I laid face down on one of the card tables. Luckily my back was not as weak as I thought, but nevertheless Ryuichi san's backbreaker hurt like hell. Who knew a slender person like him had the muscle strength of a professional weight lifter. Now I see why people always say to not judge a person by their appearance. So that they don't get their ass kicked by a slender person, who has the muscle strength of a professional weight lifter of course!
"Why is my ear itching? It better not be someone talking behind my back."
"Y, Yeah! T, They'd better not! A, Ahahaha!"
It wasn't safe to even think it inside my head. Ryuichi san was sensitive as a ticking time bomb about any feminine subjects that was related to him. I mean, I wouldn't want to anger the supreme king of the apocalypse too. Seeing how Kuran and Descendant was downright terrified when I made that mistake, I bet they went through quite a lot of trouble before they learned their lesson.
"You all right, Itou? Think you can still shake your hips again? You're gonna need that for your future missus."
"…Your friend isn't serious, is she?"
"You might not believe it Ryuichi san, but she is. It's best you get used to her saying stuff like that. She'll say things that you'll never see it comin- OW! OWWW!"
"Ah! My apologies, it seems I pressed your back a little too hard this time."
The one that was handling my sore back was surprisingly a dragon. Mediate Dragokid, a polite young dragon wearing light armor and a brown head band around it's head that had two black horns. Unlike Chain blast's enormous height, this one was small as an actual human child just like as it's name. With Mediate Dragokid being a heal trigger unit, it used some kind of electricity that ran through it's two hands to heal the muscle damage on my back, sort of like a living electrotherapy machine you find in hospitals. It tingled and hurt when it pressed my back too hard, but other than that I could feel my back getting better very quickly.
"Uhh, I'm fine. Just keep up the good work."
"Well, I hope you learned your lesson. Do not call me onee san or some crap like that."
"Yeah, but was it really necessary to fold my back like some pro wrestler?"
"DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
"Y, Yes ma, I mean sir!"
I flinched and quickly agreed before the supreme king came out to punish me again. Still I appreciated Ryuichi san for having his unit take care of me. To tell the truth, after seeing just how sensitive Ryuichi san was about any feminine comments, forget healing, I thought he'd kick me out of his shop for good or even much worse than that.
"Let's be real Ryuichi, you did overreact to Itou and I mean A LOT. Come on, it was an honest to god mistake. So I guess you know what you have to do next, right?"
said Descendant staring straight at him while folding her arms. Basically she was guilt tripping him. After sighing for a few seconds, Ryuichi san approached me at the front of the table I was laying down.
"…Okay, Itou, I admit that I overreacted back there and I apologize that I… almost broke your back. I'm sorry."
"N, No! Don't be! This may come as a surprise but I more than understand how you feel, Ryuichi san."
"…All right I'm gonna need a little more context than that, cause to me that sounds like you LIKE to dress as a-"
"What?! No! I'm just saying I know how shitty it feels to dress like a girl, even more when you look good in it."
"...So you DID try it."
"...Thanks to my stupid friend over here."
"Hey, that's me!"
"SHUT UP CHIHIRI!"
I was glad everything worked out between us. And it's not like I can refuse an apology from someone who can easily break my body, now can I? Let's face it, I owed my life to this lady, I mean man. He could've gone the extra mile but she, I mean he didn't, and I'm more than happy to leave any petty grudges behind for the sake of another tomorrow.
I just have to carve the truth real deep into my brain that Ryuichi san was a female, I mean male!
…Admitting Ryuichi san is a guy was going to be harder than I expected. Still, my life depended on this so I'm sure I'll get it right eventually.
"By the way Itou."
"Yes! What is it! Rest assure you can ask me anything! I'll even let you know my bank account for all I care!"
I'm not sure myself when I'll call Ryuichi san 'onee san' or a 'she' again unconsciously. So her, I mean him asking me something was just the thing I need to keep my mind off from making another mistake.
"Calm down, it's not like I'm gonna eat you or anything. I'm just curious about your unit that's all. In fact, who is your unit anyway? You DO have at least one, right? You know, the one who you met in the first place? Cause I don't think I've ever saw any of your unit even once since you came in here."
"Oh, mine's Ceo Amaterasu. She's the only unit I have right now."
"Amaterasu… Wait, she's all you got? And a grade three on top of that? Then… No, don't tell me you overrode?! What were you thinking? You know that you could've killed yourself?!"
Ryuichi san's voice rose up and it was the loudest thing he ever said today. Ryuichi san basically yelled at me despite his cool and mysterious persona he had. It seems even he couldn't believe just how reckless I was.
"I mean, what choice did I have?! I only had Amaterasu to rely on and I had to fight off Megacolony's bugs somehow. Still, ugh… I pray to god that I won't have to experience that override thing ever again…"
"Yeah, I know that feeling. Anyway, why isn't Amaterasu showing herself? Is she shy or something?"
"I… don't think she's shy? It's just, she has issues that she's going through right now, and she isn't in the mood to talk to anyone, including me."
"Hmm… Well I hope she gets better soon. We'll help you guys if you need anything."
"T, Thanks. We really appreciate that."
Ryuichi san seemed like he wanted to ask more about Amaterasu, but decided to leave her be and didn't ask farther than that. He more than could have since we were now allies but didn't, and as her pioneer I appreciated his kindness to her.
Still, I had to ask myself the same thing Ryuichi san asked me. Why was Amaterasu still not talking? This was taking way longer than I anticipated. Since she doesn't say it to me or anyone, I had no clue why. Unlike the first time when we first met, now I was the one who wanted to talk to her.
I still respect Amaterasu's privacy of wanting to be alone. But this long solitude of hers was starting to make me worry of what she might be thinking right now. Isolation wasn't always the best solution, and trust me I had more than enough experience myself. I was afraid she would make decisions that she doesn't want.
What was going to happen to our relationship? Was it possible that I'll never see Amaterasu happy again? That was just unthinkable, even the thought of it made my heart ache in pain.
'I don't want this… I just want her to not worry anymore…'
"Hmmm… Mediate, how long do you have left before you finish healing Itou?"
"I would say, about two minutes."
"Got it. Kuran you heard him, let's get ready to move."
"All righty Ryuichi san!~"
Kuran gleefully jumped off the table she was sitting and headed straight to the counter. She was searching for something behind the counter, probably packing her things since Ryuichi san said to move.
"Are we moving?"
"You could say that. We'll get ready so you just stay still like Mediate told you, all right? All right,"
"Sure, but I thought this was…"
"What?! You mean this isn't your hideout?! B, But this is the perfect place for it! Come on, there's no place better than a card shop!"
Chihiri was in tears while she hugged the glass showcase filled with cards, like a cicada hanging on a tree. Leaving this place was the last thing Chihiri had in mind. She wanted to stay here so bad, that she was willing to act like a seven year old protesting to their parents to buy the toy they like. Of course that didn't go long when Ryuichi san quietly threatened her with only his eyes, that he'll kick her out of his shop along with her life if she didn't shut up. After that Chihiri behaved like a good, and a very quiet angel.
"I don't fully agree with her, but yeah. I thought this place was your hideout. Do you like, have another one nearby?"
"Yes and no. You see, this place is actually my mother's shop. Like Chihiri said, this place IS perfect for a hideout, but as you already know being a pioneer has it's fair share of risks, that is to say being attacked by rogue units or god knows what. You know what I'm saying, right Itou?"
"Yeah. Definitely."
No matter how much time passes I could never forget, the horror of Megacolony's attack. Even if Amaterasu wiped them all out, the experience of being hunted by hundreds of Tail joes, the complete gap difference of me and their metallic body, the fear of being crushed by Master beetle's single movement, every single thing had taught me the true weight of the battles that I never knew existed, until today.
"And as someone who has a lot to lose from something simple as materializing a unit, there is no way in hell I'll let my mother's shop get destroyed because of my battles. My mother's going to destroy ME if I do, so no, this shop is not our hideout."
It almost slipped through me but Ryuichi san said 'our' hideout, not his. Just that slight change of word meant so much to me. The sense of comradery made my heart feel all fuzzy that I couldn't help but to smile.
As much as I was happy, it was embarrassing how ridiculous I might look like to them if I'm suddenly smiling right now. I quickly turned my head so they won't see my ridiculous face. After calming down for a bit I tried to make a more serious face, and then looked back at Ryuichi san to continue our conversation.
"*cough*I, I see. But then why did Kuran take us here, when this place isn't the hideout?"
"Well here's the thing. I did some… 'improvements' to this place, so technically this shop IS our hideout."
"I… don't get it."
Click-
With the faint sound of a 'click' from behind the counter, a cupboard that was next to the counter sunk into the ground. Behind the now gone cupboard was not a wall but an empty space, welcoming those who dare had the courage to step inside.
"H, Holy…"
"S, Shit…"
My jaws dropped and my eyes grew wide at the sight of it. Chihiri also saw the cupboard disappear and now she was trembling with joy. There was no doubt that it's a secret entrance, and it looked much cooler than I could possibly imagine. I felt like a kid again as my head was filled with the thrill of adventure. We were so excited that Ryuichi san and Kuran snickered at the face the two of us were making right now.
"You guys wanna take a look?"
""YES PLEASE!""
It took less than a heartbeat for us to accept Ryuichi san's offer.
Of course this was after Mediate Dragokid had finished healing me. After I was able to get up, me and Chihiri both raced each other to the empty space. Finally, this was the moment that we get to see a literal secret hideout.
"Huh?"
The place that was hidden behind the cupboard was a metal box. It wasn't too small, it wasn't too wide, and there was more then enough room to fit the four of us. However it was certainly not a place worthy enough to call it a hideout. Parts of it were rusted and had seen better days. I couldn't hide the disappointment on my face. All my expectations came crashing down by cruel cruel reality. The shop seemed a more better place by comparison.
"Oh. Wow."
"Well, it's definitely... 'secret'."
"Why're you guys just standing there? That's the elevator you know."
said Ryuichi san passing us by while entering the metal box.
""Elevator?!""
"Yeah. The 'real' hideout's in underground."
The two of us both yelled in surprise as we turned our heads at the rusty metal box again. A secret elevator that leads to the hideout. No wonder I couldn't notice it, it was so cool that it surpassed my own imagination. With that so needed explanation my expectations was rekindled.
"Come on you two~ Let's get going!~"
Kuran followed Ryuichi san inside the elevator, and soon we stepped inside as well. Even though the elevator was rusted it had no problem holding over five people(Descendant also went on the elevator). All that's left is my inner child screaming in joy of getting to see our underground hideout.
'Oh, I'm getting chills just by thinking about it! It even has one button to go down! Wait, 'one button'?'
Normally elevators have a lot of buttons. Depending on the height of the building that number could double or maybe triple. But no matter what kind of elevator, it needs at least two buttons. Up, and down. And the elevator that I was in had only one, down. This raised some alarms inside my head, but didn't really care much and just thought of it as a peculiar elevator.
"Oh, before we go down. Safety first."
CLICK! CLICK!
That is until a set of metal rings rose from the bottom and anchored my feet to the floor. It wasn't just me, all five of our feet were tied to the floor by each set of claws. This was like Descendant's test all over again, only this time more terrifying cause this felt like an actual trap where I can't move or run away. I started think that maybe I shouldn't have gotten on this elevator.
"Uh, Ryuichi san? What exactly is this? And what do you mean by safety?"
I asked Ryuichi san as politely as possible while I was still able to think properly. But after ten seconds, I'll probably be screaming for help to whatever god I can think of. I just hope that Ryuichi san can give a proper and reasonable explanation to not let that happen.
"The hideout's 550 meters down, and it's going to take too long if the elevator goes down normally. So, I tampered the brakes a little to fall much faster so we can reach the hideout in five seconds. Neat, huh?"
That was not the word I would use in this situation. 'I am prepared to definitely wet your pants' seems more appropriate.
"Don't worry, I tested the anchors on your feet myself so you'll be perfectly safe."
Those words did not make me feel safe in the slightest. It's also unfortunate that I know dying from shock while falling is a thing that really happens. I was this close to losing my sanity. It took every piece of will that I had to pretend that I was fine and well.
I COULD just step outside the elevator, it's not like I can't move or anything, oh wait. That means I have to 'ask' Ryuichi san if he could let me go but I'd rather choose death over that foolish option. Ever since my back broke like a kit kat, Ryuichi san was and currently is the scariest person I've ever encountered. I even flinch whenever he comes too close to me.
So me getting out of this elevator meant denying his kind offer, and that is the last thing I'll ever do on this planet. He welcomed us to his hideout but I chicken out and refuse? I couldn't even stand straight in front of him, there's no way I could refuse his offer. If I truly valued my life, it was foolish to talk back to the supreme king of the apocalypse. And Kuran, she seemed more excited for the fall like this elevator was a roller coaster.
'Damn it! She's one of those types who actually likes scary rides!'
I still had one last hope left. Chihiri, the one who had the devil's tongue. If I could get her to convince Ryuichi san together, there might be a chance I won't get a heart att...
"Hey Kuran! Remember to put your hands up when we fall!"
"Already ahead of you Chihiri san!~"
"Hell yeah! My body is so ready for this!"
'Chihiri!'
I forgot, that Chihiri was the type who would keep on partying, even if the building she's in is on fire.
What was my options? I do want to see this secret hideout, but is it worth risking my life? Should I risk it? Maybe talk to Ryuichi san if he can get me out of this elevator? No, the supreme king would have my head for talking back. Speaking of, the supreme king himself seemed to say something to me.
"Is something wrong, Itou? You're sweating all over the place."
"What?~ Me?~ No no no, I'm just... excited for the long drop! The very, deep, drop..."
"Itou, it's alright to admit that you're afraid. It's perfectly normal for someone to have fear of heights. Although, running away from your fears doesn't seem that manly if you ask me. True men don't fear heights, don't you agree?"
"That's rich coming from..."
"WHAT?"
Click-
My hands moved quicker than my mouth. I pressed the button myself before I could finish that sentence. To someone who had faced Ryuichi san's wrath, the probability of survival was higher if I risk the fall.
'That's it! No going back now! It's live or-'
"DIEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
"WHEEEEEEEEEEE!~"
"YEAHHHHHHHHH!"
Ryuichi san's shop disappeared and the scenery quickly changed to pitch black. The only illuminating light source was the line of lights that quickly passed us as we were falling. My guts felt like floating at the extreme speed, and the inertial force was trying to rocket my body upwards. If it not for the metal rings my body would've been smashed into the ceiling right now. I cried out, begging for this moment to stop. At this point I was yearning for the inevitable fall.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!"
'AHHHHHHHHHH- Oh, I'm gonna fain-'
Ding
A light ding was heard just when I was starting to have flashbacks of my life. I wasn't sure if this was the sound of us arriving, or the sound of the bell when you reach the afterlife. For starters the intense feeling of gravity stretching my body was gone, so that was a good start. I was skeptical at first, but the elevator really did stop. The fall that seemed to last hours now seemed like an instant once it stopped. Even the metal rings holding our feet released us and went back inside the elevator's floor.
"See? I told you it wouldn't take long. Exactly five seconds."
"T, There wasn't even a brake to stop the fall... How is it..."
"That we're okay? The ding sound that you just heard? 'Zero gravity brakes', courtesy of Narukami's engineers."
"Y, You could've at least said that before the drop started you know..."
"My bad. I was going to, but I wanted to blow off some steam when a certain SOMEONE SAID SOMETHING to me."
Ryuichi san said as he looked at me with a gentle, yet intense smile. As someone who shot first I had no words to say. At least he seemed to forgive me after seeing the pure fear I had to go through.
"Whoa! That was one hell of a ride!"
"I know, right?~ I do this at least once a day~"
I was envious how casual Kuran and Chihiri were, that they could act like they just went off a fun roller coaster ride. Since it had only been five seconds, even through all the shock I felt my legs didn't feel like jelly, as I stepped outside the elevator along with everyone else. We had finally arrived and I got to see the hideout that was hidden deep under Ryuichi san's shop.
The place was an enormous cave, and a very well lit one at that. The light source which illuminated this whole cave was an enormous horizontal ring that lead straight from the ground to the ceiling. The ring itself was basically one huge lamp and it lit the cave in just the right amount of light.
'I guess that's the light I saw while we were falling.'
Since I was able to see the entire cave, I saw just how large this place was. The ceiling was WAY beyond my reach. Ryuichi san didn't exaggerate when he said this hideout was 550 meters deep, which meant this place was taller than the Tokyo tower. Same goes for the elevator that we came in, it reached even beyond the ceiling. The width was no joke either. It's like we were inside a stadium and wide enough to literally run around to our heart's content.
In this huge place there were seven house sized glass boxes. Since they were transparent I could see each what they were used for. A dining room, a lounge with a sofa and TV, a sleeping room with several beds etc, there was almost everything needed that you could actually live here.
"So, what do you guys think? Not bad huh?"
"Ryuichi san, this place is hands down, one of the greatest hideout I have ever seen! You just accomplished a man's dream here!"
As I said from the bottom of my heart. An underground hideout, it was everything my inner seven year old dreamed of. Even if this place was barren and empty, the cave part alone was enough to win me over. All the fear I had felt from the elevator drop was washed away by pure awesomeness.
"Ditto! This place is freaking amazing! But, how did you get this place? It's not like there was a free underground cave when you bought the shop, right?"
"You can thank Narukami's engineers for that. They used a big ass drill to dig this deep. Took at least two weeks, and let me tell you I'm still surprised I'm not deaf after all the noise it made."
"Let's not forget that YOU were the one who asked them to build this place as fast as possible, remember that Ryuichi?"
"Yeah yeah, I won't deny that. I still regret that we had to close up shop for two whole weeks. And that time was summer vacation, even! Think of all the lost profits because of that!"
"You still on about that? It's not like we had a choice there. Construction was already halfway and you wouldn't want your customers to be in a shop that feels like there's an earthquake happening 24/7, right? Just be thankful we were able to block the noise and vibration going outside the shop."
"I guess. It was a bitch persuading mom not to come to the shop though."
"I know I know, I was there. Glad that she bought the story about the roach infection in the shop."
Chihiri's question suddenly triggered a road trip down memory lane to Ryuichi san and Descendant. Their conversation kept going on as if they forgot we were even here. Either good or bad, this place had some memories to those two. Luckily the two came back to their senses, and soon Ryuichi san asked both me and Chihiri.
"I suppose you two are wondering why I brought you guys here."
"...To give us a tour of this place?"
"That's right. And first-"
"To buy us dinner? Cause it's already past dinner time."
"Oh, right. It's already that late, huh... Well, what the hell. I'll buy you guys dinner after we finish the tour, okay?"
"Whohoo!~ Free meal~"
"Enough chit chat. The first thing you guys get to see is 'that'."
said Ryuichi san as he coincidentally pointed at the first thing that caught my attention. At the far end of the cave was a large super computer. Ryuichi san didn't say it's a super computer, but that slick design, it's massive size and all that flashing buttons, it has to be a super computer. The super wide screen was as big as an enormous painting. The screen was apart from the console, and instead was attached to the wall which made it stand out. Right beneath the screen was the console itself, and although it wasn't as noticeable as the screen, it was big enough that I was able to see the several features on it even from a distance.
"We're going to walk towards there so try to keep up."
"I get to see that computer up close?! Where do I sign in?!"
"You're already in..."
"Ey, Itou! Calm down! It's not too late if we freak out after we see the super computer, alright?"
"Right. Thanks Chihiri, I almost lost myself."
Even if this place was the size of the grand canyon, I'd still risk it and walk it all just to see that super computer. I wanted to just bee line for the computer here and now. But Ryuichi san gave me a careful look while smiling and said,
"Don't go ahead of me, okay guys?"
That was a firm message of saying that he'll break our legs if we dare to run ahead. We both understood and followed behind Ryuichi san. Every step I took made my heart race in excitement. I had to let out this excitement somehow, so I asked Ryuichi san about the super computer. There was no doubt that it was the most important thing in this place.
"So, uh... What functions does that computer have?!"
"That? Oh, it just plays movies."
"Oh. Huh?"
A very confusing 'Huh?' escaped my open mouth. There was no way a computer like that was just a movie player. It seemed like a prank but it's not like I knew better, so I just stood there all confused while constantly turning my head to the screen and Ryuichi san in turns. But then Ryuichi san snickered as he placed his hand on one of my cheeks, which stopped my head in place.
"Just kidding, it's the main computer that runs this entire place."
said Ryuichi san in the most dry voice I could imagine.
"...No offense Ryuichi san, but when you try to do jokes it really doesn't sound like a joke."
"Well, to be fair I really wasn't joking, since me and Kuran actually watch movies with that computer."
A joke was considered a joke when it ends with no explanations as possible. Ryuichi san explaining his own joke was just farther proving my point. Combine that with his dry voice was a poor attempt of comedy that would suck the joy out from even the most happiest moments. Now I was afraid to ask him about the other things that caught my attention.
"Uh huh, say Ryuichi san, there's machinery laying around everywhere, are these like weapons or something?"
Ryuichi san's poor taste in comedy didn't seem to mind Chihiri very much. Perhaps it's because she mutes things that she doesn't have interest in, which usually works whenever class starts. Since Chihiri mentioned it, it was actually the second thing that caught my interest. The unknown mechanical parts that was scattered all over the place.
"Nah, it's just pinball parts for a big bomb I'm trying to-"
"Ryuichi. Just stop... You're embarrassing everyone."
Descendant stepped in to stop Ryuichi san before he could lower the room temperature even further.
"Ugh, fine. So much for trying to break the ice. Those are a few projects I'm working on. And yes Chihiri, some of them are weapons so don't touch any of them."
"I, I didn't say I'd touch them."
"No, but I know you'll try, SO DON'T."
"...Damn..."
The mechanical parts looked mysterious(as in we didn't know what it did), dangerous(some of them looked like actual firearms), and most of all had a wild design(one example was a cannon in the shape of a dragon's head). In short, just about everything Chihiri was dying to get her hands on, but now was unable to. Chihiri quietly clicked her tongue the second Ryuichi san turned his back on her.
One thing that we knew for sure was that every one of them wasn't finished. Even the complicated ones that I know nothing about looked like it was missing a few pieces. With the machines being laid everywhere on the floor it seemed the place would be cramped, but with the cave being so big there was plenty of room despite of it.
Just when I was about to ask Kuran about the third and last thing, Ryuichi called us out to keep up.
"Come on, the computer ain't gonna introduce itself you know."
"Right. Lead the way Ryuichi san."
After a minute of walking we were finally standing in front of the huge super computer. The console was wide. Very wide. No wonder I was able to see it from a mile away, there was enough room for a grown man to lie down. All that wide space was occupied with high tech gizmos and a barrage of buttons that I had no clue of. The sight of it gave me a headache the second I laid my eyes on.
"Whoa. That's an eyeful."
"So, can I touch thi-"
"NO, Chihiri."
"Damn it!"
Ryuichi said firmly while staring directly at Chihiri. He looked at her with absolute caution, in case she get's too close to the computer. It seems Ryuichi san was sensitive about his stuff. I could see his shoulders clearly flinch whenever I got too close. Even Kuran, who knew Ryuichi san more than us, knew better to not go near the computer.
"How do you even work with this thing? There's like, a gazillion buttons here."
"That's because it's made for me personally. Anybody who tries messing with it is going to have a field day trying to figure it out."
"Wait, I thought I saw Cho ou browse the internet with that thing."
"Well that's because he helped design this thing. Descendant, stop trying to butt in while I'm talking, will you?"
"Only if you stop trying to make jokes~"
"This thing has internet? That's convenient..."
"What, Itou. You interested in operating this thing?"
"Eh... I think I'll pass. I wouldn't want to uh, trouble you too much."
"Oh thank go- I mean, that's a shame."
I was lucky that Ryuichi san was only being formally kind. It's not like I wasn't interested, but I didn't want a long lecture about it either. Same goes for Ryuichi san too, he really didn't look like he wanted to explain it to me. Honestly we were both saving ourselves the trouble by refusing each other.
He sat on a black colored rolling chair and then placed his hand on the console. The huge black screen immediately turned on with his contact, and showed a website with the address 'Fukuhara high'. This was probably the last site Ryuichi san was looking at before he logged off.
"Huh, it's my first time seeing Fukuhara's school website. Pretty good design. Oh look, there's a message for you on the messenger."
"Hey, don't just go looking at someone else's-"
"Ha! Looks like someone wants some attention! This guy sent a picture of himself with hearts and all! Hey, Ryuichi san! Some red haired dude says he's inviting you tomorrow for lunch. Do you know a guy named Ren?"
"That god damn idiot!..."
Ryuichi san almost fell off his seat when he saw the site. He pressed one of the buttons in a hurry and immediately closed the browser. He let out a heavy sigh and muttered 'I swear to god, Ren...', soon followed by some pretty harsh curses. After that he turned his chair to face us, but we all knew he did that just to turn his back away from the screen. I don't know who this Ren guy was, but I hope he survives what he just brought on to himself.
"Alright... I think this is a perfect time to end our little tour."
"Huh? Already? Can't you show us around a little bit more?"
"I'm pretty sure you guys saw everything that's worth mentioning. Sure there's the glass rooms, but they're all self explanatory. So why don't we just call it a day and grab something to eat."
"Awww, but we want to see more! Itou, help me out here!"
"More! More! More! MORE!"
"More!~ More!~ More!~ MORE!~"
"Why the hell are you shouting with them, Kuran?! Okay, fine! I'll show you some functions the computer have, but after that it's over! Got it?!"
None of us had any objections to that. We all nodded just before Ryuichi san lost his temper and decided to raise his fist. Ryuichi san stroked his forehead for a while like he had a headache, probably because we annoyed him by shouting to no end. Soon he rolled his chair to the other side of the console and pressed a single button out of many. The button he pressed let out a ray of green light projecting a hologram keyboard floating in mid air, which Ryuichi san immediately began to type the glowing keys.
After a few clicks from the keyboard, the entire desktop screen had faded to white. The files, folders, and browser icons and etc were all gone, and instead there were only three big blue icons in the middle of the blank screen. From the left they were each labeled [Internet], [Maintenance], and finally [Combat].
"This is the main menu of the computer. The 'internet' function is the desktop that you all just saw, and I believe you guys already knows what it does."
Ryuichi san said as he dragged a dragon claw cursor to the far left icon in the shape of an earth. If the cursor didn't stand out enough, instead of using a mouse he used a grapefruit sized black sphere on the console to move the cursor. Sure it looked cool and unique, but now it seemed rather ridiculous and almost inconvenient. But then again, it was clear that Ryuichi san didn't want anyone else touching the computer except him and few others. I got the strong feeling the elaborate design was actually intentional.
"Maintenance is just like I said before, it runs all the functions in the hideout. Water, electricity, heat, you name it. For instance..."
Ryuichi san rolled his chair to the far right and pressed a blue button. The middle icon in the shape of a hammer crossing a bolt of lightning opened, and with it an ocean of numbers, charts, and data filled the entire screen. Ryuichi san took one good look at the screen and then reached for a lever on the console. When he turned it slightly down the cave's light got dimmer until he raised it back up to normal.
"I can turn off the lights or crank it all the way up to the point of one of us going blind. That means one wrong touch of a button, everyone of us in here could get burned or electrocuted. So please, don't try to do anything stupid to the console. In fact, don't touch it EVER without my permission. Understand?"
"O, Okay?..."
"Why does that sound like a threat..."
"You too, Kuran. Unlike them, you have a history."
"Fine~ I understand~"
Ryuichi san pressed the blue button again to go back to the first screen, then he rolled his chair back to the middle part of the console. Now there was one last icon to go through.
Combat. It was the part that wasn't as obvious as the others, while also being the most interesting part that me and Chihiri were dying to find out. Ryuichi san took a quick glance at us, and saw that we were excited as ever. He seemed reluctant to go on or rather didn't want to show us this function, since combat usually brought danger. Of course, to guys like us combat meant fun. We stood close to the console as much as Ryuichi san could permit just so we could have a better look. He sighed realizing there was no talking out of this.
"Hah... You guys want to see this, right?"
"Uh huh! This is like the main event!"
"So what're we expecting here? Hand to hand? Gun play? Ah, maybe explosions?!"
"What do you think this place is?! A freaking war zone?! Look, It's not like you guys think it is. Well, actually there is 'some', but there's no way in hell I'll show you guys that. There's two things that I do want to show, so just stay quiet, and for god sake GIVE ME SOME ROOM HERE!"
"Oh, sorry!"
The closest we could stand near the console was right behind Ryuichi san, which me and Chihiri were practically leaning on his chair. We stepped back before Ryuichi san could personally do it himself. This time Ryuichi san rolled his chair to the far left to press even more buttons. And speaking of rolling no wonder he used a chair with wheels, he'd be out of breath from all the laps he has to do.
After some tinkering the screen changed as the third icon opened. Six panels, three being on each side appeared on a red screen. However, something different happened when Ryuichi san opened the combat icon.
Drrrrrrr-
Whoooooommm-
"W, What was that?"
Something's happening, b, but what?"
Unlike the other two, the whole hideout slightly shook like a weak earthquake had just happened. But that was just the beginning. Heavy sounds of metal moving, the humming sounds of some kind of energy rising, all those noises were happening inside these walls as if the cave itself was about to come to life.
Then a few seconds later, the noises coming from the walls suddenly stopped. Not because it stopped working or something had gone wrong, but merely waiting for new commands to come from the console.
"Heh, you should see the look on you faces. Don't worry, it's not like the place is gonna blow up or anything. Come on, the tour's not over yet."
Ryuichi san said as he dragged the claw cursor to the middle right panel. It was of a map symbol, and just like that a huge blue map appeared and filled the entire screen.
I didn't think much when I saw the map. Furthermore I had no idea why there were red dots blinking, or why a certain area was colored orange. I didn't know what they meant either, but I decided to take a quick guess.
"Uh, is the area in the map here?"
"Yup. And you guys might've already guessed it by now, that red dot is showing the shop, aka this hideout."
"Map and combat... Oh, is it like about knowing your surroundings is important for battle or something?"
"Exactly. You never know when you'll get jumped by rogue units or something worse. Just knowing 'where' it's happening can decide life or death. In fact, thanks to this Kuran was able to save you guys on time."
"So that's how she found us..."
"I wish I could've gotten there sooner. Before, you know, Itou san got hurt..."
"What're you talking about? Itou and I would've died if it weren't for you. And you even saved my best friend from dying. If someone dare say you didn't do enough, I'll personally beat their ass to hell!"
"Aww, thanks Chihiri san!~ That means a lot to me~"
"Okay, so that red dot is us. Then what about that orange area? What's that mean?"
I asked as I looked at the area that stood out most from the map. Looking at it without any context, I thought it was some kind of radius from a bomb, or a viral outbreak. Perhaps something happened somewhere while we were fighting? Before Ryuichi san could say anything, Chihiri clicked her fingers and wildly pointed at the map as if she was trying to penetrate it.
"Hey Itou! It's that place!"
"That place? I don't know what you mean by that."
"Uhh! It's where we got attacked by Megacolony! I know that place cause there's one food stand I usually grab a bite whenever I visit here."
"She's right you know. I guess you're familiar with maps, Chihiri?"
"Nah. I've been to Akihabara more than I could count, so basically I memorized this whole neighborhood!"
"*Cough* Except here apparently..."
Chihiri's shoulders flinched when I pointed out her one flaw.
"S, So that's how it looks like!~ H, How do you get the data for this?~ It's gotta be pretty hard, right?~"
"Not really. I just tap into the city's electric lines underground and voila, instant map. Also I installed sensors for spiritual energy in Tokyo's power grid when I got this place built, so whenever something abnormal happens, we know it."
Tokyo's power grid. That word made me think. It isn't just one area like Shibuya or Shinjuku, he's talking about Tokyo entirely.
"Wait, power grid? Are you telling me you have a constantly updating map of Tokyo?"
"Pretty much, yeah. Don't worry, it's not like I'm hacking into cctvs or speakers, I respect privacy you know. Area and spiritual energy signals, that's all the data I need."
"Still, that's just... Wow..."
I touched my forehead as it began to ache from overload. The level of scale was just overwhelming. I didn't know when Ryuichi san started to be a pioneer, but he really have done overtime when it came to preparation. If THIS much works was needed for the things to come, then my god I don't even know where to start from here.
"You okay Itou? You look a little pale."
"I, I'm fine. It's just that... I've gotta a lot of work to do, don't I?"
"Don't worry. We're in the same team now, remember? We'll help you in anyway we can, so don't worry about it."
"You can count on us~"
Ryuichi san and Kuran's kindness was very much appreciated. It would've been a nightmare if I had to figure out everything all by myself. I must've used up a lifetime worth of luck to meet help like this. At this point being stabbed in the chest felt like it was worth it.
Maybe not THAT much. I'm probably getting ahead of myself here.
"Thanks... So uh, what's the other thing you wanted to show us?"
"Right. Hang on, after I punch in the password... There."
CLUNK!
The sounds of rolling gears were heard behind us. Something was happening not far from us, so me and Chihiri turned our backs to see what was causing this sound. More specifically, it was one of the places I paid the least attention to. The glass boxes.
Out of seven of them, two of the transparent boxes illuminated it's own light, beginning to operate whatever Ryuichi san had attended. However the box itself didn't seem to move or do anything, other than vibrating in a low tone. The inner room however... The well cleaned space that was once the kitchen was sinking down, until it disappeared from our sight entirely. And soon, something 'else' began to rise up from the now hollowed space.
"Look! Look Itou! The kitchen! It was a god damn cover up! Oh my god that looks awesome!"
"I know! I'm looking at it! Ah, my heart! My inner six year old is in tear right now!"
It was like a giant mecha robot ascending from the ground. My hype began to rise as well as the unknown object began to show itself. After a few seconds the room's vibration stopped. I took a big gulp and readied myself to fully witness just what was hidden beneath the kitchen.
"A... table?"
A white hexagon shaped table stood in the middle of the wide room. I stepped a little closer and saw that the table was made for playing Vanguard. It was a two player table, with two opposite playing fields combined to one. And unlike the plastic tables from Ryuichi san's shop, the one inside that room was a machine. The table's frame was entirely metal while the playing field was of black and green glass(the circle being the green part). Other than that the whole design wasn't very different from any other playing fields. The main feature showing us that it's a machine wasn't the table's metal body, rather the several black cables connected beneath it. What makes that table so special? I asked myself that, and soon to Ryuichi san as well.
"Nice table, but uh, what's it for? Just to play Vanguard?"
"Have you guys ever seen those Vanguard national tournaments on TV? They have those special playing tables that makes the game look more fun."
"Oh, that! You mean the thing that makes holograms of units and changes the background? Of course we do! Me and Chihiri still see it from time to time whether it's live or on cable."
"That's like, the main reason why people see those tournaments! To see their favorite units come to life! And then beat the everlasting shit out of any clan that comes their way! Oh, no offense Descendant."
"None taken. Although, the guys who makes those holograms could use some more imagination. I mean I've seen Narukami's units on play once, and let me tell you if they moved like THAT in Cray, I would've personally kicked those slackers out of Narukami's forces for good!"
Despite it simply being Descendant complaining, her opinion was an interesting topic. How would a fictional character react to the media that they're based on? In fact, I wonder how Amaterasu would react if she see's herself on TV? I pray that she doesn't react negatively.
"Cut them some slack, you're expecting them to perfectly animate fictional beings that doesn't exist."
"But we do exist! And I take offense to it! I mean, come on! They even ruined ME, and I rock at combat!"
"As far as the world knows, you're just well designed dragon number, who gives a crap!"
"Uh, so... We were talking about the table?..."
"Oh right, I forgot. Yeah, those two table there is mostly that."
"R, Really? Wow, that's!-"
"Shut up! Are you for fucking real?! D, Does it work well? How's the performance? Does it specify the unit's detail? What's the maximum height for unit's holograms?"
"Just you wait, there's more."
"More?! You mean there's more functions then the actual tournament machines?! T, Tell us! At the very least tell me! Please, I have to know, good sir!"
Chihiri couldn't hide her excitement as her eyes grew wide to the point of bulging out. She was practically in hugging distance from Ryuichi san, and I'm sure Ryuichi san was having a involuntary face wash if she was that close. I mean, I'm also excited that Ryuichi san had a hologram machine, but not to the extent of Chihiri's level, who is in fact starting to run out of breath from all the non stop questions she was pouring down.
"-and, and... what system do you... use, cause... the original machine... normally uses type..."
"Okay, Chihiri? Stop. Take a breath and step back, because I don't think I could control myself anymore if you keep on painting my face with more of your spit. So please, DON'T MAKE ME."
"Oh! Sorry. Sorry..."
Ryuichi san murmured to himself, as he wiped his saliva covered face with his sleeves. Luckily Ryuichi san didn't pulverize Chihiri on the spot, despite some part of him seemed tempted to do so. After a few seconds of face wiping and self anger management, Ryuichi san was in the mood to talk again.
"The hologram machines that you know uses AR(augmented reality) to bring card units to life, while also decorating the entire playing field. Those two machines, aren't. It uses spiritual energy to make an almost to life identical VR(virtual reality) dimension. While they're in that room the pioneers and units will be unconscious, while their minds will be in VR where they could freely move and interact with, just like in real life."
I was at a loss of words. What Ryuichi san is talking about right now, is technology that only exists in science fiction. Even the 'advanced' AR technology that we have are relatively recent, and we've just barely started to lick the surface. Who knew, that a hideout for a card shop had better technology then the best minds on earth.
"Y, You've got to be kidding me! A, A complete v, virtual reality? We can touch and feel everything in there?"
"Yup. I call it the 'Mirror room'. You know, cause it's a room made out of glass? Anyway, it was far better than Descendant's idea."
"Hey! What's wrong with 'Glassy beat em up'?!"
"Uh huh... So, I guess you can fight in this VR?"
"Yup, and not just you, your units as well. I mean come on, there's really not a lot of places for pioneers and units to fight unless you want to make front page for the entire world. Not to mention having to fix an entire city's worth of property damage, and you know innocent dead people in your way. So that's why I had the mirror room made, to get stronger without making any bloodshed."
I nodded while listening to Ryuichi san talk. At least one of the questions I had were answered. Of how Ryuichi san and Kuran got this strong without being known to anyone. Secrecy seemed to be the key and honestly why wouldn't it be? Getting stronger was one thing, getting the entire world's attention was something to avoid entirely. Nothing good came from too much attention, especially when you were 'useful' to others.
Considering all that, my thoughts about the glass room had changed. It wasn't just a cool VR machine, it was a god send machine for us both pioneers and units.
"How does it work?"
"To put it simply it's like playing actual Vanguard, except that there are no rules and that you literally fight with your life. Oh, and that it hurts."
"Uh, could you... clarify that, a little?..."
I had a feeling that Ryuichi san's answer wasn't going to be very pleasant.
"Well how else are you going to get stronger if there's no pain in it? No pain no gain, right? There's no inflict six damage and you win sort of crap. The only way to lose is to surrender or die. Your opponent and their units will attack you, and they'll attack you hard. Weapons, energy blasts, or good old physical blows, you name it. The amount of spiritual energy needed will be the same from both calling units along with using abilities, and yes, it also includes penalty from override. But most importantly, the pain you feel from every damage will also be the same, just like real life."
"Hang on! Then let's say, Itou gets his head blown off inside VR combat. Doesn't that mean he's gonna die for real?!"
"My head get's what?! You could've said anything else, yet you have to kill me off to explain that?! What the hell Chihiri?!"
"Wha- are you out of your mind? Of course you don't die for real! What do you think I am, a psychopath? If you receive fatal damage in VR combat, you'll automatically log out and wake up. What's the purpose of getting stronger if you just end up dying? And to quote Itou, what the hell Chihiri?"
"S, See Chihiri? You and your imagination..."
"But, it WILL hurt like hell. You ain't gonna die, yet it'll feel VERY close to it. I did set the limit of pain that you can feel, cause death from shock is a thing. But still, you will feel every cuts, bruises, and broken bones. So uh, yeah be careful."
"OH. Thanks for the heads up?..."
Ryuichi san's words were more than enough to make me understand, maybe a little too much. But one thing's for sure, every fight I have in that mirror room was going to teach me in more ways than one. Still, stepping inside the mirror room was gonna take a lot of courage from now on.
"No problem. And no Chihiri, I am not gonna answer your question."
"I, I didn't say anything."
"But I know what you're thinking. No, there's no way in hell I'll let this machine used for 'other' means."
"But!... Come on! CYBER S-"
Ryuichi san grabbed the cushion from his back and threw it straight at Chihiri's face before she could finish. Chihiri knew best not to keep going and closed her mouth after throwing Ryuichi san his cushion back. It's a good thing he thought first before he threw, cause besides the cushion there were nothing but metal objects around.
"Any OTHER questions that doesn't involve pissing me off?"
"Nope!"
"NO SIR!"
"Ha ha!~ Don't be so afraid Chihiri san, Ryuichi san's only playing with you~"
"I beg to differ!"
"Hmph. Well now that we're done here let's... Oh, right. Damn, I forgot."
Ryuichi san was just about ready to turn off his computer and leave, until something seemed to come up in his mind. He clicked his tongue as if irritated and soon turned his head towards me.
That could NOT be a good sign.
Brace yourselves. Winter(Valentine) is coming...
P.S: Reviews please?... I CRAVE THEM(JK)!
Current Pioneers:
Itou Akasaka- Oracle think tank
Kuran Shiina- Kagero
Ryuichi Akai- Narukami