A/N: First I would like to thank everyone who reviewed and checked out the previous chapter, but also I would like to thank Darklord331 for the beta work.

I would've had this chapter out sooner, but I wanted to get the next chapter for my Fate/Grand Order crossover and the next chapter for my Sunrider crossover done first. But I had some real-life issues that held things back too, slowing things down.

The problems with Fanfiction net's email notifications hasn't helped either, as I tried to hold back to see if they could get it working again.

BUT this was probably a good thing for me as it allowed me to learn that Lynx and Pela are barely just being born at this time opposed to them being young adults I had assumed. Which also oddly implies Pela went to college with Serval as a toddler XD. As such I updated the previous chapter accordingly, removing them.

I also learned about things with a certain Flame Chaser, but this is exactly what I planned for and so I'll be moving forward with my contingency plan I had on hand just in case. So if you guys notice Lynx and Pela not in the chapter after they had appeared at the end of the last one, that is why.

Now before proceeding with the chapter, need to reply to Jay since I can't PM him.

Jay: Yeah, the Bronya met is the one from Honkai Star Rail, and I am guessing at this point she is around the same age as Lelouch going off of what I have seen of her and what bits of lore I've discovered.

Indeed, he is, but this could allow him to grow in different ways than from any story I've done since all of the Flame Chasers are seasoned veterans and there are the potential characters Lelouch will meet and what he can pick up from.

Lastly, for those who have been following discussions on Questionable Questing, I am very likely to do a harem for Lelouch, a decision I didn't come to easily mind you. HOWEVER, I am still on the fence about it, and it will depend on how well I can justify it and introduce it in story, but I will say you can thank Elysia for the likelihood it will happen. As for the harem itself I do have candidates in mind with some as backups depending on how the story plays out, because with Lelouch and everyone as children its going to be a long time before any romance happens.

But that means any romance will be built up among potential candidates for at least a seven-year period and such before it happens seven to eight years from now in story.

Ok that's it for me, also bonus points for anyone to guess which James Bond movie the line about Kanas came from.

Chapter 8

To Tackle the Problem

Deep within an observation room of the Strigidae, Nathaniel looked up at a holographic projection of the Earth before him, surrounded by a view of space and Jupiter. Upon the holographic globe were four red marks, each indicating an Honkai Eruption, each more substantial than the one Sirin had created in the city of Iwaki. These eruptions were located in a city called Sydney in Australia, and the other two were in Marseille, France, and Guangzhou, China. Novosibirsk, Russia, was the latest to join as a city host to a Honkai eruption.

Nathaniel was now debating where for the Honkai Eruption he wanted to unleash in the Britannian Homeland since it would be unfair if someone were left out.

"What is it, Marzipan?" Nathaniel asked, aware of his Sugar friend entering the observation room.

"Sorry to disturb you, sir, but your VIP appointment has arrived."

"Ah, I see; it's that time already," Nathaniel said, realizing he had lost track of time. "Thank you, my friend; I'll wrap this up and meet her."

"If I may ask, what is the problem?"

"I am debating on where to unleash this Honkai Eruption in Britannia; I figured every major country getting a Honkai Eruption should be enough to light a fire under their pants. I almost chose Paris for the United Republic of Europa; God knows that place has become flooded with refugees, but I am rather fond of the old structures in that city like Notre Dame, so I chose Marseille, which is just as overcrowded in both population and where most of the refugees fleeing from Britannia end up," Nathaniel said with a thoughtful expression on his face with a hand on his chin.

"I see, so what were your reasons for the others?" Marzipan inquired, indifferent to the massive loss of human life happening worldwide. He leaped onto Nathaniel's left shoulder. "Perhaps that could help you?"

"True, for the Chinese Federation, I chose the city of Guangzhou, high population density, but nothing of too much importance that wouldn't prevent the Federation from dealing with it. After all, I do not want to decapitate the leadership of these countries; it would just create a bigger mess that I would be forced to clean up. Similar reason for Novosibirsk in Russia, which I suspect will soon be in Britannia's hands in the coming months," Nathaniel replied.

"But you also caused one in Australia?"

"Yes, they are among the shrinking number of neutral nations left. It will be a while before Britannia turns their attention to them, so why leave them out? Sydney might be their capital, but I ensured my agents ensured the country's leadership, or those I want in charge, were safely away when it happened."

"I see, so a regime change was your intention?"

"The current leadership is laughable, really; I saw a chance to kill two birds with one stone," Nathaniel said, dismissively waving his right hand. "As for Britannia, I do not wish to unleash one too close to their capital, even if Charles and his brother are plotting against me; I made sure any effort would benefit me."

"I see so likely someplace further east of the Homeland?"

"Yes, Kansas was a choice, but if I unleashed an Honkai eruption in Kansas, no one would hear about it for years."

"What about New York?"

"All that smut and traffic," Nathaniel said before grinning. "I suppose it might give them a chance for a fresh start. Unlike the other countries, most of their population might avoid becoming zombies so that it would be just a matter of the Honkai Beasts running amok. At the same time, those lacking a Stigma and sufficient Honkai resistance will become zombies."

"I suppose that settles it then," Marzipan said before a small holographic screen appeared. "I'll send an alert to our agents in New York."

"Very good, they have a few hours before it happens. I did make sure to give our agents operating out of the cities I chose sufficient time to escape," Nathaniel said, snapping his fingers.

As he departed the room with his friend riding on his left shoulder, an Honkai Eruption was set to engulf New York City in three hours.

Leaving the observation room, Nathaniel went to his office, where his guest was waiting for him. Suddenly, a call came in, and a beeping from one of his wrist controllers prompted him to take the call. A holographic screen displaying Eleanor's face appeared above the open palm of his right hand.\

"Let me guess, Elysia found a way planet side," Nathaniel said, deducing the reason for Eleanor's call.

"Yes, but it was Mobius who instigated the situation."

"I see; it was because of Klein, then."

"So it would seem, but they didn't steal a shuttle. They got Lelouch to open a portal to reach their destination," Eleanor revealed, surprising Nathaniel. "Unfortunately, due to Lelouch's inexperience and in no large part to interference from the Stellaron, they landed far from their destination."

"How far?"

"Dangerously close to Belobog, and even worse, it seems they've rescued a group of young Silvermane Guard Cadets from Fragmentum monsters after a moronic attempt at assassination," Eleanor replied.

"That is a moronic attempt at assassination, taking them far from the city like that," Nathaniel remarked. "Even if it was for the likely reason of taking out their intended target far from any likely witnesses."

Stupid and desperate sums it up better, but that would mean the likely intended target was the heiress to the role of Supreme Guardian, Nathaniel thought, because he could think of one person to justify such a stupid plan remotely.

"I assume the target was the adopted daughter and heiress apparent of the current Supreme Guardian?" Nathaniel said it was an easy deduction since there was no one else to justify such an effort, as much of a stupid plan as it was.

"Yes, sir, that is correct," Eleanor confirmed. "Shall I retrieve them?"

"No, let them handle things themselves, but keep an eye on them. Record everything so I can review it later after my meeting. Elysia, Mobius, Eden, and Vill-V are far more than enough to handle anything they encounter," Nathaniel said, confident in the fighting abilities of the Flame Chasers. "Besides, Elysia wants an adventure, so who I am not to allow one for her."

"Understood, we'll monitor them and keep a record of everything that happens," Eleanor said, troubled by the decision. Still, she had no desire to voice any issues.

"Good. I'll check in with you after my meeting."

"I'll make sure no one disturbs you," Marzipan said before leaving to attend to other matters besides ensuring his friend and superior would be left alone.

"Thank you, my friend," Nathaniel said before using a portal to appear in his office to greet his guest to talk business. "I apologize for keeping you waiting."

"Not at all; I was warned you had your hands full with several matters."

Waiting in his office when he exited the portal was a woman with long brown hair with some of it tied into a small ponytail, lilac eyes, and a prosthetic left hand. Her attire was a sleeveless green and white Qipao, akin to those in the Chinese Federation. In reality, it was a choice of clothing worn by some Xianzhou natives.

"I am grateful for your understanding, but it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Dan Shu, chief alchemist of the Alchemy Commission."

Meanwhile, back on Jarilo-VI, Lelouch, Elysia, Vill-V, Kalpas and Eden, along with the surviving cadets, had helped bury the dead. Mobius was busy studying the creature she had captured. As the group carried out the grim but necessary task, the cadets recovered what Lelouch assumed was akin to dog tags used by soldiers.

Once they were done, after taking what supplies were left, the group began making their way towards Belobog, hoping to reach the city by nightfall. However, given the distance and time the cadets had spent marching to their current destination, they were unlikely to reach the outskirts by then.

Those too wounded to talk were being carried by Vill-V in her hovercraft, prompting Lelouch to walk with everyone else.

I could use my ability to create portals, but given how far off the mark we were from our intended destination, I don't think it would be a good idea until we are closer, Lelouch thought, contemplating using his powers to allow everyone to get to the city safely.

"Excuse me," Bronya said, approaching Lelouch.

"Yes, Miss Rand, was it? Can I help you?"

"You can just call me Bronya," Bronya said, shaking her head. "Given our situation I think it might be easier for us both to speak without formalities."

"I am fine with that."

"You don't seem to be from our world, are you?" Bronya inquired as she looked at the attire he was wearing. "Not many people in Belobog wear attire like that, but your companions do not possess the powers they displayed either."

"Yes, I suppose Mobius and Vill-V stand out in that regard," Lelouch acknowledged.

"I never knew such individuals lived out here, did they?" Bronya questioned.

Lelouch hesitated at first, but he reasoned it was best he told her the truth.

"They don't, they come from beyond this world. As hard as that might be to believe," Lelouch began.

"Really," Bronya Rand said before considering Lelouch's words momentarily. "I believe you, as impossible as it might seem."

That was easy, but I guess Mobius's transformation and Vill-V's hovercraft on top of Elysia's abilities to manipulate crystal would be a convincing display, Lelouch thought.

"The strange craft the one you called Vill-V used could be explained, but I assume the woman you referred to as Mobius was the one who transformed into a giant snake creature?" Bronya asked, which Lelouch confirmed with a nod.

"And Elysia can manipulate and create crystal-like constructs, creating a dome where all of her shots were ricocheted, hitting their mark," Lelouch added.

"I see, so where did you all come from?"

"I came from a planet called Earth, as for the rest I'll explain what I can," Lelouch said, as he began telling Bronya about his world, how he met Elysia and the others and what he knew about them. Meanwhile unnoticed by the group, standing on a nearby hill top a little girl with red hair was watching them, wearing tattered clothes.

After his meeting with Dan Shu, Nathaniel emerged from a portal of his own creation, arriving on a planet. This one was uncharted and not known throughout the universe, but its harsh stormy conditions made it ideal to serve as a base of operations. While Nathaniel conducted research on his own flagship and had smaller specialized labs set up across the universe, this world he dubbed Lacedaemon.

Aside from the near constant storms, the planet's winters, especially in its arctic regions made life extremely difficult to survive. The winds were like those of raging hurricanes with lightning that could kill the careless when wandering its grassy plains. Even the oceans, only the hardest of creatures could live in its depths, all in all the planet was ideal for training a new bred of soldier.

The base Nathaniel was in was perhaps one of the safest places on the planet. Still, within its halls young recruits were put through intense physical training and a rigorous education teaching them tactics, engineering, weapons handling, and piloting.

"Greeting sir, you are here a little early," a man with the distinguished pointy ears belonging to those of the Vidyadhara, a humanoid race possessing draconic features, but most simply have sharp ears while a select few have draconic features. Like members of Heron, he wore a black uniform with long sleeves and a coat. His black hair was slick back while his green eyes held a sense of fear and awe before his superior.

"Yes, my meeting concluded quicker than expected, but more importantly everything went well. Dan Shu has agreed to help me," Nathaniel said with a smile.

"That is good to hear sir."

"Tell me, how did our forces do against the Abundance? Has Jingliu returned from the campaign?"

"Yes, she returned a short time ago. The campaign was a success, the Abominations of Abundance have been purged from the Aquilegia System. Our casualties were very small compared to them," The Vidyadhara exclaimed proudly.

"Excellent," Nathaniel replied. "And the planet?"

"Completely destroyed, it was too ravaged by the Abundance to be re-settled."

"A minor loss, but this proves the effectiveness of our soldiers against the Abundance," Nathaniel said, pleased with the results. "The Xianzhou Alliance would throw thousands upon thousands of men and women at the Abundance, winning the battles, but losing thousands in the effort. We achieved similar results with a smaller army and far better ships, technology and weapons than what they use."

"I agree sir, and word from our people in the IPC is that they are eager to begin hiring our soldiers for mercenary work," The Vidyadhara man replied, equally proud of their recent achievement.

"Very good, in fact I might have to have a word with their leaders soon regarding a matter I should address," Nathaniel said, with a thoughtful expression.

"A matter?"

"Nothing you have to worry about, but tell me how the new recruits have been coming along?" Nathaniel asked as the two stopped in front of an observation window in the corridor they had been watching through.

Below them, they could see a dozen transparent cylinder-like pods, each occupied by a person. Each of them wore black body suits leaving their hands and feet exposed, all were children, but they differed by gender, being a mix of male and female, but also different species. Most were easily identified as human, but there were others like Foxian due to their tails and ears, and Vidyadhara due to their pointed ears, or at least for those who could be seen.

One common factor was that they had wires connected to their bodies, and each occupant was sleeping through what was their meta-morph surgery to become MANTIS super soldiers.

"No rejections?"

"None sir, all chosen subjects have successfully completed the Metal Morph surgery," Nathaniel's companion replied. "We've had no problems among any of the recruits."

"Excellent, and training is proceeding as well?"

"For the younger recruits after undergoing Meta Morph Surgery, they are going well, they have been responding well to our classes and physical training," Vidyadhara man replied. "Once they are old enough, we increase the difficulty as their bodies adapt and grow with their new MANTIS augmentations."

Walking by another observation window, one could see the group of recruits being a group of teenagers, a mix of different genders and species wearing combat gi uniforms engaging in hand-to-hand combat practice. One Foxian girl struck her foe so hard the boy was sent flying across the room while another child, a human teen knocked out his foe with a single punch.

"I am glad to hear everything has continued to progress well," Nathaniel replied as he and his companion walked across a transparent passageway now overlooking an enormous cafeteria where the recruits and growing MANTIS super soldiers were having lunch able to house over a hundred people.

After the end of the long corridor, the two reached the end, leading outside where Nathaniel could see an open area where hundreds of adult recruits, wearing uniforms consisting of black armor, with helmets held by their side as they knelt on one knee as they were undergoing graduation. Nathaniel could only look down at the scene before him with pride.

"I trust Baatar told you the news," a new voice inquired, joining the pair on the balcony overlooking the MANTIS soldiers who had completed their training.

"Yes, he did, well done Jingliu, but I've expected no less." Nathaniel said graduating Jingliu as Baatar stood aside.

Jingliu, a slender pale woman who seemed to be in her mid-twenties, but she was much older than her appearance would suggest with long pale hair and red eyes. Her attire was unique among other members of Heron. A remnant of her past, her attire consists of an elegant dress, cutting off just past the thighs. It was adorned with a palette of black dark blue and a disc in the middle above her stomach showing various moon phases going from white to black. Her long hair had a blue ribbon and a red ribbon on the right hip and one on the back of her dress. She also wore a pair of knee-high black boots.

"Leave us Baatar, give your wife and child my regards," Jingliu commanded.

"Yes, my lady," Baatar said, bowing his head respectfully before leaving.

Once Baatar was gone, Jingliu and Nathaniel spoke.

"The new weapons and ships I designed performed as expected?"

"Yes, they did, far more effective than anything the Xianzhou Alliance ever created. Too set in their ways to be unable to change tactics let alone develop new weapons to deal with the Abundance," Jingliu replied with a hint of bitterness in her voice.

"Excellent, but don't give me all of the credit. Your leadership and your contributions that created this facility were vital to creating well trained warriors who could make the best use of those weapons," Nathaniel said, recalling a fond memory. "From the first ten you trained seven hundred years ago, who trained others expanding this facility until it became what it is now."

"The reason you saved me from the Mara, granted me this new and much stronger body," Jingliu said.

"Yes, you deserved more than what the Xianzhou Alliance did after you became Mara-Struck," Nathaniel said, with his voice having hints of anger. "Literal centuries of service, and they cast you aside, what a waste."

"Yes, but being mara-struck is an inevitable fate for the people of the Xianzhou Alliance. However, thanks to you many have escaped that fate. You even did what that fool Dan Feng tried to accomplish and failed so spectacularly," Jingliu said, but this time when the name Dan Feng passed her lips, Nathaniel could feel her anger flare for a brief moment even as she tried to keep up a stoic façade.

"Yes, the Vidyadhara who have joined Heron can now reproduce in their new bodies. Of course, I did place limits on how much they could procreate to avoid an out-of-control population growth. I rather not have the Alliance after me," Nathaniel replied with a laugh.

"You limited them to one child between one another, but with other species regardless of gender the resulting child will either be a human or a Foxian, which they can have more than one. The only benefit they gain is that they'll live much longer than normal before age finally catches up to them," Jingliu said, impressed with Nathaniel's achievements.

"Thank you, it wasn't easy solving that problem. By the way, how is Baiheng doing?" Nathaniel asked, causing Jingliu to notably grip the railing of the balcony.

"She is well, thank you, but she remains incomplete as a person because of Dan Feng's doomed effort to bring her back."

"I had told him I would bring her back, but he arrogantly tried to do it on his own despite my warnings," Nathaniel said recalling that incident that nearly exposed his existence to the Alliance if he hadn't responded quickly to lock away the memories of himself from Dan Feng and others in time.

"No change then, not after seven hundred years when I brought her back."

"There are some, she is smiling more, but it's hard to look at what is a shell of my friend," Jingliu said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Enough about the past, I assume your meeting with that fanatic Dan Shu went well?"

"It did, she eagerly accepted what I offered more easily than I thought?" Nathaniel said, deciding to accept the change of subject.

"Are you sure she can be trusted?"

"No, but I can still make use of her. As I've said, after dealing with people as long as I have, anyone can be made useful," Nathaniel replied with a smile. "She'll help Lelouch get stronger, and perhaps give Suzaku a hand."

"Risky, but I'll allow it since you seem certain, but what of Suzaku. I heard the boy killed his own father for betraying his country?"

"You heard correctly, Genbu Kururugi was selling out his country to a faction of nobles who wanted Japan seized for their Sakuradite Mines. Hoping the deaths of Lelouch and Nunnally will elevate their favorite in the royal court," Nathaniel answered. "Unfortunately, it seems Suzaku won't recover easily from the experience. The ones I've assigned to help him haven't made much progress."

"What do you plan to do?"

"It seems I'll need an expert to handle him."

Three hours had passed, and during that time Lelouch explained what he knew to Bronya before taking time to answer her questions.

"That's a lot to take in," Bronya said, burring one side of head with one hand.

"I can't say I blame you. It took me a day or so to come to terms with things myself," Lelouch admitted as the two walked together. "I honestly thought it was all a dream."

"I can only imagine how it was for you experiencing all of that first hand," Bronya said, trying to grasp everything Lelouch told her.

It was difficult to believe certainly, but considering what Lelouch's companions were capable of it was hard to deny the conclusion before her since nothing else she knew could explain it.

"You two seem to be getting along well," Elysia said, joining the pair alongside Eden.

"I think it's good to make new friends," Eden added.

"Yes, I've brought her up to speed on everything," Lelouch added.

"That makes things easy then," Elysia replied, clasping her hands together in joy. "We have plenty of time to talk, so why don't I join in."

"Hold that thought," Vill-V said, as she saw something in the distance ahead. "Uh, was there a bridge here?"

"If there was a bridge earlier, then those who planned Bronya's assassination likely destroyed it," Lelouch deduced before adding. "But to ensure no one makes it back alive, even those who were in on it."

Approaching a large ravine, the group had been tracing back the steps of the cadets, but it seemed there was a bridge here recently. However, they found what was left of the bridge was destroyed, but even worse it seemed the winds were picking up indicating a snowstorm was coming.

"There isn't anywhere on the other side of the bridge we could use to take proper shelter," Bronya warned, being very familiar with the general area.

"I don't think my power would be enough to make a place for us, or at least long enough to last through the storm."

"Can't we head into the ravine from here?" Lelouch suggested. "Maybe the high cliffs might provide some protection."

"We might get lucky and find a cave to take shelter in for the night. Snowstorms like these will last a long time," Bronya added.

"In that case why don't you open a portal to the bottom Lelouch?" Eden replied.

"Ok," Lelouch said, extending his hand as he envisioned the bottom of the ravine opening a portal, he also tried to enlarge it for everyone to move through quickly.

Elysia boldly stepped through the portal to check the other side.

"It's safe," Elysia said, poking head back through the portal gesturing for everyone to follow.

Eden stayed with Lelouch until everyone was through, at which point the pair went through the portal to the other side finding themselves at the bottom of the ravine. The winds were already beginning to pick up and the snowfall was increasing too. The cliffs around them protected them from the coming storm, but it wouldn't last long unless they found shelter.

"Look," one of the cadets called out. "There is a cave there!"

"Everyone into the cave," Bronya commanded.

"Look there are crates and supplies left here," Vill-V said, noticing they were surrounded by old crates and devices scattered around them.

"It must've been supplies lost by a previous expedition or patrol. Everyone grab what you can then get into the cave. Maybe we salvage the Geomarrow heaters, and find any usable supplies," Bronya said, quickly realizing they could use it.

A sound idea, Lelouch said, deciding to offer what help he could in recovering any useful supplies.

"Lelouch there is a chest right there," Eden said, nudging Lelouch's shoulder.

"Right, maybe we can take it."

Eden and Lelouch picked up the chest, which they found to be quite large, had been half buried in the snow.

This chest is almost buried, it must've been here for a very long time. Hopefully we can use whatever is inside, Lelouch thought.

However, as Lelouch and Eden paired to move the chest to the cave, one of the hands on the side broke off just as Lelouch and Eden began to haul it away. The chest had also been seemingly damaged, because as soon as it hit the ground the lid broke apart.

"What the hell!" Lelouch said, jumping back in a brief fright.

Among the things that could've been inside the chest, the last thing they expected was a corpse. Eden had instinctively drawn her guns, at the sound of Lelouch's surprise at what was in the chest. The corpse belonged to that of a woman with short red hair, wearing a uniform that seemed identical to the ones worn by the cadets, but from what they could see the woman's attire was more extravagant yet it revealed some skin. However, they couldn't see much else because the frozen corpse was curled up into a feral position, but otherwise they noticed she wore long black boots and matching gloves.

"Relax Lelouch, she's dead."

"Dead for a very long time," Mobius said, drawn to the scene by the commotion.

"I believe the chest was nearly buried in the snow," Eden said, confirming what Mobius suspected from a causal examination of the corpse.

"Hmm it seems the freezing temperatures did an excellent job preserving the body," Mobius remarked poking the frozen cheek of the dead woman.

"Then someone put that woman in that chest and tossed her over a cliff?" Lelouch said, piecing together what happened.

"It would seem so, which means this woman was murdered."

"Yes, that seems likely, there is a wound on her head and some blood that never healed, meaning they were inflicted upon death. She likely died on impact when the chest holding her was thrown from the top of the ravine." Mobius replied, but before anyone could do anything further.

"Uh I think you all might want to get inside the cave," Elysia said, approaching the group. "Bronya, Vill-V, and the other cadets got those heating lamps working, so you better come in."

Left with little choice; Lelouch, Mobius and Eden retreated into the cave, leaving the corpse out in the snow. Not wanting to panic the survivors with them, nor deal with an old dead body as the cave warms it up.

"What happened out there," Bronya asked, as the students worked to help tend to one another, sharing what food and water they had amongst themselves.

"We came across a dead body stuffed into a chest. It looked like someone important; her attire seem to indicate such a role I think?"

"A dead body?" Bronya inquired, her eyes widened in surprise at such a gruesome discovery.

"It's not my area of expertise, so I can only guess how long that body has been there. But given the temperatures and how buried the chest was in the snow protecting the body from scavengers, I can safely say that the woman has been dead for a long time," Mobius said, joining the conversation. "It is impressive at how well preserved the body is, but if you want to know when she died, you'll need a professional to conduct a full autopsy."

"That might be difficult," Bronya began with one hand on her chin in contemplation. "I know from studying that you can find frozen fish well preserved in ice from hundreds of years ago that can be eaten after being cooked. But maybe when the storm clears, we can examine the body, you said her uniform was unique?"

"Yes, it was a little revealing in some places, but it was different from anything we've seen so far," Lelouch remarked.

"I would say it might've been someone of importance given how decorative her attire was," Eden suggested.

"Oh so we have a murder mystery then?" Elysia said, joining the conversation, her eyes sparked with curiosity.

"Elysia, this isn't some game," Mobius said, exasperated with the pink-haired elf. "Like I doubt it would be that easy to solve a murder that could've happened ages ago. Besides, we have the students to worry about."

"She's right, once this storm clears and morning comes, we should continue on towards the city. We can tell the authorities what we found once we arrive," Eden suggested, folding both arms under her chest.

"Alright," Elysia said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"Come on, I think we might have some spare rations and water to share. All we can do is wait out the storm," Bronya said, changing the subject.

Later that night, the snowstorm continued to rage outside the cave, but the repaired Geomarrow heaters had managed to keep the cave they were in at a comfortable warm temperature. It was fortunate the cadets and Vill-V were able to repair them despite having been dumped into a ravine.

We're lucky too this cave was big enough to accommodate us, Lelouch thought as he was among those who volunteered for the first watch, but he wasn't alone.

"Really so your world was like that?" Bronya said as she sat in-between Lelouch and Elysia, with the two girls talking to one another.

Just as Bronya was curious about Lelouch's world of origin, Bronya was likewise curious about where Elysia came from. For the past two hours Elysia had told Bronya all about her Earth, which people of the modern times were calling the Previous Era.

Given the conditions she and her people have been living under, it's no surprise Bronya would be so curious, Lelouch thought, realizing a world without constant snowfall would be akin to a fantasy on Jarilo-VI.

Feeling tired Lelouch got up, deciding to walk around to stay awake until the next shift change, as they all agreed to take turns keeping watch. Elysia and Bronya didn't notice Lelouch get up and walk away, heading towards the entrance to look outside the cave.

You can barely see anything out there, Lelouch mused, the powerful wings blowing through the ravine combined with heavy snowfall made it impossible to see more than a few feet beyond the cave's entrance.

"The snowstorm is quite strong isn't it mister?"

"Yes, it is, I wonder if snow storms such as these are normal?"

"I think so, but you sound as if this is your first time seeing one?"

"It is in…fact," Lelouch said, his exhausted mind realizing he was talking to someone else.

Now wide awake and alert, Lelouch looked around before he heard the voice again.

"I am in front of you."

Turning back at the entrance into the cave, Lelouch saw a young girl, a few years younger than him, wearing tattered clothes and having short red hair with green eyes. On guard, Lelouch was defensive, keeping an eye on the girl before him.

I don't recall seeing this girl among the students, she doesn't have their uniform, Lelouch wondered where the girl came from.

There was no way she could've survived the snowstorm ragging outside, but Lelouch couldn't understand where else she could've come from.

"Are you ok sir?"

"I am fine, but who are you and where did you come from?"

"I don't know where I am from, but I can tell you my name, it's Cyrille."

A/N: For those who've played Honkai Star Rail, might be able to guess what lies ahead with Cyrille appearing in the story.

I will note I was hesitant to involve another scene with Nathaniel in this chapter, showing the MANTIS soldiers he had been building up for the past seven hundred years. Having "recruited" Jingliu to train and command them with their numbers growing over the hundreds of years from a small group who would become instructors who would train others, rinse and repeat until an army was born.

I had planned on using Jingliu after some deliberation among friends, but her character being released and appearing in game was a big help and made me confident in my plans to use her. I was only not very confident due to lacking full details on her character, but as I said her release and details about her being learned not only put me at ease with using her but add more with Baiheng, who is the first known case of a not completely successful resurrection and Natheniel's means to ensure Jingliu's loyalty.

The only thing I didn't plan on was introducing her character now, but I had run out of things to do for the scenes with Lelouch and company. Because I wanted to save some things for the next chapters.

As for the planned harem that might happen, unless the story plays out in a way that I can't justify it, it is because I did a lot of research and asking around on Questionable Questing because this is my first time working with the cast from Honkai Impact and Honkai Impact Star Rail, so I wanted to gauge what people think. And because I know there are people who have very strong feelings about certain pairings, so let no one say I didn't spare any effort in my planning and efforts.

But don't take it to mean I am not confident I can pull it off, I am just taking it very seriously and as such I am doing it for the sake of fanservice. Its just if doesn't happen as I am hoping it will, which is to be believable for those involved and is justified in the story, then I have no issue abandoning the idea if it doesn't serve the interests of the story as a whole.

Anyway, no romance will happen until the characters are at least eighteen, so it's a LONG way off.

But I'll stop here, because I am sure aside from events of the chapter you guys noticed a few interesting tidbits mentioned in this chapter.

Also if you guys could, for those who know Genshin Impact, I would appreciate any votes on a poll on my profile page. Its just something I am running for a future Code Geass and Genshin Impact crossover I might do in the future once I finish some of my current stories.

Thanks for reading, and thank you guys in advance for the feedback.