Morning – AMIRATUL HUKM TOWER-Central Administrative Office of the Governor of Akarius
Morning light slipped into Amiratul Hukm Tower through the massive glass walls stretching from floor to ceiling. Sunlight fell at an angle, reflecting off the pale gray-white marble floors and forming sharp lines that felt cold, yet pristine.
The tower cafeteria was not crowded yet.
The low hum of an automated coffee machine—hummm—mixed with the soft clink of ceramic cups being arranged neatly by service units. In one corner, two Abseris officers stood upright, reading digital clipboards while occasionally scanning the area with alert eyes.
At a table near the window, Kaito sat alone.
His body leaned slightly forward. His dark blue suit was immaculate yet stiff, as if molded to his ever-alert posture. A dark brown tie was fastened tightly at his collar.
A cup of black coffee steamed quietly in his left hand.
In his right hand, his black phone glowed.
The screen displayed a small window:
my.investigation.zip
—Password required
Kaito narrowed his silver-gray eyes. The reflection of the screen was clearly visible in his pupils.
He took a small sip of coffee—not to savor it—then typed quickly.
> ALKE_01
—Incorrect password
His fingers stopped.
He exhaled softly through his nose.
❝Why would Alke even put a password on this file…❞
❝Just how important is it to be locked this tightly?❞
The sharp sound of a spoon tapping a cup rang louder than usual in his ears.
Kaito tapped the table twice with his fingertips—a habit from tactical thinking on the battlefield.
> 83_87_93_23
—Incorrect password
His brow furrowed slightly.
❝If this were just a routine investigation… Alke wouldn't make it complicated.❞
❝Which means—this isn't a routine investigation.❞
He shifted in his seat, leaning back slightly. His gaze lifted to the morning sky beyond the window—Akarius' sky, far too bright for a city filled with armed student conflicts.
Soft footsteps approached.
Not rushed. Slightly hesitant.
Kaito turned his head.
From the cafeteria entrance, Miraka appeared.
Her silver-white hair was loosely combed, still slightly messy—like morning fog not yet fully lifted. She wore a brand-new school uniform—purple, with the Glaxina emblem on the chest. It fit well, yet clearly felt unfamiliar on her small frame.
A small backpack hung from her shoulder, visibly too large for her.
Beside her walked Natasya, her steps calm and orderly.
Her soft green hijab was neatly arranged. Her white office shirt was perfectly pressed, sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing a slim digital watch on her wrist.
Natasya stopped one step behind Miraka and gently patted her shoulder.
"All set," she said softly but firmly. "Buttons are neat. Don't take off your school ID."
Miraka nodded, then turned toward Kaito.
Her eyes lit up.
"Dad!"
Several Abseris officers reflexively glanced over.
Kaito raised an eyebrow.
"…Don't call me that," he said flatly, though the corner of his mouth moved almost imperceptibly.
Miraka jogged over. Her bag thudded softly as she set it beside his chair.
"Bitter coffee?" Miraka glanced at Kaito's cup, scrunching her face.
"This isn't for children."
"Hmm… it doesn't smell bad like yesterday?" Miraka muttered innocently.
Kaito gave a quiet snort.
Natasya stepped closer, standing beside the table with her hands folded neatly.
"Everything's ready," she said. "Spare uniform, stationery, and…" She glanced at Miraka. "…I slipped in some snacks as well."
Miraka beamed.
"Thank you, Sis Natasya!"
Natasya paused for a fraction of a second, then smiled softly.
"You're welcome."
Kaito locked his phone and slipped it into his suit pocket.
"Sorry for the trouble," he said briefly.
Natasya shook her head.
"It's part of my duty." Her tone lowered slightly. "…And honestly, it's lighter than managing conflicts between three schools before eight in the morning."
Kaito glanced at the wall clock.
"It's still seven."
They fell silent for a moment.
The coffee machine hummed again. Sunlight climbed higher.
Miraka tugged lightly at the edge of Kaito's coat.
"I'm… going to school today, right?"
Kaito looked her up and down. The uniform. The bag.
❝A place far too dangerous for someone this innocent.❞
He nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Miraka clenched her small fists, gathering courage.
Natasya stepped back, giving them space.
"I'll stop here," she said. "The safe route is already prepared."
Kaito stood. The G.T insignia caught the morning light.
"Thank you, Natasya."
She bowed briefly—not formal, more habitual.
"Stay safe out there, Flying Teacher."
Miraka waved.
"Bye-bye, Sis!"
They turned toward the exit.
As the automatic doors opened, morning light poured in—brighter, harsher.
Kaito stepped out first, then paused half a second so Miraka could walk beside him.
❝Alke…❞
❝Whatever you're hiding in that file…❞
❝I'll open it eventually.❞
Behind them, Natasya watched for a moment, then straightened her posture once more.
---
Oxiom District – Oxoford School Inter-School Transit Route
The morning sky of Akarius hung low above Oxiom Fortress.
Pale gray—like old, unpolished steel. Thick clouds drifted slowly, pressing cold moisture into the air. Wind swept along barbed wire and cracked concrete, producing a soft scraping sound—srrrk… srrrk…
On the main pedestrian route, four figures walked in formation.
Kaito led slightly to the left, his stride steady and rhythmic—the walk of someone accustomed to moving through danger without haste. His coat fluttered lightly in the wind, the G.T insignia occasionally glinting under the dull morning light.
At his right side, Miraka walked with small steps.
Her purple Glaxina uniform still looked stiff and new. Her school bag hung crookedly, the strap slipping now and then. She gripped it tightly.
Behind them, Levi walked with tense shoulders, his silver glasses reflecting the gray sky.
And Harisa…
She walked last.
Her steps were uneven—sometimes too slow, sometimes pausing briefly.
The city's sounds lingered in the background.
Engines of armored vehicles in the distance. Metal boots of patrol units. Occasionally, the click of a weapon being cocked—not a threat, just a reflex of life in Akarius.
Kaito slowed slightly.
His eyes scanned not forward—but around.
❝Transition zone.❞
❝Where damage happens most often.❞
At a concrete intersection, he spotted a familiar figure.
Harusa.
Her yellow-purple Juantice Team jacket stood out against the gray surroundings. Her black hair was tied into twin ponytails, swaying as she patrolled. A metallic purple Karl-9A rested low in her grip—relaxed, but ready.
Harusa stopped, addressing two teammates with a loud but casual tone.
"Don't tighten the formation! This isn't a parade—it's a public route!"
One member chuckled. Another adjusted spacing immediately.
Harusa glanced over—her eyes met Kaito's for a split second.
She lifted her chin slightly, a faint smirk forming.
Kaito responded with a small nod.
No greeting. None needed.
They both understood: not yet.
Ahead, a Juantice Team heavy vehicle blocked part of the road. Nearby, armed students in gray-black helmets checked logistics.
Miraka stared at the massive vehicle.
"Is that… a bus?" she whispered.
"No," Kaito replied flatly. "That's a Heavy Tank."
They moved on.
To the right, a group of students emerged from behind a truck.
Dark steel-gray work jackets. Reinforced shoulders and elbows stained with dust and oil. On their left chests, a small emblem—a gear with a half-built tower. On the right, crudely stitched names.
Some carried tool bags. Others held rolled blueprints.
Civiron Technical Institute (CTI).
They moved in groups, heavy but synchronized steps. Few words. Focused faces—like workers who knew their task before receiving orders.
Kaito slowed unconsciously.
❝Project uniforms…❞
❝Not a combat unit.❞
He noted the details: scarred hands,
steel-toed boots,
eyes fixed not on the sky—but on structures, ground, and buildings.
"Hm…" Kaito murmured.
❝Who are they?❞
Miraka glanced at them.
"Their clothes are strange."
"Technical school," Levi replied. "They don't learn how to shoot."
"Then what do they do here?"
Levi didn't answer immediately.
Because ahead—slightly to the left—the border fortress of Primanoel finally came into view.
Or rather…
What remained of it.
The concrete wall destroyed yesterday was now reinforced with steel frames. Scaffolding towered overhead. Prefabricated panels were neatly installed. A small crane moved slowly—kreeeek—lifting beams into place.
And there…
CTI students were working.
Some welded, sparks flashing briefly. Others measured wall angles with digital tools. Movements quick, efficient, silent.
At the perimeter, Munadhi Team guards stood watch.
Red-and-light-green jackets. Lightweight helmets. FAMAS rifles hanging neatly. Rigid, almost statue-like.
Among them—
Max.
Dark green Ixirus jacket. Black cap shading part of his face. His sniper rifle was safely grounded. He stood relaxed, talking to someone with an unmistakable voice.
"I swear, yesterday's tank explosion was amazing!" Taylor, pointing animatedly at the former breach. "If only there'd been a cameraman from this angle—boom! Cinematic!"
Max nodded slightly.
"…Want to see the fortress blown up again?" he replied flatly.
Taylor burst out laughing.
Kaito stopped walking.
His eyes swept the entire area—work speed, personnel count, guard formation.
❝That fast…❞
❝Yesterday this fortress was completely destroyed by Primanoel's tank fire.❞
Levi stopped too.
"Teacher… that fortress—"
"I know," Kaito cut in quietly.
Harisa stood still, eyes fixed on the welding sparks. The light reflected briefly—she blinked rapidly, taking a short breath.
Miraka moved closer, gripping Kaito's coat.
"I want to be carried…"
Kaito glanced at her.
"Better walk. It'll make you stronger."
He continued forward.
They left Oxiom Fortress behind, entering a wider road with sidewalks. Low apartment buildings lined the street. Extracurricular buildings were visible in the distance.
The air felt different.
Calmer.
"We've finally reached Glaxina's school district," Levi exhaled quietly.
Harisa said nothing—but her steps were steadier now.
Miraka looked ahead, her eyes sparkling.
"Teacher…"
"Yes?"
"Will the school look big?"
Kaito stared straight ahead.
"…You'll know when you see it."
They kept walking.
Behind them, the sound of welding faded into the distance.