Hello everyone, I'm back again. Bet you all didn't expect upload so soon eh? Well, since I quit my job and all so I got some free time.
Anyway, sorry if it's short, but I really want to avoid long chapters so I won't get disarray, so yeah sorry about that.
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Thank your time to read again, and for 200+ Fav & follow! I'll see you in discord or something. Enjoy!
Chapter 18: Summer plan.
After the unofficial match between Asher and Ayase-sensei, many students got wind of the news about how the second male of IS Academy able to defeat a third-year teacher who is a former world no.2. Of course, many speculated that the teacher not going all out, but the fact that a first-year male student able stands up against a veteran is no small feat. Now Asher is surrounded by whispers and gossip about it, even the newspaper club had come to interview him which he ended with 'it's just testing' without saying much more.
"Sigh, there goes my peace & quiet school life. FC Revive is undergone maintenance and repair which Kousaka-sensei currently working on, there's be no class or lessons today since it's Sunday. Finally had free time, but I don't know what to do, hm." Asher said,
"Why not hang out with the girls and Ichika?" AIDA asked,
"Nah, don't want to disturb his harem moment. Maybe I'll visit Dan & his little sister, Ran? Been a while since I last saw them." Asher wondering in his thoughts until he saw some academy staff over 2 Uchigane's units, but the weird part is that the Uchiganes look pretty old and beat up. Then he overheard that the chassis and the frame are too old & will be recycled before new parts arrive when Asher heard about this which reminded him that the Uchigane had a samurai vibe, a light bulb appeared on his head.
"Heheheh, I just got a good idea. Excuse me, is it ok if I take those Uchiganes?" Asher asking the female staff.
"Erm, I guess it shouldn't be a problem. But why do you want it?" A female staff asked,
"Oh, that's a secret for now." Asher placed his index finger on his mouth while giving a wink. The staff looks confused, at the same time their heart skipped a little from Asher's so-called cuteness, so they end up complying with the boy without asking the further question as it is a discarded goods anyway.
"Asher, what are you planning to do with these Uchiganes?" AIDA asked,
"Heheheh, something that the Japanese would be proud of! Those Uchiganes will be reborn that will no doubt fit as Japan Representative IS! My builder sense is tingling, let's do this! Muahahaha!" Asher said as his eyes glint, he's not going to let this chance slip by as the two silhouette figures appeared in his mind for these poor Uchiganes, without hesitation he head towards the hangar room while pushing the carts with 2 Uchiganes on them to get started. AIDA wish had a sweatdrop function in this situation, the boy probably suffered from boredom which causes this crazy act.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is trying to find Asher, but she couldn't find him anywhere. She wanted to ask him to accompany her to buy a swimsuit as beach class is approaching. Frankly, she sounded like asking him for a date, she quickly denying that thought!
She went to the hangar where FC Revive receiving maintenance/repair/upgrade. Kousaka-sensei answered that the boy just arrived with two old Uchigane at another block, mentioning something about rebuilt the Uchigane with the design he had.
"Seriously, just what kind of imagination that boy had in his head? We're already busy with FC Revive's development, and don't have enough resources for another development." Kousaka-sensei sigh,
"Um, what kind of plan is it?" Charlotte asked,
"No idea, he's asking another department that handles Uchigane right now, something about designing Japan's pride IS, I have no clue. He should 2 blocks away from here on the left that handles the Uchigane's. You can't miss him." Kousaka-sensei said,
"I see, thank you!" Charlotte bowed and leave the hangar.
"Sigh, summer youth eh? Guess my date is going to be with you, FC Revive?" Kousaka-sensei asked the dark purple IS, not expecting any reply.
"But seriously, who would've thought that the boy able to go on the toe with Nagisa (Ayase-sensei's first name). Less with default beginner setting, although Sky Type pack increases mobility, still won't able to be matched with Efreet's spec. How did he do that?" Kousaka-sensei wondered, could it be because of his piloting skills? Sure his skill is above average compare to a representative, it could be the boy is holding back his true capabilities? She's going to analyze the combat data she gotten from previous combat, that boy never ceases to surprise her yet and keeps destroying her expectations.
"Sigh, but still to think that he wanted to create an IS that can be mass-produced in the future just to be everyone's Personal IS. The machine that adapts the pilot's style, is a revolutionary way of thinking." Kousaka-sensei took her cup of coffee, glancing at the dark purple FC Revive. "A toast for future success," Kousaka-sensei toast at the IS and drink. She had a feeling that the FC Revive will be the main highlight in the world of IS. Although she did wonder, why did Asher wanted to design a separate model while they're busy with the current project? Kousaka-sensei just shrugs, since she will not involved with it.
Charlotte then found the room where Asher is, but before she enters, the boy meets her when he exited startled both of them. Charlotte loses her balance until Asher holds her to prevent her fall.
"You're ok, Charlotte? You startled me for a second there." Asher said while he helps her stand properly.
"Um, yes. Thank you." Charlotte's face flush in red with embarrassment, she asks the boy if he's free to go shopping with her to buy a swimsuit for beach class tomorrow.
"Beach class? Do we have those? Wait, what does it do actually? I doubt is conduct training at the beach ready for a national tournament like a sports club, did I missed anything?" Asher asked while trying to remember if there's such a class going on and keep on mumbling, Charlotte just chuckles at the sight of it, finding it very adorable whenever the boy encounters something he's not familiar with, he always goes into detective mode trying to figure it out.
"Erm, Asher-kun. The beach class is usually for the academy student to take a break on that period, it's almost similar to summer vacation." Charlotte said,
"Hm, is that's so? I wonder if I can skip? I'm not a fan of the beach, to be honest. I prefer spending that time for FC Revive and others." When Charlotte heard that she felt a gunshot just shot into her chest, breaking her heart.
"But since it's a class, skipping it means death penalty from Orimura-sensei which I wanted to avoid, guess I follow. So when are we going to buy the swimsuit?" Asher gave in after some thought and ask Charlotte who surprisingly wearing a bright cheerful expression.
"Yes, actually now is a good time to go," Charlotte said, the boy nod and heading towards the station together with her. When they take a seat together, Asher sits beside the window seats while Charlotte sat on another.
"Now that I remembered, shouldn't we invite the others as well? I'm sure Ichika didn't bring a swimsuit as well if I'm not mistaken." Asher asked,
"Uh, erm. Well..." Charlotte wanted to answer the question, but she's embarrassed to say that she prefers for two of them to shop alone and spend time together, now she sounds like they were on a date.
"Oh well. I'm sure he can deal with himself. By the way, did you invite others?" Asher asked Charlotte, the girl reply by shaking her head. "Hm, I see. Well, not like I dislike your company, Charlotte. So, do you want me to comment on your swimsuit choice as your reason to invite me?" Asher asked while he grins at Charlotte, the girl flabbergasted unable to respond properly.
"W-W-What do you mean?! I mean yes! I mean-err-um." Charlotte's face begins to flush red like a bright tomato.
"Well, it's the only logical situation for a girl to ask a guy to shop for a swimsuit. Don't worry, I'll comment honestly that will boost your confidence." Asher said with pride while puffing his chest.
'Uh...somehow I had a feeling the response will not be what I imagine.' Charlotte sigh, just when they arrived at the swimsuit shop. They saw the Gotanda siblings, Dan & Ran where the older brother carrying a bunch of shopping bags that it towering him.
"Huh? Asher, is that you?" The red-haired girl asked while squinting her eyes for a better look.
"Hello, Ran. Long time no see, how are you?" Asher greet, Charlotte wonder if they knew each other?
"Yup, pretty good! By the way, who's that girl beside you?" Ran asked,
"My classmate, let me introduce her. This is Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Ran, Gotanda Ran." Asher introduced,
"What?! Asher, you got a girlfriend too?!" Dan asked when he peeks from the towering shopping bag he carried.
"She's not, you sure you don't want to put those down first? It's about to collapse. Oh, this is Dan the elder brother. Both of them are Ichika childhood friends before I was adopted to the Orimura." Asher explained,
"Jeez, why you explain like we're strangers. We're your childhood friends too!" Dan argues,
"Yes, princess I was getting into that, but there you go." Asher retort back,
"Are you here for buying a swimsuit too?" Ran asked,
"Yeah, we got this beach class that rhymes with summer vacation. What abomination you bought for your poor brother carrying those towers of bags. Bought a variety of swimsuits again, I presume?" Asher asked,
"T-That's none of your business! Seriously, why do you always know what we're doing?! Stalker?!" Ran fumes while her face flushed,
"Sigh, first Ichika is with a girl and now Asher. When am I gonna get myself a girlfriend." Dan sigh,
"Oh? You've meet Ichika, Dan?" Asher asked while ignoring Ran's nagging,
"Yeah, just saw him a moment ago. Probably buying a swimsuit together with her girlfriend. Both my dude friends entered an academy full of girls, I'm so jealous!" Dan said,
"Speaking of the academy, you're also applying for the next semester right, Ran?" Asher asked,
"Yup, I can able to spend time with Ichika and kick your ass at the same time." Ran shows a peace sign while smiling at Asher, the last part doesn't sound like a joke. Asher until now still doesn't get why the girls he hangs out with Ichika when they were young all seem eager to beat him up? Sure that time he was just joking around being Ichika's 'girlfriend' the first time they meet, he didn't expect until now that Ran still hold a grudge.
"Well, we need to get moving. It's nice seeing you two again, laters." Asher bid farewell to the Gotanda siblings, while Charlotte bow before follows up.
My bad, Charlotte. Kind of caught up with the conversation until that long." Asher apologies,
"Not really, you and those siblings seem very close." Charlotte comments,
"Well, we knew each other for many years. We spend time with each other during summer vacation & after New Year sometimes. You can visit us, anytime." Asher said as they head into one of the swimsuit stores. Both of them wondered if its wise to enter the store or not. They saw both Ichika and Houki were being lectured by Yamada-sensei on the floor, while Rin, Cecilia, and Laura seems to be in their world or something.
"What the hell is going on here?" Asher asked nobody,
"Oh, both of you here as well?" Chifuyu called from the other side of the store, currently checking swimsuits.
"C-I mean Orimura-sensei, what's going on with that?" Asher asked while pointing in Ichika's direction.
"Those idiots over there just found in the changing room together, so you get the idea why Yamada is lecturing them," Chifuyu said as she still looking for a swimsuit. Asher facepalm after hearing it, well he's not going to dig into it any further. The dark blue hair boy seriously wondering why that guy always in a perverted situation that could make Dan filled with envy ever since they start in the IS Academy?
"So, Charlotte. What kind of swimsuit you're looking for?" Asher asked Charlotte, suddenly Chifuyu's ears peaked out when she heard that her adoptive brother is helping to choose a swimsuit for a girl.
"Hm, I'll try this one first. Be right back!" Charlotte jogs towards the empty changing room while humming herself, she's looking forward to what kind of response the boy makes when he sees her in a swimsuit.
"Oh, Asher! You were here?" Ichika asked after he's done being lectured by Yamada-sensei.
"Yeah, together with Charlotte...where did everybody go?" Asher questioned when he noticed Yamada-sensei, Houki, Rin, Cecilia, and Laura are not around in the swimsuit shop.
"Yamada-sensei took them away somewhere, saying she needs someone to guide her in this shopping complex," Ichika said as he scratching his head.
'Ah...so she wanted for this sibling to have some alone time I guess, and she didn't invite us? Oh well, maybe both me & Charlotte can excuse ourselves once she is done picking up. It's been a while they hang out with each other alone anyway.' Asher thought until he felt a smack on the head by non-other than the elder sister.
"What are you being absent-minded for, idiot?" Chifuyu said,
"Ouch, why you smack my head all of sudden?" Asher asked, but the elder woman just huffs herself with slight agitation, both boys don't understand what's going on with their elder sister. Charlotte called out for Asher, the boy head towards the changing room where Charlotte went. When Charlotte revealed her swimsuit it was in a yellow-colored 2-piece swimsuit, the bottom had frills with black stripes like a tiger.
Ichika was stunned getting charmed at Charlotte's beauty. Meanwhile, Asher remains neutral looking at Charlotte up and down with a nod. "Yep, it suits you. The swimsuit's color and design suit your style bringing out your charm, and it looks natural on you. I think you should get this one, Charlotte. Well, all in all, it looks cute on you." Asher comments just as he promised, but Charlotte doesn't expect that kind of response and feels a bit down t first, but was happy when she was called cute at the end. Chifuyu sigh in frustration, she never thought the supposed bright guy to be this idiot and gave him a smack on the head.
"Ouch! Again?!" Asher yelped in pain, he seriously wonders if today is Chifuyu's bad day?
"That's for being an idiot for giving a dumb explanation," Chifuyu said,
"Well, me and Charlotte going to be on our way. You two have fun!" Asher pushed Charlotte towards the cashier while explaining to her that they will give Chifuyu and Ichika to have sibling's time together without interruption, but before he had a chance to leave, Chifuyu grabs Asher's collar from behind not letting him go any further.
"Sorry, Alcott. I'm borrowing this idiot that can't read the atmosphere for a moment. Ichika, can you accompany her back?" Chifuyu said,
"Huh? Oh yes, Charlotte is it okay with you?" Ichika asked the blonde,
"Eh? Sure, okay. Let me pay for the swimsuit first. Excuse us, Orimura-sensei." Charlotte bowed and left with Ichika, she had a weird feeling wonder why the teacher behave differently towards Asher slightly? As if she's trying to spend alone with him...Charlotte shook her head, she must be imagining things like their siblings...that's not related by blood.
"Okay, is this official work stuff related since you want us to be alone instead Ichika?" Asher asked, trying to guess if he's correct since usually the moment they're alone is always about serious matters.
"No, just want your opinion on which swimsuit would suit me. The black or the white one, which you prefer?" Chifuyu asked when she shows the swimsuits of her choice together.
"Huh?! I saw you're asking Ichika when I was waiting for Charlotte putting on the swimsuit early?" Asher was shocked to hear that, didn't expect it at all.
"Is it wrong for me to get a second opinion?" Chifuyu glared,
"Sorry, my bad. Please don't kill me." Asher bows down apologetically, barely avoided execution.
"So which do you prefer? If you give that long unnecessary details again, I'll make you wear a girls swimsuit tomorrow." Chifuyu said although it does seem tempting to force the smaller brother to wear it, no doubt it will look natural. Asher was shaking in fear hearing the abomination words coming from her, he needs to avoid that from happening at any cost.
"Erm, black I guess. Since it looks natural on you and gives out the adult aura when you wear it. I mean it will guarantee charm on guys since Chifuyu is pretty and have no boyfriend yet, hahaha...oh shit." Asher unconsciously comments not just long but also at the end comment, the elder woman emits a dark aura that could sign the boy death warrant worst than death itself.
"I mean, I choose black because I want to see it!" Asher just blabbered out without thinking, well it was half lie and truth anyway since Chifuyu does look good in a black outfit after all.
"Hmph, seriously you need to fix that long mumbling of yours and just straight to the point when it comes to fashion. That habit of yours still the same after all these years." Chifuyu said after she adopted him that she realizes how observant and detailed when it comes to fashion, she thought that he had a dream to become a fashion designer or something until he said that he wanted to become a Detective. Despite that, she blushes a little without the boy noticing her that she's a bit happy that Asher wanted to see her in a swimsuit of his choice.
"Well, I guess black then, since Ichika also chooses the same," Chifuyu said, Asher sigh in relief that he got out of trouble. "But, you still give unnecessary mumbling, so your punishment cut into half." Chifuyu's words are like a dagger stab into his heart when he heard that and fall on the ground on four feeling devastated.
"Don't worry, it will not be extreme. This is to teach you to learn more about a woman in future especially involves fashion such as swimsuits." Chifuyu said as she tried to look for something for Asher to wear for the beach class, after some screening an attire caught her eye. Grinning herself, she took it together with her swimsuit to purchased at the cashier.
"Get up, we going back now," Chifuyu called out to Asher on the floor, feeling like his remaining manliness might disappear from reality tomorrow.
"Erm...may I ask what did you buy for me to wear?" Asher asked,
"Don't worry, it's something cute & adorable for you." Chifuyu smirks evilly while Asher cried 'NO' stretching into the sky.
Meanwhile, in Hawaii US military base. A group of mechanics and engineers in the hangar were scrambling around for the newest test project between the US and Israel join the project.
A long wavy blond hair woman entered the hangar with guards, and a US representative chief engineer together. "So, this is the latest unit?" the woman asked,
"Yes, it is the latest experimental 3rd generation military IS equipped with advanced AI program that assists the pilot with situation assessment displayed in the helmet. Also, should the pilot injure or unconscious in any manner, the AI's self-defense mechanism will activate and handle the threat itself to protect the pilot." The female chief engineer addressed,
"I see, when should we test it?" The blonde woman asked,
"In 3 days, ma'am." The female chief engineer said,
"Thank you, then I should head back first. Good work." The blond woman left the hangar and proceed to the hotel assigned to her. On the limousine, she glances through news headlines, etc to kill time before reaching the hotel.
'Now that I remembered, the IS Academy will have their beach class soon. I heard there are 2 male students capable of piloting IS, and both of them are related to Orimura Chifuyu, the first Brunhilde. I wonder what they look like?' The blond woman thought.
Meanwhile, in a secret location. Doctor T found some intelligence that there will be a test for newly develop military IS holding field test in Hawaii. The elderly man smirks at the information and contacts his subordinates in the hangar through a monitor display.
"Doctor T, how may I help you, sir?" One of the soldiers answered,
"I just remembered there's like 2 small-scaled machines that we used for weapon tests etc. Is it still there?" Doctor T asked,
"Yes, it is still in the storage room, sir." The soldier replied,
"Good, prepare it for full combat capabilities. There's something I wanted to test out. I want to see if this so-called military IS can take out our little toys before the big game hits them hard and I want it within 3 days." Doctor T smirk,
"Understood sir, we'll prepare it as fast as we can. Excuse me, sir." The soldier salutes and cuts the communication.
"Heheheh, if this new military experiment IS can't even best out little test subject. The world has no chance against my real army. I can't wait to see the outcome of how it handles the Charioz & Balistoz." Doctor T laughed, he truly looking forward to how it fares, it doesn't matter if two test machines fail since it is not a big loss for his plans. This time he will succeed in what he failed before, there will be no one to stop his ambition.
And...done.
Yeah, I think is short, but well I target around 3-4k words per chapter as minimum anyway.
I let you guys guessed what kind of new IS he's developing for fun and the 'swimsuit' Asher gonna wear as punishment, let your dirty mind engine's on!
Anyway, thank you for reading and see ya in discord or next chapter.