RosyMiranto18: I like my long chapters as much as the average joe, but it can definitely be taxing sometimes if it's more than 20k words for me lol. I suppose it is similar to Third Eye! Not gonna lie, I forgot that lore for that, aside from highlighting interactable stuff in Joker's surroundings. Renne still has her mischievous streak even if she is a graceful lady now. Can't help it, the og Keisuke got abandoned the moment he was born. Hehe, I guess this chapter will reveal stuff about the Hibiki Clan. And yup, Kress played until Reverie and did the beyond the reverie, but of course, can't perfectly remember them. Kress will learn martial arts… at some point. Honestly, that's the exact address of the business card lmfao. Oh! Hikaru meant the door entrance to Blacklight in the Auber District. Thanks again for the reactions and your review.

Fiction Fan 369: He is unable to let the opportunity for giving headpats escape.

Koncor the great: Ohhh, Cassius Bright you mean. I was kinda confused there, but understandable. Although Kress isn't really a delinquent/thug... inwardly anyway

CRed1988: Thanks. Look forward to shenanigans.

Guest: Thanks

Leomitch: Playing Trails in his past life got him influenced by those serial headpatters. I wouldn't say she has a crush... at least not yet. Though, she will definitely get a lot of teasing because of how flustered she'll get from the unexpected headpats (that she will surely get in the future). Van definitely is the pot calling the kettle black when he could have been the vice prez as well if he didn't... well, you know. Thanks. Glad to know you gave that a read as well.

Dressed in his usual casual getup for the Blacklight District, Kress looked around for his maid. He caught the familiar faces of the thugs he had fought last night, and they quickly looked away from his gaze. A proper reaction of someone who got beaten by another.

The transmigrator groaned. That wasn't the kind of thought someone who claimed not to be a delinquent should have.

His face brightened, noticing Hikaru's maid outfit peeking from a corner of an alley. He ran over to her and arrived at the scene of thugs unconscious on the ground and Bishop tied up, his face bruised and beaten.

Hearing the footsteps, Hikaru turned and bowed in greeting. "Good afternoon, Young Master. I have subdued Bishop from escaping."

"... Good work?" Kress would have praised her even more if she just tied him up, but oh well. Clearing his throat, he crouched down to meet the information broker's eye level. "Well, well. Who would have thought we'd meet again, huh, Bishop? Still hanging around Blacklight, I see."

"Heh. I still have a few contacts here after all. Getting beaten down isn't enough for me to leave." Despite his injuries, he cracked a grin. "So? What do you want?"

Any trace of amusement on Kress's face vanished in an instant. Bishop's face turned slightly pale.

"Rumor has it that one of your men saw a dealing between a merchant from the Hibiki Clan and someone from Almata. Is that true?"

The information broker's eyes widened beneath his round glasses. "You know about Almata...?"

"I do. And I hope to get some answers..." The transmigrator narrowed his eyes. "What's going on with the Hibiki Clan?"

[Menacing Aura has been activated!]

All the color was drained from his face. Bishop swallowed his saliva, biting his lip, unsure whether to speak or not. The more he hesitated, the more he would suffer from Kress's Menacing Aura. After weighing his options, Bishop sighed a shaky breath.

"If I tell you all that I know about the Hibiki Clan, then will you not involve yourself with Almata?" Bishop asked, looking Kress in the eye despite being under the oppressive influence of the transmigrator's skill.

"That depends." He crossed his arms, lips forming a scowl. "Do they have a connection with the Hibiki Clan?"

"Dammit, kid! You have no idea who you're messing with!" Bishop gained his own scowl. Breaking through the skill out of anger, he clicked his tongue. "Almata isn't just some average crime organization you can deal with on your own! If you think we're scum, then those people are monsters!"

Taken aback by his outburst, Kress stepped back as Bishop caught his breath. Hikaru almost intervened if it weren't for Kress gesturing her to back off. He looked back at the man, his face seeming like it had aged a few years after he blew a fuse.

"Bishop," He knew he was being foolish, but he couldn't back down now. The Yakuza System had already given him a hint, and it was up to him to find answers. The transmigrator crouched back down, meeting his eyes again. "Is Almata really that powerful?"

Kress got a scoff and a grim look. The information broke leaned against the wall, saying, "They used to be small fries in the Eastern Quarters when they first showed up, but now they're making waves in the underworld. They're leagues above the mafia from Crossbell. Even Heiyue is wary of them."

"You're kidding me..."

Was he telling the truth? Even Heiyue, the largest crime syndicate in Calvard, was wary of Almata? Kress recalled that the crime organization was incredibly powerful in Calvard's underworld.

"Kid, I've been living this life longer than you. I've seen what Almata can do. There's nothing for me to gain by joking around here."

If Almata posed that much of a threat to an organization like Heiyue...

His lips moved on their own, speaking his thoughts out loud, "…Then what does the Hibiki Clan have to do with them?"

Bishop reluctantly licked his lips, trying to find the right words. In the end, he just sighed.

"One of my contacts from the Eastern Quarters told me that the Hibiki Clan is cooperating with Almata. They're currently acting under the boss of Almata's orders." A faint trace of sympathy manifested on Bishop's face, staring right at Kress's eyes. "And your father, Torin Hibiki, is willingly cooperating with them."

The yakuza heir stared blankly at the retreating figure of Bishop, his mind still processing the revelation.

A small fish in the underworld like the Hibiki Clan shouldn't have been able to catch the eye of a big fish like Almata.

And yet they did. Worst of all, they're cooperating with them willingly.

"Chairman Hibiki... willingly cooperated..." Kress muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with disbelief. A storm of emotions not his own churned within.

Anger.

Confusion.

Maybe something even deeper.

But none of them were his.

Were they the original Keisuke Hibiki's feelings? Did the shocking revelation cause the buried resentment of the original to surface and influence him?

Kress had no clear memory of the past of his current body's past except for a few fragments left in his mind. But that didn't mean that he needed clear memories of the past to piece together the fact that Keisuke Hibiki and his father had never once been on good terms.

The more the transmigrator contemplated what he was feeling, the more he was confused about his own feelings on the matter.

"Are you okay, Young Master?" Hikaru's calm yet watchful voice broke through his thoughts.

Kress exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dyed-blonde hair. "Not really. We received more questions than answers. Now, we have to find out what exactly the Hibiki Clan gave Almata during their recent dealings with them."

"Bishop said it was an envelope of sorts," Hikaru murmured. "It could possibly be documents or pictures."

That was a logical conclusion. But unless they find it out themselves, speculating the contents of the envelope would be a waste of time.

A familiar chime played in his head as the interface of the Yakuza System appeared before him.

-MISSION ADDED-

[Beneath the Shadow of Almata]

Find a lead about the Hibiki Clan's connection to Almata and uncover the reasons behind their cooperation!

Rewards: 1000 Yakuza Points, Special Mission Unlock, Major Reputation Increase, Essence of the Thug: Violence

The yakuza heir nearly scoffed. Of course it would turn into a mission. He recalled Bishop's outburst. Kress may be a foolish teenager, but he wasn't stupid. He knew that facing against the mafia on his own was like walking into his own execution. Perhaps the reason Bishop snapped was because he didn't want a kid like him to do something stupid and get himself killed.

"Guess I really have to employ Arkride's help after all."

"That would be wise, Young Master," Hikaru responded with a surprisingly soft and concerned tone. "This is no trivial matter. Even if we're capable, Almata is in a league of its own."

"You think I don't know that, Hikaru?" Kress let out a low chuckle, though it lacked humor. "If I had any real choice, I wouldn't drag anyone else into this mess. But... I'm not exactly in a position to refuse help. Arkride might not like what I'm asking, but he'll have to deal with it."

"And if he refuses?"

"Then I'll find another way."

"Understood." She bowed, and despite her stoic demeanor, sincerity and care shone through. "Know that I am always on your side, Young Master."

Kress glanced at her, caught off guard by the uncharacteristic encouragement. A small, almost sheepish smile formed on his lips.

"Thanks, Hikaru."

"It is simply my duty as your maid." She would bow, a faint smile stretching her lips. "Will we be heading back home?"

"Nah," He shook his head as they left the alley. His brown eyes took a look around the district. "I think I'll explore Blacklight for a bit. I need to cool my head."

"Very well. Let's—"

"Alone, Hikaru." When she frowned, he smiled reassuringly. "Please...?"

Hikaru's frown deepened. She hesitated, her stoic demeanor cracking slightly. Eventually, she sighed. "If you insist, Young Master. But only because you asked... Please be careful and stay alert."

"I'll be fine, Hikaru," Kress said, giving her a small wave. "You can grab some groceries or something. I'll meet you back later."

"As you wish." She gave one final bow and took her leave.

Kress exhaled in relief, glad to have a moment to himself. He wandered aimlessly for a while, his thoughts tangled in the web of Almata, Chairman Hibiki, and the Hibiki Clan's sudden connection to such a dangerous organization. No matter how much he tried to push the storm of foreign emotions away, it refused to leave.

"System..." The transmigrator spoke under his breath.

[How may I help you, Young Master?]

"Give it to me straight: am I feeling agitated over Chairman Hibiki's decision because of the original Keisuke's influence?" His question was accompanied by a scowl. "In my head, I know I couldn't care less about the Hibiki Clan. The only reason I'm even invested in them is because of you. So tell me this: these feelings I experienced earlier ... They aren't mine, are they?"

[You are correct. They are the lingering regrets and emotions of the original Keisuke Hibiki. Any events that are relevant to the original soul might influence how you act.]

A shaky breath slowly escaped the young man's lips, shoulders trembling slightly. "I had a feeling that was the case. I have never acknowledged Chairman Hibiki as my father, but I felt like my own father betrayed me when Bishop revealed that he was cooperating with Almata."

That would also explain the faint thrill he felt whenever he got a bit violent. The transmigrator had control over his actions and was aware of them, but there were times when he felt excitement whenever he got into a fight.

If the original truly was influencing him to a degree, then things started to make sense.

"All right. Thanks for clarifying things."

[You are welcome, Young Master.]

His stroll around Blacklight didn't help clear his mind. Thankfully, a welcomed distraction would arrive when the transmigrator stumbled upon a batting cage tucked into a quiet corner of the district.

"Perfect..."

Smacking a few balls around might be just what he needed to clear his head.

Without a second thought, he stepped inside. The teenager was immediately greeted by the humming of pitching machines and the clang of bats meeting balls.

Kress approached the counter, paid for a round, and grabbed a bat from the rack. It wasn't anything fancy. It looked like a worn-out version of his Indestructible Silver Baseball Bat.

Stepping into one of the cages, he inserted the token, and the machine whirred to life. The first ball shot out faster than he expected, whizzing past him before he could even swing.

"Damn." He adjusted his stance, gripping the bat tighter. "All right, bring it on."

The next ball came, and Kress swung hard—only to hit nothing but air.

Another swing, and this time, he nicked the edge, sending the ball tumbling weakly to the side.

"Focus. Just focus..."

The machine pitched another ball, and this time, he connected cleanly. The ball flew into the net with a satisfying thunk. Not a home run, but a solid hit nonetheless.

Slowly, he found his rhythm. The clanging of the bat meeting the ball became more frequent, and the satisfaction of each solid hit began to ease the tension in his chest.

After a few rounds, Kress wiped the sweat from his brow, a small grin forming on his face.

"Not bad..." Kress muttered to himself, feeling the tension start to dissipate. But he wasn't satisfied just yet. He inserted another token. "Time for another round."

This time, he was determined to hit one out of the park— or at least as close as he could get in a batting cage. The machine fired its first pitch, and Kress swung with intense focus, sending the ball hurtling into the net. Each pitch that followed came to a similar outcome, and his confidence grew with every swing.

Finally, the last pitch came. Kress planted his feet, tightened his grip, and swung with everything he had.

CRACK!

The ball shot off the bat and slammed into the farthest part of the cage.

It wasn't just a good hit— it was a home run.

Kress pumped a fist, grinning from ear to ear. "Hell yeah! Finally!"

Before he could enjoy his victory for long, a familiar chime echoed in his mind. The Yakuza System interface popped into view.

[Special Conditions Met!]

[Unlocking Combat Style...]

...What...?

[Slugger Style Acquired!]

Kress blinked, staring at the notification in disbelief before rubbing his eyes with his arm. It was still there. "S-Slugger Style...? That's a thing?"

When he looked over to read more information about his new combat style, his jaw almost dropped.

-Slugger Style-

[A dynamic combat style specializing in baseball bat techniques. The Slugger Style blends creative dexterity with raw power, using the bat as a versatile weapon for devastating attacks.]

"You've got to be kidding me..."

Was the reason why he got the Indestructible Silver Baseball Bat because of this?

He looked down at the bat currently in his hands, the weight of it suddenly feeling different—more natural, more powerful. Giving it a few experimental swings, he could feel the fluidity of movement. It felt easier to wield, too.

"Damn. This actually might come in handy," Kress chuckled. He could already imagine how effective it would be against the next group of punks dumb enough to pick a fight with him.

The transmigrator glanced around, realizing he'd spent longer in the batting cage than he intended. He was the only one left smacking baseballs around.

With his head feeling a little clearer, it seemed like a sign to take his leave.

Kress left the batting cage, stretching his arms around when his Xipha vibrated. It was Agnes's number.

"Hibiki here. What's up, Agnes?"

"Hello, Kress? Are you busy right now?"

He started to walk back to the exit, saying, "Just finished some errands. I'm heading back to my apartment to rest. Why?"

"Van said he'd like all of us to meet at the train heading to Central Station. Is that okay with you...?"

"That's fine. Just send me the details for the specific train. He might want to know about my request by... now..." Kress trailed off, noting the thugs slowly surrounding him. "... I'll call you back."

"K-Kress? What's wrong—"

Kress ended the call and pocketed his orbment, stretching his neck as he sighed. He brushed off the notification of a familiar mission and raised a brow at the group.

"Need something, gentlemen?"

"Yeah." One of the thugs smirked, brandishing a knife. "You seem like a guy who's pretty loaded. How about you do us a solid and give us everything you have with you? Including that fancy orbment of yours?"

"Yeah? How about... no?"

"You've got a smart mouth, huh?" The thug with the knife scowled, his grip tightening around the weapon. "We'll see how smart it is after we rough you up a bit."

The group started to close in. Kress sighed, rolling his shoulders and reaching into his coat to draw out his Indestructible Silver Baseball Bat from the Yakuza System's inventory.

"Rough me up? Sure, go ahead and try."

The thugs hesitated for a moment, their bravado faltering at the sight of the unusual weapon.

"W-What's a bat gonna do against knives?" One of them sneered.

[Combat Style Shifting: Thug to Slugger]

Kress spun the bat with ease, the weight now feeling second nature thanks to the Slugger Style he'd just unlocked. All the necessary muscle memory and information flowed through him. He let it rest against his shoulder, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

"Guess you'll find out."

"Cocky brat!"

The first thug lunged forward, his knife aiming for Kress's side. With an almost lazy swing, Kress deflected the blade, the bat making a sharp clang as it connected. The momentum of the swing flowed naturally into his next move, and it sent a powerful uppercut to the thug's chin, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.

The remaining thugs hesitated, their confidence clearly shaken, but their numbers emboldened them to charge all at once. Kress ducked under a wild punch, spinning on his heel and bringing the bat around in a wide arc. The crack of metal meeting flesh echoed in the alley as two thugs stumbled backward, clutching their sides in pain.

The third tried to catch him off guard from behind, but Kress spun the bat like a bo staff, jabbing its end into the attacker's stomach. The thug doubled over, and Kress finished with a clean strike to his ribs, sending him crashing into a stack of crates.

"T-This doesn't make any sense..." The last thug trembled, stepping back as Kress got closer with every step.

Kress twirled the bat in one hand and rested it against his shoulder again. "Still wanna try your luck?"

"N-Nope! I-I'm good!"

The thug dropped his knife and bolted, leaving his comrades groaning on the ground.

Kress leaned the bat against the ground, shaking his head. "Didn't even break a sweat."

With the familiar chime of the reward notification ringing in his mind, the transmigrator squinted his eyes at the next notification window that appeared.

-MISSION ADDED-

[Aiding Miss Perfect]

Assist Agnes Claudel in finding her great-grandfather's memento.

At the Riverside District, Agnes lowered her Xipha, staring at the screen as the call ended. Her brows furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. She had heard enough in Kress's voice to know something had happened.

"What's with the long face?" Van's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"It's Kress," Agnes admitted, slipping her Xipha back into her bag. "He said he was fine, but... the way he cut the call short..."

"You think he's in trouble?" Van raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know." Agnes clasped her hands in front of her, a habit she had when nervous. "He's capable. I know that much. But the way he talks sometimes... it's like he brushes off anything serious to keep others from worrying."

Van let out a low hum, his gaze sweeping over the calm waters of the district's canal. "Sounds like your vice president's got a knack for getting himself into situations."

"He does, but he always finds a way out. I just..." Her voice trailed off as she stared at her reflection in the water.

"You're worried about him," Van answered for her, and she nodded her head. "Can't say I blame you. Kid's got a vibe that screams 'trouble magnet.'"

"Exactly," Agnes said, a faint smile showing on her face despite her concern. "But Kress doesn't like people fussing over him. He'd probably say I'm being dramatic."

"Dramatic or not, worrying about people is just part of the job, isn't it?" Van shrugged. "You're part of the student council, and he's your VP. Comes with the territory."

Agnes nodded, though her hands still fidgeted with the hems of her skirt. The girl was more than aware of his fights with the delinquents at school, and he always ended them cleanly without roughing them up too much. That didn't mean she couldn't stop worrying about him. That's why she felt a bit lighter at Van's assurance.

"I suppose you're right. But it's not just about being part of the council. Kress... he's important to us. To me."

Van's lips quirked into a knowing smirk. "Huh. Interesting."

Agnes blinked, realizing what she had just said. Her face turned a shade pinker as she waved her hands defensively. "I-I didn't mean it like that! I just meant... as a friend! He's a valuable member of the council! H-He's also really considerate! He always helped me and the other first years with our council work!"

"Uh-huh. No need to add more detail, Agnes." Van chuckled, clearly amused. "I get it."

"W-Well, what about you, Van?!" She puffed one of her cheeks, making a pout. "You say that you're just old friends with Ms. Elaine, but I can certainly sense some tension between you two!"

Van's smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it with his usual nonchalant expression. "Hah, tension, huh? You've got quite the imagination, kid."

"You're avoiding the question."

"Am I?" Van rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a chuckle that sounded more nervous than he intended. "Look, Elaine and I go way back— childhood friends and that shit. But now, she's the star of the Bracer Guild while I'm just a guy scraping by in the shadows. Worlds apart, don't you think?"

"That's not a denial."

"Okay, fine. You win. Elaine and I have history, sure. But it's... complicated."

"Complicated how?" Agnes leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

His nonchalance mask crumbled for a moment as a bittersweet and wistful smile broke through. Agnes was caught off guard by the expression that didn't seem to quite fit his usual demeanor. She quickly conceded, looking down in shame.

"I-I'm sorry for crossing the line. It must be something personal."

"It's cool. Don't worry about it." He waved a hand to assure her it was fine. His usual smile returned. "Let's wrap up things here so we can meet up with Hibiki, yeah?"

"Right." Agnes straightened up, determination returning to her features.

Van couldn't help but grin. "You're really something, Agnes. No wonder your vice president's got you in his corner."

Agnes flushed again, but she didn't deny it this time.

"Kress, over here!"

When Kress got on the train to Central Station, Agnes called out to him as he saw her and the Spriggan come over. The blonde's eyes widened, her eyes drifting from top to bottom. He raised a brow before he suddenly remembered that he wasn't in his uniform.

The transmigrator quickly fixed his hair into its usual messy, unkempt style and leaned against the wall.

"Yo. You found what you were looking for, Agnes?"

"You did not just pretend like we didn't see you fix your hair right now." Van deadpanned with a half-lidded look.

"What can I say? Gotta keep up appearances, right?" He smiled innocently, though inside, he was screaming at his stupidity.

Agnes, who had been stifling a laugh, finally managed to speak. "The slicked-back look kind of suits you. But thank you for coming."

"No prob." Kress crossed his arms and glanced at Van. "So, what's the plan now, Mr. Spriggan?"

"The plan's simple. You're taking Agnes home at the next stop."

The transmigrator blinked, caught off guard.

"Wait, what? Why me?"

Agnes, on the other hand, looked utterly shocked. "What? Why are you sending me home now? You said I could assist you earlier!"

Van held up a hand to stop her.

"And I meant it at the time, but things have changed." His laidback or amused demeanor vanished, a grim look appearing on his face. "The affiliation of Giacomo's murders changes everything."

"Are you referring to that 'A' group...?"

"Yeah. Everyone is on guard about 'em right now." Van nodded, his frown deepening. "Not just the cops and the guild, either. I'm talkin' other organized crime groups and even jaeger corps."

The blonde girl gasped, and the dyed-blonde boy narrowed his eyes, his mind spinning as he connected the dots.

'That sounds like Almata...'

The train began to slow as it approached the next station.

"That's your stop, you two."

The train came to a halt, and the doors hissed open. Agnes took a shaky breath as she stared at the door. She bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She looked at Kress, silently pleading for him to understand.

Kress sighed, stepping back to let her make her decision.

The doors closed once more as the train took off from the station.

Van frowned in disappointment. "I thought I told you to get off at the next stop."

"You'll have to forgive me for being selfish..." Agnes held onto her chest with a hand, eyes brimming with emotion. "But you have to understand just how much that memento means to me. It's something that connects me not just to my great-grandfather but to my mother and grandmother, too. And that's not the only reason I want to see this through now."

She turned around and met the Spriggan's eyes. He and Kress could see her solemn determination.

"A man is dead. I know you don't like the idea, but... but I feel like I have to be a part of this. Whatever may come to happen." Agnes declared resolutely and firmly, not backing down from his gaze.

"I'll do everything I can to ensure my own safety, and I'll do everything you ask in the field." Her face softened, but determination still remained. "So please... won't you let me come with you?"

Kress and Van stared at the girl, both equally surprised and maybe even a bit impressed at her resolve. Kress cracked a grin as his hand reached up to pat Agnes's head.

"K-Kress?"

"Never thought I'd see such a sight from my junior. It's almost like you've outgrown being a first-year." He tossed Van a glance. "Can you still tell her off after she just showed her resolve, Arkride?"

Van rubbed his forehead, grumbling as a defeated smile slowly made itself known.

"Fine. You're the client. I can see you at least know your way around that stuff and arts. But you're gonna have to do everything to keep yourself safe. If I give you an order, you follow it." He crossed his arms, his smile softening into a playful one. "If you fail to do that, I terminate our contract then and there. We clear?"

"A-Absolutely! Thank you!"

"And now for you..." Van stared at him, his dark blue eyes half-lidded. "I suggest you head—"

"Oh no. I don't think so. If Agnes is going to come in contact with a shady group like 'A,' then as the vice president of Aramis and her senior, it's my job to keep an eye out on the students. Besides," Coldness briefly crossed Kress's face as he subconsciously activated Menacing Aura, though it seemed Van was unfazed. "I can guarantee her safety that way."

The Spriggan sighed like a few years of his life slipped away. "You've got guts, Hibiki. I'll give you that. But guts don't mean much when you're dealing with the kind of people we're up against."

"I've got more than just guts," Kress countered. "I'm not going to let her face this alone. Whether you like it or not, I'm staying involved."

"Kress... you don't have to—"

"I do," Kress interrupted, giving her a reassuring grin. "Like I said, it's my job as your senior to keep an eye out for you. And honestly, I'd rather deal with Arkride complaining than sit back and wonder if you're okay."

Van crossed his arms, his gaze still sharp but curious. "You sure you're not biting off more than you can chew, kid?"

Kress shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time."

"Fine," The Spriggan sighed, shaking his head. "But the same rules apply to you, too. If I give an order, you follow it. No heroics, no running off to play lone wolf. You stick to the plan."

"Deal."

Van turned to Agnes, his expression softening slightly.

"And you— don't let his bravado make you think this is going to be easy. 'A' doesn't mess around."

"I-I understand!" Agnes pumped her fists, nodding.

As the train pulled up at the 7th District, the stars already littered the night sky as the three left the station.

"It's already the evening, huh?" Kress felt a sweatdrop. He must have lost track of time in the batting cage.

Van looked around and said, "Looks like there's still plenty of people out and about, though."

"It is how most people arrive in the city, after all— not to mention all the department stores." Agnes remarked. "There's also that fancy new orbal store that doubles as a café that's been drawing a lot of customers."

"Orbal Café Iota, right? Been there a few times myself." A complicated expression took over the face of the Spriggan, smiling wryly. "This place has changed so much in just a couple of years. Those big screens weren't here before, either."

"Technology has been evolving a little too fast." The transmigrator opined, furrowing his brows as he recalled the phone-like Xipha and the other orbal tech he had seen in the past five months he had lived as Keisuke Hibiki. "Hmm?"

They turned their attention to the jumbotron in front of them— the evening news came. The image of a man with brown swept-back hair and eyes appeared. President Roy Gramheart of the Republic had a few words to say, it seemed.

"It has been two years since the Erebonian Empire launched an unprovoked war of aggression against us— a vile act we were generous enough to forgive. The price it paid in the form of reparation was steep, but every last mira was, in my opinion, justified. I believe it's actions— it's atrocities— the past several centuries are behind it."

The camera zoomed in slightly as he smiled, and the crowd around the street grew quieter, their attention fixed on the screen.

"I warmly welcome it back to the international community with open arms, promoting an era of peace between us, even when it comes to Crossbell State. With reparations due to come to an end this year, some raise concerns that an economic recession is on the horizon. Those fears are unfounded. We have used these past two years to transform our economy. To bolster our capital. To better our technology."

A subtle intensity crept into his voice as he continued.

"No nation has surpassed what we have accomplished, because no nation can. We cannot take our supremacy for granted. I have every intention of taking this power and using it to lead our great world as a whole to a more glorious, prosperous future."

"Well, if isn't everyone's favorite president." Van smiled wryly. "He's a little heavy-handed, but you can't say he hasn't delivered..."

Kress tuned out the talk of politics... until he saw the strange expression on Agnes's face. He wasn't able to tell what she was feeling, but it was the kind of face he had never seen on his junior before.

"Hibiki, you there?"

"Huh?"

Van snapped his fingers in front of the transmigrator, annoyance plain on his face.

"Get your head in the game. We gotta get what Agnes's looking for before the duo who got Giacomo do."

"...Right. My bad."

"Just don't space out when we're on the field." His face softened, patting the boy's shoulder. "Let's go. His base is in the alley next to an old department store. C'mon."

The students followed Van. Agnes slowly her pace to walk beside her senior, worry coloring her face.

"Are you okay, Kress?"

"Mhm. I should be asking you that, to be honest," He chuckled, scratching his cheek. "You not a fan of politics?"

Agnes's eyes flickered briefly, her expression tightening for just a moment before she forced a smile. "Not exactly..."

Kress simply nodded, not wanting to push further. Whatever had been on her face during the broadcast, it wasn't something she wanted to share, that much he was certain.

They would stand in front of a door at the end of the alley.

"This is it?" Agnes asked curiously, and Van nodded.

"Yeah. This one doesn't lead to the subway..." He grabbed the doorknob and began to shake and turn it. Before either of the teenagers could ask, the clicking sound of something being opened came. "Heh. But you can still jimmy it the same way."

"Was Giacomo the one who altered the locks like this?" Agnes was both concerned and curious at the state of the locks.

"Not him. It's just been a thing we shady folks have known for a while. There're places like this all over the city people make good use of. CID knows about 'em, too. They just leave it alone."

"So that's why there're doors like that..." Kress muttered to himself. He quickly shut his mouth, realizing he had spoken aloud, but luckily, no one seemed to hear him.

Agnes opened her mouth to ask why the government would do such a thing, ultimately refraining as she shook her head. They couldn't waste any more time. Determination crept on her face.

"I'm ready for whatever we'll find here."

"Same," He patted the blonde's shoulder. "Don't worry about getting attacked, and just focus on casting your art. I'll keep you safe."

She smiled, gratitude filling her heart. "Thank you, Kress."

Van chuckled as he opened the door. Before he entered, the Spriggan stepped back and looked around the alley.

"Is something wrong, Van?" Agnes asked, her voice tinged with concern as she followed his line of sight.

"Did you sense anyone?" Kress followed up, looking around the alley as well.

He shook his head and turned back to the door. "Nah. We can go in."

With that, the Spriggan stepped through the doorway, motioning for the two students to follow close behind.

"Heehee. His nose is as sharp as ever."

Standing on the elevated walkway, Renne Bright watched the three head inside the door with an amused smile on her face.

"Aidios knows how this is going to end... but it better be with my friends safe, Spriggan." Leaning her arms against the railing, she rested her cheek against her palm, smirking. "But I didn't expect him to tag along... You better do your best, Keisuke. If there's even a scratch on Agnes, expect ten piles of paperwork for you."

"Is this some sort of underground ruin...?"

It was the first time Kress had seen anything like it before. It looked older than anything he had seen since he came to this world. The ruins had an almost eerie atmosphere, the faint sound of dripping water echoing in the distance. The air around the area was also strange— it was like he had set foot into an otherworldly plane.

"Is this place a relic of the Middle Ages...?" Agnes wondered out loud, taking in the moss-covered walls.

"Might go back to the Dark Ages, even," Van replied, shoving a hand in his pocket. "Edith might not have a leg up on the Old Capital's history, but it still goes back to the Middle Ages easy enough. Tack on all the subways and waterways we've been building, and the underground's a sprawling mess and a half now."

"I see... I suppose it does make sense that a place like this would exist here when you think about it enough." Agnes felt a shiver down her spine as a ghostly head appeared in one of the corridors. "A-A monster...?"

Kress narrowed his eyes, "It looks more like a spirit..."

"Sure you two don't wanna turn back and wait outside the station?" The Spriggan turned to face the two and questioned them.

"No, it's all right," Agnes assured before she smiled determinedly, whipping out her orbal staff. "I have a feeling my staff and arts will be highly effective against foes like these."

"Good thing she insisted on coming along, huh, Arkride?" Kress nudged the man, causing the Spriggan to shake his head.

"Heh. Got me good. Then let's do this." He whipped out a strange weapon. It looked like a bladeless sword. There seems to be more to it than meets the eye. "You said you'd keep Agnes safe, Hibiki. So better back her up so she can go wild with her arts."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

It was time for the transmigrator to show off his weapon of choice. He took out his silver bat, spinning it with ease. Of course, this earned him strange looks from his companions.

"Um, Kress...?" Agnes was the first to call out to him, a nervous smile on her lips. "I-I know you're capable of fighting, but are you really going to use a baseball bat...?"

"I know I'm using a pretty strange weapon myself, but even I have my doubts that thing will be effective against what we're dealing with," Van added, scrutinizing his Kress's weapon of choice.

Kress grinned, spinning the silver bat one last time before resting it on his shoulder. "Trust me. This thing's more than it looks."

Van raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips twitching upward in mild amusement. "All right, slugger. Let's see if that bat of yours can hit more than home runs."

"If you say so, Kress... just be careful, okay?" Agnes still looked unconvinced but nodded.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about those arts of yours. We've got your back."

The ghostly figure began to move toward them, its ethereal form shifting and twisting unnaturally. It let out a low, unearthly moan that sent chills through the air.

"You know how to use shards of the Xipha, Hibiki?"

"I knew about it but never actually tried it."

"Then you're in luck. We got ourselves our test dummies," Van smirked as he got ready. "You two ready?"

"Anytime!"

"Yes!"

Van charged at the spirit and extended an arm, "Deploying shards!"

Their Xipha resonated and pulsed out as electric pieces of ether spread around the designated area. Van's bladeless sword began to glow red as ether surrounded it. He would slash through the spirit, stunning its movements.

Agnes raised her staff, charging an art. She looked to Kress. "Cover me, Kress! I need a moment to charge!"

"Got it!" Kress dashed forward without hesitation. The spirit lunged at him after recovering, its movements erratic and swift, but the transmigrator was quicker.

With a clean swing, the bat connected with the ghostly figure. A resounding crack echoed through the chamber as the impact sent the spirit reeling back, flickers of its essence scattering like shattered glass.

"Okay, that's new." Van whistled, surprised but impressed. "Didn't think a bat would actually work against a spirit."

"Told you," Kress said, spinning the bat again as he prepared for another attack.

"Step back, you two! Hydro Cannon!"

A magical circle formed at the tip of Agnes's orbal staff, a current of high-pressure water shooting forth. The art struck the spirit dead-on, its ethereal form wavering under the impact as it dissolved into shimmering particles.

"Nice one, Agnes!" Kress called out, stepping back and giving her a thumbs-up.

Agnes lowered her staff, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Thank you. That wasn't too bad."

Van walked over, inspecting the area where the spirit had dissipated, humming. "As expected. The higher elements are at play, so the right arts are even more potent when used. Good work, Agnes. You too, Hibiki. That bat of yours is holding its own."

"Indeed." Agnes agreed with Van's words with a nod. "I never knew a bat could be that effective!"

"Thanks."

Van smirked but didn't comment further. "Keep it up, you two. There's bound to be more where that came from."

The group pressed deeper into the ruins, the air growing colder as the corridors narrowed. The trio managed to coordinate well, showing more than adequate teamwork. For Kress, it was quite the experience since he had only faced thugs and delinquents before. Van taught him about the many features of the Xipha like Shard Skills and SCLM links. It sounded the Xipha's version of a combat link, he thought.

The trio dealt with the spirits and monsters as they continued forward, Kress and Agnes getting used to the heat of battle and the higher elements in the air.

The Spriggan flicked a few 10 mira coins like bullets at a Outskirts Rummager, staggering it as he triggered an SCLM Chain with the transmigrator, which he quickly followed up with a smack against its hard shell. The monster crashed against a wall, soon turning to dust.

"That takes care of that." Kress exhaled, resting his bat on his shoulder.

"Hehe. Good work, Kress." She beamed, smiling. "I think I have a better handle on them now. You?"

"Yeah, me too. I didn't expect us to have such good teamwork."

"Perhaps we could attribute it to our time in the student council?"

Van chuckled, slipping his stun caliber in its strap by his waist. "You two did good, but no lettin' your guard down because of it."

"R-Right. Of course."

"Roger."

The Spriggan had his own thoughts about the two, his gaze scrutinizing them until Agnes spoke up again.

"By the way..."

"Sup?"

"We've been bracing myself well enough against monsters and spirits so far, but do you think you could also tell us a little more about A since we might be going up against them?"

Van stopped in his tracks, his expression tightening as a shadow passed over his features. Kress didn't miss the sudden change, nor did Agnes.

"I'd prefer if you civilians don't know a damn thing about them," Van admitted, crossing his arms and looking toward the far end of the corridor as if searching for the right words. "But I guess you've earned at least some of the truth, given what we're here for."

Agnes glanced at Kress, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement before she looked back at Van.

"'A' isn't a name. It's a codename," Van finally said, his voice quiet but steady. "It's short for Almata. They're a mafia that go way back here in Calvard."

"I don't like the sound of that already..."

As soon as he heard Van said Almata, Kress felt his stomach churn, his suspicions were confirmed. The transmigrator's face darkened for a brief moment, his grip on the bat tightening, but he quickly schooled his expression, masking his reaction. This wasn't the time to interrogate Van about what he knew. They were here for Agnes's request.

"Kress?" Agnes tugged his sleeve as he turned his head at her. "You were spacing out again..."

"I told you to stop doing that when we're on the field," Van was about to sigh when he noticed Kress's expression. "You good, man?"

"It's nothing. Let's talk about it later. We have a memento to find."

Van rubbed his head and took the lead as Kress followed behind him. Agnes wanted to say more, clearly concerned over her senior, but decided to drop it for the time being, catching up to him as they walked by each other's side.

The trio pressed onward, the eerie glow of their Xiphas lighting the dim corridors as the ruin seemed to grow more ancient and foreboding.

Finally, they entered a vast chamber at the heart of the ruin. Aside from the usual rubble they had passed by while exploring the ruins, two statues of a gargoyle stood out like a sore thumb. At the center stood a pedestal, illuminated faintly by the soft, pulsating glow of an object resting atop it.

"There it is..." Agnes gasped, her hand covering her mouth as she stepped forward, the two accompanying her. She held back a sniffle, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's really here... my great-grandfather's memento. It perfectly matches his sketches in his dairies."

"I'm happy for you, Agnes." The transmigrator patted her shoulder as they exchanged a smile. Though, something seemed off. His gaze trailed back to the pedestal. "But is it supposed to be glowing...?"

"I don't think so," Van said, his voice wary. He took a step closer, his hand instinctively resting on his stun caliber. "Something's not right. Both of you, step back."

Agnes froze mid-step, concern flashing across her face as she glanced at Van. "But—"

"Now!" Van barked, his tone sharp. He stepped forward, shielding the two students with a firm stance. Agnes hesitated but quickly obeyed, retreating beside Kress.

Before anyone could act further, the air in the chamber grew colder, a bone-chilling draft sweeping through. Ghostly spirits rose from the pedestal, coalescing into bodiless heads above it. Their translucent figures shimmered, their hollow eyes glowing with an eerie light.

"Spirits," Kress said under his breath, tightening his grip on his bat.

The spirits let out a collective wail, their haunting voices reverberating through the chamber. Suddenly, they darted toward two gargoyle-like statues standing on either side of the pedestal. The statues began to crack and shift, their once-immobile forms now moving with unnatural fluidity as the spirits possessed them.

Van clicked his tongue and deployed the shards field, pulling out his stun caliber. "This is the last hurdle before we can retrieve your memento, Agnes! I know this won't be enough for you and Hibiki to back down. Use your crafts, arts, SCLMs— everything at your disposal!"

"R-Right!"

Kress rolled his neck, but he couldn't deny the adrenaline pumping in him as the gargoyles set their sights on them. "Things just keep getting absurd."

Van took a defensive stance, his stun caliber at the ready, its ether-charged edge crackling faintly. "Hibiki, Agnes, stick to the plan. I'll handle the one on the left. Hibiki, take the right and keep it from attacking Agnes."

"Got it!" Kress replied, spinning his bat as he moved into position.

Agnes nodded firmly, stepping back to create a safe distance. Her orbal staff glowed as she began channeling energy.

The gargoyles roared, their cries echoing throughout the chamber. The one on the left lunged at Van, its stone claws ready to strike. Van sidestepped with ease, countering with a quick slash from his stun caliber. Sparks flew as the weapon connected with the gargoyle's arm, the discharge leaving a glowing line.

The other gargoyle charged at Kress, its massive frame shaking the ground with every step. The transmigrator gritted his teeth, meeting the attack head-on. With a well-timed swing, his bat smashed into the creature's leg, causing it to stumble slightly.

"Not so tough, are you?"

His taint was not taken well as it let out a roar, righting itself and lunging again. The dyed-blonde ducked under a claw strike as he countered with a heavy upward swing, the impact cracking the stone further."

"It's ready, Kress!"

"All yours, Agnes!"

Taking a step away from her range, the gargoyle was blasted by Agnes's Hydro Cannon. The impact sent it staggering backward, chunks of stone breaking away from its body as it let out another deafening roar. Kress didn't miss a beat, rushing at the monster as an idea formed in his head.

Grinning, Kress began to spin the bat rapidly, centrifugal force building up as he closed in on the gargoyle. Swinging the bat, the impact released a devastating shockwave as the force behind the strike caused crack fractures to spread throughout its body. The attack was enough for the monster to crumble to dust a second later.

"Guess it's a good thing I still remember some good ol' physics."

Meanwhile, Van faced the second gargoyle with calculated precision. The creature lashed out with a heavy swipe of its claws, but the Spriggan was faster. Firing Coin Bullets, he rolled to the side, using a Shard Skill to protect himself as he slashed at the gargoyle's leg with his stun caliber. The glowing red ether surrounding the weapon left deep, smoldering cuts in the stone.

Van gritted his teeth as the gargoyle swung its heavy arm, narrowly missing him as he rolled aside once more. The sheer power behind its attacks shook the chamber, sending loose rubble to the floor.

"This one's not going down easy," Van muttered, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the creature's movements. He glanced back at Kress and Agnes. "Hibiki! Agnes! I need you two to distract this thing. I need an opening to finish it off."

"On it!" Kress replied, spinning his bat as he sprinted toward the remaining gargoyle.

"Leave it to us!" Agnes said, raising her staff and charging another art.

The gargoyle turned its glowing eyes toward the duo, letting out an ear-splitting roar before charging at them. Kress ran to the side, drawing its attention with a swing of his bat that connected with its arm. The sound of cracking stone echoed through the chamber, but the gargoyle barely flinched.

"Over here, you overgrown paperweight!" Kress taunted, smirking as he dodged another swipe from the gargoyle's claws. He retaliated with a heavy strike to its leg, causing it to stagger slightly.

Meanwhile, Agnes finished her casting. "Take this! Hydro Cannon!"

Another blast of pressurized water forced the monster back, and it let out a furious roar.

"Perfect." Van stepped back, taking a breath as he narrowed his eyes. "Time to end this."

The Spriggan tossed his stun caliber high into the air, its blade glowing brightly as it spun. Then, with a burst of speed, he closed the distance between himself and the gargoyle.

A salvo of punches and kicks came. His first punch cracked the gargoyle's chest, and a swift kick followed, shattering part of its leg. The gargoyle swung at him in desperation, but Van ducked under the attack, delivering a spinning kick to its side that left a deep fissure.

As the gargoyle reeled, Van backflipped, catching his stun caliber mid-air. The weapon's blade discharged a burst of ether, forming an energy blade that extended far beyond its physical edge.

"Vandalize Raid!"

With a powerful swing, Van unleashed a crescent-shaped shockwave that flew straight at the gargoyle. The shockwave struck with explosive force, engulfing the creature in a blinding light. When the dust settled, the gargoyle was gone, reduced to rubble.

Van exhaled, lowering his stun caliber as the energy dissipated. "And that's how it's done."

"Holy crap... That was badass," Kress spoke without a second thought after witnessing the sight of his S-Craft.

Agnes stepped forward, her hands clutching her staff tightly. "That was incredible, Van! Thank you for protecting us."

Van shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just another day on the job. But don't go getting too comfortable— this place might still have a few surprises left."

The trio gathered near the pedestal, the chamber now eerily silent. Agnes took a tentative step forward, her gaze fixed on the antique orbment in the center, its glow now gone. She reached out, her hands trembling as she carefully picked it up, the glow returning for a second.

Kress and Van didn't miss it. Did it just react to Agnes's touch?

"I finally found one of the Genesis. There's still more to find, but... I did it, Mom. Grandmother..." Tears welled up in her eyes as she held the memento close. "Thank you both... I couldn't have done this without you."

Kress gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "You earned it, Agnes. It's all yours."

Van crossed his arms, his narrowed but thoughtful gaze lingering on the orbment.

"Say, Agnes. This great-grandfather of yours wouldn't happen to be—"

"Tch...!"

The Spriggan and transmigrator got in front of the girl, stun caliber and bat deflecting bullets.

"There you are," Van grunted, scowling.

Kress's eyes narrowed into a glare as two men in black appeared out of thin air, guns in hand. "Almata..."

"Impressive. I didn't think you two would be able to deflect lead." One of them remarked with a grin.

"Was waitin' on the duo from Almata to make their grand entrance."

"Heh heh. I see our reputation precedes us." The other chuckled. "And you must be Van Arkride— the infamous Spriggan of Edith."

"...And my reputation precedes me." The man shook his head, his displeasure for the two showing. "Look: I'm not opposed to pickin' up some work from you types most of the time. Just as long as you don't cross the line— which you just did by firing at us."

"That's too bad. We were only aiming for your limbs."

The other mafioso straightened his necktie, glancing at the blonde. "We have no intention of killing the girl. Not since she seems to be connected to that device... You and this delinquent, however, don't have the same privilege."

Every single cell in Kress's body screamed for unbridled violence the longer he had to listen to Almata's spiel. He held his baseball bat so tight his knuckles started to lose their color. The desire to bash their faces and interrogate them about the Hibiki Clan was rising at an alarming rate.

He would have rushed in already if it weren't for Van's side glance.

"You're real pros, huh? So much it makes me sick." A smirk flashed across his face. "But it also makes my job a lot easier."

Before the mafiosos had any time to react, coins, courtesy of Van's Coin Bullets, struck their foreheads. Kress was already closing the distance with his bat pulled back. The light in his eyes was gone, replaced with dark fury. With a swing, the transmigrator knocked their firearms off their grasp before another swing came in, crashing down against their abdomen.

"Gah...!"

"Uh-uh. Don't move—"

CRACK!

"Aaagh!"

"K-Kress?!"

Van froze mid-step as his and Agnes's eyes widened. Kress had slammed his bat at one of the men's legs, breaking it. When he lifted his head, his companions saw his blank brown eyes, unnerving the blonde and causing the Spriggan to frown.

"Just making sure they don't move," He explained nonchalantly as he glanced at the other mafioso, hesitancy on his face. "Unless you want to be crippled too, I suggest you stay put."

"Bastard..."

"You...!"

"We'll talk about this later, Hibiki." The Spriggan frowned at the teen's strange behavior but brushed it off to focus on the task at hand. He discharged his stun caliber, pointing at their necks. "Anyway, you don't look like you know all that much about the device itself, but you're still gonna tell us everything you do know and why you're after it."

"I'm certainly curious too." The blonde managed to compose herself, stepping forward and nodding. She stared at her great-grandfather's memento.

"Beats me." The crippled man in black shrugged despite the pain. "We're just following orders."

"And an order's an order— even if it costs us our lives."

A smirk appeared on their faces as a crunched click came from their mouths. A disgusting red aura began to rise from the mafioso as they eerily got up; even the one with the crippled leg stood straight with ease.

"What the—?!"

"Shit!"

Kress and Van managed to block the slashes of their knives until the men in black's attacks seemingly sped up, knocking the bat off the dyed-blonde's hand.

"Kress!" Agnes looked in horror as another slash was heading Kress's way.

"Damn, junkie...!"

Shifting to Thug Style, he narrowly dodged the attack before stepping back.

Van straightened himself, grunting. "Fast-enhancing drugs, huh? Didn't think you guys had gone that low. Ever heard of the stories about foreign mafias getting destroyed by that stuff?"

"I'll thank you not to compare us to small fry like Crossbell's Revache. We stand head and shoulders above them." The mafioso raised his knife as it gleamed. "And now we're gonna stand head, shoulders, and feet above you and that kid!"

Enhanced by the drug, the two swung their knives in a frenzy, forcing Van to deflect each of them and Kress to evade every strike.

It was too much for the transmigrator, and it seemed like the Spriggan was the same. Exhaustion began to take over the both of them while the mafia only got faster. Kress barely managed to dodge everything they sent his way, but Van wasn't so lucky, their knives managing to give him shallow cuts.

"Hahaha! Where'd that spunk from earlier go?"

"You were going to cripple us, right? How about we cripple you instead, you good-for-nothing young master?!"

"?!"

DROP.

Blood finally spilled— a deep cut to an arm.

It was Kress's.

"…Damn it!"

"Noooo!" Agnes cried out, tears welling up in her eyes.

Van's eyes widened, gritting his teeth as he stepped in front of the yakuza heir.

"This is the end of the line!"

"Die!"

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

Agnes quickly ran to the front, arms out to protect her companions.

The mafioso scowled, clicking their tongues as they aimed their knives. "Fine, then. You can die, too!"

Horror flashed across Kress's face. Memories of his short time with Agnes and the student council flooded his mind in seconds. He was fine with getting hurt. His body toughened it out thanks to the Yakuza System. That was fine by him... But Agnes getting hurt was out of the question.

His body moved without a second thought, wrapping his arms around Agnes as he turned his back, shielding her from the incoming knives as she and Van gasped.

'A shard shield'd be too slow!' The Spriggan shut his eyes and gritted his teeth. 'Dammit! You two are still kids! Don't die over a piece of shit like me!'

But just as the blades hit their mark, the Genesis on the ground and Agnes's person started to glow a bright blue light.

When the light faded, everything, even time, came to a halt. Except for the trio.

"What the... hell...?" Arms falling back to his side, Kress muttered in disbelief as he looked at the mafioso frozen mid-pounce.

"Everything seems frozen." Van mused, looking around their surroundings.

Agnes blinked, her eyes falling onto the antique orbment on the floor, gasping. "There's a light coming from my great-grandfather's..."

"Oh, boy. You sure are in a sorry mess."

The three turned their heads and looked around for the source of the voice before they turned at the being behind Van's head. A pixie-like girl with pointed ears and a vibrant blue glow. She has violet eyes and bright green hair, which is tied up into platts and braids.

Van felt his jaw drop in utter disbelief. "What the...? How is this?"

"The holo from your Xipha?"

"The A.I. from a Holo Core...?" Kress blinked. Was this normal— scratch that. Judging from their reactions, though, it clearly wasn't. Did Agnes's great-grandfather's memento cause this...?

"Well, 'Van.' The choice is yours." The pixie girl shrugged. "Will you bear the nightmare? Or not?"

"What are you...?" Confusion came onto the blonde's face.

"Since when can holos appear like this...? World's sure full of mysteries." The Spriggan recovered from his shock, now eyeing his holo with fascination. "Are you askin' me that question of your own free will?"

"Huh? Of course I am. Just so we're clear, I could not care less how much trouble you're in." Her uncaring and casual demeanor set alarm bells for the two blondes, especially when a smile appeared on her face. "I'm just here to know one thing: will you bear the nightmare, or not?"

"V-Van...?" Agnes turned toward Van, concern apparent in her blue eyes.

"This thing's suspicious, Arkride..." Kress voiced out his unease.

"I know... Today's just one thing after another, huh?" He closed his eyes, and despite himself, he chuckled and smiled. "My life's been a living nightmare for more than a decade now, so what's a little more fire when you're already in the depths?"

Memories flicked through his mind like flipping through the pages of a photo album.

The emotions and feelings he had forgotten and buried began to resurface like a geyser bursting forward.

"All right!" His eyes open wide, firm resolve shining in them. "I'll do it!"

"Okay! Doin' it, then!"

The pixie flashed a grin and twirled around the Spriggan, snapping her fingers as shards spread throughout the chamber.

"Shard swell! The Grendel's all yours!"

Time resumed as a wave of energy pulsed out around Van, knocking away the mafioso while Kress and Agnes shielded their faces from the pressure.

"What the...?!"

A grin, almost feral-like, manifested on his face as his eyes glowed a fierce blue.

A spectral entity of blackish-blue hung above the Spriggan like an apparition before flowing into his chest. Pieces of blackish-blue armor began to cover his limbs before a helmet and mask formed around his face and head, a mane of glowing cyan hair sprouting from the back.

"Holy shit..." Kress muttered in awe, lowering his uninjured arm.

"I-Is that you, Van...?" Agnes called out, equally in awe.

The demonic-armored creature flexed his clawed fingers, pouring coursing through his veins— an intimately familiar yet unknown sensation.

"What is this feeling?"

"W-What the hell is that?!" one mafioso stammered, his knife trembling in his grip.

The other, though shaken, gritted his teeth and lunged. "It doesn't matter! I'd take us fighting that thing than our bosses any day of the week!"

Van... No— Grendel let out a roar as he kicked off the ground. The speed of his motion was a blur, a streak of blackish-blue slamming into the man's side with brutal force. The mafioso was sent flying into a nearby wall, the impact cracking the stone.

"Damn it!" The other man rushed in, swinging his knife in a frenzied flurry of strikes. Each attack came faster than the last, but Van effortlessly dodged, weaving around the strikes like a shadow. His movements were precise, contrary to his demonic beast-like appearance.

"Too slow," Grendel growled, catching the man's wrist mid-swing. With a bone-crunching grip, he twisted, disarming the mafioso. The knife clattered to the ground as the man screamed in agony.

Kress and Agnes watched in awe, the transmigrator holding onto his injured arm as he took in the overwhelming sight of the demonic-armored man's might.

"That's insane... He's on a whole other level now," Kress muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Agnes's eyes fell onto the glowing Genesis. "Is it due to great-grandfather's...?"

Grendel turned his glowing gaze toward the remaining mafioso. The man, now trembling, stumbled backward, his earlier bravado shattered.

"Y-You think you've won?! You don't know who you're dealing with!" The mafioso spat, red aura flaring as he prepared another attack.

"Big words for someone trembling in his feet."

The mafioso roared and charged, his movements enhanced by the drug's effects. But Grendel was faster. He sidestepped the rush with ease, his claws glowing with etheric energy.

"Time to end this!" His voice was a deep growl. He struck the ground with his claw, unleashing a tremor that knocked the mafioso off his feet.

In an instant, Grendel was upon him. He struck with punches and kicks, the combination too fast for the human eye to follow. With each hit, the red aura around the man dimmed, his strength waning as the Spriggan sent him crashing to the wall with a roundhouse kick.

The last mafioso, barely conscious himself, stared in horror before collapsing under his own weight. The red aura dissipated as the drug's effects faded.

Grendel straightened, his glowing cyan eyes dimming slightly. The armor hissed and cracked before dissolving into shards, leaving him standing as his normal self, albeit visibly drained as he fell to his knees.

He looked back at Kress and Agnes, offering a tired grin. "Still in one piece?"

Kress walked over and grinned despite the blood dripping from his arm. "You tell me. That was insane, man."

"Van!" Agnes rushed to the Spriggan's side, crouching down. "Are you all right? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine. Tired as all hell, but I'm not in any pain." He chuckled, panting as he shook his head. "Can't believe I just took down a pair of drugged-up mafiosos like they were snot-nosed kids. What a monster."

"But... what was that...? You saw Mare, too, right?"

"Yeah..." He checked his Xipha and received the usual sharp greeting from his Holo Core. He scoffed softly. "Figures. All she spits out is what she's programmed. She's got no sentience. The tech hasn't come far enough to give her any."

"But the way she spoke earlier... It was like she was really alive." The transmigrator mumbled, closing his eyes.

Agnes was in agreement as she walked over to the antique orbment, picking it up. "Was it the Genesis, then?"

"Can't imagine it was a fluke," Van replied, catching his breath as he glanced at the memento. "So that thing's called a Genesis."

"Yes— or that's what my great-grandfather called it in his diaries. It's supposed to be one of eight, called collectively the Eight Genesi."

"You're saying there's eight of these." The Spriggan grumbled, getting back up on his feet. "There's no logical conclusion but to assume that it's behind everything that happened here— the spirits appearin', Mare showin' up, and behind me turnin' into that weird monster."

Kress and Agnes nodded in agreement. A solemn frown spread across the blonde's lips. "The diaries described them as for 'experimental observation' and nothing more."

"Course they elected to omit the finer details." Finally, with a small sigh, Van crossed his arms. "You know, when I first accepted this job, I didn't think it'd be for the one and only Professor Epstein."

The chamber fell into stunned silence. Agnes's face froze, a mix of shock and panic flickering across her features.

"Dead on, huh?"

"Wait... what?!" Kress, standing nearby, practically shouted. That was an important figure in Kiseki lore! "You're saying she's related to C. Epstein?! The guy who founded orbal technology?! That Epstein?!"

"I-I didn't mean to keep it a secret..." Agnes clutched the Genesis tightly to her chest, her gaze darting between Van and Kress. "But how did you find out, Van...?"

"You can tell just by looking at it that it was made around the time of the orbal revolution. Taking into account the abnormal precision and craftsmanship plus that it's an orbment capable of doing artifact-level stuff, then you'd question who in that era could be capable of building that thing."

The most renowned engineers at the time would be Epstein and his disciples, but...

"Epstein's three disciples— Hamilton, Russell, and Schmidt— were skilled, no question." Van continued. "But I doubt they would know the know-how to build something like this back then. Which leaves only one person who could've made it."

"Epstein himself," Kress murmured, his mind reeling. His gaze shifted to Agnes. "So... you're actually related to the Professor Epstein?"

Agnes bit her lip, offering a fragile smile. "I'm sorry for hiding it from you both. I didn't mean to deceive you, especially you, Kress... You got hurt because of me..."

"None of that, first-year." Kress stepped forward, his expression softening despite the whirlwind of revelations. "I knew I could get hurt if I came along with you two. That's fine by me. I'm just glad you're not hurt. And no matter who you're relative is, you'll always be Agnes Claudel."

"Kress..." Her blue eyes shimmered with gratitude as Agnes's gaze fell back to the Genesis. "I'll tell you two everything there is to say. It all started when—"

The Spriggan perked up as he glanced at the opened door they entered from.

"Not now. Put it away— quick."

Footsteps echoed through the chamber, followed by a familiar voice.

"Van! Are you all right!?"

Two figures entered first— a woman with braided blonde hair and a glasses-wearing man. Close behind them came a short-haired man in a yellow jacket and a strawberry-blonde woman in a tailored suit.

Their eyes widened as they took in the sight of the unconscious mafioso and the ruined chamber.

"Oh..."

"I see we were a few minutes too late."

Yellow jacket and strawberry-blonde's eyes widened in recognition.

"Those two are—"

"They're from Almata! We finally caught them!"

"Get lost! This is our territory!"

"Who do you think you're talking to? This is no business for civilians!"

As the two began to argue over who had jurisdiction over the mafioso, the blonde woman and glasses-wearing man approached the trio. Van's shoulders relaxed slightly, though his posture remained guarded.

"Elaine. René," he greeted them tersely, addressing the newcomers by name. His tone was casual but guarded, and it was clear he knew them well. "Came right on time."

The blonde woman crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping over Van, Kress, and Agnes. "What happened here, Van? And don't give me one of your evasive answers."

Van's expression didn't change, but there was a subtle tension in his stance as he began explaining, carefully omitting key details. It was clear he was a master at deflection, offering just enough information to satisfy them without revealing too much. René's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't press the issue.

Elaine, however, looked far less patient. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and a deep furrow creased her brow.

Now that Kress thought about it, she looked kind of familiar. Was it from his memories of playing the games in his past life? Or was it from one of the magazines Odette shoved in his face that time?

"Beauty's Blade...?"

The blonde woman blinked. "Pardon...?"

And immediately, Kress slapped a hand over his mouth, cheeks flushing with a blush. How could he let his thoughts spill out?!

"I-It's nothing. I thought I saw you somewhere, Miss..."

"Come to think of it, I believe this is the first time we've met each other, young man." The brunette turned toward the dyed-blonde teen, fixing his glasses. "You weren't with Van when I came to bail him and his client from the police station."

"What!? What did they do?!"

Eyes widening, he whipped his head at the two, particularly at Agnes, who could do nothing but chuckle sheepishly and avert her eyes from his shocked gaze.

"You could ask them for the details. More importantly..." The man in a burgundy-colored suit looked at Kress's arm. "Kaela. Please treat this civilian."

"Understood, sir!

The strawberry-blonde ceased arguing with the companion of the blonde woman and quickly came to Kress's side, properly treating Kress's injuries. The Beauty's Blade stared at the transmigrator's arm as well before turning to Van, crossing her arms.

"I hope you didn't drag an innocent civilian into such a messy situation, Van..."

Van was about to explain himself when Agnes stepped forward. "Van didn't do anything wrong, Ms. Elaine! I-I was the one who asked my senior to help me. If anyone is to blame, it's me—"

"Stop, Agnes." Kress put a hand on her shoulder with a reassuring smile. "I got this."

"B-But Kress..."

He turned his head to the older blonde and brunette. "I came with them of my own volition because I, too, needed the service of the Spriggan of Edith."

"What...?" The Beauty's Blade looked genuinely perplexed.

"I see." The brunette, however, pushed his glasses and nodded. "Very well. It is getting late, so let's end it here. We'll take one of Almata each, yes?"

"Yup," Van smirked faintly, dusting himself off. "Maybe if you're lucky enough, they'll even talk. Now come on— let's get outta here, you two."

Taking that as their cue, Kress stretched and offered his arm to the Spriggan. "Grab onto me. You look tired as hell."

"I'm not that tired." The fatigue on Van's face said otherwise. "Agnes, support Hibiki while he walks. He's the one who got hurt."

"O-Okay."

"Wait! I can walk just fine!"

Agnes would support the transmigrator walk, much to his chagrin. As the two left the chamber, Van and René exchanged a few words before the Spriggan caught up to the teenagers.

"That young man..." René muttered under his breath, realization settling in his eyes behind his frame. "He must be the young master of the Hibiki Clan... Torin Hibiki's son."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just thinking out loud."

Elaine didn't look convinced, her frown deepening as her gaze returned to the trio disappearing into the shadows of the ruins. Her thoughts lingered on Kress, the dyed-blonde teenager who seemed far too casual given the situation.

As she watched the retreating forms of Agnes and Kress, a memory from the past seemed to overlap with them.

Elaine crossed her arms tightly as her thoughts returned to her childhood friend— Van.

She hated how he always took everything on himself. No matter how much time passed or how many burdens he bore, Van Arkride remained the same, always carrying the weight of impossible situations as though he was the only one who could.

'Why must you shoulder everything by yourself...? Why can't you rely on others? ...On me...?'

The thought struck deep, and for a moment, her sharp, confident exterior faltered. Elaine's hand clenched into a fist at her side as memories of their past resurfaced, each one laced with unspoken words and unfulfilled promises.

"Something on your mind?" Her childhood friend asked, breaking her out of her thoughts as he adjusted his glasses.

Elaine straightened, quickly composing herself. "Just thinking about how reckless Van can be."

René smirked faintly, a knowing look in his eyes. "That's nothing new."

"No," Elaine agreed softly, her gaze returning to the darkened corridor. "It's not."

But that didn't make it any easier to watch.

"This is weird."

That was Kress's conclusion as Agnes inspected Van's body for his injuries. The two vividly recall shallow cuts around him before he turned into that demonic-looking creature. His junior wanted to give the Spriggan first-aid, only to find that his injuries were long gone.

"You could say that again. I knew my injuries weren't as bad as your cut, but they healed way too fast to be normal." Van. "Wonder if I got that orbment or turnin' into a monster to thank for this."

Once Agnes was certain that Van had no injuries, she took her seat beside Kress, fiddling with her fingers.

"I think it's time I share with you two everything I know..."

"You don't have to—" Kress was cut off when Agnes shook her head.

"No. It's only right to tell you after everything you both went through because of me." She closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself as she began to recall her memories. "This all started with the diaries. They were passed down from my great-grandfather to my grandmother, then to my mother, and finally to me after her death years ago."

Her voice softened as she added, "As you've already guessed, my great-grandfather was Professor Epstein. It's widely known he had an adopted daughter, but she vanished very suddenly after his passing. Something compelled her to retreat from public life, though I don't know what. It wasn't written in the letter she left for me."

Agnes's gaze dropped, her hands clasping tightly in her lap. "After my mother passed away, my father threw himself into his work... and I was left alone. I became captivated by the diaries, reading them over and over again."

A smile graced Agnes's lips as she continued to speak fondly about the contents of her great-grandfather's diaries. They didn't keep complex formulas or specialist knowledge, but they detailed who Claude Epstein was as a person— his philosophies, what he liked, his mundane days with his loved ones, and his time with his disciples.

The way she spoke about him painted the father of modern orbal technology as a kind, warm-hearted man with a sense of humor. He was a person she could greatly respect.

Her eyes softened with nostalgia as she remembered the joy of being able to take a peek into his world through his diaries. Before she knew it, they had become her most treasured possessions.

"However..." The beautiful smile she had worn faded into a grim frown. "At the end of his final entry, on the very last page, I found a shocking message. It said: 'Recover the Eight Genesi before the year 120X. Else all we know will come to an end.'"

Kress and Van went wide-eyed.

Silence momentarily fell into place as the transmigrator shifted uncomfortably, digesting Agnes's words and the weight behind the final message of her great-grandfather.

'Is that the reason why I'm here...?'

"Pretty ominous thing to write down," Van noted, frowning.

"It could have been a delusion that came to him in the winter of his years." Agnes tugged the hem of her skirt slightly and nodded. "But I began to feel that it was why his diaries had been passed down to me... And as the days wore on, my desire to do something to avert the end he foretold grew stronger and stronger."

She clutched her chest. "But I knew I couldn't go public with any of it. Not with my grandmother's disappearance. That's what led me to enroll at Aramis Academy, where I met a very dependable upperclassman."

Her lips curved into a gentle smile. "When I told her of my troubles, she offered me a piece of advice that took me to the orbal net, which in turn led me to you."

"By upperclassman, you don't mean Prez, do you?" Agnes wanting to talk to Renne the other day made total sense now.

"Yes." She smiled at the transmigrator, though it disappeared in a matter of seconds as she stared at his bandaged arm. "I just never thought when I started all of this that these would be the consequences. That someone would die... That you two would be put in so much danger..."

Her voice cracked as her blue eyes welled up with tears. She bit her lower lip, guilt and regret clear on her face. Kress could do nothing but rub her shoulder in comfort, unable to find the words to soothe her troubled and guilty heart.

Van appraised the blonde as he got up, slipping his jacket back on. "Well, you managed to get one of 'em. Even if there are still seven more out there, you could always call it quits here.

"I can't." Agnes shook her head, her tone resolute despite the bitter smile on her lips. Determination flared in her eyes. "Not when they're what connects me to my family. Not when I now know they really exist, and not after seeing the final entry. I can't look away from all of that."

"After all that happened today, you're still this determined, huh?" Kress asked, a glimmer of pride in his expression.

She nodded resolutely. "Of course. It's my responsibility to retrieve the Eight Genesi!"

Agnes pulled out a white envelope and handed it to Van.

"Here. This 50,000 mira is everything I was able to gather. Please, accept it as compensation for all the help you've given me."

Van glanced at the envelope and then at Agnes. "I thought I told you my rate."

"Well, umm... you did, but I don't feel that it accounted for that injury you sustained because of me, even if they have all healed by now." She chuckled sheepishly before a smile would once again return to her. "I intend to find the remaining seven on my own. I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of my problems."

"Heh."

The Spriggan took the envelope, pulled out a 1,000 mira bill, and handed the rest back.

"Huh...?"

"My rate's 1000 mira an hour, excluding other necessary expenses. I'll bump it up a little 'cause of the danger involved, but you rolled up your sleeves more than your average client." He threw a look at Kress's way, who was wearing a complicated and strange expression. "Whether it was his own decision or not, I dragged in an innocent civilian and made you two put yourself in danger to help me. Any more than 10k would be rippin' you off."

His expression softened as a smile formed.

"This is how the world of work is. Good thing you're still in school 'cause you got a lot to learn."

"B-But still..." Agnes frowned, sighing as she reluctantly took back the mira. "I'm sorry. I just feel like you've taken on a lot more than you bargained for from start to finish."

"To be honest, that whole turning-into-a-monster thing's got my interest piqued," Van said, crossing his arms. "Unless you give up, I'll pitch in however I can from here on out. In exchange, share any info you've got on the Genesi or from those diaries that could help."

Agnes blinked, surprised. "A-Are you saying you'll help me search for the remaining seven... without taking extra compensation?"

"Heh. Info's pretty good compensation, you know... I ain't taking a single mira, though." Van stated firmly. "You have to get used to real combat as soon as possible, too. You could only leave yourself wide open and focus on your arts back then because of Hibiki."

"Ah..."

"Unless..." Van's gaze narrowed toward Kress, a smile tugging his lips. "You're planning to stick around and help her out?"

Agnes would turn to her senior as well, curious and a tad anxious. For a while, Kress stayed silent, which only caused the blonde's nervousness to grow. The transmigrator would get up and meet Van's gaze head-on, the air around him changing as Agnes and Van took notice.

"Kress...?"

"This works out perfectly for me. If you two will continue to look for the Eight Genesi, then you're bound to cross paths with Almata again."

The gaze of the Spriggan became stern. "I've been meaning to ask you about that, especially your behavior when you faced them back there once Agnes left. Sounds like you don't mind if she's here, though."

"I thought about it while you two were talking. After what we've been through, it's only right that she knows about my secret, too." Kress replied. "This is my request. Investigate the connection between Almata and the Hibiki Clan."

Van shot him a knowing look but still asked, "Why should I? Give me a good reason why I should bother takin' a dangerous request for some troublemaking kid."

"...Because I'm not just some 'kid.'"

The transmigrator's eyes fell onto his hand before he brushed his hair with it, fingers slicking his dyed-blonde locks back.

"I'm Keisuke Hibiki, the abandoned young master of the Hibiki Clan." Gone was the usual glint in his brown eyes, replaced by a fierce glare of a yakuza. "And I want nothing more than to know why my damn old man is willingly cooperating with Almata."