more midnight encounters on campus grounds past curfew. Similar to the Frenchwoman, and by the looks of it, Nazca as well. We'll explain more soon, once we can inform her as well. I don't particularly care to tell the same story twice."

Whoa, what? She was walking rather fast, as it was starting to dawn on her that a missing Jeanne can be a very serious trouble if the French women ended up getting herself into trouble again, and thus was not expecting another interruption. Still, she did stop and raised an eyebrow up upon seeing the bandaged Shou along with Valeriya. "Good day Shou, Miss Zhukova. Huh, what happened to you, Shou? Anyways..." She crossed her arms under her chest. "This is very sudden and I'm honestly in a hurry. Now, yes, if you want to know what happened to Nazca then I'm the best source there is considering I was there with her last night and she herself, believe me, is not in the mood right now to receive yet more visitors asking things and disturbing her already painful predicament further. So if you're offering an exchange of information..." She paused briefly. "I know you said you don't want to tell the story twice... Still, I'd appreciate it if you can tell me first about the midnight encounters you said that you guys had."

"Well she already told me, and I don't mind," Shou answered with a shrug even as the motion caused him to scratch at his wrappings. "In short, Miss Konigsmahne had an encounter with a Bat-inspired Egoist. I either caught the attention of a Polymath that can manipulate the mist, or it's alive in a sense and sought to suffocate me." His voice was similarly quiet to prevent anyone from overhearing or eavesdropping. Even Valeriya probably would have been hard pressed to catch his soft whispers, but a fellow Egoists should have at least some boons in that area even as a side-effect.

"We can go into more details if you'd like, but you have something urgent to attend to?"

...A Bat-inspired Egoist? Hearing that, Ryuuko can't help be intrigued. She leaned in closer, also lowering her voice to match Shou's. "No, never mind the urgent thing. I'm interested in this... Let's talk more then." She then walked to a nearby chair placed by a wall and sit there. Beckoning for the two to also sit down. Regardless of whether or not they took a seat, she then speak up in a low voice again once they're closer. "I am also looking for a Bat-inspired Egoist that lurked the mist during the night, and I am pretty positive the one Miss Konigsmahne encountered must be the same one... Additionally, I also have experience of being attacked by mysterious things within the mist. Do tell me more of your encounter, Shou."

"About the bat," Valeriya interjected, folding her arms as she also spoke quietly. "Lucretia's meeting with the bat-man was...odd. He was drinking, for one. And seemed to have been stalking her until he realized who she was, at which point he engaged her in conversation and backed off." She tapped her chin with a finger in thought.

"He even brought her back to the dorm."

"Bit of a shame that. A second trial for the second day would have been a riot," Shou mused unhelpfully as he took a seat opposite of Ryuuko. "As for my own encounter, it happened down by the beaches. Two hours or so before the end of curfew. After exiting the waters, something followed me up onto the sand. I hoped that a sunrod might give enough light to reveal it, but whatever it was snuffed the glow out almost immediately. In the end, I just managed to leap off the sand and away from it before I was engulfed."

"Huh. That sounded way more cordial than..." Ryuuko paused, thinking. Could it be a different Manbat?... Naaah, what are the odds of two different Manbats prowling the night? Must be the same one. She continued speaking after. "Sounded way more cordial than when he attacked and knocked Jeanne out. Weird." She then turned to look at Shou. "So you didn't actually saw what attacked you then. Pity, I wanted to cross check it... See, last night around midnight, I was attacked by creatures. Unnatural creatures that seemed like they were made by some crazy polymaths or some such. One looked like... A pitch-black living and flying seaweed. Another engulfed people in equally pitch-black spider silk-like cocoon. Whatever they were, they attacked me and Nazca. I came out fine. Nazca, not so much."

"I imagine it's a lot easier to be polite when a building isn't being set on fire." Considering the damage that led up to the burnt library and how Jeanne's opponent could simply fly around the obstacles, it did seem like the Frenchwoman had given pursuit rather than the other way around. That probably wasn't an angle she wanted to hear as part of the JSDF though. A slight chuckle escaped Shou as he considered how quickly titles had been thrown around for the ragtag group that rose up against Robespierre.

"Not clearly, but it wasn't pitch black," Shou replied as he hummed in thought. "It definitely didn't resemble silk or cloth either. More a slime or gel, and it was rather slow. I imagine your flames would have little trouble burning it away."

Valeriya barely managed to suppress a scoff at the thought of the Manbat being more polite to a dimunitive German girl than a French psychopath. Just because it was more than likely that Jeanne was innocent of this crime didn't mean she was going to suddenly have the French bitch's back.

"What did happen to Nazca, anyway?" She raised an eyebrow at Ryuuko. "The receptionist wasn't quite so forthcoming about what she was in here for, only that she'd been in intensive care."

"Heh. I suppose so..." Of course, Ryuuko didn't actually agree. Not fully anyway. The cover story was that the Manbat provoked Jeanne after all, regardless of whether that was true or not. "Anyways. I see... Slime or gel huh... Different from what I encountered, but yes. The seaweed thing and the cocoon both were quite easily dispatched with my flames. Still... Gosh, what the heck are they hiding with this island and why? Tsk, I don't like this one bit."

"As for what happened to Nazca, Ms. Zhukova... As I said, we were attacked by the strange creatures. Nazca couldn't manage to protect herself as I did myself, and she ended up being captured by the cocoon I previously mentioned. I freed her out of it, but she was severely wounded regardless. The time after curfew on this island is dangerous even for Egoists like me and Shou... It ended up being too much to handle for someone like Nazca."

"...Wait." Valeriya raised an eyebrow, immediately noticing the discrepancy in Ryuuko's words. "You say that the cocoon was dealt with by your flames, but that Nazca was wounded while you were freeing her." She resisted the urge to groan. Friendly, literal, fire? By God. Even the people around Jeanne were arsonists.

"Miss Higashiakemi, please tell me that we're not here because of you." Valeriya sighed, raising a hand to pinch her temple in a futile attempt to stave off her oncoming headache. "How bad are Nazca's burns?"

Valeriya might have had the composure or courtesy, but Shou couldn't help but laugh aloud. His night had been a bit strange, but it hardly seemed to measure up to the outright disaster he was learning about. "Ah well, I imagine they might contact Hana or another pharmaceutical focused Polymath if it's bad enough. It'll be another favor in her book if she learns about it first though," Shou mused as he raised an eyebrow at Ryuuko.

Ryuuko raised an eyebrow up in turn. She might have indeed mentioned to Nazca that burning the cocoon was never a good idea; just the best of the worst, but it was annoying that people keep bringing it up. They didn't even know the circumstances yet they so easily judge. This is getting irritating... She raised her right hand, index finger pointed at Valeriya. "Uhh, no. You're not here because of me. What are you talking about?"

Was there even a need to explain it again? Would they even believe her? "She's alive and is able to move and speak. Of course, she's also in considerable pain, burnt all over her body and singed hair throughout. But yes. She's alive." She emphasized the last word of her sentence, sounding clearly annoyed. She sighed after that, taking a few seconds to think. "Anyways. Unless there's anything else you can tell me about last night's occurrences..."

"We were originally looking for Jeanne. Evidently, she was supposed to be here today." Valeriya shrugged, not seeming too bothered by the finger in her face. "Don't worry yourself too much over it. Trading notes with you is honestly preferable to dealing with her. In any case, we should be thanking you. More information about this Manbat is all I wanted in the first place." She paused, checking her timepiece.

"Have you eaten yet? It's about lunch time."

"Nothing more from me. If you're going to continue with your night time investigations though, I was hoping we could cooperate on that matter," Shou offered as he cleared his throat and started to speak at a more reasonable level again.

"We can figure that out later if you still have that urgent business to attend to?"

"Well. Glad to be of assistance then." Ryuuko said to Valeriya, silently glad the Russian didn't continue bothering her with minor details. "As for the matter of lunch... I will have to do so at a later time." Then she turned to look at Shou. "Cooperation hmm? I'd be interested in that. In fact, I was already planning for such an occasion with the help of another Egoist. Still, having someone as capable as you around would be a boon, Shou. But yes... Let's figure this out later. For now, I need to go."

Inti.

The sound of his name was warm and inviting.

Illapa. Inti smiled, going right over to sit by his elder brother. Not everyone visited this place every night, but he had expected to meet at least one of his brethren. At the moment that one was Illapa, but the night was still young.

How goes the second day? The young man asked with a hint of amusement. It was clear that Inti wanted to talk about something. The teachings of another culture, some kind of sophisticated art, or perhaps something as simple as—

One of the Polymaths burnt down a library.

...??

Inti jumped right into a full explanation. Of waking up to a message, the announcement that morning, Jeanne's explanation of events, the clues everyone had found, the various people involved and his own thoughts about the case. By the end he didn't feel closer to solving any part of the mystery. What do you think? he asked.

Hmm. Illapa crossed his arms and lowered his head in thought. Well, what are you trying to accomplish Inti?

What do you mean?

You said she was guilty and admitted as much. Inti nodded. So finding these other persons and the truth of what happened would do little to clear her name in the first place.

Might change her sentence, Inti suggested. He dropped his chin into his hand. Besides, I'm really curious about it all now. And...

And...?

And well I'm supposed to get my name out there, right? Helping her seems like a good way. Apparently Jeanne's reputation far preceded her, but Inti had found that was the case with many of the Polymaths on the island. Illapa shrugged as if to say 'if you insist,' but Inti wasn't satisfied with being brushed off.

Come on Illapa! If it was you, what would you do?

It's not me.

Illapa...

Why was it so hard to get his elder brother's opinion? Soon enough the two were joined by others, and though they were more willing to help each of the Inca homunculi that entered the shared dreamscape seemed to take a cue from Illapa. He was, after all, one of the oldest among them, and his stance seemed to be wanting Inti to come to a conclusion himself. Which Inti was fine with, but in such an unfamiliar situation was it really so bad to want advice from those he trusted?

Once more he went over everything. His siblings discussed it curiously, but the conversation went more or less how it had with just Inti and Illapa. Tonight Ch'aska was present, and though usually Inti appreciated her keen insight it seemed she wasn't in the best of moods.

Out of all of us you're the one the Sapa Inca let go, so you're representing all of Tawantinsuyu, Inti. Shouldn't you be smarter than this?

What is that supposed to mean? Inti narrowed his eyes at Ch'aska, a little hurt, and in return she opened her mouth to snap something else at him until she was interrupted by their brother putting his hands on both of their shoulders.

Now now. Inti, can you show us the clues again? Pikiru said. After a moment Inti obliged, and the image of the defense force's bulletin board was pulled up again. The memory of the dinner and all of the words exchanged passed over the Inca present. Pikiru nodded. Remember we are only seeing and hearing the same things as you. I think the help we can give you is limited. But there are some things we can do. Like this, he pointed to the bullet in the image.

One of the others, Amaru, leaned forward where she had been standing with her arms crossed. You're saying you recognize it?

Yes. It's for a particular type of firearm. A Ruthridge, if I'm not mistaken.

Show it to me?

Pikiru waved his fingers as though he were conjuring magic, though the motion was ultimately unnecessary. Alongside the vision from Inti's mind appeared the imagine of a gun, allegedly one which used the type of bullets that had been fired at Jeanne that night. It was a small sized pistol, with some kind of mechanism around the grip.

Are you sure?

Quite.

Asking us for help and then having the nerve to second guess us... Ch'aska hissed quietly. Beside her, Axo wrapped an arm around her and gave Ch'aska a little shake to her to be silent.

I'll explain some about it, and hopefully that information will be useful.

It will be, Inti promised. If I find the same magnetic field given off by someone and they've got that gun, then we've pretty much found the shooter!

Alright, so he had some semblance of a plan now, that was good. He listed to Pikiru's description about the gun, it's model and how it functioned, and even some brief history about it. Others chimed in with their thoughts, but nothing major. Inti was looking forward to getting some perspective on what they thought of some of the other clues, but the conversation was cut short by Ekeko. He slung his arm around Inti's shoulders and pulled him away slightly from the rest of his siblings.

Okay Inti! Time to put that brain to yours to work, okay? Go on and get out of here!

Wait, but -

Nope! Come on, you can't rely on us for everything!

But I just wanted to - !

Bye!

Led by Ekeko, his siblings realized what he had planned and joined in. They smiled to show they meant nothing by it, and then shoved Inti forcefully backward. Being ejected out of the shared space was something Inti hadn't even thought was possible, which made experiencing it all the more strange. He felt a lurch in the pit of his stomach, a pressure in his head, and then suddenly the familiar white and the faces of his 'family' were sucked away and transformed into static. He flailed his limbs as if he was falling before his body and his mind became realigned, and then he slammed back into the waking world.

Bunga looked at the menu for a lil bit. The breakfast she had with her Persian and Middle Eastern friends has left her very fulfilled to say the least, she’s not sure why people from that region like their big portions. But Bunga certainly can’t complain about the generosity her dorm-mates have given to her, she tried reciprocating as best she can, helping students with their tasks, providing advice when it comes to Egoism, even hanging out with them whenever they’re in the dorms, but she feels inadequate to the sheer generosity she has been granted.

Are they as genuine as they come, or do these dorm-mates of hers have some ulterior motive she’s not aware of yet?

One thing’s for sure, the pastries she ordered sure tasted great!

She ordered a thing called a ‘cinnamon roll’ and a ‘croissant’, pastries most likely originating from the occident, as well as some English tea just to try out what the occidentals are doing with exports originating from her country and Zhongguo, and surprisingly enough they’re good! For all the jokes she has heard about Occidental people and their food and drinks, the taste of the cinnamon roll and croissant is mild, yet powerful, while the tea is very pleasant and soothing.

She almost forgot that she has to talk to James at some point. Thank goodness she remembered while she’s stuffing her mouth with tea and pastries.

“So. James.” Bunga started, grabbing a small piece of tissue to wipe out any crumbs on her mouth. “This French woman. Do you know her? And mind if I pry a little bit, just what kind of favour are you exchanging? Don’t you worry, I can keep a secret. I was born with merchant parents, so keeping trade secrets was a thing my father always reminded me to be good at.”

She’s not hoping for James to open up at all, but he seems a bit distressed when she comes at him all distressed and all. Did the information this French woman exchanged with him so mind-breaking that it warrants his distress?

---

His brow furrowed, his eyes fixed on his mug, ”I seem to know her… Or rather used to? It’s complicated…” James took a sip of his coffee. ”... And the favour that I’m exchanging is rather benign, just some sleep medication.”

He was careful not to reveal too much. Jeanne had already seemed offended once, to aggravate her by revealing too much information that she may not want revealed would be like standing in front of an aggravated bear and asking to be violently mauled. He then looked towards her and asked a prudent question, hoping to shift away from the topic. ”Were you able to get what you want from my roommate? I realized that perhaps if I had stayed, I could’ve smoothed over a few things. However, this favour took priority.”

---

Bunga simply nodded at James’ explanation. Feeling that she shouldn’t pry this little affair between him and Jeanne any further, she decided to go along with James and take the bait. “No, unfortunately.” Bunga replied to the British person’s question. “I want to see the schematics relating to Nazca’s clockwork machines, but it seems that she is too uhh… crossed I think? Yeah, that’s the word. Crossed, to actually even listen to my offer. Ugh…”

“Maybe you can help convince her to share the schematics, but other than that, I don’t think I want to get you into something out of your depth and potentially anger a close friend of yours too. But uhh, outside of asking Nazca directly, can I ask you for a favour?”

“James. I know that you’re a technologist that specializes in alchemy, yes? Can you perhaps concoct me some uhh, sleeping potions that I can throw about? Like, I throw the vial, and the ensuing vapour is strong enough to make my would-be assailant asleep? Oh, and also perhaps a potion that can paralyze the enemy as well? I’m willing to pay you for your services, and I need 10 of each if you’d be so kind.”

Bunga knows that this is a big ask from her. But she is willing to fork over the money should she need to, this potential ensuing mission between her and Ryuuko is too important to not have those vials.

Bunga took another sip from her tea.

---

It was certainly fair that Nazca would be crossed, especially since they had showed up and not done a thing to help her. He had planned to help out the injured, but if they were to return now it would be a little difficult. It would be appropriate to wait just a little bit to let things calm down.

Though, he raised an eyebrow to her request. ”Bunga, you seem to be expecting some trouble with your next endeavor.”

James pondered whether he should poke deeper, but as she had not chosen to pursue his personal matters, he would not pursue hers. He placed the now empty cup of coffee onto the table and stood up. He took his cane and fixed his tophat, ”I’ll have to produce a new batch.” he then turned towards her, ”Let’s be clear however, I’ll have you return the favour for something I’d want in return. For now, you don’t have to think about paying me back.”

There was obviously something more afoot. Another incident is likely to occur tonight was his thinking. But, this gave him something else to do than to brood and sulk over what had occurred but a few hours ago. Focus was what he needed and Bunga gave him an excuse to do something. In some ways, this was enough to pay him back. However, in his line of work, trust and favours are currency. The question is, how much would this be worth?

---

“Well, as long as you don’t request me to do something ridiculous, like belly dance in front of the public. I’m sure I would be able to reciprocate your favour easily enough.” Bunga responded. “Will it be ok if you drop your shipments into the door of my apartment tonight perhaps?”

She has finished eating her cinnamon rolls and croissants at this point. Her belly stuffed and her face showing utter bliss. “Do you have anything else we need to discuss Mr Porter. Matters of love perhaps?” Bunga joked. “Oh… oh right, speaking of love.”

She bowed her head. “I’m very sorry James. I think I may have insinuated that we’re in a relationship in an earlier conversation with Ryuuko. I mentioned that we ‘clicked’ towards the Japanese polymath, and it seems that she somehow took that fact as if we’re in a relationship. I’m very sorry.”

---

And just like that, his focus was cut apart. ”E-Excuse me? I- Well then. That’s two favours you’ll owe me.” he pinched the bridge of his nose. ”I suspect I’ll have to play along with your ruse…”

He then said, ”Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there I suppose. Besides that, are there any other surprises I should be aware of? You mentioned miss Ryuuko, I take it she’ll be with you in your dorm?”

If Ryuuko’s involved, it must have something to do with Jeanne, Nazca, and Bang. It seems that his first hunch was right, there is more afoot.

---

Bunga could only sigh. It’s fair after all. “Two favours it is then. I can only hope my dignity will survive after this…”

“And no. I don’t think I have anything more to talk about James. Can I expect your shipment tonight? I need those vials fast James.”

The woman is talking about affairs of the day, but in the back of her head, her mind’s wracking just what kind of ‘favours’ James might force onto her. Model clothes she’ll never consider wearing? Like a certain frilly black and white dress she saw in those occidental magazines? Dance for him? Perhaps even worse things like cook for him or do chores for him. Ugh. I guess I’ll try that frilly black and white dress if he asks me to do so… She thought to herself. Blushing at that thought.

---

”Miss Kurniawan, I am a professional. I’ll have the batch done before nightfall especially if I get started now.” James smirked, he knew what he was capable of doing. He was proud of his abilities. He was a chemist of extraordinary caliber, few are able to match up.

”I shall be off now.” He bowed slightly and then started walking off. Much to do, much to do indeed. Whatever is happening now, Jeanne, his past, and his mission they all seem to be in very close proximity. Perhaps, doing something of use to the JSDF would get him in a better position. Based on what little information he has, something is bound to happen tonight and it’ll involve the usual players. Perhaps, it’s time he goes out himself and sees with his own eyes.

He had half a mind to forgo his cane.

What was the bigger priority here, his image or his enrolment? Making sure another building didn't go up in flames before he located his ward? In the end he decided to keep it. As far as he knew, Jeanne had not caused another structural disaster yet, which meant he still had some decorum to maintain. The cane stayed in his false hand.

He saw her on the shore, and approached with his loafers hooked on his fingers, socks tucked into the shoes. Noted the sun's descent. On his right foot, the stumps where his last three toes should have been were plain to see.

"It's time."

"...Time to head in before it gets chilly?" Bang's smile was amiable as ever, perhaps softer even. He took a sandy step forward. "Had your fun for the day?"

"Fun?"

Jeanne's eyes flicked downwards towards the imperfection that marred Bang's form still, then strode towards him, past him. There was no particular malice or accusation in her tone, but the question was posed nonetheless. "What kept you?"

"Wanted to make sure Miss Whitehall was properly settled." He turned on his heels to follow her. "That, and I thought you wanted some space. Since you were, uh, speaking to James. And all. Did it go well?"

Jeanne ignored that question. "Your thoughts on what happened?"

Bang winced. "I'd surmised that she was the reckless type. It was a moment of poor judgment. She's almost certain to be sneaking out again tonight too. And the creatures themselves... There's no way the administration are unaware of their presence." A chuckle. "Call me crazy but I'm starting to believe they might have an ulterior motive to gathering so many international geniuses on this island."

"Though nothing is done to keep them there."

With an easy grace, Jeanne leapt up onto the grassy ledge separating beach and forest, hues of afterglow mingling with the deeper shadows of the tropical canopy. She looked down upon Bang, or perhaps upon the rising tide. "Do you," she said, "believe in God, Bang?"

"If a God truly does exist, it is a cruel and unwise thing."

"Because of what happened to you?"

His eyebrows raised in bemusement. "Do I seem that bitter of a gentleman?"

Jeanne's own expression didn't change.

"Yes."

He exhaled sharply from his nose, planting a smile in place. "And you? Do you believe in one?"

"Only He could craft a world so unbound by reason." Jeanne smiled. "That is a yes, if you were wondering. But I've yet to hear your answer."

"I'll settle on a 'no'. I simply don't want to believe such an uncaring deity exists."

Jeanne laughed, peals of arid bemusement rolling out of her mouth. "The Occidental answer," she said, as if that explained everything. But she offered her hand nonetheless, to pull him up into the forest as well. The two came in close for a brief moment, just enough for Bang's senses to catch the smell of a flower garden upon his companion, before Jeanne separated again, striding down the well-marked forest path.

Striding down, deeper into the foliage, into the humid heat of the rainforest.

Bang hopped his way back into his shoes, one then the other, stuffing his socks into his pockets and ignoring the feeling of sand between his toes. He had to hurry to catch up once more. "Are the beaches here like the ones in France?"

"Small talk so soon?" Jeanne didn't turn back. "They're nothing alike." A hint of wistfulness. "They're adequate, for one."

"Did you reside near one back home?" He paused. "It's not the beaches I want to know more about, you know."

"A gentleman would take the lead."

The Egoist blinked. Pondered the consequences. He surged further and took her hand in his. A regulated heartbeat passed, his brown eyes on the girl, before he lifted her hand to place a kiss on her knuckle.

"By order of elimination, I believe I'll be on guard duty once more tonight."

"Merde."

Jeanne looked more exasperated than either charmed or disgusted. But she didn't snatch her hand back, nor reduce her 'gentlemanly' companion to cinders either.

"Latin is truly an archaic language. I meant for you to speak of your life, if you wish to learn of mine."

Ah. He assumed this would be the part where one would have blood rising to their cheeks. Their ears too, if he recalled correctly. He allowed the pressure to build, for warmth to grow in his face and chest. Ran some further measurements to keep it regulated. Warmer, longer.

Then he laughed. That part wasn't calculated.

"I... haha, I'm sorry." He grinned uncontrollably. Dear, he really should have just stayed at the hospital for good if this was how he was going to behave on his own. He shook his head. "Perhaps I should start off with a list of all my public humiliations. That would certainly fit the mood now, huh?"

He scrunched his eyes shut out of embarrassment, still laughing to himself.

"This is the age of embarrassments, as the philosophers oft decry." She extracted her hand from his, then turned the palm towards Bang. "But if self-denigration is the way of your Egoism, then by all means."

"From the denigrated form comes rebirth. Regeneration." Bang placed his newly abandoned hand on his false ribs. "Though I don't believe the old masters pictured it as figuratively as this current situation."

"The mind is as substantial as the flesh, so your humiliations are undoubtedly just as solid." Jeanne flashed a smile that was all teeth. "Those who espoused the strength of the soul have yet to persist after the removal of their brain, after all."

Her eyes danced skywards, towards cobalt skies turning darker, specks of the Creator's Formulae emerging with the death of the Sun and the rise of the Moon. Bermuda was a poor place to be an astrologer, but in twilight, at least, such things could still be enjoyed.

"But that is beside the point. Was this path of...ascension, as the ascetics are fond of claiming, the one you chose? I understand that your circumstances were unique."

While Jeanne's gaze was cast upwards, Bang's own were fixed foward. Somewhere even further away.

"I suppose... there was a chance I could have lived without it. Received however many donated organs however many anonymous donors. Had the same pieces of metal nailed to my skeleton. Attached an unmoving tool to my forearm rather than the appendage I have currently. I would be alive, sure. Maybe not as long as I would have wished, but how many people would, in that situation?"

He pursed his lips.

"Before the incident I was fully prepared to live an incurious life, free of Formulae. As a scientist yourself, that's likely not something you care to hear, is it?"

Stars above, and beyond, the shadow of the firmament, gleaming ever dark, fathomless yet forever close. She turned her gaze towards the one before her though, the one enamoured by what was ahead, even though he would turn back with every word uttered.

"I am not a scientist, Bang. I am a Technologist. What is the difference?"

"You get results?"

Jeanne suppressed the urge to groan, muttering something unladylike under her breath.

Bang hummed. "From the paths this conversation has previously taken, I wonder if you're going to make some point about channeling His divine will."

"Fifty years of ceasefire, and the East still see Technologists through the lens of the German death-machines? Preposterous. Disgusting." She spat, releasing a single, undiluted drop of venom, before her mien smoothed over to the uncaring irritation that Jeanne carried more naturally. "There are capitalists of course. Opportunists chasing wealth and prestige. Sycophants and diviners, bending the knee for the privilege of the crown's patronage. But blast 'em."

Starfire burned in her eyes, fervent and devouring. The Witch was mad, driven by passions that would make devils quake, an audacity unfettered.

"Scientists seek logic. Technologists seek dreams. What's life, without romance?"

Her lips quirked into a smirk, the fire shuttered within the furnace again.

"And by that, Bang, I mean not the romance that occupies the minds of smitten juveniles drawn to depravity by the shadow of a petticoat."

"It's easier to aim for the skies when you're not chained to a malfunctioning form. To dream of the beyond when you're not in the confines of a hospital bed. For all that you disparage those sycophants and opportunists, there are plenty out there that don't have the option to just ignore them."

If he didn't have an image to protect, if he didn't have someone he cared about in the arms of a beast, would he not also go around parading his Formulae like some crazed outcast?

"Romance is only for those that don't have anything tethering them to what's happening on the ground." Something in his jaw clenched. "So it's perhaps not for that as to why I'm drawn to you, but something else."

His cheeks were still burning. He turned away with the admission his voice more quiet now.

"Jealousy, maybe. Not a quality befitting of a gentleman."

"A malfunctioning form," Jeanne repeated as Bang spoke, slowing to a stop as words continued to tumble. It took two steps to close the distance, and hardly half a second for her gloved hands to press against his red cheeks. Warmth could not transmit so easily through black leather, nor was there any relief from the heat in her touch either. There was simply force, force enough to turn his face towards her again.

"You misunderstand, once more. So I will make it clear, once more. I am a vile woman, Bang. I will burn away my bonds without a thought because I know I will never be left alone. I disparage the idle happiness of others because they only regard present pleasures, and I burned down that library because that devil though I had not the guts to do so.” Her words were cold, exacting. Prideful despite the subject. “If you had lived an incurious life, away from this star-studded world, I would not care to remember your name, and I would sneer at you as I do all others. But I would not fault what you dream of, so long as it is your own. Whether it be to write a story, birth a son, captain an airship, or kill a king, it matters not. Only my eyes need burn for the heavens. I care not what your eyes burn for, so long as they do.”

She was looking up even now, the darkness of the canopy only brightening her cerulean eyes.

“If that fuels your jealousy. I welcome it, mon petit galopin.”

Jeanne pushed him away, clenching her fists.

“And if you will exchange fisticuffs instead, I welcome that too.”

"I don't consider either of us brutes," he said with a reflexive amiability. "Though I wouldn't blame you for hitting me for my earlier transgression."

The feeling he dubbed jealousy swirled into something more unpleasant, distasteful. Dreams? What a joke. All he had in this moment is a mission he'd clearly been too distracted for. He broke their gaze once more, consciously not addressing her challenge.

"We should pick up the pace. It's getting dark."

"But of course."

Jeanne dropped her fists, letting them hang and swing as she strode ahead.

"The fog must be feared, no?"