God Eater 3: The Twin Devils

by E2Moto

God Eater 3 AU story. Instead of one main protagonist, what will happen if there are two protagonists who are brother and sister instead? How will this twist affect the original story of God Eater 3? Rated 'M' for violence, and possible slight profanity.

19. Chapter 19: Departing for Arrowhead

Disclaimer: I do not own God Eater, and any contents already in the game.

---

Author's Note: Get ready for a big chapter.

---

Chapter 19: Departing for Arrowhead

"So, you guys are ready?" Keith asked while holding his tool box, and another box with new acceleration trigger devices in the God Arc storage room aboard their docked Ashcrawler.

"Yep. I even brought us some snacks," Eryk grinned while setting a pack of them on the table. "It's all up for grabs."

"I also brought us some sodas and energy drinks," Gustav added while also laying a pack of them on the table. "They're also up for grabs."

"Thanks, guys," Keith smiled. "But man, this is really generous."

"Nah, don't worry about it," Gustav smiled. "We can always buy new ones, and we get paid here quite well. Plus, we're also minimal spenders."

"Yeah, after doing an inspection in your rooms a few times," Shin chuckled. "All your rooms were always barren and totally clean, and definitely got good passes that I don't even want to be bothered checking again."

"Thank you, kind sir," Adrian bowed.

"And our captain on the other hand..," Shin peeked out of the room to make sure Trista was not nearby. "Cans. Cans everywhere, every time. I have to painstakingly tell her to clean up every time, and she won't do it if I don't tell her that the owner will have her head if she doesn't."

Then everyone laughed.

"And you're up pretty early, Shin," Keith smiled. "I mean, you don't need to be here, but…"

"I'm an early bird," Shin smiled back. "And I just wanted to kill time by hanging around here. Is..that bad?"

"Oh no. Not at all, friend," Keith chuckled. "The more the merrier, right? Plus, there's also me who likes staying up late."

"Oh," Gustav murmured.

"Oh no, please don't take it the wrong way," Keith waved his hands. "I enjoy what I do, so this is all worth it."

"I see," Gustav nodded. "We really appreciate you helping us."

"No problem at all," Keith replied. "As long as I'm saving lives with this, I'm golden."

"So, who's up first?"

"I guess I'll be up," Gustav replied.

"Alright, then," Keith smiled. "Just set your God Arc here, and we'll get started."

Then an hour passed before Keith installed everyone's God Arcs, and Garret and Amber also arrived to hang out.

"There you go. Phew." Keith sighed before drinking his soda. "I did a base tune in that based on everyone's experiences, so it should be fine."

"Oh yeah," Eryk said, staring at his armlet before he smiled at Keith. "If the captain, and everyone else were perfectly fine, then I should be fine, too."

"I had no complaints at all with mine," Garret smiled. "It felt so natural to me. We all trust you, Keith."

"Heh, thanks a lot, guys," Keith shyly scratched his head. "I'm really glad I could be of any help."

"Hmhm, I wonder how this will make my fencing skills more glamorous," Adrian stared at his armlet, grinning. "To the point that I'll make the finest lady God Eaters swoon."

"Definitely not me," Selene murmured before everyone laughed.

"You're going to be piercing big holes even on a large Aragami like a Vajra, I tell you," Shin chuckled.

"But I wonder how much it can help us deal with an Ashborn if we encounter one," Selene stared at her armlet before she clutched her fist. "I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it."

Then Shin raised his eyes, "Hmm...Now you mention that, and since we're all here except the captain who already knew about it, it would be a perfect time to ask."

Then he turned to Keith, "Could you tell us how you guys brought an Ash Aragami down?"

Then everyone gasped.

"What?" Selene murmured, aghast by it.

"Vice captain..?" Garret murmured.

"Ricardo told us about it the same night they came here," Shin replied. "Even captain Daris knows about it now, and we decided to keep this low until later, but I figured you guys will learn about it later anyway."

Then Keith stared at Shin for a few seconds before he replied, "That's true."

"No way!" Eryk leaned forward from the bulkhead. "How?!"

"Unfortunately, I wasn't there when they did," Keith murmured. "I was doing periodical maintenance checks on the two engines while we were stopped, and then an Ashborn appeared while they were clearing a course for us. They almost got wiped out quickly."

"Damn..," Gustav murmured, still shocked by the news. "You guys got really lucky."

"We are," Hugo walked into the storage entrance with Zeke behind him. "We wanted to keep this a secret from you guys for now to avoid causing an uproar, but I guess rumors do spread fast."

"I'm sorry, Hugo," Shin murmured. "It was me who brought it up, and Ricardo already told us about it, including the Fox Unit captain the night you guys came here. He also told us to keep it low for now, and I intended to do the same for everyone here. You can trust my guys when it comes to keeping secrets."

"That I do," Hugo smiled. "But yeah, we did bag an Ashborn together."

"So, how did you defeat such a monster?" Garret eagerly asked.

"It wasn't us alone," Hugo replied. "Phym also saved us when we all cheated death, and then we did the rest."

"Phym?" Amber raised her eyes. "That little girl I shared candies with?"

Then everyone chuckled.

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "There's more than what you can see in her. It wasn't an easy battle, but her Engaging with everyone of us was what pulled us through."

"Engage? You mean the one you and the captain did yesterday?" Eryk commented. "That's crazy!"

"I won't deny that," Hugo smiled. "But that's what really happened, and without her, we would have all been goners."

"And we smashed that thing 6 feet underground," Zeke added. "Thinking about it, I honestly still can't believe we're still here."

"I still find it hard to believe you guys survived fighting such a monster," Gustav said. "Even Gleipnir couldn't figure out how to deal with them. I've heard stories of their own units getting completely wiped out each time they appeared, and I'm getting shivers thinking about it."

"And not to mention even we have our own few encounters with them here," Shin added. "Though somehow, we're lucky that we haven't had one yet, but I did think of escape measures based on Captain Daris' experiences in case we do run into one ourselves."

"Daris?" Hugo raised his eyes. "The other captain we met a few times, right?"

"Yeah," Shin nodded. "His unit was the one who seemed to have bad luck in running into them, and after losing a few of his guys, he quickly came up with escape plans, swearing to never lose any of his people again. He even had standing orders to avoid engaging one at all times, and one time his escape plan worked when he and his guys sighted a Balmung just outside one of the frozen plants."

"A Balmung..?" Hugo narrowed his eyes with intrigue. "What does that look like?"

"It's an Ashborn that looks like a lion. Here," Shin pulled out his small tablet, and showed him a picture. It was a picture of a white lion Aragami at the entrance of a plant that was seemingly taken from a cliff, and was also staring at the camera viewer when the picture was taken. The image was quite blurry, suggesting that the person could not keep his camera still before it was taken, likely out of fear.

'It was seemingly searching for something,' Hugo mused. 'Phym was likely shipped here before they left for Arrowhead, even before we ran into them in Pennywort. That thing must be tracking her down.'

"That's the only image I had from Daris before it found them, and this just happened last month," Shin explained. "Him and his vice captain Eugene drew its attention to them so their guys could escape, and somehow, they managed to slip away before they sent a distress signal to Mia to send a rescue team for emergency extraction. We're the ones who did."

"Damn, I still remember that time," Gustav added. "After we came back with them, his guys were still shaken by it in the hangar bay, and we had to fill their patrol duties for the next few days."

"That, we gladly did," Shin replied. "It was also a good thing that Aragami presence was slow at that time, so none of us complained."

"I wholeheartedly agree," Gustav nodded.

"And that was no coincidence," Hugo murmured. "Before we fought one in Baran territory, we also noticed that Aragami presence in that region dwindled. It's very likely that Ashborn appearances tend to scare the weaker ones away, and Lulu also agreed with that. She observed the same trend while she was still in Baran."

"Then that would be useful information that Daris and everyone of us should know," Shin said. "It really sucks, though. Ashborn information is so lacking, so we can't come up with a lot of strategies to deal with them."

Then he suddenly paused, "Wait a minute. Hugo, don't you have information on the Ashborn you fought?"

"That, we do," Hugo replied. "We recorded everything we learned. Its behavior, abilities, and even where we encountered them. What about it?"

"We have an Aragami simulator that we use for training," Shin replied. "Maybe we can implement data about Ashborns, and program an AI based on your info. Then we can use that to train others in dealing with them, and except Ashborns, our sims had every Aragami in it so our God Eaters can stay sharp."

"Huh, that's an interesting idea," Hugo rubbed his chin. "We're initially planning to sell information about Ashborns to those who want them. But of course, I won't charge anyone in this Port for it, either. This is our home, and this idea could save lives here. I think that's a great idea you made, Shin, and I think it's definitely going to fly."

"Yep," Shin nodded before he turned to Keith. "Looks like we have a big project going."

"Who is the one doing the programming, though?" Keith asked. "Because I'm not the computer engineer type yet."

"Don't worry about it," Shin replied. "We have people in charge of maintaining the sims, and keeping them up to date. We do have Dusty Miller, and even Baran selling us Aragami info. All we have to do is take notes about them, and send it here. The programming guys will take care of the rest."

"And just so you guys know, anyone outside this Port who wanted Ashborn information from us will cost them a huge fee," Hugo grinned. "We'll risk our necks out there to get all that, so we need something big out of them. Plus, we need to start gathering funds for our Port, hehe."

Shin laughed, "You're quite a businessman, like the owner."

"Building your own Port, huh?" Garret smiled. "That's a huge dream."

"Yep, and we'll make it happen," Hugo clenched his fist with motivation.

"I'm getting excited for this project," Gustav grinned. "I've always wanted to learn to carve an Ashborn to shreds someday."

"Same here," Selene added. "I admit that it shakes me whenever I think about them, but anything that will make me stronger."

"Oh, and another cool thing," Hugo grinned. "If this project does reach completion, we can also sell these programs to anyone who wants them. With a bigger price than just Ashborn info..for EACH Ash Aragami."

Then Shin laughed again, "Oh, boy. I can see the owner in you now."

"Business will be business," Hugo chuckled.

"Mind if I see what you have about them?" Shin asked.

"Sure," Hugo nodded.

"Here, I also have it with me," Keith pulled a tablet out of his jacket, and set it up to the Ashborn info screen before handing it to Shin.

Shin took the tablet, and started reading it while his curious members also peered over.

"Oh, this is definitely Ra as Ricardo described," Shin murmured as he continued reading.

Then Amber and Selene shuddered, whimpering.

"T-they can do Burst, and become stronger like you AGEs?" Amber murmured.

"Yep," Hugo nodded.

"We fought it like that almost the whole time," Zeke added. "Until Jerad brutally finished it off with a Burst art."

"Jerad, huh?" Garret murmured.

"Hm," Selene faintly smiled.

"I personally find that believable, having fought against that Havakiri with him yesterday," Gustav replied. "His fighting skill is NOTHING to scoff at, and we had a hard time hitting it until he landed the first hit. He's like a demon, and he scares me, sometimes."

Zeke chuckled, "That's actually how we've been describing him."

"We can also say the same about that blue haired scythe girl on our end," Eryk added.

"You mean Misha?" Hugo asked.

"Yeah," Eryk nodded. "We watched her hack a lot of Aragami to ribbons with each swing, and for two battles in a row with her, she left dead Aragami around her in her wake. That Grim Reaper definitely put my own skill to shame, and there's no way I could keep swinging my scythe like that too long..currently."

"Ah, that divine Angel of Death," Adrian said with admiration. "To slay a myriad of vile beasts with a single swing of retribution."

"The Grim Reaper, huh?" Zeke chuckled.

Then him, Hugo, and Keith glanced at each other before they broke into laughter.

"I know you guys don't mean it as a bad thing, but please don't say this out loud in front of her," Hugo kept laughing. "She doesn't take kindly to any sort of teasing or even name-calling."

"It does fit her nicely, though." Selene giggled. "I did see her tirelessly slay a lot of Aragami around her incredibly fast."

"I know," Hugo chuckled. "But this is also why her brother likes getting his kicks teasing her, but for now, please keep this between us. Misha has a bad side you don't want to see, hehe."

"I can vouch for that," Zeke grinned. "She was brave enough to pound the boneheads of this guy, and her brother, HER BROTHER, for being jerks to Claire."

"Hey!" Hugo grimaced while Zeke laughed.

"Claire..?" Selene raised her eyes. "What did she do..?"

"Oh, it was nothing too bad," Hugo smiled. "I was just testing her when we met. Though, it was a different story for Jerad, and it's a long one."

"Beauty and the Beast, that's how you sum it up with a few words," Zeke laughed.

"Oh," Selene murmured. "I see."

Meanwhile, Shin, Garret, Amber, and Gustav were reading about Ashborns together, and after Shin scrolled down, he gasped.

"Whoa! You guys ran into this thing, too?!" Shin cried before showing him the tablet.

"Oh yeah," Hugo nodded.

"What is that?" Garret curiously asked.

"It's an Anubis," Shin replied. "The strongest Ashborn found so far. To know that you guys even grazed this thing!"

"Oh, we have a crazy story to tell you about that," Zeke grinned. "It was the one that blew a huge hole behind our Ashcrawler, that huge hole you probably already saw in the hangar, and why we had to stop here for repairs. We managed to knock that thing off the ship, and man, that mofo was persistent. That thing was charging its laser from its mouth while we hopelessly kept shooting at it until Lulu managed to land a good shot, and blew its face up. That thing still survived, but it gave up and left."

"Wow, lady luck sure likes watching you guys a lot," Garret chuckled.

"That Ashborn even got on board, and tried to devour Phym," Hugo added. "But Jerad got bitten trying to protect her, instead, and then was in a coma for three days."

"Wow, he survived that?!" Selene gasped.

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "Though, if it wasn't for her healing him…"

"Now I can see why she's so attached to him..," Selene murmured.

"Yep, by becoming her daddy," Zeke laughed.

"Man, seeing how frightening these Ashborns are," Eryk said. "Now I want this project to fly. I wanna start learning, and training for them."

"If you guys wanna start learning more, you can start talking to Jerad himself," Hugo replied. "He is the one who fought Ra the most after all, and he also jotted most of that info you guys are reading."

"Huh, yeah," Eryk murmured. "I've wanted to talk to him a few times, but he doesn't seem that..approachable."

Then Hugo, Zeke, and Gustav laughed.

"I can see where you're coming from," Hugo smiled. "But he is a good guy at heart."

"I agree with him," Gustav added. "I've talked to him before, and he's not that bad. He actually takes the time to listen, and here's the thing, I'm sure every one of us wolf guys here can share with him one way or the other, if you know what I mean."

"Huh, oh yeah, that makes sense," Eryk murmured again. "I forgot that he is an AGE, after all..."

"I'll tell you what," Zeke added. "He was a LOT worse back then, and was even pissed off all the time. Now he's much easier to get along with, and before that, you have to earn a LOT of his trust before you can even start talking to him."

"Really..?" Selene murmured.

"Yeah," Zeke nodded with a smile. "He used to hate everyone who isn't an AGE, but he's not like that anymore. You still wouldn't want to betray his trust even once, though."

"I...can see why," Selene frowned.

"And with that being said," Hugo chuckled. "I was watching him make fun of you yesterday after our last mission, and I'm honestly surprised. He used to only do that to his sister. See what that means?"

"Y-yeah..," Selene nodded.

"I'd say, go talk to him whenever you can," Gustav suggested. "Just don't look awkward around him."

"I'll try," Eryk nodded.

"Likewise," Adrian also nodded. "I would like to know the humble beginnings of this magnificent God Eater."

"Oh, and one more thing," Hugo grinned. "Since you guys just read about Ashborns, don't talk to him about Anubis, OK?"

"Why is that, if I can ask..?" Gustav said.

"I think he has a serious vendetta against that thing," Hugo laughed.

"Ohhh yeah," Zeke grinned. "I saw his face after Claire told us what that Ash Aragami that bit him was. To get put in a coma for 3 days for that? His pride will have none of that. Haha!"

"To pursue revenge on an Ashborn?!" Selene cried. "That's crazy!"

Zeke laughed again, "Crazy is how you describe 70% of him."

"70% of whom..?" Misha suddenly groaned from the storage vault entrance with Lulu, Claire, and Phym behind her. "Good morning, by the way. I can hear you guys from our room."

Then she yawned.

"Oh, good morning," Everyone greeted back.

"Good morning, everyone," Phym excitedly waved.

"Good morning, Phym," Amber and Selene greeted back with a smile.

"Oh, man. It's the reaper..," Eryk slightly gasped.

"Hey," Gustav elbow tugged him. "Did you already forget what Hugo told you..? She'll rip your soul out, and send you to hell, if she hears you."

"So, what did I miss?" Misha asked.

"Keith just finished installing the acceleration trigger on the rest when I came here," Hugo replied.

"Aaand we're talking about Ashborns, and then your brother," Zeke grinned.

"Wha-?" Misha gasped along with Claire and Lulu. "Soo...these guys know now, huh?"

"Yeah," Shin nodded while showing his tablet about Ash Aragami to her. "Sorry, but it was me who brought it up by asking Keith. Ricardo already told us the other night, including captain Daris and Trista."

"Wait, so..," Misha murmured.

Then Shin chuckled, "Don't worry. This stays between us so far, and we won't spread the news fast."

"Ah, OK," Misha sighed with relief. "And then what about my brother?"

Hugo chuckled, "Nothing bad. I'm just telling everyone how to be friends with him, and Zeke and I originally came here to look for him, but we decided to stick around here."

Misha laughed, "Oh yeah. I think my brother does need more friends."

"That, I agree," Claire giggled.

"Where's daddy?" Phym murmured.

"I'm sure he's in the Port somewhere," Claire whispered back. "We'll find him, don't worry."

Then Misha turned to the four guys, "Yeah, my brother may be a bit grating at first, but he's a great guy at heart. Please don't be intimidated."

Gustav chuckled, "That, I know. I did talk to him before, and he wasn't bad at all."

"Thanks," Misha smiled. "It takes time for him to warm up to others."

"We'll do our best," Eryk smiled back. "He's our comrade for us."

"Damn, it's about time soon," Shin murmured while glancing at the clock hanging on the bulkhead. "We have a meeting with the captain soon, so we gotta move. We'll see you guys at breakfast afterwards, and please find Jerad before that."

"We'll find him," Hugo nodded.

"I'll stay here, and create more acceleration triggers for the other unit," Keith said.

"Really?" Zeke narrowed his eyes. "You gotta take a breather sometimes, bro."

"Nah, I'm good, thanks. I love doing this." Keith smiled before turning to the wolf guys. "And thanks again for bringing me a lot of parts for it. I'll take it from here."

"It's all good, man," Eryk replied. "Just doing what we can to help. Thanks again for putting these on us."

"No problemo," Keith smiled.

"Here," Shin handed his tablet. "Thanks for sharing this with us."

"Yep," Keith took the tablet, and slipped it in his jacket. "Can't wait to start working on that project."

"Me, too," Shin grinned. "I'm excited."

"Yeah, looks like a new market for us," Hugo also grinned.

"Project? Market?" Misha raised her eyes. "What are you scheming, Hugo?"

"We'll tell you on the way out," Hugo replied before he turned to Keith. "See you later."

"And don't forget to eat breakfast with us in an hour, Keith." Zeke firmly advised. "You better be there."

"I will, bro," Keith waved his hand. "I'll see you later."

Then they exited the God Arc Storage Vault.

"It's nice to see someone who greatly cared for his brother," Lulu smiled. "Keith really works hard, and tends to go over the stretch. I would have been like that, if I had a sibling, be it younger or older."

"It wasn't easy..," Zeke scratched his head.

"I bet," Lulu nodded. "But I think you're doing fine."

"Thanks," Zeke smiled.

'But Neal. I wonder how he's been doing.'

---

Also earlier this morning.

Somehow, Jerad happened to wake up earlier than everyone, and seeing this as an opportunity to have some time alone, decided to tour the rest of the Port. Chrysanthemum is now his new home, after all, but this was something he still struggled to internalize, and perhaps, living in an oppressive life in Pennywort for about 10 years made him feel that normal life is unnatural. He still could not shake the lingering tensions he always had from facing the guards' daily cruelties whenever he meets other people, including Trista's friends, but he also knew he has been doing his best not to put a defensive wall around him, even though he knew that most, if not all, people in this Port are good people. He thought that perhaps he would definitely need to tour around alone, both at his own pace, and without anyone to interfere with his self-integration..as selfish as he himself admitted.

He first visited the shopping district, the place that he is most familiar with, but unfortunately, most stores are still closed for another 15 minutes before they can open so he can start browsing, and visiting the dining district was not any different. He could have bought himself a coffee to wake himself up despite that he woke up early himself, and still felt tired. He knew he would not be able to sleep again, so he did not bother trying to go back to sleep, and he had known himself as a light sleeper.

He sat on a bench near a coffee shop, and once it opened, he slowly walked inside, and approached a barista, who was cleaning her table.

'Hm, cold coffee, huh? At least I won't have to wait until it cools a bit before drinking it.'

"Good morning. Is coffee ready for ordering?" Jerad politely asked.

"Oh, of course, sir." The barista smiled. "May I take your order?"

"Hm," Jerad stared at the overhead menu screen. "I would like to order something sweet."

"With that, I would recommend a vanilla latte with whip cream," The barista smiled again. "Would you like one?"

"Sure," Jerad nodded.

"What size, sir?" The barista asked.

"Uh, what do you have?" Jerad murmured.

"We have medium, and large," The barista replied. "Would you like the large one?"

"Ehh, I think I'll pick medium," Jerad awkwardly chuckled. "Just need a bit to wake myself up."

"That's good, sir. Will that be it?" The barista asked.

"Yeah," Jerad plainly smiled.

"That will be 100 FCs," The barista smiled.

"Alright," Jerad pulled his card out of his pocket, and swiped it.

"Thank you, sir," The barista nodded. "You have a wonderful morning."

"Thanks. You, too." Jerad smiled back before he left outside.

Wanting to taste his cold coffee and wake himself up with it, he sat on the same bench earlier, and slouched back. Then he put his arm on top of the backrest, and sighed in relaxation before he took a few sips with his straw.

'Wow, this thing is sweet,' Jerad smiled while sipping. He sat on the bench for a few minutes, and once his body felt lighter, and his cup already halfway through, he sat up and decided to head back to the shopping district.

Seeing that most stores are open now, Jerad started strolling the main hall, trying to decide which stores he should wander into first before he stopped in front of a candy shop. It is a different one that Phym has not seen yet, so he decided to walk in there to see if there might be some candy he can buy that she has not tried yet. After glancing at a few bags, he grabbed two of them, and brought them to the cashier.

"Hey, how's it going?" The cashier greeted.

"Good," Jerad replied.

"That will be it, right?" The cashier asked.

"Yep," Jerad nodded.

"That will be 700 FCs," The cashier smiled.

"OK," Jerad slid his card before the cashier packed the two candy bags into a small bag.

"Here you go. Have a good day, sir," The cashier handed the bag to him with a smile.

"You, too." Jerad smiled back. "Have a good day."

Then Jerad left the candy shop, and strolled back into the main hall. After a few turns, he ended up in a place where he had been yesterday.

'So, this place works like a loop, huh?' He shrugged, and continued until he stopped near a perfume shop again, the same shop they visited yesterday. He stared at it for a few seconds before he decided to check inside, becoming more curious about the appeal of it after remembering Claire and Zeke buying one. He went straight to the cologne section, the same spot where Keith and Zeke were, and grabbed a demo bottle.

'I don't really understand the appeal of these,' He mused. 'I mean, cleaning yourself in showers should be good enough. Why would people even bother with them?'

Then he tried a few bottles by spraying on his palm, and sniffing each time, still trying to see why people would like them. After he tried the last one.

'Oh, this one smelled nice,' Jerad smiled. 'I still don't get it, though.'

---

"We're all free now, so you gotta start trying new things from now on, OK? And who knows what might happen to you at this point. Heh, you might even fall for someone in this Port someday, and oh wait, I almost forgot…"

"You might even start dating Claire here. Haha!"

"Anyway, if that does happen to both of you, you're going to wish you had one."

---

Remembering Zeke's advice that he scoffed at yesterday, somehow, made him feel compelled to have this now.

'Damn you, Zeke,' Jerad grimaced, but nevertheless took the product version, and headed for the cashier.

"Good morning. I would like to buy this one," Jerad murmured before readily pulling his card out of his pocket to pay.

"Sure," The male cashier took it, and smiled after he glanced at it. "You're dating, right?"

"Huh..?" Jerad leaned back, flustered, and he was starting to feel that maybe he should not have bought it. "T-this is my first time buying one of these, and just wanted to try them out."

"Ooh, this one is pretty popular for guys who are getting into dating, just so you know," The cashier smiled. "Plus, I saw you with that looker while you were here yesterday. You have good taste on both sides, my friend."

"W-well..she's..," Jerad paused, and awkwardly closed his eyes. He was also starting to feel hot all over. "Whatever. Please..get this over with…"

He further said this while trying his best not to sound rude, knowing that this person did not mean anything bad for him at all.

"Right away sir," The cashier scanned the item. "That will be 1000 FCs."

Though a bit pricey, it is nothing compared to how much Hilda has been paying them for their service versus how much he saved, and with this, he would not mind expending this much money at all..for now.

The cashier placed the item inside the bag with a receipt, and handed it to him, "Here you go, sir. Have a great day, and I wish you the best of luck. You can do it."

Seeing his genuine smile, Jerad could only helplessly smile back, "Thanks."

Though without showing it, Jerad eagerly left the store, and took a deep sigh after making sure the cashier cannot see him. It was definitely an awkward and draining experience for him, and being done exploring this district, he decided to head for the square to rest. He has always known that place to look beautiful that it felt relaxing, and considering how much time already passed, it was only a matter of time until his friends wake up and look for him, missing so early in the morning. He walked into the exit of the district, and as the door opened, he was surprised to see a few kids running around and playing in the square with a few with their parents in tow.

'It's still morning,' Jerad thought. 'Aren't these kids supposed to be in school?'

Then he remembered that it is Sunday, 'Oh, that makes sense.'

While watching the kids play, Jerad sat on one of the benches of the outer section of the square, and set his shopping bags beside him. His coffee cup is still a little less than halfway finished, so he might as well as drink the rest of it while relaxing, and as he sipped, he continued watching them. He felt a bit of nostalgia, vaguely remembering how Misha, and him used to play in a satellite base with their parents that he has forgotten the name of. A faint memory that he regrettably had. How could he have forgotten these times when they used to have a good normal life together? He groaned as he continued sipping the rest of his cold coffee, watching the kids play. The liveliness of this Port has been helping him ease his mind, and even at times, made him forget the cruelties of this rotten world.

"U-um, excuse me?" A voice of a timid young woman suddenly spoke beside him.

"Hm?" Jerad turned to her, and noticed that this young woman who seemed to be around his age had long, silky straight white hair hanging down just below her shoulders, and wearing a somewhat casual, but elegant brown dress with a white cardigan on top and a skirt that reaches below her ankles with a pair of boots. She is also wearing a pair of glasses.

However, his eyes widened when he saw her two red armlets.

'What the? She's an AGE,' Jerad swallowed, narrowly missing it before he choked on his drink. "May I help you..?"

"You're one of the new people who came from Pennywort, right?" The AGE lady smiled.

"Yeah..?" Jerad slowly nodded before setting his drink beside him.

"I'm Iris." She softly grinned before reaching her hand out to him. "It's nice to meet you. I run an orphanage here."

"Oh..I'm Jerad..Pennywort," He hesitantly shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, too."

Then Iris sat beside him.

"I'm so glad Sister Hilda decided to visit your Port before an Ash Storm came," Iris said. "I suggested that she visit there to rescue any AGEs who might have gotten stranded by the storm."

"Sister Hilda?" Jerad raised his eyes. 'So, that's how she was there by chance.'

"You're the owner's sister?"

"Oh, no," Iris giggled. "Sister Hilda, and I are not related by blood, but she's like an older sister to me since she's been taking care of me when I was a little girl."

Then he smiled, "Ah, I see. I greatly appreciate the help. Thanks."

"It's OK," Iris slowly shook her head. "I'm just glad you're all still here. Where are your friends, if I may ask? I would like to see them, and I already met the kids who came from your Port."

"Oh yeah, those three," Jerad scratched his head. "Anyway, they might be still asleep. I just happened to wake up really early this time, and decided to take a stroll."

Then Iris smiled, "That's OK. I look forward to seeing them."

"Iris," Lil suddenly called. "Can you play with us? Wha-?"

"Oh hey, it's Jerad," Marr smiled.

"Hey, what's up guys?" Jerad smiled back. "How you've been doing?"

"We're doing great," Marr nodded with a grin. "Iris has been taking care of us."

"That's good," Jerad chuckled before turning to Iris. "Thanks for looking after those three."

"My pleasure," Iris smiled. "I enjoy looking after kids."

Then Jerad chuckled, "Same, too, I guess. People always tell me that I have a good knack for them."

"There you are," Hugo suddenly spoke behind them. "We're about to start looking for you, and then…"

He suddenly paused after seeing a woman glance at him with a smile, "Whoa, she's an AGE? I don't think we've met yet."

Then Iris giggled, "You must be Jerad's friends, right?"

"Absolutely," Hugo replied before he reached his hand out. "I'm Hugo Pennywort."

"I see," Iris smiled. "My name is Iris, and I run the orphanage here."

"Iris..?" Misha murmured. "Ohh, Big Sis, I mean, Trista told us about you yesterday."

"Big Sis..? Are you-?" Iris murmured.

"Oh no, I just call her that since she was like an older sister to me," Misha giggled. "So, you run this Port's resonance radar?"

"That I do," Iris nodded. "I was born with a high resonance."

"Me, too," Misha grinned. "Oh, my name is Misha, Jerad's sister. Nice meeting you."

"Likewise," Iris smiled. "To be also blessed with a gift, and you two are actually siblings?"

"We are," Jerad smiled.

"Aand he also has high resonance like you two," Hugo chuckled.

"You do, too?" Iris smiled.

"Yeah..," Jerad scratched his head.

Hugo chuckled, "I'll just say, he's the type to lay low about his qualities."

"Hm," Jerad glanced at him before Hugo chuckled.

"I'm Zeke Pennywort," Zeke grinned. "Pleased to meet ya. I have a younger brother named Keith, but he's working inside the Ashcrawler right now, and I'll introduce him to you sometime."

"I'm Claire Victorious," Claire smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Iris smiled back.

"I'm Lulu Baran," Lulu introduced herself. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Iris replied.

"Phym, please introduce yourself," Claire whispered while she was standing behind her.

"Okay..," Phym murmured before she stood forward. "I'm Phym."

"Hello, Phym," Iris smiled. "You're quite an adorable one."

Then she caressed her cheek while Phym smiled before she suddenly latched on Jerad.

"Oof."

"And good morning, daddy," Phym nuzzled on him before Iris gasped.

"She's your child?" Iris murmured.

"Ehh, well..," Jerad murmured while stroking Phym's head.

"It's a long story, I'll just say," Hugo chuckled.

"But I'm still daddy's doe-ter," Phym murmured.

"Phym..," Jerad embarrassingly murmured before everyone laughed.

"You know, Hilda told me a lot about you," Iris said. "She said you all did a wonderful job keeping her travel safe. I thank you for that."

"No problem at all," Hugo smiled. "We owe a lot to her, and we'll keep it up. Even better later on."

"Glad to hear," Iris replied. "She is a wonderful person, and also saved my life a long time ago. I was one of the first people who lived here."

"I see," Hugo nodded.

Taking advantage of Jerad's distraction with Phym, Zeke slowly snuck his hand behind him, and around the same time Jerad noticed, he suddenly yanked the bag off his side.

"Zeke, what the hell?!" Jerad grimaced.

"Whatcha got here?" Zeke grinned while digging into Jerad's shopping bag. "Candies, and...ooh."

"Candies?!" Phym excitedly looked at him.

"I bought you some," Jerad smiled.

"Hoo hoo, so you did buy one," Zeke sneeringly waved his cologne box. "Glad you followed my dating advice, lover boy."

Then he started laughing.

"You went to that store this morning, brother?" Misha asked. "No fair! I wanna go there, too!"

'D-dating advice?!' Claire almost gasped. 'Was that what they were?! Ugh!'

"No!" Jerad glared at him, blushing. "I-I just wanna try it out. Give it back! Damn you!"

Then he carefully put Phym down before he chased him around the square while Zeke ran away laughing.

"Zeke..," Lulu closed her eyes, facepalming while Iris watched with bewilderment.

Hugo also laughed, "Don't worry. That's how those two are."

"I see," Iris smiled.

---

In their meeting room.

"So, that's it. Until Shin, and I come back from Arrowhead, Garret and Amber will be in charge of you as captain and vice captain, respectively," Trista said. "You guys cool with it?"

"I have absolutely no objections, ma'am," Gustav replied.

"I have no problem with it," Eryk also replied. "Garret always looked after us."

"I wholeheartedly agree with Eryk," Adrian added.

"How about you, Selene?" Shin asked.

"Um, I've only been with you for a few months, so I can't really judge," Selene replied. "But so far, I never had any issues with Garret and Amber, and he has been training me for a while now, so I will follow their lead, ma'am. No objections."

"Then that settles it," Trista smiled. "Once we leave tomorrow at noon, you two are the alphas, so look after the pack, and please stay in touch with me and Shin by email. If there are any problems, do not hesitate to ask."

"I will, and I won't fail," Garret sincerely replied.

"I will make sure you're satisfied, ma'am," Amber added.

"That's the answer I'd like to hear from you two," Trista grinned.

"Ma'am, please be careful in your voyage to Arrowhead," Garret said. "If what Hugo said about Phym is true, then you will definitely be fighting Ashborns, and I can't help but worry."

Then Trista sighed, "I will admit that our mission will be scary, and likely a thorny one, but Hugo does have a knack for keeping everyone around him alive, and while it's true that we did lose a lot of friends back in that prison, that's because they chose not to follow him, frankly. Part of the reason Shin and I survived is because we stuck closely with him, and even with those siblings. You already saw how those two fight, and this is also why we taught you guys these things. Everything you learned from us came from Hugo, and guess where we are now?"

Then she grinned, "An elite unit with zero losses, and I intend to keep it that way."

"And I'll make sure to keep that streak going," Garret nodded with a smile.

"Ah, those are music to my ears," Trista grinned again. "I'm very proud of you guys, you know that? Turning from a group of misfits into an elite. I have no complaints at all, haha."

"You really flatter us, ma'am," Gustav commented before everyone chuckled. "But I don't disagree with that at all. I'm proud to be among the best."

"Heh," Trista grinned at Gustav.

"But, nevertheless, Shin and I are going to train hard for this," Trista continued with a grim tone. "These Ashborns are a definite no joke, and I'm not planning to die in front of Hugo for it."

"Same here," Shin murmured. "Plus, I need to step my game up after seeing how much Jerad got better after seeing him fight again. I won't fall behind him, and will catch up to him without fail."

Trista chuckled, "Just like those old times now, huh? Trying to always 1-up each other every mission?"

"Yep," Shin nodded. "And it won't end there. Not that I intend to."

"And one more thing since we're running out of time," Trista continued. "Shin will be sending you Ashborn info that we can find, and bring them to the simulator crew each time to get them started with the programming. Also, keep this thing is a top secret between you and the simulator crew since Hugo is going to make big bucks out of this project, and I don't want Gleipnir and those Baran wretches trying to infiltrate or hack into our systems."

"Understood," Garret nodded.

"Hehe, should I silence anyone outside our Port who steals our information so they won't live to tell about it?" Shin grinned.

"Ooh," Trista and the others shivered. "That's quite a bad joke, Shin, because you'll be damn 100% effective at it, haha. If Hilda was bad, she would have made you her perfect assassin."

"Thanks, and I'm honored," Shin chuckled. "But I was genuinely joking. I don't think it's going to happen anyway."

Then Trista sighed after glancing at a clock, "We only got 5 minutes left now, so you guys have anything left?"

"Nope," Gustav replied.

"I think we're all good here," Eryk added.

"Alright, dismissed," Trista stood up with everyone. "I'll tell the owner about our plans later, but I'm sure she'll approve of it, anyway. It's also a good thing we won't be killing Aragami today since we damn effectively thinned the herd yesterday. That will also give us time to start packing our things later on."

"Oh, that was fun stuff yesterday," Gustav grinned.

"Yep," Trista grinned. "Let's go find the rest of our guys so we can finally get breakfast, and Shin, Garret, and Amber, let's see Hilda together after this chow."

"Yes, ma'am," Shin nodded.

"Absolutely, ma'am," Garret also nodded.

---

Back in the Port Square.

"Give it back. Damn you!" Jerad held Zeke's head in an elbow lock while prying his shopping bag off his hands. "And don't ruin Phym's candies. Dammit!"

"OK, OK," Zeke grunted before he let go, and Jerad finally released him. "But hey, would you mind if I try yours?"

"I don't care," Jerad plainly replied. "As long as you let me try yours."

"Deal, then." Zeke finally stood straight up. "Phew."

"You guys finally done?" Hugo chuckled.

"Yeah," Jerad gruffly replied before he sat back on the bench and sipped the rest of his coffee. Then he threw it away in the trash bin beside their bench.

Iris giggled, "You guys seemed very close."

"That, we are," Lulu smiled.

"I like it," Iris smiled back.

"Hey, guys. We just finished," Trista finally came. "Let's finally hit the chow before we...Oh, hey Iris!"

"Good morning, everyone," Iris greeted the approaching group with a smile.

"Good morning," Trista's unit greeted back.

"So, you guys finally met her," Trista grinned. "How are they?"

"They're good people," Iris smiled back.

"Yep, and they're no slouch in defending this Port, either," Trista chuckled. "The owner definitely brought in one hell of a powerhouse."

Feeling flattered, Hugo chuckled, "We'll keep it up, and then surpass her expectations."

"Definitely don't doubt it," Trista grinned. "So, you guys ready to chow? Iris, you should come with us."

"Thank you," Iris nodded. "I would be honored."

"Don't worry, Iris. We'll be fine here." Marr smiled.

"You guys better," Jerad gave a stern smile for the three as well as the rest of the kids he does not know yet. "This is your home now, so take care of it. Don't cause any trouble."

"We won't," Lil nodded. "We won't let you down."

"Jerad," Iris turned to him. "I didn't know you have a way of handling kids. These three have been well behaved since I met them, and they already told me a bit about you. They also seem to look up to you."

"It's my way of keeping them in line," Jerad smiled. "I used to bring them candies back in prison, too."

Iris giggled, "Oh my. You're quite generous."

"Eh, well," Jerad scratched his head. "That's..probably quite an overstatement."

"That's why you're a good daddy," Phym latched onto him.

"Oh, Phym..," Jerad shyly groaned before everyone laughed.

"Let's head in now before they close out the breakfast menu," Hugo said.

As soon as Jerad grabbed his ruffled bag, and stood up, Claire finally came to greet him but suddenly paused when she realized that he is not wearing his usual ragged and taped clothing anymore, and is now wearing a new one that he bought yesterday. Though it is the same exact outfit, it is now without tapes, tears, and unremovable dirt, and with that, he just looked much more…

"Uh, are you OK, Claire?" Jerad hesitantly asked, feeling uncomfortable. "Something on my face?"

"N-no. Nothing like that," Claire quickly shook her head before she smiled. "But your new clothes look nice."

"Oh..thanks," Jerad looked down and tugged his scarf. "It definitely felt refreshing wearing this, and I think I might buy a couple more."

"That would be great," Claire smiled again.

"Ooh, why don't you two just get a room?" Trista snickered. "I'm about to pass out just by watching you."

"Oh dammit, please," Jerad grimaced while Claire glared at her. `Why is everyone poking at me with this right now?'

"Okay, okay. Just calm down," Trista chuckled, waving her hands. "Just playing with you, jeez."

After Jerad and Claire walked off with Phym, Misha walked to Trista.

"Hm hm, I see you're starting to get a kick out of this, big sis," She snickered.

Then Trista chuckled, "Ooh, this is getting quite fun. I never imagined your moody brother would suddenly get on with a girl, and even a busty one at that. He's quite an amazing one, hehe. Just how did these two start becoming an item?"

"It's a longgg story, big sis," Misha sneered. "But I'll tell you later once we have tea this afternoon."

"Oh, please do tell me, my dear Misha," Trista grinned. "Deal. Tea is on me, then."

---

At their breakfast meal.

"Meal is finally here," Trista smiled. "Let's chow, because I've been starving like a hungry wolf."

"Heh, a hungry she-wolf," Shin murmured.

"Grr! Stop it!" Trista glared at him. "I hate that."

Then Hugo chuckled, "It does fit you nicely, no offense."

"Dammit, you too, Hugo?" Trista glared at him. "Ugh, whatever then."

Then she started eating her soup.

"So, Iris," Hugo smiled. "If it's OK, could you tell us about yourself?"

"Well," Iris murmured. "I was an orphan, and met Hilda in a satellite base shortly before the Calamity happened. I was one of the first AGEs made by Gleipnir, and having a high resonance, they did experiments on me."

"Whoa, wait," Hugo stopped her. " You can talk about that later. I'm sorry for asking."

"No, it's OK," Iris smiled. "Thank you for your concern, but it's a thing in the distant past now. So, after the experiment, they released me into Hilda's care, and that was when this Port was built. She also put me in charge of the orphanage."

"I see," Hugo nodded.

"I also don't fight, but I did insist in learning how a few years ago," Iris giggled. "But I told her that I want to be able to protect the children, if needed be, and she yielded."

Trista laughed, "Ooh, I was there at that time, and the owner was really adamant."

"Thank you again for teaching me, Trista," Iris smiled. "I felt more confident in my skills each time."

"Anytime," Trista smiled back. "Just see me anytime you need it."

Zeke chuckled, "You know? Jerad here has a knack for training kids. He taught those two, Marr and Lil."

"Oh?" Iris glanced at him.

"Well," Jerad murmured. "I may not be the best trainer out there since I don't go too easy on them."

"But those two look up to you," Iris replied. "They're wondering when you'll train them again."

"Hm, I guess I'll try squeezing time for it, then," Jerad said. "We are leaving tomorrow, so I'll make it worth it for them."

"Just..not by being too hard on them, OK?" Hugo advised.

"Nah, it's something else," Jerad gave him a reassuring grin. "I'll give them their biggest pointers to work on while we're gone."

"That's good," Hugo smiled.

"I'd like to be counted in, too." Zeke added. "I wanna try my hand on it."

"Be my guest," Jerad smiled. "I have late afternoon in mind. Right before dinner."

"Sounds perfect," Hugo nodded. "I might participate, too."

"The more, the better, I guess," Jerad said before sipping his last orange juice. "They could learn some things from you that I probably won't be able to teach."

"Yep," Hugo nodded.

"So, what God Arc do you have, Iris?" Jerad curiously asked.

"I have a variant scythe," Iris replied.

"Oh yeah," Trista beamed. "Misha, maybe you can help her with that."

"I guess I can try," Misha murmured. "I haven't got into teaching yet, but I'll be happy to."

"Ooh, we're gonna have another reaper here," Eryk whispered.

"Eryk, for your own good, keep your mouth shut," Gustav hissed.

"Hm?" Misha glared at Eryk. "Did I hear you call me 'reaper'?

'Oh shit,' Gustav silently thought. 'Now she's going to kill us!'

"Claire once called me that, you know?" Misha grimaced. "What is it about me that I get associated with that creepy, ugly thing?"

Then Hugo, Jerad, and even Claire bursted out laughing.

"The Grim Reaper. That's an interesting one to call you, sis," Jerad laughed again.

"Why? And that's not funny," Misha pouted.

"Seriously, you don't know?" Jerad chuckled. "It's a symbol of death from an old folklore we learned together back in school. You wield a variant scythe, and I've been seeing you slice a lot of Aragami to shreds with it each swing. You are basically the walking Death for them."

Then he turned to Claire, "When did you call her that?"

"When we just met," Claire giggled while covering her mouth. "Seeing her God Arc, and then her hairpin, I had that immediate impression on her."

"Oh, that one I gave her?" Jerad smiled. "That makes sense, but wow, I didn't know that "creepy, ugly" grim reaper could look so cute. Haha!"

"What?! You..!" Misha fumed, also blushing.

"Hey, Misha. Calm down, please," Hugo chuckled. "It's not meant to be a bad thing, so don't kill these guys, OK?"

"Yeah, don't you want to be feared so people won't mess with you?" Jerad chuckled.

"NOT the way I want it!" Misha exclaimed.

"OK, suit yourself, then," Jerad shrugged.

Trista laughed, "This is some fun stuff. Well, I think we gotta wrap it up now because Shin and I have to see the owner after this."

"Huh," Hugo raised his eyes.

"We're just going to talk to her about our plans for tomorrow," Trista explained. "But we'll catch up with you later. Just enjoy yourselves."

"I'll finish making acceleration triggers before I install them for the rest," Keith informed. "I only have 5 left."

"Ooh, almost done already?" Trista said. "What's your estimated time finish?"

"I'd say 30 minutes," Keith replied.

"Want me to contact Daris after an hour to make things a lot easier for you?" Trista smiled.

"I appreciate it," Keith smiled. "Thanks."

"Daris is also a technician himself, just so you know," Trista said. "You can teach him so he can help you, and get it done faster. You can't be doing all these yourself and you gotta take a break sometimes."

"Oh," Keith frowned. "But I'll consider it, thanks."

"Alright," Trista smiled. "I'll make sure he's there by then."

Then she stood up before everyone, and went outside the restaurant after paying.

"Everyone is going to be in the shopping district, right?"

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "But we gotta meet up with Ricardo to see our rooms first, and then we'll head there."

"Oh yeah," Zeke said. "I want to see what our rooms are like."

"Me, too." Misha added. "I can't wait to to tiddy it up to my liking."

"He's going to be in the residential area in 90 minutes," Trista smiled. "Please don't keep him waiting."

"Then we'll be there by then," Hugo nodded. "See you later."

"See you later, Hugo," Trista smiled. "Enjoy your new rooms."

Then she turned to the three.

"Let's go see her now, and be done with it."

"Yes, ma'am," Shin nodded before they left.

"So, I guess we'll split up for the time being?" Hugo asked.

"Yeah, and let's meet back in the center in an hour," Misha replied.

'Hmhmhm. One hour to find the perfect fragrance for you, my darling Hugo.'

"What are you fantasizing right now, sis?" Jerad grinned.

"N-no, nothing! It's none of your business, brother," Misha berated him.

"Okay," Jerad shrugged. "Do your best, then."

"Hmph," Misha snorted.

"Ok, that's enough," Hugo grimaced. "Let's go now. See you all later."

Then they split into two groups. Hugo, Zeke, Jerad, Gustav, Eryk, Adrian, and Selene went into one direction while Claire, Phym, Misha, Lulu, and Iris went to the other, towards the fashion section.

---

Several minutes later.

"Heh, lots of hygiene stuff in here," Zeke grinned. "They got all kinds of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and even a lot of deodorants. Where are guys getting all these from?"

"Likely from Dusty Miller," Gustav replied.

"Dusty Miller?" Hugo raised his eyes.

"It's another Port about southwest from here," Gustav explained. "Our owner trades a lot with the governor there."

"Must be a wealthy Port," Hugo commented.

"It is, and this is why some people here had high end God Arc," Gustav further explained. "Like Captain Daris, Garret, Amber, and even our captain. The owner has strong connections to the governor of that Port."

"And what's the governor's name?" Hugo curiously asked.

"His name is Ein, if I remember correctly," Gustav replied. "He stops by here every once in a while."

"That's interesting," Hugo rubbed his chin. "If I see him, I'll try doing business with him, and thanks for telling me."

"No problem," Gustav smiled. "Glad it could be of help."

"Wow, Gustav. You seem to know a lot," Selene commented.

"I was just being observant," Gustav plainly replied.

---

Meanwhile.

'Hmm, there's a lot of shampoos to choose,' Jerad mused. 'It's hard to pick one.'

Then he noticed a hand in a green sleeve in front of him grab a bottle, and handed it to him. Jerad hesitantly took it.

"You should try this one," Eryk suddenly spoke beside him, smiling. "It's pretty popular for guys, and it's the only one I buy now. Smells great, and it also keeps dandruff away."

"Whoa, that's convenient," Jerad commented.

"And if you want smoother hair, you can also try this," Adrian suggested.

"Hmm," Jerad pinched his hair. "Yeah, maybe I'm gonna need both, and thanks for the help."

"No problem, man," Eryk smiled. "Just glad we helped."

"Hm," Jerad stared down. "I'm still trying to know everyone, and haven't caught up yet. So, there's Gustav, Garret, Amber, Selene, and…"

"Name's Eryk," Eryk smiled. "We were in a different team yesterday, so we never talked. Nice to meet you."

"And I'm Adrian, kind sir," Adrian smiled before Jerad shook their hands.

"Kind, huh?" Jerad smiled with amusement. "That's the first I've heard in years."

Then the three chuckled.

"So you, our captain, and our vice captain are longtime friends, huh?" Eryk asked.

"We are," Jerad smiled. "She was like an older sister to us back then."

Eryk chuckled, "Us, too. She looked after us with an iron fist, sometimes."

"Yeah, she definitely didn't change much," Jerad commented. "Still not the type to cross."

"Hey, guys," Selene came along with Hugo, Gustav, and Zeke.

"Hey, Selene," Eryk smiled back. "We're just getting acquainted."

"Oh, yeah. I've never seen you guys talk yet since we were in different groups yesterday," Selene said.

"So, what you got there, man?" Zeke asked.

"Just a couple of shampoos," Jerad replied. "I'm running short of it, and body wash, too."

"I gotta grab some, then," Zeke said before he picked a shampoo bottle. "Hm, I might as well grab another one for Keith."

Then they walked to another isle, and Gustav walked along Eryk.

"Told you," Gustav smiled.

"Yeah," Eryk nodded.

---

Meanwhile in the perfume shop.

"Ooh, this is the one you bought, Claire?" Misha beamed. "It looks a bit pricey."

"But it's really good," Claire smiled.

"Hmm, I think I'll try something different," Misha murmured. "Let's see…"

Iris giggled, "You're trying to find a perfume for your special someone, right?"

Then Misha suddenly froze, "N-no, not really. W-wait, how did you know..?"

'Did she read my mind?!'

"That's a secret," Iris grinned before she grabbed a demo bottle. "Maybe you should consider this?"

"Hm, OK," Misha took the bottle, and sniffed it. "Wow, this one smells good. I'm sold!"

"Auntie, can I try?" Phym tried to reach the bottle from her.

"Sure, Phym," Misha gave her the bottle, and she sniffed it.

"Wow, I like it," Phym smiled.

"Yep, definitely sold for this," Misha excitedly said. 'Ooh hoo hoo, I can't wait to spray this on myself, and have Hugo swoon all over me with this. Hee hee!'

"I wish you the best of luck," Iris smiled again.

Misha slightly jumped, 'Eek! T-this woman. She's starting to give me the creeps!'

Then Claire behind her giggled.

---

Back at the hygiene shop.

"We're all finally done here," Zeke sighed. "So now, where do you guys wanna go?"

"Hm, maybe in the clothing section?" Jerad suggested. "I think I'll buy a couple more of my sets, but how about you guys? Need something?"

"Nah, we're just tagging along," Gustav replied.

"Same here," Eryk rested his hands behind his head. "I just wanna stroll along with you guys."

"Likewise with Eryk," Adrian added.

"Same here," Selene smiled. "I like shopping."

---

In Hilda's office.

"So, that's the plan," Hilda said before turning to Garret. "You can take this one, right?"

"Yes, ma'am," Garret nodded.

"Very well, we appreciate your help," Hilda smiled. "Please take care of everyone until we're back."

"I won't fail," Garret confidently nodded.

"So, ma'am," Trista murmured. "Hugo and everyone did bring an Ash Aragami down, huh?"

Hilda chuckled, "Oh, my. Rumors surely do spread fast, but yes they did."

"We're only keeping this between a few of us, so far," Trista said.

"That's OK," Hilda shook her head. "If they keep this up, it's just a matter of time before everyone here learns about it, but I'm worried what Gleipnir might do once they find out. Not that I'll ever hand them over."

"And I hate to admit, ma'am," Trista murmured. "But I'm feeling nervous about fighting Ashborns in this trip, but I'm not backing down either."

"I fully understand how you feel," Hilda smiled. "But I have complete confidence that you two will pull through, and trust in Hugo. They've had their ways in getting through the toughest spots without fail."

"We will, ma'am," Shin nodded.

"And that was an excellent idea you proposed, Shin," Hilda complimented him. "It would be a great source of revenue for us, and will definitely help everyone in this Port, hopefully even prevent Captain Daris' tragedy from happening again. It was hard for him to lose even a few of his men, and he didn't deserve it."

"Also, I will secretly inform my top software engineers about this, and will also do my best to make your job easy, Garret. Rest assured."

"I greatly appreciate it, ma'am," Garret nodded. "I will do my part with due diligence."

"It's nice to have people who have your back, right?" Hilda smiled. "You've raised a great unit, captain."

"Thank you, ma'am," Trista smiled with pride. "I'll keep up the good work."

"Is there anything else?" Hilda asked.

"I think we got everything covered," Shin replied.

"I guess that's it for now," Hilda smiled. "The repairs for our Ashcrawler are well on schedule, and we will definitely depart tomorrow at late morning. Please prepare, and get some rest."

"Yes, ma'am," Then everyone stood up.

"And please send my regards to Hugo," Hilda said. "I greatly appreciate him helping out on your mission yesterday."

"I will," Trista smiled.

---

Back in the shopping district.

"Looks like time's almost up now," Zeke said. "We gotta meet up with everyone in the center now before we see Ricardo."

"Yeah, I just finished buying some new clothes," Jerad said. "I'm pretty much set for this trip."

"It's all the same clothes..," Zeke murmured before he grinned. "But hey, at least you got Claire swooning on ya with that brand new outfit. Haha!"

Then everyone chuckled except Selene, who slightly frowned.

"Selene, what's wrong?" Gustav concernedly asked.

"Nothing," Selene murmured.

"Claire? Isn't she that busty blonde one?" Eryk grinned.

Zeke chuckled, "Yep. That hell of a looker."

"Ooh, now that I think about it," Eryk also chuckled. "I always see her sticking around with him."

"Ahh, a union between a God Eater, and an AGE," Adrian swooned while poetically raising his hands like he was in a play. "Such is a beautiful harmony."

"Man, I didn't know you're already such a lover boy, buddy," Eryk grinned. "You should tell more about that, sometime."

Then everyone including Hugo laughed.

"Damn you, Zeke..," Jerad growled, also turning red. "Then how about you? You like older girls?"

"Older girls? The hell you talking about?" Zeke grimaced.

"Oh, you're going to pretend, huh?" Jerad also grimaced, unimpressed. "Older girls like Lulu?"

"What?!" Zeke gasped. "How the hell can you even think she's older than me?!"

"She's taller than you, obviously," Jerad plainly replied.

"Lulu..? Wait, isn't she that one who is swift like our vice captain?" Eryk asked.

"Yep," Hugo nodded with a smile.

"Oh, man. She's a bit intimidating," Eryk commented.

"Oh, it gets more interesting," Jerad grinned. "When we met her on the way here, she beat all of us, save for my sister, before she hostaged him to let her on board, and next thing I know, he was SO worried about her. It was cute."

"I-I already told you, she's just..," Zeke grimaced, also starting to turn red.

"Man, you got Stockholm Syndrome or something?" Eryk laughed while Hugo and Selene chuckled.

"Oh, hell no," Zeke refuted, also starting to turn red.

"I have only seen her a few times, but…"

Then Gustav cleared his throat.

"Z-Zeke! I-I didn't know you like older girls like me! N-not that I mind…"

Then everyone laughed loudly, even with Hugo holding his belly.

"There's Gustav again," Eryk said between his laughs. "I'm dying!"

"Hey, guys," Misha waved at them once they arrived in their meeting place. "And what's going on?"

"Nothing really big, sis," Jerad chuckled. "We're all just having our fun and games."

"Zeke, are you OK?" Lulu tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. "You looked really red."

"Huh?!" Zeke embarrassingly glanced at her. "I-I'm fine, that's all."

"OK..," Lulu murmured while she noticed Gustav and Eryk chuckling behind him before they stopped as they noticed her glance.

"Let's go see Ricardo now," Hugo urged them. "We are seriously out of time."

---

"So, this is the Residential District? I could have been here this morning," Jerad said as he looked around. The district is a small, round space with buildings surrounding the borders of the area with two short buildings, about two stories neatly arranged beside each other like apartment complexes in the center, and there is also a long pathway that encircled the area. He also saw several benches placed in various areas for people to sit on, and relax, maybe after a hard day's work. There is even a small park in the middle of the district with a playground, and he can see several kids playing in it.

"Wow, this place looks beautiful," Claire commented. "It's almost like in Arrowhead."

"Is it?" Iris smiled. "It's been years since I've been there, and it must have improved a lot."

"Yes," Claire replied.

"So, Arrowhead looks like this, huh?" Jerad said.

"Yes, though a lot more crowded, but the less crowded part of this one made it look more peaceful," Claire replied.

"It looks surprisingly a bit spacious, too." Hugo said.

"Man, I can relax and sit on one of these benches all day," Zeke excitedly said.

"There you are. What's up, guys?" Ricardo smiled.

"Hey, good morning," Hugo smiled. "Trista told us to come see you for our rooms."

"Yep," Ricardo nodded. "I can't wait to show you guys your new homes, and it's not that far from here."

"Nice," Zeke smiled.

"It's on the 2nd floor of this building," Ricardo pointed at the nearby building 'B'. "You'll have to go upstairs every time, but at least you won't hear people walking in and out as much."

"We're not complaining, either way," Hugo smiled. "At least we get to sleep in our own rooms now."

"Yep," Ricardo smiled. "Come on, guys. I bet you're all excited."

Then they followed Ricardo to the second floor of the building.

"This whole row of rooms here are all empty," Ricardo smiled. "Take your picks, and I have the key cards for each room."

'Ooh, I will definitely pick the one beside Hugo's, ' Misha mischievously smiled. 'Hurry up, and pick, Hugo!'

"Alright," Then Hugo rubbed his chin. "I guess I'll pick room 201."

"Then I'll pick 202," Misha quickly responded.

"Ooh, so quick," Jerad sneered at her. "I'll get 203, and 204 for Phym, then. I'll have to keep an eye on you, sis. Hehe."

Misha growled, "Brother, you know me better than this. I won't ever do anything so degenerate."

"OK," Jerad grinned.

"Daddy, can I also sleep with you?" Phym beggingly asked.

"I guess," Jerad scratched his head. "But you have your own room, Phym."

"But I want to sleep with you," Phym furtherly begged.

"OK, fine. Only sometimes, OK? You'll have to learn to live by yourself, someday," Jerad said. "And as long as you also keep your room clean."

"Yay. I get to sleep with Daddy for the first time," Phym hugged him while Claire giggled.

"Can I get 204 and 205 for Keith?" Zeke asked.

"Of course," Ricardo nodded. "If I had to pick, I would have your rooms beside each other, anyway."

"Thanks," Zeke grinned.

"I guess I'll have 206, then," Lulu said.

"Alright. Here are your key cards, and don't lose these, OK?" Ricardo smiled before he suddenly frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. Real quick. Claire, I'm sorry we don't have a room for you right now since you won't be here, and the berthing in the Ashcrawler is secured for inspections and clean up for today."

"Huh?" Claire raised her eyes. "Oh, I see…"

Then Ricardo beggingly glanced at everyone, "One of you girls won't mind having her as your roommate the night before tomorrow, right?"

"Why not with my brother?" Misha mischievously grinned while Gustav, Eryk, and Adrian chuckled behind her.

"Oh, you guys already know?" Misha grinned with amused surprise.

"Juust recently," Eryk whispered back.

Phym gasped, "Mommy get to sleep with me and daddy tonight? I want to!"

Then everyone chuckled.
"Phym, that's not..going to happen," Jerad murmured, scratching his head with embarrassment.

"But why?" Phym murmured.

"Well, the thing is..men and women shouldn't be sleeping in the same room unless they're married," Jerad explained while Claire quietly blushed.

"Merried? What is merried?" Phym curiously asked.

"I'll tell you later, OK?" Jerad smiled, barely able to endure his embarrassment.

"I won't mind having Claire as a roommate tonight," Misha suddenly offered, much to Claire's relief.

"OK, then." Ricardo nodded. "Thanks for helping out."

"No problem," Misha happily grinned. "Claire, I'll buy a sleeping bag once we go shopping."

"Um, are you sure?" Claire murmured.

"Yeah, plus I might need it later on, anyway," Misha nodded. "I don't mind at all."

"Thanks," Claire smiled.

"Dammit, that was close," Zeke whispered before Hugo shook his head while smiling, and gestured to him to stop.

"I guess that settles it, then," Ricardo smiled. "Why don't you check your rooms right now, and since you're shopping after this, you might as well as see what you'll need to personalize them."

"Good point," Hugo nodded before everyone opened their doors.

---

In Misha's room.

Misha quickly jumped on her bed, and laid down.

"Ahh, this one feels way better than the one inside the Ashcrawler," Misha sighed. "It's a lot softerrr."

Claire giggled, "Glad you finally had your real home."

"Yeah, and I can't wait to decorate this room to my liking," Misha smiled, still relaxing on her bed. 'Maybe put pictures of Hugo around this small table, heeheehee.'

---

In Hugo's room.

"Not the most spacious one, but I'm not complaining," Hugo sat on his bed. "At least we all get privacy now."

"Yep," Zeke nodded. "So, what do you plan to buy for this room?"

"I haven't made up my mind yet, to be honest," Hugo replied. "But I don't think I'll be buying much."

"Heh. Maybe for me, I'll buy a lot of snacks, and a TV," Zeke smiled. "Plus, I can't wait to try those movies Shin and I found."

"Oh yeah, those things you guys found yesterday?" Hugo asked.

"Yep," Zeke nodded. "Shin said that a lot of those were movies, but he had to decrypt them, first. I can't wait to try one."

"Hmm, think about it," Hugo murmured before grinning. "Maybe I should buy a TV, too."

"Do it," Zeke also grinned. "In case if our job slows down, we can kill time watching movies."

"Sounds like a plan," Hugo smiled. "Let's go check your room."

"Right-o," Zeke replied.

---

In Phym's room.

"So, this is your room, Phym," Jerad smiled. "This is where you'll live, so you better take care of it, OK?"

"Yes, daddy," Phym nodded before she hopped on her bed. "Wow, this bed is bouncy."

She continued hopping.

Jerad chuckled, mostly out of adoration, "OK. Be careful, or you might break your bed, and fall through."

"OK," Phym stopped hopping and laid down. "Bed so soft, daddy. So nice here."

"Yep," Jerad nodded before he sat down beside her, and stroked her head. "Take care of this room, so it stays nice, OK? I'll be checking here time to time."

"Okay, I'll keep my room nice and cozy," Phym replied.

"Good girl," Jerad smiled. "Well, I gotta check my room. You wanna stay here?"

"It's okay. I wanna see daddy's room, too," Phym smiled before they left, and moved into Jerad's room.

"Hm, it's more or less the same," Jerad plainly commented before he stared out on his window to get a view outside. He saw some people walking around while others were hanging around the benches, talking to each other before he heard Phym start hopping on his bed.

"Phym, please. Not my bed, too," Jerad furrowed his eyes, unamused.

"But it's also cozy, daddy," Phym stopped hopping, and sat down.

"But don't make my bed uncozy by hopping on it. Jeez..," Jerad facepalmed with a smile.

"Hi," Claire suddenly entered. "I heard you and Phym here, so I figured I should check."

"This is daddy's room, mommy," Phym smiled. "It feels so nice here."

"They're all the same, Phym," Jerad plainly said.

Claire suddenly paused, 'T-this is Jerad's room..? I entered his room?'

She swallowed, wondering what his room would look like later on, and even more so...will it smell like him?

"Hm?" Jerad stared blankly at her. "Are you OK, Claire? You suddenly spaced out."

"Ah," Claire suddenly shook her head. "I-I'm fine. Anyway, I just wanted to see what's going on."

"Hey, brother," Misha greeted as she entered. "So, what are your plans for this room?"

"Honestly, I haven't made up my mind yet," Jerad replied. "Maybe buy a small set of dumbbells for casual workouts, maybe?"

"Oh, jeez. Anything to entertain yourself?" Misha furrowed her eyes.

"I don't know," Jerad shrugged. "Maybe just a TV, I guess."

"OK," Misha sighed.

---

In Zeke's room.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Zeke grinned. "And it's pretty barren right now, but I swear I'll put a lot of fun stuff here."

"What fun stuff?" Hugo curiously asked.

"Besides TV, maybe some music and posters around the wall?" Zeke shrugged.

"OK, just don't play your music too loud here," Hugo chuckled. "You don't wanna bother some people sleeping."

"I know," Zeke laid on his bed with his hands under his head. "I'll think about it once we go shopping."

"Yep," Hugo nodded.

"Oh yeah, just so you know," Gustav spoke from the door. "Us wolf boys and girls live in the other building just beside this one, so if we plan any hangouts, we could meet up on that little area between our buildings."

"Sounds perfect," Hugo nodded.

"We also like hanging around there, and joke around before sleeping," Eryk added. "Sometimes, we even drink a bit, and the owner is fine with that kind of thing as long as no one causes any trouble."

"Heh, this is something Jerad would like to do, minus the drinking part," Hugo said. "He likes hanging around before sleeping."

"Sounds even better," Eryk grinned. "I think your friend needs a bit more socializing, too."

Then Hugo chuckled, "You're right."

"Aand needless to say, but you guys dodged a bullet living in a different building from us," Eryk chuckled.

"Why is that?" Hugo grinned out of amusement.

"Our captain," Gustav murmured. "Happens once in a while but on weekends, or whenever things get laid back a bit, she would waste herself, and watch some comedy TV show while laughing loud, and banging stuff in her room."

Then Hugo and Zeke chuckled.

"Oh, man. Remember that one time, Gustav?" Eryk laughed. "Vice captain got so pissed off in the middle of the night, and bolted out of his room to bang at her door telling her to quiet down."

"Ooh, I remember," Then Gustav cleared his throat. "Damn you, Trista! I'm trying to sleep here, so keep your mouth shut!"

Then everyone laughed, including Ricardo.

"And then we had to restrain him afterwards," Eryk finished laughing.

"I gotta talk to her about her mild drinking problem, sometime," Ricardo commented.

"Wow, I kinda feel sorry for you guys," Selene giggled.

"It's a good thing you live in the far end of the building," Gustav replied. "Imagine our pain."

"I can kinda see," Selene replied.

---

Meanwhile in Lulu's room.

"So, this is my room from now on," Lulu looked around. "It's not too bad, and I don't think I'll need much space, anyway."

"It's how it is in here," Iris murmured. "We didn't have enough funds to build bigger rooms during that time. I'm sorry."

"Oh no. Don't worry at all," Lulu shook her head, and waved her hands at the same time. "At least I can get a good privacy here, and have some time alone to relax."

"So, what do you plan to buy for your room?" Misha curiously asked.

"Hmm, I haven't given much thought of it yet," Lulu replied. "Maybe books about world history, and animals?"

Misha giggled, "Animals? You really do have a thing for zoology."

"I do," Lulu smiled. "It was one of the things I wanted to study as a little girl, but never got to, and now I finally get a good chance to do so. I also want to know how the world was like before Aragami came to be."

"That can be a bit..depressing," Misha murmured.

"But it's always good to know history," Lulu replied. "Otherwise, people will just keep repeating them."

"Hey guys," Hugo called them from the entrance. "Finished? We're thinking about heading back to the shopping district to start buying things for our rooms before lunch. You all down for it?"

"Sure," Lulu nodded. "I also wanted to start buying anyway, plus we all need our bedsheets and blankets."

"Sounds good," Hugo also nodded before everyone headed down from the building, and once they were outside, they saw Trista, Shin, Garret, and Amber waiting.

"Sup, guys?" Trista smiled.

"Hello, guys," Ricardo waved at them. "Finished your meeting with the owner?"

"Yeah, everything is all set," Trista replied.

"Good. Looks like I'll head back to her office, then," Ricardo smiled. "We got a lot of work to do for tomorrow, paperwork, Ashcrawler inspections, tests, and all that."

"Whoa, is there anything we could do to help?" Hugo asked.

Ricardo chuckled, "Nah, you guys enjoy the rest of your day, and depending on how fast the owner and I get this done, she might invite captain Daris and his family, and everyone who are leaving tomorrow at dinner."

Then Hugo raised his eyes, "I see. We'll keep track then."

"Alright, I'll see you guys later," Ricardo waved at them before he left.

"See you later," Hugo waved back.

"So, this is the building you guys are at," Trista smiled. "It's too bad we're not in the same building. We just live in that other one."

Then she pointed at the building.

'Oh, they're better off..,' Shin thought.

"I guess it's time for us to head to lunch, and then go back to shopping for our rooms," Hugo said.

"Ooh, you guys are already excited?" Trista chuckled. "I'd like to see what you guys will buy."

"Yep," Hugo nodded.

---

In the Ashcrawler God Arc Storage room.

"Ah, finally done," Keith wiped his head. "Whew."

"Thanks for teaching me about these gadgets," Daris smiled. "And with that, I've been glad I could help you install them to all my boys and girls here. There are a lot of us."

Then he laughed, "But, man. As much as I'm not fond of that Port, Baran surely makes some good stuff."

"I agree," Keith nodded. "As inhumane as they were making these, I'm just glad I was able to perfect the tuning so I can make them almost harmless, but still retain the performance boost."

"It's very admirable that you did," Daris smiled. "You just saved a LOT of lives with this, kid. I can't wait to try this with my boys and girls in our next mission."

"I'm sorry that I can't go with you to oversee this," Keith murmured.

"Nah, don't worry about it," Daris shook his head with a smile. "I got your back, and being a technician myself, I don't think this spreadsheet is hard to follow. It's a very useful one you wrote, and I'll tune each of my guys' AT as they see fit based on this spreadsheet."

"Alright," Keith assuredly nodded.

"But, if you want, I'll also email you feedback results from my guys so you could record data," Daris said. "How does that sound?"

"It would be great," Keith smiled. "I still keep records of data about them to look for more ways to improve them."

Then Daris patted Keith's shoulder, "Then, it's a deal."

And he stared at his armlet and, sighed, "If only Lea still fights, she would have loved to have this."

"Lea?" Keith raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, it's my wife, and her full name is Leanne," Daris smiled. "She used to be a God Eater, and my vice captain until we got married, and became pregnant with our boy."

Then Daris proudly waved his left hand, showing Keith his wedding ring, "Honestly, I didn't want her to retire after our son learned to walk, even if we take turns raising him, but she really didn't want to, and wanted to take the medical field and spend her time raising him, instead. Not that I blame her at all, but I do miss fighting with her. I really appreciate her being very thoughtful of our kid."

Then Keith chuckled, "She must be a very good wife, and a mom."

"Thanks," Daris smiled. "After a while, I did learn that she's a woman I can't let go, and I'm happy to have her. I would have been single forever, if I didn't."

"Anyway, after that, Eugene took over her position, and he's been my vice captain for 7 years now."

"And thanks for handpicking me, sir," Eugene smiled. "I enjoyed everything I did for our unit."

"Heh, I knew you're the best man for the job," Daris smiled back. "But sorry that I've put a lot of burden on you at times, but I do my best to make things easier for you. I'm already thinking about pushing you to become a captain, and start your own unit, plus a next wave of kids are also starting to grow old enough to become God Eaters to defend this Port."

"That's OK, sir, and I highly appreciate it," Eugene chuckled. "I still want to spend more time fighting with you guys."

"Sounds good," Daris nodded. "But you gotta remember that one day, these next generation of kids will be counting on you as their senior once they become old enough to fight, and you'll have to lead them."

"I know, sir," Eugene murmured.

"I'd really like to see you become a captain someday," Daris smiled. "You'd definitely make a good one, but until then yeah, I'll gladly let you stay with us as long as you want. Just remember that even if you become a captain of another unit, you're still a family. Everyone in this Port is family, and we'll still fight together. We even fought with those elites a few times."

"I'll keep that in mind, sir," Eugene chuckled, also smiling.

"But dammit. Drop the formality right now, OK?" Daris laughed. "We're off duty, and you need to work on switching between being friends and being professional. Ricardo is above me when it comes to work, and you still hear me call him 'Ricky' in our off hours."

"Yes, si-," Eugene murmured.

"Hm?" Daris raised his eyes.

"Yeah, I'll work on it," Eugene scratched his head.

"Elites?" Keith murmured.

"The Wolves," Daris replied. "Led by that She-Wolf, Trista."

"Ohh," Keith laughed. "I had no idea you guys called her that."

"The loudest God Eater in the battlefield," Daris laughed. "Hence we called her that. Though, she's not really fond of that title, haha."

"So, anyway, kinda back to our old topic, but is there a chic in this Port you already have a crush on? Hehe."

"What?! Me?" Keith became flustered. "I-I haven't thought of that yet, and I want to spend more time studying."

Daris chuckled, "That's alright. You still have a lot of time, but a hardworking genius like you deserve a supportive woman once you grow up."

"Ehh, yeah," Keith murmured while scratching his head.

"How about that operator cutie?" Daris grinned.

"Amy."

"But she's a lot older than me!" Keith refuted.

"Doesn't matter once you both hit your 20s," Daris chuckled. "Because people stop growing around that age, and you won't see much of a difference at all. My wife and I are 3 years apart, and I'm 28 and still look like 21 unlike that old man Ricardo. I'm sure a hardworking operator like Amy would suit you, haha!"

"Ooh, I love hearing her voice on my radio everytime she works for us," Jake commented while Diane glared at him. "Sometimes, I wished I could travel with the owner so I could just listen to her. Her voice was always soothing."

Then everyone laughed.

"Good lord, Mia gets no love from you guys?" Daris kept laughing. "She's been good at giving us intel on Aragami, and almost never fails in her early warnings. You guys need to give her the credit she deserves."

"But she's just too serious most of the time," Jake whined.

"Pshh," Daris shrugged. "But hey, I could file a request to transfer you to their Ashcrawler tomorrow for that mission, if you want. I still have a bit more than 24 hours to route it."

Then he grinned, "Though, you have to be ready to face Ashborns, haha! It's gonna look good on your eval, if you come back here in one piece, though."

"No thanks," Jake shook his head.

"Heh," Daris smiled before he glanced at his watch. "Looks like it's almost time, so we gotta wrap this up, and help him clean up."

"So, is there anything we can do to repay you?" Eugene asked.

"Ehh, it's alright," Keith scratched his head. "I'm just glad I could help you guys."

"But we gotta repay you somehow," Jake implored. "How about a treat for lunch?"

"Well..," Keith kept shyly scratching his head before Daris laughed.

"Sorry, kid. But this is how my guys are," Daris patted his shoulder again. "When they're still kids, I taught them that there's no such thing as free lunch, and they'll feel bad, if you don't let them pay you back, so I'd say just take it. It's all on us."

"Alright, alright," Keith shyly chuckled.

---

30 minutes later in the food court.

"Eh, finally some lunch," Zeke said. "I'm starving."

"Same here," Jerad added. "I haven't even done any hard work."

"Maybe you AGEs have higher metabolism?" Claire smiled. "I'm quite jealous."

"Heh, maybe," Jerad smiled back.

"Oh, hey. Look, it's Keith making a lot of friends," Zeke chuckled. "What's up, Keith?"

"What's up, guys?" Keith waved from another table.

"We just went to our rooms, and I took one for you," Zeke smiled. "You're living beside me."

"Thanks, bro," Keith smiled.

"That guy is your brother?" Jake asked. "He seems pretty cool."

"Yep," Keith nodded.

"So, Ricky finally showed you your rooms?" Daris smiled.

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "We're gonna go shopping for our rooms after this."

"Oh yeah. We're treating your guy for now since he helped us a lot," Daris said. "It's really good to have another technician here besides me."

"Yep, that's our Keith," Hugo nodded with a smile. "He's the brain of the Hounds."

Daris laughed, "I highly bet. So, what building do you guys live in?"

"We live in Building B, 2nd floor," Hugo replied.

"Whoa, you guys aren't too far from us, and the Wolves," Daris smiled. "We live in building C, and we pretty much own the whole building since there's a lot of us."

"We should all hang around the courtyard sometime."

"I'll look forward to it," Hugo smiled back.

"Wow, Daris is incredibly social," Misha whispered.

"Yeah, I think he's trying to bond with us," Hugo murmured. "To make us feel more welcome, because I think in some ways, he feels that our heads aren't in this Port yet."

"What do you mean?" Misha tilted her head.

"Well..," Hugo rubbed his forehead. "Your brother might be the one having it the hardest here, but we're still not used to being treated nicely by people around us, and I think Daris could see that so he wanted us to open up more, to look more relaxed. We're all just too used to keeping our guard up all the time."

"I see," Misha murmured. "I did see my brother get flustered a few times talking to cashiers, and then to big sis' friends."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, and so are we," Hugo smiled. "We'll do our best to start changing our mindsets, OK? I've had enough of all this negativity myself, and our lives already changed for the better. We can only keep moving forward."

"You're right," Misha smiled back.

And then one hour later.

"Whoo, I'm stuffed as hell now," Zeke slouched back on his seat, and sighed.

"Damn, me too," Jerad murmured while also slouching back.

Then Hugo chuckled, "Eh, guys. We still have shopping to do for our rooms, so don't get in a food coma yet."

"I know," Jerad groaned before he sat up.

"I'm glad you've been enjoying our food here," Iris smiled. "It may not be the best, but…"

"Ohh, this is definitely a LOT better than what we're being fed in prison," Zeke sighed. "Nothing but damn cold porridges. Heh."

"That must be really hard," Garret murmured.

"Yeah, but that's all history now," Zeke finally sat up, and drank his soda. "I could keep eating here forever, and not ever complain."

"That's also all thanks to Dusty Miller," Trista said. "Without them, we'd still be eating nothing but rations."

"Huh," Hugo raised his eyes. "Now I'm really looking more forward to meeting this Ein person."

"He's a good guy, but also all business like the owner," Trista replied. "But I'm sure you'll get along with him."

Then Shin chuckled, "You should see his eyes this morning. He had 'FC' all over his eyes when we talked business about our project."

"What?" Trista laughed. "Hugo, just when did you become a businessman?"

"Ever since we got out of prison," Hugo replied.

"More like when you tried to rip the owner off?" Jerad laughed while Misha giggled. "70% of royalties come to us while she gets 30%?"

"Hey, that's enough," Hugo glared at him. "I already learned my lesson from that."

"OK, OK, I was just messing with you," Jerad grinned.

---

"Alright, looks like we're done here," Daris paid everyone's tab at the waiter. "So, how's the meal, kid?"

"It was very good," Keith smiled. "Thank you all for that."

"Don't mention it," Eugene nodded. "We're all a family here, so it's all give and take. You really helped us a lot in this, Keith."

"The owner also spoke highly of you," Daris smiled again. "Fixing those twin engines inside our Ashcrawler? That was really amazing, and you inspired me to raise my kid to be like you. I don't know why I didn't get this from myself, but I'll do it. He's only 7, and he already likes tinkering things."

"Nice," Keith plainly smiled.

"And that Zeke guy is your big brother?" Eugene asked.

"Yep," Keith nodded. "Between the two of us, he kept telling me that he's the brawn and I'm the brains."

"There's an important advice I'd like to give you," Daris said. "Not many families stay together because of the world we live in now, so stay close to him no matter what, OK? Because being an older brother, he must have been feeling a huge weight of responsibility, so you gotta help him with that weight from time to time."

"I can see," Keith murmured. "Zeke and I used to have a brother back in Pennywort, but he was sold to Baran. I kept on wondering if he's still alive."

Then Daris gasped, "Oh, sorry for bringing that up. Must have been hard."

"It's alright," Keith murmured. "It's not like a lot of people knew, anyway."

"OK, but listen to this," Daris continued. "Don't assume he's gone until you know for sure, so in the meantime, keep believing that he's still out there until you see him again, because if he's still truly alive, then I'm sure you'll both see him again."

"I'll keep that in mind," Keith looked up again. "Thanks."

"No problem," Daris smiled. "In a miserable world like this, you gotta stay positive because it's the only way to keep yourself going. I was like this until I met my wife, and look where we are now? Happily raising a family together. If I wasn't positive, I wouldn't be where I am now. Just keep going no matter what happens and no matter how slow, and eventually, all these problems will go away."

"Yep," Keith nodded.

"I promise you that if your lost brother is still alive, then you'll see him again," Daris repeated. "Please tell your older brother that when you have the chance. He may not be showing it, but I'm sure it was hard on him."

"I will," Keith nodded.

"Alright, I guess we have to call it here," Daris stood up. "Plus you need time to prepare your rooms with your guys, and leave tomorrow. If you need something, just let me know, and I'll do what I can."

"I will, and thanks," Keith smiled.

"Enjoy your day, kid," Daris waved before he left.

"You, too," Keith replied.

"Thanks again for the help," Jake reached his hand out. "Come hang out with us again sometime."

"You, too, Jake," Keith shook his hand back before he waved and left the food court.

"Ready to go shopping with us, Keith?" Hugo suddenly spoke behind him.

"Yep," Keith nodded.

"Then let's get to shopping, bro," Zeke put his arm above his shoulder. "We gotta buy stuff to make our rooms our own."

---

In the shopping district.

"Wow, you guys be buying flat screen TVs?" Trista smiled. "So, what kind of TV shows would you guys like?"

"Heh, I haven't decided yet, so maybe after trying different channels?" Hugo replied.

"How about you, Misha?" Trista grinned. "Bet you like love stories."

"Eh? N-no, I'm not sure yet," Misha stuttered.

Trista snickered, "You definitely do."

"B-big sis," Misha hissed before Trista laughed.

---

"Hmm, maybe I should buy this desk," Jerad rubbed his chin. "And maybe a set of hangers for my clothes, too."

"And also Phym's."

"Daddy, I want to buy these books," Phym showed him a few thick books in her hand.

Jerad checked her books, and gasped, seeing that they are educational books like geography and history. "Whoa, Phym. These are quite tough books. Are you sure you can read and understand them?"

"Nheehee," Phym cutely smiled while he stared at her with a bewildered look.

"Ok then," Jerad murmured. "Just ask me, if you need help understanding this, OK?"

"Okay," Phym nodded.

Then Jerad chuckled, "Trying to be a bookworm like mommy now, huh?"

"I heard that," Claire suddenly murmured behind him, and he suddenly jumped.

"Oh, hello Claire," Jerad awkwardly greeted her. "Still thinking about what stuff to buy."

"Maybe I can help?" Claire asked.

"Sure," Jerad nodded before turning to Phym. "You gotta have some fun things, too. How about a plushie?"

"Pla-she?" Phym tilted her head.

"A stuffy toy you hug every night," Jerad grinned. "Come. I'll show you."

Then the three walked into a small stuff toy section.

"Here they are. Is there one you like?" Jerad smiled. "There's a squishy teddy bear, a cute little tiger, and...a weird creepy rabbit."

"Hmm, I'll pick this one," Phym grabbed the purple and black rabbit plush. "Mmm, so stuffy…"

She continued hugging the creepy stuff toy.

"Aww, so cute," Claire cooed but Jerad bewilderedly stared blankly at her.

'Of all the cute plushies, you had to pick the creepy one?'

Then he read the tag on the rabbit plushie which was written as 'Kigurumi.'

'Kigu-rumi? That's a weird name.'

Then he chuckled, "Okay. You got it."

"Yay, I love you, daddy," Phym latched on to him, and nuzzled.

Jerad hugged her back, and stroked her head but started blushing when he saw people whispering to each other.

"Aww, look at that. They're such a cute family."

"Yeah, and they're pretty young, too."

Hearing this, Claire blushed heavily. She wanted to correct people who are whispering around them, but could not to avoid making their situation more awkward, and possibly hurt Phym's feelings.

"Let's..go ahead, and move on to buying bed sheets," Jerad murmured, who was eager to flee the scene, and grabbed Phym's hand.

"Y-yes..," Claire whispered back before they almost power walked away from the area. As they did, people giggled.

Once they arrived in the bedroom section.

"Jeez," Jerad sighed heavily. "That was..pretty awkward."

"I know..," Claire murmured, still feeling hot.

"Anyway, I'm gonna find me some bed stuff," Jerad scratched his head. "You'll be first, Phym."

"Okay," Phym started browsing for blankets in each shelf, and after a few minutes, she grabbed a pack.

"How about this, daddy?"

Then Jerad took the pack, and examined it. The blanket in question has several pictures of small Aragami in it drawn in a cute way. There is an Ogretail, then there is a Dreadpike, and then a Zygote.

'Someone sells these to kids?!' Jerad was aghast by this, wondering what the artist was thinking when designing such a blanket meant for them. Will kids ever have nightmares with these? He wanted to ask Claire the logic behind this, but also did not want Phym to hear it, so he just decided to digress.

"You're..not going to have bad dreams sleeping with this, right?"

"Mm, mm," Phym shook her head. "But they look cute, daddy! And I wonder if they taste good."

"No, you don't eat blankets, Phym," Jerad facepalmed while Claire giggled, almost to a laugh. "But I'm fine buying you this as long as you like it."

"Okay, thanks daddy!" Phym hugged him again with a giggle, and Jerad quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching, and to his relief, everyone was only minding their own business. He would not want to flee from another awkward situation again.

"Let's find you some bedsheets, and pillowcases then," Jerad said.

"Okay," Phym smiled while holding a Kigurumi plushie that he has not bought yet.

"It's my turn to buy for her," Claire smiled.

"Huh? Are you sure?" Jerad raised his eyebrows. "I still have a lot of FCs."

"So am I," Claire rested her hands on her waist. "So, are you going to let me?"

"Ok, fine," Jerad chuckled. "And Phym, don't ravage your mommy's wallet, OK?"

"Hey! That's quite condescending, Jerad!" Claire pouted. "I am NOT poor."

"I'm just telling Phym not to get too greedy, jeez," Jerad refuted.

Then Phym giggled before the two turned to her with a blank stare.

"I like it when mommy and daddy talky like this."

"Huh?" Jerad narrowed his eyes. "So, you like seeing us argue?"

"Yeah," Phym replied with a glee. "Because, it's funny."

Jerad paused for a few seconds before he grinned, "You little…"

Then he pinched her cheeks, and wiggled them at the same time, "Sometimes, you have a weird sense of humor, you know that?"

'Speak for yourself,' Claire sighed.

As he continued squeezing her cheeks, Phym started whimpering, "Oww, daddy that hwurts. Pwease stop!"

He laughed, and kept squeezing her cheeks for a few more seconds, partly out of adoration before he let go, and then Phym rubbed her cheeks.

Then Jerad let out a big sigh, and turned to Claire, "Anyway, let's go find bedsheets for her, and I don't think we have a lot of time left."

"Yes," Claire nodded, smiling.

---

"I think I've bought enough for now," Misha finished her purchase with a cashier. "And I just got a foldable mattress for Claire, too."

"Oh yeah, I heard from Hugo that Claire had to share a room with you," Trista snickered. "But why did you volunteer? It would have been hilarious, if you let her sleep in your brother's room, haha."

"Because, he probably won't be able to sleep staring at Claire's innocent sleeping face," Misha grinned.

Then the two girls laughed while Hugo shook his head.

"Jeez. You guys need to stop being hard on him," Hugo chuckled.

"Just can't help it, Hugo," Misha finished laughing. "It's always cute watching my brother get all flustered up when it comes to her."

Then Hugo groaned, "OK, OK, I've said my piece. He's your brother so I can't say much after that."

"But hey. I honestly also want Claire to be my sister-in-law, someday," Misha chuckled.

"Whoa. You're thinking TOO ahead, Misha," Hugo chuckled. "We still have a lot of things to take care of before you can even get there."

"I know that," Misha refuted. "But it can't hurt to dream, can I? Stop killing it."

"I'm not telling you to stop dreaming it," Hugo countered back. "I'm just telling you to take one step at a time towards it. Jeez."

Then Trista chuckled, "Hey, hey. Don't cause a scene here, OK? We already got a few people watching us…"

"Oh, sorry then." Hugo scratched his head.

"Whatever," Misha winced, pouting. "Anyway, I'm going back to my room to drop my things off, and have tea time with big sis."

"Alright, enjoy yourselves," Hugo smiled.

"What are you gonna do in the meantime?" Trista asked.

"I'll just go find the others, and hang out with them before we also come back to drop our things off," Hugo replied. "See you all later."

"See ya later, Hugo," Trista waved.

---

'Hmm, I wonder if this will look good on her,' Lulu mused while holding a small dress. 'It's not perfect, but maybe I can do a little sewing to make it look a lot better.'

"Hey, Lulu," Zeke greeted with a grin. "Keith and I just finished our first batch of shopping, and were about to go back to drop them off. I figured I should ask if you're..."

Then he squinted, "What the? Those are little girl clothes. Are you having...a kid?"

"Huh?" Lulu turned, looking flustered. "N-no! I'm just buying these clothes for Phym."

"Ah," Zeke leaned back. "Jeez, what? You're turning Phym into a dress up doll?"

"Zeke!" Lulu glared at him.

"OK, OK, fine." Zeke waved while Keith and Gustav behind him chuckled. "We'll wait in the meantime until you finish up, but don't take too long."

"Thanks," Lulu nodded. "And what are those big things you're carrying?"

"Oh, these are my flatscreen TV, and my stereo set," Zeke grinned. "Gonna play some rockin' music when I get home."

"I see," Lulu nodded. "Let me carry some of that on the way back, OK?"

"I'll be helping out, too," Gustav smiled.

"Thanks," Zeke grinned again.

---

"I guess these will all do for now," Jerad said. "Oh, I also need to buy myself a TV."

"A TV?" Claire raised her eyes. "So, what kind of shows are you watching?"

"To be honest, I haven't made up my mind yet," Jerad scratched his head. "But Hugo and Zeke talked me into it. Zeke even told me that I should buy a stereo set, and that I should get into music. Wait, maybe I should talk to Keith about that since he likes music."

Then Claire laughed, "So, what kind of music do you like?"

"Well, I have no idea yet," Jerad scratched his head. "Do you like music?"

"Y-yes," Claire stuttered. "I-I used to be a musician, and I like classic orchestra."

"I see," Jerad smiled. "That's pretty classy."

"Thanks." Claire smiled before frowning. "But I wished more people liked these. They're good at conveying different kinds of emotions."

"Heh, I think people just have bad tastes," Jerad shrugged. "Back in that prison, I used to hear those stupid guards listening to music that promotes nothing but violence, and then for some, how miserable life is. I almost threw up hearing the lyrics a few times."

Then he chuckled, "But, who am I to be even saying this when I don't have taste at all."

Claire laughed again, "But I think you're right, though. I believe people have forgotten what music really is for. They're supposed to move your soul, not aggravate or make you feel emptily miserable."

"I think daddy will have good taste for music," Phym smiled. "But I wonder if they taste good for me."

"Phym," Jerad glared at her while putting his hands on his waist. "You don't eat music...Learn to see context, OK?"

Then Claire laughed.

"Aww, dammit. I guess I'll have to buy myself a small music player now," Jerad sighed.

"Hey, why not a stereo set instead?" Claire teased. "I wanna hear what kind of music you like."

"I'd..rather keep that private," Jerad murmured. "But I definitely won't listen to the same ones those bastards listen to."

"Aw, don't be shy about it," Claire giggled. "I could recommend you a few to start."

"I guess," Jerad scratched his head.

"I wanna listen to daddy's music, too," Phym smiled.

"Alright, I'll go ahead, and buy a small one before we go back," Jerad sighed.

---

"So, this is your room, huh?" Trista smiled. "It's almost the same as mine."

"Yep," Misha kept organizing her newly bought merchandise. "I still have to think about how to arrange this room, and think of a good spot to put the sleeping mattress for Claire."

"There's not a lot," Trista commented. "And I'm sure we'll get it done together in no time."

"Thanks, big sis," Misha smiled.

Then after they finished rearranging her room, Trista heard voices outside.

"Alright, this is your room Keith," Zeke said. "And here's your card key."

"Thanks, bro," Keith replied before he slid his card, and opened the door."

"I'll set my things inside in the meantime," Lulu said.

"So, where do you guys want me to put your stuff down?" Gustav asked.

"Ooh, looks like a few of our guys just came back," Trista grinned. "I can hear them. Zeke, Keith, Lulu, and Gustav."

"We just finished, so let's see what they're up to," Misha suggested.

Then the two girls moved into the hallway, and saw the four.

"Hey, guys," Misha waved at them.

"What's up, Misha?" Zeke greeted back. "Where's Hugo, and your brother?"

"I think they're still shopping," Misha replied.

"Whoa, Zeke," Trista gasped. "A big TV, and a speaker set? Are you trying to turn your room into a theater?"

Then Zeke chuckled, "Kinda, and I wanna listen to music, too."

"Heh, you're a person of culture," Trista grinned. "I love watching funny TV shows in loud volume, too. Even better with booze, haha."

"Well, Hugo told me not to play them too loud, especially at night," Zeke chuckled.

"Oh, pshh," Trista shrugged. "Just have fun, OK? Anyway, Misha and I are gonna have tea time until dinner, but you're welcome to join us later, if you like tea."

"Sounds great," Lulu smiled. "I'd like to try some tea, too."

---

"Let's head back to our rooms," Jerad suggested. "This is already a huge load we're carrying."

"Yes," Claire agreed. "I think..we're carrying a little too much now."

"Hey, guys," Hugo greeted. "Ready to head back to our quarters?"

"Yeah, I just finished here," Jerad replied. "And where's my sister? I thought she was with you."

"She went on ahead with Trista, and then have tea time together," Hugo smiled.

"Oh," Jerad paused.

"Thanks for the invite..," Claire murmured.

"Think about it, Misha just got into tea, but since when?" Jerad mused.

Then Hugo chuckled, "I think a few days after we got out of prison?"

"Hm," Jerad nodded. "And you also like tea, Claire?"

"Absolutely," Claire nodded. "It's pretty relaxing to drink, and I think you should try them."

"OK," Jerad nodded back. "I guess it's perfect to do after I train those kids. Gotta make time for them before we leave tomorrow."

"Ohh, yeah," Hugo raised his eyes. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Sure," Jerad quickly replied. "They could also learn a thing or two from you."

"Yep, then let's get to it," Hugo smiled. "Let's find those three after we set our stuff back to our rooms. I'm excited to see what those kids can do."

"I'm sure they'll be around the orphanage at this time," Iris said. "It's also in the residential area, and it's also where the gym is, too."

"Sounds perfect," Hugo smiled.

"Man, that's quite a huge load you guys have," Eryk chuckled. "Let me help with some of that."

"We'll be fine," Jerad murmured.

"I know we're all God Eaters with super muscles, but at least let us help you out," Eryk replied. "Plus, we're all friends here."

"OK," Jerad smiled. "Thanks."

"Right back at you, buddy," Eryk smiled back.

---

In the residential area.

"Hey, what's up, Jerad?" Zeke grinned. "You guys are finally back, and we just finished setting up. Come see my room."

"OK, but I need to drop my things off first," Jerad replied. "And I also need to make Phym's bed."

"No problem," Zeke smiled. "Just do what you gotta do first. We got a lot of time left."

"We're heading to the gym afterwards to train those kids," Hugo said. "You down for it, Zeke?"

"Whoa, why not?" Zeke excitedly replied. "I've been wanting to try my hand as a God Eater instructor."

"Me, too," Lulu smiled. "I'd like to try it."

"Then we're set," Hugo smiled. "Let's give these kids the best training they'll ever have. And by the way, did Misha and Trista already go out for tea?"

"Yep," Zeke replied.

"OK," Hugo nodded. "Just checking."

---

"Well, here's your bed, Phym," Jerad said after he finished making her bed with Claire. "Jeez..cute little Aragami everywhere on your bed, hehe."

"It looks good, daddy," Phym excitedly jumped.

"Well, whatever works for you," Jerad patted her head. "I gotta make mine next."

"I wanna help," Phym begged.

"Sure," Jerad smiled.

Then they moved to his room, and Jerad unwrapped his bedsheet, pillowcase, and a blanket. He spread them out before he wrapped his bed sheet around his mattress, and while he was at it, Claire stood back and watched.

'M-making his bed...should I help him?' Claire swallowed before she shook her head. 'Ugh! Why am I having such thoughts? It's just setting his bed!'

Then she grabbed a white pillow, and quickly wrapped it with a pillow case before she pounded it a few times to make it more fluffy. She was just glad that Misha volunteered to have her sleep in her room tonight, and even that was quite an unusual behavior for Claire. She has already known that Misha likes teasing her with Jerad, and could have definitely pushed her to sleep with them, especially for the fact that they are Phym's foster parents. Claire could never know what Misha was thinking.

"H-here," Claire stuttered, slightly looking away.

"Oh, thanks," Jerad took the pillow right after him and Phym finished putting his bedsheet and blanket. "Ooh, looks like I'll be sleeping well here tonight."

"Also with me, daddy," Phym reminded him with a hug before Jerad chuckled.

"Yeah."

"Let's leave the rest here for now, and I'll take care of them later," Jerad said.

"Right," Claire nodded.

Then they left his room, and met up with Zeke.

"Hey, man. Welcome to my humble abode," Zeke led them to his room.

"Wow, that was quite a set up," Jerad looked around. "Pretty damn well arranged, too."

Zeke chuckled, "Right? What you buy?"

"Just a TV so far," Jerad replied.

"Hey, let's get that thing set up, then," Zeke suggested.

"But we're out of time now," Jerad refuted.

"It's quick man, and not too hard," Zeke said. "Plus, you might end up wanting to watch TV a little bit before you hit the sack tonight. At least get that one set up."

"OK, then. I appreciate it," Jerad sighed before they moved to his room.

It only took them a few minutes to unbox the TV, and set on on a shelf across his bed.

"Alright, so here's this cable on the wall," Keith examined it. "And then you attach it here, and then that power plug on that nearby outlet. There, it should work."

"Then let's turn it on for testing," Zeke grabbed the remote, and turned it on. They saw an old action movie playing on the TV. "There you go, see? Pretty easy, huh?"

"Yep. Thanks," Jerad murmured.

"Hey, I can borrow you some of my movies, if you want," Eryk said. "Just ask me whenever you feel like it."

"Thanks," Jerad smiled. "I'll think about it."

"Let's head to the gym, and find those kids," Hugo said. "I'm sure they'll be down for training."

"Let's hit the road," Zeke chuckled before they left their rooms, and locked them.

---

In the residential district.

"This is the orphanage," Iris said. "It's not the biggest, but the children here are happy."

"Wow," Hugo looked around. "That may be, but this place is paradise compared to our prison."

"Glad to hear," Iris smiled.

"Iris!" One of the kids cried before the rest came to her. "It's good to see you again."

"I'm glad," Iris smiled again. "Did you all behave yourselves?"

"Oh, yeah," A boy replied. "We even made all our beds before we played."

"Very good," Iris nodded.

"Hi, Jerad, and everyone," Lil waved at them. "How are you doing?"

"We're doing great," Hugo said.

"You guys ready for another training?" Jerad smiled. "Gotta give it to you guys before we leave tomorrow."

"Yeah!" Marr excitedly jumped. "But why are you leaving? Can you stay?"

"Sorry, we can't," Jerad smiled. "We have to help the owner finish her mission, so you guys take care here while we're gone, OK? Ready to hit the gym?"

"Yeah," Marr nodded.

"And we'll be there to train you nuggets, too," Zeke grinned. "All the better, right?"

"Wow, with you, Hugo, and Lulu, too?" Marr asked.

"Yep, let's get this ball rollin'!" Zeke cheered on.

"Yes! Can we go and watch, too?" One of the boys asked. "Some of us want to be God Eaters to protect this Port, too."

"Can I also join?" Kai excitedly asked

"Sure thing," Jerad grinned. "I'll show you little ones how I trained these two, hehe."

"Be careful, man. Jerad is a scary instructor," Marr warned Kai. "But he also gets my blood pumped, too."

"Hehe, that's what I want to hear," Jerad snickered. "Let's go. I'm also getting pumped up myself."

Then he held his shoulder, and spun his right arm.

"Yeah!" A handful of kids cheered before they followed them to the gym.

---

In the gym.

They saw several people exercising. Some are lifting weights, others are jogging on a few treadmills they have, and there are even off duty God Eaters practicing their swings with dummy God Arcs. He can recognize some of them were at lunch with Keith earlier, and was that person jogging with a man and a woman named Jake?

"Not a big gym, but she definitely made sure it was built big enough to give your God Eaters adequate training," Hugo said.

"The owner carefully talked to the engineers to design this gym for our God Eaters while minimizing costs," Iris explained. "Though our military is slowly growing especially after Trista and Shin came here, I'm starting to worry that this gym would eventually become too small for more of them to train."

"I'm quite flattered," Shin smiled. "But I think you're right."

"Hmm," Hugo mused. "Maybe once we Hounds start making a lot of money, we can throw in some funds to either expand this gym or build another one in this district. We do still plan to share some of our profits with Hilda once we get our business flying. So, how does that sound?"

"That would be great," Iris smiled.

"And we'll consider throwing some to expand the orphanage, too." Hugo added. "I'm sure more kids will be coming here over time, so we have to prepare for that."

"T-thank you," Iris politely bowed. "I'm so glad Sister Hilda took you in."

"We also owe her a lot of debt," Hugo smiled. "It's going to be one of things we'll pay her back for. Aand, it's also a good time to start learning on how to build a Port."

"A Port?" Iris raised her eyes.

"We have a dream to build our own Port, someday," Hugo said. "A Port where people will happily live in, and achieve their dreams."

"That's a wonderful dream," Iris smiled before she frowned. "But that also means, you won't be here forever."

"Everyone comes and goes," Hugo murmured. "But I'm sure we'll be here for a long time, and before we do, we'll make sure this Port will become much better than it is. I just realized that I can't dream to have my own Port, if I don't know how to improve someone else's, and we're still friends after we leave. We'll pay you a visit from time to time, and we'll keep our close ties with Hilda. She's already done a lot for us."

"Thank you," Iris smiled. "You guys are very kind."

"Hm," Hugo smiled back. "OK, you kids ready? Grab your wooden God Arcs, and meet us in that arena."

"Yeah!" Marr flexed his arm. "I'll show you guys how much Jerad taught me!"

Zeke grinned, "Hahaa, show me how hard you can hit, then! Don't hold back."

Then all the participants found a dummy God Arc shelf, and took their training weapons before heading into the arena. A few God Eaters who are training their swings stopped to look at them out of curiosity.

"So, Lil, you ready?" Jerad smiled as he spun his wooden sword with his right hand as his way to stir her up.

"Jerad, don't be too hard on her, OK?" Claire advised.

"I won't," Jerad replied. "But I'm going to be real with her, so she'll etch them in her head, and to make this training worthwhile for her."

"Then I'll do my best to make this worthwhile," Lil replied resolutely.

"Hehe, I like that," Jerad grinned. "It's on, Lil. This isn't another pillow fight, remember that."

Then Lil growled, and gripped her wooden sword. Seeing this, Jerad grinned even more.

"Then I'll show you it isn't!" Lil cried before she rushed. "Haaa!"

With a loud clash, Jerad blocked Lil's swing, and with a bit of surprise, she followed with more aggressive swings. He kept backing away as Lil continued her more aggressive assault while he constantly blocked them. He noticed that Lil has been swinging harder than last time, and was glad that she has been keeping his lessons for her to heart. However…

"Ha!" Jerad made a hard swing at her, and Lil defended herself against it. The strong impact made her start stumbling back.

"Ho?" Jerad grinned, impressed that she did not fall from that same swing he did to her last time, and remained standing.

"Glad you didn't fall from that this time," Jerad pointed his wooden sword at her. "You swung harder than before, but you're not there yet, and you also need to be more aggressive. If I'm an Aragami, and you're out there fighting me right now, you know what's the first thing I'll think when I see you?"

"Dinner tiiime!"

"So, what are you gonna do about it?"

"Then I'll slay you," Lil answered.

"Exactly, but that's easier said than done, Lil," Jerad replied. "When you see an Aragami, you better ruthlessly cut them down, because they'll do the same to you. Don't hesitate, and don't ever be scared because if you do, you and your friend Marr could die and I don't want any of you two to die. You have to have that mindset whenever you're out there. Marr wants to protect you, so you'll want to protect him, too."

"Now! Come at me with that mindset, Lil. Show me what you got!"

Then Jerad swung his sword to provoke her.

Then Lil growled before she rushed in.

---

"Haaa!"

Marr swung his large wooden sword at Zeke before he grinned.

"You swing a bit hard, Marr. Have you been exercising?"

"Yes, I am," Marr grunted.

"That's nice, but you can't just be swinging mindlessly like that."

Then Zeke shoved him back. "So you told me you wanna wield a buster blade, huh? You gonna need a LOT more work out to swing one around. That thing even looks heavier than my hammer, so you gotta grow those biceps."

Then Garret chuckled behind them, recently arriving from candy shopping with Amber.

"I heard you guys are here," Garret smiled. "But yeah, wielding one myself, he's right. You better start exercising more as soon as possible, kid."

"I know," Marr grunted after swinging again at Zeke before he started grinding his sword against Zeke's staff.

"Then better work on it," Zeke shoved him again. "And don't just be recklessly swinging that thing around. Aragami ain't that stupid like Jerad once told you."

"Marr, remember," Lulu called him. "Eyes on your target, focus, and strike."

"Alright," Marr nodded before he rushed at Zeke again.

---

"Haa!"

"Hiyah!"

"Hurah!"

"Whoa!" Hugo dodged Kai's last swing with his wooden heavy moon. "Your swings are pretty good. Who taught you all that?"

"Big sis Trista," Kai replied. "But I'm not done yet. I still have more to show you. Haa!"

Then the blonde boy rushed at Hugo again, and he blocked it with his sword, "Now I can see where your swings are coming from. She taught you well."

"Be a little more careful with him, Hugo," Shin warned. "Kai tends to pick up on people fast."

"Oh," Hugo raised his eyes before smiling at Kai. "Then show me."

"I'll beat you in this match," Kai grunted. "I won't let her down. Ha!"

"Haa! Nice!" Hugo complimented him after blocking his swing. "Then I guess I have to go a little harder on you. A little offense will work you up. Ready?"

"Anytime," Kai kept his grip on his heavy moon.

"Ok, then," Hugo smiled. "Here I come! Haa!"

Then he shoved the boy back before he moved in.

---

Meanwhile in a small tea restaurant.

"Wow, big sis. I didn't know you really had a good taste for tea," Misha commented before she took another sip.

"Booze isn't my only drink I have good taste for," Trista chuckled. "I also love mixing my green tea with honey."

"So, since when did you start liking tea?" Misha intriguely asked.

"When the owner had us drink tea with her a few days after we came here," Trista replied after taking a sip.

"You, and Shin?" Misha asked.

"Yep," Trista nodded. "It felt relaxing to drink, plus the owner also told me that it's good for our health. Shin also likes tea, and he likes the Far East styled ones, haha. I still kept wondering if his taste for that is just a coincidence or it's just in his blood."

Then Misha giggled, "Maybe both?"

"Probably," Trista shrugged. "So, how about you? When did you like tea?"

"When we just got out of prison," Misha replied. "I saw one that was left heated by Amy in the lobby, and decided to try it. It also felt relaxing like you said. Perfect to have after a mission, and I had Hugo try it and he loved it."

"Hm," Trista smiled. "So now speaking of finally being free from that hellhole, how did your brother, and Claire get along?"

"I'll start by saying that their beginning wasn't eventful," Misha smiled. "Not the most ideal way to meet."

"Ooh," Trista raised her eyes. "That kinda makes sense knowing him, but that also makes it more interesting. Go on."

"I met Claire before Hugo, Zeke, and my brother did," Misha continued. "But they didn't see her until the next day, and I also forgot to tell them about her."

"But still, how did that happen?" Trista asked. "It took a day for those three to meet her inside a ship?"

"We're too busy clearing the course for Hilda," Misha explained. "We're still trying to escape the Ash Storm, and get away from Pennywort at that time. And then there's also Claire being shy. She told me that she already saw us from the Medical Ward when Ricardo brought us in, but she's not used to meeting a lot of strangers so she stayed inside and took care of Sho, who was in critical condition at that time."

"Sho, huh?" Trista murmured. "That sickly kid?"

"Yep," Misha nodded before taking a sip. "So, when I met Claire, our introduction was quite awkward. She was very formal, and uptight, and then things got a bit quiet between us before she broke the ice by asking me about my hairpin. She's also the first one who called me the Grim Reaper just because she saw me with a scythe, and this hairpin. Ugh!"

Then Trista laughed, "OK, keep going, please."

"Claire asked me where I got my hairpin from, and then I told her that my brother gave it to me a few years ago," Misha continued. "But that one got her attention. She was surprised to learn that I had a brother who is protective, and told me that it's good to have a nice brother and that she used to have an older one who passed away years ago, so she was envious."

"Wow, Claire used to have a brother, huh?" Trista acted surprised. "Must be hard for her."

"Yeah," Misha nodded. "And afterwards, I told her that my brother would be grateful to her once they meet and learns that she's the one who saved Sho's life."

"Heh, so did he thank her?" Trista smiled.

"Not at first, and this is where it starts getting bad," Misha sipped her tea before she refilled her cup with a teapot.

"The next day, the four of us went to see Amy after our breakfast, and while she told us there was no mission for us at that time, someone new would be joining us in our next one, and I figured it was Claire," Misha continued as she set her cup on the table. "I was excited for the three to finally meet her, so when I told them about her, and that she's a Gleipnir regular God Eater, my brother's attitude suddenly changed. He turned dark."

"Ooh," Trista raised her eyes. "I wouldn't like where that's going if I was there. I still remember how serious your brother was when it's about you."

"Yeah," Misha nodded. "The next thing he did was asking me if Claire did something bad to me, and I simply said 'No,' but that didn't change his opinion on her. I did try asking what's wrong with him, but he simply denied it. During that time, Hugo and I had no idea that my brother was already hostile to Claire, and if only we both learned this soon enough, then I would have definitely told him that she's the one who saved Sho and his opinion of her would have totally changed."

"Hmm, just to be sure, but why would your brother hate Claire right off the bat?" Trista asked.

"Because he despised regular God Eaters, and Gleipnir alike," Misha replied. "And I believe he still does, but we'll get to that later."

"OK, that makes sense," Trista sat back.

"So, we went on ahead, and met Claire in the Laboratory Block," Misha continued on. "And to my surprise, Hugo and especially my brother weren't so nice to her."

"Eh, what?" Trista grimaced. "Hugo? Why?"

"During that time, Hugo was just trying to "size her up" as he told me later on, but my brother was different. He was there to condescend, and intimidate her. Ooh, that arrogant display he had. I can't believe I still get pissed off about that."

Then Trista chuckled, "I think you had a good reason to."

"While being shy, Claire acted pretty uptight to them which didn't help their already tense meeting, and then Hugo asked her stupid questions about her job, and the cargo she was guarding."

Then Misha continued on. "Claire wasn't bright about that, and accidentally revealed how important that cargo was to her. While Hugo called her out on that, Claire made things worse by telling them that she cannot "approve of their frivolous actions," and not to expect any favors for it. So, in response Hugo called her a "Teacher's Pet," and my brother just simply laughed at her, condescendingly telling her that he hopes Claire could keep up with his "frivolous actions" with his spear."

Then Trista suddenly laughed, "Wow, your brother was such a punk."

"Ooh, do you realize how much those two made me angry, big sis?" Misha grimaced. "I felt so embarrassed having to apologize to Claire, and at that time, I already made up my mind to tear those two to shreds!"

Then Trista laughed again, "I think you need a little break, Misha. Here, drink some more tea, and relax a bit."

Then she poured more tea on her cup.

"I don't mind, but thanks," Misha sighed before she drank her tea. "And then I went up to the bridge, and I couldn't believe I was hearing. Hugo and my brother openly laughing and making fun of her, so I wacked their heads, and demanded them to apologize. I also told my brother that it was Claire who saved Sho's life, something he tried his best to do."

Trista laughed, "That's very brave of you."

"Ooh, I kinda wished I did something worse," Misha replied. "Like bashing their heads together."

Then Trista laughed even harder, "I can't blame you for that. They did put you on the spot with Claire."

"And then, that's when my brother's opinion on her finally changed," Misha continued. "Hugo apologized to her right before we started our next mission, but it took longer for my brother. Though, he started interacting with Claire while we're still in a truck on the way to our mission."

"Oh? That gets more interesting," Trista said. "So, what did he talk to her about."

"Claire was nervous about her first mission with us, and my brother noticed," Misha replied. "It took him a while to finally start talking to her, and then he asked her how much experience she had. It was her first real mission, so my brother told her to stick closely together with us, and that he'll keep her safe."

"Hoo hoo, I think this is where their love story starts," Trista grinned.

"Most likely," Misha smiled. "Though, even after that mission, he didn't apologize to her, but he did start interacting more with her. Claire seems to appreciate my brother's soft spot for kids, and then we even shared past mission stories with her while playing poker after dinner. Then my brother suddenly lost his mood to keep playing, and left. Zeke noticed that he's been feeling down ever since we finished that mission, and finally asked what happened to him. It was very likely that he totally regretted his attitude with Claire, and then we talked about him. That's when we learned from Hugo about my brother's hatred for regular God Eaters and Gleipnir, and in the end, we learned that we're all at fault for this. Besides his attitude with Claire, Hugo also noticed my brother's change of attitude when I mentioned those red flags to him, my failure to press the question further, and Claire's uptight personality to those two. None of the things we did helped. Hugo also scolded me that I might have been too hard on him at that time since he was just looking after me."

"Huh, I see," Trista sipped her tea. "Yeah, that was on all of you guys, but at the same time, it couldn't be helped. But what about Ricardo since he's also a regular God Eater? And where was Zeke in all this?"

"Ricardo got a quick pass from him because when he was inspecting Pennywort, he saved my brother from getting beaten by a guard," Misha replied. "He picked a fight with a guard for insulting me about Engage, and my brother was having none of it. He was also the one who saved Keith and the three kids after being left behind in the Port when they left."

"And as for Zeke, he would rather chill in the lobby, and meet Claire later on."

"I see now," Trista smiled. "Your brother is a type of person who will trust people who are nice to him."

"Though, that didn't end there," Misha continued on. "Before I knew it by next morning, I saw my brother and Claire being more open to each other now, so I thought he must have privately apologized to her sometime the night before, and he was the type of person who would do that. He's also shy about these kinds of things...Wait, now I think I know when. It was right before Claire entered our cabin."

Then she laughed, "Ooh, how could I not see that at first? Claire looked happy when she entered the cabin that night before I asked her why she was late. She just told me that she had to fill some reports before sleeping, and she totally got me on that one."

"Wow, I didn't know Claire can be a bit slick," Trista also laughed. "That woman can be a bit more dangerous than I thought, hehe."

"But something even bigger happened," Misha murmured. "In our next mission right before we finally left Pennywort, my brother kept looking after her, and we fought a medium Aragami, a Nemain, if I remember correctly. We eventually brought it down, but Claire was almost killed. None of us even knew that Aragami was still alive, so it got up and slowly tried to take Claire's life with it, but my brother barely saved her when he threw his spear at it when everyone of us couldn't have made it in time to save her."

"Ooh, nice save from him," Trista complimented. "And I started getting the chills when you talked about that Nemain getting up. It was like watching a movie full of suspense!"

"My brother was clearly scared when that happened, big sis," Misha murmured. "Then after he was sure that Claire was still OK, he got angry and chastised her for being careless before he went on to torture that Aragami. We both know how he is whenever he gets pissed off at an Aragami. He always tortures them for a few minutes before he kills them, but this one was different. We already knew this isn't going to be anywhere good, especially after I saw those eerie eyes he had again, but we couldn't do anything since that will only make him get mad at us."

"Huh," Trista raised her eyes. "I do remember that. The best way is to just leave him alone until he's satisfied, but at least he doesn't take too long to finish it."

"He took his sweet time on this, and he beat this one for almost half an hour with his bare hands," Misha grimly murmured. "It didn't even help that this Aragami tried to pull the same slick move it did to Claire, and he got his shoulder injured for it, but that only made him even angrier. We only helplessly watched him beat that thing until Claire couldn't handle it anymore, and begged him to stop. It was then that my brother revealed that he's been thinking of himself as a monster for a long time for being an AGE, for being hated by everyone, but Claire proved him wrong otherwise. I think at that time, Claire already knew how truly kind he is."

"Wow, that's almost like watching a romance-drama movie," Trista chuckled. "I can almost feel like crying...seriously."

"He never spoke again until the next day," Misha murmured. "I was worried about his shoulder, and wanted to find him to treat it until I saw him go to the male cabin alone. He already had bandages on when I found him, and Claire must have treated him before I got to him. My brother started changing for the better since then, becoming less agitated, smiles even more, and even started spending time training Claire and the kids. Because of him, Claire has gotten a lot better than she was when we met her pretty fast, and she's only been a God Eater for about less than a year. I think I owe Claire a lot for this."

"I guess I feel the same way for her," Trista smiled. "Except me and Shin, my guys are all regular God Eaters who are already friends with him, and this definitely wouldn't have happened, if it wasn't for Claire. Thanks for telling me this whole story, because I gained a LOT more respect for her now. Not that I didn't like her in the first place."

"Yep," Misha smiled. "It was a rough start for them."

"And another fun thing I want to ask about is Phym," Trista grinned. "Ricardo already told us the story the night you guys came here, and ooh, captain Daris, Shin, and I almost died from laughing during our drink night, but what were you thinking making Claire to be Phym's mommy?"

Then Trista laughed before Misha also laughed, "Ooh, that time was awesome, big sis. Besides the reasons we just talked about, Claire acted very motherly to Phym, and I even once told her that she would make a good mother, someday. My brother was in a coma for 3 days when he got bit by an Ashborn when he saved Phym's life, so Hugo had Phym call him 'daddy' since she became so attached to him, and was even begging him to wake up. So, during that time, Claire spent a lot of time taking care of her, and even went as far reading children's books for her and bathing together with her. Then one time, the owner learned while we're eating together that my brother was officially Phym's dad, and then she brought up the idea of having a mommy for her."

Then Trista laughed again, "I like where this is going."

"Ooh, you have no idea how hard I had to try to keep myself from laughing because I knew it had to be Claire," Misha kept laughing. "To make it more epic, I pretended to have no idea until everyone turned to her, and then that's when I pinned it on her. Ooh, I'll never forget how embarrassed Claire was when I finally made the strike, and then my brother's face after he finally woke up."

Then the two girls laughed together on the table.

"That pretty sly of you, Misha," Trista held her belly.

"Hm hm," Misha grinned. "And then they've been acting like real parents to her since. I can almost die from their adorable-ness sometimes."

"And then you ended up becoming her aunt," Trista grinned.

"Hmph, that Hugo," Misha pouted.

"And he also ended up being her uncle," Trista started snickering. "Uncle Hugo, huh? Congratulations."

"Ugh, if only I wasn't so stupid," Misha pouted again.

"So, what's your progress report about him?" Trista grinned.

"Eh?!" Misha raised her eyes, turning red.

"Hmhm, I still remember," Trista kept her grin, and Misha does not like what she was seeing. "How head over heels you are for our big brother?"

"W-well," Misha sighed. "It's more or less the same…"

"What?" Trista lost her grin, and leaned forward. "You're telling me that after all these four years, you two haven't made a move on each other yet?!"

"Y-yeah," Misha murmured. "I've tried many times, but he never seems to notice."

"Oh jeez," Trista groaned before leaning back on her seat, facepalming.

'Hugo! You dense bum!'

"I think your brother is beating you on that, and you gotta step your game up, girl. Hugo is also an attractive guy like your brother with more qualities, and it can be just a matter of time until another girl snatches him!"

"Do you need help?"

"It's OK, big sis," Misha murmured. "I don't want to get too pushy with him, and that might only make things worse."

"Are you sure?" Trista squinted.

"Mm," Misha nodded.

"OK, then," Trista plainly murmured.

"My turn then," Misha grinned. "You have someone you like?"

"Heh, not really. I'm a bit too busy to look for a relationship," Trista grinned back.

"What? What about Shin?" Misha raised her eyes.

Trista paused for a few seconds before she laughed, "Not even, but I won't complain if I have to go with him, someday."

"Huh?!" Misha furrowed her eyebrows.

"Well, Shin is a very dependable guy, and always did everything I told him to," Trista explained. "I don't think he would make a bad hubby at all."

"Eh, OK," Misha plainly nodded. "And yet, you're the one who wanted to push me with Hugo?"

Then Trista chuckled, "Say what you want. I'm just trying to help."

"Whoa, I didn't expect to see you two here," Shin smiled.

"Oh, hey, Shin," Trista greeted him. "What are you up to? And where's everyone?"

"I'm just here to have a tea drink," Shin replied. "And they're at the gym training the kids."

"Really? Including Kai?" Trista excitedly asked.

"Yep, he's training with Hugo right now," Shin smiled.

"Heh, that kid will show him," Trista grinned with pride.

"He already did, and Hugo even had to go on a little offense," Shin chuckled.

"Nice. I'm proud of him," Trista also chuckled. "Anyway, perfect timing. You wanna know the story of how your best friend Jerad became the better guy that he is now? It's a touching tale."

"Oh really..?" Shin smiled. "Sure."

"Then get your tea, and sit with us," Trista patted a spot beside her.

---

Back in the gym.

Jerad blocked Lil's downswing with a loud clash.

"There you go, Lil," Jerad grinned. "Keep at it!"

Then Lil grunted before she parried him off, and immediately leapt at him. Jerad blocked her swings a few times before he pushed her off.

"Your swings got stronger, but still too weak," Jerad pointed out. "You gotta grow a bit more muscles, Lil. You're an AGE, and you can do better."

"Haa!"

Jerad finally swung, and knocked Lil down.

"Oh," Lil groaned, staring down.

"I guess this is enough," Jerad rested his wooden sword on his shoulder. "Good job today, Lil."

"B-but," Lil murmured. "I still didn't do good enough, and...I wanted to help Marr."

Then she felt a hand on her head, and looked up to see Jerad smiling at her.

"Hey, you did do good today," Jerad consoled her. "I don't lie about things like that, and you got a lot of time. You're about 8, right?"

"Mm," Lil nodded before wiping off a small amount of tears.

"Keith started fighting just now, and he's 14," Jerad smiled. "You still got 6 years to get better, haha. And as long as you keep at it, you could become one hell of an AGE by the time you become 14. Aragami might even run away from you, and you'll be cutting those bastards to ribbons in no time."

"Whoo, finally done with Kai," Hugo flexed his shoulders. "That kid gave me quite a workout."

Then Garret chuckled, "Our captain did spend a lot of time training him, and she worked him hard."

"I highly bet," Hugo smiled. "The kid knew well above the basics."

"Hee hee," Kai grinned.

"And Marr was extremely aggressive," Zeke sighed. "Almost like a berserker, but he needs to think more about his attacks."

"I agree," Lulu nodded. "I wish I could make more time for my turn to teach him that."

"Leave that to me while you guys are gone," Garret said. "I think I'm the most proficient buster blade wielder here, and besides our captain and vice captain, I also train our guys."

"We're counting on you," Hugo smiled.

"You got it," Garret smiled back.

"I brought my kid here to do workouts together, and I see this," Daris suddenly spoke behind them, smiling. "And wow, I didn't know that kid had a knack for training other people, and he was on point with her, too."

"Whoa, how long have been behind us watching?" Hugo asked.

"For a while," Daris replied.

"He also taught me how to fight, and I learned a lot," Claire proudly replied.

"Heh, that makes him even more interesting, and I'm now in the mood since we won't be fighting Aragami today," Daris grinned. "Can I challenge your friend to a spar?"

"Well," Claire murmured. "That will be up to him."

"Fair enough," Daris nodded. "Son, you'll have to watch for now before we do our workouts together, OK? But watch carefully, because this is how real God Eaters fight."

"Okay," The boy smiled.

Then Daris walked into the arena, and stared at Lil, "Your teacher is right. Never hesitate in front of an Aragami, OK? Stay focused, and strike hard. Never look back."

"OK," Lil nodded, smiling now.

"And care for a sparring match, kid?" Daris smiled.

"Huh?" Jerad raised his eyes. He glanced at everyone behind him, and they seem hopeful that he will accept his match, most notably Claire. She was warmly smiling at him, and feeling obligated now, Jerad nodded.

"Yeah, sure."

"Alright. I'll grab a stick for you, so hold on a sec," Then Daris walked to the shelf, and grabbed two wooden staves while Jerad turned to Lil.

"Here, put this back to the shelf, OK?" He handed her his wooden sword.

"Okay," Lil nodded. "Do your best."

"I will," Jerad smiled. "Watch us fight, OK? Learn from it."

"Daddy will fight that orange haired man?" Phym asked.

"Yes," Claire smiled. "They're going to practice together like your daddy and I do, so this is not a real fight."

"Wow," Phym whispered with awe. "Win, daddy!"

Then Jerad chuckled, and nodded at her.

"Here you go, kid," Daris threw a stick at Jerad, and he caught it in one hand.

"You ready?"

"Anytime," Jerad confidently replied.

Then Daris chuckled, "Heh, that's what I'd like to hear. Ha!"

He rushed at Jerad, and the two made several clashes with their sticks. Daris aggressively swung his stick several times while Jerad blocked all his attacks well on time until he parried him off, and rushed him with a flurry of thrusts, but Daris dodged them before he parried one and tried to swing at Jerad's head, but missed after he quickly ducked and slid past his swing.

"That's a good start," Daris smiled. "And you're quite impressive so far, kid."

"Same here," Jerad chuckled. "My blood's boiling right now. This is going to be fun."

Then Daris laughed, "I didn't know you have a love for fighting, but I'm glad you are. I have more than where that came from, just so you know. I was just sizing you up."

"Hehe, me, too," Jerad grinned. "I was also holding back, but you wanna see how tough I am now?"

Daris laughed again, "I like that attitude, and you're making me like you even more. Show me, then."

"Right back at you," Jerad readied his spear. "Here I come! Haa!"

Then Jerad rushed at Daris, and went into a series of clashes again, with their confrontation becoming more intense and ferocious.

"Holy moly, that's one hell of a match!" Zeke watched with awe. "They're almost fighting like animals."

"Yeah, isn't this the first time we've seen Jerad fight against another person?" Keith asked. "It looks so intense."

"Yeah, to stand toe to toe with Captain Daris like that," Selene commented with admiration. "He's really amazing."

Hugo chuckled, "Well, there's Jerad, and then there's one of the two captains of this Port. This match could get crazier later on."

Then he turned to Lil, "You're seeing what Jerad has been teaching you, right? These two aren't holding back on each other at all, and both are pretty aggressive. Watch them closely."

"Okay," Lil nodded.

"And watch how captain Daris fights, Marr," Hugo said. "Despite being very aggressive, he still puts some thought in his attacks, and he definitely spent years refining his style. You need to learn that sense of refinement."

"Alright," Marr nodded before he continued watching.

"Haa!"

Jerad blocked Daris' downswing while they grunted at each other, and then he swung him to the side and tried to downswing back, but Daris also blocked it.

"Looks like neither of us are going down anytime soon," Daris kept his hold, gritting his teeth.

"That's great," Jerad grinned, also holding his stick against him. "Because I wanna enjoy this a little longer, anyway."

Then Daris snickered, "Then I hope you won't be disappointed."

"You, too," Jerad replied.

"Haa!"

Daris pushed him aside, and rushed him with a swing, but Jerad parried, and quickly moved in with a thrust, but Daris blocked it.

"Heh, striking quickly after parrying me to drop my guard?" Daris smiled. "That's pretty crafty."

Then Jerad chuckled, "Speak for yourself, but I'm honestly surprised you managed to block that."

"I think you're underestimating me, kid," Daris smiled.

"I sure hope not," Jerad replied before they broke away, and started fighting again. After a few clashes, Daris parried Jerad's stick upwards, and landed a swing on his gut.

"Ugh!" Jerad stumbled back, and grunted, holding his belly.

"Heh, got one on you," Daris smiled. "You still up?"

"Hmph, I ain't going down with just one hit," Jerad grimaced.

Daris chuckled, "Good. Looks like we can have a good match a little longer."

"I'll be sure to pay you back for that," Jerad readied his stick.

"Do your best," Daris sneered before they rushed back. They continued clashing against each other, and as Jerad readied for his thrust, he saw Daris raise his staff in anticipation, but he slightly lowered his thrust, and his stick slid through Daris', hitting his stomach.

"Oww," Daris winced, holding his belly with one hand after stumbling back a few steps.

Then Jerad chuckled, "Now we're even. You still up?"

"Of course, I am," Daris straightened up. "But the next hit will be the last. You ready for this?"

"That's my line," Jerad chuckled before he resumed his stance. "Let's get to it."

"Haa!"

Then they rushed each other, and clashed multiple times.

"Get him, daddy!" Phym yelled.

"Win this, dad!" The boy cheered.

"Oh, dear," A woman in her mid-twenties with long light brown hair murmured behind Claire who was wearing a lab coat. She also wore a God Eater armlet wrapped with yellow and black stripes, and Claire remembered seeing her in their party last night.

"I came here to visit my husband, and our son after work to see how they're doing, and this is what I see?"

Then she chuckled, "He'll never grow out of his enjoyment for competition, will he? I will admit that I miss those times, though."

"Um, excuse me?" Claire murmured. "You are?"

"Oh, my name is Leanne, but just call me Lea," The woman smiled. "I'm captain Daris' wife, and his former vice captain. I also work as a doctor in the orphanage. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Claire Victorious," Claire reached her hand for a handshake.

"Victorious?" Leanne paused while she shook her hand.

"Hm?" Claire raised her eyes.

"Nothing, I'm sorry. I just thought I've heard that name before, but nice to meet you, Claire," Leanne smiled.

"Mom," The boy suddenly latched on her.

"Hello, sweetie," Leanne picked up her son. "You like seeing your daddy fight?"

"Yeah, he looks so cool," The boy replied.

Leanne chuckled, "He took a lot after his father, even though he looks more like me."

Then Claire giggled.

"Oh, my. That young man is very good, and could stand toe-to-toe with my husband. I can see why he is enjoying this so much now, and I don't think he's fought a good opponent for a long time," Leanne proudly smiled.

"HRAHH!"

Jerad and Daris clashed sticks with each other, but their exhaustion was starting to take its toll.

"You're not gonna let up at all, aren't you, kid?" Daris smiled, also panting.

"I ain't backing down from you!" Jerad spat back. "Plus, this is just becoming more fun, so let me enjoy this a bit more."

"Heh, as expected of someone who slew an Ashborn," Daris whispered.

"What? How did you..know?" Jerad leered.

"Ricky told me, but keep this down, OK?" Daris grinned. "It's still a bit of a secret, but that's also the reason why I challenged you. I couldn't wait to see how good you are anymore."

"Heh, now you see how tough I really am, right?" Jerad snickered.

"Oh, I've been very impressed, kid," Daris grinned. "I'm glad I got to challenge you right now, and thanks for considering me worthy enough of your fun. However, I've noticed a flaw from you."

"What?" Jerad grimaced.

"You're skilled, but your spear fighting is too rough. Have you realized how much energy you've been wasting?" Daris smiled. "You may have excellent instincts in fighting, but you lack a bit of polish."

"Hmph, don't go lecturing me about fighting unless you beat me," Jerad refuted.

"Then, I'll show you why," Daris countered back before they pushed, and started swinging at each other. After a few more swings and clashes, Jerad and Daris swung and missed each other before they swooped across.

Panting, they turned to each other before Daris glanced to his side, and saw his wife watching.

"Oh, jeez," Daris murmured. "My woman is here now, so I have to look good."

"And?" Jerad narrowed his eyes.

"You don't have a woman to show off to?" Daris chuckled.

Jerad could only pause in silence, unsure of how to respond.

"Wanna know how I've gotten this far, kid?" Daris asked. "Because I had a family to fight for. That was my point. My family is what keeps me going."

"And how is that relevant to us fighting?" Jerad grimaced.

"You clearly don't understand, do you?" Daris also grimaced. "Do you even know why you've gotten this far? What keeps you going forward?"

"I'm only fighting so my sister could have a better life," Jerad replied.

"And that's it?" Daris raised his eyebrows while Jerad was taken by surprise. "It's admirable that you care about your sibling, but how about adding a purpose for yourself? What's your next step after you achieve that? Have you been thinking about it?"

"Tch!" Jerad gritted his teeth, and raised his staff.

"You have to have your own goals, kid," Daris continued. "Dreams that will keep you going. Life is more painful without them."

Seeing that he is starting to feel pained by this, Daris readied his staff.

'You already know the answer, but I think you're just being dishonest.'

"Well, let's continue on, and make this match fun until the end, shall we? I still need to spend some time with my kid."

"Hmph," Jerad resumed his stance while Daris also resumed his before they charged against each other again into a fight. They fought ferociously as if it was their last moment until Daris landed a hard swing at Jerad, but was pushed back after he managed to defend himself, but Daris did not give him a moment to rest and followed him with another swing. Jerad blocked his swing again, and put each other into a deadlock.

'He's starting to slow down,' Daris thought while continuing to push his staff against him. 'Is he just tiring out, or…'

"What's wrong? You're not having fun anymore?" He grinned. "At least, you want an epic ending out of this, right? Your friends are watching you."

Then Jerad glanced at them, and saw that Claire, Phym, and his friends are worriedly watching him. He can also see that Claire is clutching her chest while watching him closely.

"You don't wanna let them down, do you?" Daris grinned while he pushed his staff against him harder before Jerad growled.

"HAA!"

He pushed him back before Daris chuckled. "That's right. Give your all until the end, and let's make this match a memorable one."

"Right back at you," Jerad swung his staff, and resumed his stance, glaring at him with resolve.

Then Daris snickered, "There you go. I like that fire back in your eyes."

"Let's finish this!"

"HAA!"

For the last time, they clashed against each other as if their lives depended on them. Jerad tenaciously defended himself, and attacked Daris at every opportunity until he managed to break through his flurry of attacks, and retaliated with his own barrage of swings and thrusts. Jerad successfully defended himself against him, blocking and evading his attacks until he jumped back, and then Daris rushed in, and swung but Jerad also blocked. They had each other in a deadlock for a few seconds before they shoved each other away, and then Jerad quickly rushed in out of desperation. Daris managed to block Jerad's quick strike before shoving him back, and then Daris struck and parried through Jerad's defense before he landed another hit on his gut. Jerad stumbled a few steps back before he fell, but before he sat up, Daris quickly moved, and pointed his staff at him. He could only look up.

"D-daddy lost..," Phym murmured. "But he's still cool, right?"

Claire giggled, "Definitely. He certainly fought his best until the end."

"That was really fun, kid," Daris grinned. "I haven't had a good match for a long time, but see what I'm saying now? You tired out before I did, and I still have a lot of juice left."

"Oh..yeah," Jerad chuckled. "It's been fun."

"You're very talented, but you also carry a terrible weight," Daris murmured while twitching his staff. "You'll have to get whatever that thing is off your shoulders, someday. That's my homework for you."

Then Jerad raised his eyes before sighing. "I guess I should stop training other people now..."

"Why would you?" Daris chuckled. "Don't let that get you down, OK? You trained that little girl pretty good, and she got better listening to you. If I fought you right now when I was your age, you would have definitely steamrolled me, so I'll give you that. Not even Trista, Shin, and Eugene could last that long, no offense to them."

Then he reached his hand out before Jerad took it, and helped him up.

"Daddy!" Phym gave him a hug. "Are you hurting?"

"No...I'm OK, now," Jerad murmured.

Then Phym giggled, "You were so cool, Daddy!"

"Huh," Jerad raised his eyes before faintly smiling, and patted her head. "Thanks."

"Wow, that was an awesome match!" Zeke yelled. "Now I want to start sparring with everyone."

"We'll start tomorrow once we leave, Zeke," Hugo smirked. "We don't have time now, and we need to rest up after dinner tonight, but I hope you're ready for it."

"Bring it on, Hugo!" Zeke pointed at him. "Then I'll challenge you tomorrow."

"Heh, I'll gladly accept," Hugo smirked.

"Dad!" The boy ran to his father before Daris picked him up.

"Sorry that the match dragged on too long, son," Daris patted his head. "But I'll make it up to you tomorrow after work, OK?"

"It's OK, dad!" The boy shook his head. "I got to see how awesome you are."

Then Daris and a few others chuckled, "Thanks. I promise I'll make it happen tomorrow."

"You had enough fun today, dear?" Leanne crossed her arms with a smile.

"Of course, I did," Daris smiled before Leanne turned to Jerad.

"You're an amazing fighter, young man," Leanne smiled at him. "To push my husband to his limits like that. You're pretty talented."

"Eh, thanks," Jerad shyly scratched his head while Claire giggled.

"I came here to start doing workouts today after finishing work early, and then I see this," Ricardo chuckled. "Nice match, you two. It definitely reminded me of my youthful days."

"Whoa, Ricardo?" Hugo suddenly turned to him. "How long have you been here?"

"Ow, that hurts," Ricardo chuckled again. "I've been watching behind you for a while now. By the way, our final inspection in the Ashcrawler is finished, and she's all good to go tomorrow. The owner also wants to invite us for dinner in about an hour and a half."

"That sounds good," Hugo nodded. "Gives us more time for shower before that."

"Yep, just be there on time. Same restaurant we ate the other day," Ricardo waved.

"Oh," Daris raised his eyes. "Hey, I guess we have a bit more time to do workouts together, son."

"Oh, dear," Leanne shook her head. "I guess I could use some, too. I haven't been physically active lately, so I'll go ahead and get changed up for this."

"Ooh, I hope you don't spur me on," Daris grinned.

"Come again, dear?" Leanne glared at him.

"Nothing," Daris chuckled. "We'll be waiting for you here."

"Let's go ahead, and hit the showers," Hugo said. "And I'll let those three know."

"I guess I'll have to return to the orphanage for now, and get ready," Iris smiled.

"Come on, everyone."

"Yeah," Marr nodded.

"I'll see you guys later, and Jerad?" Lil turned to him.

"Yeah..?" Jerad murmured.

"Thank you for teaching me today," Lil smiled. "I've learned a lot, and I'm starting to learn the importance of fighting. Watching you made me realize that today."

"Oh..," Jerad murmured again. "You're welcome...Make sure you take everything I've taught you to heart, OK?"

"I will," Lil confidently nodded before she ran to follow Iris.

Then they started walking to the hangar, and Hugo saw Jerad staring into space while walking.

"Hey," Hugo put his arm above his shoulders.

"Hm?" Jerad quickly turned to him, looking surprised.

"Don't let that get you down, OK?" Hugo whispered. "Not even I could last that long against him. Plus, he's been fighting way longer than all of us, and Lil even thanked you for teaching her."

"You did great, so keep your head up. At least you had fun, right?"

Then he patted his shoulder.

"Heh, yeah," Jerad faked a smile.

---

Back in the tea restaurant.

"Wow, so that's how he became like that," Shin chuckled before sipping his tea. "I'd say he's well better off now."

"Quite a nice tale, right?" Trista grinned. "You can even make a movie out of that, haha. I almost cried hearing it."

Then Shin chuckled again, "You are right about what you said earlier. This morning, Eryk told us that he's been wanting to make friends with Jerad, but was pretty intimidated, and Gustav had to talk him into it."

"Ohh, I think I saw that," Misha said. "My brother was shopping alone at first, and then the next thing I saw were those guys hanging with him. I couldn't believe it."

"It's really thanks to him," Shin replied.

"Just when did those two talked?" Misha asked.

"Our last mission yesterday right before we finished," Shin replied. "We're digging our treasures during that time, and Gustav and Jerad got bored, so they hung around outside the room as lookouts before the last few Aragami came."

Then Trista tapped her earpiece, and listened for a few seconds before she muttered, "OK, we'll be there."

"Hm, Hugo just contacted me, and said that the owner wants to have dinner with us in about 90 minutes from now," Trista said. "I guess we gotta have to wrap this up soon, and get ready."

"I'm just about almost done with mine," Shin replied. "Just one more pour from this pot."

"Me, too," Misha nodded. "But wow, you drink fast."

"I also love tea, so I kinda can't resist," Shin chuckled before pouring his last fill on his cup.

Then Trista chuckled, "Wow, you guys like being classy, huh?"

"I sure do," Shin grinned before extending his cup, and sipping it.

"Ah, whatever. Take your sweet time," Trista shrugged. "Still got more than an hour."

---

"Aww, man," Zeke whined. "So, we have to go back to our Ashcrawler, grab our clothes, take a shower in the Port, and then put our clothes back in the ship? What a hassle. I wish we could bring our clothes to our rooms already."

"It's just going to be one night," Hugo replied. "So, bear with this a little longer, and once we leave tomorrow, it's back to business and going to be the same routine again."

Then they entered the Ashcrawler hangar bay, and as always, workers and engineers are working around and conducting final inspections for tomorrow. Some are already loading in supplies as Hugo can see them driving forklifts carrying multiple crates, and driving back and forth between the cache and their Ashcrawler's loading bay. They walked across the bridge to the ship's entrance and once they entered, they looked around the interiors.

"Wow, this ship went through an overhaul," Hugo commented. "These guys really worked tirelessly to get this vessel fixed up."

"And I don't even see the damages done by Anubis anymore when we're outside," Zeke added.

"Hilda and Ricardo definitely knew how to get things done," Keith also commented. "All operating systems here are working like brand new."

"We'll definitely leave tomorrow, so make sure that after dinner, you guys use the rest of your time to get things ready," Hugo advised.

"Yep," Keith nodded.

"And no working at all tonight, bro," Zeke ordered. "Not even reading, and you'll be hanging with us. Got it?"

"Okay," Keith nodded.

Then they entered their cabin while Claire, Lulu, and Phym entered theirs.

"Wow, they even cleaned this room REALLY good," Zeke smiled before he ran his finger on the table. "Not even a speck of dust."

Hugo chuckled, "Heh, right?"

"This is going to be how Phym will keep her room clean," Jerad smiled as he took a new set of his clothes from his drawer. "Her candies will be at stake for it."

"Ooh, quite a strict dad you are," Zeke chuckled.

"She'll have to start learning about cleanliness," Jerad replied before smiling. "But I'm sure she'll be fine."

"I'm sure she will," Hugo chuckled. "She's a good girl."

---

In the Female Cabin.

"I also got your towel, Phym," Claire smiled before she walked over to Lulu, who seemed to be hiding something as she was slipping clothes, a sewing kit, and rolls of cloth into her drawer. "Do you need help? Wait, are those kids'..?"

Then Lulu quickly shut her drawer, and stood closely beside Claire.

"These are for Phym, but please keep this a secret, OK?" Lulu whispered. "I'll sew these to make them better before I give them to her."

"Ookay..," Claire nodded back with a whisper before Phym giggled.

"S-something the matter, Phym?" Claire muttered.

"Mm, mm," Phym shook her head with a smile.

"By the way, where's Misha? She hasn't come back yet," Lulu randomly asked, trying to change the topic.

"Last I heard, she was with Trista to drink tea together," Claire replied.

"Oh yeah, I remember," Lulu smiled.

Then they heard a door hum open.

"Hey, guys," Misha waved with a smile. "I can't wait to have a nice, cool shower before our grand dinner."

"Hello, Misha," Claire greeted. "How's tea?"

"Ooh, it was great," Misha quickly replied. "I didn't know big sis had a great taste for tea, and she said she'll be buying more tonight for this trip."

"Oh, that's great," Claire smiled. "I also like tea myself."

"You should join us next time," Misha smiled.

"I can also brew tea, just to let you know," Lulu confidently smiled. "I'll brew you my best ones after we leave tomorrow, so I guess I'll shop for them, too."

"Nice," Misha excitedly said. "I'd like to try them."

"Look forward to it, then," Lulu smiled. "And afterwards, we'll sit together to talk about a lot of things."

"Mommy, what's tee?" Phym curiously asked.

"It's a type of drink," Claire explained. "It's healthy for you, and it feels relaxing."

"Really? I wanna try it," Phym cheered.

"Ooh, that settles it, then," Misha grinned. "An all girls tea party. Let's do that!"

"We'll make it happen," Lulu nodded. "Let's grab our things so we can all finally shower."

"Got it," Misha smiled.

---

Once they leave their cabins.

"Hey, guys," Hugo greeted. "Do you know where Trista and Shin are?"

"Hey, Hugo," Misha greeted with a smile. "They said they're going to start packing a few more things to bring over here before dinner with the owner tonight."

"Ah, OK," Hugo nodded.

Then once they reached the bridge, they met Trista and Shin, and they were carrying a few luggages, but Trista was…

"Sup, guys," Jerad raised his eyes. "But, Tris. What the hell is that huge thing?"

"Lots of booze, what else?" Trista grinned. " And of course, I brought some other drinks, too. Bought some tea for us, Misha."

"Wow, sweet," Misha cheered.

"Do you like tea, Jerad?" Claire smiled.

"I don't mind them," Jerad replied.

"You should try drinking tee with us, daddy," Phym tugged his hand.

Jerad chuckled, "Sure. I'll drink with you, sometime."

"Ooh, I hope you limit your drinks, captain," Shin murmured.

"I know that," Trista refuted. "Want me to squish you with this huge box?"

"I'm just reminding you," Shin shrugged with a groan. "I just don't want you to get in trouble with the owner while on duty."

"I appreciate it, but thanks," Trista grimaced.

Then Hugo chuckled, "Alright, we'll be on our way to the showers, but let's all meet up in the residential courtyard before dinner. Cool?"

"Yep," Trista grinned. "See ya all later, and Shin and I will catch up once we drop these things off."

"Got it," Hugo nodded before they waved each other off.

---

After their showers, Hugo and the others dropped their dirty clothes off in the Ashcrawler cabin for laundry later, and then walked back into the residential courtyard to wait for Misha, Iris, Trista, Shin, and Phym.

After several minutes passed.

"I guess we still have about 45 minutes to chill here," Hugo sighed, and laid back on his bench. "30 minutes to chill here, and then being there 15 minutes before we meet up with Hilda."

"Man, why do we have to shave off a quarter of an hour to be there early?" Zeke whined as he laid back with his hands on the back of his head.

"It's to make sure we meet her on time, Zeke," Hugo explained. "It's a safe measure to be there if Hilda arrives earlier."

"Heh, that was a good coincidence," Garret smiled. "Back in Gleipnir, there was a saying that "if you are on time, you are late," so we also have a thing for arriving 15 minutes early. I also heard that it was an old military standard in my home country."

"There you go, Zeke," Hugo chuckled. "Gotta be there 15 minutes early."

"So, what's your home country?" Jerad curiously asked.

"North America," Garret replied. "Also called the United States of America. Amber and I came from there."

"Wait..United?" Jerad mused. "I remember Shin and I talked about that a bit, and I hardly remembered, but my parents once told us that they came from another western country across the seas, but my sister and I were born here."

"Heh, that's definitely our home country," Garret grinned. "Plus we kinda look alike, too, especially Amber. So I guess that makes us four Americans."

Then Garret gestured his hand for a fist bump.

"Huh, I guess we are," Jerad smiled.

"Muricans? What?" Zeke sat up.

"Americans," Garret repeated. "From North America."

Then after Jerad returned his fist pump, Garret suddenly muttered, "Yeehaw."

"Huh? What's that?" Jerad chuckled.

"Cowboys," Amber giggled.

"It's an ancient proud culture we used to have," Garret replied. "I used to see them in old TV shows as a kid. People riding horses with big hats, and old guns."

"So we're all Cowboys, if you look at it," Amber smiled while pointing her two fingers at Jerad before raising them with a 'pew' sound that simulated two handguns.

"Heh, sounds like a cool bunch of people," Jerad smiled. "So, what does..our home country look like now?"

"More or less the same since the Calamity happened," Garret murmured. "There is a Gleipnir branch there like it is here, and there is a Port in every state, like Port Texas, for an example. Some states even have two Ports."

"And Garret and I came from Texas," Amber smiled.

"Wow, that was really fascinating," Hugo commented. "The world seems a lot bigger than I think it is."

"Oh, we're also quite an interesting mixed bunch," Gustav smiled. "I came from a country called Germany, by the way. Far east from here."

"And I came from a large peninsula called Italy," Selene also smiled. "It's far south from here, and my surname Belfiore meant 'beautiful flower' in my home country."

"Heh, your parents sure got good taste in names," Gustav grinned. "It definitely suits you."

"H-hey!" Selene glared at him, also blushing. "Gustav!"

"I'm just stating my honest opinion, jeez," Gustav sighed before everyone chuckled.

"I don't got much to say," Eryk shrugged. "I was born and raised here in this country of Finland."

"And you, Adrian," Gustav grinned at him. "Didn't you once say you came from a big island country?"

"Absolutely, good sir," Adrian bowed. "I was born in the old United Kingdom of Great Britain."

"Ooh. 'United,' 'Kingdom,' and 'Great?'" Gustav chuckled. "That was grand."

Then Eryk laughed, "And your whole name sounded like royalty, too. Adrian Lawrence."

"And my fencing style has been passed down from my family from generations to generations," Adrian proudly stroked his bangs. "Ever since the Renaissance."

"Wow," Selene raised her eyes. "I've read about that during my time in history class, too."

"Heh, and one last thing," Gustav smiled. "Our vice captain seemed to come from a country that none of us have ever been in: the Far East."

"Oh yeah. Shin told me the same thing," Jerad added.

"Yep," Gustav nodded. "He stood out from us the most, and he surely learned an art that we've never seen before, but it was damn dangerous. So dangerous that he could slice our heads off, and we'd still be alive."

Then Hugo chuckled, "Shin was also like that with us during our times together in prison minus the style he has now, and stuck out like a sore thumb. Even without that, he's always been the quick one, like my guy here."

Then he tugged Jerad's shoulder, "My two fastest guys."

"Oh yeah, about that," Gustav raised his eyes. "I've never seen a guy move so fast with a spear before, and you're definitely faster than captain Daris. I'll have to give you that one."

Then he fist bumped with Jerad.

"I still lost to him, though," Jerad murmured.

"Yeah, but you gotta keep in mind that he's been fighting longer than all of us here, and then a kid like you totally pushed him on the edge?" Gustav grinned. "That's also the first time I've seen him have so much fun fighting, and not even our captain could last long against him, so good job on that."

"See?" Hugo grinned. "You gotta look at the positive side, too, buddy."

"Yeah," Jerad plainly smiled.

"There you are," Trista, Shin, Claire, Iris, Lulu, and Phym finally arrived. "How long have you boys been hanging around here."

"About 20 minutes," Hugo replied. "And we still got 10 here."

"Daddy!" Phym hugged him. "So hungry..wanna eat."

"Just a little longer, Phym," Jerad stroked her head.

"Wow. I've been watching you for a while now, but to be a dad of such a cute little girl," Gustav smiled. "I'm kinda jealous."

"He's my best daddy," Phym snuggled to him.

Then everyone chuckled.

"Aww, she's so irresistibly adorable," Selene cooed while clutching her hands together. "C-can I also hug you, too?"

"You're going to die from cuteness, Selene," Lulu smiled. "I can almost guarantee it."

"Ooh, I hate it when you act like this, Phym," Trista curved her fingers, also pretending that her hands were shivering. "You're making me wish I could have a cute daughter like you someday. C'mere!"

Then she suddenly paused, "Hm? You're not running away from me now?"

"Mm mm," Phym shook her head before she latched on her.

"Wha..?" Trista murmured with shock.

"Thank you for letting me keep your God Arc," Phym snuggled to her.

"Ha..ha..haa…!" Trista shuddered. "Y-you're welcome."

Then she slowly hugged her back.

"First time?" Lulu snickered while Claire and Misha giggled.

"Aww, how come I don't get to hug her," Selene murmured, and crossed her arms, pouting.

Then Gustav chuckled, "Don't worry. You'll get your chance."

"I guess time's up," Hugo said. "You guys ready for some good dinner?"

"Yep, I'm starving," Zeke stood up. "Let's get to eating now."

"Alright, we'll see you later," Eryk said. "West bar tonight?"

"Oh," Hugo raised his eyes. "Yeah, I guess we'll see you there tonight."

"You guys not eating with us?" Jerad asked, seemingly surprised.

"Looks like an officer's club kind of thing," Garret replied. "Or for people who are leaving tomorrow, but don't worry. We'll be eating together before we head over the bar. See you guys later, and enjoy yourselves."

"You, too," Hugo waved. "See you guys there, tonight."

Then while walking, Hugo sniffed a few times.

"What's that smell?" Hugo murmured.

"Hm?" Misha turned to him.

"That smell. It smells really good," Hugo turned to her. "Was that from you?"

Then Misha's eyes widened, and started shuddering. She can feel herself turning into a molten steel.

"A-a-ah yeah, I-I bought a perfume this morning, and just sprayed it on me for the f-first time."

"Hey, you don't need to be nervous," Hugo chuckled. "It's really good."

"T-thanks," Misha stuttered.

---

In the Dining District

"Good evening, everyone," Hilda smiled. "It's only been about two days, but it feels like a long time. How do you like it here so far?"

"It was great," Hugo smiled back.

"And thanks for helping my people yesterday," Hilda smiled again. "We're a bit undermanned, so any help they could have is appreciated."

"The pleasure is ours," Hugo proudly grinned. "I'm glad I got to know a lot of people."

"Heh, I wish I joined you yesterday," Daris smiled. "Come join us later, sometime. My boys and girls could learn a thing or two from you guys."

Then he turned to Jerad with a smile, "Especially you, kid. My men have been saying good stuff about you."

"Huh?" Jerad raised eyes.

"Yeah," Daris grinned. "I think they want you to give them a nice beating. Plus, I've been pushing them to be better than those Gleipnir sissies, so I think I'll need your help with that."

Then he laughed.

"Good evening, Sister Hilda," Iris smiled.

"Good evening, Iris," Hilda warmly smiled at her. "I see you already made friends with them."

"Oh yeah, they're all great people," Iris replied.

"Met her this morning," Jerad said. "I was just hanging around the square alone watching the kids play, and then she suddenly appeared. Never even noticed her."

Then everyone chuckled.

"Just a tip for you about our Port," Hilda smiled. "When there are a lot of kids playing around, there will be Iris."

"S-sister..!" Iris murmured before everyone laughed.

"That's our Iris," Amy giggled.

"Please, not you too, Amy," Iris murmured, feeling embarrassed.

"Let's start our dine now," Hilda smiled. "I reserved a whole table for us in a private room, so come on in."

Then they walked inside a restaurant, and as they started entering the room, Zeke tugged Hugo.

"Hey, man," Zeke murmured. "This feels too formal, and I don't know how to deal with this."

"Just act decent," Hugo whispered back. "And mind your table manners, too."

Then everyone took their seats.

"So, what do you guys want?" Hilda asked. "Order away. Tab is on me."

"OK," Hugo nodded. Though without being said, the Hounds ordered small meals, remembering how much Hilda spent to buy them off Pennywort.

"That's it?" Hilda raised her eyes.

"Yeah, we'll be fine with these," Hugo smiled.

"Very well," Hilda nodded, and once their orders arrived after several minutes.

"So, everyone ready for tomorrow?" Hilda smiled.

"Yep. Can't wait to get back to business again," Hugo smiled back.

"I'm thrilled for another adventure," Zeke said. "I'm pumped."

Then Daris chuckled, "Ah, the joys of the youth. Enjoy it while you guys can, but come back here in one piece, OK?"

"We will," Hugo nodded.

"Ready to be back to work again, Amy?" Mia smiled.

"Yes. Thanks for filling in for me," Amy smiled back.

"No problem. It was fun working with your guys," Mia smiled again.

"Oh yeah. Keith, I heard from captain Daris that you installed acceleration triggers on him, and his men today," Hilda smiled. "Thank you. What you did was not only very helpful, but saved our people's lives, too."

"No problem, ma'am," Keith smiled. "It's always good to be helpful."

"Just make sure you take a hard earned rest tonight," Hilda smiled.

"That's right, Keith," Zeke grinned. "You're taking a break tonight..by your big brother's order."

"Okay, okay, I get it already. Sheesh." Keith scratched his head before he saw Daris grinning at him before he flashed his eyebrows.

"My husband told me a lot about it," Leanne smiled. "If I was still a God Eater, I would have loved to try it."

"Mom, what is that?" The boy asked.

"It's a thing that's going to make your dad strong like Superman," Daris patted his head before everyone around the table laughed.

"It will make your dad become one, kid," Trista grinned. "That I can definitely tell you."

"So, how did the test run go for you guys?" Hilda leaned forward. "I'd like to hear some stories, and that was an interesting joint effort between you, and the Hounds, Trista. I bet some interesting things happened."

"Definitely, ma'am," Trista smiled. "While there are a lot of us in that mission, we still faced some tough Aragami."

"Huh," Daris leaned forward, interested. "Now, I'd like to hear that more."

Then he turned to the boy, who was sitting on his lap. "This is a story you'd want to listen to, son. You rarely hear about these things."

"Your dad's right," Leanne smiled. "Listen closely, OK?"

"Okay," The boy nodded.

"So, it started with us outside the southwest frozen plant," Trista described their first fight with Aragami that suddenly spawned around the area. She was very enthusiastic about her first use of acceleration trigger, and Shin added his own experience with it, about being able to move like a wind that Gustav and Selene became distracted with awe that they almost became casualties.

"Wow, I bet I could hardly see you when you use that thing," Daris chuckled.

"It's nothing like it, sir," Shin smiled. "You're going to love it."

"Ah, I really can't wait to try mine in my next mission with my boys and girls," Daris chuckled. "And please forget about formality and rank for now, and just call me by name. We're all talking here on a personal level right now. Get more comfortable."

"Yes..sir?" Shin murmured.

"Aw, come on. Please don't be like Eugene," Daris tugged his vice captain, who was sitting beside him, and Eugene only sighed. "You guys need to know when to be both professional, and personal."

"Okay," Shin smiled.

"Sorry about that," Daris turned back to everyone. "Please continue."

"And then Jerad and I jumped in to cover Gustav, and Selene," Shin continued. "She was shocked from almost dying at that time."

"And I had to yell at both of them to get their butts out of harm's way," Jerad added. "I thought those two were newbies, but I found out later on that they actually aren't too bad, including that kid girl."

"Jerad..that's quite a rude way to describe someone," Claire lectured. "Even if it's behind her back."

"I think I'm just being a bit honest," Jerad replied. "But don't get me wrong. I really don't think Selene is bad at all, either. I can see that she's pretty dedicated to getting better to keep up with everyone."

Daris chuckled, "Maybe you should train her, and she's going to need all that hard training you can give."

"Heh, it probably won't be easy for her," Zeke grinned. "Because I think..that girl has a crush on him."

"She's just a kid, Zeke." Jerad grimaced. "Get real, OK?"

"My, aren't you a ladies man?" Daris grinned at him, and then at Claire before Jerad sat back and groaned.

"Anyway, after we mopped the whole area with them, we decided to take a break," Trista continued. "Plus, Selene had to recover at that time before she could fight again."

"I'm very thankful for how thoughtful you are of your people, Trista," Hilda smiled. "Please keep up the good work."

"I will, ma'am," Trista smiled. "So, after our break, we decided to split up. Shin wanted to explore an undiscovered area of the facility to see if he could find some data discs so we split up to wipe out Aragami in east and west at the same time, and then meet up again in the north sector. It also got mooore interesting from there."

"Hehe, I think this is where the good stuff is," Daris smiled.

"After we split up, we fought and killed more Aragami as we go," Trista continued. "And then we ran into a bird-like Aragami we never fought before, and we had a hard time cutting this thing down. It was all armor everywhere."

"It was a Chi-You," Lulu added. "I've killed one of those before, back when I was still in Baran."

"Yeah, it was a good thing you were with us," Trista said.

"Glad I was," Lulu replied. "Breaking its wings, or attacking its head is the way to go, but the latter is not very easy. My old master was the only one I knew who could attack its head."

"That's absolutely correct," Daris added. "Back in our youthful days, it's how my wife and I brought those things down. We also happen to be lucky that I use a spear."

"And I had to distract them by pelting them with my gun, dear?" Leanne smirked. "I also made things easier for you."

"Definitely," Daris smiled back.

"In that case, I could have made a short work on that thing," Jerad said.
"Oh, I wished you and Shin were with us," Hugo replied. "You two are good at hitting Aragami where it hurts."

"And even after we broke that thing, that thing was persistent," Trista grimaced. "I took a hard hit from it, and that's when I finally learned to use Engage for the first time with Hugo."

"Huh, you got it figured out, too, huh?" Shin suddenly spoke. "I had that same thing with Jerad when we fought a Havakiri."

"A Havakiri?" Daris suddenly leaned forward. "Those things are quite rare right now, and it's one of those few new Aragami that came out right after the Ashlands. I've fought it once, and it was the last Aragami my wife fought against."

"Ooh, I still remember that so well, dear," Leanne held her head. "We had a hard time hitting it before we finally brought it down together."

"And that bastard almost skewered me," Jerad shook his head. "That thing was clever enough to somehow know that I was on the other side of that door before it stabbed its blade through to try getting me."

"And it's a good thing that Phym somehow heard it," Shin added. "I could have never warned you guys."

"I'm sorry again at that time," Mia murmured. "The thick mists around the area made it really difficult to detect Aragami, and it must be only that it stood still behind that door that I was finally able to barely see it."

"That's OK, Mia," Shin assured her. "You did your best."

"I agree," Daris added. "Stuff happens, and other than that, you've been doing excellent work keeping us proactively informed about Aragami. Keep up the good work, and keep your head up."

"Thank you," Mia smiled.

"And wow, you had good sense, little one," Daris smiled.

Then Phym giggled, "I'm just glad I kept mommy, and daddy safe."

"Yep, just keep them safe, OK?" Daris smiled again.

"I will," Phym smiled back.

Then Leanne giggled, "She's so adorable, Claire."

"Yeah," Claire smiled back.

"Take good care of her, OK?" Leanne smiled. "You too, young man."

Then Jerad and Claire nodded with a smile.

"So, to continue on," Shin said. "That thing jumpstarted us after it sliced that thick door down, and tried to cut me down, first. I was lucky I already had my acceleration trigger at that time, so I used it and barely blocked it."

"Ooh," Everyone exclaimed.

"Without it, I would have been gone, and that thing swung really hard," Shin continued. "And we got into an intense sword fight, afterwards."

"It was crazy at that time," Zeke added. "Gustav, Selene, Keith, and I had a hard time landing a single hit on that thing, and then Selene got kinda hurt, so Claire and Phym had to take care of her while the rest of us kept fighting it. Even Keith using his acceleration trigger was not enough to stop it dead in its tracks, and Gustav kept swinging at it like a demon and still couldn't hit it."

"And then that's when I came up with an idea, and talked to Jerad to distract it," Shin continued on. "I figured that I should somehow slow it down by sneaking up, and damaging its legs."

"And I had no idea what you were planning during that time," Jerad added. "Before I knew it, you're suddenly gone, and I couldn't find you."

"I became invisible at that time," Shin smiled. "While you kept that Havakiri busy, I snuck behind it, and then I didn't expect you to land a hit on its chest, and stun it so early, so I took the chance, and sliced its legs. That plan worked."

Jerad chuckled, "I remembered how you did it. You even moved so fast that I almost missed seeing it."

"Heh, this acceleration trigger was surely handy," Shin grinned while clutching his hand. "Wouldn't have been possible for me to sneak up, and hit its legs soon enough."

Trista chuckled, "Wow, you're a super ninja now."

Then everyone chuckled.

"Very good, Shin," Daris smiled. "That's how my wife, and I brought ours down by damaging its legs. She shot both of its legs while it was deadlocked with me, and then it got easier from there. That's when Eugene finally managed to hit it."

Then he turned to him with a grin, "Right?"

"Yep," Eugene nodded. "Until then, I've felt useless, and had to make everything up by battering it to death."

Then Daris and Leanne laughed.

"It wasn't over yet, however," Shin continued on. "That thing still put up a fight, and still managed to swipe us off. I even tried to slit it's neck once, and it still survived."

Then Jerad laughed, "I still remember how pissed off you were about that."

"That move would normally kill any medium Aragami," Shin replied. "I still couldn't believe it survived."

"And then next, that's when you learned about Engage," Jerad smiled. "Ooh, that part was great. We ganged up on that thing like there's no tomorrow."

"And then I watched you combo that thing to death," Zeke laughed. "That thing literally fell to pieces after you're done with it."

"Yeah, and that was nice to watch," Jerad also laughed. "Which is what made you the real MVP, Shin."

Daris chuckled, "That was one hell of a fight you guys had."

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "It sure is, and had one hell of a day for it."

Then Hilda giggled, "That explains why there are no Aragami problems today. You guys totally outdid yourselves, and I'm very thankful for this."

"Thinning the herd one at a time," Daris grinned. "My boys and girls wiped them out in the field, but these kids took care of the rest inside."

"It's a great teamwork, if I must say so," Hilda smiled. "This is the first time I've seen so much work done in a single day, and I greatly appreciate it."

"Thanks, Hilda," Hugo smiled back. "We'll keep up the good work."

"And we'll keep good security of this Port, as always," Daris added. "So, everyone can sleep well every night."

"I'll keep counting on you," Hilda nodded at him with a smile. "And Leanne, thank you for keeping the health of all children here in top shape."

"You're welcome, ma'am," Leanne nodded. "I love my job."

"I think we're pretty much out of time here," Hilda sat back. "Plus, I want you guys to have enough time to relax with your friends, and rest well tonight."

"And Ricardo?"

"Yes, ma'am?" Ricardo turned to her.

"You're done for today, so please relax for the rest of the night," Hilda replied.

"Are you sure?" Ricardo asked.

"Certainly," Hilda nodded. "It's just a few reports, and paperwork I have to do tonight. I can take it from here."

"I see," Ricardo murmured. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Oh yeah, guys," Shin smiled. "I started decrypting the discs we found yesterday, and already finished Season 3. After watching a few minutes of it, I found out that the movie's name was Bugarally, and already uploaded it in our shared drive."

"Buga-rally?" Zeke raised his eyes.

"Yep," Shin nodded. "It looks like a cartoon movie from the Far East, and it looks great from what I've seen so far. Though it was spoken with a different language, someone was kind enough to subtitle it in English. Isam sure is an interesting character."

"Hey, no fair, Shin," Trista glared at him. "You took a look before even the rest of us did?"

"It's a good thing I checked those other movies before I uploaded them in our Port's shared drive, captain," Shin glared back at her. "Some of those movies I saw weren't meant for kids, so I had to restrict access to them."

Then Hilda laughed, "That's a nice thoughtful measure you had, Shin. Good work."

"Bugarally, huh?" Daris smiled. "I used to hear a lot of good things about that during my youth, and people also called..anime? Does that word ring a familiar tone to you?"

"Kinda," Shin replied. "I hardly know my native language now, but I guess it's what my homeland called their animated TV shows."

"I'll have my boy watch it, and I think he'll like it," Daris grinned. "Could you finish the rest tonight?"

"Will do," Shin nodded. "I'll finish the rest tonight, and then upload it in our shared drive."

"Thanks," Daris grinned.

"It will be greatly appreciated, Shin," Hilda smiled. "It could help improve morale."

"No problem, ma'am," Shin smiled back. "I'll make it happen, and Keith, come with me when I finish these after hanging around. It's the perfect time for me to show you."

"Roger that," Keith excitedly nodded.

"Hey, I'm becoming curious now," Zeke added. "Mind if I also go with you?"

"Sure thing," Shin smiled.

"I also heard a great deal of that show during my time in Fenrir," Leanne said. "Maybe I should try it, too."

"I guess that makes us three, then," Daris smiled. "Let's have a family group watch together."

Then he turned to his son, "Right?"

"Yeah," The boy smiled.

"I guess we should wrap this up," Hilda smiled. "Enjoy the rest of the night."

Then everyone stood from the table, and slid their seats back. They waved their goodbyes to each other, and Daris and Leanne went home to prepare their son to sleep, but before that Daris and Ricardo talked about their plans to meet up in the west bar to drink together. Hugo, and the rest of everyone headed for the west bar to relax and socialize.

"Um, Hugo?" Misha murmured. "Is it just me, or is my brother looking a bit down right now?"

"Oh, that," Hugo scratched his head. "Your brother and Daris had a sparring match earlier in the gym, and lost. He did put up a great fight that Daris was even impressed, but I don't think he took his loss well."

"Against Daris?" Misha gasped. "How was he?"

"Oh, his skill with a spear is scary," Hugo replied. "But I can't even say he put your brother's to shame. It was even surprising that your brother stood toe to toe with him for a while, but Daris was just more experienced, and not even I would last long against him. Just imagine how much more powerful he is, if he's an AGE."

"Ah, I see," Misha murmured. "I don't think my brother should feel bad."

"Don't worry," Hugo smiled. "I'm sure he'll get over it soon enough. Your brother is a tough guy, but I think this is something he needs to experience."

"Right," Misha smiled.

---

Several minutes in the west bar, Ricardo, and Daris were sitting, and drinking together at the table, before Ricardo glanced at Jerad, who was sitting far alone on a stretched table with his first drink.

"Man, that match you had with the kid earlier," Ricardo murmured. "That one just became more than just a typical match for you, did it? What's up?"

"That kid reminded me of my old self," Daris frowned. "He seemed like a lost puppy, so I kinda took it personally after I jokingly asked him if he had a woman to show off to, and it hit me after seeing his reaction. I figured I should make him ask himself about his own purpose in life."

"Huh," Ricardo murmured.

"I lost everything after that damn Calamity happened," Daris sipped his drink. "I also had nowhere else to go, but all I did was keep going until I found a way to start my life over again, and that's when I met Leanne when she came here. She also lost everything after that happened, and settled here as one of the first God Eaters like us. We worked together to rebuild our lives again."

Then he sighed, "I may have had it easier since I was already a grown up when this whole mess happened, but imagine him losing everything at such a very young age. I figured I should give him a hand, and it was the least I could do."

"Heh, I think he needs it, but speaking of that," Ricardo chuckled. "He already does have a woman to show off to. You've been seeing that young gorgeous lady who's often with him, right?"

"Oh, really?" Daris smiled. "That blonde one? I was only suspicious at first, but I should have known earlier. Damn, that lucky kid got me."

"And you're not going to cheat on me for her, right?" Leanne suddenly spoke behind them with a champagne bottle, and glass in hand.

"Of course not," Daris glared at her. "You know you're the best irreplaceable woman I could ever have, and no one else comes close."

Then Leanne giggled, "I was just kidding, honey. Of course I could never think of you committing infidelity. May I join?"

"Of course," Ricardo nodded. "Come sit here."

Then Leanne sat beside her husband.

"So, how's our boy?" Daris asked.

"He's sound asleep now," Leanne replied. "Plus, he's got school tomorrow."

"Ah, OK," Daris nodded.

"So, what did I miss?" Leanne asked while pouring champagne on her glass.

"We're just talking about that kid, Jerad," Daris replied. "About how that blonde girl has been hanging with him."

"You mean Claire?" Leanne smiled. "Oh, my. When I met her earlier, I was definitely sure I've heard her surname before, and I wished I remembered when I did."

"Hm? So what is it?" Daris curiously asked.

"If I could guess correctly, she is an aristocrat," Leanne grinned.

"Whoa," Daris raised his eyes. "How?"

"During my time in Fenrir HQ, I've heard of a famous humanitarian family called House Victorious," Leanne explained. "A high class family of God Eaters."

"Wow," Ricardo murmured. "She must be a VIP, but she never talked to us about this."

"It's likely that she wanted to keep a low profile for many reasons," Leanne replied before sipping her glass. "I don't think she wants any sort of unwanted attention."

"I see," Ricardo nodded.

---

On the long table, Jerad was still sitting quietly alone with his drink when Claire walked to him.

"Are you OK, Jerad?" Claire murmured. "I thought you hardly drink."

"Oh, I figured that I might as well as drink since this is our last day here," Jerad murmured. "Plus this is my first bottle for today. Where's Phym?"

"She's with everyone right now," Claire replied. "And I also bought her a strawberry shake."

"I see," Jerad faintly smiled. "Thanks."

Then Claire sat beside him.

"Listen, don't take this loss seriously, OK?" Claire smiled. "You fought your best, and captain Daris was even impressed. Phym even told me how cool you still are."

"Oh, yeah?" Jerad faintly smiled again.

"Yes," Claire nodded. "No one will ever think less of you for this. Please remember that."

"OK," Jerad murmured before sipping his drink. "I did have fun fighting him, but when I lost, I didn't think that would hit me. I felt so stupid."

"No, you're not," Claire refuted. "But at least you had fun, right? You always enjoyed fighting, and that could be a good learning experience for you."

"I suppose," Jerad murmured. "I'm just gonna practice a lot tomorrow after we leave to shake all of this off."

Then Claire smiled, "OK. That would be a great idea."

"I'll be with you guys, shortly," Jerad said. "But for now, I need some time alone."

"That's alright," Claire smiled again. "I'll see you there."

Then Claire left, and Jerad spent more time alone and finished his drink halfway through. After a few minutes, another person stopped by.

"I've been looking for you, buddy," Eryk said. "How's it going?"

"Not much," Jerad murmured. "Just taking a little breather."

"Are you still bothered by your loss with captain Daris?" Eryk asked.

Then Jerad glanced at him without saying a word before taking another sip.

"You gotta remember what he said earlier," Eryk continued. "That you're definitely better than him when he was your age. He only beat you because of experience, but that could also mean that by the time you reach his age, you'd be a whole lot better than him. You'd be a bigshot God Eater by then."

"Huh," Jerad raised his eyes. "I suppose you have a good point."

"Hehe, like Hugo said, you gotta look at the positive side, too, man," Eryk grinned. "Daris did not beat you for nothing, and he's like a dad to everyone in his unit, even his vice captain Eugene. He likes inspiring younger people, especially younger God Eaters like us. He never meant to hurt you at all."

"Hm," Jerad murmured.

"Man, since you guys are leaving tomorrow, mind if I ask something?" Eryk said.

"What is it?" Jerad replied.

"What do you think of this place? Of everyone?" Eryk anxiously asked.

"Hm, it's a bit complicated, but," Jerad turned to him. "I'm liking this place so far, but to be honest, I felt like people were just too nice to us. Sometimes, I felt like I was dreaming."

"Heh, really..?" Eryk smiled. "It's not your fault you think that way, but you ever wondered why everyone, especially us wolf guys, treated you all like people?"

"That question never crossed me," Jerad replied. "But I definitely would have."

"OK, here's our dark little secret," Eryk settled on his seat, and placed his bottle on the table.

"When we're all still in Gleipnir, all of us stuck our necks out for you guys at some point, and paid the price for it," Eryk finished while Jerad raised his eyes. "You may hate Gleipnir for the way they've been treating you, but there are people like us who don't believe it's right. You're not alone."

"Seriously?" Jerad murmured. "Gustav also told me the same thing."

"Oh? He already told you his story, huh?" Eryk said. "How much did he tell you?"

"Well, he told me he disobeyed orders, and tried to stay behind to save a female AGEs life," Jerad explained. "He didn't say anymore past that."

"Let me fill you in for the rest of that," Eryk looked around to make sure Gustav was not nearby. "OK, he told us everything about what happened, but that AGE girl he probably fell in love with was named Isla. After she died saving him, Gustav was so angry that he got into a fist fight with his captain, and that's what got him in trouble and sent to a penal unit called the Gleipnir 9th Assault Battalion."

"I remember Garret mentioning that yesterday," Jerad said. "And Claire also told me about it."

"I don't know how much Claire told you, but it's a unit for God Eater criminals to serve their sentences in Gleipnir," Eryk explained. "Not many people survive long being there, and Adrian and I fought tooth and nail for a week before we suddenly received written orders by the Governor-General himself to be transferred here to serve our crimes, instead."

"So, what did you and Adrian do to get into that mess?" Jerad curiously asked.

"Our unit tried to have us beat a shackled AGE after we openly expressed our opinions that they're human beings, too. They tried to force us to think that you guys aren't human, and are just dogs to be used as tools for Aragami, instead," Eryk bitterly explained. "Adrian and I couldn't do it, and we stood our ground before it eventually escalated into a fist fight started by me. And then Adrian only jumped in to help. When we got brought into court, our own bastard superiors made up stories to make us look like the bad guys. Then the rest is what I just said, and Adrian and I have been longtime friends so we always stuck out for each other. We were transferred here a few years ago, and that's when we met our captain, vice captain, Gustav, Garret, and Amber."

"So, those three were already here," Jerad murmured. "What happened to them?"

"Finishing up with Gustav, he was in the battalion for two weeks fighting alone mission to mission before he also received orders by the Governor-General himself to be transferred here," Eryk replied. "Adrian and I couldn't believe what we heard from him because it was so similar to us, and then it got even more interesting with Garret and Amber's story."

"So, what about those two?" Jerad asked.

"Those two were quite similar to Gustav," Eryk replied. "From what Garret told me, he disobeyed orders to stay behind, and helped a couple of wounded AGEs back to safety when they're being overrun by Aragami. His captain didn't care about them, but Garret wasn't about to let that happen, so he stuck out for them, and Amber just decided to help him."

"Amber, huh?" Jerad smiled. "That weird candy girl like Phym."

"They've been together since they were kids, so it only made sense that Amber wouldn't let Garret do that all himself," Eryk explained. "They went missing for a few days until those two returned to Gleipnir with the wounded AGEs with them, and normally they would be considered heroes for humanity for what they did and would have received commendations for their bravery, but that didn't happen. AGEs weren't considered human beings by everyone in that damn organization, so the lives they saved didn't count. Instead, their officers pretended those AGEs they saved didn't exist, and Garret was arrested and charged for insubordination and being AWOL, and Amber for being his accomplice. They served in the penal unit together for two weeks like Gustav until they suddenly received orders to be transferred here. That's how they became the first members of our unit and became trusted the most by our captain."

"That is really weird," Jerad commented. "Was it the same for your kid member?"

"Heh, Selene?" Eryk grinned before drinking a few gulps from his bottle. "She had quite a different one from the rest of us. She told us that the AGEs in her unit weren't given rations at all during missions and found them constantly starving, so she secretly started stealing them from the supply shack, and shared with them until she was caught. She got in trouble for theft, but fortunately, she had it easier than the rest of us. She was in the penal unit for only a few days before she suddenly got transferred here, and this only happened less than a year ago. She is pretty brand new here."

"That poor kid," Jerad murmured, feeling bitter.

"She was depressed when she just came here," Eryk also murmured. "Telling us that she's just doing what she thought was right, and had to be punished for it. We had to tell her that we're all in the same boat before she finally felt at home with us."

"That was good on your part," Jerad smiled. "But I really can't believe Gleipnir would be so rotten that they threw you all into the curb for all the things you did."

"It may be all bad, but I really think the Governor-General also saved our lives, so we also owe it to him," Eryk sighed. "We're all better off, anyway, and we haven't received any word from them since we came here, so I think we're pretty much kicked out. We all joined Gleipnir to protect humanity as they always said, but they don't practice what they preach, so we found our place here, a purpose that all of us were looking for, and people always thanked us for protecting them from Aragami. So I guess in the end, we had no regrets."

"So, do you think the owner knows about this?" Jerad asked.

"Quite likely. There are rumors that she once had ties with the Governor-General, but we're not going to ask," Eryk replied. "As long as we get to stay here forever, we won't complain at all, and if Gleipnir wants us back to their ranks for whatever damn reason they could come up with, we'll just tell them to kiss our asses."

Then Jerad and Eryk laughed before they tinged their bottles together.

"And you see this pin here?" Eryk pulled his black shirt collar up to show his Gleipnir pin to Jerad. "I can't speak for my other guys, but I'm only keeping this out of respect for the Governor-General, and the reason why I joined them, but I can throw it on their faces if they ask for it."

"Heh," Jerad grinned.

"So, yeah. Don't feel like a stranger here anymore. OK, buddy?" Eryk smiled. "We're all brothers and sisters in arms fighting the same enemy, and you're my brother."

"Yeah," Jerad nodded with a smile before he tinged his bottle with Eryk again.

"I'll see you later then," Eryk stood up. "Come join us later on."

"I will," Jerad smiled again. "Thanks for sharing me your stories."

"Not a problem," Eryk waved before he returned to the crowd.

Jerad sat alone for a few more minutes, reflecting on the reality of Trista's unit. There are really non-AGEs out there who are like Claire, and then he felt a pang of more regret for vilifying her when they first met.

"Hey, brother," Misha suddenly greeted beside him.

"Oh, hey sis," Jerad sat up. "What's up?"

"What are you doing here by yourself?" Misha furrowed her eyes.

"I just wanted some time alone, that's all," Jerad replied. "You know I'm not the most social guy."

"Really..?" Misha made a faint smile. "I just saw you and Eryk have a long talk. What were you guys talking about?"

"A lot," Jerad smiled. "He just had a lot of stories to tell me about."

"Okay..," Misha nodded. "Hugo has been worried about you, so please come see us soon."

"Oh, really..?" Jerad groaned, and held his forehead. "Alright, fine. I'm coming now."

Then he stood up from his seat, and walked to their friends with Misha. Everyone was playing poker together at that time with Trista being always the winner. In spite of this, Jerad still joined their games not for the sake of winning, but rather for bonding reasons. After a few more games.

"Guys, we'll have to call it a night here," Shin stood up, and started yawning. "We gotta decrypt the rest of Bugarally tonight, so people here can start watching them, and so we can also watch it during our trip. Gotta transfer it to a portable drive so I can bring it over to our ship tomorrow. You brothers ready?"

"Yep," Keith nodded.

"Right with you," Zeke stood up.

"Good night, everyone," Shin waved before the three left.

"Good night," Hugo waved back. "So, you guys are down for a few more games before we hit the sack?"

Trista chuckled, "Sure."

Then Hugo volunteered as the dealer, and started distributing cards to everyone.

---

One hour later in the Port's computer room.

"Yep, that's all you gotta do, Keith," Shin smiled. "A bit complicated, but once you learn to avoid corrupted data, it gets easier from there. It's all about just restoring encrypted data to its original form, and you have to adjust the application then and there depending on what you see."

"This would definitely take practice," Keith rubbed his chin. "But I think I'll get the hang of it."

"Yep, and you got to successfully decrypt Season 5, too," Shin smiled again before he saw Zeke checking on another box of discs.

"So, what are these?" Zeke held a disc up.

"Whoa, be careful not to watch that, Zeke," Shin smiled. "First of all, how old are you?"

"I'm 17?" Zeke replied.

"Heh, too bad. Viewing restricted," Shin chuckled. "Gotta wait another year until you can watch them."

"Why? What are these movies?" Zeke waved the disc in his hand.

"Adult stuff," Shin plainly replied. "And that's exactly what I was warning the captain about earlier, and man, whoever used to work in that office we found these movies from must be really lonely. Some of those were even animated, haha!"

"Animated?" Zeke furrowed his eyes.

"Imagine Bugarally with adult things," Shin grinned. "You get it, right?"

"Yeah, I get it," Zeke also grinned. "But you also know a little too much about it. Don't tell me you watched them."

"Of course not," Shin exclaimed. "I'm not dirty minded, you know? Once I see it, I just stop and toss them into that box."

"And how old are you?" Zeke grinned.

"I'm 18," Shin grinned back. "Nice try."

Then Keith laughed, "Checkmate, bro."

"What the hell?! You don't look 18!" Zeke pointed at him. "You look even a bit younger than Jerad."

"Believe or not, I am," Shin kept his grin. "I could show you my ID, if you want so you can see my birthday."

"No thanks," Zeke waived his hand.

"So, you guys wanna see a bit of Bugarally?" Shin smiled. "Maybe just that epic opening that plays every episode?"

"Ooh, why not," Zeke grinned. "It's mainly why I'm here for."

"Alright, let's try it in episode 1 to avoid spoilers," Shin said before he clicked one of the icons in the screen, and the media player started playing. After seeing a flashy animation of the company logo it was made from, an opening played showing various characters, and then some action scenes with a song playing in a foreign language. After it finished, and the first part of the story started playing, Shin stopped the video.

"Well, that's that," Shin grinned. "Looks nice so far, huh? Gotta see the rest tomorrow after work is done, if we have one."

"Wow, that show looks great," Keith beamed. "Now I'm hooked."

"Yeah, and that opening song sounded awesome, too," Zeke cheered. "That song made me feel pumped."

Shin paused for a few seconds before he laughed, "Even though you don't understand the lyrics at all?"

"Why, what's wrong with that?" Zeke grimaced. "It's all about the mood that the song tried to make you feel. But, do you understand them?"

"...Kinda," Shin replied. "With what little knowledge I learned from my late parents when I was small."

"So, what's the song about?" Zeke curiously asked.

"Well..," Shin mused for a bit. "Song talks about wanting to go on adventures..fighting bad guys..and protecting the ones you love. That's all it is in a nutshell."

"And was it just me, or did I hear some English parts in that song?" Zeke chuckled. "Why would Far East people want to mix those languages together when singing?"

"Beats me," Shin shrugged. "I find that weird myself."

"You don't know?" Zeke acted confused.

"I was born here, remember?" Shin twitched his eyebrow. "My parents may be from the Far East, but I was born and raised here, so I have almost zero idea how my people think."

"But, you seem to remember enough to understand, though," Keith commented.

"Yeah, but just barely," Shin scratched his head. "If I can find a data disc about my native language, I'd definitely study it just for the sake of heritage, but I haven't got a hold of one yet."

"Hopefully, you'll find one," Keith said.

"Sure do," Shin murmured. "Well, time to hit the sack soon, so let's finish this. I'll go ahead and save Season 1-5 in this portable drive, and bring this over to the ship tomorrow. I also don't want to oversleep as much of an early bird as I am, but I don't like it when the captain wakes me up."

Zeke laughed, "What does she do?"

"She likes banging my door just to wake me up," Shin grimaced. "And I swear, I get worried about her breaking it down sometimes."

"Wow," Keith chuckled.

"Well, let's finish this up," Shin turned back to the computer. "We gotta sleep soon."

"Gotcha," Keith replied.

---

Back in the west bar.

Hugo yawned, "Oh, man. I think I'm done now."

Then he stretched.

"Yeah, Daris, Ricardo, and Leanne left already," Misha also stretched. "Plus, I gotta set up your sleeping mat, Claire."

"I'd like to help," Claire said.

"It's easy," Misha smiled. "It will be quick."

"Whoo, that's one hell of day we had," Trista stirred her empty bottle. "And I guess I gotta sleep, too."

"Yeah, daddy I'm so sleepy," Phym murmured while her head slowly leaned on his arm. "I wanna sleep now…"

"Alright," Jerad put his arm around her. "Want me to carry you?"

"Mm..," Phym murmured.

"And don't forget to brush your teeth first, OK?" Claire smiled.

"Yeah," Phym drowsily nodded.

"Yep, let's get to sleep in our rooms for the first time tonight," Hugo stood up. "I bet it will be quite a good experience."

"Yeah," Jerad murmured before he picked up Phym, who was hardly awake on his shoulder. They walked together into the Residential District, and as they would expect, there was hardly anyone walking around now, but a few others are still sitting on benches in the courtyard. Some are still quietly talking to each other while others were slouched on their benches likely resting from work.

"I guess this is a good night for you all," Iris smiled.

"Where do you live?" Hugo asked.

"My quarter is right beside the orphanage itself," Iris replied. "I'll see you all tomorrow for breakfast, and good night."

"Good night, Iris," The Hounds also replied.

"Good night, guys," Eryk waved. "See you all tomorrow."

"Good night, boys and girls," Trista grinned. "Sleep tight."

"Good night, Tris," Jerad smiled before they parted ways, and the Hounds entered their building, their new home. Once they made it to the 2nd floor, everyone entered their rooms, grabbed their hygiene items, and headed for a pair of restrooms that separated the Men and Women sections. Claire took Phym with her to brush their teeth together.

"This is it, huh?" Jerad murmured while he applied toothpaste on his toothbrush.

"Yep, once we're out tomorrow, it's back to business," Hugo poured faucet water into his cup. "You excited?"

"Somewhat," Jerad frowned before he started brushing his teeth.

"So, what do you think of everyone here? Great people, huh?" Hugo smiled before he also started brushing.

Then Jerad paused for a few moments, being reminded of Eryk's story about the Wolf Unit's pasts, before he continued brushing. After he finished mouth washing, he spat on the sink, and washed his mouth.

"They're definitely great people." He smiled.

"Huh," Hugo raised his already drowsy eyes right after he also finished mouth washing. "Really? Honestly, I didn't expect you to get along so well with Trista's pack, but that's great."

"Heh, yeah," Jerad smiled before they both left the restroom. "By the way, where are those three?"

"Likely already asleep," Hugo replied. "Can you hear Zeke snoring?"

Then they both chuckled.

"Alright, I'm gonna hit the sack," Hugo waved. "Good night, bud."

"Good night," Jerad waved back before he walked right outside Phym's room, and knocked. "Phym? You ready to sleep?"

"Just a sec," Much to his surprise, Claire replied inside. He waited outside before they opened Phym's door, and he noticed that Phym was wearing her first nightgown.

"Thanks," Jerad smiled at Claire before he glanced at Phym. "Hey, that was the first nightgown I bought for you. How'd you like it?"

"It's cozy, daddy," Phym tried to force a smile through her sleepiness. "I wanna go to sleep."

"Oh yeah, we're going to real soon," Jerad smiled. "Come."

Then Phym held his hand as he led her to his room, and opened the door.

"Sleep good, Phym. OK?" Claire smiled. "Don't keep your daddy awake."

"I won't, mommy," Phym rubbed her eyes. "Good night."

"Good night, Phym," Claire stroked her head. "And good night, Jerad."

"Good night," Jerad waved before Claire walked to Misha's room, and then the two entered his room.

"Go ahead, and lay there," Jerad said before an awkward feeling suddenly struck him. He never slept in the same bed with anyone before, let alone with a girl, and not even with his sister when they were both small. He could not remember when he had ever done this, and vaguely recalled that while in the same room, him and Misha still slept in different beds. He wondered how he could get used to this.

"Okay," Phym rubbed her eyes before she sat on his bed, and dropped her head on his pillow. Jerad chuckled at the adorable scene of this, and stowed his hygiene away before he turned off the light.

"Uh, Phym. Could you move?" Jerad hesitantly asked.

"Ah? Sorry, daddi-."

"Oh, no. I mean towards the wall so I can sleep beside you," Jerad quickly replied. "You don't want to fall off the bed while you're asleep, right?"

"But mommy always has me on this side," Phym murmured.

'Hm, I'm gonna have a talk with Claire about this..,' Jerad mused. "Nah, with me, you're towards the wall so you won't fall down, OK? Please tell your mommy to do the same."

"Okay, but mommy always hugs me so I don't fall," Phym said.

"But for me, you're always towards the wall, so you'll never fall," Jerad countered.

Then Phym shifted farther towards the wall before Jerad laid beside her, and rolled his blanket up to cover both of them. The Port always felt somewhat cold considering the region they live in, so their blanket made them feel very comfortable, and just before Jerad closed his eyes…

"Ngh?" He gasped right after Phym turned, and latched him in a tight hug. "P-Phym?"

Then Phym giggled, and nuzzled on him, "You're so cozy like mommy, daddy…"

"Uh..yeah," Jerad murmured, feeling embarrassed.

"But mommy feels fluffier..," Phym added. "Her chest is so soft…"

"Ookay..," Jerad awkwardly chuckled.

"Anyway, good night, Phym," Jerad slowly wrapped his arms around her, and stroked her head. Having a child lovingly in his arms somehow felt good for him, and at the same time, made him feel uncomfortable. If he is going to have a child of his own someday, he wondered if it would feel the same, and then a grim reality also struck him. Since they will leave for Arrowhead tomorrow to deliver her, what will he do once they arrive? Will he be able to bear seeing Phym off? How much will he miss her? What if she refuses to leave? Will she cry being separated from him? Jerad shivered and hugged her tighter as he began pondering these thoughts, but also feeling exhausted, he eventually drifted off to sleep.

---

Around the same time.

"I can't believe you decided to sleep on a mat instead of your bed," Claire protested. "Why?"

"It's alright," Misha smiled. "You're my guest, and I'm used to this kind of sleep. Still nothing compared to sleeping on a sheet of cold steel bed in Pennywort."

"I see," Claire murmured. "Thanks."

"You ready for lights out?" Misha asked.

"Yes, thank you." Claire nodded before Misha flicked the light switch out, and she crawled back to her sleeping mat and pulled her blanket up.

"So, Claire," Misha grinned.

"Yes?" Claire rolled to turn to her.

"Were you disappointed that you didn't get to room up with my brother?" Misha chuckled.

"W-wha?" Claire gasped. "W-what made you think that?"

"I saw your nervous face this morning," Misha teased. "I think you wanted to."

"Goodness, Misha," Claire grimaced. "That's just..wrong."

Then Misha laughed, "It's something you'll eventually have to get used to once you two get married."

"Ugh!" Claire grunted, and turned back, blushing. "Is this why you volunteered to have me here?"

"Not exactly," Misha chuckled. "Because if I didn't, everyone would have had you room up with him, and you two probably won't be able to sleep."

Then Claire groaned, "Good night, Misha."

"Good night, Claire," Misha chuckled.

---

Next day.

Jerad groaned, and slowly opened his eyes to see that Phym was still hugging him. She did not move at all the whole night, and was still asleep soundly. Her face was still buried in his chest, and not wanting to wake her up, he started shifting slowly out of his bed only to make Phym hug him tighter with every move.

"Daddy..," Phym moaned, and nuzzled again in his chest. Jerad would not want to admit it, but she was really adorable this way, and wondered if she was also like this to Claire whenever she does not sneak away from her in the mornings. He sighed, and moved even more slowly and carefully in hopes that she will not notice, but was attempted in vain. As soon as Jerad moves far enough, Phym would just shift closer to him, and hug him tighter while moaning in her sleep. He could swear her hugs are a bit dangerously tight, and could threaten to accidentally crush his ribs with her arms if he moves too fast. Giving up, Jerad glanced at his new digital clock, and saw that it was 7 AM, so it is time for everyone to start waking up, anyway.

"Phym," Jerad whispered while he gently shook her shoulder. "Phym, wake up. It's already a bit late, and we have to eat soon."

"Mm," Phym moaned.

"Hey, wake up," Jerad shook her shoulder again. "Don't you wanna eat breakfast soon?"

"Eat..breakfast?" Phym finally opened her eyes, and looked at him.

"Yeah," Jerad murmured with a smile. "You wanna eat, right?"

Shortly after he said this, he heard some people already moving outside his room.

"Some people are already awake," Jerad murmured while stroking her head. "We gotta get ready soon."

"Okay," Phym finally released her hug, and rubbed her eyes before yawning. Feeling relieved, Jerad finally stood up from his bed, and stretched, grunting.

"Ohh, that was a good sleep," Jerad dropped his arms. "How was your slee-wha?"

He suddenly saw Phym hugging him around his waist.

"Did you forget something, daddy?" Phym grinned.

"Huh?" Jerad raised his eyes.

"Good morning," Phym giggled.

Then Jerad laughed, "Of course, I haven't but you beat me to it. Good morning."

"Yay," Then Phym jumped him before Jerad held her. "When we eat?"

"We have to get ready first," Jerad replied. "Plus, we have bedheads, hehe."

"What's bedhead?" Phym asked.

"Like you?" Jerad grinned. "Do you know how messy your hair is from sleeping right now? Mommy will fix that for you, OK?"

"Okay," Phym nodded before Jerad put her down. "But you have bedhead, too."

"I know that," Jerad snickered. "Trying to be smarter than me? C'mere."

Then he suddenly latched on Phym like a predator catching its prey, and poked his finger in her armpit.

"AHA! AHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHA! Daddy, please! No!"

Phym was squirming from Jerad's tight embrace for a few seconds before he let go, laughing.

"That's mean, daddy," Phym whined.

"I was just playing," Jerad chuckled before they both heard knocking on his door.

"It's Claire. Are you both awake?" Claire asked from outside.

"Yeah," Jerad replied before he opened the door, and saw Claire waiting outside.

"Good morning. What were you two doing?" Claire smiled. "I heard some laughing in there."

"We're just playing," Jerad smiled. "Good morning."

"Good morning, mommy," Phym hugged Claire. "Daddy tickled me again."

Then Jerad and Claire laughed.

"Good morning, guys," Misha came by, who has not fixed her hair yet. "What's going on here?"

"We're just playing around," Jerad replied. "Anyway, I gotta get myself washed up."

Then he turned to Phym, "Go with your mommy, OK?"

"Okay," Phym smiled.

"Come, Phym. We need to get you fixed up," Claire smiled before the three went to the ladies' bathroom, and Jerad went back in to pick up his hygiene things before going to the men's bathroom. Soon the rest woke up, and washed themselves before going down the building to meet up with the rest in the courtyard.

"Morning, guys," Trista waved. "You guys ready to head out for breakfast?"

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "And after this, we'll have to pack a few more of our things to the ship to finish getting ready to leave."

"Same with me and Shin," Trista replied.

"And after chow, we're going to have a meeting about our escort mission for your departure," Garret added.

"We're also going to be there to oversee it," Trista replied. "Just going to be there, just in case if you need help. This is your first leadership."

"Thank you," Garret smiled.

"Very much appreciated, ma'am," Amber bowed.

Jerad glanced at the two soon-to-be unit leaders, and frowned, having disbelief that with due sincerity and loyalty they have and taking up Trista and Shin's position, that these two heroes would have to suffer in the past. They definitely did not deserve it.

"Heh, looks like everyone is going to be busy," Hugo murmured. "Let's go, guys. We're not going to have much time."

"Got it," Jerad murmured before they headed for breakfast. After they ordered their meals and received them, not much conversation was made. Only a few casual jokes then, and there, that the atmosphere must be a bit heavy since they have to part ways for who knows how long before they all come back. Once they finished their meals…

"Alright, looks like it's time for the meeting," Garret glanced at his watch before everyone stood up. "This may be the last time we'll meet before you guys come back, so good luck in your journey, guys."

Then Garret shook hands with Hugo, "Thanks for all the help again from that time we met at the Frozen Plant."

"No problem, buddy. Friends always helping friends," Hugo smiled before they banged each other with their armlets.

"Please come back in one piece, and we'll all be waiting for you," Garret smiled before he turned to Jerad. "Your fight against captain Daris yesterday was pretty inspiring. You just showed me that everyone still has room for improvement, so we better start upping our game, and we'll train harder from now on."

"Heh," Jerad smiled while Trista nodded with pride.

"Good luck, and be back here safe," Garret reached his hand, and Jerad took it for a handshake.

"I will," Jerad smiled. "I'll make sure everyone comes back here."

Then they did an armlet bang.

"Let's head to the meeting, everyone," Garret said before everyone followed him.

"Jerad, take care of yourself," Eryk smiled before they waved at each other.

"OK, let's start packing up," Hugo said. "We have quite a big day ahead of us."

Then they left the food court, and went back to their rooms. Each of them started packing a few necessities left in their bags, and once everyone finished, they mustered right outside their rooms and made sure their doors were locked.

"Everyone, got everything you need?" Hugo asked. "Once we get on the ship, there's no going back."

Everyone nodded before Hugo smiled, "OK, good. But first, let's go see Iris in the orphanage before we leave."

"Yeah," Jerad nodded before they left the building, and once they arrived outside, they found Iris already waiting there.

"Good morning, everyone," Iris greeted. "Getting ready to leave?"

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "We're about to see you off in the orphanage, actually."

"Oh, I see," Iris murmured. "May I at least go with you until you board?"

"Of course," Hugo nodded. "Come with us, then."

Then they walked together towards the Ashcrawler hangar, and as they crossed the square, they found Hilda, Ricardo, Mia, and Amy waiting for them.

"Good morning, Sister Hilda," Iris smiled.

"Good morning, Iris," Hilda, Mia, Ricardo, and Amy greeted back.

"So, you guys are ready to depart?" Hilda asked. "We'll leave in less than one hour."

"Yep, we're ready for work again," Hugo smiled.

"Very good. I guess this is when we'll part ways until we return," Hilda murmured before she turned to the two girls. "Anything you want to say before we board?"

"It was fun working with you guys," Mia bowed. "I look forward to it again."

"I wish you all the best of luck," Iris smiled. "Please take care, Sister Hilda."

"I promise we will," Hilda smiled. "Please look after the children while I'm gone."

"I will," Iris smiled back before she glanced at Jerad, and then to Claire. "Um, Claire?"

"Yes?" Claire responded. "May I have a word with you for a few minutes?"

"We still have a few minutes to spare," Hilda said. "Go for it."

"Sure," Claire followed Iris just right outside the square before they stopped by one of the benches.

"Through all the times I've been with your friend," Iris murmured. "I've always felt heavy."

"Felt heavy?" Claire murmured. "What do you mean by that?"

"Having a high resonance like him, I can faintly feel other people's emotions who are close to me," Iris explained. "I can feel that your friend is bearing a terrible weight alone, so please look after him. I can feel all sorts of emotions from him: anger, sadness, and...regret."

Then Claire paused for a few moments before she nodded, "I'll make sure, and thanks for telling me."

"You're welcome," Iris smiled. "Please take care."

"I will," Claire nodded again before they walked back to everyone who were talking and laughing together.

"I see," Hilda smiled at Hugo. "I'm truly glad you guys are enjoying your lives here."

Then she turned Iris, "You two finished?"

"Yes, Sister Hilda," Iris smiled.

"Alright, we'll have to make preparations to get underway now," Hilda nodded. "Iris, please take care for now."

"I will, and please be safe, Sister." Iris replied.

"With the Hounds on my side, I am confident that we'll get through," Hilda smiled before she turned to Amy and Ricardo. "Let's board and get to our stations."

"Yes, ma'am," Ricardo and Amy acknowledged before Trista and Shin arrived with their luggage and God Arc cases.

"We have returned, ma'am," Trista reported to Hilda. "Briefing is complete, and our escorts are already in the hangar and preparing."

"Excellent as always, captain," Hilda smiled. "Thank you for overseeing the meeting, and helping your appointed acting-captain."

"No problem, ma'am," Trista replied. "Just doing everything to ensure their success."

Then Trista turned to Mia and Iris, "You two take care of yourselves, OK?"

"We will, Trista," Iris nodded. "Please be safe."

"I wish you all the best of luck, ma'am," Mia replied before she turned to Iris. "Ready to station the resonance radar?"

"Absolutely," Iris nodded.

"Let's take our stations, then," Mia smiled before they waved their goodbyes, and parted ways. The crew left the square, and entered the Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum's hangar bay. As they cross the bridge to the entrance, Hugo could see that the workers are very busy, and could hear yells from supervisors to get things done quickly and efficiently. They eventually entered the ship, and Hilda sat on her seat in the bridge while Amy and Ricardo took their stations.

"You guys can drop your things off in your rooms, and then standby in the God Arc storage room in case an Aragami attack happens," Ricardo said. "It's the same drill as last time when we're docking, and for mission reasons, you guys can also listen to our escorts' radio. Same channel."

"Roger," Hugo replied before they headed for the Residential Area, and dropped their belongings there. Then they headed to the Laboratory Block to stand by.

"Attention all crew. Attention all crew."

"We are performing engine start up on Engine 1. Stand by."

"I guess that's my queue to oversee the engines," Keith said. "See you all later."

"Later, Keith," Zeke waved.

"Me, too," Misha added. "I gotta station the resonance radar."

"See you later, sis," Jerad nodded. "We got your back."

"Starting Engine 1."

Then they heard an engine start..

---

In the hangar bay.

"Attention all hangar bay personnel, Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum is performing engine start ups."

"Opening anti-ash bulk seals, and starting ventilation systems."

"Alright, we'll be escorting the departing ship with three trucks," Daris explained. "I'll take the front, and Jake, you're driving the 3rd truck and guarding the rear with captain Garret. Pick your co-driver."

"Yes, sir," Jake acknowledged.

"Any questions, everyone?" Daris turned to them, and everyone shook their heads. "Good, board your vehicles, and take your stations once the hangar bay opens and the ship gets underway. Dismissed!"

"Yes, sir," Everyone acknowledged before they scrambled to board their trucks with their God Arc cases, and started their trucks.

---

In the Ashcrawler.

"Ma'am, Engine 1 start up is complete," Amy reported. "No issues."

"Very well," Hilda nodded. "Begin the last start up."

"Roger, ma'am," Amy nodded.

---

"Attention all crew. Attention all crew."

"Performing engine start up on Engine 2. Stand by."

"Looks like everything is going smoothly," Hugo said. "Feels weird, but it's good to be back here again, hehe."

"Hah, I kinda feel the same way, too," Zeke grinned. "Even though I'll miss being in the Port."

"Starting Engine 2."

Then Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum's second engine started.

---

Back in the hangar.

"Attention all non-escort personnel. Evacuate the area immediately, and seal all anti-ash entrances within 10 minutes."

"I repeat. Evacuate the area immediately, and seal all anti-ash entrances within 10 minutes."

"Opening the hangar bay door, and Port Chrysanthemum main gate."

Then all the workers hurriedly left the hangar bay, and made sure all anti-ash doors and hatches were sealed.

"Here we go, boys and girls!" Daris exclaimed. "Start your trucks, and prepare to take your stations at the main gate."

"Roger," Both Garret and Jake acknowledged through the radio before they started their trucks, and drove to the main gate after the hangar bay door opened.

---

"Ma'am, Engine 2 start up is complete," Amy reported. "All systems green, and course to Arrowhead has been plotted."

"Excellent, Amy," Hilda nodded. "Let's get this vessel underway."

"Roger, ma'am," Amy nodded. "Begin departure sequence."

"Energy flow from the main accumulator established," Ricardo reported. "Now sealing ash bulkhead layers 1 and 2."

"Resonance radar navigation link complete," Amy followed with the report. "Harmonization rate at 30...60.., and now at 100 percent. Oracle sensor system is green. Ash density along our plotted course is 0.03 ppm, within tolerance."

"The ash bulkheads are sealed," Ricardo reported. "Activating the hull bias field barrier."

"All systems are reading green," Amy also reported. "The Chrysanthemum is ready to depart."

"Very well," Hilda nodded. "Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum, casting off!"

And in the hangar bay, the Ashcrawler started leaving the hangar bay, and headed towards the main gate that already opened. The three escort trucks are already there waiting for them.

---

In the Laboratory Block.

"Attention all crew. Attention all crew."

"Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum is underway."

"Here we are," Hugo smiled. "Looks like we're officially back to business."

"Yep," Zeke nodded, and sat on a crate.

"It felt like forever since I last been here," Trista sighed.

"When's the last time you did?" Hugo asked.

"Since the owner's last mission several months back," Trista replied. "It was a short trip, though."

"And we didn't even do much," Shin added. "Just a few Aragami to slay."

---

Outside, the ship eventually reached the main gate, and Daris drove his truck in front of the ship to take station while the other two drove behind it as rear guards.

"Chrysanthemum to Orca 1," Eugene reported as Daris' co-driver. "We have the vessel on firm grip. I repeat. We have the vessel on firm grip. Commencing escort operations for departure."

"Firm grip?" Zeke asked. "What do they mean? And Orca?

"It's our brevity of saying they have us guarded now," Trista replied. "And Orca is just our code name for escort missions. Orcas are large sea animals that are very protective of their kin."

"Wow," Lulu muttered.

"Chrysanthemum to Orca 2," Amber also reported via radio. "We are also on station."

"Ah, I'm so proud of them right now," Trista grinned.

"Chrysanthemum to Orca 3," Marcus reported via radio. "We are now on station. Commencing escort operations."

"Roger," Mia acknowledged. "No nearby Aragami detected via the resonance radar. Continue escort for departure."

"Roger," Eugene acknowledged. "Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum passed Waypoint Alpha."

As Eugene reported this, the Ashcrawler and her escorts just entered the ravine.

"Roger, Orca 1," Mia acknowledged.

"Attention all escort units, maintain a sharp lookout," Eugene warned them.

"Roger, Orca 1," Amber and Marcus acknowledged.

Zeke laughed, "Amber sounds weird on radio."

Then Jerad and Hugo also laughed.

"Yeah, but these guys are serious business, though." Hugo replied.

"I definitely won't deny that," Jerad smiled. "Amber may be a bit kid minded, but she packed a punch with that hammer of her's."

"Definitely not as much as me," Zeke countered.

"Heh, I question that," Jerad grinned.

"Heh, my loyal unit of weirdos," Trista grinned. "But don't underestimate Amber, though. She IS good with that hammer, and you've all seen her. Behind that cute personality of her's is a savage hammer beast."

"Chrysanthemum to Orca 1. We passed Waypoint Bravo," Eugene reported.

"Roger, Orca 1," Mia acknowledged. "Continue your escort."

"Looks like we're about halfway through," Hugo said.

"Hey, guys," Misha came back. "Anything happened here?"

"Not much," Hugo shook his head. "How's everyone in the bridge?"

"They're very busy right now, and Amy is keeping a close watch on the resonance radar," Misha replied. "Looks good so far."

"Oh, good," Hugo sighed. "Let's be ready for anything that happens."

"Hello guys, I'm back," Keith also appeared from the elevator.

"Hey, Keith," Zeke waved with a grin. "How are the engines?"

"They incredibly look brand new," Keith replied. "And I don't even think they replaced them."

"The owner has tight standards for that," Trista explained. "She won't even let a single leak of oil slip by."

"I can see," Keith smiled.

---

On the bridge.

"Chrysanthemum, Orca 1," Eugene called by radio. "Ashcrawler just passed Waypoint Charlie."

"Roger, Orca 1," Mia acknowledged. "Continue your escort."

"Hmm, we're finally past the ravine," Hilda mused as she glanced at the resonance radar. "Amy, give an order to release the escorts. I don't want them to venture too far away from the Port, and we'll take it from here."

"Are you sure, ma'am?" Amy turned to her.

"Yes, with the Hounds and as well as two new good people here, we can handle the rest," Hilda replied. "Release the escorts, and give them my thanks."

"Understood, ma'am," Amy nodded. "Chrysanthemum to Ashcrawler, release the escorts. The owner would like to extend her thanks for your work."

"Roger, Ashcrawler," Mia responded. "All escort units, operation is complete. Return to base."

"Roger, Chrysanthemum," Eugene acknowledged. "All escort units, vessel is freebird. I repeat. Vessel is freebird. Muster into transit formation, and return to base for debrief."

Then Hilda sighed, "Finally got that out of the way, and we can safely send those people home."

"Amy, and everyone," Mia called on the radio. "Please take care, and be safe. I'm also speaking on behalf of everyone in the Port."

"We will all be waiting for you."

"We will," Hilda smiled. "Take care, Mia."

"You, too, ma'am," Mia replied. "Chrysanthemum, out."

"Amy, increase vessel's speed to Standard," Hilda ordered.

"Roger, ma'am," Amy nodded. "Increasing vessel's speed to Standard."

---

In the Laboratory Block.

"I guess we're on our own now," Hugo smiled. "Let's meet up with Hilda on the bridge."

"Right," Jerad nodded.

"Daddy, I'm feeling hungry again..," Phym whined.

Then Jerad chuckled, "Don't worry. We'll be cooking real soon. Just sit tight."

---

On the bridge.

"Hello everyone," Hilda greeted. "Looks like we have to have lunch soon."

"Yep," Hugo chuckled. "Phym is already hungry."

"And cooking will be on me," Ricardo smiled. "But any help would be appreciated."

"I'll help out," Lulu volunteered.

"Me, too." Claire added. "I would like to learn more."

"Glad you guys enjoyed my Port," Hilda smiled. "So, how's Iris? She's a great person, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she is very caring," Hugo smiled. "We'll miss her."

"And a pretty one, right?" Ricardo grinned.

"Ricardo..," Hilda grimaced before Ricardo laughed. "But there is an important thing I need to tell you about her, but please don't tell her I told you this."

"Hm? What is it?" Hugo intriguingly asked.

Then Hilda tipped her monocle, "Iris is…"

"Literally blind."

"Huh?!" Everyone gasped.

"How?!" Hugo anxiously asked. "She doesn't act like she is at all."

"Not to mention she also wears glasses," Jerad mentioned with disbelief. "I've seen her look around so many times, too."

"I've known Iris since we were kids," Amy added. "She always had those glasses on."

Then Hilda chuckled, "That's a habit she never grew out of as a child. As you may already know that she also has high resonance, she can feel her surroundings with it, and from what she told me, she can mentally project images around her using her resonance, and she can know exactly where every object and people are, even knowing their distance. So, in a sense, she can still see."

"So, was she born that way?" Hugo asked.

"No," Hilda closed her eyes. "She wasn't blind when I first met her as a child, and she lost her sight after she underwent an AGE conversion with Gleipnir without my knowledge, but luckily she had high resonance so they taught her to use it to navigate. She was one of the few surviving first line of AGEs Gleipnir created, and the first AGE to live in our Port."

"Tch!" Jerad winced, clutching his fist.

"Even now, in a sense, I still couldn't forgive Gleipnir for what they did to her," Hilda regretably murmured. "But this is why our Port is independent. I took the rest of the kids Gleipnir could have AGE experiments on with me before I built our Port, and declared my independence from them. I could never trust them to take care of children again, especially with how they're being used to create more AGEs right now. Ironically, it was also Gleipnir who left her in my care after I built my Port, and before that, I thought I lost her."

"And it gets better from there," Trista added. "Sorry that I haven't told you guys until now since Iris has been with us the whole time yesterday, but as she mentioned before, she can also fight, and her fighting style is very unusual."

"How does she fight?" Jerad curiously asked.

"She's like a fortress," Trista replied. "Or a walking resonance radar, if you prefer to also look at it that way. A few years ago, I took her out on a few missions to test her after Shin and I spent a lot of time training her, and no Aragami ever came close to her. She would slice every single one of them with her scythe as soon as they get close enough to her, and can even sense sneaky Aragami like some Ogretails behind her easily."

"I couldn't even break through her defense," Shin added. "She can read your every move, no matter how far ahead you plan your attacks on her."

"And she is very similar to you, Misha," Trista turned to her.

"I see," Misha murmured.

"Also, her attacks are almost instant, and add to it that her swings are dead accurate," Trista continued. "It's like she has eyes around her. She had a well thought out choice of a God Arc, and it complimented her well. That girl has a LOT of sixth sense."

"Man, she must be really smart," Zeke complimented. "To have her process everything around her mentally all the time. I could never do that."

"When I met her again as an AGE, I promised her that I wouldn't let her do anything dangerous," Hilda murmured. "But when she became 15, she insisted on learning how to fight. We got into a few arguments before I decided to let her be, and she just wanted to be able to protect the kids when it comes down to it, so I had to respect her decision. Another thing Iris can do is faintly feel people's emotions around her."

Claire gasped, 'Now I fully understand what she was talking about.'

Then she glanced at Jerad.

'So, she did read my mind yesterday,' Misha also gasped. 'Ooh, t-that looks really scary.'

"Wow," Hugo exclaimed. "That works very similar to using Engage, but if you think about resonance, it all makes sense."

"Hm," Hilda nodded. "I think we've spent enough time now, so let's get our lunch ready. I'm also hungry."

Then she smiled.

"Yes, ma'am," Ricardo smiled. "Alright, everyone. Get your aprons and mittens ready."

"Alright," Misha excitedly replied.

"And once again, please do not tell Iris about this," Hilda murmured. "I don't think she wants you to know."

"I promise I won't," Jerad sincerely nodded before everyone headed for the galley to start preparing for their next meal.

---

Author's End Note: I would like to talk about Iris. Iris is not my OC, but she is an official character from Hilda's Web Novel which can be read from a region locked official Japanese God Eater 3 fan club web site. In the God Eater International Discord server, there was someone who read and summarized Hilda's WN for us, and that's when I learned about Iris. To my shock, she was the incapacitated navigator Amy mentioned in the beginning of Rank 2 story whom the game never showed, and was the one who suggested Hilda to stop by Pennywort to rescue AGEs who might have been stranded by the Ash Storm, which in real canon was Luca and the Hounds. I was quite angry to have learned about her too late when I just released CH18, and would have definitely added her since CH07, but it is what it is, and also granted, Hilda's WN was written sometime after the game was released. I may do an overhaul rewrite from CH07 to CH17 after I finish this whole fic to add Iris earlier. I'm glad I got to talk to this translator more about her, and I actually got to read Hilda's WN myself using DeepL and some editing to learn more about her.

Also, I might slow down for the next few chapters because I'm kinda going through tough times right now, but be assured that I won't let this stop me from finishing my fic because there are still many parts of this story that I want to show you guys..such as my headcanons about the Crimson Queen, and I plan to go deeper into that :). Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and have a great day.

Random fun fact I want to share with you guys about Shin, but he's my favorite OC ever created, and was heavily based on my old favorite ninja character in the 90s named Joe Musashi from Sega's Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. I still play, and beat that classic time to time in both my Nintendo Switch, and Steam.