Project Asgard: Viking Assault Unit (Rewrite)

by Dasmara

This is an AU. Vikings, warriors who's known by their ferocity, is the latest plan Schicksal has in order to supplement their Valkyries against the Honkai. They will wear the best armor, given the best training, and Schicksal expects the best in return. Follow Ryan Taurus, one of the recruits, as he trains to be a worthy Viking...and perhaps, stealing Valkyrie hearts along the way.

1. Early Days

…I will start this off by apologizing, I am truly sorry for disappearing without news for a very long time and ignoring this story in all fronts. But despite that, even until now, there are people who kept asking me to update this story, I'm…touched, really, that someone still seek me out to ask for update despite me last writing it on 2019 which is…Holy fuck, four years since I last updated a chapter. So, I owe you guys some explanation. First off, I…lost my passion, for Honkai Impact to say the least. The story has become convoluted, so many realities breaking things, seems like everyone became God and they kept expanding it so I couldn't honestly keep up. Heck, even continuing this fic would be a monumental task with how much character and plot they've added. The 'AU' in the story description would be even more prevalent than ever, and it's extremely breaking away from the main story in the game. But so many new characters, so much stuff happened that this fic will definitely fall short regarding expectation, especially for those who's well versed in the Honkai Impact story…They have created a vast world with vast universe, Hoyoverse, that I feel like my story won't be able to compete in quality. That's what I honestly felt, especially when writing this as a preface.

I honestly don't know what you guys expect out of this particular story anymore, so much thing has been added within the game in four years that going by my original view wouldn't really suffice. I could be wrong about that and you guys might just want to see the MC story alongside his friends continue, but I'm going to say something…In the past four years, I did not stop writing. I am still making fics, learnt a lot from them and still struggling with grammar even now. But I can confidently say that my skills have improved and I reread this fic before finding it to be…below my newly set standards, in the general writing, in characterization and even plot. So, I'm putting this update, with a rework of the story as well. The characters will be reworked or changed, but the plot will absolutely change and thus the overall story. It will retain some parts of it from the original, but it will be quite different in the end.

As people said, this is a fanfiction, you are free to go and explore as you see fit. You can make stories that definitely breaks canon and one might bat an eye at you, but they would understand that this is a fanfiction and thus it could be acceptable. It would be different story if you're writing for official release or anything, right? So that's what I decided to do here. I might not be as passionate as I once before about Honkai Impact, man, calling it fanfiction is a bit off since I'm technically no longer a fan. But I chose to do this because I respect those who kept seeking me out despite being AWOL for four years, I decided that I could no longer kept ignoring it and will continue by starting with a rewrite. This rewrite will have slower pace and plot building, the previous one also too bloated with OCs so I'll be trying to keep this one less bloated and make the remaining ones properly fleshed out gradually.

Take heed, I will say this now to prevent misunderstanding from early on. This will not be my main project, so updates on it will be sparse with no definite scheduling. I could not force myself to write if there's no creative sparks, so I'd rather delay it than force it which could result in subpar results, I would like to ask you readers for your understanding on this matter. This story, will definitely has smuts/lemons on it. For those who've read my Azur Lane fics, you know how it goes. For those who don't…well, let's just say it's a graphic hentai with words instead of drawing. It will be anatomically wrong, but I found it hot so that's how I want to write it. This story is M rated already; I will make full use of that tage. Still, let me know whether you're not comfortable with that and I might put signs to look away when the time comes…And, this is the most important part, I could get many things wrong with the stuff concerning Honkai. Characters, equipment, creatures and or even not understanding it properly. I will definitely try my best to learn about them but I could make mistakes, so please go easy on me on this one. Feel free to offer advice or suggestion and I will definitely respond, but baseless flaming? And I am willing to go to war.

Welp, I think that's about it. Please read this first chapter of the rewrite and do tell me your thoughts on the review, happy reading dear reader. (P.S. It's quite long, better bring food and drinks)

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…A fair skinned young man woke up from his slumber, his crimson eyes sleepily stared at the ceiling above him for a minute or two before he rubbed his eyes as he sat up on his mattress. He glanced around his tiny apartment, a four times five small apartment located on the outskirt of the City of Soukai. It's currently early morning, the sun barely peeked above the horizon and colored the morning sky in a warm yellow hue. The young man stretched himself as he got off his bed and reached for something on top of his nightstand, a right prosthetic lower arm, painted in grey. The man glanced toward the stump on his upper right arm, just above his elbow which has a prosthetic base attached on the end of it. He connected the arm to the base; it produced slight mechanical sound as it adjusts and locks itself. Once the noise stopped, the man tested the functionality as he wiggled his fingers and made a fist. After that, he turned on his personal computer on top of the desk and played the radio before he entered the small bathroom to take a morning shower.

"Good morning people of Soukai! What a lovely Monday for everyone to start their activity! Oh yeah, I know, Monday sucks, we all want to remain on vacation forever, am I right? But that's clearly not happening, so hold your head up high and smile as you weather through the week! Don't worry, that weekend will come in no time at all! This morning is quite comfortable, around twenty five degrees celcius, perfect for commuting to your workplace or school amidst the falling Sakura petals! Ooh such an image, I wish I could go out to enjoy the beautiful view as well! Right, before I lose my will to continue this broadcast, let's get to our morning news. This morning, it would seem the Saint Freya Academy has finally gone co-ed this year! We heard the school trains Valkyrie, but we're including boys as well? The statement from the principal herself, Madam Theresa Apocalypse, said that there's a new program for the boys but she did not delve further regarding the details. But can we assume that Schicksal have a new kind of fighters in mind to fight against Honkai beast? Send us your thoughts people, our emails are open for those who'd like to give us your opinions"

The young man exited the shower, he is completely naked, showing his muscular medium build which has scar all over it before he dried his body with a towel then he opened his wardrobe. He put on his briefs and black t-shirt before he looked at the uniform he's going to wear, the men version of Saint Freya Academy uniform, consisted of black blazer, white shirt, red tie, black slack, brown school shoes and brown school bag. He briefly stared at them before he swiftly put them on, he also put on some black leather gloves to hide his prosthetic arm before he checked his appearance on the wardrobe mirror. Medium dark green hair, hardened crimson eyes and roguish handsome face with slash scar on his left cheek. Yup, he's set for the day. Except his stomach decided to growl and thus he's reminded that he need breakfast, the man checked his wallet to see there's only one bill available. He grimaced, he's eighteen and nearing his maturity, he cannot slack off with his nutrition so he can keep growing! After going out and locking the door, he walked outside the apartment complex, stopped by the vending machine to get an energy drink, gulped it down and threw it to the trash can before he heads for the station.

He boarded the train, being quite jampacked today so he has to stand up. The man checked his phone, its 7.40, twenty minutes before school started. The train arrived at the designated station and the man walked outside and head for the academy which is only took five minutes walking from the station. He noticed that there's a lot of students alongside him, mostly girls though. He noticed several boys as well, but it seems they are on the regular division. There are two kinds of students on Schicksal Academy, the regular students and those who trains to be Valkyrie, and now, alongside the program that the boys are participating in. The difference can be easily spotted in the identification pin on their blazer, the ordinary students have book shaped pin while the Valkyrie and him have sword shaped pin. The young man finally arrived on the academy, a Victorian styled building with several other facilities inside its massive area. He was about to walk in, until someone get in front of him. A young bespectacled woman, with long dark grey hair which is neatly tied into a single tail stood before him.

"Can I help you?" The young man asked her while he smiled.

"You're Ryan Taurus?" The girl asked him.

"That's me, and who are you?" Ryan asked the girl while he smiled.

"Name's Fu Hua, I need you to come with me" Fu Hua said to Ryan.

"Oh boy, this is going too fast. Maybe we should get to know each other first?" Ryan said to her while he grinned.

"Sorry, I don't have time to be cheeky with you. Your presence is required by Principal Theresa, I suggest you follow me and not make her wait" Fu Hua rebuffed him while she smiled.

"Huh, what does she want with me? This is our first day" Ryan dropped the playful attitude and wondered.

"Follow me, Mr. Taurus" Fu Hua said to Ryan before she walked.

Ryan shrugged before he followed Fu Hua, whatever Theresa's reason it must be important enough that she asked him to meet her this early in the morning. They walked through several corridors and ascended some stairs before they arrived at a double door with the plate above it that has 'Principal's Office' written neatly, Fu Hua knocked the door and they could hear response coming from behind it. Fu Hua opened the door and entered the room, closely followed by Ryan from behind. There, behind a big office table, is a petite white haired woman with blue eyes and dressed in some kind of nun clothing, only without the veil. The little woman is the principal herself, Theresa Apocalypse and she nodded appreciatively at Fu Hua for bringing Ryan. However, she's not the only one inside the room, there's also a voluptuous red haired woman with golden eyes standing next to her, she dressed a bit skimpy with her red jacket and short pants, but something about her screams that she's not someone to be trifled with.

"Ah, you're here. Thank you for bringing him in, Fu Hua. You may leave for your class" Theresa said to Fu Hua.

"It's no problem, ma'am" Fu Hua said to Theresa before she exited the room.

"And hello Ryan, you looked well. The uniform really fits you" Theresa greeted him.

"Glad to hear that from a woman. Is there something you need from me, Ms. Theresa?" Ryan asked the little woman

"Yes, technically. I want to conduct a brief check before you go on your first day, to get the story straighten out. Is that fine with you?" Theresa asked him while she smiled.

"Um, why do we need to do this? We've done this already several days ago" Ryan asked Theresa while he folded his arms.

"I think all of us can benefit from this, Ryan. Go along with me, would you?" Theresa said to Ryan while she smiled.

"…Alright alright, fine" Ryan said to Theresa while he shrugged, she's hiding something but he can't figure out what right now.

"Perfect. So, you are Ryan Taurus, eighteen years old and you lived in Japan for five years before Honkai eruption on southern Japan turned the area into exclusion zone. You were fifteen, you survived within the zone for three years, looting supplies, fighting zombies, fellow hostile survivors and avoiding Honkai creatures. You were reported to have fought alongside United Nations Armed Force during your early days as volunteer, but for some reason, instead of escaping back to civilization, you delve deeper into the exclusion zone. You said that you did that because you want to return to your home, to find something that you lost. Whether you find it or not, you were discovered on the location of Honkai energy eruption site by Schicksal Valkyries several weeks ago. You are detained, questioned and let go with the chance to join the Viking program…You also reported to have amnesia, you can't remember your past during childhood as your life up to as ten years old are currently lost in the void. Am I getting that right?" Theresa asked the young man while she smiled.

"Bravo, down to every last word, principal" Ryan said to Theresa while he clapped gently.

"…I think you need some correction with this attitude, though" Theresa commented while she put on a strained smile.

"Heheh, don't worry, I'm not being offensive though, right?" Ryan chuckled before he asked Theresa.

"Not yet is more like it…Hah. Let me remind you that you're on thin ice with Schicksal here, you're still under suspicion regarding that local Honkai energy outburst back then. I managed to wrestle their control of you, but get too high profile and they just might dissect you. You're here as a Viking trainee, but do not forget that there are eyes and ears all around you. Don't get careless, you can get detained without proof and experimented upon if someone up there says the word…Am I clear?" Theresa reminded Ryan while she frowned.

"Yup, nothing you haven't warned me, ma'am" Ryan responded while he nodded slightly.

"Let me get this straight, he's the one you've been talking about?" The red haired woman asked Theresa.

"You don't look convinced, Himeko" Theresa noted as she glanced toward Himeko.

"No, just not what I expected, that's all" Himeko said to Theresa while she folded her arms.

"I know, not that muscular huh? But don't worry, I got strength when needed to~" Ryan said to Himeko while he smiled confidently.

"If you say so…I'm Himeko Murata, I'll be your homeroom teacher starting today. You behave and I'll make sure you won't have a bad time in class" Himeko said to Ryan.

"Are you the type of teacher that gets personal with one of her students?" Ryan asked Himeko while he grinned.

"What do you mean by that?" Himeko asked Ryan in dangerously low tone.

"I'll take that as a no then~" Ryan knew deep down he just hit the mark.

"Anyway, I suggest you get to your class. I'll be over there soon and if I get ahead of you? You're not going to get away with it" Himeko said to Ryan.

"Alright, no need to threaten me ma'am. I'm going" Ryan nonchalantly left the room and closed the door.

Theresa and Himeko remained silent for a few seconds before she turned on the holographic computer on her desk, the display shown the profile of Ryan Taurus himself. The checkup he received several days ago indicated that there are latent Honkai particles within his bloodstream, they are inert and doesn't seem like it will turn him into a zombie. Given that he's on the exclusion zone for extended period of time, Theresa is impressed that he doesn't show any kind of degradation to his physical form. Still, during his time there, two localized Honkai energy eruption happened in two different parts of Southern Japan. The first was located near Osaka, the next one is near Kyoto, Ryan's previous home. There are several theories running around that Ryan might be the source of that Honkai energy emission, but they cannot confirm anything since he appears as human as he can get and their sensors didn't pick up anything.

"…I did not expect this…But, I'm glad that he's the one who they found. At least this way, he could be safe under my wings" Theresa mused as she scrolled through the document.

"…That sound's personal, do you know him before this, Theresa?" Himeko asked Theresa.

"…Kind of…But until he regains his memories, I'd rather keep that fact a secret…The problem would be my niece" Theresa said to Himeko as she closed the document.

"Which one?" Himeko asked further.

"The slightly idiotic one" Theresa answered while she smiled bitterly.

Ryan walked through the corridor, occasionally passing other students and staffs. For a school this big, there are less students than he expected. Maybe it's due to this building being designated as the place for Valkyrie and Viking trainees. His mind shifted a bit toward the later part, Vikings. Schicksal want a special group of soldiers that could fight alongside Valkyries; however, they don't want to recruit from their already existing private forces. No, they want fresh blood, teenage boys. Ryan doesn't know what kind of goals the Schicksal has in mind, it sounds counterproductive to recruit teenagers, train them as soldiers and ship them out to fight with Valkyries. It would be faster to just retrain their soldiers, should save them some unnecessary cost. But what do he know? Schicksal definitely has an agenda with this move, he just hopes it isn't nefarious in any means…or at least, one he could get away from, if it didn't sit with him personally.

"Huh? Ryan?"

Someone called his name, and he turned around to see a white haired teenage girl staring at him with widened eyes. She's wearing the academy's uniform, a Valkyrie trainee. Her long hair is tied in twin braids, her eyes blue eyes widened in shock, as if she just saw a ghost. The man stared back at her, however instead of shock, he is more confused compared to her. Who is she? Does he know her? The man racked his brain for any clue, the most obvious part is that she can be someone he knows before he was ten. But if that's the case, how the hell did she know it's him from a glance? Could it be the scar on his left cheek? He seems to have it around since a long time ago. However, before he can respond, she grinned shyly at him as if she called the wrong person.

"M-My bad, I thought you're someone I know" The girl said to him while she grinned.

"Funny, my name is indeed Ryan" The young man commented while he smiled.

"A-Ah? Really? Wow, what a coincidence hahaha! Sorry about that!" The girl said to him before she turned around and walked away.

Ryan watched her walking toward the girl restroom before he shrugged and walked to his designated classroom, the first year class. The door is opened and he just waltzed into the class, it has auditorium style with long seats and tables. He walked as he scanned for empty seats, he found one near the middle where it's quite unoccupied. Maybe with auditorium style like this, there won't be any permanent seating arrangements, it might be set depending on peer group or something. The young man sat down and put his school bag on the shelf underneath the table, he figured that today would be orientation only or something so this should be quick. He glanced around and noted that the girls mostly have previous friend group or talking to their acquaintances, the boys? Yup, some did talk with one another but most just seated on their seats, busying themselves with phones or books. Ryan just took out his phone and put on his wireless headphone, he pretends to be listening to some music while in reality he's eavesdropping on everyone.

"Where is Kiana-chan? Class is about to start"

"Bronya will go out to find her"

"It's okay, just stay. She'll be back"

"Sakura, can't we just, skip this whole orientation? They're practically wasting our time with this"

"No, Theresa-san will definitely get mad, Kallen. Even Kiana attends school today"

"Man, look at the girls in our class. Everyone is a total babe"

"I know right? We got everyone, from lolis to even some who could be a milf"

"Hush, don't say that, they'll get mad"

"Hey, in this day and age, being one at this age is not surprising. You do know about that incentive to keep human population high at all cost?"

"Oh, the one that high school students are allowed to marry huh? Even encouraged to"

"Yeah, a childhood friend of mine is currently seven months pregnant…This world is kind of fucked if we think about it"

"It is what it is, this won't fly in a peaceful world, for sure"

"He's kinda cute"

"You know what they say about cute boys"

"I know I know, just saying"

"Many of them seems perfectly fine by themselves instead of socializing, is the rumor true after all?"

"What, that they pick up boys who have been in combat zone? That would explain some of their mannerism"

…After a while, Himeko entered the classroom and everyone quiet down as they sat on their respective seats. Himeko welcomed them and said that she'll be their homeroom teacher for the next three years, this single class system is implemented so those three years would ensure teamwork and synchronization between the Valkyries and Vikings as effective as possible. They will be running missions together, putting their life in each other hands and so trust is paramount in ensuring they could make it back home safely. That, and their numbers aren't exactly numerous to begin with. After the general self introduction to the class, Himeko gave them the orientation regarding the school and its rules. On the combat division, there's only thirty three boys selected by Schicksal who they deemed has potential, making the entire batch numbered in sixty three students. While the basic combat training would be different, there will be joint training to gauge how well they could work together in the future. As the first generation of Vikings, the boys have a big responsibility in determining the standards for future generation.

With the orientation done, the boys are told to gather on the training hall that the academy has. This is the place for them to practice their skillset ranging from close quarter combat to weapon handling, its soundproofed so the noise won't cause big ruckus within the academy. The twenty of them gathered within the hall, and they saw a cyan haired woman whose hair tied neatly in pony tail and wearing instructor uniform. She glanced toward them and told them to line up in two rows, the boys did as she told them without any delay. They could immediately guess that this woman is their instructor, they will want to complete their first day without incident whatsoever. The instructor walked slowly as she inspected the face of the Viking recruits, some still shown their adolescence but the rest? They are battle hardened; their eyes speaks loudly that they are young men who has seen things on the battlefield.

"…Good day to you, my name is Victoria Watson. I'm a former Major from United Nations Special Operation Division, currently hired by Theresa Apocalypse to serve as the instructor for you Vikings. I will be honest; I will not train you like I would do to our soldiers. Still…Respect, discipline, perseverance, determination and guts are what I will instill upon all of you. I'm not here to train soldiers, I'm here to make all of you warriors. Warriors who can use their head, who has integrity, honor and value as a fighter…I will put you through the ringer, I will berate you, I will push you all beyond your limits. Those who manage to survive my thirty days basic regiment, only them who could continue with their training as a Viking. Do you get me?" Victoria introduced herself to the recruits.

"""""""""""""""""""""Yes ma'am!"""""""""""""""""""" The recruits responded at the same time.

"Good. Tomorrow, we will start with our real training. I want every one of you to be ready for intense physical exercise, so make sure to get an early rest later. For today, I will show you the incentive to do your absolute best. Because only the Vikings who are cleared by me, could wear this absolute beauty" Victoria continued before she snapped her fingers.

The hologram projector shown the Vikings an armor, black in coloring scheme with blue visor. Ryan stared at the armor and concluded that it has close resemblance to Halo Reach MJOLNIR EOD Armor variant, especially the helmet. Or, depending on who he asks, a stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars. Nah, he's pretty sure it's more of MJOLNIR EOD helmet than a stormtrooper one, it has a bit of slanted protrusions around the ears that makes it look aerodynamic. In fact, it seems to be the theme as the design could be seen on the other armor parts as well. They are not overdesigned, simple and functional but retain enough aesthetic to make it pleasing to look at. Overall, it looks like a medium armor that offer decent protection while possessing enough mobility to allow the Vikings to shift around without any problem. The armor display rotates and the backside caused many recruits to let out intrigued sounds, the backside has jet thruster module and that is a wet dream material for the boys. A power armor that could fly is something many of them wants to wear at least once, the prospect of wearing them really motivates a lot of them to do their absolute best in the future.

"I know, gorgeous to look at. And they're not only beautiful, they offered the best protection a medium armor could give nowadays. Equipped with Phase Shifter for storage, energy shielding module and jet thrusters? This prototype Sleipnir armor is a state of the art stuff that you boys will wear once you are cleared my training regimen. Now then, I don't need you guys to introduce yourselves, I have read your profile and memorized your faces. Today, I'm giving you a tour for the facility, get you acquainted with what St. Freya has to offer when it comes to training Valkyries and now Vikings. Any questions so far? Yes, Muller?" Victoria explained before she asked the recruit for any question.

"You said we're going to go on missions with Valkyries, but I don't see us can fight Honkai beasts even with the armor. What is exactly the Vikings are created for?" Han Muller, a blonde boy, asked Victoria.

"Vikings, you guys are told to be Valkyrie's support and that's exactly what you are. But remember, your acronym is VAU or Viking Assault Unit, which means there will be times when you will be called for a strike mission…The support part is because nowadays, there's a lot of irregular forces and other type of similar troops clamoring around Honkai exclusion zone. Valkyries, as overpowered as they are, would do better to fight Honkai beasts than dealing with human hostiles. Not only that, who said that you guys won't be able to fight against Honkai beasts? There's plenty of ways to kill them, even without Valkyries' assistance. Other than that, however, your unit could be the backup the Valkyries need in dire situation. Your jet thrusters can be used as a quick evac method or a distraction, and your shield would ensure that you have the endurance needed to go in the fray to rescue incapacitated Valkyries. Bluntly speaking, you and your armor worth less than the Valkyries themselves" Victoria explained to the recruits.

"So we're just helpers, who could be sent for assault mission when needed to because Schicksal couldn't afford sending in Valkyries or their limited private army" Someone commented.

"If you want to be crude about it, yeah. Valkyries' casualties are mounting up, we can't mass train the Valkyries and thus a method would be needed to suppress that number. One of the proposed solutions, are you guys" Victoria responded.

"Then why not recruit from the already trained soldiers?" Ryan decided to ask Victoria.

"And I agree with you there, Taurus. However, it is something the higher ups has decided. I personally thought that this is counterproductive, but I'm still going to train you as best as I can. Who knows, maybe they saw some potential in all of you, something that I overlooked" Victoria responded to Ryan.

"Only thirty three of us? You think with the seemingly urgent situation, they will try to train as many Vikings as they could" Someone commented on the situation.

"Again, I agree with you as well. However, it might be due to the limited number of Sleipnir armor currently available or other logistical issues. Problems way above my paygrade, if you ask me…Alright, that's enough questions for now, let's see what St. Freya's training hall has to offer!" Victoria said out loud.

The recruits followed Victoria as she explained the facilities to them, ranging from shooting range, dojo, gym, infirmary for training accidents and the armory. Almost everyone is impressed when they see the armory itself, the room is massive and filled to the brim with guns and ammunitions. Victoria explained to them about the armory, but deep down she noticed that most of the recruits doesn't really seems surprised at seeing guns. So the dossier she read must've been accurate to the letter, that most of them are survivors from exclusion zones. Those who didn't seems as impressed are the select few that Schicksal recruited from their survey of suitable people, like martial artists and even sons of Schicksal knights who they deemed suitable for the program. Suddenly, an idea popped off in her head, Victoria might be able to size them up earlier than expected.

"Now then, we still have thirty minutes before I'll let you go back to your classroom. How about we test your mettle with firearms? Anyone here who hasn't held a gun before?" Victoria asked out loud, then she found that only a few of them raised their hands.

"I mainly dabble with blades" Someone said to Victoria.

"Ah, Gin Yamato, isn't it? Alright, you and several others' training would take extra step because you never fired one. Those who has, line up. You'll be shooting at moving holographic targets, you have ten seconds to eliminate as much as you could. For the weapon, you'll be using…this" Victoria said out loud as she grabbed a firearm and placed it on the table.

The firearm she picked is a Model 16 B Version Pulse Assault Rifle or abbreviated as M16B-PAR, a standard issue weapon being used by majority of armies around the world. One by one, the recruits fired the weapon and eliminate holographic targets popping on the shooting range. Victoria nodded her head, somewhat approvingly. Majority of them took out more than ten targets in under ten seconds, their skills speak of their experience. After waiting a while, it's Ryan's turn. The young man stared at the weapon before he swiftly reloaded the weapon with fresh magazine, then he walked to the designated firing position, set the firing mode to burst and held the rifle at the ready. Ryan controlled his breathing and closed his eyes, when he reopened them, his eyes belong to a predator who has survived hell. Victoria started the counter and the target pops out, not even a second later, it disappeared as bullet whizzed past it. Another one pops out and suffered the same fate, and the other one, and the next one. The timer beeps just as Ryan fired the last round, emptying the magazine. The young man took out the magazine, cocked the gun's charging handle several times to make sure it's really empty before placing the rifle back on the table.

"Scheisse…" Han commented.

"Shit, I'm next, how am I supposed to beat that?!" A recruit commented in exasperated tone.

"You see his reaction and trigger finger? You only get that from continuous practice, dude must've been in a fight for long" Another recruit commented.

"Keh, still a showoff nonetheless" One of them commented.

"You're trying to impress me, Taurus?" Victoria asked Ryan while she stared at him.

"Was hoping that's the case" Ryan answered while he smiled.

"Hmph, you definitely have what it takes to shoot. But I haven't seen you in combat, you'll have to try harder than shooting in target practice to impress me" Victoria snorted before she said to him.

"Sucks, but I'm looking forward to prove myself" Ryan confidently said to Victoria while he smiled.

"You'll get the chance. Alright, that sets a high bar! The rest of you better improve yourself! Now come on, next one! Let's see if you can top Taurus' performance!" Victoria said out loud.

Some of the recruits stared at Ryan in dislike, they thought he's a big showoff. The young man in question doesn't give a slightest ounce of care as he watched the next recruit tried his luck with the shooting range, but none comes close to his gunslinging skills. After the shooting test, Victoria concluded that the recruits, well, most of them, could handle a gun. She might not have to waste too much time in teaching them how to shoot, she'll focus on improving their teamwork and ability to fight as a unit. She'll need a bit more time to see their individual skills, to see their strength and weaknesses then work on them so they can be all rounder fighter. After that, she sent them back to the classroom. As she watched the recruits left the building, she got a call from Theresa herself.

"Ah, Principal Theresa. I assume you were watching?" Victoria asked Theresa on the phone.

"I did, but still, what do you think of them?" Theresa asked Victoria back on the phone.

"What do I think? They got potential, but this next month is what going to determine whether they could become Vikings or not" Victoria said to Theresa on the phone.

"Do whatever it takes to ensure that, I want anyone not fit to be weeded out. But I have a feeling all of them could pass, they're the finalist among thousands of candidates after all" Theresa said to Victoria on the phone.

"Got it, I'll have them ready for missions within three months. That should allow them to accompany the trainee Valkyries for their mission" Victoria decided on the phone.

"Perfect, hopefully that should be enough to report to the Schicksal board of directors…" Theresa commented on the phone.

"Is there something else?" Victoria asked Theresa on the phone.

"…They expected around twenty to thirty percent dropout, what do you think on that?" Theresa asked Victoria on the phone.

"I don't know about the exact percentage, but some will drop out from this program. I guarantee it, this isn't for the faint of heart nor weak willed person" Victoria gave Theresa her opinion on the phone.

…Noon has arrived, Ryan walked to the canteen to buy some food. But when he checked the pricelist, he couldn't help but scowl in annoyance. A roll of plain bread, for 50 gold? Ryan checked his wallet and he only have 500 gold vouchers, he can technically use the voucher and redeemed it into virtual money for his bank account, which is empty at the moment. But this supposed to be his emergency funds, until he finds a job! That's right, Ryan doesn't know where his mother is, any attempt to search for her ends in futility and so he has no money to sustain himself. He used all of his savings for renting that apartment and the PC he's definitely going to need! Ryan needs a job, one that could accept him without having to tire him out since he got his training to be a Viking. But what kind of place would accept a part timer without any prior experience other than fighting and killing and surviving out here in this peaceful city?! He bought the bread roll alongside a bottle of water and he walked outside to eat in the park. He found an empty bench and sat on it, he munched on the bread and took out his phone.

"Now then, job hunting…" Ryan unenthusiastically commented.

Cleaning service, yeah that'll leave him with no time to rest. Construction worker? Hell no, he'll drop dead in the first week! Dishwasher? Hmm, he'll take it if the pay isn't so low. Traffic director? It's day job, he got school. Security? Ooh, this one fits him like a glove! But it's late night, he will have no time to sleep or free period, at all! He could take the weekend job for that though, especially when the pay is quite good! Still, he got to search for one more reliable than just weekend part time job. Maybe job on the internet? Graphic design? Nope, he doesn't have the skills and the entry requirement is quite tight. Web developer? He knows shit about coding! Ryan got increasingly more frustrated until something caught his eye, a job at a small restaurant as a waiter and kitchen helper…and it's near his apartment! Wowee, now that's quite a catch! Why didn't he see any job wanted around the area though? Maybe they're just starting to look for one now? Oh well, Ryan decided that he might stop by the place after school. The young man finished his bread, he scrunched up his face because…it's fucking plain…It filled his stomach, but it depressed him that after getting out of exclusion zone, instant noodles and plain bread are his primary meal…His internal kitchen is absolutely useless when he doesn't buy ingredients…

"Hey, can I sit here?" Someone asked Ryan.

"Sure" He looked toward the person and noted that she's the girl who called him out before.

"Ryan, isn't it? What are you doing by yourself here?" The girl asked him.

"Just had lunch…Uh, sorry, but…I don't really paid attention during the introduction, what was your name again?" Ryan responded before he asked her.

"Huh?! Dude, really? I'm your classmate, you know?" The girl glared at him before pouting.

"My bad, really! So, can I know your name, please?" Ryan asked her while he grinned apologetically.

"Hah. It's Kiana, Kiana Kaslana! You better remember that this time!" Kiana introduced herself while she pouted.

"Got it, Kiana it is. You're by yourself?" Ryan asked Kiana while he smiled.

"Yeah, Mei-senpai and Bronya got stuff to do, Kallen and Sakura are helping Fu Hua with class duties. Yup, totally alone" Kiana said to Ryan.

"I see…Today is quite lovely, even though its noon, it's not that hot especially under this tree shade. Enjoying nature by yourself isn't so bad once in a while" Ryan tried to make idle small talk, weather always a good ice breaker if you know how to do it.

"I know right? Wanna makes me nap here, but Himeko will surely bust my ass for skipping class. She's scary you know? She can singlehandedly beat the Valkyrie trainees in our class, bet on it!" Kiana revealed to Ryan while she grinned.

"Huh, makes me want to poke at her buttons" Ryan commented while he grinned.

"Dude, don't! If you value your life, don't you do that!" Kiana immediately warned him while she smiled wryly.

"Hahah, right, maybe after I know her a bit better. You make it sounds like you known her before enrolling here?" Ryan asked Kiana.

"Oh? Yeah, we basically fought together on Southern Japan" Kiana casually said to Ryan.

"You were there?" Ryan asked her with surprised face.

"That's right! My job was limited though, because I'm not full fledged yet so all I can do is support and base defense work. It sucks that we're technically going to be trainee until we graduate. But we can still climb up the ranks if we're good enough!" Kiana explained to Ryan while she smiled.

"Is that so, what's your rank?" Ryan asked Kiana.

"C, like every other trainee here" Kiana said to Ryan while she grinned sheepishly.

"Well, I would be surprised if you're A or something…But come on, the more experience you gain as a trainee, the easier it is to climb the ladder once you graduate. Don't lose heart over it" Ryan offered his consolation to Kiana.

"…You're right, I don't need to hurry. Mom said so herself, I just need to take it step by step!" Kiana exclaimed while she smiled.

"You got a good mother" Ryan said to Kiana.

"The best, really!" Kiana said to him while she grinned.

Ryan smiled at her in both happiness for her and somberness as he reminded of his own mother, a beautiful woman with long green hair and blue eyes named Aurora Taurus. She was a caring and supportive mother to him, kind enough for him to love her unconditionally as a son and stern enough that he respected her words. He did great, and she'll praise him. He made mistakes, she'll chided him for it but then comfort him and told him to take that mistake as a lesson. Man, he missed her home cooking. In fact, he missed eating any home cooking, a warm meal with someone close to him. But his old friends are dead, his mother is missing, his dad is no longer in this world…He is truly alone…

"…Ryan, you okay?" Kiana asked Ryan in concerned tone.

"Ah, sorry, I was just lost in thought" Ryan assured her by smiling.

"…Hey, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be a Viking?" Kiana asked Ryan.

"Simple really, I have nowhere to go and no one to wait for me at home. Being an experimental unit's soldier and continuing my education sounds better than dying on the streets, right? Especially when it's for free" Ryan said to Kiana while he smiled.

"When you put it like that, yeah, I guess…I'm…sorry to hear that" Kiana said to Ryan while she frowned.

"It's fine, shit happens…So, better take care of your family, Kiana. Don't make them worry and treasure your time with them" Ryan said to Kiana while he smiled.

"I-I will, definitely!" Kiana said to Ryan with determined voice.

"Good" Ryan replied while he smiled.

"…You know, I can be your friend, if you want to. Y-You don't have to be so lonely in this school, we can hang out together" Kiana proposed to Ryan.

"Huh? That's quite sudden, what brought this up?" Ryan asked Kiana while he cocked his eyebrows.

"D-Do you mind? Uh, you don't have to accept" Kiana asked him while she smiled wryly.

"No, I was just surprised" Ryan said to Kiana.

"…You don't have any friends here, right? It'll be sad to spend your days here without one. Y-You might have your boys' comrades, but surely a girl friend or two won't hurt, right?" Kiana reasoned while she smiled.

"…Right, at this point, I really don't have any friends…But are you sure?" Ryan asked Kiana, this girl is quite forward.

"Absolutely! I…think you're a good person to hang around with" Kiana said to Ryan.

"Assuming things could backfire you know? But tell you what, let's give this a go" Ryan said to Kiana while he smiled.

"Great! Share me your ID, so we can contact each other!" Kiana said to Ryan as she pulled out her phone while smiling.

Both traded each other social media's IDs before Kiana walked back to the campus building, she headed for the toilet once again but it's not because her stomach is upset or anything. No, she is overwhelmed…Theresa, that loli hag bitch, why did she stay quiet about this?! And her mother and father too, do they know anything about this?! That boy she just befriended, is her missing long time childhood friend! There's no way she could mistake him, not with that scar on his left cheek. It was the exact shape; she can never forget it! Kiana felt tears running down her cheeks as she quietly sobbed, he really forgets her. He went missing for eight years! And when they reunited, he's forgotten about her! His eyes turned red somehow and he looked so lonely she couldn't help approaching to befriend him despite it anguished her to do that! What happened to him? To Aurora? All of their childhood memories seem dissapeared, Kiana knew that Ryan would never forgets her so he must be suffering from amnesia or some sorts…Kiana spent herself crying quietly for a few minutes, then she put on determined face as she stormed out of the toilet. She marched to the principal's office to get some answers, one way or another.

BRAK!

"Teri-teri! I demand some fucking answers!" Kiana loudly announced as he kicked the door open.

.

"Come on! Move your fat asses! Twenty laps! Push your bodies to the limit! You are not allowed to leave until you complete your assigned task! If you drop down, get up! I am not appreciative of quitters!" Victoria used megaphones to shout at the recruits.

The Viking recruits are currently running around the large field for twenty laps, they started in large groups but one by one they lagged behind as everyone started going with their own pace. The first month of the training regimen, physical training. Victoria wants the recruits to build up their stamina and endurance, the first month will involve heavy physical exercise before moving to the skill oriented training on the second and third month while supplemented by physical training. She'll break them down and rebuild them, combat is strenuous activity and those who runs out of stamina or forget their pacing is almost certainly a dead man walking on the field. Everyone is gasping for their breath, including Ryan himself. The young man gasped loudly as he kept jogging with body completely drenched in sweat, it's his twelfth lap and the fields seems bigger each time he passed the starting line…This remind him when he was chased by a very persistent Chariot Class Honkai Beast, that fucker charged and pursued him for five minutes straight. Ryan had to dive under rubbles, went through zombie infested alley and finally managed to escape after climbing rooftop access.

"Fuck! What a spartan!" Someone commented.

"What do you, hah, expect?! She's a drill, hah, instructor!" Someone responded amidst their heavy breathing.

"I've never run this far before! I'm so tired I wanna drop to the ground!" Someone else commented.

"Quit your whining! Don't demoralize the rest of us!" Another recruit responded.

"Ah shut it you bellends!" A recruit straight up had it with their yapping.

What's funny about this is that after the physical training, they still got class! They can't have Valkyries and Vikings being dumbasses, so while not as intense as the regular students, they do have to learn stuff on the classroom as well. Not only that, they also have a subject called military tactics and strategy class. Six hours cooped up in school, four for physical training and two for classroom session. Guess that's the fate of teenagers being subjected training as frontline combatants huh? Ryan slowed down slightly to regulate his breathing rhythm, it's the key to keep running, you're sooner out of breath than running out of energy to run…After completing twenty laps, everyone collapsed on the track. Their jersey's drenched in sweat and they are panting hard, Victoria went over them and clapped slowly. She can appreciate that while they do complain, they at least didn't quit midway, they see this as necessary part of their training.

"Well done, you guys managed to not quit like little bitch. How does it feel? Running that long?" Victoria asked them.

"My body's numb!" Someone commented.

"This is the same like my dojo warmups…" Gin commented.

"Felt my bowel shifting down, ma'am! It cures my constipation!" Han commented.

"Glad to hear that, Muller…I'm sure most of you know that out there in the field, the difference between life and death depends on many things. But stamina is one of the most important aspects as without it, you're sitting ducks and being sitting ducks in the middle of combat zone? You are easy targets, for anyone or anything. I don't care how long some of you been in the exclusion zone, nor I care how pampered you are by your knight's daddy or Valkyrie's mommy. When you're under my tutelage? All of you are the same in my eyes, recruits who have yet to prove themselves. So suck it up, stand tall and do what needs to be done…Alright, Murata would want you back in class soon, so clean up and change your clothes. You guys will be meeting those cute girls, don't want to stink now, eh?" Victoria said to the recruits out loud.

With groans and side comments, the recruits rose up from the field and walked in droves to the changing room. They took off their clothes and was about to head into the shower, but many of them took a second glance toward Ryan whose prosthetic is being clearly exposed to the world. All of them always saw him with long sleeved clothes, so they never know that his lower right arm is basically a robotic parts. It makes them wonder whether he can really fight, but none doubt him given that he proved himself how much of a beast he is with a gun. Instead, a few of them just pat him in the back, expressing that he must got it rough to lose his right arm sometime before he attends this school. Ryan assured them that he appreciates their sentiments, but he doesn't want them to pity him or anything. He can pull his own weight; he's not going to depend on anyone unless he can't do things by himself. They took shower and changed back to their uniform before they head for their classroom, they sat down and begin their lesson for the day. Himeko might not seem like it, but she is actually quite smart and knowledgeable. She could easily be a scientist, but she chose to be a Valkyrie for some reason.

"Um, Taurus-kun, isn't it? Do you have any eraser I can borrow?" A girl to his side asked to him.

"Sure" Ryan replied as he handed her his eraser.

"Thank you" The girl said to him while she smiled.

The girl that sat next to him? Is a high class beauty with long purple hair, Mei Raiden is her name. She is soft spoken, kind, gentle and absolutely pleasant to be around. Ryan heard many of the Viking recruits already pinning her for a date request, the boys are sure quite forward. Mei handed his eraser back while she smiled, Ryan just took it while he nodded. The current subject is history, they're talking about how Honkai have existed as early as civilizations. There are many theories regarding what Honkai actually is, they are certainly some form of energy but they seem to have consciousness, or a will of their own. They always show up at certain point of time in human civilization, in the form of natural disasters or monsters. They culled human populations, preventing them from growing too rapidly and the further humanity advance in technology or civilization, the stronger their manifestation are. Some refer them as god's will, some refer them as eldritch entity. But one thing for sure, if humans don't fight back, they will surely perish. Ryan personally thought that it sucks to be human on this universe, he's sure that in food chain terms, Honkai is human natural predators.

"Taurus! Are you spacing out in my class!?" Himeko suddenly called him out.

"No ma'am! I'm just too entranced with your beautiful face!" Ryan answered while he grinned.

TWHACK!

"I'm flattered, but you shouldn't woo your teacher. Pay attention!" Himeko said to Ryan after she threw chalk straight to his forehead.

"Yup…I will…" Ryan responded to her while he rubbed his sore forehead.

"Man, you are fearless" Han, who sat to his other side, commented in low tone.

"It's my middle name" Ryan answered him in low tone while he grinned.

"Heh, funny guy, aren't you? I thought you're swinging for the other team for a second man, you sat beside Mei and you didn't even flinch" Han said to Ryan in low tone.

"How much of a virgin are you that sitting beside a girl would make you nervous?" Ryan asked Han in low tone while he cocked his eyebrows.

"Ouch, no need to stab that deep. It's just the feeling most got when seated next to an unattainable beauty, she shot down everyone's attempt to ask her out, you know?" Han told Ryan in low tone.

"And that supposed to make me nervous? Why? She's just a girl who happens to sit beside me" Ryan said to Han in low tone.

"You're so confident that you can date her huh?" Han asked Ryan in low tone while he grinned.

"Yeah, I honestly think I could. But right now, surviving is my biggest priority" Ryan told Han in low tone.

"That's an admirable goal, Taurus. And you are quite talkative, Muller…Both of you got any last words?" Himeko suddenly showed up in front of the two boys while carrying a thick book.

"Just make it swift" "Please let me grope those tits before I die-" Ryan and Han said at the same time.

SMACK!

SMACK!

…School finally ended and Ryan stretched his arms, he's glad but now he got work. Sucks, but bills aren't going to pay for itself, it's quite fortunate that the restaurant that hired him pay on weekly basis so he should be able to survive by cutting corners instead of outright begging on the streets. It actually leaves him with no time to hang out with friends after school, because he's most likely be free from work during the night or weekend. Still, he'll take that hit compare to not being able to eat and pay rent. Ryan packed his bags and immediately left the school, he boarded the train and arrived at the station near his apartment. He walked to the dinner near his apartment, the Yae Eatery. It's not open yet, but he knocked on the front door before opening them. He's immediately faced with a man with pink hair, he glanced toward Ryan before he widened his blue eyes.

"Ah, you must be Taurus-kun. You're quite early, we won't open until four you know? It's barely three in the afternoon" The man reminded Ryan regarding their schedule.

"Hahaha, my bad, maybe I'm too enthusiastic to begin" Ryan replied while he grinned and scratched his nape.

"Hm? Wait a minute, you went to St. Freya? What a coincidence, my daughter is also enrolled there!" The man said to Ryan while he smiled.

…What? Really? Ryan racked his brain for a bit…Yae Eatery, pink hair, blue eyes…OH SHIT! He's the father of his classmate! Sakura Yae! He remembered her because she sat directly in front of him during the introduction! Why didn't he figure this out sooner?! Curse his brain processing power and memory! But this really up the ante now, he's about to be employed by the family of his classmate! He cannot fuck it up, and changing jobs would feel really awkward especially if he's going to see Sakura several times a week!

"Oh, Sakura-san is your daughter!" Ryan said to the man.

"Yes, she is. I see you already know her. Well, I am Takashi Yae, the owner of this dinner and her father. Also, your boss. This is going to be your first day, I'm going to pay special attention to you, young man. Do well, and I'll consider keep hiring you from today onwards" Takashi said to Ryan while he smiled, the dude kind of forgot that this week is his probation period!

"Understood! I'll do my best!" Ryan said to Takashi while he smiled.

"We'll see about that. Now, let me give you a brief tour on your workplace" Takashi said to Ryan.

The place is quite modest, mostly build out of wood and it provides homely atmosphere. Takashi said that he should be wearing a uniform like him, some sort of blue Jinbei clothes. It's Takashi's old one, but it suits him. After changing into the work uniform, Takashi gave Ryan the tour of the place. He made sure Ryan know where the kitchen, toilet, closet for cleaning supplies and the table numbers despite not being marked. After memorizing all of that, he's handed the menu by Takashi and told to remember them as best as he could which includes the price for each dish. After he's done with the menu memorization, Takashi handed him the sticky note and pen. It kind of surprised him that they're still using it despite restaurant nowadays using tablet for their ordering system, but Takashi confessed that he's not that great with technology as he hailed from a village deep within Japan, that and he felt more comfortable with the analog method anyway. Ryan nodded his head when he understood his job and work environment, then the restaurant open for business. Not even five minutes after the opening, two old men appeared and entered the eatery.

"Welcome to Yae Eatery, dear customers" Ryan greeted two old men while he bowed slightly.

"…Hm, I haven't seen you before, young man" One of them asked Ryan.

"Yes, I just started today. Please sit wherever you like" Ryan told them while he smiled.

"We will do just that. Oi Takashi, you're hiring a boy? You told us that you're going to hire high school girls!" One of the old men said out loud.

"I said I won't guarantee that will be the case aren't I, you pervy geezers!?" Takashi retorted from the kitchen.

"Bah, at least Sakura-chan is still helping you out, right?" The other one asked Takashi.

"Yeah, but you know what happens if you mess with her" Takashi said to the old men.

"Chill your bumhole, no way we will mess with our neighborhood idol" The old man responded.

…Ryan took their order, delivered the note to the kitchen, served the two old men two glass of water and stood near the kitchen window…So, Sakura is also helping at the restaurant, and…these two old men fancy her. They don't even give him the slightest bit of interest to chat or anything, they just want to look at cute girls huh? Ryan readily admits, Sakura is a real mighty fine catch when it comes to her beauty. Guess men will be men in the end, no matter how old they are. Ryan served their order, attends to other customers and repeat the process. Two hours later, Sakura appeared on the front door, she just got back home after finishing her after school training and buying groceries for the diner. When she entered her home/restaurant, she was shocked to see Ryan in there, especially dressing in their work uniform. Turns out he's the one her father mentioned will be working with them, and he is none other than her classmate!

"Taurus-kun, so you're the one otou-san hired" Sakura said to Ryan while she smiled slightly.

"Ah, yeah, just made the connection when I came here as well, Yae" Ryan said to Sakura.

"Looking forward to work with you" Sakura said to Ryan as she walked past him.

"Same here" Ryan replied while he smiled.

"Sakura? That you? Hurry up and change, we have a lot to do today!" Takashi said to Sakura from the kitchen.

"Hai~" Sakura responded as she entered the kitchen to drop off the groceries.

Ryan watched as Sakura went up to the second floor, which is their home and she came back down wearing her work uniform. Now, Ryan finds how hard being a male waiter could be when most of the middle aged and old men around prefer having Sakura to take their orders and serve them. Horny bastards, but Ryan didn't say anything and chose to support Sakura by taking up the less pervy customers and cleaning the table when they are done. It was a long and busy night, but they managed to get the work done without any trouble whatsoever. Ryan found himself tired, more on the mental side instead of physical. This is the most intense interaction he has with society ever since he arrived on Soukai, exclusion zone tends to be less noisy and friendly. They are now closing up the shop and Ryan helped by mopping the floor, he thoroughly cleaned the area before he stored the cleaning supplies, changed his clothes and searched for Takashi. He found the man alongside his wife and Sakura in the kitchen, talking with each other after they are done cleaning the kitchen.

"Um? Yae-san?" Ryan called Takashi.

"""Hai?""" The three of them responded at the same time…Fuck, he forgot that he should've use first name.

"My bad. Takashi-san, I'm done with the cleaning. I will be going home now" Ryan said to Takashi.

"Ah, right. You're doing great today, Taurus-kun. I will be counting on you from here on out" Takashi said to him while he smiled.

"Eh? My trial period is over?" Ryan asked Takashi while he widened his eyes.

"Yup, we seen how you work. As far as I'm concerned, you did a good job. I feel you're a great addition to this dinner" Takashi said to him while he smiled.

"I-Is that so? Thank you, sir!" Ryan said to him while he smiled, can't believe it's going so smoothly!

"Ara, what a well mannered young man you are~" Takashi's wife and Sakura's mother commented while she smiled.

"Ahaha…" Ryan just chuckled in response.

"Mikan, don't tease him too much alright?" Takashi told to Mikan, his wife.

"Come on dear, you're saying it like I will do it relentlessly. Still, Taurus-kun, I couldn't help but notice how skinny you are! You got muscles, but almost no fat!" Mikan said to Ryan.

"Eh? You can tell?" Ryan is honestly impressed that she can figure that out just by seeing his arms.

"Oh it is as clear as a day! You haven't properly care for yourself, didn't you? You should eat more; you don't want to waste your last few years as a teenager" Mikan advised Ryan while she smiled slightly.

"Right, I might still want to grow taller hahah. I will be doing just that, Mikan-san" Ryan replied to her while he grinned.

"Oh yeah, we still have some leftovers, didn't we? There's always some every day. Why don't you take them back home, Taurus-kun? It's better than going to the trash can, and I'm sure your stomach could appreciate more food" Takashi said to Ryan.

"A-Are you sure? You already hired me; I consider that more than enough kindness already" Ryan said to Takashi while he smiled wryly.

"I'm sure! I want you to take them, I don't want the food that I've painstakingly cooked to just get wasted. Wait a bit, I'll prepare them for you" Takashi said to Ryan before he walked back to the kitchen counter.

"Now then, I'll go check up on Rin. It's nice to meet you, Taurus-kun" Mikan said to Ryan before she left the kitchen.

"Likewise, ma'am" Ryan answered while he smiled.

"…Taurus-kun, can you follow me for a bit?" Sakura asked Ryan.

"Sure" Ryan said to Sakura before he followed her.

Sakura led him to outside the building, she stretched a bit as she stared at the skyscrapers towering in the distance. Ryan noted that it's a bit chilly, even though winter has passed. What did Sakura want to talk with him, he wondered? Does she have business with him? They are practically strangers as of now, he doesn't know anything about Sakura other than she's a BFF with Kallen Kaslana, Kiana's cousin and they are glued to the hip at school. Wherever any of them goes, the other usually follows. Ryan never saw them going around by themselves, there's a joke somewhere about how historians will write them as really good friends…Hold up, are the both of them…No, he shouldn't assume things.

"Nee, Taurus-kun. I heard you were on the Southern Japan's exclusion zone for years, was that true?" Sakura begun by asking him that.

"Yeap. I was there for three years; I was there when the invasion happened" Ryan said to Sakura.

"…Sorry, I don't mean to bring up painful memories" Sakura said to Ryan as she turned towards him while she frowned.

"Honestly, I'm mostly numb to them at this point…I assume you want to know something?" Ryan asked her in turn.

"Yes…Where were you from, Taurus-kun?" Sakura asked him back.

"Kyoto, lived there since ten" Ryan answered her.

"Do you know about the Yae Village, they're quite near?" Sakura asked him further…and Ryan widened his eyes slightly.

"I've heard, but I never visit it…You were from there huh? And the name as well, you're the daughter of the village chief…" Ryan assumed as he folded his arms.

"…Our family was the founder of that village, and everything went up in flames when the Honkai invasion happened…It's quite fortunate that our family managed to escape with several people, not so much for the rest of the village…" Sakura revealed to Ryan.

"…Yeah, I know the feeling…" Ryan said to Sakura while he frowned.

"Why were you there for three years, Taurus-kun? The whole region is dangerous enough for A rank Valkyries and the military were putting extra effort just to keep them from spreading north" Sakura asked Ryan.

"…I forgot something" Ryan said to Sakura.

"…Did you manage to find it?" Sakura asked him further.

"No…All I found was a dead city and monsters roaming everywhere" Ryan told Sakura while he frowned.

"…Sorry to hear that…Turns out, we both suffered the same fate but both of us chose different paths…I chose to retreat alongside my family, you chose to dive deeper…I honestly can't tell whether you are brave or insane, Taurus-kun" Sakura noted as she leaned on the building's walls.

"I'll take that as a compliment…and both of us met here, being a classmate nonetheless and now I'm working for your family…Fate is really strange sometimes" Ryan said to Sakura.

"Truly…Well, let's do our best. As classmates and coworkers" Sakura said to Ryan while she smiled.

"Ditto on that" Ryan responded while he smiled as well.

Takashi called them in and handed Ryan the neatly packed leftovers for him to bring home, the package consisted of rice, beef curry and some tempura. Ryan thanked Takashi and bid him alongside Sakura a good night, then he walked back to his apartment. He can act all modest when he was offered, but as soon as he arrived on his apartment, the young man wasted no time to gorge the meal. He heartily wolfed the rice smeared with beef curry and chomped on the tempura, after intense workout during the day and long day at work during the afternoon, he really needs to eat something…Once he finished the food, Ryan leaned back on his seat and sighed…That was delicious, it really healed his battered soul and filled his empty stomach. It felt like he could do his absolute best tomorrow, which happens to be more intense physical training. After having a good meal like that, the young man found himself sleepy so he just untangled his clothes before he jumped right to his bed and dozed off to dreamland within minutes…

…Morning came and Ryan's phone beeped with the alarm he set to rang every day, he groaned as he opened his eyes and immediately noticed that he was so tired last night that he fell asleep like this…Is this going to be his daily routine from now on? Boy, he dreads it but at the same time he knows he has to do this if he wants to stay alive. Reluctantly, Ryan washed himself and put on his uniform once again. He smelled his clothes and noted that it's still good to be used, not like he sweated like a pig yesterday but he made a mental note to wash this set and use a spare one tomorrow. Ryan exited his apartment, locked the door and walked several steps before the door next to his is opened from within. Out from it? Is a beautiful girl with white hair tied in single braid, her blue eyes fell upon him and widened when she saw his face. Ryan himself widened his eyes as well, because he knows who she is and he did not expect her to live next to him!

"Kallen Kaslana? You're my neighbor?" Ryan asked Kallen while he smiled.

"And who knows you're my neighbor as well, Ryan Taurus. Why do I just notice this now?" Kallen asked him.

"Well, I just moved in recently…and didn't exactly do any neighbor greetings, can't afford gifts" Ryan said to Kallen while he grinned wryly.

"Oh, no wonder. I heard you work at Sakura's restaurant and that you live nearby, but I didn't expect it to be this nearby" Kallen commented.

"Did Sakura told you that?" Ryan asked Kallen.

"Yes, she did last night. Three classmates on close proximity are something I'm quite glad to find out, the more the merrier" Kallen said to Ryan while she smiled.

"Yeah, at least this way I have someone close to meet when I need some help with homework" Ryan told to Kallen while he grinned slightly.

"Ufufufu…Well, shall we go to school together?" Kallen giggled a bit before she offered to him.

"Let's go then. Is Sakura going to come with us?" Ryan asked Kallen as they started walking together.

"Definitely, she should be in front of our building" Kallen responded while she smiled.

True enough, Sakura is waiting for them near the entrance. The three of them bid good morning at one another and walked to the station, they took the train and walked to the school together while chatting along the way. When they entered the classroom, Ryan is immediately the center of attention for the boys. Not only he walked to school together with Sakura and Kallen, but Kiana seemed to befriend him quickly as she sat next to him to chat before the class begins. How is that disabled dude gets so many women befriending him in just three days?! Now Mei and Bronya start chatting with him as well because of Kiana! Some of the recruits have some problem with him showing off on the first day, now he's surrounded by girl as well. Many of them stared at him in envy, their dislike just got amplified when they saw Mei giggling at something he just said. Some of them start planning an elaborate 'prank' on him, some might even get a bit too rough during training or something.

"…I got chills" Ryan muttered to himself.

"Hm? What was that?" Kiana didn't catch his words.

"Ah nothing, just talking to myself" Ryan said to Kiana while he smiled.

…Victoria reviewed the recruits' profile and their performance for the first week, they managed to keep up with her training but something has happened. There seems to be apparent dislike to Ryan Taurus among some of the members, they masked their malice well but Victoria noticed it so easily. Like bumping shoulders at him at the pretense of not looking where they are going, stares full of dislike being directed at him when he's not looking and even downright not wanting to form a group with him in subtle manners. Fortunately, not everyone thought like that. Some like Han Muller seems to stay on amicable relationship with him, he didn't give Ryan any hard time. Another one like Gin Yamato doesn't really pick side, he could go along with Ryan and the other recruits just as well as one another. The three she just thought of are the candidates for platoon leader, to lead the Vikings of this batch. Gin has a quality of being a leader who's professional and doesn't let his feelings get in the way, Han has the diplomat approach of being able to connect with everyone and treat them as equal. As for Ryan himself, she considers him the bravest out of all of them and one of the most hardworking among the recruits, a leader who can't be shaken no matter the situation they face on the field.

"Alright, recruits. I have decided that you need a platoon leader, and I already have someone in mind. Ryan Taurus, you're going to be the platoon leader for this Vikings batch" Victoria said out loud during their assembly.

"Why him? Gin could do better" A recruit commented.

"Heck, Han would be a better choice compared to him" Another one voiced his opinion.

"Pfft, why the heck I would listen to that bastard?" Someone said out loud.

"Big showoff like him doesn't fit to be a leader, he'll be a glory hound" Someone voiced their concern.

"…Man, you guys got issues with me huh? I already suspect something's going on the last few days, but it's finally revealed. But why none of you confront me directly huh?" Ryan asked out loud as he turned toward the recruits.

"Because we're being civilized about-" Someone answered him.

"No, you are pussies, that's what. If you got a problem, say it to me directly" Ryan immediately retorted.

"What was that? I think I heard someone wanting to be beaten to a pulp here" One of the recruits said out loud.

"I was holding back because you're disabled, but keep this up and I'll make sure you lose another arm" One of them threatened.

Ryan noted their face as he smiled viciously, there's thirteen guys in total who are staring daggers at him. The young man prepared himself, a fight will breakout soon if Victoria don't say anything, and she doesn't seem to have any plan to do that. Ryan noted that Victoria doesn't even attempt to interfere, no, she's watching and analyzing what's going on in front of her. Ryan was about to say something before Victoria walked towards him, dragged him to where she stood before and stared at the recruits…This is natural, a group of men can't come together without a leader, and the most primal way to do that is by making sure the leader get respected through trial by combat. It'll only help for a bit if the leader has no other qualities, but Victoria believe that Ryan could fit in as one especially with this method. Show them that he's strong enough, that he's worthy of respect and the rest would fall in line to follow.

"If any of you got any problems with my choice, you are free to challenge Ryan Taurus here. If he beats you though, you'll have to suck it up and follow his lead. If he got beaten, then he deserves everything else coming his way. This will be straight unarmed combat, no weapons allowed or you'll be arrested on the spot. Do note that this is considered live fire exercise so some of you might die if you got careless, but there won't be any court case. I'll make sure to chalk this one up as training accident, so if any of you who disagrees actually got a pair of balls and not some pansies, step up. We're settling this today, for eternity" Victoria said out loud.

"D-Death?! Hold up! That's way out of line!" One of the recruits exclaimed.

"Exactly. And believe me, there will be no charges for whoever is the killer. Because training accidents and dropouts have been taken into consideration from early on…So, I order you who will fight, to fight like you mean it. Finish your opponent off, I don't want this kind of bullshit to happen from today onwards" Victoria revealed to the recruits.

"Isn't this a bit one sided ma'am? What do I win?" Ryan asked Victoria while he smiled.

"Win this and you'll get a free lunch privilege ticket on the canteen for any meal, it's in effect for three years. Oh, and bragging rights, of course" Victoria said to Ryan while she smirked.

"Well then, I think I need to try hard this for a bit" Ryan commented while he grinned.

"Those who doesn't want to get involved or value your life too much, follow me" Victoria said to the recruits.

"Oh boy, put on a good show! Told you guys that it'll come to this!" Han said out loud as he walked away.

"I'm too old for this childish nonsense" Gin commented as he walked alongside Han.

"Dude, this ain't good" Someone commented.

"There's more than ten of us, don't be a pussy. We'll be fine as long as we got Nao alongside us" The other one responded.

"Oi Taurus! You can back out of this if you grovel and admit you're just some hotshot wannabe!" One of them said out loud.

"…I see, you're the one behind all of this. Nao Hoshijiro" Ryan noted as he stared at one of the recruits, a buffed teen with red hair.

"I just rallied the others with me, we're all sick of you! The only reason you're not getting beaten up yet is because you're technically a disabled fuck! Yet you're sauntering around in class with the girls, and you're being a show off who doesn't know his place! No one likes you; we'll be doing you and the rest of us a favor for dropping you off this program. We'll break your other hand so you-" Nao said out loud.

"Blah blah blah, fuck! Your high tone of voice is really grating my ears. How much estrogen did you took this morning huh? I almost mistaken you for a woman, especially with that girlish yapping" Ryan casually rebuffed him as he scratched his head.

"What?!" Nao asked out loud with widened eyes.

"You're deaf too? Holy shit man, you really got it rough! Or is your IQ at room temperature that my words do not register inside that microscopic brain of yours?" Ryan asked Nao while he shrugged.

"Wha-, YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH ALL THAT!" Nao roared as veins surfaced on his angry face.

"I will and you will learn why you shouldn't insult someone's mother. Unlike the internet, you can get punched for real" Ryan said to Nao while he smirked.

"We got you surrounded with no way out!" One of them said out loud.

"The only thing surrounding me are future cripples or corpses, pray to whatever god you believe because my fists have gacha rates for that" Ryan boasted out loud while he smirked.

"I've had enough with his bullshit! Let's go get him!" One of them said out loud.

Half of them charged toward Ryan who just set his stance as he controlled his breathing, then he opened his eyes and stared at the approaching recruits. It's his little ritual before a fight, a way for him to condition himself, to transform from a nice and chill man with a speck of tease and humor, into a merciless apex predator who has fought man and beast alike. One of the recruits launched a jumping punch at him, Ryan easily dodged it by moving tilting his head before launching an uppercut with his right arm. The punch sent the recruit backwards and he fell to the floor, with a broken jaw, scattered teeth and bloody mouth. Everyone stopped moving to stare at him, the poor recruit writhed on the ground in agony as he screamed in pain. Ryan did not waste any time because he sprinted and launched a thrust kick directly at one of them in the face, breaking his nose and sending him back on a backflip. The recruits are taken aback as they realized that Ryan isn't just fighting them, he's actively trying to kill them!

Some stepped back from him in both shock and fear, but few, especially those that survived the exclusion zone, kept charging at Ryan who didn't hesitate to engage them like a real hostile. The man sent a fully charged right haymaker toward one of the approaching recruits, the impact caused by his prosthetic to the head is enough to give the poor young man a heavy concussion as he just fell to the floor unmoving. Another recruit thrown a combo of two jabs and two hooks toward Ryan's face, he nimbly tilted his head before he dashed backward to avoid a kick from his right flank. Now he noticed that he's surrounded by four people, and they charged at him all at once. Ryan saw that the one on his front is faster than the others, so he dashed forward before ducking to dodge a left hook. Then, he launched a gut punch with his left hand before continuing with a right uppercut which sent his opponent rearing backwards. The three others jumped at him, Ryan decided to immediately eliminate one by launching a sweep kick toward him before he got grabbed by one and got punched in the face by the other.

"Impressive!" Ryan sarcastically scoffed as he felt the sting, but it was nothing compared to losing his right arm.

The teen that punched him widened his eyes before he launched another hook, that caused Ryan's head to reared to the side. Before another hook could land though, he raised his right leg and brought it downward for an axe kick and sending the recruit in front of him straight to the floor from the sheer force. The one who restrained Ryan started choking him from behind, but the young man is ready to counter by grabbing his attacker's legs and launched himself backwards. Both of them fell, Ryan's weight knocked the wind out of the recruit. Ryan got up, grabbed the recruit's left leg and punched him in the knee, bending it the wrong way and causing pain so great the recruit screamed loudly. They didn't know because they never touched it, but Ryan's prosthetic is made of dense steel. It is a model used by UNAF for their soldiers who wants to keep fighting but losing an arm, it is built to last and deliver heavy damage if used to attack.

"Seven down, six to go. By the way, it seems you haven't moved at all, Hoshijiro. You're letting everyone go first, so you can soften me up and deliver the finishing blow? Or you're just that much of a coward to get in real fight?" Ryan taunted out loud as he cracked his fingers.

"D-Dude! You're the skilled one in hand to hand, go and face him!" One of the recruits said to Nao.

"Y-Yeah! T-Those six are no match, but you could!" Another recruit said to Nao.

"Pffh! Fine! I was letting them to get the first hit, but turns out all of you can't even fight to save your life! Step aside, let me show you how a real man fight!" Nao boasted as he cracked his neck and fingers.

"Real man? Don't kid yourself, you don't even have the guts to charge first" Ryan commented while he folded his arms.

"Hmph! Talk all you want; you won't be able to beat me even if you try your hardest! I'm a black belt in karate, you're playing where I have the home field advantage!" Nao snorted then revealed his prowess.

"That's it? Black belt in karate? Why don't I show you that black belt in martial arts doesn't mean shit in real combat, hmm?" Ryan said to Nao as he set his fighting stance.

"Don't fuck with me! You're dead man!" Nao said to Ryan while he scowled.

The buffed teen quickly approached Ryan and sent a kick, but instead of retaliating, Ryan just dodged the kick by stepping back and kept his distance. Nao gritted his teeth as he sent a karate chop toward Ryan who nimbly tilted his head back and avoided taking any damage, he then sent a thrust kick at Ryan who also dodged it by sidestepping to the left. Nao got increasingly frustrated and pissed, why can't his attack land?! He roared as he lunged at Ryan for a grab, but Ryan just ducked and causing Nao to miss, tripped and fell to the floor. The audience cringed and are on edge, why is Ryan not attacking or even countering? Does he want to win this? What is he getting at here? Nao gritted his teeth, punched the floor, and stood up before roaring as he launched a barrage of hooks at Ryan who confidently avoiding his opponents' fists as he walked back. It continued for ten seconds, before Nao raged that he hasn't land a single hit.

"FIGHT BACK YOU COWARD!" Nao roared as he threw a left karate jab.

"Aww, you really want that fight like in shounen manga huh?" Ryan questioned Nao as he kept dodging.

"FIGHT ME LIKE A REAL MAN!" Nao roared further as he sent feet sweep.

"Define real man?" Ryan asked him as he jumped back.

"RAAAGGGGHHHH!" Nao charged before jumping and sending a flying kick.

"Nice, even Elden Ring Margrit is harder to fight compared to you" Ryan commented as he ducked and avoided the kick.

"COME ON! FIGHT ME!" Nao demanded loudly as he rose and set his stance.

"Really? You want me to fight you for real? Alright then, do you believe in God?" Ryan asked Nao.

"ENOUGH! SHUT UP AND FIGHT ME!" Nao doesn't listen as he balled his fists.

"If you don't plan to quit this, I'll give you three seconds to pray. Because I guarantee that you'll get to visit them" Ryan said to Nao, humor is nonexistent in his tone.

Exactly three seconds later, Ryan dashed forward and closed in on Nao within seconds. Nao gritted his teeth as he delivered a lunge punch toward Ryan, however, the punch barely missed Ryan's head as his right fist grazed his right ear. Ryan's right arm is in position and it blitzed forward in full force, delivering a savage jab straight at Nao's throat. The punch dislocating and collapsing his windpipe before sending the big young man backwards from the sheer force, Ryan stood and watched as Nao writhed on the ground while clutching his neck because he couldn't breathe. Nao eyes widened in disbelieve, shock and confusion at the same time as he stared at Ryan's cold and lightless red eyes. The recruits were shocked from the move, someone is about to die for real! Some of them is about to move to help before they stopped, because Victoria casually walked toward the collapsed Nao to see his condition. His face slowly going blue from asphyxiation and he reached his hand toward Victoria, as if to beg for help.

"Well, he's beyond saving" Victoria coldly remarked as she stared at Nao.

"H-How could you just stay still while someone is dying?! Call a medic!" Someone said out loud.

"I've called the medic ahead. But I should tell them they have a corpse coming in for the morgue" Victoria said to that someone.

"You heartless bitch! H-He wasn't doing anything wrong!" One of the recruits said out loud.

"Is he? Still, that is just how the world works. Whether you a good person or a bad one, you can die quite easily and with various ways. Nao Hoshijiro here learned that disliking someone and openly challenging them while thinking you're the superior one, could really end badly for him because he doesn't even know what his opponent are capable of. It's quite unfortunate that he won't be able to apply that lesson, because his overconfidence in his ability caused him to lose his life" Victoria said out loud.

"The court will hear about this!" One of the recruits exclaimed.

"They will, but there would never be any case. Did you boys really read the fine print of your contract when you agree to be in this experimental unit program? Let me remind you. Loss of life or bodily parts, are an occurrence you have to mind when you about to join. Schicksal will not be held responsible, since the recruits that signed the contract, is considered willing to lose their life should they are beyond saving. For Ryan Taurus case here, he kills in self defense in a live combat exercise due to some recruits attempt to intimidate and harm him" Victoria explained to the recruits.

"A fight instigated by you! You allow this to happen!" Other recruits accused loudly.

"Yes, I gave you the occasion to settle the matter within this new unit. But remember my words, and remember the fact that the others attacked Ryan Taurus first so my argument still stand…Your training will involve live combat and some of you might die, this occurrence might be the usual norm half a year from now on. So if any of you don't have the stomach for it, I suggest you drop out from this program immediately. I have no need for recruits who think they're going to enjoy a walk in the park to become Vikings, who joined just because they can form harem in this former all girls' school. And believe me when I say this…Schicksal, do not actually care, about how many of you will be left for graduation three years from now on. As far as they are concerned, the experiment has started ever since you walked in here a week ago" Victoria further explained to the recruits.

"…Fuck this!" One of the recruits said out loud as he walked away.

"I'm not going to continue training alongside murderer like him" Another recruit said out loud.

"Hey, that's almost half of us, buddy. Unlike you, we have at least killed one person during our time in exclusion zone" Han commented while he frowned.

"I-I don't mean…" The recruit attempted to take his words back.

"Being a Viking would mean being a murderer anyway. This isn't for you, better leave before you can't" Gin said to the recruit while he folded his arms.

"Any of you who will drop out are free to transfer to public school around Soukai and will be arranged immediately tomorrow morning. If any of you tries to twist anything that happens today, just know that this whole thing is recorded for the archive. You can demonize me all you want for this decision, and you can believe that what I did was wrong. But do not make shit up" Victoria announced loudly.

During the fight, Victoria was already taking precautions. Like notifying the medics for incoming wounded or dead recruits, notifying Theresa regarding the situation which really upsets her but understand that this will only happen this one time to weed out the weak ones and recording the whole event from the start with a small drone flying overhead. Still, Theresa will definitely chew her out for this, for not finding another solution. But Victoria knows that any peaceful resolution attempt will fly over their head, the resentment and judgement will remain between the recruits so she wants to end it before it can get out of hand. And Theresa did chew her out in her office, but Victoria argued that when she was hired, she was told to not hold back in the slightest when it comes to instilling integrity within the unit. She argued further that no matter what peaceful route she took, they would still resent and possibly backstab Ryan Taurus as a leader. That was why she told them to fight it out, to see why she chose him as their leader.

As expected, the incident really caused a fallout. It was a hot topic around the academy, that there's an accident that resulted in the death of one recruit and twelve others dropping out from the program on the combat division. The news tried to cover it, but they couldn't get anything useful even from the former members who witnessed the event. They have sworn to silence regarding the event, none of them are willing to talk to the media. The incident also reached the Valkyries on their class, but something unexpected happened, none of them are afraid or try to lecture Ryan about it. For they have also killed people, in self defense or mission parameter so calling him a murderer is quite a hypocritical action. Still, they do wary whether he really did that as self defense or that he's a real psychopath. Quite fortunate for Ryan, he did show that he's just a good young man who can kill, not an outright madman. That, and he did state that he won't be doing that anymore, he believes it gets the message across.

While he didn't get exiled for his action, Ryan felt that he will have absolutely hard time in making friends. Majority of the Vikings became somewhat afraid of him, with the exception of some of the recruits. Most of the Valkyries didn't really mind him much, but they rather keep their distance in the meantime. And that's how he ended up on the rooftop of combat division building, eating the first of five burger that he gained by using the privilege given to him by Victoria. Ryan ate the burger with a big smile on his face, that before he looked at the sky as his face turned somber. He could eat whatever lunch he wants from now on, that is a big win in his mind…but at what cost?

"Oi, Taurus" Ryan heard someone called his name, he turned to the side and saw Kallen approaching him.

"Oh, hi. You need me for something?" Ryan asked Kallen before he munched his chicken burger.

"…Is killing him the only way?" Kallen asked him while she folded her arms.

"…Oh, you want to talk about that" Ryan commented before he swallowed and chomped his burger further.

"Yes. I know that he threatened you, and even starting a move that would get you bullied by some of the Vikings. But do you really have to go that far? That's kind of disproportionate retribution" Kallen asked him further.

"…In some way, it is justified. You weren't there, you don't see how serious he was in trying to fight me. If I don't defend myself, I'll die instead of him…But let's do an imagining, what would happen if I let him live? His massive ego wouldn't be able to take it, he will plot a revenge against me and this time it could seriously injure or kill me. It could come in many forms, whether training or even off school beatdown. Even better, let's imagine that I forgive his actions. He wouldn't want it and will call me patronizing bastard, then in some way or another, he'll find a way to get me killed. See what I mean? This only happened because he's the one who instigate things, due to his ego and jealousy. If he's a good man, he wouldn't even want to rally the recruits to side with him just so they can spite me…In my point of view, I did nothing wrong. I did everyone a favor because after I was dealt with? They'll go after someone else. It could be Han Muller or Gin Yamato, but someone will be their target after me" Ryan explained to Kallen on why he did what he did.

"You're assuming things, Taurus" Kallen said to Ryan while she frowned.

"But am I wrong?" Ryan asked Kallen as he unwrapped his second chicken burger.

"You could be, you didn't even know him for more than a week" Kallen said to him while she frowned.

"Yeah, you're right. But it doesn't take me a week to see him for who he really is, sometimes people just make it so blatant that only a complete dumbass won't see it…Do you know why I could sit here enjoying burgers, ice cold soda, with soft blowing winds on this rooftop today? Because I assumed things…A deal going bad, bandit ambush, gut feelings during travel…I survived because I always assume bad things could happen at any given moment, and that I simply took action when I sensed that feeling" Ryan explained to Kallen while he frowned.

"…Hah…You still don't have to kill him. This isn't the exclusion zone, not everyone in this city are people who're going to mug you at the slightest chance" Kallen sighed before she told him.

"Wanna bet on it?" Ryan asked Kallen while he smirked.

"…No, but still, try not to do something like this in the future. The Vikings could run out of recruits" Kallen said to Ryan while she smiled bitterly.

"Have told everyone already that I won't…Well, I won't be making many friends, that's for sure" Ryan idly commented while he cringed.

"Who knows, we're in the combat division aren't exactly normal people" Kallen said to Ryan as she sat next to him on the bench.

"Well when you put it like that…Then, want to become one for me, neighbor?" Ryan asked Kallen as he offered her a wrapped beef burger.

"Really? Is this how you befriend someone? Bribing them with food?" Kallen asked Ryan while she smiled.

"It works for the zone's survivor" Ryan reasoned with Kallen while he grinned slightly.

"Haha…Well, I don't see why we can't become one" Kallen said to Ryan as she took the burger.

Both eat in relative silence as they stared at the vast blue sky above them…When she saw him, Kallen wanted to get verification regarding the story going around since yesterday, and she honestly can't blame him. She won't play blame game on him, he has his own circumstances and while Kallen believe that justice should be delivered as fair as possible, she's not averse to killing as a way to deliver justice package. She's a Valkyrie, she knows the stake out there and she has killed someone before so calling him murderer will leave a distaste in her mouth. And hearing the story going around, it's clear that Nao Hoshijiro isn't exactly a nice boy. Shame that someone has to lost their life even though they weren't the nicest, but it already happened so there's nothing they can do about it. They could hear footsteps approaching the rooftop before it's opened, and Kiana Kaslana popped out while carrying her lunch box. Behind her, Mei and Bronya followed along with their own lunchboxes.

"There you are! I've been looking for you!" Kiana said to Ryan as she pointed her finger at him.

"I ain't doing shit officer! Believe me!" Ryan playfully responded.

"You're under arrest for ignoring my DMs! We're having lunch here and you're not allowed to leave before we finish!" Kiana said to Ryan while she pouted.

"…Welp, guess I'll be here a while" Ryan said to Kiana while he shrugged.

"Taurus-kun, what is that?" Mei asked Ryan while she smiled.

"Oh, burgers" Ryan answered as he showed Mei the content of the paper bag.

"You bought three? Ara, you must be hungry" Mei commented as she stared at the two neatly packed burgers.

"Uh, five actually…" Ryan corrected her while he grinned wryly.

"…You're really abusing that privilege" "Taurus must be starving" Kiana and Bronya commented.

"You're right on both accounts" Ryan shamelessly admitted while he grinned.

"What did you make today, Mei?" Kallen asked Mei.

"Oh, nothing special. Just your usual bento" Mei said to Kallen as she sat and opened her lunch box.

The moment she opened the box, the aroma assaulted everyone's nose and Ryan stared at Mei's lunchbox while he gulped. Yes, Mei was right that it's nothing special, appearance wise! The smell is another thing entirely and possibly the taste! Kiana and Kallen both begged Mei for a bite while Bronya just quietly munched on her lunch, what a lively group of young ladies they are…Ryan munched on his burger before he reached for his soda, but the large cup isn't there as it's currently being held by Kiana who chugged it without hesitation. Ryan stared at her with half closed eyes, this girl is quite shameless…But honestly, it's refreshing to have a friend like her. He doesn't really have female friends back then during middle school, having some now is quite refreshing…What? Why is he not a bumbling mess around girls? His balls are too solid to act like that…figuratively, of course.

"…Kiana, that's an indirect kiss you know?" Ryan decided to tease her.

PRFFFFFTTTTTTTT!

"Uhuk! Uhuk! Ryan you bastard! Uhuk! Uhuk!" Kiana cursed amidst her coughing.

"Oh dear! Calm down!" Mei shifted toward Kiana and rubbed her back.

"Bahahah! You really don't think things through, Kiana!" Kallen laughed before commenting.

"Ryan Taurus is a prankster, noted" Bronya commented before she put a rolled egg inside her mouth.

"On occasion" Ryan said to Bronya while he grinned.

"Oh, there you guys are" Suddenly, Fu Hua and Sakura appeared on the rooftop by going through the rooftop access.

"You're late, Fu Hua, Sakura" Kallen said to both of them.

"Sorry, Himeko need us for something else" Fu Hua said to Kallen.

"Quite a crowd we got here, anything going on?" Ryan asked Kallen.

"Nothing, just lunch together with friends. It was a coincidence that you're here, right at the spot where we decided to meet up" Kallen said to Ryan while she smiled.

"Really? Talk about astronomically low chance. I'll get out of the way so you girls can enjoy your lunch" Ryan told Kallen while he smiled a bit.

"What for? Just stay, you are our classmate after all" Fu Hua said to Ryan.

"That's right! Why are you so quick to bail out, you don't want to hang out with me?" Kiana asked Ryan as she pouted at him.

"No, guess you're right. Don't mind me if I can't join in your conversation though" Ryan said to Kiana while he shrugged.

"Fufufu, don't worry Taurus-kun, I'm sure you'll fit in" Sakura assured him.

"I'm not so sure, but alright" Ryan responded to Sakura.

"What do you think girls talk about when they gather?" Kallen asked Ryan while she smiled.

"Boys, cosmetics, fashion and social media?" Ryan answered Kallen with half closed eyes.

"…You're not wrong, but that's not the entirety of it" Kallen replied with half closed eyes.

"Do enlighten me on the other things" Ryan said to Kallen.

"Training" Fu Hua said out loud.

"Mission" Kallen answered Ryan.

"Games" Bronya said to Ryan.

"…You know what, I could do with games. Tell me Zaychik, what kind of games do you play?" Ryan asked Bronya while he smiled.

"You name it, I've played it" Bronya told Ryan before she munched on her lunch.

"Perfect, I happen to be in need of gaming buddy" Ryan said to Bronya while he grinned.

.

Without realizing…A month passed by; the remaining twenty Viking recruits successfully passed through Victoria's intense physical training, they are determined enough to stay and know the risk. Thanks to the physical training, their body has been molded. Those who got more fat have slimed down, those who were skinny get toned up as their muscles being more prominent. Their physical training won't ever end, but the intensity will lessen slightly in the form of new training regimen. Combat training, and Victoria isn't holding back in the slightest with her teachings. She started the first day of the new training regimen with hand to hand combat, she taught them moves and techniques to use in case they ever have to face opponents on point blank range. As expected, almost everyone aced the session since they are no stranger to a fight. Some did struggle a bit at the start, but even they are no slouch at learning them by repeating the motions over and over again. The second day, she taught them how to fire their gun and this week, it's for pistols. Victoria taught them that pistols are a backup weapon, you are essentially fucked if you are caught in open combat only with this firearm. But with the advancement of technology and fighting style, even pistols are very useful as primary weapon, especially if one knows how to use the Gun Katas. Valkyries who use guns are quite proficient with this, example being the Kaslanas whose fighting with dual handguns and unarmed melee strikes.

Third day, she taught them squad tactics on how to move in formation, how to clear a room and how to assess the terrain to move between cover to cover. They are Vikings that will be equipped with armor supplemented with energy shielding in the future, but taking no hits is supremely better compared to tanking damage. And, there will be time when they won't be able to fight using their armor. Victoria conducted this training with live fire using rubber rounds, she needs the Vikings to be wary of bullets but not downright afraid of one so she conditioned them from early on to get used to firearm roars. Majority who've been on the exclusion zone are no strangers to the sound, they are more in control and steadfast compared to the recruits who haven't been to one. Fourth day is the explosive handling, a session for Vikings to get acquainted with the primary advancement of civilization. Victoria lectured them on explosive type, composition and their uses on the field. She even taught them on how to make makeshift explosives from various household ingredients and items. She taught them the use and the danger of bombs, and she even held demonstration for their uses on a secure part of the training hall where they won't disturb the rest of the school.

Day five, and it's time for survival training. Majority of the zone's survivors are no stranger to surviving in a war torn city or nature, but some don't so Victoria include them all so they can learn from each other. Victoria not only lectured them about food one can scrounge up in the wild and tell which one is poisonous or not, she taught them on how to craft primitive tools that will definitely help them when they are stranded without anything on their hands. This is a lesson held on the mountain forested area owned by Schicksal, she gave them live demo on how to shape rocks, to make natural ropes, make primitive knife, hammer, shovel, hand axe, fishing rod, start fire and make shelter. Day six is their lesson on stealth, camouflage and SERE Training. SERE stands for Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape, there might be an occasion where they could be captured or stranded so this training is paramount to their survival. For survival part, she taught them first aid for any kinds of wounds. Victoria told the Vikings regarding security systems and the equipment they used. CCTVs, infrared, night vision, hacking and many more stuff. She taught them how to move stealthily, how to hide themselves using shadows alongside terrain, how to jailbreak, pick locks, how free themselves from handcuffs and avoiding recapture attempts. They'll be going over that every week from that day.

Day seven is their time for vehicular handling, they will be training to operate various vehicles ranging from simple motorcycle all the way to a ship. They need to know how to handle various vehicles and at least being decent at commandeering them. They are taught using the universal vehicle simulator in Full Dive Virtual Reality, that way they can go ham or even fuck up as much as they want without causing real accidents. They are being taught like this until they are familiar with the controls so they can translate the skill effectively to the real world, the program they're using has one of the most realistic graphic and physics so it will feel authentic. The recruits considered this to be one of the fun lessons, it's like playing a simulator game. Victoria even let them mess around once their session is done for the day, they are free to test the vehicles available on the database. Some immediately boarded tanks, some on fighter jets and some even on mechs. They even started fighting each other on some kind of battle royale using vehicles, where they fire and ram at each other just for the giggles.

"…What the hell is even this…" Himeko commented with half closed eyes.

However, thanks to that amount of nonstop training coupled with their physical exercise, the boys do not have any stamina to spare for classroom. Almost everyone currently faceplanting to the table in various positions, but their eyes are closed and some snored as they fell in deep sleep. Himeko felt like popping a vein somewhat, but she did not wake them up because she saw their training. In a sense, their training is a lot more intense than the Valkyries. She totally understands that they are running on fumes during classroom session, while her lecture might not be heard by them and she's fine with it, she will not let them go from homework. Perhaps this could be a good reason to let them socialize with the Valkyries more, by having them tutor some of the Vikings. She could only benefit more if they could get along with one another…Himeko continued the lecture as she wrote on the chalkboard, the Valkyries and remaining Vikings paid attention to the lectures, with the exception of Ryan and Han who sat near the window.

"…Ugh, damn I hate math" Han commented in low tone with bored face.

"Yeah, I mean, what is this sin cos tan bullshit? I'm trying to be a Viking here, not a rocket scientist" Ryan responded in low tone.

"They said we still need to be able to compete with the regular division, doesn't that mean we just have more to do compared to them?" Han questioned openly in low tone.

"They want a warrior who isn't a dumbass? This isn't how it supposed to go" Ryan commented in low tone.

"Yeah, teach us how to do taxes, how to run society instead of this nonsense I'm not going to use the second I'm away from math class" Han commented in low tone while he leaned on his hand.

"…Well, we live in society" Ryan said to Han in low tone.

"Too right…Anyway Ryan, you busy today? Gonna work again?" Han asked Ryan in low tone.

"Nah, been cutting my shift a bit with the training being this tough. I'm quite fortunate my boss understands" Ryan said to Han in low tone.

"Oh, then come with me for a bit after school. You're going to love this" Han said to Ryan in low tone while he grinned.

"Really?" Ryan asked Han in low tone as he's unconvinced.

"Really. Trust me on this" Han said to Ryan in low tone while he grinned.

Although not entirely convinced, he did choose to follow Han when school was over for the day. Both of them walked upstairs and to the rooftop access, they entered the rooftop and Han lead Ryan to the spot behind the access. From their spot, is a direct view to St. Freya swimming pool and they are currently crowded with the swimming club. Ryan stared at Han who stared at him while he grinned, he should've known that this is what's going to happen. Wordlessly, Han offered Ryan a small concealable monocular. The young man stared at Han with half closed eyes before he took it, stared through the device and zooming in toward the view on the pool. The swimming club is majority consisted of regular division students, all of them currently wearing the academy's school swimsuit. There're some boys in there, some of them took the activity seriously while the others are pretty blatant in their reason for joining. Regardless, Ryan focused on the girls instead. His gaze fell upon the girls who has big breast, curvy body, shapely ass and he gulped as he liked what he's seeing.

"Heheh! I'm lucky enough to find this spot yesterday" Han commented as he peeped on them while he grinned.

"This is your past time hobby huh?" Ryan asked Han while still looking through the monocular.

"You're not wrong, but not exactly right either. I mean, what kind of man I would be for passing up this chance? Figured I'll let you in as well" Han said to Ryan.

"Why me?" Ryan asked Han further.

"Huh? Why? Aren't we friends?" Han asked Ryan in return.

"Don't remember you declaring one to me" Ryan said to Han as he focused on a particular blonde girl with sizeable chest and plump ass.

"Ouch, that's cold. Do we need to declare everything? Come on, we sat next to each other most of the time and even ate lunch together when you're not busy with your harem" Han said to Ryan while he glanced towards him.

"…Eh, you're right about the declaration part…Still, befriending me? I thought you guys are afraid of me" Ryan asked Han as he shifted his gaze to a doll like loli shaped girl sitting by the pool.

"Some did, based on what I can gather. Me? Nein mein freunde. Even in my eyes, you're not wrong back there even though your actions did cause them to be like that. It's their fault for being openly jealous, unlike me" Han said to Ryan.

"Wait, you actually did?" Ryan asked Han as he stopped peeping and turned his head towards him.

"Huh? Of course I am! I want to be surrounded by girls too you know? How the hell you manage to do that so naturally?! But unlike them, I know that I could always bide my time, to get to know the girls in our class better. You're already friends with Kiana from day one in this academy, no wonder she would also introduce you to her friend group. Those guys lack patience and effort, their petty jealousy get the best of them instead" Han explained to Ryan on his side of the story.

"And despite me killing one of them, you still come to befriend me" Ryan noted as he leaned on the wall.

"You and I aren't that much different from one another, I've killed people as well, some being more innocent than the others so I can survive…Europe suffered its own Honkai invasion a decade ago, and my hometown got invaded as recent as last year due to the growth of exclusion zone…Family made it out, but there aren't enough room in the transport. I rather they take my sister with them, she can at least get away from the hell that's about to start in my town" Han explained what happened to him on Europe.

"…How did you manage to get out?" Ryan asked Han.

"I scavenged for whatever resources I can get. Food, water, weapons…I moved from place to place, finding a way to get back to the civilization several hundred kilometers away. I can walk, but if I got caught in the open with the Honkai creatures? Yeah, I'm basically dead…Still, I found a bike and that's what I used to move from town to town. Finding fuel was a bitch though, everyone's hoarding the fuel cell so I got to make due with almost empty ones to make my trip. I was saved by Valkyries during an ambush, I won't be alive if not for them kicking the Honkai beasts collective asses so I can get away from the zombies…Phew…I always thought how lucky I was, when I remember that day" Han monologued to Ryan for a bit.

"You got it rough too huh…After all that, you think we're still normal dudes?" Ryan asked Han.

"Normal? I don't know man…But I'm fine with me being this way. I've known both sides of the world now, that should make me wise up a bit" Han answered him while he smiled.

"That's true, I suppose…We've had our circumstances, but we're here now struggling together" Ryan responded to Han.

"Ja…Victoria entrusted us with you, I hope you can live up to it" Han said to Ryan.

"To be honest, I have no desire to be a leader…But I won't back down, I can't, especially after what happened on our first week…Can I count on you along the way, Han?" Ryan asked Han while he smiled a bit.

"What, you want me to be vice commander?" Han asked Ryan as he stared at him.

"Yup" Ryan simply replied.

"…Why me though? Gin would be better, wouldn't he?" Han questioned Ryan.

"Gin Yamato is calm, cold and professional. He will make a great squad leader, but for everyone? I need someone that they could easily talk to in case they can't be straight with me. I need a vice commander who can relate with everyone else, you are the perfect candidate for that" Ryan explained to Han.

"…When you put it like that…I guess you're right, to some extent…Oh well, I don't mind taking up that mantle. Just don't abuse me too much" Han said to Ryan while he grinned.

"Fortunately, not my kink" Ryan responded while he smiled.

"Ha! Alright then, I'm quite hungry, want to stop by somewhere for food?" Han asked Ryan.

"Sure" Ryan responded.

Both of them left the rooftop, Han told Ryan to keep the monocular so he can come to that spot anytime he wants to. Both of them walked out of the academy and plan to eat in local KFC, Han is craving for some crispy fried chicken and frankly Ryan as well. There's one near the school so both of them chose to walk there, they two buys chat along the way concerning various topics. Training, the games they play and even commenting on some girls or woman they passed along the way. The KFC is just beside the park, however both Ryan and Han stopped walking when they glanced at the park. There on top of a tree, is Gin Yamato himself. The white haired young man is caressing a black cat as he sat on the branch. The view is so out of the left field that both Ryan and Han were speechless, Gin eventually noticed them staring at him and he sighed. He carefully held the cat before he jumped down with a front flip, he landed smoothly and walked toward them.

"…I did not expect you to do something like that, to be honest" Han said to Gin.

"This cat was stuck on top of the tree; I was just doing what I could to help her" Gin said to Han as he strokes the cat gently.

"Aww, never thought you're an animal lover" Ryan commented as he took a closer look at the black cat.

"I'm quite fond of cats, honestly speaking" Gin said to Ryan as he watched the young man petting the cat.

"That include cat girls?" Han asked Gin while he grinned.

"I have no comment on that matter" Gin dodged the question.

"Heh, we'll find out sooner or later…Anyway, we're about to grab a bite, want to join us?" Han offered to Gin.

"…Sure" Gin said to Han before he put the cat down.

The three of them walked into the KFC and want to put their order, however they are surprised that the employee waiting behind the counter is a very familiar looking girl. Kiana did not expect to get busted working part time on this establishment, sure she only works here twice a week and the pay is quite decent. But none of the first year Valkyries ever stopped by here so she can keep working in secret, not even Mei and Bronya know she's working here. But she lamented that the cats are out of the bag now, especially with three high profile Viking recruits finding her here with uniform on. When she thought about it further, there's no shame in getting caught working. It's just that Kiana considered this place as her place to get away from everything, from being a Valkyrie or student of St. Freya. Here, she's just Kiana Kaslana, a fast-food part-time employee. Her cheeks go red slightly when Ryan stared at her, the young man never saw her with another outfit than her academy uniform so she's quite refreshing to look at.

"U-Um, welcome guys. What would you like to order?" Kiana asked them while she put on a strained smile.

"Dang, it's refreshing to see you out of our uniform" Ryan commented while he grinned.

"Aww, thanks Ryan. You three want to order something?" Kiana replied while putting on strained smile.

"Yeah, how much for you, ma'am?" Han brazenly asked while he grinned.

BUAK!

"I'm sorry dear customer, this is a fast food establishment" Kiana replied while smiling menacingly after she launched a straight jab to Han's face.

"…Is that what you count as flirting?" Ryan asked Han with half closed eyes.

"I think you deserved that one" Gin commented as he stared at Han who's stuffing his bloody nose with his handkerchief.

"Sheesh, what gives?" Han asked Kiana while he frowned.

"If you don't know then allow me to punch you once more" Kiana said to Han with a murderous smile.

"I'll beat some sense into him later, okay? We're here for food. I would like triple chicken breast with big fries and large soda" Ryan said to Kiana as he got between her and Han while he smiled wryly.

"Hmm, I suppose a burger, medium fries and soda would do for me" Gin told Kiana his order.

"Got it…And you?" Kiana said to Ryan and Gin before she asked Han.

"Uh…Wing bucket and large soda, please" Han said to Kiana while he grinned and rubbed his nape.

"Got it, please wait a moment" Kiana said to them before she heads to retrieve their orders.

"…In case you still don't know, your wording makes it like you're bargaining with a whore" Ryan advised to Han.

"Eh? Wait what? I didn't mean it like that!" Han said to Ryan with widened eyes.

"Yeah, but your wording could be taken out of context. Maybe refrain from joking like that with the girls" Ryan said to Han, he's being serious about it that Han knows he's not taking any bullshit response.

"Okay, I won't. A punch is enough…Now that I think about it, yeah…I kind of run my mouth there, didn't i?" Han said to Ryan while he cringed.

"Truly. Perhaps you should think things through before you speak, I sensed you are…lacking in mannerism" Gin noted to Han.

"Have you always been like a pompous dirt bag?" Han asked Gin with half closed eyes.

"I don't understand what you are trying to imply here" Gin responded while he tilted his head.

"Maybe your speaking mannerism, they sound articulated and formal" Ryan told Gin.

"I have been raised like this, and I do not see a problem" Gin told Ryan and Han while he folded his arms.

"I could easily mistake you as a samurai in modern era" Han told Gin while he smiled slightly.

"Well, I do use katana as my weapon of choice" Gin said to Han.

"…Hey man, if you were me, what would you say in my place?" Han stared at Gin with half closed eyes before he asked Ryan.

"The meal I want to order?" Ryan answered as he rubbed his chin.

"Yeah yeah, quit yanking my chain. Come on, I want to know" Han said to Ryan while he grinned.

"Hmm…Nope, nothing comes to mind by using price as a base for flirting. I can make it corny enough by telling her that I want to purchase her warmest smile though…" Ryan said to Han while he shrugged.

"Corny enough, but I guess with a handsome face it won't be a problem huh?" Han commented while he folded his arms.

"…Here you go, that'll be 340 gold in total" Kiana said to them as she put their order on two trays.

"Han, thanks for paying for my meal" Ryan said to Han as he patted him in the shoulder.

"What the actual fuck man?! I'm a broke student, just like you!" Han responded with widened eyes.

"Kidding! Wire me your cash, I'll do the payment. Gin, you too" Ryan said to Han and Gin while he smiled.

They delivered the funds to Ryan who then paid for their meals electronically, Kiana confirmed their payment and sent Ryan his bill before watching them took up the seat by the corner…There's no other customer so she goes to the restroom for a bit to wash her face, she also overheard what Ryan was talking about with Han. Her warmest smile huh? Easier said than done. Every time she smiled at him; she couldn't help but to feel gnawing sadness welling up from within…Theresa told her everything she knew about Ryan Taurus; she told Kiana that Aurora went missing during the Southern Japan Honkai Invasion. The reason Ryan stayed back within the exclusion zone for three years, is because he's searching for clues of her whereabout or at least anything that could explain her disappearance. He didn't succeed, all he got was misery and suffering alongside losing his right lower arm. Theresa don't know why he has amnesia, and in order to find out, they need to find Aurora. In the meantime, Kiana vowed to herself that she'll be a great friend to him, they have finally been reunited through sheer coincidence…and she's not going to let this chance go to waste.

"Man! I love breast!" Ryan commented before he munched on his chicken.

"A man after my own heart, eh? You like em big?" Han responded while he grinned.

"Hell yeah I am" Ryan answered without hesitation.

"…The girls next to us are staring, they must have misunderstood you two" Gin told both of them as he glanced toward the four girls next to them.

"Ah don't worry, they know we're talking about chicken breast…How's your burger?" Ryan asked Gin.

"The burger is slightly larger than I anticipated" Gin commented as he inspected the wrapped food in front of him.

"Isn't that better?" Ryan asked Gin.

"I want to keep my calorie intake in mind" Gin said to Ryan.

"Sheesh dude, you're so stuck up! Just eat them all, enjoy food as much as you can. If you're worried about eating too much, then exercise more to burn those excessive fats! Simple! You would never appreciate the amount of food you can get until you starved!" Han said to Gin before he munched on his crispy chicken wings.

"Huh, you can say some meaningful things too" Ryan commented while he smiled.

"I might be a dumbass, but that doesn't mean I'm not smart" Han proclaimed while he grinned.

"…Isn't that literally contradictory?" Gin questioned Han.

"Agh, you get what I mean, right Ryan?" Han ruffled his own hair as he asked him.

"No, what the hell are you talking about?" Ryan asked Han while he cocked his eyebrows.

"You fucking troll, I know you know!" Han said to Ryan while he scowled.

"Hahahaha…Hah, well, vocabulary might not be your strong suit man" Ryan laughed a bit before he told Han.

"Whatever! Let's talk about Gin instead, I heard your father's a Schicksal Knight and your mother's a Valkyrie" Han not so subtly shifted the topic.

"That is true, both are master at kenjutsu. I have been trained by them from childhood, I was holding a katana as early as six" Gin revealed before he sipped his soda.

"Holy…Six? I was busy getting myself injured on my adventures at that age" Han said to Gin while he widened his eyes.

"Has training all you ever do as a child?" Ryan asked Gin.

"No, I do play with friends as well…But, the friends I have are the sons and daughters of wealthy and privileged family…I do not know how it feels to play around like a normal child from a common family" Gin admitted to both of them.

"Yet you can climb trees?" Ryan asked Gin again.

"It's a part of my training…When I'm with them, it's either tea party or musical play. Some of them did study swordsmanship, and I got to spar with them from time to time. But they never took it seriously, they only learned them because of their parent wanting them to" Gin said to Ryan.

"Huh. No wonder you're like this, dude. You only known so little things during your childhood, you're like a caged bird" Han commented before he finished his last piece of chicken wing.

"I admit the term is very adequate to describe my situation" Gin told Han while he closed his eyes.

"…You know what? Fuck it, we might be older now, but I'll show you an adventure! Come on you two, finish your meal! We got exploration in our hands!" Han exclaimed while he grinned.

"Where can you even find an area to explore around here anyway?" Ryan asked Han while he cocked his eyebrows.

"Hehe! Follow me and find out!" Han said to Ryan while he grinned.

Gin closed his eyes, he needs to get back to his training when he gets home so the conclusion is he supposed to head back home right away…But, he has to admit that he is quite curious on what kind of adventure Han has in mind. Now that he is away from his parents, it would be a shame not to take advantage of his newfound freedom…he better notify her though, Gin sent a message to someone named Ayane Koizumi and telling her that he will be going out for a while. Then, Gin packed up and followed Han alongside Ryan out of the KFC…They walked for a bit and Han lead them to the riverside, they dropped down to the river shore and then walked underneath the bridge where they could see some discarded stuff. Not far from those stuff, there are several homeless people living in makeshift tents. They stared at the three of them before they greeted Han like an old friend, this did puzzle Ryan and Gin for a bit. How did he know those people? Han told them on what they want to do and they told him about some stuff. Han nodded his head, thanked them and returned to both of his classmates.

"How did you know them?" Ryan asked Han.

"Oh, they were a big help when I first came here several months ago" Han said to Ryan.

"This is what you call adventure?" Gin asked Han while he folded his arms.

"No, the adventure is just getting started! Come on, we got a lot of ground to cover. Into the forest!" Han proclaimed while he grinned.

"I do not know where this is going" Gin openly questioned.

"Let's just follow him for now" Ryan said to Gin.

They continued walking toward the nearby forest, a small area around the neighborhood and remained relatively untouched by Soukai's expansion. They entered the woods, the two followed Han as he walked through the bushes and passed by trees. They jumped over ponds of water by using a thin yet strong bamboo to swing across, Han is quite an expert at it, Ryan passed too without a problem and Gin stumbled a bit as he landed on the other side. That's the first time he ever crossed a big pond of water like that. When Gin asked why they couldn't just skirt around the pond, Han told him to look around. Sure enough, the area around the pond is too dense to go through so they would've fell to the water regardless…They walked some more before they arrived at a particularly big Sakura tree in the middle of the forest, they walked towards it and Han started inspecting the area around the tree.

"How far did we get into this forest?" Gin openly questioned.

"Not too far, I still got some reception around here" Ryan said to Gin as he checked his phone.

"Han, I appreciate this little exploration. But why are we here?" Gin asked Han as he gazed at the Sakura tree.

"Just to suffer" Han quipped as he looked past a bush.

"Next thing you're going to say that every night you can feel your leg and arm" Ryan said to Han with cocked eyebrows.

"Heh…Still, to answer Gin's question, we are here on a treasure hunt!" Han said out loud while he grinned.

"What kind of treasure is it?" Ryan questioned Han.

"Something a man would find delightful, to say the least" Han said to Ryan while he smiled.

"…It's porn mag, isn't it?" Ryan guessed with half closed eyes.

"Boohoo! Quiet down on the main prize Ryan, you're ruining the surprise for Gin!" Han said to Ryan while he glared.

"We come all the way here just for porn? I feel like I just wasted my time" Gin commented as his shoulders sagged.

"I can just watch them on my phone, why go this far just for a porn mag?" Ryan asked Han.

"You two did not understand the appeal of working for your porn! These days people are so lazy, they could get what they want in a flick of a finger! Back then, our dads have to do all the sneaky shit for a glimpse of the good shit! They were playing Metal Gear and Tarkov in real life at the same time! Get the goods and get to the extraction point so they can read in peace! Relieving that moment is what will humble us, to appreciate this art form even more!" Han said out loud.

"I doubt my father do stuff like that" Gin said to Han while he folded his arms.

"Well, can't say about mine…But he does have a point" Ryan admitted while he shrugged.

"My man! I guarantee you; this is some of the vintage goodies! Now, if only they could be more specific regarding the location…" Han said to Ryan before he goes back to his search.

After searching around for a bit, they found something among the roots. It's a carefully hidden wooden box, they took it out and then Han produced a small key which he inserted into the keyhole. With a little twist and a clicking sound, the box is unlocked and Han opened it. The three of them widened their eyes, because there's a stack of magazines inside and the front cover of the uppermost one? Is an idol wearing very risqué swimsuit and posing seductively, they really hit the jackpot with this one. Han and Ryan whistled as they took one and started inspecting the content, both of them flipping the pages while commenting on the pictures. Gin stared at both of them before curiosity took over and he grabbed one as well, it's the cosplay edition and he found a picture of a girl dressing in Miko clothes as she is being tied up in compromising position. Gin took a good long look at the picture before he switched the page, and he found the same Miko currently sprawled on top of the futon with even less clothing…

"Ay, liking the cosplay man?" Han said to Gin while he nudged his left arm.

"Yes, admittedly, they invoke a side I didn't know I have" Gin commented as he kept reading.

"…You're into bondage now? Wow, guess what they said about quiet dudes are true huh" Han responded with widened eyes.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Gin asked Han as he cocked his eyebrows.

"Anyway, guess we can see the real stuff. Let's put it back for another time, we have accomplished the purpose of our adventure!" Han ignored Gin before commenting out loud while he grinned.

"I still can't believe we went this far just for porn magazine" Gin said out loud.

"What matters is the adventure we have along the way! Come on, do you feel it now? What it feels to trek through nature? Heading into the unknown in order to obtain treasure? This is what the boys on common household do when they play outside, you finally get a taste for it!" Han said to Gin while he smiled.

"…I suppose you are right…Thank you, Han" Gin said to Han while he smiled a bit.

"No problem! Anyway, it's gotten quite late. We should leave" Han said out loud while he smiled.

"Agreed, let's go back" Gin said to Han.

"…By the way, how did you manage to get the key and the location to this stash? Did you pay to them or what?" Ryan asked Han.

"Oh, it's my seventeenth birthday. I was promised this stash by them once my birthday comes; they did not disappoint that's for sure!" Han said to Ryan nonchalantly.

"O-Oh…Happy birthday" Ryan awkwardly said to Han, he did not expect that.

"…Happy birthday, Han…Should, should we get you something?" Gin asked Han.

"Nah, I got two new friends in this city! That's more than enough for my birthday!" Han said to them while he grinned.

"Friends huh…I suppose I can consider the two of you as such" Gin said out loud.

"Wunderbar! May our friendship blossoms like the Sakuras in this season!" Han said out loud as he put his arms around Ryan and Gin.

"You really could say meaningful things" Ryan commented while he smiled.

"Don't ruin the moment!" Han retorted while he scowled.

…Since that day, the three of them really becoming good friends with one another. Han is outgoing and very social, Gin is aloof but he's friendly in his own way, Ryan is somewhere in between who could alternate between serious and trolling. And a month after the debacle, a lot of the Vikings are starting to ease up with one another. They don't really fear Ryan as they used to, given that the man shown that if you treat him right, he'll treat you as equally right. After undergoing more training, Victoria noted that the Vikings are ready for their first field practical exam. They would be fighting against hologram enemies within Schicksal's controlled forest area, they essentially have to survive for six days in the woods while defending a position and running side missions that Victoria will assign them later. Having to survive in the nature while under constant siege and running around to complete their objective should test them to their limits. Victoria has talked with Himeko to let the Vikings participate in this exercise without being burdened too much by homework or class, Himeko frankly disagree because she can't really make an exception unless she wants to create social jealousy inside her class.

"No, unfortunately, if I let them get away with this, the Valkyries would want the same treatment. Like it or not, they will have to complete the assignment for the week as well" Himeko argued with Victoria.

"Hah, well, they won't have any time in the field with bullets and explosion harassing them. Could you at least push the deadline a bit for them?" Victoria lobbied for the Vikings.

"…Hmm, they do have to submit their assignment before Friday next week so as long as they submit them by then, I see no problems" Himeko said to Victoria.

"That should work, thanks Murata…That's the gist of it, boys. You will be going on a six day mission trip to the forested mountain north of Soukai, there I will be testing your true mettle as a warrior…For two months I have trained you, I'd like to see how far you've grown from the civilians who happens to be able to use guns, to a trained fighter who can fight as a unit. Your primary mission is to guard a specific area deep inside the mountain, you are to hold that area at all cost and losing it to the solid holographic enemies will grant the entire unit an instant failure mark for this exercise. Aside from that, you are to complete several other side objectives that I will assign to you once you are on the area of operation, you can choose not to complete this objective, but believe me when I say that completing them will really ease your life during the mission. The Valkyries will be involved in this mission as well, they'll be going in and out of the mission area for their own training. If you survive for six days without being 'taken out' by the hologram enemies, you have to extract in order to pass the exercise. Now, as long as one Viking manage to escape, the exercise is considered a success. However, your performance out there will definitely impact my personal grading for all of you, so take this seriously. More information will be briefed to you tomorrow morning…Any questions?" Victoria explained the exercise to the Vikings who gathered inside the training hall.

"Ma'am, are we free to choose our own kit before we go?" One of the recruits asked out loud.

"Yes James, in fact, I recommend you all to think carefully on what to bring out there. Because the opportunity to resupply would be rare, it would be wise for you to pack what is essential for your survival from the get go" Victoria said to James.

"Ma'am, what about emergencies? Like accidents or dire medical conditions?" Han asked Victoria.

"You'll be allowed to call in transports for them. This also works for those who got eliminated, they are not allowed to rejoin the exercise so they'll be evacuated out of the zone as well" Victoria said to Han.

"What are the conditions for being eliminated?" A recruit asked Victoria.

"Being totally knocked out from the enemy attack, if you got hit so badly you fell unconscious, you are eliminated. Otherwise, you are allowed to continue" Victoria explained to the recruit.

"Well, we're in for a hell of a ride" Han commented while he grinned.

"I'm glad you're so enthusiastic about this Han, I will make sure all of you suffer during the exercise" Victoria said to Han while she smirked.

"…Great going dude, we're dead men tomorrow!" One of the recruits sarcastically said to Han.

"Shut up!" Han retorted while he frowned.

"If there's no more questions, you're free to go home. Remember to gather here tomorrow at seven, do not be late. Dismissed" Victoria said to the Viking recruits.

"Ryan, I need you to stay for a bit" Himeko said to Ryan.

The young man cocked his eyebrows yet nodded his head regardless, the Vikings walked out of the hall before Himeko approached Ryan. Victoria sensed that this is something she might not want to get involved at, so she left the area as well. Himeko reached for something between her boobs and took out a data storage module, she then handed it to Ryan who cocked his eyebrows as he stared at the small storage that he just received…it's still warm from being squeezed between her breast…Ryan shook his head sideways slightly, he shouldn't be distracted by something like this. The young man took out his phone and connected to the storage wirelessly, he gained access to a file, a profile for Aurora Taurus/Zachary, his mother. Ryan widened his eyes as he noted that his mother once works for Schicksal on European branch, that before she quit and disappeared alongside him to stay in Japan. It happened eight years ago, when he was ten years old…The timing can't be a coincidence, he suffered amnesia when he was ten and forget about everything before then…Could it be his mother had a hand on it? But why? Why would she do that?

"…Mother worked for Schicksal in the past, she quitted eight years ago, at the same time I lost my memory…If she is the cause of me forgetting everything, why would she do that? Even if she wants a clean start in Japan, that is still too extreme" Ryan muttered as he read Aurora's profile.

"Theresa wants you to know after a brief background check to your family history, because she thinks you're still looking for her. Maybe something in those records could help you out in your search" Himeko said to Ryan.

"I don't know…According to the record, mother used to be a scientist on Schicksal lab for studying Honkai. She's a department lead, specializing in Honkai corruption which dedicated to study it further and possibly creates a serum to reverse or hold the Honkai from corrupting someone's body…This department is in charge to help Valkyries with their artificial stigmatas, possibly removing the life span shortening side effect and stopped them from becoming zombies if they got corrupted…She was working for a very important project, why did she quit?" Ryan shortly responded before he continued on while he read her profile further.

"If the research succeeded, that should allow the ordinary Valkyries who has no attunement to Honkai to live longer like they naturally should…She decided to quit, she must have a very good reason why. Schicksal lost her trail until you showed up, Ryan-kun. But since you don't know anything, even you became a cold trail for Schicksal" Himeko explained to Ryan.

"…That why they decided to ask about my mother when I was interrogated?" Ryan asked Himeko.

"I don't doubt that…Schicksal kept looking for her despite her quitting in relatively peaceful way, none of us knew why" Himeko said to Ryan.

"Why are you telling me this, teach? Whose side are you on?" Ryan asked Himeko as his eyes narrowed at her.

"I sided with my students and this academy. Theresa and I just want to help you out, Ryan. We have no deeper motive than that…Does this file help you remember anything?" Himeko asked Ryan.

"No…Mother works from home as far as I remember, she never told me about what she was working at. The day the invasion happened; she vanished without a trace from our home" Ryan said to Himeko.

"Hmm, I see…Ryan-kun, let me give you a warning. Schicksal has eyes and ears everywhere, you best not dwell about this matter to anyone. If you want to keep investigating, you should do it by yourself" Himeko advised Ryan with serious face.

"Right…Thank you for bringing her records to me, and please said my thanks to Theresa as well" Ryan said to Himeko.

"Will do. Take care" Himeko said to Ryan before she left.

…Ryan stared at Himeko's retreating figure, one would mistake him for staring at her ass that's shifting beautifully with every step she took, but the man's mind is somewhere else…He honestly did not expect for Theresa and Himeko to give him Aurora's profile, as far as everyone concerned, she's missing and all the trails are dead. Even him, who stayed by her side for five years after his amnesia, which she might have a hand on, doesn't have the slightest idea on what's going on. Ryan has his mother's hard drive wired on his PC, but so far there's nothing on it that shows her work or project. He managed to nab it from her computer when he returned to their apartment, three years after the invasion started…Regardless, Himeko and Theresa are involving themselves a bit too much. They have no reason to give him this, unless they have something personal to be gained. Do they work for Schicksal? What a stupid question, of course they are…Still, if they did have something to be gained from this, why did they not do their own investigation themselves? Handing Aurora's profile to him seems to indicate that they are leaving this entire matter on his hands…Judging from Himeko's words though, she wants him to find the truth himself, to not even trust her and Theresa while he does so.

"…This will have to wait; I got an entirely different problem to solve at the moment…" Ryan muttered to himself.

Namely, this exercise. Victoria gave them their objective and general mission direction, but she did not set any strategy or tactics to implement for them. Like it or not, Ryan as the unit commander has to come up with the strategy and tactics himself. He doesn't know the layout of the area of operation, he doesn't know how intense the enemy attack will be, they're going in blind and have to adapt on the spot. The 'survival' of his unit during the exercise rest on his hands, he has to come up with a general strategy for this scenario. He has decided regarding squad placement, and he just have to trust that the boys he chose to lead are capable of commanding the others to do their job. Ryan has a lot of responsibility in this exercise, he's been a solo survivor and fighter for a while so it's time to push out of his comfort zone to lead an entire unit. He hoped that the exercise will go well, otherwise the future of the unit might be bleak with them failing to meet up the expectations.

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Armory Section

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Model 16 B Version Pulse Assault Rifle

Role: General purpose service firearm

Manufacturer: Colt Company

Length: 1.2 Meters

Mass: 2.8 Kilograms

Cartridge: 5.45x35mm Caseless Cartridge

Action: Electronic firing

Rate of fire: 15 rounds/second

Firing mode: Semi, 3 round burst and fully automatic

Effective range: 340 Meters

Maximum range: 600 Meters

Feed system: 60 rounds box detachable magazine

The workhorse of United Nations Armed Force infantries and one of the most widely used weapon after the Second Honkai Impact. Due to the constant Honkai threat, soldiers around the world needs a weapon platform that are cheap to produce, reliable in any situation and able to spew large number of rounds downrange to stave off Honkai zombie horde. The answer came in the form of this weapon, which is so easy to produce that 3D printer alone would suffice to manufacture the easily assembled components with a specialized state of the art polymer that make up most of its components including the barrel. The use of caseless ammunition also decided to reduce the cost for bullets, and the problem of caseless rounds cooking off are mitigated by having the weapon firing electronically and using propellant with higher temperature ignition point. Due to the smaller yet equally powerful cartridges like in common rifles and its role as general purpose weapon, the standard magazine for the weapon is a sixty rounds detachable box magazine that provide the user with ample amount of firepower. This in combination with the weapon's light weight, high customizability and reliability in all terrain all situation, has allowed this weapon to be the primary weapon of choice for those who fights in the frontline.