Chapter 8: The Schicksal Research Institute

A few days later, District 7, School Garden, Dorm 1A101.

Selene cradled the transfer paperwork delivered by the Board staff and read it carefully. "As expected from the General Director. Efficient as always."

Aleister had prepared several pre-existing research institutes for her to choose from.

After some time, she returned the papers and confirmed her selection:

"Take me to this one."

...

District 2 was a heavily industrial zone, primarily responsible for automobiles and explosives. It served as a testing ground for munitions and weapons, and as a training base for Judgment and Anti-Skill personnel. The area was filled with research facilities that produced thunderous noise, prompting towering soundproof walls to surround the district.

"This is District 2's Eleventh Explosives Research Institute."

Under a clear blue sky in the northern part of District 2 near School Garden's soundproof walls, several vehicles were parked at a junction. A group of staff surrounded a young girl as she stepped out of the car.

Led by the staff, Selene arrived at a large gray gate. The guide gestured toward the scattered buildings beyond. "While it may not compare to District 18, which focuses on ability development and related schools, this institute shines in its vast experimental grounds."

"With such space, the potential for development is greater. I'm sure you'll make good use of it."

Selene nodded. "That's exactly why I'm here."

Hearing that, the staff finally relaxed. "In that case, let's skip the formalities and head to the institute."

With that, the group returned to their vehicles and headed straight for the central building.

The main building of the Eleventh Explosives Research Institute was an enormous structure. Viewed from a distance, it resembled an isosceles trapezoid. Although only twelve stories tall, it occupied an immense area.

...

Eventually, the vehicles stopped at the building's designated parking lot, and everyone stepped out.

Waiting in front of the building were numerous research staff who had been anticipating her arrival.

As Selene approached, they stepped forward. "Miss Selene, welcome."

After brief introductions, Selene began a tour of the institute.

At this point, research personnel had taken over as her guides.

"Our institute's primary fields are 'high-energy explosives' and 'clean energy'—both within chemical materials engineering. Most of our labs are specialized chemical laboratories."

"All our labs have been certified by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), placing us in the top international tier..."

Here, the researcher paused, puzzled. "May I ask what you plan to inspect in particular?"

Truth be told, the staff had been baffled when they received notice. Their research projects had little to do with Esper development. Why had the First chosen their institute? Just because of the land area?

"No need to go inside. I'll just observe through the windows."

Selene waved dismissively.

In truth, her choice had less to do with the labs themselves and more with proximity to School Garden and the large available space. Many of her plans required just that.

Though she could've built a new facility from scratch, that would take far too long and too much effort.

After the tour, Selene signed the contract with satisfaction.

From that moment, the research institute was officially hers.

It might seem like a mismatch now, but what about the future? Don't forget—Honkai energy can be directly converted into other forms of energy. Just imagine Selene concentrating Honkai energy at her fingertips, then converting it into electricity, fire, light, and more. Wouldn't that make her a mobile artillery unit? Isn't that cool?

After all, strength is temporary, but style is forever. In this life, Selene was aiming for the extravagant.

While raw Honkai energy could be unleashed directly, it wasn't the best option. People killed by pure Honkai energy risked becoming undead if their corpses weren't incinerated. The residual Honkai particles could be collected, making cleanup troublesome. It was far easier to use converted energy—fire and forget.

"Still... should I rename the institute? Hm? I got it!" Sitting at the head of the conference room table, Selene recalled the Schicksal organization from the Honkai universe. A smirk spread across her face, filled with mischief. "I now declare: the Eleventh Explosives Research Institute is officially renamed the Schicksal Research Institute!"

"Add three new research programs: Honkai Energy Conversion, Honkai-Based Human Enhancement Drugs, Military-grade Personal Equipment."

"If we lack personnel, start recruiting. Project funding will come directly from the Board."

"Any additions?"

"Director, may I ask..."

...

After the meeting concluded, Selene left behind a supply of Honkai crystals and returned to School Garden.

She had already assigned tasks to the researchers; it was their job now to produce results.

Of course, Selene knew she couldn't trust these scientists outright. The original institute had been restructured, but she hadn't purged or recruited the personnel. Surely some were spies for other directors or rival institutions. But that didn't matter—it was intentional. Even if they discovered her research principles, they couldn't replicate it. After all, Selene was the only one in this world with access to Honkai energy.

This was all part of a larger trap. Whether anyone took the bait or not didn't matter to her. Failure meant nothing; she had the confidence to take the risk.

Moreover, if any of the three new projects yielded results, Selene would have the leverage to pull in a large portion of Academy City's upper echelon, building a vast coalition of mutual interests to support her.

Projects one and three were straightforward. The first enhanced Selene's own strength. The third was a sudden stroke of inspiration.

But the second—that was her true trump card.

Scientific studies showed that, based on cellular division, the theoretical human lifespan was around 120 years. Yet in reality, people only lived to about 75 due to various bodily injuries and ailments.

Honkai-enhanced human augmentation could repair these injuries, theoretically extending lifespans. Just that benefit alone would draw countless people to her. Who doesn't want to live longer?

Selene could even segment the final product, using excuses like "true enhancement requires high physical aptitude and has high failure risks." In contrast, a specialized regeneration drug would lack enhancement effects but offer safe, side-effect-free healing.

"Hmm, I can also reduce the drug's duration to make it more sustainable long-term."

"The research itself shouldn't be very technical. Costs are low. The core ingredient is Honkai energy—meaning I'm the sole supplier. No matter what, they'll come crawling to me."

"Heh, this is the perfect get-rich-quick scheme."

"Now we wait for those spies to report back..."

...

In the elite residential area of District 1, within a luxurious estate that resembled a royal palace, an eerie silence loomed. The manor was heavily guarded, with watch posts every few steps and a host of black-suited bodyguards patrolling tirelessly, alert to even the faintest rustle of wind.

At the estate's center, an elderly man with silver-gray hair and a slightly curled right-leaning fringe wore a grim expression as he stared at a report on the screen. Clad in a sharp suit and with a straight posture that emphasized his resolute bearing, this man was none other than one of the Board of Directors: Shiokishi.

A figure known for his obsessive paranoia and infamously cautious methods.

"Greatly enhances physical ability while repairing bodily damage... extends lifespan!"

Shiokishi's pupils contracted. He muttered to himself.

Even someone as guarded as him couldn't help but feel tempted.

Taking a deep breath, he coldly ordered, "Whatever it takes, get me the production method!"

Elsewhere, aboard a speeding subway train, a middle-aged man with wrinkled features, black hair tied into a short ponytail, and a stubbled chin read the same intel.

This was Director Nakimoto Rizou.

"Figure out how to get it," he said under his breath.

District 1...

...

Late at night.

"So many rats, huh?" Selene sat comfortably, observing the chaos through the residual Honkai crystals she had left at the institute. Every would-be spy had begun their maneuvers.

"Let's see who makes the biggest splash."

Her eyes narrowed. "Someone planted a bomb? Trying to destroy the materials and the lab itself? That's a bit extreme."

That was all she needed.

With a flick of her will, Selene manipulated the residual crystals remotely and marked that particular infiltrator with a trace of Honkai energy—a beacon for tracking.

"Let's see who you work for."

Following the trail of energy, she finally traced the mole back to a building in District 1—the Board of Directors' office complex.

"Thomas Platinaberg's estate?"

Selene's pupils contracted as a sinister smile crept onto her lips.

"Looks like I just found my path to a Director's seat..."