The EXO-45 'Patriot' Exosuit.

A heavily armored and armed bipedal Exosuit, it is a mobile weapons platform accessible to the Helldiver upon request. Being a direct upgrade to the EXO-44 'Stomper' Exosuit, the Helldiver of today will find that all aspects of the armored war machine have faced major overhauls.

Featuring a G-16 Gatling Gun on its right module, it is well suited to annihilating droves of foes under its weight of fire. Loaded with one-thousand rounds of ammunition and capable of firing at one-thousand-six-hundred-and-twenty rounds per minute, it can effectively shred all but the most heavily armored of opponents.

On its left module is seated a rocket pod loaded with sixteen high-explosive-anti-tank rockets, ready to blow apart anything armored just as well as the Exosuit itself.

Combined together, the 'Patriot' is more than well equipped to face any and all foes that dare to step in the face of Liberty.

Though, should the Helldiver face the issue of running completely out of ammo, in their infinite wisdom, Super Earth engineers outfitted the Exosuit with upgraded legs, focusing on increased maneuverability and durability. Equipped with hardened and higher-capacity hydraulics, the Helldiver is now capable of dealing devastating melee strikes with the Exosuit's legs, crushing their foes under the weight of Democracy.

The EXO-45 'Patriot' was also designed with more than just its weaponry in mind. As opposed to the all-in-one construction characterized by the EXO-44 'Stomper', the 'Patriot' features limb modules.

Should a module face catastrophic damage, the Exosuit will then jettison the damaged module, subsequently activating the onboard self-destruct protocol to deny the enemy any Super Earth Armed Forces property and to ensure the Exosuit remains combat effective, unimpeded by the non-functional module.

If, in the unlikely event, all modules face catastrophic damage, the automatic ejection system will quickly remove the Helldiver from the cockpit. Upon the successful ejection of its heroic cargo, the Exosuit will then utilize any remaining fuel and ammunition, alongside the built-in explosives, to destroy the Exosuit, once more denying the enemy of any S.E.A.F property.

With its versatile weapons suite and thick armor plating, it is an imposing sight on the battlefield for its enemy, and more than just a welcoming sight to its allies.

The EXO-45 'Patriot' Exosuit.

From your friends on Tien Kwan,

"Give 'em Hell! Divers!"

Within the SCHALE Office

"Now the real work begins, Sensei!" Arona cheered from behind the screen.

I lifted the Shittim Chest, bringing her face to face. "Is that so?"

She nodded with a glint in her eyes. "Since our club is just starting out, we don't have a lot of members yet!"

"I think it'll be worthwhile to recruit more students to join SCHALE! This way, we can work more efficiently here at SCHALE, and establish rapport with more students!"

"Recruit..." I nodded. "I like the sound of that!" I then cleared my throat. "So, how does one go about doing that?"

She bobbed on screen. "First and foremost, students can submit their application to join via email, or directly in person!"

"Oh?" I raised a brow.

"Mmm hmm!" She hummed. "Since SCHALE has been activated, students are now free to apply for the assistant program! This way, any and all students can join SCHALE!"

I nodded. "Good deal, when should we expect any fresh recruits?"

Placing a finger on her chin, she glanced up as if thinking. "Well... since it has only been a few hours since SCHALE's been activated, it'll be a while." She smiled. "But don't worry, Sensei! After today's events, I know for sure that students will be waiting to join you in no time!"

"Sounds good." I say as I rose from my seat.

With a stretch, I rolled my shoulders as I shifted my armor to a more comfortable position. "With that, how about a little exploring?" I ask with a grin.

She raised a brow. "Exploring?"

"Indeed!" I raised my voice. "With the many points of interest that lie about, one is bound to find something good!"

Her eyes narrowed. "Find... something...?" She shook her head. "I hope you aren't implying stealing, Sensei."

"Oh sweet Liberty, no." I waved a finger at the screen. "We are merely... liberating items of interest!"

I straightened my posture as I headed towards the door. "Now Arona, let's find those samples!"

"Eh!?"

Within the ANGEL 24 Convenience Store

Playing their welcoming chime, the doors slid open automatically, granting me access into the store. As I stepped in, I took a moment to take in the sight as the doors closed behind me.

"Welcome to 'ANGEL 24'!" Someone yelled from the back, presumably a staff member. "I'll be right with you, please give me a moment!"

Judging from the voice, they seem to be fairly young.

Taking a step forward, the world took a turn around me as I'm suddenly yanked back, as if someone suddenly tugged on the collar of my armor.

With an audible thump, my back collided with the ground.

"Owwwwww." I groaned as I stared at the ceiling.

I stayed on the ground for a few seconds before catching the sounds of someone rapidly approaching.

"Oh my gosh are you okay-!" She cut herself off. "Wait a minute-, Sensei!?"

I lifted my head. "The one and only!"

With a grunt, I got up to sit before craning my head around, finding that my cape had been caught in the door.

In a much lower voice. "A-are, are you okay?"

I laughed. "Not the first time, and most certainly won't be the last."

As I got to my feet, the door's sensors detected movement, subsequently releasing my cape from its un-Democratic hold. Dusting it off, I turned around to meet the staff member.

"Greetings, citizen of Kivotos." I glanced back at the door. "I apologize that you had to see that."

She froze as she looked up to me, her eyes staring into my visor. Noticing that I had accidentally towered over her, I got to a knee to get eye level with her.

Then I extended a hand. "Sergeant Allen Hicks of the Helldiver Corps, nice to meet you, ma'am."

She glanced at my hand then back to me before accepting. "S-Sora, n-nice to meet y-you as well." Her voice was small and meek.

Then she gave me a look. "Helldiver... Corps? Are, aren't you Sensei?"

I nodded. "That I am, ma'am. I am a Helldiver and a Sensei." I smiled. "Ain't that pretty cool?"

She gives a small smile. "W-well, that does sound pretty cool."

"Well then, Sora, before that little mishap-" I jabbed a thumb behind me at the door. "-I was just on my way to explore the SCHALE building, which brought me here." I glanced around the room, noticing the shelves lined with goods.

Returning eye contact, I continued. "I assume this is a convenience store of sorts?"

She nodded. "Y-yes, Sensei. This is 'ANGEL 24', a convenience store that is open twenty-four-seven."

I got to my feet, causing Sora to take a few steps back. "Mind if I look around?"

She shook her head. "N-not at all! Please, take your time, and let me know of you need any help!" Turning around, she then headed off to man her station, being the counter housing the cash register.

Walking up to one of the shelves, I glanced around the store, with it being clean to a fault and housing a wide variety of offerings. Not too dissimilar to the stores on Super Earth, I continued perusing.

"Freedom of choice, eh?" I tapped on the Shittim Chest as I brought it up to show off the numerous options of snacks and drinks.

"Oh ha ha." Arona laughed blandly from behind the screen.

Setting her down on a shelf, I picked up one of the bags of chips. "If memory serves me right, this "Y" symbol stands for 'Yen', correct?"

She nodded. "That's right, are you looking to buy some snacks, Sensei?"

I shook my head. "Not right now, just getting familiar with the land and its offerings."

Replacing the bag, I continued looking around. Nothing too much out of the standard, snacks, drinks, a small assortment of food items under heat lamps, MRE's, empty magazines, boxes of ammunition...

Wait a minute.

Taking a few steps back, I had to rub my visor to make sure I wasn't seeing things. And wouldn't you know it? I wasn't. Lifting up a box, the contents inside shook around, the telltale sounds of brass hitting brass could be heard emanating from it.

"Hey Arona?" I asked for my assistant.

"Sensei?"

"This is a box of 5.56x45... right?"

She nodded. "It is, is there something wrong?" She asks, as if this was normal.

Which it might fully be, given that this is an entirely new land... where everyone has a gun.

"Just making sure." I replied as I set down the box with a sigh.

The surprises only increased as I headed towards the back. Assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, machine guns, hand grenades, anti-personnel mines, rocket launchers. The list went on, and all with their respective calibers and ammunition.

Again, 'Do as Kivotos does.' I thought.

Finishing up getting acquainted with the store's layout and... interesting offerings, I strode up towards the front counter.

"S-so, did you find everything you need, Sensei?" Sora asked as she rubbed her hands.

I nodded. "That I did, didn't have anything in mind to purchase, though."

"O-oh?"

Looking at the young cashier, I couldn't help but ask. "Is it alright if I ask you a few questions?"

She raised a brow. "Y-yes, I don't mind."

"Might I ask how old you are? You seem quite young to be working."

She froze up. "I-I-I assure you that me working here is completely, one-hundred-percent legal! No illegalities being conducted here! No sir!"

Confused at her sudden outburst and defense of her working, I continued. "Woah there, Sora, I'm not here to reprimand you."

She stops trembling as she meets my eyes.

"Instead, I'd much rather commend you for working at such a young age."

This takes her aback somewhat, indicated by her confused and slightly suspicious look.

I smiled. "Back where I am from, it is the duty of every man, woman and child to work towards improving the lives of themselves and the lives of their community."

She nods along, a wave of relief washing over her. Then confusion as she took in one bit that confused her.

She gives me a look. "And child?" Her voice lined with skepticism.

I nodded. "Yes, all hands are onboard as soon as they are able to."

She mulls over my words for a few moments before nodding once more, coming to her own level of understanding.

"Well... t-thanks for understanding, Sensei."

I give her a thumbs up. "Of course! You let me know if you have any problems, I'm always happy to help."

She nodded, a smile beaming from her. "Thanks, Sensei." She laughs. "Y'know? You're a lot different than what social media would say."

I tilted my head. "Is that so?"

"Yeah, here, let me show you." She dug around her apron pockets before producing a small data pad. Tapping on it a few times, she turns it my way.

Accepting the device, I scrolled through the articles. I raised a brow, as most, if not all videos shown are of my squad and I repelling dissidents, the strategems being deployed, and my little stunt of me taking out the tank with a five-hundred-kilogram bomb.

"I thought you were pretty cool, Sensei." She then pointed at the resounding explosion caused by the ordnance. "And where'd the bomb come from!?" She asked excitedly. "Everyone's saying that it came from that blur in the sky, are they with you?"

I smiled. "Heh, awe-struck, are you?" I coughed into my hand... through my helmet. "Indeed, that blur that you see right there is known as an Eagle Multi-Role Fighter. Affectionately referred to as Eagle One."

"So they are with you!?"

I bobbed my head side to side. "Well... they are with me, technically, but I have no way of communicating with them."

She raises a brow. "Why not?"

I lifted my right wrist, showing off the communicator on it. "This here is used to communicate with any friendly units, such as Eagle One... usually, anyways." I shook my head. "Any time I've tried to, I get static. So, it's either mine's busted, there's is, though unlikely, or something's going on that I'm not aware of."

"Huh..."

I pursed my lips. "Yup."

After a few moments, I lifted up her data pad. "Anywho, mind if we watch a few of these videos? I want to see if they got my good side."

She laughs. "Sure, I don't mind."

Scrolling through the, admittedly, scary number of videos of my team and I, all were basically showcasing our heroics, simply at different angles. Though simply changing the angle can give great results.

I nodded approvingly at the end of the video. "What can you say? I am pretty cool."

She glances at me with a smirk. "Pffft."

I smile her way as I returned the small device. "Welp, I suppose it's time for me to head out. Gotta explore the rest of the building to get familiar and what not."

She nodded. "It was good to meet you, Sensei! Don't hesitate to drop by whenever you need something!"

"That I will do, pleasure meeting you, Sora." I say with a wave as I passed through the doors, wary to hold my cape so I don't repeat the incident earlier.

Within the SCHALE Office

With exploring most of the building done, namely its numerous facilities for extracurriculars, before I knew it, the sun had long since set. Deciding that this was enough exploring to be had, I make the call to turn in for the day.

"Say, Arona." I called for my trusty assistant.

The screen to the Shittim Chest came to life. "You called, Sensei?"

"I'm a... 'Sensei' now, right?"

She raised a brow. "That is, uh, correct. Why?"

"What kind of stuff am I slated to do anyways?"

Then she smiled. "I was wondering when you were going to ask! Thankfully, I've already went ahead and made your schedule for tomorrow!"

I nodded. "Good deal, so what's on the docket for tomorrow?"

"Well, you still have the rest of those documents to go over from today, so those will be done first." Then she pursed her lips. "Next, Rin will drop by to, uh, offload more paperwork for you to do."

I sighed. "Surely becoming a paper-pusher isn't all that entails with becoming a 'Sensei'."

"Well, there's also the prospect of you approving any applicants that drop by or by email!"

She then pulled out a blue folder. "And wouldn't you know it, we have one that came by!"

"But that doesn't exactly exempt me from the paperwork, does it?"

She shook her head. "Nope, 'fraid not, Sensei."

Then an idea struck me. "Didn't Rin say that they're applying for SCHALE's assistant position, right?"

An askance glance was sent my way. "That is correct." Her eyes narrow. "Wait a minute, don't tell me..."

"Yes, my dear assistant, whatever you have in mind is correct! If you would, please contact them to come in person should it be convenient for them." I grinned. "I believe we might have a loophole."

"Surely you aren't thinking of offloading your work onto them, Sensei." She deadpans.

I half-shrugged. "A Helldiver rarely dives alone, Arona! Anyhow, what time am I supposed to be ready for tomorrow?"

She frowns my way before rolling her eyes. "Rin will drop by the office around 9 AM, but work hours begin at 8 AM."

I nodded. "Good deal." I glanced at the clock hanging off the wall. 10:47 PM. "Time to hit the rack!"

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

Raising myself out of bed, I grabbed the alarm clock and promptly quieted its alarm. Reading the LED screen, it reported 06:00 AM.

Perfect.

A Helldiver's morning regime is one of discipline.

Early to rise. Early to dive. Early to fight.

With each movement measured and intentional, the elite nature of the Super Earth Armed Forces is reflected in their actions, swift and calculated, with nary a wasted move.

Just as quickly as I had risen, I had finished showering and dressing.

I glanced at the clock. 06:15 AM.

Donning my armor and locking it into place, I adjusted the positioning of it to get comfortable under the Titanium-A alloy plating. Equipping my helmet, it was followed by the faint hiss of the hermetic seal engaging. Giving it a few knocks with my hand, I grabbed my SG-225 'Breaker' and P-19 'Redeemer', holstering them into place.

With a nod, I turned away from the standing mirror.

"Ready to start the day, Sensei?" My trusty assistant yawned, a digital coffee in hand.

I nodded. "Born ready."

Within the SCHALE Office

"Why is there so much paperwork!?" I exclaimed, reluctantly hoisting up another document, glancing over the text briefly, before signing off on it and adding it to a steadily increasing pile.

Rin pushed up her glasses. "I'm afraid that is the nature of clerical work such as this, Sensei." She waved a hand towards the towering pile of paper. "Many of the documents you see pertains to requests for material and support aid, most of which occurring after the president's disappearance."

True to her words, many of the documents were from the many academy districts around Kivotos. A lot of which I don't recognize, like whatever Shanhaijing or Red Winter may be, but three stuck out, namely the Trinity General School, Gehenna Academy, and the Millenium Science School.

"Also." Rin added.

"Hmm?" I hummed, my eyes still glued to the copious amount of paper.

She gave me a look. "Are you certain that you will want to work under all of your... armor?"

I turned my head her way. "I am most comfortable when I am ready to rock and roll!"

An amused look crosses her. "I see, in any case, please continue to look over these-" She glanced back at the paperwork. "-And don't hesitate to ask for assistance."

She sighed, as if a weight had been lifted off of her. "If nothing else, Sensei, I shall take my leave."

I nodded. "See you around, Rin."

With a nod, she turned and left. As the door closed, I made sure her footsteps were out of earshot before letting out a groan.

"Sensei?" Arona called, the Shittim Chest's screen turning on.

Leaning back on the office chair, I moved my head down to glance at the system manager, her data pad stood up against a book.

"Arona." I began, letting my head hang again. "When are those recruits supposed to drop by?"

"Uh..." She trailed off. "I think any time today, as long as it is before closing, which is 5 PM."

Then the intercom housed into my desk rang to life.

Leaning back forward, I pressed the button sticking out of it. "This is Sergeant Allen Hicks, send it."

"E-eh!?" The female voice exclaimed, evidently startled. "I-is, is this not the intercom link to Sensei's office?"

I grinned. "This is Sensei speaking, what have you got for me?"

"Moooouuuu! P-please don't tease me Sensei, and, uh, t-this is Iwabitsu Ayumu, I believe that this will be the first time we will have met."

"Please to meet you Ayumu, wished we could've met face to face-" I shrugged. "But duty calls!"

"Ah ha ha..." She awkwardly laughed before having cleared her throat. "I have a student here that wishes to meet you, are you currently free to take in any applicants for approval?"

I turned my head towards Arona with an evil grin, thankfully obscured by my helmet. To that end, she merely shook her head, a small smile on her face.

"Free as I'll ever be, send her my way, please."

"Yes, Sensei." Then the intercom link was cut.

"Heh, looks like we've got our first recruit!"

"So..." I trailed off as I read off their resume. "Says here you're a treasurer for the Millenium Student Council that goes by Seminar?"

The student in question puffed up their chest with a smug look. "Indeed, Sensei. And quite a good one, I might add."

"Good at numbers." I mumbled as I studied the student.

Hayase Yuuka, a student attending the Millenium Science School and the current treasurer for their respective student council. I flashback to when we retook the SCHALE building.

Her tactical acumen on the battlefield could do with some work, given that she has jumped in headfirst a few times. But with the ballistic resistant nature of the people of Kivotos, I can kind of see why it's lacking. Barring that, given her resume, she has quite the intelligent mind. Quick with all sorts of numbers, I can also see how she landed the treasurer gig.

Looks like she's kind of a big shot. "So, what brings you here then, Miss Seminar?"

She glared at me. "Not you too! It's Yuuka!"

I smirked. "Anywho, since you're on the student council over at Millenium, you must be quite the bigshot, no?"

"W-well, not exactly..." She stammers. "Apart from the odd balancing of our club's budgets, and filing any finances for the council, I'm nothing too important."

I nodded. "I see. But I'm going to have to warn you beforehand." I jabbed a thumb at the mountain of paperwork. "If you were to take up the duty of becoming SCHALE's assistant, this'll be one of the responsibilities you'll have to tackle."

I shook my head. "Mighty boring, I might add."

The Millenium student shrugged. "Nothing out of my league, I've done my fair share of paperwork, Sensei. And plus, I would like to think of this as repaying you for helping restabilize Kivotos!"

I smiled. "Good deal, then." I subtlety nodded in Arona's direction, who signed off on something before giving me a thumbs up. "Well then, Yuuka." I began as I got to my feet and outstretched a hand. "Welcome aboard, Diver!"

She accepted the gesture. "Pleasure to be working with you, Sensei."