“…”
Tsukatsuki Rion has read the documents laid out before her… precisely, she has read them completely four times. And just now, she has finished the fifth read.
The gist of the two documents was the same. Only the subjects were different.
Millennium Science School is to actively cooperate in the operation to subdue three terrorists who have invaded the Millennium Autonomous District and secure the intelligence asset kidnapped by Trinity.
Is this some kind of joke?
It’s true that the recent growth of Millennium has been so remarkable that it can stand shoulder to shoulder with the massive academies Gehenna and Trinity. But objectively, it’s also true that it still has difficulty standing on par with the two.
So, was Millennium really so insignificant that these two academies are sending such a one-sided cooperation request? If they’re looking to obtain military action in other autonomous districts, there should be proper procedures and back-and-forth communication, and there are certainly things that cannot be allowed even then.
But asking to allow military forces from other academies to enter the central area of the Millennium Autonomous District… near the Millennium Campus? No matter how small the forces, can this even be considered reasonable?
Unless the leadership of these two academies has lost their minds, such an unreasonable request cannot be explained. Rion couldn’t fathom how important this asset is that both Trinity and Gehenna, who are always bashing heads against one another, simultaneously request cooperation.
The response to the cooperation request is, of course, a rejection. There’s no way she would arbitrarily allow military forces from other academies into the district. What a ludicrous idea.
However, she didn’t merely reject their cooperation request outright.
[This incident has fallen under the jurisdiction of the Millennium Autonomous District. The two academies need to respect Millennium’s autonomy. Thus, we will resolve this internally first and then discuss further.]
Sending a response with roughly that content, Rion then contacts someone.
Chichijik——
[Rion? I’m super busy, so could you call back later——]
“It’s a request. Stop what you’re doing and return to campus immediately.”
[…Huh? What? What’s so urgent?]
“Your task is to subdue the three infamous terrorists from Gehenna who have just stepped into Millennium and secure the intelligence asset they kidnapped. That’s the request.”
[Seriously, terrorists? From Gehenna? Unbelievable. Just let me finish what I’m currently handling, and I’ll be right back. So, get everyone else ready.]
Click——
Not bothering about the other party who cut off communication after throwing a fit, Rion once again read the documents.
If the asset was important enough for those two academies to act in such haste, it would be right to secure it first. Whether Gehenna and Trinity have teamed up or are competing to secure the asset first is still unknown.
But if she secures the asset first, all the ins and outs will be revealed. This recent movement by the two academies completely exceeded Rion’s calculations. Therefore, she must obtain information outside of her control. Without fail.
…
Time passed, and it was now July 28, 12:40 PM.
“So, you guys have figured out the target’s whereabouts, right?”
“Of course, Leader. The terrorists have been confirmed to be eating at ‘Burger Emperor’ near the Millennium Campus.”
“…I can’t believe it. These terrorists are just chilling, huh? Not my concern, but… ugh.”
Crunch.
The leader of Millennium’s military force C&C… MIkamo Neru stretched lightly and cracked her neck before speaking.
“Alright, kiddos, let’s go! Let’s see those notorious terrorists’ faces!”
“Waaaaaa~♪”
The C&C team of Millennium Science School, totaling four members, set out to clash in about 20 minutes.
*
In a comfortable atmosphere, finishing their meal while chatting with Haruna, the clock was ticking towards 12:40. Though finishing the meal was mostly relevant to me and Haruna.
Izumi insisted on ordering another Imperial Burger, while Akari triumphantly added a full extra order of every side dish, declaring that the 98 portions weren’t enough. Her eating speed and quantity are on another level.
Is that even humanly possible? How can someone eat that much and still be fine? Is it possible she has Shinpi’s powers too?
If her stomach handles everything without leaving a trace as soon as it goes in, I can understand… But then again, that sounds like something I’ve read in a novel before. The kind where the protagonist becomes a munchkin by eating more and more. It’s a common trope, really.
If such a power were granted to Akari, there wouldn’t even be a so-called ‘strongest line’ in Kivotos. Akari, with titles like ‘The One and Only,’ would’ve claimed the skies over Kivotos. Just thinking about it is terrifying.
Feeling responsible for the outrageous expenses thanks to my actions, I ended up covering Akari’s additional order. Haruna stubbornly insisted on paying for the meal, but when I argued as the Student Council Vice President that I should at least be able to do this, she was left speechless.
While making Haruna panic for just a moment was nice, the brightness of her expression afterwards made me panic even more. It’s not like she didn’t get that I was joking.
“Hahaha, speaking of which! There’s a dish I really want to showcase at this summer festival! I haven’t tried it yet because I was kidnapped by Haruna-chan, but…”
“…Oh dear. I had no idea I had committed such a grave sin… I’m really sorry.”
“Now, Haruna-chan, let me ask. Isn’t it you who should feel more sorry for eating something you despise to try and kidnap me? It’s not me who should feel guilty, right? Of course not, right?”
“…”
“Haruna-chan, why are you avoiding my gaze…? You can’t actually be?!”
Having waited blankly for the other two to finish their meal, we quickly rinsed our mouths in the restroom and returned to our normal conversations. Even though Haruna, who makes culinary delights her life goal, is indeed an ordinary highschool girl, she showed a passion for cosmetics and fashion that rivals anyone else.
Well, maybe not as intense as her culinary interests.
“Haruna-chan, I’ll take you to Milfeuille someday! Their parfaits are just so delicious☆”
“…Milfeuille, the most famous dessert café in Trinity, right?”
“Looks like you’ve heard of it, Haruna-chan?”
“Of course. That café’s parfait is on my culinary list! I’ve always wanted to visit, so if Misono Mika is taking me, then… chuckles, I guess this is a date invite?”
“Uh… Does it actually become that way?”
Oh, it’s clear this is a joke, but still, just saying something like that feels good. Who would refuse a date with a beauty like Haruna?
As we were chatting in this cheerful and peaceful atmosphere, someone cleared their throat from behind.
“Um, excuse me! Could I take a moment of your time?”
“…Huh? Uh-huh???”
What’s this? A hunting?
…That can’t be, right? Turning my head, I spot two faces that are both familiar and unfamiliar.
A hairstyle with long purple hair down to her waist tied with an unidentifiable triangular accessory, and bright blue eyes inspecting me with an intelligent expression. This is the so-called ‘herald’ every Blue Archive player first encounters.
Among them, Hayase Yuuka, known as the ‘Cold-Blooded Accountant’ in the seminar of the Millennium Student Council, was one of them.
The other person is Yuuka’s best friend and her complete antithesis, also a member of the seminar, the Student Council Secretary, Ushio Noa.
Though it was Yuuka who called me, glancing at Noah suggested that it was Noah who had business with me.
The first thing that catches my eye is Noa’s long white hair that cascades down to her calves. Unlike the white hair of older folks, it looks more like dyed blonde. There’s a distinction from nature there. Plus, she wears headgear that exudes a ‘Millennium’-like vibe.
Considering I’m the one managing long hair down to my thighs every day, I had to commend Noa for her neat maintenance of such long hair. Having long hair is all laborious work, from washing to drying to styling.
Her face gives a kind and calm impression, but there’s a mischievous glint hidden within. Especially apparent when she’s around Yuuka.
Noa’s purple eyes, looking at me with curiosity, took in my entire appearance. Thinking of her almost perfect memorization ability, it wasn’t hard to guess why Noa showed interest in me. She probably recognized me.
“It’s no bother to take a moment of your time, but… may I ask if you have any business with me?”
As I ask, I turn my gaze back to Yuuka. It’s obvious from the start that Noah egged Yuuka on to speak. But separating that, since it is Yuuka who spoke to me, it’s only natural to pay attention to her.
“Well, to be precise, it’s not really my business, but…”
“Yuuka-chan, from here on, I’ll take over the conversation. Thank you.”
“…Wait a moment, if that’s the case, you could have just talked directly, right?”
Chuckle.
Oh, what a classic best friends dynamic. Really fun to watch. Especially Yuuka’s bewildered face that seems to ask if this is just starting up again. Hah, this is true perfection.
“It’s nice to meet you, T-party Host. I’m Ushio Noa, the Secretary of the Millennium Student Council. Could I ask what brings you to our Millennium?”
“Oh, I see you’re curious about something boring. As you can see, I’m here to try the burgers that are widely said to be delicious at this place. And yes, they exceeded my expectations.”
“Indeed. The burgers here are also extremely popular among the students at our Millennium. They might be a bit pricey, but with so many students, during lunch hours, it’s always crowded.”
With a slight smile, Noa speaks while alternating her gaze between me and Haruna.
“However, what I really want to know isn’t about such mundane topics. Rather, I’m curious about something more interesting. Could you satiate my curiosity?”
“Hahaha. Well, sure! As long as your questions aren’t unpleasant, feel free to ask. Having company means I can’t chat for too long, though.”
“Then, I appreciate the invitation! I recall that 45 days, 2 hours, and 58 minutes ago, you held a press conference where you stated, ‘Trinity will crush Gehenna during this festival.'”
Oh, right. That was a month and a half ago… Thanks for mentioning that so specifically. By the way, if you can calculate time that precisely, is her mental math that impressive? If you take mental math to such levels, what does Yuuka have left…?
“Besides that, at the conference, you made several anti-Gehenna statements… and since it seems your companion is unmistakably a Gehenna student, I couldn’t help but feel curious.”
“Oh… So you want to know how I feel about Gehenna. The truth, huh?”
“…No?”
“Huh? What? That’s not it? Really?”
“No, I just wanted to know how two students from rival academies like you two could possibly become friends? Haha. That seems like an interesting story.”
Hmm. Should I really share this? I’m not uninterested in how Noah would react when I tell her I was stopping her explosive colleague from blowing the place up…
Wait?
As I ponder whether this is appropriate, my senses suddenly go off.
Just as I hurriedly rise, the glass at the front of the café shatters.
Gyaaaaaah?!
“W-What’s happening?!”
Everyone is thrown into confusion, but I don’t have the luxury to think about them. All my focus is on a single student standing at the entrance.
A small figure, making them look like a child. Holding two submachine guns that are chained together, this kid is undoubtedly the strongest student in Millennium.
“What? Pretty impressive for a bunch of terrorists, huh? You even noticed the sniper.”
“…Ahaha. Look, it seems there’s a misunderstanding——”
Huh? “Hey! The three of you! You are terrorists, right?! You’re the leader, obviously. Just looking at you, I can tell you’re the strongest here.”
Oh, well, this just got a bit messy.
“Callsign Double-O, MIkamo Neru. Let’s have some fun, you terrorist punk!”
But you know, today, I’m not looking to back down either. After all, you guys threw the first punch, right?
Ping—
As the bullet I was holding in my hand drops, just inches from Haruna’s face.
That’s certainly the worst pain I’ve felt since possessing this body. Despite catching it from further away, my hand still got pushed up close to her face. This is painfully brutal.
“Listen, Haruna-chan. He’s not alone, you know? So, can you handle the others for me?”
“…”
As I grabbed the weapon I had set beside my chair and turned to Haruna, she glanced at Neru once, then resolutely nodded.
“Yes, I can handle that any time.”
“Haha, thanks! And duck down!”
Taang!!!
As the sound of gunfire rings out once again from beyond the broken glass, I dove towards Neru.
