Sorry for taking so long to get this out, but between internship (even with writing on the train), moving back to school, and senior level courses, it was waaaaay too much. Fortunately I managed to get back on track!

Also it kind of just slipped my mind, oof. Job searching is really cutting into my time. I think I'd like to hit the Silvero Gospel incident by the end of the year, though. So let's see if I can hit that.

Anyways, short chapter today. I was pretty conflicted about this chapter as I've seen that the story is going to the more "dramatic" side of things when I originally intended for this to be a more light-hearted story. I'm trying to slightly course correct, but at the same time it just feels like the characterization of Galen and the incidents that happen, if I want to treat them the way a person like Galen would approach it, well, things just end up becoming serious. But first, review reply time, GOOOO!

Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: Oh yeah, life got very busy. Moving, job search, senior level classes, ugh. I will agree that this arc is going to be messy, and I think on top of the fact the tone and direction of the story is straying a bit from where I originally intended for it to go. Thank you for being patient!

So yeah, we'll see how it goes. Thanks for bearing with me. Here goes!


Chapter 12: Living Pillar


The next day, Clarissa lets us go at the small town, opting for civilian clothing this time. I do find a small chocolate shop and walk around, with one of Clarissa's aides translating for me.

The chocolates I got as a souvenir were a bit pricey, but well, what can you do? Although I'm pretty sure the old lady running the place gave me a little more than I ordered.

"Do you need help with that?" her aide asks, but I wave her off.

"Thanks, but I'm fine. I have my pride as a man, after all."

Her aide chuckles at that as we step out, but she suddenly drops the laughter and looks around us. That's… a few more suits than I thought were on the street when we went into the shop.

The aide drops her voice to a whisper. "Get back into the store. Say you dropped your k—"

"Is something the matter?"

Katana steps out from the car, running a hand through her hair with a smile. She looks straight at me, then glances around.

"Oh, it's a really lively day today. Is it a day of obligation at church, you two? Everyone's so sharply dressed." Katana says in that honeyed, overly sweet tone that makes me think she's incredibly suspicious. Or at the very least, it gives that feeling that she's looking down on everything around her.

But just like that, the suits start going away. As if in a panic, they quickly start loading into cars and leave. What… the hell…?

"Ma'am?" Our aide says, appearing talking into an earpiece. "Got it. Doctor, please come with me into the car. We'll be making a short detour."

Said detour is to a different hotel, which from what I heard on their chatter in the car, was designated as Rally Point Charlie. Don't really know if I like where this is going, but what can I do…

More importantly, who the hell were those suits? Germany, possibly? But what good does it do to try to intimidate me? I haven't uncovered anything crazy, and it would just cause a massive uproar if they did try anything. It's a completely illogical course of action.

"Sorry for the unexpected delay." Clarissa says as she enters the bedroom. "If it helps, I will personally watch guard tonight, alongside my squad."

"It's fine. I don't think I'm in too much danger. Do you have any idea who they were?"

She shakes her head. Either she really doesn't know, or simply can't tell me. Or doesn't want to tell me. Frankly it would've been better that I didn't see them, but my eyes are too trained for detail.

"We'll take you straight to the airport when you're supposed to leave."

"Not tonight?"

"The rest of the guard is going to come in during the night. If there's something out there that wants you, Doctor Shino, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure they do not get to you. If that means pulling out all the stops, then it's going to take some time. Unless you can call in and get your plane ready to go."

"I don't think that's an option for me, unfortunately. I don't think they thought of this…"

"It shouldn't be a problem." Katana says as she pokes in from the living room. "I have an emergency line to IS Academy. Don't worry about it. We'll prepare for an extraction to the airport at nine-hundred-hours?"

Clarissa and I glance at each other. First off, why the hell does my bodyguard have a line to IS Academy, and second why don't I have an emergency line there? Like I said before, sometimes it feels that she's less bodyguard, more watchdog.

"Is that fine with you, Doctor Shino?" Clarissa asks, turning over to me. I give a curt nod in reply. "Then I'll inform my team. I'll discuss movement and everything with them, just stay relaxed. If you need anything, either I or one of my aides will get it for you."

"Understood."

Part of me wishes I hadn't taken this job now. Back when I was just a small-time friendly face with a bit of good standing in the community. Now I'm apparently this hot button topic and have suits that look like they're the MIB coming after me.

I really do miss the older days, back when I was just another therapist who wasn't supposed to last three months before going insane from the Academy shenanigans.

The rest of the evening is uneventful. Clarissa goes to get us McDonalds, because honestly I didn't want anything fancy, and right now I just needed something to remind me of home to calm me the hell down. She also decided to go the extra mile, and even though I didn't ask for it, brought up a large black coffee for me. Apparently my reputation also includes me being a caffeine fiend.

She managed to get Katana from my bedroom, and honestly I'd rather have Clarissa as my personal guard as she doesn't have that… suffocating air that Katana has, although in exchange for this Clarissa's now taking the other bed in the bedroom.

Speaking of which, her singing is echoing in the shower. She's got a good voice. Song's in German though, so hell if I know what she's saying.

"You sing when you were young?" I ask as she comes out of the shower, drying her hair. Of course, she's not dressed in any pajamas or anything, but rather in what I'm sure is a BDU or something like it.

Her face turns a bit pink before she smiles, going over to a suitcase she brought with her and opening it, attaching what looks to be an integrated screen or some other attachment onto her left wrist.

"When I was very young, yes. It feels like a lifetime ago."

I immediately see the small hints on her face, almost involuntarily. Nostalgia, longing, the feeling of a missed opportunity. I can see the wonder on her face, as if to ask herself if this was the path she should've taken. That maybe instead of becoming a soldier, she could have become a celebrity singer.

"I see." I say, deciding not to make any comment. "Well, I for one, am thankful that you're here."

"I suppose nothing gets by you, does it, Doctor Shino?" She asks, a knowing smile on her face. She knows that I'm able to read her, I suppose.

"Well, that's why they pay me for."

We both have a chuckle about it.

"But I suppose it's a bit fortunate… what happened here." She says as she sits down on her bed. "I can speak… slightly more freely."

"What do you mean…?" I ask, trying to read her intentionally this time.

"Doctor Shino, there's a special clause in the IS Academy handbook. In it, it essentially states that students there don't belong to any particular country. A sort of immunity, if you will."

"Why are you…"

"You'd be putting yourself in a risky position, but… I would just review if there are special allocations for yourself."

The small twitches of muscles on her face. Hesitation, the feeling of not knowing if she's doing the right thing, but also concern. What is...

The pieces fall into place inside my head.

Clarissa Harfouch cannot tell me what happened with Laura Bodewig because she herself is bound to Germany and she'd potentially have action taken against her if she were to say anything. Speaking here, where it might not be as heavily watched… she can give the implications for it. About that special clause in the handbook.

Because if Clarissa cannot tell me…

...maybe Bodewig can. If she would open up about it, it's entirely possible. But that means Bodewig opening up in the first place. If a miracle can occur somehow… then maybe I might be able to understand her, and really give her what she needs.

"I see."

"I'm glad you do. It might get difficult for you, but…" She says, trailing off. The guilt is written all over her face. She knows that she's asking something very, very heavy of me.

"My job has never been easy to begin with." I say back, trying to sound confident. Taking on something like that, though… but still. I might be able to reach out to Bodewig, now.

"Just… don't get in over your head." She says, the worry evident in her voice. This isn't just professional in terms of intention. There's a personal aspect here, too. And she's asking me to help her, risking me biting off more than I can chew. If I mess up, it'll be on her conscience, too.

"Thanks."

"Anyways, it's been a long day. Please get some sleep, Doctor Shino. We'll be up and early tomorrow morning."

The next morning comes and goes. Clarissa and her team, in a small convoy that joins us on the road, delivers me to the airport. They deliver me onto the private jet, urging me to tell the headmaster when I arrive. Of course, for some reason I feel like I won't be getting any answers from him.

"Thank you for everything." I say to Clarissa as I seat myself. "I'll do my best to resolve this with Bodewig."

"Thank you, Doctor. I expect to hear a report from her singing your praises."

I chuckle, earning a smile from her. "You're putting a lot on me, but I suppose that's how it usually is. Take care."

"Copy that. Have a safe flight. Let me know if you're ever returning to Germany, our time was cut rather short."

"Will do."

With that, she gets off the plane and the door closes behind her. A few minutes later, we start moving. I check that my seatbelt is on and lean back in the leather chair, mentally going over all of my notes and deductions.

Clarissa did give me pretty much everything I need to know. All that's missing is the inciting incident. I need to know the root cause of why Bodewig worships the ground Orimura Chifuyu walks on. And if I can figure that out… then I will be able to help her.

"She seems like a nice woman." Katana says, though the expression on her face is anything but cheery. It seems she's contemplating something too.

"Well, business is business. Have to keep a pleasant face up. Doesn't help anyone to be a stick in the mud."

"Mhm, mhm. Well, I'm glad to know besides that bump in the road, everything went smoothly~"

"I'll save saying that for after we touch down."

"You really do like doing things completely, don't you?"

"There's no other way to live."

It's just like I said to Doctor Maltese. You can't ever really know that they're fine… up until the very end. But to ensure they've got the best chance, I have to do things completely. I can't make any assumptions.


"That's... disturbing." Kutsuwagi says as I give him the report. Due to the travel time, not just the flight time, such as the helicopter ride and driving, it's roughly noon on Saturday when I'm talking to him.

"With all due respect, Headmaster, but were you expecting something like this? If so, I'd like to be informed next time. It caused a lot of grief."

"My apologies. I suspected that there might be those that would like to come after you, but nothing so bold as in the broad daylight. I didn't want to say anything that might distract you from your work."

"Ah. Well, it's fortunate that they popped up during my free time, then. But could you possibly enlighten me on why anyone would want to come after me?"

He gives a small chuckle. "For all your smarts, things do pass over your head. I won't lie to you, you're a very sought after man. Your exploits here have certainly given you a reputation—as someone who potentially holds this academy together. Not necessarily a leader, but you are a pillar that this academy has suddenly found itself standing on."

I bite my lip, electing to remain silent. I suppose that makes sense.

"Especially with the incident a while back, it's slowly coming to light that there are those that want to do harm to the academy, or have something they want here. Perhaps they mean to kidnap you to weaken the cohesion here."

"Sir, I don't think I'm that vital to the cohesion of the student body or the Academy at large."

"You'd be surprised. But it's not only the student body, but even the faculty and staff. Because of your… well, you call it insane work ethic, but others see it as sheer dedication, if anything were to happen to you, I am sure that things would certainly be shaken up."

"I have faith in the capability of the Academy to get over me."

"Long term, yes, but short term? The shakeup would be a definite blow to morale."

"So am I under house arrest, then?"

"Of course not. The Academy has put plenty into security, and we will have people posted to watch out for you. You'll be able to move about as you wish, though for any overseas travel, you should check in with me first."

"I see."

Great, so my private time isn't even really my private time anymore. This gets better and better.

"Is that everything?"

"That should be all. I haven't missed anything, have I?"

"Not in particular. The double battles between students is upcoming, though."

"Ah, I was told about those. If that's all, then I'll be going now."

"Dismissed, then. Take care."

I bow before leaving the office, walking back to my room. It really is rather disturbing. I apparently have the men in black on my case because someone wants to do something at this Academy? Scary. I knew that there were several who liked me at the Academy, especially some of the students, but I would never have described myself as central. If I had to say anything about myself I was just a small gear that kept things going.

What a mess, really.

Either way, I can begin getting to work in regards to Bodewig. All I have to do now is… convince her to tell me what's going on, I suppose. That's the really tricky part. Bodewig won't open up so easily.

In the end all I can do is wait. I shouldn't be crusading out and trying to convince them they need therapy unless they really, really need it. Bodewig does fall under there, but in her current situation, forcing it would just have the opposite effect.

I flinch as my vision goes black and I'm pulled back, hands over my eyes, with a certain sensation suddenly being pressed into my back.

"Guess who~"

"Odama-san, this is incredibly inappropriate."

"Aww, I thought my impression was spot on." She says, removing her hands from my eyes and stepping back.

"You couldn't have at least waited until I was in the staff building?" I ask, turning around to face her.

"Ooooh, so it's appropriate there?"

"Absolutely not." I say, firmness in my voice. "Were you looking for me?"

"Hm? Nope, I just saw you walking by. Are you heading back?"

"Yeah, just got back from a trip."

She starts following me as I keep walking, a smile on her face. It's a much more comfortable one compared to the one Katana had on.

"Ohh, where'd you go?"

"Not sure if I should tell you. Work related stuff."

"Ooooh, I see. Oh, oh, are you ready for the double battles?"

"I suppose so? It's going to be busy again."

"Mhm, mhm." She says, nodding to me. "You got your staff ticket already, right?"

"Yes, though I suppose I might exchange it with someone else if they want it."

"You're going to be in your office again though, right?"

"I might, I might not. Truth be told, IS battles don't exactly interest me."

"Have you watched a lot of them?"

I shake my head. "Not really. I see them on TV, but never really felt any drive to watch them in person."

"Ooooh. Well, that's how it is sometimes. Tell me if you're going, though. Maybe if you have someone who knows the ins and outs, you'll be able to appreciate them a little more."

"You know, I never did ask if you had any experience."

"Oh my, how bold~" She says with a smile, nudging me in the ribs. I only roll my eyes. "Well… I'll talk to Yamada-san from Class 1, and if she says yes, then I'll set something up."

"Er…?"

"It'll be a surprise, Shino-san. But don't tell anyone, okay?" She puts a single finger to my lips as if to make sure I understand.

I simply give her a small nod. "Alright, got it."

We silently walk down the halls afterwards, eventually heading outside.

"Hey, Odama-san." I say as we walk through the pathways, occasionally waving to passing students. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hm? Anything, Shino-san."

"Forgive me if this sounds self-aggrandizing, egocentric, or morbid, but… what do you think would happen if I were to leave?"

"Leave…?"

Odama gives me a curious look. I probably have a serious expression on my face right now. It's a question that begs an answer that feeds the ego. "Oh we'd be so devastated", "The kids would be upset", "I can't imagine things without you here". But… I want to know. I want to confirm the truth. If what the headmaster said is true, then… I have to consider it.

"You're not thinking of quitting, are you, Shino-san...!?"

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Of course not. It's just…"

"Just…?"

"Something came up, I suppose. You could say that… I was informed there's people who wouldn't want me here."

"Well… those people are stupid, Shino-san! If you weren't here anymore… I don't know if anyone could gain the same level of trust as you. You really aren't thinking of…"

"Odama-san, I swear that I won't leave and that I have absolutely zero plans of doing so. After all, I can't become the first posted therapist to see an entire class through if I leave, right?"

"You better not." She says, almost pouting. "Though… what brought that question on?"

I give her a small smile, putting a single finger to her mouth.

"It's a secret."

She gives an even bigger smile back, playfully shoving me. "Ohoho, look at you! I didn't think you could do something that."

I only roll my eyes, starting to walk away. "But in all seriousness, it has to deal with the trip I got back from. Keep that a secret, okay?"

"Mhm. I will, Shino-san. Though, why me?"

"Well… I suppose it just happened to be by chance. You and I aren't particularly close, but know each other well enough. I couldn't ask someone I knew better as that might bias their answer, but asking a complete stranger was out of the question as well."

She pouts. "You know Shino-san, that's where you tell a woman 'It's because I trust you'. You'd definitely be more popular with the ladies if you knew how to read the mood."

"Well, I suppose that it's a good thing I have no desire to be 'popular with the ladies', but thanks for the advice. I'm going to go rest now, I'm really exhausted from the trip."

"Hmhmm, okay~ Though if you're free this evening, we're having a small night out since we won't have to teach during the double battles."

"I'll see if I'm awake, I guess. See you later, Odama-san."

I go straight to my bedroom after that, lying down in my bed and closing my eyes. Geez, I'm getting incredibly sappy and sloppy. I shouldn't be so bothered about this… yet I still am. Then again, I don't exactly have nerves of steel. Of course being told that… there's people who don't want me here, to get to the Academy… yeah.

I groan, reaching for my phone, and dial Bunryoku.

"Shino-san?"

"Hey, Bunryoku-san, are you free right now?"

"I'm actually just wrapping up some paperwork now, what do you need?"

"Can you stop by my room whenever you're free? There was a request I wanted to make of you."

"H-huh? Oh, sure. Oh, right, you want a briefing of everything you've missed, right?"

"Yeah. I'm a bit tired, so I apologize…"

"No, I understand. I'll be right over, maybe thirty minutes. That fine?"

"Sounds good. If I don't answer, I've probably fallen asleep, so don't rush yourself."

"Got it, I'll be right over."

It's about twenty two minutes when I hear a knock on the door.

"Shino-san?"

I get up, walk over to the door, and open it. "Ah, Bunryoku-san. Sorry for the sudden call… please, come in."

I step aside, letting her in. She walks around and looks around the room, as if trying to see who I am just from my room.

"So, I have the report. Though I have to say, this can wait for tomorrow. You just got back, right?"

"It's fine, thank you for the report. Additionally, I thought I could talk to you about something."

"Something…?"

"It has to deal with the business trip." I say, walking over to the couch and sitting down on it, with Bunryoku closing the door behind her. "I suppose I needed to talk with you."

"Ah… Shino-san, are you perhaps asking me to counsel you?"

"I just need someone to listen, someone who I can easily argue should know about it, rather than have to sort through the paperwork of getting someone cleared lest I deal with some sort of charge or nasty repercussions."

"I see…" she says, coming over and sitting down. "Okay, I'll listen, Shino-san. Go ahead."

I skip most of the trip, but then talk to her mainly about the situation with the suits and what the headmaster told me. Bunryoku listens to all of it, paying attention the entire time, asking questions on how I felt about things going on at the time.

"And I suppose… that's where I am now."

"Geez… you really don't make this job easy on me, do you?" She asks, lightening the mood a bit. "Well, I'm glad I was here for you, and I'm glad you trust me this much."

"Well, I'm going to trust you with much bigger things than my health, so this is just par for course."

"Hehe. Though… I suppose I can see where you're coming from, when you don't trust the Academy wholly. But if you can't trust the higher ups, Shino-san, then you can trust everyone else, right?" She says, waving her hand as if to gesture to an imaginary group of faculty in the office.

"Yes, that is true." I say, folding my hands together.

"Don't be afraid to voice things with them. I don't think anyone would hold it against you if you thought something was being done wrong. As for those who might not want you here… Shino-san, I firmly believe that if the Academy views you as a pillar, then they will not let anything happen to you so easily. And… I think that perhaps, you should get a little more in touch with the students."

"Hm?"

"I know you're very well connected with them. But the way they view you is a savior like figure. Someone to run to when in danger. If you're afraid that something might happen because of something happening to you, then you should work on removing yourself from such a lofty position. That you're a friend, rather than a hero."

"That's going to be a little rough."

She gives me a smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Maybe you can get a little more involved with them."

"But doesn't that just feel like a celebrity poking in at some school and reading to the kids or something?"

"Then don't make it a one time thing. Help sponsor a club, or help out a club a lot more. You know a few staff members, right? I'm sure someone could always use a helping hand."

"I suppose… but, wouldn't that be a potential conflict…? My ability to fully treat and work with them might become compromised."

"Then I'll be the person they come to. I'm willing to do that for you, Shino-san." She says with a confident nod. "So just try your best, okay? I'll even ask around for you, see if there's any clubs that could use the help."

"You don't have to… do that, you know?"

"Hehehe, well, I think I might just be a little more approachable, Shino-san. No offense intended, but… you are a little similar to Orimura-san in that regard."

Unapproachable, huh…? I can't really fight against that. Both of us have a bit of legend behind us, though the nature of said legends are quite different. A fierce warrior that no one could top. An insane man with an even more insane work ethic. But because of that, we've sort of strayed from normality.

"Shino-san?" She asks, apparently having leaned in to check on me.

I put a hand up to say that I'm fine. "Sorry, it's just… that struck a chord in me, I guess."

"I see… anything else I can do for you, then?"

I shake my head 'no'.

"Alright. Rest up then, Shino-san. If you'll excuse me."

"Ah, I'll walk you out."

She nods, walking over to the door. I open it for her and let her out.

"I'll have a list for you in two days, so just let me know which one looks interesting, and maybe I can help guide you there."

"Alright. Thanks for all the help, Bunryoku-san."

"My pleasure, Shino-san. See you around."

She gives a small, friendly wave as she leaves and I close the door behind her, locking it before retreating back to my bed. It's all just been so exhausting. Getting this one-two punch. This is way more than I thought I was supposed to handle.

Did IS Academy have students this… eccentric before? I thought it was just the killer work schedule or the girls that really didn't like them trying to get rid of them or just the general stress of the environment.

But this?

This is an entirely new level of things. I never signed up for any of this, I just signed up because… I wanted to be challenged and they thought I'd be a good fit. I enjoy helping people and making sure that they're all healthy in the mind, yet… everything just feels different now.

Maybe I just need something to take my mind off of this whole mess. I need a hobby, a new hobby, anyways, something that really will take my mind off of work or this insanity in general.

As long as I don't take up smoking again, I should be fine. I already told myself I wouldn't go back to doing that.

I guess all I can do for now is rest up, wait for Bunryoku's list, and then see what I can do…


Very short chapter today, but that's because I felt it was a good drop off point.

So, this was another serious chapter. I think I'm going to try to course correct and get back to a more jovial tone, because seriously the amount of drama so far has been way too much for a story that was so light-hearted at first. I really need to get it back on track.

I thought this was a good place to set up the world at large, at all the machinations going on behind Galen's back. I knew that eventually, I'd have to deal with them, as in the later parts of IS you have full scale infiltrations and attacks on the Academy. I considered just letting Galen cruise along and deal with each one, but I think that based on his position and his actions, if the world took an interest in him, then so too would say, Phantom Task.

I also think it's a good segway into a lighter part of the story, namely since Galen is being redirected to a club. I know that obviously some dramatic and darker parts have to happen, but at the same I think that all the recent chapters have been rather dreary. Giving it a bit of spice and happy sections for once might bring some life back, since I've felt highly conflicted about the direction of the story. So, we'll see how it goes. Ultimately I didn't want the story to be gritty, I wanted it to be something nice. Just a normal guy at IS Academy trying to get by, unable to fight and change the world, but just being there for the people who are. Something like that.

Either way, let me know what you think. See you guys next chapter.