-Volume 1 Chapter 1 (III)-

o-0-o

Yuuka simmered with a rage that could put a dragon's breath to shame, and to label it as mere incense would be like calling a storm a light drizzle. Seated at her usual spot in the bustling Millennium cafeteria, a pork katsu curry set before her like an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire, her eyes fixated on the relentlessly ticking clock.

More than three hours had elapsed, each second felt like an eternity, and Sparda-Sensei was nowhere to be found. Yuuka attacked the pork katsu with a vengeance, the blade of her chopsticks slicing through it like a samurai facing an army of tofu. Her face, once serene, now mirrored a demon on a mission in the fiery depths of hell, each cut a symbolic act of vengeance against the elusive sensei.

As she contemplated the situation, a mischievous thought crept into her mind – what if her theory about Sparda-Sensei's account being hacked was indeed the crux of the matter? A devious ploy orchestrated just to ruffle her feathers? After all, picturing a responsible adult like him sending such a peculiar message seemed as improbable as a penguin tap-dancing on the moon.

Speaking of messages, that one message, the cause of this entire debacle, echoed in her mind like an annoying jingle she couldn't get rid of. Her face burned, not just from the embers of anger but also the embarrassment that accompanied the content of that cryptic communication. Seriously, who in the whimsical world of cyber-communication would dispatch such a message to her unsuspecting inbox?

Yuuka's internal debate was interrupted by a passing waiter who eyed her aggressive dismantling of the pork katsu with a mix of awe and trepidation. She shot him a look that could freeze hot soup, a silent warning not to question her culinary battlefield.

Yuuka's gaze remained fixated on her phone screen, contemplating the potential consequences of her impulsive decision to block Sparda-Sensei's number. A gnawing uncertainty tugged at her, whispering the possibility that he might have been desperately trying to reach her during these long, three hours of suspense.

Yuuka's temples pulsed with a rhythmic ache, echoing the turmoil in her mind. What on Earth should she do? The option to visit Veritas and enlist their help in investigating Sparda-Sensei's account seemed like a plausible course of action. However, a sense of trepidation loomed over her like a storm cloud – the mere thought of those rambunctious troublemakers catching sight of that bizarre message made her cringe in anticipation of the teasing tsunami that would inevitably follow.

She mulled over the possibilities: Should she risk the ridicule and confront Veritas, hoping they might provide some clarity?

As she pondered, a familiar voice sliced through her contemplation. "Yuuka-chan."

Noa's presence snapped her back to reality, her friend wearing a smile that held both warmth and mischief. Yuuka returned the greeting with a polite nod, though a wariness lingered beneath the surface. Noa's sunny disposition often heralded an impending storm of curiosity or playful teasing.

"Noa," Yuuka greeted in return, a hint of caution lacing her words as she braced herself for the impending unpredictability that always accompanied her friend.

Noa's eyes twinkled mischievously as she observed Yuuka's demeanor. "Fufu~, what's wrong? You look like a deer caught in the headlights~."

A nervous chuckle escaped Yuuka's lips, her attempt at downplaying the turmoil within. "I-it's nothing." The words slipped out, a feeble shield against Noa's keen intuition. Little did Yuuka know, her attempt to deflect would only serve as bait for Noa's inquisitive prowess.

Noa's conspiratorial whisper danced through the air like a mischievous sprite, striking the bullseye of Yuuka's contemplative thoughts. "Let me guess~," Noa teased, her voice as light as a feathered arrow, "you're lost in a daydream about Sensei, aren't you?" Noa's words dripped with a knowing innocence that only she could wield with such finesse.

Caught off guard, Yuuka jolted upright from her seat, her response a reflexive defense mechanism triggered by the unexpected accusation. "Th-that's not true!" Her denial reverberated through the cafeteria like an accidental drum solo, turning heads and eliciting curious glances from fellow students.

Sensing the unintended spectacle she had created, Yuuka slowly sank back into her chair, her face now a vibrant shade of crimson. Steam practically rose from her skin, and she sought refuge in the sudden fascination many seemed to develop with their lunch trays. Noa, undeterred by the unfolding drama, simply grinned, her eyes sparkling with a delightful mix of amusement and camaraderie.

"Fufufu. Yuuka-chan, you're so obvious," Noa remarked, the smile on her face widening ever so slightly. "But hey, to still be daydreaming about Sensei after all this time, it must mean Sensei's made a permanent residence in your heart, right?" Noa's playful tone added a touch of humor to the situation, making light of Yuuka's inadvertent revelation.

"I said…" Yuuka took a deep breath, determined to keep her voice from reaching the decibel levels of a pop concert, "It's not like that!" Her denial emerged as a hushed whisper, though it still carried enough clarity for Noa to catch every word in her perceptive ears.

Noa, undeterred by Yuuka's attempt to downplay the situation, leaned in with an air of playful curiosity. "But, Yuuka-chan, the message Sensei sent was positively dripping with passion. I was convinced something must have happened between the two of you," Noa mused. "Now, the real mystery is, between you and Sensei, who made the first move~?" Noa's tone was as light as a feather, infusing a hint of mischievousness into her probing question.

"I already told you, nothing happened! Aaahhh! Why on earth did I even show it to you?!" Yuuka exclaimed, a mix of frustration and regret evident in her voice.

"Fufufu~," Noa chuckled, finding endless amusement in Yuuka's reactions. It was a scene that, for Noa, never seemed to lose its comedic charm.

"Oh, Yuuka-chan, you're adorable when you're trying to deflect. But seriously, Sensei's messages are practically poetry. It's like decoding a secret language of love. Don't you think?"

"Lo-!" Yuuka began to exclaim, only to abruptly bite her tongue, a physical manifestation of her brain going haywire from the whirlwind of imaginations Noa's words had stirred within her. The sudden silence that followed was almost comical, as if the universe itself had hit the pause button on Yuuka's attempt to articulate her thoughts.

"Hello? Noa to Yuuka-chan~," Noa waved her hand theatrically in front of Yuuka, but received no reaction. It was as if Yuuka had entered a realm of her own, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts. "Oh my, this isn't good. I guess I should let her be for now."

With a playful shrug, Noa decided to gracefully exit the scene. She left Yuuka to her musings, a silent spectator to the whirlwind of emotions that had taken residence in her friend's mind.

o-0-o

Noa strolled down the bustling hallway, the echo of her humming mingling with the rhythmic sounds of footsteps and distant chatter. A mischievous grin played on her lips, the memory of Yuuka's reaction still fresh in her mind. Perhaps she had been a tad overboard with her teasing, but who could blame her? The sheer amusement derived from Yuuka's response was simply irresistible—undeniably fun and downright adorable.

As Noa continued her leisurely walk, she couldn't help but replay the scene in her mind. The way Yuuka's eyes widened, the stammer in her voice, and that split-second where the world seemed to stop as she bit her tongue – it was a comedic masterpiece, and Noa reveled in being the orchestrator of this unintentional performance.

A few fellow students exchanged curious glances as Noa passed, the hum of speculation lingering in the air. Noa, however, remained unfazed, her amusement evident in the twinkle of her eyes and the playful skip in her step.

"I might have pushed her buttons a bit too much," Noa mused to herself, her grin widening. "But where's the fun in not stirring things up a bit?"

Noa's delightful reverie was abruptly interrupted by the distant murmur of a commotion that reached her ears from the field outside. Intrigued, she arched an eyebrow, her curiosity instantly piqued as she observed a group of energetic students from the Engineering Department running fervently on the road outside, heading towards the southern section of the main district. The way they hurried suggested something out of the ordinary was unfolding.

Wondering what all the fuss was about, Noa couldn't resist the allure of a potential scoop in the making. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she decided to follow the sounds and investigate. After all, if it turned out to be something interesting, she certainly didn't want to miss out on the potential excitement.

o-0-o

As Noa arrived at the bustling gathering of students, she was immediately struck by the unlikely pairings that unfolded before her eyes. There, in the midst of the crowd, was the enigmatic President Akeboshi Himari of Veritas engaged in an animated discussion with none other than Kagami Chihiro, the deputy director of the very same organization.

Noa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight. President Himari, renowned for her penchant for solitude within Veritas' clubroom, seemed to have temporarily traded it for the lively ambiance of the gathering. Meanwhile, Deputy Director Chihiro, often navigating the intricate web of IT security beyond the confines of Veritas and even outside the walls of Millennium, was an unexpected presence in this eclectic mix.

And, lo and behold, amidst the cluster of students, there stood Shiraishi Utaha, a third-year student heading the Engineering Department. She was flanked by two enthusiastic first-year students, also from the Engineering Department, Nekozuka Hibiki and Toyomi Kotori. Although Noa rarely found herself venturing into the Engineering Department, she prided herself on an exceptional memory that could effortlessly recall anything she had glimpsed at least once.

The trio formed a unique focal point within the lively gathering, huddled around a mysterious object embedded in the ground.

Oh?

No sooner had Noa observed the eclectic trio than Utaha, with an expression that danced between bewilderment and unbridled excitement, made her way towards President Himari and Deputy Director Chihiro. Noa couldn't help but raise a quizzical eyebrow, her curiosity growing with each step Utaha took.

Approaching the duo, Utaha's inquisitive nature seemed to shine through, her eyes ablaze with a peculiar mix of confusion and enthusiasm. It was a look that hinted at a brewing storm of curiosity within her, as if she had stumbled upon a mystery begging to be unraveled.

Noa, feeling the gravitational pull of intrigue, silently maneuvered closer to the trio. As she closed the distance, she couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What could this possibly be about?" Her thoughts echoed in the vibrant air, blending seamlessly with the buzz of the gathering around them.

"The license plate number and the overall design unmistakably point to it being the same vehicle from the image Chi-chan shared," uttered Utaha, her voice carrying a mix of deduction and intrigue. Noa strained to catch every word, feeling as though she had stumbled upon an impromptu detective summit.

President Himari, her interest clearly piqued, posed a question that cut through the air with the precision of a well-sharpened blade. "It was last spotted less than thirty minutes ago during the security screening, correct?" she inquired, her eyes narrowing slightly as she awaited confirmation.

A nod from Deputy Director Chihiro affirmed the time frame. "That's right," Chihiro concurred, her tone carrying a weight of certainty.

President Himari, ever the meticulous investigator, pressed on with her line of questioning. "So, there was a loud bang approximately nineteen minutes ago, and this wreckage was discovered sixteen minutes ago. Did I get the timing all correct?" she inquired, her gaze shifting between Chihiro and the unfolding scene.

Chihiro, relying on both student testimony and the scrutinized CCTV footage, nodded in confirmation. "If we trust the students' accounts and the CCTV feed, then yes."

The next query cut through the air, sharp and precise. "How far was the distance between the Millennium's main campus district and the security checkpoint on the south?" President Himari asked, her eyes focused and unwavering.

Chihiro began tapping on her tablet to retrieve the data, but before she could answer, Noa, who had been absorbing the information like a human sponge, chimed in confidently. "Exactly 139.56 kilometers."

President Himari's gaze shifted to Noa, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Oh? I didn't expect to see the secretary of Seminar here." The unexpected recognition from the president brought a modest yet satisfied grin to Noa's face.

"And I certainly didn't expect to see you here, President Himari," Noa retorted with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Last I remember, didn't you dislike going out during the day, citing the sun as your sworn enemy for the sake of your flawless skin?" The exchange held a lighthearted undertone, adding a dash of humor to the unfolding investigation.

"Well, there are moments when even someone as exalted as I need to grace the outside world with my beauty," President Himari declared with unwavering confidence, leaving a hint of mystery in the air. Noa found herself caught between deciphering the president's words as a jest or a serious proclamation. Before she could dwell on it, President Himari continued, "Especially when it involves an uncertain element that only recently popped its head in Kivotos."

Intrigued, Noa echoed, "Uncertain element?"

President Himari gestured towards the object that had captured the attention of the gathered students. "Take a closer look, and tell me what it looks like."

Noa approached the metallic object, its surface adorned with protruding machine components. From a distance, its nature remained shrouded in ambiguity, but as she drew closer, a realization dawned upon her. "Is that... a wreckage of a car?"

"More precisely, a truck. Or, well, what's left of it," Utaha clarified with a solemn tone.

"A truck? How on earth did it end up in such a sorry state?" Noa couldn't help but express her astonishment, her mind racing to piece together the unfolding puzzle.

"It fell," Utaha replied simply, her tone carrying a matter-of-fact air that left Noa momentarily dumbfounded.

"It fell?" Noa echoed, seeking further clarification from Utaha.

"From the sky," Utaha reiterated, as if this succinct explanation held the key to unraveling the entire mystery.

Utaha, maintaining an air of nonchalance, reiterated, "From the sky." Her delivery suggested that this piece of information should be sufficient to elucidate the entire situation.

Noa's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "From the sky? Are we talking about a rogue celestial object or some interdimensional mishap? Because, last I checked, trucks aren't exactly known for their aerial acrobatics."

Utaha, undeterred by Noa's skepticism, simply nodded. "Indeed, it descended from above. A surprise delivery, you could say."

Noa couldn't decide whether to be impressed or amused by the surreal turn of events. A truck falling from the sky was certainly not a typical afternoon occurrence.

"Which brings us to the core questions. First of all, take a look at this," Chihiro instructed, extending her tablet toward Noa.

Accepting the device, Noa found herself staring at a recording displayed on the screen. It was footage captured by a security camera, showcasing the very truck now reduced to wreckage and its apparent driver- an adult male with slicked-back white hair, adorned in a uniform proudly displaying the SCHALE logo on its pocket chest.

"With the news of yesterday's incident circulating far and wide, I assume I don't need to enlighten you on the identity of the driver?" Chihiro remarked, her gaze steady.

"He's the Sensei from SCHALE, but the two passengers aren't ringing any bells," Noa responded, her brow furrowing in concentration.

"They weren't in our database, which means they're likely students from another school. According to what the security robot managed to extract from Sensei, they accompanied him as his helpers," Chihiro explained.

Noa, her curiosity piqued, inquired, "My, and the security robots didn't ask for further information?"

President Himari interjected with a sigh, "Which is precisely why Rio rang me up earlier. As cold-hearted as she usually is, she sounded a bit incensed once she spotted the loophole in our security—it was adorable, to be honest."

With a slight chuckle, President Himari continued, "Unfortunately, it all boils down to a matter of clearance. No matter how many layers of security we weave into the fabric of Millennium, Sensei holds the highest clearance in Kivotos, a status on par with the General Student Council President. If he decides he wants to whisk students from other schools into our hallowed halls without navigating the usual bureaucratic procedure, well, there's nothing we can do to prevent it—unless we are ready to come into conflict with SCHALE, that is."

"I see," Noa nodded, grasping the implication of Sensei's formidable clearance. Turning her attention to Chihiro, she inquired, "You mentioned 'core questions,' plural, so I assume there's more?"

Chihiro, with a subtle nod, replied, "I think the second one is self-explanatory if you listen to the footage." She adjusted the volume to make the sound audible to Noa.

As the recording played, the voice of SCHALE's Sensei, Sparda-Sensei, became discernible. "Oh, right, I almost forgot. Can you tell me how to get to the Engineering Department?" he queried the security robot.

"Of course! Take the main road, and enter the highway by following the signs directing you towards 'Millennium: Main Campus'. After that, it should be a straight line to the main campus district!" responded the cheerful robotic voice.

"Thank you."

The footage concluded with the truck passing by the checkpoint, leaving Noa with a final striking image – the Peroro animatronic securely strapped to the back of the truck.

Noa, having processed the peculiar footage for a few moments, directed her attention towards Shiraishi Utaha from the Engineering Department. "Do you have any idea about this?"

Utaha, a thoughtful expression gracing her features, replied, "None whatsoever. I do, however, recognize that Peroro on the back of the truck. It was the handiwork of one of our members. I could tell that it's not in great shape, so maybe Sensei's come here to have it fixed?" Utaha ventured with a speculative glint in her eye.

Chihiro chimed in, perplexed, "That still doesn't explain what happened to the truck itself or where Sensei vanished to."

"Chi-chan, we've already cracked the case on the truck," Utaha interjected with a smirk.

"We have?" Chihiro questioned.

"I told you, it fell from the sky. The CCTV footage doesn't lie. The truck literally plummeted to the ground," Utaha explained matter-of-factly.

Chihiro sighed in frustration. "I know that already. What I'm trying to figure out is how and why it happened."

Utaha, undeterred by Chihiro's exasperation, ventured a quirky hypothesis, "Maybe Sensei stumbled upon a rocket booster and decided, 'Why not give Peroro a taste of the skies?'"

"Why are you answering my question with another question?" Chihiro retorted.

"I'm honestly as lost as you, Chi-chan," Utaha admitted. "All I could tell you is that the truck must have flown through the sky with a speed of at least 850 kilometers per hour to reach this place from the south checkpoint in that short window time."

Noa, sensing the futility of the conversation, interjected, "I believe it'd be more efficient to have Sensei enlighten us rather than spinning wild hypotheses."

President Himari, ever pragmatic, weighed in. "Our primary concern is the whereabouts of Sensei and his partners. Considering the absence of reports about bodies plummeting from the sky, it's safe to assume they're either miraculously alive or, on the flip side, they weren't in the truck at all. This could be an elaborate diversion, redirecting our focus while they infiltrate Millennium."

Chihiro pondered, "Do you think Sensei might be working against Millennium?"

President Himari, adopting a nonchalant shrug, replied, "I don't know."

"You don't? But, your previous statements—" Chihiro began.

"Those were Rio's conjectures, not mine," President Himari clarified, cutting Chihiro off. She added with a decisive tone, "Your concern is valid, Chihiro. However, it's crucial to distinguish between speculation and certainty. Rio's ideas are intriguing, but they remain hypotheses until proven otherwise."

Chihiro, appreciating the need to ground their investigation in facts, nodded thoughtfully. "Right, facts. So, how do we unravel this mystery?"

President Himari, embodying unwavering determination, promptly outlined the plan. "First things first, let's track down Sensei. I'll dispatch a team to scour possible sightings and leads that might unveil his current whereabouts. Obtaining his firsthand account is crucial to piecing together the puzzle of what exactly transpired."

Noa, feeling an unexpected surge of excitement amid the uncertainty, chimed in, "Oh my, this is a most unexpected development, isn't it? Maybe I should go back and inform Yuuka-chan."

"The treasurer? Why?" Utaha questioned.

"Truth be told, Yuuka-chan has been eagerly awaiting Sensei's arrival. She's so fixated on it that she keeps staring at the clock longingly," Noa explained.

"Right. You do that. I'll head back to Veritas and keep an eye on the surveillance cameras," Chihiro remarked with her usual straightforwardness. "What about you, Utaha?"

"Me? Well, if Sensei was genuinely seeking the Engineering Department, then it's better that we stand by there to receive him," Utaha stated plainly, her pragmatic approach evident in her words.

President Himari clapped her hands, effectively rallying the team. "Alright, it seems everyone knows what to do. If you come across any information or spot Sensei, make sure to promptly inform the rest."

The group dispersed, each member heading off to their designated tasks, and Noa found it challenging to suppress a smile. She couldn't help but envision the animated reaction Yuuka would undoubtedly have upon receiving this unexpected news.

o-0-o

Amidst the animated chatter of the Millennium girls engaged in a heated discussion, a rooftop a few blocks away played host to a different drama—a trio composed of a lone male teacher and two formidable female students engaged in their own peculiar brand of discourse.

"Look, ladies, I understand you might not be thrilled with me right now, but aiming those firearms in my direction won't exactly foster the kind of meaningful discussion we all need to have about how we could've navigated this situation more smoothly," Sparda earnestly voiced, attempting to diffuse the tension that hung thick in the air. The two students, their eyes simmering with resentment, had him cornered, brandishing their guns as if they were negotiating the terms of a high-stakes treaty.

Kayoko's icy gaze and the precision with which she directed the muzzle of her handgun contradicted her nonchalant words. "We're not upset, Sensei," she declared, a frigid calm masking the turmoil beneath the surface.

Kazusa, standing tall beside Kayoko, added her own touch of menace to the scene. The sun caught the glint of her Bren gun, turning it into an ominous reflection of her determination. "Indeed, Kayoko-san speaks the truth. We're not angry," she stated, her eyes mirroring the gleam of the weapon in her hands.

Then, with a synchronized precision that sent shivers down Sparda's spine, they chimed in unison, "We... are extremely furious at the audacious stunt you've pulled." The rooftop confrontation unfolded like a theatrical production, with anger playing the leading role and Sparda left to navigate the treacherous waters of his students' displeasure.

Sparda, feeling the weight of remorse, lowered his head in a gesture of sincere apology. "I'm sorry," he offered, his contrition evident in the solemnity of his tone.

Kayoko, her initial anger momentarily eclipsed by the raw emotion of the recent ordeal, confessed, "I really thought I was going to meet my end."

A shiver ran down Kazusa's spine, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Exactly. I saw the faces of people I hold dear flashing before my eyes," she admitted, her voice bearing the echoes of the fear that had gripped her.

Understanding the gravity of his actions, Sparda vowed to tread more cautiously in the future. "I won't repeat such a reckless move without informing you beforehand," he assured them, hoping to rebuild the trust that had been momentarily shattered.

However, Kayoko, still simmering with a mix of anger and concern, fixed him with an icy glare. "Don't even think about repeating that again. Period," she warned, her words leaving no room for ambiguity.

Sparda nodded in compliance. "Yes, ma'am."

Kayoko and Kazusa released a synchronized sigh, the shared exhalation emphasizing the gravity of the recent ordeal.

"I would love to understand how you managed to catapult us into the sky like that, but I'm guessing the explanation might take a while?" Kayoko inquired, displaying a surprising consideration for time constraints.

Her question prompted Sparda to revisit the chaotic events that unfolded earlier.

Having breezed through Millennium's security, much to the disbelief of his students—especially Kazusa, who accused him of gaming the system—Sparda found himself faced with a logistical nightmare. Arona, acting as a bearer of inconvenient news, informed him that reaching the Engineering Department would be a time-consuming journey, devouring a hefty two to three hours, thanks to the notorious traffic conditions. A time frame that clashed rather inconveniently with their mission of returning the Peroro animatronic to the sparrow proprietress in pristine working order.

A faint throbbing began to pulse behind Sparda's temples as he contemplated the dire situation. The chosen mode of transportation, a mini-truck, was also far from ideal. Its top speed capped at a meager 90 kilometers per hour, and its maneuverability left much to be desired.

Thus, when they were confronted with an uphill slope and a ticking clock, Sparda seized an opportunity that echoed the earlier battle with the helmeted girls. Channeling demonic energy into the vehicle's engine, he unleashed a burst of power that transformed the mundane truck into a makeshift aircraft, hurtling skyward in a spectacle of explosive acceleration.

In hindsight, the devilish teacher admitted to not thinking the plan through. Without his demonic energy coating, the truck might have disintegrated mid-flight, and, even then, it still left Kayoko, Kazusa, and even Arona knocked out by the sudden liftoff. Regret etched across his features, exacerbated by the fact that Arona remained in a state of unconsciousness even now.

Sparda realized he should have refrained from attempting such a risky maneuver without proper calculations, vowing to remedy this oversight for future escapades. The makeshift aircraft soared higher and faster than anticipated, eliciting a momentary panic as Sparda grappled with the worry of landing in the distant, ruined districts below instead of safely at Millennium's main campus.

Fortunately, fate intervened in the form of unforeseen obstacles colliding with the truck midair, inducing a breakdown and causing its speed to falter. Capitalizing on this stroke of luck, Sparda wielded Rebellion to slice the top of the truck open, securing an exit strategy. With remarkable dexterity, he leaped towards the nearest skyscraper, cradling Kayoko, Kazusa, and the Peroro animatronic in his arms.

In a reflective aside, Sparda couldn't ignore the overwhelming impression that Millennium, with its sprawling cities, towns, and neatly arranged suburbs, resembled more of a colossal state than a mere school. The airborne panorama left him pondering the sheer scale of Kivotos, questioning just how vast this enigmatic world truly was.

As a side note, Sparda acknowledged not being entirely oblivious to the cause of the midair collision—a detail he planned to unveil in due course. Just before the objects collided, he caught a glimpse of several bullets hurtling towards the car's engine. The identity and intentions of the assailant remained shrouded in mystery, but it was thanks to their unforeseen intervention that, while not entirely safe, they managed to get considerably closer to Millennium's main campus.

"Sensei?"

Kayoko's voice cut through Sparda's musings, drawing him back to the present. Amused by their bewilderment, he said to them with a twinkle in his eyes, "You want to know how I did that? The answer is very simple."

"Really?" Kazusa questioned, a trace of skepticism coloring her voice. Even Kayoko, despite her stoicism, appeared genuinely surprised.

With an expression that betrayed no hint of jest, Sparda deadpanned, "It's magic."

An awkward silence descended upon the rooftop, interrupted only by the faint whistle of the wind. The revelation hung in the air like an enchantment waiting to be broken.

With a nearly imperceptible motion, Kazusa gracefully closed the distance between herself and Kayoko, their unspoken bond growing more palpable with each passing moment.

"Kayoko-san," Kazusa whispered, her words carrying an air of uncertainty, "I don't like speculating like this, but I think it's possible that Sensei is actually a bit of a nutcase."

Kayoko, eyes closed, wore a troubled expression as she considered Kazusa's observation. "It pains me to say this about my own school, but I know people like him in Gehenna. They essentially retain the mental faculties of a child, and in most cases, their actions and thought processes are purely shaped to satisfy their sense of self-importance. Chairman Makoto is the prime example of this," Kayoko revealed, her admission a rare glimpse into the complexities of the world she inhabited.

"I'm here, you know?" Sparda interjected, breaking the solemn moment with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kayoko's eyes flickered open, revealing a mixture of surprise and chagrin. "Sensei, we were having a serious discussion," she reproached, her demeanor retaining the same cool composure.

Sparda, unrepentant, grinned mischievously. "Well, you were talking about me. It seemed only fair that I join the conversation."

In the intense exchange of gazes between Sparda and Kayoko, Kazusa, observing from the side, couldn't resist a muttered remark, "It's like watching two children having an argument."

Sparda sighed, acknowledging the truth in Kazusa's words. It was indeed a childish display, and even Kayoko, the epitome of stoicism, seemed to wear a mask of embarrassment.

"Let's just... move on, shall we?" Kayoko suggested, her voice carrying a touch of diplomatic grace that sought to diffuse the lingering tension.

Sparda and Kazusa nodded in unison, a silent agreement to shift the focus away from the momentary lapse into banter. They moved in harmony, gracefully making their way to the staircase that led down to the vibrant and bustling street below.

o-0-o

Kagami Chihiro remained seated in the Veritas' clubroom, her eyes fixed on the array of screen monitors. The rhythmic tapping of keyboards and the occasional slurping of energy drinks by her fellow club members created a backdrop of ambient noise, a familiar symphony of productivity that enveloped the room.

The tranquility, however, was abruptly shattered when Maki erupted into a sudden, ear-splitting scream.

"Aaaaah!"

"Please don't be so loud, Maki. You're killing my head here," groaned Hare, her hands clutching her temples. Hare, resembling a walking dead after an exhaustive night of defending Millennium's security against a barrage of attacks, had every right to voice her discomfort.

Chihiro, with dark circles under her eyes, shared a sympathetic glance with her fatigued comrades, Kotama and Maki. The Veritas clubroom had become a haven for the sleep-deprived, a sanctuary of vigilance against the relentless challenges posed by those attempting to breach Millennium's defenses.

In truth, none of them had experienced a moment of rest. The relentless onslaught had kept them on high alert, with each keystroke and sip of energy drink an act of defiance against the encroaching fatigue. The lines on their faces spoke volumes about the toll their unwavering dedication was exacting.

The onslaught of attacks on Millennium was unprecedented, and Chihiro couldn't shake the suspicion that the assailants perceived the institution as vulnerable due to the recent crisis – a crisis that Sparda-Sensei had, with the assistance of the 'honorable' treasure, Hayase Yuuka, managed to resolve. As Veritas members tirelessly guarded their digital realm, Chihiro mulled over the motives driving this relentless assault, discerning the calculated timing behind the attackers' actions.

"I found them!" Maki's sudden exclamation shattered the concentrated silence in the Veritas clubroom. In an instant, all eyes were fixed on Maki's monitors, revealing the unexpected presence of Sparda-Sensei. Sensei, nonchalantly carrying a Peroro animatronic over his shoulder, was making his way toward the Engineering Department. Flanking him were two students, one from Gehenna and the other from Trinity, as deduced by their distinct uniforms.

It was indeed a peculiar group, and Chihiro couldn't fathom why Sparda-Sensei would bring together a student from Gehenna and another from Trinity to Millennium. As her eyes lingered on the Peroro on his shoulder, she found it challenging to assert that Sparda-Sensei's intentions were anything but nefarious.

The Veritas members exchanged speculative glances, contemplating the unconventional sight on Maki's monitors. Chihiro couldn't help but voice the skepticism lingering in her mind, breaking the silence that had settled over the room.

"If he had wanted to attack Millennium, he wouldn't have walked into our school so brazenly like this, carrying a Peroro, would he?" Chihiro mused, her words echoing the unspoken doubts that hovered in the air.

The Veritas members found themselves at an impasse, grappling with the mystery of Sparda-Sensei's unexpected appearance and the Peroro on his shoulder.

"What should we do? Should we inform President Himari?" Kotama, ever the practical thinker, sought guidance.

Chihiro, deep in thought, considered the options before making a decision. "Tell President Himari I'm going to speak to him."

"Alright. Good luck," Kotama wished her well as Chihiro stepped out of the club room, determined to seek answers. Her destination: the Engineering Department. With each purposeful step, she hoped that her intuition was right, and that Sparda-Sensei's presence was indeed innocuous—an unassuming visit aimed solely at fixing the Peroro.

o-0-o

A/N: I had planned to make the chapter longer, but since I wanted to get a chapter out before my travel, I had to cut it off here. Anyway, next is a substory -The Girls' Conversation (1)-, which will be uploaded very soon.