Chapter Two: I'll Fight
SEE A/N BOTTOM OF PAGE
"Daily log, It's only been a few days since the presidents' disappearance - and the situation in Kivotos is steadily declining."
"Service is currently being flooded with hundreds of requests for help from multiple academies. Not enough resources and manpower to relieve - Low priority."
"SRT, following the recent incident, has officially been disbanded. Finalization regarding student transfers is currently being processed. The same goes for payment regarding the damage done to Sanctum Tower. Two platoons are still under investigation for current whereabouts - low priority."
"Tensions regarding Trinity and Gehenna are still under watch. Rare occurrences of Minor skirmishes between the two in other academy districts have caught the attention of other student councils. Both Tea Party and the Pandemonium Society are still refusing negotiations - Mid to high priority."
"Reports of sudden yet rare activity spikes in abandoned manufacturing facilities have been detected. Abydos desert and Millennium outskirts are under watch - Low to mid priority."
"Activation of the Shittim Chest has undergone the tenth failure, proceeding to alternate plan - Highest priority."
"Whatever happens, I will not allow what you spent your whole life towards to be destroyed."
"End Log."
/ERROR/LOCATION UNKNOWN/
AWAITING LOCAL MAPPING COORDINATES
*PENDING LOCAL REROUTING*
The four boys remained silent, waiting as each step drew closer - Upon reaching the doors outside, the footsteps ceased, reverberating down the hall, fading down to a faint murmur, then silence.
Its presence remained. A blood-freezing sensation lingered in the air, encasing the four boys in a state of paralysis as millions of thoughts and mixed emotions came flooding in. What was going to happen to them? Would they be trapped here, forced to live out a life sentence? Or would their captors see it as too much of a hassle, opting to simply shoot the boys dead? As one thought surfaced, another, more severe and far more gruesome, took its place, a constant worry eating away at the group's minds - Palus taking it the harshest.
"Attempt escape, jump them from the sides?"
No, the group's options were limited. Any action at this point would be a shot in the dark, either costing them their freedom or, worse, their lives. There were infinite possibilities as to how this could play out, but most of them led to grim outcomes.
The squad leader cursed internally, wincing at each idea that came to mind."Fuck, even if we managed with a stroke of luck, where would we even go?"
With fingers crossed, they rolled the dice, exchanging looks of dread as they waited.
The silence stretched out for several minutes, a phone dial ever so faint, barely managing to bleed through the metal doors. Following a few more seconds of silence, a surge of sound pierced through the air as the two doors opened; hydraulics hissed as the metal surfaces grazed against one another, sliding into the walls.
Palus's shaky gaze remained fixated on the vacant space, eyes locked on the doorway, examining the white aesthetic of the hallway outside.
He clutched his breath, stomach-churning to the rush of machine parts springing to life as a hulking figure, almost too big to fit through the door, came waltzing in; a second followed shortly after.
Two towering automatons crammed themselves inside. Their humanoid-shaped hulls marched in uniform, each step emitting loud thuds as they came to a halt near the door, one on the left and another on the right.
The machines remained dead still, matching their all-robotic nature. Blue vertical slits, presumably acting as their sight, scanned the room, maintaining a vigilant watch; the boys froze under their gaze.
Palus examined the machines from afar; his fear and astonishment meshed into one. Short glances alone could pin the advanced design behind their imposing figures. Even Diego, an already bulky individual measuring around six feet and three inches, fell a tad shy of a few inches shorter and thinner than the bots.
Clad head to toe in dense layers of armor plating, the machines were no short of protection; their greyish-white paint shimmered underneath the lights, showcasing the thick yet sleek defense they boasted. If appearance alone wasn't enough to deter aggressors, each war machine lugged around an equally intimidating rifle. None of it matched anything the boys ever saw back on earth, everything, from the cinder block-like stock to its large box magazine and the awkward rectangular design.
Palus let out a low whistle, exchanging looks with the rest of his members; the others weren't amused, faces scowling at their watchmen. "Those things are stacked."
"You're not wrong." Shiloh acknowledged, catching their leader's attention."That night they deployed several of them somewhere around ten or eight."
"They were humanoid in shape, hard to distinguish due to the lack of light, but we thought they were just cannon fodder-" Feng added.
At this point, Feng had already hopped down from the top bunk, joining in with the rest of the group's discussion. "And here we thought they sent a bunch of shmucks, easy pickings considering they were moving like bricks on wheels- Nope, we were dead wrong. Those things are tough as hell."
Palus nodded along. A short glance at their opposition made it believable. Despite it, Palus continued to prod away with curiosity, interested in their enemies' strengths."How did conventional rounds fair?"
"What about .45 ACPs and 9mms-?"
"Tickled them"
"12 Guage-?"
"Ate that shit."
".308-?"
"My mag ran dry by the time one dropped- Even then, I'm pretty sure they were still alive."
Feng took a moment to recollect everything, Placing a finger to his lips; much of their engagement between the opposition only lasted for a few minutes.
"They mopped us up fast, ese. We're in knee-deep of shit right now." Diego huffed, turning towards the group with crossed arms."You saw those guns they packin-? They ain't something you wanna be on the receiving end of."
"Mm, I could tell; Top of the line shit. Stuff like that was barely being field-tested by certain special forces mid-way through the conflicts." Palus let his thoughts trail on. So much to sink in, such little time; jarring even.
"Man, what the hell did we get oursel- "
A hiss, a thud of the doors opening, and in came the sharp tapping of heels, halting the boys' words; all attention turned towards the third addition to make their way inside, a woman dressed in full white. Clad in a white officer's uniform sleeves cut short, revealing her shoulders pale skin. A portion soon fixed as she readjusted the long white coat that stretched down to her knees - the fabric inside a vertical gradient of blues. Tugging on her tie and smoothening out any creases, she finished straightening her attire.
Once it was to her liking, she turned her attention to the four boys across, Palus, to be exact, Raising a gloved hand, she tucked a strand of her long black hair to the side, eyelids narrowed, examining the boy with a sharp glare through her glasses; even from afar, you could feel the daggers being thrown his way, her gaze radiating bitter ice and cold, engulfing the room in a blizzard of trepidation.
Palus hardened his expression as he met the woman's gaze - a small test of his willpower. However, he resisted the urge to let his gaze drift downward, a task that was made difficult by the leggings and uniform hugging tight around her ample frame.
Admittedly, Feng was right - for once. His description was perfectly accurate; A woman no short on looks with Long pointed ears jutting out from the side of her head, and a blue three-pronged halo, hovering idly above her. The exotic, almost fantasy-like features only added to her flawless appearance.
"I-I-I didn't e-expect to see you here, ma'am." Feng Stammered, his cheeks flaring with color.
"Gotta lot of fuckin nerve showing up, chica." Seething through gritted teeth, with fury and rage in each step, Diego Strode forward, the first to thaw out the ice - catching both sides off guard.
"Woahh, Wooahhh relax d-man, c'mon- you trying to get us killed or what?!" Feng was quick to follow behind, fully aware of his companion's many irrational approaches.
"Back off Feng, she's gotta shit ton that needs answering"
Diego wasn't listening, simply shoving past every time Feng came in the way.
"A-Ah u-um please don't mind him ms, h-he's a nice guy under all that muscle and pissy attitude, I promise. I'm sure that if we just clear any misunderstandings we can all come out of this alive and intact- right Dieg- "
"Dammnit Feng I said layoff-!"
Not even another step forward, and the two idle bots sprung forward, weapons humming to life with a glowing blur of blue light near the barrels, stopping Diego and Feng in their tracks.
"Potential threat identified. Further unauthorized actions will result in the use of force." One of the robots warned, their words staggered but the message concise, their voice an almost low growl with faint crackles of static with each pause.
Diego and Feng stepped back slowly. Hands raised, being extra careful of not making any sudden moments, less their captors saw it as an act of retaliation.
"Okay, you can relax- c'mon now, Armando, we go way back."
"Yeahh, see-? We're backing up, and you won't need to worry about staining the decor."
The woman shot a sideways glare, letting her annoyance slip past, before switching back to the previous stone-cold expression. Clearing her throat, she turned towards Palus, who was still watching from across the room.
"I believe we have matters to discuss." She called out. Clear and straightforward, a proper display of a more refined, older woman, one that matched her appearance well.
"And who's asking?" Palus voiced back, a quick reply that coaxed a raised eyebrow from the woman across.
"We can go over pleasantries soon. In a more suitable room, of course."
Hesitating for a moment, Palus weighed their options - compared to the others, this one seemed most logical; If they wanted them dead, they could've done it a lot sooner. Convincing himself, he began to walk - slowly.
Seconds later, the sudden weight of someone's hand on his shoulder caught his attention; It was Shiloh, eyeing him with narrowed brows and a worried frown. Despite knowing this was by far their best - and only reasonable option, he still held his distrust, evident by the back and forth glances.
"Relax, I got this," Palus assured, managing a weak smile.
It did little to wane the blonde's concern. Shiloh was often watching over the rest of the squad, ensuring some level of common sense was in place if Palus wasn't able to give orders, calling out any flaws in their plans, keeping Feng and Diego in line, or ensuring Palus didn't go overboard - so it made sense for him to worry especially, due to Palus's recent recovery; much of it still being a mystery, that furthered his concern.
Alas, with a nod and a few moments of contemplation, he caved in, managing a weak smile before withdrawing his hand. Shiloh still had his doubts about it all - instead, choosing to trust his friend's intuition.
Palus made his way to the door, slowing his step as he passed the two robots, their gaze following the boys' movement. The two robots began to move, one in the front, another in the back, with Palus in between.
Turning to face his friends, Palus gave a quick two-finger salute before being escorted out - coaxing out a weak smile from the three companions.
The woman was last to leave, glancing briefly behind her before stopping near the doors - pausing for a moment before turning to face the still worried captives. "Rest assured, your friend will come back unharmed."
Her gentle voice and warm sympathy, albeit unexpected given her initial aura, still worked like magic, alleviating a portion of their concern; Shiloh and Feng returned the kind gesture with a faint smile of their own while Diego simply nodded.
Satisfied, she turned her heel and made for the exit. A hiss, a thud, and the metal doors closed just like before. The sounds of heels clicking and heavy hydraulic stomping down the halls slowly died down until it was silent, leaving the three boys to wait - the burden of worry and fear for their friend still present in the back of their minds.
. . .
"Mannnn, why did a beauty like her have to appear now out of all times? If only our circumstances were different."Feng blared, sinking back into one of the beds in silent anguish.
"There he goes again…" Shiloh sighed.
And just like that, everything turned back to semi-normal; Shiloh turned to face the wall, shaking his head, while Diego stretched out his pained groan as he slumped against the bed frame.
"You do know chica just hauled off Palus, right?"
"Tch- Lucky guy."
XXXXXX
Walking down the hallway, there were very few changes to the scenery; the white paint with splashes of blue and the occasional double doors leading to other rooms were the only things catching the squad leader's eye.
Palus remained tense; this was largely part, of the two kill machines lumbering behind him. Aside from that, he remained quiet. Only taking small glances at the woman as he followed closely behind, her name and who she worked for still being a mystery; everything about this new world was a mystery.
A feature that he examined closely was the strap, holstered on her side - a pistol far removed from the traditional appearances he worked with. Aside from the shape that closely resembles most pistols.
"High-quality alloys for the receiver and frame. Sturdy looking polymer for the grip. All well maintained. No cracks or scratches. It's either been well maintained or rarely used - not a bad piece either way."
"You look tense."
A voice seeming from nowhere broke the boy's train of thought. Glancing to his left, the woman frowned, slowing her pace as she walked side by side.
Palus gave her a blank look, still trying to process everything that happened in such a short time.
"I understand how confusing all of this is for you, which explains how cautious you may be. But, I assure you we have no intention of causing harm."
"No, it's alright. I already figured that part out…Sorry, all of this is just a lot." Palus apologized, giving himself a quick shake before regaining his bearings.
"I can imagine. I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have in due time." Having nothing else to say, she moved back in front.
"Nanagami Rin."
"Palus Viotto, but you probably already knew that."
"I hope you understand it was all precautionary."
"No worries, I would've done the same. It only makes sense you'd look through what you confiscated."
Rin nodded, smiling lightly at his so far easy cooperation."Your belongings will be returned in due time."
The last line caught Palus off guard."No way we're being let off that easily. I refuse to believe."
Before he could question, however, the two robots came to a loud halt as Rin approached a large set of doors.
With the wave of her hand, a holographic display materialized in front. Palus tilted his head, staring at the floating imagery with a puzzled look as Rin began punching digits into the keypad.
Rin noticed, looking back with an equally confused look, before returning to her everyday tool. "Not something you see on a daily?"
"Not to that extent- you just waved your hand and it-" The doors ahead whizzed open, cutting Palus short. It was an elevator, one with large glass windows currently revealing nothing but concrete.
Rin stepped inside first, gesturing for Palus to follow. He did so, not before cautiously glancing behind.
"They won't be coming along." Rin assured, gaining a sigh of relief from the boy as he hurried in - leaving behind the two autonomous guards.
With a soft beep, the doors closed shut, and the elevator began to rise. Rin remained fixated on her screen, dubiously typing away - Palus kept stealing glances at the focused woman, still trying to make sense of it all; the halo, the ears, the advanced tech, where and how they got here, all of it.
"There's no way any of this is real; It's all just gotta be another weird dream." Palus thought, rubbing his forehead as he analyzed the possibilities; none of them seemed plausible."It just doesn't make sense. Why here, and how? They said to be prepared for anything. Still…"
"Mind if I ask a question."Palus called out, grabbing Rin's attention as she shut off her device.
"Go ahead."Rin nodded
"Where exactly are we?"
"I should apologize- this may seem a lot, Considering how different this place is."Rin shook her head, mentally scolding herself."Hopefully, despite the scale of things, you won't struggle too hard trying to adjust."
Palus cocked a brow."Don't worry about it."
She was being far too accommodating, sympathetic even - forgetting the fact that he was a prisoner, arriving here through means that defied any natural science.
"I appreciate your cooperation."Rin smiled lightly, turning towards the elevator's glass.
"To answer your question, this is the city of Kivotos."
A sharp jolt of pain coursed through Palus's line of sight - Vision engulfed in a blurry collage of red and whites as he raised his hand in a futile attempt to shield himself. The burst of light and the accompanying heat forced Palus's eyes shut. Light shone through the glass, immersing the elevator in an overpowering amount of sun.
Adjusting his vision, Palus slowly opened his eyes. His jaw dropped, staring in silent awe at the utopic city below: High-rise towers, immense skyscrapers, bright high res ad screens, and bustling commercial areas dominated the shining white cityscape. This city had everything, in the distance sandy beaches and snowy mountain ranges, with many more climate zones to add to the city's diverse already impressive repertoire.
Just like Feng said, this place is a metropolis. No, it's the very definition of a futuristic utopian society. Palus stood there in awe, lost in thought; it's been years since he saw a city this untouched, this pristine - even then, nothing on earth could ever come remotely close.
The doors opened, their soft chime snapping the boy out of his trance as he spun around; Rin was already waiting outside.
"I'll go over more with you soon. For now, please follow me."Rin noted, pointing down the hall.
Contrary to the monotone white from the previous floor, this one was decorated with tilework, carpets, and a very modern amount of decor, a place with the appearance of a modern, higher-class office.
Taking one last glance at the city below, Palus stepped out, following the woman as they walked past several darkened wood doors - they stopped upon reaching a set of double doors, with Rins full name engraved on a metal plaque, off to the side.
Rin opened the doors, giving Palus permission inside before going in and closing the doors behind them. Shortly after they took their seats, Rin behind her desk and Palus sitting across in one of the armchairs.
Examining the room, it was your typical office, albeit one more acquainted for someone of higher ranking; a wooden desk, an office chair, two armchairs, computer monitors, and a glass curtain wall, overlooking the city below.
A room Rin was well acquainted with - reaching underneath as she placed several folders and papers on her desk.
"Now, I believe we have a lot to talk about. So I'll try keeping it brief." Her demeanor shifted, eyes freezing down like ice as she locked eyes with the boy.
"So far, despite you not having much choice in the matter, you've been very cooperative." She examined the papers on her desk, glancing up occasionally as she flipped through the pages.
"You want something from us, is that right?"Palus asked, earning a sigh from the woman across.
"I'll get to the point. A few weeks ago, several of our long-range scanners detected multiple surges of foreign energy readings across regions outside of the city- ones that we've up until now, have never seen." She stopped, sliding several photographs across the table.
Grabbing a handful of photos, Palus leaned in, squinting hard at the familiar-looking images.
Various photos at different times of day, all with crackles of blue tearing into the sky.
'Just like from the lab.'
"They look familiar."Palus nodded, placing the photos back in the pile as he leaned back.
"Earlier this week, they reached a limit in size. At that point, our student president gave us orders to investigate the phenomenon. When we arrived, the blue crackles in the sky exploded, creating a massive Aurora."
"We scouted the area, and the only thing left was you four."She slid across another batch of photos. Dim pictures of figures moving through ruins. "A short engagement took place. After you four were apprehended, we brought you here."
"On our way back, however, staff reported that our student president had disappeared."She paused, a pained frown souring her expression."It's been several days now, and still no trace- as if they never existed."
Palus downcasted his gaze, bringing a hand up to his chin."So you believe we're the ones responsible for your student president disappearing?"
Much of what was given only complicated matters. Especially when Palus took into consideration what he saw.
"So why even bother rolling us the red carpet. There's no way you treat all your captives with this level of generosity."Palus exclaimed.
"That's what we initially suspected, we didn't know how, but through uncertainty, we assumed you were the ones responsible for the disappearance."Rin readjusted her glasses as she averted her gaze."We were told, however, by the student president herself, several days prior to her disappearance to leave behind a specific item. The 'Shittem Chest'."
"After you were put into custody, we lost control of several key facilities- Entire districts losing power, breakouts, technology going rogue, and multiple riots."Rin's visage hardened, her eyes narrowing at Palus."The item she left behind was the key to all of this, but we couldn't open it-"
"Wait, come on- you can't be serious?"Palus scoffed, shaking his head as he crossed his arms in disbelief."This has got to be a coincidence. Before all of this, I had no connection to anything. Hell- I didn't even know a place like this existed!"
It had to be fictitious, arriving in a foreign universe through dimension traveling portals, having control over a city's fate on a whim, all of which, granted to you by a mysterious person, you've had no correlation with. It was pure fantasy.
"I understand how difficult this may be to take in, but believe me, I wouldn't be talking with you here if it weren't true."She sighed, allowing a frown to distort her stern expression."We tried every possibility. And we're running out of time to try anything else."
Palus ruffled the collar of his shirt, sinking into his seat - averting his eyes as he tried to avoid the woman's desperate plea."So, you want us to get this Shittem Chest back to you. Is That It-?"
"More than that, we need you to take ownership of the Shittem Chest- and be its next user."Rin's voice was firm, her body unwavering. She didn't intend on backing down.
"No." Palus Flatly refused.
"I'd like you to reconsider."
"That's still a no."
"You're the only one able to access it."
"Not my problem."
"There has to be a reason-"
"Throw me back in the cell for all I care- I'm not doing it."Palus leaned back, huffing out some air."You're asking the wrong person for this kind of job."
Rin let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing hard on her temples as nerves slowly desecrated the woman's stoicism. Straightening her posture, she took a deep breath, a tinge of annoyance still visible on her tight-lipped face.
"I still don't understand why you'd turn down this offer."Digging through the pile of papers, Rin brought out a file with Palus's name written on top."Being granted bail, all the while, working a job you're already well acquainted with."
"Trust me, you're betting too much."Palus hissed, his tone turning bitter."We no longer do this kind of work for a reason. Not to mention this isn't anything we- no, I wanted in the first place-"
"But that shouldn't matter. Here everything is different from where you came from."
A switch flicked on in Palus's head - like gas on an open flame, the sentence ignited a seething white-hot glare in his eyes as he whipped his head forward."Tch- as if you know anything."
"It's true, I don't fully understand your circumstances, and I never will."Laying her elbows on the desk, Rin slid a familiar-looking photo into view."But the same can be said about you."
Swallowing hard, Palus choked on his words, averting his eyes from the heart-wrenching photo - a double-edged photograph holding his most prized yet painful memories. It was a group photo of his old unit. People of different origins, yet all burdened by the same struggles. Shoulders for support, companions to fight alongside, and the closest they've ever had to a family during the war - a blossoming pasture of hope in a dark world, now a withering rose barbed into a painful memory.
"Don't you even dare bring them into this, like it's some kind of bargaining chip-!"
"We've taken a considerable amount of time for screening. Trying to figure all we can about you- that includes using anything to get you to listen to reason." Rin walked over to the window, tightening to a scowl - Palus lowered his head, scoffing.
"I know you're running from the past, a painful one might I add- You took a leap, trying to escape that void, less you be consumed by it, I do understand that. Yet, at the same time, you're afraid of losing what little you have left in that unknown."
Palus kept his head low, struggling for air in between labored breaths. Digging his nails against the sofa's leather, he squeezed his eyes shut as a sudden pain flared to life - a mix of emotional stress and unworldly pain.
Regardless of how much he loathed the idea, he knew she was right.
"Whether you want it or not, you alone are responsible for acting on it - Nothing stems from stagnation." Rin turned around, eyes locked on the will-stricken boy.
"You have a choice."
A moment of silence elapsed before Palus raised his head. Heaving a long sigh, the boy bit his lip, the fear of loss and want for a sense of redemption battling away in his mind.
"Hmph- No, your right. What good does sitting around do for any of us-? It goes against why we're even here in the first place."
Rin's eyes widened in response, shining with a twinkle of light as her frown loosened.
"Let's not get too carried away. Besides, this is still kind of a rush job- Not to mention I don't know how the others will react to this."Palus's voice trailed off, raising a hand to his chin. Among the four of them, Diego would be the least cooperative.
"Will it be a major issue?"Rin asked.
Palus shrugged, waving her off."Eh, I'll handle it."
"One last thing. Your circumstance does make matters more challenging, to say the least." Rin nodded, moving over to her desk as she began writing away on paperwork."On the one hand, we still don't know much about your background. This would most likely force us to monitor your activities for security reasons. However, you're now official operatives, working in and leading Schale-"
"Do whatever you like. We're contractors, give us a job, and we'll get it done. We can sort out the official paperwork later."Palus interrupted, a part of him wanting to quicken to interaction - for a leap as immense as this one, it made sense for the heightened feeling of apprehension.
Rin raised a quizzical brow, smirking lightly at the boy's request."Hmph, as you wish. But, don't ever hesitate to ask for assistance if needed-"
A flash of luminous light accompanied by a soft chime caught the two off guard. Rin's holographic screen appeared, flashing the words 'Incoming call'. In response, as if expecting this buzz, Rin hurriedly connected.
"Hey Rin, It's Momoka. So, Um- several students are wanti- no, demanding that they get to speak to the student president. So you want to just tell them or-?."A young girl's voice chirped away. A complete one-eighty in tone compared to Rin.
The news wasn't welcome, especially for Rin. Evident by the tightly clenched fist and twitching brow - another one of the few moments Rin has had enough. "Hngh, J-J-just tell them we're not allowing audiences at the current moment."
"Wait, you sure-? I mean, I guess so. But they seem kinda mad though they say you said the same thing yesterday."
"Oh, and for the day before that-"
"Just give me a moment, please, Momoka."Rin pleaded, heaving an exasperated sigh as she cleaned her desk.
"Hm-? Mkay, if you say so."With a hum and the crunching noise of chips, the caller disconnected.
Rin heaved an irritable sigh as she turned her attention back toward Palus. Almost forgetting that he was still there. The boy only gave her a sheepish look - A part of him was mulling over the current arrangement.
Much of the information that he was given, being vague, did little to explain just exactly how this place operated. Terms like student president and academies are the primary conflict in the boys' thought process.
"Just exactly where are we. And exactly is this place?"Palus pondered over his thoughts, still confused - This city didn't work under any traditional system.
"So what now?"Palus cleared his throat, catching Rins attention as she lifted her head.
"Theirs still so much we need to explain. But, for now, we have pressing issues matters that need to be acted on immediately."The woman straightened herself once again, rapidly writing away on documents."We can explain more as you and your squad prep for the operation."
"Once again, I apologize. It's a lot. Everything here works very differently from what you're used to."Rin stood up, compiling all the finished papers as she turned on her device."Make you're way back to the holding cell. Notify your squad, and I'll return shortly to brief you all."
Palus nodded, fidgeting in place before turning for the door - Traces of reluctance in each step as he stopped on the door handle.
"One last thing."Rin called out, catching the boys' attention."Naturally, we're especially cautious with who we trust. But, considering how much you've potentially lost. It's only fair that you're given the same level of personal privacy as anyone else."
"Although none of the paperwork has been made official. We, the General Student Council, welcome you to Kivotos."She proudly announced. Smiling wide with gratefulness that seeped from her stern expression."I Nanagami Rin, the current placeholder for student president, has officially given Palus Viotto full authority over the federal investigation club, Schale."
"Best of luck with your new position. We'll be counting on you, Sensei.
He was dazed by the last line. A pang of guilt forcefully retained his head from looking back at the woman - Body weak and mind blank, he choked hard on the bulge of words that failed to leave his mouth. Grateful as he was for her generosity, In his own mind, It wasn't deserved.
"If only you knew even a quarter of what we've done and who we are."
Author Notes:
Wow, I don't even know how long it's been since the last update - close to three or two-ish months now, I think? I almost forgot how to do these.
Regardless I'd like to apologize for the absence. School and work have been keeping me very busy(Final year of high school) But I'm hoping for a lot of it to ease up in the next few months.
I'd also like to apologize for any errors in the writing. I haven't gotten around to thoroughly proofreading it yet and if I keep this waiting any longer Id probably be extending the wait even more.
I shouldn't even mention time. Because every time I do, it always ends up being the complete opposite.
Anyway, I really enjoyed writing this chapter. It set up the conditions and circumstances for the four, and I even sprinkled in some teasers for upcoming events in the beginning. Trust me I think I got some nice ideas for all of the in-game events.
I plan on ending the prologue parts(The whole meeting of the four girls and regaining the Schale building.) In the next two chapters - depending on how long the ideas end up becoming.
Thanks again for each individual that stops by to read. I appreciate each and every single one of yeah. Feel free to share any comments, thoughts or suggestions.
As always, I hope to see you again on future chapters, if not that's fine too. Stay safe, treat each other with respect and ill catch yall later.