Chapter 01

Unexpected Request

Word of Einhard and Ave's plan to travel to another world spread fast—at least within the walls of Einhard's, Vivio's, and Miura's classrooms. By lunchtime, the excitement had reached its peak, and before she knew it, her friends in the school courtyard surrounded Einhard.

Yumina, Rio, Corona, Miura, and Vivio had all gathered, their curiosity shining through their eager expressions. It was clear they weren't going to let this topic slide without getting answers.

Well… I should've seen this coming.

The courtyard buzzed with the lively chatter of students enjoying their lunch break. The warm spring sun cast a golden glow over the area, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Einhard, Yumina, Rio, Corona, Miura, and Vivio had gathered under their usual oak tree, their lunch boxes neatly arranged on a picnic blanket. Laughter filled the air as they enjoyed their time together.

As expected, Rio was the first to stir up mischief. She leaned back on her hands, a playful smirk forming on her lips as she turned to Einhard. "So, Einhard-san," she began, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "I heard you and Oniisan are heading off on another world-hopping adventure. And this time, Vivio is tagging along. Does that mean your plan to elope using the Gundam is officially scrapped?"

Einhard, who had been peacefully eating her sandwich, nearly choked. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes widened as a deep blush spread across her cheeks. "W-We weren't eloping!" she protested, her voice rising slightly. "Last year was an accident! The Astraea II's Double Drive System malfunctioned and threw us into another world! We didn't plan any of it!"

Corona, sitting cross-legged next to Rio, rested her chin in her palm, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Accident or not, you did come back as Ave-san's girlfriend. Sounds pretty suspicious to me. Are you sure something romantic didn't happen while you two were 'accidentally' eloping?"

Einhard groaned, burying her face in her hands. Why do they always bring this up? Her face burned with embarrassment as Rio and Corona exchanged knowing looks.

Vivio, sitting across from her, tilted her head slightly, her golden-blonde hair swaying with the motion. "Don't worry, Rio-san, Corona-san. I'll keep an eye on Einhard-san and Ave-nii. If anything interesting happens, I'll make sure to share all the details!"

Einhard's head shot up instantly. "V-Vivio-san! You wouldn't!" she exclaimed, looking utterly betrayed. She clutched the edge of the picnic blanket, her eyes pleading. Not you too!

Vivio simply blinked at her, her mismatched green and red eyes twinkling with mischief. "Einhard-san, everyone already knows you and Ave-nii are together. There's no need to get so embarrassed."

Einhard groaned again, slumping forward. "Why do you all make such a big deal out of it…" she mumbled into her hands. I swear, they enjoy tormenting me. Even so, deep down, she couldn't deny the warmth that spread in her chest at the thought of Ave.

Yumina, ever the voice of reason, gently stepped in. She adjusted her glasses and gave Rio and Corona a pointed look. "Rio, Corona, don't tease Einhard-san too much. She's already flustered enough."

Miura, who had been quietly eating a rice ball, suddenly spoke up, her voice filled with admiration. "I think it's amazing, Einhard-san. Travelling to another world… I wish I could go with you."

Einhard, still recovering from the teasing, took a deep breath to compose herself. "It's true that there'll be challenges," she admitted, her voice calmer now. "But I believe it'll make me stronger—not just as a martial artist, but as a person."

Miura's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Does that mean your relationship with Ave-kun will level up too?"

The moment the words left her mouth, Rio and Corona burst into laughter, instantly seizing the opportunity.

"Yeah, Einhard-san! When's the wedding?" Rio grinned. "Already planning the honeymoon?"

Einhard let out a small squeak, her hands flailing in protest. "T-That's not what I meant!" she stammered, but her friends' laughter only grew louder. Why does everything always lead back to this?!

Vivio and Yumina exchanged amused glances before shrugging in sync.

"Einhard-san is lucky to have a sweet boyfriend and friends who care about her," Vivio said with a teasing smile.

Yumina nodded. "Even with all the teasing, it's obvious how much everyone cares."

Asteion, Einhard's small snow leopard plushie Device, let out a soft meow from its spot on the picnic blanket, watching the exchange with an almost amused expression. Sacred Heart, Vivio's bunny plushie, merely twitched its ears as if acknowledging the chaos.

With a sigh of resignation, Einhard gave up trying to fight back. She took a bite of her sandwich, her cheeks still pink but her expression more relaxed. I really can't win against them… Even so, she glanced at her friends, a small smile tugging at her lips. But… maybe they're right. I really am lucky.

As the laughter faded, her thoughts drifted to Ave. A quiet excitement stirred within her. Despite the challenges ahead, she knew they'd face them together. And now, with Vivio joining them, she felt even more confident.

Whatever happens… we'll handle it together.

After school, Ave swung by to pick up Einhard on his motorbike, and the two of them set off toward the Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Intelligence Division main office in Midchilda Northeast. The city streets were alive with activity, the afternoon sun casting long shadows over the bustling roads.

Einhard leaned her head gently against Ave's back, her arms wrapped around his waist. The steady hum of the engine was soothing, but her mind refused to settle.

"Ave-kun," She spoke up, as her voice quieter than usual. "Why are we going to the Intelligence Division? …Is this about our trip to Katsumi's world?"

Ave's voice was calm, reassuring. "Yeah, Haru. Chief Rossa wants to talk to us. He's heard about our plans and thinks we might be able to help with something."

Einhard furrowed her brows slightly, her mismatched purple and blue eyes narrowing in thought. "Help? With what? I thought this was just a personal trip to see Yuki and the others again. It's not like we're on a mission or anything."

Ave hesitated for a moment, his grip on the handlebars tightening just a little. "It is personal. But Chief Rossa thinks there's more to it. He's got some intel that could be useful—especially if things get complicated."

Einhard's arms instinctively tightened around Ave as she processed his words. Complicated…? A small frown formed on her lips. "You think something bad is going to happen?" she asked, her voice edged with concern. "Last time we were in Katsumi's world, it was dangerous enough—and that was an accident. This time, we're going there on purpose…"

Ave let out a soft sigh, his tone steady but gentle. "I don't know, Haru. But if it does, we'll deal with it. We've got Vivio with us this time, and we're way more prepared than before. We survived the Astraea II teleportation mess, right? We'll be fine."

Einhard closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the warmth of Ave's back, the steady rhythm of the bike beneath them. His words sank in, and bit-by-bit, the tightness in her chest eased. Yeah… We'll be okay. We'll handle whatever comes our way, together.

As they neared the Intelligence Division's main office, a mix of anticipation and unease stirred inside her. The building loomed ahead, sleek and imposing, its modern design standing out against the more traditional architecture around it.

Ave parked the motorbike, cutting the engine as the quiet hum faded into the sounds of the city. With a final steadying breath, Einhard stepped off, her mismatched purple and blue eyes glancing toward the towering structure before them.

Guess we'll find out what Verossa-san has to say.

The Intelligence Division's lobby was alive with movement. Agents in sharp navy-blue uniforms strode through the space; their conversations low yet urgent. The steady rhythm of footsteps and the occasional rustle of papers filled the air.

Einhard stood amidst it all, feeling slightly out of place. She cast a glance at Ave, who remained unfazed, his usual calm presence grounding her.

"Ave-kun," she murmured, her voice barely rising above the quiet hum of activity. "You think Verossa-san's going to ask us to do something dangerous?"

Ave turned to her, his expression steady but serious. "Maybe. But like I said, Haru, whatever it is, we'll handle it together. Chief Rossa wouldn't put us on something we couldn't take."

Einhard exhaled softly, nodding, though a flicker of unease lingered in her chest. Something about this… feels different. Like once we step into that office, there's no turning back.

As they neared Verossa's door, she took a slow breath, trying to settle the tension creeping up her spine. Whatever was waiting for them, she wasn't facing it alone.

Verossa's office was spacious and well furnished, the afternoon sun casting golden streaks across the polished wood floor. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, filled with neatly arranged files and artefacts, while a large desk sat at the center of the room. Behind it, Verossa lounged comfortably; his long green hair tied back, sharp golden eyes brimming with intelligence.

As Einhard and Ave stepped inside, he greeted them with an easy smile.

"Einhard-chan, Ave-kun. Thanks for coming." He gestured toward the plush chairs in front of his desk. "Make yourselves comfortable. I've been looking forward to speaking with you both."

Einhard exchanged a brief glance with Ave before taking a seat. She scanned the room, taking in its refined atmosphere. Feels more like a noble's study than an office… Despite the formal setting, Ave's relaxed presence beside her helped ease any lingering tension.

Verossa poured them both a cup of tea and slid a plate of cheesecake across the desk. Einhard accepted it politely, though her attention remained on the man before her.

"So," Ave started, his tone casual yet probing, "what's the Bureau's Intelligence Division want with us? We're not exactly Bureau operatives."

Verossa chuckled, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Still sharp as ever, Ave-kun. Hayate-chan said I'd enjoy working with you two." His expression turned serious as he leaned back in his chair. "I'll get straight to the point. The Bureau has been monitoring Katsumi's world for some time now. We're considering inviting it into our administrated territories."

Einhard blinked, her hand pausing midway to her teacup. "Katsumi's world? Why?"

Verossa regarded her carefully before answering. "It possesses unique properties that could be valuable to the Bureau. More importantly, though, we believe there's something there that needs to be recovered."

Ave set his cup down, his gaze sharpening. "And that would be?"

Verossa's smile took on an air of mystery. "A Gundam. Specifically, Gundam Exia. Based on our intelligence, it is hidden somewhere in Katsumi's world. We want you two to retrieve it."

Einhard's eyes widened slightly—not out of shock about Exia's presence, but rather at Verossa's awareness of it. He knows about it…? How? She had already known about Exia's existence in Katsumi's world, but she had never expected the Bureau to take an interest in it. Her gaze flickered toward Ave, silently gauging his reaction.

Ave remained composed, though there was a distinct edge to his voice as he asked, "And why us?"

"Because," Verossa replied smoothly, "you two have something no Bureau task force does—a personal connection to Katsumi's world. You've been there before, you understand the people, and more importantly, they trust you. That makes you the ideal choice for this mission."

Einhard lowered her gaze slightly, mulling over his words. So they want to use our connections to avoid unnecessary complications… She exhaled slowly. If they know this much, then it means they've been looking into this for a while.

Ave leaned back, arms crossed. "And if we find it? The Bureau expects us to just hand it over?"

Verossa nodded. "Of course. Gundam Exia is something the First Innovator entrusted to us. Its recovery is a top priority."

Einhard's fingers twitched slightly against her cup. The First Innovator…? There was something about the way Verossa spoke—respectful, almost reverent. Whoever this First Innovator was, it was clear that Verossa held him or her in the highest regard.

Ave exhaled slowly, then turned to Einhard. "What do you think, Haru?"

She met his gaze, and then nodded, her expression firm. "If it means helping Katsumi's world and keeping it safe, then we should do it."

Ave gave a small smirk before turning back to Verossa. "Alright, Chief Rossa. We'll find Exia. But let's get one thing straight—we're doing this our way. We're not compromising our trip to see Yuki and the others just because the Bureau has an agenda."

Verossa's lips curved upward. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Hayate-chan was right—you two value your independence. That's exactly why I trust you with this mission." He raised his teacup slightly, as if in a silent toast.

Einhard let out a quiet breath. She was grateful for Ave's unwavering stance—no matter what, he always put their priorities first. She took a sip of her tea, allowing the warmth to settle her thoughts.

Still, something about Verossa's words lingered in her mind. The First Innovator… Who exactly was he or she? And how did the Bureau learn about Exia?

She pushed the thought aside for now. More than anything, she needed to focus on the mission ahead.

"Ave-kun…" she said softly, glancing at him. "No matter what happens, we'll handle it together."

He gave her a confident grin. "Of course, Haru. Like always."

Verossa chuckled. "With you two on this, I have no doubt Exia will be in good hands."

As the meeting concluded, Einhard felt a renewed sense of determination settle over her. The road ahead would be challenging, but with Ave by her side—and the friends waiting for them—she was ready to face whatever came next.

As they stepped out of Verossa's office, Einhard's mind was still processing everything. The weight of their task loomed over her—retrieving Gundam Exia from Katsumi's world. It was a daunting challenge, one that carried countless uncertainties.

She turned to Ave; her mismatched purple and blue eyes filled with determination, though a flicker of unease lingered beneath the surface.

"Ave-kun…" she began, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "Are we really going to be able to do this? Getting Exia… I can't imagine AMP handing it over just because we ask. Yuki-san and the others, they probably won't just let go of something that important."

Ave, ever composed, met her gaze with an easy smile. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "Haru, we've faced worse. Think about when we got thrown into that world last year—we had no idea what we were up against, but we managed. We adapted. We grew stronger. This time, we're going in prepared. And we've got Vivio with us. With her power and our teamwork, we'll find a way."

Einhard hesitated, lowering her gaze. He's always so confident… It's reassuring, but at the same time, I can't ignore the risks.

"…Even so, what if they refuse?" Her fingers curled slightly, gripping the hem of her sleeve. "AMP is strong, and they have every reason to protect Exia. If they see us as a threat…" Her voice trailed off. She didn't want to finish that sentence.

Ave's expression softened. "Then we talk to them. We're not going in as enemies, Haru. We explain the situation, and hopefully, they'll understand why we need it."

Einhard bit her lip, her brows furrowing slightly. And if they don't?

"I don't want to fight Yuki-san, Katsumi-san, Kiddy-san, Nami-san and Lebia-san." Her voice was quieter now, tinged with hesitation. "They're our friends."

Ave leaned against the motorbike, arms crossed as he considered her words. "I know. That's why we'll do everything we can to make them see our side. But if it really comes down to it… we'll prove we're not their enemy through our actions."

Einhard looked up at him, searching his face. He makes it sound so simple… but he's right. If we can just make them understand, we won't have to fight.

A breeze swept through the street, rustling her hair as she exhaled slowly. "…I hope you're right, Ave-kun. But even if we explain, it might not be enough. People don't just give up something precious without a fight."

Ave reached out, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Then we show them we're not there to take something from them—we're there to protect what matters."

Einhard felt her heart steady at his words. He's always like this… Always ready to push forward, no matter what stands in the way.

"…Alright," she finally said. "We'll do everything we can to convince them."

Ave grinned. "That's my Haru."

Einhard's face warmed slightly, but she didn't look away. Instead, she let out a small sigh, her expression softening. "You always make it sound so easy…"

He chuckled. "That's what I'm here for."

A faint smile played at her lips as she climbed onto the back of the motorbike, wrapping her arms around his waist. As the engine roared to life and they sped through the freeway that connect Midchilda Northeast with Midchilda Central, Einhard's thoughts kept circling back to AMP.

Even if we do our best to explain, there's no guarantee they'll trust us. If they see us as a threat, if we end up having to fight… what then?

She tightened her grip slightly around Ave. The idea of fighting Yuki, Katsumi, Kiddy, Nami and Lebia weighed heavily on her. I don't want things to turn out that way. But…

Ave's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "You okay back there, Haru?"

Einhard hesitated before answering. "…I'm just thinking about what might happen. I really don't want to fight Yuki-san and the others."

His voice was steady, reassuring. "We're not going there to fight. We're going there to talk. And if things get tough, we'll figure it out. Vivio is with us, too. She always got a way of making people see reason."

Einhard blinked before letting out a small chuckle. "Vivio-san does have that effect on people…"

"She's got a strong heart," Ave agreed. "And so do you."

Her face grew warm at his words, but she leaned her head against his back, letting his steady presence calm her nerves. No matter what happens, we'll face it together…

As the first stars began to dot the night sky, Einhard felt a renewed sense of resolve settle within her.

To Be Continued…