- Volume 1 Chapter 1 (V) -

o-0-o

Sparda couldn't help but marvel at the surreal atmosphere enveloping Utaha's personal workshop. "This entire place feels like a chapter out of some sci-fi novel," he muttered in awe, surveying the workshop's assortment of machinery that appeared more akin to surgical instruments than the industrial tools he was accustomed to.

Setting the Peroro animatronic at the workshops epicenter, he marveled at the intricacies -surrounding him. Gazing around, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had stumbled into a realm where engineering met artistry, a place where the lines between science fiction and reality blurred into one fascinating spectacle.

Utaha, catching Sparda's reaction, beamed with pride, relishing the acknowledgement of her substantial investment. "Indeed," she replied with a smile that betrayed the trials and tribulations hidden beneath her accomplishment. "Inventions and innovations demand substantial investments."

Her gaze turned distant, a wistful expression clouding her face. "If only you knew the blood and tears we've poured into appeasing that relentless treasurer of ours..."

Sparda's curiosity got the better of him, and he probed further, "Treasurer... you're referring to Yuuka, right?" Utaha's solemn nod confirmed his suspicion. "I don't get it; she seems like a nice girl."

A collective gasp filled the room, and Sparda turned to find everyone staring at him, their eyes wide with disbelief as if he had just uttered the most audacious statement.

"Sensei," Utaha addressed him formally, the tone carrying a mixture of concern and disbelief. "You weren't on some mind-altering substance, were you?"

"Hey," Sparda retorted, raising an eyebrow in mild protest.

"S-Sensei," Hibiki chimed in, a thread of genuine worry lacing her words, "our medical team here in Millennium is at the pinnacle of excellence." Her eyes mirrored her concern, a testament to the gravity of the situation.

Kotori, eager to contribute, interjected, "We even have cutting-edge experimental medicine designed to facilitate the recovery of brain damage!" She leaned forward, her enthusiasm palpable. "Oh, by the way, Sensei, did you know that the strides in brain medicine trace back to—"

Sparda, attempting to grasp the influx of information, swiftly interjected with a raised hand. "Wait, wait, wait. I'm getting lost here. Why's everyone so jittery about Yuuka?"

The room fell into a momentary hush, each gaze exchanged among the inhabitants expressing a shared unease that left Sparda perplexed. The air thickened with an unspoken tension, prompting him to await an explanation that hung in the balance.

Utaha drew in a profound breath, her countenance taking on a somber air. "Sensei, she's the autocrat of Millennium."

Sparda regarded her with a tinge of doubt, yet a cursory glance around the workshop revealed that even Kayoko and Kazusa, unfamiliar with Millennium's inner workings, mirrored Utaha's solemn demeanor.

"Okay, hold on a sec," Sparda interjected, his brow knitted in perplexity. "You're painting her as some sort of despot. What's the deal?"

Utaha sighed, sharing knowing looks with her peers before responding. "She holds the reins of our school budget."

Sparda's confusion deepened. "And? There's gotta be more to it."

"It's not just control, Sensei," Utaha clarified. "She wields it like a weapon. If our clubs don't deliver results or show increased productivity, she slashes our budget without batting an eye. And that's not the end of it – she won't even help clear the debts we specifically took on for club activities."

Everyone, excluding Kayoko and Kazusa, nodded in agreement.

Sparda, however, had a different take. "Isn't that standard practice?"

"Standard?" Utaha questioned.

"Whose funds are you tapping into?" Sparda queried.

"Millennium's," Utaha replied.

"How's the budget allocated to the clubs?" Sparda probed.

"We submit a budget proposal for the semester, detailing its intended use," Utaha explained.

"And if the proposed budget falls short?" Sparda questioned.

"We submit a revised proposal," Utaha replied.

"And if the club meets the expectations outlined in their proposal, what happens?" Sparda asked.

"They increase our budget ceiling," Utaha said.

"And if a club still fails to deliver as per their proposals by the end of the semester, or if there's misuse of funds for purposes outside the agreed-upon scope?" Sparda inquired.

"The budget gets cut, naturally," Utaha responded.

"See?" Sparda countered, arching an eyebrow.

"B-but, she summarily dismissed our plea for additional funds this semester without bothering to assess the underlying reasons," Hibiki interjected. "At this point, we're left with less than 30 percent of our initial budget."

Sparda turned to Hibiki, saying, "Is that so? Alright, I'll have a chat with her." The students in the room erupted in relief. "By the way, what exactly did you spend the 70 percent of your budget on? If I know the specifics, I can build a stronger case for your club."

"A railgun," Utaha declared.

Sparda blinked. "Say that again?"

"Let me clarify! Originally, we were planning to construct an intergalactic warship, but as it turned out, our budget only covered the completion of a single railgun!" Kotori exclaimed animatedly. "To fully realize the spaceship, we'd need a budget at least a thousand times greater than what we received this semester. We did submit this request to the Seminar, but our treasurer stormed in and scolded us, warning against squandering funds on such frivolities!" Kotori added with a touch of sadness.

"And...why attempt to build an...intergalactic warship?" This time, Kayoko took the initiative, sparing Sparda from posing the question aloud.

The eyes of all the Engineering Department students gleamed, and Utaha's response precipitated a collective headache shared between Sparda, Kayoko, and Kazusa.

"Because it's cool!"

Feeling an escalating pressure in his temples, Sparda made an attempt to stave off the encroaching headache, grappling with the seemingly preposterous idea of constructing an intergalactic warship simply because it sounded cool. The concept struck him as impractical and illogical.

Utaha, sensing Sparda's bewilderment, shook her head with a bemused smile. "Sensei, you just don't grasp the romance of it all."

"The romance?" Sparda echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Building an intergalactic warship seems more like a sci-fi fantasy than a romantic pursuit."

Utaha chuckled, exchanging knowing glances with her peers. "It's not about the warship itself, but the passion and camaraderie that come with pursuing something grand and impractical."

Still skeptical, Sparda sought a second opinion, turning to Kayoko and Kazusa. "Am I missing something here?"

Kayoko, her gaze penetrating, silently observed Sparda for a moment, her expression giving away no hint of agreement or disagreement, leaving Sparda in the dark about her stance.

Kazusa, leaning back with a nonchalant grin, quipped, "While I'm sympathetic, fortunately, this isn't my problem, Sensei~."

Sparda sighed, a mixture of exasperation and amusement coloring his emotions at the diverse perspectives surrounding him. "Alright, let me get this straight. You guys used the majority of your budget to build a railgun for an intergalactic warship, a project you admit is impractical, and now you're facing a severe budget shortage because the treasurer disapproves of your request for additional funds?"

The students nodded collectively, their expressions reflecting a blend of remorse and anticipation for Sparda's intervention.

"Fine," Sparda relented, deciding to champion their cause. "I'll talk to Yuuka and see if we can work something out. But next time, do try to calculate your budget better before embarking on a new project."

Just when Sparda believed he had a handle on the situation, Utaha dropped a bombshell. "Oh no, you've got it all wrong, Sensei. The intergalactic warship was a spontaneous idea. It was never part of our proposal."

"Why didn't you discuss it with Yuuka beforehand, then, before depleting your entire budget?" Sparda questioned.

Utaha and Kotori averted their gaze, while Hibiki attempted to make herself inconspicuous under Sparda's scrutinizing gaze.

"We got carried away, and before we knew it, the budget was spent," Utaha admitted with a blank smile.

"For the love of–" Sparda was beyond exasperated. The students' penchant for impulsive decisions had just pushed him to the edge of his patience.

With a heavy exhale of resignation, Sparda pivoted on his heel, resolved to track down Yuuka. Beyond the immediate concern of the Engineering Department budget, lingering unresolved matters from the morning loomed in the background, urging him to address them promptly. Maximizing his time while waiting for the animatronic's repairs seemed like the sensible course of action.

"Sensei, where are you headed?" Kayoko inquired, her curiosity etched across her features.

"Off to have a chat with Yuuka," Sparda replied, casting a glance back at the group. "Kayoko, Kazusa, sorry to impose, but could you... oversee things here for me?"

The subtle undertones in Sparda's words weren't lost on Kayoko and Kazusa. The recent revelations from Utaha had sown seeds of concern, and both harbored reservations about entrusting the Engineering Department with animatronic repairs without supervision.

Kayoko, exhaling audibly, nodded. "You can count on us, Sensei."

Sparda conveyed his gratitude with a nod.

"Are you sure you don't want company? What if you end up getting lost?" Kazusa voiced her concern.

"Please, Kazusa, I'm not a child," Sparda retorted. "Besides, I have the layout memorized in my head. No need to worry."

While he hadn't actually committed the map to memory, Arona had been buzzing incessantly for the last few minutes, claiming she'd successfully downloaded the layouts of Millennium. That was a good thing, right?

"The map from earlier, right?" Kazusa sought confirmation, receiving a nod from Sparda. "But you didn't take a picture of it, did you? Sensei, are you sure you'll be alright?"

"What are you trying to imply?"

Kazusa seemed to choose her words carefully before cautiously stating, "You know what they say; the older you get, the more forgetful you become."

"I'm still in the prime of my life, thank you very much."

Turning toward Utaha, Sparda gestured toward the Peroro animatronic. "I'm entrusting that…child to you. Please do your best."

"Leave it to us, Sensei. In the meantime, please give it your all for our club's budget," Utaha declared, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Utaha's intense gaze left Sparda momentarily speechless, prompting him to grapple with the challenge of formulating a response. Deciding to tackle the situation with a mature perspective, he thought, "You know what? Let's be adults and make reasoned decisions."

He just offered her a nod, not wanting to falsely raise her hope.

Choosing the path of a discreet exit, Sparda silently departed from the Engineering Department, offering a parting glance to the students within before allowing the door to glide closed.

Contemplating his next move, Sparda mused, "Now then… where should I go to find Yuuka?"

Extracting the Shittim Chest from his jacket's inner pocket, he was greeted by the lively Arona. "Arona, sorry to keep you waiting. Got something to tell me?"

"I've completed downloading the map of Millennium, Sensei. Just tell Arona-chan where you're planning to go, and she'll be your most trusted guide!" Arona declared, enthusiasm evident in her voice. Then, she added, "Sensei, am I being useful?"

Sparda looked at Arona quizzically, pondering the sudden question. Why would Arona feel the need to ask that?

Choosing to indulge Arona, Sparda responded, "Absolutely, you're more than useful."

"Even more than them?" Arona asked, perking up.

"Them?"

"Kayoko-san and Kazusa-san. Am I as useful to you as they are?" Arona inquired.

Ah, that was the crux of the matter.

Amused by Arona's earnestness, Sparda chuckled softly. "Arona, you're unique. Each one of you has your own role, and your assistance is invaluable in its own right. You're indispensable, just like Kayoko and Kazusa."

Arona's holographic avatar seemed to glow with satisfaction. "Okay, Sensei! Arona-chan is happy now!"

With a nod, Sparda pocketed the Shittim Chest and thought, "She has her quirks, but she sure is a cute child."

o-0-o

Kazusa's gaze lingered on the door that had just silently slid closed. Sparda-Sensei had made his exit with a sense of urgency, as if he were on a mission with no time to spare. "He ran away, didn't he?" Kazusa flatly remarked, her words carrying a tone of observation more than inquiry.

"He sure did," Kayoko affirmed, her expression revealing a hint of amusement.

Kazusa found herself ensnared in a web of conflicting thoughts about Sparda-Sensei. Unraveling the layers of his personality proved to be a complex puzzle. In their initial encounter earlier in the day, he exuded the essence of a responsible and respectful adult. However, as the hours unfolded, Sensei's more juvenile side began to surface. There were instances when he behaved like a child, discovering a new form of amusement, his actions fueled by spontaneity.

At times, his immaturity appeared as a deliberate facade, a mask worn at will. But Kazusa couldn't say for certain; after all, her knowledge of him spanned only a short period. Reflecting on it, she realized that nobody in Kivotos seemed to have any prior information about Sensei before his sudden arrival yesterday.

The lingering question in her mind persisted: how did he manage to run around tirelessly? If she were in his shoes after the events of yesterday, Kazusa would likely spend at least a day or two secluded in her room, catching up on sleep. Then there was the matter of Sensei's extraordinary physical prowess. Having witnessed the formidable leader of the Justice Task Force in action, she couldn't help but label her a 'monster.' Yet, there was a noticeable distinction between her and Sensei.

Sensei lacked a halo.

Unless he concealed it somehow.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Kayoko calmly inquired, breaking Kazusa from her contemplation.

Kazusa turned to Kayoko. "Nothing critical. Just a few questions I want to toss at Sensei."

"I see," Kayoko acknowledged before redirecting her attention to the students of the Engineering Department, who were gearing up their machinery — an amalgamation that looked like a cross between a lighter and a pen. Green lights emanated from the tips, casting an iridescent glow on the Peroro.

Kazusa, not a technophobe but still clueless about the contraptions, raised an intrigued eyebrow. A voice chimed in, "Those are scanners." The speaker, if memory served correctly, was Nekozuka Hibiki, a girl with distinctly dog-like ears.

"Nekozuka-san, right? Honestly, I've never laid eyes on scanners quite like those before," Kazusa confessed, her curiosity piqued by the unique devices wielded by the Engineering Department.

Hibiki smiled, subtly adjusting her stance. Her outfit, seemingly tailored for an extroverted flair, created a captivating contrast with her reserved demeanor. "They're custom-crafted by our club. Capable of scanning and analyzing various materials. Pretty nifty, huh?" she inquired, a touch of pride evident in her explanation.

Kazusa offered a simple nod, impressed by the ingenuity displayed in the construction of the scanners, before abruptly steering the conversation in a different direction. "Say, is there a contraption around here that can churn out sweets with just the press of a button?"

"A...sweets-producing machine?" Hibiki echoed, her expression a mix of puzzlement and amusement, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected query.

"Yeah, it'd certainly make my life cozier if I could indulge in as many sweets as I fancy at the touch of a button," Kazusa shamelessly admitted, her sweet tooth taking center stage.

"You're setting yourself up for a toothache if that's the plan," Kayoko interjected, injecting a dose of practicality into the conversation.

"Don't fret, Kayoko-san. I brush my teeth diligently every morning and night," Kazusa reassured, maintaining her unwavering commitment to dental hygiene.

"That still doesn't alter the fact that an excess of sweets isn't beneficial for your health," Kayoko calmly retorted, adopting a pragmatic stance.

Kazusa gazed at Kayoko for a few moments before a mischievous smile curled on her lips. "Okay, mom."

Kayoko's frown deepened. She then shot a glare at Kazusa, a silent warning against such familial appellations. "Don't call me that," Kayoko warned, her tone firm.

"But it suits you so perfectly, Kayoko-san," Kazusa said with a playful glint in her eye, her teasing carried out with unabashed mirth.

"Drop it," was all the warning that came out of Kayoko, her tone a subtle command laced with a touch of irritation.

Kazusa immediately complied, recognizing the unspoken boundary. She had to admit, Kayoko's stern visage sent a shiver down her spine. Despite, or perhaps because of how composed Kayoko usually appeared, when genuinely upset, she emanated a more intense and intimidating aura.

Hibiki, who had been watching the whole exchange, could only laugh nervously. "A-anyway, I don't think it's feasible to create a machine that continuously produces sweets without its base ingredients…"

"So it's impossible, after all?" Kazusa inquired, her curiosity persisting.

That single question caused the bustling activity in the students' workspace of Millennium's Engineering Department to freeze. All movement came to a sudden halt as they turned their attention to Kazusa.

"Impossible?"

No one knew who uttered that word, but the atmosphere in the room became tense, each student seemingly holding their breath.

"By chance, perhaps I shouldn't have said that?" Kazusa nervously whispered to Kayoko, recognizing the palpable shift in the room's energy. The only response she received from Kayoko was a nonchalant shrug.

Utaha, absorbed in the reparation process, strode silently towards Kazusa, accompanied by Kotori. As they approached, the students instinctively created a clear path for the two, a testament to the respect and authority they held within the Engineering Department.

Utaha's inquisitive gaze focused on Kazusa. "So, Kazusa, right? What got you thinking that it's impossible for us to whip up a self-producing sweets maker?" she queried with a raised eyebrow, her tone carrying was thick with curiosity and befuddlement.

Kazusa simply shrugged, motioning towards Hibiki. "Hibiki-san said it wasn't feasible for you guys to create such a machine."

Utaha chuckled, exchanging a glance with Kotori who began to speak with her motor mouth. "Feasible and impossible are two different things, Kazusa-san. What Hibiki meant was that it isn't easy to make a machine that continuously spits out sweets without its ingredients present. Not that it's beyond our capabilities."

Kazusa, not one to back down easily, issued a challenge. "Well then, how about proving me wrong? Make a portable machine that can whip up sweets at the touch of a button, one I can carry anywhere. That way, I can have sweets whenever I want, wherever I am."

Kayoko, who had been quietly observing the exchange, calmly interjected, "Kazusa, it might not be the wisest move to throw challenges at them like this. Our main goal is to ensure that the Peroro is fixed on time, don't forget?"

However, Kayoko's sensible reminder was soon overshadowed by the bold proclamation that emerged from Utaha's lips.

Utaha, with twinkles in her eyes, suddenly declared, "Challenge accepted."

A wave of cheers erupted from the surrounding students, their excitement palpable in the air. Kazusa, initially taken aback, couldn't help but let a small, delighted smile sneak onto her face. It seemed she was in for a bit of unexpected fun during today's excursion after all.

On the other hand, Kayoko, ever the voice of reason, persisted in pointing out, "But we still need to finish repairing the Peroro first."

Utaha simply shrugged off the practical concerns. "Working on two projects simultaneously is no big deal."

Kotori and Hibiki chimed in with enthusiastic agreement, the atmosphere swiftly transitioning from focused repair work to the thrill of a new, unexpected challenge. The students, invigorated by Utaha's contagious enthusiasm, eagerly embraced the dual tasks at hand.

Closing her eyes momentarily, Kayoko appeared troubled before conceding with a resigned sigh. "Well, I've offered my advice. Whatever happens next, I won't be held responsible for it."

As the students fervently embraced the dual challenges, their infectious energy reverberated through the room. Kazusa, ever observant, spotted a couple of vacant chairs discreetly tucked away in a corner. Sensing an opportunity to catch their breath, she gestured for Kayoko to join her.

"Hey, Kayoko-san, let's take a break," Kazusa suggested, leading the way to the inviting seats. Once comfortably settled, she cast a friendly grin at Kayoko. "We've got some time on our hands now. How about a little chat?"

Slightly perplexed by Kazusa's sudden shift to conversation mode, Kayoko nodded and took a seat. "Sure, why not? What's on your mind?"

Kazusa nonchalantly shrugged, reclining in her chair. "Nothing in particular. Just thought we could kill some time together since there's not much else to do right now."

Kayoko, still unsure about Kazusa's motives, played along. "Alright, shoot. What do you want to talk about?"

Considering her options, Kazusa decided to delve into a more personal topic. "So, Kayoko-san, I haven't heard the reason why you decided to stick with Sensei and come to Millennium."

Kayoko responded succinctly, cutting straight to the point. "Well, I made a mistake, and I wanted to properly repay that mistake."

Intrigued, Kazusa leaned forward. "Mistake? What mistake did you make?"

After a moment of hesitation, Kayoko sighed and admitted, "I ruined Sensei's cake."

Kazusa's eyes widened in surprise. "You ruined a cake? That's it?"

Kayoko nodded, a subtle undercurrent of guilt in her expression. "It might seem trivial, but it looked important to him. I felt responsible, so I decided to follow him here and make amends somehow."

Kazusa still struggled to grasp the simplicity of it. "Seriously? You're here just because of that?"

"Is it really that weird?" Kayoko inquired.

"Kayoko-san, are you genuinely from Gehenna?" Kazusa pondered. "You don't fit the typical image of Gehenna students at all."

"Is that so? Today's revelations certainly opened my eyes to the fact that Gehenna's students are surprisingly more reasonable than those from Trinity and Millennium," Kayoko dryly remarked, her tone carrying a tinge of bemusement.

"H-hey! What do you mean by that?!" Kazusa asked defensively. While she wouldn't contest Kayoko's assessment of Millennium's students, she, being a representative of Trinity, felt an instinctive need to defend her school's reputation. Despite Trinity having its fair share of peculiar students, Kazusa was skeptical that it could be as chaotic as Gehenna.

"Well, you only need to look in the mirror," was all the reply Kazusa received from Kayoko.

"U-ugh..." Kazusa stammered, momentarily taken aback by the retort. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair, grappling with a mixture of surprise and mild embarrassment. The unexpected exchange had caught her off guard, leaving her searching for a suitable comeback.

Observing Kazusa's struggle to conjure a comeback, Kayoko, with an air of nonchalance, offered, "But it's fine, right?"

"Huh?" Kazusa responded, still in the process of recovering from the unexpected retort.

"Being rowdy and quirky... it's more enjoyable than living a dull life without entertainment. Especially since we are still students. There's no better time to savor life than now...right?" Kayoko asked, a small, wistful smile gracing her face.

Kazusa, caught off guard by Kayoko's unexpected perspective, blinked in surprise. It was a sentiment she hadn't anticipated, and she had to admit, witnessing this expression on Kayoko's face made her heart skip a beat.

She realized from the moment they met that Kayoko exuded a certain coolness, but her smile added an extra layer of allure to her demeanor.

Shaking her head as if to dispel the momentarily mesmerizing effect, Kazusa promptly decided to playfully tease Kayoko.

"Kayoko-san...that sounded like something a delinquent would say," Kazusa teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Well, I am an outlaw, after all," Kayoko responded, surprising Kazusa with the admission.

"You are? I thought you're a class rep or something like that."

"Do I not look like an outlaw?"

"Not quite, although I wouldn't blame anyone for assuming so."

"You speak as if you're drawing from experience."

Sweating slightly, Kazusa hastily replied, "W-what? Not at all! It just— you know, Trinity has its fair share of issues with delinquents, after all. Oh, by the way, is the Prefect Team as intimidating as people say? Some in Trinity even compare the head prefect to the chairwoman of the Justice Task Force!"

"I don't know about the Justice Task Force, but it's better if you don't get involved with the Prefect Team," Kayoko warned, her expression turning serious. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "There's... a troublesome person there."

Kazusa, drawn in by the abrupt shift in Kayoko's tone, leaned in with a heightened sense of curiosity. "Who is it?"

"That's—" Before Kayoko could unveil the name shrouded in secrecy, the very building they occupied quivered, a symphony of explosions echoing ominously from a nearby location.

"W-w-w-what's happening?!" Kotori's voice trembled with panic. "Are we under attack?"

"Th-this workshop has been enhanced with anti-missile-grade protections. W-we'll be fine...I think," Hibiki stammered, though even her attempt at reassurance couldn't mask the unease etched on her usually composed features.

The once-bustling workshop now buzzed with a palpable tension. Students exchanged worried glances, and the rhythmic hum of their collective efforts on the Peroro and the theoretical sweets-producing machine abruptly disintegrated.

Except for Utaha, that is. She remained steadfastly engrossed in crafting the design for the sweets-producing machine, either oblivious to or indifferent toward the nearby explosions.

Maintaining her composure amidst the upheaval, Kayoko firmly gripped a nearby table for stability. Her penetrating gaze systematically swept across the room, diligently searching for any immediate signs of danger. "Stay calm, everyone. Let's not jump to conclusions. We should wait for an announcement or some information before making any assumptions."

In the midst of this uncertainty, a student, visibly out of breath, burst into the workshop. "Senpai! Utaha-Senpai!" The urgency in her voice cut through the prevailing tension, compelling Utaha to reluctantly divert her attention from the intricate design of the sweets-producing machine.

"What's gotten you so flustered? Did something happen?" Utaha inquired, her voice a soothing balm that sought to ease the palpable anxiety.

The breathless student stammered, struggling to articulate the unfolding situation. "T-t-t-!"

Utaha, with a comforting demeanor, approached the distressed girl. "Now, now. Calm down and tell me what happened. Did you lose a bolt or two? Then you can take them from–"

"No! It's–the G-Millennium Mark I is moving on its own!" The student's words tumbled out in a rushed confession, hanging in the air with a weighty sense of disbelief.

Utaha, momentarily frozen, could only manage a bewildered response. "Repeat that again?"

o-0-o

Seated in a statistics class, Yuuka found herself unable to focus on the material displayed on the screen.

The reports she received, which mainly came from Noa, informed her of Sparda-Sensei's unannounced presence in Millennium, specifically within the Engineering Department. Despite pretending not to care, a subtle undercurrent of expectation lingered within Yuuka. She secretly hoped that Sensei would, without delay, seek her out, and in anticipation, she stationed herself in the lobby of the Seminar building. Every passing second heightened her expectancy.

Noa, always sharp in her observations, playfully teased Yuuka, likening her behavior to that of a lovestruck girl eagerly awaiting a date. Despite inner embarrassment, Yuuka managed to suppress the urge to lash out. The suspense continued to build until a text message from Veritas' deputy director, delivered by Noa, explicitly stated that Sensei was currently situated in the Engineering Department.

Yuuka had to restrain herself from rushing there immediately, opting instead to repeat a mantra – "Sensei must have his reasons for going there." It had to be something immensely important, a matter so pressing that it justified his delay in coming to see her, even after making her wait for hours.

As she continued sitting in the statistics class, resentment bubbled within Yuuka. The screen in front of her blurred as her mind wrestled with a mix of disappointment and indignation. "What could be so crucial?" she muttered under her breath, her irritation growing with each passing minute.

The class seemed interminable, the monotonous drone of statistics gradually fading into the background as Yuuka's racing thoughts took center stage. When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the class, she wasted no time in hastily gathering her belongings.

Growing increasingly impatient, Yuuka made a steadfast decision to seize control of the situation. With determined resolve, she marched purposefully toward the Engineering Department in search of Sparda-Sensei. However, her determined journey encountered an unexpected obstacle as she caught sight of a dense plume of smoke billowing in the distance, originating from the very heart of the Engineering Department.

Flabbergasted, she came to a sudden standstill, her eyes fixated on the ominous cloud. She couldn't help but wonder what could have caused such a disturbance within the normally bustling department. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when a projectile soared through the air from the distant chaos, colliding with a nearby building and erupting into a dazzling explosion of fireworks.

Pale and taken aback by the unexpected spectacle, Yuuka's mind raced with questions. What in the world was happening within the Engineering Department? Eager to unravel the mystery and find some semblance of reassurance, she decided to call Utaha, hoping that she could provide answers amidst the chaos.

To her dismay, Utaha's phone rang unanswered, and a growing sense of unease settled in as Yuuka mulled over the unusual silence from her typically responsive friend. The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her anxious and on edge.

Amidst the internal turmoil, a figure emerged in the distance – unmistakably Sparda-Sensei. He sprinted towards her with urgency, cradling a young girl with long, shoulder-length orange hair adorned with bangs and tied in pigtails, secured by blue ribbons. The girl sported a cat-eared headset with a neon green color scheme, donning a standard Millennium high-school uniform – a white and green hoodie, an untucked white shirt with a blue tie, white-accented black shorts, long socks, and black boots with green edges.

Recognition struck Yuuka like a bolt. She knew the girl, albeit reluctantly. It was Saiba Midori from the Game Development Department, a member of one of the so-called 'problem' clubs.

"Why is she with Sensei?" Yuuka mused aloud, her mind racing with questions. Yet, a more pressing inquiry loomed large – why were they both darting away, and what had spurred this abrupt escape?

Sensei appeared to spot her and bellowed, "Yuuka! Finally, I found you!" Unfortunately, the heartwarming reunion was promptly shattered by a succession of explosions erupting behind him. Yuuka's gaze widened as she witnessed missiles streaking across the sky, hurtling ominously in her direction.

Suddenly, with an almost magical swiftness, Sparda-Sensei vanished and materialized beside her. "We can talk later," was all he said before deftly hoisting her onto his shoulder.

"W-what's going on?!" Yuuka protested, her voice edged with a mixture of confusion and panic.

The unexpected answer came from Midori. "A-a crazy mecha is chasing us!"

As they hurtled through the chaos, buildings appeared on the brink of collapse, and Yuuka clung tightly to Sparda-Sensei. Her thoughts were a tumult of questions and uncertainty. The once-peaceful sights of Millennium (relative to other parts of Kivotos, that is) had morphed into a scene of pandemonium, with explosions and the mechanical roars of the mecha resonating through the air.

Abruptly, Yuuka's attention snapped to several missiles hurtling directly toward them. "Hiiiii!" Midori's frightened voice echoed, and Yuuka herself might have shared the sentiment if not for the suddenness of the chaos.

Anticipating an imminent impact and mentally preparing for the potential prospect of a week in the infirmary, Yuuka gritted her teeth, bracing herself for the impending pain. However, her bracing was cut short by Sparda-Sensei's composed voice. "Close your mouths so you don't bite your tongues."

Perplexed, Yuuka barely had time to process his words before Sparda-Sensei executed a swift and unexpected maneuver. In one seamless motion, he tossed her and Midori skyward, while, to her astonishment, he deftly stepped onto one of the incoming missiles, using it as a makeshift surfboard.

In mid-air, Yuuka exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Midori, both of them momentarily suspended in disbelief, their trajectory carrying them higher above the chaotic fray.

"What's happening?!" Yuuka shouted at Midori.

"I-I have no idea!" Midori shouted back, tears streaming down her face. "Why is this happening to meeeee?!" Midori screamed as she and Yuuka quickly descended back towards the ground.

o-0-o

A/N: End of chapter.

It took me much longer than I intended to finish this chapter. Anyway, next upload is Volume 1 Chapter 1 (VI).