After the Rebel attack the students sustained last night, the first years were on the cruise boat along with Tsukimi and Sakuya heading back to the main school. Alan called Crystal to inform her about last night events.
"So that's what happened." Crystal concluded after Alan told her about his fight last night.
"Yeah, I also lost the Blaze ring in process and I had to tell the others about myself." Alan said. Crystal sighed in response.
"I suppose it couldn't be helped. In any case, it doesn't seem to pose any problems to your training and you managed to get a lot stronger in your battle. You're doing a lot better in your training then I expected. I'll be waiting for your next report." She said.
"Before that, there's something I need to tell you." He said.
"What is it?" Crystal asked.
"I'm sorry." Alan apologized.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"When you chose me as the next Overseer, I should have known more about what I was getting myself into. Back then I was just naïve and arrogant. But after the battle I fought, I realized this was a lot more serious than I thought. Taking lives was also part of it wasn't it? Maybe I wasn't the right person for this." He said sadly.
"Alan, there are some things that won't be pleasant in your encounters and sometimes you'll have to take lives in order to save more. However if you truly felt nothing from taking your first, then maybe I did make a mistake." Crystal explained. Alan was caught back by her words.
"I told you when we first met that it would take time for you adjust and accept your role. All of your training and experience here including today was all part of you getting adjusted to the role of Overseer and you managed to overcome every obstacle you encountered. I believe that you are well suited for role of Overseer." She concluded.
"I should go, I shouldn't keep Akira waiting for too long." Alan said knowing his partner wanted him see any islands with her on the way. Crystal nodded.
"And Crystal?" He asked. She looked at him curiously waiting for his response.
"Thank you." Alan answered then hung up on her and went to where Akira was. He was also worried where Miyabi may be.
Flashback
Tomoe was unable to find Miyabi even with Imari's help. She was getting really worried about her. Students were gathering in front of the branch school while it's being repaired. Alan decided to explain to Tomoe, Aoi, Imari and Kojiro about himself. They were skeptical about it at first but Akira, Tor and Julie vouched for him and decided to take his word for it.
"I need your attention class!" Tsukimi announced to the students gathered.
"Our super fun seaside camp has come to an end. So now we're heading back!" She said happily.
"No! I can't leave! Not until I found Miyabi!" Tomoe protested.
"How rebellious. Defying the orders of your teacher and the headmistress? You couldn't do much even if you stayed." Tsukimi said.
"Wait! You can't just-" Tor protested but was interrupted.
"I can and will so shut up!" She said aggressively causing them to be silent.
"There's not much I can do either. Silly me!" Tsukimi said back in a happy tone then started giggling.
"Don't worry Tomoe. We'll keep looking for her while you're away." Imari assured her.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Tomoe said starting to feel ease.
Flashback ends.
Alan reached the back of the boat and saw the island as it starts getting farther away.
"Where could she have gone?" Alan muttered as he gazes at the island while Sakuya was watching him from the top deck.
As soon as the students returned to the main school, classes began to resume. During battle class, Alan and Tomoe were currently sparring each other in hand to hand combat. Tomoe was going hard on Alan because of what he told her.
"Tomoe please! Isn't this extreme?!" Alan pleaded while blocking her punches and kicks. Despite having the power of Level four, he still couldn't beat Tomoe in martial arts and she was pulling no punches.
"You're not going to get any stronger by hand if I hold back besides if your enemy is going to be stronger than us, then you need to be at your peak." Tomoe replied as she continues on the assault. Alan decided to go on the offensive and tried to deliver her a fist. Tomoe jumped over him like an acrobat. She grabbed Alan and threw him to the ground. She pinned him to the ground with her body and arms.
"I know but this is too much!" He protested struggling to push her off.
"Quit complaining and concentrate!" She said. The other students were watching their fight.
"I guess that's one way for her get stress off. I take it that Tomoe still hasn't quite forgiven Alan yet. I can say he had it coming." Aoi smirked.
"Don't be too hard on him. It's not like he was going to apologize to her the same way she does." Akira said jokingly knowing Tomoe's way of begging forgiveness.
"Tomoe is strong. Very strong." Julie commented.
Tor wasn't focusing much on the match and was more concerned about where Miyabi could be.
"I told you to concentrate!" Tomoe persisted while her chest pressed on Alan's face. He was feeling flustered and was having a harder time to get her off. Tsukimi was laughing at the scene.
"I don't think he can. Not with your boob in his face." Tsukimi pointed out. Tomoe just realized her position and started blushing.
"YOU DOG!" Tomoe shouted as she punched Alan in the face. She got up and walked to a certain distance.
"It's not my fault. Why does she always blame me?" Alan thought as he gets up rubbing his bruised cheek.
"Let's try this again. I hope you're ready." Tomoe said getting in her stance.
"Yeah. Let's do it!" Alan said doing the same.
In the classroom, most of the students were not informed about Miyabi's disappearance and thought she was hospitalized. Tsukimi told the students who knew not to tell them about Miyabi. Tor was sitting on his seat in deep thought worried about Miyabi.
"Where could she have gone? Was this my fault?" Tor thought. His eyes were covered by two hands.
"Guess who?" Lilith greeted.
"Good morning Lilith." He greeted. She uncovered his eyes and walked to the desk in front of him.
"Correct, it's so nice that my future husband can recognize my voice." She said.
"Well you're accent gave you away." Tor joked.
"Drat, but I don't mind at least you know my voice. I love it. You seem to be doing well." Lilith said.
"Hello Lilith" Alan greeted from his desk.
"Hello to you too Alan. I heard you have some new weapons with you." She said.
"They're not really new. I've had them the whole time. Just haven't used them and the sword I have was covering the appearance." He explained.
"Well I actually like its look. You should keep it that way." Lilith advised. "Also I didn't know you could use guns too."
"Thought you were the only one?" Alan smirked. "The person who gave it to me originally, said it was only for emergencies but now I might needed it for anything I couldn't hit with my sword."
"Very smart. That's one more reason to add you in my Duo partner candidacy." She commented. Alan's eyes were suddenly covered by two hands. Alan sighed in response.
"Hello Akira." He greeted. She made a fake gasp.
"I didn't even say anything. How did you know?" She asked uncovering his eyes
"No one but you would try this. I know you too well." Alan answered. Akira giggled in response.
"Well at least you're good at knowing people even though you ruin the fun." She said ending in a pout as she sat next to him. Tor's eyes were again covered by two hands.
"It's you Julie." Tor said immediately recognizing her as she was pressed against his back.
"Ja, correct Tor." Julie replied as she uncover his eyes.
"Since you're my partner, the ties that binds us both together they're stronger than anyone else's." She said.
"Perhaps, but that remains to be seen." Lilith said. Tomoe entered the classroom. They turned and faced her.
"Ah Tomoe." Lilith walked up to her.
"Guess who?" She asked grabbing her chest from behind. Tomoe blushed in response.
"Wait Lilith! What are you doing?!" Tomoe exclaimed.
"It's only a comparison test between us girls. They're not bad at all." Lilith said.
"Please stop!" she exclaimed. Alan and Tor sweat dropped at the scene while Akira enjoyed watching it.
"Maybe Lilith's behavior is her way of trying cheering us up." Tor commented.
"I guess. But it does take off the stress we've had lately." Alan smiled. Julie went behind Tor and covered his eyes again.
"Um Julie?" Tor asked confused. Akira stood up and did the same thing to Alan.
"Akira, what are you doing?" Alan asked annoyed.
"Julie has the right idea. You shouldn't look at something perverted." She teased.
"That's not what I meant by that!" He snapped.
"You know, if you wanted to see me like that, you just need to ask nicely." Akira teased. Alan groaned and face palm on his desk.
"What did I do to deserve this?" Alan murmured.
"Tor, why not?" Miyabi asked as two were standing on the beach on the island.
"I'm sorry Miyabi I just can't." He responded.
"It's because you're weak isn't it?" She answered. Tor turned and faced her. Miyabi was cut down by a sword. She fell to the ground and died. Tor was shocked by her death. Behind her he saw K with a dagger.
"How humiliating. Tor Kokonoe, you can't protect anyone can you?" K smirked. Tor turned around and saw Chrome.
"I told you, protecting someone is meaningless. They'll only die in the end and you'll feel nothing but despair." Chrome said coldly. Tor looked back to Miyabi and saw Otoha in her position.
"Big brother?" Otoha called to him weakly. Tor's eyes widened in seeing her. Tor looked in front of him and saw the young teen in black robes with a bloody sword.
"Another one dead because you were too weak. I wonder if you could have been stronger. Maybe if you had the same power that I have." He said as he raises his sword and strikes him.
Tor wakes up in his bed breathing heavily from the dream he had. Julie climbs up on his bunk bed to check on him.
"Tor, it was the same nightmare again wasn't it?" Julie asked concerned.
"Yeah, it was. Sorry to bother you this late." Tor apologized with a fake smile. She climb on his bed and hugged him.
"Julie?" He asked confused.
"Nej. Please let me do this." She asked stroking his hair.
"It's the same thing that mama would always do for me. When bad dreams kept me from sleeping." Julie explained. Tor accepted the embrace and felt comfortable around her.
"Thank you, Julie." He said and eventually they both fell asleep on Tor's bed.
Next day in the evening, Alan and Tor were called to Sakuya's office after their classes.
"I summon you both here for one reason. As token for my gratitude for your actions, I would like to repay you for rescuing me from the Rebels." Sakuya stated.
"Thanks but that's not necessary." Tor said.
"We chose to help because we want to." Alan added. Sakuya moves two syringes on desk towards them.
"More Lukifers?" Alan thought surprisingly.
"Tor Kokonoe, I give you my permission to undergo the Level Four Rite of Sublimation. As for you Alan Burns, since you are already at Level Four power, you will tell your Duo partner Akira Yuuki that she has my permission to take the Level Three Rite of Sublimation." Sakuya said.
"But we're only the half of the rescue team. Julie and Akira were the other half. It took all of us to pull it off." Tor protested.
"And why call me if this was meant for Akira. Shouldn't she be here instead? Why call only both of us?" Alan asked.
"Because you are both unique and will one day be unrivaled." She answered.
"But why not level up Julie?" Tor asked.
"What is there to hesitate? You of all people wanted more power." Sakuya said and turned to Alan. "And you wanted to train to get stronger and more experienced.
"Isn't that why you came to the academy in the first place? With power you could have been able to avoid a tragedy. Isn't that what you did Alan?" She asked. Alan was silent in response looking away. He didn't want to admit it but he knew she was right.
"I'd love to be stronger. As strong as Alan but still." Tor thought as he remembers Julie going on a rampage against K. He was considering taking the Level four syringe but also felt he might end up like his sister's killer. Tor moves his hand away from the syringe.
"Look I'm sorry but I don't think I can do it." Tor rejected. Alan took it and offered it to Tor.
"Why don't you do what I did then? Take it when you're ready for it. I was stubborn about mine back then but I also learned what was important and what I can use it for." Alan suggested.
"Yes, give it a little more thought." Sakuya agreed. Tor decided to accept it and place it in one of his pockets.
"Be advised, the world waits for no one nor is it so kind to let you have your way. Not since it grown so dark and full of malice." She said. Sakuya stands up and looks out the window.
"You'll both know soon enough since the academy is about to host the Reign Conference." Sakuya said.
"If that's true then does that mean there are other worlds dark too? If so then could I handle it all?" Alan thought then remembered Crystal's advice.
"You do not have to do this alone. The fate of the Multiverse is too big of a burden to bear." Crystal said.
He remember those words Crystal had said to him. Alan remember the time he spent with Akira, Tor, Julie and many others but then immediately remembers that they were in danger of being killed by K and Chrome.
"No, I can't involve them in this. I don't want to put their lives in anymore danger than as they are." Alan thought deeply.
"What is the Reign Conference?" Tor asked.
"Equipment Smith the master armorer. He's the older gentleman who created the Rebels and he'll be there." Tor was shocked by the information while Alan was still in thought.
"You seem to have something on your mind Alan. Care to share?" Sakuya asked.
"It's just about what you said about the world being dark." Alan said.
"Yes and there's the possibility that the worlds you might stumble into may also be dark like this one maybe worse." She said.
"I know. That's why I was thinking for a possible solution. An idea I thought of but..." He could not finish his sentence.
"Don't hesitate to bring something up. For all we know, your ideas may actually be useful." Sakuya said.
"Maybe, I think I just need some more time to think about it." Alan responded as he leaves Sakuya's office.
"What could he be thinking of?" Tor thought also leaving.
Alan returned to his dorm. Akira was drinking apple tea she made. There was another cup for Alan when he got back.
"Hi Alan, I made some apple tea for you." Akira said happily.
"Thanks, it's nice to have this stuff again." He said. Alan sat down at the table and started drinking his tea. Akira decided to start a conversation.
"So were you two called to the office about another private conversation with the headmistress?" She asked.
"Actually she rewarded us for saving her." Alan answered.
"Oh really? That's great! You deserve it!" Akira praised.
"Well to be honest, Tor got something. I didn't really get anything." He said sheepishly. Akira had a disappointed pout.
"But I did get something for you." Alan said as he pulls out a Lukifer and offered it her. "You now have permission to level up."
"Really?! That's awesome! Thank you very much!" Akira appreciated. "But what about you?
"Don't worry, the Lukifer I took powered me up Level Four. So I'm actually pretty ahead besides I want to help you get caught up." Alan said.
"Thanks, Alan." She smiled sweetly then had a sad expression.
"What's wrong Akira?" He asked concerned.
"About what you said about going to other worlds and when we reach graduation. Does that mean we're not partner anymore?" Akira asked sadly. Alan had the same expression as hers.
"I'd be lying if I said we were but I can't stay here with you. When my training here is done, I'm afraid I'll be leaving this world and we'll have to part ways." He answered. Akira grew sadder hearing his answer.
"But until that comes I want to enjoy the days we have together." Alan finished.
"Then let's enjoy them to the last." Akira smiled sadly. They resumed drinking their tea and eventually went to bed for next day.
Today was the Reign Conference. The Dorn agency were placed all over the academy as heavy security. The students were not allowed to leave their dorms during the conference. Few students who leveled up high enough were also assigned to assist them. Aoi and Tomoe were guarding in front of the clock tower.
"So now they pushed Level Three students in serving as security. Sakuya has a way of using people." Aoi commented.
"Well it shows just how serious this meeting is. Besides you could do a lot worse as getting real life practice. Just stay on your guard." Tomoe remarked.
"Just leave everything to us." Security guard assured. The two students turned to them.
"Don't worry, we can handle things." He said.
"Right. If anything happens, we'll handle it." Security guard two assured them.
"Yes sir and thank you." Tomoe appreciated.
"Of course nothing will happen I'm sure." Security guard two said continuing to stand guard.
Lilith was standing alone in front of the courtyard at a distance in front of the school where the meeting will take place.
"Locked down tight. Reign really is the big deal." Lilith said to herself.
"Lilith!" Tor called. She turns and saw Tor and Alan approaching her.
"Odd. It's not like you to leave your post not that I don't mind." She said happy to see Tor.
"There's something we want to know and hopefully you can tell us." Alan asked.
"Oh dear. If you want to know how I feel about you, I'm afraid my heart is only for Tor. Though my option for you being my partner is still available." Lilith answered jokingly.
"That's not what I was asking." He replied.
"It's about Equipment Smith and the Reign Conference. What the hell is going around here?" Tor demanded. Lilith sighed in response.
"I don't know who told you I knew but listen up. Because I won't say it again." She said. Alan rolled his eyes hearing her catch-phrase but both nodded.
"Equipment Smith. A key member of a certain nation shadow military organization. He's also known as the master armorer and to put together the God Slaying Corps. The Rebels." Lilith stated.
"Their goal was Absolute Duo correct?" Alan asked.
"Yes." She replied.
"Absolute Duo? You mean?" Tor asked shockingly remembering what Sakuya said at the end of the opening ceremony.
"People brought together with Absolute Duo at their core. That's Reign. Now its members are all gathered here." She stated.
Sakuya entered the meeting room where the Reign Conference was taking place. Four members of Reign were all in their seats.
"Hey! Hope you don't mind I poured myself a little drink. Miss Blaze Diabolica." The first member spoke who was holding a glass of alcohol. He wore samurai clothes and long black hair with a pony tail along with facial hair.
"I wish I had more for you and make yourself at home Grave Phantom." Sakuya said. The second member had blond long hair and was wearing a green knight like uniform. He approached Sakuya and offered her a rose.
"Enchante. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Diabolica." He said in a French accent. She accepted the rose.
"Tempest Judge is it? Thank you for coming and for the rose." Sakuya appreciated.
The third member had brown short hair and was wearing a white scarf around his neck. He's also dressed in black.
"Looks like you and Judge are still oil and water. Eh Dark Ray Disaster?" Phantom asked.
"Like you have to ask." Disaster responded annoyed.
The last member present was a young woman. She had aqua hair long enough to reach her back and wore a white and dark blue dress with diamonds on both sides of her hair.
"What a lovely academy you have. I really envy you. I would be very proud if my country had a school like this." She said kindly approaching to Sakuya.
"Thank you very much, Silent Diva." Sakuya replied. After introductions, the door opened revealing Equipment Smith entering the meeting room.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we start?" Smith asked. Sakuya and Diva glared at the elder disliking him for the troubles he's caused. Smith smiled in response.
"That brings me back to my question I wanted to ask back the island. What is Absolute Duo?" Alan asked seriously.
"That's what I want to know." Tor added.
"The best way to describe it is the final frontier. Your soul-power's extremes. We'll leave it at that." Lilith answered.
"The final frontier?" Alan asked confused.
"By soul-power, do you mean the extremes by our Blazes?" Tor asked then immediately came up with an answer.
"That's the reason isn't it? Why we're all gathered here besides Alan." He concluded. Lilith nodded.
"Yes, Koryo academy was founded for one purpose and one alone. To use the Lukifers to awaken the power in our souls then that in turn would create Exceeds all in an attempt to reach Absolute Duo." She explained.
"Sakuya's path leads there. She told me that." Tor said.
"But why did she accept me here then? She knows I don't use a Blaze and it certainly won't reach Absolute Duo." Alan asked.
"I don't know. She is willing to go through any lengths to achieve it. She may have you looking for students who are by far the closest in reaching it. It's amazing you were able to gone ahead of us despite the difficulties you had." Lilith said.
"But she's been trying to reach it on her own. Contrary to everyone else and reject help. What's Alan's purpose here?" She thought.
All of the Members of Reign all sat in their seats. The lights were off and the light on the table shined purple showing blue screens at each direction.
"An alliance?" Sakuya asked surprised.
"Yes. It's enticing isn't it" Smith suggested. The members were silent for the moment.
"Have to admit, didn't see that coming." Phantom commented.
"Tres bien! I too am surprised. To think a member of Reign would want to team up." Judge said.
"I assume you all know how powerful my Units are. Imagine what would happen when they join with your Exceeds. Together we would control a formidable army. I even heard you have someone in your academy who doesn't use a Blaze and yet has been able to stand strong with your Exceeds. Well what do you say Miss Sakuya?" Smith suggested.
"You have a student without a Blaze? To think such amazing people like that exist. I wish I had someone like that in my academy." Diva complimented.
"He's an interesting case. One I am continuing to work on. But we're not here to talk about that. As for you mister Smith, my answer is no." Sakuya stated. Smith caught back by her answer.
"That what I seek and that you seek both lie two different paths that will never cross. There outcomes will differ as well naturally. If I were to join forces with you, it would be sheer folly." She explained.
"You stress soul-power here right? What passes for training at this academy is very antiquated. It's nothing but the impurity of the every day. Dear me, That method is too dull for this old man." Smith said.
"I doubt in your case, that you'll ever understand it. Unlike my grandfather. You not only lost to him once. But you were also cut out in his organization. That is how it happened. Unless I'm mistaken." Sakuya smirked. Tension feeling was across the meeting room.
"It appears you still wish to fulfill your ambitions of days gone by. My grandfather also stood up against a powerful unknown force you could not possibly handle. Count me out since I have no interest in the desires of a pitiful old man." She finished. Smith clenched his fist then started to laugh.
"Ha ha. Quite harsh. It's been said the witch's words are steeped in poison. But I didn't know they would be so toxic and I won't stand for this rudeness or take petty insults such as yours." Smith said.
"So how about we settle this? I have a little game in mind Miss Sakuya." He said taking out his pocket watch and turning the clock.
"What kind of game?" Sakuya asked.
"One that's simple. Here are the rules. My Rebels will attack this academy and your Exceeds will try to stop them. Whoever wipes out the other side first wins. We'll call it a killing game." Smith stated. The other members of Reign were waiting for Sakuya's response.
"I accept. Let's play." She smiled sadistically.
"Then let us get started." He smirked closing the pocket watch.
Tor clenched his fist after learning the academy's goal.
"Absolute Duo, I'm still not certain I understand what it's all about. So many people end up getting hurt in its pursuit. It's true that I did come to the academy to get stronger. But now, I wonder if I should." Tor said.
"There's nothing wrong about trying to get stronger." Alan said. Tor looked at him.
"While it's true people have gotten hurt by the school's goal. Don't forget why you want to get stronger. You may be able to save more lives and protect the people you care about. It's why I took the Lukifer and exposed myself in the process." He explained.
"That may be true but it can also be gaining one thing while losing another. That is reality I'm afraid. It still doesn't make any less sad though." Lilith said.
"You may be right Lilith." Tor said.
"What?" She asked surprised. They both looked at Tor confused.
"What you said. I've actually been thinking that you and Sakuya may be right. I just didn't want to admit it." He explained.
"You silly man. Of course you wouldn't. But be sure to take Alan's advice too." Lilith smiled. After their conversation ended, they heard a military plane flying over.
"What's going on?" Tor asked confused.
"Look!" Lilith exclaimed. The two looked up and saw a cargo plane flying above them.
"The Rebels?! Why do they have to show up at this time?" Alan asked.
"We should get moving. It looks like their heading to the clock tower." She said.
"Right! Let's go!" Tor said as the trio head towards the clock tower.
As the cargo plane flies over the clock tower, soldiers start descending from the cargo door.
"Now it's time for today's feast to begin. Bring on the bacchanalia of bloodshed!" K announced then smirked.
As Chrome was about to jump off the plane, the thought of Alan made him clenched his fists in anger then shrugged it off and jumped off the plane.
In front the clock tower in the evening, four Dorn Agency guards and the Level three students stand in front of K, Chrome and a dozen soldiers ready to face off against each other. They both had their weapons ready.
"Thanks for the invitation. This should be really fun!" K said eagerly.
"So it's a killing game huh. Our headmistress sure loves playing with our lives." Aoi commented. Tomoe frowned in response in this.
"Let's just get this over with. I wanted to finish what we started anyway." Alan said.
"Right! Let's do it then." Akira said determined.
"You ready Julie?" Tor asked his partner.
"Ja." She replied.
Miyabi approaches to both of the groups and stands facing the students.
"Miyabi! Thank goodness you're okay!" Tomoe said relieved about to go to her.
"Wait hold on!" Lilith ordered.
"But why?" She asked confused then looked back saw that Miyabi's eyes were lifeless.
"Guys! Watch this." She said in a monotone voice as she placed her hand on her chest. A black light appear from her chest as her clothes started to tear off her. Miyabi's body starts to light up then turns dark. As the dark light ends and finish transforming. Miyabi is wearing a black and red suit with green on the chest pattern and white and blue on the gauntlets. The students were shocked by this.
"What did they do to you Miyabi?" Alan thought worriedly.
"Miyabi?" Tor asked surprised by this revelation.
K smirked at the result while Chrome was not interested as his eyes were gazing at Alan.
"You see. I'm a lot stronger now. What do you think Tor?" Miyabi asked him as the battle between Units and Exceeds was about to begin.