A/N: To celebrate Blue Archive being adapted into an anime, here are 3 chapters bundled into 1. Because this chapter combined Chapter 1 (VI), Chapter 1 (VII), and Chapter 1 (F), I decided to just call this chapter Volume 1 Chapter 1 (F)

o-0-o

- Volume 1 Chapter 1 (F) -

o-0-o

Saiba Midori couldn't help but remark, "What a glorious day," as she softly shut the door behind her, her gaze drifting upward to behold the vast expanse of the azure sky.

After emerging from the tumultuous confines of the Game Development Department, she cradled a sleek handheld console in her hand. With a contented sigh, she stretched her arms, relishing the freedom of the open air, a welcome escape from the chaos her twin sister, Momoi, had stirred up with her frenzy over writer's block.

"Sorry, Yuzu-chan," Midori whispered inwardly, sending a mental note of apology to her friend, who surely bore the brunt of Momoi's emotional whirlwind. The thought of Yuzu grappling with Momoi's tempestuous state tugged at Midori's conscience, and she silently acknowledged the challenging task her friend faced in soothing Momoi's nerves.

Midori didn't relish leaving Yuzu to handle Momoi alone, but when faced with the choice between weathering Momoi's storm or seeking solace elsewhere and immersing herself in her games until Momoi calmed down, Midori would opt for the latter without hesitation.

Well, almost without hesitation. There were occasions when she had to be the one to soothe Momoi, but today, her sister's tantrum proved particularly vexing.

To put it bluntly, dealing with Momoi's tantrum today was a major pain in her rear end. Still, she felt indebted to Yuzu for stepping in. She knew she owed her club president a favor, but she wasn't sure how to repay her.

Lost in thought, Midori murmured to herself, "Maybe I should treat her to an ice cream."

Retrieving her purse, she pondered whether she still had enough cash for the rest of the month. Upon opening it, however, she was instantly greeted by a solitary, sad 100 yen coin.

Midori stared at her wallet and its lone occupant for a moment, hoping against hope that her eyes deceived her.

However, faced with the stark reality, she silently returned her purse to her pocket, rubbing her slightly misty eyes before a small smile graced her lips. "Now, where should I go?" she wondered aloud.

Midori had sought refuge from the harsh reality of the world, if only for a moment, as she set out to find solace elsewhere.

O-0-o

Perched on a bench just beyond the bustling intersection of the main buildings, Midori indulged in a refreshing sip from the cold soda she had managed to snag, a small treat as her funds dwindled. The aluminum can felt pleasantly cool against her fingertips as she savored each sip, determined to make the most of every drop.

After wandering through the campus for a good twenty minutes, Midori felt a wave of fatigue wash over her. She had been on a quest to find the perfect spot where she could be alone and play her games, but the search proved challenging. Despite lacking a specific destination, she held a mental checklist guiding her toward the ideal location to unwind.

Her criteria were crystal clear - she yearned for a cozy indoor spot, complete with a cushy bed or sofa, far from the hustle and bustle of Millennium's student body. An isolated sanctuary where she could immerse herself in gaming without any unwanted interruptions, with only the rhythmic clicks of her console's buttons and the soft hum of her game's background music for company. Naturally, air conditioning was non-negotiable, and access to electricity sockets was a must; the horror of losing power mid-battle was akin to facing defeat against a formidable boss.

"As if such a place exists," Midori remarked wryly, though she had little doubt that even if it did, it would likely be overrun with students by now. While she didn't mind the company of her peers, gaming required a level of concentration that a crowded environment simply couldn't provide.

"What to do..." Midori pondered, sinking further into the bench. Her gaze caught sight of a dark-skinned, black-haired maid darting towards Millennium's gate, triggering a memory.

"Wait, wasn't there that place?" Midori exclaimed, a sudden realization dawning upon her.

She recalled—a study lounge nestled on the outskirts of campus, abandoned by Seminar five months ago for unknown reasons. She had visited only once, but one of its distinctive features was the presence of robot maids offering impeccable services to the students. However, a particular maid - COUGHNeruCOUGH - had faced ridicule from students who compared her performance unfavorably to her automated counterparts. The culmination of their mockery had led the maid to unleash her fury, resulting in chaos. Soon after, the maid services were replaced by fully automated self-serving counters.

It seemed to hold the potential she was searching for. She just hoped no one else had the same idea.

"Alright, let's check it out." The decision made, Midori strode towards the lounge with determination, the promise of gaming bliss beckoning her forward.

O-0-o

Midori reclined comfortably in her seat, lazily casting her gaze upon the passing scenery from the monorail. Nearly 15 minutes had passed since she boarded the monorail en route to her destination. Whizzing past various landmarks, she caught sight of the Engineering Department, engulfed in a chaotic commotion. The reverberating roars of machines and the thick, black smoke billowing from the department puzzled Midori, sparking genuine curiosity about the situation.

The students of the Engineering Department, at least those she knew personally, weren't ill-intentioned. In fact, they were often the first to step up when problems arose in Millennium. Perhaps too eager, Midori thought, considering that their inventions tended to exacerbate existing issues or create new ones roughly 98% of the time.

"I just hope whatever they're cooking up over there won't impact me," Midori muttered to herself. The moment lingered briefly before an announcement interrupted her musings.

Gathering her belongings, Midori approached the exit as the monorail made a gentle stop. Stepping onto the platform, she inhaled the crisp, cool air and headed towards a nearby building. Each step resonated with excitement, knowing she was drawing closer to her destination. The building, just a short five-minute walk from the station, fueled Midori's anticipation.

Arriving in front of a two-story building after a brief walk, she examined it with curiosity. Despite months of neglect, its exterior maintained an impeccable appearance, as if preserved in a time capsule ready for action at any moment. Midori furrowed her brows, recalling, "If my memory serves me right, Yuuka used to hang around here."

Suddenly, it hit her like a ton of bricks. Yuuka was likely the reason why this place had such a bad reputation. With Yuuka around, everything seemed to go awry – tears, blood, slashed budgets. Though Midori typically steered clear of Yuuka, she felt a pang of gratitude this time. Yuuka's frightening reputation had, ironically, worked in her favor.

With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, she approached the door. "Well, let's check what's inside," she sang to herself, attempting to shake off the unease settling in her stomach. Reaching the entrance, she took a deep breath, placed her hand on the rusty doorknob, and pushed the door open with a burst of energy.

Inside, Midori was met with surprise. Despite abandonment, the place seemed untouched by time. A faint hum of electricity lingered, and cleaning robots moved effortlessly across the floor. Midori's initial skepticism shifted to mild approval. The developers appeared to have designed the space with resistance to decay in mind, as everything remained in excellent condition.

As she explored further, the sight of bookshelves filled with books caught her attention. Printers continued churning pages, and the scattered tables and chairs, although slightly messy, were still serviceable. Yet, Midori's focus lay on the lounge area on the second floor, with its inviting sofas and armchairs. Her heart yearned for her favorite pastime – playing her coveted game on the televisions fixed to the walls.

Ascending to the second floor, a sense of nervous excitement hung as she silently hoped everything remained in working order. Bracing herself, she pushed the "open" button on the door, only to be confronted with an unexpected sight.

"Hmm?"

"Huh?"

Standing before her was an adult man with stark white hair, leaving Midori completely surprised. "Oh, pardon me. Is this place yours?" the man inquired, a curious look on his face.

Midori stuttered, "N-no," as her words stumbled out with a touch of uncertainty. The man's sudden appearance had thrown her off balance, and she couldn't help but wonder who he was and what he was doing in a supposedly abandoned building.

The man, seemingly unfazed by Midori's surprise, raised an eyebrow in response. Without missing a beat, he offered a friendly introduction as if they had just bumped into each other in the hallway of a familiar place. "I'm sorry if my presence here startled you. My name's Sparda, and I received information that Yuu–that Miss Hayase Yuuka frequented this place often."

Midori, taken aback, forced a smile. "M-My name is Saiba Midori," she said hesitantly, her voice betraying her uncertainty. Suddenly, a realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Sparda? The name reverberated in her mind, and a sense of recognition flooded her.

"Could it be? Sparda-Sensei?" Midori asked, her eyes widening with a mix of shock and curiosity.

"In the flesh," Sparda-Sensei confirmed with a slight nod, a hint of amusement twinkling in his eyes.

So, he was indeed Sparda-Sensei! The Sensei from SCHALE! Midori vividly remembered watching the video with Momoi and Yuzu, where he single-handedly took on a tank with a katana. It had become the root of Momoi's angst, as she became fixated on creating an action game but struggled to write a scene that didn't feel like it imitated Sparda-Sensei's feat.

Midori looked at Sparda-Sensei with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "W-what are you doing here in Millennium?" she asked, her head tilted slightly to one side. Her eyebrows were raised in a subtle, quizzical arch that betrayed her interest in the matter.

"I want to see Yuuka," Sparda-Sensei replied simply and directly, his voice calm and measured.

Midori's interest was piqued by this statement, and she couldn't resist further probing. "Why do you want to see her?" she asked, her eyes fixed on Sparda-Sensei's face.

Sparda-Sensei maintained an air of mystery, responding cryptically. "Because I want to see her," he said, his tone indicating that he wasn't willing to reveal any more information than that.

Midori, taken aback by the enigmatic answer, couldn't help but blurt out, "Sensei, are you a masochist?"

"Excuse me?" Sensei asked, his expression morphing into a mix of confusion and surprise.

Midori hurriedly backtracked, "Oh, sorry, a slip of the tongue. I mean, it's just... I don't remember anyone wanting to meet Yuuka. At least, not for unofficial matters."

Sensei shook his head. "First, the girls from the Engineering Department, and now this... Just exactly what is it about Yuuka that's so terrifying?"

"She's a despot," Midori said with fear and horror.

After a long pause, Sensei fixed his gaze on her and rubbed his eyes as if trying to make sense of something. He leaned forward and asked, "Let me take a wild guess... Did she have control over your club's budget, and that's why you're so upset?"

"How did you figure that out?" Midori asked, impressed by Sensei's deduction skills.

Sensei, with a solemn expression, moved towards the large windows that overlooked the vast blue sky outside. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, lost in deep thought.

After a moment of silence, he spoke softly, filled with uncertainty, "This is not going to be easy." His words hung in the air for a moment as if he was struggling to find the right words to express the gravity of the situation.

Midori raised an eyebrow. "What's is?" she asked. "Meeting Yuuka or something else?"

"Nothing you need to be concerned with," Sensei said with a wry smile.

Midori did not fully understand the meaning of Sensei's enigmatic response. She did not want to pressure him for answers if he was unwilling to share. Therefore, she casually walked over to the biggest TV screen in the room. A pleasant hum filled the air as she pressed the power button, and the screen came to life. Midori's face lit up with joy as she swiftly connected her handheld game console to the TV via Wi-Fi. The TV proudly displayed the logo of the game she was currently playing: Dragon Journey IV.

"What is that?" Sensei inquired, his curiosity piqued as he watched the vivid graphics unfold on the screen.

Midori seemed surprised as she asked her Sensei, "Have you not heard about Dragon Journey IV?" Her tone was curious, almost as if she couldn't believe that her mentor was not aware of this particular game.

Sensei's eyes widened with curiosity as he leaned forward and asked, "Is this a film?"

Midori's expression turned into a frown as she shook her head. "No, not a movie. I'm talking about a game. It's this incredibly immersive and captivating adventure where you get to become a dragon rider and explore vast and mystical lands, encountering all sorts of magical creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way. The game is designed to make you feel like you're living in a fantasy world, where you can uncover hidden treasures and reveal ancient secrets while battling your way through challenging quests. It's truly an epic adventure that will keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end."

With a slight raise of his eyebrow, Sparda-Sensei questioned, "A game? This…is a game?" His voice was filled with a thick sense of curiosity.

To say Midori was shocked when she heard it would be an understatement. "Don't tell me you've never played a game before, Sensei," she exclaimed.

Sensei was focused on the screen, his sight fixated on the game's stunning visuals. "I have played numerous games," he stated matter-of-factly. He then proceeded to list some of the games he had played, "There's chess, shogi, go, poque, as-nas-"

"What are those things?" asked Midori, puzzled. "I'm talking about video games."

This time, Sensei seemed unsure and asked, "What are video games?"

Midori's mind went into a frenzy of thoughts in response to the question posed by her sensei. Her tone was infused with both surprise and disbelief as she asked him, "You're not joking, are you?" The unexpectedness of the question had caught her off guard, and she struggled to process the information.

Sensei's voice was dry as he let out a chuckle, almost as if he was trying to hide something. "I wish I could say I was," he said, his eyes glancing away briefly before returning to meet hers.

Midori's eyes widened in disbelief as she gazed at Sensei, her mind racing to process what she had just heard. She couldn't help but wonder how it was possible that someone living in Kivotos, a place known for its technological advancements, had never heard of video games before. Was Sensei really that out of touch with the modern world, or was he secretly a caveman? The thought alone sent shivers down Midori's spine, leaving her with even more questions than before.

"Video games are—" Midori halted her thought. She was about to enlighten Sensei about the wonders of video games, but then she had a different idea. "It might be more effective to have him experience it firsthand," she thought to herself.

She split the console into two separate controllers with deft finesse and extended one towards Sensei. "Sensei, why don't you join me in playing this game? Don't worry; it has a co-op function, so even if you fumble on your first try, I can cover for you," Midori suggested.

Sensei observed the controller with a curious gaze, but with a wry smile, he declined. "Thank you for your offer," Sensei began, "but, unfortunately, I am short on time. Firstly, I still need to find Yuuka. However, I would be honored if we could do this some other day," Sensei said.

Midori took the controller back into her hand. "Well, I don't mind," Midori replied. Then, she added, "Is it alright if I extend the invitation to my club president and my sister next time?" Midori asked, to which Sensei nodded in affirmation.

Midori couldn't help but feel disappointed at the missed gaming opportunity, but she understood the time constraints. "Hehe," Midori chuckled. "Let's amp it up and turn it into a full-blown gaming party next time, Sensei," she said with a wide grin.

"Sounds delightful," Sensei said, a warm smile on his face. "Well, then, till we meet again."

"Oh, wait! Sensei, before I forget, let's swap MomoTalk IDs so we can stay in touch," Midori said, her eyes gleaming with a sudden realization. She swiftly pulled out her smartphone.

"It's Sparda," Sensei said simply.

Midori tilted her head slightly. "That's it?"

"That's it," Sensei confirmed with a nod.

Midori then began tapping away on her smartphone. "Okay, and...send. There. I've just shot you a message." Midori beamed with satisfaction.

Receiving the message, Sensei smoothly extracted his smartphone, and a soft ping echoed in the room. "Ah, there it is. I've certainly received your message."

They exchanged smiles, and Sensei bid Midori a parting word. "Until next time, Midori."

"Yeah, catch you later, Sensei," Midori replied, waving her hand at him.

Midori observed Sensei as he approached the door, intending to leave the room. She sensed a sudden change in his demeanor as he abruptly stopped in his tracks, pivoted, and rushed back to her with a sense of urgency. Midori was taken aback by this unanticipated move and couldn't fathom what had made Sensei change his mind about leaving.

"S-sensei?" Midori stuttered, her bewilderment apparent on her face.

Sensei didn't utter a single word, but instead, he scooped up Midori in his arms and leaped out of the window. Midori's heart raced with fear as they plummeted through the air, but she clung tightly to Sensei. To her amazement, Sensei landed smoothly on the street below, his movements fluid and graceful.

"W-w-w-" Midori tried to ask what was happening, but Sensei quickly enveloped her in his protective embrace.

Suddenly, the peace and serenity of their surroundings were shattered by a series of thunderous explosions as a barrage of missiles rained down on the building, causing it to crumble and disintegrate into rubble. Sensei acted as a shield for Midori, shielding her from the ensuing cloud of dust and debris.

Midori was still reeling from the shock and was frightened and bewildered by the sudden turn of events. She struggled to speak coherently and asked, "W-what was that?"

Sensei, who was also trying to make sense of the situation, admitted, "I don't know," with a shake of his head. "I heard sounds of rockets cruising in the air, so I took a precaution… Seemed like it was the right decision," Sensei explained.

Midori wondered how Sensei managed to hear something like that when she hadn't heard a thing. However, nervousness quickly overshadowed her curiosity as the perpetrator revealed itself.

It looked like a mecha, but there was no visible pilot inside. The upper half of the machine was humanoid in shape, towering between three to five meters. Its lower half had caterpillar tracks similar to those found on tanks. The machine's hands were equipped with four-barreled rocket launchers, and a formidable 15mm autocannon jutted out prominently from its back. A red, glowing light emitted an ominous aura from behind the glass of its pod-like head, casting an eerie glow over the scene.

"You're joking," Sensei exclaimed with disbelief. "What is that thing doing here?"

Sensei seemed intimately familiar with this particular mecha.

Midori, still trying to process the chaotic scene around them, asked, "Y-you know that mecha, Sensei?"

"Mecha?" Sensei appeared momentarily perplexed by the term.

Attempting a more relatable word, Midori suggested, "Robot, I mean."

Sensei's expression cleared as he nodded. "That…well, that…" Sensei struggled to find the right words. Eventually, he sighed and delivered two words that unraveled the mystery for Midori. "That…Engineering Department's…"

"Oh, I understand now," Midori deadpanned.

"You do?" Sensei asked, taken aback.

Midori made a deduction and asked, "That's a creation of the Engineering Department people, right?" Sensei nodded in agreement. Upon hearing this, Midori couldn't help but feel frustrated and let out a groan of annoyance. She recalled the smoke she had noticed earlier and realized it was probably related to this project. Midori wondered why she had to be the one to deal with this situation, and her sense of irritation only grew stronger.

Then, Midori's eyes widened in alarm as she observed the mecha aimed its weaponry at them. With a gulp, she turned to Sparda-Sensei, her voice edged with urgency. "Why is it aiming its guns at us, Sensei?"

Sparda-Sensei furrowed his brow, scrutinizing the towering mecha with a thoughtful expression. "I don't know," he admitted with unusual calmness.

Caught in the crosshairs of the unknown threat, Midori racked her brain for a solution. "Sensei, you handled that tank effortlessly. Can't you do the same with this thing? Just, you know, slice it apart?"

Sensei sighed, shaking his head. "I can't, Midori. This robot means a lot to the Engineering Department students. Destroying it would cause more trouble than it's worth."

Midori frowned but understood how those girls in the Engineering Department would feel. After all, if someone were to destroy the games she, Yuzu, and Momoi had created, she would be sad and disheartened too.

"So, what do we do then?" Midori asked, anxiety lacing her voice.

Sensei, without a moment's hesitation, scooped up Midori once again. "We run," he suggested, eyes scanning the surroundings for an escape route.

Midori clung to Sensei, her heart pounding with fear and exhilaration. "Run? Seriously?"

Sensei sprinted away from the looming mecha, skillfully maneuvering through the campus with Midori held tightly in his arms. The mecha's weaponry hummed to life, unleashing a barrage of projectiles that detonated behind them. The duo darted through the chaos, their escape fueled by adrenaline and the relentless pursuit of the mechanical behemoth.

Midori couldn't help but steal glances at the mecha as they raced through the campus, still firing in their direction.

A persistent question echoed in her mind: why was this robot set on targeting them specifically?

o-0-o

"And that's what happened!" Midori exclaimed, concluding her account of the events.

"I didn't ask you to tell a whole flashback!" Yuuka raged, her voice carrying through the air as they rapidly descended toward the unforgiving ground. "I just wanted to know why you two were being hunted by that robot!" Yuuka shouted over the wind rushing past them.

"Well, I don't know!" Midori shot back. "Rather, is this really the right time for us to have this conversation?!"

Yuuka and Midori simultaneously looked at the quickly approaching ground, their hearts pounding in their chests. They clenched their eyes shut, bracing for impact as the earth loomed below, ready to deliver a world of hurt.

"Hup."

"Kyaah!"

"Hiii!"

Yuuka and Midori felt an arm wrap around their respective waists. Slowly, they opened their eyes and were greeted by the sight of Sparda-Sensei's face. The trio now stood on top of a damaged building, overlooking a mass grave of sliced-apart missiles.

"Sorry, did I scare you?" Sparda-Sensei apologized, a sheepish grin on his face. "I wanted to deal with those missiles but couldn't draw my sword while holding on to you two."

Yuuka and Midori exchanged wide-eyed glances, the adrenaline from their near-death experience still coursing through their veins like wildfire. The wind whipped around them as they stood on the rooftop, catching their breath and attempting to process the chaotic event that unfolded like something out of a movie.

"Thanks for the save, Sensei," Midori said between gasps, her voice a mix of gratitude and lingering disbelief.

"Yes, but I wish you would warn us before you throw us into the air like that," Yuuka added, her tone blending annoyance and exasperation.

Midori slumped down on the floor, the tension easing further. "Yeah, a heads-up would be nice. Falling to our doom wasn't exactly on today's schedule."

"I will keep your advice in mind," Sparda-Sensei replied.

Another barrage of missiles hurtled toward them as if on cue, their menacing hum filling the air. But before any of the explosive projectiles could come anywhere near, Sparda-Sensei swiftly summoned a katana into his hand, the same one that had sliced through the tank with effortless precision.

Yuuka gasped. It was that katana again, the mysterious blade that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Judging from the heaps of sliced missiles littering the ground, she surmised Sparda-Sensei had effortlessly wielded the same weapon to dismantle the deadly barrage.

With a swift, fluid motion, Sensei unsheathed the katana. Thin purple lines manifested in the air before them in a single, sweeping gesture. The very fabric of space seemed to yield to the blade's razor-sharp edge, creating a surreal spectacle that held Yuuka and Midori spellbound.

It was as if the universe itself had been sliced apart, revealing glimpses of the cosmic abyss beyond. The air quivered with residual energy, and the vivid lines lingered for a moment, like ethereal scars on the canvas of reality, before vanishing entirely.

The missiles, reduced to mere fragments, descended gracefully to the ground below. The danger that loomed over them moments ago now lay shattered, scattered, and harmless, leaving behind only an eerie calmness that settled over the rooftop.

The katana's blade gleamed menacingly in the stillness, catching the ambient light with an almost hypnotic intensity.

Yuuka and Midori exchanged astonished glances, their minds grappling with the fantastical nature of the spectacle they had just witnessed.

Sparda-Sensei, his demeanor composed, resheathed the katana with practiced ease. As the blade returned to its sheath, the metallic click punctuated the stillness that had settled upon the rooftop.

"W-wow."

Yuuka could hear Midori uttering an awed sound. The surreal display had left them both in a state of disbelief, their minds struggling to grasp the reality of the magical katana's capabilities. Sparda-Sensei shot them a modest smile, acknowledging their amazement.

"What? You've never seen a weapon like this in action?" Sensei asked. Yuuka and Midori nodded at the same time. Sensei looked amused and said, "Well, I'm open for a question and answer session at a later time. Right now, we've got a persistent robot on our tail, and it doesn't seem keen on giving up."

As if on cue, the robot stopped with a metallic thud in front of them; its red optics glowed menacingly.

"S-Sensei, quick! Take care of it before it fires its missiles again!" Yuuka urged, her voice tinged with urgency.

To her surprise, Sparda-Sensei shook his head, a calm expression on his face that belied the imminent threat before them.

"Why?!" Yuuka's incredulity deepened, her eyes darting between the imposing robot and Sparda-Sensei.

Sensei responded with calm assurance, "I don't want to make them sad by destroying this child."

"Them?" Yuuka's confusion lingered, wondering who 'them' were supposed to be.

"Utaha and the others," Sensei clarified, his gaze fixed on the mechanical adversary before them.

"I-is this really the time to worry about how they would feel?" Yuuka asked, with a sense of urgency in her voice. While she knew from Midori's earlier account that the robot was crafted by the Engineering Department, what baffled her was why Sparda-Sensei seemed so adamant about ensuring no harm came to it.

Sensei, sensing her bewilderment, elaborated, "They earnestly tried to protect it earlier. It would be remiss of me if I don't do everything in my power to at least return it to them in one piece."

Yuuka responded, her skepticism apparent as she voiced the question that lingered on her mind, "So, you're saying we're just going to stand here and let that thing catch us?"

Sparda-Sensei's response was measured, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility as he addressed their concerns, "No, we won't just stand here. We'll disable it."

Sensei turned to Yuuka and Midori, his expression earnest and tinged with a sense of urgency. "It's unbecoming of me as an adult, much less as a teacher, to ask this of you two, but I would like to request your help in disabling it."

His gaze shifted to the katana gripped tightly in his hand, the gleaming scabbard a contrast to the somberness of the situation. "I would like to take care of it by myself, but I fear I would accidentally cut it apart."

Yuuka and Midori exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon them.

Then, finally, Yuuka gave her answer.

"Guess we have no choice," Yuuka said, her tone resigned yet determined. She brought out a pair of sleek black SIG MPXs with blue accents on the handguard and the collapsible stock, a distinctive Millennium logo emblazoned on the mag well. "But, be careful, Sensei. I've seen what you can do, but I don't want to know what'd happen to you if any of those missiles hit you."

After a moment of hesitation, Midori spoke up. "I-I'll do my best," she said, her voice tinged with determination as she hoisted her green H&K G3SG/1 designated marksman rifle, a crystal adorning the muzzle brake instead of the standard attachment.

Sensei nodded, a mixture of gratitude and determination in his eyes as he acknowledged their readiness for the task ahead. "Thank you, both of you," Sensei said, his voice conveying a sense of solemn resolve. "Then, let's get this done. I'll draw its attention, and while I keep it occupied, I need you two to target its joints or any vulnerable points, but be mindful not to destroy it."

As if on cue, the robot shot another round of missiles, streaking through the air with deadly precision.

To Yuuka's surprise, Sparda-Sensei didn't stand still; instead, he ran to the left, and the missiles quickly changed course following his movements.

"Guided missiles?" Yuuka wondered out loud, her brow furrowed in confusion as she watched the surreal scene unfold before her.

The implications of the robot's advanced weaponry left Yuuka scratching her head. Why would the Engineering Department's students deck out this robot with such high-tech, pricey gear, especially when they were already pinching pennies to make ends meet this semester?

Yuuka's expression turned frightening, causing Midori to step back, her eyes widening in alarm at the sudden transformation. Yuuka's eerie smile sent shivers down Midori's spine as she contemplated the implications of Yuuka's unsettling demeanor.

As the chaos unfolded around them, Yuuka made a mental note to audit the Engineering Department's books again after this ordeal. Something didn't add up, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it, even if it meant diving back into the monotony of budget spreadsheets and financial reports.

However, Midori's attempt to lighten the mood backfired when she remarked, "You know, with that look on your face, you could pass for the enemy instead of the robot," inadvertently offending Yuuka with her unintended comparison.

"Oh? Do you want me to audit your club?" Yuuka retorted with a mischievous glint in her eye, causing Midori to pale at the thought of her club's financial records coming under Yuuka's scrutinizing gaze. Again.

Midori's eyes widened in alarm, but before she could respond, Yuuka chuckled, relieving the tension in the air. "Just kidding," she said, flashing a playful grin at Midori, who let out a sigh of relief.

With the momentary distraction over, Yuuka refocused on the task at hand. She turned to Midori, her expression serious. "Alright, enough joking around. You give Sensei cover fire while I try to get closer to the robot. I'll see if there are any weak spots we can exploit."

Midori nodded, her determination mirrored in her steely gaze. "Got it. I'll keep it pinned down as best as I can."

As Midori took aim with her rifle, Yuuka darted forward, her movements swift and purposeful. She calculated her approach with each step, her mind racing with strategies to put down the foe in front of them.

o-0-o

Onikata Kayoko looked around at the chaos left behind by the Engineering Department's robot, the G-Millennium Mark I, and let out a tired sigh. This was different from the kind of problem she had expected when she decided to join Sensei. If she were with Aru and the rest of the Problem Solver team, then this level of chaos would make sense, given Aru's less-than-stellar luck, Mutsuki's mischievousness, and Haruka's talent for destruction.

The aftermath of the robot's devastating rampage left a chaotic scene across the Engineering Department's grounds. Shattered glass, twisted metal, and piles of rubble were strewn across the area. The robot had left no corner untouched, as it had wreaked havoc on anything that stood in its path.

The echoes of the confrontation lingered in the air like a haunting melody, reminding everyone of the surreal and terrifying experience. The sound of shattering glass, hissing steam, and clanging metal still reverberated through the area, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The once pristine and orderly grounds now looked like a wasteland, with debris littering every inch of the area. It was clear that it would take a considerable effort to clean up the damage and restore the Engineering Department to its former state.

Kayoko took a moment to survey her surroundings, scanning the area for any indication of where the robot had vanished. It had made a quick exit after encountering opposition from the students who had attempted to impede its destructive path. Kayoko couldn't help but wonder what had prompted the robot to engage in such a chaotic rampage. She hoped it was simply a case of malfunction, but her past experiences had taught her to consider the possibility that there were other factors at play.

Just as she mulled what she should do next, a voice suddenly broke through the silence, calling out to her from high above.

Looking up, she saw a student perched atop a crane, her white lab coat standing out against the dark machinery. The student held out a hand, gesturing to a wrench lying on the floor near Kayoko's feet.

"Sorry, can you throw me that wrench?" she shouted down to her, their voice echoing off the metal walls.

Kayoko hesitated for a moment, unsure if she could make the throw. But then, with a deep breath, she picked up the wrench and tossed it up to the waiting student.

"Catch."

The student caught the wrench with a deft hand, her grateful smile shining down at Kayoko. "Thank you!" she called out, relief evident in their voice.

Kayoko's response was a simple nod, but behind her stoic expression, there was a glimmer of satisfaction. She had just helped someone in need, and even though she didn't seek any recognition for it, the genuine gratitude she received was heartening. For once, she didn't have to face baseless accusations and fears and, instead, experienced the joy of being appreciated for her efforts.

Kayoko noticed that she wasn't the only person concerned about the injured students' well-being. Kazusa had taken it upon herself to gather some bandages and other medical supplies to assist the injured students. Despite Kazusa's carefree demeanor, Kayoko had always suspected that there was more to her character than met the eye.

"How typical of a Trinity student," Kayoko whispered, her lips slightly curved upward.

Kayoko's attention was suddenly drawn towards a group of students who were engaged in a heated conversation. Utaha, Hibiki, and Kotori were among them, and Kayoko's curiosity was piqued. She made her way towards the group, hoping to gain some insight into the situation.

As she approached, she couldn't help but overhear fragments of their discussion. What she heard caused her to raise an eyebrow in concern. Apparently, there had been reports of a robot running amok in another part of Millennium. The situation then turned out to be even more dire when she heard that Sensei and another student were being chased by the rogue machine.

Utaha was clearly perplexed and worried about the situation at hand. Her eyebrows were furrowed as she voiced her concerns. "Did someone modify the robot to operate on auto-pilot?" she asked Hibiki, her tone laced with concern and anxiety.

However, Hibiki was quick to clarify the situation and dispel any doubts. She shook her head adamantly and replied, "No, nobody has tampered with the robot. It's still being controlled manually, and we're supposed to be the only ones with the controller." Then, she added with a voice that was barely above a whisper, "...I think."

"Your lack of confidence doesn't sound reassuring, Hibiki," Utaha stated plainly.

Kayoko, who had been listening intently, couldn't resist interjecting. Her voice was laced with apprehension as she proposed a possible scenario. "Isn't it plausible that someone has hijacked the control?" she asked, her mind racing with the implications of such a situation. Her concern was evident, and the students could sense the gravity of the situation.

Utaha appeared lost in thought as she considered Kayoko's suggestion. "It's a valid point," she admitted, "but I'm struggling to understand why someone would want to take control of the G-Millennium Mark I."

Kayoko replied in a measured tone, "It's worth exploring as a possibility. Remember when Sensei, Kazusa, and I ran into the robot at the Engineering Department earlier? Tensions were high, and we narrowly avoided a confrontation."

As she reflected on the tense situation, Kayoko added, "It was only through quick thinking and diplomacy that we managed to defuse the situation before it could escalate."

Suddenly, a realization dawned upon her. With a sense of urgency in her voice, she asked, "Where can I find the students responsible for making the Peroro? I need to have a word with them."

Utaha furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment before responding, "They should be somewhere nearby. Follow me. I'll guide you to find them."

o-0-o

In a dimly lit corner of the Engineering Department, a group of half a dozen students donning white lab coats huddled in front of a number of small monitors, their eyes glued to the screen displaying live footage from a remote location. Among them stood a young, black-haired student with her hair styled into two tightly braided pigtails. Her face was obscured by oversized, swirly glasses that nearly swallowed her features as she concentrated intently on the controller in her hands.

With a frustrated click of her tongue, she muttered curses under her breath, her brow furrowed in concentration as she manipulated the controls with precision. Each time she attempted to direct the robot towards Sensei, the result was the same: a barrage of missiles that fell short of their target.

"What's the deal with this guy?" she grumbled, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt. "He doesn't have a halo, so how is he so darn powerful?"

One of the students, a wiry young girl with tousled hair and a determined gleam in her eyes, piped up. "Maybe we should try utilizing the autocannon on the robot's back to take him out," she suggested, gesturing towards the screen displaying the intricate schematics of the robot.

The bespectacled girl scoffed, her irritation palpable in her tone. "If it were that straightforward, I would have executed it already," she retorted. "He's too agile for the robot to lock onto."

As they continued brainstorming tactics, an urgent alarm suddenly pierced through the room, jolting the group into action.

"What the heck is that?" one of the girls exclaimed, her eyes widening in alarm.

They swiftly redirected their attention to the monitors, where several crimson lights flashed ominously on the robot's schematic.

"It's the right arm joint," another girl declared grimly. "It's been disabled!"

The news sent shockwaves rippling through the group, and the bespectacled girl's frustration boiled over. "What?! How?!" she demanded, her voice laced with disbelief.

Quickly switching to the rear cameras, the students were met with an alarming sight that nearly caused them to collectively scream in terror.

Yuuka's face loomed large on the monitor.

"Gyaaaaah! A-a demon!"

"No! I-it's Yuuka!"

"Same thing!"

"Not only did she drain our budget, but now she's trying to sabotage our revenge too?!"

"No way! How did she disable the joint!?" one of the students exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief.

The bespectacled girl's fists tightened, frustration bubbling into a nasty scowl. "This is her doing, I'm sure of it. She's probably trying to sabotage our plans."

"Plans? What plans?" A calm voice piped up from behind them.

The bespectacled girl felt a surge of annoyance. Had someone missed the earlier briefing? "To get revenge on Sensei, of course! We can't let someone, no matter who it is, disrespect Peroro-sama like that!" she retorted heatedly without turning around.

"Hmmm~? And what led you to that conclusion?" the voice further inquired.

"Our keen engineer instincts!" the bespectacled girl replied, earning nods of agreement from all the students in the room, their eyes still glued to the monitor.

But then, realization dawned upon them. That voice sounded eerily familiar...

Slowly, every student tore their gaze away from the monitor to lock eyes with the source of the voices.

"Hey there."

"Hah..."

They were greeted by none other than Shiraishi Utaha and Onikata Kayoko.

The bespectacled girl's jaw dropped in disbelief. "You... What are you doing here?" she stammered, caught off guard by Utaha's unexpected appearance.

Utaha replied casually, "I wondered why some of our dear club members were missing. As a good senior, it is my duty to ensure that all my juniors are safe and sound after such a disastrous incident. That being said…"

Utaha stepped forward, her expression serious yet composed. "While I admire your dedication to your craft," she began, her voice carrying a firm tone, "I can't condone you hijacking others' works for your own vendettas."

The bespectacled girl tensed, her grip on the controller tightening as she exchanged a wary glance with her comrades. "We won't let you interfere with our plans," she declared defiantly.

Kayoko, sensing the tension escalating, calmly drew her pistol and leveled it at them. "I suggest you surrender peacefully," she said, her voice steady but commanding.

A tense moment passed, but then the bespectacled girl scoffed, her defiance unwavering. "Never," she spat, her eyes narrowing with determination. "You want to stop us? Can't you see that there are only two of you while I have a dozen people on my side?"

The students in white lab coats then drew out the firearms that they had been hiding under their coats.

Kayoko stole a glance at Utaha, asking, "Do you have a backup plan?"

Utaha simply nodded, her expression unchanging. "I do, actually. Since a peaceful resolution is impossible, you leave me with no other choice."

Before anyone could react, the sound of the whirring of machinery filled the room. To the astonishment of the bespectacled girl and her companions, two white, mobile turrets with twin six-barreled rotary guns burst into the room.

Utaha stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she addressed the group. "Now, shall we settle this peacefully, or do you prefer we engage in a rowdy gunfight?" she inquired, her tone firm and tinged with a hint of warning.

The bespectacled girl gritted her teeth in frustration, her composure wavering under the weight of the situation. And then, unexpectedly, she began to laugh—a sharp, bitter sound that echoed through the room.

"You think you've got us cornered, huh?" she taunted, her eyes defiantly flashing. "You may have your fancy turrets, but we're not backing down that easily."

"I see." Kayoko stared at the bespectacled girl, her demeanor calm yet calculated. "So, that means you're prepared, right?"

The bespectacled girl scoffed, her bravado undeterred. "Ha! Though I don't know what someone from Gehenna's doing here, don't butt in-"

BANG!

The sharp report of gunfire cut through the air, startling everyone in the room into stunned silence. The bespectacled girl, Utaha, and everyone else stood frozen, unable to react to the sudden turn of events.

The bespectacled girl's eyes widened in shock as she looked down at the controller in her hands, disbelief etched on her features. She slowly sank to her knees, clutching the broken controller in her trembling hands.

"There," Kayoko stated coolly, a faint wisp of smoke curling from the muzzle of her pistol.

The bespectacled girl's voice trembled with rage and disbelief as she crumpled to the floor, her defiance crumbling.

"W-w-w-what have you done?!" she yelled with anger and desperation.

"I assume you were using that controller to operate the robot?" Kayoko asked in a straightforward tone as she pointed at the broken controller on the floor. "So, all I had to do to take away your control over it was to destroy the controller," she explained.

"Why, you! This has nothing to do with Gehenna! So, why! Why did you stand in the way of our revenge?!" the bespectacled girl spat, her voice trembling with anger and frustration.

The tension in the room was palpable as Kayoko let out a deep sigh. Despite the weight of the situation, her expression softened slightly as she spoke, her voice calm and measured.

"You know, if only you had taken the time to check, you would have realized that your Peroro was actually in the process of being repaired," she explained, meeting the bespectacled girl's incredulous stare with her own steady gaze.

The bespectacled girl was clearly taken aback, her features contorted with disbelief. "W-what?" she stammered, struggling to process the news.

Another girl piped up, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Is that actually true?" she asked, her eyes darting between Kayoko and Utaha.

Utaha, who had been listening intently, stepped forward with a demeanor that exuded both authority and concern. "Indeed, Kayoko has laid out the situation," she affirmed, her voice carrying a calm assurance. "Sensei entrusted us with the Peroro for repairs. All was progressing smoothly until the unfortunate aftermath of the G-Millennium Mark I incident left us without the necessary tools, diverted instead to mend the workshops."

A flicker of realization crossed the face of someone in the group, her voice trembling with understanding. "So, Sensei didn't bring the battered Peroro here just to flaunt its state?" she ventured.

Kayoko, weariness etched on her face, responded with a weary tone, her frustration palpable as she addressed the misunderstanding. "Jumping to such conclusions would be unjust. I've traveled alongside Sensei, and I can assure you that the mishap with the Peroro wasn't of his making. It was an unfortunate event stemming from unforeseen circumstances."

Her sincerity resonated, disappointment evident at the insinuation of Sensei's involvement in the mishap. The accuser absorbed Kayoko's words, reflecting for a moment before offering a soft apology. "I see... I'm sorry for presuming the worst."

"It's not me you should apologize to," Kayoko gently pointed out.

"You're right. We'll make amends with Sensei immediately," the accuser conceded.

Glancing at Utaha, Kayoko received a thumbs-up, signaling solidarity. "All's well that ends well," Utaha remarked optimistically.

However, the bespectacled girl interjected with a tremble in her voice, signaling impending danger. "N-not yet... the robot... it's set to self-destruct."

"Self-destruct?" Utaha's eyes widened in alarm.

"What? Leader, explain!" another member of the group demanded, panic edging into their voice. The gravity of the situation hung in the air like a storm about to break.

"I-I programmed the robot to detonate if we lost control of it... There's only 100 seconds left before it blows," the bespectacled girl confessed, her fear evident, her voice trembling like a leaf caught in a storm.

"This is dire," Utaha assessed, her mind racing through the potential consequences like a frantic chess player scanning the board for a move to save the game. "If that robot detonates, it could decimate everything within a three-kilometer radius."

"Are you serious?" Kayoko's concern deepened, her brow furrowing with worry lines etched deeper.

Utaha offered a half-hearted shrug though the weight of the situation pressed heavily upon her. "Perhaps... we were experimenting with a potential new power source for the robot, but in our haste, we...didn't fully calculate the risks," Utaha explained, a mirthless smile tugging at the corners of her lips, betraying her regret.

"Why would you mess with something like that if you haven't mapped out its risk?" Kayoko's exasperation was palpable, her frustration simmering beneath the surface like a kettle on the verge of boiling over.

"Don't you think a super prototype robot sounded amazing?" Utaha admitted, her tone tinged with a mix of guilt and a hint of childish wonder, eliciting a deep sigh from Kayoko, who felt her patience wearing thin like a frayed rope stretched to its limit.

Kayoko knew that if she continued the conversation with Utaha, her headache would only worsen, pounding against her temples like a relentless drumbeat.

"We must warn Sensei," Kayoko asserted, her voice firm with resolve, her mind already formulating a plan to avert disaster. "But how?"

"Kayoko, can't you reach out to Sensei somehow?" Utaha suggested, a glimmer of hope shining through the dark clouds of uncertainty.

Kayoko shook her head regretfully, feeling the weight of disappointment settle in her chest like a lead balloon. "I can't. We haven't exchanged contact information," she admitted, a sense of helplessness engulfing her like a drowning swimmer caught in a relentless current.

Utaha, redirecting her focus to the bespectacled girl, inquired, "Any chance we can disarm it remotely?"

"The only way to neutralize the command is by dismantling its motherboard," the bespectacled girl revealed her expression a mix of anxiety and desperation.

"Then spill the beans on where that motherboard is!" demanded Yuuka's booming voice, resonating from the monitor like a thunderclap.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaahh! Y-Yuuka!" The bespectacled girl's startled cry echoed through the room, a mix of surprise and panic lacing her words.

"How did you hear our conversation?" Utaha probed, her curiosity tinged with disbelief.

"I don't know. Suddenly, the robot stopped moving, and then it started to broadcast your conversation," Yuuka explained, her tone tinged with confusion. She continued, "But enough of that! Hurry up and tell us where its motherboard is located!"

Utaha, quick on her feet, immediately took charge of the situation. "Bring up the schematic of the robot," she instructed the girls, her tone firm yet composed. The monitor immediately displayed the schematic of the robot once again, and Utaha made a mental note in haste as she eyed the design.

Kayoko, puzzled by Utaha's request, couldn't help but interject. "Why do you need to see the schematic? It's your robot, after all," she pointed out, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Utaha paused for a moment, her expression unreadable, before revealing a surprising truth. "Actually, the robot was designed by Hibiki," she confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration for her friend's ingenuity.

"Nekozuka…Hibiki? But I thought..."

Before Kayoko could finish her sentence, Utaha interrupted with a sly smile. "But you're probably wondering what I contributed, right?"

Kayoko nodded slightly.

Utaha's smile widened as she leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I was the one who installed the missiles and auto-cannon on the robot," she declared proudly, her voice tinged with excitement.

Instantly, Kayoko's head felt like it was going to explode. Doubt gnawed at her mind – had it been a mistake to rely on this group of people to fix the Peroro? She wondered if their reckless experimentation and the unforeseen consequences were a sign of incompetence or merely a result of their ambitious endeavors.

Utaha, either uncaring or oblivious to Kayoko's inner turmoil, turned her attention to the communication monitor. "Yuuka, the motherboard is located in the neck area," she informed, her voice steady and focused.

Yuuka's visage appeared on the screen, her eyes widening with apprehension. "The neck? Isn't that the most heavily fortified spot?"

Utaha nodded grimly, her expression reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Indeed, it's the fortress of the robot. But we're running out of options. We'll need to attempt prying it open using anti-armour rounds."

A sudden burst of urgency erupted from Yuuka. "Sensei! Did you hear that? Focus your efforts on the neck!" she urged, her voice echoing with desperation.

To the astonishment of everyone present, Sensei's calm voice emanated from the monitor. "Understood," he responded. His response was stoic, his composure unwavering despite the looming threat.

"Wait, are you sending Sensei to the frontline?" Utaha interjected, her confusion evident as she tried to grasp Yuuka's decision.

"We don't have any anti-armor rounds or anything else remotely effective, aside from Sensei," Yuuka clarified, frustration seeping into her words like ink spreading on paper.

"That's not what-"

Utaha attempted to protest, but her inquiry was abruptly silenced by Kayoko, who uttered a simple command, "Let them handle it."

"Kayoko?" Utaha turned to Kayoko with a raised brow.

Kayoko's mind flashed back to the earlier incident when the truck inexplicably launched into the sky. She recalled the peculiar choice of words Sensei had used to describe what he did. She turned to Utaha and simply said, "Sensei... will work his 'magic'."

As the words left her lips, Kayoko couldn't help but feel a pang of disbelief at her own audacity. Yet, to her surprise, Sensei's response was not one of admonishment but rather an amused chuckle, as if he found her remark amusingly fitting.

"Of course," Sensei chimed in, his voice resonating with confidence. "Let me show you how to end this with style."

O-0-o

"Sensei! This isn't the time to be joking around!" Yuuka's voice carried across the chaotic scene, her tone a mix of urgency and frustration as she perched atop the robot's shoulder, her efforts to pry open its neck proving futile despite her relentless barrage of gunfire.

She had even triggered explosives around the robot's neck, but all it managed to do was leave behind a few small scorch marks.

Seriously, just what kind of materials did those girls use to build this thing?

Sparda quickly realized that breaking apart the robot's defenses required something more potent than ordinary explosives or rounds. After all, earlier, he had witnessed Midori snipe at its head with explosive rounds, and he even slammed one of its missiles into its chest out of sheer curiosity.

The result? Both the explosive rounds and the missile were about as effective as a pea shooter against the robot's armored hide.

Fortunately, its joints seemed to be less protected, perhaps to allow for a greater range of movement. Otherwise, Yuuka and Midori wouldn't have been able to disable its right arm.

Again, Sparda found himself wondering about the materials those girls used to construct this robot. Although truth be told, it wasn't so hard that Yamato couldn't slice it apart.

"Sensei!" Yuuka's urgent cry snapped him back to the present, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his shoulders. If that robot exploded, the aftermath would be a nightmare of epic proportions. Repairing the damage and tending to casualties was something he definitely didn't want to add to his to-do list.

With less than 60 seconds remaining before the explosive finale, the pressure was on, and there was no room for error. The seconds ticked by like the countdown to doomsday, each moment fraught with increasing tension.

"Sensei, hurry!" Yuuka implored, desperation evident in her voice. "Use that katana to slice open the robot's neck. We're running out of time!"

Sparda, however, had something else in mind. While Yamato's cutting ability was top-notch, the sheer force required to slice open the robot's heavily armored neck might accidentally decapitate it—a risk he wasn't willing to take.

Instead of fulfilling Yuuka's request, Sparda dismissed Yamato with a flick of his wrist. The katana vanished into thin air, swallowed by darkness itself.

Raising his right hand, Sparda summoned a massive longsword with a heavy double-edged blade. The sword gleamed in the light, its edges notched on both sides near the tip. The grip was plain, but the guard was skeletal, adorned with skull designs on each side leading to the rib cage from which the blade emerged. On one side of the blade, the skull bore the likeness of a human, while the other displayed the menacing visage of a horned demon.

The name of the sword was Rebellion.

If Yamato was a sword that Sparda used to swiftly and precisely slice apart his enemies, Rebellion was his weapon of choice for situations where alternative approaches were needed. Yamato was too sharp, designed to deliver efficient and clean killing blows in the shortest possible time. To wield Yamato to its fullest potential, one must first hone their skills and mind to the point where the sword became an extension of the wielder.

But Rebellion? Rebellion was power incarnate, raw, and unyielding—a symbol of defiance against any who dared oppress the weak and the innocent. Unlike Yamato, one did not need to be a master swordsman to draw out Rebellion's power. However, one needed to possess unwavering willpower to tame the spirit within Rebellion.

Well, the spirit within Rebellion was basically a divided part of his own, so for Sparda, he did not need to tame it.

Yuuka seemed at a loss for words as she observed Sparda holding Rebellion, a reaction he had grown accustomed to from humans unfamiliar with him and his capabilities.

Well, if they were curious, he didn't mind filling them in on the details. After all, Kivotos appeared to be a more tolerant place compared to the human world, considering its diverse inhabitants. Surely there wouldn't be people trying to lynch him this time, right?

Taking a deep breath, Sparda noted that only around 30 seconds remained. It was more than enough time, he assured himself. With a focused gaze, he pointed Rebellion in the direction of the robot's neck, infusing the massive longsword with demonic energy, causing the skulls engraved on the blade to emit a silent roar.

Suddenly, his knees began to give in, and his posture faltered slightly. Yuuka, unaware of the reasons behind his physical strain, tried to come and assist him.

"Yuuka! Get away from the robot, now!" Sparda shouted, his voice urgent and commanding.

Yuuka flinched, though thankfully, she was amenable enough to follow his instruction.

Though he was grateful for her concern, what he was experiencing wasn't something dire. To put it simply, he was running out of juice. He had poured what little demonic energy he had left into Rebellion—or perhaps, more accurately, Rebellion had consumed what little was left of his power. It was a necessary sacrifice to execute this next attack.

As the countdown continued, the air around Rebellion crackled with energy, the massive longsword now pulsating with an otherworldly force. The seconds ticked away like the heartbeat of impending doom, and then, with a swift and forceful motion, Sparda thrust Rebellion at the robot's neck.

It was a piercing attack focused on one precise spot. The demonic energy surged through the blade, creating a shockwave that reverberated through the air like a sinister melody.

Then, as swiftly as it had begun, it was over.

Sparda, feeling the weight of exertion, slumped to the ground. It had been a while since he had experienced such fatigue. The toll of wielding Rebellion and channeling his remaining demonic energy had taken its toll on him.

Observing the aftermath of his attack on the robot, Sparda couldn't resist a smirk, a silent acknowledgment of the attack's impact.

A flawlessly circular orifice now adorned the robot's neck, an unmistakable testament to the precision and effectiveness of his strike. Though sizable enough to obliterate the motherboard, the aperture had been executed with surgical precision, meticulously avoiding any compromise to the robot's structural integrity.

"S-Sensei!" Sparda heard Yuuka and Midori making their way toward him.

With a huff, he straightened up and brushed off the dirt clinging to his attire.

"Utaha! Did we succeed?" he bellowed at the robot, a hopeful anticipation lingering in the air. Regrettably, no response was coming.

Sparda's brow furrowed in concern, but Yuuka reassured him, "Sensei, if the motherboard is indeed destroyed, then the robot must have shut down."

Midori's spirits lifted. "So, it's all over?" she inquired, her voice tinged with hope.

However, Yuuka's expression shifted, her barely contained fury bubbling to the surface. Her eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the wreckage left behind by the robot's rampage.

"No... it's far from over," Yuuka declared through gritted teeth, her smile rigid. "We still need to assess the extent of the damages incurred, but more importantly, those responsible for orchestrating these incidents must be held accountable."

Sparda glanced at Yuuka, sensing the intensity of her determination. He swore he could see the veins pulsing beneath her skin, her anger barely contained.

"H-hiii!" Midori took several cautious steps back, recognizing the brewing storm within Yuuka.

Sparda approached Yuuka slowly. Then, he placed a hand on her shoulder while drawing his face closer to hers, his expression serious.

"S-Sensei?" Yuuka stammered, her cheeks flushing at their proximity.

Sparda's demeanor softened into a sympathetic smile. "Yuuka... do your best."

O-0-o

A demon had crashed the party in the Engineering Department, and Kayoko summed up the chaos that followed as the aftermath of resolving the G-Millennium Mark I incident.

Just when things seemed to calm down after shutting down the robot, Sensei made a dramatic return, bringing along an unexpected companion—a twin-tailed demon named Hayase Yuuka.

Kayoko heard a sudden uproar, one that was filled with terror - not unlike the one she often heard whenever Hina was spotted executing her duty as the Head Prefect - and her apprehension deepened as several students barged in, desperately seeking Utaha.

"Utaha-Senpai! HEEELLPPP!" they exclaimed in unison. They looked ready to cry.

"Oh? What's the rush? What's got you all worked up?" Utaha replied casually.

"T-the demon! Yuuka is here!" one of the students blurted out, panic evident in their voice.

Kayoko vividly recalled the scene. Everyone, except for her, froze in their tracks. Their expressions ranged from disturbed to outright terrified. Even Utaha, who had remained unruffled during the earlier incident, now stared blankly, a frozen smile plastered on her face as if she had been caught in a time loop.

Kayoko had heard the rumors, but this was her chance to see for herself if there was any truth to them.

Then, the moment arrived.

Kayoko was astounded by how swiftly the entire student body of the Engineering Department surrendered to Hayase Yuuka. Without skipping a beat, they performed dogeza—a deep prostration to show utmost respect and apology—with a level of precision that only seasoned masters could achieve.

In perfect synchronization, they delved into their pockets, rummaging for any available amount of money to present to Yuuka. Some pulled out crumpled cash notes, while others jingled coins in their palms, all in a collective effort to appease the twin-tailed demon.

With a collective and impassioned plea, they beseeched Yuuka, their voices tinged with desperation, "Please! Forgive us! This is all we have left!"

Taken aback by the unexpected and fervent display, Yuuka responded with visible unease, her usual composed demeanor momentarily shaken. "Don't make it seem like I'm some sort of loan shark demanding cash!" she exclaimed, visibly flustered by the flood of offerings.

To compound Yuuka's discomfort, Sensei exacerbated the situation by feigning astonishment at witnessing this unexpected spectacle.

"Yuuka," Sensei began, his voice simulating tremors of surprise, "I never realized you had this side to you all along!"

"What? Se-Sensei, this is all a misunderstanding!" Yuuka retorted, attempting to salvage the situation.

Utaha seized the opportunity to inquire, "So, you're not here to collect any debts or demand collateral?"

"No!"

"How generous of you!" Utaha exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "I never knew our esteemed treasurer possessed such a magnanimous spirit! She won't even hold us accountable for the chaos our creation has caused!"

"W-wait, that's not what I meant!"

"All hail Yuuka!" someone in the crowd prompted, prompting cheers from the students.

"All hail Yuuka!" the students echoed, further bewildering Yuuka.

Yuuka appealed to the students, her hands raised in a futile attempt to quell the exuberant cheering. "C-cut it out! Don't try to weasel your way out of this!"

Disregarding her pleas, the students persisted in their enthusiastic chants, contributing an almost surreal layer to the already chaotic scene. Overwhelmed by the unexpected adulation, Yuuka turned to Sensei, desperately seeking assistance in putting an end to the impromptu praise session.

Sensei, his eyes closed in a brief moment of contemplation, took a deep breath. Upon opening his eyes, he addressed the uproar with a voice that cut through the noise like a sharp blade, declaring, "All hail Yuuka!"

"Senseeeeiiii!" Yuuka shouted, her tone a mix of embarrassment and anger, as the cheers only intensified.

Seeing this surreal exchange, Kayoko had to wonder, "Is Kivotos going to be alright with this Sensei?"

O-0-o

"What are you doing here all by yourself, Midori?" Nekozuka Hibiki inquired, spotting Midori loitering outside the Engineering Department's door.

Hibiki had taken it upon herself to fetch nourishments and refreshments for the students engrossed in clearing the debris after the nerve-wracking event involving the G-Millennium Mark I. In simpler terms, she went to order their favorite food.

And what was that food? None other than pizza. It wasn't just about the taste; its simplicity made it easy for them to consume even when they were elbow-deep in work.

"Hibiki... shh," Midori hushed, pressing a finger to her lips and signaling silence. She gestured for Hibiki to come closer, urging her to peer beyond the door.

Perplexed, Hibiki followed Midori's cue and took a surreptitious glance. Inside the room, to her astonishment, her clubmates and Sensei were prostrating in unison before Yuuka.

To say that the scene left Hibiki utterly befuddled was a mighty understatement.

"How on earth did this happen?" Hibiki queried, seeking clarification from Midori.

"It's complicated," Midori responded.

"Well, I can hazard a guess why Utaha-Senpai and the others are bowing to Yuuka," Hibiki mused, her thoughts drifting to G-Millennium Mark I. "But what's the deal with Sensei joining in?"

"It's complicated," Midori repeated, emphasizing the intricacy of the situation.

In the midst of their conversation, Yuuka's voice reached their ears, criticizing the group for careless spending and mentioning something about an audit. Hibiki's complexion turned paler at the mention of guided missiles. Although Utaha had given the green light and installed them, the initial suggestion to equip the robot with such formidable armaments had been hers.

Hibiki overheard Utaha attempting to present various excuses, but Yuuka would hear none of them. Utaha's explanations seemed to bounce off Yuuka like water off a duck's back. Yuuka's patience was as thin as a razor, and she wasn't in the mood for justifications.

Sensei, perhaps in an attempt to mediate or diffuse the tension, looked like he was about to step in and speak. However, Yuuka shot him with a glare so potent it could have frozen lava. It was the kind of look that conveyed a simple message: 'If you speak, you're dead to me.'

Sensei, evidently recognizing the severity of the situation, wisely decided to keep his thoughts to himself. Hibiki thought that this would continue for much longer. Midori seemed to share her view. The tension in the room had become nearly palpable, and the weight of responsibility bore down on the group like a heavy storm cloud.

However, a surprising turn of events unfolded just when it seemed like the confrontation would extend indefinitely. The girl from Gehenna, Kayoko, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, approached Yuuka. With an air of calmness and composure, Kayoko engaged in a quiet conversation with Yuuka, who, surprisingly, seemed willing to listen.

Hibiki strained to hear what was being said, but their voices were hushed, and the exchange was beyond her auditory reach. Midori shared her curiosity, and they exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what Kayoko could possibly be saying to diffuse such a charged atmosphere.

As Kayoko spoke, there was a noticeable shift in Yuuka's demeanor. The stern lines on her face seemed to soften, and the rigidity in her posture seemed to ease. Whatever Kayoko communicated appeared to resonate with Yuuka, prompting a series of nods and a few hesitant smiles.

The tension in the room began to dissipate like morning mist under the warmth of the sun. Hibiki observed as Yuuka's stern expression transformed into a more understanding one. The rest of the group, who had been holding their breath in anticipation, visibly relaxed.

Kayoko then turned to Utaha, who had been at the center of the storm. She seemed to speak calmly yet firmly, and Utaha, though initially defensive, gradually nodded in acknowledgment.

Midori's voice broke the silence. She turned her gaze to Hibiki and asked, "Hey, what do you think that girl said to Yuuka?"

"I don't know. I couldn't hear a thing," Hibiki responded, equally curious about the content of the conversation.

Midori suggested, "If only we had something that we could use to eavesdrop on them... No, forget it. Wiretapping people is Veritas' hobby."

Then, Hibiki noticed that Sensei was staring at them. Caught in the act, Hibiki exchanged glances with Midori. Sensei's astute and knowing gaze lingered on them, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was fully aware they were trying to sneak a peek at the conversation.

Midori broke the uneasy silence, asking, "Should we... get inside?"

Hibiki hesitated, weighing her options. The aroma of the pizza she carried wafted toward her, a tempting reminder that it needed to be placed on the table as soon as possible. The longer she waited, the higher the risk of her arm turning into a makeshift pizza oven.

"Guess we should," Hibiki finally conceded, reluctantly abandoning their eavesdropping endeavor.

As they entered the room, the aroma of freshly delivered pizza mingled with the lingering tension from the earlier confrontation. The group looked up as Hibiki and Midori joined them; their expressions were a various mix of curiosity.

O-0-o

Sparda pressed a chilled towel against his forehead, mentally drained by the whirlwind of events that had unfolded in the past 48 hours. It had been a really strange turn of events; despite the absence of any demonic encounters, the last 48 hours had been one of the most chaotic periods in his life.

"Sensei, are you alright?" Arona's sudden question pierced the silence, catching Sparda off guard as he retrieved the Shittim Chest, greeted by Arona's restless demeanor.

"I thought you were dozing off," Sparda remarked casually.

"Hey, now, that's rude! Arona-chan was diligently crunching numbers, trying to figure out the most efficient ways for Sensei to handle that mess!" Arona protested, her agitation evident.

"Oh, really?" Sparda raised an eyebrow, pretending to be surprised.

"S-Sensei, you doubt me, don't you?!" Arona's voice quivered with indignation.

"I don't. Believe me, I don't," Sparda assured her, though he wasn't being entirely truthful with Arona.

Sensing his lack of sincerity, Arona wailed, "Uuuuu! It's all your fault, Sensei! Your unpredictable actions made it so tough for Arona-chan to figure out the best move for you!"

So now, it was his fault? Sparda's brow furrowed in confusion. Then, a realization dawned on him.

"Wait a second... Why was it challenging for you? Aren't you supposed to be a super AI capable of handling any task effortlessly?" Sparda inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

"Gaaaaah! Are you personally attacking me now?!" Arona exclaimed, her virtual frustration palpable.

"What? No, you completely misconstrued-" Before Sparda could clarify that she misunderstood his question, Arona defiantly turned her back on him.

"Hmph! Whatever! Sensei, you're such a bully!"

Then, the Shittim Chest's monitor transitioned into darkness, leaving behind one very perplexed Sparda.

"..."

Sparda could only let out a wry smile.

What was it with youngsters these days? Why were they so quick to misinterpret what he was saying?

He wasn't intentionally being insensitive or offensive in his speech, was he?

Unfortunately, Sparda didn't have the luxury of pondering the situation because Utaha approached him with a bespectacled girl clad in a pristine white lab coat. Her obsidian hair was tightly braided into twin pigtails.

"Utaha and... who might you be?" Sparda inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Sensei, allow me to introduce-" Before Utaha could complete her introduction, the girl bowed deeply.

"I deeply apologize, Sensei!"

Sparda regarded her with a steady gaze before posing a pointed question, "You were the mastermind behind that rampaging robot, weren't you?"

The girl visibly flinched. "Y-yes, it was me."

"Why did you take such drastic action?"

"I...I believed...I believed you had destroyed Peroro-sama...the Peroro-sama we labored so tirelessly to create..."

"Hmm..." Sparda mused, contemplating her response.

"I-I understand if you're upset with me, but please, I beg of you, spare the others from punishment. It was my stubbornness that drove them to-to-!"

"Alright, that's enough," Sparda interjected, cutting her off gently.

"S-Sensei?"

Redirecting his attention, Sparda turned to Utaha, inquiring, "Utaha, how's the progress on repairing the Peroro? I need it ready for delivery to that Sparrow lady in...hmmm, let's calculate the distance we have to cover. I'd like to have it in my possession within two hours."

His sudden request seemed to catch Utaha off guard, but before she could respond, Sparda brought his hand up to his mouth, tapping his lips in contemplation.

A silent exchange of looks passed between Sparda and Utaha, and realization dawned on her.

"Well, it's not looking too promising," Utaha admitted. "Given that most of our equipment is tied up in repairing our workshops, we're left with just basic hand tools and repair kits. Plus, we can't spare any of our members to work on it since Yuuka insisted we focus on repairing all the damage caused by G-Millennium Mark I. I'd estimate it might take a week to get the Peroro back in working order."

The bespectacled girl visibly flinched, beads of sweat forming on her brow as she nervously bit her lip.

Sparda surreptitiously glanced at the bespectacled girl before remarking, "That's unfortunate. It would be a shame if such an important joint project between Millennium and the shopping district were to be jeopardized by this minor setback. If only we had more skilled hands available who were familiar with the Peroro..."

Sparda and Utaha exchanged a meaningful glance, their eyes silently conveying a shared understanding. Together, they shifted their attention to the bespectacled girl, setting the stage for a crucial moment.

"If only..." Sparda repeated, his words laced with subtle implication.

"Yes, if only..." Utaha echoed, her tone holding a hint of amusement and expectation.

The bespectacled girl, sensing the gravity of their stares, met their gaze with a mix of apprehension and determination. Clutching her hands nervously, she hesitated briefly before summoning the courage to voice her audacious proposition.

"I-is it alright for us to handle it?" she tentatively asked, seeking validation for what felt like a daring proposal.

"Do what?" Sparda inquired.

"We-we created it, so given the circumstances, I think we're the ones most suited to repair it," the bespectacled girl reasoned.

"Hmm... I'm not sure. You girls still need to face consequences for your actions... and this seems more like a reward than a punishment, doesn't it?" Sparda questioned.

"T-that's not what I meant!" the bespectacled girl stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I-I just thought... well, I caused this mess, so it's only right that I take responsibility for fixing everything."

Sparda's expression softened, a glimmer of understanding appearing in his eyes. "Responsibility, huh?" he mused. "Now, that's a refreshing change of pace. Most people these days prefer passing the buck rather than owning up to their mistakes," Sparda commented before turning to Utaha. "What do you think, Utaha? Do you believe she can do it? Repair the Peroro before the deadline?"

"Surely you jest, Sensei," Utaha replied with mock seriousness before breaking into a smile. "But truly, with the dedication of an engineer who loves her craft, anything is possible."

The bespectacled girl straightened her posture, her resolve solidifying. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make things right. Whether it's fixing Peroro or cleaning up the mess left by G-Millennium Mark I, I'll see it through to the end," she declared, her voice steady despite her lingering nerves.

Sparda pondered for a moment, but before he could respond, the serene atmosphere was shattered by someone shouting.

"What are you saying, leader!?"

"You weren't the only one responsible!"

"That's right! Don't get it wrong; we did it because we love Peroro! We didn't do it to help you!"

"Get that tsundere out of here!"

"W-who did you call a tsundere?!"

Sparda found himself torn between wanting to sweatdrop and making a swift exit. Every time he tried to handle a situation with precision, the students somehow managed to complicate matters.

"E-everyone..." the bespectacled girl began, her eyes welling up with tears.

Utaha, ever the dramatist, pretended to dab away imaginary tears. "Such camaraderie among engineers warms my heart."

Sparda wanted to interject with a reality check but decided it was too much of a hassle right now. Instead, he played along.

"Well then, it's settled," he declared, nodding approvingly. "You have our blessing to proceed with the repairs. Consider it your chance at redemption."

Relief flooded the bespectacled girl's expression as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you, Sensei, Utaha-Senpai. I won't let you down," she promised.

With renewed determination, the bespectacled girl turned to address the other students, her voice firm and resolute.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" she called out, commanding the attention of the room. "We need to get to work on the Peroro right away. We've got a tight deadline and only a few hours to fix it."

The students glanced at each other, some nodding in agreement while others exchanged apprehensive looks. The gravity of the situation seemed to sink in as they realized the enormity of the task ahead.

"We may not have all the fancy equipment or resources, but we do have each other and our determination," the bespectacled girl continued, her voice ringing with conviction. "Let's roll up our sleeves and give it our all. Together, we can make this happen!"

With a collective sense of purpose, the students rallied around her, ready to tackle the challenge head-on. They wasted no time in gathering the tools they needed and dividing tasks among themselves, each person contributing their skills and expertise to the repair effort.

Utaha, seemingly influenced by their spirited determination, decided to join the fray. She rolled up her sleeves, grabbed a toolbox, and seamlessly integrated herself into the collaborative effort. The students, initially surprised by her involvement, soon appreciated the added expertise she brought to the table.

Meanwhile, Sparda observed their progress with a keen eye, silently noting their teamwork and dedication. After a while, he rose from his seat and made his way to a large box nearby, where he noticed someone hiding behind it.

"Is this punishment satisfactory, Yuuka?" Sparda inquired, his tone calm but firm.

Yuuka emerged from her hiding spot, her expression a mix of surprise and resignation. "Sensei... so you noticed," she murmured.

Sparda shrugged casually. "Couldn't miss you, really. You're not exactly inconspicuous."

Yuuka sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I just couldn't help myself," she confessed.

Sparda nodded understandingly. "Well, you're here now. Are you planning to give them a piece of your mind?" he asked, gesturing towards the group of girls working on the Peroro.

Yuuka hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "No," she admitted. "Kayoko-san explained everything to me, and while I still don't quite understand how things escalated so quickly, I trust that you've handled it appropriately, Sensei."

With a nod of understanding, Sparda glanced back at the students, who were now fully immersed in their task, their determination unwavering. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their resilience and dedication.

"I see," Sparda said, turning his attention back to Yuuka. "Well, I'm glad we're all on the same page then."

Yuuka nodded in response, her expression reflecting a mixture of relief and contemplation. It seemed that the weight of the situation had lifted off her shoulders now that she knew the truth behind the events that had transpired.

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Sparda decided to pivot the conversation. "By the way, Yuuka, I've got a couple of favors to ask of you," he mentioned, catching her attention.

Her curiosity piqued, Yuuka leaned in, ready to hear him out. "What is it?" she responded, her interest evident.

Sparda couldn't help but say in disapproval, "Your lack of suspicion is concerning."

"Why should I be suspicious? You're a weirdo, Sensei, but at least I can tell you have a good heart," Yuuka retorted with a playful smirk.

Sparda feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "You wound me," he said with mock hurt.

"Spare me the drama, Sensei. So, what's with these favors?" Yuuka asked, her tone a blend of curiosity and amusement.

"Firstly, I must confess, I find myself in need of your guidance," Sparda declared, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

"Guidance?" Yuuka arched an intrigued eyebrow, captivated by the unexpected revelation.

"In simpler terms, I harbor concerns that my knowledge might fall short of meeting the standards expected of a teacher. Considering the reputation of Millennium as the foremost institution, I wondered if you could direct me toward a knowledge hub where I can seek assistance," Sparda explained, his sincerity radiating through his words.

"Well… I don't mean to brag, but you're spot on about that," Yuuka responded, a hint of pride coloring her tone. "Alright, I'll arrange it for you. What's the next item on your agenda?" she prompted, eager to accommodate his needs.

Sparda then dropped another request, "Could you kindly unblock me?"

A pause ensued, stretching into a suspenseful moment. Yuuka's eyes widened in realization. "Th-that was really you, Sensei?! I was convinced your account had fallen prey to hackers!" she exclaimed, genuinely surprised.

Sparda chuckled at her reaction. "Why so shocked?" he teased.

"Because those messages were so suspicious and misleading. I couldn't fathom an adult like you not feeling embarrassed writing them!" Yuuka explained, still incredulous.

He refrained from revealing that it was Arona who had authored those messages, understanding that no one else could hear her. However, an explanation was in order. Sparda, in a theatrical display, rubbed his face in feigned embarrassment. "Apologies, Yuuka. It's just that when my thoughts drifted to you, my hand seemed to move of its own accord," he offered, hoping she would buy into his explanation.

"W-w-what?" Yuuka stuttered, caught off guard by his confession, her face adopting a shade of crimson.

"What can I say? The words just spilled out when the thought of you crossed my mind," Sparda added with a mischievous grin.

Yuuka took a step back, her face deepening in its red hue. A pregnant pause hung in the air before he playfully chimed in, "You're a beautiful and lovely young lady, after all."

"..."

"Yuuka?" he called out, noting her silence.

"Se-" Yuuka began, but her voice trailed off as embarrassment overwhelmed her.

"Se-?" Sparda prompted, finding amusement in her reaction.

"Sensei, you're shameless!" Yuuka exclaimed, her embarrassment propelling her to turn and dash away, her face resembling a ripe tomato in color.

"Huh?" Sparda blinked, slightly bemused by her sudden departure. Sparda scratched his head, perplexed by her sudden reaction. "What did I say?" he muttered to himself, utterly bewildered by the turn of events.

Utaha, who had been spectating the exchange from a distance, couldn't suppress her laughter at the unfolding scene. "Ah, Sensei, you truly are a character," she remarked, thoroughly amused.

"I was just being straightforward with her," Sparda retorted. "Since you're here, is everything progressing smoothly?"

"Absolutely. They're putting in a tremendous effort. I'm confident the repairs will be completed on time," Utaha affirmed.

Sparda let out a sigh of relief. "Great. I wouldn't know what to say if it fell through." Then, realization struck, "Oh, wait. We still don't have a way to transport it."

Utaha reassured him, "No worries, Sensei. We've got some vehicles for 'express' transportation."

Worry crept back onto Sparda's face as he inquired, "What kind of vehicles are we talking about here?"

Utaha flashed a mischievous smirk and declared, "Jet trucks."

"Jet trucks?" Sparda stared at her, bewildered. "What in the world are jet trucks?"

Utaha chuckled and gestured for him to follow. "You'll soon find out."

An uneasy feeling settled in Sparda's stomach. This couldn't bode well.

O-0-o

Sparda and Utaha arrived at the vehicle hangar, and as soon as Sparda laid eyes on the semi-trailer truck with jet thrusters, he couldn't help but feel vindicated. His instincts, honed over the years, were still sharp.

His initial thought was, 'Who in the world would build something like this?' However, a quick reminder of his surroundings brought him to his senses, and he promptly discarded the notion as absurd. In a place like Millennium, such creations were not only plausible but almost expected.

Utaha, catching the surprise on his face, nudged him playfully. "Impressed, Sensei? Millennium always aims for innovation and efficiency."

Sparda, his initial skepticism giving way to fascination, admitted, "Well, I can't say I expected jet thrusters on a truck, but it's certainly something."

"They call it the 'Jet Hauler.' Specifically designed for quick and secure transportation of delicate and valuable items," Utaha explained with a glint of pride.

Sparda couldn't help but be amazed at the audacity of the design. "I've seen my fair share of unique vehicles, but this takes the cake. How fast can this thing go?"

Utaha grinned, "Let's just say it can outrun the fastest delivery services out there."

"I see…"

This meant that they only needed to wait for the repair to be done. But sitting still and doing nothing made Sparda grow restless. He let his gaze wander around until it settled on a conspicuous, large white container. Intrigued, he approached Utaha and inquired about its contents.

"So, what's in that container?" he asked, gesturing towards the imposing structure.

Utaha, with a hint of pride, explained, "That? It's the masterpiece—the railgun that devoured over 70% of our budget this semester."

Sparda arched an eyebrow, humor tugging at the corners of his lips. "The railgun that comes with a hefty price tag? Interesting choice."

Utaha, undeterred, nodded confidently. "Absolutely. The sheer power and precision it packs are unparalleled."

Sparda, genuinely intrigued, admitted, "I have to say, I'm curious to see it."

Utaha seized the opportunity, "Want me to show it to you, Sensei?"

"Sure, why not?" Sparda agreed.

Led by Utaha, they made their way to the container. With practiced ease, she entered a series of numbers on the digital lock, and the door swung open, revealing the interior bathed in light.

"There it is, Sensei," Utaha declared, pointing to a pristine white railgun standing upright and securely chained. "What do you think?" Utaha asked, eager for his opinion.

Yet, no answer came from Sparda.

o-0-o

What gnawing thoughts clawed at the edges of his consciousness?

What harrowing considerations demanded his immediate attention?

In the depths of contemplation, Sparda found himself trapped by an unsettling vortex of uncertainty, each query dragging him deeper into the abyss of his own reflections.

Should he fixate on the grotesque image of the blood-soaked railgun, a menacing relic pulsating with malevolence?

Or divert his focus to the relentless march of an army composed of ominous machines and white-robed humanoids, their movements synchronized in eerie precision as they tore down everything in their path?

Perhaps the priority lay in dissecting the ominous hue of the violet light, casting a chilling pallor over the once-serene sky?

Then, there was the tear-stained countenance of the small, mechanical girl, cradling the lifeless form of a young girl with salmon-pin waves. Her emotionless crimson eyes bore into him, a chilling gaze that seemed to transcend the boundaries of machinery and evoke an unsettling sense of humanity.

And what of those three crimson orbs glowing with an intensity that betrayed malice and hostility? Hovering in the heavens, they sneered at him, manifesting an otherworldly presence that felt eerily familiar to him. The air crackled with an ominous energy as their malevolent gaze bore into Sparda's very soul.

Sparda's attention was then drawn to the desolation below. The once vibrant landscape of Kivotos had been devoured by an unrelenting sea of red, a maelstrom of destruction. Fire and brimstone had scorched the earth, leaving nothing but an eerie silence punctuated by the echoes of despair.

Beneath him lay the broken bodies of girls in uniforms. A few familiar faces, yet most of them strangers to Sparda.

What was this scenery?

'This was... a dead end.'

The voice, a haunting resonance, echoed through the emptiness. Sparda turned to confront its source, only to be met by the enigmatic figure of a young girl with long white hair cascading below her waist. Bangs concealed her left eye, and an air of familiarity clung to her, although Sparda couldn't place the source.

'Who are you?' The question lingered on the tip of Sparda's tongue, yet no voice emerged to utter the inquiry. The surreal encounter left him suspended in a moment where reality and illusion seamlessly intertwined.

Abruptly, two spectral shades materialized, one in ethereal blue and the other in fiery red. Each bore a distinct weapon, a katana and a longsword respectively, and an air of foreboding enveloped their presence.

The white-haired girl mouthed words that reverberated in the silent void, 'Bye-bye, Sensei.'

Without warning, the shades swung their swords at the mysterious girl, their movements swift and decisive.

Sparda attempted to intervene in the unfolding tragedy. Yet, everything turned black before his hand could even graze her form.

O-0-o

He couldn't save them.

O-0-o

"Sensei? Sensei? Hello, Sensei? Are you asleep?" Utaha's voice pierced through the fog of his thoughts, jolting Sparda back to the present. He blinked, feeling disoriented as he turned towards her, finding her expression a mix of confusion and amusement.

"Sensei... I know you're impressed by that railgun, but for it to make you daydream for so long?" Utaha remarked, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

Daydreaming? No, he wasn't daydreaming. He was— "What was I doing again?" Sparda interrupted, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"Hmm, lost in thought, huh? Well, that's a new one," Utaha teased, her tone light but tinged with a hint of concern.

"Lost in thought," Sparda repeated, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory. "Right..."

"But seriously, Sensei, I heard difficulties in remembering things is a sign of old age," Utaha joked, though there was a flicker of genuine worry in her eyes.

"I'm still in my prime, thank you very much," Sparda retorted, though the slight frown on his face betrayed his unease.

"But, really, it's better to seek medical help, Sensei. You just stood there for almost ten minutes. I've been poking at you, pinching your nose and ears, and you didn't respond. I had even thought you were suffering from paralysis," Utaha explained, her concern now more evident.

"I...will consider it," Sparda said, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the lingering haze in his mind.

He couldn't remember what happened to him. He laid eyes on this railgun, and then he...blacked out? No-there was something else, but what was it? He couldn't remember it, no matter how hard he tried to grasp it.

Utaha, noticing that Sparda seemed to be deep in thought, decided to break the silence. "You know, Sensei, I was planning to head back to the workshop to check on the progress of the repair. Care to join me?"

Sparda looked at her, appreciating the distraction from his perplexing thoughts. "Sure, I was planning to head back as well. Let's make sure everything is progressing smoothly."

Together, they walked back to the workshop, the rhythmic clatter of their footsteps echoing in the corridor.

O-0-o

Yuuka sat alone in the deserted cafeteria, nursing her frustration and embarrassment. The cafeteria had been closed for an hour, but she remained firmly seated.

The audacious remarks from Sensei echoed in her mind, and the embarrassment seemed insurmountable. How could he shamelessly utter such lines to her? The mere thought made her cringe.

As she sipped her tea, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves, Yuuka reluctantly reached for her phone and opened her list of contacts. With a resigned sigh, she unblocked Sensei. Deciphering his personality was a constant struggle – one moment, he was projecting responsibility and maturity; the next catching her off guard with unpredictable antics.

Lost in her contemplation, she was startled by a familiar voice calling her name. Noa had arrived.

"Noa... what are you doing here?" Yuuka questioned, a mix of relief and apprehension in her voice.

Noa, despite her usual cheerful demeanor, seemed to radiate an extra layer of excitement. Yuuka couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was bound to bring trouble.

"Why are you standing up, Yuuka-chan?" Noa inquired, puzzled.

"I just remembered I have something to do," Yuuka stammered, providing a flimsy excuse to escape Noa's probing.

Noa's smile widened, sensing an opportunity to tease. "Could it be... you have a late encounter planned with Sensei?"

"PFFT!" Yuuka couldn't help but react, trying to dismiss Noa's playful insinuations. "W-what are you saying, Noa!"

Noa tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Am I wrong? Didn't Sensei propose to you?"

"H-HUUUUUUUUUHHH?!" Yuuka's disbelief was palpable. Sensei proposing to her? The very idea seemed preposterous. "W-what?! When?! How?!"

"Have you checked the new thread that was posted?" Noa asked.

Yuuka, unable to resist the urge to know what was being said about her, opened her phone and navigated to the thread.

[Millennium News]

[Topic: Yuuka is being proposed by Sensei?!]

[Summary: Several students in the Engineering Department have noted the closeness between Yuuka and Sensei. Shiraishi Utaha of the Engineering Department has observed an intimate conversation between them, culminating in Sensei praising Yuuka's beauty.]

The details of the 'conversation' grossly exaggerated what happened, and Yuuka trembled as she read through the thread.

"Yuuka-chan?" Noa's voice brought her back to the present.

"That's it. I'm slashing their budget for the year," Yuuka declared with simmering fury.

O-0-o

"Achoo!" Utaha sneezed, capturing Sparda's attention with the sudden sound.

"You alright?" Sparda asked, concern etched on his face.

"Yeah, just a sneeze. Thanks for asking, Sensei," Utaha replied, rubbing her nose nonchalantly.

After a race against the clock, they finally reached the spacious venue outside the shopping district, greeted by the sight of a massive stage awaiting their arrival. The Peroro's repair had been completed just in the nick of time, precisely at 5:04 pm. Loading it onto the semi-truck took an additional 15 minutes, with Sparda taking charge of the hauling, opting for speed over waiting for a forklift.

As they hit the highway, things took an unexpected turn. Behind the wheel of the truck, Utaha decided to spice things up. Despite Sparda's initial inclination to object to her unconventional driving style, he held his tongue, reminding himself of the different norms in Kivotos.

As the speedometer touched 140 km/hour, Utaha unleashed the jets, catapulting them to a mind-boggling 500 km/hour. Chaos erupted inside the trailer as students tumbled around, their expressions a mix of excitement and sheer terror. And that wasn't the only surprise.

The truck's front end underwent a jaw-dropping transformation, sprouting a massive steel battering ram. Sparda couldn't fathom the sudden change, but Utaha's simple explanation only added to his bewilderment.

"We want to get there fast, right?"

Did that mean every other vehicle on the road was merely an obstacle in their path?

Fortunately, the road ahead was clear, or perhaps other drivers were simply too intimidated by the jet-truck to challenge its path. Their unconventional ride bought them precious time, ensuring they reached the venue just in time. As students spilled out from the trailer, they collapsed in exhaustion.

"That was brutal," Kayoko remarked between gasps for breath.

"Phew...I'm glad I stayed in the truck. That must've been rough," Kazusa added, visibly relieved to have dodged the chaotic journey, especially given her prior plans to rendezvous with her clubmates at the venue.

The commotion had drawn the attention of the crowd, who murmured with curiosity as eyes fixated on the jet truck and the peculiar group emerging from it. Whispers of amazement and bewilderment swirled through the air like leaves in a gentle breeze.

Taking in the scene, Sparda spotted a familiar figure amidst the gathering crowd. A petite woman clad in a brown kimono, her head adorned with the distinct shape of a sparrow.

It was the sparrow proprietress.

"Sensei!" she called out, her eyes brightening at the sight of him.

Returning her smile, Sparda made his way towards her. "Milady. We have arrived with the Peroro," he announced, nodding towards the now-visible Peroro on the trailer.

The sparrow proprietress clapped her hands in delight. "Wonderful! I-I don't know what we would've done if you hadn't made it... Thank you, Sensei. Thank you, all of you."

"Ah, it was nothing, really," Sparda replied modestly, gesturing towards the students behind him. "The credit goes to these young minds here. They worked tirelessly to ensure the Peroro was repaired on time."

The sparrow proprietress smiled warmly at the group of students. "You have my deepest gratitude," she said sincerely, her eyes sparkling with appreciation.

Sparda then turned to the sparrow proprietress. "Where should we place the Peroro?" he inquired.

The sparrow proprietress offered to guide them. "Follow me, please," she said, motioning for them to follow her.

Sparda nodded in agreement. "Utaha, could you please relay to the others to follow the lady here?" he asked, turning to Utaha.

Utaha nodded in acknowledgment. "Got it, Sensei. Everyone, follow her. She'll show us where to place the Peroro," she announced to the group, who quickly fell into line behind the sparrow proprietress.

Sparda watched as the students from the Engineering Department, under Utaha's guidance, delved into their tasks with determination. Once satisfied with their progress, he shifted his attention to Kayoko and Kazusa.

"So, what's the plan for you two now?" he asked, curious about their next move.

Kayoko shrugged. "Honestly, not sure yet."

"I'm still planning to hit up the sweet stalls. But, uh, I'm running late to meet my friends. Yoshimi's been spamming my phone with rage texts for the past ten minutes, so I had to silence it," Kazusa explained, unfazed by her tardiness.

"Ah, got it. You should probably head out then," Sparda suggested.

"Yeah, I should," Kazusa agreed. "Hey, Sensei, Kayoko-san, mind sharing your MomoTalk IDs? I'd like to stay in touch with you guys," she requested.

"Sure. Mine's just my full name," Kayoko replied.

"Same here," Sparda confirmed.

"Great, thanks! I'll add you both. Well, gotta dash before Yoshimi blows a fuse," Kazusa said, waving goodbye as she disappeared into the bustling crowd.

Kayoko turned to Sparda, a pensive look on her face. "So, Sensei, what's next for you? Planning to stick around or head back home?"

Sparda pondered for a moment before responding, "I think I'll hang around a bit longer. There's still so much to explore here."

Kayoko nodded in understanding. "Well, if you need anything or want to meet up, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll be around."

"Thanks, Kayoko. I appreciate it," Sparda replied gratefully.

As Kayoko started to leave, she turned back for a final word. For a brief moment, Sparda thought he saw her smiling with her hair fluttering freely.

"Today turned out to be more chaotic than expected, but overall, it was fun, Sensei."

With that, Kayoko headed off, disappearing into the lively atmosphere of the shopping district, leaving Sparda to contemplate the events of the day.

With a deep sigh, Sparda stretched his arms, feeling the strain of the day settle in. Should he grab something to eat first? Surprisingly, despite all the chaos, he realized that not even 24 hours had passed. Well, if his everyday life here would be like this, he could at least say that boredom wouldn't be an issue.

"Hm? Hold on a sec."

Sparda felt a gnawing sensation in his gut as if he had forgotten something crucial. But what could it be? A firm hand gripped his shoulder before he could dwell on it further, jolting him back to reality.

A cold, steely voice pierced the air. "I finally found you, you scum."

Ah, now Sparda remembered.

He turned to face Rin, her eyes concealed behind her glasses, but her fury palpable nonetheless.

"Why, Rin, I never took you for a festival-goer," Sparda joked, attempting to diffuse the tension.

But Rin's grip only tightened. "Normally, I wouldn't be caught dead at a festival like this. But when someone decides to splurge recklessly and then has the nerve to send me the bill without explanation or answer my calls... how could I not track him down?" Rin seethed.

Despite her sweet smile, Sparda felt a cold sweat break out on his brow.

"I asked Ayumu to trace your location using your phone's GPS. I won't ask what you were doing in Millennium, but I demand an explanation for this 500,000 yen purchase," Rin demanded.

Sparda closed his eyes briefly, weighing his options. Ah, to heck with it.

"It was for a cake," he confessed.

"Scu-Sensei... You need to sit down and seriously contemplate your actions," Rin said sternly.

"Y-yes, of course," Sparda stammered, lowering himself to the ground in front of Rin, much to the curiosity of the passersby in Kivotos.

Unbeknownst to them, a brown-skinned girl with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail and green eyes with orange star-shaped pupils was discreetly snapping pictures. A mischievous glint shone in her eyes as she muttered, "Scoops, get!"

O-0-o

Saiba Midori wearily pushed open the door to her dorm room, exhaustion etched on her face, a testament to the long day she had endured.

"Hey, I'm back," she murmured, stepping into the room with a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping with fatigue.

"Welcome home!" Momoi greeted her cheerfully, her bright smile starkly contrasting Midori's tired demeanor. On the other hand, Yuzu offered a more subdued "Welcome back," her voice tinged with a hint of concern.

"Huh?" Midori blinked in surprise. While she expected Momoi's presence, given that they shared the room, finding Yuzu here at this hour was unexpected.

"What are you two doing here?" Midori asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Waiting for you, obviously," Momoi replied with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"And... we want to ask you to draw something for us," Yuzu added, extending a piece of paper towards Midori.

It was a short story about a white-haired swordsman wielding a long sword and a pair of handguns, riding a rocket while confronting a massive guard dog.

Midori fell silent, her gaze fixed on the writing as she processed the request.

"Midori?" Momoi approached her, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Is something wrong?"

Suddenly, Midori's fatigue seemed to dissipate as her artistic instincts kicked in.

"No problem. I've got plenty of valuable references," she assured them with a newfound enthusiasm, reaching for her pencil.

With swift and practiced strokes, Midori set to work, bringing the scene to life on the paper before her, her focus unwavering.

"By the way, Onee-chan, do you have any idea what kind of game you'll be writing based on this?" Midori inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Sort of," Momoi replied casually, a playful twinkle in her eye.

Midori paused in her drawing, shooting her twin a quizzical look. "What do you mean 'sort of'?"

"I want to hear your opinion first," Momoi explained cryptically, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"I think it could make a great game," Yuzu chimed in, her smile small but sincere, adding her own input to the discussion.

Now thoroughly intrigued, Midori turned her attention back to her sister. "Okay, spill it. What kind of game have you two been discussing?"

With a grin, Momoi revealed their idea. "A game about a demon hunter!"

O-0-o

A/N: End of Volume 1 Chapter 1. The next chapter is a substory - Girls' Conversation (2) -.

Also, Yume's design is cuter than I expected.