Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 181: Stacking horror.

After Operation Plazma ends, peace momentarily returns to Astra.

It might seem easy that we managed to wipe out a significant portion of the wyvern and dragon populations in just one night, but in reality, the empire had to play quite a gamble for it. The majority of the forces involved in that operation were elites of the elites who would normally handle the imperial palace's security, meaning the capital could once again fall if our enemies decided to strike.

Well, in the end, we won the bet, I suppose.

At this stage, we can do nothing except wait for them to come out first. Even if we want to search, it's impossible anyway. So... it's back to normal again, sure.

Still, I have something else planned during this time, which should be exciting.

''Psh... it's finally done...!''

''Rejoice! Though a mere defective, it should be somewhat effective against the Pestilence.''

''...''

Leaving the two lunatics to celebrate on their own, I take the final product of their research—a clear, colorless, odorless, and traceless substance packaged in a small vial.

This is our response to Efil, contemporarily designated as 'Unnamed Calamity.'

Now, that name was a suggestion from Ariel, which... is okay. Mhm. However, the effects of this are allegedly quite interesting. In practice, it is an untraceable liquid containing a virus. Ideally, we can slip this into everyone's drinks and deliver the virus straight to their brains.

Once infected, the victims will experience deep hallucinations akin to staying for a prolonged period inside the Backrooms. In fact, it is made using the Backrooms' essence, so its potency should be unparalleled.

In any case, this is our plan:

To decisively and convincingly grasp the public mind's attention, we will drown them in fear. By replacing hatred, which is the emotion Efil can manipulate, with that, we can mitigate the chances of it killing anybody.

I have decided on a concept before this, by the way. With how things are nowadays, it should be good enough to entertain the crowd for a while.

Honestly speaking, it's another horror prank.

The last time I tried that on the heroine and her friends, I realized I might have gone overboard. This time, too, I'm a bit worried about inducing traumas and such on innocent people.

'We could just target sinned individuals, then?'

I thought about it for a while, and Ariel's simple sentence really made me realize just how easy it was. Well, we can just target criminals and those who appear innocent but have blood on their hands, right?

It wouldn't be too much of a problem if they had PTSD or something.

''...This is probably good enough.''

Since the plan would take a while to implement, we'd better start now.

Okay, so it appears as though sneaking the substance into the water source is actually quite easy. I suppose we have space manipulation and even teleportation. Something like that should be trivial.

''Hm? I've never seen you reading the newspaper, pretty maid.''

''Hold on, let me see, let me see!''

A sunny morning in the academy.

I am sitting under the shade, sandwiched by Claire, the heroine, and Scarlett, the rowdy noble lady, on either side. For whatever reason, they decided to find this place and spend the time after their morning routine with me.

Not that I really mind them. I'm just reading the news, after all.

''Let's see... 'A wave of new immigrants hit the capital.' I mean, how should I say this... doesn't it sound underwhelming...?'' Claire hums to herself.

''It's better this way.'' Scarlett intervenes. ''I'd rather hear about immigrants than a demon outburst.''

''Ah, I guess that's true.''

Of course, having relatively mundane issues like this on the first page signals peace. Though, how long that 'peace' can last is another problem.

Aside from that, some compelling rumors have reached the mass media, too. It seems people are slowly realizing the situation within the imperial palace. I briefly talked with the emperor and gave him a pat on the back the other day, so he shouldn't be abdicating soon, but I guess he will announce the changes to the succession line shortly.

Ah, talk about the imperial family. I almost forgot to contact Sierra after Operation Plazma. She did manage to keep her promise so she can now officially call herself a child of Zircon, too.

Of course, I won't be able to tell her that if I just think so in my head.

At lunch, I use my free time to visit Bianca's office again. Once within the safe zone, I promptly call Sierra over. It only takes a few minutes. How eager can she be?

''You finally called me... Silaerob.''

Oh, she is eager.

Leaning against the doorframe, Sierra flashes a knowing smile before approaching me. Before she can complain about my tardiness, however, I once again summon my main body and teleport us into the Backrooms.

This time, we're here alone in my room.

''Sit down.''

Facing an enthusiastic Sierra, my mind slowly gathers itself. It goes without saying, but I need to be careful when dealing with this woman.

''First of all, you have managed to secure the support needed for Operation Plazma.'' I begin. ''Good job. You have proven your ability, and congratulations on becoming an official member of Zircon.''

As I speak, Sierra's face beams more and more. At some point, I notice she starts to tremble ever-so-slightly, the cheeks under her crescent eyes tainted with a faint pink color.

''Do I get a reward for doing extra good?'' She asks, leaning toward me. ''See, I had to go through so much trouble just to get the best troops for you. But...''

Unable to defend against such reasoning, I reluctantly reply, ''What do you want?''

''Can I touch your wi—''

''No.''

''...''

''...''

Anything but that.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Luxia is the only person I comfortably allow to touch my wings.

''Tch.''

In the end, Sierra settles with just some mild privileges, which I can grant anytime. Before the princess leaves to explore the Backrooms, however, I keep her concentrating since I have something to tell her.

''What...?! The immigrants are all carrying a virus? Why did you...''

''Calm down. Listen to the end.''

I try my best then to explain my operation in a concise and informative manner. What is the substance called 'Unnamed Calamity'? What are its side effects, what are they used for, who are the immigrants, etc.

The fate of the citizens of Astra's mental health—It is taking place in this little strange room.

''...''

''I'm just telling you not to be too worried in the future when it breaks deeply into the capital. I'll make sure they don't cause any trouble.''

Seeing the gears within her creak for a few moments, I can't help but feel a bit nervous. If she doesn't allow it, I would need to use actual brainwashing to get her out of this. 

''...That's a great idea!''

Yet, despite my worries, Sierra bursts out into a joy streak, excitedly thumping the floor repeatedly with her legs.

As expected of my fellow horror enjoyer.