"So… that's her answer?" Shiroko leaned into the rusted fence of Abydos' rooftops with an unreadable expression on her face. Scarf raised to hide her lips as she idly shook a half empty bottle of energy drink.
"…Yes." Hans answered with the same unreadable expression Shiroko has.
"…Dammit."
There's a lot more to discuss, but there are a lot left to be kept to themselves. For the moment, Hans and Shiroko are the only living soul that stood in the school. Arriving around two hours early before anyone else, thanks to the spare key everyone has for the school. Hoshino was the one that pushed it for some emergencies, and it's quite ironic that the emergency was not like what she had envisioned.
"We still need to tell everyone." Shiroko took one last sip of the drink before putting it down. "Sensei, they must know."
Hans nodded in agreement without hesitation.
"Sensei, do you think… Hoshino had already left?"
"…She… has to have the decency to say… goodbye."
The younger wolf let out a tightened, shaky breath. "…I doubt that." Hoshino was a person she looked up to. A beacon in her dark, bottomless tunnel. A person she had truly respected. But this stunt of hers?
Leaving forever, selling your soul... going against what they had built all these years?
Threatening sensei? Her friends?!
Her stoic expression threatened to break as her blood's temperature rose slowly-
A gentle squeeze at her shoulder broke the younger wolf from brooding.
"…She will."
And she nodded. Agreeing that Hoshino… Hoshino will do such a thing. She's not the type to just disappear forever without a word.
"I hope."
At least, that is what she hoped. Shiroko was still tightly gripping to that image of Hoshino that wouldn't abandon her friends and school. The lazy, insomniac tinted senior who, somehow, was the best of them all. That was the Hoshino she looked up to.
Not this one.
Absentmindedly, she reached into his hand that was perched on her shoulder. Caressing it lightly before interlocking her fingers with his. Feeling the rough fabric of his worn gloves, and the strength that it held underneath.
They said nothing.
Hans tightened his hold.
And she as well.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"
A sudden scream broke them out from the comfortable silence. With the duo immediately breaking their grip and going into a full fight-or-flight mode. "That sounds like…"
"…Ayane."
And they sprinted out from the rooftops.
Ayane ran into the club room with hasty footsteps. Sprinting as fast as her legs could take her across the floorboards. "I'm late!" She screamed into the walls, before reaching into the clubroom. Oh if they could see her right now, there will be no end to her teasing! "Sorry I'm- late…?"
There's no one here. The school had been unlocked and the club room as well. So… did someone came here before her?
She was just about to speculate until something caught her eye. A folded paper, fluttering gently from her movement on top of their meeting table. Above it, a neatly and brand new pink envelope sat like a magnet.
Pulling her to see what it was.
"…To my… cute juniors and sensei?" Ayane raised her eyebrow at the words written on the envelope. So Hoshino had come here first? She'll read it later along with her friends. It's probably another plan that their senior had cooked up.
Then she went to the folded white paper below it and when she unfolded the innocent document;
Her heart stopped beating.
"A-A…"
And she let out a bloodcurdling scream that could piece the heavens.
"A-AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"
Letters drawn in black ink on a Sakura colored paper. Pristine. Brand new as it was.
Yet the damp spots on it spoke of something else.
To the Foreclosure Task Force.
Forgive me for doing this with a letter. It felt more old-fashioned this way, which suits me perfectly. There's something I've been keeping from you. A recruiter has been coming after me for a while now.
Become a Kaiser PMC Mercenary for life in exchange of Abydos' debt being paid off. That's the short of it. Not too bad, eh? They must value the skills of a willy old veteran like me to go that far. It should've lightened your burden by a long shot, right?
I know I talked a big game at the black market about hard work and stuff. I'm sorry for not keeping my word.
Her small hands scribbled her messy signature on the document. Signing away her life. Her soul. Her body.
Her everything.
Leaving nothing but a blank, empty void with a screaming, bitter, insignificant piece in the place where "Takanashi Hoshino" should've been.
"Is that all you need?" She spoke calmly. Still holding to that piece of "Hoshino" she had as she gave him the most sour look she can muster.
"Indeed." The man raised the document and put it inside of a manila folder. "We have your signature on the contract, Miss Takanashi."
Is that really her name?
"All of your rights as a student have been transferred to us." The man straightened his tie, with that permanent, glowing cracked smile upon his jet black face. "With his, consider 70% of the total debt Abydos owed to Kaiser settled."
"Yes." And that is all that matters. She did a good job to negotiate that much. Her juniors is all that she cares about. Even if it means to being reduced to this speck of what "Hoshino" is.
"I'll see you in our ranks, Miss Takanashi."
But what matters is, the Foreclosure Task Force will be fine. I'll have to leave Abydos and Kivotos altogether. But it doesn't matter.
This is what I get for being a stubborn old coot.
For the last time,
Let me take responsibility, as the last member of Abydos' last Student Council.
The letter's ink was blurred at this spot.
Damp, crumpled, and almost illegible.
So, this is goodbye.
Behind it was another page. Written by the same girl who had sold her soul.
To Hans-sensei.
To this day, I've never liked adults. I didn't think they could be trusted, and my sentiment remains unchanged. I guess that leaked to when I shot you, heh. I'm still sorry about it but a part of me does not regret it. If I didn't, I felt that girl would've lost her life and I couldn't just stand aside and let that happen.
I never get why Shiroko really clung to you when you first came. I still think that your speech about "trust" is cheesy and… well, some things are better left unsaid, aren't they? But I really hope, begging, that you're different as I held my breath, waiting for the day for you to betray us.
But it never came. I suppose our places got switched.
Sensei, I know it's really selfish for me to ask you but, take care of everyone.
Ayane is a strong girl. She may look shy, but if you get to know her well, she is the smartest and strongest among us. To be honest, I think she is going to be the one that wouldn't hesitate to drag me kicking and screaming back to Abydos. But sometimes, she can overthink things and let her frustration to get the better of her.
So, when she does, please be there for her, okay? Calm her down and hold her when she needed an ear to listen.
Serika has good intentions. She is a fighter that has a burning determination for the Task Force, and yet, as much as it does good to her… the same fire could burn her one day. So, please teach her patience to tame that flame. And… hehe, tell her not to fall into scams.
Nonomi is our backbone. She is the one that will catch us when we fall. To be the one that will gladly raise everyone up from the deepest, darkest pits there is. Though… I think I don't tell my appreciation much more after these years she had been with me. So, be right beside her as well. Be the one to raise her up when she fell down into the same pit she had caught us from. Can you do that for me?
But… I think you already had done that.
More dampness made itself known in the fragrant pink letter.
And Shiroko is a good girl at heart. She won't hesitate to do what is right, but she can be a loose cannon if you take your eyes off her. I really don't know what made her to stick to you so much, sensei. But if she trusts you that much… I hope that I could do the same. I put my trust in you, even if it was… hard.
Whatever you do to keep her that close to you, sensei, please keep doing so. When she stumbles, be there to catch her, okay?
Please.
Hoshino walked next to the automaton. Hollow. Ignoring that one tiny "Takanashi Hoshino" she locked away. Screaming and cursing at her.
"Get in the car."
"Where are we going?"
"To the Abydos' desert."
There is one last page left.
To all of you.
Please look after our school. It's old, creaky, and deserted, but this is the only place left that has any meaning for me.
Please look after Abydos as well. I hope in my absence… all of you can rebuild our home one day. It may be a long time coming but this old man can dream, right?
The last sentence and the surrounding paper didn't have a chance to dry properly.
And it's still somewhat warm to the touch.
Everyone. This is my last request as Takanashi Hoshino of the Foreclosure Task Force. The lazybones president, and the grumpy old man.
You're probably going to seek me out. Find me. Drag me back, kicking and screaming, then shout at me for being an idiot.
Hehe.
As much as I love that to happen… I don't think that is possible. One day, we're going to face each other as enemies.
Hans-sensei and I had agreed to this.
…but you should know about it as well.
Don't hesitate to destroy my halo.
Please.
A heavy silence came into that room when Ayane finished reading that letter. No one dared to peep a single word out to cut the thick, jelly like tension that had spread into every corner and cracks.
"…She's an idiot." Serika was the first one to break the silence. Clenching her fists hard enough for the nails to dig into her arm, and let the warm, crimson liquid to leak little by little. "After talking all high and mighty like that… she had the FUCKINGGALL TO GIVE UP?!"
Serika shouts into the room. Earning surprised stares from the remaining members of the task force.
"Serika!" Ayane chastised.
"She abandoned us! And for what?! Does she think she can get away with this?!"
"She won't! We'll save her!" Ayane grinds her teeth. "But we need to assess the situation first!"
Serika took some deep breaths. In and out before nodding. "O-Okay. I'm sorry."
"Sensei, is it true…? Did you promise Hoshino that you're going to fight her?" Nonomi asks. Changing the topic and rising tension as the focus shifts right into the lone adult in the room.
Hans courtly nodded.
"Sensei. Don't tell me…" The blonde grips her skirt. "You… are really considering t-to… destroy her… halo…?"
The entire room held their breath. Except for the younger wolf, who had been keeping herself silent all this time.
He shook his head. Yet what lies inside his brain said something else entirely.
'If I have to, I will.'
Nonomi let out her breath that she had been holding all this time. "…Thank you."
"Everyone, we need to-" Shiroko spoke up-
KABOOM! BOOOOM!
Explosions rang out from everywhere inside of the district.
Like the bells of Abaddon himself.
"What the?!" Serika felt the explosions. Running to the windows to watch the rising smoke.
"I-It's...! Abydos is under attack!" Ayane shouts.
The dice had been rolled.
Like a flap of a butterfly wings,
an innocent stroke of a pen had created hell on Earth.
"Abydos Task Force spotted!"
"Wipe them out!"
Automatons and armored vehicles flooded the district. Swallowing everything in a tide of iron and destruction without discrimination. Young, old, student, or civilian. Bullets flew, and shrapnel spreads.
"BACK OFF!" Serika shouts, firing a storm before catching up to Nonomi and Ayane.
"Are you alright?" Nonomi raised a wounded cat from rubble. "Yeah… I'm good. Thanks…" The orange cat winced.
"Everyone, evacuate immediately! Do not stay on the streets!" Ayane raised her hand, catching the attention of any civilians close enough to hear her voice.
"What on earth is going on?" A pug winced as he held his wounded friend.
"We don't know either, sir." Ayane answers. "But we'll get to the bottom of this."
Satisfied, the civilian left with a nod. "I'll be cheering you girls on."
A blur of white and blue dashed through before stopping next to the rest of the group. "We cleared out the left. How are you guys holding up?" Shiroko asked. Tossing her empty mag and pushing in a fresh one.
"We have evacuated a lot of folks from here." Serika answers. "But they just keep coming!"
The march of machine and rumbles of tanks came into their ears again. Hans raised his hand and pointed forward before raising his twin Mausers once more.
"See?!" Serika growls.
"Uuu… we just took care of a large squad earlier…" Nonomi wiped her brow.
"…Ayane, Nonomi… keep on evacuating… the civilians." Hans spoke up. "…Shiroko… Serika."
"Nn." Shiroko nodded at the incoming battalion of PMC. "We'll keep on holding them off."
"You don't have to ask." Serika nodded as well.
"Serika. Do you have any bullets left inside?" Shiroko asks. Giving the feisty cat the best smile she could muster at the moment.
"For these jerks? I got bullets for days." Serika returned her smile with her own before cocking her rifle. "Let's turn them into scrap."
"Sensei, we're counting on you."
Hans raised his pistol. "…Search and destroy." And fired a single round into the middle of the formation.
"Search… and destroy."
Robotic screams left their voice modules as bullets pierced their bodies, and another was sent flying by a powerful kick.
"UWAH!"
"OOF!"
"I-I'M… AGH!"
One. Two. Three. Four. Then it goes into tens.
"Serika."
"Yeah! Right behind you!"
"Shiroko."
"Nn.
Piling up and up as their circuits were utterly demolished, torn apart, and left as scrap to the sides of the district. Vehicles destroyed, helicopters fell, and yet, with one being destroyed, two replaced their numbers. It was like an endless tide of iron.
Yet the trio stand their ground. Heading straight into the rising tide without fear just to buy some more time for evacuation.
Preparing themselves for another incoming battalion of PMC automations-
"That's enough."
A voice of an old, venom filled adult cuts the combat between the task force and the PMC. Catching the two sides off guard and stopping the exchange of bullets almost immediately.
"Well, well… thank you for coming all this way. You saved all the trouble of going there myself."
Bulky as he was intimidating. His voice was deep and rough on all sides, leaking with pride and boredom as he walked ahead. Parting the battalion of combat automatons like the red sea. Dusting his expensive black suit and letting his orange and black jacket to dance along with the winds blown by their combat, he kept walking to them until he is in a good talking distance.
"I-It's the director." Ayane spoke up.
"Heheh. I'm glad you know. Then let's make it quick, shall we?" He straightened his tie. "Just for your information, kids. This whole district belongs to Kaiser. So, in details, you're trespassing on our land."
"Even if you owe this area, you don't have the rights to attack the residents! How can you do that without batting an eye?!" Nonomi immediately jumps into action.
"And the school is still Abydos' property! What you're doing here is borderline illegal! The GSC won't overlook this!" Ayame continued.
"More importantly, return Hoshino to us, you bastards!" Serika growls, her fingers itching to raise her rifle up to that automaton's face.
Silence. Then laughter.
The adult laughed. Laughed and laughed before he lazily waved his hand. "What a bunch of nonsense. Tell me, how many times have you petitioned for the GSC's help? Or maybe the other academies even? Tell me, how many times have your prayers been ignored?"
"…"
He waits for an answer that will never come before continuing with amusement in his voice.
"That's right. All of them. There's nothing the GSC can do." He started walking toward them. So proud, so cocksure, with his pocketful of money.
"No matter how hard you resist, scrounge and scrape, the outcome is always the same,
that is our total victory.
Abydos has always been alone.
And there is nothing you could do to change it."
If their morale hadn't been crushed, it was ground to dust by him. The captain clenched his fists. Desperately holding back the influx of emotions he had locked deep.
Ignorantly, the director kept on walking to them. Inching closer and closer.
"Moreover. Takanashi Hoshino, the last member of Abydos' Student Council, has also dropped out. Without her, the student council no longer exists, and that means…"
He stood in front of Shiroko and Serika.
"YOU. ARE. NOTHING."
'Shut. Up.'
A pure white miasma explodes out of them like a tsunami of pure emotion. Swirling, dancing until it spreads out.
"…!" The man paused in his speech, and his eyes finally met with the adult standing next to the students.
The death glare of a massive predator as he clenched his fists. Staring with burning rage that could kill the conceited monster ten times over underneath the stony expression he kept. The automaton felt his mechanical heart to beat faster, but he forced himself to suppress the sudden influx of terror. Although it didn't stop him from taking a few steps back.
He cleared his throat. "Hans-sensei from SCHALE correct?"
The captain didn't answer.
"Your reputation really is quite something. Hmph, if it's not absurd. I thought we could converse like adults would, but it seems you choose to be mute." The automaton's short fear was now fully kicked back into the dirt. But the feeling of dread still lingers in the back of his mind.
"Sensei has nothing to say to you!" Serika spoke up. "The Foreclosure Task Force is still here! We're still here!"
"…No, he's right." Ayane whispers. Her heart was hollow as she her eyes were stuck on her shoes, and the cracked asphalt underneath. Feeling every ounce of hope she had leaving her body. "We're an unauthorized club. The student council is long gone before we're created."
"W-What? Ayane… what are you talking about…?" Serika's defiance came down tumbling as her eyes looked at her best friend with unflinching terror.
"…We don't appear in any official documents… without any recognition. We… are nothing."
Ayane fell down.
Defeated.
"There is no point… for us fighting anymore."
The man chuckled. "That is correct. Look on the bright side. You're free from those hellish deb-"
"Silence!" Nonomi raised her voice. For the first time in her life,
And every eye went to her.
"All of our efforts… all those days we spend to repay our debts,
all of it… I won't believe that is all in vain!
"Interrupting an adult?" He shook his head and shrugs. Ignoring her outburst. "I can't believe you're that deluded. "Are you really going to work hundreds of years to repay your debt?"
"YES! So what?!"
A rising flame entered her heart, like she was being possessed. Gripping on her smoking minigun as she took steps and stare down the bastard right in his optics.
"Hoshino, Shiroko, Serika, Ayane… all of us had sweat and bled for Abydos. I will make sure none of it is for nothing. Even if we fall down, stumble, and face odds that is impossible."
She glared down at the automaton
with strength fitting for her status.
"Let me tell you. We have faced much bigger problems than you.
And by the end of this, we'll take back Hoshino and kick some sense into her!"
For the first time in her life.
She raised her voice,
and stood tall.
With a burning fire that is unmatched.
The director was somewhat amused if it wasn't so sad. These naive kids with their ideals and meaningless defiance even when reality came down knocking. He was just about to speak and ridicule her until...
KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!
"W-what the?!" Explosions came from all around the district. Breaking on what should've been an epic show of defiance.
"There's been a large explosion to the north!" One grunt shouted. "Bravo team that was supposed to join us was wiped out!"
"Same to the west!" Another continued.
"Mike squad got caught by the explosion as we-"
Then one last explosion emerges out in the middle of the formation.
"UAGH!"
"ARGH!"
"What the hell is happening?!"
"Hehe. That girl is right, you know?"
A second opinion echoes from a tall building.
The voice of a true hard boiled outlaw.
The captain closed his eyes and smiled to himself, while giving his trusty AI a mental head pat as she mumbles a gentle thank you in his ears.
"An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Forsake mercy and walk the path of chaos. Isn't that's the Masked Mizugi Gang's motto?
I don't remember idolizing such weaklings as you."
"Y-You are…" Ayane's eyes widen.
Her finely dashing captain's coat sways in the wind as she brushed her long red hair to the side before jumping down without fear from the roof.
"I can't believe out of everyone, you're the first to give up like an idiot. And here I thought you're the smart one." Aru scoffs with the same smile kept on her face. "No one sees how hard you struggle. No one gives a damn how hard you've fought when the only thing that is waiting at the end of the tunnel is more hardship and rough days."
A whirring of a helicopter came into their ears, decorated green with the logo of Kaiser PMC. Aru gripped her firearm and pointed her firearm straight into the machine.
"BUT WHO CARES?!"
KABLAM!
One bullet. That's all she need.
The helicopter spun before exploding down in a magnificent inferno.
"ARE YOU TELLING ME, YOU'RE JUST GOING TO GIVE UP AND LET YOUR FRIEND SUFFER GOD KNOWS WHAT?! ARE YOU TELLING ME… ALL OF YOU ARE JUST A BUNCH OF COWARDS?!"
"My, my. There's no need to be mean, Aru." Mutsuki comments. Walking to Ayame before stealing her glasses and donning it herself. "After all, little miss four eyes is a little sensitive… so cut her some slack."
"Y-You guys…"
"But..!" She plopped back the shiny red glasses back on Ayane.
"For making my adorable glasses wearing girl cry… is a cardinal sin I will never forgive.
So that is why,
I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO TEAR YOU HUNKS OF JUNK BACK TO SCRAP!"
The imp declared with rage and insanity combining into one.
"Those guys… aren't them those handymen we hire a while back?!" One grunt spoke up.
"You…" the adult growls. "How dare you bite the hand that feeds you!"
"Shut up!" Aru shouts back. "Haven't you heard, fool?" She reached into her pockets and flashes a glowing, brand new name card hidden inside of her pockets. Attached on a lanyard and protected by the transparent plastic.
S.C.H.A.L.E.
Independent Federal Investigation Club
GEHENNA ACADEMY
RIKUHACHIMA ARU
An audible gasp came from the adult, and eyes that were once filled with defeat shone so brightly upon the revelation.
"Heheh. Do you understand now?" Aru smugly remarked before pocketing the card back.
"Kufufu! Don't be so surprised~ we outlaws are notorious for backstabbing our benefactors~"
Another explosion struck the middle of the automatons, forcing the director to move back before being caught by the blast.
"Kehehe…I'm ready when you are Aru-sama…" Haruka giggled to herself, before Kayoko stood beside the giggling junior. Her eyes meeting with the old wolf as she hid her smile with a shrug. Mouthing the words,
"We're a single call away."
"So…" Aru pulled Nonomi into her arm. Looping her arm around her shoulder while giving her a small pat filled with pride.
"Are you girls going to follow Christina to hell and back?"
She stood firmly before being flanked by her crew beside her. Giving her their approval and support.
Hans took the first step and patted Nonomi on her free shoulder. Giving her the best smile he could muster with an unspoken feeling of pride.
One moment is the catalyst for her growth. A short time indeed… but that is all that she needs.
A helping hand, and support.
"Nn."
"Seriously? What kind of question is that?" Serika smirks.
Yet the elf remained silent. Staring down at her feet as she kept clutching her tablet.
"…Ayane?" Nonomi asks. Worried for her.
Then a small chuckle and sniffle left her. "You guys... I'm sorry for being an idiot." She wiped the corners of her eyes. Standing up back on her feet with newfound determination.
"But not as a bigger idiot than Hoshino." She grins.
'Ah! I always wanted to make a magnificent speech.
I have this crossed out from my outlaw goals!'
"Nonomi."
"W-huh?" Aru paused in her thought.
"My name is Nonomi." Her warm smile washed over the outlaw. Shaking her in her stance. Desperately holding on her expression before it melts into a toothy grin.
"Hehe. Nice too meetcha' dear friends in arms."
"Cough! COUGH! You meddling brats…" The director rose from the aftermath. Shaking with anger as his usual smug tone was wiped out from his components. "It doesn't matter how many of you came… I will personally make you all suffer.
He snaps his finger, and a mighty behemoth struck down the earth. Breaking concrete and aspalt into dust with a single stomp as its weapons heated up in preparation.
Armored core buried under, with unforeseen technology the students had never seen before.
"It's still a prototype… but hehehe… it doesn't matter."
The machine pulls the director. Spinning its gears and raising the man up and up as he became one with the behemoth.
"I WILL SHOW YOU BRATS THE TRUE FUTILY OF YOUR ACTIONS!"
Its tri-cannon spun, and rockets ready to launch, then with a manic laugh he stomped the way into the heat.
He felt powerful. Unstoppable. Abandoning reason as he raised the arm prepared to punch the ground and-
It was met with a blur. Fists clenched, and reeled back.
Before striking the war machine head on.
Horror.
Unsaturated horror.
It cannot be possible.
Yet when the loud BANG happened when his machine clashed with that man- that monster… the highly expensive, newly formed alloys bent and cracked along the base.
It should've been impossible. Yet it happened. The circuits screaming. Begging for relief as smoke and steam poured out from the deep wound.
"How… HOW?!" the terror laid forgotten just for a few seconds of bravado. Ignoring him is out in the open… and distracted.
A black duffle bag leaving the smoke. Beeping. Trembling. Then it glows brightly.
"Ex… plo… sion!"
KABOOM!
And into a scorching inferno.
"NOW!" Shiroko shouts and gunshots followed soon after before coming into a crescendo. Hellbent on taking down the director with precise explosions and bullets without mercy.
"HMPH!" the director grunts, before firing a volley from the one remaining functional arm. Spreading around before the barrel turns red. The students are too fast. Too agile! THEY'RE LIKE DAMN RATS!
"I'm over here." Shiroko emptied her magazine into the armor.
"Kufufu~ Where are you shooting big guy?" Mutsuki teased, tossing a grenade up into the center. Not enough to damage it, but just enough to make him stumble.
"UGH! You…!" He changed the target before gunshots struck again and again.
"Backup is here!" The flight of drones and PMC grunts entered the fray. "Help the director!"
"Oh, no you don't~. Serika, with me!" Nonomi spun her minigun and let the bullets loose.
"Got it! Break them apart!" Serika follows up with her own. Sliding into a cover and returning fire as quick as she can.
"I-I'm coming too!" Haruka leapt out from her cover, pumped her shotgun and tore as many of them before she goes click.
"Way to go Haruka!" Nonomi gave her a fist pump along, along with a smile.
"I-I… um, thank you… hehe…"
"Nonomi, and… Haruka! There's more coming!" Serika shouts.
"You got it!" Nonomi nodded and prepared herself.
"M-Mm! I'll be in the front!" Haruka shoves as many shells as she can.
"Fufu. She's really going at it. I'm really proud of our little newbie." Aru ejected her magazine.
"Yeah. You good boss?" Kayoko ducked behind, watching as the bullets struck the destroyed car they used as a makeshift cover.
"Yup. Back me up a little." Aru nods, before shouting. "HEY! YOU BIG OAF!" Aru taunts, charging her shot before it explodes in the back of the machine. Tearing some of the paint apart and leaving the alloy to burn.
"Ugh!"
"Now it's your turn, glasses!" Aru grins before shooting another charged shot.
"Right! Incoming!" Ayane informed. Pressing a button on her tablet as it lit up. Controls, buttons, and a camera flashed in her screen followed by the whirring of a black drone above the battlefield holding a red box with the emblem of Abydos.
"Take this!"
The drone flew above, dodging bullets as the claws opened. Dropping the package down near the heat vents before it explodes. Sending shrapnel and fire down and around.
"Gh..! You annoying BRATS!"
Everything is going south. His reinforcements. His plans.
The shoulder panels flip open with a loud hiss before letting loose the payload it held. Miniature laser-guided missiles made their fight, ejecting out from the confinement with a mighty roar of its rockets.
"Take cover!" Kayoko shouts. Ducking down as the missiles flew and struck down the ground.
[WARNING: SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!]
He slammed the controls to quiet the beeps and flashing lights. Thrusting the controls to boost the machine up and down at them. Crushing the asphalt, and some stupid grunts that stood there.
Yet nothing works. They just kept dodging. Running. Scrounging like rats.
[WARNING: ARMOR INTEGRITY 70%]
Shut up. Shut up!
Everything is crumbling apart!
He punched, fired, and stomped. Again and again, and that did nothing. His targets locked to that white haired Abydos brat as she leaped and slid. Taunting him with grenades, bullets, and that drone of hers.
"Is that all your 'latest' technology could do?" She asked. Leaping left and right as she stood in front of him. Standing tall atop of the armor without any worry in the world.
"Hehe. I'LL WIPE THAT SMILE OFF YOUR FACE!"
Shiroko leapt off as the gun barrels connected to one another. Failing to crush her in between. "Your luck will run out! You rats can't dream of stopping me!"
CRASH!
The machine jumped high before coming down at where the younger wolf should've been. It's a shame the machine is too slow and clunky.
"Tch."
Beep…. Beep….!
"Wait… this is…!"
KABOOM!
"Kufufu! Nice job Shiroko!"
His ears rang.
How… since when did those brats planted this trap…?
[WARNING: TARGETING SYSTEM FAILURE]
[WARNING: ARMOR INTEGRITY : 56%]
[WARNING: HYDRAULICS MECHANISM OFFLINE]
Fine then. He had enough.
It's time to unleash everything he had. Set the iron heart into overclock, and let them know the prototype's full potential.
[WARNING: SYSTEM INTEGRITY UNDER 70%]
[ARE YOU SURE TO-]
"YES."
With a terrifying hum, the core heats, and the safety mechanisms popped right off. Crimson lightning growls from the vents and around the barrel before converging into one singularity.
A point of energy condensed enough to carve through the landscape without a second thought.
BOOOM!
Shiroko realized it too late. The supercharged beam of pure energy was coming straight at her, melting the ground under into a scorching red mark. She leapt back in a hurry, yet a piece of rock struck her foot.
The world is spinning around her as she tripped. Her sight felt blurry, and her ears ring as the heat from death ray crept closer and closer.
Yet her mouth could scream.
"Sensei!"
She felt his hand to grasp on her shoulder. Raised up in a bridal carry as their eyes locked in a blur of white mist.
Then the laser came to pass. Carving the ground in two before exploding into a large ball of power. Lighting everything in a shade of crimson and purple.
[CRITICAL SYSTEM OVERHEAT. WEAPONS SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT!]
Has he done it?
Silence.
Then gunshots.
"Ugh!" With one scratching his cheek. "You…!"
Then two figures emerged. A duo of wolves. One older and another younger. Running side to side with steely determination.
"ENOUGH!"
[WARNING! WARNING! CATASTROPHIC SYSTEM FAILURE!]
[ARE YOU SU-]
He had to shut that annoying voice and beeps up. For a second time, the cannon charged up its powerful blast. Heating up the core passes its limits as fire erupts from the vents.
It doesn't matter anymore. Those brats… t-that mysterious teacher… it doesn't matter!
ONE LAST TIME.
WHIRRRR!
Shiroko locked eyes with the captain. Reaching into an understanding without any exchange of words as their hands clasped together. Gripping tightly as she prepared herself for the momentum to come.
"Sensei!"
And she was thrown high in the air, for a precise shot directly into the burning barrel of the cannon.
RATATATAT!
The bullets struck the chamber, and the core bursts.
[WARNING! CRITICAL FAILURE!]
[CORE COLLAPSE IMMINENT!]
Shit. SHIT!
[EJECT MODULE INITIATED. 5. 4. 3-]
CRASH!
[ERROR! EJECT MODULE UNABLE TO LAUNCH!]
"WHAT!?
He felt the armor to bent, crack, and press into his body. Panic filled his body as he had just realized what had happened.
Hans
HANS.
"HANS!"
The teacher stood tall. Watching him as the fires erupt and the heat rising further and further. He punched him in. He trapped him by smashing the armor in with his bare. Fucking. HANDS.
Saying nothing, the captain left. Jumping high to catch Shiroko… and leaving the automaton to his fate.
[CORE COLLAPSE-]
KABOOM!
"ARRGHHHH!"
Smoldering alloy. The stench of oil, coolants, andburning circuits is what remains of whatever fearsome prototype the director had made.
"Shiroko, sensei!" Nonomi ran first, followed by Serika, Haruka, then the rest of their crew.
"Are you okay?" Serika asks.
"Nn. Sensei caught me." She taps the adult on the shoulder.
"Haa… I'm so glad everything worked out…" Ayane huffs. Raising her hand to ease the rising heartbeat she just had.
"…That being said. Are you going to leave his arms?" Serika narrows her eyes.
Shiroko is still in the bridal carry position.
"…No."
"OI!"
Aru quickly wipes the rising heat from her cheeks by shaking her head again and again. "P-Phew. I guess that worked out well huh?"
"Hm." Kayoko lazily rested her hands inside the pockets of her hoodies. "It does.
They watch as Shiroko begrudgingly let go of her arms around his neck.
"…Nn…"
"Oh, by the way! How did you find us?" Nonomi glanced at the Problem Solvers.
"Fufu! Where fire erupts, and the smoke comes piling high, there's an opportunity to be found. We as outlaws would be stupid to squander such things…"
"Haah… sensei called us. We're close to Abydos too for a job. So, our schedule meets." Kayoko explains.
"Kufufu! Indeed~ Kayoko was a exited too~. Just a phone call away, isn't that's right~?"
The punk looks away. Hiding a certain rise of embarrassment she felt. Evidenced by the rising pink in her ears.
"…What on earth are you guys-" Serika growls, feeling a tint of heat to rise up into her cheeks.
Until it was interrupted by the creaks in the smoldering remains of the warmachine. His coat burnt, and torn. With scars and scratches upon his metallic body.
The director rose. Still alive, yet grasping for life.
"…Ugh.. cough! COUGH!"
Sending the students and their teacher on full alert.
Two remaining grunts ran to their leader. Looping his arm around their shoulders to support him from falling down into the ash covered streets.
"Director! Are you alright?!" One of them spoke up. "Let's get you treated right away…!" and the other one followed.
A rifle clicks. Aimed directly at the automaton's face. "Give up! It's over!" Serika ran first and spoke up.
"Ugh… out of- hm… It's not over yet." He growls.
"Oho? Do you really want to continue?" Aru clicks her rifle as well.
"…Tch. You brats…" He clenched his fists and yet… "Retreat." He let go. "We'll organize the troops and-"
BANG! BANG!
"OOGH!"
"AHH!"
The two remaining grunts fell down. With holes in their heads.
A smoking modified pistol was raised high. Smoke leaving the barrel as the culprit was clear as day.
"…S-Sensei?" Nonomi spoke our first.
He didn't answer. He made a dash, and in a blink of an eye he stood next to the director. Feeling the cold metal barrel to press on his cheek.
"Y-YOU! Don't you hear what I said?! We're retreat-" The automaton shouts. Trembling with fear and anger mixing into one.
Click.
"!"
The captain pressed on the trigger.
"WAIT…! WAIT! SENSEI!" Aru shouts.
Hans ignored her and pressed the Mauser harder to the director's cheeks.
"What… do you want?"
Yet he didn't say anything.
The director felt a chill to run up his spine. That adult… didn't even bother to look at him. His expression was still the same. Stony. Cold.
Without an ounce of… anything in them.
"What… DO YOU WANT?!"
Again… he said nothing.
The director felt his heartbeat to quicken as he kept staring into the crimson eyes of the man that held him on gunpoint.
He can't understand him. HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND…!
Then an idea came into his mind. He made a gamble. Is it…?
The director clenched his fists and spoke through his fear. "Is it about that girl, Hoshino?"
The captain finally looked at him.
"She's… she's in our base. 120 kilometers from… Abydos' High School. Are you happy?"
The pressure on his cheek softens, and he let out a small breath of relief and he raised his Mauser from the director's cheek before turning back.
That… bastard…
"…Just so you know. We're going to fight for our assets to the last man. We're not going to make it easy for you… or your students." The director grits his teeth.
Hans stopped in his trek.
A pang of fear came again as Hans reached into his white greatcoat- then pulling out an emergency medical kit and tossing it into the automaton's lap.
Hans looked at him before walking away again. His thoughts were instead on the medkit he had tossed. It's the same one he had tossed to that blonde… tomboyish cross dressing nun. What was her name again?
The automaton felt insulted, yet… he took the medical kit the same and forced himself to limp away. Leaving the sight with a promise. "…Remember this… you'll pay."
It's done.
Hans came back to his students, who heaved a breath of relief.
"…I'm sorry I really thought you're going to ki- HMMPH?!" Aru's mouth was clamped shut by Kayoko.
"…We know sensei is not like that." Kayoko frowns in which Aru returned with a nod.
"Kufufu! Either way… this is the first time I heard the 'you'll pay for this' speech!"
"Nn. Thank you for your help." Shiroko spoke first.
"It's no biggie." Aru released herself from Kayoko's grasp. "We'll be there to support you guys… since I still…" She scratched her cheek.
"Aru here still idolized you guys!"
"H-HEY! MUTSUKI!"
"Nn!" A glimmer came into Shiroko's eyes. "I have made plans. We can go bank robbing-"
"NO."
Everyone spoke in unison. Except Hans, Haruka, Mutsuki, who is just giggling like the brat she is, and Nonomi, who is just laughing along.
"…Aw.." Shiroko's ears fell down by an inch.
"Ahem. A-Anyway…" Aru tried to hide her died out excitement for a great bank heist. "We'll be taking our leave soon. Please give us a call later on, yeah?"
"Nn. See you later." Shiroko waved her hand.
"Bye! Thank you for everything!" Nonomi followed.
"T-Tch… bye." Serika as well, though a little shy.
"Thank you!" Ayane waved along.
As the silhouettes of the fixers left their eyes. The Foreclosure Task Force left the battered city as well. They had a plan to make. A base to destroy, and an idiot to rescue.
The discussion was made quick, sweet, and simple until it goes on before they decided it's enough for the day. Ending on a positive note with promises of vengeance against their pink haired senior.
Serika suggests her getting a work schedule. Ayane says that she should do maintenance for an entire month. Shiroko says that she should join her in her morning exercise from now on, and Nonomi suggests… that she should do all of them in which, they all agreed.
The assault will be held tomorrow. But before that, they need to make some calls.
First they will reach out to Hifumi for her help. She had her connections to the Tea Party… and they had hoped that she could lend them a hand. And second, is to ask for help from the Prefect Team and… or maybe even the Pandemonium Society itself. Hans was confident in his tone—or lack thereof—that he could make it work.
Overkill perhaps? Maybe. But as confident as they are with Hans himself and the Problem Solvers behind their backs, they really wanted to make sure they will succeed.
There is only one chance of this.
If they fail… Hoshino is gone forever.
They… had no idea if Hoshino really will join the fight as well.
Though he… he is sure they will.
A pleasant silence filled the doors of SCHALE. No clicks of a keyboard, or shuffling of papers. A low hum of the AC only filled in the quiet halls.
In the middle of the silence, the teacher sat idle with a cup of instant coffee held in his right hand and the documents regarding Hoshino's transfer on his left. Sipping on it slowly before being disappointed in its quality. That one meeting late night with Kayoko had… spoiled him a little. Maybe he's becoming soft.
Yet...
What's so bad about that?
A knock came. Interrupting the old wolf from his reflection.
There shouldn't be anyone visiting at this hour, even if the building is still open for visitors. Just in case anyone needed an emergency meeting with him.
Putting down the white ceramic cup and the crumpled papers, he stood up from his seat and into where the knocking had come. "…Yes?" He spoke in the highest decibel he can.
Yet… the same silence answered his question. Is he just hearing… things? No. There's no way.
Opening the door, something was glued to the wall. It's a polaroid picture of a building with no name and no markings. Behind it was a detailed map with the place marked with a white dot.
It smelt burnt. Ashen. Yet… with something he couldn't understand. Like it was… wrong. Otherworldly. Something that shouldn't have been here. And… corrupted.
Someone had left this. How? When? He doesn't know. Yet something tells him that he should follow this lead.
Taking off the white coat of SCHALE, he donned the olive greatcoat, and the worn field cap before taking his keys from the hanger and closing the building for the day. He then paused in the door frame. Looking back at the documents he had left on the table. He picked it up and folded it neatly inside of his greatcoat.
Something tells him that he would need it.
And then he drove. It didn't take long to navigate through the DU towards this white unmarked building in the polaroid.
Like in the picture, the building had no lights coming out except for the receptionist area. No sound. No life. Utter blankness like he is heading straight into a gaping maw of the Wyrm itself.
Everything felt wrong.
Even the air smells and felt... strange.
DING!
A sudden noise spread through the silence as an elevator opened without prompt. He is being watched. That is obvious.
And he's being led straight into the belly of the beast.
The elevator closed its doors, and it goes up and until it stopped at the 44th floor with a ding.
A single door greeted him in the middle of a pitch black hallway. His hand hovered on the doorknob. Once more, the stench came back.
Wrong.
Anomalous.
…Wyrm.
He opened the door.
"I have been waiting for you… Hans Günsche of SCHALE."
An eerie, disgusting calm voice entered his ears and a blinding light came into his eyes. The stench was stronger than ever and he felt his heart to skip a beat as mist filled his lungs, and his legs, before bursting in speed ahead of the voice.
FOMORI.
"!"
Hans stopped inches from where that man stood. Staring at him as he stared at him back. An aberration of nature. A shape of a man made from onyx. Cracked and deformed to expel light from whatever is inside.
A singular gaping hole formed an "eye" and cracks on the bottom of his "face" made a permanent smile.
"…I didn't realize you're so… eager to met." The FOMORI spoke calmly. Almost unfazed even. Though the small shiver he had in his left hand betrayed whatever mask he was wearing.
Hans didn't answer. He took a few steps back and composed himself from what the beast inside had screamed.
RIP.
TEAR.
MAIM.
SLAUGHTER.
KILL.
But the man inside shouted that he should at least hear what he wished to discuss.
"Heh… as quiet as your reputation." The man folded his hands and chuckled. "I've wanted to talk to you face-to-face for a long time ever since you had appeared. An enigmatic individual that almost had no voice… with the gift to even destroy Kaiser's newest, most durable weapon in their arsenal."
He unfolded his hands and spreads them.
"As much as I wanted to understand how… it's currently unimportant in our discussion." He paused and folded his hands once more.
"To make it clear… we do not wish for a conflict between you and our organization. In fact… we wanted to work with you."
Hans clenched his fists.
"You represent the largest obstacle we have in our goals. Wiping Abydos is child's play, but to face the consequence of doing so… is another thing we'd rather avoid."
The man waited for him to say something.
"Hm… ah. I almost forgot to introduce ourselves." The man tilts his head. "We are outsiders of Kivotos. Just like you are. But that doesn't mean we came from the same place.
For the time being, we found a suitable name to borrow. Please, call us Gematria. And I'm fine with going by 'Black Suit,' Sensei. I've grown… quite fond of that name.
We, Gematria, are… observers, explorers, researchers. You could say we're enigmatic beings, much like yourself."
A pause.
"This is a perfect chance to get answers. Find the missing puzzle piece of a grand puzzle sitting in front of us. So, allow me to formally ask. Do you have any interest in working with us? Will you lend us your strength?"
Only silence met his words.
Black Suit is getting somewhat irritated. Restless.
"Very well. If you… are still uncomfortable in lending me your word, you don't have to say a thing." He placed down a singular, black ballpoint pen in front of a paper.
A proposal waiting for his signature.
"Sign here, if you may. This is a perfect chance, sensei. The things we could achieve together. The secrets to be revealed. The mystery to unveil, and the puzzles to piece... that is our offer."
He looked down at the pen, and his hand reached into it. Fingers idly feeling the hard and cold metal, the imperfections, the dents and scratches.
The tip pointed at where he should sign.
Black Suit's "eye" lit up.
"Yes…! Right-"
Then his hand crushed the pen. Letting the ink to splatter down his white glove and the paper before he tossed whatever remains of the pen away and took off the black stained glove.
Taking it off down into the paper. Staining it with black and turning it unintelligible.
Black Suit looked down it. Feeling his hope crushed along with the pen as a shaky breath left his "lips".
"…So you refuse."
That much is clear.
"Then let me ask you this: What is it that you pursue in Kivotos? We can elucidate all matters of secrets and truth should you accept our proposal and yet… you refused."
Again. Silence.
Black Suit clenched his fists. Something boils inside of him, burning the light that left his cracked form before it calms.
"Ha. Haha. This is about that girl, Hoshino. Do you wish her to be released so much that you threaten the director of Kaiser PMC to get her whereabouts?"
A pause as Black Suit pulled a document on a nearby stack of paper.
"Hoshino is no longer a student of Abydos. Have you not read her disenrollment papers? And this… is solid proof that she transferred her rights to us."
Hans reached into his coat and pulls out the very document that spoke of her disenrollment from Abydos.
And the space where an advisor or a teacher should've signed it… was blank as his gloved finger tapped on the empty space.
Meaning Hoshino never dropped out of school.
"…I see." Black Suit held his fingers tighter. "You're their teacher. Major changes in your students' lives need your approval. The logic is easy to understand.
Black Suit composed himself from the rising tide.
"Academies and their students… teachers… hm. How bothersome. What we've done is within our right, sensei. The disaster that struck Abydos was not our doing. The sandstorm that struck the school was unusual, but not outside the realm of possibility. Such is the nature of natural disasters."
He tapped on the table.
"A tragedy perhaps. But an opportunity for us. Imagine providing water to someone dying in the desert. Wouldn't it be fair to expect that person to repay you with their life? This is no different.
What we're doing is not unprecedented, nor can we be held accountable. We're not responsible for these disasters, and they certainly won't disappear even if we left."
He folded his hands.
"Those with power exploit those without. Those with knowledge exploit those without. Every adults understand that as truth, isn't that's right? We provided Hoshino with a way out and she repaid us in turn.
So…"
The man finally stood up from his chair and offered his hand.
"Give up Hoshino, and the school will be spared. We can guarantee Kaiser PMC won't touch their school anymore. Your students could continue studying in Abydos to the best of their abilities and enjoy the rest of their wonderful campus life with peace in their minds.
No more debts. No greedy, arrogant corporations breathing down their necks."
His voice is as sweet as nectar, with the offer smelling of flowers and sugar.
"Isn't that's what Hoshino wanted? Isn't it's your duty to fulfil her last wish as her teacher?"
He waited.
Waited for the other adult to grasp his hand in agreement. He must understand right? This is what's best for them. For her. For him and Gematria.
He just need to take his hand.
Hans looked down at the black gloved hand. Waiting for him with such alluring, intoxicating sweetness some might accept.
Yet…
When his crimson eyes locked at the gaping hole Black Suit had...
He
Shook
His
Head.
A burst of black and white fire and smoke erupts from his "eye" and cracks. Rising high to reach the ceiling and to surround the adults in it's heat.
Black Suit can't hold it anymore. Clenching his outstretched hand before throwing it down.
"WHY."
"WHY."
"WHY?!"
"WHY ARE YOU SO ADDAMANT ON FIGHTING US?!"
The calm visage broke apart. Leaving smoldering anger at the silent man in front of him.
"WHY ARE YOU SO EAGER TO STAND IN OUR WAY, TO REFUSE EVERY OFFER WE HAD MADE, AND EVERY WAY OUT FROM THIS MESS WHEN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ACCEPT?!
I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
I CAN'T UNDERSTAND.
FOR WHAT DO YOU STILL DENY US?! DENY YOURSELF FOR A LIFE BEYOND THESE KIDS WHEN IT DOESN'T CONCERN YOU?!"
The kept the fire rage around as het took hasty steps and stare down that silent man straight in his emotionless, cold expression.
He waited.
Waited for him to say something.
To do anything.
Yet… nothing.
It's hopeless. Impossible. He can't understand him.
Slowly, the fires cool down.
"Why on earth are you still so adamant about going through so much trouble? Taking all of that on your shoulders?"
He is losing all faith.
"It's hopeless talking to you. I don't know, even if you understand any of my words or not."
He turned on his back and walked back to his seat.
"I guess this is the end of our negotiations. I can't keep trying to convince a man so stubborn and quiet as yourself. But let me tell you this.
No matter how much strength you have, sensei. Brute strength won't do anything. It's about power. Knowledge, and our status as adults, that shaped the world. That is what we're supposed to be. You could've had it all.
For a moment… you had the power to rule over Kivotos on the tip of your fingers. To shape this place for anything you like and yet you gave it up.
Standing in our way for those kids when you're nothing more but a stranger. Keeping yourself mute when we offered you everything.
You're just a single man, fighting us. Even the strongest fall, sensei… and you're no different. What makes you… so confident?"
Hans let the mist to surround him as he took his steps forward. Engulfing his body, his face, and his hands before it broke away and the visage explodes out to stare the man right with it's glowing crimson eyes. Causing Black Suit's fire rages as he jumped from his seat, letting it to stumble and fall as his back hit the glass behind him.
"I see… I SEE. HAHA… HAHA! I finally understand… you… you're already so much more than what we- no, the whole Kivotos combined.
You're a monster. A monster that exists in nightmares and dreams come to life."
The man paused, clutching his rapidly beating heart as he stared down at IT.
"The pieces… finally connected. I-I've heard of you. The Zeppelin incident. The destruction of London, and the mass murders of the Vatican.
Upon looking at what you're wearing now… you're a part of it, right? The madness. The bloodshed. The rampage. Those madmen from a destroyed, broken Empire? You've done that, all of that, don't you? You couldn't be stopped."
The mist dissipates and Black Suit felt his mind coming back. The delirium leaving his systems.
"…Yet… I still can't…" He looked down. "Why are you… still clung to those children?"
The captain turned on his back and walked a few steps away. Looking back at the man sitting on the ground before he finally parted his lips.
"…Because… it never cared… for anything… you offered.
Because… I made… an oath.
And because… they asked… for my help."
Finally. Black suit heard his voice and he… laughed.
Laughed and laughed.
"Hehe… heh. How... ridiculous. Just because they 'asked?'" Black Suit paused. Calming his heartbeat before talking again. "Then there is nothing I can do. I have to give up." He kept peering to the ground before his eyes locked on the monster's back.
"How long have you been keeping yourself sane? I wish to see that one day…"
He finally stood up. Dusting himself as he held on his trembling legs.
"You already know where Hoshino is kept. Deep within the Kaiser's base, inside the internal laboratory.
Mimesis has shown us the dark side of Mystic. Terror. We wish to see if it's possible to see it through a living subject. That being, Hoshino. If she fails… we'll move on to the Wolf God.
Now… I see that both goals are impossible to achieve. Rescue your student, sensei."
He paused and straightened his tie with trembling hands.
"From now on, Gematria will be watching you closely. Good luck."
Hans gave him one last look before walking away. Leaving Black Suit behind and alone in the dark room.
"…A monster taking shape of a teacher. Are you perhaps redeeming yourself? Taking responsibility as an adult? Or… are you just escaping yourself, sensei?
I wish… I truly wish to see how your loyalty will lead you. And... how will you unfold in the end.."
Either way, he have to make a call.
A pink haired girl rose from her chains. Hazy. Like she had been just… woken up from an awful dream.
"Miss. Take your gear, and prepare yourself."
The voice of the adult who had tricked her came from the intercom as she grumbled. holding her throbbing head as she felt the strains on her hands and arms after being bound.
"You have a contract to fulfil."
Author's Note
Just a few more chapters left and we'll be kissing Abydos goodbye. This chapter had been long enough, and I feel like this is the best part to end it.
Anyway, a little spoiler but...! The scene where Hans tossed a medkit to the director was lifted directly from Hellsing Ultimate. If you know, you know :) I really wanted to make Hans completely mute when he faces Black Suit, but heeh... I really feel like it would make a bigger impact by him speaking at the very last moment and he is the second man alive to see what Hans had been hiding completely.
Also, Nonomers is beeg now. In Hoshino's absence, she'll be the one to lead. This is her duty as a senior. I hope you liked it.
See you on the next chapter~