Enjoy

And so, with the 11th Nova Clash over, the helicopters flew the solemn West Genetics Pandora and Limiters back to West Genetics.

"So, Lite-senpai, have you had a chance to meet up with your sister Louisa?" asked Kazuha.

"*SIGH* Yeah...just before we left," sighed Satellite.

"So...what will happen with West Genetics now that Elliot-senpai has retired? And that Fairchild-senpai is dead?"

The Pandora punk took out a cigarette from his box—the last one—and put it in-between his teeth before lighting it with lighter. "...Beats me," he whispered through his teeth.

"...And so, it has been confirmed that the E-Pandora Project has been aborted. Director Maria Spencer and chief scientist Scar Ohara have been arrested under suspicions of having taken secret agreements with the American Government—"

Young Kim, who was watching the news back at West Genetics with Elgar, turned off the TV. "Didn't the Chevalier approve of this bullshit project?"

"You know what they'll do now, right?" asked Elgar. "The Chevalier will just put all the blame on Spencer and Ohara. But no matter what happens, this incident will surely tarnish Chevalier's reputation..."

(Grand Canyon; Chevalier's Headquarters)

"As we have planned, the fault of of what happened has been entirely attributed to Spencer and Ohara," said Dr. Aoi a few days later. "We can't afford to lose the trust of the world now."

"Do you think it'll be fine like this?" asked a man Dr. Aoi was talking with.

"Well...that's why YOU'RE here, Howard L. Bridget."

*PUNCH*

"THAT SON-OF-A-BITCH!" screamed Arnold back at Genetics. "HOW CAN HE JUST RETIRE AND ABANDON HIS DUTIES AS A PANDORA?!"

"Dude, calm down," said Creed. "I'm sure Elliot has a good reason for this."

"FUCK YOU! And how come Alessandro was the only one informed of this decision? Why couldn't Elliot talk to anyone else?"

"...I don't know, but I heard he was injured in that incident, so perhaps he doesn't want to show himself in those conditions."

While Arnold and Creed continued arguing, Alessandro began reminiscing his conversation with the Executor of Ingenious Schemes...

(Flashback)

"WHAT?! HOW COULD YOU LEAVING WEST GENETICS?!" screamed Alessandro.

"I told you, Alessandro: I don't have the skills required to be a Pandora anymore. I'd just be holding everyone back," explained Elliot.

"But what're we supposed to do without you? And how are you gonna tell the other?"

"I'm NOT...YOU are."

"ME?"

"Yes. And don't worry, I WILL return someday...with Andréa by my side. I promise..."

"A-And who will—"

"The only one capable to succeed me."

(End of Flashback)

"Forget about that. Right now, we have a REAL problem: Clifford's dead. And the same thing could happen to us," Alessandro interrupted. "We all knew this since the day we became Pandora. It's not unusual for a leader to die in battle, but without them, a team could fall into chaos."

"Well...w-what do you think we should do?" asked Arnold. "Try to imitate his work?"

"No! CONTINUE it! Finish what she couldn't. Since Clifford's not here anymore, West Genetics is without a President; Elliot was supposed to take that position, but since he's not here anymore, there's only ONE man in this room who's worthy enough to fill that position: the Slashing Trickster!"

"M-ME?!" Arnold held his mouth wide open.

"Yes! It's either YOU...or Tommy Phenyl."

"Wh—Are you fucking kidding me? HIM?!"

"If you don't like it, then take the position! He may be higher ranked, but if you became President..."

"...I...I'LL TAKE IT!"

"Tommy Phenyl, are you sure want to become President?" asked Father Marco in her office.

"...Yes, Father Marco. Clifford was my best friend, so I feel like it's an necessity to carry on his legacy," said Tommy.

"Alright, I'll make the arrangements. But first, I need to tell you...that you are truly a extraordinary Pandora."

To Be Continued

Later