Everyone was brought back to their sense with the sounding alarm. But I am the one who's surprised the most. The thought of having my heart being infected with Aragami cells sounds so absurd that when the Director dropped it on us, I thought he was joking.
"Swarms of unidentified Aragami are suddenly detected inside the community; requesting all available God Eaters to report as soon as possible!" The sound of Hibari's tensioned voice echoed throughout the broadcast.
Everybody inside the room stood up and left, while I remained glued to my seat. Aside from the fact that my God Arc is still unusable at the moment, I'm stunned to the point that I'm unable to move from my seat. At this point, I still think that the Director is just joking when he said that I'm dying, and I don't have much time left.
Please, someone tell me it's all just a joke.
I looked at the Director, and he's returned to the stacked work on his desk. Tsubaki, on the other hand, remained silently in her seat. She didn't look as surprised as the rest of us, maybe because she already knew beforehand what the current situation is for me.
"...am I..." My mouth suddenly moved on its own. "Am I still capable of fighting the Aragami?"
Director Paylor suddenly stopped with his work and looked at me. Tsubaki made the same reaction. I can't blame them for being surprised; I'm surprised myself I asked that question. I don't know why I did though.
"Why do you want to fight so badly?" Tsubaki argued. There was a clear concern in her voice, and I appreciate it.
"It's because I'm a God Eater; fighting the Aragami is what God Eaters do." I replied. For some reason, Tsubaki and Director Paylor smiled at my response. I don't know if there was something funny with what I said.
After hearing myself answer Tsubaki's question, I found myself with a stronger resolve to fight off the gods that threaten the existence of humans. It's like I just gave myself a stronger reason to continue my fight against the Aragami, and my current condition is not going to stop me from fighting. I want to see the future where humans can freely walk the face of this earth once again, and I will fight to reach that future.
"Welll, to answer your question: yes, it's still possible to continue fighting." Director Paylor replied. I found myself standing in happiness after hearing that reply. "However, you won't be able to fight normally, unless we can treat that Aragami cell invasion in your heart."
"What do you mean I won't be able to fight normally?" I asked.
"The Aragami cells in your heart are currently in a dormant state, but they were active in the past month while you were in the state of coma." Tsubaki replied for the Director. "The cell invasion progresses slowly, which is a good thing. However, the Aragami cells are making changes in your body as we speak."
"Because of your Armlet, the spread of the Aragami cells is being slowed down, at most. As a side-effect, your body is reacting to the Aragami cells differently." The Director started his explanation. He's talking in a creepy way, and it makes me want to avoid him. "One of the most notable changes in your body is the your new-found ability to quickly regenerate your wounds."
The new regeneration ability sounds nice, but considering that it's an ability brought by the Aragami cells invading my heart, I'm sure there's a side effect.
"Honestly speaking, we weren't expecting you to survive the wounds you received. However, your wounds started to heal on its own in an instant, as if it were a miracle." Tsubaki added on the explanation. "You may already know this, but our regeneration has something to do with the division of our cells; our cells only divide numerous times throughout our entire lifetime, but the Aragami cells are forcing your cells to divide so you can heal your wounds faster."
I, more or less, understood what Tsubaki was trying to point out here. Because my cells are forcibly divided, it's also a given that my life is shortened in the process.
"And that's not all; the Aragami cells in your heart has given you the strength beyond any human. However, this puts an incredible amount of strain in your body, and only you can tell whether you can handle this power or not. Basically, you're a lot physically stronger, but you're only able to fight for a shorter time." Director Paylor further explained.
"We're forbidding you from entering Burst Mode for now, since we're still not sure if its safe for you to do so. We're not sure how the Aragami cells on your heart will react when you enter Burst Mode." Tsubaki warned me. Not being able to enter Burst Mode is a huge blow to me.
"So, after hearing all of those, are you still willing to fight against the Aragami?" This time, it was Director Paylor asking me a difficult question.
However, there's no way I can back down now. No, there's no way I can turn around from being a God Eater.
"I'd rather die fighting." I confidently answered.
The Director and Tsubaki both had satisfied looks on their faces. I am also satisfied with my answer. I suddenly realized that the anxiety I was feeling about my condition is already gone. In an instant, I'm no longer afraid of this infection in my heart -rather, I'll use it and the changes it brings to my body to my full advantage.
Once more, I am ready to face the Aragami invasion.
"That aside, let me ask you another question." Director Paylor opens up the conversation once again. "At this point, I want to know what you think about the Aragami."
And then he throws another weird question at me. I can't seem to figure out why he's doing this, though. "I don't know what you mean."
"Let me rephrase then: do you despise the Aragami or not?" The Director changed his question to make it clear. Still, I don't know the reason behind this question. "I, as a scientist, am fascinated with the Aragami. I want to know everything about them, because I am a scientist."
"To be honest, I don't know how to answer this." I replied. I think this is a matter of opinion and there are no right or wrong answers here. "I don't generally despise the Aragami, I just want to return the world to it's former glory. I want a safe world for everyone, and the existence of the Aragami is preventing that from happening. That's why I'm fighting, I think."
The Director stared blank at me. "You really remind me of a certain someone. Have you ever heard of the name Silveria Vallese?"
I repeated the name inside my head numerous times, but nothing comes to mind. However, I think I may have heard that name somewhere before.
"I think I may have heard that name somewhere before, but nothing comes to my mind." I replied. I wonder who that person is.
"Ah, it doesn't matter. I have this feeling that the two of you will meet someday." Director Paylor murmured.
"Now, about your God Arc." Tsubaki interrupted. I suddenly felt a cold shiver running down my spine.
I think I'm going to get it now, since I heard that my God Arc's currently in its worst shape. I hope that Licca can still do something about my God Arc, or I have to find another one that matches my Bias Factor. It's going to be a problem if I can't find a quick replacement if my God Arc calls it quits.
"Similar to you, your God Arc came back here in the worst possible condition. Licca is trying to do her best to make most of your God Arc, but don't expect it can be usable again." Tsubaki explained. What the hell happened to me and my God Arc for things to turn out like this?
This is the worst possible situation for me now. Without a God Arc, how am I supposed to fight the Aragami? There has to be something that can be done.
"I can't be called a God Eater without a God Arc." I told Tsubaki. There must be something that they can do. "Maybe there's a spare God Arc that's compatible with me."
"Unfortunately, there are no other God Arcs that matches with you at the moment. We are still looking for a God Arc that will." Tsubaki replied. However, there's something in her eye that's telling me there's more to this. "However, there issomething you can use."
There is something I can use? As long as it means I can help my friends fight off the Aragami that's entered the community, I'll take it.
"It's a prototype to the next-generation God Arc for New-type God Eaters. The project is called Project Slayer, the creation of new-type God Arcs that's aimed to be compatible to any God Eater." Tsubaki explained.
I stood up my seat after hearing the idea. A God Arc that's compatible to any God Eater is a great idea. However, I can't help wonder why it's our branch that's working on a large-scale project like this.
"The true aim of the project is to serve as a secondary weapon to existing God Arc users and to arm God Eater candidates who can't a God Arc that's compatible to them." Tsubaki explained further. Hearing all of these makes me want to test it out more.
"While the project is aimed to create a God Arc that's compatible with any God Eater, you are the only one who can use its prototype, since it's actually made for you." Tsubaki told me. "You were the one chosen to test the ambitious God Arc, if the idea is possible or not."
I remained silent for a while. I don't know why it was me who was chosen to test out a prototype God Arc that could possibly decide the future of this world if it becomes a success, but it's actually an honor for me. It only means that they trust me and my skills, to the point that I am a part of a revolutionizing idea that could turn the tides of this war against the Aragami.
"If you are still willing to take part as the test subject of Project Slayer, then head to Licca as soon as possible and sortie. This is not an order; this is entirely up to you." Tsubaki told me, before excusing herself and leaving the room.
I think there's nothing to think about. If this is something only I can do, then I'll do it. Still, there must be a reason why it was me who was chosen to test out the prototype, and why it's the Far East Branch the one supervising this large-scale project.
I stood up and turned my back on the Director and left his office. I ran down the hall and headed towards Licca.
I reached Licca in her lab, who was looking to be at her wits end trying to figure out what to do with my destroyed God Arc. The core seemed badly damaged to me.
"Licca, I'm here for the prototype." I told Licca straight, since I have no time to spare. I have to get out there and help the other God Eaters fight the Aragami.
She looked straight at me in the eye for a moment, before letting out a deep sigh. "You better return with this one whole."
She turned around and handed me a large, metal case. I placed it on a open table and opened it. "Project Slayer Prototype – Code Name: Fang"
The large case contained parts for the prototype. I watched Licca assemble the new God Arc together, and it didn't take her long to do so. I guess Licca is a natural at doing things like this.
When she was done, there was something strange about the prototype God Arc. It was similar to an old-type God Arc; there was no gun part. However, what's strange was that it also didn't have a shield to with the blade. The prototype was made to be a blade-only God Arc, and the default Long Blade attached to it doesn't seem to be changeable with other blades.
Licca dropped the God Arc to the side and worked on the remaining parts on the case. As soon as she was done, she was holding a God Arc similar to the prototype, except it is noticeable that its frame is quite smaller compared to a regular God Arc. Again, this small God Arc didn't have a shield or a gun part to accompany it. The small God Arc, instead, was equipped with its default Short Blade, and again, it doesn't seem to be changeable.
"Is this it, the prototype?" I asked Licca.
After assembling everything, she placed the two God Arcs back in the case and closed it, and then handed it back to me. "Please take good care of it. You'll know what to do with it when you get there."
Licca then returned to working with my damaged God Arc. I have no idea how to use this God Arc, but she thinks that I'll figure it out soon enough, so I took her word for it. After all, I don't have time for tutorials and a crash course in using this new prototype, so I just have to try my luck when I get on the actual field.
I rushed back to the main lobby and headed to where Hibari was.
"Hibari, what's the status?" I asked Hibari. For some strange reason, she wasn't expecting me to be here at the moment; it was obvious on the look on her face.
She quickly snapped out of it and went back to her terminal. "Currently, the second unit is dealing with the Aragami near the walls. The First unit, together with Lindow, is hunting numerous Aragamis that managed to slip inside."
"How many are there?" I asked. I can't understand how those Aragami managed to slip inside without anyone noticing. Something's strange here.
"The First Unit has already managed to hunt down most of the Aragami, however, there are reports of a new-type Chi-You sighted inside the vicinity. The First Unit is making it a priority to hunt this Aragami down." Hibari reported. This isn't good. I hope they're done evacuating the people out or it might end up not pretty.
After hearing the status of the situation, I headed out to the scene. I hope I make it in time.
I ran around the city, and so far, I haven't come across anything -neither God Eaters nor Aragami. There doesn't seem to be a sign of any people around, which means that the evacuation must be completed. It's a good thing if that's the case.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw a lone new-type Ogretail not too far from me. It seems that it has not yet noticed my presence. I carefully placed the case carrying the two new God Arcs down, and took the one equipped with the Long Blade.
This God Arc is really strange, for some reason.
When I lifted the God Arc, it's a lot lighter compared to my previous God Arc. It was only then that I realized that for a Long Blade, this blade is a lot shorter and smaller. It's as if this God Arc was made for single-hand use.
And then I remembered Tsubaki's explanation about the project. Project Slayer was intended to arm possible God Eater candidates because it's a project that aims to be compatible with everyone, and is a sidearm to existing God Eaters to help them in combat. It was only then that I understood why it was designed this way. This God Arc was engineered to be this light because it was intended to be wielded offhand. I also realized what the other Short Blade is for, and why this God Arc was created to not have a shield to accompany it.
However, this God Arc alone is enough for this Ogretail.
I am now ready. With a God Arc in hand, I am once again a God Eater.
I charged in on the lone Ogretail, and for some reason, I thought that it feels good to be alive.
It feels good to live with a solid purpose in mind.
It was a strange Chi-You. Unlike it's natural, steel-blue color, it was colored plain white. It moves like a Chi-You, but they're sure that it's nothing like it. Flames are sprouting on its wings and back and is shooting large fireballs with the palm of its hands.
But its most distinct feature is how it resembles the self-regenerating Aragami, the Hannibal.
The Aragami's movements, attacks, patterns, all remind them of the immortal Aragami. They don't know what to do with this Aragami. Simply said, it is too strong for them at the moment and can't do anything about it. However, the Aragami is not letting them retreat.
Soma charged in for an attack, hoping to open up a moment for his comrades to escape. However, his efforts were quickly thwarted as he was swept away by the strange Aragami's arm. Lindow and Sakuya barraged the Aragami with shots from their God Arcs, but it doesn't seem to do much. Alisa rushed in and carried the unconscious Soma to safety.
After getting a fresh new set of bullets, Kota fired his own shots against the new-type Chi-You, but also had no effect.
The Chi-You then rushed in and jumped on Sakuya, but Lindow jumped in as well and defended Sakuya, only for the both of them to end up getting swept to the side like Soma. Kota continued his shots against the Aragami, while Alisa stepped in to get a few slashes off the Aragami, all of them ending up useless.
Soon, Kota ran out of bullets once more, and Alisa was at the mercy of the Chi-You, helplessly defending herself agaisnt the barrage of slashes the new Aragami is unleashing on her.
Alisa managed to defend herself somehow, and the Aragami jumped away, but only to prepare for a bigger attack. The Chi-You suddenly accumulated energy in the palm of its left hand. At first, it looked like a large fireball, but the energy slowly took shape and became a spear of flame.
Alisa could only look at the attack. Seeing how battered her shield was at the moment, she quickly realized that there was no way for her to defend herself against an attack of that scale. Kota tried to rush and and get Alisa out of there, but his legs froze at the last moment. Soma, Sakuya and Lindow were all barely conscious at the moment.
After its charging was complete, the Aragami threw the condensed spear of energy at Alisa.
Alisa closed her eyes, and inside her head, a single name echoed inside. She was wishing for him to arrive, to save her, and to defeat the enemy.
In her eyes, He was always the hero. She believed that he will come and save her anytime, and any place, because he always does, and not just her, but everyone else.
And there was a huge explosion.
I couldn't see anything from the smoke. I don't know what kind of attack that was, but it sure was hell something else.
I looked at the poor damsel in my arms, and her eyes were still closed. I can see tears forming in her eyes; she honestly thought it was going to be her end. Her small frame was still trembling in fear.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at my face.
"God Eaters shouldn't cry." I told her before slowly putting her down.
She quickly clung to me. I can feel her muffled cries vibrating through my whole body. I let her be for a moment. Alisa has always been emotional, and I can't blame her for being like this when she honestly thought that she was going to die.
"I'm sorry for being late." I apologized to her.
She moved her head away from my body and looked up at me. Her face was still slightly flushed from all that crying. "Are trying to make yourself look good by coming in late?"
She's calmed herself now, and we turned our attention to the enemy who was quietly observing us. It seems it was waiting for us to make a move.
"Wait, why are you here? You don't have a God Arc to use at the moment!" Alisa exclaimed. In response, I showed her the case I was carrying on my shoulders.
"Don't worry, I have this." I placed the case on the ground and took out both God Arcs. Unlike the previous Ogretails I encountered along the way, this one's going to be tough.
"If you only made a better job of clearing the small ones for me, then I would've been here sooner." I joked. Alisa was looking at me, pouting. I laughed at her cute expression. "Anyway, let's get this over with."
With a God Arc on each hand, and Alisa backing me up, I charged in on the new-type Chi-You.
In my hands, I hold the future of the God Eaters.
Let's see how our future looks like.