Hi here I am again. First of all, I want to apologize for any mistake might have in the story. I have tried my best.
Disclaimer: Legend of Heroes: Zero no Kiseki belongs to Falcom.
Prologue: Special Support Section (Part 2)
Sergei took Lloyd and the rest came to the Crossbell Station. In front of the station there's a stair leaded to the underground sewer.
Since the development of orbal network, the underground sewer had been built as large sewer to build-in the network cables.
"From now on, the four of you need to go through here."
His words made the four of them froze.
"Hey hey, what is this all about?" Randy furrowed his brows showed his dissatisfaction.
"This is designed to test your ability and skills. There're monsters wondering in the underground sewer, and what you need to do is go through this place to the deepest part, while wiping out those monsters."
"Which means a practice test, huh? Sounds much easier." Randy shrugged.
However, Lloyd was not thinking that way.
"P-Please wait a moment! Not to mention the test…why we have to go into the place where monsters are wondering around? We're not the Guard Team." That's supposed to be the Guard Team's job. Why would they interfere with the other's job?
"Well, the normal investigator does not do this kind of work, but in this case, that's a different story." Sergei's description didn't sound convincing to Lloyd. "I will explain the details later. Take this."
He passed a device to the each of them. Opening the cover, there's a big hole in the middle connected to the other six small holes.
"This is…"
"Is this the new type of Orbment?"
"Looks cool."
"…The fifth Orbment, normally known as [ENIGMA]." Tio explained. "It seems finally equipped to the combat."
"Well yes. We received it from Foundation a few days ago. It has been adjusted according to your characteristics." Sergei scratched his head. "The using method…Tio, I'll leave it to you."
"…Alright. By the way, is there any Quartz?"
"There're few left…take it." Sergei took out some colorful Quartzs from the pocket and passed it to Lloyd. "The key, too. After it's done, get back to HQ. I will explain everything there. Hmm…oh yeah, I almost forget about this."
"This is…?"
Sergei passed two manuals to Lloyd, and then prepared to leave.
"That's the investigator manual and combat manual. Make good use of them. Lloyd, you're in charged."
"W-What!?"
"Among the four of you, you're the only one with the official qualification as investigator. I'll leave it to you." Then, he left the place.
What kind of trouble did he get into now? Lloyd rolled his eyes.
Everything sounded so confusing.
"Hey, are you okay?" Randy was quite sympathy for Lloyd as well.
"It's…alright, though it's confusing. But now we should take care of the practice test."
"Yes, I agreed with you." Elie said. "The Chief will explain when we go back to HQ."
"Before starting the test, shouldn't we understand more about each other?" Lloyd suggested. "I use a pair of tonfa as my weapon. I'm eighteen years old, by the way."
"This is eastern weapon right? This weapon focuses on defense. It's suitable as the weapon for an investigator." Randy was admired by the tonfa. "Well, mine is this one."
Randy took out a Stun Halberd. Because it was longer and heavier, it took a lot of efforts to wave it up. But he could hold it with one hand. It could say this weapon was most suitable for him.
"It's heavy, but it does a lot of damages to the monster. I'm twenty-one years old. Don't care about my age, normal is fine."
"Lloyd, I'm eighteen years old too. And, I use this." Elie took out a pistol from the plates beside.
"Is that…the old style orbal pistol?"
"Yes, but you can definitely look forward to its accuracy."
Finally, that's left the little girl. Tio was keeping quiet all the times. Among them, she looked a little awkward.
"Hmm…Tio, now it's your turn. Mine if I ask you age?"
"…Fourteen. Is there any problem?"
"Fourteen, huh…no, that's aside! I remember it needs at least sixteen years old to join the police team." That's why Lloyd was so concerned with Tio.
"…Actually, I do not belong to the Police Department." Tio took out a staff. The staff was half of her height with some orbal devices on top of it. "I am tester from Epstein Foundation. I joined because of this."
"That's …magic staff, right?"
"Yes, the new type orbal magic staff. My weapon."
"I see…that's why Chief Sergei needs you to explain the Orbment to us."
"As long as you use it in combat, you will understand how the Orbment works."
"Then, let's get going!" As the team leader, Lloyd used the key to unlock the door, and then took the lead.
The underground sewer was in square shape. It's surprisingly spacious. The floor mostly limestone flooring and some racks at the joint. There were some tools and equipment left around the place. There were two doors, and one of them was locked.
"So this is the underground."
This was the first time the four of them entered into a place like this. They couldn't help but looking around with curiosity.
"Although I heard about it before, but never thought the city's underground sewer is so capacious." Elie sighed.
"This is surprising." The ex-Guard Team member Randy was shocked by the scene as well. "It's definitely different than what I thought."
Unlike the others, Tio didn't seem being amazed by the structure.
"According to the database, it began when they plans on 20th Century. Except the waterworks, sewer and waste treatment facilities, they added the orbal cables and various facilities." Tio explained. But she's the first time entered this place as well.
"This is really surprising…and above us is the Central Square right?" Lloyd lifted his head to the ceiling. "I just cannot believe monsters are just under us."
"This place is usually locked, so it should be alright. But sometimes, there were report that staffs getting injured in the construction." Tio's words didn't seem assuring at all, but everyone knew she's telling the truth. "So far, the police don't deal with the matter seriously, from what I heard."
"Yes…it's true." Lloyd had once heard from his family.
"Then, I assume Special Support Section is set up due to this reason."
"Well, that's understandable."
Lloyd pondered a while.
"Alright, I understand the situation now. Let alone the test, this work must be done. Let's do this!"
"Yes, I agree with you." Both Elie and Randy nodded to Lloyd. "Let's move with caution."
"…Understood."
The internal of the underground sewer wasn't complicated, and surprisingly clean. The light surrounding was sufficient and easy for Lloyd and the team as they moved. They followed all the way to the deepest part. Half way, they came to a room built with ventilation pipes.
"Wait…do you hear anything?" Lloyd asked.
"It seems like…child's cry?" Elie looked around her, and finally looked at the ventilation pipes. "It sounds coming from this way."
"Hey hey, you said it is locked." Randy looked at Tio and asked.
"…Don't direct the question to me. After all, that's official statement." Tio gave him a glare.
"That's aside! We should find out the child!"
Lloyd opened the cover of the pipe. It seemed it could accommodate an adult. And so, he took the lead, followed by Elie, Randy and Tio.
They followed the path and came down to an angle. Lloyd found a small figure, and the voice seemed coming from there.
"Yeakkk! W-Who's there!?"
"Don't worry, we're here to save you." He softened his tone to avoid frightening the little boy. "Are you alright?"
Perhaps the little kid felt at ease, he suddenly burst into tears.
"Wuwuwuwuwuwu~~~~!"
"Eh…"
"He must be scared. Lloyd, can leave it to me?" Elie sought his advice.
Among the four of them, Elie was one of the most gentle. Lloyd was not good at dealing with children, especially the crying child.
After getting permission, Elie walked to the little boy and gave him a gentle hug.
"Don't worry, I will accompany you. We have defeated those monsters. You're safe now."
The little slowly stopped crying.
"It's dark here. Let's get out from here."
"…Alright."
After getting out from the pipe, the boy - Anri told them a shocked truth.
"…We played at the Central Square. We found maintenance port there, so we opened the cover and…"
"Cover? Is that the one we found a moment ago? "Randy remembered they found a stair and an opened maintenance port. They planned to report after the test was done, though.
"…It seems necessary to complement the entry to the database."
"We discovered by those monsters on the way, and we're separated. I'm…really sorry." As Anri explained everything, the tears rolled down from his eyes again.
"I see…now we have to look for another child. But it's unsafe to bring Anri along….what should we do, Lloyd?" Elie turned her head and asked.
Since Lloyd was the leader. It was normal to seek for his opinion.
And Lloyd had to carefully make decision.
Bringing Anri along, or split into two teams?
"…We're out of time. Let's stick together."
"…Is it alright to bring the child along?"
Tio and Randy thought Lloyd would let the child out from the danger, so both of them were quite surprised.
"It doesn't matter to split into two teams, right? The other team can continue to search the area."
Lloyd thought the same way. But at the same time, he didn't think it was the best way to split right now.
"We don't know what is waiting for us at the deepest part. The remaining team might be in danger, so I don't agree to separate the team." Lloyd looked to Elie. "Elie, can I leave the child to you?"
"Of course. I will protect him."
"Anri, we're going to look for your friend. Would you like to come with us?"
"Y-Yes…I am worried about Ron, too. Please bring me along!"
"Good boy. Alright everyone, move on with extreme caution."
Although it's troublesome, but rather than leaving Anri alone, this was more secure. In case anything happened, they could deal with it in the first hand.
The other three might have thought the same way, so no one opposed Lloyd's decision.
At last, they came down to a gate. Unlike the other gates, this one looked more solid and bigger.
"According to the database, this should be the deepest part." Tio said.
"But we didn't see any kid on our way here…"
As they thought where the child could be, they heard a loud scream.
"!"
"Hey, is it that…!?"
"Hurry up!"
They pushed the door opened, revealing a little boy was surrounding by a bunch of monsters.
"D-Don't come near…! A-Adios…please save me…!"
"That's Ron! Please save him, big brother!" Anri pulled Lloyd's shirt, seeking for help.
Under this condition, literally rushed out would only stimulate the monsters attacked the child. The child was too far from them. No one could guarantee the safety of the child.
Then, how about this?
"Elie, attract those monsters' attention!"
Elie quickly came to understand his words, and shot the monsters with her orbal pistol.
With the shoot, those monsters turned their attentions from Ron to Elie. Everyone readied for battle.
The four of them had fully understood the function of the new Orbment, so it wouldn't be a problem to handle this bunch of enemies.
They inserted the Quartz into the opened slot, which were divided into Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Time, Space and Mirage. Lloyd used Earth Quartz, Elie used Wind Quartz, Randy used Fire Quartz and Tio used Water Quartz. Different Quartz had improved their strength from different sides.
"Phew…"
"Finally settled it…"
"I-It shocked me!" Ron patted his chest, but he didn't seem in fear at all.
"Ron, are you alright? Are you hurt!?"
"Don't worry, I'm all fine! I'm glad you are fine too! You know, you're slow, and I thought you're gonna eat by those monsters."
"W-What? You're obviously close to being eaten by those monsters…besides, it was Ron insisted to come down here…"
"What are you talking about!? You're the one talking about the underground sewer in the first hand…!"
"Okay, stop there." Lloyd stopped the two little boys.
"I-I'm sorry…"
"Hey, it's the first time I saw you guys. Are you new?" Ron asked rudely.
"He does get carried away…doesn't he? No one teach you to say thank you?" Did kids nowadays always like this? Randy whispered quietly.
"Oh yeah, thank you anyway. It's dangerous, but I was fine. You guys are pretty strong."
"Err…thanks for the compliment, I guess?" Ron did get carried away easily, but Lloyd was fine with him.
"Anyway, we should get out of here." Elie suggested.
"Yeah. Since it's done, we should get back to the police department."
Ron and Anri looked at each other, seemed a bit weird.
"…What's wrong?" Lloyd asked.
"…Big brothers, mind if I ask...You're not from the guild, are you?"
"Guild…? You mean Bracer's Guild?"
"Yeah, that's right! So…you guys truly not from the guild!?" Ron said with loud voice.
It couldn't help being misunderstood as Bracer. They didn't get any uniform as well.
"We're new recruits of Police Department."
"EHHH!? You're police!?" Ron and Anri shouted at the same time. "Why polices are patrolling at the place like this!?"
"Well…we have something to do here…and we found you along the way," Lloyd scratched his face. "Is it…that strange?"
"Of course it IS strange! Because the patrolling polices are notoriously useless!"
Ron's words shocked the four youths.
"My dad told me the police are rude and refuse to help the others. If anything happen, it is better to seek help from Bracer's Guild."
Hearing this, Lloyd couldn't help but dropped his face. Even Elie showed uncomfortable as well.
"So…it's true…"
"Hey Ron…they saved us. How could you say something like this…?" Anri was sharp enough to notice something went wrong with Lloyd and Elie, and quickly apologized.
"I-I know that…y-you don't have to remind me…I just thought some new guys have joined Bracer's Guild, so I was excited…" Ron somehow knew he was rude and felt panic over it. It's rare, though.
At this time, Randy noticed some presences. He ignored the conversation of the kids and concentrated over the presences.
"Something is wrong…Hey, behind you, Lloyd!"
Everyone was startled by his shout.
"What…is it!?"
A huge monster suddenly descended from above. It swung its tentacles to the team, but they managed to dodge it.
Ron and Anri hugged together and cried out. Lloyd and the rest shielded in front of them.
"Adios…Please help us~~~~"
"What is it!?"
"It's huge…"
Tio looked to her back.
"This is not good. The door behind is locked."
Lloyd cursed. He took out a pair of tonfa and took a step forward.
"…Leave it to me. All of you quickly get out of here!"
"What…?"
Randy caught his shoulder. "Do you know what you're talking about!? You absolute can't win with the equipment you have!"
"I know! But I have the strongest defense among all of us. I have no choice! I'll leave the kids to you!"
"Tch…do we really have to do this…?"
In such desperate situation, a black haired man standing on top of the shelf and watching this quietly.
"…Self –scarification is good, but it thoughtlessness at the same time."
"Who's there!?"
The black haired man didn't answer the question. Instead, he unsheathed the Tachi and simply jumped down, killing the monster less than a second.
"!"
"How's that possible…?"
"He did that in one blow…?"
One blow might be an illusion. In fact, it should be few blows to take out that monster. Lloyd thought it was too speedy that caused that illusion.
"I-It's awesome! Mr. Arios, you're great!" Ron and Anri seemed closed to the man. They ran to him immediately seeing him.
"T-Thank you Mr. Arios…but why are you here?"
"Because someone reported seeing kids went down to the maintenance port. Do you know this is dangerous?"
"I'm…so sorry."
"Anyway, it's good to be okay. It's evening, you guys too, better get out of here. Those monsters may appear, so stay alert." Arios said to Lloyd.
"Y-Yes…"
Then, Arios brought the kids and left the place.
"Hey, who's that guy? He doesn't seem to be a normal guy." Though they've been saved, but Randy didn't feel happy at all.
"He seems skillful." Tio agreed to Randy.
"I've heard his name." Elie said.
"Oh, you know him, milady?"
Lloyd replaced Elie and answered.
"His name is Arios MacLaine. I saw him in Crossbell Times Magazine few times. The strongest A Rank Bracer in Crossbell Branch - he can perfectly complete any mission, and gain great trust from the people. He is the guardian of Crossbell. People called him [Sword of Wind]."
… …
Lloyd and the others followed Arios's step leaving underground. When they got out from the entrance, they found something unusual.
"Oh my~ Mr. Arios, you're awesome!" A woman with light grey short hair constantly took pictures in front of Arios. She wore yellow jacket with green shirt and black pant. "Because of the sloppy management of facilities, the kids were in trouble. But our brave guardian has saved them…I will put this in the latest issue of our weekly magazine!"
"What's… that?" Lloyd completely had no idea what was just happened now.
"…Don't make such a mess, Grace. It's true that the sloppy management is the problem, but this time the kids are wrong in the first place. Please do not distort the fact."
"Ahaha…we're just respond to the reader's needs, that's all! And well, it seems there are some interesting guests around this time."
"…Is she talking about us?" Lloyd smiled bitterly.
"Isn't it obvious?" Randy watched Grace walked near to them.
"Our new found section charges out to the first mission! But due to lack of strength, they failed! Feeling powerless, are the young people able to come across with the numerous of trials set in front of them!?"
"W-What…?" Lloyd used his hand to block the flash from taking his sight. He furrowed his brows over those comments.
"It seems she is the media staff…" Tio said timidly.
"Yes…and it's from Crossbell Times Magazine." Elie sighed.
"You've gone too far, Grace." Arios dropped his face. "They saved the kids before I did. They were just being careless at the last minute."
"Okay I know that…" Grace showed disappointment with that statement. "Fine, I will write the report I details, hope you guys don't mind it. Keep on the good works!"
There's no way they wouldn't mind this at all. Though Lloyd felt unsatisfied with Arios's words, but he's telling the truth. He couldn't refute.
"Mr. Arios, I would like to have an exclusive interview with you."
"I thought I have turned it down."
Having no intention to continue the conversation, Arios brought Ron and Anri leaving the place. Grace chased behind him and leaving the four young people.
"What is that?" Tio shook her head, having no idea what was happened.
"It seems we've been treated like a clown. Though that woman is my cup of tea, but too bad she's odd."
"That's not the problem…Randy." Elie sighed. "What should we do now, Lloyd?"
"We have completed the test. Let's get back to the HQ first. We have to report about the kids too…"
Suddenly, Lloyd's Orbment rang.
"…Just push that button, it can switch to communication mode." Tio explained to him.
"…I'm Lloyd Bannings…"
"Lloyd, I am the girl at the reception…would you please return to the Police Department? The Vice Chief is looking for all of you…"
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?"
Lloyd and the rest returned to the HQ with restless heart, and the one welcomed them was scolding from the Vice Chief.
"Intervene with things not related to the task but the credit goes to Arios MacLaine…and the worst is this news is going to be tomorrow headline!"
"Er…" Just as Lloyd about to say something, Vice Chief blocked him from talking anything.
"Shut up! I don't want any excuse!"
The four of them looked at each other innocently. They had no excuse, though.
"That's why I'm against the establishment of new section! If it weren't that damn Sergei proposed any exchange…"
"Exchange …?" Elie asked unconsciously.
"Nothing! It's not related to any of you!" Vice Chief quickly hid his panic. "How about this? I suggest you guys to quit from this section."
"What…?"
"…I don't understand at all…"
"Anyway, this section certainly won't last for six months. It doesn't benefit on your future promotion." He looked at Lloyd. "Lloyd, I know you want to become an investigator. I can help to arrange you to Investigation Section. As for the others, I will arrange the best for you. Sounds good, right? You have one night to think of it."
The four left the room in confusion. All of them was doubtful and tired, especially Lloyd.
"… …"
"Looks like things become strange…I can't believe he required us to quit." Randy stretched his body in laziness.
"It's quite complex within the police department…"
The youngest Tio was inexperienced, but she kind of knew that things had become weird now.
"…It's different with the agreement we've made…"
"Agreement…?" Elie asked her.
"…It's nothing. Then again, where's Chief Sergei?"
"Who knows? First he simply ordered us around, now he was nowhere to be found…what is this all for?" That's made them scolded by the annoying Vice Chief. It's disgusting. "…Hey Lloyd, are you okay?"
"Does it hit you this much?" Elie also noticed his unusualness.
"No…it's fine. I just…feel that everything is so different than the one I imagined…" Lloyd showed a hint of loneliness.
The others didn't know what's he's trying to say, and just shook their heads.
Lloyd felt bad for hiding his true feeling. But he was yet ready to tell them everything. This section is going to disband. No one could tell they would meet again or not.
"No…it's nothing…"
"Yo! Looks like the newbie had experienced a disaster."
Unfamiliar voice sounded from behind. They all turned their heads to the back.
The one coming to them was a middle-aged man and a yellow haired young man. It seemed they're superior and subordinate.
"You're…?"
"My name is Denue, from Investigation Section II." The middle-aged man introduced himself.
"I'm Raymond, from Investigation Section II as well." The yellow haired man said. "I heard the rumor, but I did not think there's a little child in the team too."
Tio shot him a glare.
"Nice to meet you. I am Lloyd Bannings."
"I am Elie Macdowell."
"Randy Orlando here."
"Bannings…? I see. So you're…" Denue mumbled something and kept nodding his head. " I can't believe Sergei actually expect the newbie can gain popularity from the people."
"Sorry…but what do you mean by that?"
"What the hell? You guys don't know anything yet?"
"Anyway, you guys are really bad luck. There're many things to do while no return at all. I would have resigned if it's me." Raymond said with a hint of tease.
"You idiot…I should have transfer you to Sergei's department!"
"I-I'm sorry…"
Even Denue couldn't do anything to Raymond's cowardly attitude.
"…Well, it's quite tough working under Sergei, but I hope you can give it a thought. We'll welcome you guys if you want to transfer to our section."
"Err…anyway, thank you…" By now, Lloyd had no idea how to respond. Too many things they didn't know. And now he was quite confusing. The only thing he wanted to do was to look for Sergei and questioned him.
When Denue and Raymond gone, the Orbment rang. What a good timing!
"Hey, is it over?"
"Chief, where are you now!? You told us to wait at HQ, but you're nowhere to be found!" Lloyd couldn't hold back his frustration and yelled at Sergei.
"…I heard that your luggage has reached the dorm, so I was going to give it a check. Am I kind?"
"Luggage…you're at the dorm?"
"Well yeah. Come over here. I'll be waiting."
"…Alright. Please tell me where the dorm is."
"A section that takes public safety as priority, and response to variety missions…?"
After they received call from Sergei, they immediately left and headed the dorm. The dorm was the one Lloyd saw when the first time he entered Central Square, the old office of Crossbell Times Magazine. This building had thirty years history, and looked old and dirty compared to the other buildings around.
And then, they finally met with Sergei.
"Yes, this is the purpose to set up Special Support Section. "
"But…isn't this become replica of Bracer's Guild?" Elie sighed.
"More exactly, it's copying." Tio criticized.
"As you all know, Bracer's Guild has high appraisal from the people. Apart from A Rank Bracer Arios MacLaine, the [Sword of Wind], there're few strong Bracer reside at Crossbell Bracer's Guild. You know what this means to the top of Police Department?"
"…People will evaluate both Police Department and Bracer's Guild, and eventually criticism the police. This will affect the state government's evaluation, right?" Among the four of them, Elie was the only one answered.
Hearing that, Randy got some points despite being an outsider.
"I knew it. The key is to earn popularity from the people. Am I right?"
"…This attempt is too obvious."
"Frankly speaking, yes. The police basic concept is to maintain order and comply with the State's law. Serving the people is secondary concept. So the internal doesn't agree with the concept of SSS, and simply tease it as 'Fake Bracer' or 'Little Crown'…"
"I see…then it explains a lot of things…" So this is what Denue and Raymond meant, Elie nodded.
"This means that we have to work in this kind of section?"
"It's surprised."
"Let me finish it. I bet you guys knew that you're free to refuse the assignment."
How did he know about this?
"If officially assign here, you will need to do a lot of works, like eliminate the monster, or looking for the lost, or even helping HQ in doing some paper works. I don't think the unwilling one can handle it. So, you'll have one night to think about it. Don't worry. If you refuse the assignment, you'll be assigned to other section. It's all up to you guys."
Sergei had arranged some rooms for them, guy's room at second floor, while girl's room at third floor. This building had fourth floor in total. The top was the rooftop.
Lloyd sat on the bed, having no mood to unpack his luggage. He didn't know he should or not. His head was dizzy and confused.
He looked at the photo on hand.
"…It seems I've assigned to a weird section…I'm not here to imitate the Bracer…"
Then, for what he became a police? If someone asked him, he believed he couldn't answer it.
Come to think of it, why he want to become a police? Was it because of brother?
"…I remember brother was under Investigation Section I…"
Investigation Section I was an elite section, used to undertake cases of political and international. He really still had a long way to go.
Why…he wanted to enter Investigation Section I? Was it because of brother?
"…It useless to wonder. The others…I kinda want to know their decisions."
The three of them didn't seem graduate from Police School, and seemed everyone had their own reason to be here.
Randy's room was just next door, so he planned to visit him first.
"It's late. What is it?"
Randy was probably aware of his lost, and simply invited Lloyd into his room.
The room didn't seem to match Randy's style. It's comfortably furnishing. But the liquors were a bit abrupt, though.
"You've done unpacked? That's meant you already have decision?"
"You meant the assignment?" Randy took a sip of the drink and laughed. "It's quite relaxed to me for not being stayed at the office. The section and the dormitories are very convenient in a building, so I'll just stay here."
"I see…"
Lloyd never thought that Randy had no confusion at all. Thinking about this, Lloyd couldn't help but feel quite lonely.
"You seem very confusing, huh? Well, I understand while you finally got the qualification as an Investigator and don't want to waste it."
"…That's one of the points. Mainly because I feel it farther away the goal of mine…"
"The goal?"
"It's…nothing." Lloyd still didn't feel comfortable to talk about this Randy, and simply changed the subject. "By the way…why are you being assigned to this section?"
"Well, you really want to know that?"
"If you're convenient to talk about it."
"Hmm…actually I don't want to let others know. But since you ask me…it's because of women." Randy shrugged. "I used to have girlfriends here and there. One day, my HOD found out about it and then I was fired. Fortunately, Chief Sergei found me and picked me up."
He didn't seem to be lying. Though Lloyd didn't know him well, he might have done that.
"Er…where did you work before?"
"Crossbell Guard Team. There's a Bellguard Gate at the Empire border right? That's where I worked before."
"No wonder you can swing that Stun Halberd so freely."
"There's really nothing to at the border, normally just training or patrolling. But if I work here, I can go to Entertainment District as I want. Sound good, right?"
"…I kinds understand it."
"It seems we're quite kindred. Actually I found some shops with sexy beautiful girls. Let's find a day a go there!"
Randy made a promise with Lloyd, as if knowing Lloyd would sure stay back in the team. Lloyd simply smiled at that, and decided Randy was an easy going person. It wasn't bad to have him in the team.
And the, Lloyd headed to the third floor. Elie's room was in the first one, so he decided to pay her a visit first.
"Lloyd." She seemed unpacked all her things as well. It was comfortable and matched her style very well. "Hold on, I'll make you a cup of tea."
"It's alright. I just passed by. By the way…have you made the decision?"
"Oh, you're talking about the assignment. It's pretty confusing, but I decided to stay here." She looked through him and showed a hint of worry. "…You seem pretty trouble. Well…the set up of the section was too reluctantly."
"What do you mean by reluctantly?"
"From the Chief, we know that this section was built under so many obstacles and intentions, and it lack of legitimacy. If we can't make any achievement, this section would probably been withdraw."
"You're right. But then…why are you staying in the team?"
"Well…I think this is a good place to observe distortions." Her answer made Lloyd stunned for a while. Elie just smiled at him without explained further. "I wouldn't become a police for long, so the promotion doesn't concern me at all. That's why l want to stay here."
"I see…why do you want to become a police?"
"If I have to say…then I'll say it's for social experience. I got full score on both paper and shooting test. They couldn't reject me either."
"I just feel that we're not on the same level…"
The more they chatted, the more Lloyd knew that the girl was very talented. People said don't judge a book form its look, and Elie fit it the most.
"You passed the investigation test too. I think there should be a reason as well, right?"
"Hmm…that's…"
She probably looked through his hesitation, and stopped asking more.
"We can talk about it later, after we officially become colleague."
Lloyd appreciated her thoughtfulness. After saying good bye to her, Lloyd moved to Tio's room.
The weird was, after a few knocking on the door, no one answered the door.
Where did she go?
He decided to take a look at the lounge, and truly found the little girl was busying something on her hands.
"Lloyd?"
"Where are you doing here, Tio?"
"As you can see, I'm checking on the terminal."
"Terminal…?" At the back of Tio, there're some machines put on the floor. He didn't know what it was.
"This terminal has been improved base on ZCF's Capel System. It can receive information direct from the Police Department through the orbal network."
"W-Wait a minute. I can't get it at all…"
Lloyd immediately gave in since he had no knowledge on network or so. Although Tio was the youngest among them, but her knowledge on this field was the best.
"…I'm sorry. Lloyd, how much do you understand about orbal network?"
"I have read it on some magazines, but I'm not sure what that is."
"This project was initiated by Epstein Foundation and Zeiss Central Factory (ZCF). Now mostly advance by Foundation. Present, Crossbell is carrying out the experiment on orbal network, and this terminal is one of the experiments."
"I still don't get it. How does it work, anyway?"
Tio sighed. "To put it simple, this is the plan to modify the communication device. After improve the system, the communication device is not only for conversation and interaction, but it can connect the terminal with the computing capacity, building efficient intelligence network."
"Ah…so this can lead for better internal communication and command systems within Police Department, right?"
"Yes, you can say so. Although it is not my expertise, I still can handle it. So I am here to do checking for later."
As Lloyd heard it, he knew Tio had made decision as well.
"…You really didn't think about the assignment at all, and decided to stay."
"Yes, I have my reason to stay here. The Foundation sent me here because of my willful request as well. Lloyd…you better worry about yourself, other than worry the rest of us."
"…You're right. Sorry."
"It's nothing…I've done checking, so I will rest now. Tomorrow I have to do cable connection."
"Okay, good night."
Seeing the girl left, Lloyd felt tired.
All of them had made decision, and decided to stay. He was the only one left.
What he wanted? He was thinking to succeed his brother's behest, but he was still troubled by the question.
The three of them clearly had their reason, and that's made them to stay. While him, what's his reason to stay?
"Haiz…"
He started to feel difficult to breathe, mostly because the air was sultry.
"Let's go outside…"
As he walked to the door, someone knocked the door.
Who was that in this late time?
"Yo, big brother!"
"Ron…and Anri? How do you know we are here?"
Ron crossed his arms and lifted his head in proud.
"Well, we were tried to look for you guys at the Police Department, but they told us you guys had left, and gave us the address here. So we come to take a look!"
"I see…so what is it you want to look for us?"
"Actually…we want to say thank you. Thank you for saving us." Anri said in timid voice, seemed quite embarrassed.
"Though Mr. Arios saved us at the end, but you guys did save us on the first hand, so thank you."
"You are really rude, Ron…"
Lloyd totally didn't expect the kids up so late just for thanking them, and he stunned a bit.
"Haha…you're welcome. Do you need me take you home?"
"It's fine. My house is at the West Street."
"Mine is at Residential Street…thank you, big brother."
Not knowing the reason, but Lloyd felt relieved.
Suddenly, he remembered words from his brother.
Lloyd, if you are a man, you should face it and feel with your heart. One day, you will know what you really want the most.
How long since then? It reminded his brother a lot.
"…Why am I making everything so complicated? I can be happy over this little tiny thing, and yet I…"
By this time, the communication device rang. Someone was calling, so Lloyd quickly answered the call.
"Hello, Special Support Section here…"
"Lloyd? Are you Lloyd?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Lloyd almost choked.
"…Cecil? How do you know the number here?"
"I called to the Police Department, and they gave me the number here. I'm sorry…I was supposed to greet your back…"
"No, don't mind that. You're busy too. I'll find some times to pay a visit to uncle's house."
"You really should. They are worried about you. Me too, of course."
"I'm sorry...I'll give you a visit later, Cecil."
"I'll be waiting. You must be tired. Good night, Lloyd."
"Good night."
The call ended. Lloyd showed a hint of relieve and smiled. Later, he went to his room.
"So, what is your answer?"
"I'm fine with the assignment. So I'll stay." Randy shrugged, didn't bother at all. "Then again, it was you who picked me up."
"…Well, I can promote you to Investigation Section I as well. They might appreciate your combat ability."
"No no no…I'll pass."
Sergei laughed a little. "Elie, how about you?"
"I'll stay here, Chief Sergei."
"Your decision is quite surprised me. You know, our top management considers this section is handyman section. That's why they promote you here. There's no easy job, you get it?"
"Of course I know it. Don't worry about me."
"Very well." Sergei was satisfied with her answer. "Tio…I think you're still the same right?"
"Yes, I'll follow the agreement we have made. By the way, the cables connection shall start around afternoon. I am going to in charge everything, is it alright?"
"Yes, I'll leave it to you. And then…" At last, Sergei looked at Lloyd. Among the four of them, he was the most confused one. Sergei understood that, and decided not to push him too hard. "Lloyd Bannings, you completed all the courses and trainings with great result, and passed through the investigator test perfectly. To tell the truth, I feel it is pretty mistreating to put you under this section."
"… …"
"You should do pretty well in other section as well, I presume. So, what's your decision?"
"Chief Sergei, I'll stay."
The rest was relief after hearing that. All of them gave Lloyd a warm smile.
"What the hell…I was hoping you're gonna struggle more than this…" As Sergei said this, he immediately received dead glare from the team. "Well, all of you deserve a rest for today. The hard works shall start tomorrow, so take a good rest. Lloyd Bannings."
"Yes!"
"Elie Macdowell."
"Yes."
"Randy Orlando."
"Yo."
"Tio Plato.
"…Yes."
"Starting from today at time 9:00, the four of you are officially assigned to this section. Welcome to Special Support Section (SSS). Let's look forward to tomorrow-"
Phew, I've finally done prologue part 2. The prologue is quite long, so there may have part 3 or 4 coming soon. I will arrange the length of each chapter so it wouldn't turn out too long.
Anyway, see you in part 3!