Alright folks, it's time for our longest chapter yet, sorry for the delay! Been really busy with things the past couple of weeks so I've been unable to post, but here I am with a fresh update for you all. This is my longest chapter yet and I'm hoping to keep this length going for future chapters.
This chapter will showcase the first day on the job for Kaiyuu! Thanks for reading folks.
Disclaimer: Don't own Legend of Heroes, if I did well, I'd own it wouldn't I? But I don't, so I settle for fanfiction.
CHAPTER THREE - UNTITLED
The Riverside District of Edith thrummed with a gentle, bustling life. Boats with brightly colored canopies drifted lazily down the canal, their reflections rippling across the water's surface like liquid stained glass. On the docks, children ran with carefree laughter, weaving between the merchants who loudly touted their wares. The air was a heady mix of fresh bread, river salt, and the faint aroma of the tea houses that lined the cobblestone streets.
For Kaiyuu, it was both fascinating and disorienting. Such a normal day felt like a mirage. Moments like this—ordinary, uncomplicated—had never been his reality. The hum of the city, the chatter of people going about their daily lives, all of it seemed to pulse under his skin, a rhythm almost alien to him.
And yet, beneath the calm, a different rhythm throbbed, something much more familiar. Something that made his pulse quicken, his senses sharpen. Something exciting.
"Monster Extermination Request," Van said, holding a piece of paper he'd pulled from his coat. His voice was light, but there was a certain gravity to it. "Apparently, something's taken residence beneath the city, and they want us to handle it."
Kaiyuu's face lit up with an eager grin, his voice cutting through the air with an almost impatient glee. "Finally! Something with a bit of a challenge!"
Van shot him a sidelong look, catching the spark in the young man's eyes. "Glad to see you're enthusiastic," he said, folding the paper and tucking it into his pocket. "But remember, this isn't Xanadu. Don't get ahead of yourself. We're here to do a job, not cause a scene."
Kaiyuu chuckled, a flicker of defiance playing behind his expression. "Don't worry, I've got it covered. Besides, it's been a while since I've dealt with something… challenging."
Van's smile faded slightly. He knew that look too well. The excitement, the hunger for action—it was a familiar expression, one he'd seen on countless other faces from the Xanadu Project. Those kids were trained to see every challenge as a game, every danger as an opportunity to prove themselves. It wasn't the first time he'd seen it on Kaiyuu, and it wouldn't be the last.
Agnes sensed the tension and stepped in, hoping to diffuse it. "The report mentioned unusual noises, but they couldn't pinpoint what it was. That's why they sent for us."
Van nodded, his focus shifting back to the task. "Right, so let's keep our eyes open. The underground isn't exactly a friendly place, and we've got to be prepared for anything."
Kaiyuu's grin widened. "Unknown threats, right up my alley."
Van's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone firm. "Yeah, but remember, this isn't just another test, and we aren't in Xanadu anymore. No need to prove anything to anyone but yourself, got it?"
Kaiyuu's grin turned into a smirk, a mix of pride and something deeper. "Sure, sure… but I can't help it if the challenge is calling."
"Yeah, just try not to let that old programming make decisions for you," Van muttered, more to himself than to Kaiyuu.
As they reached the entrance to the underground, a rusty iron door nestled away behind the staircase leading to the upper level of the riverside district. The leader of their little crew approached the door, looking over his shoulder at Kaiyuu and Agnes.
"Alright, team," Van said, his voice carrying the authority of a seasoned professional. "Eyes open, ears sharp. We don't know what's waiting for us down there, and I'd rather not have any surprises."
Kaiyuu gave a quick nod, his enthusiasm undiminished. "I've got this," he said, the familiar thrill of the unknown sparking in his eyes—the same thrill that had driven him to excel in the dark corridors of Xanadu, where the line between test and survival had often blurred.
"Kaiyuu, I know you're confident but please try to remember that we have someone inexperienced on a battlefield with us. For the love of Aidios, don't show off. There's no need."
Van had a bad feeling about this, it was why he'd been reluctant to take Theo up on his offer of having Kaiyuu serve as an employee of Arkride Solutions. Van's eyes remained steady on Kaiyuu as he continued, "This job is about protecting the city, not taking out a target." His voice was firm, cutting through the dim light of the underground. "Remember that."
Kaiyuu's grin faltered just slightly, replaced by a look of mild frustration. "I get it, Van," he replied, a trace of defiance in his tone. "But sometimes the best defense is a good offense."
Van shook his head, clearly unimpressed with the retort. "Maybe, but you aren't in Xanadu anymore. Out here, we're not just eliminating threats—we're safeguarding lives. There's a difference."
Kaiyuu's shoulders tightened, the mention of Xanadu casting a brief shadow over his expression. He knew Van was right, but the instinct to act, to push forward, to meet the challenge head-on—it was almost ingrained in him. "Fine," he conceded, though his voice carried the reluctant edge of someone used to a different kind of directive. "I'll play nice. Just don't expect me to hold back if things go south."
Van nodded, satisfied enough with that answer. "I don't expect anything less," he said with a small smile. "Just keep that energy focused where it counts."
Agnes glanced between them, sensing the undercurrent of tension but choosing not to comment. Instead, she adjusted her grip on her staff and mentally prepared herself. "Let's just hope whatever's down here is the kind of challenge we're ready for," she murmured.
Kaiyuu shot her a grin, the adrenaline and excitement back in his eyes. "Ready? I'm always ready."
Van sighed but couldn't help a smirk of his own. "Let's hope so," he muttered as they continued their descent, the shadows of the city's underbelly closing in around them. Van's smirk faded into a thoughtful frown as they moved deeper into the shadows, the walls of the underground pressing closer, the air thick with moisture and a faint, acrid smell. He couldn't help but steal another glance at Kaiyuu, who was practically vibrating with excitement, eyes scanning every corner, every darkened passage like he was hunting for something to sink his teeth into.
It was that same overconfidence that had made Van hesitant to accept Kaiyuu in the first place. The boy had a raw energy about him, a hunger for the fight that reminded Van of his own reckless days. But where Van had learned caution through hard lessons, Kaiyuu still seemed to revel in the thrill of danger, like he was still proving something to himself—or maybe to the ghosts of his past in Xanadu.
Van sighed inwardly, his thoughts a mix of concern and resignation. He'd seen that look too many times, knew where it could lead. Overconfidence could be as dangerous as ignorance, and Kaiyuu had both in abundance. He was good, no doubt—maybe even exceptional. But skill without restraint could easily become a liability, and Van wasn't about to let his new charge become a casualty of his own bravado.
He shifted his grip on his weapon, feeling the familiar weight settle in his hand. "Stay close, both of you," he instructed, his voice a touch gruffer than before. "And remember, we're not down here to test our limits. We're here to do a job."
Kaiyuu nodded, still brimming with enthusiasm but at least reining it in, for now. "Got it, Van," he said, though there was still a spark in his eyes, a barely restrained excitement that made Van's stomach twist with unease.
Van observed the shift in Kaiyuu's demeanor, a flicker of unease passing through him. The boy who had been all nerves and awkwardness when meeting Paulette and Yume just a few nights ago seemed like a different person now. There was a fire in his eyes, a focused intensity that had emerged as soon as they'd descended into the underground. It was as if stepping into danger had flipped a switch in him, transforming the unsure, anxious boy into someone who thrived in uncertainty.
The change was almost startling, the way his shoulders squared, and his movements became fluid, purposeful. Van couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. The way Kaiyuu had shifted so seamlessly from nervous to eager reminded him of someone who had lived on the edge for too long—someone who had come to find a twisted comfort in chaos.
Van kept his tone steady, though there was a hint of warning. "Stay sharp, Kaiyuu. We don't know what's waiting for us, but this isn't a game. Remember why we're here."
Kaiyuu nodded, the eager grin on his face not quite disappearing, but there was something more controlled about it now, a seriousness simmering beneath the surface. "I know," he replied quietly, his voice holding a calm that seemed almost unnatural for his age. "I'm ready."
Ready, Van thought, but for what? He kept his eyes forward, but his thoughts remained half on Kaiyuu. There was more to this kid than he let on—something shaped by more than just youth and enthusiasm. Something that ran deeper. He couldn't help but wonder if that eagerness, that need to prove himself, was going to get Kaiyuu into trouble sooner rather than later.
The trio advanced deeper into the underground, their footsteps echoing off the damp stone walls. The air grew colder, and a faint, musty smell hung around them like a shroud. Kaiyuu's eyes darted around, alert and searching, but there was nothing—no movement, no sound, not even the low growl of a lurking monster. It was eerily quiet. Too quiet.
Agnes tightened her grip on her staff, her brow furrowed. "Van… I don't like this. There should've been something by now, right?"
Van nodded, his expression darkening as his senses sharpened, every nerve on edge. "This is… wrong," he muttered, voice low and tense. "It's far too quiet here." He paused, glancing around as if the shadows themselves were hiding something. "Usually, we'd be up to our knees in monsters by now."
Kaiyuu's smile didn't waver, but there was a new gleam in his eyes—a readiness, a spark. "Maybe they're all hiding from us," he suggested, half in jest, though his hand stayed close to his weapon.
"Or maybe," Van countered, "we're walking right into something a lot smarter than the usual monsters." He shot Kaiyuu a warning look, the kind that said stay sharp, stay alert. "Keep your senses open. Something's off."
Kaiyuu reached behind him and unclipped a sleek, crimson sniper-rifle from the clips at his waist beneath the flowing red cape of his cloak and brought it out to his front, readying himself for the combat to come.
They moved forward with caution, but Kaiyuu's steps were faster, his eagerness pulling him ahead. Agnes noticed and reached out, touching Van's arm. "Should we rein him in?" she whispered, her voice edged with worry.
Van hesitated. "He needs to learn control," he replied, though he kept a watchful eye on Kaiyuu. "But yeah… keep close, and be ready."
They continued forward, every step measured, every sound scrutinized. The silence was almost deafening, a palpable weight pressing in on them. Van's instincts screamed at him to turn back, to regroup, but he knew they couldn't leave without understanding what was happening down here. Not if it meant putting the city at risk.
A distant clatter broke the stillness, a faint metallic scrape that sent a chill through the air. Agnes froze, her breath hitching. "What was that?"
Van raised a hand, motioning for silence. His eyes narrowed, searching the darkness. "Stay close," he whispered, feeling the tension coil tighter in his gut. "Whatever's down here… it knows we're coming."
Kaiyuu darted ahead, moving like a shadow through the dimly lit passage. His footsteps were near silent, his movements precise and fluid, a testament to the training that had honed his reflexes to a razor's edge. Van's eyes widened for a split second, a curse nearly escaping his lips. Kaiyuu was quick—too quick, slipping into the darkness with the kind of reckless confidence that sent alarms blaring in Van's mind.
"Damn it, Kaiyuu!" Van hissed under his breath, knowing better than to shout. The kid was already too far ahead, and the echoes could carry. He motioned for Agnes to stay close, his senses on high alert. Every instinct told him that whatever was lurking down here was aware of them, possibly even watching them. Kaiyuu's sudden dash into the unknown only added to the tension that coiled tightly in Van's gut.
Agnes kept pace with Van, her staff held defensively, her expression a mix of worry and determination. "We need to catch up with him," she whispered, her voice tight. "He's going to get himself into trouble."
Van nodded, jaw clenched. "Stay close. We move fast, but we don't lose control. He's too confident for his own good."
Ahead, Kaiyuu moved like a predator through the darkness, his crimson cloak fluttering silently behind him, the sleek sniper rifle held at the ready. He knew the risks, but he also felt the rush—the thrill that came with facing the unknown head-on. There was no room for hesitation, no time to second-guess. This was what he was made for, what he had been trained for in the dark, unyielding halls of Xanadu. His senses were alive, sharp, every muscle taut with anticipation.
He rounded a corner, and there it was—a flicker of movement, something shifting in the shadows. Kaiyuu's eyes narrowed, his finger hovering over the trigger. The air felt charged, like the calm before a storm. His instincts screamed at him to fire, but he hesitated, waiting… waiting for whatever it was to make its move.
Behind him, Van and Agnes were closing the distance, moving as quickly and quietly as they could. Van's eyes scanned the walls, the ceiling, every inch of the darkness ahead. He didn't like this—didn't like the silence, the waiting. He didn't like that Kaiyuu had gone off on his own.
Ahead, Kaiyuu moved with purpose, his movements deliberate and precise. He had slipped into a rhythm, the rhythm of combat, of survival. And then, without warning, a low growl rumbled through the corridor, followed by a flicker of movement in the shadows.
Agnes gasped softly, instinctively raising her staff. "There!" she pointed, but Kaiyuu had already seen it.
Van's heart rate spiked, and he called out harshly, "Kaiyuu, fall back. Don't engage alone!"
But Kaiyuu was already focused, too far into the moment, too lost in the adrenaline to hear. The shadows shifted again, and the faint light caught on something—a pair of eyes gleaming in the dark.
"Gotcha," Kaiyuu murmured, and in a heartbeat, he squeezed the trigger, the sound of the shot exploding in the confined space like a crack of thunder.
Van's gut twisted, knowing they were in it now—whatever it was. And he just hoped they were prepared for what came next.
But Kaiyuu didn't give the monster a chance to regroup. The fierce roar echoed through the darkness, reverberating off the stone walls, but he was already moving, instincts honed from countless missions in Xanadu kicking in. He darted to the left with agile precision, his red cloak a streak in the dim light. His sniper rifle barked again, three rapid shots fired in quick succession, each one aimed with deadly accuracy at the shifting shadow ahead.
The creature snarled, the sound guttural and filled with rage, but its movements were erratic, disoriented by the onslaught. Kaiyuu's shots landed true, sparks flying as they struck something hard—maybe armor, maybe bone. Whatever it was, the impact slowed the beast's charge, forcing it back, if only for a moment.
Kaiyuu's breath came steady, his heartbeat a controlled rhythm in his ears. He felt the thrill coursing through his veins, the rush of facing an adversary head-on. His eyes narrowed, tracking every twitch, every flicker of movement in the dark. There was no room for doubt here, no time for second thoughts. This was where he felt most alive.
Behind him, Van and Agnes were closing in, their eyes wide with a mix of concern and awe. Agnes could barely keep up with the pace, her staff at the ready, while Van's expression darkened with every second that passed. He could see Kaiyuu's form moving like a wraith in the shadows, his shots precise, relentless. But he also knew this wasn't just a test of skill—this was Kaiyuu pushing himself, that old hunger from Xanadu driving him forward.
"Kaiyuu!" Van shouted, his voice cutting through the cacophony of growls and gunfire. "Don't get reckless! We need to do this together!"
But Kaiyuu wasn't stopping. He pivoted sharply, his boots skidding on the damp stone floor, and fired again, not waiting to see if his shots connected. The creature roared in frustration, a guttural sound that shook the walls around them, but Kaiyuu kept moving, kept pressing the advantage.
"Gotta keep it on the back foot," he muttered to himself, a grin spreading across his face. "Can't let it think."
Van cursed under his breath. This wasn't what he'd signed up for, but there was no turning back now. He just had to hope that Kaiyuu's overconfidence wouldn't end up being their downfall.
Kaiyuu's hands tightened around the sleek, crimson sniper rifle, and then, with a practiced motion, he triggered the transformation mechanism. The rifle began to shift, gears whirring as metal components slid and retracted, the barrel folding back and reshaping itself. The entire frame seemed to collapse inward before snapping outward again with a satisfying metallic clunk, forming into a long, curved shaft.
The weapon now extended into a formidable scythe, its blade gleaming and wickedly sharp. It had an angular, mechanical look to it, with articulated segments that seemed to flow into place seamlessly. The blade curved out with a brutal elegance, and the scythe's head had a secondary blade mounted backward like a vicious hook, perfect for catching and redirecting attacks or striking from unexpected angles. The crimson color of the scythe gave it an ominous, almost predatory appearance, as if it were a living thing, poised to strike.
Van's heart skipped a beat as he heard it—a sound that made his stomach clench with a mix of dread and urgency. The distinct whirring of gears inside Kaiyuu's sniper rifle, now a scythe, followed by a series of mechanical clicks and shifting parts. He recognized it immediately—the weapon was transforming again, preparing for something much deadlier.
"Damn it, Kaiyuu, not here!" Van's voice was sharp, cutting through the echoing growls of the creature. He moved forward, trying to reach the boy before things escalated, but he knew he was already too late.
Kaiyuu didn't give the monster a chance to regroup; despite the fierce roar that echoed through the darkness, the former child-assassin darted to the left, firing off three more shots along the way before spinning around and letting the scythe fly. The blade cleaved through the air with a wicked hiss, the weight and momentum of the weapon carrying it forward with brutal efficiency.
Agnes felt a chill run down her spine as the blade cut through the darkness. She could barely breathe as she watched Kaiyuu maneuver with terrifying precision. "This… this is what he really is," she thought, a mix of awe and fear gripping her heart.
Van watched with growing apprehension as the weapon locked into place with a final click, its deadly form fully revealed. The transformation had been fluid, almost too fluid, a display of engineering and precision that hinted at its wielder's deadly purpose.
"Kaiyuu, no!" Van called out, but his warning was drowned out by the sound of the scythe slicing through the air. Kaiyuu was already in motion, his body a blur as he charged forward, the massive scythe whirling around him with expert precision.
The creature recoiled, sensing the shift in its opponent's intent, but Kaiyuu didn't give it a moment's respite. He pivoted on one foot, using the momentum to swing the scythe in a wide arc. The blade cleaved through the shadows, leaving a trail of red light in its wake, like a crimson comet cutting through the darkness.
Agnes let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly. "I've… I've never seen anyone fight like that," she admitted, a mix of fear and admiration in her voice.
Van's jaw clenched.
"This kid's going to get himself killed," he muttered under his breath.
He was no stranger to the unique weaponry crafted in secret places like Xanadu, but seeing it in action was a different story. There was a fluidity to Kaiyuu's movements, a dangerous confidence that came from someone far too accustomed to walking the razor's edge between life and death.
Agnes's eyes were wide with a mix of awe and concern. "Van… what do we do?"
Van's eyes never left Kaiyuu. "Stay ready," he ordered, his hand moving to his own weapon. "And pray he doesn't get in over his head before we can back him up."
Kaiyuu, seemingly oblivious to their worry, swung the scythe around with a deftness that seemed almost unnatural, using its weight and reach to his advantage. The blade flashed in the dim light, cutting through the air and striking the creature's flank with a resounding impact that echoed through the underground.
Van could only hope the boy's training—and their luck—would hold out.
The creature snarled, its massive form recoiling from the blow of Kaiyuu's scythe, dark ichor dripping from a fresh wound along its side. Its yellow eyes flickered with a mix of fear and fury, and it seemed to hesitate, sensing that the young man before it was not like the usual prey that wandered into its domain. But Kaiyuu showed no signs of backing down.
With a swift motion, Kaiyuu brought the scythe back around, the blade glinting menacingly in the dim underground light. His expression had shifted from exhilaration to something more focused, more controlled—a fierce determination that radiated from him like heat from a forge.
"Time to end this," he muttered under his breath, his voice calm, almost cold.
Kaiyuu leapt forward, moving with an agility and speed that seemed almost superhuman. The scythe's blade swept downward in a vicious arc, aimed at the creature's exposed neck. The monster roared, rearing back to evade, but Kaiyuu anticipated the movement. He shifted his grip, twisting his body mid-air to bring the scythe around in a backhand slash that caught the creature off guard.
The blade sliced through the creature's flesh with a sickening sound, dark blood spraying out in a wide arc. The monster staggered, its roar turning into a pained howl, and Kaiyuu didn't hesitate. He pressed the advantage, spinning the scythe around his body in a blur of motion, striking again and again with calculated precision.
Each strike landed true, the blade finding its mark with unerring accuracy. Kaiyuu's movements were fluid, almost dance-like, but there was nothing graceful about the force behind each blow. His eyes were sharp, focused, every part of him attuned to the rhythm of the fight. He had entered a zone, a state of heightened awareness honed through years of harsh training in Xanadu.
Finally, with a final, powerful spin, Kaiyuu swung the scythe in a wide, horizontal arc. The blade connected with the creature's neck, cutting through bone and sinew with a single, decisive strike. The monster's head flew off its body, landing with a heavy thud a few feet away.
But instead of the body collapsing to the ground, it seemed to waver in place. Black and white magical sparks erupted from the creature's severed neck, like a thousand tiny stars bursting into existence. The sparks spread rapidly, consuming the body in a swirling vortex of dark and light energy. The creature's form began to dissolve, breaking apart into countless fragments that twinkled and shimmered in the dim light of the underground.
Within moments, the massive form had vanished entirely, leaving only a faint trace of magic hanging in the air like a lingering scent. The underground was quiet again, save for the fading sound of the magical sparks disappearing into the ether.
Kaiyuu landed lightly on his feet, his breathing steady despite the exertion, his eyes still locked on the spot where the creature had stood moments before. He slowly lowered the scythe, the blade gleaming with faint traces of residual energy, and looked back at Van and Agnes, a small, triumphant smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Van let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Damn, kid," he muttered, a mixture of exasperation and grudging admiration in his tone. "You could have at least let us get a hit in."
Kaiyuu shrugged, the smile widening into a grin. "What can I say? You snooze, you lose," he replied, his voice light, but there was an intensity in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
Agnes let out a shaky breath, her wide-eyed look slowly melting into relief. "You… you did it," she stammered, still processing the whirlwind of the battle.
Kaiyuu nodded, spinning the scythe around with a flourish before collapsing it back into its sniper rifle form. "Piece of cake," he said, but the gleam in his eyes suggested that, for him, this had been more than just another mission—it had been a chance to prove something, maybe to them, but mostly to himself.
After the monster's defeat, the trio stood amidst the fading magical sparks, their breaths slowing as the adrenaline ebbed away. Kaiyuu's triumphant grin faded as the silence of the underground pressed in again, the weight of what had just occurred settling over them like a thick fog.
Van clapped a hand on Kaiyuu's shoulder, a mix of relief and exasperation in his expression. "Alright, hero, let's get out of here before you find something else to fight."
Kaiyuu chuckled, still basking in the rush of combat. "Lead the way, boss. I'm just getting started."
Agnes gave a small, nervous laugh, though her eyes remained wide, still processing the intensity of what she had just witnessed. "Let's… let's just get out of here," she suggested, her voice a bit steadier now. "Before something else shows up."
The trio made their way back through the labyrinthine underground passages, their footsteps echoing softly against the damp walls. Van kept a close eye on Kaiyuu, noting the lingering excitement in his step, the way his shoulders were still slightly tensed, ready for more action. Agnes moved close behind, her staff still held tight in her grip, glancing back over her shoulder as if expecting another threat to emerge from the shadows.
As they climbed the final staircase toward the surface, the cool night air greeted them with a welcome breeze. Kaiyuu took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. For a moment, he glanced back at the darkness below, where the echoes of the battle still seemed to linger in the air. There was something about the silence after the fight—a calm that felt almost unnerving, like a lull before a storm.
Van noticed the look on Kaiyuu's face and sighed inwardly. He knew that look all too well. A mixture of exhilaration and restlessness, like the battle wasn't quite over in the boy's mind. "Come on," he said softly, nudging Kaiyuu forward. "Let's get back."
Once they reached the street level, Agnes stopped and turned to face Van and Kaiyuu. "I'll head back to the academy from here," she said, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Thanks for letting me join today… it was, well, enlightening." She glanced at Kaiyuu with a wry smile that carried both amusement and lingering nerves.
Van nodded, his expression a bit more relaxed now. "Just be careful on your way back. And make sure to let us know when you've arrived safely."
Agnes nodded. "Will do," she replied, starting to turn toward the direction of the train station, which lay a few streets over. She paused for a moment, looking back at Kaiyuu. "And… try not to give Van a heart attack, alright?"
Kaiyuu grinned, his earlier intensity softened by a hint of playfulness. "No promises," he quipped, earning a small chuckle from Agnes.
With a final wave, Agnes headed down the cobblestone street toward the station, her figure gradually disappearing into the night. Van watched her go for a moment before turning back to Kaiyuu.
"We'll talk when we get back," he said quietly, his tone carrying a hint of what was to come.
Kaiyuu nodded, his expression still defiant, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He knew what Van was going to say, could already hear the reprimand in his head, but for now, he let the cool air clear his thoughts as they made their way back to Arkride Solutions.
By the time they reached the office, the city had settled into a quiet lull, the occasional footsteps or distant shout the only reminders of life outside their own thoughts. They stepped inside, the dim light of the single desk lamp casting long shadows on the walls.
As Van watched Kaiyuu head toward the office door, he felt a familiar unease settle in his chest. The boy reminded him too much of himself at that age—restless, reckless, always seeking the next fight to prove something to the world, or maybe just to himself. He knew what that path led to; he'd walked it himself more times than he cared to remember.
Van's gaze softened as he thought of Kaiyuu's eager grin, the way his eyes lit up at the prospect of danger. He's too young to be carrying that kind of weight, Van thought, a tightness forming in his throat. And too much like me back then, chasing ghosts that don't know how to let go.
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, feeling the fatigue of years past creeping in. "Kid's got potential," he murmured under his breath, almost to himself. "But if he keeps pushing like this, he's going to burn out… or worse."
The office of Arkride Solutions was dimly lit by a single desk lamp, casting long shadows that seemed to dance on the walls as the night crept in from outside. The usual hum of the city had quieted to a low murmur, the distant sounds of cars and the occasional clatter of footsteps muted by the thick, oppressive stillness inside. A cool breeze filtered through the slightly open window, carrying with it the faint scent of rain, a hint of the storm brewing on the horizon.
Kaiyuu stood in the corner, his back pressed firmly against the wall, arms crossed over his chest in a defensive stance. His gaze was fixed on the ground, but his eyes flicked occasionally to Van, trying to gauge his expression without fully meeting his eyes. The adrenaline from the battle had worn off, replaced by a cold, creeping anxiety that tightened in his chest. He felt the weight of Van's disappointment like a leaden anchor dragging him down.
Van leaned back against his desk, arms crossed tightly, his body a taut line of restrained frustration. His face was a mask of stern concern, the lines around his eyes deepening in the low light. "You know why we're having this conversation," he started, his voice carrying a low, dangerous edge that cut through the silence like a knife.
Kaiyuu sighed, forcing himself to glance up. "I got the job done, didn't I?" he replied, the defiance in his tone hiding the tremor of uncertainty that threatened to break through. He knew he was pushing it, but he couldn't stop himself; the need to prove he wasn't a liability, wasn't just a burden, was too strong.
Van's jaw tightened visibly, his lips pressing into a thin line. "That's not the point, Kaiyuu. 4Spgs aren't a damn assassination contract, and I'm not your handler at Omnexis!" His words were sharp, like a whip crack in the still air.
Kaiyuu flinched at the mention of Omnexis, a shadow crossing his face. Memories flashed behind his eyes—dark corridors, cold orders, the ever-present weight of expectation. His grip tightened on his arms, nails digging into his sleeves. "It was just a monster," he muttered, more to himself than to Van. "No one got hurt."
Van shook his head slowly, exhaling through his nose in a sound somewhere between a sigh and a growl. "You don't get it, do you? It's not about whether you finished the fight or even that you won. It's about the way you did it." He paused, letting his words hang heavy in the air, almost daring Kaiyuu to interrupt. "You're supposed to be working with a team now, not showing off or scaring the hell out of everyone around you."
Kaiyuu's gaze darted back to the floor, his face a mix of defiance and something softer—regret, maybe. "I didn't mean to—" he started, but his voice faltered.
"But you did," Van cut him off, his voice rising, the frustration evident now. "You let yourself slip back into that mindset, Kaiyuu." He straightened from the desk, moving a step closer, his eyes never leaving Kaiyuu's face. "I could see it in your eyes. The way you charged in, the way you pulled out that damn scythe like you were back in Xanadu, facing off against one of their controlled opponents instead of a monster." He let out a breath, shaking his head. "Even before we got there, you were getting worked up and excited."
Kaiyuu's stomach twisted at Van's words. The way Van spoke, it was like he could see right through him—past the bravado, the facade of confidence, straight to the fear that lurked underneath. The fear that maybe, just maybe, he was still the weapon they had made him, no matter how hard he tried to be something else. "I just wanted to… to prove myself," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not just some charity case, Van."
Van's eyes softened slightly, but his expression remained stern. "This isn't about proving anything, Kaiyuu," he replied, his tone gentler now but no less firm. "We know what you're capable of. But if you keep this up, you're going to make the same mistakes you made back then." He hesitated, then added, more softly, "And I'm not just talking about taking unnecessary risks… I'm talking about losing yourself."
The words hit Kaiyuu like a punch to the gut, and he felt a flicker of something—anger, fear, confusion—flare in his chest. "I'm trying, Van," he murmured, his voice raw. "I'm trying to figure out how to be… normal." The word felt strange on his tongue, almost foreign.
Van's expression softened further, and he stepped closer, placing a hand on Kaiyuu's shoulder. The touch was light, but firm, grounding. "No one's asking you to be normal," he said, his voice quieter now, more understanding. "Just… learn when to dial it back. Learn to work with people, not just for them. You're part of something bigger now. And if you want to stick around, you need to start acting like it."
Kaiyuu met Van's gaze, his eyes searching, filled with a mixture of defiance and determination. "I get it," he said after a moment, a small, resolute nod following his words. "I'll do better. I promise."
Van nodded back, his mouth quirking into a faint smile. "Alright. I believe you. But this is your warning, Kaiyuu. No more stunts like today. Got it?"
Kaiyuu nodded again, a hint of a grin playing at his lips. "Got it."
Van smirked back, the tension in his shoulders relaxing just a fraction, though concern still lingered in his eyes. "Good. Now, get some rest. We've got more work to do tomorrow, and I don't need you falling asleep on the job because you were too busy brooding all night."
Kaiyuu chuckled softly, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a little lighter. "Yeah, yeah. I'll get some sleep."
Van watched as Kaiyuu turned to head up the stairs, his footsteps light and quick, the sound fading into the quiet of the night. Van sighed, a hand running through his hair as he stared at the closed door. "Just… don't make me regret taking a chance on you, kid," he whispered to the empty room, the shadows swallowing his words whole.
Meanwhile, the rhythmic clatter of the train filled Agnes' ears as she gazed out the window, watching the landscape blur into a streak of green and gold. The events of the day replayed in her mind—Kaiyuu's reckless bravado, the flicker of fear in Van's eyes, and the way the underground had seemed to swallow all sound. She leaned back in her seat, trying to shake the lingering tension from her body.
As the train neared the station at Aramis Academy, she glanced at her reflection in the glass, suddenly aware of how tired she looked. She smiled to herself, thinking about what she would tell her classmates. Maybe not all of it—the parts with Kaiyuu's scythe and Van's silent worries could wait for another day.
The train slowed to a stop, and Agnes gathered her bag, stepping out onto the platform. The evening air was cool, a soft breeze rustling the leaves of the trees that lined the path back to the academy. She took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension ease away with each step toward the familiar gates.
Up on the second floor, behind one of the dorm windows, A young man leaned back against the frame, his arms casually crossed as he stared out over the courtyard. His eyes drifted over the students below, lingering for a moment as Agnes passed through the gates. The dimly lit room doing a lot to obscure the boy's identity.
He didn't know her more than a casual acquaintance, a conversation here and there, but something about her caught his attention—just for a second, his gaze holding on to her form as she disappeared into the building. A flicker of something crossed his expression, curiosity perhaps, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He turned away, glancing back at his desk as if nothing had happened.
The door behind him creaked open, and a voice broke the silence. "III, We found her," the figure in the doorway said, keeping their tone low, almost conspiratorial.
The young man stiffened, his casual demeanor slipping for just a moment. He turned slowly to face the newcomer, his expression carefully neutral, but there was a hint of something—anticipation, maybe—in his eyes. "About time," he muttered, masking the tension in his voice with a casual drawl.
The door clicked shut behind them, and the young man returned his gaze to the window, but Agnes was gone from view. His fingers tapped lightly on the window frame, a steady, rhythmic beat, as his thoughts turned inward.
He didn't say anything else, but the room felt heavier, charged with an unspoken question that hung in the air like a lingering echo. Finally, he turned away from the window, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, as if amused by some private thought. He leaned back against his desk, his eyes drifting to the ceiling, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, and for a moment, all was quiet—save for the soft, persistent tap of his fingers.
