“The battlers… they're really wrecking things up,” a stern voice rang in the air, breaking the silence pervading within the darkened temple of the masters. Only one large screen at the end of its imposing halls provided some light. Watching the match live, Scar could only grit his teeth, knowing how dangerous they could be.

“Well, what can we say? It's for research purposes after all,” replied a man in a loose military golden-black uniform with light green details, sitting on a chair with his feet up on a desk, looking somewhat satisfied. His looks were a bit young to say the least, with spiky brown hair and smiling blue eyes to make him look more like the part. “Rest your worries, Scar. This is only a demonstration. Nothing dangerous at all. You can even bet my money on it.”

“Precisely. Collecting their combat data is crucial to build a competent Soldiver machine interface. Of course, what better way to achieve that than to have them go all out? Simple as that.” Spoke the woman standing beside Blatt, her hazel eyes absorbed on the screen with her hands full on writing a report on a tablet. Her white lab coat spoke for itself, lending her the image of a well-endowed burgundy-haired young woman. “If you really that worried then think back; the monsters all around us are more than capable of destroying us in a blink of an eye. Looking from their viewpoint, I'm sure they see us as anything but pests, and our lives are worth nothing more than those of cattle. In that regard, the battlers seemed nothing like those savage beasts. Therefore, the term dangerous doesn't even begin to describe them.” Islynn stopped writing, shoving a look towards Scar as she fixed her glasses. “Following this way of thinking, your initial concerns for the battlers aren't warranted in the first place.”

A small laughter escaped Blatt as his ears picked up all of it, before turning to look at Islynn. His face traced in amusement as he said, “Are you sure?”

Islynn raised her eyebrows, however slightly. “Don't make me repeat.” She promptly reared her heels to march outside the place.

“And what about the data, did you get all of it?” Blatt said, his eyes now focused on the screen.

“I'll personally review them.” It was all she said before leaving the temple's halls fleetingly.

Heaving a deep sigh, Scar could only rub his balding head. Genuinely worried.

“Also, this might be out of topic, but who's the girl?” Blatt pointed to a girl sitting somewhat restless beside him. Her auburn-bobbed hair then flopped messily around as the girl suddenly jerked herself upright, stiff as a board.

Seeing that, Scar grinned. “Well boy, didn't you ask for a recruit?”

Blatt raised his eyebrows, tearing his eyes away from the screen to the girl beside him.

“I'll introduce you.” Scar said before giving a nod to the girl, a cue for which she would begin to speak.

“Aria Leitzen at your service!” A sharp salutation then followed. However, with that odd glasses sitting on her bridge nose, Blatt could only hold his laughter from going out.

“A freshman?” Blatt asked Scar.

“That she is.” Scar sent.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“And you expect me to take her under my wing?”

Scar nodded.

“Your profile,” Blatt stretched his hand out and after an afterthought, “please?” The girl searched her bag to get a file with her photo and information written down to Blatt's open palm.

He began to sift through it. Aria saw his eyes beginning to sharp itself.

“So they managed to create one…” Blatt had a disbelieving look on his face, pausing himself for a moment before saying, “I guess that explains why your hands and neck are bandaged. Here's a simple question for you, do you hate me?” Blatt pressed the last part, drawing a smile so wide that Aria could have sworn she saw a wolf baring its fangs out. “Well, do you?”

In that instant, Scar's face tightened. “You son of a—Blatt!!” He promptly moved towards them.

This will get ugly.

But Blatt just stopped him with a wave of his hand, “Scar, what did I tell you? Never interrupts when I'm having a conversation. Or do you want me to drill that into your body?” Blatt gave him a threatening glare. Scar could only shut his mouth. Seeing that, Blatt continued waiting patiently for his dear recruit to reply.

Aria gathered her thoughts. It wasn't like it was hard to answer. In fact, the question was so silly, it made Aria gritted her teeth. It was obvious. Blatt probably knew that from the start.

He was just toying with her.

“Yes, Commander Blatt. I— Aria Leitzen, detests you from my very heart. If given the opportunity, I'll cut you down without hesitation.”

Blatt was happy beyond words. Tears welling inside his eyes.

“Thank you, I'm quite pleased to know you feel that way towards me. I'll expect great things from you, Aria Leitzen.” With great satisfaction coloring his face, Blatt turned to Scar, saying, “Though I have to question why she isn't assigned to any corps?”

Sighing, Scar professionally answered, “For the record, she's officially a member of the Extermination Unit. I'll have you know that the Black Lotus has offered her a chance to join their ranks. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, she'll be transferring to yours this early spring. But of course, for now, just let her get a taste of this godforsaken world. She'll need it.” Scar sent as he turned the screen off, automatically bringing the lights back on in the temple.

“That she will Commander. Also...” Blatt got up from his chair. His right hand stretched out towards Aria. She just blankly stood still, before quickly realizing the message. She took his hand within hers.

Though Aria was gripping especially hard on her side, Blatt didn't seem to mind the treatment. “What's this? Getting peppy here, are we?” He then lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned into Aria's right ear. “Good, now that's what I want. Respect. Keep it. Not many would do that to their elders nowadays. Not that I'm old enough, to say the least.” He said it with a laugh at the end as they tore away. Ironic. “Now then, I'll take my leave. Scar.”

“What?”

“I'll be waiting at the usual place, tell her that.”

Scar nodded, knowing what he meant. Having said and done with, Blatt promptly left the temple behind.

Aria eyed her hand, still warm.

“Commander, that man...”

“One of the best men in the academy. You'll be in good hands with him around.” Scar said, sitting at his desk.

“I see...”

“And Aria, the report, please.”

Nodding, Aria walked to his desk before bringing out a nondescript file. Scar read the contents again and again, his face beginning to darken. “Did they approve of this?”

Aria shook her head, saying, “No, at least for now.”

Scar, though relieved to hear that, placed his attention on the file again. Project Primal—summoning the powers of the incarnates… Its contents made Scar afraid of the future. He decided it was best to put the file away in his drawer for now. “You can leave now.”

Aria saluted the stern commander as she usually does before rearing her heels back to where she came from. Before long, she found herself in the faculty room. Face lined with sweat, while she herself huffs and puffs.

She did have trouble after all, mainly with her student ID card's missing.

“Good gracious, if some student didn't find and send it here, you won't be able to enter the academy!” Said the female teacher, giving Aria her ID card back.

“Thank you—!” Feeling somewhat indebted, Aria bowed to the said teacher again and again, to which the teacher could only smile wryly.