Chapter 948 Negotiations

“Realistic timeframe, you say… But if you really wanted to expand it that much, it’d take more manpower just to make sure that everything will be working properly. You probably aren’t even sure if this model will work as intended so there’s additional work for that too.” Rossweisse further scrutinized.

But Rossweisse wasn’t done yet, “And let’s say that it’s indeed possible since you’re known to pull stunts like this and it’s going to be just the two of us working on this… Wouldn’t this mean that I’ll be painting a huge target on my back?”

Issei was confused once again but instantly realized what she meant and clenched his fist.

“I assure you that a one-week timeframe is absolutely possible as long as there is no interference. As for your latter concern, I naturally would have informed you about it. That’s the reason why I retracted the important parts in that document.”

If Kisuke and Rossweisse could finish this barrier against the Evies, it wouldn’t be weird if there are some people who chose to side with them and try to sabotage the whole project, or at least, poke a hole in it after it’s done. With that in mind, all their eyes would be focused on those who created it.

Kisuke first sipped his tea before asking, “Well then… I’ll be asking. Will you be willing to take the risk? And I’m asking for your opinion too, Issei.”

While Rossweisse hesitated, Issei answered without any pause, “If you’re asking me, of course I’d be against it. And besides, if you’re asking this, it would mean that you have other plans in case you’re rejected. You would have forced us one way or another if you can’t do it by yourself.”

“I could indeed do it by myself, but I would have had to make some compromises that may or may not negatively affect the future.”, Kisuke smiled, “You’ve really grown this past year. I’m both amazed and sad.”

Issei crossed his arms and replied, “I had to wise up, but it’s not like there is only bad stuff that’s happening.”

“So does that mean you won’t allow Rossweisse-san to help out?”

Issei shook his head, “I’m just stating my opinion and the decision will still be up to her. Regardless, it doesn’t change what I have to do.”

Kisuke and Issei then looked towards Rossweisse who closed her eyes in contemplation,’ That’s right… What I have to do doesn’t change. I will still protect her and everyone else, no matter the cost.’, thought the latter, reassuring himself.

Rossweisse opened her eyes with a renewed resolution and asked, “When do we start?”

Kisuke stood up as his entire right arm lit up with strange runes, “Right now. And don’t expect to stop until everything is over.”

He punched the air and his hand sank into nothingness before turning his forearm and splitting the space, revealing an entirely different place on the other side.

Rossweisse was shocked at this strange technique but reined in her curiosity before asking, “Do I have to prepare anything.”

Kisuke went through the portal and said, “Nothing. I have everything arranged and you just have to calibrate and reclassify every expansion I’m making.”

“Hmmm? Isn’t that something that a competent enough person is capable of doing? There are other people better than me that I think you could ask.”

“That may be true and they’ll even be faster than you if it’s just that. But as the main creator of this barrier, your opinion is valuable and there could be something that only you could notice by yourself. Though the main reason is that I couldn’t really trust anyone aside from those who are closely related to Issei.”

Instead of being happy, Issei frowned, ‘He couldn’t trust anyone else? Not even Azazel-sensei? That’s weird…’

Seeing that Issei had already caught it, Kisuke smiled in satisfaction and beckoned Rossweisse to come over. And before he closed the portal, Kisuke turned to Issei for one last time and said, “Issei, your job will be to drive them out as much as possible. But if there’s a strong individual, keep them in place as much as possible.”

Issei nodded while thinking that he should visit Ajuka and clarify a few things.

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Before Rossweisse could ask what kind of place Kisuke brought her into, he immediately left her in a free workshop where all the documents that needed some preliminary calibration, “I’ll bring the rest up later one by one. We don’t have much time so please work on this. I’ll prepare a suitable compensation for all of this, of course.”

Kisuke then moved to another room and opened another portal, inviting another person, “I’m sorry for calling you so suddenly.”

Ophis just looked at him and nodded silently before asking, “They’re already here?” As someone born in the Dimensional Gap, she was more susceptible to the changes within it, “Dumb red won’t make it.”

“Oh? You can tell what’s happening?”

Ophis nodded once again, “Dumb red is playing.”

Ophis’ eyes seem to question if Kisuke was going to assist the ‘dumb Dragon’ but also didn’t explicitly ask since the current Kisuke was no match against the invader.

Kisuke patted her head and said, “We don’t know what the future has in store for us… But in the immediate future, I can steer the course of things slightly to our favor.”

Ophis understood what he meant and asked, “What should I do?”

“I’ll be needing a bit of your flesh and blood.”

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For the next three days, Kisuke would work on a new Gigai and expand and modify the Isolation Barrier.

‘I wonder if I can still call this a Gigai?’ Kisuke asked himself while watching a complete copy of Ophis’s body floating inside the transparent tank that’s nurturing it.

Kisuke soon left the room and sealed it tightly before going to Rossweisse’s side who has been working 24/7 for the past three days.

“Are you still good?”, asked Kisuke the moment he peeked at the messy room full of paper and working monitors.

Rossweisse, with the heavy bags under her eyes being covered by glasses, raised her head up and sarcastically answered, “I’m so glad I haven’t gone insane.”

For the past three days, Rossweisse worked on the numbers and logistics of the spell nonstop. At first, she thought that it wouldn’t be that bad since Kisuke hadn’t finished expanding the spell yet. However, she was immediately greeted by a large amount of workload.

Still, it wasn’t that bad since if she could focus, she’d be able to deal with everything within half a day, and then she’d have a bit of rest. But the moment she finished the first part, the second part arrived and pulled her back to work. And even then it still wasn’t a big deal because she figured out that if she could work faster, she’ll be able to finish it hours early.

But the same thing happened despite her efforts. The third part came, pulling her back into hell of numbers and this would happen every single time. When the thought of a break arises on the horizon, a metaphorical Kisuke will drag her feet down back to work, “I sure do hope that this is all worth it, compensation-wise.”

“Don’t worry. I’m actually thinking of giving you enough that you’ll be able to go on a date with Issei in a 300 Yen shop.”

“…Seriously?”

Kisuke nodded with a very serious expression, “And with the work you are currently showing, I’m considering a reward that you’ll be able to take Issei to a 500 Yen shop… Without any worries.”

“…”

“…”

The two of them stared at each other for a few moments before Rossweisse dived back to her work, “I’ll speed things up!!!”

The scumbag that took full advantage of Rossweisse’s skewed view on working conditions and paid wages smiled in satisfaction while also justifying himself by thinking, ‘Your boyfriend is a lot richer than me so this is fine.’