Hello again people! Here I am with sixth chapter.

But first, some talk with those who wrote a review.

FateBurn, Imperial-samaB, DarkBladerZX, LabMember009Isaac, Telron, New Universe Returns, Guest, I muffin derpy, Toolazytologin: Many thanks people, here's an update, with the same cunning, sometimes brutal and unpredictable Ichika.

Cannibal Pride: Well, Chifuyu meant exactly what she said, she meant no subtext. However, her choice of words probably wasn't the best… who knows why?

TANATOSU: I know, but while writing chapter you have to stop somewhere…


Chapter VI – Anguish and Despair

All conditions fulfilled. Valkyrie Trace System... Activate!

"AAAHHHHHHH!" Laura let out a heartrending scream as if she just got ripped by something. At the same time, Schwarzer Regen let out a strong electrical jolt, that lit up the entire arena.

Ichika was already half-way towards arena's west gates when that happened. "What?" He stopped and turned around. 'WTF is that?!' Seemingly, there were still things in this world that could surprise even Ichika.

In front of him, Laura's I.S. was changing… No, to just say that it was changing would've been too simple. The lines that formed the armor were melting softly into something shapeless and sticky, engulfing Laura's body in it. The pitch black corroded darkness swallowed Laura in whole.

"Okay… that is something…" Ichika said to himself. Probably anyone who would've seen something like this would've been… confused, at least. Normally, I.S. can somehow change its shape, but definitely not that drastically.

2nd and later generation I.S. can change shape due to package replacement, bu that's nothing special. Also, I.S. can almost instantly change shape when it undergoes the first shift, which happens when it gets used to the pilot and, in very rare occasions, I.S. can change shape once more when it undergoes the second shift. The equipment and some other parts may appear or transform, but Ichika never heard about I.S. capable of completely transforming into clot of black goo…

However, he couldn't deny the thing that was happening right in front of his eyes now. What was supposed to be Schwarzer Regen covered Laura's entire body and continued to move on the surface. It then started to beat like it had a pulse as it was slowly descending to the floor, and it was quickly changing at a high speed, before taking its final shape.

Standing over there was something, similar to the black I.S., but it was completely different from the one that attacked last month. The appearance and shape were of Laura's shape. The girl's hands and feet were protected with the minimum amount of armor, and the head had armor that covered the entire face. Also, the red lights of the display sensors could be seen from the eye below the armor.

The problem, however, was the weapon in her hand. I definitely couldn't be mistaken. That was… Yukihira [Snowflake]… It was similar to the sword Chifuyu used during first Mondo Grosso, which she won. That sword was basically a duplicate.

The next moment, the black I.S. flew toward Ichika. Looking at the way 'she' (supposing it's still Laura) was keeping the sword behind her waist, she seemingly was preparing to use a Iai technique. That was definitely the katana technique that Chifuyu uses. Basically, considering it as a normal sword technique, it'd be a flash sure-kill hit. "So, they actually did that…" Ichika shook his head as his own sword appeared in Messiah's left hand and plasma blade was gloving again.

Yeah, Ichika knew about VT System, or rather, he knew the overall summary. There's no way that so weird an uncreative (in Ichika's opinion) technology could catch his interest. That's why he was surprised when he saw the activation of VT System – partially he was surprised to see that someone actually wasted time to implement that tech…

Their swords clashed, and Ichika barely managed to parry enemy's attack. No doubts – that speed and power – that was perfectly polished Chifuyu's sword-using style. The enemy raised the sword up for another attack, the sharp slash that was swung down straight on assaulted Ichika, but again he parried that attack. There was even no need to foresee her future moves – Ichika just knew too well how his sister fights.


That technique was the first technique Ichika learnt from his elder sister, and he still could remember the first time he tried to use it. Ichika managed to raise the sword and hold it properly, but when he tried to release his right arm, he immediately was scolded by Chifuyu. "Ichika, hold to the sword with both arms. If you want your swing to be strong, you shouldn't hold a sword like some stick!'' When she said that, Chifuyu's eyes were stern, yet it had a tinge of gentleness. It looked somewhat dazzling, an expression that was different from usual.

Ichika looked at his sister questioningly. For him, who had to do all the homework since he was three years old (Chifuyu was busy with part-time job since they have no one else to take care of them), his hands already were pretty strong, and, despite katana wasn't lightweight, he didn't feel that he need both hands to hold or swing it. "It's not that heavy," He replied, "And if you can hold it with one hand you should do so, since you can use your free hand to do something else."

Being met with cold logic, Chifuyu sighed. "I've not meant the weight of material, from which sword was forged. I meant the weight of a weapon, one that can take someone's life away." The cold and slightly glittering katana. An existence that was born, created and refined to kill. "You have to consider what does it means to carry such a weight…"

After all, no matter what Ichika decided about 'weight of a weapon that can take someone's life', he decided that using both hands to hold sword is irrational – that was one of the reasons why he abandoned modern kendo and switched to specific kenjutsu school, and started to learn to use katana with one hand.


"Urgent emergency! All matches are suspended! Situation's at level D. Teachers are to deploy and suppress the enemy! All guests and students, please evacuate! I repeat!" Maya Yamada's voice announced.

"It seems that show is over," Ichika said as he executed reverse Ignition Boost, dashing backward, creating distance between himself and black I.S. However, black I.S. didn't followed him, despite his expectations. It remained where it was, as if observing him. Right now, it seemed like it was automatically programmed to attack anything that would attack.

"Ichika, what's going on?!" He heard Charlotte's voice. She was waiting for Ichika in hangar, but when emergency occurred, she again deployed her I.S. and jumped back to arena. At that moment, additional metallic shields sealed the arena to protect spectators at arena's stand, thus preventing them to see what was going on inside of arena.

"Ichika!" Houki only could call for her childhood friend, but of course he was unable to hear it.

"Come on, Houki-san, let's get out of here," Cecilia urged Houki to follow her, however, probably right now, she and Rin could understand how Houki feels whenever something's happening, with Ichika involved, and she couldn't help as she has no personal I.S.

On arena, Charlotte now called Ichika via private channel. "Ichika, c'mon, didn't you hear the announcement?! All students shall evacuate!"

"Charlotte," Ichika replied with somehow tired voice, as if he was forced to explain an obvious thing, "I.S. Academy may be an independent facility, but it's still on Japan's territory, as such, Japanese law enforcement organizations are bound to protect it in case of emergency. Since they've declared the level D alert, I'm no longer your co-student Ichika Orimura, until situation is settled, I'm lieutenant-commander Orimura of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force." Unlike Charlotte, Ichika said it via broadcast channel (except for girl's name), so people in teachers' room also could hear him. "It's my duty to deal with this situation…"

"Yes, but, Orimura-san…" Yamada-sensei tried to say something but Ichika interrupted her.

"Maya, right now it's not '-san', it's 'Lt. commander'. Situation is under control," He replied.

Maya Yamada helplessly looked at Chifuyu, who stood right behind her, as if asking for help, but Ichika's elder sister only shrugged. "He said it's under control. Just let him do his job…" She said emotionlessly.

"But Ichika-san, what are you going to do?" Charlotte asked in confusion, she was in slight shock as she completely forgot that Ichika actually is a military officer.

"Level D alert means situation that present immediate danger to academy's students, personal and guests lives," Ichika explained. "As such, situation should be dealt with by any means necessary. Lethal force authorized," Ichika made an accent on last phrase as Fold Out armor on his wings turned downwards, switching to assault mode. Now his weapon was at 160% of its normal capacity. Ragnarök took shape of a sniper rifle, Ambassador.

The moment Charlotte heard three last word of Ichika's phrase her eyes widened in horror, "Wait Ichika, don't tell me you're going to…" But everything was happening so fast that she simply couldn't finish her phrase.

His weapon began to glow brightly, as if draining light from surroundings, clear sign of the fact that Ichika activated his One Off ability – Paradise of Darkness. Enemy I.S. recognized Ichika's actions as direct aggression. It prepared to execute Ignition Boost to attack him, but it was already too late – Ichika pulled the trigger.

The moment Ichika shot, distance between him and black I.S. was about 80 yards, thus plasma projectile's travel time was only 0.07 seconds. Neither I.S. nor human could dodge in such a time (though black I.S. hasn't tried to), it was a direct hit into enemy unit's chest area. Back then, during the first Mondo Grosso, were no weapons like Ichika used now so seemingly black I.S. wasn't programmed to deal with such threats.

Enormously bright and powerful plasma blast shook the entire arena.

When dust dissipated, there huge crater remained almost at arena's center. Right in the middle of it, at its bottom, body of young girl was lying. Black I.S. disappeared, but, surprisingly, girl's body didn't turn to vapor, though her I.S. suit was almost completely burned.


"…Let me give you some advice. Once you meet that guy, make sure you have a strong heart. That person's sarcastic, insolent, arrogant, completely unpredictable, and, sometimes, quite cruel, but, despite that, for some reason, he sure can attract the girls easily. You may fall for him if you're not careful, you know?" Chifuyu, Laura's instructor at that time, seemed to say that happily, even showing some slight embarrassment, and that really irritated her trainee.

And she realized. Yes, she felt jealous, so Laura finally asked, "Have you fallen for him, instructor?"

"What a nonsense? How can an elder sister fall for her little brother?" Chifuyu replied as if that question was completely stupid, thought that phrase sounded somehow strange, not as certain as Instructor's words usually sounds… And Chifuyu smiled as she said that, as Laura couldn't calm down. That guy was able to make the instructor show such an expression… Damn, she was so envious of him.

And then, after they met, after the battle, she finally saw it too.


Laura was floating in darkness. There was nothing in here, nothing at all. Her body couldn't move, she was completely strengthless. 'Have I died?' She thought.

'No, you didn't, not yet, at least,' Someone replied suddenly. She knew that voice. It belongs to instructor's little brother… 'Though, that's not the matter of your physical body. You possess enough of physical endurance to survive, but now all depends on strength of your will to live…'

'Strength? What is strength?' Laura thought. 'There should be numerous answers…'

'I guess so,' She heard a reply. 'It could be referring to physical abilities, or skillset, or many other things. However, forget about how strong or skillful you are, if you don't even know what you're doing, you don't even know where to go, you don't have an aim in your life, then it's all meaningless…'

"In other words, you're strong if you do what you want?' She wondered.

'I wouldn't put it like that, it's better to say that life without purpose is weakness by itself,' Ichika replied.

'Then what about you? Do you have something what you're living for? That's why you're so strong?' She asked.

'I'm strong by my birthright… but of course I have goals in my life that must be achieved. No, goals that will be achieved…' Was his reply.

'Instructor was right… That guy sure is arrogant…' Laura smiled.

'Instructor isn't the one to speak about arrogance, believe the one who spent more than ten years in her care,' Ichika snorted.

'Wait, you can hear my thoughts?!' Laura just realized that she actually didn't say anything, all that were her thoughts.

'This place is where I.S. cores exist, the so called 'I.S. Network'. Sometimes, I.S. pilots can establish direct link between their minds through that space, using connections between I.S. cores… well, something like that… so I'd suggest you to not think about something you don't want me to know,' Ichika explained. 'Survive… find the reason to live… and maybe we'll talk again…'

As she heard that, I.S. link connection was lost and Laura was left alone.

'He said that. I… Ahh, I see, so that's it... That's how it is…' Her heart moved. Laura's rapidly pulsating heart indicated that in front of him, she was just a fifteen-year-old… girl? 'Orimura… Ichika… Ahh, that… don't tell me…'

As she thought that, Laura lost her consciousness.


In the meantime, in the real world, only a dry military-style report has resounded through the comm. channel: "Situation has been resolved. Cpt. Bodewig is alive. Investigation of her case will be left for the academy's authorities. Lt. commander Orimura, out."


About 9 PM. Today was one of the longest days of the year, and setting sun looked so nice today. "Uu, ahh..." The sunlight shone down on Laura, waking her up. Or maybe she was awoken by loud voices nearby.

"…oh, and where was that compassion of yours when she sent Cecilia and Rin into the sickbay? I just wanted her to learn that being on receiving end of such a treatment isn't so joyful," Male's voce said without emotions. That voice Laura recognized – he was the one who talked to her right before she lost consciousness.

"You can justify yourself whatever way you like. I just hope that all your fangirls will finally understand who you actually are," Irritated female voice replied. Laura recognized this voice as well. She had heard it before, and not only that, Laura was able to deduce where she heard of it before. It was the instructor she loved and respected so much, Orimura Chifuyu.

"Justify myself? Have I ever tried to do so, onee-san? I'm taking full responsibility for my every action," Ichika replied. "Even if you think that I've really went a bit overboard…"

"'A bit overboard'?" Chifuyu hissed. "You almost crippled her, and then shot, using your most powerful attack, with explicit intent to evaporate her, this is what you call 'a bit overboard'?" Seemingly, right now Chifuyu wasn't a teacher, she was an elder sister, who seemed quite displeased with her brother's choice of actions.

"Does it matter how I call it? Maybe, when I was crashing her joints that really could be seen as an explicit display of my 'violent nature', but since no one but Charlotte saw what exactly happened after blast curtains were closed, now all those girls think that I somehow 'saved' Laura from that 'black thing' that consumed her, which is partially the truth…" Ichika said. Chifuyu facepalmed, on her face was the expression of complete hopelessness "…so I'm still kinda good guy. People usually hear what they want to hear, and teenage girls especially proficient with that skill. Besides, you could interfere and proclaim me the winner earlier, but you were just standing there and watching. I wouldn't look so cruel if you'd stopped the match earlier, after all, that was what I was expecting from you, and you're aware of that."

"What?! You're saying that it's my fault?!" Chifuyu shouted indignantly.

"Calm down, I'm not blaming anyone. Yes, maybe the show with the sword right before the match was concluded was unnecessary, but I have no intentions to apologize for anything that happened after VTS was activated. Treat level unknown, enemy's intentions unknown – I'm not going to take any risks in that situation."

"You knew about VT System?" Chifuyu asked as her tone changed a bit.

"Only the summary," Ichika replied, "Couldn't imagine that someone could really waste efforts to implement that trashy tech. Of course, I liked my sister being called a 'Valkyrie' and all, but then, it is still was a recreation of past – and the recreation of past is just an idiocy, simple as that. But that's why, with so many nonsensical variables in equiation, I had no right to hesitate," He explained his actions once more.

"I know," Chifuyu waved him off, of course she knew what her younger brother meant, and that's why this entire situation was so irritating. Once again, some worthless adults threw kids into a mess… "Alright, we'll talk later, 'lieutenant-commander'…" Chifuyu looked towards the screen, behind which was Laura's bed.

Ichika nodded, "Ministry of defense want me to report about the incident, I'm leaving. Later," He said and left the room as Chifuyu came to Laura's bed.

"Are you awake?" She asked.

"Uh… What's... happened… with me...?" Laura could barely move her lips, let alone move any other muscle.

"It's easier to said what hasn't happened with you," Chifuyu replied. "You were in coma for several hours."

"In coma…?" That should be an exclamation but actually it was just a weak moan.

"Do you know of the VT system?" Chifuyu asked.

"I do..." Laura replied. "The actual… name is Valkyrie Trace System... Basically… It was an attempt to record… and then replicate tactic, moves and techniques of all the previous Mondo Grosso's Champions… I remember that's..."

"That's right. Right now, the research, and even the development, usage and all is banned under the I.S. treaty, but your I.S. was outfitted with that system," Chifuyu informed.

"..." Laura remained silent.

"It was hidden really well. The pilot's mental state, the damage the machine took, and most importantly, the pilot's will... no, the desire. It can only activate with all these conditions being fulfilled. Right now, the academy's questioning the German Army, and the committee members will most likely carry out an investigation," Chifuyu said. "Your entire body took much burden due to system activation. However… it was not that bad, comparing to what that guy did to you…" She added with sigh. "Don't try to move, most of your joint ware… let's say, temporary disabled. I'm afraid you'll have to spend about a week in a wheelchair…"

"…A week… in wheelchair…" These words sounded pretty dull.

"I'm afraid so," Chifuyu nodded. "As you should remember, there are some sort of threshold in I.S. defense, when attack poses a serious hazard to a pilot, to permanently mutilate her, for example, I.S. will activate the Absolute Barrier. However…" As much as Chifuyu didn't want to admit it, she had to "…he knows I.S. logic very well, in particular, he knows exactly where that threshold lies, so his blows were just strong enough to cripple you, but only temporary, thus not giving your I.S. a reason to activate the absolute defense. And yes, he's a real sadist, don't bother yourself with that question…"

After finishing, Chifuyu wanted to change the topic, but Laura was still her past student, it wasn't easy to fool her. "What... happened... to my I.S?" Laura couldn't move, but her eyes were staring intently at Chifuyu. The eyepatch was taken off her left eye for surgery, and it was a golden eye that was different from the eye on her right. This mysterious eye was merely showing a puzzled look.

"Frame was completely destroyed, but it seems that core remained intact, so it is possible to rebuild it if you have enough spare parts…" Chifuyu answered her question. "Of course, everything related to VT system has been removed."

On hearing Chifuyu's words, Laura grabbed tightly onto the bedsheets. For some reason, she looked down at the void below her eyes. "Instructor… the VT system… It worked because... I wished for this…" Laura admitted. 'I wanted to be you…' Laura didn't say it, but Chifuyu knew it without Laura's words.

"Laura Bodewig!" Chifuyu called for her former trainee loudly.

"Ye-Yes!" Having her full name called out, Laura looked up in surprise.

"Who are you?" Instructor asked.

"I-I'm... I'm... mmm..." She can't continue on. Under this situation, she can't say that she's Laura.

"If you are no one, that's convenient. You will become Laura Bodewig from now on," Chifuyu declared. "Besides, there's a lot of time, since you have to stay here. After that, until you die, you still have a lot of time to use, so continue to be bothered, young lady."

"Ah..." Chifuyu's words confound Laura. As she never expected Chifuyu to encourage her, she didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to answer, as she couldn't even say a single word.

"Listen, basically, all that transpired after your match against Orimura is both a major case and a top-secret article," Chifuyu informed. "However, all involved authorities, including Lt. commander Orimura, have agreed that there is no reason to carry any investigations regarding you personally." Chifuyu got up from the chair and began to leave. She did say whatever she wanted to say, and was ready to head back to being in the position of a teacher. "Oh, and also," Chifuyu put her hand on the door, and without turning back, added on, "You can't become me. If you become that guy's elder sister, you will continue to worry like me."

She did smile when she said that, right? Laura felt this way. And she didn't sound unhappy…

Then, a few minutes after Chifuyu left the room, Laura began to feel weird.

"Fu, fufu... hahaha," Laura couldn't withhold a laughter. 'Ah, such a cunning pair of siblings. They're like sky and earth, or rather, heavens and hell, yet they're so similar… Both of them always disappear after saying what they wanted to say…'

Having said so much, she still had to consider this. What was more sly than that? 'Think on my own, act on my own. Is that so...' Though just laughing alone was difficult and would cause aches in her entire body, Laura still felt happy. That was a devastating defeat. She lost thoroughly, lost completely… She was crippled… But she never felt better. 'Right now… The life of Laura Bodewig begins now…'


Late evening, 10:50 PM, cafeteria. In normal situation, it should be closed long ago, but it's worktime was extended, due to tournament very dense schedule. Still, because there were a lot of paperwork and questions, Ichika barely made it in time. Charlotte was with him, by a certain reason.

"In the end, due to an 'unexpected situation', they decided to cancel all 1st grade students' matches, except the first round," Ichika informed. "Since they need their data, 2nd and 3rd grades will continue tournament as planned, though several matches were re-scheduled… Charlotte, hey, are you listening?" Ichika called for French girl, as she seemed distracted.

"Ah? Oh yeah, sorry… I'm just, well…" Charlotte replied perplexedly.

"Still cannot remember?" Ichika asked.

"Yes…" Girl sighed. The thing was – Charlotte couldn't remember the incident everyone was talking about. In fact – last thing she could remember – she was fighting against Houki, her memories break off, she couldn't even remember how it ended, though people told her that she actually won pretty easily. As far as she could remember – she's fighting Houki… and then, suddenly, she's in hangar and Ichika was explaining to her that tournament was halted due to an incident, Laura was hospitalized, and he's thankful for her support. What incident? What support? What happened to Laura?

Right after the incident with VT system, academy's authorities tried to question her, but she simply couldn't remember anything about 'incident with Laura'. She was even examined by a psychologist, who, in the end, decided that girl just experienced a severe shock and 'her brain locked her own memories to preserve mental integrity'. And since 'forcing her to remember could only cause a relapse', Ichika only explained her a general picture of what happened, without any 'unnecessary details'.

Still, Charlotte herself was very interested in remembering everything, since she also forgot entire match between Laura and Ichika, but she constantly was hearing talking like that:

"I was really shocked to see Ichika brutalizing that girl…"

"Yeah, I can't say a liked her, yet I think he went overboard with that…"

"But still, when that… thing consumed her, he saved her, right?"

"Yes… and I've heard he carried her to the hospital himself…"

"That's what they call O-hime-sama dakko?... [Princess carry]"

"Ah… what I have to do to be carried like that…"

And some other variations of such dialogs. So yeah, she really wanted to remember what happened, especially because, during initial questioning, teachers mentioned that Charlotte herself was present on the arena and 'helped Ichika to resolve situation with Bodewig-san'. But, again, she couldn't remember a thing… Especially that was annoying, when at the cafeteria's entrance she found a large number of girls waiting, ready to question her and Ichika, but he simply said that it's top-secret case, and he can't talk about that to anyone.

On a side note, Ichika didn't talk to Houki, Rin and Cecilia, as they weren't present among those girls. In fact, he didn't talk to them since today's morning, when they were taking breakfast before matches. Of course, Ichika was quite busy during last few hours, but he was a bit surprised that none of them didn't even try to question him about what has happened when blast curtains were closed. Maybe, when Ichika was 'tormenting' Laura, that was more shocking experience for them than for others, since they knew him better (or they thought so), and now they needed some time to stomach what they have seen… anyway, Ichika wasn't thinking about that right now.

Now he was thinking about how he managed to 'talk' to Laura via 'I.S. Network'. He has heard of it before, but actually it was the first time he experienced that himself. In fact, it should be some sort of a consciousness interference when the pilots are on the same wavelength, or something like that. I.S. itself has a lot of phenomenon and functions that yet needs to be explained, and also, the inventor, Professor Shinonono Tabane herself never revealed the complete details.

Though she once said that I.S. was designed to improve itself, it seems like she herself couldn't grasp it, so she couldn't even roughly describe it. That was very like her. That person basically wouldn't bother with things she wasn't interested in... she could have checked it out herself. Seems like she deliberately chose not to do so.

"Anyway," Ichika called for Charlotte again, "It seems your plan to 're-introduce' yourself after everyone will exhaust themselves after tournament have failed. What you're gonna do now?" He wondered. "No matter what, but I'd strongly recommend you to rid of your disguise ASAP… maybe shock due today's accident will smother the expression…"

"I… I know…" Girl replied uncertainly. "I guess… I guess I just have to do it, right? Come what may…" She sighed heavily.

"Ah, Dunois-kun… Orimura-kun… You're here," Yamada-sensei approached their table. Even without any special ability Ichika could tell that it's somehow difficult for her to talk to them… most likely to Ichika, specifically. That was understandable, unlike Charlotte she remembered everything what happened on the arena, and, unlike Chifuyu, he knew little about Ichika's way of thinking. She remembered that, to resolve the 'situation', Ichika chose to obliterate Laura together with her 'infected' I.S., and he did it without hesitation.

"Oh, Yamada-sensei? You wanted something?" Ichika asked in casual manner, ignoring Maya's behavior.

"Ah, that… yes. Actually, I've come to deliver some good news…" She said as she tried to look official. "Starting today, the boys' bath is opened," As she said that, she swung her arms, and that voluptuous chest of her shook due to the weight, and of course Ichika could not to not notice that.

"Ichika no ecchi," Though that was just a little side comment from Charlotte, Ichika could hear it clearly.

"Humph," Ichika snorted, meaning that she's right and he don't care. Then he looked at Maya, "Why? You really had no reason to bother yourself with that, sensei," Again, Ichika wasn't a big fan of baths, so he didn't show much of enthusiasm.

"Oh… oh, it's nothing, really… We just had to check the boiler of the baths today, so the students weren't allowed to use it. But now that the inspection's done, there's no need to prevent the two guys from using it," Yamada-sensei explained.

"Well, thank you for your efforts, Yamada-sensei," Ichika replied as Charlotte bowed politely.

"Oh, well… thanks…" Maya stuttered as if she wasn't expected Ichika to be thankful and he was more polite than usual. "An… anyway, both of you, please hurry to the bath. I know it's already late, but you just need to soak your body up to your shoulders to remove all your fatigue, right?"

"Well, let's give it a try, shall we?" Ichika said, withholding a smile. Oh yes, Yamada-sensei did say 'both of you, please hurry to the bath', she did refer to Charlotte and Ichika like that. No surprise – up until now, French girl had always been attending school as 'Charles'. From Maya's POV, it wouldn't be natural to go in separately, and she meant both Ichika and Charlotte to use it together.

"What's wrong?" Yamada-sensei wondered. Unlike Ichika, Charlotte seemed strained, and Maya couldn't understand why. 'Could it be that he's afraid of him? Ah, no, poor boy doesn't remember anything… besides, they're eating together…' Maya shook her head to throw away such thoughts, and her boobs bounced again. "Okay, okay. Both of you, hurry and get your change of clothes. I have the key to the bath, so I'll be waiting for both of you in front of the changing room. So then," After saying that, Yamada-sensei immediately scooted off...

"Charlotte?" Ichika looked at blonde, trying to not show his interest about what she's going to do in this situation.

"Well, that's trouble...some," Girl mumbled. "What do we do? An… anyway, let's go back to the room to get our change of clothes…"


While getting their clothes, Ichika and Charlotte didn't have time to talk about normal stuff, and could only prepare to bathe.

And then…

"Ah, you're here! Please enter, You're the first ones in!" Maya sounded really excited, maybe because she saw Charlotte first. That bath was closed for some time, and seemingly it was repaired and reopened for Ichika and 'Charles'. Yamada-sensei sent them in, saying "Take your time," as she closed the door to the changing room.

Then, the time of silence came, and Charlotte was staring somewhere aside. Ichika wasn't feeling himself awkward at all. That was one of many things he had in common with his sister – undressing in front of someone of opposite gender wasn't a problem for neither of Orimura siblings. Don't get it wrong – it wasn't an exhibitionism at all, just still confidence that their bodies are very good looking, so there's no reason to feel shame.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was just a normal girl…

"Oh, well…" In the end, Ichika pitied the poor girl. After all, she suffered memory loss today, maybe the hot bath would help her to release some of her stress. "You're tired today, right, Charlotte? Go in then. I'll go back to the room, I have a lot of things to occupy myself."

"Huh? What about you, Ichika?" She looked surprised.

"I already told you, I'm not fond of baths anyway, I'll use it next time," Ichika waved her off, "Besides, I always could visit Shinononos' shrine (Houki's family) if I wanted to take bath… So just go in, try it out."

"Well... I don't really like to take baths, either…" Girl replied uncertainly. Seemingly, Charlotte had similar thoughts – after all, Ichika fought against Laura, dealing with some situation (which she couldn't remember). "Taking shower in our room is more than enough for me…"

"Nice…" Ichika smiled ironically. "Well, I guess it's natural, but don't you think it will look quite rude if we both just walk away? That would mean that all Maya's efforts were in vain… though, I warned her that it might turn out like this, several times."

"Yes, I think you're right…" She scratched her cheek.

"Alright then, I'll go," Ichika decided. "After all, I'm Japanese, so I should act like one from time to time… some of us can't live without those baths, no idea why…"

"Ah, al… alright, go take a bath then, Ichika. Don't mind me, okay?" Charlotte agreed. "Hey!" She suddenly yelped as she quickly turned around. When she said that Ichika should go take the bath he began to undress, without thinking about teenage girl's feelings.

"Ah, sorry," Ichika said casually as he moved to a place where Charlotte couldn't see him and took off rest of his clothes, "Alright, I'm going in then."

"O… Okay, take your time," He heard her reply.

There was a large bath in the room, 2 medium-sized baths that had massaging and air-bubbling functions respectively, and one hinoki bath. Furthermore, there was also a sauna, a body shower and even a waterfall-style massage water pillar. It's quite a diversity, to be honest.

'Oh, that's actually quite nice,' Ichika thought as he noticed hydro massaging bath, 'Maybe it won't be a complete waste of time after all.' One thing that his muscle-control implants couldn't do – a massage.

Enjoying hydro massage, Ichika submerged into his thoughts. In particular, he was thinking how exactly Laura survived that blast. Shot from Ichika's most powerful weapon, in overload mode, empowered with Paradise of Darkness. Ichika just wanted to solve the situation ASAP, he wasn't aiming to kill anyone, in the first place – Laura was short-minded and annoying, but that's not the reason to kill someone – Ichika was actually glad that she's survived. But how? Seemingly, somehow, her deformed I.S. protected her, despite I.S. itself was completely annihilated. And its core remained intact, also. It looked like, in that goo-like form, Laura's I.S. managed to distribute the blast's energy on its entire surface evenly. If so, it could be a very intriguing defensive mechanism…

Ichika's thoughts were interrupted as he suddenly heard the door to the changing room opening. What's that? While he was thinking, he lost the track of time and Maya Yamada came to tell him that it's time to leave? Ah, no, it's not she – Ichika's sense of danger was very keen, so he couldn't just ignore it. He looked at door and saw Charlotte entering the bathroom. A pair of beautiful legs was walking on the wet marble. "I-I'm coming in..." She said uncertainly.

"Okay…" Ichika shrugged, as he again looked at a completely naked Charlotte. Of course, she had a towel wrapped around her, but it was a thin sports towel. The color of the skin behind could roughly be seen, and because of the backlight, he could see the body curves extremely clearly.

"...Do-Don't look! Ichika no ecchi..." She exclaimed as she noticed Ichika's gaze.

Ichika closed his eyes with his palm… ah, no, he wasn't closing his eyes, he was just facepalming. 'You yourself decided to came here naked, and now you want me to care about your dignity or whatever? Who do you think I am?' Ichika thought as he removed his palm from face and again looked at girl, with sorrow in his eyes.

Charlotte realized that he's not going to do just anything out of pity, besides, Ichika's quota of pity for today was already spent. "Please, Ichika-san!" She pleaded. "Just turn around for a few moments! There are important things I have to say, but I can't go on while you're looking at me!"

Ichika thought for a few moments. "Oh, all right…" He rolled his eyes and then turned around, away from door. Naturally, that didn't change anything as with his 360 degrees' field of vision he still could see her almost as good as before. Charlotte removed her towel, probably thinking that now she's safe from Ichika's sight, and submerged into the bath where Ichika was.

Ah, no… She really has a very nice body, with quite seductive curves. And her body was still developing, if she'd been just a bit more mature (Ichika's opinion…) Two small and very soft palms touched Ichika's back, and then she embraced him from behind, pressing her slender body onto his back. Like that, even Ichika couldn't remain completely calm. For a few moments, some smutty thoughts popped up in his head, but… 'Ah, no… it won't do…' As he continued to watch over her actions, he realized that there won't be a continuation to that, she wasn't trying to seduce him, it was just a way for her to 'borrow his courage'. 'I guess it's her limit…' Ichika thought a but sadly.

"Ichika, I'll say it because it's here – I want to remain here because you are here," She finally spoke out.

"I see..." Ichika sighed. No, she definitely wasn't trying to seduce him… too bad.

"Also, that... I decided on something," She added, definitely not meaning that she decided to have sex with him right now.

"Something?" Ichika asked without enthusiasm… well, he actually was disappointed.

"Yup, how I ought to live. Ichika taught me that, right?" Her voice trembled a bit.

"I hope so…" He rolled his eyes. "So, you're going to admit your real identity tomorrow?"

"Yes," She simply replied.

"Well then, tell me, how long are you planning to remain in this position?" He asked casually. Honestly, having tender girl's body so close was quite nice, but if that's all he's going to get, then he'd wanted to try another bath, the one with bubble generator.

"Ah, ahh, oh! That's right! I, I have... to wash my body and hair first!" Charlotte finally seemed to notice her situation as she got away from Ichika with water splatting sounds, standing up from the pool. "Don't… Don't look here, okay!?" Ichika remained silent, he has already tired from her requests that contradict her real desires. He simply stood up and headed to another pool. "Kyaah!" She yelped as he saw him and quickly turning around, "Ichika, warn me before you're going to do something like that!" She demanded. Of course she didn't fool anyone – she was excited to the limit about what she just saw… thought, she probably couldn't handle all that excitement.

They continued to bath for about 30 more minutes. As they were walking back towards their room, Charlotte's face was still beet-red, definitely her excitement went over the limit. Also, it seems that she still didn't realize yet – since she's going to tell everyone who she really is tomorrow, this night will be their last night as roommates.


June 26th, 8:40 AM

The next day, HRS. In fact, homeroom was today's only class, even for first grades, even though first grade students were no longer competing, all classes were canceled until the end of the month (i.e. tournament). So, naturally, almost all first grade students will be watching tournament, as 2nd and 3rd grade will continue to compete. Ichika was looking forward to it, especially he was interested in watching other 3rd generation I.S. in action – maybe he'll see something interesting.

Laura wasn't here. Well, that is understandable, he was quite rough with her yesterday. And Charlotte…

"Good… Good morning, everyone..." For some reason, Yamada-sensei tumbled as she walked into the classroom. Maybe that's because she was staring at Ichika, instead of looking where she was going. "Orimura-san, I don't know what you were thinking, but you can't treat me as a kid! Sensei's angry. Haa..."

'I'm pretty sure I can, but why's she talking about it now…? Oh, wait… So that's how it is…' Ichika realized the situation. When early this morning Ichika met Chifuyu, she told him that she's needed at the arena, and won't show up in class until the end of the tournament. But only now he realized that this tricky woman simply abandoned Maya, leaving her with some weird duties… 'Well, I'm definitely not the only one who's treating you as a kid.'

"Uhm, today... I will be introducing a new student. Umm..." Maya said uncertainly.

"What?! A transfer student?!" Ichika's classmates seem to respond at the same time, as there's a commotion. It's already this late into the term, and their class already had two transfer students. Another one? Their confusion was quite understandable.

"Okay, please enter," Maya said.

"Sorry to intrude," Girl's voice replied from outside the room before Ichika's (now former) roommate entered the classroom.

"I'm Charlotte Dunois. Everyone, it's nice to see you," Wearing a dress, Charlotte gave a deep bow. Excluding Ichika, everyone in the class were stunned, but they still bowed back politely.

"Erm, Dunois-kun is actually Dunois-san, just like that. Haa... I have to reassign dorms again..." Yamada mumbled incoherently.

And then that started…

"What? Dunois-kun was a girl...?"

"I always knew that it's weird! She's not a bishounen [pretty boy], but a bishoujo [pretty girl]."

"Stop! Orimura-sama, you were sharing a room together, don't tell me…"

"Wait a minute! I remember the bath was being used by the guys yesterday!?"

*Zawazawazawazza!* The buzzing surrounded the entire room, and the next moment, it rushed out.

Well, Ichika was expecting something like this.

*BAM!* The classroom door looked like it got kicked down.

"IIICCCHHHIIIKKKAAA!" Crashing in and saying hello was Huang Lingyin. Her expression was showing rage that was like burning fire, and there seemed to be a dragon behind her. It didn't seem good – among girls, which were constantly swirling around Ichika, she probably was the one most yanderish… but Ichika wasn't the one yandere girls could scare. He slowly turned towards Chinese girl and looked straight into her eyes. One look into his absolute-zero-cold, slightly gloving eyes cooled down Rin's passion quicker than five tons of ground ice.

"What's up, Hetare Nigō," Ichika asked with so soft and nice voice that it could chill to the bones. "And before you'll do something foolish, I'd like to remind you that my sister isn't here to protect you," Saying this, he was addressing everyone in the room – preventive measure, as he noticed that Hetare Ichigō aka Cecilia also wanted to say something.

And then it turned out just as Ichika's warned. Rin, Cecilia, Houki… their fury was still boiling, but the one who they thought was the most guilty… well, he was too unpredictable. And so, they all turned their sights towards Charlotte, who suddenly became their rival in love, and the most successful one. Seems that, despite Ichika clearly showed yesterday that he's not soft and fluffy, they weren't intending to let go yet…

"Well, I guess we're done with HRS for today," Ichika stood up and headed towards classroom's door, "I need to talk to my sister." Seemingly, just like the aforementioned person, Ichika decided to disappear, unwilling to participate in teenage girls' conflict.

"Hey, Ichika-san, wait!" Yamada-sensei called for him. Not only he decided to leave before she announced the end of home room session, if he'll leave – Maya will have to sort that pretty messy situation herself… a frightful perspective.

"Ichika-san?!" Charlotte pleaded, almost crying, "Don't set me up like this!"

"Don't worry," Ichika replied, already from corridor, "I'm sure that Yamada-sensei can handle this situation, so everything will be fine…"


Same day, a few hours later.

It really was a mysterious area. There was machinery stuffed all over the room, and the cables extended out like roots. Moving up the metal, shaped like cables, was a mechanical mouse, and sometimes, screws could be heard dropping like rubber fruits.

This was the only place in the world that had a squirrel that identified extraneous parts, analyzed the design, took it in and formed another shape. Yes, this was Shinonono Tabane's secret base.

"Oh… Okay… Oh…" Shinonono Tabane looked a lot more weirder than any usual woman… and unusual, too.

She was wearing a western dress that was as blue as the sky, just like Alice in 'Alice in Wonderland'. The apron and the huge butterfly wings that now were behind her back was also eye-catching.

As expected of Houki's own older sister, they were similar in appearance. However, what made them greatly different from each other was that Houki had bright, piercing eyes, while Tabane's eyes were lethargic looking due to lack of sleep. There were black rings below her eyes, gathered during several years.

This may be what people meant by 'Geniuses can't be liberated from their thoughts'. Her dreamland got taken by the time spent in experiments, and thus she had never experienced sleeping soundly for once. Tabane probably didn't even know what a real sleep should be like.

Tabane was different from her sister. She didn't know any kind of sports, let alone kendo, and she had never done that before. But her body was very streamlined and curvy… And what was most eye-catching were those huge breasts of hers.

The buttons on her chest were about to burst open, probably due to the misfit in size. Through the gap of the white shirt, one could see the tempting skin color of the woman.

Also, the hairband on her head could also be considered a problem. She had white bunny ears on them... basically, she had completely gotten into the role of 'Alice in Wonderland'.

It was already weird to dress up like Alice and a white bunny at the same time, but that was Tabane's interest, and the clothing she liked. Last month, her choice of clothing was a mix of clothes of all the characters in 'Hansel and Gretel'. Needless to say, that looked ridiculous. But for genius of her caliber that is pardonable, maybe even normal in some sense…

And Tabane, who was dressed up like this, was sitting on the strange chair. It may be weird to describe it as a chair, but it could only be described as that. The metallic chair was giving off a silver glow, and the body of the chair was large and curved, surrounding Tabane's body like a cage. It looked like a fossilized dinosaur.

And Tabane just needed to move a finger, and the cables linked on the top would let the mechanisms move. Once she moved the fingertips slightly, each part of the chair moved like they were alive as they gave the orders to the small mechanical hands. And right now, the mechanical hands were quickly moving their tweezers to assemble smaller parts.

The chair was assembling something, attaching smaller parts with even smaller mechanical hands. After repeating the process numerous times, they finally stopped, and what was formed was a plastic I.S. model that was created from nano-units.

It was weird, and useless, and it was so stupid that anyone would want to give her a punch. This was probably what 'wasting time' meant to her.

"Ah… done. It is complete. The painting and the surface streamlining are perfect…" Tabane said so in a bored manner and walked out of the chair. The chair was tightly packed together, and there was no sign of it crumbling, but it would immediately crumble once Tabane touched it, forming a hill of spare parts.

"Oh… I'm bored, bored," She complained.

Suddenly, she heard her smartphone. The Godfather's theme rang. This is a famous theme hoodlums entering the new century would use, but the composer most probably did not expect someone in the Far East to love this song. To be honest, it would be interesting to see whether the composer would be extremely happy or sigh about this if he knew about it.

"This, this ringtone is... Ha!" Tabane immediately became excited. A large jump, or rather, she jumped at her smartphone in a diving like manner. Tabane didn't mind that her mug and toolbox got scattered all over the place as she immediately brought the smartphone to her ear.

"Hello, Hi hi? Every day!" That was pretty normal for Tabane to greet someone.

In reply, she heard only short toots, line was cut.

"Wah! Wait wait!" She exclaimed. Maybe it was Tabane's wish coming through or some divine prank as the smartphone rang again.

"Hello! This is everyone's favorite idol Shinonono Tabane!" Seriously, she couldn't just say 'Hello'… But as she heard something like black panther's growl on the other end, she quickly added, "Wait, wait! Chi-chan!"

"Don't you call me that," Deep woman's voice replied. No doubts – it belongs to Orimura Chifuyu.

"Okay, Chi-chan!" Tabane promised joyfully.

*Deep sigh* "Whatever. I have something to ask you anyway," Chifuyu got straightly to the point.

"What is it?" Tabane wondered.

"Is it related to you this time?" Chifuyu asked.

"This time, this time… What are you talking about?" Tabane tilted her head. She was not feigning ignorance, she really had no idea what Chifuyu has asked about.

"I'm talking about the VT system…" Chifuyu clarified.

"Ah, that? Ohoho, Chi-chan, do you think I created that crude amateurish thing?" Tabane sounded offended, though she wasn't actually offended. "I'm the perfectly flawless Shinonono Tabane. Don't you know that it's meaningless to create such a thing that's not perfect?"

"..." Chifuyu kept silence, she knew that Tabane has more to say.

"If you like, you may ask you-know-who! He'll say the same!" Tabane exclaimed.

*sigh* "Already did, already heard a lecture about trashy-tech-not-even-worth-banning…" Chifuyu replied.

"That's right, that's right!" Houki's sister exclaimed happily. "Speaking of which, as for that research lab, I erased it from the surface of the earth many hours ago... rather, yesterday. Oh, though you may know, the death count is zero. It's as easy as breaking a child's hand… Oh yeah, Chi-chan, is it hard to break one? Am I the only one thinking like this? Oh my, that's weird. Ha ha…" Tabane added on a little laughter and smoothly brought this conversation to an end.

"Really? Sorry for disturbing you," Chifuyu sounded satisfied.

"No no, it's not a bother at all! As long as it's for Chi-chan, I'll service you a full 24 hours a day. I'm not a convenience store! But I'll gladly service you!" Tabane assured.

"Alright, I'm hanging up then…" Chifuyu hung up the phone. It seemed like she wouldn't be calling back again. Tabane looked somewhat regretful as she again stared at the smartphone, but 2 seconds later, she just threw it away without hesitation.

"Oh my, Tabane's happy to hear a voice she hasn't heard in a long time! Chi-chan's still as amazing as ever, don't go running into the other side of the sunset," Tabane folded her arms in front of her chest as she muttered, laughing away.

Orimura Chifuyu and Shinonono Tabane first met each other in elementary school, and after that, they were always in the same school and the same class. Of course, Tabane deliberately sat that up, and Chifuyu was well aware of that. Tabane could pass a university's final exams when other kids of her age were attending 1st grade of elementary school. Yet she chose to attend elementary and then middle school together with Chifuyu.

However, that wasn't all to their relationship. The I.S. was released when Chifuyu was studying in high school, and for the next few years, Chifuyu had been assisting in the I.S. development as a pilot.

In other words, what Chifuyu knew about I.S. already far surpassed the other pilots by a lot, and the comprehension level was on a completely different level. Because of all that training and unique skills, it wasn't a surprise that she became the 1st Mondo Grosso champion… at least that was what Tabane felt.

"But why did Chi-chan choose to retire?" Even now, Tabane couldn't comprehend. In terms of age or ability, Chifuyu could still be a first-stringer if she returned to the squad, and she would immediately become a winning candidate in the next Mondo Grosso. And Tabane wasn't the only one who was wondering about that. In fact, even Ichika didn't know the answer. No, both Tabane and Ichika knew the the reason, but both felt that it's just an official reason…

However, the human heart was complicated, weird and inexplicable. Seemingly, even a geniuses' minds couldn't comprehend its depths. It was because of just that reason that she wanted to know. Tabane was only interested in three people in the world.

Suddenly, another ringtone could be heard… Yes, this ringtone was really weird. It's likely that among the million fans of 'The Yakuza Wives', Tabane was the only one who would use the BGM of a conversation in the movie as a ringtone. On a side note, the number of fans is just pure speculation, so there may be a large difference in numbers… worth to note. Another weird fact – Tabane wasn't a fan of this movie. It was a reaction she just showed.

The folded bunny ears of hers straightened up, and this response far surpassed all words. Why would that person call here? And for the first time! Could that be?! She already knew who the person was before she even picked up the phone.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my! Long time no see! I've always-always been waiting for you!" Tabane almost shouted in excitement.

"...Nee-san…" That word sounded like it was squeezed out of someone's throat… but that throat definitely belongs to Tabane's little sister – Shinonono Houki.

"Yes yes, I know why you called. You want it, right? The one and only machine that you want – Houki-chan's personal machine. I already have it prepared just for you! It's the strongest and far surpasses all others' specs, and it even won't concede to white one… actually, it's a good match for that machine. And the name of that machine is... Akatsubaki [Red Camellia]!"


Still the same day, same place, one more hour later.

Tabane was really excited. Her sister finally called and requested a personal I.S! Red Camellia was waiting for its hour for too long. And timing was impeccable – 7th July was approaching. Ichika kept his word – Houki-chan called, though it took a bit more time than he initially expected.

"…when freedom burns, the final solution, dreams fade away and all hopes turn to dust…" Oh yeah, speak of the devil, her smartphone rang once again. Though of course Tabane wasn't a fan of power metal, she installed a chorus from a song 'The Final Solution' as a ringtone for Ichika.

As it was said, Tabane was only interested in three people in the world, and all three called her today… that really was an unique situation. And just as Tabane opened her mouth to speak out another weird, self-praising greeting, Ichika began to talk, exactly to not give her a chance to do that. "So, she finally called, did she?" He asked, though he already knew the answer. "And she didn't ask for your number neither me nor onee-san, she had it all this time, was just too stubborn to use it…"

"Yes yes!… Though, Houki-chan sounded like she was desperate… but it's alright! She finally asked for personal I.S!" Tabane replied, as she was still running around her secret lab, Houki's call finally gave her something to do.

"Oh, but of course, I've told you she will, right? I'm never wrong. Desperate anguish was the only thing that could broke your sister's colossal stubbornness… I bet a nail in the coffin was that idiotism that happened in the class this morning…" Ichika said, but suddenly he stopped talking for a few seconds "…wait, what I just said?! Yes, that's it! Anguish and Despair! That are their new names, now when I know them, I finally can get to work! Call you later, Tabane-nee!" Ichika hung up the phone.

Again, it was hard to understand what it just was, but Tabane seemingly did understand, as she just smiled before throwing her smartphone away once again.


Today's matches were over, and Ichika was in his dorm room, alone, once again. After what happened this morning in the class, none of Ichika's wanna-be-girlfriends expressed any desire to talk to him, and of course Ichika wasn't finding it regrettable. This day was completely devoted to 3rd grade students' matches, however, Ichika couldn't say that he managed to learn something really interesting, observing today's battles.

However, learning something interesting wasn't what he actually needed. It was all about inspiration. When Ichika just acquired his personal I.S., it had seven bus-slots for equipment. However, five of them were already occupied by One Off ability – Reiraku Byakuya, and remaining two were occupied by Byakushiki's only weapon – Yukihiria Nigata [Snowflake Mark II]. Probably, very limited number of bus-slots made Ichika to develop a paradigm of shape-shifting weapon in the first place… or maybe it had nothing to do with that. Nevertheless, first shape-shift (i.e. second shape) he developed was twin pistols – Ebony and Ivory (whose names he took from one of pretty famous franchises). After he implemented this, he assigned new generic name to his weapon, Ragnarök, as well as he assigned a name to weapon's real (i.e. first) shape – plasma sword, Redeemer.

However, two different shapes were not enough to achieve desired level of tactical flexibility. But, when Ichika began to work on third shape – three-barreled shotgun Arbiter, he found out that two bus slots aren't enough to support normal operation of weapon he created. Fortunately, at this time Ichika acquired enough experience with plasma technology, so he upgraded his I.S. power source with addition plasma coils sub-core, busting both power output and increasing quantity of bus slots by one, to total of eight. That allowed him to complete Arbiter and, eventually, to add fourth shape to his weapon – plasma sniper rifle, Ambassador, which also required three bus-slots.

Then again, when he was working at Ragnarök's fifth shape – heavy plasma machinegun Equalizer, he ran into the same problem – three slots were not enough to support such a weapon in fully operational state. But again, at this time Ichika's increased experience with I.S. allowed him to optimize power contours of his unit, thus he once again managed to increase quantity of bus-slots by one. This was one of the reasons why it took so much time to create the Equalizer.

However, now, when Ichika had four weapon-designated bus slots, he saw another possibility. Two first shapes that were using only two bus-slots, now they could be upgraded or even replaced. First, Ichika decided to replace his twin pistols, however, he suddenly ran into a very hard 'author's block'. He didn't want to keep the same names – new weapon deserves its own name. But he couldn't come up with something proper.

Again, it's hard to comprehend how genius' mind works and why such a trifle as lack of proper name could be such an obstacle, but Ichika couldn't even begin his work. Until now. Right now, despite quite a late hour he was heading to engendering department, eager to begin his work on new twin weapons, whose names will be Anguish and Despair


And that's it for chapter II. See you soon people!