Note: Cybersystem Gaiden is set to occur in the world of Cybersystem Chronicles, but centered on another character that is also in the Cybersystem Gaiden RPG.

Chapter 6: The Shield's Materials

After recovering from the first time of using the capabilities of synchronization, Ryuu has agreed to let Dr. Seitamashii Daikou Kojuro to keep tabs on his training and learning. However, this change in Ryuu's timetable is by no means any easier than his original schedule.

Academy in Hokuto City

Gaius stands alone in a large and empty field as Ryuu watches over his Navi through the holographic projector. All is quiet until five Swordins materialize around Gaius, all of them around three to four strides away from striking distance. Each Swordin brandishing a different type of sword, Gaius cautiously eyes the viruses as they circle around him at a slow pace. It seemed to take an eternity in waiting, until the noise of a buzzer signals the Swordins to charge towards the armored Navi.

"Now! Gaius!" Ryuu called out as he brought up a set of battlechips for Gaius to use and slotted them into his PET. The next few moments passed like a blur, as Gaius remains standing with the Swordins deteriorating just a few steps away from him.

"Synchronization delay has reduced drastically…" Daikou mentioned as he checks the timer monitoring the fight, "Quite impressive…"

"That's good to hear…" Ryuu then said as he plugs Gaius out of the simulator and back to the PET. Both operator and Navi are clearly relieved that training is finally over as they watched the slow-motion replay of what took place a while ago.

The slow-motion replay starts at the moment when the buzzer sounded, with the Swordins clearly making their charge towards Gaius. Checking on Gaius' status, one can see that Ryuu has achieved full synchronization with Gaius as soon as Ryuu uploads his battlechips. Once integrated, Gaius immediately uses Counter against the Swordin in front of him as he activates the Curse Shield to block and destroy the Swordin to his right before stepping out of the way.

Bringing out a Mega Cannon, Gaius then fired it at the first Swordin that managed to follow him. Aiming the cannon to the virus' head, he managed to obliterate the virus as it is bringing down its sword. Nevertheless, there are two more Swordins that have already readied their swords for their attacks as Gaius turns to face them.

A loud clash resounded as the two Swordins deal their blows, with Gaius holding a Wide Sword to block the attack. Pushing the two viruses away, Gaius then delivers two sword strikes, cutting the remaining Swordins into half as they reorient themselves.

"So, do we get time out now?" Ryuu asked Daikou after they have watched his performance, "We have been undergoing lots of tests for the whole week now."

"Yes, I believe that you had performed exceptionally well this week," Daikou mentioned, nodding in satisfaction after seeing the results of the training, "You are free to enjoy yourself until further notice."

"Alright!" Ryuu cheered as he puts his PET into his belt strap before leaving the room and look for his companions.

"He's still a kid after all…" Daikou mentioned while shaking his head, pressing a button that is blinking on the console. He then turns to look to the monitor nearby as a figure appears on the screen.

"What is your evaluation of his performance?" the figure on the monitor asked Daikou, not mentioning anything else as he waits for a reply.

"The child's potential is outstanding," Daikou answered matter-of-factly before continuing to explain, "While his capabilities are not yet comparable to the Solitary Star, the child nevertheless somehow manages to make up his lack of proficiency in programming with a determined and positive outlook."

"It is without a doubt that he will become a very powerful netbattler if he continues receiving proper training and guidance," Daikou added with a light bow of respect to the person he is talking to on the monitor, "Still, I believe it is best that we should be subtle in his training, lest he finds out the reason behind all this."

"Very well, Allseer. We shall leave that task up to you," the figure on the monitor mentioned before ending communications with Daikou. Turning away from the console, Daikou approaches the window to look to the city outside, wondering what other surprises Ryuu is capable of manifesting if he continues to train.

Coming out of the facility without hesitation, Ryuu hurried down to the park to look for the others. He finds Jian sitting underneath the tree, savoring the becalming sound the breeze is making as it blows by the trees. Somewhere nearby, Earl is busy netbattling with other people, probably training in order to improve his own skills.

"They finally let you out, Ryuu?" Jian asks Ryuu upon noticing his arrival, not bothering to get up as he looks at what Earl is doing. Ryuu nodded as he then looks to Earl and noticing a change in how he fights.

"If you are curious at what got into him, it is because of that fight we had the week before," Jian mentions as he finally gets up from his spot under the tree, crossing his arms over his chest as he stands beside Ryuu, "He said that he realized that he can't just depend on others to let him win the fights he is in."

"And some day, I'll beat that Navi of yours even without Jian's help!" Earl butted in after finishing his fill of netbattles and turning to look at Ryuu, "I'm not going to lose to your crummy armored Navi!"

"He didn't change much, has he?" Ryuu asks Jian while still looking in partial disbelief at Earl. Gaius could only nod in agreement to how Ryuu feels about Earl.

"A fine sword can't be forged overnight, give him time…" Jian replies with a casual shrug as he starts to head to Earl, "Training's not done yet, time for us to head over to the Internet and see how well you can do against viruses."

"Heh, anything to outdo the armored vegetable," Earl replies cockily, turning to face Ryuu once again with a pointed finger, "Better train all you can, Ryuu! I'll beat you in a netbattle someday for sure!"

"Alright then, Earl, see you guys then," Ryuu waves goodbye to them, feeling a little awkward at the attention he is getting.

"I believe that Earl is just hiding what he really thinks of you, don't you think?" Gaius asks Ryuu when the two are already far from hearing distance.

"Maybe? Still, it is good to see that he's not quite the coward we used to know him," Ryuu replies, smiling as he turns around to see what they should do next, "So where do you want to go next?"

"I just remembered, Arisa sent an email for you the other day," Gaius finally spoke up after trying to think of what they should do, "She was checking to see how you are, since she hasn't seen you ever since Dr. Daikou Kojuro has showed up that day."

"What!? How come you didn't tell me sooner?" Ryuu asked Gaius, obviously surprised that he didn't knew about the mail.

"Well, for starters, we have been training around the clock," Gaius replies as he looks to the side, "So even if I can tell you about it, you were too tired to take a look at it."

"Let's not just stand here then," Ryuu said as he writes up an email to reply to Arisa's letter, "Send this over to Arisa!"

"Got it, Ryuu! Meet with you over at Arisa's place," Gaius mentions with a thumbs-up sign as Ryuu plugs the PET in to a terminal nearby to let his Navi go ahead and send the message before running towards where Arisa lives.

Somewhere on top of a building, a figure is watching over what Ryuu is doing. He then brings out a phone to contact someone, "We have found the synchronizer and are awaiting orders…"