"Ahh… Thank goodness there are still some."
Adam sighed in relief, leaning his body back against one of the many benches that dotted the green areas of St. Freya. With one finger he opened the can of iced coffee and took a long drink.
"I wish it was a beer," he said, setting the can down. "Too bad Theresa wouldn't be happy about it."
It had been almost a week since the events of the Stigmata. Barely he had recovered, and he was subjected to several paper tests to grade his theoretical knowledge at the end of classes. Sitting at a desk filling out sheets with data and such had made him sweat. Honkai or not, the management of St. Freya's did take their role as educators very seriously.
"At least all the theoretical stuff is done. All that's left is the physical exams," he said with a smile.
Destroy mechas and solid light holograms to relieve his stress, and get a good grade for it? Adam couldn't wait for the exam.
"{You know, you could steal a couple of beers from Himeko. I remember she said she wanted to invite you to a couple of drinks after your crazy psychedelic trip.}"
"{There is a difference between asking and taking,}" it said, unimpressed with their suggestion. "{And I doubt she'll let you take a couple of bottles. You know, since you're a student and you're taking exams.}"
"{Aww… I miss Siegfried. He would have bought us several rounds already,}" he complained.
"{Yes, and he would have to be dragged out of the bar if that were the case.}"
Adam snorted and ignored the silly internal bickering between the voices in his head. He continued to enjoy his drink in silence. Once finished, he stood up from the bench and threw the empty can into a trash can. He pulled out his smartphone and checked that it was almost time for dinner.
Knowing that if he didn't get there on time, Kiana would eat most of the food. It was Friday and Mei had cooked quite a bit of meat thanks to a sale at the supermarket. Adam headed to the residential area of the academy. After about fifteen minutes of walking, he saw his destination in the distance. However, he stopped when his phone rang.
"Now what?"
Adam pulled out the device and saw that it was a message from Theresa. He opened it and read it. The message read:
"Adam, I need you to come to my office as soon as possible. I will explain it to you when you arrive."
Clicking his tongue, he turned around and walked towards the headmistress's office. It couldn't be helped. It had to be something important for Theresa to summon him to her office. He walked another fifteen minutes through the academy to reach the place.
"I just hope Kiana doesn't eat all the meat," he thought as he walked up the stairs. Once he reached the door, he knocked, waiting for Theresa's response.
"Come in," she said.
Adam opened the door and closed it behind him. "Headmistress," he nodded. "Did you want to talk to me about something?"
Theresa sat behind her long wooden desk, her white hair barely visible between the mountains of paper and a couple of computer monitors. The petite principal was mumbling something under her breath as she signed a series of papers.
"Give me a second, Adam," Theresa murmured.
He stood in the middle of the office waiting for the director to finish. After about five minutes, Theresa breathed a sigh of relief and arranged the stack of papers she had signed.
"Sorry for the wait," she apologized, pushing aside one of the piles of papers so she could see Adam.
"Okay, Principal."
"Ahem," Theresa cleared her throat. "First of all, I want to tell you that what I'm going to ask of you is not a bad thing, but, I need you to do something for me," she said, arching her shoulders forward and biting her lips lightly.
The tone and the way he said it didn't give Adam much confidence. "Uh, yeah? What is it?"
Theresa opened her mouth but no words came out. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, contemplating her next words. After thinking about it, she closed her eyes and exhaled deeply.
"I need you to move out of Himeko's apartment as soon as possible."
Okay. That wasn't something that was expected.
"I beg your pardon?"
"{Is Theresa kicking you out?}"
"{This is unexpected.}"
This was certainly not something he expected to hear today. "May I know why?" he asked intriguedly. The fact that the headmistress herself was asking for this would be for three reasons: Terrible behavior or actions that would warrant expulsion, someone high up at Schicksal ordered it, or, oddly enough, she may have something in mind.
"I hope it's the latter," Adam thought. As far as he could remember, he hadn't attracted Theresa's attention, skipping classes like Kiana, he kept decent grades, and he'd never had any interaction with the other Valkyries other than distant greetings. Or had someone set him up?
His thoughts about a plot against him and how to deal with it were put to rest when Theresa spoke again.
"It's not because you did anything wrong!" She said hurriedly. "You see, I just talked to Sakura. Maybe Himeko told you something about it."
That changed things. "Yes," Adam nodded, relieved that he wasn't getting the boot. "Is Sakura really going to be integrated into the academy?"
Theresa nodded. "That's right. After much discussion with Grandpa, I mean, the Overseer," her cheeks turned pink at the slip, "it was decided that Sakura would attend the academy instead of being sent to Schicksal Headquarters. And she agreed."
That was good to hear. It meant that she wouldn't be imprisoned in Hellheim Labs. It was better to die than end up there.
"But, the Overseer's only condition was that Sakura must be left in the care of a Valkyrie I trust."
"Himeko," Adam said without thinking.
"Yes. Despite her relaxed and carefree attitude, she is one of the best Valkyries we have. I have confidence that she will be up to the task."
Considering that the red-haired teacher hadn't reacted negatively towards Mei and Adam due to their alien powers, not to mention that she devotedly consumed the black-haired girl's food and was warm around her; he was alright with Himeko being in charge of the ex-miko.
"So why are you asking me to vacate my-?" It took Adam a second to connect the dots. "She's staying in my room?" Theresa nodded. "Why? Aren't there any other apartments available for her?"
Theresa looked at him in disbelief. "How do you expect someone who lived hundreds of years ago to manage themselves in a modern apartment?"
Adam opened his mouth to respond but immediately closed it. If he put it like that, his question sounded very stupid.
She sighed. "Besides, one wing of the residential area is about to undergo renovations and the other apartments are already occupied. I have no other choice."
"{It's a good thing you have an apartment nearby.}"
"{And, this one has several bottles of alcohol in it. You can finally indulge yourself without having to explain yourself!}"
Putting it that way, moving out didn't sound bad. The only downside was that he would have to get up earlier to get to the academy on time, figure out how to get to and from the place, and the most unfortunate thing of all; he wouldn't be able to enjoy Mei's cooking daily anymore.
"I'm sorry to ask you this so suddenly, and after you've just taken your exams," Theresa apologized sheepishly. "I know it's abrupt, but I'll help you get an apartment as soon as possible. We're a bit tight on budget, so the place will be a bit cheap-"
"Wait, ma'am," Adam interrupted, holding up a hand. "I already have a spot available."
Theresa stopped her words and looked at him in surprise. "What? How?" She narrowed her eyes. "You're not just saying that to make yourself look strong, are you?"
"No. A while ago, a friend of mine found out that I was attending St. Freya. He told me that I could stay at his apartment in Soukai if I ever needed to," Adam explained.
"A friend?" Theresa asked. Realizing who he was referring to, or rather who she thought he was, her eyes widened and she nodded with raised eyebrows. "I-I see. It's okay." Theresa looked relieved by his words. Adam couldn't help but think that the headmistress was being too kind.
He smiled. "Thank you for your concern, ma'am."
"Oh! You're welcome, Adam. It's my duty as your headmistress to look after you," Theresa said, a little embarrassed.
Deciding to change the subject, he asked, "Speaking of Sakura, what will happen to the Herrscher, Higokumaru?" If they had plans for the ex-miko, there must be other plans for the Herrscher.
Theresa's embarrassed expression changed to a serious one. "Normally I wouldn't say it, but considering your circumstances and involvement, I think you have a right to know."
Theresa took a breath and spoke, "Higokumaru will remain at the academy. In isolation and under study. I managed to negotiate that she will stay here, though the Overseer has asked me to send him constant reports regarding her every week." She gulped, moistening her throat. "I plan to remodel one of the rooms in the containment area to make it more comfortable for her while she lives there."
Adam felt a weight lifted off his shoulders upon hearing this. It wasn't the best thing to have an active Herrscher with them, but it was better than sending her to Hellheim Labs. At least here they wouldn't torture her and give her more reasons to hate and destroy humanity.
"I see," Adam nodded. There was one more detail he wanted to know about the Herrscher. "Does Sakura happen to know about Higokumaru?"
At his question, Theresa grimaced. "Not yet. I plan to tell her eventually, but I need her to settle in at the academy first." She let out a sigh. "The poor girl needs stability in her new life. Suddenly revealing that Higokumaru is still alive would only upset her more than she already is."
Adam didn't see anything wrong with what Theresa had planned. Revealing Higokumaru to Sakura would only upset her further. Not to mention her reaction.
"I wouldn't want to be a fly on that wall when she reveals it to her," he thought.
Adam's smartphone rang again. He pulled it out and saw that it was a text from Kiana and Mei, asking where he was.
"The girls, I guess," Theresa said. He nodded. "Fine. I won't keep you any longer, Adam. Just remember that you have a few days to move."
"Is the Overseer pressuring her about it?" Adam asked curiously.
"Yes and no. He asked me to make the change as soon as possible, and…" Theresa hesitated for a second. "And, I personally think Sakura should get out of the hospital as soon as possible. Some sunlight and chatting with people who aren't doctors would do her a lot of good."
It wasn't hard to understand that Theresa was worried about the girl's mental condition. And her concern was valid. Sakura's world had been shaken to its foundations. Staying locked away in a hospital room wouldn't do her much good.
"It's okay. I can organize my things today and transport them to the other apartment tomorrow."
"So soon?" She asked in surprise. "I know I said as soon as possible, but what about your things? Won't it take you a while to get them sorted?"
"Not really," Adam said with a shrug. "I usually travel light. The only things that take up space in my room besides my bed and desk are a few books, clothes, and a few necessities."
"Ah… I see," Theresa said uncomfortably, much to Adam's surprise. "Well, in that case, I'll reschedule your combat fitness test for Monday. You'll have the weekend to acclimate to your new apartment."
Adam didn't expect this. "Wow. Thanks, headmistress."
His phone rang again. There were more messages from the girls, asking where he was and if he was going to be long (the last one was from Kiana, who was eager to start dinner).
"Go. I won't keep you any longer," Theresa dismissed him, gesturing to the door. It was as if her earlier awkwardness hadn't occurred. "You better hurry up or Kiana won't leave anything."
Adam gave a small laugh. "It's okay, ma'am." He walked to the door and opened it. "Good night. I hope you finish soon," he said before disappearing through the door.
"I hope so too," Theresa said, going back to reading and signing the papers on her desk. She continued working for a couple of minutes until she muttered into the silence of her office, "Travel light? You're kids. You're supposed to have more stuff in your rooms than just the necessities."
For the rest of the afternoon, Theresa remained working in the silence of her office, although with a slight frown on her youthful face.
"Wait? Aunt Teri is kicking you out?!" Kiana screamed, dumbfounded.
Dinner had gone off without a hitch. Or at least it had until Adam shared the news of his sudden eviction.
"No. She's not kicking me out, Kiana," Adam corrected, finishing off the last of his dinner and putting his chopsticks aside. "Theresa asked me this as a favor. I don't see anything wrong with that." Of course, there was something wrong with that. He'd lose access to three delicious meals every day, but he didn't want to sound mean.
"I can understand Principal Theresa's reason," Mei said. "But isn't this a hasty decision? What about you, Adam-kun? How will you be able to get an apartment quickly?"
He gave a small smile at her concern. She really did have a motherly attitude. "I've got that covered. Don't worry."
"Considering Subject Sakura Yae's circumstances, it is understandable why Principal Theresa favors her," Bronya added. "Though I agree with Subject Mei. The time to move is very short." Bronya slightly tilted her head. "Are there no other apartments for Subject Sakura Yae?"
"No. I asked the same thing and Theresa told me that one wing of the residential area is going to be renovated and that all the other apartments are occupied. And she made another valid point. Leaving Sakura, a girl who has been sealed for centuries, to suddenly live on her own in an apartment is a recipe for disaster."
"Hm. Subject Adam is right. It would be troublesome for Subject Sakura Yae to adapt to a new lifestyle immediately."
"But isn't that unfair to you, Adam?" Kiana asked. "I mean, Aunt Teri is practically asking you to leave to make room for a stranger."
He shrugged off. "Maybe, but consider this. Sakura, aside from being sealed, everything she knew is now gone. Her world has been shaken to its core." His features hardened for a second. "I'm not a charitable soul, but even I understand that it's not good to spend so much time alone processing this. Especially with her history and what happened between her and Higokumaru."
The comfortable atmosphere changed to a tense one. After Mei and Adam's stories, no one could pretend that what happened at the Stigmata was a misunderstanding on the part of the Herrscher. The danger and consequences of it were real.
"When Sakura comes to live with us, what do we say about Higokumaru? Nothing?" Even Kiana, with her childlike and lively attitude, knew she couldn't downplay the situation.
"Nothing, preferably. It would be best to pretend that we don't know about Higokumaru. The principal thinks it would be best for Sakura to first acclimatize herself to the academy. Afterward, I believe she will inform her about Higokumaru."
"But, Sakura-san will feel cheated when she finds out about it," Mei warned.
Adam nodded with a sigh. "I know, but none of this is easy. If she is told before she acclimates, she might shut down or isolate herself completely. Not to mention how she will act if she asks to meet with Higokumaru." He grimaced. "Crap, it will be a bloodbath."
"Ugh! How did dinner turn into this?" Kiana complained as she took a bite of her last piece of meat with a pout on her face.
"Better to discuss this now than later," Bronya said. "Subject Mei's concern and Subject Adam's observations are valid. There is no easy way to deal with the problem of Subject Sakura and Subject Higokumaru," she nodded in their direction.
"I know, just-," Kiana searched for the right words, rubbing her temple. "Jeez, why can't something interesting happen without us getting to something shady?"
"Because life is unfair and sometimes even a bitch?" Adam replied with a shrug. She made a face and snorted.
"I think we're getting off-topic," Mei interrupted, trying to calm the mood. "So, where are you going to live, Adam-kun?"
"In an apartment complex at the north on the other side of the city. Near the woods," he replied. "A long time ago, an acquaintance told me I could live there, but I didn't see a use for it. At least until now."
"Does that mean you could have moved out a long time ago but you didn't want to?" Kiana asked, looking at him curiously.
"Apart from the awkwardness of the first few weeks, living at the academy is better. There is no rent or electricity and water bills to pay. There is no need to get up so early to get to classes on time."
"And constantly enjoying Mei-senpai's cooking," she interrupted, her tone accusatory. "So you stayed here for her cooking," she said half-serious and half-joking.
Adam couldn't deny it. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you wouldn't have done the same."
Kiana opened her mouth but closed it immediately. "Hmm. You're right."
Mei blushed while Bronya rolled her eyes.
The brunette cleared her throat to get their attention, though her cheeks were still red. "Thank you, but, Adam-kun, does that mean this arrangement will be temporary or is it permanent?"
He pondered her words for a moment. "It may be definitive. The principal asked me as a favor, and I think it would be best for Sakura to live with the three of you from now on."
"So, will you be living permanently outside the academy?"
"I think so."
"O-Oh. I see," Mei said, making a sad face.
"Hey! It's not like I'm leaving the academy, Mei," Adam said reassuringly. "I'll just be living outside from now on."
"Of course, Adam-kun. It's just that…" Mei shook her head. "I'm sorry. I've just gotten so used to living with the three of you that it will be really strange not having you here with us."
"Awww, Mei-senpai, why are you so adorable?" Kiana stood up from her seat and hugged her.
"Kiana-chan!" Mei whined though she didn't struggle to free herself from the hug. Adam snorted in amusement at the scene.
"And how much time did Headmistress Theresa give Subject Adam to leave the apartment?" Bronya asked, trying to get the conversation back on track.
"I told the principal that I would be moving tomorrow," he replied. As soon as he said this, their reactions were… explosive.
"WHAT?!" Kiana and Mei screamed at the same time, turning to look at him. Bronya didn't scream, but her eyes widened and her mouth gaped.
"Huh? What's wrong?" Adam looked at them, puzzled by their reactions.
"{Considering you've been living with them for months, it's sudden that you're moving in the next day}," he noted.
Its words made sense, though he didn't expect the girls to react in such a way. In fact, Adam thought they would feel relieved because now they wouldn't have to be so careful with their privacy without him - a man - accidentally seeing them.
"Adam-kun, do you have to leave so soon? What about your things?"
"Hey, Aunt Teri is practically pressuring you to kick you out."
"The Bronya agrees with Subject Kiana."
Adam didn't expect the girls' comments, as well as their worried and harsh expressions.
"{You better say something before they think badly of Theresa.}"
"Whoa!" Adam lifted his hands. "You're getting the wrong idea. Theresa didn't pressure me. She asked me to do it as soon as possible and I agreed to it," he explained. "I told her I could do it right away. No problem."
"But so soon, Subject Adam?"
"Bronya-chan is right. It's too early."
"Or are you eager to leave?"
Mei and Bronya turned their gazes to Kiana, who was looking seriously at Adam, much to their surprise. He didn't understand the reason until he remembered an important detail: Siegfried had abandoned Kiana years ago. And now, he, her roommate for months, was leaving immediately. Not to mention that he knew Siegfried and he had been his mentor.
"{People with abandonment issues tend to cling to those around them,}" it noted.
"{It's strange to see her like this. Speak carefully.}" It suggested cautiously.
"It's not like I'm eager to leave, Kiana," Adam said carefully, lowering his hands. "Theresa asked me as a personal favor, which I agreed to. Plus, she mentioned that she's worried about Sakura's emotional stability." He gulped. "And I don't blame her. A lot of shit has happened to the poor girl."
Kiana continued to stare at Adam intensely until Mei put a hand on her arm. "Kiana-chan, Adam-kun is right. I don't like the idea of him having to leave either, but Principal Theresa asked him to as a personal favor,… and I understand her reasoning. I- I've been in Sakura-san's shoes too. No one should be alone when their worlds are destroyed before their eyes."
Mei's gaze was honest, but above all vulnerable, and those present in the dining room knew how right she was. Not long ago, she was in the same place as Sakura, although with a small difference between the two of them. Mei had found friends and people to trust. Sakura had no one.
"Mei-senpai," Kiana murmured. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning her gaze back to Adam. His eyes didn't hold the same serious expression, though vulnerability was noticeable behind them.
"You better keep hanging out with us, Adam, or you'll regret it," she threatened.
"Alright." Adam nodded. He certainly didn't expect things to turn out this way.
"Does Subject Adam need help packing? Project Bunny can help you organize your belongings for efficient transport," Bronya offered in an attempt to change the mood.
"Thank you, Bronya, but that won't be necessary," he nodded his thanks. "I don't have much to start with. Just clothes and the academy books."
Despite his words, the girls offered to help him. With three against one, he had no choice but to accept. After finishing packing his few belongings, the girls practically dragged him into the living room. For the rest of the night, Adam played with the girls using Bronya's gaming console on the living room television. Despite how childish and loud it was, he didn't find it awkward or a waste of time.
In fact, he found the moment very pleasant.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The move the next morning was quick. The girls were there to see him off, though Himeko reminded them that only Adam was moving apartments, not out of the academy. Still, her words didn't take away the glum from Kiana and Mei.
After a nearly half-hour train ride and another fifteen minutes of walking, he finally arrived at his destination. With two large suitcases at his side, Adam opened the door to his new apartment and entered the place. As soon as he crossed the small hall, he saw a thick, rectangular metallic figure emerge from the hallway that led to the bathroom and the personal bedroom. The metallic figure had no distinguishable traces except for a large lens in the middle of its body, which shone with a blue light.
"Greetings, Mister. Adam. I am a Robotic Housekeeping Unit, nicknamed Edgar by Mister. Lance," the five-foot robot greeted. His voice was masculine and pleasant. "As soon as I received your message last night, I started cleaning the apartment to get it ready for you," the robot said happily.
"I see, thank you." He certainly didn't expect this.
"It is a pleasure to serve you, sir." The robot Edgar came over and stopped a few steps away from Adam. "Is this all your belongings, sir? I can store all your luggage in the designated space, of course, if you allow me."
Adam hesitated for a moment to hand over his things but eventually agreed. With a hum, Edgar's sides opened to the sides and two mechanical arms came out to pull the suitcases.
"Mr. Adam, Mr. Lance asked me to inform you that there is a gift for you on the kitchen island. He wanted you to have it as soon as you moved into the apartment, sir." The robot—butler?—informed before moving towards the apartment's bedroom. Adam grimaced upon hearing that the gift came from Lance (Sirius).
"Let's see what the bastard left me," Adam thought, moving into the kitchen. He looked around and saw that the place was spotless. Adam's eyes fell on the kitchen island. It was a small, long wooden box with no distinguishable features. He opened the box and let out a whistle. It was a cigar box. The inside of the wooden lid said 'Casa Real del Monte'.
"Hmm, Lance may be a bastard, but he has good taste in things," Adam commented as he picked up one of the cigars and sniffed it. He hummed as he sniffed the dark and bitter taste of tobacco. Not feeling in the mood to light one, he returned it to the wooden box and moved the box to one of the kitchen cabinets.
Having nothing better to do, Adam went into the living room and sat down on the long brown sofa. He grabbed the remote for the long television mounted on the wall and turned it on. For the next half hour, he watched television, though he wasn't really paying attention to the screen.
"Mr. Adam," Edgar called from behind. Adam peeked his head over the couch and saw the robot coming. "All your things have been put away in their proper spaces."
"Thank you, Edgar," Adam acknowledged.
"You're welcome. By the way, Mr. Adam, I need a favor from you," the robot said. It approached Adam from the side of the sofa. There was a small hum as the front of Edgar opened, revealing a blue panel about the size of a hand. "Mr. Adam, while you have been registered as the owner and next occupant of the place, it is necessary that you perform a biometric registration in my systems for your security and future needs."
Safety and needs? What else could this thing do?
"What do you mean by needs, Edgar?"
"I have been informed of some of your obligations to Lady Hestia. Once your biometric registration is in your systems, all my security, work, and loyalty protocols will be at your disposal, Mr. Adam," the robot reported in a professional and happy tone.
"{Hm. Looks like your stay at the apartment won't be so lonely.}"
"{And someone who will do the housework for you? Sign up already, man!}" It encouraged excitedly.
The offer was very tempting, but Adam wanted to confirm one last detail.
"Edgar, in a hypothetical scenario, if someone were to try to hack you or the department were to be raided, do you have any way to defend yourself and the place?"
The robot butler's offer was indeed very tempting, but it would be of no use to Adam if it was easily destroyed or its data was easily compromised.
There was another hum, and Edgar's entire robotic body opened up and grew. There were a series of small cannons coming out of the robot's body, along with multiple tentacles of a plastic-like material. Oh, and a pair of mechanical arms came out from behind the machine, with circular chainsaws at the end of the arms.
"At Mr. Lance's request, Lady Hestia provided the necessary materials to improvise my original design, as well as my functions to deal with intruders and your future enemies, sir. What's more, I could easily take out a group of A-rank Valkyries," Edgar explained, his voice filled with excitement, much to Adam's dismay.
"Did that bastard Sirius give me a killer robot?" He thought in disbelief at what he saw.
"{Better that than a robot saying something like its protocol prevents it from harming humans.}"
"{And through your biometric fingerprint, all its functions will be at your disposal. I suggest you do so}," it encouraged.
At the suggestion of the voices and Edgar, Adam agreed. He stood up from the couch while the robot returned to its original size, storing its heavy weaponry inside itself.
"Excellent! Please place your hand on the panel while I take the other measures so that you alone have access to my systems, sir."
As Adam placed his hand on the blue panel, a small light scanned his face and the panel in his hand warmed slightly. It took several minutes until the registration was complete.
"Thank you very much for your time," Edgar thanked in a sing-song tone. "Mr. Adam, I imagine you are hungry, although I would like to apologize for not preparing the food before your arrival. This is because I did not know the date you would arrive, so the ingredients were not purchased to prevent them from spoiling and being thrown away," Edgar explained. "If you will excuse me, I can go to the nearest supermarket right now and get them."
"It sure does think things through," Adam thought. He was about to say yes, but an idea popped into his head. "Hey, Edgar, if someone tried to rob you, how would you respond?"
The neighborhood where the apartment was located wasn't the best area, it wasn't the worst either, but according to Lance, with the fall of the ME Corporation and other events, the area was in decline. While coming to the apartment, he noticed a few homeless people and a couple of gang members.
"That's simple, Mr. Adam. I have the means to defend myself and if the situation requires it, I have a protocol to dispose of bodies without leaving a trace," Edgar explained happily. Adam's eye twitched as he finished hearing its words.
"You know what Edgar, I wouldn't mind doing the shopping," Adam said. There was no way he was going to let a killer robot loose on the street. The neighborhood wasn't that dangerous, but it would only be a matter of time before the police noticed any missing people in the area, not to mention the pile of dead bodies (if there were any left).
"Are you sure about that, sir?" He damn sure was. "I was created to serve you and meet your needs."
"That's okay. It will give me something to do."
"If that's what you want," Edgar said no more, but its tone sounded glum.
"{Holy shit, Sirius did leave you a real killing machine.}" He commented excitedly.
"{At least it's loyal to you, though it would be best to keep an eye on Edgar.}" He suggested.
"You don't have to tell me," Adam massaged his forehead.
"Is everything okay, Mr. Adam?"
"Yeah, I'm just thinking about other things." He stopped massaging his forehead. "So, do you know how to cook, Edgar?"
"Correct, sir. Also, concealed weapons in the apartment are maintained constantly under my watch, if you were wondering," it informed.
"By the way, stop calling me sir. It makes me feel old," Adam ordered. To his annoyance, Edgar refused.
"I am afraid I cannot do this, sir. You are my master and host of this house. It is my program to refer to you with the respect you deserve."
Adam could only snort at the machine's argument. He told it that he would go get the groceries at the nearest supermarket. Adam walked to the door and was about to leave, but Edgar stopped him.
"Mr. Adam, why don't you take the motorcycle that is in the storage room downstairs?"
"Wait, what motorcycle?"
"One last gift from Mr. Lance."
Adam left the apartment and walked down the stairs to the ground floor and across the courtyard. He went to where the storage units were and entered the code that Lance had given him on his first visit.
"A gun-toting apartment, a killer robot butler; Sirius better not have left me an explosive motorcycle here," Adam muttered.
"{Haha! Better not push your luck. The bike might be a mecha with a killer AI," it said with amusement.
"{See what it is. It might not be bad,}" despite the optimistic words, it didn't feel confident about what they would find inside either.
When the door opened, Adam stared in shock at what was waiting for him.
"{Groovy.} / {Excellent.}"
Ok, I didn't expect to write so quickly. I've had a busy few weeks. I'm glad I didn't take too long.
Thank you for the feedback and comments. These help the story grow and improve.
Adam's apartment is based on the apartment of the protagonist -who shares the same name- of the game Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. To be honest, I've always had a hard time describing the interior of buildings and clothes topics. Well, that and I liked the design of the place.
Sakura will appear in the next episode. Of course, her integration will create changes in the group.
See ya!