DISCLAIMER: I do not own Gods Eater Burst.

Hey guys! Argh, I'm sorry. I was supposedly posting the chapter 9 yesterday (since I already finished writing it) but I accidentally deleted the whole file T-T Yeah, I know. Pretty stupid. I'll be more careful next time.

Shiro's POV

Today's mission was surprisingly fun. I got to spend more time with Lindow, which was more than enough to make my day. Kota also came along, he's fun to have around (although I have to admit that he should talk less during important missions). We got scolded for playing around though, it was worth it.

Putting that aside, everything made me really tired. All I want to do right now is sleep.

"Shirooo!" Kota shouted as he entered my room. I jumped in surprise: first, because he shouted; second, because he entered my room so suddenly.

"C-could you please notify me first before entering?" I stammered, putting a hand on my chest (a hobby that I developed whenever I get nervous or surprised).

"Sorry about that. Anyway, I've got news!" He exclaimed. I figured it was something about his 'Bugarally'.

"...what is it?" I asked, pretending to not notice. He flashed me a face-splitting grin. "Our new recruit will arrive in an hour!"

When Tsubaki summoned the 1st unit, we all met up in front of the Den Gate. I was a little sleepy still, so my mood wasn't particularly a good one.

After hearing the news from Kota, I didn't really know how to react. Should I be happy that we have another New-type? Moreover, they already have me. Was I not good enough?

I shook my head, I shouldn't be thinking like this. I should welcome the new recruit, just like how the others had welcomed me.

"Shiro, is something wrong?" Sakuya looked at me worriedly. I nodded my head and forced a smile.

"Just a little...tired." I muttered as I stifled a yawn. She gave me a look of disapproval.

"As a Medic Corporal, I am highly concerned about my comrades' health. You better get some rest after this." She said sternly. Sakuya reminds me of how a mother could be like. Not like I know exactly how mothers act, considering that I was orphaned at a young age.

"There's that look on your face again." Sakuya frowned.

"I'm okay, I promise." I said in defense, smiling as I do so. She smiled slightly at that.

"By that way, did you hear? They're assigning another New-Type." Sakuya's face lit up.

"Hm, yeah." I shuffled uncomfortably in my seat. Kota noticed and gave me a queer look.

"Oh, that's news to me. There's been a flood of New-Types lately, huh?" She added. I could only nod in response.

"More rookies." I heard Soma mutter. Yeah, that's very typical of him so say.

"Everyone, on your feet." Tsubaki commanded upon standing in the semi-circle that we formed. "I have an introduction to make. This is a New-Type recruit: she'll be joining your ranks today."

We all looked at the girl next to her. She was pretty. Her pinkish hair was slighlty wavy, and her periwinkle eyes scanned all of us.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Alisa Ilinichina Amiella." She said smartly. Weird name , I thought. Oh wait, look who's talking. "As of 1200 hours today, I've been transferred here from the Russia Branch. I look forward to working with you."

"Hey, girls are more than welcome here anytime!" Kota chirped. If only Tsubaki weren't there, I would've whacked Kota's head already.

"I'm amazed that you've survived so long around here with that frivolous attitude..." She admitted. Okay, Kota can go overboard sometimes, but he didn't deserve that insult.

"Huh?", was all Kota could say. It was either he was too stunned to rack his brain for anything to say, or he simply didn't understand Alisa's statement.

After a few exchange of information from here and there, I felt my eyes get droopy. Good thing Tsubaki left early enough to not witness this. As much as I wanted to go back to my room, I didn't want to be rude to the new girl, so I stayed. Soma, however, seemed to notice that I was beginning to doze off since he kept on stealing glances at me. He probably want to make fun of me, but I don't really care. I just want to sleep.

"Ah, reminds me! We also have another New-Type, her name is Shiro." Sakuya nudged me slightly. I was already lost in the conversation, so I was hoping they wouldn't at least pay attention to me.

"Uhm, er...hi?" I greeted, feeling utterly stupid afterwards. I silently wanted to scold myself for making myself look weird in front of the new recruit.

"I want Shiro to escort me during missions." Alisa stated. Whaaat?

I looked over to Sakuya, wanting to plead for help. Then, I noticed Lindow quietly sitting next to her.

Lindow, please say something...

"Well, ehm, Shiro is also just a newbie." Sakuya explained, which was partly true. I only arrived here about two months ago or something.

"Actually..." Lindow trailed off. I wanted to jump and give him a hug for saving me from this situation. "It's a great idea. I mean, you're both New-Types. I suppose you two would get along. Besides, it would be nice if you two could both get familiar with this place together."

I felt every last bit of hope leave my body...

Alisa nodded at that. "Then, it's decided. Please meet me up tomorrow, I'll be starting my mission around 6AM."

I felt energy being drained from me. 6AM is too early! At least let me catch up on my sleep.

"Wow, that's early." Kota blurted out, looking awestruck. Sakuya looked at me pitifully and mouthed an apology.

"If that's the case, then I'll go too." Soma volunteered. Okay, so he wasn't exactly the person whom I expected to willingly help a random folk.

"Ara, that's rare of you to volunteer." Sakuya smiled slightly at him. Lindow, for the first time, said nothing. He's really being quiet today, huh?

"Don't misunderstand. I just want to confirm something." Soma explained, looking away from us.

"No fair! I wanna join too!" Kota whined, turning the attention away from Soma.

Alisa pensively brushed a strand of her hair off her face. "I prefer having a quiet atmosphere when doing work."

"A-Ah, Kota can be quiet too, I think." I replied almost immediately. I really wanted Kota to come. I don't want to be stuck with two people who make me feel uneasy. Kota looked surprised when I stood up for him, I gave him a look that says 'I-got-this'.

It took her quite a while to answer, but in the end she gave in. "If you insist..."

I smiled gratefully at Alisa, in which she didn't return but found the floor an interesting thing to look at. It was a little funny seeing her act so awkward after being so snobby a few moments ago.

"Well then, I'll be going to my room now. It was a pleasure talking to all of you." She bowed politely before heading off. I let out a sigh of relief. Finally, I can go to bed.

"Shiro, you better get some rest. You have a mission-date with Alisa tomorrow. Go to bed now." Sakuya instructed, putting a strict look on her face.

"Will do." I answered absently. I peered over at Sakuya and noticed that Lindow had already left. "Oh, if you're looking for Leader, Tsubaki called him."

"Oh, okay. Good night, Sakuya." I said before turning away.

"Sleep well." I heard her answer as I left for the elevator. Oh boy, I can't wait to fall freely on my bed.

"Shiro." I low voice called as I was about to press that elevator button. I realized that I wasn't alone in the elevator, Soma was there too. "I need to tell you something before going to a mission."

"What?" I asked groggily, eager to run to my room and sleep.

"I've been feeling a strange presence lately whenever I go out on missions." He looked at me with such a serious face, I nearly forgot that I was sleepy.

"Uhm, are you sure it's not your imagination?" I asked, I couldn't blame myself for asking such a dumb question. My mind was already fuzzy , don't expect me to give intelligent answers.

"At first I thought it was, but I'm positive that there's really something weird about that presence." He said in response. At the very least, I was happy that he trusted me enough to inform me of this.

"How come only you could feel it?" I asked, basically blurting out whatever comes up in my mind.

"I don't know for sure, that's why I'm coming with you tomorrow." Soma had dark circles below his eyes, I figured he was just as sleepy as I am.

"We'll figure that out tomorrow." I assured him, feeling a smile form in my lips when the elevator doors opened. "Good night."

Luckily, I remembered to set my alarm correctly before going to bed last night. I still felt a little sleepy, but I already gained enough energy to continue the mission.

"You are two minutes and fifteen seconds late." Alisa scolded when I got there. Seriously, does she consider that 'late'? Moreover, Soma and Kota aren't even here yet.

"Er, sorry. Had to refill some items." I decided to play along. She tapped her foot impatiently and glanced at the clock every so often.

"Those two are late. Shall we leave without them?" Alisa asked testily, beginning to lost patience.

"Uh, I'm sure they'll be here in a-oh look, they're here." I pointed behind her and sure enough, the two came walking towards us.

"Sorry, I sorta overslept." Kota scratched his head. Soma didn't look like he had an excuse for being late, so he kept quiet.

Alisa shook her head in annoyance. "Let's just go."

With that being said, we jumped off and started looking for the Aragami. Today, we're fighting a Chi-You. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate those creatures? They're seriously the nastiest of them all. They have impressive humanoid bodies, I must say, but I suppose it was also because of that that they acquired such speed.

I pushed those thoughts away. I needed to focus. Chi-You is my weakness, therefore, I need to concentrate on how to deal with it.

It was a little challenging, remembering the fact that I also have to keep my senses open for that 'strange presence' Soma mentioned earlier. I'm just hoping that it wouldn't get it the way...

AND THAT'S WHERE THIS CHAPTER ENDS~ Ohohoho, more and more characters are coming, no? Well, the more the merrier, as they say. Thanks for reading!