Soldier Boy and Angel Girls
Rio P.O.V
Sitting here on my office hunched over with my chin resting on my interlocking fingers with my elbows on the desk, I narrow my eyes on the laptop I've been using... for quite a while now in just this session alone.
I've spent... twelve hours ever since midnight entirely watching, slowing down, zooming, and rewinding all the footage I could find of the Sensei of Schale using his supposed magical spells... just hearing those words in my line of thought is infuriating.
Watching as the... several unexplained phenomena manifesting itself in his hands- no, hand is... frustrating to say the least. Especially that red and black mass of energy akin to the Blood Portals.
Luckily, I found some footage of him manifesting it in a Highlander Academy train after meeting the GDD, trespassing into the ruins and bringing back... whoever or whatever that girl was back with them. I have some suspicions to who this "Aris" truly is but... I'm hoping it's really not.
The footage of him in the Highlander train was the most clear recorded manifestation of a phenomena, and I've spent the most time analyzing that footage specifically. Over and over again for good measure.
I watched as from thin air, the black and red energy spiraled in the Sensei boy's hand before initiating a micro explosion as another set of the unnatural energy appeared and again started spiraling.
Hmm, looks like it's stabilized into a ball somehow. Rewinding and slowing down the footage for a good while now, I theorize that he made that supernatural energy stabilize into a ball as the first casting of it detonated and the second, using the momentum of the first kept on spiraling like the symbiosis of the planets and the moons gravities...
I'm putting too much thought on this nonsense... rewinding the footage one last time, I enhanced and zoomed in as much as this bleeding edge laptop of mine was capable of to make sure I've gotten everything I need from this.
The manifestation of the red and black energy as it started spirali- pause! It... I'm not sure if it's a visual error or if it is my sleep depravation playing tricks on my eyes but... space is being compressed in the middle of its manifestation...
Better safe and sorry, I will do my best to come up with a counter for that... human science isn't capable of that in the slightest... yet at least but perhaps the technology of the Nameless Gods followers could at least protect from it.
That's one out of... a few more others. The red sword from his blood... I've given up, at the moment at least, of scrambling my head trying to figure out how his magi- no, not magic! Unexplained phenomena! I've given up on trying to find out how it manifests, and I'm more so focusing on how it could be countered or rendered ineffective in the chance that he becomes an adversary.
Manifests from just a drop of his blood, can launched ranged slashes. Just don't let him bleed himself or get hurt, the same applies to that red skinless humanoid that looked like an anatomy model of some sorts. I'm not certain as to wether it has its own intelligence or if it's capable of complex though but... I'd rather not think about the implications of such a thing.
But... ugh, putting effort to make sure a possible enemy isn't hurt in the slightest is absolute nonsense.
I've seen some videos of Sensei in AngelGram manifesting and controlling a ball of flame in Trinity, but I'm not sure as to wether he can control flames or if it's just that what he creates. There's also the possibility of the flames manifestation being compressed to make an explosion.
The tree roots shooting up from the ground... tsk, there's not much counter to the very earth that which I stand upon being used against me. Thankfully, my Fortress City Eridu is entirely composed steel, glass, and concrete.
The rats and blue moths being summoned, a flame thrower or rapid fire should be enough.
The red lightning Yuuka showed me... one of the most simple phenomenas in the Sensei's arsenal yet I can't think of an efficient way to counter it other than a powerful energy shield. Tsk, it would be too much resources wasted to defend against just one of the many tricks up his sleeves. I meant sleeve.
The two floating hands... shouldn't be much a problem against the superiority of firepower and technology in my disposal.
Mind reading? It has to have limits, perhaps his target for that has to be close or the likes.
Lastly, that black sphere of destruction. One of my observer drones caught footage of it when Kaiser PMC was repelled by Abydos before it was either destroyed or shut off by an EMP of some sort. It broke the sound barrier just moving, going through military grade hardware as if it were a hot knife through butter.
The one used by the Gehenna Prefect Head back then had a purple energy in its form, but the one Sensei used in the Red Winter counter coup was vibrant blue. That was significantly less powerful than what Sorasaki Hina used as it didn't break the sound barrier, but it was still effective as it destroyed the top of a building along with the entirety of the oppositions forces.
Those former Kaiser PMC employees... specifically that pink haired one. She managed to erase the first black sphere the Sensei manifested, could it be that she... no, that would be impossible. I've seen aura like the one her arrow had akin to what the Trinity Justice Task Force's president releases on a daily basis, as well as the Gehenna Prefect Head's enhanced attack.
Still, the pink haired girl armed with a bow of all things has an impressive power. Too bad, Abydos already took her in.
I couldn't help but let out a groan of frustration. I could've personally welcomed them here had I known of that pink haired girls capabilities. Let's see... former Trinity students... ugh, there's not much important information here.
And that damned machine god... I guess I could ignore it for now. If it allowed those automatons to live, then it could be reasoned with... or those automatons are simply insane and delusional. But who knows at this point?
Hmm, the Sensei of Schale's powers... it has to have some kind of limit or a needed fuel to manifest it. Nothing is created or destroyed after all, only moved or changed from one form to another. Then again, normal science can't explain all of that.
Sigh, all of this is... almost disheartening. But... as the Big Sister of Millennium, as the only one capable of leading and defending against the eventual onslaught of the Nameless Gods and their followers. I need to be strong, even if I'm alon in this endeavor.
But of course, I have the ever loyal Toki with me. That's one thing I can be happy about.
/
Levi P.O.V
I threw myself down to the concrete ground, my only arm around my head as the explosive projectile from a robot armed with a launcher flew over our heads and detonated.
Dust and debris blew all around, body trembling and heart pumping as the pressure from the explosion passed through my body. My ears are thankfully already used to such explosions, so I'm not too worried about being rendered deaf.
"Sensei, are you alright?!" Yuzu asked worriedly, showing an expression of distress as she knelt to pull me up.
"I'm fine!" I shouted back, eyeing the group of armed and hostile robots, most likely followers of that faker Decagrammaton, as they came closer with their weapons up. "Tsk, we already humiliated you once. Twice and thrice won't be a problem!" Hehe, there's no way the faker didn't hear that.
"Huh? Sensei, did y-you hit your h-head?" Nah, I'm fine Yuzu.
"Oh, I see. Sensei must've cleared this raid before!" I want to reprimand Aris for still acting as so here in combat, but... eh, I don't want that bright cheerful smile out of her face. After all, she's... really cute like that! "Hehe, I didn't even have to put points in charisma!"
"Y-yeah, we did when we rescued you but-"
"Yeah! Levi-Sensei with his magic easily cleared it last time!" Momoi confidently cut off Midori, who's concerned as always. "Besides, he and Reila-san fought off a final boss the last time we were here!" Does she... really think that was us? Didn't she notice how Aris' completely changed last time? Didn't they notice Arona's blue light?
"Wow, really! Then... I'm still below Sensei's level?" Aris said, facing towards the enemies as she brandished her "Sword of Light" still with a cheerful smile. "Arisu will just have to keep farming then!" Why'd she refer to herself as that? And farming? Well, that's... one way to put it.
"Levi-Sensei is the Grand Wizard, and I'm... merely a low level light type damage AOE DPS." She muttered, eyes furrowing in focus as her weapon began humming and lighting up. It's front opens up like a mouth, a turbine looking thing starts spinning in between the mouths as flames blew out from behind it. Grand Wizard?! Well, I'll just play along if it's for Aris. "Sensei! Please, buff me!" Hmm, does that mean... uhm... should I tell her or...
"God of Fear and Hunger! Bless Aris with your Purifying Black Flames!" Shouting that outloud made me cringe, the fake spell name I came up with sounds like a 5 year old came up with it but... it sounds cool! Huh? What's with that blue and... black flames in her weapon? It's barely visible but it's there... I feel the carved marks on my face trembling slightly.
"Thank you. Now... eliminating the mobs for their EXP and loots." Aris muttered, blinking her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Hikari Yo!" She roared out, doing an overhead swing with her gigantic weapon as bright blue radiant light shot out from it. The pillar of light once again destroyed clouds, then it absolutely incinerated the entire block along with the hostile robots as the blinding light engulfed all.
"Panpakapan! Victory achie-"
"P-pause the victory animation! More are coming!" Yuzu shouted in alert, facing towards another path and pointing as more robots are incoming.
"S-should we retreat? We can't just make Sensei use that spell again!" Midori said in concern, definitely referring to when I used that Black Orb.
"Oh, puhlease! We aren't completely defenseless without Sensei's magic!" Momoi said, sounding a little annoyed as she brought her rifle up and aimed at the second wave of Decagrammatons mechanic dogs. "Besides, you remember what that final boss said last time. He'll be sending more robots and... we're never getting another chance here."
"If it makes you girls feel any better, Reila's on her way as reinforcement."
"Huh?! But Sensei, she doesn't have a halo to protect her!"
"And she doesn't have magic like you!"
The twins shouted back at me in unison, they were more worried about Reila in that moment than everything else. Of course, Yuzu's looking concerned and Aris' is curious.
"Don't worry, Reila is stronger in magic than I am." As I said that, I felt... an otherworldly force rapidly approaching us. This feeling... it's the magic of the Gods, and the only other person who would have this aura is her.
Boom!
The second wave of robots were all engulfed in a fire storm, an absurdly powerful Combustion being casted directly on them. A massive gust of wind passes by us, throwing parts of our clothing around from it's force. I turn my eyes up and see... a Black Orb as it entered the flames.
Boom!
A second explosion happened, shaking the very earth we stand on causing the five of us to wobble struggling to keep ourselves up. Looks like the ruins has another sinkhole, being added just a day after the first one. Hmm, why are the students looking at me... or rather, behind me with glimmering eyes.
"So, why are we back here?" Reila behind me asked, half annoyed and half curious by the tone of her voice. "Oh? And who are you two?" She asked, this time with a kindly voice.
"I'm Tendou Aris! Light type AOE DPS of the GDD!" Aris, cheerfully as always, loudly introduced herself with one hand up in a wave while... she's carrying that humongous thing with only one hand. "You must be Reila, Sensei said that you're a more Grand Wizard!"
"Uhmm... right. Nice to meet you, little Aris."
"Levi, why is she... talking all weird? "
Videogames. She learned how to speak through videogames, it mostly worked but... eh, you get the idea.
"And I'm H-Hanaoka Yuzu. It's... nice to meet you, Miss Reila!" Huh? She's really shy, isn't she?
"No need to be scared, Yuzu! Reila-san is a nice person!"
"Yeah! She's a nerd like us!"
You are? Well, I guess everyone who knew how to use computers was back in our world.
"I just remembered, we're still only officially a party of four. Levi-Sensei, Reila-san..." Count us in, Aris!
"Yeah, I couldn't say no to such a cute girl!"
"Really? Then... Panpakapan! Grand Wizard Levi-Sensei and Supreme Grand Wizard Reila-san has joined the party!" I couldn't stop my giggle from hearing the title Aris gave her.
/
Finally, we've reached the place... I think. Midori is huffing and puffing along with Yuzu, catching their breaths from all the fighting and moving we just did a minute ago.
"Mission, complete!" Aris announced with a victory pose, one hand on her side while the other is pointing up.
"Wow, that was... really easy! We were really strong back there!" Momoi remarked in surprise and disbelief, a hint of pride showing in her expression. "We can probably take on the C at this point!" Hmm, that's the black Karin's group. I thought she said they were a secret service to Millenniums higher ups, which Yuuka would be a part of.
"That's not happening in a million years, but... yeah. It's possible... as long as we have Levi-Sensei and Reila-san with us." Midori replied, looking just as surprised.
"Y-yeah, Sensei and Reila-san are so reliable!" Yuzu said, putting on a hopeful smile as she's still huffing.
"Oh, don't be like that. You girls would've fought off the fakers minions even before I arrived." Reila said in a reassuring tone, hunching down to Yuzu's height as she patted her in the back. "Besides, Soldier Boy over here can turn you girls to the strongest force in Kivotos if he wanted." She said with a smile, gesturing to me.
"R-really? I mean... we aren't even that strong." Strong or not, it's easier to bring down most of the people you think of as really strong. Trust me on that. "Well... if you say so, Sensei."
"Yeah! Sensei is definitely a master strategist! He led the successful counter coup in Red Winter after just six hours!"
"And he has crazy powerful magic spells!"
The twins shouted, gushing on in unison with shining eyes as they talked to Yuzu.
"Wow, so that means... Sensei's real class is Gun Mage Supreme Commander Sensei?!" Aris asked aloud in wonder, eyes also shimmering as she heard the twins praises of me. Ugh, that's... eh, if it's from Aris then I'll take it.
"It's great that you girls are in such high spirits." Reila said aloud in a kindly tone of voice, catching the four girls attentions. "Now, before more of those robots come, find that thing you're looking for." She added, this time in a serious voice.
"Oh, right!"
And so, they went around the place searching. Momoi and Midori turning their heads, looking around as they walked through the dark hallways. Yuzu trembling with a fearful expression, yet still marching on with her grenade launcher in the ready. And Aris-
"This way!" She suddenly shouted, pointing towards the path on the right just as she started walking. "Somehow, this place feels familiar. It's like... returning to a game I played years ago." Yet, you were only truly born yesterday.
"Yes, Sensei. I have no data of this place in my memories, yet... my body knows it." She said as she kept on walking. I hear the four behind me voicing out their confusion and concern at Aris. "No tutorials or walkthroughs, yet the familiarity still remains." As she said that, we started walking, following after her cautiously. Well...
"This place does kind of resemble the place we found Aris in." Momoi said aloud, her tone that of reminiscence. As we walked deeper into the hallway, an artificial light source appears in the path.
"Hey, that's a computer right there!" Midori shouted in realization, pointing at... a screen in the wall with a keyboard.
"Hmm, it looks almost like the ones we had back in Bremen." Reila muttered out with a hum as we gathered around it, cautiously looking around for any possible threats before setting our sights on it.
"Huh? But these kinds of computers were from... decades ago..." Yuzu muttered aloud as she looked at Reila and then back at the computer. Hmm, interesting.
"Didn't Yuuka say something about Levi-Sensei being from the 1940s?"
"No, Nee-san. Just that they used a different calendar where they're from."
The twins are way smarter than I anticipated... or am I being just too mean?
"Oh, I see! That explains why they're so reliable!" I wonder what goody thing Aris will come up with this time. "Levi-Sensei and Reila-san must've been a Legendary Hero and Mage duo in their past lives, and they reincarnated here with their power and memories intact!" Hmm, I don't think what little clues Reila gave us back in Prehevil would count as anything at all.
"Well, it was something like that..." You were asleep 90 percent of the time we spend in Prehevil! "I was caught up in something and you know it!" We both stared at eachother, very much annoyed. Then, we turn to Aris as she's giggling.
"I see... Levi-Sensei and Reila-san must've also been lovers in their past lives." Aris muttered out with a smile? A smirk? A mix of both in amusement.
"W-We weren't! Absolutely not!"
"Yeah! Besides, we only just met eachother!"
Deny it as vehemently, as much as we want. I don't think Aris will care, she's having the time of her life giggling cutely.
Beep!
We snap our heads towards the source of that beep, staring back at the computer on the wall which is now turned on.
[Welcome to the Divi:Sion System. Please enter the item you need help with.]
Was written on the screen. Reila, is it a trap or something? Is it the fake machine god's trick?
"No... it's something else. It feels... like the time I first laid eyes on little Aris. "
"Huh? Things are going our way a lot lately!" Momoi cheerfully and excitedly said aloud, walking over to what they consider as archaic technology and typing away at it. She's... got absolutely zero sense self preservation I see.
"Nee-san, stop! This is a little too suspicious, don't you think?!" Midori warned, grabbing Momoi from behind and locking her arms as she dragged her pink twin off the computer. "What's that Divi:Sion thing anyways?" Just as she asked that, Aris swooped in as she reached her hand out to the keyboard.
[&@293%]
The computer wrote out with a sound almost like shortcircuiting just as Aris' finger grazed the keyboard.
"Aris, what did you do?!" Momoi whined out in distress.
"I d-don't know, I haven't even pressed a key yet." Aris said in worry and confusion, keeping her eyes on the computer.
[Identity check, are you AL-1S?]
That's... Aris is somehow connected to this place.
I hear the twins letting out noises of surprise and confusion. Yeah, that's... suspicious. I hear Aris humming.
"No. I am me... I am Aris." Aris muttered out blankly, almost devoid of emotion as she started slowly reaching out to the keyboard.
"N-no, Aris. I have a bad feeling about this!" Midori said, eyeing the computer in suspicion as she held Aris' hand pulling it away from the-
[Voice recognition confirmed. Welcome back, AL-1S.]
That's... an interesting and convenient feature.
"Yuzu, you're sure this thing is decades old? Even our most powerful computers had nothing like that!"
"Y-yes, Reila-san! This old model shouldn't even have such a feature!"
"Why even have a keyboard in the first place?!" Midori shouted in exasperation, just as Momoi let out a confused noise.
"Why does it think her name is AL-1S?"
"Oh, that? We'll tell you later, Yuzu." They haven't told her yet?
I hear Aris about to correct the machine about her name until- "What do you know about AL-1S?" Hearing that question, the computer started making noises again.
[Ye#$&&)%%~]
"Huh?! What is it trying to say now?!" You tell me, Midori. How about you, Reila?
"Absolutely nothing, I can't even get inside it. "
[Power down imminent. All data will be lost in power down. 51 seconds remaining.]
Tsk, this thing... has intelligence. Enough intelligence to think about withholding information.
"N-no! We still have to find the G.BIBLE!" Momoi shouted out in distress, slamming her hands on the screen.
[Query G.BIBLE found. Commence loading: Yes/No]
And without hesitation, the twins simultaneously reached out to press the enter key.
[G.BIBLE verified. Game code found. For human comprehension, data registry 193 will be deleted. 36 seconds remaining.]
"N-no! Each and every part of the G.BIBLE is a treasure to humankind as a whole!" Momoi shouted again at the computer.
[Suggestion: If you wish to acquire the G.BIBLE whole, then connect a storage device to receive data transfer.]
The twins then pulled out a device with controllers on its sides, attaching it to the computer with a cable.
"This means that we've basically found it, right?"
[No, you already found it in the first place.]
"Huh?" Momoi let out a noise in confusion with a single raised eyebrow.
[Transfer finalization. Insufficient storage, deleting existing data in device storage. 15 seconds remaining.]
"No! My saves!" Momoi whined out, a small droplet of tears leaking out of her eyes as she stared at that device of hers connected to the computer with a hopeless look.
[Womp, womp.]
It has enough intelligence to mock Momoi... what the hell is this thing? But, it does say on Momoi's device that the data transferring is complete. There's a small file icon with the G.BIBLE.exe label. That's done, then-
"How much time until you die?"
[8 seconds remaining.]
That should be enough. "What is Project ATRAHASIS?" I asked as fast as I could, leaning down on the computer awaiting its answer.
[Project ATRAHASIS... Our Princess shall su-]
And with a hum just like that, it completely died with a pitch back screen. Tsk, that's all I'll get at the moment. The Princess it's referring to... it can only be Aris.
"Well, at least we have the G.BIBLE! Better see if it's the real deal!" Momoi said happily, tapping something on her device. "Eh? Password required?!"
"If it's a password, then Veritas can easily figure it out." I think Yuuka referenced that group before.
"If we do that..."
"Then we can make TSC2... fun..."
The twins said as one.
"Yeah... we'll take the Millennium Prize for sure." Yuzu muttered out, eyes glimmering with a smile.
"Yeah! It's good as ours!" You're being too loud, Momoi.
"Yeah, if you keep shouting like th-"
Midori paused as a mass of heavy metallic footsteps marched down to this place in unison. Tsk, it's Deca's minions.
I hear Yuzu yelping in fear as she snapped towards them, pointing her grenade launcher as she fired and... the munition shot out of her launcher, flying around as a colorful blocky rainbow propelled it from behind.
It flew up, down, around, basically all over the place but still making it's way towards the hostile robots.
Boom!
Followed by a massive orange flame along with a shockwave brightening up the dark place as the earth shook. That... has so much more power than what that one small munition piece should be capable of!
It's still shaking, the ceiling and walls cracking... the place is collapsing.
I didn't even have to train you girls or give you Blood Magic, all you girls needed waw Yuzu letting loose!
"T-thank you, Sensei!" Nevermind that, start running or we'll get buried! "r-right!" And so, we started running like hell. Hopefully, there's another way out of this place. If push came to shove-
"I'll teleport you all to safety. "
Of course, thanks Reila!
/
I breath out a sigh of relief as we're completely home free of any threats back here in Millennium proper, the six of us walking as one with just about the entire student population of Millennium staring at us.
Momoi is looking all cheery and confident, as if the Millennium Prize, as it's called, has already been awarded to the GDD as she strutted with her device in hand. Midori is looking around with narrowed eyes and a slight hint of fear, Yuzu... seems to be an introvert of epic proportions. Shrinking into herself as she hid behind me from everyone looking.
Aris... is happy and cute as always, marching on happily.
"It's the Gun Mage Sensei, the same one that got everyone saying magic is real." Damn, I really have good ears if I can hear mutters and whispers from this far.
"It's those weirdos, the losers who made Tales Saga Chronicles."
"Do they think having the supposed magician will help them make better games?"
"Hehe. I mean, it would take a miracle for them to pull of something like that." If Aris heard them talking shit, then I would've... "Hey, who's that mew girl with them?"
"Dunno, but she's cute! Why'd she join the GDD?"
[Killing Intent] [Intimidation]
I stared at that one specific group of girls, even turning my head as we walked past them. They were completely frozen, keeping their eyes on me as they braced to run away. After they left my field of vision, I stopped caring about them.
"Even in a society like this, bullying can happen... "
Sometimes, it simply has to happen to some people.
"That's not how that's supposed to work, Levi. Besides, you, as a teacher, are supposed to teach them to be better. "
I sighed hearing Reila's words in my mind. I guess... that's my job in the first place after all. Hmm... Yuuka?
We halted at our tracks, watching as Yuuka approached us. Her plump, bare thighs and legs in full display as it carried her towards us.
Momoi took a step back, facing Yuuka as she held her device carrying the G.BIBLE thing as if it were an infant. Midori doesn't seem to be as scared of Yuuka as her Nee-san, Yuzu's hiding even more behind me.
"Hey, Mama Yuuka!" And Aris is very much happy to see her clubs mama, running closer to her with arms wide anticipating a warm embrace. I cover my mouth, giggling as Yuuka halted with her expression just freezing as she heard how Aris called her. "We just finished a raid!" Aris said, looking up at Yuuka as if expecting praise or a reward.
"Mama?! Did Yuuka-san...?! No, that would be impossible."
"Is she doing something for them?"
"Well... Yuuka-san does handle the entirety of Millenniums budget so... in a sense, she's kind of one." Is that so.
"That's... great, Aris." Yuuka said, eye twitching along with her lips as she forced a smile on. With trembling hands, she slowly reached out to Aris' head... and started softly patting as Aris began giggling in joy. "But Aris, I don't recall birthing you..." Damn, it would be a nightmare hearing that from such a lady like Yuuka.
"Uwaah, Yuuka!" Aris cried out, bit only sniffled as she's still enjoying Yuuka's headpats.
"And Sensei, please shut up about that." Hmm... no, I don't think I will. She then sighs. "Reila-san, I got this for you." She said, pulling out a folded up piece of paper from her clothes and handing it over to Reila as she reached out to receive it.
She opened the letter up, unfolding it as her eyes began going left, right, and down reading it. Reila then gasps, then she lets out a smile as her eyes shone brightly.
"I got approval from President Rio to invite you attend classes as a guest." Attending as a guest? Wouldn't that mean that she wouldn't be participating in much more specialized school stuff exclusive to Millennium? "Technically, but no. Reila-san as a haloless individual affiliated with you, as well as possibly having come from the same place, would most likely be welcomed and catered to by whichever academy would receive her." Hmm, like a diplomat?
Yuuka begins humming, eye closed and a hand in her chin in thought. "Something like that... but nothing is without strings attached after all. Whatever information she has about magic or the collective supernatural, would be sought out." Then that would basically be espionage, but... eh, it's not like it'll do whoever hears it any good when they don't have a hexen, ritual circle, or a Soul Stone.
"Yeah! That side of the world isn't anything special... anymore anyways." Reila said, taking deep breaths out of... excitement? You're a university graduate, right?! Why are you getting turned on by highschool lessons?! "I am! B-but their computer science is way, way more advanced than what we had!" She shouted at me, hands shaking up and down from her excitement.
"It's that other haloless person from the morning news." I hear the Millennium students from afar, wearing a simple uniform under a pristine white lab coat muttering once again. "I can tell she's an adult, but Yuuka-san said that she's going attending lessons with us."
"She did just say that our computer science is way more advanced compared to what they had... wherever backwater they came from if that's the case."
"She's like when my grandparents first learned about computers and smart phones... where the heck did she come from?"
"Forget about that! You think she's getting it on with the Sensei?!" Oh, Gods. What is it with kids being naughty?
"Well... they're both adults after all..." These kids...
"And they look like they have the same complexion... no, maybe they're relatives or something." Oh, finally. An assumption that's not-
"They have weird sex cults where they're from, going by that Sylvain deity in those books. That's probably not stopping them!" Oh for fu-
"We can hear you! You girls know that, right?!" Reila snapped towards the girls in the crowd watching us, shouting as she glared and gritted her teeth in irritation. "So, Yuuka dear. When can I attend?" Ugh, women... how they can complete change moods in a moments notice both confuse and frighten me.
"Anytime between today, this week, or next week. Whichever you prefer, Reila-san."
"Great! Then, can you show me to the classrooms. Dear Yuuka?"
"Sure, Reila-san. Follow me."
And just like that, Yuuka walked away towards one of the buildings as Reila followed. Her expression filled with anticipation and excitment, eyes still glimmering in wonder.
"Well, thanks for today, Sensei. We'll take this to Veritas now." Momoi said, facing me as she smiled. Sure, just call me when tou next need me.
"We will, Sensei. You have... cool ideas and... I want more of your guidance." Huh, hearing Yuzu speak out like that. With a war smile, I give Yuzu the reassurance she needs. "T-thank you, Sensei."
"Yeah, Reila-san would fit in more with Veritas. So... goodbye for now, Sensei." I see, next time then, Midori. But... I'm kind of curious about computer stuff as well. "Right, we can help with that next time as well. Levi-Sensei."
"Oh, Sensei and Reila-san are leaving the party." Don't worry, Aris. We'll be back for the next raid! "I see. Then, until next time, Sensei!" And with that, I bid farewell to the GDD. For now at least.
Hmm, I've done requests and that counseling thing for Abydos, Trinity, and Gehenna. It's about time for Millennium then.
Let's see... nearest one is-
/
The message request said to come here in this building, the Millennium clubroom is what the students I passed by and asked called it. So... where the hell is she?
I've spent the past five minutes walking around the building in a square here in the hallways. Did that student just message me as a joke?
Hmm, I hear whirring. I stop walking, staring at a small drone as it whirred slowly flying towards me. With small claws like that, it kind of looks like a floating crab.
It reached me, halting as it flew still. One of its claws reached out to me and tugged on my clothes, then it flew away slowly.
"Lead the way then." That gesture was easy enough to understand.
And so, it turned around to fly away with me following after it. Turning to the left, there are sliding doors to classrooms in each side of this hallway.
I followed it for a minute more, then I halted as it stopped and turned to face a room. It's whirring echoing throughout the place. Hmm, there's something written on the door.
"Recite Pi in a single breath club." What exactly is that supposed to- well, I mean. I swear at one point I managed to sing the first half of the Eastern Union anthem in one breath.
"Well, that is certainly most impressive!" An amused smug voice came from the drones radio. "Of course, I've been waiting for you. You may enter." Hearing that, I grab the doors handle and pull it open to it's side. Yeah, this is a classroom alright.
Walking in and taking in the sights of the empty silent classroom, I couldn't get the image and atmosphere of the Orphanage classrooms in ruins back then.
[Bury The Trauma]
Those other kids deserved better, but... there's nothing I can do about something that's already in the past.
I turn my head to the right hearing a stifled, yet eager giggling.
"You arrived just in time. Welcome, Levi-Sensei of Schale." The girl with long white hair tied to twin pigtails wearing all white greeted. Her halo are white petals with black arrowheads in between arranged in a circle formation. She has pointy ears like that of Rin, Chinatsu, and Ayane. "I am Akeboshi Himari, it is a pleasure finally meeting the most famous Gun Mage Sensei!" She exclaimed with childlike glee. I ignore that in favor of staring... at her seated in a sleek futuristic looking wheelchair.
Olivia? No, what am I thinking?! I'm a shit person for immediately thinking of her after seeing a wheelchair.
The other day, Momoi and Midori were talking about this girl. The one they said had a frail constitution. I see, that must be hard for her.
"Hmm? Heehee." She, Himari, giggled with a hum as she puffed her chest out straightening her back. With her head high up, a confident smirk forms in her lips as she closes her eyes which radiates absolute smugness.
Is she... showing off or something?
[Mind Read]
As expected, even the Gun Mage Sensei is awestruck at my frail beautiful! I mean, I am the beautiful and delicate sickly Genius Hacker Girl. It's only natural!
That's... interesting. Olivia, and I'm sure countless others, hated their fragility. But you... beautiful and delicate yet sickly, that's for certain.
"Huh?! W-well, it's only n-natural!" Huh, she radiated absolute confidence just seconds ago yet now... Himari's cheeks are flushed red, her pointy ears are twitching up and down. "W-wait a minute?! Levi-Sensei, did you... just read my mind?" She asked cautiously, eyes narrowed with her eyebrows raised as she leaned to mt direction with both hands on her wheelchairs armrests.
Her right hand moves to another part of the armrest, then her wheelchair started moving as it made some mechanical noises towards me. That's... so damn cool, Olivia would've loved that wheelchair!
"Yes, unfortunate disabled people would very much love this." Absolutely! I can just imagine Olivia running over a moonscorch with an axe, just imagining the absolute joy she would feel, the smile she would have with that is... is- "Your friend would've certainly been happy, however... back to the question, Sensei. Did you just read my mind?" She asked again as we're now face to face... well, at least how high she's physically capable of.
"Yeah, Moon God's blessing and stuff." I said with an awkward smile, looking away as I started scratching the back of my head. Rin already told me not to read people's minds before, but I'm doing it anyways. "I can only read lines of thought, so your deepest secrets are safe... most likely."
"I see... then, moving on. First of all, you may return to regular patrols." Himari said towards the drone that led me here. Then, it started beeping and it turned around and flew out of the room closing the door on its way out. "Now, Levi of Prehevil, Sensei of Schale. We have much to talk about." She said to me in a serious tone.
"Before that, why here?" I asked, my only armed gesturing outwards and around the secluded place.
"Ah, this is my... own personal secret hideout. Yes, the clubrooms of the Super Phenomenon Task Force and Veritas are both under the Big Sister's watchful yet paranoid gaze." Himari said with a blink and a sigh of disappointment. You say that like Millennium, of all places, has a tyrant. "True, Millennium is free. Yet... on the Big Sister's whims and the push of a button, she could take that freedom away." She hasn't done so yet, as we can clearly see, so not a tyrant... yet at least.
"That aside, if this Big really had that much surveillance power, then what's the point of making this meeting a secret?" Being alert is always a good thing, but there's a line where in which one is just going to be a nutjub.
"Oh, please. Her feeble surveillance network is no match for this beautiful and delicate super genius hacker girl!" Himari confidently explained as she gestured to herself, pouting at my words. That would mean... she just messed with the entire schools security system. I don't know much about the technology here, but that's- "Hmph! Those are mere road bumps for this super genius hacker!" She's really full of herself, isn't she?
"Fine, why bring me here then?" If whatever she called me here for needs that much preparations and possibly pissing off the head of Millennium, then-
"Yesterday, right before leaving for Red Winter. You went into the Millennium Ruins with those twins from the GDD." Didn't Momoi say she got her coordinates from Himari? Then wouldn't that mean... you used them as a pawn to take that G.BIBLE thing? I don't think they know what it actually is, but you would certainly know about it. "Please, I wouldn't even dream of manipulating my adorable juniors." She dismissed with a sigh, her tone is as if she was hurt.
"The G.BIBLE, as far as I know, was a real thing. It just so happened that the Unknown Entity we were hunting noticed you three- no, fou- five going through and out the ruins." She also saw Aris and Reila. "Thet adorable little Aris... do you know about the Nameless Gods?" One of those things Black suit was thinking about...
"I've heard of those Gods, but there's nothing about nameless gods where I'm from. So what does Aris have to do with that." I admit, seeing Aris where we found her, as well as what happened just an hour ago is obviously suspicious but... her being connected to any sort of gods would be nonsense.
"I see, I thought they were simply forgotten or left out in those Skin Bibles as they're called." Himari remarked, hand in her chin as she's in thought. "Wether they were real or not is irrelevant, they had loyal followers. Followers who left their technology, as well as... other yet to be identified things." Hmm, that would be bothersome. Tsk, Reila would've known more about this but she's busy attending a class here.
"You came from, what I assume to be, a place in which greater emphasis were placed on acts and rituals of worship. I wish to hear much of that from you as you would be a primary source for such things." I see, that would give her an idea of how worshippers would act. But... it's very much complicated in basically every way.
"Depending on what kind of god. The ritual would go from human sacrifices to absolute debaucherous orgies, to simple prayers or offerings." Of course, it's possible to earn favors in other ways but... it's much more obscure and unknown. Practically forgotten or abandoned in favor of better rituals. Even then, magic has been scarce even for devouts like Yellow Mages and the Clergy of Alll-Mer.
"There are special places and conditions that make learning magic and gaining blessings easier which I was lucky... unlucky to both have, so there wasn't any guarantee that the gods would hear or care about us mortals."
"I see, that is certainly most interesting yet... some are utterly deplorable." Himari muttered out, eyes narrowed in focus as she's leaning towards me. "Too bad, we so far haven't deciphered or found any records of the Nameless Gods followers rituals or other such acts of worship." Well, you can still look at what they left and take a guess.
"The true nature of a God is reflected on their followers... most of the times at least." I think, I couldn't figure out the damn pedo cat along with some other degenerates.
"Hmm, that would certainly make sense. Thank you, Sensei. It's not much, but it's something." Himari muttered out, her wheelchair projecting a hologram computer which she used to type things down. Wouldn't a phone or a proper computer be better since... isn't it awkward to use something that's... not actually there? "True, I do not use this feature much but I still have to write down what you taught me before I forget." Forge-?! But you just heard me say it!
"My mind is a wonderful thing, Sensei. Filled with so much knowledge that what you just said would fall into the oceans worth of information I have." She's a little too full of herself, I see. "Moving on to the next topic. Decagrammaton." You know about the fraud?!
"F-fraud? Levi-Sensei, why would you... well, you were the first to encounter that unprecedented AI after all." She seems confused and surprised at what I called Deca. "I can understand why you wouldn't fear it. You have that new Machine God "Logic" with you after all." I mean... weird shit has probably been happening ever since I arrived here and proved that magic exists. It's what most would think of.
"While it is without a doubt that it is no threat to you, it still is to Kivotos." I giggle a little at her words. After all, what's a bunch of machine dogs without even a will of their own a threat? "S-Sensei! Automatons wouldn't like hearing that! That aside however, they still have numbers which are growing even larger at the moment." Hmm?
"Chesed, a munitions and manufacturing factory AI was fully taken over by Decagrammaton just yesterday." Himari said in absolute seriousness, leaning on the edge of her wheelchair as she looked at me with thinned lips. I see...
"So that's why there were somehow more of them earlier." I said with a sigh, closing my eyes in thought as I took a leaned my rear on a chairs armrest. "Yeah, that would be a problem but... I haven't seen any buildups and movement of his followers and equipment, so an invasion is not yet coming."
"Assuming the manufacturing of robots and weapons doesn't expand, it will still take them a good while for a massive attack." Of course. You said that an AI for a factory was taken over? Why was such a factory even left in the ruins anyways, why hasn't it yet been dismantled if it's not being used anymore in the first place? "Hehehe... laziness I suppose." ... Tsk.
Himari then covered her mouth in a fake cough, clearing her throat as she took on a serious expression again. "To find an absolute being, and to study it's constitution. For if it truly exists, it would have a creation process. A way to create a new god. That was what the Absolute Being Autonomous Analysis System was built for, what Decagrammaton was presumably built for. I assume tha-" Yes, Himari. Such beings can be created, but it needs a lot of specific things. Things that aren't available to Kivotos, and some that most sane people wouldn't even think about doing to create. "I would imagine so, yet... Sensei, could you... curse me with such knowledge?" Hmm, I turn round and round looking for anything or anyone that could be watching or listening.
I walk closer to Himari, leaning down to her level and her ears to whisper. "A half New God human and a dead or dying Old God aren't coming to Kivotos or being birthed anytime soon."
"I see, that must be why there are only two human originated gods but... how are new gods different from an old or ascended one?" New Gods are humans who ascended only to have a fraction of a true gods powers, enough to raze armies by themselves yet not enough to create everlasting relevant change. Reila would know more about them. "I see. Then, is there anything else?"
"Tens- no, hundreds of thousands. Even millions of human sacrifices, enough to form the very earth Kivotos stands above." Hearing that, Himari let out a predictable gasp as her hands started trembling. "I'm not sure how sacrifices are counted or accepted, but there were plenty when Alll-Mer ascended, plenty when the God of Fear and Hunger was born, plenty when Logic fully ascended right before I got here."
"I see... why you must act with such caution regarding this information." Himari said, lips trembling as she breathed heavily. "Truly a curse what that piece of knowledge is. However, as the delicate genius hacker beauty, I will naturally bear such a burden if it means the safety of Kivotos." Truly delicate yet still beautiful and confident, Olivia would've loved to meet her.
"Say, you said that Deca took over that factory AI. Do AI's have minds of their own like Reila's followers, or are they like robots without free will?"
"Chesed was an AI created to automate the factory as it was reduced to a human skeleton crew. I theorize that Decagrammaton brainwashed Chesed, in a way. I'm not certain myself, AI's aren't supposed to behave as we've observed Chesed act recently." Hmm, Deca proclaimed itself a God of Machines... yet true Gods don't have to brainwash people into worshipping them. "Interesting... maybe it has to do with Chesed's personality module." ... Seriously?
"Huh? What is it, Levi-Sensei?" Assuming robots have personality and stuff, Deca wouldn't have to forcefully brainwash them or something. I mean, Rin said that Automaton citizens as well as Reila hearing from Mikhail, that Decagrammaton was nothing more than a fraud as to why they preferred following her. "Worshiping... that other haloless woman?"
"Deca said something about preaching his gospel to Arona, the AI assistant President left me, and he just fled after failing. Assuming he did the same for Chesed and those robots, they're... probably following him of their own free will. Glory to automatons, everyone else are subhuman scraps. That's what they're probably thinking when joining Deca."
"The GSC President... AI assistant... Chesed and..." Himari muttered the things I rambled about with narrowed eyes in incredulity. What's the matter, beautiful and delicate super genius? That shouldn't be too hard for you to understand. "Levi-Sensei, you gave out so many things at once! The GSC President leaving an AI assistant is fairly understandable, but your assumption on why Chesed and the robots joined Decagrammaton is... it's comically terrible!"
"Humans did it a lot, why wouldn't they?" Trust me, I would know.
"I see... that's at least something possible, even with how terrible it is after all."
"If we're gonna talk about the faker Deca again, it would better if we had Reila with us."
"I see, I will see to it that she's invited the next time we meet, Levi-Sensei." Yeah, we've exchanged a lot of information just this once. But...
"One last thing, Himari. Why did you mention Aris and the Nameless Gods in a single breath earlier?" I asked, back facing her as I turned my head on the way out the room.
Himari widens her eyes as she brought her head up to look at me in surprise. Putting a finger on her chin as she closes her eyes in thought, she began humming.
The true nature of a real God is reflected by their followers... it is most likely the same with that artifacts they had or worshipped...
As she finishes her thoughts, Himari let out a warm smile as she looked back at me. "It's nothing to be concerned of, Sensei. That adorable little new junior wouldn't have anything to do with such things." Hmm... I'll play along for now.
"Bye then, Himari. See you later."
"Of course. Likewise, Levi-Sensei."
/
On the way out of Millennium grounds proper, I swear I saw a... maid wearing tactical harness stalking me in plain sight. Blonde with her hair tied to a white clothe bun, dark blue halo and an expression devoid of any expression. I didn't do anything as she's probably with Karin, but... damn, that was a little creepy.
Let's see... walking through the streets of Millennium district, I followed the line coordinate in my phones map feature. Leading me to... I rub my eyes clear after bringing down my phone to look at where I was called, to make sure I was still in Millennium. I mean... this place almost looks like Trinity district with how fancy it is. Specifically that place Hasumi called me to back then.
Eh, the owner here is probably a Trinity migrant or something. Turning off my phone and pushing open the double doors as bells above rung from my entrance, I see a... light blonde maid with a cheery grin serving other student customers. She's dressed almost exactly like Karin, just that... her tits are practically hanging out... almost... I'm not complaining. Oh, and she has a bright blue halo.
She starts moving backwards towards me as she's still facing her previous customers. Then she turns around to look at me.
"Welcome, Master! Please follo- huh?" The cheery maids grin disappears as she looks at me, in some kind of surprise. "Master! I didn't know you were coming today, you haven't replied to my Momochat message!" She said with a pout.
"But enough of that. I'm Ichinose Asuna, pleased to serve you, Master!" She, Asuna, proudly declared with a bright smile and a small bow. "You've already met Karin-chan, right?" Yeah, I have.
"She's awesome, right?!" Yeah, she absolutely was with the manuever she did with that AT rifle! "Right?! Well, it's about time I show you to your table, Master!" She said, grabbing me by my only hand as she pulled me along. Holding hands with such a pretty girl... I don't think I'll be washing my hand anytime soon.
"Hmm, you're my Master yet I'm supposed to call everyone here master..." Asuna muttered aloud, stopping as she let go of my hand and put her hands on her cheeks. "Should I call you master of all masters or sum to seperate you from all the other masters?" Hmm, the cheerfulness she just had is all gone... just... her eyes are empty.
"Asuna, just call me Levi to make things simple." I said, hoping to snap her out of whatever is with her. She gasps, snapping up as she smiled happily once again.
"No, no. Master is supposed to be master... so, you should be Master Levi, right?" Gods, hearing such a busty and beautiful girl calling me that is... is. "Hehe, Sensei is totally awestruck with me!" She shyly yet eagerly said, her gaze going to another place as she's blushing a lot.
"T-that aside, you should bring me to my table already. You have other customers to attend to, right?"
"Oh? I don't work here." Excuse me? "I dress as a maid, and this is a maid cafe, so people just kept assuming I'm a maid here. Fun, right?" ... Sure, sounds fun. I'm rolling with it for now.
And so, I followed Asuna as she led me with a happy smile that seems to be permanent on her face. Then, I sat down, feeling the relaxing cushion my rear is sinking into.
"So, why here?" I ask, resting my arm on the chair as I looked up at Asuna.
"Hmm, I wanted to see your magic. Master!" Asuna joyfully and excitedly confessed, her eyes shining as she brought her face closer to mine. She then makes a face that says she remembered something. "Well, I'm on a mission here to catch someone. But it was getting boring, then I heard that the one and only Gun Mage Sensei is here in Millennium." I see.
"Then first of all, bring me your finest delicacies." I said mustering up a smug confident smile, picking out my words to make it sound formal and stuff like a noble would. After all, having a voluptuous maid like Asuna is a dream that not a lot of men would be lucky enough to have.
"Aye, aye master!" Then off Asuna went, coming back almost immediately with a plate filled with desserts, pastry, and a cup of tea. "Here!" Good girl, Asuna. She seems to like that.
"So, how are you planning on catching your target if you're here instead of... you know, going around and hunting?" I said, taking a piece of pastry and bringing it up to my mouth.
Crunch!
It's sweet, yet balanced with the taste of the cracker carrying all the sweet sugary stuff.
"Eh, that was boring. Hearing about you from Karin-chan... I got the feeling that everything would go alright with you around, Master." I see, trusting me fully just from the words of your friends... Asuna, what would you do if I came out as a bad person? "That's impossible, master! We just met, but I'm already falling for how cute you are!" Huh?! I snapped my eyes to Asuna who's still grinning without change, my cheeks are getting fuzzy... seriously? The carvings-
"Look awesome! Well, it probably hurt getting it but it still looks cool!" Does she... really think so? Is Asuna just... saying that to get on my good side? Her smile never leaving her face... I can't tell what she's thinking, even going by how she's acted so far. She's just... doing and saying whatever is fun.
[Mind Read]
...
...
...
It's completely empty?!
"Hmm? What's empty, Master?" Uhm... nothing. "Right, can I sit here?" Asuna asked as she sat down on the other chair in this table. Yeah, sure. I don't see why not.
"Heehee, this... is the closest thing to a date I've had in a while!" She cheerfully giggled out, picking up a menu set on the table and calling for an actual maid of the store as she ordered for herself. This... is a date? "Kind of, it's normally more... romantic and stuff." She said with a smile as another maid brought her orders to our table in a tray.
"T-then Asuna... could you tell me how to date, to woo a girl I like?" Sena already offered and I would appreciate her help with Chinatsu, but I'm still waiting for her to call me again.
Asuna's smile disappeared into a gasp, she's looking at me wide eyed in shock and surprise. Then, her smile came back even wider and brighter.
"I see, that's amazing! To woo? What a classical gentlemen you are, Master!" Asuna exclaimed, hands clapped together as she brought it to her left side and rested her cheeks on it. "I don't know about this girl you like, but... you just have to be yourself, Master." But A-Asuna... I'm... not a good person inside. I did... things back where I'm from.
"Oh, cheer up, Master! Just admitting that means you are a good person! Now, away with that frown!" Like I was hit with a Black Orb, I was utterly flabbergasted with Asuna. I mean, how am I supposed to act with someone as goofy as her. "When you're with the person you like, you should let your heart and love out." Focusing on Asuna's words of wisdom, I leaned closer to her on the table.
"One thing you should keep in mind is, it's now... or never when it's time for that date." Asuna said with absolute certainty and seriousness in her eyes, the cheeriness and goofy aura now absent. "Got it, Master?!" Then it all came back in an instant.
"Y-yes, Asuna. T-thank you!" I'm supposed to be the teacher, but I'm the one learning from my student here.
"Heehee, how the turn has tabled. Right, Master?" Yeah, it really has, Asuna.
The entrance to the cafe opens up with ringing, I see a fat automaton man huffing and puffing as if he was just running away as a maid welcomed him. He starts following the maid going our direction and stopping as he saw Asuna. Hmm, Asuna herself is wide eyed looking in surprise.
"Hey! Why is a maid sitting down?! Is that what you call customer service?!" The fat mechanoid shouted, as if it was a business of his. He was about to start shouting again, until Asuna just lunged at him, pulling out a weirdly shaped gun out of... her ass? And smashing it's buttstock on his face and bringing him down.
"I was right! Everything actually went well with you around. Master Levi!" Huh?! That guy was your target, and he just happened to run through here?! Holy hell, the lucky coins would absolutely hate you back home! "Yeah, I'm bringing you as a lucky charm again for my next assignment. Master Levi!"
Asuna then pouted, whining as she kept her foot on the downed fat mechanoid. "I wanted to stay with Master Levi more, but I have to report back to base now!" Don't worry, Asuna. Like you said, you can call me again when you want. "Oh, right. Yay! See you later then, Master Levi!" And with that, Asuna went off with her target on tow.
That's that I guess, I wonder how Reila is doing.
/
There wasn't any new messages or requests in Momochat, and I've kind explored a whole lot of Kivotos already so... I walked around for a short while until I reached my office in the Schale building in the afternoon near sun down.
Oh, Gods. That's a metric ton of paperwork I'm gonna have to deal with. Eh, it's still my job and stuff. Besides, it's nothing too hard.
Walking over to my desk, then around to reach the office chair, I see a note from Rin in front of it.
"I understand that you prefer taking action in helping the city and the many students, but please do your share of paperwork! It isn't that hard!"
Well, yeah. But... ugh, there's still a bunch of things I have to do and follow when sorting paperwork out. Like the fact that I have to use Xuanyuanese characters and numbers for reports with numbers and stuff.
Actually. Arona, you awake?
[Yeah. I can deal with the paperwork, Levi-Sensei! Just make sure to process those applications.] Arona said, spawning a colored hologram that's... somehow touching and picking up some of the papers. I... won't question it.
And so off I went, stamping and signing my chicken scratch looking signature on the Schale application letters that look pristine. The handwriting on each report is majestic and neat, immaculate even!
Hmm, the sun just wend down. The moon is already there, it's thankfully doesn't have Rhers creepy ass grin. The stars are all already lighting up the clear night sky.
"And... done!] Arona groaned out, setting aside the piece of document in her hands as many others just floated back into the desk. [Finally! Just in time as well.] For what, Arona?
[A student is coming over, and... uhm, I'm kind of shy with new people.] Hmm... yeah sure. Thanks for the help, Arona. [You're welcome, Levi-Sensei!] And with that, her holographic form fizzled out of existence.
Then, as if on cue. I hear glass shattering, it's pieces clattering down the floor.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Master Levi." Said the girl in... another maid outfit, slightly knelt as she just landed from... whatever manuever she did to enter from the windows of all places. "I am Murokasa Akane. I am here to serve you." She introduced herself.
Compared to Asuna and Karin, her maid uniform is much more modest. Just from her posture and soft expression, she's also probably modest in personality.
Akane has pale blonde hair, her halo is a dull gray crosshair. She's holding a long black case with light blue stripes and a weirdly shaped pistol with the same color scheme... that's a bolt action pistol, it looks both weird and cool.
"Same, name is Levi of Prehevil." I introduced myself back, facing towards her as I brought my hand up as a gesture of greeting.
"I see. You've already met Asuna and Karin, yes?" Yup, they're both beautiful and skilled. "Oh my, I hadn't anticipated Master to be a womanizer." Akane gasped out mockingly, her hands bolting up to cover her mouth as she took a step back. The shine on her eyeglasses covering her eyes.
"Uhm... I didn't mean it like that."
"Please, I merely jest." She giggled out. "Anyways, you should already know about C 's nature, yes? We are the best of the best among Millenniums agents." Yeah, I could tell.
"We offer various cleaning services. Such as ridding Millennium of all the problematic elements, or having abusive bosses to pay their employees what they're fully owed or to have them leave entirely." Oh, so that's why Karin said they were supposed to be a secret. They're practically an espionage and assassin force. "Oh, please. We prefer the term cleaners, they're filth in their own ways after all." Well, can't argue with that.
"Certainly, it is most similar to what Schale has been doing. Hence why you would need the support and services from the many students of Kivotos." Akane proudly yet modestly stated, a slight smile appearing in her lips as she takes a small bow with the hem of her long skirt in her fingers. "Once again, I am Zero-Three, Murokasa Akane. At your service." Interesting codename. What about your other squadmates?
"Zero-One would be Asuna, Zero-Two is Karin." Akane pauses, clearing her throat for the next member, which I have yet to meet." Double-0, for my little Neru."
"Is Neru that blonde girl?"
"Hmm? No, Neru has red hair." Hmm, interesting. I thought that girl was one of you stalking me earlier, she was also dressed as a maid in Millennium. Even had the same color scheme as your uniform. "I see... that is... certainly most interesting." So you mean that wasn't one of you girls? ... I have zero sense for danger when it comes to pretty girls I see.
"That aside, what would be the mission this evening? Blackmail? Intimidation? Intel gathering? Corporate espionage? I hear that Kaiser is up to something once again. Perhaps sabotage?" Pretty girls like you doing any of those would be... interesting. I mean, just thinking about it... yeah, no one would suspect a maid of those things. "Naturally, even without a disguise, I am still perfectly capable!" Just imagining you servicing me in bed is... making me weak in the knees, Akane.
"P-pardon?" Akane muttered out, adjusting her glasses in place as her cheeks took on a shade of red. "Why Master, I am f-flattered that you would d-desire a lowly servant such as I... but that would be inappropriate." Oh... then you can do a clean up.
"I see, assassination then." She said in a menacingly calm tone, her glasses hiding her eyes as she smiled and inspected her bolt action pistol. "Who will be the target, Master?" Those hundreds or so pieces of shattered glass that appeared when you made your entrance.
"Huh?" She let out a noise of confusion, the shine on her glasses disappearing and showing her widened eyes in befuddlement. "Do I perhaps seem like a servant or a maid to you?" She said with a pout. I just stare... I mean, how do I even respond to that?
Her eyes then drift down, widening again in realization. "Oh... forgive me, I sometime forget even my own duties." That's fine Akane. "Well, then I shouldn't get to cleaning." She said, opening up her case and... pulling out a bunch of dynamites tied together with fuses and tape.
"These, dear Master, are Kivotos' premiere cleaning agents!" Akane happily said, smiling brightly as she proudly presented the bombs in her hands. She's... she's joking, she has to be. I feel the edges of my lips curling up by itself. "Of course, I am merely jesting once again. Let me show you what having a competent maid by your side is like, Master Levi."
And so, after setting the paperwork Arona and I finished aside. Akane began cleaning up the place, sweeping the glass shards from her entrance as well as some cobwebs that formed in the ceiling. Then she proceeded to mop the floor and wash the desks, all that and more for the better part of an hour.
"Of course. I am also a master at cooking delicacies, should you ask of it, Master." That's fine, Akane. I was taught by a master chef myself. "Truly? That is most certainly impressive!"
"One last thing, Sensei." Akane whispered out as she walked closer to me. "Could you... teach Neru that black and red explosion spell?" Hmm? That being Blood Magic would be a little hard, but... eh, there are ways.
"But why that spell?"
"Well, it resembles something from that Anime she likes so much. I recall it being called "JJK" and something about a black flash that's basically a powerful punch." I see... you think she'll settle for a red lightning that's much more stronger? "Neru is a little too stubborn, so probably not." I don't want an active Gro-goroth sigil on a ritual circle so... Empty Scroll it is then.
"Should be easy enough."
"Really? Thank you, Master!" Don't mention it. "Well, I have other duties to attend to." See you later, then. And so, off she went.
Hmm. The windows have tiny slits in the middle... Arona, are those lockdown walls inside there? Can you turn up just the one in the part with the broken glass.?
[Sure thing, Sensei!] A mechanical sound comes from the windows as a metal cover ascended from below and covered that broken part of the window. That's that, then.
I let out a sigh, stretching my arms up and arching my back as I yawned. I didn't get any sleep, not even a nap, with that damn nightmare so... here's to hoping I sleep well this night.
I should probably wait for Reila first, but... eh, she's a grown ass woman already. And she's a better mage than I am. Hell, she's a god so she'll be safer than me.
Ugh, yup. It's sleepy time, goodnight Arona.
[But Sensei, it's only 7:3-]
Goodnight, Arona.
/
A/N: I'm leaving it here for now. Scouring the internet for info regarding Deca and his pilgrimage through Millenniums AIs was tiring, yet I still didn't get much.
If one of you are lore dudes, do you have a comprehensive timeline of what Deca was doing off and on screen? That would be great.
Also, I'm back at college so probably no more chapters reaching 13-20k words anytime soon.