Chapter 01 Episode 04: Qualification Inspection

Yuuka took a deep breath, recalling the conversation she had had with Sensei.

"There is a reason that ruin was sealed and guarded," Sensei told Yuuka, Noa, and Itsuki.

He explained that the ruin used to be a dangerous site containing forbidden ancient technology.

"The General Student Council President..." Sensei's voice hung for a moment before continuing, "She is aware that the many out-of-place artifacts in the ruin can be dangerous. But when I took charge, I renewed the research on that ruin to ensure that nothing dangerous remained. But you found the most dangerous one."

"But Sensei... she is a student now," Itsuki argued. "Doesn't that mean..."

"Oh, Itsuki. I keep my word. I will protect and guide all my students," Sensei patted the vice president, "But you should make sure she becomes a good student."

Yuuka was walking towards the DGC's club room. Her reminiscences were over, and she needed to step up her game. While the group was a hassle to take care of, Yuuka had a soft spot for them. So she did what a responsible Seminar member should do.

She reached the room and was about to open the door, but Itsuki patted her shoulder.

"Thank you, Yuuka," he whispered.

"You owe me one for this," Yuuka replied.

And then the door opened.

Today, the room had a full membership. Even Yuzu, who usually goes missing, was currently present, though hiding under a big box with her red hair peeking out.

Yuuka looked at Momoi, who had paused the game she was playing, and Midori, who was currently strangling her twin sister. Finally, Yuuka's eyes fell on Arisu.

The girl had long black hair and smiled brightly. Her blue eyes shone with excitement when she saw Yuuka and Itsuki, and she smiled.

"I can't believe it," Yuuka said in her usual annoyed tone, "You actually managed to get a new member."

Momoi escaped from her twin's grip and then walked towards Yuuka, pulling Arisu along.

"Too bad, it's the truth," she excitedly boasted about the new member.

Arisu, who at first looked excited, suddenly turned confused, and her expression quickly soured. Yuuka mentally noted how adorable her expressions were.

"So you are the rumored Arisu-chan, the fourth member of the Game Development Club," Yuuka said, looking at Arisu, who seemed visibly more nervous, "I thought I knew almost every student at Millennium. It's a bit hard to believe that I didn't know about such a cute girl."

"Cute...?" Arisu's nervousness disappeared, replaced with confusion as she tilted her head.

Yuuka's teasing might have gone too far, as she noticed Momoi looking visibly scared at Yuuka's statement.

"Yo... yōkai have appeared!" Arisu ran towards Itsuki and then hid behind his back.

"Did... did she just call me a yōkai?" Yuuka asked, and being told that she looked like a yōkai hurt her pride a bit.

But Momoi quickly followed up, "No! You misheard! She actually said Yōsei! You just confused the two words. Arisu is always honest."

Momoi then continued, "Anyway, we have the required number of members now, so the continuation of the Game Development Club is approved, right?"

"Continuation... if she joined on her own volition," Yuuka said, "Arisu-chan, I won't bite, so can you talk to me a little bit?"

"Arisu, she isn't as scary as she looks, so talk to her a bit, okay?" Itsuki told the younger girl.

Arisu finally came out from behind Itsuki.

"It won't take too much time," Yuuka then approached Arisu.

"Is there a possibility of a bad ending depending on my choice?" Arisu asked.

Yuuka looked surprised. Had this girl already been influenced by Momoi and Midori?

"Bad ending for them, maybe," Yuuka pointed at the twins, "But certainly not for you."

There was tension in the air as Yuuka finally asked her question, "Arisu-chan, are you being threatened by the Game Development Club to join against your own will?"

"Hey! What kind of question is that!" Momoi shouted angrily, "We wouldn't do something like that!"

"Well, if that's the case, I was about to scout Arisu for the seminar," Yuuka admitted, "We can use one cute girl or two for a new member. Our latest junior is a hassle to take care of and I would rather have her."

"Hey! Don't poach Arisu-chan!" Midori shouted, finally joining her twin sister in protest.

"I am kidding, I am kidding," Yuuka smiled, but that smile didn't feel like she was joking. "Anyway, I will continue the interrogation," Yuuka added.

Once again, Yuuka faced Arisu, "Arisu-chan, how did you first come to the Game Development Club?"

"When I regained consciousness, I was here... No," Arisu covered her mouth before continuing, "Uhm... I wanted to play Lord Castlevania. Then I found out about this club having it. It was such an old game that I didn't know if someone still had a working copy of it."

Yuuka nodded in understanding. She was knowledgeable enough that this cover story could work, probably prepared by Yuzu, who she saw trembling under the big box she was hiding in.

"But this is the Game Development Club. So that means you must contribute to development as well. Do you have something you are good at?" Yuuka asked.

"Tank and light attribute DPS..." Arisu said proudly before covering her mouth again, then continued, "NO! Sorry. I am a progamal..."

Oh, she stuttered, Yuuka thought. So adorable. However, she quickly said, "Not a programmer?"

"Ah, I am sorry. I am without a doubt a perfect programmer! I learned under Demon Lord... I mean, Itsuki-senpai's tutelage."

"Is that true, Itsuki?" Yuuka asked her childhood friend, "I thought you swore off programming after learning under Himari-senpai."

"I don't mind doing programming," Itsuki told Yuuka, "But I don't want to remember how I learned it. But Arisu is a good student, and I want to protect her from Himari-senpai."

Yuuka nodded, "Did you enjoy it, Arisu-chan? Is it hard?" Yuuka asked again.

"Yes! Being a p-programmer is hard work. Sometimes I collapse from overwork..." Arisu said, then she covered her mouth again, "No... I mean..."

"It... su... ki!" Yuuka glared at Itsuki, who currently raised his hand like a guilty man.

"AH! But don't worry! If you spend a night at the inn or pay the church, you can revive together with your companions!" Arisu quickly followed up, saving Itsuki from further scrutiny.

But Yuuka looked at Arisu with tired eyes now, "That's not how it works..."

"It should be common sense!" Arisu argued, "Maybe you don't know Hero's myth and Legend of the Sacred Spear?"

"I played the first one," Yuuka admitted, "No! Wait! Please don't collapse in real life! Keep your body healthy and don't overexert yourself like Itsuki! I have enough worry from him..." Yuuka quickly covered her mouth as she could feel Momoi, Midori, and Itsuki's eyes piercing her.

"Yuuka... I didn't know you play a game too," Midori said.

Yuuka coughed and ignored Midori's statement before continuing, "Anyway, I've got what I needed. Even in a short time, I think I understand you for the most part, Arisu-chan."

Yuuka stopped for a few moments, enjoying the expressions of the Game Development Club's members. She then continued, "There are some things that seem suspicious, but... your love for games has come across. Your love for stories about adventuring in a new world together with your companions. As much as I hate to admit it, you fit well in this group. So I will approve your joining the Game Development Club."

The Game Development Club cheered together, finally meeting the condition for the continuation of their club.

"So that means..." Momoi asked.

"Yes! Since you have reached the required number of members, I hereby recognize the Game Development Club as an official club... and approve its continuation."

"We did it!" Momoi cheered.

"Which means... we can receive club funds and continue using this room, right?"

"Unfortunately, that won't be The Seminar's decision," a new voice chimed in, sending a shiver down Yuuka's spine.

Stepping into the club room were two unfamiliar faces. One was a girl with flowing blonde hair tied into ponytails, her distinctive red jacket layered over the standard Millennium Uniform. Her golden Halo, shaped like an ouroboros, radiated an intense glow in the room. Standing beside her was a tall boy with a white hair wearing a glasses, his silver halo adorned with dragon wings. He, too, sported a similar jacket to the girl's. Both wore armbands with 'Auditor' emblazoned upon them.

"You two..." Itsuki groaned.

Arisu turned to Yuuka, curiosity in her eyes. "Who are they?"

"Takano Yagi and Ryuzaki Fai," Yuuka whispered back, "They're from the Integrity Council. But what are they doing here?"

"That's quite impolite, Yuuka-chan," Takano Yagi said, approaching Yuuka and lightly touching her cheek. "It seems you've forgotten about our existence and purpose. As you can see from our armbands," she pointed to the insignia, "we ensure that all Millennium clubs, including The Seminars, utilize their budgets appropriately. And, as far as I can see, the Game Development Club is falling short."

Momoi's surprise was evident. "What does that mean?"

"If you recall, we implemented a new requirement for clubs to continue. Not only do you need the necessary number of members, but you also have to demonstrate your club's accomplishments," explained Ryuzaki Fai. He turned his gaze toward Yuuka, his tone stern. "Even with the Seminar's approval, your group still needs to adhere to this rule."

"What? Why didn't we hear about it?" Midori asked.

"I am sorry..." Yuzu's voice can be heard from under the box. "I didn't attend the club meeting, so I didn't know this information."

"Of course, there is a grace period," Yagi continued, "But that was if your club didn't have Itsuki as a faux member."

"I am not a member," Itsuki said to Yagi.

"And yet here you are, a vice president of the seminar giving preferential treatment to a low-performing club," Yagi replied while pointing her fingers at Itsuki.

"This is a clash of interest, and you should be aware of it," Fai continued, "So with all that, from today on, regardless of the Seminar's decision, the Integrity Council will shut down the Game Development Club."

"No! You can't do that!" Momoi complained, "This is our home, and we can't let you take that away!"

"And what can you girls do?" Yagi smiled stoically.

Suddenly, guns were drawn. Midori, Momoi, Itsuki, and even Yuuka aimed their firearms at the two members of the Integrity Council. Arisu remained confused about what was unfolding before her.

"Even you, Yuuka-chan?" Yagi asked calmly, "I am hurt," she feigned sadness. "And what do you hope to achieve by attacking us? Plus, you aren't the first club to aim guns at us." Yagi walked behind Fai as he drew the giant sword from his back.

"Well, we're hoping you'll lose your memories about today if we hit your head hard enough," Itsuki admitted, "You're bringing a sword to a gunfight?"

"You think you're the only one who can transform, Itsuki?" Fai pulled out a small book and opened it.

"Dragon Slayer Siegfried!" the book's voice echoed, "The great ancient dragon slain by a legendary knight!"

As the group fired their guns simultaneously, Fai shielded himself and Yagi with his sword. However, Itsuki acted swiftly and kicked the giant sword, sending the two members of the Integrity Council tumbling outside the club room.

Undeterred, Fai placed the small book into the handle of his sword.

"Henshin!" Fai called.

"Draconic Draw! Dragon Slayer! Balmung!" the sword declared as Fai revved up his sword handle.

Itsuki retrieved his own driver, "Bullet! Set!" His driver announced as he plugged the Bullet Raises Buckle into the Desire Driver.

"Henshin!" Itsuki shouted as Fai's sword slash was deflected by the bullets generated from Itsuki's Desire Driver.

The two Kamen Riders exchanged glances as their armor settled.

"Bullet, READY, FIGHT!" Itsuki's driver announced before closing.

"Bath in the blood of the dragon! Flames extinguished!" Fai's sword's voice echoed.

"How about this then," Yagi interjected, "You two Kamen Riders fight, and the winner will decide the fate of this underperforming club."

Itsuki pulled out his guns, Bullet Shotrisers, and took aim. "Are you certain you want to do this?"

"You're clearly not the stronger Kamen Rider between us," Fai gloated.

"I'll be more than happy to prove you wrong," Itsuki retorted. He glanced at the group behind him, seeing many worried faces. Nevertheless, Itsuki nodded and turned his attention back to his adversaries.

"Well then," Yagi pulled out a handkerchief and let it fall.

As soon as it touched the floor, Itsuki bombarded Fai with bullets, driving him back until the wall behind him shattered. Itsuki didn't relent, following up with a powerful kick.

Fai was prepared, though. Despite being thrown outside, he managed to guard against Itsuki's kick and land safely on the ground, maintaining his composure.

The tension between the two Kamen Riders grew, their determination and rivalry fueling their battle.

Fai dashed forward, his sword gleaming menacingly in his grip. Itsuki's reflexes were equally sharp; he responded swiftly by pulling the triggers of his guns once again. Yet, Fai's mastery over his weapon was evident as he deftly deflected each incoming bullet with calculated and fluid movements, the metallic clang resounding through the air with each impact.

Under the bright sun, Fai raised his sword high and unleashed a powerful slash, aiming for Itsuki's frame. Itsuki countered with a rapid parry, one gun blocking the slash while he swiftly ducked to evade the deadly arc. Before Fai could react, Itsuki exploited the opening, his other gun releasing a flurry of bullets that found their mark in Fai's gut. Fai staggered, stepping aside while using the momentum to yank his sword upwards in a retaliatory strike from below. Itsuki leaped backward, retaliating with precise shots aimed at Fai's head.

Yet, Fai's agility proved astonishing. Evading the bullets with a graceful dance, he advanced on Itsuki, launching a flurry of sword attacks that seemed almost relentless. Itsuki found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the onslaught, each slash and thrust pushing him further on the defensive. But then, with a sudden burst of resolve, Itsuki found his footing.

Itsuki executed an unexpected move, using one of his guns to deflect Fai's next sword strike, the clash of metal ringing out once more. Swiftly, he swung his gun, smacking Fai's helmeted head with surprising force. Before Fai could recover, Itsuki's foot connected with a powerful kick to Fai's chest, propelling him backward. Itsuki followed up with a rapid succession of gunshots, driving Fai further back.

Regaining his stance, Fai faced his adversary with a mixture of determination and anger. The dust and tension hung in the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

"You're a skilled fighter," Fai acknowledged his rival, his voice holding a note of begrudging respect. "But can you withstand my ultimate attack?"

As Fai revved his sword thrice, the blade seemed to awaken with a voice of its own, declaring, "Dragon Slayer, Hisatsu!"

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as flames swirled around Fai's sword, coalescing into the spectral form of a dragon's head looming ominously behind him.

Undeterred, Itsuki took swift action. He combined his pair of guns into a single, imposing rifle-like weapon. In tandem, he retrieved the Bullet Raise Buckle, melding it seamlessly into the ensemble.

"BULLET!" The weapon announced with authority as an intense sphere of energy materialized.

"BULLET Tactical Blast!" / "INFINITE DRACONIC SLASH!"

Fai's slash transformed into the embodiment of a fiery dragon, while Itsuki's charged ball of energy took on the form of a colossal bullet. These two formidable forces were released, hurtling toward each other with an unmistakable aura of destruction.

Yet, in the very heart of this impending cataclysm, a figure strode forward with ease.

"That is enough!" the familiar man declared, his presence authoritative. A swirling black hole materialized at his side, drawing in both attacks with an eerie gravitational force. A holographic image of Arona, Sensei's assistant, stood by his side, controlling the black hole's actions before making it vanish into the void.

"Sensei?" Itsuki's eyes widened in recognition as he and the others in the room turned their attention to the unexpected arrival.

The atmosphere, once charged with impending destruction, had now shifted to one of puzzlement and curiosity as they awaited an explanation from their enigmatic sensei. However, Sensei's expression was that of Ashura. He was angry.

The Game Development Club, The Seminar, and The Integrity Council sat in a white room. It was one of the many meeting rooms at the Millenium Science Academy. Each group looked at Sensei, who sat with an annoyed expression.

"You know, I rarely use my authority in Kivotos because I believe in students' self-determination," Sensei began, "But Itsuki, you should know that violence doesn't solve problems. And Yagi, stop taunting your peers just because Fai has your back. The Integrity Council is already hated, and you're only making it worse."

"But sensei, being hated makes my job so much easier," Yagi complained, "and Yuuka-chan's expression is so much cuter when she's angry."

"You..." Yuuka stood, hitting the table.

"Enough!" Sensei shouted, and the room instantly froze with tension.

"As the teacher in Kivotos, I hereby invoke my authority," Sensei continued. Arona appeared once again, followed by a screen of blank paper.

"The Game Development Club is allowed to continue IF they can show the results of their club's purpose in two months. Fuwa Itsuki, as a vice president of The Seminars, is hereby stripped of his role and duties. As a punishment for the Integrity Council inciting a fight between Fuwa Itsuki and Ryuzaki Fai, the Integrity Council has no say in the continuation of the Game Development Club. However, that decision will fall unto me as an extrajudicial authority under SCHALE."

The holographic paper Arona brought was now filled with what Sensei had said.

"Are we clear?" Sensei asked.

"Yes," the students obediently answered.

"Now, disperse!" He said.

The group quickly ran out of the room, clearly scared. However, Aron's holographic figure stopped Arisu.

"Can we talk a bit?" Arona asked, pointing at Sensei.

The Game Development Club was waiting outside the meeting room for Arisu, their faces gloomy.

"I am sorry, Itsuki. I made this worse," Yuuka apologized.

"Not your fault," Itsuki said, "I will come by the Seminar's room later to clean my desk. In the meantime..." Itsuki looked at his fellow clubmates.

"In the end... I guess the Game Development Club is still in trouble," Midori voiced her concern.

"I am sorry. It's all because I didn't go to the club leader's meeting," Yuzu added.

"No no!" Momoi defended Yuzu, "Don't worry about it, Yuzu-chan. We almost got into deeper trouble, you know. Be grateful we had a chance to recover."

"You are right, Onee-chan," Midori agreed, "We have months to continue our game."

"And now I can be a full-time member," Itsuki added, smiling.

"Yes, you are right," Momoi agreed.

"Now, we need to make a game good enough to win the Millenium Prize!" Midori raised her hands.

"And that means..." Momoi smiled, "We need to find the after all!"

Itsuki sighed, "Of course, that again," he facepalmed.

"You three, just be careful, okay?" Yuuka patted Yuzu's head, "I know Itsuki will keep you safe. But don't let the Integrity Council hear what you're planning."

"Yuuka... actually supporting us?" Momoi looked at Yuuka, scared. She quickly hid behind Itsuki.

"What do you mean by that, Momoi!" Yuuka scolded, "Anyway, I just want to see the Integrity Council proven wrong. Prove yourselves to me, prove yourselves to them: You are not a low-performing club."

"OOOOH!" The Game Development Club raised their hands and cheered.

At that moment, Arisu came out of the meeting room with a wide smile to join her clubmates.

"Oh Arisu, you finally came back," Momoi greeted, "What did Sensei want to talk to you about?"

"Sensei asked me to check if I have belongings in the ruins," Arisu smiled, "He even gave me this written approval to visit the ruins," she showed a card.

The group looked at each other and smiled. It was a silent agreement between them: Tonight, the Game Development Club would raid the Ruins.

New Character Introduced!

Name: Kamen Rider Sieg

User: Ryuzaki Fai

Equipment:

- Draconic Sword Balmung: Main transformation device

- Siegfried Wonder Book: Transformation trinket used to transform into Dragon Slayer.

Transformation Announcement: "Draconic Draw! Dragon Slayer! Balmung! Bath in the blood of the dragon! Flame extinguished!"

Dragon Slayer is Saber's main form accessed by using the Siegfried Wonder Book, which is then slotted into Balmung's handle. In this form, Kamen Rider Sieg is capable of summoning dragon-shaped energy attacks as well as controlling lava and flames.

Name: Ryuzaki Fai

School: Millennium Science School

Age: 16 years old

Birthday: April 14th

School Year: Second Year

Club: Integrity Council (A club group responsible for overseeing and regulating various clubs on campus.)

Hobby: Listening to music and watching YouTubers

Halo: Fai's halo is silver-colored and decorated with a pair of dragon's wings.

Uniform: Fai wears the standard school uniform, a red jacket, and an armband with 'Auditor' emblazoned upon it.

Firearm: Currently unknown, as he never uses firearms.

Trivia:

- Fai is a proud fan of an online streamer group.

- Fai is very composed and calm compared to Yagi.

- It is unknown where Fai obtained the Draconic Sword Balmung and its Wonder Book. But he was famous in Kivotos as the guy with a sword, a rarity in Kivotos.

- Fai likes high places and has been seen jumping from said high places. Yagi often comments that he lands safely no matter how high he jumps from.

Name: Takano Yagi

School: Millennium Science School

Age: 16 years old

Birthday: December 10th

School Year: Third Year

Club: Integrity Council (A club group responsible for overseeing and regulating various clubs on campus.)

Hobby: Writing, taunting people, watching her favorite Yuuka-chan.

Halo: Yagi's halo is gold-colored and shaped like an ouroboros.

Uniform: Yagi wears the standard school uniform, a red jacket, and an armband with 'Auditor' emblazoned upon it. She also wears white knee-high socks and a short skirt, showing off her shapely feet.

Firearm: Beretta M9A3 Pistol:

Trivia:

- Yagi wears the same jacket as Fai. However, this isn't the formal Integrity Council uniform. She just thought having a matching jacket is nice, and Fai can't refuse her request.

- Yagi, along with Himari and Rio, was described as Millennium's Queens because they shared the highest power in Millennium.

- Yagi is opportunistic, seeing profit in anything she does and in what profit other people can provide to her.

- Yagi used to teach Yuuka the basics of accounting, something Yuuka begrudgingly remains thankful for.

- Yagi is the treasurer of the Seminar before Yuuka joined the Seminar.

- Yagi has fondness for Yuuka.

Author notes:

Thank you for reading Chapter 4. I hope you enjoyed it. This chapter introduces a potential antagonist in the form of the Integrity Council. I envisioned Yagi as a counterpart to both Himari and Rio, and you'll understand why when Himari and Rio make their appearances later in the story. On another note, Yagi's enforcer, Fai, is the first Kamen Rider in this series who doesn't use the Desire Driver. You'll discover the reason behind this in the future, so let's keep it a mystery for now.

Sensei makes another appearance, this time commanding authority as I always intended. In the original canon, Sensei was a weird mix of a responsible adult and a pervert. However, the way he was written rarely conveyed a sense of authority in Kivotos despite his position. In this fanfiction, I'm changing that. Sensei will be a responsible and authoritative figure who can actually order other students to comply, regardless of their school affiliation. Despite his authority and power, he believes that students should determine their own fates, with him guiding the way. This is the ideal teacher I had in mind, and it's how I intend to write him. While the story will follow the same plot as the original Blue Archive, the new portrayal of Sensei will significantly impact the events that unfold in the story. Combined with the addition of the Kamen Riders, this promises to be an exciting narrative.

That is all for now, See you in the next chapter~