A portal silently opened in a secluded alleyway before me and the girls passed through. At first glance, the streets were in a dilapidated state with multiple potholes and bullet holes were seen across the buildings. Some were even cut as if a sharp knife went through them while others were blasted as if hit with a cannonball.
I steadied myself and summoned the Shadow Army to guard the perimeter. Luckily enough, there aren't any corpses around. It's as if this town was abandoned yet the power is still on.
I thought while looking around, "Where are we? I don't recall this place whatsoever. Perhaps there's some people somewhere."
Wednesday looked around with scrutiny and said, "What a devastating place....I like it."
Enid chimed in as well, "No people though. I wonder if this place is a ghost town or something."
Nitocris held her arms crossed below her breasts and said, "I don't sense a living being nearby. This place has been abandoned for quite a while."
A Shadow Knight came back reporting there was a battle going on at a high school across the river. It seemed as if there were two crab-like creatures attacking the people there.
I rubbed my chin and said, "Interesting. I have no recollection of this world in my memories. It definitely is not the Fallout Universe since everything still looks new and not like a ravaged world. Though the space here is as thin as paper, interdimensional creatures?"
I turned to the girls and asked, "Let's go check it out. Maybe we can get more info from the students there."
I opened the Dimensional Wall before teleporting close to the attacked high school. As soon as we arrived, we saw students and teachers alike rushing out of the school building. I see a crab-like machine crawling up the side of the building. The Shadow Knights came back and awaited orders.
Wednesday was watching the destruction those two machines were doing and said, "Seems like those two are chasing some people inside. Do we need to intervene?"
I looked at the distance and looked back at Wednesday, "From the looks of it, I see three people in red rushing towards this location. Though I don't know how they're able to move at that speed. It is not like for humans to possess such physique without becoming enhanced naturally or unnaturally. Speaking of danger, it seems like two people inside are in a pickle."
We zoom in to see a tall teenager with glasses, clutching his stomach after being hit through the wall being protected by a green energy shield with a sigil.
A hand was stretched out as he had said, "Shield. Double."
It was a white-haired boy called Kuga Yuuma, who stopped the attack of the crab-like robot. It tried to get into the shield by piercing its sharp legs but to no avail.
The teenager with glasses known as Osamu, shockingly yelled, "Kuga?!"
Yuuma, who kept the Marmod in place, said," Excuse me, Osuma. I need to borrow your trigger."
He continued as he stared straight while tossing the trigger in the air and said, "Trigger on."
Osamu's trigger lit up blue as it mechanically said, "Trigger activating. Scanning activator body. Generating combat form. Initiating physical body exchange. Main weapon deployed. Trigger activation complete."
Yuuma's body started to shine as a star-like particle swirled into a circle was scanning his body and transferring his physical body into the Trigger via Trion. A new set of black combat uniform was exchanged as well as a katana-shaped lightsaber powered on.
Yuuma confidently said, "All right. Let's do this."
Osamu was still in shock about what transpired. Never in his life did he think that Yuuma could use his trigger. The implications of what's happening could spell a termination from the very organization he's trying to advance in. He suddenly remembered something about his trigger he forgot to mention.
But before he could warn Yuuma about it, said person had already dashed to meet the Marmod. Yuuma was parrying each of the Marmod's attacks with great ease. It was an even fight but it was a losing battle.
Yuuma backed off before looking at his battered weapon as the energy looked rough and cracked all over.
Yuuma confusedly said, "It's ruined."
Osamu yelled out, "Be careful, Yuuma. My trigger is only for practice. It can't...."
Yuuma had switched to an offensive stance and dashed as he sliced through three of the Marmod's blades. He in front of the Marmod before stabbing it in the middle. A line was easily seen as cube-like particles gushed out of the Marmod's body before dissipating in the air. The Marmod's body was cut severely as it laid on the floor with signs of waking up.
Osamu was just shocked at the display of power Yuuma had shown, even with a training trigger. The difference in skill and strength between the two of them, slightly discouraged him but renewed his will to become stronger. One way or another.
Back to me and the girls, we watched the whole transformation and the battle that took place. Such technology is groundbreaking in other universes, yet even a young man could get one.
Enid was immediately envious of such transformation. She even dreamed of when she was still a little girl to transform into a magical girl, albeit a magical werewolf girl. Still her dream was too far-fetched but it seemed like it was within reach.
Enid cheered as her eyes turned into stars as she said, "Woah!! He transformed. That's so cool. I wanna transform too!!"
I glanced at the happy Enid and said, "Haha I'm sure we can find out some way to do that. But first, we need to see whether or not it's easy to get. And I know just when to start. Igris, take down that other crab and make sure those two boys are safe. We can contact them later on to find more information."
Igris kneeled and said, "As you command, My King."
Igris then shuttled through the shadows before arriving at the damaged hallway. Igris' presence immediately attracted the other party's attention as his dark tall figure put them at edge. The second Marmod stopped its attack on Osamu and Yuuma and determined Igris to be the stronger prey. The Marmod quickly lunged at Igris, fully intending to kill him.
Osamu couldn't help but shout, "Watch out."
Yuuma looked on with caution as his years fighting in different planes in the Neighborhood, sensed that Igris was a battle-hardened warrior.
Yuuma asked his small Trion guide, Replica, floating on the side, "Replica, have you seen anything like him."
Replica answered, "No. There is no data on my database on his presence during our travels."
Igris simply sidestepped and punched hard on the side of the Marmod. It immediately flew through three walls before collapsing inside a classroom. A large broadsword was seen in Igris' hand before slicing the Marmod dead.
Igris looked at the dead Marmod and thought, "Attacks with our energy can damage them like any other. Simply physical attacks are not suitable. This information will please the King."
Igris looked back at Osamu and Yuuma before walking slowly towards them. This made Yuuma discard Osamu's trigger and immediately donned his own black trigger. An all-black suit with red highlights on the seams can be seen with Replica's body attached to Yuuma's left arm.
Osamu was scared in place of the overwhelming presence that exuded from Igris, immobilizing him. Before he could mutter a sound, Igris stopped about ten steps away from them.
Yuuma asked cautiously, "Who are you? And why did you help us?"
Osamu looked at Yuuma and then back to Igris, hoping to get an answer.
Igris spoke deeply, "It was my King's order to save you two. I am but a knight in his service. My King will contact you soon."
As Igris finished speaking, he walked away from Yuuma and Osamu's sight before travelling back to my side.
Igris reported, "It is done, My King."
I nodded and said, "Great work as always, Igris."
Igris sunk back into the Shadow World along with the rest of the Shadow Army. I found out that three red uniformed people are almost here. Before they could spot us, I sent everyone to the Shadow World and left the area.
Not long after, the three red uniformed agents landed where we were just at and looked around.
Arashiyama asked, "Kitora, what's wrong? We need to hurry!"
Kitora looked around confused but still replied, "Strange. I was sure I saw someone here. Nevermind, it must've been my imagination. Let's go."
Kitora thought, "I was sure I saw a dark figure watching the school."
The Arashiyama Squad finally made it to the high school before Arashiyama started shouting for his siblings. Both of his siblings just tried to hide their presence but they were instantly spotted by their big brother and started to hug and comically cry. The younger Arashiyama siblings tried to pry their big brother off them to no avail.
The next moment was when Osamu held Yuuma with one arm over his shoulders to the rest of the students and faculty. Most of the students were thanking him for saving their lives but Osamu was sweating heavily because he knew he broke Border's Agent Regulations. Kitora couldn't ignore the clear violation any longer and walked towards Osamu.
Kitora yelled, "You glasses, come here."
Osamu heard the shout and ran towards Kitora and reported, "C-rank Agent, Osamu Mikumo."
Arashiyama thought it was going to be bad publicity, stepped in and thanked, "So you're the one. You're very good. Only one attack each from a C-rank Trigger. Even some certified agents could do that."
Arashiyama called out to Kitora, "Can you do that, Kitora?"
Kitora only shouted, "Scorpion!"
A dagger made from Trion emerged from her hands and slashed at the downed Marmod, where the extraction crew brought it down. Various cuts were made before the shell of the Marmod burst into pieces.
Kitora looked back and said, "Of course I can but I certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to use a C-rank Trigger to do it."
She continued, "Furthermore C-rank agents are still trainees. They aren't allowed to use Triggers outside of training. His actions clearly violate these regulations. In order for this incident to happen again, he should be punished according to regulations."
Arashiyama from the side said, "Indeed, it was against rules, but he did save the citizens' lives after all."
Various students agreed with Arashiyama and argued against Kitora for clearly punishing their savior for saving their lives.
Kitora steadied herself and continued, "It's true that such actions are commendable but there are rules in place for a reason. If we overlook this, other C-rank trainees might take his actions as an example and violate regulations."
She continued and pointed at Osamu, "If they charged in like a hero with a lack of ability, it may cause further problems or worse, their lives could be forfeit. So in order to instill discipline in C-rank agents and maintain order within Border, he must be punished according to regulations."
Osamu's face was in shock as forehead was sweating from the idea that he may be expelled from Border for his recklessness and lack of respect for Border's regulations. His whole reason for joining will be dashed if he was expelled. He simply closed his eyes in frustration before he heard Kuga's voice.
Yuuma cheekily said with a funny expression, "Hey you. Why so arrogant, even though you arrived late?"
Kitora just froze for a second to process what she heard before looking at Kuga with impunity and said, "And who are you?"
Yuuma replied, "Someone saved by Osamu."
Osamu leaned back and stressfully said, "Stop it, Kuga. Stay quiet."
Yuuma ignored Osamu's request and stepped forward looking at Kitora and asked, "Do you need permission to help someone in Japan?"
Kitora just smirked and condescendingly said, "That's up to the individual, of course. But that's only when you don't use a Trigger. If you're using a Trigger, you need permission from Border. It's obvious, isn't it? Triggers belong to Border."
Yuuma shot back and said, "What are you talking about? Triggers belonged to the Neighbors."
This sentence shocked the surrounding crowd, including the Osamu and Arashiyama Squad. The crowd didn't think that the very weapons protecting them from Neighbors are the ones being used by Neighbors.
Yuuma continued, "Do you ask Neighbors each time you use them?"
Kitora was in shock before shooting back, "Are you denying Border's activities?"
Yuuma calmly said back, "Rather, you just don't like the fact Osamu was being praised."
Kitora's body jumped back as she was left speechless. This little white haired shrimp was getting on her nerves and clumsily said, "W...Wha..What are you saying?! I'm just talking about Border's regulations."
Yuuma's red eyes slowly turned black as his Side Effect kicked in and said, "Hmm... You.. make up the stupidest lies."
Kitora creeped out and thought, "What is he?"
A hand clap was heard from a distance, which temporarily relieved the tension and attracted their attention.
Another member of Arashiyama Squad named Tokieda said, "Okay, that's enough. Just got done checking the place. Let's have the recovery team continue their jobs and leave."
Kitora argued, "But Tokieda sempai..."
Tokieda stopped her and said, "I get what you're coming from but Mikumo's punishment will be decided by the higher-ups, not us. Right, Captain Arashiyama?"
Arashiyama breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Yeah, Tokieda's right. Our unit will report on this matter. Make sure to go to the HQ today. I'll be sure to do my best to get you a lighter punishment. I owe you for saving my little brother and sister. Thank you so much"
Osamu simply agreed to Arashiyama's kind words and shook his hand. And with that, the whole crowd continued to thank Osamu for saving them. Kitora was simply dissatisfied at this conclusion. Arashiyama Squad completed their survey and left the scene for the recovery team to clean up the destroyed building. Class continued after that and sectioned off the destroyed part of the school.
Hours passed and it was now sunset. It was during that time, we went to gather information about the surroundings. We learned about Border and its duty to fend off invading Neighbors with their agents. They also learned about the upcoming registration to join Border. It would be a few days from now before starting and they all want to join in. The girls were a bit excited since they could let loose against invaders with no repercussions.
Thankfully I calmed them down and found a place to change their currency as well as finding a place to live. It's a good thing Japanese people are very professional in this matter and after looking through their listings.
We chose a four bedroom house with a large living room space as well as one large bathroom, equipped with two single-use onsens. There is also tatami flooring in one of the rooms. We paid for the whole house as well as all the other fees and gave the clerk showing us the house, an old vintage bottle of wine.
By the time we furnished the whole house, we were hungry and went out to eat as well as experience some local cooking. We ate at a yakiniku restaurant as we ordered plenty of dishes and drinks. We had a wonderful time enjoying ourselves in this new world and paid for the meal. By the time we left, it was nighttime and there were plenty of other people going about their day, whether from school, work, or just strolling around.
I asked the girls, "Seems like a peaceful city huh? So long as the Neighbors don't invade."
Wednesday nodded and said, "Indeed. Though I still wonder why Border Agents are mostly teenagers and only a few adults taking charge."
Enid chimed in, "Yeah! Yeah!"
Nitocris thought for a moment before saying, "Perhaps most adults don't have much Trion in their bodies. That could explain the reason for using teenagers instead."
I looked over to Nitocris and thought, "Clever thinking."
I smiled and replied, "Hmm perhaps. We need further analysis about the matter. Maybe our powers could be used as a source for Trion. Either way, let's go home. I want to take a shower tonight. Care to join me?"
Wednesday snapped her neck so fast while Enid's eyes turned feral with lust. Nitocris, on the other hand, crossed her legs while biting her lower lip from my question.
All the girls caught up and rushed me towards the house before saying, "Let's go!!"
The first night at the new house were filled with indescribable noises and moans before finally quieting down near dawn of the next day.
In the middle of the river stands a building that serves as an outpost for Border, a tall teenage boy with turquoise glasses looked up at the moon and smiled mysteriously as he said, "Interesting. The future just got more fun."