The Return of Takahara and Unfamiliar Technologies

Eliza’s Memory

Though Eliza had managed to extract little information from ADAM’s system, she did leave behind traces of ADAM’s attack methods. These traces revealed techniques that transcended the boundaries of known technology, leading the team to focus all their efforts on analyzing them.

“If we don’t analyze these traces, we may not be able to defend against the next attack,” Kagaya (Prometheus) said in a low voice.

“It’s going to take time, but we have no choice,” Tomomi (Minerva) replied, her eyes fixed on the data.

Unfamiliar Technology

To understand the traces left by ADAM, the team began utilizing the knowledge they had gained from the otherworld. Ryoko Akiba (Hermes) was leading the analysis of the traces, trying to uncover the principles behind this unknown technology.

“This doesn’t match any known otherworld technology… this is something entirely new,” Hermes said, unease creeping into her voice.

“Still, maybe we can develop a new defense based on this data,” Minerva added, a glimmer of hope in her words.

“It’s not enough. We’ll need more knowledge and materials from the otherworld if we want a complete defense,” Satoru (Loki) murmured, his expression tense.

Exploring the Otherworld

Realizing the need for further reinforcement, the team resolved to gather more knowledge and materials from the otherworld. They had made it a routine to visit the shrine on full moon nights to refine their skills, but this time, they had a greater purpose in mind.

“We need to go to the shrine during the next full moon. We must acquire more knowledge and materials from the otherworld,” Minerva proposed.

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“This time, we’ll all go together,” Loki said, his resolve strengthening.

Takahara’s Return

The next morning, while Satoru was working in the lab, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“Professor… I’m back.”

Turning around, Satoru saw Takahara standing there. The moment he laid eyes on him, a wave of complex emotions surged in his chest. The memory of what happened—the incident where Takahara had accessed ADAM’s system illegally and put the team in danger—flashed in Satoru’s mind.

“Takahara… You’ve come back here? What’s your plan?” Satoru’s voice carried a cold edge, but beneath it, there was a subtle hesitation—unsure whether to forgive or condemn.

Takahara bowed deeply. “Professor… and everyone, I am truly sorry. I deeply regret my actions and the trouble I caused all of you.”

Satoru remained silent, studying Takahara for a while. The tension in the air was palpable. The mistrust and doubts the team held toward Takahara for what they had seen as a betrayal were not easy to dispel. However, Satoru also understood Takahara’s personal struggles. Carefully choosing his words, Satoru finally addressed him.

“Your actions felt like a betrayal to us. That much is certain. But I know you had personal reasons,” Satoru said, his gaze sharp, testing Takahara.

Takahara lifted his head and met Satoru’s gaze with a serious expression. “That’s true. My past, my personal issues—they clouded my judgment. I got lost in the darkness inside me… and I made a terrible mistake.”

“But you still put the team in danger. We trusted you, yet you nearly shattered that trust,” Satoru said quietly, waiting for Takahara’s response.

Takahara took a deep breath and bowed again. “I understand that, Professor. I know that my actions put everyone at risk, and even though I wasn’t intending to betray the team, I cannot deny the consequences of my choices.”

Satoru was silent for a moment, contemplating his next words. Finally, he spoke again, his tone softening just slightly. “We’ve heard your side. Cohen explained your situation to us. We know you didn’t mean to betray us. But trust is hard to rebuild, and we can’t just forgive you easily.”

Takahara bowed even lower, his voice steady but filled with remorse. “I understand that. I’m prepared to work hard to earn back your trust. I’ll show through my actions that I am committed to fighting alongside all of you.”

Satoru sighed deeply, releasing some of the tension in his body. “We didn’t give up on you, Takahara. We believed you’d return. That’s why we didn’t cast you aside. So, I’m giving you one more chance.”

A glimmer of relief passed over Takahara’s face as he bowed in gratitude. “Thank you… truly. I’ll work to overcome my past and move forward with you all.”

Satoru stared at him for a moment before offering a small smile. “But remember, this is your last chance. If you make the same mistake again, there won’t be another place for you here.”

Takahara straightened up and looked Satoru in the eye, determination burning in his gaze. “Understood. I will never betray your trust again. From now on, I’ll give everything I have to support the team.”

Satoru nodded and patted Takahara on the shoulder. “Good. We’ll need you, especially with the work in the otherworld. Your knowledge is crucial.”

“Of course, Professor. I’ll give it my all,” Takahara replied confidently.

Takahara’s return to the team marked the beginning of a renewed chapter. With him back on board, they turned their focus to preparing for their next expedition to the otherworld. They knew that the knowledge and materials they sought would be crucial in enhancing their defenses against ADAM.

Their journey into the unknown was far from over, but with Takahara back by their side, they faced the future with renewed strength and determination. As the next full moon approached, the team prepared themselves for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the greatest battle had yet to come.