The wind shifted as the delinquents lay unconscious on the ground, with some had already fled in fear knowing full well that this is a battle they cannot win. A burnt tank stood in the middle of the destruction, lighting a silent man as he stood still. His mouth kept on a permanent line without a sound as waited for his students.

As the footsteps came creeping closer, the captain met their gazes.

"…Sensei. Are you- " Rin spoke up but Yuuka interrupted.

"SENSEII! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?!" The starstruck treasurer ran to him first.

"But- vice president said you didn't have a halo! You shouldn't- ooh! Was it augmentations?! Or was it something else?! How did you move so fast? How did you crush that TANK BAREHANDEDLY?!"

Yuuka moved up and down as her eyes kept darting around him, studying the specimen that is Hans. In her excitement, she went to hold his arm, his strong… firm and quite built hand-

Immediately, she let go as her face lit up in embarrassment.

"I-I- Um… I-I'm sorry, sensei… I-It won't ha-happen again…"

She looked down in sheer embarrassment and guilt from her actions. Yet the old dog... simply stared down. His eyes looked at his hand, then at the purple haired treasurer. He stood stoic... yet something tingled within him.

He felt his lips twitch and curl as a sound crawled out from his throat.

...What was it?

"..Ah…. Haha…"

Ah, that's right. It's the same.

The captain closed his eyes, and let his mouth to curl and curl… into a wide smile as a gentle, and silent laugh left his stiff lips.

The same laugh he had when he came to the dream.

Somehow... even after just a few hours of meeting them…

Hans felt comfortable in this strange dream.

And on instinct, Hans raised his hand and rubbed her head.

"Sensei…! Y-You…" Yuuka's eyes lit up and glinted with surprise. Just like Rin, who is still watching the exchange. With a sigh and a smile, the tall blue-haired woman raised her hand.

"Alright. Yuuka, that's enough. Sensei, we still have a problem on our hands. Let us head inside the building quickly."

Hans blinked back to the moment. Right… right. He stopped his hands and gave a nod to Rin.

"Wait! Wait! Sensei! I-I'm going to check on you for a moment! Are you hurt anywhere?!" Chinatsu shouted as she sprinted towards them.

with a smile, Hans kneeled down and shook his head.

"I-I-I.. I- see… s-sensei…" Chinatsu whispered and Hans stood back up.

"Everyone, please wait here. Sensei, let's go." Rin gestured to the building and walked to it, with Hans following closely behind.

Pushing in the door, they're greeted by the silent gaping dark maw of the building.

It was dark and silent, with the red of emergency lights accompanying them on the walk and the ever spreading echoes of their footsteps as the halls echoed back.

No one has been inside here for a long… long time and yet, it all still looked so pristine.

It was like someone had been cleaning all the dirt and grime all this time, yet it fell from the logic of... the utter neglect the building had seen.

Despite of the current situation and the deafening silence, the two braved the dark. Rin marched on, like the entire layout of the forsaken building was burned into her head.

"Stay close to me, sensei. We're getting close." Rin spoke calmly.

Hans gave her a silent nod. His eyes dart up and down the darkened halls, lit up barely by the lights of the emergency lights. Then, they reach a stairway.

"Be careful." Rin reached to the handrail and descended.

Upon reaching the lower floor, it was… strangely homely. A sofa, a large table, shelves holding a generous amount of books, and is that a… floating carved stone artifact?

Hans continue to let his eyes wander up and down. Meanwhile, Rin walked to one of the shelves. Opening a hidden drawer as she took off the hidden panel. Grabbing hold of a rectangular device he couldn't wrap his head around.

"Here it is. Thankfully, it doesn't have a single scratch." Rin inspected it for a moment then handed it to him. "Please, take it."

Hans tilted his head. Confused.

"Hm? Sensei, this is what the president had left behind for you. The Shittim Chest."

…Shittim…

Hans looked at her funny.

Rin blinked for a moment before clearing her throat. "A-Ahem. The General Student Council president left the Shittim Chest to you. She said that you'll be able to take control of the tower with it. None of the other members know how to activate it... Perhaps you may figure it out, Sensei, but if not..."

Hans looked at it up and down, sideways, and in and out.

Yeah. He couldn't figure it out.

A frown came to the captain as he tried to make head and tails of the damn device… but somehow, it felt strangely familiar. Like a memory locked behind chains and decay.

Hans continued to fiddle with it. Pressing a button… nothing. Tapping the screen? Nothing.

The two remained in silence for what felt like minutes on end, yet Hans still couldn't understand it.

"…Um.. I'll let you take the lead sensei. I'll- I'll head out to give you some more concentra-"

Hans grabbed on her shoulder and shook his head.

"…Then I'll wait here." Rin adjusted her glasses and sat on the sofa.

Ugh..

"Sensei… uhm… try to hold the power button for two seconds."

'The what now?' Hans narrowed his eyes.

"The small one."

Hans pointed.

"Yes- no! that's the home button!"

"…"

"No, that's the volume- …Sensei. Don't tell me you never touched a tablet before?"

…A nod.

"…" Rin let out a large breath. "…I see… I'll have someone to teach you then later…"

Hans gave her an apologetic look

"W-WHAT?! N-No! Sensei! D-Don't apologize!" Rin stood up and waved her hand furiously. Then she cleared her throat.

"A-Ahem. The side buttons sensei. The short one- yes! That's the one!"

Hans nodded let out a small huff.

With a finger, Hans pressed the button and taking on Rin's advice, he held it for a few seconds… then as if a miracle came along...

The screen lit up.

A large S appeared on the screen… then, it loads to an input.

"Please enter the system password."

"…Wow I can't believe that worked for you. None of us can- a-anyway. I'll leave you to figure it out the password sensei." Rin watched curiously.

...Password?

Hans let his gears spin. What password.. he never…

Then… he remembered… something. A faint and fleeting memory that shouldn't be there. He thought of it and tapped on the tablet, letting fingers dance on the floating keyboard.

"We thirst for the seven wailings."
"We bear the koan of Jericho."

It shone even brighter.

"Password accepted. Welcome to the Shittim Chest, Hans-Sensei.

Converting to operating system A.R.O.N.A. for biological authentication and generation of verification certificate."

Then for a moment it flashed-

"Willkommen Herr Hauptsturmführer Hans Günsche"

Before it all went white.

The light was blinding. It's too much, and on instinct, Hans raised his arm and closed his eyes.

Then as fast as it came, the light faded away.

And when he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the darkened room of SCHALE. Instead, he was in a classroom. An absolute mess... or rather what remains of it. Furnitures was thrown, scattered, and piled up with some rubble and destroyed rocks spilling everywhere. Water covered the floors, and there was even a gaping hole in the wall, offering a view of the beautiful and endless blue sky above the never-ending calm blue ocean.

It was like a mortar shell had hit it and a typhoon had struck inside of it. Yet somehow… it doesn't look so messy nor abandoned. Instead, it was so pristine, so wondrous, and calm.

Is it a dream within a dream? A hallucination? But it all felt so real. There must be an explanation. Hans blinked again, and a noise caught his ears. He darted to the side and saw the only occupant in this space other than himself.

A small girl who is busy sleeping on a nearby desk. She has pale blue hair with pink highlights, held with a white tie resembling rabbit ears, and wearing a blue sailor uniform with a white collar and skirt.

Just like the the other girls he had encountered, above her head is a circular blue halo and nearby sat a white umbrella shaped like a gun... or was it a gun shaped like an umbrella?

Her soft snores and giggles filled the classroom, like she was having the most wonderful dream as she rests her head on the desk. The sight was oddly… serene.

Hans slowly walked to her. His boots splashing on the flooded floor as he pulled a chair and sat next to her.

"Mm… hehe… Castella cake... Banana milk... goes better than strawberry milk..."

'Ah… she is dreaming of food.'

Hans thought as a gentle smile crept to his lips.

He let his hand to reach her head and gently stroke her hair. If this is a dream… he doesn't mind it. She hated to wake her up, but… he needed information.

"Mmm... hehe..." She gave a giggle from his strokes.

Then, his finger went to her cheek and poked it.

"Hehe..."

She is a heavy sleeper, huh?

He poked her again… and again… then finally, she groggily wake up. Yawning and rubbing away her sleepiness from her eyes.

"Hweeh..? What's… what's going on…?"

As she slowly opened her eyes… a beautiful ocean blue eyes met his blood red ones.

She blinked again… then she immediately went into full on panic mode. A large blush formed on her face and her halo changed to a glitched light blue.

"Eh… Ehhh?! I-If you're here… you must be Hans-sensei?!"

Hans nods.

"Ah! So I was right! Wait… hueeh!? D-Don't tell me I overslept?!" the girl panicked again, her halo changed once more as if it was reflecting her current emotional state. A small streak of tears formed in her eyes as she realized her blunder.

Hans shook his head and wiped the tears away.

"…Uu.. hehe.. you're so kind, you know, sensei?" She giggled and leaned into his gloved hand.

…Ah. Her halo changed to a pink heart.

Then she blushed again and left his hand.

"A-Ah! Um… Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Arona!" she says, with a radiant, blinding smile on her face.

"I'm the system manager that lives inside the Shittim Chest, serving as its main OS. Think of me as your trusty secretary, Sensei!"

"I'm so glad to finally meet you! I've been waiting a long time!" She jumped up and down, which Hans replied with a gentle head pat.

"Ehehe..." The AI giggled and smiled before she moved back.

"I might not seem like much sensei, but I can prove that I am more mighty than you think!" She grinned as she puffed her chest in sheer confidence.

Hans nods tilted his head. Then he looked around and pointed.

"Hm? Are you wondering about this place? This place is inside the Shittim Chest!" Arona explains cheerfully, but Hans' eyes are wider than ever before.

Is this the true potential of technology?

"Your real self should be okay outside sensei, so don't worry."

Hans released a sigh.

"Hm… Oh! Before I forget, I need your biological authentication sensei."

Hans remained silent for a moment. Then he tilted his head.

"U-um... this is a little embarrassing, but it's all part of the protocol! I promise! So..."

Eventually, he nods.

"Okay! Um... w-would you mind bending down?"

Hans did so, and Arona raised a finger.

"T-Then, place your fingertip against mine. Um, you might want to take off your gloves first sensei."

Hans did so. He took off his right glove and let his finger touch Arona's. It felt… so strange, like an unexplained kind of strange as she felt her finger grew warm as she kept her focused stare on the point where their fingers met.

"It's almost done, sensei! J-Just wait!"

Hans nodded.

Then after a few good seconds, "And done! Verification complete!" Arona blinked and looked away with a sympathetic smile.

"…Wow, sensei… y-you've been through much, huh?"

...Did she read his memories?

He titled his head in confusion.

"...Um, to be honest sensei... I kinda went into your... memories. I'm sorry but... it's a matter of the confirmation protocol."

Silence pass.

Hans doesn't know how to react. Should he be enraged?

Then out of the blue, Arona raised her hand and stroked Hans' snow white hair. " Um... rest easy sensei. There- there, you got your super assistant Arona and the students now! Ehehe… your hair so soft… Eh! Ah! U-Um…!"

After a few seconds, Arona immediately jolted her hands from his hair with an extremely flustered expression.

Hans touched his hair where Arona had stroked it before.

"..."

He could trust her.

]"Um, sensei? Do you have any questions?" She titled her head.

Hans closed his eyes... and he trembled.

…It's been so long.

"…The GSC President."

Hans opened his lips, and let his voice came back in a rough, yet gentle and a silent whisper.

Arona's eyes lit up and a grin formed on her lips. "Sensei! You talk! O-oh.. a-ahem."

Then, she looked down with regret. "I'm sorry sensei… I have a lot of data on Kivotos, but nothing about her… I don't even know what she looked like."

Hans nodded gently and stroked her head again. "…Help to return access..?"

"To the sanctum tower, sensei?"

A nod.

"You got it, sensei! Let me just…" She closed her eyes before opening them a few seconds later.

"Administrator control acquired! I've successfully regained control of Sanctum Tower! That means… all of Kivotos is now in the palm of your hand, sensei."

Hans blinked for a moment.

Just like that?

Just like that, now he holds all the power? The power to control the world… the prowess to shape it in his image…

No. It's not his to wield, nor it was his in the first place. He knows how power corrupts men, and some… some would've gone mad over it.

"I can transfer control of Sanctum Tower to the General Student Council with your approval, Sensei." Arona continued, tilting her head.

There are risks also by giving total power to the GSC.

…But maybe…

Hans gave a stern expression. He gave a nod, but he raised his hand.

"Sensei..?" Arona raised her eyebrow… and a mischievous grin formed on her lips.

"…Create an emergency… backdoor for you and me." Hans rose back up, wearing his worn glove back.

"Fufu! You got it, sensei!" Arona closed her eyes… "Mhm! All done!"

Hans gave a nod. Then he looked around.

"Leave…?"

"Oh! Just think of the outside world, sensei." Arona giggled.

Hans nodded. He closed his eyes and-

He jolted back up.

"S-Sensei?! Are you okay?!" Rin held Hans as he opened his eyes. He blinked the drowsiness away and wiped his eyes.

He looked around and looked at the clock.

"Five minutes, sensei. You're out for five minutes. I was about to call Chinatsu here to check on you. Are you okay? What happened?"

Hans nodded.

"Huh?" Rin was about to ask something else but then her phone ringed. "Hello? Huh… yes, understood."

She closed the call, and she gave a light smile. "Control of Sanctum Tower was just confirmed. This will allow us to manage the city as well as we could before… the president's disappearance." Her eyes went to the old dog as she balled her fists... and gave him a light bow in pure gratitude.

"On behalf of the entire General Student Council, thank you, sensei. For preventing Kivotos from falling into utter chaos."

Hans replied with a silent nod.

"But before we leave, sensei, there is one more thing we should do." Rin walked to a nearby light switch and clicked it. In an instant, the alarm died, and replacing it was the powerful light bulbs this old building had. Chasing away the darkness, and filling it with pure white light.

"Welcome to SCHALE."

Rin walked up the stairs with a gentle smile.

"Follow me, sensei. I'll guide you around."

Now properly lit, Hans could finally appreciate the building he's going to be working in. It was clean, bright, large, and properly furnished. He thought of modifying it later, but to be honest, he thought this place was already perfect.

It got everything.

A study, a break room complete with a bed, a gym, a crafting chamber downstairs that he should ask Arona about. And finally, the main room that was the center of SCHALE and the place… he had a feeling he would be spending most of his time in.

"Here we are." Rin opened the last door with a simple tap.

The door opened to a spacious office.

A large and long desk with papers and a device on the middle, some large cabinets and shelves filled with more books and papers and a table for guests. Complete with comfortable sofas.

"This is the main office. It has been empty for so long, but now finally, it had an owner. You could say this is the main room of the club, and the place where you'll be working from." She walked to the computer and pressed it on.

"Later I'll have someone to teach you the basics of computers sensei since…" A cough left her lips. "Anyway. I'll explain SCHALE to you, sensei. I'm sure you have questions waiting to be answered."

Rin fixed her glasses and cleared her throat.

"The Independent Federal Investigation Club: SCHALE. It's not a traditional club per se, instead… it's more like a type of extrajudicial organization with you on the head. Since it's a federal club, you're allowed to recruit students from every of the academies in Kivotos and conduct operations without restrictions… along with the power to circumvent regulations if it was necessary."

Hans blinked.

"I know, it's a lot of power, sensei. I myself don't know how in the world the president can make such an organization like this. But I hope you can do good with it."

A pause.

"I trust you, sensei." Rin spoke in a gentle whisper.

"For now, your duties are to review any civil complaints, requests for materials, supplies, and aid, and so forth and so on." She concludes with a sigh. "We'll be counting on you."

Hans replied with a nod.

"Good. Let us return outside, sensei." Rin nodded and walked up the stairs with Hans following behind.

And the two walked down the halls, went to the front door… opening it and as they step outside…

They're greeted by a damn crowd of curious civilians and students in front of them. Dozens of students wearing all kinds of uniforms and haloes mix in with-

'Literal…walking cats and dogs? And… artificial constructs of a man?' Upon closer inspection, some had heads like an American football and with a slender body, and some are rectangular with a generous chubby body.

Just when he couldn't think anything would be even more twisted.

…Now that if he thought about it, he couldn't spot anything else except the constructs, animals, and students.

…They said that he is an adult but, what even are adults in this place?

Hans narrowed his eyes at the mix of animals and automatons.

Do they classify as adults?

Scheiße this is a mess. He is overthinking this.

"Is that him?! The adult who saved the city with a bunch of students?!"

"Is he really an adult!?"

"What club and academy where he comes from?!"

"Hey, have you watched the video? Look! He destroyed a tank single handedly without a weapon!"

The chatter came as white noise to the captain. Stiffening as he let his hands clench to fists as a reaction. He hated being in the spotlight. He hated conferences. He hated crowds.

Then, just as it couldn't get any worse for him, came along a screech of a van as two girls ran out from it. One holding a microphone and the other holds a camera.

"Excuse me, sir! I'm Kawaru Shinon and this is my partner Kazemaki Mai from Kronos News Club! Are you open to answer our burning questions?!" The blonde spoke as she pointed to the girl with the glasses.

…And how he loathes journalism and interviews.

Hans simply raised his hand and shook his head before pointing to Rin. Rin blinked and the journalist were silent with confusion for a moment.

"E-Eh…? O-Oh! Uhm, vice president Nanagami Rin! Are you the one who is going to answer our questions in his stead?" Shion's eyes twinkled back.

"...Yes I will. " Rin stole glance at Hans for shifting the spotlight to her... but this is something of a norm to her.

That doesn't mean she is used of it.

"Oooh! Then what is your relationship with this adult?! His name?! His age?! And how strong is he?!"

"What happened to the GSC President?!"

"I heard the adult here, went face to face with the Fox of Calamity?! How did that go?!"

She raised her hand. "Save the questions for sensei later, and I'll explain the situation." Rin spoke, and the journalists nodded.

"To everyone who is currently tuning in, I am vice president Nanagami Rin. Now acting as president for the General Student Council as a consequence for the president's sudden disappearance."

She started and murmurs began, confirming the rumors of the president had gone missing to the whole city.

Breathe in… breathe out.

"But before her disappearance, the president formed an organization made to protect and to answer any kind of troubles stirring in Kivotos in circumstances where the General Student Council isn't available to answer such problems. 'or if the trouble is really that minor.' She thought to herself. Remembering the annoying requests that came to their already rising pile.

Swallowing her bitter annoyance, she let her hand to move towards the tall, white-haired man with a smile... before she realized the torn clothing he had revealing... everything...

...This is going to be... such a highlight.

"U-Ahem…This is Hans-Sensei. The adult who is the head and image of the newly formed Independent Federal Investigation Club, SCHALE."

Rin continued with confidence and professionalism in her tone as the crowd watched with awe... and a certain feeling at his bare chested apperance.

"Because of his help, we are able to acquire back the control of the Sanctum Tower and stabilize the situation-"

"…But I did not do it alone."

Hans opened his mouth and that gruff, powerful, yet silent voice of his came out. Cutting Rin as she stared in surprise. Gaping like a goldfish along with the original rag-tag crew.

...He wouldn't take the credit for himself.

"As much as what it seemed like a one-man army… I had help by the courageous students of many academies… fighting as one."

He glared ahead as his eyes glinted with determination. Raising his hand as he pointed to the students one by one.

"Hayase Yuuka, the treasurer of Millennium's student council.
Hanekawa Hasumi and Morizuki Suzumi, part of the Justice task force and Vigilante crew. All hailing… from Trinity.
Hinomiya Chinatsu, Natsume Iroha, and…"

Hans stared at the little blonde who is watching with stars in her eyes. and the field cap on her head with the rest of the girls who are shocked and embarrassed to be called out like that.

Let them be, let them take the credit as well.

"Ibuki, of Gehenna. Nakatsukasa Kirino, alongside with her partner, Nemugaki Fubuki, the brave officers who lend us their hand from the Community Safety Bureau.
And lastly…"

Hans gazed at Rin, who was still wide eyed and mouth agape.

"Nanagami Rin herself. Who bravely took on the heavy mantle of acting president when she… disappeared with reasons unknown... even to me."

Hans halted for a moment... and he let out a small sigh.

"…I have accepted my role and responsibilities... as per the missing president's request in granting me such a position. I promise you… It's my duty to uphold my promise in the best of my abilities."

He glared at the crowd for one last time.

"My name is... Hans Günsche. if I do ever step out of line... do not hesitate to… remind me of my place."

A sigh.

"That is... all."

Hans closed his eyes and his lips as it were being sealed shut. Having exhausted his energy for speaking as he turned to his back, and walked inside the building again. Ignoring as the crowd roared with the sudden speech. The answers are satisfactory, but they still crave more words from the silent man.

He wanted nothing more but to rest somewhere and let the noises to fade from his ears

"Sensei! Sensei! Y-You can- you talk! A-and you must teach me how to make speeches like that!" Yuuka ran to Hans with stars in her eyes.

"It did catch me off guard, sensei. But, that is an excellent speech." Suzumi continued, walking to Hans with her rifle in her hands, but sometimes her eyes would linger on him back and forth.

"…Y-Yeah. S-Sensei." Chinatsu spoke next. Albeit she is.. a little more fidgety. He wondered why.

"Mm. Although… please warn us next time when you're going to... put us in the spotlight, sensei. Not that I mind, but…" Hasumi sighed with a tinge of red in her cheeks.

Then, the door opened as the last one of their original party entered.

"Haah… they're slowly dispersing. Although I would like it if they had done that a lot earlier…" Rin picked her glasses and rubbed her exhausted eyes.

His speech was over fifteen minutes ago, yet still the influx of civilians and students trying to get some more answers and such are still outside, albeit a little fewer thanks to the efforts of Rin and the safety bureau.

"Moving on... on the behalf of the General Student Council, thank you everyone. Thank you for your help. You have done Kivotos a great service on this day." Rin bowed to the students. "And did what the General Student Council had failed to do."

"A-Ah.. hehe. Just doing our part, acting president." Yuuka rubbed the back of her head.

Hasumi nodded. "Mm. No need to thank us. We're just happy to help." In which the rest agreed.

Rin returned the nod. Then she glared at Hans.

"Sensei. Just so you know, when we're outside and swarmed by the students from Kronos, your o-outfit is... did you not notice it already?!" She pointed out, ignoring her blush as she pointed to his torn and worn greatcoat who only hid the right side of his body.

"Y—You know when they left?! T-They said to thank you for the eye candy!" Rin continued on, trying her best not to stare as the rest of the students kept their tinge of pink.

Hans looked at her, then slowly pulled his greatcoat-

"H-HEY! S-SENSEI! N-N-NOT INFRONT OF US!" Yuuka shouted. Hastily clutching his gloved hand before she immediately pulled out with a burst of apologies.

...He nods.

"Ahem. W-Well… I guess… that's that." Hasumi cleared her throat. Her face is a little burning from the act Hans had done, but not as much as Yuuka's who is now in full red.

"H-Hm. Oh, and sensei. Before Iroha left, she had told me to give this back to you... after prying it from Ibuki's head... " Chinatsu reached into her bag gave him back his cap. "Here you go."

Hans tilted his head and accepted it. Wearing it back on his head, fitting perfectly as he nods.

…Ahh… back to the owner.

"Fufu…" Rin chuckled.

"You know, sensei. I'm sorry I-If I'm a little rude but…" Chinatsu mumbled. "…I'd love to hear your voice again." She looked away.

In which Hans replied with a shake of his head. "…I'll think... about it."

"H-Hey! You knew what I meant!" Chinatsu protested, which earned a couple chuckles from the others.

"Well… this has been a pleasure everyone. We'll have to say goodbye for now, but I hope you'll visit us at Trinity General School soon, sensei." Hasumi smiled as she waved goodbye to everyone and left first.

"Mm. I hope the same as well. See you around, sensei. " Suzumi not so long after.

"I'll have to leave, too. I'm going to report what happened here to our head prefect." Chinatsu sighed, packing up her things. "But… y-you're welcome to stop by and visit us in Gehenna Academy… s-sensei." Chinatsu left not so long later, leaving just Yuuka, Hans, and Rin.

"T-Then I guess I'll be-"

"Hold on for a moment, Yuuka." Rin interrupted. "I have a request for you."

"Huh?"

"I need you to teach sensei of computer and phone basics." Rin fixed her glasses with a menacing aura.

"E-Eh…?! W-WHY ME?!"

"Because you're the most reliable on the matter of technology. Unless, I'm wrong... then I'll-"

"Ugh! Fine! Fine! I-I get it!" Yuuka pouted with a small blush. "I'll do it okay? Sensei let's go."

"I didn't say it had to be now, Yuuka." Rin smirked, and she left the door in which Yuuka replied with a shout.

"YOU-!"

Hans just shook his head at the interaction. For the moment, he is just glad that no matter the differences, the students can get along. With a sigh and a frown, Yuuka walked ahead first towards the office.

"Come on then sensei." Yuuka waited.

Hans gave a nod but he gestured for her to wait as he scrummaged through the shelves for some books he hoped could be some help, just in case.

'computer grundlagen für kinder und dummkopf.'

'…Rude.'

Then, he raised his hand and pointed somewhere with his thumb.

The crafting chamber.

"Sensei, I have prepared a new blueprint for you! And trust me, you'll like my design!" Arona spoke with confidence.

…He need some new clothes.

It was late on Kivotos as the clock pinged to 1 AM.

Yuuka had left around three hours ago to her own place, sleepy, but satisfied knowing she had helped Hans in someway she can.

Yet the captain was still typing furiously on the computer. Fingers moving to key after key like a blur. Red eyes narrowing on each document, then back on the computer. Scanning on which one is important and which one he can ignore. This is his first day on the job and yet, he had done days of work.

After what seemed like hours and hours before, when Yuuka was teaching the old dog anything she can about computers and phones, he felt like an infant at first... and now, thanks to her, he felt like he had understood a good part of it. Maybe it's too much of a high praise knowing there are just simple everyday objects for the students… but in the end, it's extremely advanced. The ability to process data that could take weeks and months to the span of mere minutes, or maybe even seconds.

Searching for information as fast as lighting in a simple press of a button and an input where before, they could spend months researching in books and documents.

Even knowing the Dok's abilities to create artificial monsters and a literal enigma, a thought experiment and problem into a form of a boy, he still felt like the tech back then is primitive compared to this.

…Now if he thought about it, he felt like a fanboy or even like the Dok right now. Drooling ridiculously at the thought of new toys for him to play with for his own research and goals.

…Whatever it is.

He couldn't ever understand him, even after working with the madman for years before and after Millennium.

"Sensei…" Arona spoke through the tablet with a yawn. "Shouldn't you be sleeping right now?"

Hans answered with a shook of his head. He was used to staying for weeks and months without getting a wink of sleep. This wouldn't be so different.

After all, he is a creature born of the moon. The heir of Luna, and a supernatural soldier fighting a war one can barely understand all before he came to service of The Major.

And now? A teacher in the land of angels and others. This shouldn't be different.

…But yet, even with him trying to think this as a familiar job... this is all too far-fetched, too absurd, and too… different for him. Even as experienced as he is, this new profession is going to take awhile to get used to, yet he had faith that he'll manage.

Then as he continued on typing… a thought came to him.

Why him? Of all people? Surely he is the least competent man for the job.

Yet, that doesn't mean he hated the job nor ungrateful. It's his first day after all, and the students filled it with… events that is quite unique and a little refreshing.

He felt like he had done a right thing for once in his long forgotten life.

…He wonders, what should he teach them?

"Seenseii! Don't ignore mee…!" Arona spoke again from the tablet. "You need sleep!"

…Hans stopped his hands from typing.

3 AM. And he had gone through more than half of the documents GSC had to send his way. His fingers went to the keyboard again-

"Nope!"

Arona saved all of his work and shut off the computer. "Sensei, off to bed!"

"…Arona."

"Hmm? I know what you're going to say, sensei! But your super secretary says… it's time for bed. Seriously sensei... how long have you slept last?"

"…"

"Please?" Arona asked with those damn puppy eyes.

…And thus, Hans stood up and walked to the break room. Taking off his new white suit, coat, and field cap before hanging it next to his old M43 greatcoat.

A part of him wanted to throw it out.

And yet he couldn't part from it.

No matter what, it's a piece of his history. Branding him forever without a way to erase it.

Hans sighed and walked to the bed.

Then, he absentmindedly reached for his new phone (Thanks to Yuuka) and checked it.

Applications... calculator... notebook... calendar...

Wait, what is this?

…What is a MomoTalk Social Page?

Edited 9/4/2024