"Hweeh… thank you, sensei for carrying those with me. I can't believe they're paying us extra for your help."
The teacher in question nods while carrying a large stack of steel with him, next to Hoshino who carried some cement bags. Pushing them on a wheelbarrow.
In the commission work. It was said that they would only carry bricks and cement for the construction site. But in a stroke of fortune or misfortune… a truck that was supposed to carry the steel beams broke down and without a way they can carry the steel, Hans had taken the opportunity to claim the task for himself.
"I don't think we could thank you enough. Take the little bonus as well!" The manager said before he nudged Hans with a grin on its canine expression.
"Don't forget to treat her as well."
"…I won't."
He patted his back. "Good man."
Not a while later, the commission went swiftly, and it was finished with a brief break on a bench alongside a cold can of soda in their hands.
"…Say sensei. I've got a question." Hoshino sat next to him. Her face lit up by the afternoon sky.
Hans took off his field cap and nods.
"How did you know of the documents you shared with us earlier?"
"…Arona did some digging."
"Don't tell me you hacked into them, sensei…" Hoshino gave a lazy smile. In which Hans shrugged again. He couldn't confirm or deny it.
"Well, whatever how it is, we'll… discuss it later when Ayane finds something." She slumped before sighing.
"Other than that, Shiroko had been quite happy, y'know? Usually, she's quiet and quite neutral about everything and yet… since you had come here yesterday, she seems much livelier than before." She spoke nonchalantly.
"Say, what did you say to cheer her up? Can you let this uncle in?"
Hans raised his eyebrow. "...Uncle?"
"Uweeh… just humor me, sensei."
Hans looked in thought for a moment before shaking his head.
"…That is... between us."
Hoshino gave a frown, yet a relaxed expression. Hiding her disappointment, "Uhee… mot even a little? That's no fair sensei, playing favorites."
He shook his head again before planting a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I didn't mean to... put it that way. It's just… something that I'd rather keep for her ears only. If it's any peace for you, I had made... a promise. That is all."
Hoshino let the gears turn inside her head before nodding. "Well, if you say so. It's not up to little ol'me to say something about it."
She stood up. Dulling her senses before she gave a friendly smile. "Hm… say how about lunch, sensei?"
He stood up as well nodding as she returned the gesture and picked up her phone. "Alright! Let's go! I know just the place…"
Shiba Seki Ramen.
"We're here!" Hoshino grinned.
"Oh, Shiba Seki?." Ayane looked at Hoshino.
"Eyuup. It's been a while since we ate lunch outside together."
"Agreed! Besides, we got sensei with us as well!" Nonomi spoke next.
"Nn. Let's head in." Shiroko walked ahead first.
Soon, as the party entered the restaurant they were greeted by a familiar face. Wearing not her usual black school uniform but the uniform of a waitress. A dark blue skirt with the establishment's logo replaced her usual skirt, a bandana tied on top of her head, and a pistol that was holstered to her waist replaced her rifle.
"Ah, just a minute! Extra order of noodles for table three!"
Gone was the fiery and emotional black-haired student, and in its place, was a professional. She dashed from table to table with precision and detail. Never missing a beat to dash from customer to customer in the surprisingly packed restaurant.
Taking their orders and moving back and forth to the kitchen with the agility matching… a cat.
Then finally, after moving to the next table, she wrote something on her board before moving in to greet the new customers.
"Welcome to Shiba Seki-" she greeted the party with a shining smile… before it fell from the twist of fate. "W-What the?! Y-YOU?!"
"Hello, Serika! Table for five, please!" Nonomi greeted with her usual cheer.
"H-Haha. Hello, Serika..." Ayane greeted. Awkwardly.
"Hey." Shiroko continued. Plainly.
"W-W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?!" she spoke with obvious embarrassment before her eyes met Hans.
"Y-YOU EVEN BROUGHT HIM?!" Serika pointed with her index finger, to which Hans replied with a nod and a raised hand.
"Hehe! We knew you'd be here!" Hoshino grinned proudly as the cat girl groaned into her arms.
"H-HOW?!" Then, with whatever thought process that came to her, she glared at Hans with a scowl. "Were you stalking me?"
Hans stood in disbelief for a moment and shook his head. Perhaps a little hurt at how... that came from literally nowhere.
"Hey, I wouldn't blame sensei. He was with me the whole time. This is my idea." Hoshino interrupted the wild train of thought.
"O-Oh… but still…" she continued with an embarrassed groan. "…This is the worst…"
"Hmph. It would be far worse if you didn't take their order." A gruff voice called out from behind her. It was a dog. A pure bipedal dog with yellow and white fur as it spoke with a pipe in its mouth and arms crossed to complete the menacing look of an adult.
From here, one might see that he is not much, but the aura of maturity and age seeped through like fine wine. Years and years of experience glazed from his black eyes and the scar on his cheek, mirroring the perfect image of a retired and well-aged warrior. Dressed in a simple blue uniform and an apron of a chef's attire.
"Are these your Abydos classmates and…" He looked up at Hans before baring his fangs to a wide grin. "Well, you're quite the character. Guessing you're their teacher?"
Hans gave a nod, and the dog returned it.
"Well then, cut the chit-chat and sit them down, as you would any other customer."
"Y-Yes sir." She spoke with a small bow. Satisfying the dog as he gave a nod and walked towards the kitchen. Serika then glared at them again before sighing.
"Fine… follow me. I'll take you all to your table."
Serika leads them around the restaurant towards a fairly large table near the center of the room that could fit the five of them.
And Hans took this opportunity to let his eyes wander around.
First, when he arrived here along with the students, he was a little surprised at how… inviting it was. Everything is decorated simply, with no hints of grandeur or flair that The Major used to take him into. No, the establishment… was utterly homely, with the decorations being the simple red lanterns tied on the ceilings with the restaurant's logo printed on them.
And at the heart of it was a bar, complete with stools that some patrons had sat in. Slurping on their noodles with a side of hot tea. The place itself was quite packed, but not in terms of a full house to say. It was… fairly filled in, with around ten patrons enjoying their meal.
Catching glimpses, he could see the owner with a ladle in his hand as he stirred something in the pot. Something that reeks of sweet and delicate smell that tingled his nose and enabled his appetite for some food.
Once they arrived at the table, the students sat first as they scooted to create space on the shared elongated seat. And yet, it is still a little cramped to fit all of them.
Even without Hans sitting as well.
"Over here, sensei! Sit next to me!" Nonomi patted the empty spot next to her.
"Umm... or you can sit here if you want." Shiroko offered. In which Hans thought for a moment before accepting. Sitting next to the younger wolf as she scooted a little to make space for the captain. "U-Um…" Shiroko looked away. A little embarrassed.
Serika meanwhile, frowned at sight before she shouted. "It's too narrow!" Hans simply raised his hand and the cat girl sighed.
"See? Sensei said it's okay." Shiroko nodded.
"Ugh… can't all of you just sit like NORMAL people?!"
"Yeah, yeah… on the other hand, didn't know you were into this kinda stuff. Chose to work here solely based on the uniform, did ya?" Hoshino teases.
"Yup, yup! Your uniform is adorable Serika!" Nonomi joined in on the poking.
"W-What?! What are you talking about?!" Serika answered defensively with a gentle blush. "I-It's just I'm used to being a regular… and Master Shiba allowed me to part-time here… that's all.
"I bet I could fetch a pretty yen if I sold pictures of you in that uniform, Serika. What do you say, sensei? Wanna be my first customer?" The third year continued with the teasing, along with a grin to Hans.
In reply, Hans merely shook his head.
"Knock it off, Hoshino…" Ayane sighed. Hans has to give the elf some credit so someday, being the sole voice of reason in the group of misfits in this kind of situation.
But at the same time, though he could intervene Hans wanted to see where this was going. Just because.
"UGH! CAN YOU JUST SHUT UP AND ORDER ALREADY?!" she shouted again, gaining some attention from the other customers who just raised their eyebrows before shaking their heads with a smile.
Hoshino on the other hand continued with her grin, slowly transforming into an awful, awful smirk that one would've loved to slap away.
"I think what you mean was 'May I take your order?', right? Miss waitress?" It didn't help with her wiggling eyebrows and giving the poor girl finger guns.
Hans was holding his smile once more. Good lord, that face itself could anger saints.
And the fact he is not alone in this. The rest of the foreclosure task force was holding their laughter as well. Maybe not Nonomi because she is just an enormous ball of sunshine.
Next to him, Shiroko is already pulling her scarf high, and Ayane who is sitting in front of Hoshino is already dying. She looked away while putting a hand over her mouth. "…C-Cmon Hoshino… s-spare her already…"
Serika's eye twitched and the grip on her pen tightened as it trembled and trembled… before snapping. If looks could kill, everyone would be dead ten times over.
Even with the great blush on her face, the girl soldiered on. Grabbing a backup pen from her pockets, she handed the table the menu before tapping on the board with the notepad.
"…May I have your order, customers?"
She spoke with piercing calmness and venom laced honey he had expected coming from Rin herself, not from the emotional cat girl. In her credit though, she doesn't sound forced at all.
Just filled with so much pent up anger.
"I'll have the chashu ramen, please!" The blonde orders.
"One shio ramen." Shiroko followed.
"Hmm... I'd like the miso ramen." Ayane looked at the menu for a moment before ordering.
"I want the special miso!" Hoshino says with joy, raising her hand high. "With extra grilled chashu!"
Serika sighed "I hope all of you brought your own money. You're not going to make Nonomi pay again are you?"
"It's not like I mind. I'm still way under my card's credit limit." The blonde smiled, reaching to her pockets for her wallet.
"Nah, we can't make you do that. Sensei is going to pick up the tab today! Right?" Hoshino pointed.
"Wait, really?" Ayane blinked.
"Like what the construction manager says… treat your lady, eh?" She winked. Earning stares from the task force.
"…I was… planning to do so either way." Hans whispers as he flipped through the menu again with a frown.
"Can't decide, sensei?" Hoshino raised her eyebrow.
He nodded. In his shame, he was a little overwhelmed by the size of the menu itself. Confused by the different broth, toppings, and noodles as he flipped through the pages.
By the description it had on the menu, chasu is pork, miso is… something that he had eaten before, and shio is something that is primarily salty.
Maybe chasu? Hans thought to himself before sighing.
"Just order anything sensei. Everything here is good." Hoshino commented.
He then flipped through the page again.
"…I'll have... the same as you then, Hoshino." He closed it with a sigh.
"What, don't tell me you never had ramen before?" Hoshino pointed out.
Hans looked at her before... giving her a slow nod. "W-WHAT?! Y-YOU NEVER DID?!" Serika shouted. "I… I can't believe it…"
"Hmph. I knew it." The familiar gruff voice of the owner came close. Walking from behind Serika and staring, meeting his eyes directly.
"You're not from around here, aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you've been fighting longer than you've been living."
The captain didn't comment. "Serika. Some tonkotsu for him." The old dog pointed out and the girl immediately begins to write "Can you use chopsticks?"
Hans nodded. He had experience in it before, thanks to Yuuka giving him pointers back on their friendly dinner.
Or dinner date.
Ugh.
"Well, that's a relief. Trust me, it'll taste better that way." The master nodded. "Anyway, anything else that fancies you on the menu?"
Hans opened the menu again with a frown.
"…Chasu?" He spoke gently.
Master Shiba raised an eyebrow. "Buddy, I'll put extra on your bowl. I mean, as appetizers."
Hans kept his eyes fixed on the menu.
"Hm…" He thought for a moment before giving a nod.
"Serika, add pork gyoza as well." He smirked. "Don't worry, it's on the house."
Hans was speechless for a moment before he gave a small, respectful smile to the old dog.
"You got all that right, Serika?"
"O-Of course, Master Shiba!" Serika flinched back to reality and double checked her notepad. "Adding extra order of gyoza!"
The dog gave a nod before walking away. "It'll be done in twenty minutes. Serika, fetch the other orders."
"Y-YES!" The cat girl immediately dashed away from the table. Leaving Hans alone with the very, very curious mob of girls staring at him.
"Well now, ain't that quite interesting." Hoshino cupped her cheeks in her hand as she leaned on the table. "While we wait, why don't we know you better, sensei?"
"I don't know, Hoshino… I don't want to be rude…" Ayane commented.
"Yes. Let sensei be, Hoshino." Shiroko sighed.
"Hey now, I mean in something simple not intrusive!" Hoshino defended.
"Oh! I have one! Since you never eat ramen, what do you usually eat, sensei?" Nonomi raised her hand.
Hans looked away. A thought came from Yuuka's nagging. "…Meat." He answered, which perked Shiroko's ears up high.
"Aha! Just like Shiroko right here!" Nonomi giggled.
"N-Nn."
"You don't like vegetables, sensei? I thought you could eat anything!" Hoshino bumped in.
"I have no… dislikes. But I... prefer meat overall."
"Any preferences?" Nonomi wondered. Hans shook his head. "Fufu, you're really sounded like Shiroko. But she prefers beef and pork over all" She continued, and the younger wolf beside him fidgets a little.
"Soo… you cook?" Hoshino continued.
"In Kivotos… Hardly. I had them… ready to eat."
"What about before?" Hoshino followed up.
"…Back then, I used to-" Hans frowned, thinking of when to start. Earning some curious eyes.
"...hunt."
"Whoa! You're a hunter, sensei?" Nonomi chirped.
Hans nodded. "…A long time ago... with my pa- comrades." Then he sighed. "And as time goes, alone."
"What happened?" Shiroko asked. Thinking of the worst.
"We drifted… apart." Extinct. Hans remembered the last night all too well. "I had other… priorities that need… attention." He answered vaguely. If they continued with the way he had wanted to, he had no mind opening up.
"Is that so? Said Master Shiba, you've been fighting long. Were you a soldier or something?" Hoshino bites.
"…You can say so." He paused and continued. "Back then... I held the official rank... of hauptsturmführer in the military." He paused.
"An… equivalent of captain if I'm not mistaken."
"Really?! How many people were under your command sensei?" Ayane's eyes lit with awe.
Hans shook his head. Really, being a captain was... "When I was… in active duty back in the desert… I had around…thirty... seven."
He answered, and Ayane continued to gleam under his answer.
"Desert combat, huh? Looks like we're lucky to have you with us." Hoshino leaned. "So… were you retired or something?"
"…As time went on, I was… working under a man a rank above me. A sturmbannführer… or a major. Mostly assigned as his… personal bodyguard instead of fighting in the front lines."
"Guessing you were assigned to him?"
"…Yes." He hesitantly answered. Both a lie and truth. "…Yes… I was." Hans shook his head. He wasn't going to spill about the unbroken oath he had with The Major. A suicide pact of one where they'll vanquish a last monster of the wyrm itself.
The first vampire.
"What was he like?" Nonomi curiously asked.
Hans closed his eyes. "He was… eccentric. Unorthodox. And... he was the last one left to… follow."
"The last one?" Shiroko curiously pointed out.
A nod.
"Nearing the end of the war… our military is decimated. He is… the last that still held command." The last one to lead the remnants of the Schutzstaffel into a mad dream turned nightmare. Into the eternal war where only then all hell would break loose over London.
A final war that will shake heaven and earth.
"…There's barely... a thousand of us by the end of it."
"What happened to him? Is he...?" Ayane continued the question.
"Yes."
'And I as well.'
"I… was lucky enough to survive." If being... perhaps revived or... something to Kivotos could be called such.
"…And that's when you decided to become a teacher?" Hoshino asked the question. Eyes narrowed to study the war dog.
Hans closed his eyes and answers. "…Yes. I was offered by the president for the position before… she vanished." He paused a little.
To be honest, he never expected to be a teacher. All he wanted was to rest. To find peace in an eternal damnation. Maybe becoming one with the spirits long passed.
But, a fleeting memory of a girl asking for his help. Pleading with him to stand by her side and aid her in whatever crisis that falls over Kivotos.
Bless his heart, he accepted the request.
"It was... a small request that I had accepted."
And the invisible timer rang as Serika came over with the orders in her hand. A blessing in disguise perhaps. Hans was... a little too tired for talking too much.
"Here you go. Your pork gyoza." She placed the appetizers down on the table. Hans looked at the food with curiosity as he opened his gloves. The rest of the girls clapped their hands and chanted the pre-meal prayer. Or was it something along the lines of thank you for the food?
In the end, Hans did not participate. He just closed his eyes and unsheathed the chopsticks. Breaking them perfectly without error. With his left hand, he unbuttoned his neck guard and folded it neatly on the side, then after taking off his field cap, he picked one up and opened his mouth.
"…"
Before stopping to see the many eyes staring at him curiously. Hans raised his eyebrow.
"N-Nothing, sensei! U-Um, I never asked before, but… isn't your attire… hot?" Ayane pointed out his choice of attire.
That is the same as yesterday. The olive great coat.
Hans shook his head.
"Ehh… you do you, sensei. But speaking for all of us. Under your neck guard, you could make a young maiden melt." Hoshino grinned with a teasing tone as the rest of the group looked away.
Well, except for Nonomi who is still watching Hans with a faint laughter in her lips.
"Try dipping the gyoza in the soy sauce, sensei." She gestured before picking on herself and dipping it into the sauce.
"Here!" she offered the dipped gyoza with a gentle smile. "Say ahh…!"
"O-OI! N-N-NONOMI?!" Serika stumbled "T-That's! T- "
Hans shrugged. He guessed that it must be some sort of polite interaction. The fact that Yuuka had also done the same…
He is probably correct on the assessment. Besides, it would be rude to decline.
Right?
Hans opened his mouth and chomped on the dipped gyoza. Earning some dropped jaws at the sight.
"Fufu… Fufu! How is it?" Nonomi eyed the captain.
His mouth was bombarded by the taste. The spices, the perfectly cooked outer shell and pork, and the unique salty and spicy tang of the soy sauce.
He was… pleased.
"It's... delicious." He spoke gently, a soft smile on his lips as he dipped his gyoza that he had picked up and offered it to her.
"S-S-SENSEI?!" Ayane commented next as Serika had melted off the side with her face red. Hidden behind the tray.
Shiroko looked away, and Hoshino… just lazily slumped down on the table.
"…it would be fair."
"Oh my! Then don't mind if I do!" Nonomi opened her mouth.
Chomp!
"Mm…! You're right! This is delicious! And even more with sensei feeding me." The playful blonde giggle, earning some shrieks from Ayane and Serika. "Just kidding~,"
"S-Sensei." Shiroko gently whispered, and offers a gyoza as well. "…S-Say Ahh…"
"SHIROKO YOU TOO?!"
"Uhehehe…. Look at you, sensei. Gaining the hearts of my juniors."
The feeding continued until the tray had been exhausted from the dumplings. And what's left is just the ramen waiting for them.
"Here you go. Your ramen." Serika placed the bowl with trembling hands as she somewhat had recovered from the initial embarrassment, although not as much as the others.
How can Nonomi remain nonchalant is beyond her.
Her eyes moved to Hans as he ate painfully slow and gentle. Never once making a loud slurp as he chewed on the noodles and sipped on the warm and sweet-smelling broth Master Shiba had made.
He looked at him getting along with her friends and even feeding each other and changing bowls just to have a little taste of each other's orders.
And when she saw the gentle smiles on their faces… She felt stiff and blank at the sight.
The laughter. The joy. Everything.
She felt numb. Her hands gripped the tray without purpose. Stealing glances at their tables as she went on with her part-time job.
Sometimes, even the calls of Master Shiba grew faint in her ears.
Her eyes continued to stare at the man. Every time they joked with him, they chatted with him, and when they smiled with him.
The girl wanted to be there. She wanted to be the source of the laughter and smiles.
Serika doesn't understand.
How can an adult who came literally a day ago, sweep all of her friends just like that? How can he instantly gain their trust THAT quickly? By what? being "helpful?"
She had worked her ass off for longer than him. She had been there with every in and out. Every high and low with the Task Force.
She is much more than that man. Just an aimless adult seeking payment from the GSC. Sticking his nose to something that is not his right to know.
Helping? Hmph.
She wouldn't even believe him. No matter what garbage he spouts out.
No matter what.
So what God did she anger to had met him early the next day? Just when she is off doing her part-time?
"Why are you here?! We don't have any classes today!" Serika growled. "Don't you have anything better to do rather than loiter around in Abydos?! And you call yourself an adult."
Hans pointed to her.
"Me? What about me?! It's none of your business!"
Hans remained silent, eyes boring to her.
"...Ugh, just buzz off and go bother someone else. I'm outta here." Then she turned her back and sprinted.
Hans blinked for a moment before he followed her. Walking closely behind the cat without missing a beat.
"…Let me accompany you."
"Why?! Why me?"
"Shiroko and Nonomi are… traveling. Ayane is still busy. And Hoshino… nowhere to be found."
"I don't need your help! Go away!"
Hans raised an eyebrow at the slip-up.
"J-JUST GO AWAY!" she shouted and ran away again.
Hans dashed right behind her. Turning it into a cat-and-mouse game, with Hans being close enough behind just to annoy her.
Then, an idea came to him.
And then he is gone.
"Ugh… finally, I had lost that damn stalker." Serika sighed. "…I'm beat." Then, she walked to the park.
"Excuse me, I'm here for the part-time job?"
A short apricot-colored pug wearing a fine suit turned around to meet her, lowering his notepad. "Oh! Are you Kuromi Serika?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Just in time! Here's a list of what I need you to do." He handed her a sheet of paper. "Good luck!" He gave her a thumbs-up before returning with his inspection.
The cat girl looked at the tasks at hand before nodding to herself.
Weeds to pluck, then rake the leaves… and finally, clean the gazebo and the fountain.
There's so much to do.
And she must do it fast.
With haste, the cat ran to finish her job.
And hours later, as the clock ticked to 1 PM, Serika sat on the bench. Sweaty but satisfied. Pocketing the hard-earned cash she got with a big smile on her lips.
She was done… quicker than expected and should she have a little extra cash at the end? It must be because the park manager had been blown away by her performance!
"That's... quite the amount. Congratulations." An adult sits next to her and offers a cold can of juice.
"I know right? Thank you, sensei!" She accepted the can and opened it. Before she halted midway.
'Sensei?'
With wide eyes, she turns to see a familiar white-haired man. "W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"
She shot up, throwing away the can in surprise. Letting the undrunk grape soda seep into the grass.
Hans stood up to pick up the can and tossing it to a nearby trash can "…Passing by."
"Y-You! You're stalking me! I knew it! Y-YOU!"
Hans ignored her words as he sipped on his coffee. "…Next?"
"None of your business! We're not friends!"
He raised his eyebrow.
"Ugh." She grumbled a little. "Fine... Fine! You really want in that bad?!"
Hans nods and walked away. "I'll... drive you."
And moments later, she followed the man with an angry scowl painted on her lips all the way.
"Over there. That grocery store." Serika pointed out.
Hans nodded and pressed on the brakes. Parking the jeep somewhere secure.
"Stay here," Serika grumbled as she entered the store, before walking out with a comically large bag filled with fliers.
"Our priority is to send out these fliers, you got it? Speed is critical! Now just be still and hand them out to passersby near the store while I'm off to hand some to the houses! You got it?" She pushed the bag to Hans, grabbing a pile of the fliers as she made a wild dash towards the residential area. Not waiting for an answer from him.
And he did as she was told. Handing out to the passerby while waiting for her to return and then, barely ten minutes later, Serika ran back.
"Next! Hurry!"
Hans passed a bulk before she snatched it angrily. Running to the horizon again.
And this cycle continued for a few more times before Hans had enough.
Holding the bag, Hans made a dash towards the residential area as well.
Just a few hours later as the day moved on to evening, the bag was completely empty to his relief.
"Huff… huff… more!"
Hans shook his head and showed her the empty bag.
"…Really?" Serika eyed the adult suspiciously
A nod.
"You didn't throw them out, didn't you?"
Hans frowned and shook his head.
Serika folded her arms. "Hmph. Since I can't get rid of you anyway, we're going to Shiba Seki next."
Hans gave a thumbs-up as he entered the driver's seat. Opening the door of the "confiscated" jeep's passenger seat.
"…Ugh. Again with the door opening?" Serika sat, rolling her eyes. Eyes gazing anywhere but the adult. "What are you waiting for?! Hit it!"
Hans pressed the pedal, and the jeep zoomed.
Onwards to the next job.
"Well, you're quite early. Not that I'm complaining." Master Shiba greeted. "Get into uniform girl, get to work." He pointed to the staff room with a thumb.
"Yes! Right away!" Serika zoomed, changing to her work uniform and dashing back out to pick up orders in the blink of an eye.
The master gave a small smile before his eyes went to the wolf. "So, you're with her today?"
Hans nodded in answer.
"Hm." He looked back into the store. "Suppose you're going to be busy around these parts for a while, teacher. You've seen the state this district is in."
Hans nodded again.
The dog studied the man a little more. "Heh, you're quiet. Heard you had quite the rep from saving the DU. Destroyed a crusader bare-handed yeah?"
"…That is true."
He then raised an eyebrow before patting the old wolf with a tinge of amusement. "Well, if what I heard about you is correct, I think I can trust you with it. Take care of them, yeah? But I have a feeling you already planning to do so."
"...Yes."
"Hmph. Well, get in. Or do you prefer standing outside like a lemon?" Master Shiba smirked back. Walking inside the shop for the wolf to follow.
And when he did, what happened next was something he had never expected.
First, it was just carrying supplies to the kitchen, then chopping some ingredients, and the next… he was wearing a large apron underneath a white tank top, with his greatcoat hung in the coat hanger.
"Put some salt into the broth. Yes, that much is enough."
Either fate had laughed at him or had strange plans for the old war dog. First, he was a teacher, now a cook apprentice.
But he found a certain irony in this "part-time" Master Shiba had offered. Even for just a day.
"Hm. Not bad for a beginner." The Masterchef nodded. "But you've got a lifetime to catch up to me."
And so, Hans continued on with the broth.
In much dislike for the cat girl as she gave him an embarrassed expression of utter disappointment before before moving on.
But without stealing glances here and there.
"We're back! Can you w- NO WAY! IS THAT?!"
"!"
"Fufu, sensei... that's a good look on you."
"S-SENSEI?!"
"QUICK, PHONES!"
And because of a certain pink haired girl, Shiba Seki had one of its busiest day of all time.
Serika bowed and thanked her employer as she clocked out from work with a generous paycheck in her pockets. Returning the place's uniform, Serika exited the ramen joint with the familiar black uniform and a face filled with contentment before it fell as she thought of today's events.
…It's all connected to him.
The reason her pockets were filled was because of HIM. All because of that annoying adult meddling in today's part-time jobs.
A prideful part of her wanted to throw the cash away and scream at the man who just goofed off all day, and another wanted to thank him.
So in the end, she put on an indifferent expression as she walked to the jeep.
He gave a nod as he entered the driver's seat and her in the passenger's seat without a word exchanged.
As she closed the door, Hans started the engine and the car stood still.
"…Next?" He finally broke the silence with the same quiet voice he always had.
. "…Take me to the Six Twenty-Two a few blocks away."
Hans replied with a nod. Unflinching and neutral as the jeep drove on the well-lit streets.
Not a word was exchanged between them. The frustrating adult continued to drive while her eyes were fixed on the buildings that passed their jeep.
And barely around seven minutes later, that man finally spoke again.
"…Do you... have work tomorrow as well?"
"What's it to you?" She frowned.
Hans remained silent for a second before he continued. "…Just my curiosity."
"Ugh. Do you really don't have anything better to do?"
Hans answered with a shrug as she grumbled again with that answer. Then her eyes dart to the back of the car. An apron was folded neatly nearby with the logo of her employer.
And the memory of Hans wearing just an apron stirring the broth came back in much of her dismay. If she is in the age range of drinking, she would love to knock herself out.
"…Ugh."
Hans raised his eyebrow before he looked at the apron. "…It's a gift."
She folded her arms. "…Don't tell me what I already know."
Hans shrugged. "Either way…It was quite… the experience. I had… fun."
Serika scoffed. "Glad you found your fun from stalking me all day."
Hans raised a hand. "…With your permission."
"More like you forced me to." She frowned and shut her eyes for a moment. Having just enough from this back and forth.
He sighed. "…I have words, that I was trying to say."
"What?"
"…You should find time to rest as well. Working like this… wouldn't do any favors for your well-being."
Serika's shut eyes went wide open as something broke inside of her. "Do you think I have the leisure for it?! Sorry that SOME of us don't have time to goof around!" she snapped to the man as she felt the rage began to rise again. "There's still much to do and much more to pay!"
Hans raised a hand. "…Not at the cost of your health. Balance it out between... recess and duty. We are in this together."
"We?" Serika growled. Hands curled into fists upon his words, at his AUDACITY to think he was a part of their struggle.
An outsider.
"You... ARE NOT PART OF US!"
Hans kept a cool expression at her outburst. "…No I'm not. But it's still my… priority to see you well."
She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Why? Because it's your job as a teacher?! BECAUSE IT'S YOUR JOB TO LITERALLY CARE?!"
"…And my own will." Hans remained neutral.
"Like I believe it! ALL THE WHILE YOU'VE DONE NOTHING BUT GOOF AROUND AND GET PAID AT THE SAME TIME!"
The rage seeped through like a miasma. Her hands trembling as she gripped the seat for support.
With a sigh, the teacher shook his head. Breaking from the road for a moment as he gazed a her. "…If you thought of me that way… then let me prove otherwise."
"Like hell, I will. I would never fall to something like that." She finished her rant. Coldly.
"I hope I would never grow to be as aimless as you."
Hans let his lips seal shut as his head fell. Hiding his eyes under the worn olive field cap.
"…I hope… you grow better than I." He spoke calmly, and a flash of melancholy left his eyes. "I'll... wait for you here. If you... would have me."
"…I had enough of you for one day." She spoke, exiting out of the car with that same bitter anger. Flowing endlessly at the white-haired wolf.
Hans stared at the road before he gave the feisty cat a hesitant nod. Lips trembling in a frown as he pressed the pedal… and he was gone.
Serika watched the jeep drive away to the empty road. Bit by bit, the anger left her eyes and her mind flashed to their conversation.
At how… calm he was, despite her rage. And at how… pained he looks.
She trembled for a moment before she let a sigh leave her lips.
It doesn't matter. She had better things to do rather than think of an outsider who barged into their lives.
…She'll make sure to give them hope as well. Rather than some aimless man that came from nowhere.
No matter what.
Hans exited the jeep without a sound. Wandering to a nearby park as he sat on a bench. Closing his eyes and let his mind wander.
She is not wrong about that statement.
Aimless.
From day one ever since he had come to Kivotos, all he had done was wander and do his work. All on repeat, without a clear goal in mind.
There is much and nothing he would do here with his… life. If he could call this life rather than a cruel hallucination as part of the Dok's experiments.
All this time, he had been gone through like an automaton. Wandering with nothing in mind. Doing work when he was told to.
How much is it that it's his own will and which one is from him following another? This is no better than back when he was with his pack, and when he was with The Major.
Really, what is he doing here?
In the end, he never changed.
"Sensei, don't let her get you down in the dumps."
Hans blinked as the Shittim Chest came to life.
"This is all you! This is your choice! Plus, you've been here barely a month sensei! There's still much you can do!" Arona chirped. "You have changed, sensei! You talked! You smiled! You helped! And you cared!
"So… I don't think you're aimless and running around in circles. You still did come here on your own. You still helped the district and the students, whether you know it or not. Um… does that make sense?" Arona grumbled. Thinking if her pep talk had worked or not.
A small chuckle left his lips. "…Maybe."
"Really?"
"…I don't know."
"Hey! Don't tease me!"
The smile remained on his lips as he patted the tablet. There is maybe some truth in her words. He just needs to hear the words. For now, this is all he can do. She might not appreciate him being there, but he had an oath to see it till the outcome.
And who can know if it's bitter if the ending hasn't been written just yet?
"So, sensei. What is it that you want to do now?"
"…Let's go back."
"Hm! Hm!"
And thus, Hans stood up. Entering the jeep as he started to drive back towards the convenience store.
Then a few moments later, an ear-piercing explosion of artillery caught his ears. To be exact, a thunderous explosion of a Flak 41.
And he slammed down on the gas.
Thinking of the worst.
"Should we trash her some more?"
"No. We're done here, throw her in the car," One gangster shouted, grabbing hold of the girl's unconscious and wounded body, and tossing her to the back of the armored vehicle. Letting her to fall with a bang upon the uncushioned metal.
With the doors closing and the red-clad gangster banging on the vehicle, the armored car dashed forward, followed by an escort of smaller vehicles.
"Ahh with this, our payment is secured! How much is it, anyway?"
"Enough for us to go big and reeelax for a good few months. Ooh! Maybe we can get that new expensive attachment from Millennium!"
"Now that sounds like a plan!"
The gangers dreamed of a mouth-watering payment they're going to have. For months they had been harassing and ruling over the district as queens thanks to their big boss so to say, and all they had to do left… is to claim that sandblasted school only to be met by fierce resistance from the stubborn five students they call as idiots.
The gangsters just needed to kick back and wait till their ammo went dry. And when they did so, what they thought to be an easy sweep... the rumored sensei from SCHALE came along. Guns blazing and bringing supplies to them! Oh, how their magnificent failure got the boss mad.
They even lost their base because of him. Clearing out their beloved district just like that in a single day. But luckily their boss wouldn't give up on them. With shiny new supplies and weapons, they would succeed against him.
And maybe becoming new rumors and legends themselves! After all, what can one adult do?
This rowdy girl they captured is just the beginning… soon it would be-
BANG BANG BANG!
A few shots rang from behind them, before one hitting her directly.
"OW! W-What the?! Is someone shooting at us?!" The red-clad helmet girl shouted, looking out from the vehicle.
"It's- wait… IT'S THE GUY FROM SCHALE!"
"WHAT?! H-HOW?!"
"F-FIRE!"
Immediately, the escorts all clicked their guns, aiming at the lone jeep behind them as he fired his pistol. Then… the hailstorm of bullets began.
Their guns exploded through the night. Firing upon the lone adult driving recklessly behind them. Bullets twisted and soared. Piercing the air as it ran to him and yet… none had hit their mark, with some lucky ones denting the jeep.
One truck neared and leaned to the jeep as the ganger on it aimed her MG. And without even staring at them, the adult rammed his vehicle sideways into the truck as it skidded and toppled on the sands. All the while, remaining as cold as they say.
Red eyes bore through them as he reloaded.
"D-Dammit! We need artillery here! W-what do you- I don't care! Just fire!" One shouted into the phone.
Barely a second later, the thunderous explosions of artillery filled the air towards the adult and them. Littering the road with explosions and artillery holes in front and behind the adult. Yet none had hit him.
Driving wildly left and right and left again. One arm was still on the wheel as the other shot his ridiculous long-barreled Mauser without hesitation.
The red-clad gangster trembled. How can he still be calm and confident?! They can't lose this! If they did...!
"OW!" Her partner tumbled as she fell unconscious.
One lucky hit that's all they need! So why can't anyone shoot that damn jeep?! She prayed to whatever deity above to give them their blessing.
She then reloaded her rifle and started firing.
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG!
More and more bullet holes continued to riddle the jeep as she fired on him nonstop. But his vehicle wouldn't stop charging at them as some of her friends were hit wounded and unconscious by his somehow accurate aim.
What does it take to stop him?!
She looked at the map on her phone. They're still a good way from the rendezvous point… they just needed some time!
More bullets are fired till their guns go click. Think! Think! There must be…!
An idea popped.
With a shout, she ordered the artillery to shoot in front of them. The girl on the phone protested.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!"
"JUST DO IT!"
The cannons exploded again and again as it came. And as it touched the ground, they had been a good distance away, while the adult was in range of the explosion.
One struck mere inches from him as he started to lose control. Then another came… and another, then it was enough.
Their pursuer's vehicle skidded and was tossed into the air as it fell into the sands with a crash.
"Yes! YES! WE'RE HOME FREE! LET'S GO!" the red-clad helmet gang shouted in victory. "Oh my god! I can't wait to tell this to everyone!"
Their vehicles moved forward. Leaving the adult in the dust.
"Sensei! Are you okay?" The voice of the AI called out to him.
"…"
Hans picked up his fallen field cap. Dusting it off as he put it back on. Reaching for his phone, Hans texted something to the group chat.
"Serika is captured. Track me down by my phone."
"Arona."
"Got it! Sharing our location now!"
The wolf knelt and the sands were shifted behind. Teeth gnashing and fists curled as white mist formed around him.
It's time for the hunt.
Edited 15/4/2024