- Volume 1 Chapter 1 (IV) -
o-0-o
It would be a lie if Sparda said he did not feel a twinge of excitement tingling in his veins as he gingerly stepped into the hallowed halls of Millennium Science School. Having pored over files back at SCHALE, he had braced himself for a school that existed on the cutting edge of innovation in Kivotos. The records boldly proclaimed that, amidst the myriad schools scattered across the city, Millennium stood as the unrivaled beacon of technological prowess and academic sophistication.
The rumors of its advanced curriculum and state-of-the-art gadgets had sparked his curiosity, leaving him with a sense of anticipation that danced on the border between thrill and trepidation. Trinity General School and Gehenna Academy might have held sway in terms of overall influence, but Millennium, with its arsenal of technological wizardry, was undoubtedly a formidable contender in the academic arena.
As Sparda wandered through the corridors that resembled a scene ripped from the pages of a futuristic epic, his eyes widened at the mesmerizing holographic displays and the interactive learning pods that seemed plucked straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. It was a surreal blend of advanced technology seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of the present, as if the school itself was a time traveler, bringing the future to the here and now.
However, amid the whirring of futuristic machinery and the soft glow of holograms, there was something that caught Sparda's attention - a conspicuous abundance of robots within the confines of Millennium. He couldn't help but mull over the sheer diversity of these mechanical beings. Sure, he'd encountered robots outside of Millennium, but none quite as varied and intriguing as the ones gracing the school's premises.
Intrigued, Sparda found himself pondering the nature of these robotic inhabitants. Were they mere machines, devoid of sentience, or did they harbor a spark of consciousness? His observations led him to conclude that, unlike the sentient robots he had encountered beyond the school's boundaries, these mechanical entities within Millennium seemed more like elaborate puppets—skillfully designed and programmed, yet lacking the autonomy and self-awareness that characterized their counterparts outside of Millennium.
As he continued to observe, a philosophical musing began to crystallize in Sparda's mind. Were the entities beyond the school's boundaries truly robots, or had the term undergone a transformation, stretching beyond its traditional boundaries?
The robots he knew from the Human World represented a pinnacle of automaton sophistication—a culmination of countless years of improvements by alchemists and scientists, evolving from basic stone golems. Yet, at their core, they still required inputs and directives from humans to function. The contrast with the mechanized inhabitants of Kivotos sparked a contemplation on the evolving definition of "robot" in this technologically enriched realm.
Sparda, concluding his contemplation with a nonchalant shrug, remarked, "Well, no need to wreck my brain over this. I'm sure everything will become clear in due time."
As the words hung in the air, Sparda felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he found Kazusa gazing at him with a pale face, an expression that bordered on both concern and mild horror. "Sensei, please stop that," she implored, her voice tinged with a touch of unease. "If you suddenly start talking to yourself, I might abandon you here and seek out the Knight Hospitallers to have a look at your mental state."
"I second that," Kayoko deadpanned, her eyes widening for emphasis as if genuinely considering the likelihood of Sparda going rogue in the sleek corridors of Millennium.
Sparda, baffled by the scrutiny, couldn't help but ask, "Just how in the world do you see me?"
Unexpectedly, a third voice resonated, emanating from the Shittim Chest nestled snugly within the inner pocket of his uniform. "I third that!" The voice belonged to Arona, sounding as if she had just awakened, perfectly timed to catch Kazusa's cautionary words.
Sparda chuckled and quipped, "Shuush. Don't lend your ears to these ladies; they weren't being serious." However, instead of dissipating the tension, his words seemed to intensify the perplexed expressions on both Kazusa and Kayoko's faces.
"What?" Sparda inquired, glancing between the two students.
"Sensei," Kayoko placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's fine, Sensei. I'm sure this is just a phase of your life that you'll get through eventually."
Perplexed, Sparda raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Kayoko exchanged a knowing look with Kazusa before Kayoko leaned in, her voice lowered, "You have one, don't you? An imaginary friend?"
Sparda's eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard by the unexpected accusation. "...Excuse me?"
With a sudden burst of apology, Arona chimed in, "Ah, Sensei! I'm sorry! I forgot to tell you, you're the only one who can hear my voice!"
Sparda, grappling with a mix of incredulity and mild frustration, felt the urge to question why this revelation hadn't been shared earlier. However, he bit back the inquiry, realizing that pressing the matter might only serve to brand him as mad in the head. Instead, he needed to find a way to navigate this peculiar situation without adding fuel to the speculative fire.
His mind raced, pondering how to explain or normalize the situation. After a moment's contemplation, he decided he needed to come up with a plausible explanation—one that didn't involve confessing to hearing voices. This was, after all, an unusual turn of events that he hadn't anticipated when he slipped the Shittim Chest into his pocket that morning.
Drawing in a deep breath, Sparda cleared his throat with a subtle cough, aiming to regain control of the situation. With a newfound air of nonchalance, he began, "You got me. Actually, it's because of this cutting-edge piece of technology I've been testing. A sort of... advanced communication device. It occasionally has these, uh, quirky features that might seem a bit outlandish, but rest assured, it's all perfectly under control."
As he spoke, Sparda couldn't help but shoot a quick, almost imperceptible glance at the Shittim Chest in his pocket, as if silently imploring it to play along with his impromptu tale.
Kazusa and Kayoko exchanged skeptical glances, clearly unconvinced by Sparda's impromptu narrative. Undeterred, Sparda dove deeper into his storyteller persona.
"I'm sorry, I can't divulge further details. It's a top-secret project entrusted to SCHALE by none other than the president of the General Student Council," Sparda declared with an air of feigned importance. He paused for effect, allowing the weight of this supposedly classified information to settle in.
"But, I assure you," he continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "once it's ready for public use, you two will be the first ones I'll inform."
As Sparda awaited their verdict on his elaborate tale, he couldn't help but wonder if his fantastical story had managed to trick them or if they were simply playing along. The moment of truth arrived when Kazusa turned to Kayoko, seeking her opinion.
"What do you think, Kayoko-san?" Kazusa inquired, her gaze fixed on Kayoko.
Kayoko, studying Sparda with an enigmatic expression, seemed to be contemplating something beyond the scope of their peculiar conversation. Sparda felt a twinge of uncertainty as if Kayoko possessed an uncanny ability to see through his facade. "Well..." she began slowly, "It is what it is. We're not privy to the General Student Council's matters, so we can't either affirm or refute Sensei's claim."
Sparda, feeling a mix of relief and intrigue, noted the subtlety in Kayoko's response. Kazusa, however, wasn't quite satisfied. "That's quite an unsatisfactory answer," she remarked, a hint of playful skepticism in her tone.
"It is what it is," Kayoko repeated, her eyes lingering on Sparda, leaving him to wonder if she was intentionally leaving room for interpretation.
Amused by the uncertainty lingering in the air, Sparda couldn't help but savor the ambiguity momentarily. With a wry inward smirk, he decided it was high time to steer the conversation into safer waters. "Anyway, feast your eyes on this map," he declared, sweeping his arm theatrically towards the holographic representation of Millennium's sprawling campus. "Our destination should be within sight. How about we expedite the conclusion of this mission and reward ourselves with something utterly delightful?"
However, instead of the enthusiastic response he hoped for, Kazusa shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and bemusement. "Sensei… you sounded like an old man who's desperately trying to fit in with the younger crowd."
Sparda raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Old man? I'll have you know I'm the epitome of eternal youth and charm."
Arona's voice echoed from within the confines of the Shittim Chest, and a triumphant "See! I was right!" reached Sparda's ears. "You do act and talk like an old man, Sensei!"
Sparda, feeling the need to defend his youthful spirit, opened his mouth to retort, but a well-timed intervention from Kayoko redirected his attention to the pressing matters at hand.
"Hey," Kayoko interjected, her expression serious, "Are you sure we still have time to indulge in jokes? We've got less than six hours until that thing needs to grace the stage." Her pointed finger emphasized the urgency, pointing at the Peroro animatronic that Sparda was dutifully carrying on his shoulders. "Besides, we've practically painted a target on ourselves with all the attention we've been attracting. It wouldn't be surprising if the security robots decided to give us a closer inspection. Unless, of course, that's the grand plan, Sensei?"
"No, you're right. Let's hustle and head straight to the Engineering Department. It shouldn't take us long to get there," Sparda agreed, his tone now devoid of the earlier lighthearted banter.
The need to move swiftly became evident as the attention they garnered turned from curious glances to downright stares. Every passing student seemed to have fixed their gaze on the peculiar trio. Granted, Sparda bore the brunt of the attention, but in the midst of the onlookers, he couldn't shake the feeling that a growing audience was forming around them.
Glancing sidelong at Kayoko and Kazusa, Sparda wondered if they, too, were becoming aware of the gathering crowd. However, before he could voice his concern, the realization hit him that the students weren't acting like bystanders but rather enthusiasts eager for a closer look.
"Like circus animals, these girls simply had to see us up close, don't they?" Sparda wryly mused inwardly, his tone tinged with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. The situation had unwittingly turned into a spectacle, with the trio as the unexpected stars of an impromptu show.
As more students gravitated towards them, Sparda couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected twist of events. Perhaps a touch of fame, even if it was more akin to fleeting campus notoriety, wouldn't hurt. Besides, he considered, it did have its advantages—it acted as an inadvertent shield against potential harm. After all, who would dare harm them in the midst of a bustling crowd?
With this crowd, surely, no one would suddenly open fire at them... right?
o-0-o
A bespectacled girl sporting chic, short, dark blue hair, stepped into the lively, bustling halls of the Engineering Department. A bunny-shaped hairpin gracefully secured her left bang, adding a touch of whimsy to her appearance. The vibrant debates among the students assaulted her senses immediately, and she couldn't help but feel a subtle ache forming in her temples at the sheer ludicrousness of some of the topics being discussed.
Clad in the distinctive white Millennium uniform, she wore a stylish blue tie under a navy blue cardigan. A casually unzipped white jacket, featuring a conspicuous V logo on its arm, topped off her ensemble, marking her as someone of significance within the school.
As the deputy director of Veritas, Kagami Chihiro made her way toward the massive hangar where Shiraishi Utaha, a certain head of the Engineering Department, was located. While her primary objective remained to ascertain Sparda-Sensei's intentions for bringing two students from different schools to Millennium, she recognized the need to ensure proper decorum when he arrived at the Engineering Department. In particular, she wanted to make sure that the students, especially Utaha's and her two underclassmen, behaved appropriately in his presence.
Understanding the importance of first impressions, Kagami Chihiro pondered whether the unique quirks of the Engineering Department would be well-received by Sparda-Sensei.
As the door slid open, Chihiro found herself face to face with a girl whose distinctive presence was impossible to ignore. A halo, shaped like a pink digital-framed hexagon with a rhombus nestled inside, adorned her head. What made it even more eye-catching were the cybernetic wings extending gracefully from each side. The girl's long violet hair cascaded down to her legs, its ends neatly tied with a cybernetic wing that mirrored the one on her halo. As her violet eyes widened in surprise upon spotting Chihiro, it became evident that this encounter was unexpected.
Despite the chaotic appearance, the girl's white lab coat served as a shield, protecting her uniform – a white shirt and a blue tie beneath a snug black sweater – from the dirt and oils that marked her hands-on work. Unfortunately, her pleated skirt hadn't fared as well, its once pristine white now marred by blotches of inky black oils. A Millennium access badge, securely clipped to her sweater, swayed gently as she rose from whatever tinkering project had absorbed her attention.
In all her gloriously dirty appearance, Shiraishi Utaha waved at Chihiro, a welcoming smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Chi-chan. What brings you here?" she greeted, utilizing her arm to wipe away the sweat that clung to her forehead.
Eager to get down to business, Chihiro's focus was momentarily derailed upon laying eyes on the mechanical monstrosity looming behind Utaha. The sight triggered an immediate surge of concern in Chihiro's mind, prompting her to voice her incredulity, "Is that a war machine you're building?"
Utaha, looking momentarily offended, quickly retorted, "What are you talking about, Chi-chan? This is definitely a marketing robot!"
"Marketing...?" Chihiro trailed off, her gaze narrowing as she scrutinized the imposing creation behind Utaha. The sheer scale of the machine was staggering, standing at least thrice her height. While humanoid in shape at the top, its lower half was equipped with a pair of caterpillar tracks, suggesting it could traverse a wide array of terrains with ease.
Examining the appendages revealed a disconcerting array of weaponry. Its hands were armed with four-barreled rocket launchers, and a formidable 15mm autocannon was prominently attached to its back. A soft, glowing light hummed behind the glass of its pod-like head, casting an ominous aura over the entire spectacle.
In spite of Utaha's insistence on its marketing purpose, Chihiro couldn't shake the feeling that this creation was closer to a tank than any conventional notion of a marketing robot.
"If this is genuinely a marketing robot, as you assert, then why on earth does it come equipped with rocket launchers and an autocannon?" Chihiro inquired with a skeptical arch of her brow.
Utaha, clearly taken aback by the question, responded with an offended tone, "What do you mean? Those are vital components for delivering peak performance!"
Chihiro's frown deepened, her concern mounting. "Now, I'm genuinely scared to find out what you mean by 'performance'." The unease in her voice underscored the disconcerting gap between Utaha's claimed purpose and the ominous features of the colossal creation behind her.
"Allow me to explain!" A resounding shout pierced the air, causing Chihiro to divert her attention from the perplexing marketing robot towards the source of the clamor. To her surprise, she was met by the presence of two familiar figures from the Engineering Department whom she had observed earlier on the field: Toyomi Kotori and Nekozuka Hibiki.
Kotori's distinctive halo featured an orange triangle adorned with curved arrows along each edge, while petals adorned its inner circumference. Her vibrant appearance continued with a bright orange, tousled bob cut framing her face. A braid on her left side added a touch of uniqueness to her hairstyle, and her bright red eyes peeked out from behind sleek black glasses.
She sported the standard Millennium uniform, complete with a navy blue furry winter coat. Her white shirt and blue tie, though present, were notably loose and unbuttoned. The pleated black skirt was tied with straps, and she wore white socks paired with black sneakers featuring blue shoelaces.
Hibiki, on the other hand, showcased a halo composed of a small yellow barred circle nested inside a larger one, the outer circle boasting a thicker rim. Her black wavy hair was artfully tied into a ponytail on her right side, accented by a yellow and purple orb connected to a band. Engineering goggles casually rested on her forehead, adding an extra layer to her distinctive appearance. Complementing her ensemble were black floppy dog ears, a black tail with a white tip, and gray eyes.
She opted for a white and yellow hoodie, paired with a black and gray tank top and shorts. Webbed stockings and black boots, featuring the Millennium logo on the rim and sole print, completed her unique attire.
While Chihiro couldn't claim the same level of familiarity with these two as she had with Utaha, the fact that Utaha had taken a personal interest in them made it Chihiro's responsibility to keep a watchful eye on their development. History had shown that individuals like Kotori and Hibiki might well become regular visitors to Veritas in the future, and Chihiro was keenly aware of the potential impact their creations could have.
Kotori launched into a lengthy explanation, articulating her rationale and justifications for why, in her perspective, a marketing robot absolutely required the inclusion of four-barreled rocket launchers and a 15mm autocannon. Her words flowed with an enthusiastic cadence, as if she had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of her creation.
"See, Chihiro-Senpai," Kotori began, her hands gesturing animatedly, "the idea behind our marketing robot is to captivate the audience with a sensory experience like never before! The rocket launchers, strategically positioned, are not just for show. They're meant to deliver a visual spectacle, creating a dazzling display of lights and colors that will leave a lasting impression. It's all about making a statement and ensuring that our robot stands out in any crowded market environment."
Her explanation continued, the enthusiasm evident in her voice not diminishing for a moment. "And as for the autocannon," she added with a twinkle in her eye, "it's not about aggression, but innovation! Imagine the impact of a marketing campaign where our robot can shoot out promotional materials or deliver samples directly to the target audience. It's a revolutionary approach to product engagement, breaking through the traditional boundaries of marketing. Our robot isn't just a machine; it's a trendsetter!"
…
…
…
Turning her attention towards Hibiki, Chihiro quirked an eyebrow inquisitively. "So, what's the real reason behind arming this robot to the teeth?"
Hibiki hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting as she contemplated whether to divulge their true intentions.
Finally, she took a deep breath and confessed, "Uhh, well... we're trying to impress Sparda-Sensei. We kind of threw together whatever spare parts we had left to create this bad boy, hoping he'd be impressed enough not to shut down our club. And if that didn't work, well…then we could use the robot for other…purposes…."
Chihiro's confusion deepened, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of Hibiki's revelation. "Sorry, I don't follow. I think there's a missing piece in our conversation. How does building a fully-armed marketing robot have anything to do with preventing your club from shutting down? And why did you jump to the conclusion that Sparda-Sensei's reason for coming here is to close down your club?"
Hibiki sighed, a mix of frustration and earnestness in her expression as she attempted to clarify, "Have you seen the state of that Peroro? It's a masterpiece created by our fellow club members, which they continued to work on even as Kivotos plunged into a crisis. Treating it like that suggests that Sensei must be someone who hates robots. And where else would he find the greatest hub of robotic development other than here?"
Chihiro shook her head in disbelief, her logical mind struggling to reconcile the leap of logic Hibiki had just taken. "That's quite a crazy leap of logic," she remarked, her tone a blend of incredulity and concern. "Have you considered the possibility that perhaps he wasn't even the one who damaged it? Jumping to conclusions might not be the most effective way to address the situation."
Chihiro's rational approach sought to temper Hibiki's speculative concerns, urging a more measured assessment of the circumstances surrounding Sparda-Sensei's visit.
"Chi-chan, when you've been entrenched in this business as long as we have, you develop a sixth sense for a person's character just by observing how they treat a piece of equipment. The sorry state of that Peroro speaks volumes – only a heartless individual or a true technophobe could remain impervious to the passion our fellow club members poured into its creation!" Utaha declared with a theatrical flourish, her words resonating with a knowing conviction that elicited a joyous chorus of agreement from the rest of the Engineering Department's students gathered around.
Chihiro, however, found herself unable to contain her growing sense of frustration, her brow furrowing with concern. "Did you not hear a single word I said?" she implored. "I asked you, what gives you the confidence to assume that Sparda-Sensei is the culprit behind the damage to that Peroro?"
Utaha's eyes glimmered, stars seemingly blinking around them – a peculiar expression shared by both Kotori and Hibiki. With a smug air, Utaha confidently replied, "My trusty engineer instinct."
A mixture of disbelief and exasperation crossed Chihiro's face. "Your trusty instinct can go to space for all I care," she retorted, feeling a formidable headache assaulting her brain at the nonsensical answer that had just tumbled from Utaha's lips. "In the first place, how can you be so certain that Sparda-Sensei possesses the authority to unilaterally shut down a club?" Chihiro pointed out, her logical mind seeking clarity in the midst of the chaotic assumptions.
"I don't," Utaha answered plainly, her nonchalance only adding to Chihiro's perplexity.
"Then how—"
"As I said, it's instinct," Utaha interjected with a confident smile, her expression unyielding in the face of Chihiro's scrutiny. The audacious reliance on intuition, devoid of concrete evidence, only deepened Chihiro's sense of bewilderment and concern.
"And you're supposed to be one of our best engineers!" Chihiro exclaimed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. The nonsensical nature of Utaha's response had pushed her to the brink, and she struggled to restrain herself from snapping at her with even more intensity.
"Chi-chan, calm down. It's not good for your health if you stress yourself this much," Utaha replied, her tone placid in stark contrast to Chihiro's rising agitation.
For Chihiro, the effort to maintain composure felt like a Herculean task. Gritting her teeth, she shot back, "Whose fault do you think that is?" The strain in her voice betrayed the tension beneath the surface.
"Now, now, Chi-chan. Let bygones be bygones," Utaha suggested with an almost infuriating calmness. "By the way, you haven't told me the reason you're here, Chi-chan."
Chihiro inhaled deeply, choosing to reserve her energy rather than engaging in a futile argument with Utaha. "I just want to ensure that you behave appropriately," she asserted.
"Why?" Utaha prodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"It's because—" Chihiro began, her explanation cut short by the abrupt sliding open of the door. A chorus of panicked students added to the commotion, disrupting the conversation. An irked Chihiro turned around, her gaze scanning the room to identify the cause of the disturbance. To her dismay, she found herself face-to-face with the very source of her ongoing troubles.
"Ooh! This is simply marvelous! A technological marvel! Wonders of the world!" Sparda-Sensei exclaimed with unbridled enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming as he surveyed the intricacies of the Engineering Department.
However, a dry remark punctured the air, cutting through the excitement like a well-aimed arrow. "Sensei, please, for the love of–! Could you stop acting like a child visiting a theme park for the first time?! It's unbearably cringy to see an adult act like that!" Kazusa critiqued, her expression a mix of disbelief and mild embarrassment at Sparda-Sensei's unrestrained awe.
Kayoko, nodding in agreement with Kazusa's sentiment, added her own perspective, "I have to agree. At least he didn't play around with all these things. Seriously, every single one of them looks dangerous enough; I don't even want to know what they're capable of doing." Her tone held a note of genuine concern as she eyed the array of intricate machinery surrounding them, clearly more cautious about the potential hazards than Sparda-Sensei's childlike wonder suggested.
Sparda, accompanied by Kyouyama Kazusa and Onikata Kayoko, made a grand entrance into the heart of Millennium's Engineering Department.
o-0-o
Sparda cast a discerning glance around, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the Engineering Department. His gaze eventually came to rest on the colossal hangar that loomed in front of them.
The sheer magnitude of the facility and the number of machineries had left him wondering if, by some odd chance, they had unintentionally strayed into a military zone in Kivotos instead of remaining within the confines of Millennium.
As they continued their journey, winding through the campus, another half an hour slipped away before they reached their ultimate destination—an imposing hangar with the bold proclamation 'Engineering Department' emblazoned on its facade.
Glancing around, Sparda took in the utilitarian landscape that surrounded them. It was a departure from the conventional educational environment he had envisioned, an industrial bastion standing in stark contrast to the more traditional elements scattered throughout the rest of the campus.
In fact, the entire area bore more resemblance to a sprawling military base complex than a conventional academic institution. The absence of standard buildings in the vicinity hinted at a deliberate design crafted for practical purposes, diverging significantly from the usual aesthetics associated with a typical campus setting.
The utilitarian nature of the surroundings also spoke volumes about the singular focus on functionality and efficiency that defined the Engineering Department's domain. It was a landscape sculpted for innovation, where form followed function in a departure from the picturesque norms of the academic world.
"No, wait," Sparda immediately redirected his thoughts. Initially, concern had crept in, a fleeting worry that the students within this peculiar domain were being molded by Millennium's top brass into something akin to soldiers. However, a swift realization dawned on him, dispelling the apprehension. This was Kivotos, a realm where nearly everyone strolled around armed, hopped onto tanks, and carried an array of unimaginable gadgets.
It was a place where students casually shrugged off direct shots from firearms without suffering any significant injuries. The norms of safety and everyday life were redefined in Kivotos, a reality that had become second nature to its inhabitants.
Sparda contemplated this with a wry smile, recognizing that, in a peculiar sense, the same principles applied to him. Unlike the students, the distinction lay in the aftermath. While he might not meet his demise from a gunshot, his body wouldn't emerge unscathed either. Blood and holes would be the tangible consequences, a stark contrast to the seemingly invincible students of Kivotos.
…
…
…
Now then, Sparda mused, it might be high time to snap back to reality, as much as he yearned to savor the surreal scene unfolding before him.
'Why?' you ask. Well, because, despite his best efforts to nonchalantly brush it off, a colossal robot with an alarming arsenal of weaponry had positioned itself menacingly before him. Weapons, he noted with a hint of irony, that seemed unmistakably directed at him.
Casually attempting to downplay the gravity of the situation, Sparda couldn't help but let slip a wry smile. "You know, as far as greetings go, this might not top my list, but it's certainly a contender." The irony of being welcomed by an over-armed robot wasn't lost on him, and he couldn't suppress the amusement that danced in his eyes.
Surveying the mechanical monstrosity before him, Sparda mused, "I've had warmer welcomes, but there's something oddly charming about being mistaken for public enemy number one by a massive pile of bolts and circuits." His wry humor betrayed the tension of the situation, as if he were merely an uninvited guest at a bizarrely hostile party.
As the imposing war machine maintained its intimidating stance, Sparda couldn't help but appreciate the absurdity of it all. "Who needs red carpets and polite applause when you can have a metallic colossus aiming an armory at you?" he chuckled, finding a peculiar charm in the fact that this wasn't your typical welcome committee.
It seemed, in the grand scheme of his adventurous life, a heavily armed robot had decided to take the unconventional route in greeting him, making for a truly unforgettable welcome party.
As the menacing shadow of the armed robot loomed, Kayoko, with a dancer's grace, effortlessly drew her pistol, while Kazusa, in a display of swift efficiency, brandished her formidable machine gun. The duo, a symphony of military precision, took up strategic positions, their weapons aimed squarely at the metallic behemoth.
"Spare me the quips, Sensei, and find cover – now." Kayoko's command rang out, a perfect blend of urgency and authoritative determination, urging their mentor to seek refuge from the impending mechanical onslaught.
Kazusa, her irritation evident, voiced her discontent in the face of this unexpected welcome committee. "Really, of all the receptions we could have gotten, did it have to involve a metal monster armed to the teeth?" Her words dripped with a mix of disbelief and annoyance, as if the absurdity of the situation had momentarily overshadowed the gravity of the threat.
As the women maintained their poised stances, weapons aimed unwaveringly at the metallic adversary, Kazusa couldn't resist a sarcastic quip, "I was hoping for a red carpet and maybe some confetti, not a showdown with a walking arsenal." Her tone, though laced with humor, carried an undercurrent of genuine surprise at the unexpected turn of events.
In the midst of the tense standoff, a sudden disruption shattered the silence, the sound of an exuberant "Waaaaah!" cutting through the air like a knife. The unexpected interruption brought an abrupt pause to the impending clash, forcing everyone to momentarily divert their attention. "Wait! Wait! Don't shoot!" pleaded a bespectacled girl, her vibrant orange hair giving her an almost ethereal appearance as she swiftly positioned herself between the formidable weapons and the looming robot.
With an air of youthful determination, the bespectacled girl stood like a beacon of peace, as if attempting to diffuse the mounting tension with the sheer force of her presence. Her actions formed an impromptu barrier, a fragile yet significant line of defense between the armed duo and the mechanical behemoth that seemed poised for a showdown.
As the dust settled from the abrupt interruption, the unexpected mediator urgently spoke up, her eyes wide with concern. "If you harm it, it might activate its self-defense mechanism!" The warning carried a note of genuine worry, as if the fate of the entire world hinged on the delicate balance hanging in the air. The bespectacled girl, though seemingly out of place in the midst of the high-stakes confrontation, held her ground with a conviction that demanded attention.
As the bespectacled mediator maintained her steadfast stance, the chorus of pleas found an unexpected ally, this time in the form of a girl exuding a reserved and slightly introverted air. She sported unmistakable dog ears and a pair of goggles that lent her a distinctive appearance.
With a calm but assertive tone, she interjected, "That's right, Sensei. This boy might be mischievous, but it's not a bad kid unless you attack it." Her wavy black hair, elegantly tied into a stylish ponytail on her right side, swayed with a certain animated enthusiasm as she vouched for the robot's innocence.
The bespectacled mediator and the dog-eared advocate stood together, forming an unlikely alliance against the armed duo. The atmosphere crackled with uncertainty.
Sparda, still processing the whirlwind of the unexpected turn of events, couldn't help but raise an intrigued eyebrow at the peculiar introductions. "Seems like I'm well-known wherever I go… yet I am unfamiliar with you two." His wry smile returned, a mixture of bemusement and curiosity coloring his expression, as if the unfolding spectacle had taken an unexpectedly entertaining turn.
"May I inquire about your names?" Sparda queried.
The revelation did not emanate from the two girls who had valiantly positioned themselves as defenders of the robot; instead, it came from a newcomer adorned with long, flowing violet hair. With an air of quiet authority, she gracefully stepped forward.
"They are Toyomi Kotori and Nekozuka Hibiki, Sensei," she introduced, her voice carrying a soothing cadence that blended casualness with respect.
"And might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" Sparda inquired with a courteous smile.
"Oh, where have my manners run off to? I am Shiraishi Utaha of Millennium's Engineering Department. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sensei," Utaha declared, extending her right hand gracefully for a handshake, as if sealing an unspoken agreement.
As Sparda reciprocated the gesture, a fleeting thought crossed his mind—was it just his imagination, or did he catch a glint of something potentially dangerous in Utaha's eyes? It was as if she was sizing him up, not just as a stranger, but perhaps as a potential adversary in some unspoken contest of wits or skills. The air around her seemed to crackle with an energy that hinted at a mind constantly at work, plotting and scheming in the intriguing world of technology.
Sparda, with the discerning eye of a seasoned observer, subtly raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the unspoken currents he sensed. "A pleasure indeed, Utaha. It would've been a more memorable event if there's no death machine staring at me, though."
"Death machine? You offend me, Sensei! That is something we cobbled up together just for you!" Utaha proclaimed, her voice carrying a blend of mock indignation and pride.
Perplexed, Sparda couldn't help but utter, "...Why?"
"It is impressive, isn't it?" Suddenly, the dog-eared girl, Hibiki, materialized beside him. "This boy's hands can shoot up to 32 fireworks in total, and the 15mm autocannon at its back has been programmed to automatically target anything that enters its range with guided precision!"
"That's right, Sensei!" the orange-haired girl, Kotori, jumped in enthusiastically. "In the first place, the history of this magnificent creation dates back to-"
Sparda, sensing that if he didn't intervene now, he might find himself entangled in their whirlwind of enthusiasm, decided to take control of the narrative. "I admire your enthusiasm, but once again, I must ask, why did you build this?"
A brief silence enveloped the scene, a pregnant pause hanging in the air as if waiting for the revelation to unfold. Then, unexpectedly, Utaha broke the stillness with a sly smile. "You're impressed, right?"
"Impressed? Well..." Sparda hesitated, choosing his words carefully. The metallic monstrosity before him was undeniably a feat of engineering prowess, albeit an eccentric one.
"You've got a newfound fascination for robots, haven't you, Sensei?" Hibiki inquired with a playful grin, her dog ears twitching with excitement.
Utaha, not one to miss an opportunity, chimed in, "Surely, Sensei, you can grasp the romantic allure that robots bring to the table, can't you?" Her expression was a mixture of genuine curiosity and mischief.
Sparda, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of conversation, could only manage a bewildered, "Uhh…"
Undeterred, Utaha pressed on with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Given how impressed you are, you wouldn't dream of shutting down our little club, would you, Sensei?"
Perplexed and seeking refuge from the whirlwind of eccentricity, Sparda turned to Kayoko and Kazusa for assistance. To his amusement, they were equally bewildered, their expressions mirroring his own sense of bafflement.
"Excuse me, but I believe there were some parts of our conversation that somehow went missing? I utterly fail to understand what is going on here," Sparda admitted, his brow furrowing with confusion.
A soft laughter echoed, and another bespectacled girl made her entrance. This newcomer, however, exuded an air of calm sophistication, a stark contrast to the exuberance of Kotori; at least, that was Sparda's initial impression.
"Sorry, Sensei," the bespectacled girl apologized, her short, dark blue hair slightly covering her right eye, while a bunny-shaped hairpin gracefully secured her left bang. "I voiced a similar sentiment earlier, so I couldn't help feeling a bit vindicated. May I request that your companions lower their guns? I don't believe that robot will pose any threat for now, Sensei."
What did she mean by 'for now'? Sparda couldn't shake the lingering doubt, but considering the robot's lack of hostile actions so far, perhaps it was prudent to heed this girl's advice.
Sparda exchanged a subtle glance with Kayoko and Kazusa, signaling for them to lower their weapons. Though a trace of hesitation lingered on their faces initially, they ultimately complied with his direction, the tension in the air easing as the firearms were obediently lowered.
A thought flashed through Sparda's mind; despite their outward appearance as hardcore goth girls, Kayoko and Kazusa revealed themselves to be surprisingly affable and cooperative. It seemed appearances could indeed be deceiving.
"Thanks, Sensei. Now, as for you three... can you please stop making a scene? I've already stated that jumping to conclusions so hastily isn't the best approach," the bespectacled girl calmly addressed Utaha, Kotori, and Hibiki, her words carrying a clear tone of exasperation.
Utaha, appearing like a child caught in the act and facing the reprimand of a stern mother, attempted to mount a defense. "But, Chi-chan, my trusty engineer instinct said–"
"In terms of probability, how many times did it actually get things correct?" Chi-chan, the bespectacled girl, interjected, her tone carrying a sense of patience mixed with subtle exasperation.
"Proudly 3 out of 10," Utaha declared with a touch of defiance.
"It's not even a 50/50!" Chi-chan retorted, frustration evident in her voice.
While Sparda found a certain amusement in their youthful banter, he couldn't shake off the awareness of time slipping away. Inadvertently, his gaze drifted toward the digital clock mounted on the wall, and a subtle frown creased his forehead.
About to interject, Sparda found relief as one of his companions took the initiative. "Excuse me, but we're in a bit of a rush here. Could we speak with someone who can assist us in fixing this Peroro?" Kayoko inquired, pointing directly at the metallic creation standing on the entrance.
"And who might you be?" 'Chi-chan' asked, her bespectacled gaze shifting from Utaha to Kayoko.
"Onikata Kayoko," Kayoko responded succinctly, her tone carrying an air of urgency.
'Chi-chan' turned her attention to Kazusa, who appeared somewhat uncertain about revealing her identity. "Just a busybody, much like Sensei here," Kazusa remarked, choosing to keep her name shrouded in mystery.
"Kagami Chihiro, from Veritas," Chihiro, also known as 'Chi-chan,' introduced herself with a calm demeanor.
"I'm Sparda," Sparda replied with a nod, fully aware that his name was likely already well-known throughout Kivotos.
"We know. The Sensei from SCHALE," Chihiro stated the apparent fact.
"Excellent, it simplifies matters," Sparda observed, his tone measured. "As Kayoko mentioned, our purpose here is to formally request the assistance of the Engineering Department in mending this intricately crafted Peroro. I've gathered that it's the handiwork of one of your students, so addressing any hitches it may have should be well within their capability, correct?"
A proud smile spread across the faces of Utaha, Kotori, and Hibiki, their enthusiasm evident in the prospect of showcasing their engineering prowess.
"Indeed, Sensei. Before we proceed, we'll need to conduct a thorough analysis to ascertain the full extent of its damage. However, from our initial evaluation, it appears to be a manageable task, and we anticipate a swift and complete restoration," Utaha assured, her words carrying the confidence of someone well-versed in the intricacies of her craft.
"How long might this restoration take?" Sparda inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Utaha, ever the pragmatist, responded, "The timeframe is contingent upon the extent of the damages, Sensei. However, given the current state, we anticipate a relatively brief period for a full repair."
A note of urgency entered Sparda's voice as he posed a more specific question, "Can you ensure it's fixed before 6 pm?"
"Absolutely, we can handle this with ease. It's a bit of a walk in the park for us," Utaha asserted with a confident smile.
Sparda, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders, released a sigh of relief. Even Kayoko and Kazusa, who had been holding a semblance of tension, visibly relaxed at Utaha's assurance.
Inquisitive about the urgency behind Sparda's request, Chihiro decided to inquire, "Sensei, if I may, what exactly is your plan for this Peroro?"
Sparda paused for a moment before deciding to share the entirety of his recent shopping district escapade. He recounted the encounter with the sparrow proprietress, the Peroro animatronic, and the plan to feature it prominently on stage during an upcoming Peroro event.
Utaha, captivated by Sparda's narrative, lightly tapped her hand in understanding. "Ah, so that's the purpose behind this creation. I was curious about why it ventured out of Millennium. That's splendid; a creation that encapsulates the genuine passion of its creators truly defines the essence of romance."
In a moment of realization, Utaha detected Chihiro's gaze fixated on her, an expression of complexity etched on her features. Uncertain about the cause, Utaha couldn't help but inquire, "What's the matter? Is there something on my face?"
Chihiro, however, straight to the point as ever, responded, "I believe an apology is in order from you all to Sensei, Kayoko-san, and Kazusa-san."
Caught off guard, Utaha stammered, "Urk! I can't deny that we were hasty in jumping to conclusions…"
Hibiki nervously sought clarification. "So, Sensei, you weren't here to close our club, right?"
Sparda, now a bit perplexed by the sudden turn in the conversation, questioned, "Why on earth would you assume that?"
"Well, there was a truck, or what remained of it…and we saw from the CCTV the state of this child, so, we thought it was a signal from you that you were coming here to wreck us," Hibiki explained, her words revealing the source of their unfounded concern.
"This entire predicament stems from Sensei, then," Kayoko suddenly remarked, breaking the momentarily awkward silence.
Kazusa, always one for candid honesty, chimed in, "I don't think you guys need to apologize. If I were in your shoes, I would be similarly alarmed," she added with a pointed look, "since this was all Sensei's fault in the first place."
Feeling a twinge of embarrassment for causing such an uncomfortable situation, Sparda coughed. "Do forgive me. I'll try to be less... upfront next time."
"Don't repeat that again, Sensei," Kayoko warned with a mock-serious tone.
"Yes, ma'am."
With the tension seemingly diffused, Chihiro took the opportunity to weigh in. "That settles it, then. I suppose I can report to President Himari that there's nothing to be concerned about." However, her declaration was interrupted by the abrupt ringing of her phone. Glancing at the text message she received, a look of alarm crossed Chihiro's face.
"What's wrong, Chi-chan?" Utaha inquired, concern evident in her voice.
"Code: Red. There's a security breach going on," Chihiro announced, her demeanor shifting to one of urgency. "I need to get back to Veritas. You three, make sure you don't cause problems for Sensei, understand?" Her gaze lingered on Utaha, Kotori, and Hibiki.
"Don't worry," Utaha assured, a smug smile playing on her lips. "You'll soon come to understand that the Engineering Department is a bastion of wonderful service and entertainment."
Chihiro, unconvinced, frowned. "That really doesn't inspire any confidence in me. Just... don't make troubles, okay?"
"Yeeess..." Utaha, Kotori, and Hibiki chorused simultaneously. Chihiro left the room, her departure marked by a palpable reluctance, as if she couldn't fully trust the trio of the Engineering Department to keep their word.
Kazusa, moving closer to Kayoko, whispered, "Kayoko-san, I feel like we're making a mistake here. There's something about them... I don't know, but I have this feeling that we're biting off more than we can chew."
"Well, let's see what unfolds. We can deal with the aftermath later," Kayoko replied with a sense of cautious optimism.
"Well, then, Sensei, let's not waste any time. Follow me to our workshop," Utaha declared with a confident smile, ushering them inside.
Ever the practical thinker, Hibiki offered, "Let me fetch a forklift quickly." But as realization struck her, she paused and questioned, "By the way, how did you bring that child here, Sensei?"
Sparda, nonchalant as ever, replied, "Ah... well, about that, no need to worry. I can just carry it inside."
"What do you mean 'carry'?" Kotori inquired with genuine curiosity.
Sparda effortlessly demonstrated, hoisting the Peroro above his shoulders. "Like this?"
"Ooh! Sensei, aren't you a powerhouse?" Utaha praised, visibly impressed.
Sparda, modestly waving off the compliment, offered a simple explanation. "You just need a good daily workout, and you'll be able to do this as well."
"Well noted, but I'd rather leave the heavy lifting to the machines, Sensei," Utaha quipped with a wry smile.
"Each to their own opinions," Sparda replied. The duo then proceeded to stroll deeper into the Engineering Department, leaving behind a pair of students who exchanged bemused glances.
Kotori and Hibiki, huddled in conversation, couldn't help but express their confusion. "Psst, do you have any idea how heavy that Peroro is?" Hibiki whispered.
"Umm... Since Sensei didn't seem to have trouble carrying it... it shouldn't be that heavy, right?" Kotori ventured, her uncertainty mirrored in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Kazusa and Kayoko, observing the exchange, engaged in their own quiet conversation. "Hey, Kayoko-san..."
"Yes?"
"Are we the odd ones here for not questioning how Sensei was able to do all those... things?"
"We simply didn't have the time. We can do all the asking later when things have wound down," Kayoko reassured.
"Hehe," Kazusa giggled.
"What?"
"It's just, you really are different from how a Gehenna student usually acts. It's like you're this cool, calm, and collected big sister that everyone can depend on. Honestly, I think you'd fit quite well in Trinity," Kazusa remarked, her words carrying a hint of admiration.
"T-thanks for the kind words, but I'm quite content with where I am now," Kayoko replied, feeling a slight flush of embarrassment from Kazusa's unexpected compliment. "Anyway, let's quickly catch up to Sensei. We're uncertain about how he might act if left alone."
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Kazusa teased, "You're behaving like you're his mother, Kayoko-san."
Suppressing a sigh, Kayoko responded, "...I'm just accustomed to taking care of people, that's all," her words accompanied by a faint throbbing in her temples.
And so, the quartet embarked on a brisk run to catch up with Sparda and Utaha. Little did they realize that the eyes of the robot they left behind had started to glow with an ominous light, a detail that escaped their attention in the rush of the moment.
o-0-o
In a secluded corner of the sprawling Engineering Department, distant from Sparda's current location, a clandestine gathering of students huddled together in a room. Their collective gaze fixated spitefully on an image of a certain white-haired man.
"H-hey, should we really go through with this?" one hesitant voice questioned.
"What do you mean? Didn't we decide on this the moment we saw it battered like that?" countered another, determination etched in their tone.
"Y-yeah, but... don't you think it could cause more problems for us later if we go through with this plan?" a voice of caution interjected.
"Is that the extent of your reverence towards Peroro-sama?" scoffed another, their dedication to the cause evident.
"N-no! I enrolled here to recreate—no! To showcase the world the true wonder of Peoro-sama!" protested another, their conviction shining through.
"Then, what are you hesitating for? Let's teach that teacher that nobody messes with us, with Peroro-sama, and comes out in one piece!" a more assertive voice urged.
"It's fortunate that the deputy director has left. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to take over the robot," noted another conspirator.
"How long until you fully hijack it?" inquired someone with a sense of urgency.
"Honestly? With its outdated security module and software? 15 to 20 minutes," the reply came swiftly.
"Good! Let's show Sensei that nobody, not even him, should dare to treat Peroro-sama lightly!" proclaimed a fervent voice, rallying the group.
A chorus of fervent agreements echoed throughout the room, sealing their secret pact to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty to Peroro-sama and to teach anyone who dared to underestimate its significance a lesson they wouldn't soon forget.
o-0-o
In the dimly lit confines of a room within the vast expanse of Millennium, Tsukatsuki Rio's focused gaze remained fixed on the array of screens before her. The alarming reports of the Fox of Calamity breaching the formidable defenses of Millennium had reached her ears. In fact, she had discerned the intrusion even before the reports surfaced, her keen instincts alerting her to the violent rupture of Millennium's defensive perimeter.
Yet, amidst the urgency and chaos, lingering questions perplexed her mind. How could the Fox of Calamity effortlessly infiltrate Millennium's sophisticated defenses? What motivations propelled this violent breach, and was it somehow linked to Sensei and SCHALE's presence?
As these inquiries swirled within her thoughts, an unexpected beeping noise emanated from her computer, interrupting her contemplation. Rio's attention snapped to the screen as an unauthorized connection to the outside world forcefully established itself.
"What?" she exclaimed, disbelief and concern etched across her features. The network she meticulously designed was meant to be impenetrable from external access, requiring a specific code known only to her. How could this breach have occurred?
Suddenly, her communication device illuminated, projecting a hologram of a familiar figure. Despite never having met this person face-to-face, Rio immediately recognized her. The intruder, with a mischievous smirk perpetually gracing her features, sported a distinctive appearance—black, bob-style hair with evenly cut bangs, red horns transitioning to an orange hue at their base, and custom-made attire blending Hyakkiyako uniform with sleeveless shrine maiden-like garments.
"Nyahahaha. Excuse me for barging in~," the intruder chimed in with an annoyingly cheery voice.
"Amachi Niya," Rio uttered the intruder's name, her tone a mixture of acknowledgment and subtle warning.
Niya appeared surprised, though Rio couldn't discern the authenticity of her reaction. "Oh? It is an honor that the Madam President of the Seminar knows of me."
Straight to the point, Rio inquired, "How did you hack into this network?"
Feigning hurt from the accusation, Niya responded with a mock innocence, "That is an unfounded accusation! I did no such thing. I used the front door to contact you. And, to save you the trouble of asking why I'm reaching out, let me be clear: leave the matter regarding the Fox of Calamity to me. Don't send anyone against her. You don't know yet what you're dealing with," Niya cheerily warned.
Rio's brow furrowed ever so slightly, a nuanced expression that could easily be overlooked. "I know of her reputation. Still, I don't believe a single rogue student from Hyakkiyako would pose that significant a problem for our security forces," Rio stated matter-of-factly. It wasn't a declaration rooted in confidence or pride; rather, it was a pragmatic assessment based on factual data.
"Nyahahahaha!" Niya erupted in laughter, as if finding Rio's statement the most amusing thing she had ever heard.
"That might have been true the day before yesterday. No, even yesterday morning, she was still someone you could handle, all things considered," Niya explained. However, the jovial tone abruptly vanished as she slightly opened her eyes, revealing a faint hue of red that seemed to emit an eerie crimson glow.
"But, y'see... she is no longer someone you could deal with without being prepared to sacrifice a lot of lives and resources," Niya declared. "Let's see... with her rampaging like this, I estimate you would lose around half of Millennium's entire fighting force before you can successfully subdue her."
"That is simply illogical. As I said, she is but one student," Rio asserted, her skepticism evident in her response.
Niya's demeanor shifted, adopting a contemplative expression before returning to her characteristic smile. "Okay, then let me pose a question. If you know the answer, I'm confident you can handle her."
"I fail to see how this is relevant to our current situation, but... very well," Rio conceded.
Once again, Niya's smile faded. "Have you ever heard of 'Devil Arms'?"
A moment passed, and Rio found herself echoing the words that had escaped Niya's lips. "Devil... arms?"
A palpable disappointment crossed Niya's face, and she released a loud, heavy sigh. "Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah~, figures. You weren't one of us, after all."
"Of course, I am from Millennium, while you are from Hyakkiyako," Rio affirmed.
Niya nonchalantly waved her hand. "Sure, let's go with that. Anyway, I'll be intruding for a moment to retrieve Wakamo. So, don't you dare send anyone to her location, unless it is someone you want to be rid of~," Niya added with a playful tone.
"Intruding?" Rio questioned.
"I'm already in Millennium, y'know," Niya revealed, her smile widening.
How? The security system hadn't detected any intruders besides the Fox of Calamity. If Amachi Niya had entered through the official route, there would undoubtedly be records. Unless, of course, Niya somehow knew about that route. Yet, only Rio was supposedly privy to that information.
"Also, I suggest that you retract C&C from the mission you've assigned them," Niya initiated, causing Rio to tense ever so slightly. "I'm sharing this with you because you're wasting your time probing for information about SCHALE and Sensei. Instead of squandering your energy on such a futile pursuit, why not stroll into SCHALE and engage in an open, honest discussion with Sensei? At the very least, you could save considerable time and energy, resources you'll undoubtedly need for completing Enridu, wouldn't you agree?" Niya mused, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
For the first time in their conversation, Rio rose from her seat, a genuine expression of exasperation and being caught off guard etched across her features. "How did you–!"
Before Rio could press Niya for an explanation, the connection abruptly severed.
Rio stared at the now empty and silent room, her mind racing with the unexpected revelations. There was much she didn't know, yet, intentional or not, Amachi Niya had provided her with the first stone to turn over.
Devil Arms.
Understanding the meaning behind those words became a priority. Additionally, Rio recognized the urgency of fortifying her network's security and immediately resolved to contact Himari for assistance in strengthening their defenses. The puzzle pieces were scattering, and Rio understood the need to gather and decipher them with a newfound urgency.
o-0-o
A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter. Next up is Kosaka Wakamo Substory 1. Let's see if I can get it done before Christmas.