Chapter 8 – Streets of Abydos.
"You wanna help?"
Sensei… No, Thirteen echoed towards the girl.
Arona nodded eagerly, her rifle close to her chest.
Thirteen looked down on it… Sure as hell, the prisoner already decided it'd take too long to convince her not to. Frail looking but that rifle of her says so not. So why not?
A deep sigh cascaded out of the man as he lifted his arms, pointing towards behind some fine establishments - bars. "Alright then, see that water tower over there? Get yourself a good vantage point over the town. Hunker down and wait for my signal. Don't get too ahead of yourself, and only shoot what you can without rousing any attention to your location."
The girl, without the need for any further questions needed, departed with another eager nod. But in turn he heard her ask. "Wait, what's the signal?"
"You'll know it when you hear it." He motioned his hands into a nonchalant wave with his two-fingers open.
Weird kid… Thirteen thought to himself as he took a long drag of his cigarette.
Rustling inside his coat pockets, he produced an inhaler filled with red liquid.
Arona's gaze traced upwards along the rickety structure, her brow furrowing as she arrived at her destination with a long pause. It wasn't a fear of heights that gave her a good time to think about the plan, but rather the precarious state of the tower itself.
The rusted metal that was supposed to be the ladder looked like it couldn't bear anyone's weight. Even more unsettling were the rotted wooden beams supporting the tower's frame were even less than ideal.
But Sensei is counting on her.
After a moment of blinking… She took careful steps up, ignoring every whine of the metal steps or the creaking of the tower's wooden beams. Even her jelly legs have to move, eventually.
Once she reaches at the top, she gazes at the landscape beyond the town. Desert, mountains and ruined buildings.
It really looks like Abydos…
In the far distance, a mass began to take shape - a large, ominous shadow resolving into countless individual forms that caught her eye as it drew nearer. Almost an army converging upon the town in a steady stream that blotted out the horizon line.
This must be the people Sensei had talked with his friend about earlier.
A knot of dread twisted in her stomach as she watched the throng's unhurried yet implacable advance, each passing moment bringing it that much closer over the wasteland expanse. A mingling of anticipation and fear evoked an unpleasant emotion deep within her.
Positioned carefully beneath the robust wooden handrails, Arona held her rifle in a poised and prepared manner.
The excruciating anticipation burdened her as she witnessed a multitude of people marching through down the streets more and more in mass. They wore peculiar masks in shades of green, white, and red, while immense weapons in their hands, trucks, and tanks loomed ominously just behind.
Even carrying burning crosses.
Is Sensei planning on taking them on his own!? Maybe that guy was right. Sensei can't take them alone.
One figure stood out among the steadily advancing mass, not because Arona saw him as threatening, but for the bizarre animal on which he was mounted. An enormous horned beast, resembling some monstrous goat large enough for a person to straddle, bore the man forward on its powerful haunches.
As he neared, Arona watched him reach into a satchel and extract a vibrantly colored cloth - unmistakably a flag from what she can tell that he dramatically unfurled and draped across his shoulders like a cape.
Though the distance rendered the emblem's details indistinct, the bold gesture carried an unmistakable air of valor and purpose that caused her breath to catch in her throat.
Arona tore her gaze from the peculiar flag-bearing rider to find Sensei crouched low beside the very log he had sat on earlier.
His body was calm, eyes narrowed as he intently surveyed the approaching forces through the concealing shrubbery.
Rendered perfectly still except for the steady rise and fall of his shoulders that she saw was like the patience of a predator - like a seasoned hunter awaiting the opportune moment to strike.
Yet there was no outward sign of aggression, only a watchful, calculating presence who appraised the advancing forces through those piercing eyes of his, even from where she saw Sensei.
Now, she's just going to have to wait for the signal.
But that never came…
"Ugh" I groaned… Wait, Suzumi… "Kid?"
"Suzumi." I called out once more to no response.
"You alright, kid?" One more try.
Struggling to open my eyes, I was greeted by a blurry world, accompanied by a gentle tinkling sound that reverberated through the air. Disoriented, I tried to shift my body, but a dull ache pulsed through my limbs, anchoring me to the spot.
Bullets… I picked up a brass bullet of a 5.56 NATO… I was swimming in them. A lot of them.
"Hahaa! It worked!" Now I know what these 3D printers are! These are amazing.
Now, I had my doubts that the useless floating rock would be no use to me. But hey, I was wrong. I got it to work, and it delivered!
Scrabbling through the mound of bullets, shells, rounds, I finally hauled myself out of my self-made brass grave. My initial thrill at the sheer volume of ammo we'd printed curdled in my gut as I spotted my supposed partner-in-crime. There, on her knees, was Suzumi, being faced down by a fuming Rin.
Judging by the bulging vein above Rin's brow did not like the idea of a mountain of munition flooding the place
"So." Rin said. Ominously to add.
"So." I echoed. "Long story… It all started when I had a brilliant idea…"
…
"Sensei, are you sure this is safe?"
Suzumi, found with good reason enough to ask while she watches Sensei place several boxes of bullets of different calibers and shotgun shells. All bundled underneath a floating rock; carefully positioned them in a neat line.
Surely she mustn't ask questions. After all, this was one of Sensei's duties he entrusted to her. But for the life of her can't exactly just live and let live what she can only understand as a "Life hack." or so he claims.
Whatever it might be.
"Sure-" Sensei's voice trailed off obligingly, with ease. Of which, she may have miss his tone rather dismissing as it trailed off.
Well, it might be an experience to see what might happen. She pushed the button with her whole confidence that Sensei was in control of the situation.
But then the rest of his statement reached her ears, shattering that blind trust in an instant. "…ly we'll see soon enough." A sinking feeling gripped her as the full meaning registered - the exact opposite of what she'd initially interpreted. Panic flared as her widened eyes snapped back towards Sensei's impassive form.
"Wait…what?! Sensei!?" The words tumbled out, brimming with a mixture of disbelief and sudden trepidation over whatever chaotic situation was about to unfold without her Sense's guiding hand to control it.
"Argh!" were the last words they both shouted before being swallowed by the brass ocean.
…
"
"Rin, you can dismiss Suzumi with all of this, she just tagged along. The girl had no idea – Well, either was I."
Rin had this dead stare that tried to pierce through me, but swerved left and right to see the damages around the place. After that, she sighed.
"I'm awake! -Woah what happened?!" Arona's voice almost screamed, taking my attention. The moment her screen lit up, she was met with a daunting scene of bullets stretching as far as her eye could see.
Well, well, nice enough for you to join us, sleeping beauty.
"Explain." Rin said stern in her voice.
"Alright. I got my first request from this academy from Abydos. Written about gangs trying to take their school and ask me for supplies and bullets because they won't last with the situation they're already in."
Of course, the same calculating look Rin has on her face. Dead pan and cold as usual.
"Well, I was planning on just buying some instead to bring them to this Ayane student, but ehh… I was really curious about this crafting chamber and how'd it worked so. Here we are."
More thinking from Rin and Suzumi dreading later.
A deep sigh released from Rin. "Alright, at the very least - and that is very - that you came to understand how the crafting chamber works now without my explanation… Now? You'll clean up every one last bullet and take a vehicle from the parking lot outside to load them."
Suzumi puffed out her chest, her ponytail bouncing with each huff. "Sensei, may I request to accompany you?" she pleaded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I offered a gentle smile, but shook my head. "Not this time, Suzumi. School comes first, remember?"
Disappointment clouded her features for a moment. "But you said-"
"Go to school, yes. This volunteer duty of yours is less important than your Vigilante club and both are less important than your education – now that comes first."
Suzumi grumbled, crossing her arms with a disgruntled "Hmph!"
Turning to the young woman beside her, I addressed her with a nod. "Ahh, Miss Morizuki, nice of to hear you have volunteered as well? Welcome aboard."
"Yes," she replied, a hint of nervousness tinting her voice. "I came by earlier to submit my application." Almost looked like she was leveraging Rin for her to tag along.
A thin smile played on my lips. "Don't get your hopes up, kid. You still need to go to school. They're important, let me tell you."
"That is correct, Sensei. Education is still important." Now Rin sided with me on this one as we both look to Suzumi. Now cornered and without a choice.
Just then, Rin turns to me.
"As for you, I'll provide the proper crates for you to fill these," she said, grasping a handful of the ammunition before letting them hit the floor one-by-one. "Normally, I would reprimand you for the mess you created, but if its for your duties as Sensei; I'll allow it."
"Appreciated."
"Make sure not to repeat it in the future."
Great.
"Of course. I don't trash places around without purpose… Or any idea of what I was doing."
I went to the Shittim Chest and observed Arona looking around the surrounding.
"Finally woken up, huh? So, how's your trip?"
"You knew?"
Her question quietly raised only brought a smile to creep up my lips. "I got a good memory in my head. I never knew anyone by Arona before" At least from what I can remember. "Now, I gotta wonder how exactly you came along?"
No response from Arona.
"Arona, how did you manage to get inside my head?" Believe me, that sentence was the least of the insane things I ever said in my time alive.
"Hey, why are you still here?" I questioned, turning to find Suzumi grasping a broom in her slender fingers. With a nonchalant air, she methodically swept aside the scattered bullet casings as if they were mere debris on the floor.
"Helping," she replied succinctly, her movements fluid and efficient.
"And what about your class?" I pressed, watching her work.
"It won't start for a few more hours. I arrived early." Her tone remained even and composed, betraying no hint of the emotions simmering beneath the surface.
Well, an extra pair of hands would certainly expedite this cleanup. "Alright, fine. But you'll need to leave soon," I conceded with a resigned sigh, raking my fingers through my disheveled hair. "And this won't help you win any favors from me."
…
A heavy silence hung in the air as Suzumi continued her meticulous sweeping, her expression inscrutable, giving all the clues as to her inner thoughts.
As much as I was reluctant to admit it, I could perceive the unmistakable echoes of Jericho's spirit within her. That obstinate tenacity, as stubborn as a bighorn ram - yet possessed the discipline to bridle her tongue, opting for a watchful silence.
Maybe I feel this because I feel homesick. The people back home, no matter how much headache they gave me, still are the people I considered my companions.
Softening my gaze, I relented, "Soon, I'll let you join soon."
Crafting Chamber, huh? For my Pip-Boy, I could use this… Sure as hell better than what Big Mountain has…
…..
A couple of hours on the road…
"So… You woke up and saw a door?"
"Yes, and it was in the middle of the room"
"In the middle of the room?"
Somehow, this A.I managed to jump from the Shittim Chest to my head. However, nothing she said made any sense, making it hard to believe any of it. Nevertheless, I know I saw her in my memory of crossing to Sonora and defending Nathan's town from those national fanatics.
"Crazy, right?" she said, shaking her head. "From the outside, it looked like a dead end. Stuck there, all normal-like. But then I open the door, and bam! I was in a moving train that brought me off in the middle of the forest and then there was this comfy cabin…."
It was puzzling to see Arona where she shouldn't be, defying the logic of just standing by and watching.
"And, and."
"You somehow arrived at a dusty old town in the middle of nowhere."
Most damning of all is the fact that I was even able to communicate with her within my own memories.
Maybe… Maybe she jumped inside using my…
"Sensei, can I ask you a question" I heard Arona trailed off.
"Don't expect me to answer how you got inside my head. I have my suspicion, but no answer for you."
"No, not that," she insisted, shaking her head with a frown. Her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's blurry… Just before everyone started to fight, I was pulled out from your memories. What happened after that? When I was gone."
"I won and the town lived not happy, but quiet from any troubles from criminals ever since. Nothing is ever a happy ending back in the old country. But, you can make that ending a bit nice."
"Really?"
"I'm still alive, aren't I? Come on, I can handle myself. Makes me sad you would think otherwise." I let out a small chuckle at that.
"So, if you're inside my head… At least we can talk to each other more easier now." I pointed out. Not that I don't mind having someone else inside the only thing giving my body instructions, but I gotta know how, when and what is the full capabilities of her while visiting my head.
Have to make sure she won't have to see certain things someone like has to. Lock certain parts from her.
"Oh yeah… That means… Maybe we could hang out in your place! Oh! Um, Sensei, sorry if I took some of those sodas you kept. They were good, but not strawberry milk good. Too sweet." She twiddles with her fingers as I chuckle at the display.
"You're apologizing for taking a cola inside my head. Well, okay. I could just thought of it once more and it'll come back at the cupboard. It is my brain after all. Also, thought kids like sweets."
"So how are you on getting inside?" I asked.
"Still working on it, Sensei. I gotta say, this Pip-boy of yours is hard to figure out. The codes are ancient, and so it follows on old structure code I've rare seen these days. It's a real mess for me to walk around." Her voice sounded as more electric crackles from the Shittim Chest to the Pip-Boy.
Walk around? She's walking around? I thought. She's inside of the pip-boy like it's a place?
Well, whatever she means, I need someone to clean the operating system since it's won't work properly and with Arona, through whatever caused her to jump from my head; I asked her to do the same for my Pip-Boy to find the problem.
"Oh Goddamn!" I slammed the brakes down with all my might, the screech of the tires tearing through the tense silence. The car lurched to a halt just inches from a massive chunk of debris that sprawled across the road to surprise me as I turn the corner, blocking the way entirely.
Almost… Almost. A surge of anger coursed through me. This was the fourth time a rubble from a toppled building blocking the road had forced me to put the entire truck to a stop.
"Sensei, what's the matter!?"
I took a long sigh. Just let it all out. Quietly.
"Heh, nothing to worry about."
"Another one blocking the road again?"
"Bullseye."
"I'm sorry, sensei. The map I have is from a long time ago… all of them are useless by now."
"Oh, don't worry yourself. It's your maps or nothing. They're still a huge help regardless." Time to find another way around.
…..
Hold on, I could see someone by the road.
Gray-haired, with mutated animal ears protruding from the top of her head, their striking blue eyes adorned with a mismatched black and white iris.
Now hold on, I've seen her before!
Peering through the windshield revealed it was the same girl I lent a hand during the very first morning I had in this city, the one who had been surrounded by those helmet-clad raiders.
I never really introduced myself to her. In fact, I don't even recall revealing myself to her. I left just as I arrived to help her, fast.
As I got out of my truck, I called out to her. She was standing by her bike, gazing into the distance.
I'd try my luck to ask her or directions towards Abydos High School. She should have a better sense of direction here, would be better than any maps around here.
"Excuse me." I got out of my truck and called for her. "Don't mean no harm. I'm from Schale." A flick of my hand to show my I.D card.
"… What is your business here in Abydos?"
Straight to the point.
"Business? Here to help clean this place of its raider problem. You look like you're in your uniform. You must be a student 'round these parts."
There was a constant vacantness in the strange girl's gaze. Only it was false. She was going over me, up and down. I swore her expression never change at all during this as she leans to the side to give my truck a look.
"Help from Schale" she began, her eyes scrutinizing me intently as if trying to read my very being. "Are you perhaps associated with the General Student Council?" A momentary pause hung in the air as she appraised my appearance. "Hmm… You appear to be an adult. You said you're here for business matter?" Her gaze drifted briefly, taking in the desolate surroundings. "Nothing around here ever has any dealings left, save for our school's continued operation"
"Hn… Your face looks familiar…Oh! You are Sensei, from the news." It seemed like more of an observation than a question.
"I… Yes. I am… a teacher," I responded hesitantly, finding this stranger's demeanor increasingly perplexing.
"Are you here to visit Abydos High school?"
"That's it. I got you your supplies. It ain't much I'll admit, but how your letter words it… It's better than nothing." Scratching the back of my hand, I pause for a moment. "Thing is, I got lost driving 'round here. Public infrastructure has surely made it a headache to move around these parts."
"Oh, it's been a long time since anyone has visited"
I gestured with a shrug, lifted my shoulders. "Well, here's you're first visitor then."
"Not without ill intentions." She ended.
"Ah… So, it ain't just me. This place certainly attracts those types… In any case, I'd rather not wait and get mug the third time. They say third is always the charm, so I'd reckon we get off fast."
We eventually hit it off; I mean, on the road. She led the way, and I followed behind her.
…
When we arrived, I saw this school, somewhat still standing. Sand still somewhat covers parts of it, but it looks like these kids have been hard at work sweeping them out.
I put the truck on brakes and joined from what I was introduced as Sunaookami Shiroko as I joined her to pushing aside the front gates open.
From I understood, she's part of this Countermeasures Committee – No, scratch that. I must have misheard her, actually… Uh, The Foreclosure Task Force, I think.
It was awkward talking near a revving truck.
She also added to being part – or the only member – of a sports club. Pretty sad, really.
"Alright." I let out a deep sigh, ready to park my truck in and hand out this supply.
"Shiroko." A voice called out as both me and the mentioned name turned towards the entrance of the school proper.
She looks at Shiroko before turning back to me. "Sensei?"
"Yes. I am a teacher. From Schale."
The keen gaze of someone with yellow eyes was intensified by the presence of glasses with bold, red rims. She also possessed a pair of protruding pointed ears reminiscent of Rin's, twitching ever so slightly. Her raven locks were cropped in a bob-cut that contrasted sharply with the delicate white flower pinned at the side, lending an air of both austerity and whimsy.
A red halo hangs above the girl.
"Wait! Really?!… Er… W-we didn't expect you to answer our letter this early," she stammered, clearly surprised by my presence.
"Well, let's just say I'm acquainted with your trouble," I responded in a reassuring tone, hoping to put her at ease.
She collected herself with a calming breath. "I see… Thank you for answering our letter."
"No problem," I said with a slight incline of my head.
"My name is Okusora Ayane," she introduced herself, the confidence returning to her voice.
"Ah, the the writer. Nice to meet you." I offered a warm smile, my gaze taking in her commanding yet almost contradictory demeanor - an intriguing blend of nervousness and poise that only heightened my curiosity about the situation at hand.
"Hello!" Another person came out of the school, pale blond hair. A radiant smile, with a green halo following above, emanates an overpowering sense of positivity. Almost like radiation, I could feel it. "Welcome to Abydos High School!"
Her voice called out as she ran up to us. Boy, those chests, let me tell you, could make a certain mob boss's daughter green with envy. It's best if I stop looking any longer.
"Nonomi! Please calm down, this is Sensei." Ayane introduced me.
"Ohh, that means the letter you wrote worked!" The girl Ayane referred to as Nonomi cheered.
"Wait, where is Serika and Hoshino?" Ayane asked.
"Serika-chan is waking Hoshino right now."
"Right, how about I park my truck inside. I got your supplies you wanted."
That unmistakable feeling of being watched. Instinctively, my eyes swerved upwards, scanning the rows of glass panes for any telltale movement or glint of reflected light.
There, in one of the upper floor windows, it didn't take long to view a faint shimmer betrayed the vague outline of a figure concealed within before retreating away.
Whoever - or whatever - lurked behind that dilapidated glass did not like my presence here.
"Sensei?"
It must be nothing…
"Huh? Oh, right. Come on, I'll pull her up near." I returned to Ayane – my attention, at least.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, I opened the passenger side door, and the trio watched as I kicked over a crate that had been resting on the passenger seat. The crate hit the ground with a resounding thud.
I followed down to open their fresh brass treats. Bullets, many kinds. This crate mainly has 5.5645mm NATO. Most common for assault rifles from my experience. NCR higher-ups love them, cheap surplus for the trooper boys straight out of training and into their early grave.
"There are more in the back. I don't exactly know which is which you need so I got a bit of everything I can get my hands on." I say as I watch Shiroko take one from the crate, observing the sole round before gripping the single bullet tight in her palm.
"If it helps" I exclaimed, shifting my gaze towards Nonomi, whose posture now exuded an aura of unwavering confidence as she gripped the formidable bulk of a mini-gun in her slender hands.
"Huh." Everyone's attention followed where my sights are, at the sight of the imposing weapon. A chorus of confused murmurs rippled through the group as I studied the firearm's intricate design. "That thing better shoot 5mm cartridges because I have no clue what make and model that thing eats."
Nonomi's lips curved into an easy smile, unbothered by the mini-gun's considerable heft. "Oh, don't worry about me, Sensei," she chuckled, offering a reassuring wave of her hand. "I'm more than fine for now."
The way she casually handled the powerful heavy weapon with a nonchalant attitude was both impressive and disarming.
"Alright… If it helps, I have other firearms you can use if I don't have rounds for your own to use until then."
More crates from the foot space of the passenger seat I pulled out, this time shells. "So, why exactly are you kids still here? I don't see much life around… Save for the occasional highway bandits."
Boy, did they tell me the most colorful story?
Debts… Loan-sharks… Desperation.
How many times I've heard that music play again-and-again? There are two types of raiders I've known in my life. There are the dumb raiders, the usual always getting into trouble ambushing convoys for their worth and raiding settlements to ashes. Degenerates. That's the only thing in life they know, no future.
But then there is the other side, teetering on becoming a gang; thinking on the long term, they don't ambush convoys; these raiders threaten them at gunpoint before letting them go; they don't destroy settlement; instead, force the people to cooperate with them through multiple types of criminal rackets, if the settlers resist?
Well, that's easy. Another settlement scribbled off from the map.
Loan lending. I never like that gig, taking advantage of individual at their lowest. I've loathed anyone who does this. Giving money to people with an unrealistic interest they have to pay with.
That was just a trap for those poor bastards to be in debt forever with no escape. These kids just arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time. Practically inheriting the debt the school had before they even enrolled.
That must be what Arona mentioned, that the old government had to sell land and their artifacts away.
Who the hell does that to kids? Putting them in debt? Must take an especial kind of asshole to do something this long. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
"How much do ya owe?" A paper Ayane handed to me.
When I unfolded it, the thing printed many zeros… So many, I never thought possible.
What's more, the paper unfolded even more that it rolled on the ground until it ended all the way to the other side of the parking lot.
How in the world?
Hold on… The back of the paper had more writing, too. More?! There are more debt?!
I said. "Didn't know things got this bad." That was a lie. The decay of everything besides a few structures was obvious that even a tribal living under a rock could tell things were in not good shape.
"Alright!" I exclaimed, slapping my palms together with emphasis. The sudden sound drew every eye in my direction, their gazes widening with a mixture of surprise and cautious hope. "I may have a solution that could alleviate this mess, though I can't guarantee it will resolve everything entirely."
My voice carried a measured confidence, aiming to instill a sense of reassurance without over-promising. "However, there's a possibility we could erase some of those zeroes." Seems I have to play with Kivotos's rule on this one. On the basis of the usual way of dealing with loan sharks is a freshly dug grave – 12 feet deep. Might not be viable here… just a thought. Maybe not yet, at least.
"Huah" The drowsy yawn heralded their approaching footsteps, drawing my gaze towards the newly arrived duo.
The first figure held up on her waist like how I would hold Dogmeat when it smelled food that wasn't ours and was about to go after it, swathed in flowing pink hair, a soft halo of matching hue emanating from her face. Yellow and blue pupils… "Uhehehe… A visitor… This uncle hasn't had any besides these youngsters." She calls herself an uncle?
In stark contrast, her companion cut an imposing silhouette of her protruding black ears and red halo above. Felt unwelcoming for a moment. Was she the one spying on me?
The dichotomy between the two was as jarring as it was compelling - one a vision of tranquility, the other a formidable bastion of stubbornness. Yet they moved in perfect synchronicity, an unspoken rapport belying some deeper, indivisible bond beyond mere physical similarities.
"Yo, yo, Takanashi Hoshino here, I'm the one responsible for steering these young people clear of trouble. This here caretaker of mine is Kuromi Serika. Be nice to her now." One waved, being held by Serika.
"Must be rough." I said.
"Oh, they're a real handful."
Well, I opened the lever and pulled open the cargo doors. Everything spilled out to the ground with loud clankings.
"…I…I" Ayane's brow furrowed, eyes clouded with palpable uncertainty as she processed the proposal. What tangible aid could these broken Kaiser androids provide towards helping their staggering debt? The notion seemed implausible at best, potentially disastrous at worst - a gambit that risked incurring further wrath from their already irate lenders.
Everyone else looked the same, surprised and wide eyes. All except for the pink one, probably already asleep by then by the Serika's arms.
"Here is the rest of your ammo." Opening one of the crates of more shining brass goodness.
I was grinning like crazy.
…
"Sensei, I'm saying this not because we're ungrateful for your help, not only with our request but to reach out on another issue you weren't even called for help." While I was setting down a couple of crates in their storage room, Ayane mentioned, lowering a notebook she was writing on.
"What is your point, kid?" I asked, grunting.
"About Those Kaiser androids… I won't ask where you found - or how you got them, but how is it exactly going to help with the school's debt?"
"I've checked around the internals of them bots. I say we take all the robots we can, open their insides, and skim off the gold in them and smelt it. We'll be holding onto a couple of gold bricks with how many of them I got and some roaming around. I say, if they shoot at us, we get the right to defend ourselves and the right for their metal corpses as reparations. First come first serve. Maybe sell the rest that's not gold to a scrapyard for extra money." Turning around to look at her with a grin on my face. "I got a good eye for prospecting."
Ayane's brow furrowed as she considered the proposal, her pen hovering over the notepad.
"That's…not a bad idea, from a technical standpoint," Ayane murmured to herself in a hush, tapping the pen against the paper. For her, the concept felt morbid. She scribbled a few words, but maybe for only combat androids could work in evaluation. Those without any sentience besides following orders.
"In any case, I'm here to lend a hand for you guys out. But in any case, I'm not actually too sure how money runs around here, so bear with me trying to understand some of these."
"Eeh, that's too much work." There was a whine from somewhere else in the room that I turn to. Hoshino kicked back on the crates.
Takanashi Hoshino, a third-year student, is also the chairwoman of this committee. I must admit, I was taken aback when I realized she was the oldest among the group, considering their heights with her the shortest.
Free-spirited leader. By free, I mean free to have time to lounge anywhere to sleep when I was carrying the boxes to the school's storage room.
"Hoshino." I said.
"Hi. Hello. Hi." she returned with a drawl.
"Hoshino-senpai, we're taking any options we can."
"Yeah."
"I say, how about we become idols?" Nonomi raised an idea at us. I was confused as it practically slipped off on my head. Ayane, meanwhile, looks mortified or something.
Idols? Like those statues of people in tribal worships? Strange. I thought.
Back at their clubroom I sat at a table in the middle with the others. All were in this discussion about raising funds for the school. I, on the other hand, was going through their never-ending list of debts. Looking through them, guess whose name shows up again… Kaiser.
Looky here…
As I was listening, I noticed Shiroko had moved her chair closer to mine. While it seemed like her attention was completely dedicated to loading rounds into her magazine.
"On the same note, we also need to increase our enrollment."
"I'm still up for being idols to attract students!" Nonomi was the first to raise her hand.
Apparently, it correlated along with students enrolling for their schools.
"Tsk tsk" Hoshino finally roused herself from her slumber. She raised her head from her desk and, as the third-year vice-chairwoman of the club, decided to share her long-standing idea that had been developed over years of her being the sole student of Abydos high school the longest.
"My dear, Ayane. It's simple, we just hijack a the school buses from other schools to ours. Easy. No need to make more fuss about it."
"So apparently some form or another, kidnapping and extortion is allowed. Or some form of it.
"Nhmm… That's not a bad idea." Shiroko even acknowledged the proposal.
How would that work? I wondered any possibility of that working.
"Hey, pal. Nice weather, eh?" Smooth talk, arms around his shoulder. As I approach the robot, I notice him flinch and then I close in on him more.
"I- Excuse-!" His words tried to reach me but didn't last long as I dragged him into a nearby restroom.
A few minutes later, I emerged, clad in a crisp blue overcoat with a pristine white dress shirt peeking beneath. The black pants, sharply creased, completed the uniform-like ensemble. Atop my head sat a peaked cap, its firm visor casting a slight shadow across my features. With a practiced motion, I tugged the collar upward, partially obscuring my face and adding an air of cover to my appearance.
Arrived at a parked yellow bus, I made my way in, one hand holding my peaked cap lopsided down as I navigated the aisle. The vehicle was packed. I could make out the silhouettes of countless passengers occupying nearly every seat. A faint murmur of voices filled the air, creating a low background hum.
Behind the driver's seat, sliding into the seat and casting a furtive glance around the packed compartment. Perfect. The crowded conditions would serve as an ideal cover.
With a slight change of my collar, making sure it obscures more of my features, I settled in for what promised to be an eventful detour from my original plans.
Allowing myself for a faint smile to tug at the corners of my mouth as I turn the ignition.
Time for a little detour, I mused.
…
"Huh?" "Where are we?" "Is this Trinity?" "Are you blind? When did Trinity ever had a desert?"
The soon-to-be students murmured. Looking through the window.
Soon, the door slid open as a fellow accomplice of mine held her mini-gun aimed at the now panicking crowd behind me. "Hello, everyone! I mean future underclassmen. Welcome to your new school!"
Either way, my job was done.
I stood out from my seat and left.
"All on yours, Kid." Nonomi gave me a smile as I left.
"You sure this won't bit us in the long run?" So, there was Hoshino, wearing aviators now guarding the outside.
Here I was, pulling out my own with a crack on one lens, but it did its job. Did obscure my [Perception] by a small part, but still worked when crossing the desert for miles and having to look at the sun's ugly mug all day.
"Eh? Why don't you have any faith in me?"
"Dunno, maybe they could just run off and call the police once we turn our eyes away from them."
"You worry too much, sensei! This uncle has got all bases covered. It already full proof."
"…"
"Hold on, are you talking about me?"
"…"
"Ugh, talking to your fellow old-timer like that… I expect you to be mature for your age. Hmm… Guess I was wrong. It's not like I won't fall asleep the minute we get back to school."
"I never mentioned anything about you."
"… Eh, but I could tell."
"Sure you can."
"Noo!" Just suddenly, Ayane screamed.
Hm, I guess it may not be acceptable after all. These are just strange people, but for Ayane… She might be the only foil to keep their outlandish ideas in check.
"Alright alright. We won't be kidnapping anyone. Sheesh." Hoshino's shrugged. After that, she yawned.
"Correct, too much work and too long to pay off," Time for her to toss her own hat into the table. Shiroko agreed with a curt nod. Her hand moved swiftly, tossing a colorful bundle onto the table. The bright hues unfurled, revealing an assortment of balaclavas, their fabric patterns distinct and eye-catching.
"Err… Shiroko-senpai… What are these for?" Serika's brow furrowed as she eyed the masks with evident confusion.
A sly smile played across Shiroko's lips as she leaned back, arms folded across her chest. "Masks."
"And how is it going to help us pay our debts?"
"Easy, we rob a bank." Her tone was nonchalant, as if discussing a casual errand, and she punctuated her statement with a casual thumbs-up.
Instantly, Ayane's disapproving voice cut through the room. "Denied." she flatly ended.
"Look at that, we downgraded from kidnapping to regular robbery. Keep this up, and we might get to petty thievery after this meeting. Maybe snatch some old lady's pouch or something. " My attempt at levity was met with a hearty chuckle from Nonomi, her low laughter resonating amid the tense atmosphere, a brief respite from the fuming Ayane.
No more further discussion, I assumed. Shiroko's head hangs down, so do her fluffy ears too followed.
Serika then takes her turn and instead of something actually helpful, Instead I just sat and listened to what is essentially a pyramid scheme that she apparently was sold on by someone.
The discussion took an unexpected turn as Serika began her proposal. Instead of offering a constructive plan, her words unfolded into what sounded suspiciously like a pyramid scheme. Grand promises I heard…
As Serika enthusiastically outlined the supposed benefits and earning potential, I found myself leaning back in my chair, arms folded across my chest. My gaze drifted from face to face, gauging the reactions of my companions. Some appeared unconvinced, eyebrows knitted together in doubt, while others maintained polite but disinterested expressions. All but Ayane.
Rather than interject or voice my own misgivings, I chose to simply listen. Serika was really into her explanation that I'd rather not get myself in the middle and stop her. At least she really believes in it. I can give her gullibility for that.
Ayane gave Serika the same answer she had for Shiroko. "Denied."
"Nn… A pyramid scheme…" "Uhehe…" "Hahaha…" At least we could get a laugh out of it.
Who knows if Ayane even thinks Serika's idea is amusing at a single bit? Never mind… She's not happy when I turned towards her.
"You know, with your enthusiasm this pyramid scheme might actually work!" I laughed too, no joke. This was the funniest thing I've heard in a while. Maybe with enough hope, even the most outrageous plans might go through. Maybe.
Meanwhile, Serika appeared flustered as she looked down.
"Hey, I was kidding about it. But really, you should read what's being advertised next time. For your sake." I went back to my words on Serika, felt bad for a bit. She was really into the idea. It just had turned out it was just the wrong type she clung on.
Meanwhile, Ayane was suspiciously quiet on all of this, which really should have been something else I expect to happen.
"I've had it enough with you guys!"
As it turns out the small elf can flip a table real high. Neat.
…
Few minutes of cleaning up later…
"So, until then, we stick with my plan, since we already got the robots." I said with a tinge of determination. "We just need somewhere or somehow who was the equipment to smelt in into gold bars. Anything else that is not gold, we can sell it for extra cash for parts."
I paused, considering the alternative that was one of the ideas passed around. "Either that or the idol gig Nonomi is talking about, regardless whatever that means, it sounds like it pays good either way with me."
"Yay!" Nonomi pumped her fist into the air high.
"Also bounty hunting." Shiroko added.
"What?"
"Bounty hunting. There are requests filed for criminals where the regular police won't track. Usually around Abydos is a hot bed for bounties."
Look at that… "Alright then." A pastime I could get behind.
Regardless, the meeting was adjourned. While I am confident that there are better ways to earn cash than what we have come up with. We'll have to make do with what we have.
We are in urgent need of money and need it right now before the interest accumulates further and becomes overwhelming for us…
Wait, us? We? I meant, "for them."
"Sensei."
"Shiroko."
I turned to her, but she didn't respond immediately. Her brow furrowed slightly, as if she was carefully considering her words. The silence stretched between us, punctuated only by the gentle breeze.
"Well, you go think about what you're going to say, I have places to check out," I said, breaking the quiet. Turning away, I made my way back towards my truck, its familiar contours a welcoming sight. Just as I gripped the door handle, her voice called out.
"You're leaving already?"
"Well, I have nothing else to do now? Besides, if this gang come knocking at your door, I'll be sure to arrive. I'll always swing by and visit, of course."
"… May I take some of your time?"
Pausing, I glanced over my shoulder. "Sure, what is it you need?" I replied, willing to lend an ear. It is now my job after-all.
It was one of these phones she pulled out, the one where you touch the glass rather than knobs or the keyboard to use. She showed me this video of the news broadcast of me during the shootout at the plaza.
"Okay… That is me."
"Teach me."
"Oh, I think you kids already know how to fight."
"Nnn. wait." She abruptly halts me, catching my gaze before gesturing towards the phone, diverting my attention from the intense display of my video. The screen showcases a flurry of punches, jabs, kicks, and tosses, each movement resonating with the weight of the Calico I was throwing around as a blunt weapon while dodging gunfire at close range. "Here. Teach me."
"… I don't know…"
"I'll do anything in return. Also you could stay just in case the helmet gang attacks."
"Anything huh?"
….
"Oh, my. Seems Shiroko has already taken a liking to Sensei."
"Uhehe… I'll bid my best luck to him."
….
"Arona."
"Yes, sensei?"
"Tell Rin I'll be late."
"Understood! Should I also update Yuuka and Suzumi?"
"Eh, sure."
You know, I could almost tell she could do it on her own without me. Those fist fights and what not.
Oh, sure, I appreciate that she even asked for help. Also got a good workout I got out with her.
Shiroko, that kid… She's got good moves for someone her age. Guess being the only member of the sports club makes her get creative on what she can do by herself at her own pace. She just needs improvement and refining on few places.
Me, on the other-hand… I'm getting older and will get even older by then.
"Hng…" Energy drink… 180 hour. Huh, this must be it. Bright blue bottle with an electric logo. I took a couple more than I stopped by a convenience store to grab something.
"Damn, only nearest place selling stuff is almost a couple off mile from the school…" I muttered.
"It is," a voice spoke, the words seemingly carried by the gentle breeze.
Apparently, someone had been listening to me, their presence previously unnoticed.
"But what can you do? Times are tough nowadays. But I always try to look into the good side of things. They always turn up eventually." As I turned to locate the source of the voice, my gaze fell upon a figure behind me, donning what appeared to be a school uniform. Turquoise neck tie being a dead ringer for her connection to Abydos School.
"Huh, I didn't see you there… Are you uh - a student here too?"
My eyes traveled downward, taking note of the bandages adorning her legs. She did look like she wore the uniform, after all. Huh, I could see bandaids all over her legs. Might as well wear chaps at this point.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Oh, I used to, fun times I had there. Besides, being under the sun is a pain once sunburn rolls around. But really fun all things considered when you're with a friend. Always brought me wonderful memories." She paused, her expression contemplative. "Wait - too? Have you met the other students?"
"Wait, you knew 'em?" I responded, intrigued by her familiarity with the school's population. Or barely you could consider a population.
"Just one. I have an underclassman I used hanged out with all the time. I think she's still studying there. What do you know – there's others now…"
Our exchange continued, her words hinting at a shared history with this place and its students… Alright, so she does know something… She's even surprised that the student population rose to three more before she left.
"You think? Never talk to her lately?" I asked. Now this is getting interesting.
She averted her gaze, a flicker of emotion crossing her features. "I really want to, but…"
An uneasy silence settled between us, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the surroundings. Her shoulders rose and fell with a heavy sigh. "Hah…hah…I don't know. I want to, but…"
Sensing her internal conflict, I offered a reassuring suggestion. "Well, I know this might sound suspicious to you, but I'm heading back myself. I'm bringing them something to eat. You should join me. I'm sure they'd appreciate it."
She shook her head, a polite smile gracing her lips. "No, no… Thank you, but-"
Undeterred, I pressed on, recalling the details she had shared earlier. "If I have to guess… It was the short one with pink hair, right? I remember her being the longest there… Hoshino, the one that sleeps through the whole day? I doubt she'd be angry at you for not talking to her."
Yet, as I turned to look at her once more, she had vanished without a trace. The space where she had stood mere moments ago was now vacant, as if she had never been there at all. I found myself alone on this side of the store. The only sounds were the faint hum of the fluorescent lights overhead and the distant murmur of people outside.
The absence of her presence was palpable, left me annoyed more than curious.
Well, she could have at least left a message for Hoshino or something. In fact, let me know her name… I thought to myself, puzzled by her abrupt departure.
When I arrived at the cashier to pay, the bot gave me the longest look, like I stole something. I thought about it, but did not act on!
"What's with the weird looks? Is there a gecko on my face or something?"
"Right, Right. Sorry sir."
[…¿.?¿?¿?..]
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…..
"Sensei, I got an alert from Abydos High School! It's the helmet gang! They're heading for the school!"
"Seriously call themselves the helmet gang? That's it? They wear helmets and chose to name their gang and call it a day?"
"Right now!"
"Alright, alright."
Thanks for reading! Welcome, Countermeasures Committee or Foreclosure TaskForce!
Now, I'll have to adapt to my new time schedule of waking up at 4 and going to school at 7 until 9 in the evening when I could go home. It really is not as fun as it sounds.
Kerrow: I can't answer the question because we're still early in the story! It's just fun for me to write about Arona and the prisoner. Two people with different conflicting worlds are now being put together.
Mnass: Thanks! I plan on Thirteen discovering differences with his new world he's in to his old one.
Farhangibran15: Thanks!