Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A clear sky over Kivotos today.

If you only looked at the sky, it would be a very peaceful day. But......

BOOM!

"Haa..."

A large-scale riot in the center of Kivotos, at the DU. Rin sighs, looking down at the chaos in Kivotos from the General Student Council building.

As the Chief Administrator, she is the second-in-command of the General Student Council. With the sudden disappearance of the General Student Council President, she has to take charge and lead everything, which puts a lot of stress on her.

The only force that can resolve this situation is Valkyrie. The SRT Special Academy, the pride and the strongest military force of the General Student Council, cannot be mobilized by Rin, who is just an acting president without the authority like the Sanctum Tower, because the President is missing.

Then, a signal came that would at least ease Rin's burden.

The tightly closed General Student Council President's room. A reaction was detected that someone had appeared there.

"Have you finally come... Sensei?"

A record left by the missing General Student Council President. It said that an adult from the outside, a teacher... would come as her representative. Even the organization Schale was established by the President before her disappearance. It's still confusing because it seems like the President disappeared on her own will...

Rin believed in the General Student Council President and walked down the hallway to check on the adult who was supposed to be her representative.

In front of the door to the General Student Council President's room, she calmed her nervous heart... She grabbed the doorknob and opened the door.

The General Student Council President's room came into view. On the sofa in the room, someone was sleeping. But... something was strange.

"...A student?"

A girl who looked like a student was sleeping there. Moreover, she was wearing a Gehenna uniform, specifically, a Prefect Team uniform.

"This person...... is the adult? She looks younger than me..."

A girl who looked younger than her. Moreover, she was wearing a Gehenna uniform and sleeping while hugging a gun. She was undoubtedly a student of Kivotos. She didn't know what the outside of Kivotos was like, but it must be very different from Kivotos. At least an adult wouldn't look like a Gehenna student.

But... it was also strange to say that the girl in front of her wasn't Sensei. According to the General Student Council President's records, the only one who would appear here was the adult who came as Sensei. Besides, what student would sneak into the General Student Council without getting caught, enter the President's room, and sleep on the sofa?

Given the circumstances, it was certain that the girl in front of her was Sensei. First, she decides to wake her up.

"Sensei."

"Zzz......"

"Sensei!"

"Waaah!?"

When she woke up with a loud voice, she was startled and fell off the sofa. She rubbed her sore bottom and got up.

"Ouch...... Uh, where am I? And... who are you? Hehe."

A little later......

"So... I'm Sensei."

"Yes. Is there anything wrong with your memory?"

"Um...... Yes. I don't know exactly how I got here, but I think I know. And... I don't know why I look like this..."

"Does that mean this is not your original appearance?"

"Yes... I'm just an ordinary office worker in my 20s... Why did I become a high school girl... I-It's creepy, isn't it!? A grown man becoming a young girl! I'm sorry! I'll just die!"

"Please don't die......"

Rin sighs, thinking that it was quite an impressive first impression. Seeing Rin like that, Sensei felt sorry.

"I'm sorry... I'm not usually like this... Maybe my personality and speech changed because my appearance did... I've only ever touched toy guns in my life, but somehow this gun feels familiar."

"I see, so you're being influenced by the body. Let's find out more about that body later. That's not what's important right now."

"Huh... It's kind of important to me..."

"Please follow me, Sensei."

She didn't look very trustworthy, but if she was indeed Sensei, she could break through this situation. If they could just restore one Sanctum Tower, the current situation would be resolved. In the elevator heading to the first floor, Rin explains the situation in Kivotos and the current state of affairs.

Sensei seemed to have a headache, but he seemed to understand. Soon, they arrived at the first floor and headed to the lobby to go outside... In the lobby, there were students from the three major schools who had come to express their complaints about the current situation.

Yuuka from Millennium Seminar, Chinatsu from Gehenna's Prefect Team, Hasumi from Trinity's Justice Task Force, and Suzumi from the Vigilante Corps.

As soon as Yuuka saw Rin, she started yelling at her......

"This person will resolve the future situation."

"Huh? Who is this? She looks like a Gehenna student."

"Ah, hello... I'm Sensei."

"...You are, Igusa Haruka from Problem Solver 68, I believe. What are you doing here?"

Yuuka is suspicious of Sensei, and Chinatsu, who knew about the members of the somewhat famous Problem Solver 68, recognized Haruka, the owner of Sensei's current appearance.

"A Gehenna student, as the acting president of the General Student Council...? This requires an explanation."

"Haa... First, let me say that she is not affiliated with Gehenna. I will explain the details at the Schale building. To activate the Sanctum Tower, we need to take Sensei to Schale."

"...Alright, for now. I'll hear the details later."

Hasumi, who hates Gehenna the most in the Justice Task Force, showed hostility as soon as she saw Sensei, but Sensei gave an awkward smile and greeted Hasumi.

For now, since the activation of the Sanctum Tower is the priority, they follow Rin to Schale.

However, they couldn't use a helicopter because it could be shot down, so they had to go on foot. The roads were a mess, so they couldn't use vehicles... The group ran to Schale. Students were rioting in the streets.

Even with strong people like Hasumi, it was difficult for just four people, excluding the non-combatant Rin, to break through all the students and reach Schale.

Watching the fight from behind with Rin... Sensei's heart was pounding.

"...Rin-san. This is a difficult situation, isn't it......?"

"Yes? Ah, yes. It won't be easy to break through with this number of people. Valkyrie is also moving to stop the situation that's happening all over the DU, so it will take time..."

"Then... should I do it?"

"You, Sensei...? Can you fight?"

"Yes...! I can fight. Rin-san is in trouble, right? I can fight... and I think I can command too. Should I do it......?"

Seeing Sensei's determined eyes, Rin nods. Sensei smiles and puts on the in-ear, giving instructions to everyone.

For now, everyone reluctantly followed her instructions... and the battle started to become smoother. And......

"Uhehehehe! Die, die! You trash that's getting in Rin-san's way!!!"

"......I wonder if Sensei will really be okay."

While rampaging and fighting, Sensei was unexpectedly giving quick and accurate battle commands. Seeing Sensei like that, Rin had a headache, wondering if things would be okay in the future.

Chapter Text

The road to Schale......

Boom!

"Hyaaah!"

Sensei charges forward, screaming. In Haruka's form, he displays remarkable combat proficiency, likely due to the body's influence. Despite his confused expression and voice, he remains calm when giving instructions.

Everyone was impressed by Sensei's ability to turn the situation around with her unexpectedly excellent leadership skills.

"Is that, that girl's power?"

"No... As far as the Prefect Team knows, Igusa Haruka is not the strategic type. She's the type to just charge in and fight like that."

Rin initially thought this leadership ability might be coming from Haruka, but after hearing Chinatsu's words, she realized that the leadership ability was Sensei's own unique power.

"Huff... Huff...... This is Schale, right?"

"Yes... We've arrived at Schale."

Rin was impressed that they arrived at Schale's building much earlier than expected. While the combat ability could be attributed to Haruka's strength, Sensei's leadership skills brought out more than the usual potential of the students she had just met.

Sensei, although breathing heavily, looked proud. But soon his expression turned sour...

"B-But......I'm a teacher... Is it really okay for me to be beating up students like this..."

"Now you're asking... It's common in Kivotos, and since you look exactly like a student, there shouldn't be a problem."

"But my conscience... Still, Rin-san said it was okay... Ugh!"

'He's quite a handful, isn't he? I hope this isn't his original personality.'

Haruka was quite a handful. Hoping that Haruka's personality wasn't Sensei's original personality, Rin takes Sensei into Schale.

"Um... Is it possible for me to change clothes?"

"Clothes?"

"Yes... Men's clothes, maybe... This skirt is, a bit..."

"......Come this way."

Rin found a men's suit in a storage room on the second floor, a suit that would fit Haruka's size. Sensei changes clothes with his eyes closed as much as possible. Since he was used to suits, he could change even with his eyes closed.

Afterward, Rin sends Sensei to the basement alone to open the office upstairs for a moment, and Sensei enters the basement......

"Who... Who are you?"

Sensei encounters a girl with a fox mask holding a tablet.

"Ah... Are you, perhaps, also from the General Student Council? Right? Nice to meet you. I'm Sensei, who just arrived..."

Sensei greets her, wearing a men's suit.

In front of him is one of Kivotos' worst criminals, the Fox of Calamity, Kosaka Wakamo.

Wakamo stares at Sensei's face for a few seconds...

"E-Excuse me!"

Then, Wakamo runs away. Sensei wonders if he made a mistake, and looks at the tablet Wakamo left behind.

"This... feels, familiar......"

The moment Sensei touches the tablet, it turns on.

{Please enter the password.}

"...Pass, word."

It was definitely a tablet he had never seen before. But for some reason, the tablet felt familiar. He shouldn't know the password... but somehow, he felt like he knew it. Then, closing his eyes, he says the password.

"We thirst for the seven wailings. We bear the koan of Jericho."

Soon after... the Shittim Chest activates. And on the screen, a girl sleeping with her head on the desk appeared.

Out of curiosity, Sensei pokes the girl...

{Hyaa!? Wh-What is it!?}

"Oh......?"

{Uh...... Who are you?}

"I could ask you the same......"

{Wait... I can talk to you? And the Shittim Chest is activated? Then perhaps...... Sensei!?}

"Ah, yes. I am Sensei. But you are..."

{Why are you a girl!? Why a high school girl!? Ugh... I don't know. F-For now...... Could you, put your finger here?}

"Okay."

Not knowing what it was, Sensei touched the girl's index finger. Soon after, the system activates. Biometric recognition identifies him as Sensei, not Haruka, and all the authority of the General Student Council President is transferred to Sensei.

"Oh? You found it already."

"Ah, Rin-san."

"That's the Shittim Chest. I don't know the details... but through it, the authority of the General Student Council President is transferred to you, Sensei."

"Ah... Yes, I received it."

"I see... That was fast. Then, could you activate the Sanctum Tower?"

"Yes."

Rin came to the basement. As Rin said, Sensei activates the Sanctum Tower. Rin asks him to transfer the authority of the Sanctum Tower......

"B-But... I don't know anything. About this authority...... Could you, explain it in more detail?"

"Authority, you say... I only asked you about the Sanctum Tower. If Sensei disappears like the General Student Council President, the Sanctum Tower, Kivotos' energy source, will stop again, and Kivotos will face an incident double the size of this one. Because of that, I'm asking you to transfer the authority of the Sanctum Tower first."

"Hmm... I understand. Since the Sanctum Tower is important, I'll transfer the authority of the Sanctum Tower to you."

Sensei transfers the authority of the Sanctum Tower to the General Student Council first. Rin confirms it on her phone and nods.

"But, what about the explanation of the authority?"

"...Right now, I have the authority of the General Student Council President. And that was entrusted to me by the General Student Council President. I want to know about these authorities."

{Ah, I can explain that to you!}

"Ah... Arona-san will explain it to me."

"Is that the OS in charge of the Shittim Chest? I heard it existed... Anyway, I'll go explain the situation to the people outside."

Rin leaves the room, and Arona explains to Sensei the authorities transferred from the General Student Council President.

"Hmm...... These are heavy authorities. But I can't just easily hand them over. The General Student Council is divided into 11 departments, and they might fight each other to seize that authority. Until the General Student Council President returns, it's probably safest for me to hold onto them, right?"

{Hmm, the workload will increase... but considering the overall stability, that would be better. There are many difficulties, including the SRT.}

"SRT...? I don't know what that is, but it's important, I suppose."

For now, Sensei decides to keep the authority other than the Sanctum Tower. When he comes out of the basement, Rin, who was waiting, greets him. Rin immediately guides him to the Schale office and explains the tasks he needs to do.

"In effect, Rin-san does the work of the General Student Council President... and I just give the final approval. Other than that, I take on requests and do work."

"Yes. It won't be too difficult. First, let's start work tomorrow. Please come in by 9 AM. Your residence will be in the Schale basement for now. We will find a separate residence for you, Sensei, later. Until then, please stay at Schale."

"Ah, yes... Thank you, Rin-san."

"Not at all. This is the least I should do. Then... I have a lot of work to catch up on, so I'll be going now. Today, please learn about Kivotos through the internet or the OS-san."

"Yes, leave it to me..."

Sensei part ways with Rin. He sits at the office desk and learns about Kivotos through the internet, gradually accumulating common knowledge of Kivotos through conversations with Arona.

Eventually... Sensei falls asleep with his head on the desk. Later, time passes...... and morning comes.

Rin arrives at the Schale office at 9 AM. She came to explain the work, bringing the documents that Sensei needed to approve......

"Wh-Who are you......?"

"Yo, good morning, Rin."

"S-Sensei......?"

"Oh, it's me. I woke up like this in the morning. So, did you find a way to know about my condition?"

Chapter Text

The Federal Investigation Club, A club directly under the General Student Council President and has extrajudicial authority similar to SRT.

In addition, unlike SRT, which operates under the instructions of the commander-in-chief, Schale is under the General Student Council President, but since the person in charge, Sensei, is the acting president, he can move freely as he pleases.

Moreover, since he has all the authority of the General Student Council President except for the Sanctum Tower, he has higher authority than Rin, who is not under the General Student Council but is the acting president.

Therefore, there is a debate within the General Student Council. Whether an adult from outside should have such power.

Of course, there is a possibility of abuse, but Rin decided to trust Sensei, whom the General Student Council President chose as her deputy. That's why she came to support Sensei to improve his public image......

"Did you eat breakfast? Rin."

"No."

"That's not good, you know~? You have to eat during your growth period to grow well. Ah, is it time for your growth plates to close? Anyway, you have to eat three meals a day to be healthy."

Sensei, now in the form of Millennium's strongest, Mikamo Neru from C&C, was cooking in front of her.

"Were you originally good at cooking?"

"Huh? I used to live alone, so I could cook normally. But I think I'm much better now."

After taking on Neru's appearance, Sensei was able to cook more professionally. On the outside, she looks delinquent, but like a member of the Maid Service Club, Neru is quite diligent.

As a maid, she was surprisingly good at cooking.

"Okay, the omelet is done. If I had tomatoes, I would have made tomato and egg stir-fry."

Sensei made an omelet. Sensei also takes out ketchup separately.

"It looks delicious."

"Want me to make it even more delicious?"

Sitting across from Rin, Sensei rests her chin on her left hand and smirks, looking like Neru. Seeing Sensei like that, Rin feels strange knowing that she's a grown man inside.

"Do you have a picture of your original self?"

"Oh? Ah, it's on my phone. Here."

Sensei takes out his phone from his pocket and shows it to her.

The original appearance of Sensei is reflected on the phone screen.

'He's handsome.'

The original was quite handsome. Anyway, they start eating.

"Come to think of it, I saw on the internet that ketchup is a vegetable in Millennium?"

"Ah, yes. It's a policy set by the current Student Council President, Tsukatsuki Rio. I think it's to reduce the budget for school lunches."

"Is that okay? It's bound to be nutritionally unbalanced~"

Sensei leans back in his chair and sighs. Even the real Neru would probably react like that. After finishing their meal, they start preparing for work.

"Anyway, do I just have to work all day today?"

"Yes. It will probably be over by the morning. You can do whatever you want in the afternoon."

"I see~ Then Rin, let's finish it quickly!"

"Yes. Then, first......"

Thud!

Rin puts down thick books on the desk.

"Shall we start with the General Student Council's official document regulations?"

"......Are you sure we can finish it in the morning?"

"There are no official documents, including reports, to be written today. Today, you just need to study the regulations, review the documents for approval, and approve them."

Sensei felt that Rin's smile was somewhat cold. Still, he decides to do it.

"Ughhhh......"

About three hours later. Sensei, who had finished all the approvals, collapsed on the desk.

"Indeed, your work ability is excellent. You could work directly in the General Student Council. As expected of someone with work experience. That's it for today's work. Good job, Sensei."

"Ugh...... Thank you, Rin."

Sensei gets up with a tired face and leans against the chair. It's now lunchtime. Sensei takes out his phone, thinking about what to eat, when he hears a knock on the office door.

"Oh~ Come in."

{That voice sounds familiar.....?}

A familiar voice is heard from outside, and when the door opens, it's revealed to be Millennium's Yuuka, who helped recapture Schale the day before.

"What...... N-Neru!?"

"Ah~ You must be, Yukari, was it?"

"It's Yuuka! More importantly...... why is C&C......?"

"What's C&C?"

"......Could it be, Sensei!?"

"That's an understandable reaction. Of course, I was surprised too."

Yuuka, who is shocked to see Sensei, soon realizes that it's not Neru through a short conversation and deduces that it's Sensei, which shocks her even more. The day before, it was Gehenna's Haruka, and today it's Neru, whom she knows well. Yuuka pinches her cheek, wondering if it's a dream. She feels pain and lets go.

"I think Sensei changes into a student of Kivotos every day. I want to examine Sensei's constitution, and I want to borrow the technology of Millennium."

"...I've never heard of a case like this. Is this confidential?"

"Well...... For Sensei's activities, it would be difficult to keep it confidential. Starting tomorrow, we will give Sensei a one-of-a-kind name tag to prove his identity. We can also prove that he is Sensei through the Shittim Chest, but we need something that stands out."

"Haa...... First, I'll ask the Engineering Department and Veritas. I can't make any promises, though."

"That's enough."

Rin asks Millennium to find out the secret about Sensei's body. It was a natural course of action since the General Student Council was busy and didn't have as much technology as Millennium.

"By the way, why are you here Yuuka?"

"Actually, I came to claim reimbursement for the ammunition used in yesterday's battle."

"......That's petty."

"What's petty!? This is normal!"

"Hmm...... What would be the case in Kivotos? Guns and bullets are daily necessities...... Is it like claiming reimbursement for toilet paper?"

"What are you talking about!? Anyway, I worked at the request of the General Student Council, so I have the right to claim it."

"Haa...... Okay. Please resolve that part with Sensei later. It's lunchtime, so I'll excuse myself first."

Since he's in Neru's form, Rin thinks that Sensei will win even if Yuuka attacks him with any bad intentions, so she leaves the office. Since it's only been two days since she arrived, she was worried about Sensei.

"Hmm, ammunition reimbursement. First, shall we eat? Have you eaten, Yuuka?"

"No, not yet......"

"Then let's go eat together! Have you been to DU often, Yuuka?"

"Yes...... I've been here many times for work."

"Grea~t! Then please guide me through DU! Let's go out and find a good restaurant!"

"Eeh......"

"Well, since I suggested it...... I, Sensei, will pay! Is that okay?"

"Mmmm... If you say so."

Yuuka is dragged outside by Sensei.

Yuuka reluctantly guides him through DU and looks for a restaurant.

"Hmm~ It smells good. How about there?!"

"Is it a pub... Certainly, they should be selling lunch menus at this time. That's fine."

It's a pub, but since it's lunchtime, it's a normal restaurant, so Yuuka nods. As long as they don't order only alcohol, there's no problem. The two of them enter the pub.

The rice bowl menu was popular for lunch...

"Salt or sauce, that is the question."

"Are you going to eat skewers instead of rice?"

"Yeah. It's been a while since I've had yakitori while working. They only sell fried skewers at convenience stores. I'm craving these mild skewers."

"I see. I'll have the steak bowl."

"Hmm... Okay! Boss! One steak bowl and five yakitori! Three salt and two sauce!"

"Okay~"

Sensei raises his hand and confidently orders. Yuuka was feeling an indescribable feeling, seeing Sensei, who had a different atmosphere from the usual Neru.

"By the way, boss?"

"You call the owner 'boss' at these kinds of stores. Our Yuuka is still young, so you don't know yet, do you?"

"......"

Yuuka has nothing to say since she's definitely younger than Sensei, and she's younger than Neru, who is his current form. But she wanted to flick Sensei, who was smirking and looking up at her with Neru's face.

Soon, the meal comes out. Yuuka tries to eat right away, but Sensei puts his hands together for a moment.

"Itadakimasu."

"...That's like a custom from the Allied Hyakkiyako Academy, isn't it?"

"Allied Hyakkiyako Academy? Ah~ The place I came from is a place called Japan, which is similar to the Allied Hyakkiyako Academy. That's why. Then~"

Sensei sticks out his tongue and eats the yakitori right away. He eats the basic salt flavor first. Sensei is happy as he chews on the plump chicken. Yuuka almost choked on her rice at the sight of his carefree smile, which is rarely seen from the usual Neru.

Yuuka pats her chest and drinks water.

"What, were you very hungry? Eat slowly~ If you eat too fast, you'll gain weight, you know?"

"......Yes."

'Because of you!' Yuuka wanted to say, but she held it in. It's Sensei, even though he's in Neru's form, he's an adult. Yuuka felt like she was seeing Koyuki in Sensei, who was in Neru's form.

After that, the meal continued, and it seemed like a peaceful time... but Sensei stared at the wooden menu board on the wall next to him. He took a bite of the sauce yakitori while keeping his eyes fixed on the menu board.

"Is it not enough?"

"Hmm... It's been a while since I've been to a pub, and it's yakitori...... so......"

"So?"

"......I want a drink."

""Pfft!""

The customers who were eating at the pub heard Sensei's, Neru's voice, and spit out their food. Including Yuuka.

"Cough, cough! Wh-What did you say?"

"Drinking during the day isn't good... It's not that I like alcohol, but there are times when I crave it, you know? Maybe it's because I haven't had a drink in a while, but I'm craving it...... Beer is good with yakitori, and so is warm sake...... Yeah, a glass of sake would be nice too."

"Excuse me, Sensei... Please don't say that in that form!"

"Hmm... I'm an adult, even though I look like this. Is it still not good? Hmm...... Ah, right! Boss! A non-alcoholic beer!"

"Y-Yes..."

Non-alcoholic is fine. Thinking that, Sensei orders.

"Is that really okay for an adult..."

"It's fine, it's fine~ This much is okay~"

If it were the original Sensei, he wouldn't have said anything even if he thought about alcohol in a situation where a student was with him... but maybe it was because he had become Neru's personality, he just said it like a tough guy and ordered it, saying non-alcoholic was fine.

In the end, Sensei looks happy and drinks the non-alcoholic beer that eventually arrives. Seeing Sensei like that, she worried if this adult was really okay as the acting president of the General Student Council. Of course, this incident will likely become a dark history for Sensei as well.

The two of them finish their meal and leave the store.

"Haa... I feel kind of tired."

"Really? I'm good because I'm full. It was a good restaurant, wasn't it?"

"The taste and quality were good. But... never mind."

"Were you dissatisfied with something?"

"...Well, you know?"

Yuuka's stomach felt heavy because of Sensei. She felt like she was going to get an upset stomach. Sensei smiles faintly as he looks at Yuuka.

"I felt like I got closer to Yuuka, so I liked it."

"......I-Is that so."

It seemed like no big deal, but for some reason, Yuuka became self-conscious. She turns her head to hide her blushing face.

"Then, before we go to write that ammunition reimbursement form~! How about we go to the arcade on the way to digest our food?"

"Haa... Are you only thinking about playing?"

"This is also to adjust to Kivotos~ If Yuuka doesn't want to~ Should I go alone?"

"Haa... I'll go with you."

"Hehe~ Great! Let's hurry!"

Looking at Sensei, who was energetically walking ahead, Yuuka felt an indescribable feeling.

Chapter Text

"Ah, that was fun."

{Did you enjoy yourself, Sensei?}

Sensei had his fun roaming the streets of DU with Yuuka. Yuuka said she wouldn't ask him for ammunition and went back right away. Yuuka's face looked quite tired as she returned.

Sensei returned to Schale alone and sat in his office chair, leaning back and smiling.

"Alright~ It felt like I really became younger, you know? Well... the gender and everything else is different, but... Haha."

{Still, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. What are you going to do now? You said you were going to look into the authority you received, right?}

Sensei had his fun with Yuuka, but he had a plan. He wasn't just going to play around after work was done, he was going to analyze the authority he received from the General Student Council President.

"The most important of those authorities right now is the SRT Special Academy, right?"

{Yes. The SRT Special Academy has the same extrajudicial authority as Schale. They can operate in other schools' autonomous districts without a separate warrant. However, the authority to command them lies solely with the General Student Council President. That authority now rests with you, Sensei.}

"I see... It's complicated. I can lead the students like a teacher, but it's a military organization... I don't know anything about this. If it's me right now, I can fight, but still."

{Even so, it doesn't mean you're invincible, Sensei. If you really change into a different student every day, there will be weak students among them. Who knows, you might even turn into an ordinary citizen instead of a student.}

"Haa... How did I end up like this? It's inconvenient in so many ways... It's my body, but it's someone else's, so I couldn't even take a shower yesterday......"

{Hmm... Maybe you don't have to wash since your body and clothes change every day?}

"Even so, that's not very human, is it?"

{Haha, I guess not?}

Suddenly becoming a woman overnight, and not even his own female version, but a different student. Rin investigated and found that Haruka was doing fine at the same time, and Neru was also attending school in Millennium without any problems.

Therefore, it wasn't that his body was changing, but that Sensei was transforming into the form of that student, taking on their powers and personality. Of course, his fingerprints, blood, and physical reactions were his own.

It was a scientifically inexplicable phenomenon, but... it was something that could happen in Kivotos. In the past, Gehenna had created weapons that couldn't be made with the existing technology of Kivotos, and there were reports of unidentified artifacts in the ruins of Millennium.

It was hard to accept that Sensei had such a constitution, but no one thought it was impossible.

"Then, should I go find that SRT?"

{Hmm... I wouldn't recommend that yet. You haven't fully adapted to Kivotos yet... and I'm worried that they won't follow your orders.}

"I guess...... Suddenly an adult from outside, a foreigner, and on top of that, a teacher who transforms into a different student's body every day? I think I'm suspicious too... No matter how much I want to believe it, it might be a little off-putting? It's a little sad to say that?"

{Haha... There's probably a way to fix that constitution.}

"I wonder... I'd like to fix it if I can. I mean, I'm not just turning into any other woman, but into the students, I have to teach, so it's inconvenient in many ways... ethically!"

{Speaking of which, I heard that the Engineering Department of Millennium made an automatic bathing device. How about getting one of those?}

"Hmm... That's a bit embarrassing, isn't it? To get something like that because I can't even wash my own body... Haa, should I just cover my eyes and do it? Or should I just endure it..."

{For a while, you'll have to get used to it......}

"I lost something precious, and I'm in someone else's body. How did I end up like this... Haha."

Sensei felt a sense of loss, suddenly having his masculinity taken away and turning into the underage students he had to teach.

After discussing and studying the various authorities with Arona... Sensei ordered delivery food when it became evening using a delivery app. After that, he finally decided to take a bath...

"Should I just die?"

{You're showing your personality from yesterday!?}

Sensei covers his eyes and enters the bathroom, feeling a sense of loss. He tries to touch his body as little as possible, pouring water on himself and rubbing his body with a shower puff mixed with body wash. After washing his body, he gets into the bathtub, looks at the ceiling, and opens his eyes...

"......It feels kind of empty."

{Oh...}

Was it because his masculinity had been stripped away, or was it because of his sense of responsibility as Sensei? He felt nothing. He just tried his best not to look at her naked body, which was now his own. It felt utterly hollow.

After that, Sensei dried himself and his hair and came out. Then he spent some time and fell asleep.

"Again..."

"Haha."

And the next morning, seeing Sensei transformed into a Justice Task Force mob. Rin wasn't even surprised anymore.

About three days passed. Sensei was now used to his work. Then, he received his first request.

"Heeh~ Abydos, it's like Egypt!"

{It looks similar to a place called Egypt?}

"Yeah~ The request is for supplies because they're under attack. It's a distress call~"

Sensei, who had turned into a delinquent student today, leaned back in his chair, put his legs up on the desk, and looked at the request letter.

"Hmm... This Ayane girl has pretty handwriting!"

{Is that so? Ayane... She must be the secretary of the Abydos Foreclosure Task Force. However, the Task Force itself is an unofficial club.}

"I remember hearing before that Abydos is the poorest of the autonomous districts, right? And they're under attack... This is something I have to help with!"

{Are you going to take SRT with you?}

"No, no~ It's not that big of a deal. I'll go first, assess the situation, and solve it! Prepare the supplies, Arona!"

{Yes, I'll ask the General Student Council to send supplies to Abydos.}

"Alright~ Thanks. Then, shall we go!?"

{Huh? It's already afternoon, are you sure?}

"Of course~ We're just visiting a school, right? There's no problem at all! Then, let's go. To Abydos."

Sensei immediately moved to help the Abydos students who needed help. He hurriedly took the train to Abydos......

But he immediately got lost.

And so, another day passed.........

"Hmm~ Hmm~ Hmm~♪"

A girl walks listlessly through the deserted streets of Abydos. A member of the only student council in Abydos, yawning as she walks to school.

Takanashi Hoshino.

"Where's a good place~ for a nap~♪"

Hoshino walked through the streets, humming and swaying. Even so, she went to school early in the morning, before her juniors arrived. She would take a nap after arriving anyway.

Hoshino walked the same streets she saw every day. Then, she felt a presence and slightly opened her eyes. She saw someone collapse far in front of her. Thinking it might be a lost person, she focused her eyes and looked at the fallen person......

"...........Huh?"

There, like a mirage, she saw someone who should no longer exist. She thought it must be an illusion...... but Hoshino took one step, then two. Her steps gradually quickened, and she ran forward. Hoshino ran towards the collapsed girl.

"N-No way......"

"Ugh, ugh......"

"! Sh-she's alive..."

Hoshino looked down at the collapsed girl with trembling eyes, unable to believe it. When the girl groaned, Hoshino was startled.

"Wa-Water......"

"Ah...... Y-Yes!"

Hoshino took out a water bottle from her bag. The girl took the water from Hoshino and gulped it down. Seeing her so full of life, Hoshino's pupils shook even more violently.

"Phew~! I'm saved thanks to you~"

"Ah... Aah..."

"I almost dried up... I can't believe I got lost in a place like this, I'm so embarrassed. Thank you! You saved me~!"

"......Yu, Yu──"

"─ Yume-senpai!"

"Huh?"

Squeeze!

Hoshino shouted the name of the student whose form Sensei had taken, and hugged Sensei. Sensei was bewildered by this.

"This feeling, it's real...... It's really Yume-senpai...... Yume-senpai is alive..."

"Um...... Well..."

Sensei was at a loss, but he saw Hoshino's name tag and tried to stop her by calling her name.

"Um, Hoshino-chan?"

"*Sniff*,*sob*...... Yeah! There's no way Yume-senpai would be dead!"

"Oh my..."

"She's calling me like this, and I can touch her like this! Yeah, it was a dream. It was all a dream, and this is reality......"

"Aah......"

Looking down at Hoshino, who was crying and smiling with joy, Sensei felt like things were going very wrong. And then, a bicycle came running down the street.

"Hoshino-senpai?"

"Ah...... Shiroko-chan. I see, it was a bad dream after all...... So Yume-senpai was alive, and we're all together, right? Yume-senpai is a dummy! So she couldn't graduate and we're all together, right!? This is... reality......"

"......Did you eat something weird?"

Shiroko looked at Hoshino, who seemed emotionally unstable, with a worried look. Sensei looked down at Shiroko and Hoshino, feeling that the first meeting had gone completely wrong.

Chapter Text

"Everyone, good morning~!"

""......""

Hoshino cheerfully greeted everyone as she entered the Foreclosure Task Force's room.

"So... who is that?"

"Ahaha, nice to meet you all. I'm Sensei who came this time."

"Yeah, yeah, that's right~ I never expected Yume-senpai to become a teacher after graduation~ I was surprised, you know?"

Ayane cautiously asks about Sensei's identity, and Sensei tells her as it is. However, Hoshino interpreted it in her own way. That Yume didn't die, but became a teacher after graduation and came back.

"S-Sensei?"

"Certainly, I received an official notice that Sensei changes into a different student every time... It seems it was true."

Serika was dumbfounded, and Nonomi, the only one other than Hoshino who knew Yume, felt a sense of bitterness at the sight of Sensei. It was an incredible coincidence, and a cruel reality.

"You said it's your first time meeting your juniors, right~? Let me introduce them to you!"

"Ah, yeah..."

Sensei is being misunderstood quite a bit. He tried to explain in his own way, but Hoshino didn't seem to listen. He thought it would be fine tomorrow since she would know the truth after a day passed... but Sensei, who had heard information about Yume from Arona on the way here, felt bitter.

He had come to Abydos in the form of a student council president who was already dead. Sensei felt complicated in many ways. However, seeing Hoshino, who seemed unstable but a little happy... he decided to play along to some extent for now.

Just for a little while.

Sensei introduces himself to the Foreclosure Task Force and delivers supplies. But then, an explosion is heard from outside.

"This is..."

"It's the Helmet Gang's attack again!"

"I see, those are the delinquents mentioned in the letter! I'll help too!"

Sensei immediately takes out his shield. The shield that appeared when he became Yume. Hoshino's eyes wavered for a moment at the sight of the shield... but then, seeing Sensei holding the shield and a gun, her eyes welled up.

"Let's go!"

Sensei jumps out the window. Shiroko follows, and Serika and Nonomi head for the door.

"...Hoshino-senpai."

"Ah...... Yeah, I'm coming."

Hoshino snaps out of it at Nonomi's call and follows. As she leaves the room, Hoshino glances down at her own shield.

"......I knew it."

Hoshino smiles faintly, as if she already knew the truth. For now, she just had to enjoy this moment as much as possible.

The battle unfolds on the playground. Sensei holds up his shield and charges forward, giving instructions to everyone through his earpiece. Thanks to Sensei's battle command, they gain an advantage in the battle smoothly. Abydos was originally stronger than the Helmet Gang, but with Sensei's command, it was easier and they used less ammunition.

"...Yeah, this is what I wanted to see."

Yume's appearance leads the Abydos juniors before everyone. Although it was just Sensei looking like Yume... Hoshino smiled faintly, seeing as he overlapped with Yume. Hoshino soon raised her shield and ran forward.

"Can I take the side?"

"Yeah, please do, Hoshino-chan!"

"...Yes!"

Recalling the time two years ago, Hoshino destroys the Katakata Helmet Gang's tank together with Sensei. Sensei, who uses Yume's combat techniques so perfectly. Hoshino kept glancing at Sensei, looking at him with eyes full of longing.

Boom!!!

And so, the Foreclosure Task Force defeated the Katakata Helmet Gang in just 10 minutes after the battle began. The Helmet Gang all ran away, but they didn't bother to chase them.

"Good work, everyone~ We won!"

"Uhehe~ Right? It was way easier than usual, wasn't it?"

Sensei naturally high-fives Hoshino.

"We defeated the Helmet Gang and got supplies, so we can focus on paying off the debt!"

"Ah, Serika-chan......"

"...Oops!"

"Ah~ I already know about that. You don't have to hide it."

They all return to the Foreclosure Task Force's room, and Serika, relieved, accidentally mentions the debt. But Sensei, who had already learned about Abydos on the way here, also knew about the existence of the debt.

"I know the cause of the debt. And I know you're all working hard to repay it."

"Is that so... You already knew."

"Yeah, that's right. We're paying off the debt. Right now, just the interest is overwhelming, though."

Ayane gave an awkward smile, and Shiroko nodded, easily explaining the current situation.

"I didn't come here just to give you supplies. I want to help solve Abydos' debt problem."

"Haa~? Do you think that's possible? It's in the hundreds of millions! And, an adult who just came from outside... You're going to solve our debt that the General Student Council turned a blind eye to?"

"Serika-chan..."

"If it were that easy, we would've asked for Nonomi-senpai's help long ago. We want to reclaim this school with our own hands. I'd rather you didn't interfere, Sensei."

Serika showed hostility towards Sensei. While grateful for the supplies and combat support... she couldn't easily trust an adult who had just arrived in Kivotos, an adult from the General Student Council who had ignored Abydos, especially with the scars she had received while living in Abydos.

On top of that, a strange adult who changes into the form of a student every day. It was hard to trust him easily. Nonomi looked at Sensei, seeing Serika like that.

"It's not strange to react like that~ I understand. I won't ask you to trust me right away, or to rely on me right away. But, you know? I'm going to stay in Abydos for at least a few more days!"

"Stay? Where will you sleep...?"

"Hmm~ I can sleep anywhere, really! Aren't there motels or inns in the city?"

"Yes, there are. Stay at an inn. If you sleep outside, you might freeze to death because it's a desert."

"Haha..."

Sensei smiles and thinks positively even at Serika's sharp response. Hoshino stares at Sensei. Sensei smiles at Shiroko's words and immediately searches for accommodations, asking Ayane where would be good.

He looked like Yume, and he had a similar personality to Yume. It was as if Yume had really come back to life.

But Hoshino knows. That she's not Yume...... it was just a dream that lasted only one day.

That's all it is......

"Uhehe~ Then, as a senior of Abydos, I should guide Sensei~?"

"Huh? Guide?"

"Yeah~ I don't have anything to do later anyway~ I'll guide you in the afternoon~ Don't be shy, okay?"

Hoshino takes Sensei's hand and leaves the classroom. Serika calls out to Hoshino, but Nonomi holds Serika's hand and shakes her head. Nonomi, who knows Hoshino's pain that others don't... wanted her to enjoy this sweet dream, even if it was just for a little while.

First, Hoshino guides Sensei through Abydos High School, the annex, not the main building buried in the sand.

She showed him the tomatoes and other vegetables they grow in the rooftop garden, the gym, the now-dry swimming pool, and the warehouse, and also showed him the high-quality duck down mattress that Yume had found before.

"It's spacious even though it's an annex~"

"Uhehe~ Abydos was rich in the past, after all~ It wasn't like that when this old man was young, though~"

"Come to think of it, I heard that Abydos used to be famous for its sand festival."

"......"

Sand festival. Hoshino remembers the poster that Yume had shown her with a hopeful look, and the memory of tearing that poster with her own hands.

And recalls the note that Yume left before she disappeared, along with the poster that Yume had put back together. It's one of Yume's keepsakes that is now hanging in her room. Hearing the story of the sand festival from Sensei, who looked exactly like Yume, made her heart ache.

Swallowing hard and forcing a smile, Hoshino continued the tour.

"This is the last classroom! It used to be the student council's classroom... Now it's just another storage room."

"I see. It's quite spacious, isn't it?"

Being alone with Sensei in the classroom that used to be the student council room, Hoshino was overcome with emotion when she saw Sensei standing in front of the window. It was as if she had returned to that day two years ago. Sensei puts his hand on the window, slowly turns around, and looks at Hoshino.

"Hey, Hoshino-chan."

"......Yeah."

"...I'm not Yume."

"......Yeah, I know. Of course, I know......"

Sensei gives a faint smile and tells her the truth again. Hoshino gives a bitter smile, thinking she must look like an idiot.

"But... I'm Sensei. I can't just stand by when a student is having a hard time."

"......"

"Even though I'm not the real Yume... you can lean on me anytime you want. You liked her, right? Yume."

"...Yeah, I liked her. She was a fool, always positive, and full of mistakes... but I truly respected, admired, and liked her."

"I see. Hoshino. You don't have to bear that pain, that sadness alone. It's not your fault. If you want to lean on someone, you can lean on me anytime. You're not alone. I'm here."

"......I see. Then, can I... just for a little while, lean on you?"

"Yes, of course."

Hoshino slowly walked towards Sensei and leaned on his chest.

"It was really hard, wasn't it?"

"No, it wasn't...... Yeah, it was really hard. Alone... It was really hard."

"I see. It's okay now. I'm here. You don't have to struggle alone, Hoshino-chan."

Chapter Text

In the afternoon, Hoshino and Sensei left the school after getting permission from the Foreclosure Task Force juniors.

The two were headed to the Abydos Aquarium.

They waited about 20 minutes at the Abydos Central Line station.

"At least there's a vending machine at the station~"

"It's not a place many people come to, but still, some do~"

"...... Hoshino, do you like fish?"

"Yeah, I do. But... I've never actually seen fish before. Well, it's Abydos. Of course, I've seen fish served as food~"

"I see. Since it's Abydos, there aren't any restaurants with fish tanks."

At the very least, there should be some shops in the streets with fish tanks, but Hoshino, living in the ruined Abydos, lived in an era without such shops. Distribution was difficult, and such businesses would only suffer losses, so even restaurants selling sashimi mostly sold aged fish; there was no fresh sashimi.

Although there was an aquarium in Abydos, it was far away and, as a student of Abydos, paying off the debt was a priority, leaving no room for leisure, so she had never been.

And so, Hoshino boarded the train, holding Sensei's hand.

"I'm looking forward to the aquarium~"

"Yeah, me too."

"... But, is it okay for only me to enjoy it?"

"You're the senior~ It's fine!"

"Ehehe~ I guess so?"

Hoshino felt bad that she was going to the aquarium alone with Sensei, leaving the juniors behind, but Sensei spoke positively.

After quite some time, the two got off the train and arrived at the aquarium.

"It's more magnificent than I thought~?"

"I agree... Even though it's in Abydos, it's far from the school, so I've never been here. They say it's been here since Abydos was the top academy in Kivotos. It's the only aquarium they've kept running, continuously remodeling it."

"It has a long history. Let's go in quickly!"

Sensei grabbed Hoshino's hand and ran forward. Hoshino felt as if the past was coming back to her.

They entered the aquarium.

From the entrance, Hoshino showed interest in the various marine animal plushies being sold.

"Should I buy you one you like after we've seen everything?"

"Haha... I'm not a kid, Sensei?"

"Well, from this old man's perspective, you're all the same."

"Ugh...."

Speaking in Yume's manner and tone, Hoshino felt she couldn't win against that one remark.

They went inside the aquarium, and Hoshino marveled at the numerous fish swimming in the water. The actual sight of fish, which she had only ever seen in videos or pictures, was awe-inspiring.

"Look at that! Fish! Ahahaha, cute!"

"They're just like the fish I saw on Earth~ Still cute!"

"That's a whale? Heh~ Amazing. I've never been to a place like this before."

"Technically, it's a whale shark~"

Whales can't be kept in aquariums. The same regulations apply in Kivotos, and the whale shark is a unique species of shark that closely resembles a whale.

"Hmm~ Seems worth the 15,000 yen."

It was a considerable price of 15,000 yen per person, but Sensei had no regrets.

Hoshino placed her hand on the aquarium glass, watching the fish. She saw Sensei, in Yume's form, reflected in the glass behind her.

"... Thank you, Sensei."

"What for~"

"Really, truly thank you. I'll never forget today."

It was her first time visiting an aquarium. Hoshino was happy that this monumental experience felt like she was having it with Yume. She sincerely thanked Sensei, feeling that even if Sensei wasn't in Yume's form anymore, she could fully trust him.

Afterward, they went around the aquarium a few times, and evening came. Sensei bought her a 1-meter whale shark plushie at the gift shop by the entrance.

"Ehehe~ It's soft~"

"Haha... I'm glad you like it."

The plushie was as expensive as the admission fee. Sensei's wallet was getting lighter, causing a pang in his chest, but there were no regrets. More important than money was the child's happiness.

"I had fun today, Sensei~ Did you book a room?"

"Yeah. No problem. Then~ Let's take the train!"

"I'll go with you to downtown~"

The two took the train from the station together and headed downtown. They arrived in front of the motel Sensei had booked, and Hoshino gazed at Sensei at the entrance.

"It's time to say goodbye now."

"Haha, you make it sound like we're parting forever?"

"But... Yume-senpai's form, it's goodbye now."

"... You never know. It might happen again."

"I guess so...."

"... Hoshino. The important thing is not to dwell on the past but to move forward. You're not alone, are you? You have your precious juniors."

"......... Yeah."

"So, our Hoshino... you can do it, right?"

"... Yeah, I can. Thank you, Sensei. If it were really Yume-senpai, I think she would say that."

"Fufu, it's just an adult's lesson~"

Hoshino smiled at Sensei and laughed.

"I really had fun today. Thank you, Sensei. Well then, I'll go."

"Yeah. Go home safely, Hoshino."

Hoshino said goodbye and left the motel. She hugged the whale shark plushie with one arm and looked at her phone with the other. A picture taken with Sensei in Yume's form. Looking at the picture, Hoshino smiled faintly.

Sensei entered the motel room, lay down on the bed, talked briefly with Arona, and fell asleep.

{──Sensei.}

"Mmm...."

{Sensei!}

"Huh! Oh, it's morning."

{What are you going to do if you don't wake up even when the alarm goes off?}

"Sorry, sorry~ Even if my body has become younger, keeping up with a real high school girl's stamina is hard, you know? ... Huh? That voice sounds familiar...."

{You're right, Sensei.}

Sensei shot up at Arona's words. They rushed to the bathroom and looked in the mirror...

"Wow... This is going to be a problem."

{You might get looked down upon....}

Sensei sighed at the reflection in the mirror. Then, they tidied up a bit and went outside.

"For now, let's have breakfast."

{Hoshino-san recommended Shibaseki Ramen, right?}

"Let's go there then!"

Sensei headed straight to the ramen shop Hoshino recommended. They opened the door of the shop, which was open early in the morning.

"Hmm? Oh~ You're a bit early today?"

"Eh?"

"Then let's get started. Go change into your uniform inside."

"Ah... Ah?"

Creak~

"Welcome~ Go get ready. I'll take the first customer's order."

"Ah... Ah, okay!"

And then, having a misunderstanding with Master Shiba, Sensei went to the staff room....

"Welcome! This is Shibaseki Ramen!"

Unfortunately, out of all the students, Sensei had become Serika. Mistaken for Serika while going to eat ramen, he was swept up by the atmosphere and started working part-time.

Having actual experience working part-time at a ramen shop, and influenced by the body, Sensei worked very proficiently.

Creak~

"Welco──"

"I told you to stop following me!?"

"It's no use hiding your part-time job, Serika-chan?"

"Aha, we'll all eat and cheer you on!"

"Yeah, it's our favorite shop too."

"Haha, I'll tell Sensei about it too─ Huh? Se, Serika-chan──?"

While working, the real Serika and the Abydos students arrived.

"Ah......"

"...... Who, who are you!?"

Serika shouted at the top of her lungs, causing a commotion in the shop.

Chapter Text

"So... it wasn't on purpose?"

"That's right~ I got caught up in the atmosphere and didn't mean to."

Serika, now changed into her part-time work uniform, was scolding Sensei who had pretended to be her...

"What's the big deal, Serika? I had fun too. I honestly thought you had a twin."

"Sensei..."

"Anyway, I can't believe the famous Sensei actually has that kind of constitution. Even in this backwater, I've heard rumors about the acting General Student Council President... but this is the first time I've heard this? You must be keeping it a secret?"

"It's not really a secret, it's just that it's been shared with the major academies. They said it shouldn't be made public until they figure out the cause of the constitution, as it would cause chaos."

"I suppose so~ It's the first time I've seen something like this. But, I can tell. Your eyes show that you're not someone who would abuse such a constitution. Or maybe... it's just because you're in Serika's form?"

"Ugh, customer!"

"Oops~ Right, right."

Serika went to attend to the customer with a blush, and Sensei, now changed back into their school uniform, joined the Abydos students. Sensei sat next to Nonomi.

"You really looked exactly the same~ I didn't think it was you for a moment."

"Same here. I thought my glasses were malfunctioning for a second."

"I recognized you. Your eyes are gentler than Serika's."

"Oh, my~? Does that mean Serika-chan looks fierce? Well, I guess it's somewhat true~"

"What!?"

"Now, now, Serika. Be nice to the customers~"

"Ugh..."

The Foreclosure Task Force laughed and chatted, ordering from Serika. Sensei momentarily hesitated between the fried rice and ramen on the menu, but decided to go with the basic Shiba Seki Ramen since everyone else was having ramen.

Sensei usually tested the quality of a ramen shop by first ordering fried rice and tasting the soup that came with it. If the fried rice was mediocre but the soup was good, it meant the ramen would be decent. If both were good, it was a great restaurant. If both were bad, it was a place to avoid.

It was a way to find good restaurants like a true working adult. However, this place was a regular spot for the Abydos kids, and the appearance and aroma of the ramen as Serika served it looked delicious enough. Still, Sensei was craving rice today, so there was a tinge of disappointment.

The ramen arrived shortly. Sensei bowed to Serika. Serika felt complicated watching Sensei, as if she was having an out-of-body experience.

Sensei first took a sip of the soup and thought, *as expected, it's delicious.* Then, he tried the noodles...

"Hmm, it's a perfect harmony. A true hidden gem!"

"Right~? You know your stuff, Sensei~"

Hoshino watched Sensei smiling brightly while eating ramen, her gaze somewhat affectionate. Nonomi was worried about Hoshino, wondering if she was truly okay... but she thought it was a positive change. Though, it looked strange since Sensei had Serika's appearance.

After a satisfying meal, Sensei paid the bill. His wallet was getting lighter, but it was worth it.

Today was a free attendance day, so there was no need to go to school. Serika stayed at the shop to continue her part-time job, and Sensei left with the Foreclosure Task Force.

After lunch, during a short break, Serika stepped outside to stretch her shoulders.

"Break time, huh?"

"Eek!? S-Sensei!?"

Sensei was standing by the shop door, leaning against the wall.

"Were you... waiting for me the whole time?"

"Not really~ I just wanted to spend time with our Serika today? I was with the others and came here during break time. Master told me when your break was, by the way."

"Master..."

Master Shiba was as perceptive as he was skilled in cooking.

"Want to take a walk?"

"...Okay."

Serika, feeling uneasy about leaving Sensei in her form alone, decided to join them. The two walked through the desolate streets of Abydos. Despite being the city center, there weren't many people, making it feel like a rural town.

"Serika, do you like Abydos?"

"Of course I do. Why else would I be here?"

"...Why do you want to save the school?"

"Huh?"

"The debt of Abydos is the school's debt, not yours. You could transfer to another school anytime. So, why are you trying to protect it?"

Sensei asked Serika a question she already knew the answer to. To Serika, it sounded like nasty sarcasm, but Sensei just wanted to hear it from her own mouth.

"That's obvious! It's the place where I was born and raised. Of course, I want to protect it!"

"...Hehe, right. Of course~ Everyone wants to protect their hometown."

"Why did you ask that?"

Serika asked with a frown, and Sensei grinned.

"Well, I wanted to hear it from you. Even if the answer is obvious... I wanted to hear it directly from you. The reason why you keep fighting and trying. Is this also part of your youth?"

"Youth... you sound like an old man."

Thud!

"I-I'm still in my twenties... I'm a fresh graduate, do I really look that old?... I'm from the Satori generation, you know."

Seeing Sensei in her form looking downcast with drooping cat ears, Serika felt strangely moved. It was her appearance, yet not her. It was different from looking in a mirror. It felt like watching her own body being possessed while in an out-of-body state. That's what it felt like.

"Well... there's no other way to put it but youth, right? I was being harsh."

"Right!? It's definitely youth!"

Sensei's eyes lit up again, his ears perking up. Serika felt embarrassed seeing this. *Was I always this cute...?* She seemed to be undergoing some self-reflection.

The two continued walking and talking. Sensei spotted a takoyaki stand and suggested getting some as a snack. Serika sighed at Sensei's enthusiasm, but somehow, it felt like she had gained a sister, so it wasn't so bad.

"Here, Serika, let's eat together! It smells good, right?"

"...Yeah, it does smell good."

Taking the takoyaki from Sensei, Serika thought that regardless of his intentions, he seemed like a good person.

After a few more minutes of walking, Serika returned to the shop. Sensei decided to explore Abydos a bit more, thinking about picking Serika up when her shift ended.

Time passed... and it became evening.

After finishing their exploration, Sensei went to pick up Serika. However...

In the eerie evening stillness of the deserted street, the Helmet Gang appeared around Sensei.

"You're... the Helmet Gang? What do you—"

{Sensei!}

A shell flew from afar.

Boom!!!

Protected by Arona, Sensei was unharmed by the shell. However, the impact of the explosion knocked them down. The Helmet Gang swarmed Sensei, and a sleeping gas grenade exploded right in front of his face.

"Th-This is... ugh..."

{Oh no, we weren't prepared for this...! Sensei! Wake up! Sensei!}

With that, Sensei collapsed and was kidnapped by the Helmet Gang.

Of course... they had come to kidnap Serika, having obtained information about her part-time job, planning to threaten Abydos or reduce their fighting force. No one knew they had kidnapped Sensei instead of Serika.

Arona quickly sent a rescue request... but sending it to SRT or the General Student Council would escalate the situation too much, so she sent it to the Foreclosure Task Force. At least... Hoshino alone would be incredibly reliable.

{Sensei...}

Sensei was locked in a container. The truck carrying the container sped through the desert. Sensei was still unconscious.

Time continued to pass, and given the vastness of Abydos, the Helmet Gang wouldn't escape until around noon tomorrow at the earliest. Arona anxiously waited for the Foreclosure Task Force to arrive...

"Sensei was...?"

"Yeah, let's hurry, Serika."

Hoshino put on her bulletproof vest from her first year and tied her hair, preparing for battle. Everyone assembled at night to rescue Sensei. Serika's eyes widened in shock at the news of Sensei's kidnapping.

The only outsider who knew Sensei was in Serika's form was Master Shiba. And it was unlikely he would tell anyone or kidnap them. This meant the kidnapping was clearly aimed at Serika.

"They were targeting me...?"

"Calm down, Serika-chan. For now, Sensei was kidnapped from Abydos city. And the location sent by Sensei's Shittim Chest is gradually moving away. Judging by the direction, they're probably trying to leave Abydos."

"They must have found out Serika was working alone. The message saying Sensei was kidnapped by the Helmet Gang, it's probably revenge against us."

"Kidnapped... If they're left in the Abydos desert..."

"So let's hurry. Before it's too late..."

Hoshino's eyes were filled with a serious, almost murderous intent as she quickly got into the vehicle. Ayane, the operator, took the wheel and started driving rapidly. Serika felt anxious, blaming herself for Sensei's kidnapping.

Nonomi checked Arona's messages in the Foreclosure Task Force's group chat, confirming that Sensei was still safe for now. She was relieved, at least for the moment, but Hoshino bit her nails anxiously.

They hadn't known Sensei for long... but the situation seemed eerily similar to Yume's final moments, making Hoshino extremely nervous. Shiroko loaded her magazines, preparing for combat... and the Foreclosure Task Force's vehicle sped across the desert.

Both sides were moving, so the distance wasn't closing quickly... The Helmet Gang stopped at an abandoned train station, a container depot, to refuel.

They started filling up with oil they had bought with money from Kaiser, storing it for their own use.

"How much more are we getting paid for this job?"

"I forgot... Doesn't the boss know?"

"Anyway, even the advance payment is a profit. Why bother going all the way out of Abydos? How about just burying her in the middle of the desert?"

"Hey, hey, killing them is a bit much..."

"If we fail this job, we'll be discarded. Don't you know who we're dealing with? We have to do what we have to do to survive."

"Killing is a bit much... let's just sell her to an organization in Gehenna."

"Hmm, should we? At least she won't be able to escape, right?"

The Helmet Gang, still undecided on what to do with Serika (Sensei), considered selling her to a criminal organization in Gehenna...

In the desert dawn, the sun slowly began to rise.

Boom!!!!!

"W-What was that!?"

"Ambush!?"

"That explosion... no, it wasn't an explosion! Look there!"

"A hole in the container!?"

The wall of the container was smashed. A girl emerged from the broken wall.

It was clearly not Serika. But since she looked like an enemy, they pointed their guns at her...

"Hey."

Creepy!

A massive killing intent emanated from her cold, red eyes. The Helmet Gang was overwhelmed by her presence. Then, she... Sensei, spoke.

"Your... hideout, where...?"

Chapter Text

The Countermeasures Committee, chasing the reaction of Sensei's Shittim Chest, had about 500 meters left.

"Just a little more..."

Hoshino was anxious, wanting to get there even a second faster, and Serika was also worried, thinking Sensei was kidnapped because of her.

Shiroko, being close, launched a drone first to assess the situation. She opened a window and climbed onto the vehicle's roof. Soon, she saw the container zone in the distance... and there was a fight.

Several Helmet Gang members were seen flying into the air.

"P-People are flying!"

Ayane, in the driver's seat, was also shocked to see this. She stopped the vehicle to avoid the falling Helmet Gang members.

Hoshino and Serika quickly got off and ran to the scene... There, they saw a girl in a black school uniform fighting. No, it wasn't a fight. It was one-sided violence. The resisting Helmet Gang members were all blown away with a single blow.

"Ugh... Y-You!"

"!"

Just then, a Helmet Gang member, who had a good enough build to regain consciousness after being blown away, shouted at Serika. She didn't even consider that Sensei had changed into Tsurugi from Serika, but simply resented Serika, thinking she had caused this situation. She immediately shot at Serika...

Thud!

Black feathers fluttered, and she appeared in front of Serika. Flapping black wings, Sensei protected Serika. The bullets aimed at Sensei were deflected by Arona's protection and buried in the sand.

"Again... Serika..."

"... D-Don't tell me... Sensei!?"

"I won't... forgive you."

Thump...

Serika's heart pounded as she saw Sensei's chic appearance. Sensei frowned, then charged forward and rammed the Helmet Gang member. He was blown away as if hit by a car, spinning three times in the air before being buried in the sand.

"My... students... I will protect them."

And the remaining Helmet Gang members were simply defeated by Sensei, who was firing her dual shotguns, Blood and Gunpowder.

1

"Whew... It's over."

"... Haa, I'm glad. You're safe, Sensei. That outfit, it's the Justice Task Force, right? I don't know much about other schools, but if it's the Justice Task Force, you must be strong."

Hoshino, who had been anxious, sighed in relief knowing that she was Sensei. She was worried they might be too late, but seeing Sensei lively, she was finally relieved.

"That person is definitely famous on the internet. Trinity's strategic weapon, is the Justice Task Force leader, Kenzaki Tsurugi. You've turned into quite a big shot..."

"As Ayane said, I think I've seen her too. With someone like her, the Helmet Gang had no chance of winning, right?"

"Yeah, I'm glad you're safe, Sensei."

"... Yeah."

Sensei, who had not only Tsurugi's appearance but also her personality, spoke with a sharp expression, trying to be as passive as possible. When fighting, Tsurugi is crazy and extroverted, but usually, she's incredibly introverted and has difficulty communicating. Thanks to this, Sensei couldn't easily start a conversation with the students she had been talking to comfortably until the day before.

But since she was Sensei, she mustered the courage to speak.

"I'm glad... you're safe."

"No, you're the one who was kidnapped! Why are you worried about me!?"

"... I'm glad it was me... not Serika..."

"What's that... It's stupid. You got kidnapped because of me."

"... I'm a teacher. If I can protect my students... that's enough."

Sensei spoke while turning her head, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. Just doing that made her heart pound with tension.

Serika blushed when Sensei said she was glad it was her who was kidnapped instead. Was it because of Tsurugi's composed demeanor? Serika's heart somehow fluttered.

"Then, shall we go back now?"

Sensei shook her head at Ayane's words.

"There's... still more...

...

..."

"What? What did you say?"

Nonomi asked again, not hearing clearly because Sensei spoke softly. Then, Sensei shouted.

"Them! Main base! Need to know!"

"You surprised me..."

"Uhehe... So this Tsurugi girl is like this?"

"... Sorry."

Sensei shouted, nervous to speak up. She apologized, embarrassed, and Hoshino imagined how Tsurugi, with such a personality, usually lived.

Anyway, Sensei grabbed a few conscious Helmet Gang members by the collar and asked. Sensei shouldn't be grabbing students by the collar, but perhaps due to being Tsurugi, she didn't hesitate.

Threatening them with a scary expression, Sensei found out the location of the Katakata Helmet Gang's main base. She left them there and headed towards the main base with the Countermeasures Committee.

And as a result...

Boom!!!

Sensei and Hoshino alone annihilated the Helmet Gang.

"Whew~ That was refreshing. We blew away the base of those guys we couldn't find before~"

"Kehehehet!"

"Sensei thinks it's good, right?"

"It ended too easily... This all started with my kidnapping?"

"It's a huge snowball, Serika. Yeah, if you had been kidnapped, it might have been perfect."

"What are you saying, Shiroko senpai!?"

The Sensei kidnapping incident ended unexpectedly easily and quickly... anticlimactically. Their future might have been predicted from the moment they kidnapped Sensei.

After everything was over, Sensei asked Arona to send Valkyrie, who had already withdrawn from Abydos, from the nearest Gehenna branch to retrieve the Katakata Helmet Gang.

Sensei went to eat Shiba Seki Ramen with the Countermeasures Committee students, and this time, she ordered fried rice.

"Kehehehe..."

"It seems like a reaction that it's delicious~"

"Haha, the current Sensei seems to have trouble with conversation..."

"... I have one question."

While eating, Shiroko asked Sensei a question.

"You said you change every day, what's the criteria? Like, the time you change."

"Ah... when the sun... rises?"

"When the sun rises. So roughly, you change at dawn? It's not based on midnight? Okay, I got it."

Hoshino memorized the time when Sensei changed. Shiroko wondered what principle caused the change.

"Here... eat this."

Meanwhile, Serika secretly placed the chashu from her ramen on Sensei's rice. Sensei stared at Serika.

"W-Why...?"

"... No, thank you."

Sensei's smile became more natural than Tsurugi's. Even if she followed the personality, her fundamental nature didn't change, and Sensei smiled kindly at Tsurugi's face. Seeing this, Serika blushed and averted her gaze.

As a bonus, Master Shiba gave them stir-fried chashu and bean sprouts as a service for their hard work.

Afterward, they all went to school and discussed where to sell the guns brought from the Katakata Helmet Gang's base... They also had everyday conversations and took a walk, ending the day.

And the next day...

"What are we going to do, boss?"

"Fufufu, don't worry, Kayoko. We'll definitely find them."

A group of four Gehenna students walked through the streets of Abydos.

They were Problem Solver 68.

They came to Abydos after receiving a request to attack it from a mysterious client. Of course, they weren't attacking right now. They hired mercenaries to attack after lunch... The problem was, that they spent all their money hiring the mercenaries and didn't have enough for a meal.

They didn't have enough for each of them to eat separately, not even a thousand yen, so they had to share one dish among the four. Aru thought it would be fine since they'd get paid once they completed the request today. For such a large-scale request, they'd usually get some advance payment, but Aru's principle was to receive payment after completing the request...

"A menu under 600 yen... under 600 yen..."

They only had 600 yen. Haruka took the lead, looking for a meal under 600 yen in the restaurants of Abydos.

Most places were over 600 yen per person, so it wasn't easy, and Aru worried that they'd have to eat cup noodles... Then, they finally found it.

The signature and basic Shiba Seki Ramen for 580 yen.

Aru cheered internally and entered the restaurant.

Serika, who happened to be working part-time, showed them to their seats... Serika was shocked when they said they would share one bowl among four. Honestly, sharing one bowl among four is usually treated as a nuisance. However, Master Shiba and Serika, knowing the poverty of Abydos, somewhat understood.

As they sat down, they were served four servings of ramen in a large bowl, piled up like a mountain.

It seemed like a misunderstanding, but the Problem Solver ate without minding it since they were given it anyway. Then, the Abydos students from the nearby table came...

Clip-clop... Clip-clop...

Just then, Aru's hard-boiled radar activated at the sound of somewhat antique footsteps.

"Gathering coins among friends to eat ramen, how commendable. That too is youth."

"You are..."

"The world is truly small, to meet in such a place."

Aru's eyes sparkled as she looked at the approaching woman, who grinned as she stared at Haruka.

"My introduction is late."

It felt as if sound effects from a noir film were playing somewhere, and she introduced herself.

"I am Schale's Sensei. Nice to meet you."

'S-So cool... Totally hard-boiled!'

Meeting Sensei, Aru's eyes shone, and she decided on her object of admiration.

Chapter Text

Meeting at Shiba Seki Ramen.

Rikuhachima Aru, who founded Problem Solver 68, aimed to be a hard-boiled outlaw.

She now looked at Sensei, who was in the guise of Konoe Mina, with admiration. She was captivated by the outlaw-like appearance that seemed straight out of a noir film and the title of "adult."

"The ramen here is truly wonderful. It's not a famous place, but it's like an oasis for Abydos. A place where you can feel the movement within the stillness... that's exactly what this place is."

"Oooh..."

Sensei effortlessly uttered some cool words. Of course, they weren't deeply meaningful, more like nonsense, but the title of "adult" and Mina's appearance made even that nonsense sound impressive. Aru, deeply impressed, took notes right in front of her.

"You said you're from Gehenna, right? Problem Solver?"

"Ah, yes! Problem Solver 68! I'm the president! Kayoko here is the manager! Mutsuki is the chief officer! Haruka is an employee!"

"I see... No vice president, is it a secret mission?"

"Uh... yeah, something like that!"

"Then you must have a section chief and a supervisor too. Oh, those two must be working at the office."

"W-Well, yeah!?"

Aru puffed herself up in front of Sensei. It was just a club disguised as a business with only four members, but she pretended there were more, afraid of being looked down upon with only one employee under the manager and disappointing her.

Kayoko sighed at Aru's behavior, but even she found Sensei cool. Haruka's eyes sparkled, somehow reminded of Aru's aura, while Mutsuki just smiled watching Aru.

"A lost ship needs a guiding lighthouse. In that sense, Shiba Seki Ramen is Abydos' lighthouse. A superb meal at a low price. It has become a light for you as well."

"Ah..."

Every word Sensei spoke was filled with grace and coolness. Aru became a complete fan, watching her. Haruka, observing Aru, took notes of Sensei's words.

After finishing their meal, the group left the restaurant.

"Whew~ Another storm is brewing today."

"Huh? Is there a sandstorm coming today?"

"No, we face the storm of an unknowable future every day."

"Oooh."

"Rikuhachima Aru. Someday, our end will come. Until then, I want us to be open with each other. Let's close the distance step by step, slowly. Then, someday..."

"Someday...?"

"The rest of that, when the time comes. So, Aru. Become a hard-boiled individual I can acknowledge."

"Ah..."

"Then, until we meet again."

Sensei took out a talisman from her pocket, burned it, and let the ashes scattered in the air. She put on sunglasses and walked past Aru.

"...Cool."

"...Hey, President. You know they're from Abydos, right?"

"...Huh?"

After hearing from Kayoko that they were from Abydos... Aru was devastated.

So... Aru called in mercenaries. About thirty mercenaries. They were students from the Red Winter mercenary club, their combat prowess guaranteed. Aru felt uneasy the entire way to Abydos with the mercenaries. Was it really okay to fight that Sensei... Still, this was the path of an outlaw.

Aru steeled herself and raided Abydos High School.

"I see... after the Helmet Gang, it's the Problem Solver now."

"Ugh... sorry, Sensei. If we're both outlaws, you understand, right?"

"Yes, of course. This is work too. You know, Aru? When you end a bird's life, you must be careful. Not too fast, not too slow."

"Why is that...?"

Bang!

A bullet struck Aru's forehead. Her head jerked back, her body swaying unsteadily. She regained her balance and looked at Sensei with wide eyes.

"Because that way... the opponent is at their most vulnerable. Do you think it's cowardly? That's your weakness, Aru. An outlaw must always be ready to be criticized for victory."

"......"

"You'll walk your own path, and many storms will rage. But it's okay... as long as you don't get wet. An outlaw must never doubt the path they've chosen."

Sensei drew the White Tiger and shot at Aru, then switched to the Black Tiger in her left hand as she spoke.

"Sensei, you're not really from the underworld, are you...?"

"No. She talks like she is, but I don't think so."

"Yeah, yeah~ From this old lady's perspective, it just seems like her personality~"

"Well... it is cool."

Sensei was getting carried away by Mina's personality. It seemed like another moment destined to become a dark history. Regardless, Sensei ran ahead of the students, firing her guns and engaging in battle.

At the same time, Sensei gave commands through her earpiece. The Foreclosure Task Force, following Sensei's instructions, engaged the mercenaries and Problem Solver. Sensei personally chose to fight Haruka.

"Is this fate!?"

"Ugh!"

"I'm grateful to you, Haruka."

"Huh?"

Sensei thanked Haruka while facing her head-on. Having spent her first day in Kivotos as Haruka, Sensei was grateful that Haruka was a strong girl, allowing her to spend her first day smoothly.

"Of course, that's separate."

Having been Haruka, Sensei knew her fighting style well. Haruka fought in close combat, taking hits without dodging and enduring, a true tanker's combat style. However.

Spin~!

"Whoa!?"

Sensei used the Shan Hai Jing martial arts, learned from watching movies as Mina, flipping Haruka's body and throwing her to the ground. Then, Sensei took her gun.

Mina was a top-tier fighter in Kivotos, an elite powerhouse like Gehenna's Iori.

Sensei fired Haruka's shotgun with one hand, blasting away mercenaries.

"P-Please give it back~!!!"

"Here you go~"

Smiling, Sensei turned and threw the gun far away. For Kivotos students, being without a gun was more shameful than walking around naked, unless it was Sensei. Haruka screamed and ran towards the gun.

Sensei, wielding dual pistols, charged towards Aru. Aru flinched and fired at Sensei.

The battle was going poorly. The mercenaries were being pushed back, and Mutsuki and Kayoko were losing to the Abydos Foreclosure Task Force. Even Hoshino in serious mode was blasting away mercenaries. Convinced they would lose, Aru decided to take down Sensei, their leader, to win.

About three minutes later.

"I lost..."

Aru ultimately lost to Sensei, who was using the body of the skilled martial artist Mina. The combination of Mina's combat skills and Sensei's judgment allowed her to surpass the original Mina's strength, overwhelming and defeating the powerful Aru.

On top of that, the mercenaries' time was up, so they gathered their belongings and left.

"What are you going to do with us...?"

The defeated Aru was anxious about what punishment the hard-boiled Sensei would give them. She hoped at least her friends would be spared.

"What do you mean, what will I do?"

"We attacked you and lost, aren't you going to punish us...?"

"Punish you? I can't do that."

"Huh?"

Sensei took off her sunglasses, lifting them and grinning.

"Even if we just met today and you attacked me, we still ate ramen together. We've slowly gotten closer... punish you? Friends fight sometimes, don't they?"

"......"

"But don't bully innocent people from now on. If you do, I'll come find you and scold you."

Sensei smiled and let Problem Solver go. Watching them leave slowly, Sensei bid them farewell.

"Goodbye, Aru. Become an outlaw I can acknowledge."

Hearing Sensei's last words, Aru shed tears.

"Hey... Mutsuki."

"Why~? Aru-chan."

"I... will definitely become one. A wonderful and cool hard-boiled outlaw like Sensei... I definitely will."

"...Hehe, Aru-chan vowing while crying is cool too~?"

Aru had come to admire Sensei.

"So, Sensei. What were you thinking, saying those things?"

"Hmph... Serika. Greetings should be cool. At least... that's what I think now."

"Geez..."

Of course, Sensei had said those things without much thought, just going with the flow.

"Anyway... tomorrow is the day, right? The day they collect the loan interest."

"Yeah~ That's right. Tomorrow. They always take it in cash~?"

"Hmm, that's suspicious. Kaiser is a large corporation but also a corrupt one. Hiring the Helmet Gang and then Problem Solver to attack Abydos, the only common link is Kaiser. Taking only cash is probably for money laundering. The proof must be in that cash transport vehicle. Something must be at the place where the cash goes. Probably a bank."

Sensei found it strange that Kaiser only accepted interest in cash and suggested investigating it. They were originally having a debt repayment strategy meeting when the Problem Solver attacked, so they went back inside to continue the meeting.

There was a brief detour about Serika's Germanium bracelet pyramid scheme... but they decided to investigate the whereabouts of the interest money tomorrow.

"We're not going to end up robbing a bank, are we?"

{Eh~ Really?}

Back at the dorm, Sensei lay on the bed. Tomorrow, they would track the interest payment and if it led to a bank, they would have to steal the ledger containing the records of where the money was used as evidence... Thinking about this, Sensei was secretly worried about tomorrow.

Of course, for now, robbing a bank and stealing a ledger is more of a delusion.

With that, Sensei went to sleep...

The next morning.

Sensei had transformed into a new appearance again.

"Geez... this one is quite flashy."

Chapter Text

Ogata Kanna

The Valkyrie Public Security Bureau Chief, known as the Mad Dog.

Originally, she wanted to join the Community Safety Bureau, but due to her peculiar life, children were afraid of her, forcing her to enter the Public Security Bureau and eventually being promoted to Bureau Chief.

A veteran police officer skilled in interrogating criminals.

And now...

"How did this happen?"

Sensei is now a student who has transformed. Now, he has even become a police officer. He should be used to it now, but perhaps due to Kanna's influence, being one of the few people with common sense in Kivotos, Sensei sighed.

Deep down, Sensei lamented this new physique. It was probably Kanna's influence.

Sensei scratched his head at the school gate while heading to Abydos High School for work. Today, just thinking about chasing Kaiser Corporation's loan sharks today made his head hurt.

Until yesterday, he had a GTA-style mindset of robbing a bank, but today, he felt a pang of conscience. Still, he thought, "It's for the kids..." and entered the classroom.

"Ah, good morning, Sensei."

Ayane, who arrived first, was startled for a moment but smiled and greeted Sensei upon seeing the name tag.

"Good morning."

"I'll get you something to drink. What would you like?"

"...Coffee."

"Okay, coffee it is."

Ayane made coffee for Sensei. It was just instant coffee, though. While Ayane was making coffee, Serika, Nonomi, and Hoshino also arrived early.

Excluding Shiroko, who took a detour for her ride, the four of them were at school. It was still early, so Shiroko wouldn't be late.

"Huh...... That appearance."

As expected of a Nephthys girl, Nonomi recognized Kanna even in Abydos. Hoshino, the vice president of the student council, also recognized Kanna's face.

"Here's your coffee."

"Thank you."

Taking the coffee from Ayane, Sensei sat down and took off her jacket.

Visible even through the clothes, her figure was even more daring once she took off her jacket. Ayane was surprised, and Serika clicked her tongue, looking down at her own chest. Hoshino stared at Sensei's chest, then at Nonomi, and Nonomi, feeling Hoshino's gaze, took out her minigun.

Shiroko comes in right after. With everyone gathered, they discussed today's plan.

"First... let's steal Kaiser Corporation's ledger."

"Steal it...? Is... is that okay?"

"My conscience is bothering me too, but Kaiser was the one who did wrong first. This is also a form of self-defense."

Sensei spoke while sipping her coffee. Ayane worried if it was ethically okay, but Shiroko had already pulled out her mask and was ready. Of course, it was too early, so Serika took the mask away.

"Yeah, in conclusion, we're going to rob a bank."

"Uhehe~ Can't be helped, huh?"

"Definitely, if it's that kind of request, the related ledger must be at the bank. Let's all rob a bank! Shall we decide on a team name like that~?"

"That's not the point, Nonomi-senpai!?"

"Haha... Anyway, Kaiser Corporation will be here soon. Let's all get ready."

At Ayane's words, Serika, as the representative, held the money bag containing the interest and waited at the school gate. Soon, Kaiser Corporation's car arrived. An employee got out, greeted them, and took the money.

Kaiser Corporation's car drove away. The group followed at a distance.

"But is this okay? If you get caught, Sensei, you'll be in big trouble."

"...I shouldn't say this in this form, but I'll say it. If I don't get caught, it's not a crime."

"Is that ethically okay, Sensei!?"

"Somehow, my conscience is bothering me..."

Since Kanna was such a sensible and good-natured person despite her appearance, Sensei's conscience started hurting.

Later, seeing Kaiser Corporation entering the black market, the group decided that further pursuit was pointless. Kaiser Corporation was also in the black market. The reason for moving money to a farther black market instead of Gehenna was one thing: to do something bad with that money.

Serika was enraged by this, but Hoshino stopped her, and they decided to enter the black market.

As long as they didn't get caught by Kaiser Corporation employees, no one in the black market would recognize the Abydos students. Sensei also removed the Valkyrie armband from her jacket and went inside.

And...

"It's quieter than I thought. For a lawless area, I mean."

"Uhehe... It doesn't seem like that, though~?"

Sensei entered without hiding her identity. The black market merchants recognized Kanna's face and stayed as quiet as possible. There were no laws here, but it was best not to mess with the Valkyrie's Mad Dog.

They walked around the black market looking for the bank without any trouble... They saw a commotion in the distance.

"P-Please let me go...!"

"I'll let you go if you pay the toll~? If you're a Trinity girl, just give me 100,000 yen~"

"We don't have travel money~ It's not that much, right? Not in Trinity."

Extortion was happening in an alley of the black market. Three delinquents were surrounding a Trinity student, trying to extort money. The girl looked terrified. Just as Shiroko was about to step in.

Bang!

"Ouch! Who was that! Which bitch shot...?"

"Let her go, and get lost."

"M-Mad Dog..."

"Hey, sparrow! Run!"

The delinquents ran away upon seeing Sensei's face. He didn't chase after them because he had things to do.

"Are you okay?"

"Waaah... H-How much will it be...?"

"No, I'm not extorting you."

The girl who was being extorted, Ajitani Hifumi, didn't know Kanna's face and thought another thug was extorting her.

After that, Sensei bought Hifumi some fish-shaped pastries on the street and cleared up the misunderstanding.

"I see... Abydos is a school where people only learn about history. I knew it still existed, but only five students. And the debt... It's not easy."

"Well, that's why I'm here."

"A big company like Kaiser, doing that to a school... Why isn't the General Student Council doing anything?"

"...Abydos' downfall was a natural disaster. Even if the debt is paid, nothing will change unless the environment changes. That's probably their judgment."

"Ah... I guess I understand. But is that ethically right..."

"It would be nice if the world worked like that."

Hifumi felt sorry for Abydos after hearing about their situation. The reason the General Student Council didn't help, even if she told her close friend Nagisa about it, there was a high chance she wouldn't help either.

"That's just how the world is, Hifumi. You have to act according to cost-benefit analysis to avoid losses. If the world spoon-feeds you everything, why would you make an effort?"

"I see..."

"But, Hifumi... Do you know something?"

"Yes?"

"You know too much."

"Eh..."

Sensei slowly, slowly approached Hifumi.

"Put on the bag, Hifumi."

"Eh..."

"Now, you're an accomplice too."

"Ehhhh!?"

Sensei poked a hole in the fish-shaped pastry bag and put it on Hifumi's head. Then she put on a clown mask she had bought on the way.

And so... Hifumi was dragged along against her will.

At that moment... in the black market bank, Aru was having extreme thoughts after being rejected for a loan consultation...

"FBI! OPEN UP!!!"

Crash!!!

Sensei and the swimsuit mask gang burst through the glass door, barely breaking it.

"W-What is this!?"

Aru was flustered as the situation turned chaotic in an instant due to the group. Sensei went inside and threatened the employee to get the bag... It was filled with about 100 million yen, and the ledger seemed like an afterthought.

"Hmm, this is it... Wait, this isn't it?"

He smiled satisfactorily upon receiving the bag, but then he realized the main objective wasn't the money and panicked... Guards were closing in, so he had no choice. He ran away with the money bag.

And just like that, in an instant, they robbed the black market bank.

"Haah... What should I do with this."

Sensei sighed, looking at the money bag... He took out the ledger and looked down at the bag... In the distance, he saw Aru running towards him.

"Hey! You!"

"Huh!?"

"Donations!"

Sensei throws the money bag to Aru with a feeling of not knowing what to do, then leaves the place with the group. For some reason, his heart ached.

And...

"Isn't that the Public Security Bureau Chief's clothes?"

"And the halo, too..."

It didn't take long for rumors to spread that the Public Security Bureau Chief had robbed a bank. But that's another story...

Chapter Text

The group that robbed the black market bank and got their hands on the ledger.

"As expected, it was Kaiser after all!?"

"It seems so. This is undeniable evidence. But... we stole it, so submitting it as evidence would be impossible."

"Like Ayane said, it's evidence but an unusable card. However, it can be used. It's best not to use it, though."

"Yeah, using it would be bad for us too."

"Hehe~ But we still got the evidence, right?"

"Aww... It's a shame. If we use it, it'll make things difficult for Abydos..."

"But it's okay because we have confirmation, so that's good."

Sensei sat at the desk, drank coffee, and closed the ledger. What could they do to stop Kaiser's attack in this situation? He couldn't figure out anything for sure.

He was just an acting General Student Council President, and it had only been a week. He hadn't accomplished anything, so gaining public support was difficult, let alone the General Student Council's. Moreover, Kaiser was a major corporation crucial to Kivotos' economy.

It wasn't something they could easily touch. If they got involved in these underworld dealings, it might put the Abydos students in even more danger. They couldn't attack Kaiser right now.

Because of this reality, the coffee tasted exceptionally bitter.

"I forced you to come along, so you went through a lot, Hifumi."

"Oh, no. It's a bit weird to say this, but I think it was a good experience."

"I don't think it's right to say that robbing a bank in front of Sensei is good......."

"You were the one who did it, Sensei!?"

"Heh."

Hifumi felt wronged, but she wanted to keep this experience as a good memory. After seeing Hifumi off, he leaned against the school gate wall, sucking on a lollipop.

"You look troubled, Sensei."

"It's nothing.... Just, what to do about Kaiser. That's what I'm worried about."

Hoshino came beside Sensei and leaned against the wall. Seeing Sensei like that, Hoshino smiled bitterly.

"Don't mess with Kaiser too much. It won't do you any good."

"Why?"

"That's..."

Hoshino remembered Yume's death. Officially, it was ruled as death by accident due to a sudden storm... But Hoshino believed she died while escaping reality and getting caught up in a huge conspiracy like Kaiser's. As such... she wanted to stop Sensei from fighting Kaiser.

Sensei didn't have a foundation yet. He might get beaten by Kaiser.

"I just have a feeling. An old lady's intuition, maybe?"

"Hmph, if we're talking about old lady, I'm bigger."

Sensei smirked at Hoshino. Hoshino looked at his chest at the mention of being bigger.

"You are."

"No... not that!"

"Hehe~ Don't be like that. It's good to be big, right?"

"T-This isn't my body...... Don't say that, Hoshino. Even same-sex harassment is a thing these days......"

"Maybe because you're a police officer~ You're talking like a like one~?"

"Police...... Come to think of it, I robbed a bank as a police officer......"

"Why are you saying this now, Sensei?"

Only now did Sensei remember robbing the bank in his police uniform. Hoshino smiled brightly at him.

"Hey, Sensei."

"Hmm?"

"..... Never mind."

"It's not hard to annoy someone. Like starting to say something and stopping."

"Really, never mind~ I just called out to you."

"Really?"

"Yeah~"

"......"

Sensei looked at her suspiciously with Kanna's sharp gaze, and Hoshino smiled awkwardly.

"I'll tell you later."

"...... It's a promise."

"Yeah, promise."

After making a pinky promise, Sensei slowly headed back to his dorm. Hoshino waved goodbye to him.

"... Still, I have no regrets. Even if he says it wasn't her, I went to the aquarium with Yume-senpai."

Hoshino seemed somewhat detached. Remembering a certain proposal she had been receiving... she got a message to meet tomorrow morning. She decided to go home early to prepare for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Sensei returned home and lay down on the bed.

"Haah... What should I do, Arona."

{Are you talking about Kaiser?}

"Yeah. I can't think of a way to deal with Kaiser. I need to gather evidence. Besides this ledger, I need evidence that will hurt Kaiser. It'll take quite some time."

{I suppose... At least, you need to return to Schale within a week, Sensei.}

"I'm working here too, but I shouldn't be away for too long."

Touching the Shittim Chest, Sensei looked at the documents Rin sent. He printed them using the motel's printer, stamped them with his approval, and sent them off via drone.

"How can I save Abydos..."

{If it's the debt, maybe... but saving Abydos itself would be difficult. Abydos failed not because of war or anything... but because of a natural disaster. Desertification is the reason Abydos fell.}

"Just like real-world Egypt... a once-glorious civilization that became a poor country with only deserts in modern times. They say Egypt wasn't a desert in the past."

Abydos had fallen like Earth's Egypt. Changing that reality was naturally impossible. That was why the General Student Council withdrew their support. Desertification was inevitable.

"It's frustrating that I'm Sensei, but I can't do anything."

{Sensei, you're Sensei, not God. You can't do anything about natural events.}

"Well... if I can pay off the debt... even in Abydos, they can all live their youthful days."

{Paying off the debt. Certainly, with that budget, you might be able to get it from the General Student Council.}

"But not right now. A newly arrived adult using over a billion yen? That's outrageous. They've probably already decided most of the annual budget, and hundreds of millions is too much. I need to find another way. I'll think about it slowly."

{Yes! I'll help too!}

"That's reassuring."

Sensei fell asleep on the bed.

Time passed... morning came, and then noon, but Sensei was still asleep. He was snoring and drooling.

{Sen! Sei!}

"Kuhuuu..."

No matter how much Arona shouted or made noise, Sensei wouldn't wake up. This time, he was a formidable opponent.

Then...

KABOOM!!!

"Ugh! A-Air raid siren!"

{You finally woke up~? Sensei.}

The Shiba Seki Ramen shop on the street was blown away with a blinding flash and a deafening explosion.

Sensei finally woke up at the sound of the explosion and wiped his drool with his sleeve.

"Is this today's look? I feel like I've seen it somewhere... No, not the time! I need to go!"

He glanced at the mirror and quickly headed outside. It was a huge explosion. He went down the stairs to the first floor and was about to go outside when... Gehenna students were blocking the road.

It was the Gehenna Prefect Team.

"Those girls are the Prefect Team, right? What are they doing here?"

{Indeed. It's another district, not a military exercise...}

"And the one in front is..."

In front of them were the Problem Solver 68 and the Foreclosure Task Force, running towards the ruined Shiba Seki Ramen shop. He didn't know what was happening, but Sensei went out to help Abydos. For some reason, Hoshino wasn't there, but he decided to stop the Prefect Team first.

{Then, we have no choice but to fight.}

A hologram of Administrative Officer Amau Ako appeared.

"What do you mean fight?"

{Huh? Where did that stupid voice come from... Puehung!?}

Ako made a strange sound and panicked. Not only her, but the entire Prefect Team was flustered. And for good reason, because what stood before them was...

"How dare you, who gave you permission to attack my students?"

It was someone the Prefect Team shouldn't fight, someone who would cause big trouble if they fought. And someone who absolutely shouldn't be here.

It was Hanuma Makoto.

Chapter Text

The air chills.

They knew her name, they knew her identity. The Prefect Team felt it.

The feeling of being utterly overwhelmed. A person who shouldn't be able to do that. It might be natural given her position, but no one in the Prefect Team had ever been afraid of her. If anything, they would be burning with fighting spirit and unconsciously aiming their guns.

Since when had their hands been trembling? Since when had their hearts been pounding?

It was fear.

A person they shouldn't fear, yet they felt fear. It was terror...

Fear of the unknown, and the instinct of prey encountering an overwhelming predator.

The same fear as when facing an angry Prefect President.

Ako, who was communicating from the Prefect Team office, was also sweating.

The atmosphere was unlike the person they knew.

"What, can't you speak? Didn't you hear me? Why were you trying to attack my students?"

Were "my students" referring to Abydos, or Problem Solver? Either way, it was a problem. Ako thought as quickly as possible.

If it was Abydos? Even though it was a fallen and underestimated school, it was still a legitimate autonomous district. If Abydos came under the control of the Pandemonium Society? Then the Prefect Team might receive an unreasonable order to take responsibility for the entire Abydos... It would be worse than a demotion, practically an exile.

Then what about Problem Solver? Ako judged that to be even more dangerous. Because of Onikata Kayoko from Problem Solver.

Before her suspension, she was a heretic who attended school diligently and a genius who ranked first in Gehenna, no, the entire autonomous district. She was scouted by the Thunder Emperor in the past and was one of the people who joined forces with Makoto to overthrow the Thunder Emperor.

For the Prefect Team, it was actually fortunate to have a minor problem group like Problem Solver, but if they joined forces with Makoto again, it would be dangerous.

Either way, it was a terrible situation for the Prefect Team. And they were properly caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Military action in Abydos was clearly an international issue. With the Eden Treaty approaching, they dared to do this because Abydos was a remote place... If Trinity found out, the Eden Treaty that Hina so desperately wanted might be swept under the rug.

It was a checkmate. No matter how foolish Makoto was, she was a natural maverick in politics. She was a fool who claimed to have a 3% voter turnout and called it mob rule, but she actually used it to get re-elected as student council president and pressured the Prefect Team.

It might not be elsewhere, but for the Prefect Team, she was a thorough enemy and the biggest obstacle.

Moreover... the Makoto they were seeing now was completely different from the usual Makoto.

'Like... President Hina...'

Even Ako felt a charisma comparable to Hina, and her body shrank back. But she couldn't back down now.

{Your students... Are you referring to Problem Solver 68? Are you saying that you, the student council president of Gehenna, have joined forces with a criminal organization?}

"It's not just Problem Solver."

{Huh?}

"The children of Abydos are also children I must protect."

{......}

Makoto, or rather Sensei, openly admitted to joining forces with Abydos and Problem Solver. However, for Ako, those words were even more despairing. It was a complete checkmate. If that was true, it meant the worst-case scenario was happening simultaneously.

Moreover, this meant they couldn't touch Problem Solver because of Makoto, and kidnapping Sensei from Abydos was impossible. Ako's plan to kidnap Sensei and manipulate the Eden Treaty in Gehenna's favor was thwarted from the start.

Of course... Ako didn't know that Sensei could change into a student's form. It was information known only to the student council, and since Iroha was the only one interested in that fact, Ako had no way of finding out.

She only knew he was an adult from outside, so Ako planned to kidnap someone who looked mature. Since the person who looked like Sensei wasn't in sight, she was going crazy.

"So I'll ask again... There won't be a next time. Why did you try to attack my students?"

{...To arrest the criminals of Gehenna known as Problem Solver.}

"This is the autonomous district of Abydos. What's more, it's the city of Abydos. A place even a child would know, marked on internet maps. Are Prefect Teams, the security organizations of each school, supposed to invade other autonomous districts?"

{That's...}

"Shouldn't Valkyrie have their district representative take action? Or... did the entire Prefect Team transfer to SRT?"

{...}

Sensei, in Makoto's form, was rebutting with unusually logical arguments. Ako was confused. Moreover, since it was the truth, she couldn't find anything to refute...

Beep.

{Ako, where are you?}

{P-President!?}

In the midst of all this, Hina contacted her, and Ako desperately made excuses...

"So... what's going on here?"

""...""

To make matters worse, Hina herself arrived. The Prefect Team squads that were hiding and waiting stood awkwardly behind Hina.

Hina stared at Makoto for a moment, then slowly walked up and whispered in her ear.

"Did you find the Thunder Emperor's legacy?"

"...?"

The Thunder Emperor's legacy. Sensei knew the Thunder Emperor was the alias of Gehenna's former student council president... but didn't know about the legacy. So he thought about what to do... and decided to just wing it.

"Ah, yes, I did."

"... I see. Then, I'll come visit you later."

If it wasn't about the Thunder Emperor's legacy, Makoto wouldn't be so serious. Therefore, Hina decided to withdraw the Prefect Team, thinking it was about the Thunder Emperor's legacy. As she was about to leave...

"Wait."

"Hmm?"

"You have to apologize before you go, are you just going to leave?"

"..."

{A-Apologize!?}

"Of course. It was the Gehenna Prefect Team who made the mistake first. If you've made a mistake, you should apologize. Were you planning to shamelessly just move on? You shouldn't do that. You need to acknowledge your mistakes, reflect on them, and learn to apologize to become a great adult."

The Prefect Team members were dumbfounded, wondering who was saying that. However, Chinatsu looked at Sensei's attitude and thought, 'Could it be...?' but didn't say anything.

Hina thought she was trying to humiliate her at this moment, but she closed her eyes tightly, bowed, and apologized.

"I apologize as the Prefect President for the Prefect Team's infringement on Abydos' autonomy."

"Yes... that's enough, Hina."

Since she was the Prefect President, Sensei recognized her. He briefly saw Chinatsu behind her but didn't acknowledge her. He couldn't reveal that he was Sensei right now...

So, Hina took the Prefect Team and left Abydos.

Makoto let out a sigh of relief.

"Phew... Hey, is Master Shiba alright?"

"As I thought, it was you, Sensei..."

Seeing Sensei ask about Master Shiba, Serika finally relaxed.

Then, Hoshino arrived at the scene belatedly.

"Oh my~ Is this old lady late, perhaps~?"

"Yeah, you're late."

"Did something happen, Hoshino-senpai?"

"Nah~ I just overslept~"

"........."

Nonomi asked why she was late, but she felt a bit uneasy seeing Hoshino's evasive response. Shiroko also sensed it intuitively.

"Oh my~? More importantly, the student council president of Gehenna? Sensei, did you become the student council president this time~?"

"Keeheehee, it just happened. Was Master Shiba taken to the hospital?"

{The ambulance already came. The Problem Solver people disappeared.}

Like typical Kivotos residents, Master Shiba only suffered bruises from the huge explosion, but Aru, worried about him, called an ambulance before the confrontation with the Foreclosure Task Force. Master Shiba was taken to the hospital just before the Prefect Team arrived.

"I see~ Then that's a relief. Then, the next plan is set."

"Plan? What plan?"

"Isn't it obvious? Serika. It's... to visit Master Shiba in the hospital! He's always helped us, so we should at least bring a fruit basket, right?"

"Hehe~ Abydos has expensive fruits~?"

"Hmm... then, fruit juice."

"Yeah, then we're going right away."

"That's right! Let's go! Ayane, I'll leave the directions to the supermarket to you!"

{Yes, I'll guide you.}

"Come to think of it, has everyone eaten?"

"No~ We were about to before all this happened."

"I see. Then, we'll eat after the hospital visit. I'll pay, so Ayane should come to the hospital too."

Afterward... Sensei and the Abydos students went to visit Master Shiba in the hospital, and while listening to the story of what to do with the store... they learned that Kaiser Corporation owned a lot of land in Abydos.

It was a sign of another storm.

And...

"Makoto. Where is the Thunder Emperor's legacy?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"? ...You said it was in Abydos."

"Why would Abydos have it?"

"......?"

"?"

Hina, who had requested a private meeting with Makoto, wondered if Makoto was deliberately messing with her.

After that, rumors circulated that gunshots were heard from Makoto's room.

Time passed, and the next morning.

"Was today the day we go to the Kaiser PMC base in the Abydos desert?"

{Yes. You woke up early today, Sensei?}

"Well, it turned out that way. Today, my vision is narrower than the day before. But my mind feels more at peace. Compared to yesterday, that is. Well, I should get up now."

Chapter Text

Abydos High School in the morning.

Ayane spreads a map on the desk, showing the location of the Kaiser PMC base.

"This is the most recent satellite image. This huge area is all Kaiser territory."

"It seems there's not a single inch of error. Even the surrounding land is Kaiser's. Although it's within the Abydos autonomous district, there's nothing Abydos can do."

Sensei rests her chin on her left hand and narrows her eyes. Serika questions Sensei's words.

"Why? It's still Abydos, right? Even if they bought it as private land, aren't we in charge?"

"You could see it that way, but even if it's a PMC-owned base... we can't do anything if that base hasn't threatened Abydos, Serika-chan. The PMC did attack us through a commission, but it wasn't something done from that base under the PMC. Besides, we stole the ledger that proves it..."

Nonomi, the young lady from the large corporation Nephthys, is well aware of the problem at hand.

Kaiser is clearly the enemy. The enemy that attacked Abydos. But there's no evidence that isn't disadvantageous to Abydos, and moreover, since the PMC base is private land, Abydos can't just investigate it. Of course, even if Sensei used their authority to investigate, the PMC would have to agree. Even if Sensei is the acting General Student Council President, he hasn't been here long, so his current power has clear limits for conducting a surprise inspection.

Furthermore, Kaiser is a large corporation always ready to cover up the truth. Therefore, they can't do anything about the suspicious base in Abydos.

"We know they're excavating something there... There are many such stories."

"Kaiser has been around since Nephthys' railway industry plan in the past."

Shiroko also knows about Kaiser's excavation work. There are rumors that they are excavating something, and Nonomi, who was once with Nephthys, knew that much.

"The problem is, depending on what it is~ Maybe it's artifacts or resources?"

"What? Then it means they're just stealing our resources after all!"

Hoshino guesses that it's probably artifacts, which was an infuriating story for Serika. Abydos' artifacts had already been sold off to Trinity on a large scale to raise funds for rebuilding after Abydos' downfall in the past... so most of Abydos' artifacts were no longer in Abydos.

The fact that historical resources and valuable artifacts were falling into Kaiser's hands was, of course, unpleasant for the students from Abydos. Moreover, the other party are debtors who owe Abydos money.

Because the previous seniors sold the land, the current juniors, who had nothing to do with it, are the only ones suffering. They can only resent the unknown seniors. And, Hoshino's resentment was enormous.

If the seniors sold it, it must have been Yume's seniors. The student council seniors who left, leaving only Yume behind. Thinking of Yume, who tried to revive Abydos alone until Hoshino came, Hoshino was outwardly smiling, but inwardly choked with emotion.

"Still, there's one thing we can do."

"What's that, Sensei?"

"We might be able to take a tour."

"A tour, you mean?"

Ayane tilts her head at Sensei's words that a tour might be possible... Nonomi roughly understands what she means.

"I see, as the Abydos student council, we'll inspect a company operating in Abydos. Kaiser might refuse, but it's worth a try."

"Is there any point in that?"

"Yes, there is. To figure out infiltration routes for later."

"Hehe~ Infiltration, what does that mean, Shiroko-chan~? Well, it wouldn't hurt to know~"

They can't fight Kaiser right now, but if they can get evidence to deal a blow to Kaiser PMC, they can at least fight. There must be something important at the PMC base in Abydos. Sensei wants to grasp the geography of the base as preparation for obtaining it later.

First, they send an official letter in the name of Hoshino, the vice-president... Around lunchtime, a reply comes.

"They said it's okay?"

"Really!?"

"Don't get your hopes up too much, Serika. They'll probably hide everything we're not supposed to see."

Sensei sips tea and responds as if it's obvious.

"I see... But why did we have to send an official letter?"

"If we talk like this in advance, they can prepare too. We're not going to collect important evidence right now. Just knowing the inside is beneficial. If we suddenly showed up to get evidence, we'd be turned away. It's Kaiser's PMC that handles their military force, so it would be difficult to sneak in."

"As Nonomi-senpai said, there's meaning in just getting into the base."

"Then, I'll prepare the car."

Ayane stays at school, and the group heads to the PMC base in a vehicle.

"But, is it okay for you to go like that~? Sensei. Even if you're coming along."

"...It's fine, Hoshino."

Sensei, in the form of Ryuuge Kisaki, the leader of the Shanhaijing Xuanlong Gate and the student council president of Shanhaijing. Going to the Kaiser base like this might be a problem... but Shanhaijing is so secretive and close to isolationist, and Kaiser probably wouldn't bother informing Shanhaijing of Kisaki's appearance, so Sensei is trying to use Kisaki's appearance.

Hoshino thought it might be a problem if the student council president of a large academy like Shanhaijing were there... but they decided to trust Sensei.

They arrive at the PMC base. As they park the car and get out, a large man is standing at the entrance

"You've come, Abydos."

{That person is, a director of Kaiser PMC...}

The Kaiser PMC director was personally welcoming the Abydos students.

"Our debtors, wanting to tour this place now... Are you curious?"

"It's more of an inspection than a tour. Even if it's become Kaiser's private land, it's still in the Abydos autonomous district."

"...What business does the Shanhaijing's Humble Monarch have with Abydos?"

The PMC director shows suspicion and caution towards Sensei. Sensei chuckles at that.

"We're close, you see? I'll wait here if it's not okay."

"...Would you do that? Abydos has an appointment, but Shanhaijing doesn't."

"Sure, I'll wait."

Sensei played the role of Kisaki. It wouldn't be good if it became known that Sensei was involved here. The Problem Solver already knows, but there's no way the Problem Solver, who failed their commission, would bother revealing Sensei's existence.

Of course, the PMC director recognized Mina, who appeared in the previous battle between the Problem Solver and Abydos, and actually surmised that Shanhaijing and Abydos might have some kind of relationship. Although that Mina was Sensei.

Problems might arise if Shanhaijing suddenly intervened... but for now, the director decided to trust his business partner in the black suit and see how things unfold. He takes only the Foreclosure Task Force students and goes into the base. Sensei sits in the car, puts on an earphone, and communicates with Ayane to monitor the internal situation.

As rumored, it was an excavation site where something was being dug up. However, the security was as tight as a military facility.

"There's definitely something there, but infiltration would be difficult..."

Sensei judges that while there is definitely something there, it would be difficult to infiltrate and secure evidence without being detected, given that it's like a military facility.

Afterward, Sensei welcomes the Abydos students who come out of the facility.

"Then, go carefully. We wouldn't want anything to happen to our debtors."

"Don't say unlucky things at the end..."

Serika expresses displeasure at the director's words, and the director asks a question.

"But, I'm curious. Why are you fulfilling the debt? Your debt isn't a personal one, but the school's. You pay a large amount of interest every month, but when do you plan to pay off the principal?"

"...We can pay it off."

The director laughs heartily at Shiroko's words.

"Is that so? That's a truly dreamy statement. Why bother going through such hardships? We're talking about hundreds of millions of won, right? That's money ordinary people can't earn in their entire lives. They can earn it, but they can't save that much. And you, as students? Kukuk, even that vice-president couldn't do it, could she?"

""........""

Everyone except Hoshino sends him a glare filled with displeasure at the director's words, but then he strokes his chin and laughs.

"I still don't understand. You, a genius who was called an elite and was noticed by Kaiser, why do you remain in Abydos? Ah... Or is it that? Were you influenced by that foolish student council president?"

Click!

Hearing Yume being mentioned, Hoshino momentarily loses her temper and points her gun. However, Sensei steps in front of her and lowers the gun.

"Calm down, it's an obvious tactic."

"...I'm sorry."

"Kukut, the Humble Monarch is smart."

It's unlikely Hoshino would do it, but if she were to fire, it would be a big problem. No, even if she didn't fire... just taking a picture of the scene would be dangerous. If it spread to the media, Abydos, which had been receiving little attention, would start to get bad attention.

In that respect, the PMC director is cunning, as befits a director of a large corporation. Sensei stops Hoshino and gets into the car. The director sneers as he sees them off, and Hoshino's mood seems disturbed throughout the car ride.

It's already evening by the time they arrive at school. Hoshino walks listlessly down the hallway. Everyone is worried about Hoshino, and Sensei approaches her.

"Hoshino."

"Ah... Sensei. Sorry, I just lost my temper for a moment?"

"This."

Sensei throws a piece of paper to Hoshino. It was Hoshino's signed letter of withdrawal.

"...Where did you get this?"

"Shiroko gave it to me this morning. You didn't know?"

"Shiroko-chan~ Peeking into other people's bags, you're a bad girl~"

"Are you serious, Hoshino?"

"..."

"I'll listen to your story, I will."

In the hallway lit by the moonlight, Sensei leans against the wall and looks at Hoshino. Hoshino smiles wryly and says.

"It's just~ People say adults always carry a resignation letter, right? That's what it is~"

"...Does that mean it's not the case now?"

"I wrote that a long time ago... before Nonomi enrolled~ You see, Sensei. When I enrolled, Abydos School was still the main building. It was a big school, but now it's buried in sand. This is the annex where I often came with Senpai. It had already started to be buried in sand during our time, so the student council moved here too."

Placing her hand on the window, Hoshino looks at the brilliantly shining full moon. She reminisces about the past days with Yume, thinking about the difficult but joyful memories of those days. And also, the regret of not being able to do anything for Yume and hurting her.

Hoshino has already made up her mind.

She decided to do for her juniors what she couldn't do before. The only way to pay off the debt... was to join hands with the black suit.

She didn't want to trouble Sensei, who had given her precious memories. She wanted to help her juniors with her own hands. Believing that even without her, Sensei would take good care of her juniors after returning to Schale.

"Sensei, I-"

Hoshino told her story.

"I'll explain to the others tomorrow~ I won't withdraw or anything, so don't worry, Sensei."

Hoshino says goodbye and tries to leave...

"I'll figure something out. So, trust me."

"..."

"Trust me, trust Sensei, trust adults, Hoshino."

"...Hehe, of course I trust you. Sensei."

Hoshino says that and leaves the hallway, leaving the school. Sensei watches Hoshino's retreating figure...

And that was Hoshino's last appearance.

The next morning.

Hoshino's letter of withdrawal is on the desk.

Everyone in the Foreclosure Task Force is looking at it with heavy hearts, and they're ready to storm into Kaiser after seeing Hoshino's letter... but Sensei comes and picks up the letter of withdrawal.

Riiip!

He tears the letter of withdrawal to shreds.

"There's no way I'd accept this."

"Sensei..."

"As her advisor, I haven't accepted it, so this is invalid."

"Yeah, it's invalid. But, where are you going? Sensei."

"Where else... I'm going to find where Hoshino is. Trust me and wait."

Chapter Text

ang bang bang bang!

A huge explosion and gunfire echoed through the Abydos City.

The PMC director, smiling, led a large force of PMC troops to invade Abydos. Hearing the news that Hoshino had resigned from Abydos after making a contract with the black suit, the student council of Abydos ceased to exist, and Abydos became an ownerless wasteland. Kaiser, who owned most of the land in Abydos, and even the land they hadn't bought, intended to conquer it all.

Kaiser's ambition was to become the masters of the autonomous district, establish schools, and gradually conquer Kivotos.

They believed that the General Student Council wouldn't interfere, and the neighboring Gehenna wouldn't be able to move easily with the big issue of the Eden Treaty looming. Millennium, with little interest in external affairs, and the cautious Trinity wouldn't step in either. They were somewhat wary of Shanhaijing after seeing Mina and Kisaki, but they weren't afraid since they believed they had legitimacy.

The Kaiser director ordered the destruction of various places with the intention of redevelopment. And then, the Abydos Foreclosure Task Force appeared in the streets to stop them.

"What, I was going to personally greet you at the school... Why did you come all the way here?"

"What is this! No matter if you're the landowner and a corporation, attacking an autonomous district is illegal!"

Nonomi yells at the director, but he just laughs at her. The director looked down at the children from atop the tank with a look of pity.

"Illegal? With Takanashi Hoshino's resignation, there's no official student council or club in Abydos. Your Foreclosure Task Force is also an unofficial club. So what if there are students? We've determined that a school without a government is unmanageable, so we Kaiser is kindly taking it over. Or will you petition the General Student Council? What do you think the General Student Council, who hasn't done anything for you so far, will do? Or how about the neighboring Gehenna? Kuhuhuk."

""......""

"But rest assured. We'll let you, who have diligently paid the interest, attend the newly established Kaiser Vocational Academy. You no longer need to pay off the debt. If you want, you can even become full-time employees of Kaiser. I value your combat abilities, you see. It's not a bad deal, is it? You'll be guaranteed good treatment and a stable future. What kind of resume could you possibly write after graduating from this failing school, which is worse than a branch campus? The graduation certificate from Abydos is just a piece of trash."

"Take that back."

Shiroko growled, pointing her gun at the PMC director, but he just scoffed. The Abydos Foreclosure Task Force was strong despite being small in number, but they were nothing in the face of such a large force.

However...

"D-Director! Ten platoons have been annihilated in the eastern city area!"

"Wh-What!? The east? Isn't that where our PMC's most elite special forces are!? Why...? There shouldn't be any additional troops in Abydos! Could it be Shanhaijing!?"

"No... you're wrong."

Shiroko smirked and looked up at the director.

"Since when did you think we didn't have a student council?"

"What?"

Bang bang bang bang!

Soldiers were blown away along with an explosion that rang out nearby. The soldiers and automatons considered to be the most elite in the PMC were sent flying.

"What is this..."

Tap...Tap...

"Don't get too cocky on other people's land, okay?"

"N-No way... Why are you here!? Takanashi Hoshino!"

Sensei, appearing in the form of Hoshino from two years ago. The PMC suffered devastating losses as more than ten platoons were instantly wiped out by her. The director was utterly bewildered. Why was Hoshino, who was supposed to be in the laboratory of the Kaiser PMC Abydos branch, here, according to the black suit?

"First of all, it's all over for you guys today. Doing something so obvious like this. Are you stupid?"

"Wh-What? What's going on... Did the black suit deceive us!? No, but I definitely checked the contract!"

"...That was when I resigned. Sorry, but my withdrawal letter hasn't been approved yet."

Sensei, who had heard Hoshino's reasons for considering resignation the day before. Sensei, having heard about the black suit who had been approaching Hoshino for a while, spoke in accordance with the director's words.

"Th-There was such a loophole!? Did you do this on purpose?"

"Didn't you say it? Genius."

"Kuh! So what if that's the case! Now that it's come to this, we'll settle this with force!"

They intended to crush and seize Abydos as they had already started... but from afar, the sound of helicopters could be heard.

"No, you can't. Kaiser PMC, today is the day you cease to exist as a corporation."

"What are you talking about... What's with the helicopter sound!"

"You have committed a serious crime. A mere corporation invading an academy and its autonomous district with military force... You waged war. Do you see my injury? Attacking the vice president of a school, do you know how big of a crime that is?"

Sensei smirked and pointed her finger to the sky.

"There's always someone flying above the one running. You thought you were the flying on sky, right? Sorry, but... I'm standing in the sky."

The emblems on the helicopters gradually became visible to the PMC director. It was...

"S-SRT!?"

"From now on, we will arrest the criminals who have invaded the Abydos autonomous district."

Along with Sensei's words through her in-ear monitor, the helicopters opened fire. And SRT students descended from the helicopters on ropes. SRT students quickly disembarked from vehicles that came rushing from afar.

"Wh-Why is SRT... Why is the General Student Council moving now!? Why are they, who haven't done anything until now, moving!!!"

"It's to correct the wrongs, even now."

Immediately afterward, the Eye of Horus fired, hitting the PMC director's forehead, causing him to fall from the tank. And the SRT students who rushed in surrounded the PMC director, pointing their guns.

"For the military act of invading the Abydos autonomous district, we will make an emergency arrest in the name of SRT."

"Da-Damn it... Damn iiiit!!!"

The PMC director and the PMC troops were dragged away. In front of SRT, the elite force and the top military power of the General Student Council, the PMC troops were no match.

"Salute. Third-year FOX Platoon Leader, Shichido Yukino, reporting to Sensei."

"Yeah... Thank you for coming."

"It's nothing. We follow the General Student Council President, not the General Student Council, and her representative, Sensei. It's only natural that we respond to your call."

"I see. Then, I'll leave the rest to you. I have to go somewhere urgently."

"Is it to rescue the Abydos Vice President?"

"Yeah... There's an adult I need to meet."

"I see... Before you go, I have one question."

"What is it?"

Yukino hesitated for a moment, then asked Sensei.

"Sensei, why are you going to such lengths for Abydos? Even mobilizing the entire SRT student body, which is a large-scale operation..."

"...Because this is the right thing to do. I'm just trying to help them as much as they've been ignored."

"The right... thing to do? To us, that feels like a distant thing now. We enrolled in SRT for justice, but it's been a long time since we've been able to move for true justice... We've been turning a blind eye to so many unreasonable things, including Abydos."

"That's not your fault, it's nobody's fault. The one who should take responsibility for such things is not you... but an adult like me. So, from now on, I'll take responsibility, so you can pursue that justice to your heart's content."

"...I see. I think I understand why the General Student Council President chose you. Then, I wish you well in your endeavors."

After saying goodbye to Yukino, Sensei quickly left the scene and took out a small paper card. A small business card was placed on the window of the Foreclosure Task Force room with an address on it.

It was an invitation from the black suit. After talking to the Foreclosure Task Force, Sensei headed there alone.

A certain building. After taking the elevator up, there was a large office.

"Welcome, Sensei. I'm surprised you came looking so impressive."

"..."

"Please, have a seat."

"I'll pass."

"If you insist."

Black suit greeted Sensei and sat down alone in the chair in front of the desk.

"We know you. The unfathomable being summoned by the General Student Council President. An adult from the outside, the owner of the Shittim Chest, and the master of the Federal Investigation Club. First, I want to let you know that we don't want to oppose you. Rather, we want to join hands with you."

"..."

"We thought from the beginning that you would be our greatest enemy. Wiping out a fallen school like Abydos is nothing. But you're different, Sensei. Just look at you now."

"What are you?"

"Kukuku, my apologies for the late introduction. We are beings from outside Kivotos, like you, although we come from a different realm. Currently, we use the name Gematria for lack of a better term. I have no name... but you can call me Black Suit."

An observer and researcher, Black Suit introduced himself as an unfathomable being like Sensei. He offered cooperation to Sensei, but Sensei immediately pointed a gun at him.

"Hmm... Then, Sensei, what do you want in Kivotos? You could obtain truth and ambition... Moreover, you have absolute power."

"Just give me Hoshino."

"She has resigned..."

"Sorry, but as her advisor, I haven't approved it."

"...Ah, I see. As long as you are a Sensei, that's how it is... This concept is troublesome. It's my mistake that I haven't explored that part further."

"Is it fun using children's pain and misfortune?"

"Well, that's right. We used them. But so what? We understand that we are also evil. But we are lawful. Within the bounds of the law established by the General Student Council. We didn't cause the Abydos disaster, and we didn't create the debt. We just took advantage of the opportunity."

"..."

"Isn't it a cliché you know well? It's not our responsibility. We didn't start it, and even if we stop, nothing will change. The strong exploit the weak, shouldn't an adult know this story? So, please step aside, Sensei. If you hand over Hoshino, we will even help Abydos. We'll write off the debt in full and provide support. We'll even dig out the main building buried in the sand. Then, wouldn't the Abydos children have a good school life? As Hoshino wished."

"I refuse."

"...Why? You certainly have power, but confronting us in your current state will only result in losses for you. Why go to such lengths? Even if the PMC is out of the question, I am lawful, so SRT won't be able to act either. What are you planning to do? Even with the power of Horus, you can't neutralize me here."

Sensei lowered the gun and slowly took out the Adult Card.

"...Sensei, that is your own weapon, but we also know the risks involved. The more you use it, the more it wears away. Your life, your time. So, put that card away. Use it for something more important than those children, for yourself."

"The happiness and infinite future of those children are worth using this power. If I can bring about a happy future for those children in exchange for my time, I will use it without hesitation."

"Why... why? I don't understand. Why go to such lengths?"

"Because that's the responsibility of an adult. Because I am a Teacher."

"...Ha, you'll take responsibility? They're just strangers you met a week ago, and you're wasting your precious things for such strangers?"

"If you call it a waste, then you can't understand me."

"...Are you trying to say that an adult is someone who takes responsibility? That's wrong, Sensei. An adult is someone who reshapes society as they wish, establishes laws, defines normal and abnormal, and defines ordinary and extraordinary."

"That's why I have power. To use that power to take responsibility for the children."

Sensei possesses all the authority of the General Student Council President except for Sanctum Tower. In terms of authority, Sensei could be said to be above the acting president, Rin, and the General Student Council President herself.

"...It seems negotiations have broken down. We can't understand each other, but I liked you, Sensei. You pursue an ideal I cannot comprehend, and you understand reality better than anyone else. Fine... Sensei, do you want to save Hoshino? I'll tell you. She is at the PMC base you went to. Soon, the Mimesis... a fear-inducing experiment will begin. It may have already started. She may even be dead. Can you save her in time?"

Upon hearing the location, Sensei immediately turned her back and headed out of the room, saying.


"I'LL SAVE HER"

Chapter Text

Attacking the Kaiser PMC base.

To save Hoshino.

Sensei, leading the Foreclosure Task Force, heads to the Kaiser PMC base.

{This is FOX, preparations are complete.}

"Understood."

Also, SRT forces are accompanying them. Right now, Sensei is hiding his identity from Kaiser, but since Hoshino is captured, Kaiser will eventually find out the truth. Therefore, Sensei doesn't hide and brings SRT along to the Kaiser PMC desert base.

"Is there a possibility that Kaiser will retaliate against Abydos for this?"

"Don't worry, Nonomi. Kaiser is a big corporation, so they're not stupid. They absolutely can't. Since they attacked Abydos, they should be reducing the debt, not increasing it. Even if they try to cut their losses, they have to compensate Abydos. They can't raise the debt or interest rates."

"Yeah, then that's a relief."

"All that's left is to rescue Hoshino-senpai. But we don't even know the location of the lab where she's trapped."

"It's okay. We'll search everywhere."

The lab they didn't see at the previous PMC base. The location didn't matter. They would search everywhere until they found it.

{This is Rabbit, we've subdued the base's guards.}

"Entering immediately."

Sensei communicates through the in-ear, using the Shittim Chest to monitor the battlefield from above and give commands.

Sensei enters the lab while commanding hundreds of students. Running with the Shittim Chest in one hand and a shotgun in the other. Since it was in her past form, he didn't have the shield of Yume that the current Hoshino uses.

It's all about attacking. All about charging.

With the support of Shiroko's drone, Sensei runs deeper inside.

He detects incoming artillery shells with his eyes and quickly jumps into the air to avoid them. He charges through bullets without avoiding them, protected by Arona.

{My protection isn't permanent!}

"If it's me right now, it's okay to get hit."

{What if you're not!}

"We can test it this time."

Sensei, who has never been hit by a bullet thanks to Arona's protection. Whether his defense was the same as a student's was unknown. But Sensei was bold now. While the students dealt with the numerous troops in the base, he ran alone to the center of the lab.

{I can sense Hoshino-san's mystic from up ahead!}

"Understood."

Having transformed into strong students for several days, Sensei has mastered the use of his powers. She runs without stopping, gathering energy in her legs. Running, she breaks down the door with a flying knee kick.

The strong protective wall and steel door crumple and fall. Inside the door was a room for observing something. And beyond the magic mirror in that room, Hoshino's form was visible. Hoshino was kneeling and tied up. This time, Sensei puts strength into her fist and blows the door away.

"...Wh-Who."

The experiment hadn't started, but the lab environment, designed to suppress abilities and instill fear, was enough to torment Hoshino's mind. It was so dark that she couldn't see properly, so she couldn't recognize who it was when the light suddenly came in. Moreover, she hadn't been able to drink water, so her voice was barely audible.

"Let's go, Hoshino."

"Oh... that's weird... Why can I hear my voice..."

"It's okay now. Let's go back..."

"...I see, this is a dream... Or, am I dead?"

Mentally pushed to the edge, Hoshino couldn't accept reality and thought it was a delusion. Sensei approaches her.

"Let's go back."

"Go back... Where? Did you forget? We... have nowhere to go back to. I betrayed them all..."

"..."

"I put my juniors in danger... At least Sensei would have saved them, right? Even if I couldn't, I hoped he would have saved them... I'm a bad kid who betrayed Sensei, who asked me to trust him and not do anything. Senpai asked me... I broke my promise and put my juniors in danger. There's no way I, who did that, would have a place to go back to..."

Hoshino lowers her head and laughs hollowly. Accustomed to despair, she gave up, blaming herself for everything. Sensei then takes out a knife from his pocket. And then, he slashes through the air, enveloping it with his powers.

The ropes binding Hoshino are cut, and she falls forward.

"Ugh... Th-This is..."

"Why are you deciding that on your own, you idiot. Didn't you want to be a good senpai to your juniors?"

"...That's."

"Then why are you thinking and acting alone, making your juniors anxious? Sometimes, try doing things together with your juniors, as a senpai. Not just doing things alone. Do you think Yume-senpai would want you to be like this now?"

"...But, I..."

"Enough! Just come here, idiot! Your juniors are waiting for you!"

Sensei holds Hoshino's hand and helps her up. Looking at her past self, who was helping her up with the light coming in from outside behind him, Hoshino's eyes lit up. In that light, it seemed as if Yume's figure momentarily appeared.

Towards the dazzling light, Sensei pulls Hoshino out. And beyond the light, the blue sky was visible. And in front of it, her precious juniors were there.

Hoshino stopped, unable to say anything when she saw them, but Sensei pushed her back.

Looking back at her past self, who pushed her back while turning away from the dark room, Hoshino had a sad expression... then she smiled and turned her head towards the bright light.

"...I'm back."

{In other news! Our Kronos news team has uncovered a huge scoop. Wow! It turns out that the major company Kaiser has invaded Abydos! The newly appointed General Student Council President! The Sensei of Schale personally mobilized the SRT Special Academy to urgently arrest the Kaiser PMC responsible for this incident! It was even discovered that they had kidnapped the vice president of Abydos and were attempting to conduct illegal experiments on her!}

{In addition, evidence was found that they had used the interest money received from Abydos High School to commission organizations, including the Helmet Gang, to attack them several times. Regarding this, the president of Kaiser Corporation stated that this incident was caused solely by the independent actions of the Kaiser PMC director.}

{Many in the media and the public are reacting as if this is just cutting their losses! As there is no evidence that Kaiser Corporation ordered this, it seems to be just suspicion for now. Did the PMC really do this independently? The General Student Council has demanded that Abydos be compensated for this incident by having their debt forgiven and imposed a fine of 500 million yen.}

{However, the public is reacting that even with the debt forgiveness, it's less than 2 billion yen, which is too small an amount for invading an autonomous district and a school! Whose side is the General Student Council on!? Historically older than even Gehenna and Trinity, to what extent will Abydos be ignored!? One can't help but wonder if the General Student Council has truly abandoned Abydos!}

The news from Kronos School was playing on TV.

Due to the Abydos incident, Kaiser's image took a hit, and PMC also fell. It wasn't a business suspension, but they lost trust, so the mercenary work was cut off, let alone the munitions industry.

Moreover, Sensei thought the punishment imposed by the General Student Council was too lenient. Even including the forgiveness of Abydos' debt, it was less than 2 billion yen. For a large corporation like Kaiser, that amount of money was no big deal.

So, Sensei was a little dissatisfied. Sensei leaned back in her chair and sighed.

With the Abydos matter resolved, Sensei returned to Schale and looked up at the ceiling.

"Haa... Well, I guess we have to compromise for now."

{It's a shame, but Abydos has been liberated.}

"We should find meaning in that."

For a while, Sensei returned to her daily routine of working at Schale.

"Well, that's that... Now we need to deal with the immediate problem."

{The immediate problem?}

"Yes. Arona... What should we have for lunch today?"

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The General Student Council.

The General Student Council is always criticized. Even now, they are being criticized for the Kaiser incident... It was a headache for the General Student Council. The neglect of Abydos was a problem that had been going on since long before the current General Student Council, even during the time of their predecessors.

Even the General Student Council President before her disappearance put the fundamental issues of Abydos on hold because she couldn't solve them. Repaying the school's debt could set a precedent for other schools to borrow money recklessly and ask for repayment, so it wasn't an easy decision.

That's why the General Student Council was frustrated. It was the same with the recent Kaiser fine. The General Student Council decided on the punishment through a meeting. Rin, the acting president and chief of staff, and Ayumu, the head of the mediation office, basically conducted the meeting from a neutral standpoint, while the rest were divided into factions and debated.

As a result, considering the economic scale of a corporation like Kaiser, they couldn't inflict a major blow, so they imposed a small fine for a large corporation.

There were objections from the heads of departments, including the heads of the culture and health departments, but the heads of the defense, human resources, and finance departments, including Aoi, also took the position that they couldn't impose a greater punishment due to Kaiser's economic reasons.

Although they attacked Abydos, the heated public opinion would soon cool down. Abydos was a failing autonomous district anyway. Even the most ancient of autonomous districts, Abydos, had long since fallen into decline, so other autonomous districts didn't really care.

Instead, they looked down on or ridiculed Abydos for being attacked by a corporation. That's the way the world is.

In reality, Abydos wasn't destroyed, and since it ended with a near miss of the city being blown up, it ended like this. Many people were outraged by this reality, but there was nothing they could do. Kaiser survived, once again.

"Yes~ I made my opinion very clear. There was a risk that PMC could have been destroyed, but fortunately, they will be able to continue their munitions business."

{Yes, thank you, Chief of Defense.}

And behind that, of course, was Kaiser's spy. Not necessarily a member of Kaiser, but a collaborator who secretly joined hands with Kaiser.

One of the most prominent among them was Kaya, the head of the defense department. She hadn't joined hands with Kaiser from the beginning, but she had been dealing with Kaiser since the General Student Council President disappeared and Rin became the acting president.

Kaya also put a lot of effort into the recent Kaiser issue.

"Haa... If Abydos had fallen into Kaiser's hands, there was a possibility that Rin-san could have been ousted for neglecting this..."

Kaya sighed as she looked down at the city outside the window. She knew about the Abydos incident, but she didn't intervene. Rather, Kaya wished that Kaiser would wipe out Abydos. If Abydos was destroyed and became Kaiser's autonomous district?

That problem would have fallen squarely on Rin's shoulders. The plan to have her impeached and for Kaya, who had built up her power, to become the acting General Student Council President was, of course, ruined.

"Sensei... You're more capable than I thought. I couldn't even prevent the detention of the PMC director."

It was all thanks to Schale's Sensei. The SRT mobilized by Sensei captured and detained all the PMC personnel and the PMC director who were involved at the time, leaving no room for escape. A trial was unnecessary. As the authority of the General Student Council President, the evidence was clear.

The PMC troops and the director, although not sentenced to life imprisonment, were imprisoned for at least 10 years. Sensei seemed to be aiming for life imprisonment through a later trial.

No matter how much power Kaya and other spies exerted, the evidence that they tried to kidnap and experiment on Hoshino was too clear to be covered up. In the end, life imprisonment was confirmed. That's why Kaya was in a difficult position.

Even if Kaiser paid a small fine, PMC suffered a great loss. In addition, they wouldn't receive any mercenary work for at least a month, and Kaiser-made weapons became unpopular. Although sales would eventually return to normal, they would suffer losses for a while.

The damage to Kaiser was quite painful. Moreover, since Sensei's abilities had been proven, Kaya was in a difficult situation.

"...Should I try to join hands with him, instead?"

Kaya then thought that Sensei was also an adult, so he wouldn't be much different from Kaiser... and decided to try to win him over. Kaya thought about joining hands and sharing power together. Having made up her mind, Kaya decided to go see Sensei right away.

"Using such a large building alone, as expected..."

Sensei uses the huge Schale building alone. Kaya, looking up at Schale with a gaze of jealousy, gets on the elevator.

After arriving at the office floor, Kaya walked down the hallway and knocked on the office door.

"Come in~"

A voice came from inside. It sounded like a frail girl's voice. When she opened the door and went inside...

"Oh my? I know you. You're the Chief of Defense, right?"

'.....What is this brat? Come to think of it, I heard that Sensei can transform into various students. I didn't expect him to be able to become a brat like this. If his intelligence has also changed, then it might be easier than I thought?'

"It's nice to meet you, Sensei. I'm Shiranui Kaya, the head of the defense office. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Nice to meet you too~ Kaya?"

Sensei greeted Kaya happily, then hopped off the chair and headed to the break room. Then, Sensei brought out some tea. Kaya sat on the sofa, drank the tea, and immediately tried to build rapport with Sensei by flattering him.

But...

"So~ What brings you here, Kaya~? I don't think the Chief of Defense would just come to play~?"

"Ah... That's because?"

"Come to think of it, I heard that the defense ministry recently ordered Valkyrie to evict the homeless people near Kousagi Park~?"

"....."

At first, Kaya thought she could easily deceive her with sweet talk, but when the topic of Valkyrie came up, she flinched. Sensei looked at Kaya with a chuckle.

"Yes, well, it's not good to have homeless people in the park, right? They might be staying in nearby ruins, and who knows what they might do at night."

"Hmm~ I'm sure it's not good, both in terms of hygiene and other things~"

"Yes, yes, that's right. So, for the safety of the citizens─"

"Then, shelters for the homeless are prepared, right~?"

"......... Shelters?"

"Yes. Or... are there none? No way~? If you're going to evict the homeless people staying there, they'll obviously just be homeless somewhere else, so it defeats the purpose, doesn't it? You must have started building shelters for them, right~? No, it doesn't have to be a new building, you can use an existing building as a shelter~"

"That's..."

"Oh my? Could it be, that there aren't any? You didn't even think about it? No way~ There's no way our Defense Chief wouldn't have thought of something so sloppy and easy~?"

"............"

She hadn't thought about it. The redevelopment of Kousagi Park was being carried out with a bribe from Kaiser. She didn't care what happened to the homeless. It was just that they were in the redevelopment area, so they were being kicked out. They were outside of Kaya's interest, whether they were there or not.

Seeing Kaya's reaction, Sensei, who had been smiling, soon made a puzzled expression. Then, she soon frowned...

"Don't tell me, is it true? Kaya. Were you just planning to evict the homeless?"

"That's..."

"Really...? Kaya, were you serious? Then I'm disappointed~ I didn't expect a chief of the General Student Council to be a simple and sloppy person~"

"Sl-Sloppy..."

{Um, Sensei~?}

Sensei calls Kaya sloppy. Arona calls out to Sensei...

"Hahaha! Did you really think it would be over if you just simply evicted them~? Our Kaya is looking at the world very easily, aren't you? Such a sloppy plan is bound to fall apart, you know~"

"........"

"We~ll, it can't be helped. I'll help our Defense Chief~ First, let's start by writing a plan~ Come here, Kaya! For the sake of you who are so sloppy, I, Sensei, will teach you a lesson~"

Her tone seemed to look down on Kaya, but still, Sensei still started making a plan right away to help Kaya out of goodwill. She kindly helped her by pointing out the flaws in Kaya's policy one by one...

"How many homeless people are there~?"

"Uh..."

"Huh~? You don't know? Oh my... How can you not know that~? That would make the plan too sloppy, Kaya. It's a good thing I'm here, or else you would have been in big trouble~?"

"........"

"Now then, shall we prepare a homeless shelter and a free soup kitchen? Let's also make a plan to persuade the homeless people~ How about it?"

"S-Sounds good..."

"That's good to hear~ I was worried you might look sloppy. Don't worry~ If this goes well, no one will think of Kaya as sloppy anymore~"

"Yes......"

Kaya was smiling, but she was biting her lip, and a vein was visible on her forehead.

Kaya will remember this incident, where she was called sloppy and looked down upon.

"Ah, it's almost lunchtime, what would you like?"

"I'll just have a sandwich..."

"Huh~? No way. That won't do. What if your growth plates close because of that? You have to eat well at that age. That way, you'll grow up well like Rin~? Otherwise, you'll continue to have a sloppy body forever, you know? I'll pay, so let's have a hearty katsudon~"

"Yes... Th-Thank you..."

Kaya will remember this incident forever.

Chapter Text

SRT Special Academy.

Kivotos' foremost special forces unit and the General Student Council President's sword.

Each individual's strength is at least that of a mid-ranking officer, and their combat power as a unit is the strongest in Kivotos. Most of the Seven Prisoners were captured through the efforts of SRT, and no school underestimates SRT's combat power.

The main reason why no one stages a coup against the General Student Council is because of the power that comes from SRT. Even Kaiser, no matter how brazenly they commit misdeeds and ignore the General Student Council, can't even think of physically overthrowing the General Student Council as long as SRT exists.

They are raising special forces to counter SRT, but the recent PMC incident revealed that they are no match, so they are trying to lie low as much as possible.

Because of their high status, everyone had a strong sense of pride as elites. Of course, the third-year students who have experienced all kinds of hardships feel skeptical about whether they are really fighting for true justice, but at least the first and second-year students are proud of being elites.

As a result, many of them looked down on Valkyrie. Even the third-year students, even if they didn't look down on Valkyrie itself, underestimated their combat power.

In fact, unlike the FOX Platoon, which managed to capture Wakamo with difficulty with four members, Valkyrie was defeated by Akemi and then received her voluntary surrender through intimidation in collaboration with the Helmet Gang... In SRT, there was a tendency to look down on Valkyrie even more.

Some of them had a sense of superiority, believing that they were superior to ordinary students. Nevertheless, their sense of justice was strong, so even if they looked down on other students, they considered them as targets to be protected.

And today, a platoon was guarding the main gate (guard post) of SRT.

The second-year CAT Platoon was bored while doing their tedious guard duty. The platoon leader was doing her homework on the computer, and the assistant platoon leader was on her phone inside the guardhouse.

The gunner and assistant gunner were yawning and standing at the gate... Then, a student walked up to the gate.

"What, why is a laborer here?"

It was a laborer student in a shabby outfit.

The gunner student waved his hand in annoyance, gesturing for her to go away.

"I came to visit the school today?"

"Visit? Was there a scheduled visit today?"

"There was no scheduled visit for a laborer."

She said there was a scheduled visit today. Remembering that there were no construction or other tasks scheduled for laborers today, the two aimed their guns.

"Step back. You can't come in here."

"No, I am..."

When she put her hand inside her clothes, the student fired his gun. The bullet hit the hard hat... No, the bullet missed the hard hat and went astray.

"?"

"What, why did you miss that? Anyway, it's a warning shot. Go back."

"No, girls, I..."

Bang Bang Bang!

Shooting is possible even on guard duty. However, in Kivotos, even if you get hit, there's no real damage, so they just fire in bursts. The bullets, which curved just before reaching her, hit the ground.

"What... Is it defective? No, I did gun maintenance this morning. Even if it's defective, it should hit even if I close my eyes and shoot from less than 5 meters away..."

"Wait... What are you doing..."

Then, the platoon leader opened the window and stuck her head out, and she saw the laborer student looking troubled. She briefly checked her computer... It was Sensei's appearance for today.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, she remembered that Sensei was scheduled to visit today and checked Sensei's appearance sent by the General Student Council today... She looked exactly like the laborer student in front of her. In addition, the phenomenon of bullets bending and missing was unheard of in Kivotos, except for one person.

Sensei.

The current head of SRT... equivalent to the head of state.

"I-I'm so sorry!!!!!"

The platoon leader jumped out the window and knelt down in a dogeza. Her cat ears drooped, and she was trembling, but her voice was so loud that it could be heard throughout SRT. Students who were in class opened their windows to see what was going on, and they saw a second-year SRT student... a platoon leader, doing a dogeza to a laborer.

Then, everyone knew what was going on.

'Ah... We messed with Sensei.'

Everyone felt that today wouldn't be a good day... The two guards who caused the accident dropped their guns and turned pale. The gunner student fainted with her eyes rolled back, and the assistant platoon leader who was on her phone also ran out and did a dogeza next to the platoon leader.

"Haha... This is awkward."

Everyone's gazes from the school, a student fainted while standing, a trembling student, and students doing dogeza... It was very awkward for Sensei.

The current situation was basically a soldier shooting at the president.

The SRT instructors in charge rushed out and bowed 90 degrees in apology, and the members of the CAT Platoon were in a state of shock.

They were glared at by the third-year students who rushed out to greet them, and received pitying looks from their classmates, the second-year students, and their juniors, the first-year students... Today was the worst day of their lives.

"It's okay, it's okay. Students can shoot their guns. Arona, where would it have hit if it had hit?"

{Exactly the center of the forehead and each of the vital organs... Well, it wouldn't have penetrated a normal student, though.}

"Hmm, you shot at the vital points accurately. You have good skills?"

"Heeeek..."

It was basically like the person involved saying that they were trying to kill the president for sure. It was pure terror, and no one could speak...

"SRT doesn't have vacations, but a leave system, right? So, the guards? Since you performed your duties well at the guardhouse, I'll give you each a week's leave."

"......?"

It was an absurd situation where they were given leave to shoot the General Student Council President. Even if she was a deputy, she was still a person equivalent to the General Student Council President, and they shot her, but they received a leave. Everyone was dumbfounded... but orders are orders.

"Th-Thank you!"

"Yeah yeah, good work~"

Sensei told Arona to give them leave and left after saying goodbye. The gazes from their seniors were piercing... but they still breathed a sigh of relief and slumped down.

"I think I wet myself..."

"Go to the bathroom, you idiot..."

This incident became another legend of SRT.

Meanwhile...

"So this is SRT's cafeteria. It's quite nice."

"Yes, it's a cafeteria supported by the General Student Council."

The instructors and the third-year top platoon, the FOX Platoon, were introducing SRT's facilities to Sensei.

"Hmm..."

"Is there something you don't like...?"

"There's a water purifier in the cafeteria, but there's something missing."

"May I ask what it is..."

"If it's SRT, you also do dispatch missions all over Kivotos, right? Since you're working so hard, there should at least be a drink bar. And a soft-serve ice cream machine. In the winter, a machine that makes warm coffee and tea like cocoa would be nice."

"Ah..."

"I'll make a suggestion to the General Student Council. If that doesn't work, well, I'll have to use Schale's budget."

"Ah, yes..."

Every word Sensei said was a burden to the SRT instructors. Unlike the students, the instructors were employed and could be fired at any time, so they were very nervous.

"Sensei."

At that time, Niko raised her hand and spoke to Sensei. The instructors looked at her as if to tell her to be quiet...

"Would it be possible to have a machine that makes fried tofu sushi?"

"Fried tofu...sushi?"

"......"

It was like a sergeant asking the president to install a machine that makes kimbap. The instructors all saw their futures of being fired...

"Is there such a thing? Well, there are machines that make sushi. Is that all for your suggestions?"

Sensei took notes in the Shittim Chest. Then, Otogi tentatively raised her hand.

"A-A shaved ice machine..."

"A shaved ice machine, I see."

Following Otogi, Kurumi raised her hand high.

"Would it be possible to install karaoke in the school!?"

The instructors' hearts were burning.

"Karaoke? Hmm... I heard that SRT doesn't have much freedom to go out, right? I see. Karaoke in the school, huh?"

"...Um, Sensei."

"Yes, Yukino."

When Yukino, the most sensible one, raised her hand, the instructors were hopeful...

"Installing a convenience store in the school..."

"......"

"Hmm, a convenience store is a must. Why wasn't there one in the first place?"

Surprisingly, there was no convenience store in SRT. In fact, since drone delivery was possible immediately upon order, it wasn't really necessary. After taking note of all the suggestions from the FOX Platoon, Sensei continued the inspection and left the school.

"Then, see you again~"

As Sensei waved goodbye and left, the instructors thought.

'I hope I'll get severance pay...'

They thought they would be fired.

And the next day... The drink machines, ice cream machines, and other items they had suggested actually arrived.

In addition, there were plans to build karaoke and a convenience store...

"Why is this happening?"

It was something that was unthinkable during the time of the General Student Council President, so the instructors and students were bewildered.

And at that moment... Sensei received a certain request form.

"Heehee, a new request! Game Development Department~? I like games too! Then, let's go straight to Millennium, Arona!"

Chapter Text

Millennium, the most advanced science city in Kivotos.

Arriving at Millennium, Sensei was in awe of the city's scenery.

"Ohhhhhhhh...! This really feels like a city of the future!"

{What should I say~ It's like a high school girl who just came to Tokyo from the countryside~}

"Hehe, it really does feel like that! Now then, let's hurry to Millennium Science School! Full speed ahead!"

With overflowing energy and excitement, Sensei dashes through the streets. Seeing a bicycle approaching from the side, Sensei doesn't stop, but instead jumps over it. She leaps forward the moment she lands and continues running.

Laughing cheerfully as she runs, Sensei goes from the train station to the campus in an instant. Since she looked like Reisa, she should have gone through entry procedures, but thanks to Schale's authority, she just runs through the checkpoint, and a "high-pass" indicator appears.

"This is Millennium Science School! The Game Development Department's club room is... that way!"

After briefly looking at the campus map, Sensei immediately runs towards the club room.

As she does, she passes by some students in maid outfits...... but Sensei was already focused on the Game Development Department and didn't notice them.

"......"

"What's wrong, Akane?"

"No... That uniform, it's definitely Trinity's uniform..."

C&C.

Neru, who was walking along the street, asked Akane, who was staring at Sensei as she passed by. Akane recognized that Sensei's uniform was one of Trinity General School's uniforms and tilted her head. The fact that a Trinity student had come to Millennium gave her a sense of foreboding.

Anyway, Sensei ran for several kilometers without rest and arrived at the Game Development Department's club room. Normally, Sensei would knock first...

Bang!

"Hello!"

Sensei just bursts through the door. And what she saw was...... as the name suggests, a flystation, was flying towards her.

But Sensei's eyes flashed, and she smirks.

Whoosh!

Taking quick steps, Sensei dodges with such speed that she leaves an afterimage. The flystation crashes into the wall and breaks.

"Waaaaah! Our Flystation!!!"

"It was an unexpected attack, but I dodged it so easily!"

Reisa looks proud even after hearing Momoi's cry. Midori also sighs, seeing the broken flystation, but greets Reisa, whom she's seeing for the first time.

"Nice to meet you. But who are you? You don't seem to be a Millennium student."

"Hehe, are you curious about my identity? If you're curious, it's only polite to tell you! I'm Sensei from Schale."

After introducing herself with high energy, Sensei politely bows when revealing his identity. Midori looked like she couldn't believe that the person in front of her was Sensei. Still, she lets her into the club room and retrieves the broken flystation.

"Should we ask the Engineering Department to fix this?"

"But Midori! If we do that, our fly station might get some weird features! Like glowing when it turns on, or suddenly flying off like a rocket!"

"That's scary because there's a possibility..... Anyway, nice to meet you, Sensei. I'm Saiba Midori."

"I'm Saiba Momoi! The enemy of the fly-station, but I'll have to endure it!"

"No, you're the one who threw it."

And so, the first meeting with the Saiba sisters was, as expected, chaotic.

"I roughly know the reason for the Game Development Department's disbandment. It's also related to Millennium's recent changes in regulations, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. You know about it, after all. They said they're cutting down on budget waste, and they pointed out our lack of members and notified us of closure. There's still a grace period, so we have to do something by then..."

"We tried to recruit members, but maybe we need more games..."

"I see. As far as I know, the Game Development Department has three members. Since four is the minimum, it's a natural course of action. Moreover......"

Millennium's newly changed regulations, and the disbandment of clubs without results. Having looked into the Game Development Department's performance before coming to Millennium, Sensei thought that even if they met the member requirement, they would be disbanded if they didn't produce results. Of course, that's that, and now the priority was recruiting the minimum number of members.

"So! I have an idea. We just need to make a great game!"

"A great game?"

"Sister, not this again."

"This is for real, Midori! The rumor that the G Bible is in the Millennium Ruins, it must be true!"

The legendary G Bible supposedly holds the secret to making great games. Momoi wanted to find it and use it to make a great game in the Game Development Department to recruit members. Sensei wasn't sure what it was, but she agreed with Momoi's idea for now.

"That's a great idea! Let's go find it right away!"

"As expected of Sensei~ You know what's up! We're going to the ruins right away, Midori!"

"Haa...... Well, let's go."

Midori, being the most normal one, sighed, but since there was no other plan, they all headed to the Millennium Ruins together.

"This really is a ruin, huh?!"

"Yeah... It's my first time coming here too."

"Hehe, I did some research beforehand! Of course, I only looked around the entrance... There are robots roaming around here, so it's important to sneak in without getting caught. Everyone, follow m──"

The moment Momoi took the lead, she was spotted by the robots. From the start, Momoi attracted the attention of the robots and panicked. As Midori clicked her tongue and quickly ran to help Momoi, an afterimage passed by her.

Thud thud thud!!!

"S-Sensei...?"

Sensei stands in front of Momoi, taking the robots' bullets with her body. Of course, thanks to Arona's protection, all the bullets are deflected.

"From here on, it's Super Hero Time!"

Sensei's eyes sparkle as she runs forward.

"So fast!"

Momoi admires her speed as Sensei runs quickly, firing her gun. The robots hit by her bullets fall, and Sensei takes out a grenade from her pocket. She pulls the pin and throws it into the air, then kicks it.

The grenade explodes among the robots that are running towards them, and Sensei makes a gesture.

"This way!"

Sensei quickly takes the Saiba sisters and runs to a building to avoid the robots.

After escaping to a building, Sensei takes a breather.

"It looks like we lost them since the robots aren't coming!"

"Sister......"

"S-Sorry... I didn't think I'd get caught right away either!?"

"Hehe, should we look around here first?"

Sensei decides to look around the building they entered first. The three of them walk inside... Then, they hear a voice.

{Identity verification initiated. Identity... Saiba Momoi, Saiba Midori. Identity verification failed.}

It was a voice saying no to Momoi and Midori. And...

{Verifying the subject's identity. Uzawa Reisa.........? Error, physical, and bio-readings are different. Rescanning...... Uzawa Reisa? Error, error.}

"Uzawa Reisa...? Ah, that's this student's name. I'm Sensei from Schale, though?"

{......Voiceprint confirmed. Rescanning bio-readings...... Authorization confirmed. Granting entry authority to Sensei. Recognizing Saiba Momoi and Saiba Midori as Sensei's students. Granting authorization to companions.}

"Oh my, have you been here before, Sensei? And who is this Uzawa Reisa?"

"Haha... I have a lot to tell you. But for now..."

Sensei is troubled by Midori's questions. Soon, a voice says that the lower level door is opening... and the floor opens.

"Waaaaah!? We're falling!"

"S-Sister!"

"Hehe, this is also an adventure! It's just as I expected, Momoi!"

"This isn't what I expected!?"

The three of them fell. Like students of Kivotos, they were fine even after the fall.

"Hmm, this is......?"

"Do you know where this is, Sensei?"

"I don't!"

"Ah, thanks for the answer."

"Hmm... I see something shining in the front! Let's hurry, Midori!"

Momoi and Sensei run towards something they see, and Midori sighs and follows.

And when they arrived, a naked girl was lying on a huge chair.

{Status change, contact permission subject detected, releasing from sleep mode.}

The moment Sensei reaches out her hand, the girl slowly opens her eyes along with the voice. The text AL-1S appeared, but Momoi called her Alice.

Momoi gives the girl, who seems to not know what's going on, some of her spare clothes to wear.

"Could this have been a human trafficking site!"

"Ehhh!? Is that it!?"

"I don't think so, Sensei......"

Midori felt like there were two Momois.

Chapter Text

lice.

Tendou Alice. Her real name is AL-1S, but Momoi misread it, giving her a more human name.

They found her in the basement of the ruins, and now she was in the Game Development Department's room.

"This is the game that the Game Development Department made! Interesting!"

"Game? Game, I know what that means."

"Good, Alice! By playing games together, you'll learn the language!"

To help Alice, who still spoke like a robot, the Game Development Department prepared the only game they had made. Tales Chronicle Saga. It was Sensei's first time playing a video game since coming to Kivotos, so she was excited...

"Wh-What do you mean I died to a gun when the game told me to pick up a sword!?"

"Question, I pressed button A, but I died. An emotion that cannot be explained by text is happening."

"I think that's probably anger!"

It was, beyond imagination, a terrible game. The story, the gameplay... At least the game system itself was good. It was just that the way the story progressed was problematic... As expected from the Game Development Department, the game system itself was excellent.

"Why is the main character a vegetable!? Do vegetables move in Kivotos!? Or is it a shocking twist that he was literally a plant!?"

"Error... The word 'stepsibling' does not exist... Why was the mother the protagonist's wife in his past life..."

"Ugh, the facts are piercing like a dagger!"

"Maybe we should have researched more, sister..."

Sensei and Alice's facts made the two suffer...

"Kill me..."

"Ugh... My brain feels like it's melting..."

"Just a little more! Alice, Sensei! It's almost the climax!"

Both Alice and Sensei were struggling... but after much hardship and adversity, the two saw the true ending and finished the game.

"It was hard, but it was worth it!"

"Yes... This unknown feeling feels good."

It was difficult in many ways, but the two were happy that they finally cleared the game. Just as the Saiba sisters were about to congratulate them, the club room cabinet door opened. Momoi was surprised, and Midori tried to stop her, in case she threw another game console.

Out of the cabinet came Yuzu.

"?"

"Ah~ Alice and Sensei are new, right? This is Yuzu! Our club president!"

"Oh, you're Yuzu! Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you."

Yuzu was hesitant to approach the two new people. Then, she gathered her courage and spoke.

"Tha, nk you..."

"?"

"That was...?"

"For saying the game was fun... It's the first time. Someone else said that they enjoyed the game we made... I wanted to hear those words."

Yuzu spoke with tears in her eyes. Sensei, in Reisa's form, had a serious expression for the second time, following the time she protected Momoi. Then, she smiled gently and stroked Yuzu's head.

"I see. It's been hard for you, hasn't it?"

"..."

"Yuzu, I like games too. As a gamer, I can say that there were definitely problems with the story and other things... But still, I definitely think the game itself was fun. When others say it wasn't, I'll say it was fun. It was the first game I played together since I came to Kivotos, and it was definitely enjoyable."

"...Thank you, Sensei..."

At that, Yuzu looked moved, then smiled brightly and thanked her.

"Yuzu has joined the party, fanfare!"

"party members... They're essential in RPGs..."

"Then, moving on~! Let's play the next game for Alice's language acquisition! I'll take recommendations!"

At Sensei's words, the three members of the Game Development Department eagerly recommended games they thought were good.

And so, they all played games together... and it became late at night. Everyone fell asleep while playing games, and Alice continued to play games alone all night.

The next morning.

Yuzu rubbed her eyes and got up.

"You're finally awake. You're lucky. Are you feeling okay?"

"Alice... You've become more fluent..."

"Mortal, that is correct."

"You're still, a bit strange... But I think it's enough. But where's Sensei..."

"Over there."

Yuzu, who had fallen asleep watching Alice play games with her. She was looking for Sensei, who had been playing games with them, when she turned around to where Alice was pointing...

"Good morning, Yuzu."

"Hieeeeeek!!!!"

And so, Yuzu fainted.

"What's wrong...? Yuzu, what happened... Wh-Who are you!?"

"...It's me, Sensei, Midori."

"Se-Sensei became Dark Vaders!"

"...You mean Darth Vader. He's here too, huh. Well, I guess since Zelda is here as Zelna, it makes sense."

Sensei had transformed into an unknown student who wasn't even on the student roster.

The day before, he had forgotten to search the student roster to find out his identity, but this morning, Sensei took a picture of his face and looked it up in the student roster. At least, since she wasn't on the current roster he wondered if she was a student from the past.

"I'm back~! Oh? Is Yuzu still sleeping?"

She's not sleeping, she fainted. Momoi woke up early in the morning and had already met Sensei, and she went to Veritas to get Alice's student ID.

"Now, next up! We're going to get Alice's gun!"

"Gun, it's time to equip a weapon."

"You seem excited, Alice. Let's go, Midori. Let's leave Yuzu to sleep some more."

"Is she really just sleeping? Sensei... I thought I heard a scream..."

And so, the group leaves Yuzu behind and heads to the Engineering Department.

On the way, Sensei is getting stares from the students. He thought it was because of the mask, but he thought it looked cool, so he kept wearing it.

Soon, they arrived at the Engineering Department. Utaha greeted the group... While listening to the request, Utaha kept staring at Sensei.

"I understand. But before that..."

"Hello, I'm Hibiki. That mask of yours... Can I take a look at it for a moment...?"

Utaha stared intently at Sensei's mask, and Hibiki popped out and reached out her hand, looking at Sensei's mask.

"The mask? Yeah, sure."

Sensei immediately takes off the mask and hands it over. Hibiki says they can take any of the prototypes in the corner as they please, and immediately goes to analyze the mask. And Kotori, who had been waiting, immediately examines the mask...

"Indeed, I completely understand!"

"What do you understand?"

Alice asks Kotori, who is examining the mask, with interest.

"We completely understand that we don't know what this is!"

"It's not that we don't know completely. It will take some time, but we can analyze it. But it's interesting. I never thought we wouldn't be able to interpret this kind of technology right away. That mark too, and it's the first time I've seen this kind of outfit, which school are you from?"

Even Utaha couldn't completely analyze the mask that Sensei handed over, and she said it would take quite some time to analyze it.

And that's because... it was a creation of the Black Suit.

"That's a secret."

Sensei doesn't reveal that she's Sensei. He's still hiding the fact that his appearance changes, so he's hiding it from everyone except for the clients like the Game Development Department.

While the Engineering Department was analyzing the mask a bit more, Alice found a huge gun. It was a railgun for a space battleship. Alice easily lifted it and fired it right away.

Kwakwakwang!!!

A single shot blew off the ceiling of the Engineering Department's room. The Saiba sisters were shocked, but Utaha was rather happy that a user who could use it had appeared, so she let it go. And she even said she'd provide lifelong after-sales service.

Now that they had a gun, Sensei took back her mask and left the Engineering Department.

"Hmm... Just what is the identity of that kid?"

"I don't know. But that technology, could it be that Decagrammaton?"

"Ah, the being that hijacked that AI hub! If it's that technology, I want to learn it!"

They have a serious discussion about the technology of the mask, and they continue their inventions today.

And... A CCTV camera watches Sensei walking through the Millennium campus.

"That mask... There's no doubt."

A woman monitoring all of Millennium from a room.

"That mark too. And that unidentified girl. A girl who suddenly appeared when they came out of the Millennium Ruins... A being whose bio-readings can't be detected. And that mask, made with the technology of Arius, which should have disappeared into history, and the forgotten gods, or nameless gods..."

She gets up from her chair and glares at Alice and Sensei on the screen.

"The time of prophecy has finally come. First, I need to make contact."

Chapter Text

The student council president of Mllennium.

The so-called Big Sister.

Tsukatsuki Rio.

She was always obsessively preparing for something, emphasizing rational actions.

She embezzled Millennium's budget to create a defensive city called Eridu, used the technology of the Nameless Gods to create weapons, and even trained secret members of C&C to carry out her orders.

All of this was for Millennium, and furthermore, for Kivotos.

The destruction of Kivotos as stated in ancient prophecies. The power of the Nameless Gods and the Chroma. She didn't know everything precisely, but she didn't think it was just a fake prophecy that could be found anywhere.

In fact, the technology of the Nameless Gods still remained, and threats like the Decagrammaton still existed. That's why Rio researched and investigated many things, including the prophecy.

Moreover, she was wary of the unidentified students who had appeared this time.

"Tendou Alice. She definitely didn't exist before. Veritas must have hacked it... The Engineering Club used 70% of the budget to create a railgun, and she has the strength to use it, and the fact that there's no life reading... means she's not human. But that halo is real. At the very least, she could be a prophet of the Decagrammaton, or in the worst case... the one responsible for the destruction. And that masked kid, a student of Arius. A student of that school that should have already disappeared..."

Rio was analyzing everything one by one...

"I'm going out for a bit."

"...Where are you going, Yuuka?"

"Ah, to the club for a bit. I have to give them the final ultimatum."

"Is it the Game Development Department, by any chance?"

"Ah, the president knows about it too? Well, they did cause trouble by setting up a gambling den in the school..."

"...I have some business nearby, so I'll go myself."

"Eh!? Well... um... Okay."

Yuuka was worried about the Game Development Department when the president suddenly said she would go herself. But... Rio was currently seen as a perfect superhuman. There was no justification to stop her, so Yuuka watched Rio's back with an uneasy heart.

And so, Rio heads to the Game Development Department. She had Toki on standby, ready to act at any moment, and also called for a security drone. She had them wait outside the club room, wanting to talk to the people involved first.

As she approached the Game Development Department's club room, Rio was a little nervous inside. What if Alice really was the princess of the Nameless Gods, and what if the Arius, which should have disappeared hundreds of years ago, had become the pawns of the Nameless Priests? Thinking about such worst-case scenarios... Rio was about to knock on the club room door...

"No, Sensei!!!"

"Haa, I pressed the wrong-"

At that moment, Momoi's urgent voice and the sound of something were heard. And as Sensei's voice was heard, Rio momentarily stopped...

KABOOOM!!!

A huge beam of light bursts through the door, sending Rio flying.

"Ugh... Sorry, I touched the wrong thing."

"Sensei! What are we going to do about this!? The entrance to our club room is gone! And the hallway wall... Someone died!?"

"H-Her halo disappeared! Is she dead!? Sh-She must be just unconscious, right!?"

"Um... A-Alice has defeated the monster!"

"Waaaaah... Wh-What do we do... The wall is gone, and a person..."

"Calm down, Yuzu. Since I caused this, I, Sensei, will take responsibility."

Sensei accidentally fired Alice's Supernova after touching it. And Rio, who was hit directly by it and sent flying, was unconscious on the debris of the broken wall... Sensei decides to move Rio first.

{Hmm, it doesn't seem like a fatal injury. It looks like some kind of barrier activated.}

Arona immediately analyzed Rio's body. Rio was carrying a small barrier device from the Engineering Club that she always carried around, and the barrier automatically deployed, keeping her safe. Of course, she suffered bruises and a concussion from the impact.

"That's a relief~ This doesn't need treatment, right!?"

"Wait a minute, sis... Isn't this person, that person...? Millennium's, student council president..."

"...We're doomed! We'll be disbanded and expelled right away!"

"Wh-What do we do..."

"Everyone, calm down. I'll take responsibility."

Attacking the student council president was a major incident. Sensei encouraged the anxious children, saying that she would take responsibility. Alice stared down at Rio...

"Momoi, it seems she hurt her chest."

"H-Her chest? If she was hit directly, maybe... But where?"

"There's a lump on her chest! It must be really painful!"

"...Hey, Alice. That's just because she's busty."

"How can a chest be that big!?"

Alice, who had never seen large breasts before. Momoi was dumbfounded, and Midori bluntly told her that it was just because she had large breasts, giving Alice a culture shock.

"Hmm... It certainly seems like she's finished growing."

Sensei assessed Rio, who looked like an adult woman. It was hard to believe that she was a high school student.

Anyway, they decide to wait for Rio to wake up... Momoi goes to the Engineering Club and gets a light temporary wall. They put up a temporary wall and entrance for now and waited for Rio...

"Ugh..."

Rio slowly opens her eyes.

"Where am I..."

"You're finally awake. You're lucky. Are you feeling alright?"

Sensei was going to speak first, but Alice was faster. Alice greeted Rio with those game lines.

"I, fell down?"

"Yes, we found you collapsed!"

"Me... Ugh, my head..."

Rio slowly sits up, feeling a headache. Sensei supports Rio's shoulder with concern.

"Don't push yourself."

"Who are you...?"

And... Rio doesn't seem to recognize her.

"I'm... Sensei."

Since she was the student council president, Sensei revealed her identity, thinking she would know her. But... Rio's expression seemed even more confused.

"Sensei...? Then, this is a school...?"

"? Of course, it's a school?"

"Why am I at school..."

"...Um, so, Rio?"

"...Ah, my name is Rio?"

"???"

When Sensei called her name, Rio momentarily didn't even know it was her and gave a blank answer. Seeing that, Sensei thought.

'Hmm... This seems bad, doesn't it?'

The student council president of an autonomous district, and a student council president of one of the three major schools, has amnesia? That's bad. So, Sensei starts using her brain to its fullest...

"Yes, your name is Rio. And... you came here to play games with us, but you collapsed from anemia."

"Anemia...? I see... I, had anemia."

""???""

Everyone was dumbfounded, but Alice looked at Rio with a pure expression and smiled.

"Games! Then let's play games together, Rio! How about Tales Saga Chronicle! It's a really great game!"

"Story, story, story? It sounds a bit strange, but it's unique in its own way... Games, huh. I liked games, huh."

"Yes, so let's play games together, Rio."

"...Yeah, if that's why I came here."

"I'll get some painkillers, so wait here."

Leaving Rio to Alice, Sensei gets up. Midori rushes out and expresses her concerns.

"What are you going to do, Sensei!? If we get caught, we're..."

"I'll take responsibility. This is it, the operation to get closer. We'll engrave the awesomeness of the Game Development Department into her. Then, who knows? Maybe she'll withdraw the disbandment of the Game Development Department."

"I-Is that possible? I'm sure we'll be in big trouble if we just send her back like this, but..."

"I'll take care of the others. Please take care of Rio for a bit. And... that outfit looks uncomfortable for playing games, so Momoi, please get her some casual clothes."

"Yeah! Leave it to me! We'll use this opportunity to increase the Game Development Department's budget!"

"I-Is this really okay..."

Midori and Yuzu are worried, but Sensei and Momoi decide to take advantage of the situation.

"Arona. Can you contact Yuuka through Rio's messenger?"

{Hacking? It's not impossible. But it'll be quite tiring...}

"Then, please. Just for a few days, tell her that she has some business. Tell her that she contacted the Game Development Department, so she should just leave them alone for a few days."

{Okay... Is this really okay?}

"Hehe, we've already robbed a bank, haven't we?"

{Ah...}

Sensei organizes her plans for the future... and decides to use Rio's amnesia to win her over. Of course, she'll be nice to Rio. Moreover, Sensei already knows information about Rio. She knows that Rio, who is called Big Sister, often works alone, so most of the student council's work is done by Yuuka and another member, Noa.

The information came from Rin, of course. Since Rio openly showed a tendency to work alone and arbitrarily, it was a fact that even Rin couldn't help but know.

Therefore... Sensei decides to gaslight Rio, who is working alone again as usual.

First, she heads to the pharmacy to get real painkillers... but a gun is pointed at the back of Sensei's head.

"What do you plan to do with Rio-sama?"

"...C&C, right?"

It was Rio's hidden card, Asuma Toki. Toki, who was providing cover from afar, was at a loss for what to do during the sudden attack. She took the back of Sensei, who was alone...

"I'll take good care of Rio. She's the student council president, so she must be tired, right? I should let her rest."

"..."

"We're going to have chicken for dinner tonight, do you want to join us?"

"Chicken... I'd like that."

Rio's well-being < Chicken.

Since Rio usually didn't buy her delicious food, Rio was momentarily defeated by chicken. Toki was flustered after speaking first, but...

"Do you want to have some cheese balls too?"

"Yes."

"Then, let's think about where to order from. Where's the pharmacy here?"

"Follow me."

"Thanks for the guide. What's your name?"

"It's Asuma Toki."

Chapter Text

Asuma Toki.

As Rio's secretary and bodyguard, she is a member of C&C, but she has never met the other members. Since she basically only works with Rio, she lacks social skills. Is that Rio's fault? Not entirely, but she also has a strong natural airheadedness.

That kind of Toki...

"I prefer drumsticks."

"Okay."

She chose chicken over Rio. Since Rio didn't usually buy her delicious food, she lost to chicken.

Toki is satisfied after ordering chicken with only drumsticks. The chicken was, of course, ordered for delivery, and they headed to the club room after buying painkillers.

"Toki, you're Rio's secretary, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Then, is this okay?"

"This is also unavoidable. It won't be a big problem."

She's irresponsible, saying it'll be fine even though her employer has amnesia. The truth is, Toki sometimes wanted to play around.

That's why she decided to keep quiet about Rio getting hit by the beam, falling down, and losing her memory.

"But Sensei. You said you would take advantage of this situation in the club room. What do you plan to do with President Rio?"

"Ah, about that... It's just talk, I don't plan to do anything weird. I just want to show Rio how great games are."

"Games, you say. I think that's good. I was bored during my time off from work."

"Does Rio not take care of you?"

"It's not that she doesn't take care of me, but it's boring being alone."

"I see."

It seems like Toki doesn't like being alone. Sensei patted Toki's back and comforted her.

The two returned to the Game Development Department, and in the club room, they saw Rio looking troubled.

"Is she a vegetable? Not like a herbivore man or something?"

"I see what's going on. That's a herbivore, Rio."

"Ah, Sensei. And the maid next to you?"

"It's Toki."

Toki greets her with a peace sign. Sensei and Toki coordinated their stories and told Rio that she was a third-year student who came for a trial membership in the Game Development Department.

Toki also wanted to enjoy a few days off, so she went along with it, and as for after Rio's memories returned... she left that to her future self.

"Since we cleared it, I want to try another game."

"That's a great attitude, Rio-senpai! Then, let's try Ultimate Mariu Party, which can be played multiplayer! It's originally for four players, but recently they released a version for up to eight players! Let's try it with all seven of us!"

'So Mario is Mariu here.'

Sensei thought of the game he played on Earth and played the game together with everyone.

Alice and Rio, who hadn't played games much, took the lead due to luck, while Momoi and Toki were in the lower ranks due to various unlucky events.

"Even I have a hard time with these luck-based games."

Even the gaming master, UZQueen, couldn't exert her full power in games where luck was more important than skill.

"I'm going to win this game. I've already planned my strategy, Sensei."

"Rio, you're confident."

"Of course. I have a star and 140 coins. I have plenty of capital."

Rio is confident that she will win. Then, it's Sensei's turn, and he rolls the dice and moves spaces...

"What are those black spaces?"

"Ah, those are Koopa spaces. It's where the events of the great demon king Koopa take place!"

Unfortunately, Sensei landed in a bad event space. There, he spins a roulette wheel...

{Koopa Revolution! I've always thought that coins should be equal. That way, there's fairness without a gap between the rich and the poor!}

"Wh-What...?"

And so, Rio got a taste of the red... no, Red Winter. It was an event where all players' coins became equal. Thanks to that, Rio's assets were instantly halved, and Momoi and Toki, who were in last place, gained capital.

"Yes, a Ghost space!"

Next, Momoi lands in a Ghost space and uses 50 coins to steal Rio's star. Then, Midori also lands in a Ghost space and, lacking money, takes coins from Rio.

"Wh-What is this..."

"Haha! Life is all about the real thing, Rio-senpai~?"

"...This game is rigged."

Rio was experiencing the bitterness of the game. Still, she still had one star, and seeing Toki who had no stars, she thought she still had a chance to win...

She continues to earn money on Chance spaces and arrives at a Swap space... She spins the roulette, selects an item that allows for a one-sided swap and a target, and Rio ends up giving 20 coins to Toki, gradually giving Toki the advantage. Soon after, Toki arrives at a Queen Ghost space.

"Investing my entire fortune, this is what you call holding, Rio-- senpai."

Using her entire fortune, Toki steals one star from everyone. Rio becomes broke as the game ends.

"Ah, it's not over yet... I'm sure the rules said there was a last chance for a comeback..."

Rio still held onto a glimmer of hope...

{The person who moved the most spaces is Alice-sama!}

{Next, the person who used the most coins is Toki-sama!}

{The person who used the most items is Yuzu-sama!}

And so, the bonus star time ends... Toki wins, with Alice in second place. Yuzu and Momoi each had two stars.

Sensei, who had one star even without money, and Midori, who had no stars but more money than Rio. Rio, who had no stars and no money, came in last.

"I... came in last?"

"Toki won, peace peace. Holding is indeed great."

"Wh-Why did this happen..."

"Life doesn't always go your way, Rio."

"Kuh... One more round."

Perhaps because of her strong competitive spirit, Rio demanded a rematch, and they played another round on the same map. This time, Alice won, and Rio, once again suffering from bad luck, came in last.

"Unfair..."

"That's life, Rio."

"Should Sensei be saying such negative things?"

"A teacher teaches both ideals and reality. Then, since it's almost time, I'll place the order."

Since it was getting late, Sensei ordered chicken, and Momoi introduced another game in the meantime. Midori leaves the club room to go to the bathroom for a moment... When she opens the door, something suddenly comes in.

"C-Cats?"

"Ah... Stray cats. They come often."

Alice's eyes sparkled at the sight of the suddenly appearing cats, and Yuzu explained that they sometimes came into the building. They were stray cats that sometimes entered the building, and the Game Development Department would occasionally play with them.

"It's my first time seeing cats!"

"It's your first time. I don't really remember touching one... or maybe I did?"

"From what I know, Rio-senpai isn't that type."

"Was I really such a cold person...?"

Rio is dejected by Toki's harsh truth. Alice picks up a cat that ran to her and is amazed.

"They stretch!"

"I see..."

"Rio-senpai, you should pet them too!"

"W-Won't they run away?"

"It's okay! This kind of event is friendly!"

At Alice's words, Rio hesitantly pets the cats, and they approach her gently. Rio holds a cat and is amazed.

'She's just a normal high school girl, after all.'

Sensei smiles warmly, seeing the two acting like ordinary girls.

Soon after, the chicken was delivered.

Sensei was perceptive enough to have ordered cat food from the convenience store as well, and since greasy and seasoned chicken could upset the cats' stomachs, she gave the cats canned cat food instead.

"Mmm~ Chicken is delicious after so long!"

"Yeah. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, it's delicious..."

"This is chicken, Alice's HP increases!"

"It's been a while since I've had chicken, but personally, I like cheese balls more."

"Did you know, Rio? In Millennium, this ketchup is considered a vegetable. We're having a nutritionally balanced meal with vegetables and meat right now."

"Ketchup is a vegetable... Who made such a strange rule? What an idiot."

In order to reduce the budget, including the construction of Eridu, and to embezzle funds, Rio had defined ketchup as a vegetable to cut the budget of the school cafeteria. Rio was laughing at herself for being an idiot.

And so, they ate chicken, and the cats, full from eating high-quality canned food, also left. With their stomachs full, the group played another game.

Later, time passed, and it became late at night.

"Is it okay to sleep here?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Yes, Rio-senpai's house is too far away, so I recommend staying here during the trial period. As a bonus, I also have Rio-senpai's pajamas."

"I guess I relied on Toki a lot..."

Once again, Sensei and Toki coordinated their stories and had Rio stay there. And so, Rio changed into her pajamas.

"Rio-senpai! Before we sleep, let's talk about games with Alice!"

"Yeah, sure. A review of today's games would be good. You mean an evaluation."

"That's right! I think all of today's games were great!"

"Except for Mariu Party..."

Rio, having lost her memories, had also forgotten Alice's identity... and was becoming friends with Alice.

The next morning.

"Mmm... It's morning."

"Ah, you're awake."

"Alice? You woke up first... Huh? Alice is next to me..."

"I'm not Alice, Rio. I'm Sensei."

Chapter Text

"This won't do!"

"Why are you shouting so early in the morning, sister?"

"It's obvious, Midori! Did you forget what Sensei told us yesterday!?"

The previous evening, Sensei had informed them of the regulations necessary to maintain the club. They needed to fill the member quota and produce results. The Game Development Department, who hadn't heard about the results part, was shocked.

"Certainly...... that part will be difficult, right?"

They had started their plan to get closer to Rio, but after she regained her memories, there was a possibility that she would strictly follow the rules. What the Game Development Department needed now was to create a game.

"We already know about the existence of the G Bible. Once we know about something like that, we have no choice but to find it."

"Hmm, that's a good point. Apart from game development, once we know about the existence of a secret to making great games, we can't resist. It's like knowing the existence of a hidden item."

"So, we have to collect it. Then, do we have to go to that ruin......?"

"Yeah! That's right! It might be where we found Alice, and we don't even know where it is in the ruins in the first place."

The Game Development Department's daily mission for today was to collect the G Bible.

And next to them, Sensei was having his cheeks touched by Alice.

"I saw it yesterday, and it's amazing! Alice wants to transform too!"

"That's impossible, Your Maj... Alice. I don't know the reason for this constitution of mine either."

"Sensei can transform too. That's amazing."

"Could it be that you change form when water is poured on you, Sensei?"

"I'm not Ranma, Toki."

Sensei transformed into a spitting image of Alice. However, there was a big difference in the look in his eyes and his personality compared to Alice. Sensei, recalling that Alice's name was AL-1S, wondered if the current student was a different individual. Like AL-2S. However, like Alice, the number was 1.

He felt puzzled by this... but since there was no way to find out, he had no choice but to let it go for now.

"Ah, and this."

"This is?"

Momoi gives Rio a small, amulet-like device, which was made at the request of the Engineering Department... and it was made in just two hours. It was a device that interfered with recognition, making people around them see a different face instead of their original one. It even made it so that their halos couldn't be recognized.

"It's an amulet from me!"

"An amulet, huh. I think its effects are logically nonexistent, but I'll gratefully accept it."

"I feel like I'm being insulted and thanked at the same time..."

Momoi's head momentarily went blank at the strange way of speaking......

"Then, our destination for today is the Millennium Ruins. Before that, let's have breakfast. For breakfast......"

"Alice wants to eat sushi!"

"Let's have conveyor belt sushi."

Sensei strongly agrees with Alice's suggestion. He wanted to take them to a high-end sushi restaurant, but considering his wallet, he decided on conveyor belt sushi. Since Sensei was paying for it, no one objected.

"It's my first time at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant."

"Me too... It feels unfamiliar."

It was Toki's first time, and Rio, who only went to expensive restaurants, was also a first-timer at a commoner's conveyor belt sushi restaurant. And Yuzu, who rarely went out, hadn't been there since she was a little kid, so her eyes were sparkling.

She was scared to go out... but she couldn't resist free sushi.

"If I press this, the sushi will come?"

"Yes, you can order the sushi you want by pressing the panel. Of course, you can also pick up any sushi that's rotating."

"Alice has acquired cake!"

"You said you wanted to eat sushi... Are you starting with dessert?"

Sensei was disappointed that Alice started with cake when she was the one who wanted to eat sushi. Still, they ate various kinds of sushi and food afterward and finished their meal.

They went to a relatively cheap conveyor belt sushi restaurant, but Sensei smiled wryly as he looked at his lightened balance.

Anyway... the group had breakfast and headed straight for the Millennium Ruins. But......

"Um, where did we go, Sensei?"

"I don't remember."

"Hmm, I don't remember either, what do we do, sister?"

"Ugh... It's okay! There's no guarantee that the G Bible is there anyway! Let's just search the area!"

Since they couldn't remember the area where they found Alice, they looked around randomly. First, they entered a building nearby, and there were some robots inside.

The robots pointed their guns at the group as soon as they saw them, but at that moment, Toki ran forward.

Thud thud thud!

"Preemptive strike response complete. Shall we continue with additional combat, Sensei?"

"...No, please leave this to me. I have a feeling I can do it."

Sensei fidgeted with his hands, and soon, electricity flowed from his hands with a crackling sound. Then, assuming a familiar-looking pose, Sensei instinctively used that power.

"If it's me right now, I can do it. Since we're at it, let's try using it."

A beam of electricity shoots out. The blow, which grazes the robots and electrocutes them, hits the wall and disappears.

{{.........}}

Then, the robots lowered their guns and quietly made their way.

"Wh-What did you do, Sensei!?"

"I just made the robots my allies. I instinctively felt like I could do it."

"That's amazing, Sensei. Could it be that Alice also has that power?"

"Was Alice a mage instead of a hero!?"

"W-Who knows... Maybe a hero with a special active skill."

"Is it like superpowers? It's not mine, but if it's an Abi-Eshuh......"

"It's amazing, I guess. Is it some kind of hacking? I don't think it's something as unscientific as superpowers."

Seeing the power Sensei showed, everyone wondered if Alice also had it and what that power was as they went inside.

Alice was convinced that there must be something there, seeing as the robots were guarding it. It was a dungeon rule, after all.

After that, robots, including drones, blocked the group... Sensei walked forward in the lead, generating an unknown spark from his body. Due to that spark, the robots lowered their weapons and made their way.

"It's an amazing power. Can you freely control robots, or rather, electronic devices?"

"I wonder? But it's definitely how to use it."

"It's kind of... a dangerous power."

"Isn't any power dangerous? What's important is how you use that power. Even fire can be used for good, like cooking food or driving away the cold... but it can also be used to inflict harm."

"It's all about how you use tools and power, huh."

"That's right, Rio. Anything in the world can be misused, and it can also be used for good."

"It all depends on how you use it, huh..."

"What's important is the will of the person who wields the tool, the person who wields that power."

Like a teacher, Sensei gave a lesson. Rio, who had no memories, felt a strange feeling after hearing Sensei's words.

The group went further inside to find the G Bible, and they started to see some kind of sound and light from the inside.

"What's that......?"

Yuzu was scared by something that was faintly visible from the inside. The Saiba sisters were also surprised when they saw it, and Toki guarded in front of Rio. Alice and Sensei looked at it with sparkling eyes, feeling a sense of familiarity and eeriness at the same time.

The Judge Who Condemns With Compassionate Torment

<Chesed>

It was the army of the Nameless Priests. One of the weapons of the Nameless Priests, a being that was once a member of Divi:SION......

One of the factories that made the army of Divi:SION, the management AI robot of that factory was inspired by the Decagrammaton and became a prophet.

Although it was said to be more enhanced than the AI robots of other factories, it was fundamentally just one of the many factories of Divi:SION. In other words, it was originally nothing special.

To the Nameless Priests, it didn't matter if one was lost or not, so they were neglecting it.

And the princess of the nameless gods found it. Chesed, who faced the princess of the nameless gods who should have been his original master.

However, Chesed said nothing. Even though he remembered his past self, even after seeing Alice and Sensei in front of him, Chesed, as a prophet of the Decagrammaton, abandoned his original duty and sent out robots to kill the princess who would be the biggest problem for the plan.

"Please buy me some time."

Then, Sensei raised her hand in the air and emitted electricity. While the group, except for Rio, destroyed the robots and fought... Chesed rotated its main body sphere and gathered energy as if preparing something.

At that moment, the remains of the robots began to gather in Sensei's hands. Then, something like a gauntlet was attached to Sensei's right arm.

It was a tool to end it in one blow.

Feeling danger from it, Chesed tried to fire the gathered energy as a laser. But Sensei was faster.

"Too slow."

And so, it is said that Chesed paid the price for betrayal.

Chapter Text

It can happen to anyone.

Change and growth come to everyone. The ideas and beliefs we hold can change. That's a normal thing that happens to everyone.

There's no one in the world who is 100% right. A perfect human, a perfect being, cannot exist in the first place. Who in this universe can claim to be the most perfect being?

To say so is to boast of being the most arrogant and foolish being in the world. In this world, perfection does not exist.

Even if there is an end to growth, there is no end to perfection, to completion.

That's how the world is. There is no one more foolish than someone who thinks they are 100% right.

The moment we admit that we are imperfect humans, we are ready to learn, accept new things, and grow. The moment we deny that... no matter how great a person we were, we will only fall as a fool.

"Power... depends on how you use it..."

"What's wrong? Rio Pre... Senpai."

Not only did the blow offset Chesed's attack in one strike, but the blow that hit Chesed stopped him completely. Chesed, who had been attacked by mass-producing numerous robots. Her identity was also unknown, and the final blow he showed felt like a life-or-death danger.

And the terrifying power of Sensei, who defeated Chesed in one blow. Combined with the power he had shown before to control robots, she felt a momentary fear.

What if he used that power against the advanced city of Millennium? Conquering Millennium wouldn't take long. And robots were common in Kivotos, so conquering Kivotos wouldn't be a dream either. It was frightening to think of that power being misused.

However...

"I, for a moment, felt scared of Sensei. Alice too... because two of them looked the same."

"...Then, will you eliminate the two of them?"

Toki asked as if she were addressing the old Rio. Even if she had lost her memory, if Rio made such a request (order), Toki would try, even if it was impossible. Unlike C&C, who were under Semina, Toki, who was trained as Rio's sword, would move according to any order.

Even if it was a precious person... she would do it for now. Because that's what a tool is. Toki thought of Rio that way in the first place. She believed Rio would even sacrifice Toki herself if necessary. That's why she thought her personal powered suit, Abi-Eshuh, would have a self-destruct device in case of emergency.

Of course, Rio wasn't that cruel. She didn't give Toki such harsh orders, and she cared for Toki enough not to install a self-destruct device... but because of Rio's usual behavior and impression, Toki was convinced beyond just misunderstanding.

Rio, who received harsh evaluations in terms of personality except for her abilities, even from her villainous friend Himari and her close aide Semina. It was so bad that even student council presidents from other autonomous districts evaluated Rio as cold-blooded. An excessive rationalist, and a cold-blooded coward who eliminated potential threats in advance because she hated the uncertainty of "what ifs."

That's how she was evaluated.

"Eliminate...? Please don't say such scary things."

"I see."

Toki nodded, and unlike her expressionless face, she was relieved inside. Because even though it was only for a day, she recognized them as good people and close friends.

And that was the same for Rio. Like Toki, Rio didn't have friends. At best, Himari and Neru, who had known her for a long time, were more like villainous friends. They couldn't be called friends. Although they were the classmates who made the current Millennium possible, they had become distant due to Rio's behavior, unlike when they first entered the school.

In a way, it was worse than Toki. Toki assisted Rio with her personal affairs, and like Yuzu, she had circumstances that led her to repeat a grade, so she didn't have the opportunity to make friends... but Rio had plenty of opportunities. Even the distrustful Nagisa had friends she could trust, and the fool Makoto had many friends.

Kisaki had many close aides who truly followed her and whom she trusted, and even the self-righteous Cherino had close aides like Tomoe and Marina who were like friends(?). Even Hoshino of Abydos, still in decline despite having no debt, had juniors connected by strong bonds of friendship.

But Rio? Even with a trustworthy aide like Toki... Toki thought of herself as expendable, so they were far from being friends.

Even Tsurugi, who had major communication problems, had a best friend like Hasumi because of her good nature, but Rio had none. There was no one she could rely on in the first place.

"At first, I was scared for a moment... But, even though it was only for a day... we laughed and had fun together. I don't think Alice and Sensei would do anything bad, even with that kind of power."

"You trust them, Rio-senpai?"

"Trust... Yes, I'm trying to trust them. They're good people, right? The Game Development Club, and Sensei. They were so nice to me, even though I have amnesia. I don't feel any malice at all."

Certainly, at first, Sensei had suggested using Rio's situation, but no one actually used her. Everyone just acted sincerely to become friends with Rio while playing games together. They weren't trying to use their friendship with Rio to keep the club going. Instead, they were trying to find the G Bible to make achievements through game development.

Even though they said that, no one had any intention of using Rio. They were all, essentially, pure children, even if they were troublemakers.

Seeing Rio smiling and showing trust... Toki felt uncomfortable. She wondered if it was okay for a person to change so much, even with amnesia, and she felt cognitive dissonance.

"I don't know what I was like before I lost my memory, but now I believe. They're not bad people."

"I see."

"Your reaction is cold."

"No, it's your imagination."

Anyway, they left the factory where Chesed was... and looked around some more to find the G Bible. Then, they arrived at the abandoned building where they found Alice.

As they went inside, they heard a voice from the hallway.

{Are you AL-1S?}

"Alice is Alice?"

{...Voice confirmed. Divi:Sion system activated. Welcome.}

An old monitor screen turned on in response to Alice's voice. When told to ask anything, Momoi immediately asked about the G Bible. It said that the G Bible was there... It said it was there. And then the computer said it would self-destruct due to a system error.

So, they needed an object to transfer the data...

"How about my phone?"

Momoi didn't have her usual portable game console today, so Sensei took out her phone. She had the Shittim Chest anyway, so her phone wasn't really that important. So the Divi:Sion system was transferred to Sensei's phone.

The upload was complete, and the computer exploded.

"Let's see, on my phone..."

Just as he was about to check the system, saying that various things had been deleted due to capacity issues during the upload, sparks flew from the phone.

Crackle!

"Ugh!?"

""Sensei!?""

Electricity shocked Sensei, making his body tremble, and then the light in Sensei's eyes disappeared...

At that moment, inside Sensei's mind.

"Why are there two princesses...? That's not important. If they're both princesses, I just need to guide them both to their proper roles.

Key infiltrated Sensei who has taken the form of Key. She tried to take control of Sensei's body...

"But... this isn't the princess's body? Where is this?"

Unfortunately, although Sensei could use Key's power and looked exactly like her... surprisingly, inside, he was human. A pure human, not an artificial human-like Alice. He had just changed into her appearance and acquired her power.

Sensei had just lost consciousness for a moment because he was really electrocuted. So Key checked where she had entered if it wasn't the princess's body...

"Who are you, and why are you in my house?"

"...Who?"

Surprise! It was the Shittim Chest!

"You ask who I am? You hurt my precious Sensei, and you ask who I am!?"

"No, where is this... No, why am I in a box!? Then that's not the princess, but Sensei!? Why is Sensei in the princess's form!?"

"Just get out!"

Then, the Nameless God's princess, the AI Key, was kicked out after being hit by Arona Punch.

{Ugh... Why, is this happening...?}

"Ouch... I lost consciousness for a moment."

{Wh-Why...}

"Yes? Ah, are you the G Bible?"

{No, I'm not!?}

And so, Key was trapped in Sensei's phone by Arona.

Chapter Text

"Th-This is all there is to the G Bible!?"

The G Bible that they had finally found. Its true form was just a single phrase.

Love the game.

The secret to making a great game is just that one word.

The Game Development Department despaired at this... and Rio also evaluated that this was a scam.

"It's like the ending where the One Piece turns out to be the friendships with the companions they made along the way. What do you think, Toki?"

"I'd like pizza for lunch."

"Is food the problem right now, Toki!? Our Game Development Department has lost hope!"

The Game Development Department wanted to make a great game based on the G Bible, but they despaired at the fact that there was no secret to making a great game after all. Sensei chuckled at this.

"What would you have done if there was a secret to great games in the first place?"

"Well, we would make it using that method!"

"Then a great game would come out, and our club would be saved."

"Are you guys satisfied with that?"

"......."

Unlike the Saiba sisters, Yuzu had a slightly bitter expression at Sensei's words.

"No..."

"Yeah. Even if you make it according to that great game secret, it can't be called the Game Development Department's original. It's just a game from the G Bible, an imitation under the name of Tales Saga Chronicle 2."

"A-An imitation..."

Momoi was shocked at Sensei's words, but Midori looked like she understood something.

"The standards of great games differ depending on the era. It's not a matter of technology, it's a matter of the fun the game provides."

Pong, the first arcade game, is inferior to a flash game made by an elementary school student by modern standards, but when it first came out, it was the best game that caused a worldwide sensation.

Not only that, but as times changed, the standards of great games that users wanted changed. There were games that were too far ahead of their time, and there were games that came out too late.

"Will a secret from an unknown past work in the present? If it was a great game back then, everyone would have copied it according to the times. In the end, it's just a game that the world has already experienced and become accustomed to. Even if it were released now, it couldn't be called a great game. And if you just copy it, it's just a mass-produced game without the Game Development Department's unique characteristics. What the world wants is not mass production, but originality and creativity."

"...Midori, I think I forgot something important."

"Yeah... We joined the Game Development Department because we fell in love with Yuzu's game. To rely on someone else's secret now..."

".... It's true that the game I made received a lot of criticism. But... I was happy that there were people who liked it. I forgot that feeling because I was scared of the outside..."

At Sensei's words, they remembered the passion and dreams of the past that they had forgotten. They had been frustrated after the failure of Tales Saga Chronicle and tried various things, but they had given up on game development. Now, their eyes sparkled, and they put their hearts into making their own game again.

They once again joined forces and started developing the game.

"The important thing is a new attempt, huh."

"Yes. There isn't just one path. There isn't just one path that you think is the right answer. There are countless correct answers. In life, the answer isn't fixed like in a math problem. Keep that in mind, Rio."

There is no fixed answer in life. There are just many paths that are considered to be the right answer, and life is about choosing which path to take, Sensei advised. Rio thought carefully about Sensei's words, and then approached Yuzu and offered to help with the game development.

"I don't have my memories, but programming... I think I can do it."

Rio, a genius who designed Eridu and created the Aby-Eshuh and Avant-Garde, was a genius whose skills were top-notch even in Millennium, which is why she was re-elected as student council president. Even Himari couldn't deny Rio's abilities, so Rio started coding so quickly that Yuzu was surprised.

Of course...

"Is this really okay, Rio-senpai...?"

"Of course, Momoi. If there's an NPC with a design like this, it will definitely be popular. Because it's cool."

"You want me to make this... Will it be okay? Sister."

"Hmm... Let's just put it in!"

Even Momoi shook her head at Rio's design sense, but since they were planning to submit it to the Millennium Prize, they decided to accept Rio's help as time was short. As a result, some NPCs and mobs ended up with avant-garde designs.

"President Rio's biggest flaw is her design and naming sense. It's a relief that Aby-Eshuh looks normal."

"It seems so."

"Alice has brought snacks! Let's all eat while we work!"

In the Game Development Department, everyone spent time together and continued to develop the game.

And...

"What are you looking at, President?"

"Eimi... You know that Rio has lost her memory recently, right?"

"Yeah, the president told me."

Super Phenomenon Task Force.

Akeboshi Himari, originally the president of Veritas, became the president of the Super Phenomenon Task Force at Rio's request.

Like Rio, she was investigating Alice, whose academic records had been manipulated by Veritas... and then she found out that Rio had lost her memory. At first, she thought it was just an act, but Himari was convinced that it was real when she saw Rio doing things that the original Rio would never do.

Moreover, Himari had learned the true identity of Toki, Rio's trump card, so it was a win for her. Furthermore, she could use Rio's dark history as a weakness, so she was happily hacking into the Game Development Department's motion capture device...

"It's strange, after all. Tendou Alice, and Sensei."

She was suspicious of Alice. When they went to the ruins, Himari secretly monitored them by sending a small drone. And she confirmed that Sensei, who had taken on the appearance of Alice (Key), had taken control of the robots and destroyed Chesed.

"The waves that came from that robot were the same as the waves of the Decagrammaton that hijacked Millennium's AI hub in the past. In other words, the robot that Sensei destroyed was a Decagrammaton's Prophet. It's the same type as the hub, no, HOD."

"That's right. But why?"

"What I felt here is that the Decagrammaton alone is a big threat to Millennium, Eimi. But... Alice, at least judging from the power that Sensei showed, it can be inferred that Alice also has the same power."

"Then, is Alice dangerous?"

"...At least judging from Alice who is with Rio, Alice herself is not a threat. But... there is a possibility that Alice's power could be misused. Like by the Decagrammaton."

She had monitored them all the way to the ruins, but the drone was damaged by the shockwave when Chesed was destroyed, so she couldn't monitor them after that. She resumed monitoring only after they returned to the Game Development Department's club room.

"Then what are you going to do?"

"Since I'm worried about Alice's power, I need a way to remove only that power... or to make it so that only Alice can control it."

"What about Sensei?"

"He changes into a different student every day anyway, so it's probably just a power for today. Alice is the problem right now. To do that, I need to bring Alice here... When would be a good time? At least I think she's safe as long as Sensei is around."

"Hmm, how about before President Rio regains her memory?"

"...That's right. If it's Rio, she might regain her memory and use that power. Considering that, I should contact her when Rio has amnesia, if possible. But I'm worried if she'll come willingly. Because of Rio, Millennium's perception isn't good. Hmm... Ah, that's right. I heard that Sensei has transformed into her in the past, so should I make a request to them?"

"A request?"

"Yes. If it's them, they'll be helpful in persuading Sensei. I don't know about Yuuka, but it's okay for them to know about Rio's condition. Since I have Toki, I'll leave it to them."

In order to persuade Sensei and examine Alice, Himari decides to send C&C. After all, C&C is a self-proclaimed secret organization that takes on external requests, not just Seminar's orders.

So, she decided to send them tomorrow... and a day passed.

Early in the morning, Himari decided to dispatch C&C immediately, even before continuing her observation of the Game Development Department.

"Today is Sensei's new skin!"

"It became a skin!?"

{Why does this adult transform into students? Aren't you ashamed? You're changing into young girls of a different gender, don't you feel guilty?}

"Don't attack me out of spite just because you did something wrong and got trapped~ It looks sloppy, you know!"

{Grrr!}

Sensei transformed into a new student (?) again today.

"Well then, let's start the day!"

Chapter Text

C&C received a request from Himari.

The request was to persuade Sensei and Alice, who were in the Game Development Department, to come to the Super Phenomenon Task Force.

Crack... Crack!

And Neru was making a grim expression while cracking her knuckles.

"Boss, aren't you getting too emotional?"

"Shut up, Karin... I finally get to see that guy's face, I can't help it..."

Her anger was practically burning. The reason Neru was so angry was because of Sensei.

A while ago, a photo was uploaded to the Millennium community. It was a photo of Neru drinking beer at a pub. Since Yuuka, who was also in the photo, was drinking a non-alcoholic beverage, it was explained that there was no problem, so it wasn't a big deal...

But Neru suddenly got the title of a delinquent student who drinks. Although she looked like a delinquent, she had never bullied anyone or hit anyone without a reason. She might be late for school, but she had never been absent except for missions.

She was surprisingly a model student... but she was furious because she received a bad reputation because of what Sensei did while in her form. Normally, C&C shouldn't know about Sensei's constitution, but Yuuka told them that this matter needed an explanation.

C&C was practically in the same position as the Justice Task Force or the Prefect Team, so it was okay to tell them, so everyone knew.

Anyway, Neru was furious because of Sensei's reckless behavior while in her form. Still, the mission was to persuade them, not kidnap them, so she took deep breaths in front of the club room to calm down as much as possible. When Akane knocked, a strangely familiar laugh came from inside.

"Nihaha~! Who is it~?!"

A girl poked her head out from the suddenly opened door. It was Seminar's youngest member, Koyuki.

Everyone was confused as to why Koyuki came out of the Game Development Department, but Neru noticed by intuition that she was Sensei. Recently, Koyuki had run away again to play.

That's why Koyuki couldn't be here. If she was, Yuuka would have caught her right away. Therefore, Neru concluded that she was Sensei.

Normally, she would have said something first, but since it was Seminar's troublemaker, Neru couldn't contain her anger. She had often cleaned up after Koyuki's accidents, so her anger doubled, and Neru threw a punch.

"Ueek!?"

Just as she was about to hit Sensei's face, Neru's fist was deflected towards Sensei's body and hit the floor instead.

"What the..."

"Wait, boss! We're not here to fight."

"That's right. If we attack Sensei, we'll be wanted by the General Student Council."

"Ahaha! As expected, that kid wasn't Koyuki-chan but Sensei~?"

Everyone determined that it wasn't Koyuki but Sensei, and Asuna realized it a little later. Neru was bewildered by the current situation, but Sensei smirked at the fallen Neru.

"Oh my~? Was the greeting a hug?"

"This...!"

At the Koyuki-like taunt, Neru swung her chain-linked gun. Of course, it wasn't a taunt, but because of her tone and face, it was just that she didn't know much about Millennium's culture.

And of course, the gun didn't reach Sensei and flew towards Karin. Of course, Karin caught the gun and was unharmed.

"Hehe, I can tell that this one was an attack. But as long as I have the Shittim Chest, I'm invincible!"

"Invincible, you say... Then how about this!?"

Feeling provoked, Neru shot at Sensei. Akane tried to stop her, but it was too late. Dozens of bullets flew towards Sensei. But this time too, the bullets' trajectories were deflected and embedded into the walls and floor.

"...It's real."

Seeing that her attacks didn't work at all, Neru was so dumbfounded that her anger subsided.

"Nihaha~ I don't know why you're attacking me? Nice to meet you, Neru! I'm Sensei from Schale☆"

"Haa... Yeah, I know. I can tell just by looking... Let me ask you one thing."

"What is it~?"

"Why did you drink alcohol while in my form back then?"

"Ah~ That? It's because... there was alcohol there...!"

"Okay, die!!!"

Neru charged at Sensei and fired her gun. As expected, all her attacks were deflected, and Sensei laughed at that.

"Nihaha~ Such attacks are useless! To be honest, I couldn't resist it back then~! But I drank a non-alcoholic one, you know? Yuuka said it was okay, too~"

"She might be okay with it, but will my gun forgive you!?"

"If it can't hit me, doesn't that mean it's forgiving me~?"

"This is really...! Why is this thing a teacher!?"

"Nihaha~ Let's not do this and go eat breakfast together? It's a waste of bullets!"

Unlike Koyuki, Sensei's words had no malice. It just felt malicious because of Koyuki's way of speaking. Asuna was about to stop Neru when she heard about breakfast, but when Neru ran out of bullets, she threw a punch.

But Arona, who had been listening, also seemed to be a little annoyed.

Bam!

"Gah!"

""Ah.""

"Ah..."

{Ahem...}

The defense disappeared, and Neru's fist landed squarely on Sensei's head.

If it were a fight between ordinary students, there would be no problem at all... but the fact that Sensei, the acting president of the General Student Council, was hit was a huge incident. That's why Himari asked them to persuade him through conversation. But Sensei was hit by Neru and sank to the ground.

"Uwaaaaa... Why are you doing such a cruel thing..."

""She cried...""

"Ahaha~ Boss! You made Sensei cry~!"

"No, it wasn't intentional!? Don't cry!"

{Th-There's a limit to the defense, Sensei... But considering that you only ended up like this after taking that kind of punch, maybe your defense is also student-level... or not?}

Arona just couldn't create a barrier due to the energy limit, and Neru didn't really intend to hit him. She just did it out of frustration because it didn't work, but she felt like she was in trouble when she saw that it actually hit.

If word got out that she assaulted Sensei, it was obvious that all sorts of incidents would start, starting with Yuuka's nagging.

"What are you doing."

"..."

And Rio walked out of the club room. She was informed of the situation by Himari, so she pretended not to know for now...

"Maid outfit, I heard. You're C&C, right? The special forces directly under the Millennium Student Council President. Is this also the president's order? It's cowardly. Assaulting Sensei, she's a terrible president. I knew it when she defined ketchup as a vegetable."

"..."

Neru was dumbfounded by Rio's suddenly criticizing herself, but Akane decided to come out and mediate.

First, Asuna comforted Sensei, and Akane explained the situation.

"Ugh... So, in short, you have something to do with me and Alice."

"Yes, could you two please come with us?"

"Hmm... I think I roughly understand the situation."

Sensei, who had investigated the key figures of each academy knew Himari's name. He didn't know about the Super Phenomenon Task Force, but Himari was still the head of Veritas. Therefore, if she called, Sensei thought it must be an important matter related to Alice.

"Wait, can I go too?"

"Yes?"

"I'm worried about sending Sensei and Alice alone. Especially to people who handle things like this."

"...I'll ask for now."

Although she had amnesia, Akane felt a sense of incongruity as she saw Rio's personality and facial expressions, which were so different from the original Rio. After contacting Himari, Akane received permission.

"It's possible."

"I see..."

"Hmm... Sorry."

"No, it's okay... They say it's common for teachers to get hit by students these days anyway."

"Ugh..."

So, they followed C&C, taking Alice and Rio with them. Neru apologized, but Sensei's answer, due to Koyuki's way of speaking, made it seem like he was making fun of her. He had no ill intentions.

Thus, the group arrived at the Super Phenomenon Task Force...

"Wow~ Is that a wheelchair!?"

"...Well, it's different."

"Huh? What is it if it's not a wheelchair? I'm curious about the name!"

"The name is--"

"But more than that, wouldn't it be better to use robotic legs in Millennium? Or equipment like what President uses!"

"...Yes."

Himari thought. She should have just called them tomorrow...

Chapter Text

Himari had originally intended to talk about Alice, but she felt that it would be difficult to have a proper conversation with Sensei in his current state, so she decided to postpone the discussion for later... and for now, she makes an excuse with something else.

"I heard that Sensei from Schale had arrived, you see? And Miss Alice is registered with Veritas. So, I was curious about what kind of people you two are, and that's why I called you here."

"Nihaha~ I see? I understand! You were curious about me? Then should I start by telling you about my hobbies?"

"No, let's save that for another time..."

Himari did want to know more about Sensei, but she felt like her ears would explode from unnecessary TMI right now, so she decided to hear about it later.

And so, Himari sends the two away, saying that something urgent came up.

"Hmm, it seems the Super Phenomenon Task Force is busy too?"

"I think I know the reason..."

"Really? What is it, Neru!"

"...Never mind."

Neru roughly understood what Himari was thinking, but she didn't say anything after seeing Sensei's reaction.

So they returned to the Game Development Department after being practically kicked out.

"So, why were we called?"

"I wonder, Rio. More importantly, let's eat!"

Rio was puzzled by Himari's reaction to sending them back, but Sensei decided to just go with the flow and return to their daily routine.

The Game Development Department continued developing their game and returned to their daily lives. About two days later...

A message arrives.

{Sensei? This is about the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Would you be able to return to Schale?}

It was a call from Rin. He had been away from Schale for a few days, working remotely, but... there were still some things that needed to be done in person, in writing.

So, Sensei decides to return to Schale for a bit. The game was almost complete anyway, and there was still time left for the Millennium Prize.

Thus, Sensei takes the train to the DU.

"Haa... Work again."

{If you're so upset about it, then quit.}

{No, that would be a disaster, Key...}

Key, was called Kay by others. Kei, who was not happy about being bound to Sensei instead of Alice, disliked Sensei. Sensei, who had been having fun, suddenly had to return to the DU and do hard work, so he became extremely tired.

While talking with Arona and Key, Sensei arrived at the DU. And so, on his way to Schale...

"Hey! What are you doing there!?"

"Huh?"

"Get to your position! We don't have time!"

"Ehh... Excuse me, what's going on?"

Today, Sensei became a Valkyrie student. While on his way to Schale, other Valkyrie students came and dragged Sensei away.

{Wow, is it an incident...}

{Hmph, that's obvious.}

Sensei was dragged away before he could even take out his Sensei ID card. He was caught in the middle of Valkyrie students who were on alert... and the place they arrived at was near Schale.

"Wh-What's going on?"

"What's going on, you ask? The Fox of Disaster has appeared. She even took hostages!"

"H-Hostages?"

The Fox of Disaster.

Sensei recalled the girl in the fox mask he had seen before, Kosaka Wakamo. At the time, he didn't know who she was, but after searching based on her appearance, he found out about Wakamo, an escaped convict who was listed as a former student in the student registry.

And now, she was holding hostages.

Thinking he needed to know what was going on, Sensei went to the scene with the Valkyrie students... and they arrived in front of the Schale building. It was the entrance to Angel 24 in the Schale building.

"I won't say it again. Tell me Sensei's location."

"No way!"

At the scene, Wakamo was confronting Kanna, the Public Safety Bureau Chief. Inside the convenience store, Sora, the trembling part-time worker, could be seen.

"Me...?"

Sensei was puzzled that she was looking for him... but first, he stepped forward to calm the situation.

"Hmm? Wait, what are you doing!"

"Ah, please calm down, Public Safety Bureau Chief. I'll handle this."

"Huh? ...Wait, could it be?"

Kanna hadn't yet confirmed what form Sensei was in today, but seeing the girl in front of her acting so relaxed in front of the Public Safety Bureau Chief, she had a hunch.

"What is it?"

"So, Miss Wakamo? It's been a while, hasn't it? Since we last met in the basement."

"Huh? Are you talking about the Correction Bureau..."

"Why did you apologize and disappear back then?"

"......Please come inside for a moment."

Wakamo lowers her gun for a moment and calls Sensei inside. Sensei raises his hand as if to say it's okay, and then enters the Schale building. Kanna makes everyone wait for a moment, and the door to the Schale building closes.

"You, really...?"

"Yes, I'm Sensei. My appearance keeps changing due to certain circumstances~"

"...This atmosphere and scent, really?"

"S-Scent? Do I smell?"

"No, that's not what I meant... A-Are you really Sensei?"

Sensei explains his condition to Wakamo. Then, Wakamo slightly takes off her mask and shows a dejected expression.

"Why, of all things, must you be in such a hideous form..."

"No, I don't think that's the case..."

"To become the same as those filthy dogs of the General Student Council! It breaks my heart!"

"Why though!?"

Sensei was dumbfounded by Wakamo's sudden attitude. He was about to ask Wakamo why she was here and why she caused this incident...

Crash!!!

At that moment, the window suddenly shatters. Appearing through the broken window were students wearing SRT armbands. The students with rabbit ears attacked Wakamo with their guns as soon as they entered, and Wakamo quickly put on her mask and distanced herself.

Thud

"Oof!"

"Ah, sorry."

And Sensei falls down after being stepped on by Sorai Saki, a student who was landing. Saki apologizes and runs towards Wakamo.

The reason they came was because Wakamo had attacked Schale. Originally, they couldn't move without orders from the General Student Council President, their commander, or Sensei... but in cases where Sensei's safety was at stake, they could be dispatched as an exception. The attack on Schale was part of that, so they came.

The problem was...

"Ugh, stop!"

After getting stepped on by Saki, he gets up and shouts to stop the fight. She quickly takes out her Sensei ID card and shows it, and the RABBIT Squad, who had entered first, and the other squads that followed, stop in their tracks.

"Everyone, stand down..."

"S-Sensei?"

The squad leader, Miyako, was flustered, and Saki, who had stepped on her, turned pale.

{You're doomed, Saki~}

"Ah..."

First, Sensei sends the SRT students out and hands Wakamo his phone number.

"When everything is over, I'll contact you. Okay?"

"...Understood. Then, I'll be on my way."

After receiving Sensei's contact information, Wakamo quickly escapes the building. Sensei sighs and comes out to send Valkyrie and SRT back...

"Wh-What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry!"

In front of the building, Saki was doing a headstand, also known as a "head-banging punishment."

"Please get up!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Saki was a true soldier in many ways... and later, a picture of an SRT doing a headstand in front of a Valkyrie student spread on the internet.

"Haa... Trinity again."

The next morning. Yuuka was acting as the president's representative filling in for Rio, who was out on a business trip. Due to the Eden Treaty, Trinity was making various proposals.

Millennium just wanted to be a bystander and not get involved at all, but Trinity was trying to gain an advantage over Gehenna and was trying to win over Millennium. Therefore, they made an appointment for a meeting this time as well, and someone from Trinity's Tea Party was supposed to come.

As a result, Yuuka sighed, feeling a headache. Noah offered to do it instead, but since Yuuka was in charge of external affairs, she said she would do it herself.

And so, a knock was heard in the seminar room. Yuuka thought it was the Tea Party member and opened the door...

"Good morning, Yuuka-san. It's a beautiful day."

Instead of a Tea Party member, the host (student council president) Nagisa came.

"...Ah, yes. Please come in."

And so, Yuuka nervously let her in and guided her to her seat. Noah also seemed a little nervous about her sudden visit, and Yuuka brought tea and served it to her.

"Then, Yuuka-san. Let's get straight to the point."

"Yes..."

Yuuka was nervous about what Nagisa would say...

"Yuuka-san. You..."

"(Gulp)"

"Is it true that you weigh 100kg?"

"........................?"

"?"

For a moment, wondering if she had misheard, Yuuka glanced at Noah, and Noah nodded.

"What do you mean..."

"No, it's recorded as such in the student registry. If you really weigh 100kg in that figure, it must be visceral fat, so I'm worried about your health, Yuuka-san."

"No, that... Why, such a thing? Who spread such a rumor, the registry? Uhh...?"

"Ah, Momoi-san told me."

"It was Sensei!!!!!"

"? Of course it's me, who else would it be?"

That's right. It wasn't Nagisa, it was Sensei.

"Excuse me~"

And then, the actual Tea Party member who was supposed to be at the meeting came in...

"Na, Na, Na, Nagisa-sama!?"

"Oh my, hello?"

"Wh-Why is Nagisa-sama here... E-Excuse me!"

"?"

The member was a student from Mika's Pater faction, not Nagisa's Philius faction, and had come without Nagisa's knowledge. So, when she saw Nagisa, she was startled and ran away.

Sensei takes a sip of the tea that Yuuka gave him and puts it down.

"...By the way, if ketchup is a vegetable in Millennium, is tea also a vegetable juice?"

"Get out."

Yuuka felt a burning sensation in her stomach.

Chapter Text

Trinity's Tea Party.

They were busy preparing for the Eden Treaty and investigating the murder of the former host.

It was publicly known that the former host, Yurizono Seia, had been attacked and hospitalized, but the truth was that she was dead. Of course... the head of the Knights Hospitaller, Mine, knows the truth.

Anyway, the Tea Party was busy and chaotic by such events.

The current host, Nagisa, summoned Sensei from Schale to quell the chaos. To identify the traitor among them, whom she believed to be the betrayer.

And for the safety of the Eden Treaty.

"Nagisa-sama! Mika-sama! We have a problem!"

"What is it?"

"What's the matter~?"

"Well... some delinquents are going wild near the Tea Party building..."

"Isn't that something the Justice Task Force should handle?"

"Should I go blow them away?"

"That's not it! The deliquents appeared... and Seia-sama is taking them down!"

Drip...

"...Who?"

"Huh...? S-Seia-chan is... alive...?"

The Tea Party saw it. The host of the Tea Party, who was known to have been attacked and killed. The awesome appearance of the Trinity student council president.

Gun Kata, that is.

"Hmm, I got used to shooting with both hands when I was Neru, so this is easy."

Chapter Text

Millennium Prize.

The Game Development Department managed to finish their game just in time for the deadline. Most of it was thanks to Rio's help. Of course, it wasn't the real deadline. It was just about submitting the game before the Millennium Prize judging and uploading it to the internet to showcase it to the public.

"All that's left is the judging process."

"I-I guess so, Sensei!?"

Sensei sits in a chair, drinking black tea. Momoi seemed a little anxious, but Alice encouraged her.

"The Millennium Prize. It's not over just because you submitted it. The judging results are announced a few days after submission. And during that time, the game can also receive public evaluation."

"But... this is only our second game. Will it really be okay?"

Even the optimistic Momoi and the realistic Midori were anxious. Yuzu had developed the prototype of Tales Saga Chronicle, and even the main game she made with the Saiba sisters was criticized and received negative feedback twice in a row, so she lacked confidence.

"As a gamer, I found it enjoyable. I don't know if it's a masterpiece, though."

"Toki, in times like this you're supposed to be encouraging us. I don't think we can easily determine the value of the game we made."

Toki stared at Rio as if she were a monster because of her uncharacteristic remark.

So, all that was left was the result. All they could do was wait for the Millennium Prize awards ceremony, which would be held in three days.

Rio gets up and leaves the club room.

"Where are you going?"

"To my house for a bit. It's been empty for too long, so it must be dusty. I need to run the robot vacuum cleaner since I have some time to relax."

"I see. Then shall we go together?"

"...Right, I don't know the location. I'll ask for your help, Sensei."

Rio doesn't know the location of her residence, and leaves the club room with Sensei. But the moment they open the door... the temporary wall collapses.