Chapter 128: The Decision of Future Treatment in an Unknown Place
Why did Ringo experience the effects of magic, and why did the man suspected to be the caster lose consciousness? Moreover, why was there no impact at all on the first target, the Communicator Android?
The Brain Unit of the Communicator Android was thoroughly investigated, yet ultimately, no issues were discovered. One thing was certain: some form of magic, or something akin to it, had been used, affecting Ringo.
While the caster remained unidentified, the most suspicious individual was undoubtedly the waiter who had suddenly collapsed. His background was dubious from the start. It seemed that the naval personnel responsible for security at the venue had been informed, and instead of being cared for, the unconscious man was restrained and escorted out.
“Let’s interrogate that waiter,” Commander Eve declared.
At her command, Ringo and Asahi immediately set to work. They decided to extract and analyze all the information recorded about the waiter, the target, from the Spy Bot network.
The Spy Bot network contained a vast amount of data. However, since the primary mode of communication was radio waves, it was impractical to send all the surveillance data generated in milliseconds back to the base. Consequently, a significant amount of unused data had accumulated in the Relay Hub.
Normally, they would run data search parameters to select only the highly relevant data groups within the hub for download and detailed analysis. However, this time, they would analyze all data from the past ten days.
To facilitate the large volume of data transmission, several new drones dedicated to relaying were manufactured and launched from the Second Fortress, Black Iron. An Alpha-class ship was dispatched to receive the data over the ocean, equipped with a storage unit for intermediate accumulation.
This was a precautionary measure against the possibility that Ringo had been affected by magical influences through the communication channels. By physically blocking the communication route, they intended to bring the data into The Tree via the storage unit.
“It’s a hassle, but it can’t be helped,” Eve sighed.
“Yes, Ma’am. However, considering the data transfer is on the scale of exabytes, it seems faster to transport via storage than through wireless communication. If we can secure an appropriate communication bandwidth, we could reverse that.”
Unlike the game era, where radio communication faced various restrictions, in this world, all radio frequencies could be used without limits. By deploying communication drones in a mesh configuration, communication on the ground would be virtually unrestricted. However, going that far could risk drawing attention to anomalies in the sky, so they had not adopted that approach.
With the vast amount of data obtained, Ringo began analyzing it while seeking Asahi’s input.
Although there were numerous data-collecting bots, the sheer volume of data was somewhat rough in quality. In other words, the resolution was low. Nevertheless, since the same target was being observed from multiple angles, a sufficient overall resolution could be achieved. The challenge lay in the need to synthesize multiple time-series data to obtain that resolution.
Ringo utilized the abundant resources of the supercomputer to conduct the analysis.
“So, did you uncover anything?” Eve inquired.
“Yes, Ma’am. The waiter has been confirmed to have been active in the capital, Moar, for approximately the past seven days.”
As a result of the analysis, they were able to identify a person matching the physical characteristics. By linking multiple data points based on that result, they could trace the target’s detailed movements.
“After arriving in the capital Moar, he checked into an inn, spent some time visiting tourist attractions and cafes, and that night entered a certain tavern. There, he struck up a conversation with a man he happened to meet, and they drank together for a while.”
After that, he returned to the inn and went to bed. The next day, he continued to behave like a tourist, ending the day without incident.
“…Suspicious, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. On the third day, he visited the port and, from a distance, appeared to observe the Paraiso fleet. However, at this point, he was still acting like a tourist, so he went unnoticed by the surveillance network.”
Naturally, anyone who came to observe the fleet directly would be checked. However, if their actions were not significantly different from those of a tourist, no alerts would be triggered.
“On the fourth day, he entered a large store and began browsing the merchandise. He then caught the attention of a Guild Staff member and proceeded to enter a negotiation room to start discussions. This store has a slight connection to the problematic Legendary Senate. While the negotiations themselves were not particularly suspicious, it is likely that this was a location for some form of coded exchange.”
The target then returned to the inn, and that day came to an end. The next day, he entered another shop.
“Here, we lost sight of the target. It is likely that he disguised himself inside the store and escaped through a secret back entrance. The Spy Bots did not infiltrate the narrow alleys or gaps, so if he changed his appearance, we would be unable to track him.”
“Well, that can’t be helped. Given the number of bots and the volume of information, there are limits.”
However, just a few hours later, the target was spotted working as a waiter in a different establishment, primarily managing high-end restaurants and party venues.
“The store’s records were also checked by the Spy Bots, and according to the records, he had been working there for a month, having transferred from another city. This is a disguise that would not be discovered unless one suspected and investigated.”
“I see…”
At this point, it would be impossible to fully grasp the comings and goings of individuals without uniquely tagging them. The Spy Bots currently deployed did not possess sensors capable of instantly identifying individuals. Only by synthesizing multiple data points could they become useful.
And to make those determinations instantly for all individuals within sight would require an enormous amount of information resources.
“It would be possible with dedicated surveillance equipment, but it’s currently beyond the capabilities of the Spy Bots.”
“That’s true… We don’t want to place everything under complete surveillance, so we’ll have to give up on that. Ultimately, we just need to detect any ill intentions toward Paraiso.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Thus, the waiter continued to work as a boy until the day of the event, successfully infiltrating the venue.
“Up to this point, his actions are not problematic. They remain within the capabilities of an ordinary adult male.”
However, Ringo continued, “The expressions, words, and actions of those who interacted with the target do not align with predictions. I adjusted the predictive parameters in various ways, but the results were so skewed that I could not help but suspect intentional manipulation of the data.”
And that, Ringo and Asahi concluded, was the target’s ability.
“This target possesses some means of making those he interacts with feel positively inclined toward him. Asahi referred to it as the power of charm.”
“Charm… Is it really that effective?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Almost everyone who spoke with the target face-to-face exhibited reactions that exceeded the predicted range of friendliness. The issue is that these reactions are not dramatic. It seems to be at the level of simply not being able to dislike him.”
With such a power, he could infiltrate any scene without difficulty. In this case, an unexpected waiter was able to work seamlessly at the venue. Despite having only been there for a few days, he had produced remarkably excellent results.
In truth, the investigators from the Navy of the Kingdom of Repuitari should have been more cautious regarding the target. In reality, those responsible who had not directly seen the target, as well as high-ranking officials, had issued more than enough warnings and investigation orders. However, the actions of those executing the orders on-site had not aligned with that.
“It remains unclear what intentions or orders led this target to approach Paraiso. In a nation governed by law, such as the Kingdom of Repuitari, it would be impossible to detain the target for an extended period, especially since, at least on the surface, he had done nothing wrong and caused no harm.”
If they were to forcibly extend the detention period, outside parties would surely raise a ruckus. That was not a development Ringo desired.
“Interrogation will not yield accurate information. We could either let him go or abduct him.”
“That sounds dangerous. Do you think he poses a threat?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Asahi believes we should secure him if possible. However, she likely says that out of curiosity, so I wouldn’t place too much trust in her judgment.”
“Hmm… If he escapes outside the city, should we pursue him…?”