“Here is the top domestic soul equipment research institute in Okinawa. Here, research on soul equipment is being conducted with the cooperation of government and private sectors.”

Explained Natori-san, the office clerk, as he guided us through the institute.

“As you know, soul equipment research directly affects national governance and military balance. Therefore, unlike other disciplines, there is hardly any international exchange of opinions through academic conferences. Each country is constructing its own progress and academic system.”

He continued, while we looked at panels displaying the history of soul equipment studies in the main corridor of the institute.

“In the early days, Japan focused on research emphasizing economic activities.”

“Wasn’t the slogan back then ‘Creating a Bright Future by Solving Energy Issues with Soul Armor’?”

“But now, it has firmly shifted towards military applications.”

“This country tends to swing from one extreme to another at times.”

“You guys, this is a government institution, so refrain from discussing topics that make it difficult for officials like Natori-san to react.”

Suo-senpai sternly reminded us as we discussed freely while looking at the panels.

“That’s right. During this era, bribery was also rampant. Male researchers were often assigned beautiful ladies and engaged in inappropriate activities almost naked in karaoke bars with private rooms.”

The director said, drawing a caution from Natori-san about inappropriate remarks in front of minors.

Even though she was the director, Dr. Kirigaya received a scolding from Natori-san, clad in a serious aura, as she reacted lightheartedly like us.

“It’s typical of otaku to get carried away and talk too much about topics they know.”

“This is a lab where research is conducted on devices to assist the activation of soul abilities.”

“Do you have sword-type devices as well?”

Suo-senpai, the only one who was equipped with sword-type armaments and fought, showed strong interest upon hearing about soul equipment assistance devices.

“Of course. Sword types are directly equipped with weapons and are easy to apply soul abilities to. Research on them is advancing rapidly. Want to try swinging one?”

Offered Dr. Kirigaya, shelves of sword-type auxiliary devices lined up.

“Yes, please!”

Suo-senpai eagerly approached the shelves, trying to decide which one to test.

“Huh? Kotomi, are you using a rather unusual soul armor assistance device?”

Dr. Kirigaya noticed Kotomi’s plush toy Chuusuke. And began examining it closely.

“What? What’s wrong?”

Kotomi asked perplexed, but Dr. Kirigaya seemed engrossed in observing Chuusuke and didn’t seem to hear her confused voice.

“It’s an attachment type… no, but the main part of the soul seems not to be felt from the plush toy…”

Muttered Dr. Kirigaya while holding Chuusuke, immersed in her thoughts.

“Oh, this feels familiar. Doctor’s in this mode again.”

“Did you know? When the director enters this mode, it takes a while for her to come back. Because of this, how many important appointments have been canceled… I wish you could understand the burden of apologizing in my place.”

Natori-san complained as I reminisced about Dr. Kirigaya’s concentrated state, which was causing trouble.

“How… how do I deal with this, Yuu…”

Kotomi, with Chuusuke on her back, looked embarrassed and subtly asked me for help.

“Just endure it for a while. She’s weird, but she’s not harmful. Just weird.”

I assured her.

“Yuu saying it twice means she’s weird.”

“I don’t like being sniffed by weird people…”

Kotomi seemed to dislike being sniffed by others despite liking to sniff herself.

Even when I first met Dr. Kirigaya during the Euro Capital III Fall Operation, it was like this.

I wanted to stop her, but since Dr. Kirigaya played a crucial role in the Euro Capital III Fall Operation and protecting her was part of my duty, just like now, I had no choice but to let Chinmai endure it.

“Director Kirigaya, please stop that. Harassing someone like that can be considered sexual harassment among the same gender.

Natori-san intervened, pulling Dr. Kirigaya away, and the freed Chinmai quickly hid behind my back.

“Alright, that’s quite enough.”

Kotomi begged for help as Dr. Kirigaya approached us with heavy breathing and waving her hands eagerly.

“Help me, Yuu!”

Ignoring Chinmai’s despairing face, I continued to convince her.

“She’s a renowned figure in soul armor research, Kotomi. I’ve worked with her before, so I guarantee he’s reliable in that aspect.”

“Really? Okay?”

“Yeah, just a little patience, Kotomi.”

“Yuu, you said I could trust you!”

Kotomi protested as I reassured her.

“Dr. Kirigaya may be creepy, but when it comes to soul equipment research, her expertise is undeniable.”

I defended my earlier statement.

“Traitor!”

Kotomi exclaimed.

Only Kotomi’s distressed voice and Dr. Kirigaya’s lecherous voice echoed emptily in the lab.