Hans reached SCHALE in the evening. Sitting down on his chair and cracked his neck, with his stomach full from the FEAST the Abydos girls had ordered to celebrate. As much as he appreciated the thanks and thoughts from the girls... especially Nonomi, he was a little guilty for making them pay, although they insisted on doing so.

Thus, this is where the anonymous donation was handy.

With a satisfied huff, he closed his phone and turned on his computer. Picking up some neglected paperwork… and started on working. This is his schedule ever since. Switching regularly between Abydos and his own duties for the GSC back and forth for around… a week. Give or take.

Well, it doesn't really that awful. He is used to such taxing actions, and Hans is already living the most here. Even if in a short amount of time. Every day is a blessing, and every day is a new event waiting to happen. It's like… a rollercoaster ride to say, or rather a present, one couldn't know what's inside. A far cry from his usual mundanity.

…And a far cry from the usual idleness back when he was with his pack or with The Major. Just the same, with different flavors.

With that leaving his thought, the teacher continued on with his job. Moving document from a document as he sliced through many of them by nighttime. Thinking of finishing the rest of it by midnight, Hans waited for a moment for Arona to complain.

…Nothing. So, he took it as his green light to scrunch his work and go all-nighter again.

Cracking the rest of his paperwork, Hans resumed his duty before taking out some jerky and continued on till the clock pinged exactly at midnight. Just as he predicted.

With that, Hans closed his computer and walked to his bedroom. Closing his eyes, Hans had expected the silent, dreamless sleep like always.

But instead, he was somewhere else.

The last days in the desert.

8th of May 1943.

A sigh and a look of utter exhaustion crept into his eyes. Everything he had done in Africa was all for naught.

Lack of support, munitions, and firepower, the Afrika Korps are simply waiting till their guns had no more bullets to fire, evident by their retreat yesterday back to the Marleth Line. A disaster of delaying the attack from the Brits.

...A half sane man can already see the facts clear as day.

The Fuhrer had abandoned them. Leaving whatever left of the brave men here to fend on their own, from his lost interest in capturing and gathering land in Africa to refocus on his new campaign and projects he had in mind.
And if it wasn't enough, new orders came down from Berlin,

to return to Europe by tomorrow.

Whispers and certain fears of a potential allied invasion by the radio talk surged his return to the utmost priority. In the end, although reluctantly, the fox has to give someone the command of his remaining troops in Africa. It was a no brainer on who would put his life in this abandoned project.

Hans-Jürgen von Arnim. The colonel-general of the 5th Panzer Army. With a quick talk and salute, his duties were relinquished and given to the colonel general.

And with that, the last campaign of the desert fox ended in failure.

Does he have any regrets? Any wishes that the outcome was different? Maybe… but it doesn't matter anymore. They're fighting a losing game, and he was needed elsewhere.

But other than him specifically… there is another that had been called alongside him. Someone that he could call a… good listener. As he waited, the sounds of footsteps came upon the sandy floors of the bunker before coming to a halt. Boots clicking as the man gave a salute right behind him.

"At ease, Oberleutnant." The fox turned back to look at the silent man. An MP 40 slung on his right arm, and a dirtied, yet still pristine Stahlhelm worn neatly upon his white hair as his lips kept shut.

"Heh, as silent as ever." He sighed before tapping on his folded arms. "There had been whispers of an upcoming invasion from the allies, and Herr Führer doesn't want to take any risks. Thus, I'm being pulled out from Africa… along with you as well."

The lieutenant remains silent but a hint of understanding came to his eyes.

"Max had personally asked of you to return to Berlin to do God-knows-what." He gave a small frown. Clearly showing disdain to the man his underling had sworn his oath to.

"…Sometimes, I wonder. Are the Wehrmacht doing the right thing? The rumors of something dark going on behind the curtains of the SS… and what that grinning Sturmbannführer… made me uneasy. Even if Herr Führer trusted him…"

He sighs again before returning to his neutral expression.

"But either way, it's not in my position to judge." The fox stood up and walked to him. "From now on, Oberleutnant, you are no longer part of the Wehrmacht. Instead, you are to be integrated back to the Schutzstaffel under the command of Sturmbannführer Montana Max."

The fox stood in front of the lieutenant. He breathes in… and opened his lips.

"Oberleutnant Hans Günsche. Based on your service, actions, and loyalty to the fatherland,
and on my recommendation…you have been promoted to the rank of Hauptmann.

He offered his hand,

"Congratulations…Hauptmann Hans Günsche."

In which the captain shook without missing a beat.

With a hint of amusement, the fox gave the wolf a pat on his shoulder.

"Or Haupsturmführer... in this case. I hope we could chat later in the future. In chat I mean you can hear me rant."

Then he looked at him with a nod and a smile.

"I suggest you better start packing. See you tomorrow."

Then, as he walked away, it all came to black.

October 15, 1944.

Hans stood in front of a radio as he listened with a blank expression, and a crumpled newspaper article is in his hand.

"Generalfeldmarschall Rommel istan den Folgen seiner schweren Koplverletzung,
die er als Oberbelehishaber einer Heeresgruppe im Westen durch Kraftlahrzeuguniali erlitten hatte,
verstorben. Der Führer hat ein Staatsbe- gräbnis angeordnet…"

Suppressing his tinge of regret and sorrow for the loss, Hans lowered his cap. There is nothing else he could do, except to attend his funeral. If The Major would go as well that is.

Walking away from the radio, the captain uncrumpled the newspaper before folding it neatly on the table. Yet as he had done so, slowly the air shifted.

It's like... there is someone with him, in this memory of his.

Kicking up his instincts, his eyes ran up and down. Left and right.

There is nothing. Had his instincts been wrong? No... the lingering feeling remains. Hans kept his stare and focus, trying to see what it is.

Then suddenly, the radio suddenly crackles back to life as the table stretched and a stand filled with desert appeared in the middle of the wooden table before it fades away. Replaced by another that is luxurious as the radio continued to crackle and spew static...

Before it calms down.

"Hello, sensei. Sorry for communicating with you like this."

And a voice to came out from it, and a figure of a girl to shift out from the radio as it morphs and replaced the object.

It was a girl with yellow fox ears, with the same colored long, straight hair tied into a tail towards the bottom and decorated with white ribbons and flowers, wearing an elegant white… oversized dress, and her halo is like two roman columns, crossing to be like an "x".

Then, completing her look, a tiny white bird flew and rested on her hand. Hidden underneath her dress.

"Nice to meet you, sensei. My name is Yurizono Seia."

She offered a hand… in which Hans looked at it suspiciously before shaking it. The fact that she appears in his dreams, his glimpse of the past made him feel a little on edge. But if she is one of his students...

"Thank you. If you're wondering… this is once your dream… now it's mine. It's hard to explain but, in short, sensei. I'm have something to say... if you are willing to hear them."

Hans paused for a moment. What does she mean by it? Does she mean she hijacked his dream? His memory?

"..."

He nods. Keeping everything in check for now.

"Thank you again. Let's sit." Seia pulled a seat and sat. Waiting for Hans.

And with reluctance, the teacher sat as well.

"Soon enough, Nagisa will contact you… in hopes of making you visit Trinity for the first time. She is quite… interested in what a person you are. And Mika… she is quite agitated that you decided to visit Gehenna but never going to us."

She gave a small smile.

"I understand that your duties in Abydos made you unavailable for more. But, if you can make time for us, I'll... we'd be grateful."

She then closed her eyes, and the dream switched to Trinity. Or at least what Hans thought it was. They're in a balcony, watching over the gardens, the buildings, and the architecture. Everything was… like a wealthy part of the world, like it was in the architecture of the Romans... all those many years ago.

...And a tinge of London.

"…I had some more words, but… I believe it's better saved for later."

She paused for a moment.

"Sensei. Do you believe in legends?"

Hans remain silent. Waiting for her to continue.

Noticing it, Seia continued on her question.

"When we hear of the rumors and legends of something bigger than us… do you ever stop to wonder, what is the truth under it all? How can one see them and claim their reality, while clouding everything under their deception? How do you believe in something so ancient and incomprehensible no one can verify their truths?"

She looked away.

"When does it cease from being one? When enough people believe in them? And by finding them, does it make the incomprehensible comprehensible? A legend turned reality, or a simple fact of a reality previously unknown? Legends live on because people still believe in such things, even if there are lies and bias around such whispers… and more still dedicate their lives, and would sacrifice everything to seek these 'truths' for whatever reason they have. Glory, fame, wealth, or… even simple curiosity. "

Then, her sleepy yellow eyes met his.

"…Yet some that had found these truths, end their stories by not knowing what to do next. After all... some legends are better to remain as one. And those that had become reality… are better to be destroyed."

And her petite lips curl into a small smile.

"…Well, at least that is from my perspective. So you can say… somewhat, I believe in such ramblings of yore."

She then stood up, walking to her teacher.

"You are special, Hans-sensei. Your strength and kindness are what will continue to shape Kivotos, even if you don't think that way. Even if you… acted from your thoughts of sorrows long past."

"…I'll be seeing you soon, sensei."

His eyes snapped wide open as he jumped out of bed early in the morning.

And the birds spoke of an omen… of something moving among the sands.

"…Arona."

"Here! Hm? Have you been sleeping well, sensei?"

"…Yes." He paused, then continued. "Can you tell me about… Yurizono Seia?"

"Hmm..." Arona thought for a second before she nodded. "Aha! Yurizono Seia. She is a student from Trinity and a part of the Tea Party. Take it like a student's council of three people, containing… Kirifuji Nagisa and Misono Mika. Overall, she is said to be a little distant and aloof yet somehow able to strike a conversation with the others… oh! And interestingly…"

She paused for dramatic effect.

"There are rumors that she can see the future."

'...A true prophet?'

"…Got it. Give me the files."

"Done! But sensei, why out of the blue?"

"…A feeling."

Hans then clicked open the computer on and skimmed through paragraph to paragraph. Then, after a few good minutes reading, a notification came. Prompting him to open his MomoTalk page and check what's up.

Looks like Nonomi had posted the photo of yesterday's feast. That had... already gaining traction from curious students browsing this site.

Funnily enough, the Shiba Seki apron one is still the most liked, and reposted one thanks to the Foreclosure Task Force. Spiraling into videos of students talking, the swarming of Shiba Seki he'd remember all too well... and some art made by talented students. Even if... some had been really stylized and had... unique tastes...

...

Anyway,

Reposted!

Then in coincidence, when he was just about to leave the site a new message pinged on his inbox.

KirifujiNagisa H1fumiDaisuki

"Hello, Hans-sensei. I believe we had never talked before. My name is Kirifuji Nagisa, one of the tri host of Trinity, and it's Tea Party. I'm sure you had heard about us before."

"I've heard. Nice to meet you."

"Oh. I was expecting you to answer a little later but, thank you for your immediate answer. To start, I'm quite impressed by your actions in Abydos and your introduction back in the crisis."

"Just doing my job."

"Is that so? I can't argue nor deny that, sensei. I'm quite disappointed I have to contact you first regarding of the agelong question. When are you going to visit us? I've heard you've visited Gehenna first out of the big three academies. But I can't fault you, since of your duties in the Abydos District must've taken quite a good chunk of your time."

"That is true. I've yet to explore much of Kivotos at the moment. But I would love to visit Trinity."

"Then I would gladly meet you when the time comes."

"Arona, are we free today?"

"It's Saturday. And I already cleared most of your schedule! Go and visit Trinity! I'll send the Abydos girls a heads up."

"How about I'll visit now? My schedule had been cleared for the day."

"That was… quite the unexpected response. Well, I would say I was shocked but… I had a feeling you would say that. So, I already made preparations. How about around 10, sensei?"

"See you by then, Miss Kirifuji."

"…"

"Sensei, please call me Nagisa. It's... um... it felt weird."

"...Noted."

He closed his phone and leaned back in the chair. Standing up to get a quick meal before continuing to work on his document to pass the time.

Then right on time, his alarm ringed.

Wearing his white coat and black shirt, the wolf made his move. Heading to the garage, he entered his jeep.

And with a quick fifteen minutes' drive, he made his way to the fabled academy.

Arriving without incident, the captain parked the jeep somewhere and entered the school grounds. Giving small nods and waves to students that greeted him, and all of them are that diverse. Some were wearing white uniforms, some black with red patterns on it, and some wore something along the lines of… combat nuns that reminded him of a certain organization back in the Vatican, and that grinning Scottish Father who loves bayonets.

"Ah, Sensei! Over here." a familiar voice called out. Tall, fine, captivating physique, and red eyes matching his walked to the teacher.

"…Hasumi." Hans gently nods, then he saw the other girl standing next to her-

"G-GWAKKK!"

The girl screamed? Squeals? suddenly without any prompt.

She had this… psychopathic look on her bloodstained- or rather… red splashed? Tattered back sailor dress. She has black messy long hair reaching the floor with straight bangs and two long cowlicks, dark red eyes, and large black disheveled and tattered feathered wings on the back.

And her halo was like a dripping or a melting circle of wax, yet the viscosity of it faintly mirrored the dripping blood, reminding Hans of it more.

Everything that is about her SCREAMS a mad dog, and yet she hides behind the large frame of Hasumi. To be honest, his first impression was she was just a shy, pensive, and a little misunderstood, golden hearted girl.

"This is... Kenzaki Tsurugi. The Justice Task Force president." She nudged, and begrudgingly, the girl put her shotguns away and, with trembling hands, she walked to Hans-

"KYAAK!" Before she dashed away out in... embarrassment.

"…"

"…"

Hasumi looked at Hans with a sigh. "Sorry sensei, she is just shy."

He shrugs.

"Anyway, sensei. Nagisa-sama has told me to escort you personally to the Tea Party building. Please follow me."

Hasumi smiles and gestured for him to follow. Leading the way towards the heart of Trinity. Imposing as it was magnificent, it was built in a grand traditional sense, with large pillars and little tints of gold and copper as if to radiate the grand scale of order, elegance, etiquette, wealth, and a faint tinge of snobbishness.

"Sensei, I'm sure you noticed our different uniforms." Hasumi made small talk. "Trinity consists of three main buildings. The general school, the Justice Task Force, and the sisterhood."

"While the general school is where the main bulk of Trinity's students are. We, the JTF, acted as the… disciplinary force, so to say, making sure everything is in order. Like what the Valkyrie Police Academy does for Kivotos and… the Prefect Team does for Gehenna. It's a taxing job, but it is satisfying at the most. If you had time after visiting Nagisa, maybe you could come over to our building."

Hans gave a nod.

Hasumi nodded back. "We're here. Just a few steps upstairs."

Waving to the JTF guards, and nodding to the other students, Hans and Hasumi made their way into the halls. Greeted by more students as they looked at Hans, smiled, and whispered among themselves. Occasionally looking back at the tall and silent adult with a mixed expression of curiosity and attraction.

On the other side, Hans let his eyes to wander again.

Instead of a school, Hans felt like he was inside a gigantic mansion designed with the colors of blue, white, and gold mixing together with the fine arts. Statues of people decorated the halls to paint the true wealthiness of the district.

…

The Major would've stuck here like glue if he had been here.

A large chandelier light up the central ceiling as Hasumi led him to the grand stairways, waving and smiling patiently like this is just the bare minimum this school had to offer. Following her close, the two walked up to the 2nd, the 3rd, and so on till they reach the top.

"We're here, sensei. Just right around the corner." Hasumi gave a smile and walked to the archway. And there, on the balcony overseeing the school, a girl with long blonde hair was sitting on the long table, with her white feathered wings on her waist flapping gently. And her halo, was made to be a red circle that has ten thorns sticking out of it, with every other thorn is thinner and has a semi-circle base.

She looked to the distance with a serious expression, sipping on her tea elegantly like a proper lady does, surrounded by desserts that are plated elegantly on every end of the table.

"Miss Nagisa? Sorry to interrupt, but Hans-sensei from SCHALE is here." Hasumi gave a light bow as she greeted.

"Hm? Ah, welcome to Trinity, sensei. I hope the trip was pleasant. Thank you Hasumi, can you please call Mika and Se- " The girl placed her tea down elegantly before she was rudely interrupted by a loud, cheerful voice.

"Nagi-chan! We're hereee! Heard you called sensei!"

"Hm… hello sensei."

Two more girls entered. An energetic ball of sunshine, and an indifferent fox girl.

The very same same from his dream.

The pink haired sunblasted girl gave a wide smile and jumped in joy as she ran to him like a puppy high on life.

"Senseii! Nice to meet you! I'm Misono Mika!" the girl greeted. Her golden eyes shining brightly with curiosity. "And this right here…!"
She pulled the short fox without struggling.

"Seia-chan!" She grinned as she raised her up like a doll.

The girl has long pink hair that turns into a pale blue near the bottom and a bun tied to the right of her head, and a pair of angel wings that had been decorated with gold and purple stars, and a crescent moon.

Her uniform was a sleeveless white dress that's frilled near the bottom and is inlaid with a starry print. She wears something that resembles a high-waisted skirt with two pairs of golden buttons, gold trimmings, and blue ribbons over this dress, completing the look of a princess of the stars, beloved by all.

And yet that is not what caught the teacher's eyes.

It was her halo.

Unlike the others that are quite two dimensional, hers was a third dimensional. Modeled like a pink galaxy that spirals that revolve around a central spherical piece with a ring below it, with twinkles of stars and light blinked in and out like it was breathing.

And Hans felt like he was staring into the starry night itself with every passing second his eyes remain upon it.

Instinctively, the wolf raised a hand…

"Sensei? Are you...? HYAA?!"

Then, Mika squealed in embarrassment, snapping Hans from the trance of the stars to jump back as he had just… touched her halo.

Earning wide-open jaws from Nagisa and Hasumi, and Seia who just looked away with embarrassment on her cheeks upon Hans and the beet red Mika that raised her hands to hide her halo.

"S-Sensei! You can't just touch my halo! ...hehe," Mika spoke in embarrassment before she slowly stood back up and leaned to the confused wolf. "...Um... I'll wait till we know each other well..."

"…Mika, please get off sensei." Nagisa gave a menacing smile. Enough for Mika to jump back a bit.

"And Sensei… I hope you keep your hands out of any students halos without their permission, alright?"

Hans paused for a moment... and gave a court nod. "...Apologies."

"W-Well." Hasumi cleared her throat. "I'll return to my duties." She dashed out from the balcony.

"So, ahem. Let's start this again." Nagisa offered with a smile as Mika and Seia walked next to her.

"Welcome to Trinity, Hans-Sensei of SCHALE. We, the Tri-hosts of Tea Party, welcomes you."

Hans popped a maracon into his mouth.

"I hope it matches your tastes, sensei." Nagisa said as she poured him some tea.

"Hehe, here sensei! Try some cake rolls as well!" Mika grinned and gave him a plate.

"Mika-san, aren't you bothering him?" Nagisa sighs.

"I hope you can be patient with her. Mika is excited to see you." Seia patted her tiny sparrow.

"Humph! I'm just being friendly! Right, sensei?"

Hans couldn't comment. Or rather, he can't comment. He simply nodded and accepted whatever this energetic ball of sunshine offered.

"Oh! Right, is it true you can rip open a tank with your bare hands?!"

Nagisa sighs.

"Well, I suppose you're fine with it. Anyway, what is your first impression of us?" Nagisa sipped on her tea.

"It's fine if you want to keep your thoughts for the moment, sensei. I know you're a quiet man in person." Nagisa reassures, but Hans shook his head.

"Diverse." He paused and continued. "…Wealthy." And when he spoke the word, Nagisa couldn't help but to giggle.

"I suppose you're not quite off the mark." Her eyes gave a look of amusement before it drifts towards the buildings.

"Trinity had a long history of conflict. Before we are Trinity, we are many schools that had rivalry, hostility, and bitterness that leads to endless conflict before eventually, the first Ecumenical Council was held and peace was finally forged. Spearheaded by Justina Council of Saints, and such an agreement of Pater, Filum, Sanctus, and other many academies."

Mika couldn't help but to whisper in his ears. "Nagi-chan is a history nerd." In which didn't escape the blonde angel's ears.

Hiding her small tint of anger, Nagisa gripped her teacup.

"Ahem. It seems I have rambled a little too much by Mika-san's account." She glared at her for a moment. "Other than that, Trinity's main clubs are as it follows, the Sisterhood and The Justice Task Force. Maybe Mika-san can lead you there as a guide."

"Eeehhh… well, I don't mind." Mika giggled.

"Ugh. Nevermind."

"Sensei, how's Kivotos so far?" Seia changed the subject.

"Peaceful… and… chaotic."

Then she rose from her chair "Hmm… is that so?"

"If you excuse me…" Then she sat on his lap. "Tell me all about it, sensei."

She spoke like this is nothing out of the ordinary.

Ignoring the spilled tea from Nagisa and the wide eyes from Mika as Seia gave a tiny smile, and let the hours pass.

Ending in a pleasant, yet awkward conversation from then on before Hans waved goodbye to the Tea Party.

Nagisa replied with an elegant wave, Mika with a wide smile and wild waves of goodbye, and Seia with a satisfied smile.

Walking down the stairs, Hans exited the main building with a thought, as the bells of the church rang across the academy, followed by the many footsteps of sisters walking towards the cathedral.

In which, Hans followed as well.

"Greetings. Are you here to join our sermon?" A short nun called out as she walked to Hans. Hands clasped below her waist as she made a small bowing gesture. She has this, sun stroked orange hair with bangs on each side and a loose ponytail ending in a braid tied on her right side with a golden ribbon, as her modified nun's headwear was worn neatly on top of her head, and presumed animal ears. If he had to guess, that would be fox's.

And lastly, her halo is made to be like a yellow six petalled flower, surrounded by a circle that had thorns sticking out from it.

…No matter how much he would spin it, somehow he felt at peace being with her. A perfect image of purity, warmth, and patience.

A girl who radiates this virtuous feeling than the many churches he had known back before he came to Kivotos, and filled with so much love is is almost overwhelming as he resisted the urge to just hug her.

"Hm… I think I've seen you somewhere, mister…?" Her sky-blue eyes watched with curiosity.

"…SCHALE."

"Schale... Ah! Then you must be Hans-sensei, right?"

Her hands clasped together as her kind eyes light up in joy, and a sweet smile formed on her lips.

A smile that he swore he would protect with his life, even if he had just met her.

"I see! Well, the Sisterhood is blessed to have you with us today, sensei. I would offer you to meet our leader but, at the moment, Sakurako is out for business." Then she thought of something.

"Oh! I almost forgot! My name is Iochi Mari." She clasped her hands below her hips and made a bow. "If you have some troubles or if you're having a hard time… come to me anytime, sensei. I'll listen to all of your worries."

Hans couldn't help but to let his heart melt for a second.

"Anyway, let's head inside. The sermon is going to start soon."

Mari leads the way, and inside, like he had expected, was pure art and magnificence. Rivaling the Tea Party's main building. Everything here is like a mix of traditionalism, romanticism, and a tint of modern touch. Pillars that had been carved by a master, statues of angels, and crosses made of gold were hanged like paintings all around.

And let's not forget the glass panes.

Hans couldn't help himself but to just… stand there for a good while. Uncaring at how the other sisters had already taken their seats.

"Sensei?"

Hans blinked back to reality. Returning a nod to her.

Sitting next to Mari, Hans listened in for a good few minutes before letting out a mental sigh.

Hans doesn't hold any faith or love for what is it that they're worshipping, but he's still willing to be here and watch everything as a way to show respect and acceptance for their belief, and to understand his students from the Sisterhood better.

So in the middle of prayer, Hans closed his eyes… and let his own mind to go adrift. Shifting out the sounds of the sisters and the sermon all together, as he let his personal thoughts ran wild.

"Snore…"

Before the sounds of someone snoring broke his train of thought.

"Hinata…! Hey...! Wake up!" Mari whispered. Poking her little by little.

It was a friend of hers, perhaps. A girl with long wavy black hair… and a highly modified nun's outfit that is more revealing than any other.

...How awful.

"Mm… Mari?" She yawned. Opening her eyes to see her… and the teacher sat next to her.

"Did I snooze off? Mari, who is that adult?"

"Hinata, meet Hans-sensei." She introduced. "And sensei, this is Wakaba Hinata."

"Hans... sensei? you mean, the adult from SCHALE?"

Mari nodded. "Yup!"

"I-I see. Nice too meet you sensei… um.. sorry you have to see me snooze away like that."

Hans raised his hand and gave a nod.

Hinata nods, "O-Oh. Alright, thank you." As she gave a small smile as she returned her focus to the sermon, along with Mari.

...and after ten minutes later, she fell back to her dreams.

Yet he couldn't blame her for it. Hans saw the calluses on her hands, and the fact she had eyebags on both of her eyes… it won't take a genius to think that she would be that had responsibility in heavy labor or managing their material resources.

Mari noticed that also, and with a sigh, she looked at Hans.

The words "Let her sleep" were given. But never spoken.

After exchanging some goodbyes and good lucks, alongside with a small prayer from Mari, Hans made his trip towards the Justice Task Force HQ. Making it his last stop for the day before he left Trinity.

But before that, he took in the atmosphere for a second. Watching and greeting back the patrolling members as they timidly greeted the adult. Tiny hands waved across his way as some hid shyly, letting their long bangs to hide their eyes.

…

Hans has to think for a moment. Why does every other student in the JTF have the same hairstyle? He understands the same clothing policy, but in the end, it would be hard to do discern them from sight alone-

"Hehe!"

"Waiit!"

BUMP.

"Oof!"

That is when one of them bumped into his large figure, almost falling down to the concrete pavement if Hans hadn't swiftly caught her body a fair distance away from the cold concrete down below.

"!"

"S-Sorry!" She whimpered. Looking up at Hans with fear and curiosity as her innocent red eyes met with his... and she can feel herself redden a little.

"U-um!"

Without overstaying his welcome, Hans raised her up and gave a small smile before he went on his way towards the doors before the girl interrupted him.

"Thank you…! Sir… um..."

"Hans."

"Yes, Hans… wait, um, are you from SCHALE?!"

A nod.

"O-oh! Hasumi-senpai told us to keep an o-open eye if you came to visit." The girl said, as more of the students came to her. Giving a nod to each other… and giving him a salute.

"W-We'll escort you there!"

And one by one, the members surround him in front and back.

Hans couldn't help but to shudder, as he felt their eyes watching through his soul.

Then suddenly, one of them fell down from tripping on a rock and scraping her knee. Without missing a beat, Hans picked her up and carried her on his back. Ignoring the fact that her face slowly morphs to a shade of red.

...And the others gazed at her with jealousy.

Then another fell, and he carried her all the same.

Then another,

And another.

And when he realizes it, there are 6 girls that are clinging to him like apes.

"Huhu… I think our little juniors like you a little too much-tssu."

A voice called out, filled with amusement. Walking to him and his… escorts as they all came to alert.

"Ichika-senpai!"

"Oh, Ichika-senpai!"

They came to her like months before a fire, yet the ones clinging to him still remain stuck on his body. Waving to her as Hans walked closer towards the girl that had the surface of an easy-going and laid-back person… hiding the dangerous aura around her.

It'll be fine.

Probably.

The girl wore the usual black sailor uniform of the JTF, except she had the armband surrounding her right arm. Black gloves, and black chocker.

Her hair was a long, straight black hair that was decorated with two different hair pins on the left side of her hair. And like… perhaps the higher-ranking members on the JTF pyramid, she has a pair of black feathered wings on her back.

And lastly, her halo was a classical crosshair style. With two red circles, with four arrows pointing from the center towards four outward directions.

"Aha, are you Hans-sensei? I'm Nakamasa Ichika from the Justice Task Force. Nice to meet you-tssu!"

Hans gave a nod of affirmation.

"Hm, as quiet as they say. I'll take the slack from here. Follow me! Thank you for your hardwork-tssu!"

One by one, the clinging members slid down from his body, after whispering thank yous to Hans then at Ichika. Following the rest of them as the returned to their posts. All except the original one that had scraped their knee.

He swore one of them snuggled his hair a little.

"Aha~ aren't they cute?" Ichika grinned.

"Well, let's go then. Vice President Hasumi and President Tsurugi is a little jumpy from waiting for you. Just a little more-tssu."

Then, after giving some more little salutes, she led him to the meeting room. Passing through the halls with their footsteps filling the surrounding noise along with her humming, as Hans let his wander a little. Noticing at how the interior of the HQ is relatively the same as the Tea Party's main building. Although there are some more storages here and there that are filled with extra weaponry.

And with just a few steps later, they reach the double doors.

"But before that, sensei..." She leaned close to his ears.

"Care not to touch any of their halos without permission hm? Fufu... I may let you touch mine later if things goes well~"

Hans shudders a little.

...This girl, like he had guessed...

"...No thanks."

"Ehh..."

She flashed him a grin before moving towards the double doors, pushing them open.

"Hasumi-senpai, Tsurugi-senpai!"

And there they are. Enjoying a cup of tea and a bucket load- no… that is an understatement at how many sweets are there on the table. It was more like they had bought out an entire store, beating what the Tea Party had on that meeting a while back.

"Mm… I don't think my diet is working… I'm jealous of you." Hasumi mumbles, chomping on her cake.

Tsurugi munches on her crepes. "Geeh." And she pointed at her, or more specifically to her plate.

"Hm? I think I-Oh! S-Sensei!" Hasumi jumped out from the seat.

"!" Tsurugi then devoured down her dessert with a single bite "S-Senn- GAAH!" Then she immediately jump to hide behind Hasumi.

"Ahaha… I guess Tsurugi-senpai is shy around sensei." Ichika gave a small laugh, just as her phone ringed.

"Oh. It's Mashiro! I'll have to pick this up. See you later-tssu!" The girl picked up her phone and walked out of the room.

"O-Oh. Guess that's that. Anyway, sensei, join us on some tea and… since you're here, maybe you can give me some pointers." She raised a hand and sat back down, still with Tsurugi clinging on her back.

"President Tsurugi, please sit down as well."

Hans sat down next to her, and groggily, the mad dog trembles to her seat.

"…Ugh…"

"So, sensei! This is something that I'm… having a dilemma with. And, you're supposed to be someone we can lean on so…" She picked up another cake, and followed by a chocolate tiramisu. "Mm! Mm..! O-Oh! Where are my manners? Sensei, please take anything you like. Eat up!"

She returns to devouring the desserts.

Hans and Tsurugi looked at each other, making eye contact before the girl blushed and looked away. "…Geh… s-she… uhm… sh-she is always like this… s-s-sensei." She said with a shy smile, picking up a cookie and nibbled on it.

Hans replied with a nod and grabbed a piece of cake as well.

Strawberry… shortcake. Cutting a piece with a spoon as he popped it into his mouth.

"…You seem to be… delighted." Hans commented.

"O-Oh! Mm. D-Do I?" She chewed some more before swallowing. "I've always had a sweet tooth. I may have joined the After-School Sweets club had I not joined the Justice Task Force."

'…heh, A.S.S.'

"I've always cherish the opportunity to have desserts… even when I eat them alone…" She chuckled and continued on eating. Grinning happily as she let the flavors to dance on her tongue.

"…So, getting back on topic… I need your advice… about my diet."

Hans raised his eyebrow. Tsurugi, meanwhile… frowned and pointed to her piles of dessert repeatedly, hoping she would see what went wrong.

"Yes…" Munch. "I keep gaining weight no matter how healthy my choices are… so, I decided to go on a diet but…" chomp. "I haven't made any progress… I was just consulting the same with Tsurugi, but she hasn't got a clue as well."

Tsurugi looks like she was just about to pop a vein as she pointed out the obvious.

"Gehh!" She wanted to say something, but… when she looked at Hans, her voice died out.

"Tell me, sensei. If anyone would know the root of my problems it would be you. Could it be genetics…? My lifestyle…? Or am I not exercising enough?"

Hans gave her a blank expression as Tsurugi hides her face. Then he patted the girl on her shoulder, causing her to flinch.

"K-Kyah! S-s…" She was so red.

Hans made a gesture to Tsurugi. "…Uh.. um.. yes..!"

"…Hasumi.." She trembles and pointed again to her plate.

"Yes?"

"…"

"...!" She glanced back and forth to Hans, Tsurugi, and back on her plate. "Wait… don't tell me both of you mean… this is the cause…?"

Hans nodded, followed by Tsurugi. Agressively.

"…I suppose so. There is no doubt… this is it." She put down her spoon. And watched her plate with sorrowful eyes.

"It's so obvious, but I never realized… I-I…."

Tsurugi and Hans looked at each other, then back at Hasumi.

"…Here I am asking both of you for your opinion while… stuffing my face with desserts… this is so embarrassing." She looked away, a faint tinge of red formed on her cheeks as her wings flap little by little.

"…Is everything alright?" Hans spoke softly.

"Uhm… I-I just remembered I have something important to do." She stood up from the table. "President Tsurugi, Hans-sensei, goodbye!"

Then she made a wild exit, running to the door at top speed and closing it with a bang.

"…"

"…"

Tsurugi and Hans looked at the door… then at the desserts. "…Geh. Uhm…" Tsurugi looked back and forth.

"…S-Sensei… uhm… uh… g-g-GAAAHHH!" She bolted up as well, running to the wall instead and bursting through it like a train.

"…"

Hans looked at the plate of desserts.

…There is no way he could finish this alone.

He then walked out and called some of the mobs to help him finish the desserts... or to put them away.

And the answer was obvious.

It was him being surrounded by the juniors while munching on the sweets together.

He hopes Hasumi wouldn't mind… but, judging by her reaction…

…

Oh well.

Patting his stomach that had been filled by so many sweets from his prolonged exploration in Trinity, Hans waved goodbye to the mobs, and told the Tea Party he would be leaving Trinity.

"Save travels, sensei."

With that reply from Nagisa, Hans closed his phone and entered his jeep. Turning it on with a whirr and putting it into reverse. Moving back… exiting the parking lot and returning on the road.

...He really wanted to brush his teeth and exercise.

"Hmmph…"

Yet Arona pouted next to him.

"Why didn't you leave me some sweets?! Mean!"

"...If I had known, I would." And he would rather to leave her the sweets.

"Hmmmmphh… fine.." Arona grumbled in her chair.

And with a sigh, Hans eventually caved in.

"…I'll buy one later for you."

"Yay! You're the best!"

"…"

Hans sighed again. Returning to the road ahead, before his phone buzzed with a notification.

"It's from Chinatsu, sensei. Do you want to..?"

"…Later."

Focus on the road first.

He quickly drove to a nearby café. Sitting quickly on one of the empty tables, ordering something for the gluttonous AI before finally opening his phone.

HinomiyaChinatsu Chinatsuu_

"Hello, sensei. Is this a bad time?"

"Not at all."

"Oh. Thank you. If that is the case… I have to tell you something.
Can you visit Gehenna later today?"

Hans checked his clock for a moment.

"On my way."

"Um, right now?"

"Yes."

"O-Oh! I'll be waiting on the same room!
-Chinatsu"

"See you later."

Immediately, he dashed to the jeep. Punching in the keys and started to drive like a madman in a race.

And barely fifteen minutes later… he was already setting his foot on the streets of Berli- Gehenna. And just a few moments later he opened the door and gazed at the gentle elf student of his.

"Yes I'll be right with- O-Oh! S-Sensei, you're quick." She stumbled for a moment, gathering her files as she looked back at him."Um, I'll be brief."

The girl reached for a manila folder labeled PS68 on the table with a small, gentle thud.

"Head Prefect Hina wanted to give you about this personally but, something unexpected came up. Ako offered to be the one that'll hand it over, but then… she gave it to me." The elf let out a sigh.

"It's more like a request coming for us… correlating with your current status in Abydos." She gave a small smile. "Thank you for giving the students there a moment to take a breather, sensei"

Hans nods and picked up the document. Flipping through it as he narrowed his eyes.

"...Mercenaries?"

Chinatsu couldn't help but to chuckle for a bit. "Well known troublemakers, to be exact. Or 'fixers' is what they refer to themselves."

His eyes narrowed again, and he continued on reading.

Rikuhachima Aru. A horned red-haired girl who is their leader.

Asagi Mutsuki. A white-haired, impish trickster.

Igusa Haruka. A girl who had a history of horrible bullying by her classmates.

And…

Onikata Kayoko

The girl in which he had to reread twice to make sure she was the same one at Angel 24, and the cop incident.

"Sensei, thanks to our contacts in the black market, there had been whispers of a fixer group hiring some goons for a hit on a 'abandoned academy' now… I'm not saying that A-Abydos is that but…!" She coughed her anxiety away.

"We just wanted to make sure. Based on the bits and pieces of information, there is a chance of them being the leading cause of these whispers, but if they're proven to be true, sensei… be sure to contact us."

Skimming the document again, Hans gave a determined nod and tucked the document neatly under his arm. A small silence went in between as the conversation died out, and Chinatsu started to fiddle her fingers. Clearly troubled by something.

Hans raised his eyebrow. "…Something else on your mind?"

"Um… well, to be fair… sensei. I just finished my work today and… there is still some daylight to burn…" She fidgeted for a moment longer. "…S-So… I was hoping you would spend the day with me. B-But… I understand if you decline, sensei. You're a busy person s-so…"

Hans raised a hand to silence her. "…I always have time... for Chinatsu."

And that answer caused the poor elf to light up like a Christmas tree.

"Um… c-can you please not to say things like that? N-Not that I don't like it but…" She mumbled for a second.

"Think of it as a way for me to repay you for before… I-If you're fine with it then… um… I'll lead the way."

And with that… the day met its last event, with Chinatsu leading Hans to an arcade and a mall.

Burning the daylight with the girl giving him a wide smile along the way.

Something that he wouldn't trade for anything else.

Edited 16/4/2024