Herrow everyone :3 Again we meet once again in a new chapter!
Thank you very much for taking the time to stop by and hope you enjoy ^^
Chapter 4: Silent Protector
"Phew! That's another days worth of work done and dusted!" Kawakami exclaimed in relief before taking a generous swig of tea.
Only a handful of the potential recruits had followed them into the cafeteria, with the rest being either too nervous or too tired for food. Recalling the events that had transpired earlier, the commander let out a small amused laugh, drawing a curious glance from the opposing individual.
"Whats the good news Kawakami-sama?"
"Just thinking about an interesting potential candidate is all."
"Ohhh? So you did go to survey the other groups after all!" The young blonde responded, feeling happy that his earlier advice seemed to have gone through.
"What are you talking about...? I chose to oversee only a single group."
"Then who could you possibly be referring to?"
"Satoru-Kun."
"Uwahdukasnfksjvnksjgs." Unfortunately, Tachibana had been right in the middle of sipping his tea when the unexpected answer struck, causing him to choke mid gulp.
"Hmmmm?" Momentarily thrown off by his colleague's flabbergasted reaction, the older man quickly recovered before handing him a tissue. "The taste not to your liking?"
Offering a small nod of gratitude, the young man tried his best to soak up whatever he could. After all, nearly half the cup had transitioned itself onto his attire.
"By Satoru, you don't mean Suzuki-Satoru from 1F right?"
"Actually I do."
"Seriously?"
"Very much so."
Taking a deep breath to clarify his mind, the blonde began in as calm a voice as he could muster, hoping to convince the older man with reason.
"Now, I don't mean to question your judgement Kawakami-sama, for you are the elder I respect the most, but...are you absolutely certain about this?"
"What makes you think that I'm playing around?"
"Sir, were you not watching the preliminary test?"
"Of course I did...and?"
"I couldn't feel a single trace of mana from that guy let alone an ounce of potential. Even before receiving it, all the recruits should have at least demonstrated that. Am I wrong?"
"Of course you're right. Not a single person has failed the test in the past. This rule has and will continue to hold true forever. Being an examiner yourself, I'm sure you are more than aware of this fact."
"Naturally sir, which is exactly why I'm so very shocked that he did. Everyone else had it but him when even the weakest of magicians should."
"In other words, you didn't see it?"
"See what?"
"It's hard to describe it using words simply because whatever it was...certainly didn't stay long. There it was one moment yet gone in the blink of an eye..."
"Sir, what you are describing sounds more like an illusion than anything. If that was hypothetically true, then why is he placed in group 1F of all places?"
"Hence the reason behind my growing curiosity, for that is an answer we both seek. In any case, until we get a thorough analysis, I ain't ready to brush him off as ordinary."
"According to your observation, Suzuki-Kun's power seems fairly potent...but why was I not able to feel a thing?"
"I guess you have yet to reach that level of perception then...sorry for my lack of understanding Tachibana-Kun."
"What do you mean?"
"That kid possesses something...special...whether or not that equates to power, I have no clue. For all we know, he could even surpass us...just in a different way."
"But..."
Before he could continue however, a lower-ranked soldier marched his way towards their table before bowing.
"Kawakami-sama! This is an important parcel for your eyes only, enclosed within are details regarding your next mission!"
"...Thanks you may leave!"
"Yes sir!"
Judging from the hour in which said letter was delivered, it was probably of substantial importance. Not to the point where he had to mobilize tonight or anything, but not something he should outright ignore. Either way, it was mandatory for officers of any rank to familiarize themselves with any and all information given to them as soon as possible, and given his current restless situation, he had absolutely no reason not to adhere to this rule. Peering over his shoulders, the grey haired man double-checked to ensure that none would set eyes on potentially sensitive data before tearing up the package, his eyes darting swiftly from left to right as he read the fairly short and concise message.
Naturally, both colleagues had respected his privacy, directing their gazes at the ceiling as though deeply fascinated by it. Due to their close relationship with the commander however, it didn't take long for the pair to realize that something was off. It was weird for Kawakami to study directives to this degree, usually managing to grasp the contents within a moments notice. What's even more troubling was the absence of his carefree expression, replaced instead by a mixture of emotions, all molded together into one small distant smile.
"Sir...?" They both mumbled quietly, hoping to receive some sort of clarification on the matter.
"Welp, looks like this discussion will have to wait..." Returning to the world of reality, Kawakami folded the letter with great care before finishing the last of his tea. "I'm going to call it a night here."
"Is everything okay? Anything we could perhaps help with?"
"While I do appreciate the offer, there will be no need. After all, it's a fairly easy one for once and..." Patting the pocket where the envelope now resided, Kawakami offered the pair a big smile before continuing. "I'm the only one assigned to the job. You know how it is with solo missions right?"
The pair nodded in understanding seeing as they has undertaken similar tasks in the past, where Kawakami had not pried so it was only fair to do the same.
"Having said that however, I could use a hand with something else..."
"Of course commander!"
"Since I will be attending to...other matters, my absence during tomorrow is almost guaranteed. Therefore..."
"We will be sure to handle everything in your steed and provide a detailed report on your return!"
"Thank you!" Suppressing a yawn, Kawakami threw a glance at the clock. "Oh my, time for bed and I suggest you both do the same in light of tomorrow's activities."
Arising from his seat, the grey-haired man was about to leave when Tachibana stopped him.
"Excuse me for bringing it up again...but Kawakami-sama, what do you mean by Satoru possibly surpassing us?"
"Perhaps due to your innate talent, you have forgotten to further enhance your abilities, thus growing dull over time. My advise would be to try and observe Satoru-Kun, perhaps you will learn a thing or two from him."
"My senses growing dull? Impossible, I was the top graduate in my generation by far."
Over 10 minutes had passed since the conversation transpired, yet his emotions were still as agitated as ever. There was simply no way he could sleep in such a condition, with only one course of action available towards fixing his damaged pride.
Trekking down the long hallway with relatively loud footsteps was a fuming Tachibana, eager to disprove his superior's theory. What could I have seen wrong when there was simply nothing to see at all? Getting to the guest quarters was no difficult task, located fairly close to the cafeteria for convenience.
"Ohhhh lieutenant Tachibana! What brings you here tonight?" Stationed at the entrance was a brown-haired man who looked to be in his 30s. As his task involved accounting any who entered and left, it was by nature a very dull and boring late shift job, hence the reason for various neatly stacked books piled high on the desk.
"Good evening Shizuka. There is quite the interesting individual residing here, whose powers have intrigued not just myself but also commander Kawakami. If possible, I would like to quell this sense of curiosity as an engaging conversation has yet to transpire between us." He had always been good at formulating convincing arguments, and this time was no different especially since it ran parallel to his job as a supervisor.
"Oh wow, I had no idea that such a talented individual existed within this group. Allow me to assist you in locating him sir."
"Thank you, could you run a search for Suzuki Satoru?"
"Right away." Swiveling around to face what looked to be a modern day PC, Shizuku quickly located the person in question via a name check. However, a frown surfaced on his face at the results, throwing Tachibana an uncertain glance.
"The only name popping up is from 1F...perhaps I misspelled the name?"
"No no, he is from 1F." He reassured the confused man with a couple of firm nods. "So where can I find him?"
"E-E-Ermmmm...Suzuki-san hasn't left since arriving, so...I'd assume his bedroom is your best bet."
"Which is?"
"Ahhh, it's at 232."
"Thanks again for your assistance!"
"No problem sir."
Spinning on his heels, the blonde haired lieutenant began heading towards his target, hearing the guard's quiet muttering slowly fade behind him.
"Group 1F...really?"
"Dammm that was hard...they need to make some sort of lift system or something here..."
To be completely honest, he never would have imagined visiting a recruit's room. Why? Because there was never a reason or need to. Being naturally talented ever since he began, Tachibana had always been leaps and bounds ahead of his colleagues. Even during his initiation exam, the blonde-haired had surprised even the most experienced of officers, earning undisputed praise and recognition from all around.
And that was before he started training.
From that point onward, his career had taken a steep uphill trend, rising through the ranks at a near unparalleled rate. Following a promotion to Lieutenant, Tachibana found himself placed under the commander of Kawakami, a man which he originally held zero respect for. The reason was simple...he had nothing going for him. No famous exploits, no accomplishments, no special titles, a list that contained only cons and no pros. In other words...ordinary if not below average.
"Why am I placed under someone so useless?"
That had been what he thought.
Acting in accordance to this, Tachibana had requested a duel, an action that was unprecedented up till that point. Having taken the liberty of studying his opponent thoroughly over several weeks, he was fairly certain of his victory.
The results however, came as a great shock.
Lasting no longer than 10 seconds, the duel...if you could even call it one, was so ridiculously one-sided that Tachibana had no choice but to admit defeat...for the first time.
Yet oddly enough, the blonde never once regretted the fight, knowing full well he could have done the same should time be reversed.
'Hehhh, it's not that easy to find a role model after all.'
Ever since the incident, Tachibana has followed Kawakami loyally, eventually leading up to now. Although his respect never faltered in the slightest, their opinions on matters often clashed like water and oil, this time being no exception.
"Just why was he taking so much interest in a weakling?" The lieutenant spluttered furiously, shaking his head in annoyance. "I mean he always had a soft spot for those placed in Group F but never quite to this degree."
Tachibana had always been proud of his information gathering, a skill that had allowed him to learn in detail everything there was about Kawakami. Of course, the older man couldn't have made it more easy, his open-book nature often providing answers with a simply inquiry. But there had always been one aspect he had purposefully alluded, using the same excuse over and over.
"It's simply my hobby."
How could taking care of the less gifted possibly be a hobby right? Why should someone with potent abilities be playing babysitter? Why was he so hellbent on nurturing the weak when he could easily earn recognition from the strong?
Not a day went by where such thoughts didn't plague Tachibana's mind, the disturbing confusion never quite growing numb with time.
"What's so special about Suzuki-Kun huh? I don't understand!" Again he repeated...his eyes widening on realization at the cause. "Am I feeling threatened?"
Shaking his head in anguish, Tachibana instead focused on his original goal, somewhat surprised at how far his thoughts had derailed.
Having finally arrived at the room, he gave his watch a quick glance only to find that the dates had just changed. It read 00:00. Poking his ear against the door, not a single sound could be heard likely indicating that it's occupant was asleep.
"Welp...time to see just how talented Suzuki-Kun really is. Surely he would wake up from this amount of murderous intent."
Not even bothering to mask his hostile aura, the blonde muttered a few inaudible words, a small sheathed dagger slowly forming in his right hand.
A familiar voice only he could hear resounded loudly in his mind, offering it's aid even without being beckoned.
'Bugger off, I don't need your help to deal with this kid.'
Knocking gently on the door several times to test it's occupant, Tachibana swiftly yet quietly twisted the handle, entering to find a figure hunched over by his desk.
"Does he not know how to use a bed?"
Fueled by anger and jealousy, Tachibana nimbly raced over before raising his dagger, fully intent on claiming Satoru's life.
"Hehhh, if he dies from an attack of this caliber, no one will be missing him anyway."
But before his blade could begin it's downward arc, a cold sensation of steel etched itself across his neck, effectively stopping him in his tracks.
"I will not warn you again, leave now." A mysterious voice whispered before disappearing as quietly as it came.
Glancing down nervously, the lieutenant realized that whatever threatened to sever his head was now gone, leaving him no proof on whether the ordeal had been fact or fiction. As though acting on queue, a small trickle of liquid began trailing down his neck and onto his attire. His hands had reacted instinctively, gathering a small sample of the unknown substance before raising it to eye level for inspection.
It was blood.
A/N - Thanks a lot for taking the time to read my chapter and I hope to see you all again in the next!
-Lynn
Review response:
L.B.N. - Hahaha, can't promise there won't be more cliffhangers in the future! Again, thank you so much for your continued support, really helps give me that push to keep posting!
Awareness Bringer - :O really? I personally never read by Halo or ender's game ! Thanks again for taking the time to read and comment on my story!
DeathstrokeNorris - You would be right in saying that it ain't the same as overlord, but I really like Satoru and Narberal. Hahah, perhaps that's why I decided to take the two and throw them both into an AU. It will only continue to stray from the source, and I can understand if you lose interest as result. Still, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my story!
B563 - I'm very glad you enjoy this mixture of genre and plot even if it strays away from the original source heavily hahah! Indeed it does, by throwing them into this AU, it leaves me with a lot of opportunities to generate various plots. Bwahaha, I love cliffhangers! Again, I must thank you for taking the time to read as well as comment on my stories, and hope to see you in the next chapter!