-"Class, today we welcome a new person to our class. Please introduce yourself."-The teacher told me after I entered the classroom.
-"Enoch Schariac, but please just call me Eno, and I'm a boy."
-"Sit next to Miss Raiden."
-"Yes, sir."
I moved through the classroom and sat next to surprised but happy Mei.
-"Didn't expect you to join our class; aren't you too young?"
-"Skipped a few grades."
-"If you need help…"
-"I do. Mind sharing books with me for now?"
-"I'd be happy to."
The classes passed rather quickly; the only trouble I had was history class, as the public version of history and one taught in Schicksal, let alone hidden in Key of Revelation, are noticeably different, causing me to commit a few mistakes when I mixed them up. But the classes quickly ended, and then I was surrounded by everyone while hundreds of questions flew my way.
I answered some, ignored even more, and managed to escape after a solid ten minutes, all that while Mei laughed at my suffering. When we finally managed to enter the kendo club's grounds, we sat down in a quiet spot and prepared to eat lunch. Mei apologized to me a good ten times since leaving the classroom, as my annoyed gaze tried to dig a hole in her back.
-"Sorry, ok, it's not like I could help you much."-Her face was a mix of amusement and apology, creating an interesting image.
-"I need a peace offering."-I turned my attention to the bento box in her hands.
-"Sure, I had one prepared for you."-She handed over the second box.-"Speaking of which, how come you already have one?"
-"My family sent cousins to help me. I'll introduce you when given a chance."
-"That's good."-She showed a relieved expression.
-"Why do I have a feeling that you treat me like some child?"-I narrowed my eyes at her.
-"You are imagining things."-She told me directly and started to eat, avoiding the subject.
With routine established, time started to fly by, and before I noticed it, half a year passed. The vacations started a week ago, so I had a lot of free time; at least I had it until about ten minutes ago.
-"So, we got a mission to assist Squad Snowwolf in breaching and investigating a secret Anti-Entropy research lab deep in Siberia."-I conveyed Otto's orders to my two squad mates.-"Our main task is to be the spearhead and diversion, allowing them to catch the opponents off guard. Any questions?"
-"Lord Eno, how strong forces can we expect?"-Maria asked.
-"Expect anything from basic Titans to those special units like Padrino."
-"Do we have to?"-Angelia sighed, not wanting to leave the house.
-"Otto's orders."-I shrugged.-"Ignore them at your own risk."
-"I'm going, I'm going."
Soon, a transport ship flew to our garden, and after we boarded it, it quickly rushed north. The trip to Siberia took us two hours, and after landing, the only thing that waited for us was cold snow and annoying wind. The transport ship hovered above the ground, letting us jump down, before it flew away.
I already deployed my armor, Azure Knight: Orion, using swords to carry our team toward the target. Both girls were already used to flying that way, so we quickly arrived over a frozen lake. Our target was right here, beneath the ice; we only needed to get there.
So I took position over it and started to recite my Mantra to focus. Countless crystal swords started to appear around me, each like a shooting star, floating in a special path and creating a three-dimensional constellation. And then, the sky split, revealing a true shooting star falling toward the lake.
In the blink of an eye, the comet struck the earth, causing it to rumble, the lake's water erupting high into the air. With the ice and water gone, we could clearly see the structures existing at the bottom, allowing us to easily access them.
-"I can understand why you got assigned the job of distraction."-Maria looked at the destruction I caused.-"Are you sure you are not a Herrscher?"
-"I think so. Not to mention that my Master can also easily cause such destruction."-I manipulated the blades to descend.-"Get ready; I don't allow any casualties."
-"What a demanding Lord we have, Sister."-Maria looked at Angelia.
-"Mhmm. He doesn't cherish us, sisters."-Angelia nodded in agreement.
-"But what can poor we, Saint's attendants, do? Sigh."-Maria continued to act pitiful.
-"Sigh. I get it; I'll take you out later."-I shook my head.
-"It's a promise, Lord."-Maria leaned close and whispered into my ear before jumping down into the metal corridor.
-"I want to go to the arcade."-Angelia looked at me intently.
-"Sure."
Hearing my answer, she nodded and also jumped down, following behind her sister.
Not to be left behind, I followed them closely, using my perception to map the underground facility and detect any approaching enemies. And we didn't need to wait long for those, as soon, we were surrounded by countless mechs. While Valkyries had not only higher potential but also average power, the sheer quantity of Anti-Entropy mechs was a quality in itself.
But that was only true for those below S-Rank, and while none of us three officially had such a rank, each had strength that could rival a true S-Rank Valkyrie. And even if alone, we might get overwhelmed or stalled; working together, we had no such difficulty.
In a few short minutes, we scrapped enough metal to build an entire warship, yet they were still coming, doing what they could to slow us down. Just as we were about to break through yet another barricade, a barrage of rockets rained down on us. Yet as they entered my range, I instantly cut them to pieces; flying blades appearing and disappearing from existence, showcasing my mastery over Quantum Energy
As the explosions dissipated, Maria rushed toward the Lightning Mechs further back, interrupting their next barrage. Angelia also didn't waste time, freezing all the mechs on the sides, allowing her sister to fight without needing to worry about flanks. As my interference wasn't needed, I just watched over the environment, ready to respond to any surprises.
Our battle continued for another half an hour before our enemy appeared to run out of mechs, so we accelerated our search of this side of the facility, clearing it out in about an hour more. With that done, we were about to proceed toward the other part, but then we received communication from the other squad.
-"Immortal Blades, this is Shigure Kira of Squad Snowwolf. Over."
-"Captain of the second squad of Immortal Blades, Enoch Schariac. Over."-I responded.
-"We captured the fleeing scientists and test subjects. We are about to enter the facility; how are things on your side? Over."
-"We cleared our half of the facility and are bout to proceed into the second one. The enemy resistance is minimal; most likely their mech forces are depleted. Over.
-"Roger that. We will work from our side and meet with you in the middle. Out."
-"We'll follow that arrangement. Out."
Maria and Angelia heard this conversation, so we continued forward without worry.
With little to no resistance, we cleared the rest of the base in little over half an hour, meeting the Squad Snowwolf in the process.
-"You are much younger than I expected for an elite squad promoted by Otto."-the woman who spoke with me through the communicator commented after meeting us.
-"And you are much older than I expected."-I commented, deadpan.
-"Hey! Even if it's you, I'll still get offended."-Kira rushed forward and started to ruffle my hair.
-"Sigh. I apologize for her. I'm Cheng Lixue, captain of Squad Snowwolf belonging to the Far East Branch of Schicksal."-The eastern woman with long gray hair greeted me
-"Enoch Schariac, captain of the second squad of Immortal Blades from the Headquarters."-I greeted her back, while ignoring Kira, who was trying to hold me.-"Is there anything else requiring our attention?"
-"Yes, as was the agreement between our Far East Branch and Headquarters, we will take the children from the orphanage and those test subjects back to St. Freya for treatment and training, but one of the test subjects appears unresponsive, most likely an extensive brain damage due to recent experiment. We aren't sure we'll be able to help her, so we ask Headquarters to take possession of her and provide treatment."
-"Good, this is within my decision-making capacity. We will escort the captured scientists and that one test subject back for treatment."-I agreed directly, as this wasn't an issue.
-"Thank you."-Cheng Lixue bowed to me slightly, a smile appearing on her face.
Soon, we parted ways, though all four members, Salome Jokanaan and Shub-Niggurath introduced themself later, exchanged their personal contacts with me before we did. When they boarded their transport plane, I watched as they flew away with furrowed brows.
-"My, my, our Lord is truly popular, Sister."-Maria started her usual behavior.
-"Mhmm… A scumbag."-Angelia added.
-"You two."-I massaged my aching head.-"They seem to know me; their eyes were strange when they watched me… happy, sad, and pained? Even that Kira, despite acting wild, was careful, almost as if she treated me as something delicate."
-"I didn't notice."-Maria shook her head.
-"Sometimes I wonder if I have amnesia; so many people seemed to know me, yet I have no recollection of them."
The two girls looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
-"Never mind. The craft is about to arrive; let's get this over with."
It took us two days to finish the job in Headquarters and return to Nagazora City, but before we could return to our previous routines, we needed to make arrangements for a new 'guest'.
-"Can I call you Bronya?"-I looked at a figure even shorter than me.
-"(ᗜ‸ᗜ)"-She didn't move, her eyes watching me lifelessly.
-"Do you need something?"
-"Otto promised Bronya to save Seele if Bronya listened to you, so Bronya will follow your commands."
-"Then why are you looking at me as if I were some criminal?"
-"Bronya is assigned as your maid."-Her expressionless face seemed to show disdain.
-"That old man…"-I covered my face in exasperation.-"You don't have to follow that order."
-"Bronya won't risk Seele's."-She denied.
-"You do you."
-"Bronya will Bronya."
-"I'll leave her in your hands; just don't let her ruin my reputation more that necessary."-I looked at my teammates.
-"Sure, Lord."-Maria nodded, her eyes observing the child-like Bronya.
Feeling danger coming from the smiling Maria, Bronya moved behind me, using me like a shield.
-"Behave yourself. I'm going out."-I quickly walked away.
Outside, I contacted Mei, and after finding that she was free, I went to pick her up from her house. But to my surprise, aside from the familiar girl, there was a middle-aged man waiting for me. Looking at what Mei tried to communicate to me with her eyes, this man must be her father, Raiden Ryoma.
-"So it's you, brat."-He looked at me unfriendly.-"Mei talked a lot about you."
-"Dad…"-Mei's face flushed after hearing her father tell me this.
-"It's our first meeting, Mr. Raiden. I'm Eno."
-"I know you, Schariac."-His eyes narrowed.-"What I don't know is: why you're here?"
-"Assignment from my family."-I shrugged.
-"Then let me be direct. Don't ever approach my Mei! Do you understand?!"
-"Father!"-Mei looked at him with shock and anger.
-"I can't do so."-I shook my head.-"I came here as Eno, not Schariac. Same way, I'm here to meet Mei, not Raiden. I don't care about long-standing grievances or reasons existing before either of us was born."
-"And how am I to believe you?"
-"You are a swordsman, right, Mr. Raiden?"
-"Yes."
-"Then we can talk with swords."
-"You've got guts. Come, the dojo is in the back."-He turned back and walked away first.
After he left earshot, Mei approached me an apologized.
-"I'm sorry, Eno. My father just returned today due to an emergency and was on the edge for some time."
-"I don't mind it, Mei. Just consider it a way men communicate."
-"Men? You are just a boy."-She smiled and ruffled my hair.-"But thank you for treating me as Mei, and not Raiden like everyone else."
-"Well, Miss Raiden is for everyone, but Mei is just for me."-I chuckled and walked past her, heading to the dojo.
Mei stood still, her face red, almost steaming, but the smile on her face didn't fade.
Soon, I entered the dojo, where Raiden Ryoma was waiting for me. It was a traditional Japanese dojo, not just appearing like that on the surface, but built from the ground up with tradition in mind.
-"Take whatever sword fits you."-He pointed to the wall with hanging weapons.
I observed the weapons for a moment; none of the weapons were wooden. Rather, they were made with high-quality iron and were specially blunted to be usable in sparring. The blade that was best for my style was a straight sword, so I settled on a slim but sturdy Jian. I waved it a few times to get a grasp of its weight and length, before taking the spot opposite Raiden Ryoma. Mei sat by the entrance, looking at both of us in worry.
-"Raiden Ryoma, Master of Hokushin Itto-ryu. Please advise."
-"Enoch Schariac, Inheritor of the School of Yìxué. Please advise."
With that, both of us stepped forward. Hokushin Itto-ryu was a style emphasizing control of the center-line control, speed, and fluidity, discarding any unnecessary movements to achieve almost instantaneous movement. It was a perfect example of a hard style: using one's strength to defeat the enemy.
So I used my softness to overcome this hardness. With my ever-changing forms, I made it impossible for my opponent to read my movements, and used the advantage that a straight sword had over a katana: stab. Every attack of my opponent was met with the tip of my sword appearing in front of him, forcing him to abandon his attack or risk being impaled.
This interrupted his flow, causing his movements to become rigid, exposing openings that could be exploited. And when an opportunity to strike presented itself, I took it. With one swift movement, I entered close to his body, using my short stature to my advantage. As I was to make the final strike, the blade of the katana rapidly approached my face, but unlike him, I didn't retreat, meeting the strike with minimal force needed to deflect it, causing the slash to graze my brow.
But it was enough for my strike to reach his throat, stopping a millimeter from touching skin. Seeing the blade under his chin, he remained still for a moment before taking a step back and putting away his katana. He no longer looked at me as if I was an enemy, only a thief trying to steal his most precious possession.
-"With a sword like that, you are definitely not like that bastard Otto."
-"That's something I don't know."-I shook my head.-"If I were to experience what he did, I might be an even greater monster."
-"Then don't ever let such things happen in the first place."-He smiled for the first time since I met him, extending his hand to me.
-"Exactly my thoughts."-I shook his hand without any timidity.