Act 1: Beyond Comprehension

After getting cold drinks from one of the dispenser machines, Yuu and Kota decided to take the elevator back up into the Den and enjoy their short earned time off after a mission at the Sunken Grid. "Man... My feet are killing me, and not gonna lie; those Ogretails really loved running off... And it's really irritating!" Kota began to whine, staring up a conversation.

As they sat on one of the couches, Yuu simply chuckled before responding. "Yeah... But you'll get used to it." Yuu said with a smile, making Kota groaning before giving a reply. "Ugh, that's like... Everytime on a mission! Like, dude... Aragami just goes running off once we're about to get the kill, it just wastes our time!" Kota tried to point out, not Yuu just casually laughed and replied. "True. But my point stands, Kota. You'll get used to it... Hmm... Just give it some time and you'll get the hang of running around. In fact; you don't actually need to be chasing Aragami that are retreating, Kota. Since your god arc is gun form, all you need to focus on is aiming at them unless they're too far away from your range. The one's with blade forms, Old-Types and New-Types alike would do the chasing whole you on gun form just concentrate on firing on the Aragami wishing your range."

Yuu stared with a smile before taking a sip from his cold can of drink. Kota thought about what the New-Type had said, but not actually too long he decided to take Yuu's word for it. But before he could give a response, he heard a conversation coming from down the stairs where the front desk is. "Hey, have you heard? There's another New-Type making their way here into the Far East." The first voice said. "Oh, yeah! I've heard about that too! I've heard the others also talked about this back in god arc storage 4. This New-type is also coming from the Russia Branch, like that second, Russian New-Type we got last year." Another voice replied.

While Kota was visibly paying close attention to the conversation, Yuu on the other hand, could clearly hear the conversation as well, since the Den was currently quiet by chance. Both Yuu and Kota looked at each other with Kota showing a wide grin on his face. "Yuu..." Kota began with his wide grin. Yuu just chucked before responding. "This is quite intriguing news all right... After all, it's been a year since we've got both Anett and Federico into the branch, too..." Yuu replied with a chuckle.

Kota grinned widely. "I wonder what type of god arc he has, though? Oh! And think about experiences, too! Think they've already went on missions and fought a few Aragami, or maybe they're fresh out of training like Anett and Federico were? Oh man, I got a ton of questions about that!" Kota excitedly stated. But before you could even reply, Alisa along with Sakuya and Lindow approaching.

"You guys heard? Words are running around about another New-Type coming to the Far East Branch." Lindow casually stated with a grin and continued. "I wonder what type of god eater they'll be... Hopefully they're not the type that overdo it..." Sakuya giggled next to him, with Alisa, giving Yuu a look, who bit his lips before gazing away from her.

"Anyway..." Lindow suddenly added. "I've already went to Major Amamiya to ask about this New-Type, and surprise, surprise - The New-Type should be here later on today. Give or take, probably afternoon or evening upon arrival. Hopefully they had a safe trip, too. Heard news and reports about Ouroboros sightings around several locations within the Far East..."

Yuu then replied. "Will we be given tasks to take them down? I know we've been dealing with Hannibals and Corrosive Hannibals for the past year now, and we're still dealing with them today. But what about Ouroboros?" Yuu's questions for everyone of the 1st unit wondering. But Lindow just gave a casual smile and replied. "Well, Captain... It's your call if we'll take on the Ouroboros. In fact, you've already did taken down an Ouroboros last year while I was MIA. Major Amamiya told me that you were given that task by the former Director to to take down as Ouroboros. I'm actually impressed." Lindow relied with a toothy grin.

Yuu nervously laughed as the others all looked at him. "Yeah... About that... I didn't technically took it down myself... I went out with the 2nd unit. Still gives me chills when all four of us finally went up close with that Ouroboros in the Wailing Plains... Not gonna lie... They really were massive as they were stated to be the size of a mountain..."

Kota so sorry choked on his drink before interrupting. "Dude! That's even more impressive! Taking down an Ouroboros with the 2nd Unit!? I mean Tatsumi and Brendan are really skilled god eaters too, but do tell, man!" Kota suddenly smirked before jokingly asking. "... Did you had a hard time trying to keep out of Kanon's range of firing while fighting the Ouroboros..?"

The 1st unit all shared a chuckle before Yuu giving a reply. "Only three times. But I would say... Those friendly misfires actually did good, too... Saved me from getting crushed by the Ouroboros. I still remember getting stunned when the Ouroboros planted it's tentacles on the ground before a quick flashing light. I'm kinda thankful I didn't got crushed when I got stunned. Thanks to Kanon's misfiring..." Lindow chuckled and replied. "Yeah. The stun ability of the Ouroboros can be nasty as hell, to say the least... Best way to combat an Ouroboros is through quick hit and run tactics. But I was told about your mission report, and like I said, I'm actually impressed."

Kota was laughing for a moment before also adding. "Well I haven't really fought an Ouroboros before, but if you ever decide to take up missions to take down one, don't forget to sign me up for it!" Both Alisa and Sakuya were shaking their heads, with Sakuya giggling. "Kota, you'll be in for a real pain if we ever do fight an Ouroboros. And to rephrase what Yuu already said; an Ouroboros is indeed the size of a mountain. It'll take a significant amount of time, and patience not just by fighting it, but also by trying to survive from it while doing so." Sakuya simply stated.

"Yeah, Kota..." Alisa suddenly added. "And while I've only fought an Ouroboros once, I'd be sure to keep knowledge of it's abilities from the NORN data. You did read every data provided by the NORN terminals about the currently known Aragami, did you..?"

Kota in response to this, exasperatedly sighed. "Aww, but that's too long to read..! And I'm talking about each data of each Aragami..!" Kota complained, making the rest of the 1st unit chuckling in unison, with Alisa, shaking her head. But suddenly, she slightly gasped and immediately stood up from the couch next to Yuu. "I almost forgot, I need to be going!"

Yuu looked at Alisa with his head tilted to his side. "Everything okay, Alisa..?" Yuu gently asked. Alisa smiled and nodded. "Yeah. But I told Kanon yesterday after our mission that I'll help her with her aiming..." Alisa replied, but then Sakuya also spoke. "Alisa, please tell Kanon that I'll also be helping her tomorrow morning. I wasn't able to help her out earlier since I had to leave for a mission with Lindow and Soma."

Alisa nodded before looking back at the others and Yuu. "I'll see you guys around." With that, the Russian god eater made her leave to meet up with Kanon. But after Alisa left, leaving Yuu, Lindow along with Sakuya and Kota, Yuu finally changed the topic back to the earlier topic they had shortly before. "... So... You guys excited to meet the arriving New-Type?" Kota grinned widely at Yuu's question. "Heck yeah..!"


"Welcome to the Far East!" A regular soldier greeted. After the docking of the large aircraft, Gladius was instructed to specifically look for a Fenrir helicopter, which would be taking him into the Fenrir Far East Branch. After having his packs of luggage all settled within the helicopter, the helicopter began taking off.

The environment was pretty much like the landscapes from where the precious branches he transferred into. Lifeless, desolate, and mysterious. One can never know of what type of Aragami, whether it be new or old that could be lurking about... But as Gladius was handed a headphone linked with the ones worn by the pilots and the soldier, the regular soldier suddenly asked. "So, you're from the Russia branch? You became a god eater there?" The same regular soldier asked curiously. Gladius, in response, shook his head. "No, sir. I am originally from the Philippine Branch. It's a small, and low funded Branch that deals with both Aragami and human terrorists alike. I've just transferred into the Russia Branch last year."

The soldier was then curious and decided to ask another question. "So how was your experience, both as a god eater and as a New-Type god eater?" Gladius was caught off guard by the question.


"God... God shall not tolerate you and your fellow deceivers..." A priest. A critically wounded one, stuttered in between coughs of blood. But standing before him, in front of a church altar, was a young god eater, with his Arctic Chainsaw. The god eater didn't falter, even when he was the one that wounded the priest with his weapon for devouring gods. "We don't share the same 'God' on our religion... But your 'God' whatever that is that you and your followers worship, can't save you... You stole, and took someone."

The Arctic Chainsaw started revving, and it's sharp fangs rapidly spinning, ready to shred through Aragami. Or whatnot... The bodies of several armed humans -followers of what appeared to be a religious cult- were all scattered around the church. Gore and intestines all splayed out from men to women... Whether they were armed, or civilian. The priest looked at the god eater in front of him. Soaked in human blood in his Fenrir clothing. His god arc was even worse... "No... No... This was not the will of God... This was not how it's bound to happen..!" The priest shouted.

The god eater avoided his gaze. "You stole their god arcs... Fallen god arcs of god eaters that your people killed... And one of them that you've taken, was from someone dear to me... He's gone because of you, and your cult... You took someone dear from me... In return..." The god eater stopped. His bloodshot eyes, eyeing the priest, now showing him fear, under the roof of a catholic church. "... I'll take yours..."

"No - Yeaaaarrrgh...!" The fangs of the revving Arctic Chainsaw, shredded through from the priest's upper torso, all the way down to the abdomen, displaying the organs. The altar was a brutal mess. And the church became a slaughter house.


"Hey... You alright..?" The regular soldier slowly asked. His face, was showing visible concern for a moment as Gladius seemingly stared off into space without a response. But after a few tries of calling out to him... Gladius finally snapped back into reality and managed to respond. "I... My experiences..?" Gladius slowly replied before continuing. "... I've... Fought Aragami... Apart from Ogretails and Quadgridas, it's mostly Vajras. There was also a Dyaus Pita and Hannibals..." Gladius gave an honest response. But somehow, he swallowed hard before adding the final part of his statement. "...I've also slain humans, too... Part of the Philippine Branch operations... Exterminating hostile, and, or, oppressive humans against the Branch itself..." There was dead silence within the radio chatter. Neither Gladius, the regular soldier, nor even the pilots ever said a word. The trip into the Far East Branch went on without a word...


"A direct hit!" Alisa cheerfully declared. Helping Kanon with her aiming issued was indeed a tedious task. And spending over an hour and a half of trails and errors, Kanon did eventually worked her way around and got the hang of controlling her aiming. Alisa found the potential in Kanon, and regardless of the pink haired god eater's errors, Kanon was making slow, but good progress. It was no wonder why Sakuya had the patience in helping Kanon with her aiming. The process she's making was slow, but she was slowly progressing just fine, with the time and just enough patience teach her.

Kanon didn't looked satisfied, though. She wore a frown on her face as she checked her mortar rounds. "I still think these are useless... I would definitely use the Bullet Editor if I could, but it's just too complicated to get the editing of recipes..." Kanon muttered as she set down her god arc on a table.

Alisa, walking up to her offered a cheerful smile. "But we're making progress, Kanon. We can proceed with shooting moving targets. Since you're already getting the hang of controlling your aiming for a direct hit, which is good progress, so we should then focus next on careful aiming on a target with nearby friendlies." Alisa paused, then shortly glanced at the mortar rounds on the table before continuing. "Perhaps I can also help you out to better understand the Bullet Editor. We can start with the basics if you like, so that you can craft your own bullets that don't rely on explosives." Alisa felt said with a smile.

Kanon was very happy with this. But as much as she was happy to hear all this, she looked quite ashamed before looking down shortly. "Of course, Alisa. I'll, gladly accept your help further but... I feel like I've already taken too much of your time..." Alisa was surprised by Kanon's response. She then sighed before offering a gentle smile. "Kanon. You're not as bad as most others think you are. I'll admit... You do had that flaw of misfires... But that doesn't mean we can't help change that, right? But I get what you're saying, so we'll end the target session for the day, and continue tomorrow afternoon. How does that sound?" Alisa asked with a smile.

Kanon lightly smiled back with a nod. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. But... Thank you... Alisa..." Kanon shyly replied, with Alisa giggling in response. "Kanon, there's no need for that. Just doing what I can to help out." Alisa replied smiling. But Kanon was not leaving it there, as she felt it to be unfair. "No wait. Alisa, I'll bake you and Sakuya cookies in return for your help. It's the least I can do, and I want to be fair." Kanon reasoned. Alisa's eyes blinked a few times. "Kanon..." Alisa tried to respond, but Kanon was already making it clear as she interrupted the Russian god eater. "No, really. I appreciate you and Sakuya for taking time to help me out with my clumsy issue, and I want to thank you both. At least let me give something in return as thank you." Kanon stared a little firmly before gently smiling.

Sighing, Alisa finally nodded. "Fine. But apart from your aiming; we'll need to work specifically on your bullets. I do see that you can manage your aiming despite the issues, but it's fairly clear, and very clear, that the mortar rounds, as well as the emitter rounds that you are using are the main problem." Alisa paused before adding. "I'll also have to consult Licca about your ban from using Oracle Reserve during missions..."

Kanon's eyes went wide. "You... You will..?" Kanon stuttered in surprise. Alisa slowly nodded before responding. "I mean, it's a risk, for most others at least, that you'll be having more reserved firepower. Increasing the worries of those that may go out on missions with you... But I do have a good feeling that I may not regret this..." Alisa paused and looked at Kanon before continuing. "But I can't say it's guaranteed that Licca may be able to help remove your ban on Oracle Reserve, since she will have to reach out to Major Amamiya, who will then have to reach out to and discuss about reinstating your ban with Director Sakaki." Alisa explained, only to be interrupted with Kanon quickly giving where a tight hug.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, Alisa..! Even if it's not guaranteed, I still hugely appreciate this!" Kanon happily exclaimed. Alisa giggled shortly before responding. "That's great to hear, Kanon. But um... Your hugging... It's a bit too tight..." Kanon gasped before letting go immediately. She blushed shyly. "Sorry..." Kanon muttered, but Alisa just smiled. "It's fine. Now... We'll resume session tomorrow afternoon. And Sakuya also wanted me to let you know that she will also be helping you out tomorrow morning. She didn't got the chance to do so didn't she went out on a mission earlier with Lindow and Soma."

Kanon gave a crisp nod. "I will look forward to both sessions with you and Sakuya!" Kanon happily said. But before Alisa could even say anything, Hibari's voice suddenly began speaking through the PA system. "1st unit, proceed to the Den under order of Major Amamiya. I repeat; 1st unit, proceed to the Den under order of Major Amamiya."

Looking at each other in confusion and curiosity, Alisa finally began. "Guess I'll be going now, Kanon. Oh, and don't forget about our target session tomorrow afternoon!" Alisa quickly said as she immediately made her leave. Kanon have a quick nod in response as she watched the Russian god eater left. With the session in the training facility ended, Kanon immediately headed to god arc storage room 2, where the 2nd units' god arcs were stored. She was beyond happy that there were still people like Alisa and Sakuya, willing to help her improve... But in her mind; Kanon wanted to do better than improve, as she expects the best of herself. She was ambitious, but her ambition was none other than to be a better version of herself as a god eater. To be a good example for her younger sister, Kotomi, whom someday will become a god eater as well...

As she watched her god arc being locked and secured, she saw Licca with a data pad in her hands. The girl, who was mostly in charge of repairing the god arcs were a huge grin on her face. Almost as if he was reminiscent of something while looking at the data pad on her hands. Curiously. Kanon suddenly approached the girl from behind, almost startling her. "Hey, Licca! What are you looking at?" Kanon asked with a smile.

Licca, almost jumping with a gasp sighed in relief by the time she immediately spun around to see Kanon. The data pad in her hands, clutched in her chest. "Kanon! Geez, you shouldn't be sneaking up on people like that!" Licca exclaimed, but then she smiled before continuing. "Anyway... What I was looking at on this data pad is the stats of the god arc of the newly arrived New-Type. His god arc is incredibly made of high end materials. He'll have to import materials from the Russia Branch to maintain his god arc, but lucky for him, we also have high end materials, too." Licca replied with a satisfied grin on her face.

Kanon almost gasped in surprise as she asked. "Wait... We have a new god eater? And he's a New-Type, too?" Licca giggled at Kanon's stuttered question. "Yep. He was introduced to me by Major Amamiya just earlier at god arc storage 1. But he should be in the Den by now, as Major Amamiya will be introducing him to the 1st unit."

Kanon felt nervous. Another new face, and another potential figure to doubtfully judge her for her aiming and misfire issues... But Kanon smiled despite her nervousness, she replied. "That's great news! Anyway, I'll be going now. I've just returned my god arc after a target session with Alisa." And with that, Kanon made her leave, heading back into the Den.

Licca finally held out the data once again and grinned at the image of the New-Type god arc of the new arrival. "You have a fine taste, Gladius..." Licca said with a giggle. Sure enough, the red and black god arc was very familiar, and mostly -in blade from- reminiscent of Lindow's Old-Type god arc. Except this one was New-Type variable, with an assault gun, and a tower shield. Both matching the colors of the red chainsaw...


Upon entry back into the Den, Kanon saw the entire first unit, consisting of Yuu, Alisa, Kota along with Lindow, Sakuya and Soma. In front of them was Major Tsubaki Amamiya with a data pad in her hand. And next to her was a new face. It's no doubt to be the New-Type, and is wearing a very noticeable red trench coat. And through his thin glasses, Kanon cook's see the bloodshot eyes of the younger man. Kanon didn't made any approached and only watched as Tsubaki finally began.

"1st unit. I would like to introduce you to our newest addition to the Branch." Tsubaki finally began, rushing each of the 1st unit before continuing. "Originally, he was from the Philippine Branch. A small, but effective Branch of overdone god eaters. The Russia Branch had also full vouching for his skills, and not only does his simulation scores both from Philippine and Russia Branch speak for itself." Tsubaki looked at the god eater. "Corporal. You may introduce yourself."

The god eater gave a crisp nod, before speaking. "Corporal Gladius Morales. Former Hellcat Division 1. Fenrir Philippine Branch. At your service." The god eater, Gladius, gave a small bow at the 1st unit. The entire 1st unit all had mixed reactions, most notably, Yuu and Alisa, being mostly intrigued about another fellow New-Type.

At this moment, Tsubaki then spoke once again. "Based on his records, most notably from the Russia Branch; Corporal Gladius was present in the defense, during the outer wall breach of the Russia branch last year. Corporal Gladius was one of the god eaters with the most confirmed kills among the best Old-Type god eaters on the Russia Branch, and he also had a confirmed kill of two Privthi Mata during the defense of the Russia Branch." Tsubaki stated, which was then followed by an inaudible reaction from Kota. Lindow folded his arms with a grin as he eyed Gladius.

"Captain Kannagi." Tsubaki turned to Yuu and continued. "I need you in my office to hand you a copy of Corporal Gladius' file records. We will also need to discuss about the recent Corrosive Hannibal sighting in the Wailing Plains for your next mission." Tsubaki said before turning to the rest of the 1st unit. "You may all take some time to get to know Corporal Gladius, but should you have pending missions to attend to, then you best be on your way."

Yuu took one look at Gladius. He was intrigued about the god eater, and he could tell that Alisa was too. But it's pretty clear to see that the rest of the 1st unit, in their own way, were as well. "I'm Yuu Kannagi, captain of the 1st unit. It's nice to meet you, Gladius!" Yuu quickly said with a grin before excusing himself and following after Tsubaki.

The rest of the 1st unit all had their focus on Gladius, who in return, was feeling somewhat awkward by the time Kota finally started speaking, rather loudly. "So you're from the Philippines? Isn't that the country down south? Wait... Isn't it hotter down in the south? Also, you got TWO freaking kills of Privthi Mata!? How!? And by the way, the Philippine Branch must have cool names on their god eater units! I mean, just look at that former unit you were from; Hellcat Division 1! How awesome is that!?" Kota excitedly exclaimed.

Alisa face planted before looking at Gladius. "He means to say: My name is Kota Fujiki, nice to meet you." Alisa casually stated, but she then smiled and introduced herself. "I am Alisa Illinichina Amiella. Formerly from the Russia Branch. It's a pleasure to meet you, both as a new god eater, and as a fellow New-Type." Alisa said with a genuine smile.

Soma, who was in the back of the group gave a small nod. "Soma Schicksal. If you are familiar to former Director Johannes Von Schicksal, then I am not proud to admit, but we are related. But it's a pleasure to meet you." Soma simply stated. But Lindow then chuckled as he placed his arm around Soma before speaking to Gladius.

"He means to say: The former Director was my dad. But Soma has reasons on why he isn't proud to admit that. It's a very long, and complicated story - But the NORN terminals will provide you of the quick explanation within the data archives." Lindow paused before holding his right fist on his chest. "And I'm Lindow Amamiya. Former Captain of the 1st unit before Yuu Kannagi. I'm an Old-Type in case you're wondering." Lindow added with a grin. But his grin wider when Gladius took more of his corroded right arm. "I see you looking at my arm. This was about a year ago. Long story, but we'll have time for that sometime." Lindow casually explained in cool tone.

"And I'm Sakuya Tachibana. 1st unit's medic." Sakuya then introduced herself before adding with a smile. "I'm also married to Lindow, but you don't have to call me Mrs Amamiya or miss Tachibana. Sakuya is just fine." Lindow looked at her in surprise. "Hey, even with the newbie, Sakuya? It doesn't hurt to hear you being called 'Mrs Amamiya' y'know?" Lindow jokingly said, which earned chuckles from Alisa and Kota. Sakuya sighed at her husband before giving a response. "I know. But we're a laid-back Branch. No need for such formality, and just be casual like usual." Sakuya them looked at Gladius with a smile and added. "Let's keep it casual, Gladius. Also, if you ever need recovery bullets, then you can count on me. There's also Alisa, too. And not to mention, Kanon as well, who is the 2nd unit's medic. But I take it you're not the type like Lindow who likes to overdo things, right?" Sakuya stated with a chuckle.

"Hey, baby, I'm not -" Lindow tried to say something but decided not to and only sighed instead before continuing. "... Well... He doesn't look that type. So I think he'll be fine. Right?" They all looked at Gladius for a response.

Gladius, on the other hand... Gave one simple response. "Yes. But I need to be clear..." He looked at each member of the 1st unit. "... I am not a new recruit... And like Major Amamiya mentioned... I've been present in the defense of the Russia Branch during the outer wall breach... Also, I will try to keep in mind not to be too formal, Miss Sakuya." Gladius' statement surprised everyone, especially Sakuya. "Sakuya, I mean... But please be patient. I was trained in the Philippine Branch... It's a strict Branch that takes formality as mandatory..."

Everyone all gave understanding nods, with Lindow smiling. "Don't sweat it, kid. We have all the time to be patient. In fact, I'm sure I'm not the only one who's intrigued to get to know you..." Lindow paused, and jerking his head to side, everyone, Gladius included, all turned their heads to see Kanon, shyly standing next to the small staircase leading to the front counter. The older god eater blushed slightly before shyly waving a hand at Gladius. "H-Hi..." Lindow chuckled. "Hey, Kanon. C'mon join us and introduce yourself to our newest New-Type addition." He then finally added with a grin.