Taog and Agedia were staring with their jaws dropped. Estrith was trembling in place. Rattingtale and Lilussees were both pressed against the floors of their rooms. Even Melion had noticed what was going on and had sank down into a puddle. Snuan was desperately trying to hide. The other monsters were frozen in place, their eyes fixed on the being before them.

And as for NSLICE-00P?

“Statement: Friendly unit has lost consciousness in organic components. Applying countermeasures.”

NSLICE-00P’s sensors were blaring. The sheer magnitude of the non-standard readings the newcomer was giving off indicated a threat level NSLICE-00P had no confidence in dealing with. However, her analysis indicated that Colleöne was likely not hostile. She had already assisted Ateia, and if she was hostile there was little chance NSLICE-00P could either terminate her or retreat.

And for some reason, NSLICE-00P’s organic components indicated she was not hostile, despite a lack of evidence for this claim.

In any case, NSLICE-00P determined that caution, preemptive assaults, and emergency retreat would not improve her chances of survival and so were pointless to attempt. She identified ‘cooperative diplomacy’ as the best option under the circumstances.

As such, NSLICE-00P decided to assist her own friendly first. NSLICE-00P walked over to Ateia, linking to her cybernetic components. She applied recovery magic while monitoring the cybernetic half for any issues. Ateia’s organic eye blinked as her expression softened. She shook her head.

“Whoa, that was weird. I like, blacked out there or something? I had this crazy dream that an Aesdes showed up and told me I was an Aesdes now.”

“Clarification: Entity designated Colleöne, Lady of Courage and Victory, She Who Guides the Champions of the World, alternated designations Victoria, Ardith, did inform NSLICE Ateia that she is an ‘Aesdes’ approximately thirty seconds ago.”

NSLICE-00P turned to face Colleöne, who had an amused smile on her face. Ateia slowly turned to follow NSLICE-00P’s gaze and then froze once again.

“Request: Please define term ‘Aesdes.’ This units records of conversation by locals implies ‘Aesdes’ refers to the foreign system.”

Taog turned to NSLICE-00P with wide eyes.

“S-Seero?!”

But Colleöne raised her hand.

“It’s quite alright. As I stated, I have been sent to guide Ateia, and that goes for her benefactor as well. Please, feel free to request any counsel you desire.”

She then turned back to NSLICE-00P.

“The Aesdes were the first children of Elséró, the creator who forged the Material Plane out of the empty Source. We were charged with tending to and protecting the world, and watch over it from the Blessed Realm. But it is not our place to interfere with the lives of the people who live here, so in general the…‘system’, as you call it, represents our most direct interactions with the Material Plane’s inhabitants.”

“Acknowledged. Follow-up Request: Please detail any biological or other notable differences between species ‘Aesdes’ and ‘human’ and provide any intel regarding incompatibilities with NSLICE components.”

Colleöne nodded and turned to Ateia with a smile.

“That’s what I’m here for.”

Ateia was trembling.

“I-I’m…an…A-Aesdes now? H-How? W-Why?!”

Colleöne’s expression turned blank for just a second before she made a sympathetic expression.

“That is thanks to the efforts of your benefactor. NSLICE-00P saved you by evolving you like one of her monsters. That process combined with your heritage and awakened the blood flowing in your veins.”

Colleöne smiled at her.

"My blood, to be specific."

Agedia finally closed her mouth.

“Wait, um, Mighty Victoria?”

Colleöne turned to her and inclined her head.

“Please, be at ease.”

Agedia gulped.

“R-Right. Um, what did you mean by NSLICE-00P evolving her? That sounds like…”

Colleöne turned to NSLICE-00P.

“NSLICE-00P, would you mind if we reveal some ‘classified intel’ related to…the other foreign system? I can assure you that this group is trustworthy, and will not turn hostile to you as a result. It will assist with our conversation, and will also enable you to make full use of your abilities around those that you trust.”

NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye flickered. On the one hand, NSLICE-00P’s protocols indicated not to reveal any classified intel unless absolutely necessary. Ateia would have access to classified intel now as a member of the NSLICE network, but she would also fall under commands to avoid revealing classified intel, so her knowing did not automatically imply that the others would as well. There were risks to informing the other friendlies of additional intel.

On the other hand, the protocol to restrict dungeon-related information was not one of her original ones, but one she had put in place on recommendation of Rattingtale and Lilussees. The rationale had been the innate hostility displayed between the Empire and monsters. But did that case apply here? Estrith and apparently Colleöne were already aware of the classified intel in question, so the question was only referring to Taog and Agedia. NSLICE-00P predicted from overheard statements and observed behavior that both Taog and Agedia had a major directive to protect Ateia, who was now a member of the dungeon. The probability that they would turn hostile and inform the Empire of her status was low.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

And there was another angle. NSLICE-00P’s current priority objective was terminating the threat of the hostile cult, and she had already broken confidentiality protocols due to the danger they posed. Both Agedia and Taog were hostile to that faction as well. As Colleöne stated, there were tactical and strategic benefits to making full use of her capabilities, and it was possible she would be forced to reveal classified resources to Agedia and Taog at some point in the future. That being the case, it might be more efficient to inform them at this stage, and so maximize the use of those resources from the start.

“Analysis Complete. Conditional Agreement: This unit will permit designated friendlies ‘Taog Sutharlan’ and ‘Agedia of the Mélusine’ to access previously classified data referring to the foreign system. Please note that data regarding this unit’s technical specifications and proprietary technologies are still restricted.”

Colleöne nodded.

“Of course.”

She turned back to Agedia.

“You see, Miss NSLICE-00P is a living dungeon core and master. She made Ateia her subordinate in order to save Ateia’s life, and so was able to apply the monster evolution process to restore her body.”

Taog froze.

“Seero is…a demon lord?”

Colleöne frowned and shook her head.

“The Aesdes, at least, do not consider her as such. Dungeons are a necessary part of the world, and dungeon masters are necessary to protect them. We would only describe those who have fallen into corruption as demon lords, and your friend has certainly not.”

Taog held his head.

“Wait…I thought she was a hero? How…is that possible?”

Colleöne stared off into the distance.

“Yes. How indeed, huh? Just how exactly did we arrive in this situation, Shialnor?”

A message passed before everyone's eyes.

Anualë already agreed it’s part of her unique nature so it’s not my fault. Unlike the situation with you and the new girl.