I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring at a familiar ceiling. I can't remember when, but I'm positive somehow that this similar scene has happened to me before.

Wait, hasn't this already happened not too long ago?

I got up and found myself inside the sick bay once again. I really should stop waking up like this. If this goes on, it's not going to be a surprise if I stop waking up completely.

I looked around, and found the room completely empty.

For some reason, I feel like I'm missing something. I quickly dismissed the uneasy feeling and helped myself with the change of clothes I found sitting on the chair beside my bed. After changing, I noticed that there was something inside my pocket. I took it out and found a piece of paper with something written inside.

Proceed to Dr. Paylor's lab as soon as you read this, and don't let anybody see you.

I don't know who left this note, but there are some things I don't understand. I understand that I have to see Director Paylor as soon as I can, but why should I do it discreetly? I don't know what's this all about, but I better follow what's written on the note. There must be a good reason for this.

I sneaked myself out the sick bay and quickly headed towards the Director's lab.

I successfully made it to the Director's lab without anyone noticing me. Well, it was rather easy to do so, since it was around two in the morning. Most people would be asleep at this time. I checked on the door, and found it unlocked.

I slowly opened the room and found the Director working on something. I slowly entered the room and softly closed the door behind me.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked. I don't know how long the Director is waiting for me. Well, I wasn't really expecting to see him here. I guess he rarely takes breaks.

He stopped at his work and directed his attention at me for a moment, before making himself busy once again. "Have a seat."

For a while now, the Director isn't talking to me. It's strange because he called me out here, but now that I'm here, he's not talking to me. I wonder what he wants.

"So -"

"You must be wondering why you had to go all through the trouble of meeting me here, and not letting anyone see you in the process." He interrupted me with his question.

Honestly though, I don't know why. I shook my head in response.

"Have you forgotten already? This is the only place in the Far East Branch that's not monitored. I value my privacy, you know." It suddenly struck me. This is the place where we kept Shio hidden because this is the only place the former Director can't reach.

There must be something Director Paylor needs to tell me in secret. I wonder what it could be about.

"There's something important I have to tell you, I just don't know where to start." The Director told me. I'm having a hard time trying to understand what he meant. "You see, I have a confession to make."

A confession? Why does he need to make a confession to me?

"Actually, I'm partly responsible for what's happening right now, for what happened to you, and what's going to happen in the near future." The Director told me. I have no idea what he means.

"I don't understand." I told him.

"I'm going to tell you something I'm not allowed to share, that's why I asked you the trouble of coming here unseen." He explained.

I kept silent and waited for the Director's confession. So the reason why he was silent this whole time was because he's trying to figure out how he's going to say it to me. I gave the Director the time he needs to organize his thoughts. This must be a very a sensitive issue because Director Paylor is having a hard time putting it into words.

"Do you remember the question I asked you the last time we talked?" He asked me. He was asking me a lot of questions back then, so I don't know which question he was referring to. "What do you think of the Aragami, I asked you this question, do you remember?"

It was a weird question, something that suddenly came out of the blue. Of course, I remember it. I also remember the answer I gave.

"You told me that you don't generally despise the Aragami; the only reason you, us here at Fenrir, are fighting them is because that they're a threat to humanity." My answer went that way, more or less. "You're not the only one who's sharing that view with the Aragami."

To be honest, I find my answer to be quite inappropriate for a God Eater. Most of the God Eaters probably hate the Aragami for various reasons. Alisa probably hates the Aragami because they are the ones responsible for her parents' death. Kota probably hates the Aragami because they're a threat to her mother and sister's safety. Soma probably hates the Aragami because they're the reason he was born a monster, in his point of view.

Unfortunately for me, I don't have a reason to despise the Aragami enough. I'm fighting them because I'm one of the few who are capable.

"Almost at the same time Fenrir was founded, there existed a group of people that had the share view of Aragami as you." The Director told me. "They were consisted of scientists and influential people who are fascinated with the Aragami, and I was one of these people. Back then, we were called Genesis."

I watched the Director leave his desk and sit beside me. I kept myself silent and listened as the Director continued his story.

"We all came together because of our desire to study the Aragami, but had different end goals in mind." He added.

"Different goals?" I asked the Director. "So does that mean you don't share the same goal with Fenrir?"

"Actually, the Genesis stood against Fenrir's ideals. Fenrir was created for the sole purpose of eradicating the Aragami threat; on the other hand, the Genesis envisioned a world together with the Aragami."

A world together with the Aragami? From how things look now, it's hardly possible.

"Like I said, we had different reasons for studying the Aragami. I wanted to know everything there is to know about the Aragami. Other scientists thought of using the Aragami against the Aragami, and studied a way for to be possible." He continued.

"Fighting the Aragami with Aragami..." I thought to myself. "Isn't that idea the foundation of the God Arcs we use now?"

"That's right! The initial idea of the God Arcs came from Genesis, which was stolen by Fenrir. However, what we had in mind at that time was breeding artificial Aragamis that could control the Aragami threat." The Director explained to me.

Obviously, the idea of breeding Aragami to ward off the Aragami threat didn't succeed, and the God Arcs were eventually born.

"So, what happened next?" I asked the Director.

"Unfortunately, the rest of the members of Genesis wanted the Aragami as a biological weapon to use against the enemy; at that time that enemy is Fenrir." Aragami as a biological weapon? I can't even imagine that's possible. "They were really ambitious about this, because they were aiming for world dominance. In the end, they wanted Genesis to take over the world through the Aragami, and that was the time I parted ways with them and eventually joined Fenrir."

"What happened with the Genesis?" I asked the Director.

"Genesis has always been interfering with Fenrir's activities. Shortly after my defection, Fenrir crushed Genesis." Director Paylor answered.

"I took all my research together with me to Fenrir and continued my studies here. Shortly afterwards, the Far East Branch was established and I was moved here." He ended his story.

I'm starting to realize where this story is heading.

"So, are you telling me that Genesis is probably the ones behind these strings of Aragami incidents involving new breeds of Aragami?" I asked the Director. His silence means that I'm right on track. However, there's something I don't understand.

"However, you just said that Fenrir has already crushed Genesis. Besides, I don't see why you're responsible for this incident." I shared my thoughts.

"Well, before Fenrir was able to take action, I informed my former colleagues beforehand. I'm sure that the key members of Genesis were able to escape." He confessed. I now understand why it's partly his fault.

"Genesis could probably behind all these..." I murmured to myself. "So, what could they be after this time?"

"World domination? Revenge? To be honest, I'm not really sure. I just have a strong hunch its them behind this." Director Paylor answered.

I'm starting to get the general picture, but I wonder why the Director chose me to hear all of these. I think it would be better if Tsubaki and the others hear this. We already have a lead on the enemy, so preparing against them would be easier. Sure, we have no idea about the enemy's full extent, but at least we can prepare for the worst.

"Well, let's leave it at that for now." I took that as a cue to make my exit. I stood up, only to be stopped by him. "Where are you going? We're not done here just yet; we're still going to talk about you."

We're going to talk about me? I don't like where this is going. I'm sure this has something to do with my current condition and the previous fight with the new-type Chi-You.

"You entered Burst Mode, right?" The Director asked. There's no point in lying, so I gave him a nod. "Ah, I knew you would."

He knew I would? I only entered Burst Mode because it was the only thing I can think of at that moment. I'm sure we had no chance of winning if I didn't do what I did.

"I heard that the Chi-You had the same ability as the Hannibal to regenerate its core. How did you know how to stop the core from regenerating?"

I was about to answer, but the words suddenly died in my mouth. I suddenly realized what the Director is trying to point out. I don't know why I suddenly had the knowledge to stop the core from being regenerated, just because I entered Burst Mode.

"It's all because of your instinct to devour." My instinct to devour? Why is he making it sound like I've become an Aragami myself. "You're thinking why I'm making it sound like you're an Aragami, right? Well, it's simply because you're starting to become one."

What the hell is he talking about? I'm starting to become an Aragami? I looked at my body, and so far there are no physical changes happening to me.

"Don't you find it strange? You have, if not, the strongest desire to fight off the Aragami, despite not having a strong reason to do so. You quickly resorted to Burst Mode because you thought that it was the only way to defeat the enemy. You suddenly had the knowledge to stop the Chi-You's core from being regenerated, just because you entered Burst Mode. There's only one reason for all of these, and that's because of your instinct to devour everything, the same instinct that's driving the Aragami." The Director explained. I understood well his point, but I'm finding a hard time to take it all in.

"Right now, forty percent of your heart is being corrupted by the Aragami cells, and the invasion had started to spread to the organs near your heart." Director Paylor added. "The invasion progressed this fast because you entered Burst Mode. At this point, I don't know how long you're able to hold on to your sanity."

I thought that there was still salvation for me, but after hearing the Director's explanation, I lost all hope of being saved.

"The reason you coughed up a copious blood and passed out after the Burst Mode expired is because your body couldn't probably take anymore. If you continue to fight like this, your body will break first even before the Aragami cells could fully consume your body." The Director further explained.

"The reason Lindow and the others were scared of you was because you fought like an Aragami, just because you entered Burst Mode." The Director added.

I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to think. At this moment, my mind is being consumed by the thought of dying. I don't want to die. I don't want to die like an Aragami. I don't want to become an Aragami.

"So, there's no hope for me, right?" I asked. I'm not expecting too much.

"No, there's still hope for you." He replied. I lifted my head back. "Like I said, everything that's happening right now is partly my fault, so I'll take responsibility. I'll find a way to save you, no matter what the cost -I promise you that."

Those words by the Director are reassuring enough. I guess I'll just have to trust in the Director and his promise.

-the next day-

The First Unit was ordered to assemble at the main lobby. I guess there's a mission for us. Even though I have no God Arc to use at the moment, I still headed there. Soma, Kota, Alisa, and Sakuya were already at the lobby.

I arrived there and I noticed something was different. They're trying their best to act natural around me, but I can clearly tell something is not right. They're still afraid of what I showed them when I defeated the Chi-You alone. Unfortunately for me, I can't blame them for feeling that way. I clenched my fists tightly because I hate myself for being like that. I'm supposed to protect my comrades, not threaten them.

Soon, Tsubaki arrived with the details of the mission in hand. As expected, I was ordered to stay in the base for various reasons, but mainly because I have no God Arc to use at the moment. Other reasons include my health, and they're still trying to figure out what to do to me. It's painfully obvious that I'm starting to become a threat towards the people around me.

I headed towards Licca to check up on the status of my God Arc.

I arrived in Licca's lab in no time, and the first thing I saw was a busy Licca working on a God Arc. This is not a new scene inside Licca's workplace. She has a burning passion for God Arcs, and I commend her for that. I walked inside her place, and I'm sure she's noticed me by now. Maybe she' still angry at me for busting my God Arc, and this time the prototype because she's not saying a word.

"I should be angry at you right now." Ah, she is angry indeed. "I told you to bring the prototype back in one piece, but this one's wrecked!"

"I'm so sorry! The Chi-You was tougher than I thought! I ended up using the trigger system because I was forced to do so." I explained my situation.

"I should be angry with you right now, but after hearing what you did out there, I can't bring myself to do so." Licca spoke softly. "It's a good thing the Short Blade God Arc's not that damaged compared to this one. I'll fix this thing back to shape, and maybe I'll improve the thing so it can handle the system!"

I can't be more happy right now after hearing Licca say that.

"Basically, I just have to enforce the whole thing so it can withstand the system." Licca told herself.

I just noticed something right now. "So does that mean this system doesn't have a name yet?"

"Well, since this is just a prototype God Arc, I haven't given much thought on that one. What, do you have a name in mind?" She asked me.

I thought about it for a moment, and came up with something good. "Why don't we call it the Nero System?"

"You mean, the Nero who was responsible for burning Rome down?" She's right on spot.

"I just happen to be fascinated with the ancient history, and I suddenly remembered that." I explained how I came up with the name.

"I think its perfect." Licca agreed. So the trigger system is now named Nero System. "Alright! I better get back to work so I can get you back into action as soon as possible."

After hearing that, I left Licca's workplace.

Without anything in mind, I headed back to my room.

-Leader's Room-

I laid on my bed, staring blankly at the plain ceiling. It didn't bother turning on the lights, so it was fairly dark inside my room.

Suddenly, I heard a soft knock at my door.

I went to get the door, and was surprised to see Alisa standing before me.

"Don't you have a mission to do?" I asked her.

"We still have a couple of hours before heading out, so I decided to come here." She told me. "Are you busy? Can I come in?"

I stood aside and let Alisa come inside. I turned on the lights and took a seat on my bed. Alisa took a seat on the bench near my bed.

"So, what brings you here? Is there something you need?" I asked her.

"Well, I still haven't thanked you for saving me back then, so I'm doing it now." Alisa told me. Oh, so it's because of that.

...devour...

I suddenly heard a painful voice ringing inside my head. I dismissed it by lightly shaking my head.

"Don't worry about it." I told her. For some reason, I wanted Alisa to leave my room, but I can't bring myself to do so. "So, is that all?"

...her...devour...

I heard it once again, this time its becoming clearer. I looked around my room to find where the voice was coming from, but I can't see it.

"I need to repay the debt somehow, so if there's something you need, just tell me." Alisa told me. Now, if only I can ask she leave my room at this moment, but something is stopping me from doing that.

...let's devour...

"No, don't sweat it. I'm sure you would've done the same thing if we were to swap places." I managed to reply, despite the voice echoing in my head only getting stronger.

"No! You've saved me many times now, so there must be something I could do for you or I'll feel indebted to you!" Alisa insisted. She's being persistent now, and it's starting to annoy me.

...I want...to devour...

The voice was too much to handle at that point. I dropped to my knees while gripping the sides of my head. I tried to dismiss the the voices in my head, but right now the voices only grew stronger and echoed inside my head until I can't hear anything anymore.

"Hey, are you okay? Does your head hurt?" I can barely hear Alisa's voice. I felt her hand touch my shoulders. "Tell me, is there something wrong?"

...let's devour!

At that point, I lost it.

I grabbed Alisa by her wrists and tossed her to the bed. I quickly pinned her under me.

"W-what are you doing? Please, stop this!" Alisa pleaded, but at that point, I lost complete control over my body. It felt like I was watching my body move on its own accord.

I opened my mouth widely and sank my teeth against Alisa's bare neck.