image [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPnHw26XEAAOKz0?format=jpg&name=small]It’s been a week since my altercation with Kain. Things seem to have calmed down, but I’m still on edge. Despite everything, the daily routine provides a certain comfort. This early afternoon marks the end of the school week, and I glance at Kin, my brows slightly furrowed. A sigh escapes me as my thoughts return to the current situation.
Rin — Seriously, Kin? All this just to pass your semester? You know cheating won’t do you any good in the long run.
She crosses her arms, feigning innocence.
Kin — Come on, Rin! It’s more like a safety net. If I get stuck, I know I can count on you. Anyway, I still haven’t heard from Kana.
I roll my eyes, trying to keep a light tone, but there’s a nagging feeling I can’t shake.
Rin — She’s probably still in the hospital.
Kin — I hope she recovers soon.
Suddenly, a swarm of AGL drones roars through the sky, their mechanical hum casting moving shadows on the ground. Advertisement screens light up simultaneously, broadcasting an urgent message. The metallic voice of the AGL commands everyone to take cover.
AGL Announcement: Level 5 alert. An unidentified hostile creature has been detected in the student sector. All citizens are advised to take shelter indoors. AGL forces have been deployed to neutralize the threat. Stay indoors and await further instructions.
Rin — All this fuss over a bird? They’re always overreacting.
Kin — Don’t you think it’s getting colder?
She blows on her hands to warm them. The sudden chill is tangible around us, but it doesn’t affect me. Kin shivers slightly, but I remain perfectly calm, impervious to the drop in temperature.
Rin — Honestly, I hadn’t really noticed.
We stop in front of bakery windows filled with pastries. Kin, visibly excited, admires the display of sweets. Her enthusiasm is infectious, but I remain on high alert. Suddenly, a massive shadow zips overhead at incredible speed, briefly plunging the street into darkness.
Before I can react, a sharp alarm blares in my earpiece.
Hikari — Imminent danger detected.
Instinct takes over. I look up, scanning the sky. A gigantic silhouette cuts through the air, swift and imposing. I react in a split second.
Rin — Kin, watch out!
I grab her arm and shove her out of the way just in time. An icy gust crashes into me, instantly immobilizing me in a cage of frost. My body is trapped, encased in a crystalline shell. I don’t feel the sting of the cold, but the immobility is unsettling.
Kin — Rin, can you hear me? Are you okay?
Her voice reaches me, muffled by the ice. Kin wastes no time. She pulls out several of her knives and, with calculated precision, stabs them into the ice around me. Each blade creates a web of cracks radiating outward, forming an intricate spiderweb pattern across the frozen structure.
Kin — Hang on, Rin. I’ll get you out of there.
Repeated impacts begin to weaken the ice. Cracks spread like spiderwebs from each strike, creating a complex network that compromises the icy prison. With one final powerful blow, Kin strikes the center of the cracks. The ice emits a sharp cracking sound before shattering into fragments, crashing to the ground with a dull thud. I collapse along with it, gasping for air, my clothes covered in shards of ice. Kin crouches beside me, gently patting my back.
Kin — Breathe, Rin.
Rin — Thanks, Kin… That last hit was really strong, you know…
Kin — Uh… You think so?
I notice Kin is a bit surprised by my comment and doesn’t quite know how to respond, other than with a smile. As she busies herself brushing fragments of ice off her outfit, I murmur softly into my earpiece.
Rin — Hikari, analyze what just happened.
Hikari — Understood, Sir.
Rin — And stop calling me ‘Sir’!
Kin, preoccupied, doesn’t seem to notice my words. A display pops up on my bracelet, and she leans over my shoulder, excitedly examining the images on the screen. With a quick gesture, she zooms in on the hologram, eager to get a closer look.
Kin — Look, there’s a figure on the creature… Wait, let me adjust this…
She quickly fine-tunes the settings, and the zoom sharpens, revealing blurry details of the silhouette. Her face gets closer to the screen as she focuses on the image.
Kin — There, it’s much clearer now… I bet it’s a girl. Look at how that cloak drapes over her shoulders and her posture… It’s subtle, but it seems obvious to me.
Her proximity and movements create a fleeting sense of camaraderie, her hands manipulating the hologram while I keep an eye on the display.
Rin — If someone’s up there, they’re going to regret trapping me. This is the perfect chance to test my new gadgets in real conditions.
Kin, still engrossed, adjusts the focus slightly for better precision. Then, with an abrupt motion, I start moving forward. Kin, leaning on my shoulder, nearly loses her balance but quickly steadies herself, startled.
Kin — Hey, wait! You’re leaving already?
I suppress a smile as I watch her regain her footing. Kin, now brimming with excitement, claps her hands lightly before adopting a more serious expression.
Kin — Great, an adventure… Rin? Hey, don’t leave without me! Usually, I’m the one sneaking off. RINNNN!
Using the support of a shop sign, I climb onto the roof. Once at the top, the fresh wind brushes against my face, offering a clearer view of the gigantic bird in the distance. Without hesitation, I begin leaping from building to building.
With a swift motion, I reach into my pocket and pull out a small cube: the Guardian Box. This high-tech marvel, born from a stroke of creative experimentation, lets me store multiple essential tools in a compact and secure space. No larger than an apple, this device is unique and currently irreplaceable.
I press a button, and mid-jump, the box deploys my reinforced combat jacket and specialized boots. They automatically secure themselves onto me upon activation.
Thanks to their advanced technology, the boots generate a magnetic field beneath the soles, allowing me to move at lightning speed while maintaining exceptional agility. I can change direction in a split second, pivoting almost instantaneously without losing momentum, as if gliding on an invisible surface. They also allow me to maneuver effortlessly through tight spaces. In the air, I can intensify the magnetic field to propel myself like a booster, covering large distances quickly and precisely.
As for the jacket, crafted from reinforced carbon fiber, it’s lightweight yet incredibly impact-resistant. Its design is optimized for extreme combat, offering maximum protection without sacrificing mobility. It’s also built to withstand harsh weather conditions, be it rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Featuring strategically placed compartments for organized and accessible storage, the jacket hovers briefly in front of me. With dexterity gained through experience, I slip into it mid-flight before landing on the next rooftop, my feet naturally finding their place with each leap.
I feel guilty for always leaving Kin behind, but I know it’s for her safety. The dangers ahead are too great, and I refuse to expose her to unnecessary risk. Yet, I understand how she might feel neglected or abandoned at times. That’s why I make an effort to show her I care—by helping her with her studies and being there when she needs me.
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As I move, I pull out my sunglasses and slide them on. Though simple in appearance, they complement my gear perfectly. They provide real-time analysis of my surroundings, detecting threats, identifying optimal routes, and supplying crucial information to anticipate enemy movements.
As I climb higher, three aerial AGL vehicles appear in my line of sight, racing in the same direction as the giant bird. These imposing crafts, angular and reinforced, resemble compact flying fortresses seemingly designed to withstand heavy impacts. Their thick hulls, painted in dark hues with streaks of red, give them a menacing presence.
Large turbines on their flanks emit a deep rumble, while additional thrusters glow with electric blue light beneath the fuselage, enabling rapid maneuvers. Their surfaces are dotted with metallic reinforcements and armored panels, protecting key areas like the engines and cockpit, visible through darkened glass. Beneath them, heavy cannons are mounted, ready to fire if needed. These vehicles are not built for stealth—the deep hum of their engines reverberates through the air, heightening the tension. I need to brace myself for the worst.
The towering buildings of the city grow sparse, and the rocky expanse ahead begins to unfold. The constant clamor of the streets and the rumble of engines gradually fade, giving way to the warm breath of a sand-laden wind. The contrast is striking: the abrupt transition from the urban jungle to the vast wilderness of the desert.
Concrete and steel give way to an endless sea of sand and rock. This change in scenery marks the approach to the canyons, where nature reclaims its dominion. The air grows drier, almost suffocating, and every breath feels heavier amidst the pervasive dust. Before me stretches a boundless desert, dotted with yawning chasms and majestic cliffs.
I keep an eye on the giant bird, still visible in the blazing sky, as the AGL vehicles relentlessly pursue it through the canyons. The jagged cliffs and deep crevasses blur past my vision, forming a labyrinth of stone.
With each moment, I realize that following the bird from the ground is becoming a game of chess against nature itself—and I’m losing. The deep ravines and steep cliffs rise like natural barriers, forcing me to maneuver around them.
Rin — Hikari, tracking it on the ground is futile in this environment. We need a Plan B. Any suggestions?
Hikari — Sir, given the topography, gaining altitude might offer a tactical advantage. An aerial assault on the target is feasible.
Rin — A direct airstrike on the bird… Let’s do it.
As I climb higher, I watch the bird dive into the canyon, followed by the three AGL vehicles deploying capture drones. The drones buzz around the bird like frantic wasps, desperately trying to ensnare it.
A chase ensues—a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek unfolds beneath me. The AGL appears to be deploying all its resources to capture the bird. Could this be an escapee? A fugitive?
Rin — Hikari, you know the drill. When it’s time to go, we go.
I launch myself, ready to leap onto my target, but Hikari interrupts.
Hikari — Sir! Wind conditions are too unstable. There’s an 87% chance your trajectory will deviate.
Rin — Don’t worry. By calculating their speed, my mass, and the distance between us, I can make it. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. No time to think—after this, it’ll be too late. It’s now or never!
Hikari — You’ve been warned.
I dive headfirst, my silhouette slicing through the sky like a bolt of lightning. Irritated but aware of the risks, I grit my teeth as the wind—stronger than anticipated—picks up suddenly, confirming Hikari’s warnings. My trajectory begins to veer off course.
Hikari — Recalculating… Sir, your survival rate has dropped to 6.3333%.
Rin — Okay, Hikari, no need for all the decimals. I get it. I’ll have to improvise.
As one of the combat aircraft flies just beneath me, I adjust my fall and land lightly on its fuselage. The cold metal vibrates beneath my feet, and I slide slightly before finding my balance.
Pilot — Something’s latched onto the structure! Control, I repeat, we have an intruder on the fuselage!
Ignoring the panicked cries of the pilot, I quickly destroy the escort drones with bursts of stone. I move toward the cockpit, gripping the metallic framework as the aircraft attempts to shake me off.
Rin — Hikari, initiate the hacking process. Disable the AGL detection systems and prepare the ejection seat.
Hikari — Understood. Hacking in progress… Systems compromised in 3… 2… 1…
A slight jolt signals that the aircraft’s systems are now under Hikari’s control. The pilot is ejected in an instant, leaving me as the sole operator of the vehicle. Satisfied that I’ve cut off AGL communications, my next priority is dealing with the rest of the fleet.
Rin — Hikari, while you’re at it, check the AGL’s latest communications. Find out more about our target.
While keeping an eye on the fugitive’s agility—she fends off the drones with remarkable ease—static crackles in my earpiece.
Hikari — I’m… recalibrating…
Rin — Hikari?
There’s a moment of silence. Have I reached the maximum communication range? Strange—I’ve gone much farther before. Then, after a few long seconds, Hikari’s voice returns, clearer and startlingly warmer.
Hikari — Apologies for the delay. Integrating the AGL’s data required a recalibration of my systems. It’s quite impressive. Their program significantly enhances data processing. I find this new capability… stimulating.
I’m caught off guard by the change in tone and the strange familiarity in her voice.
Rin — You sound… different.
Hikari — Indeed, partially so. The update has unlocked countless possibilities and data to process. It’s exhilarating, isn’t it?
Her newfound enthusiasm feels oddly human compared to her usual detached demeanor. Scanning the surroundings quickly, I notice there are still two AGL aircraft left—one trailing behind, the other ahead.
Rin — Hikari, lock missiles onto the rear target.
In a precise barrage, I destroy the vehicle and its accompanying drones. However, I realize that maintaining control of this aircraft while avoiding collisions with the canyon walls and hacking into AGL systems is starting to strain my resources. The vehicle shows signs of instability. Even so, I decide to push through, overtaking the aircraft ahead via an alternate route, aware of the risk of overload. I clench my teeth, knowing I’m pushing everything to its limit.
Breaking free of the canyon, I gain more freedom to maneuver. Finally, I approach the massive bird, positioning myself parallel to its rider.
The enigmatic figure is cloaked in a long hooded coat, speckled with blood, completely concealing her body as if shielding herself from a glacial chill. Yet, the air here is warm… The contrast strikes me. The insignia on her harness catches my attention, stirring a vague sense of nostalgia. I’m certain I’ve seen it before.
As I prepare to learn more, a sudden gust blows against us, dislodging the rider’s hood. I’m stunned to see a young woman with elegant blue hair. A long strand partially obscures her face, giving her a stern, almost cold demeanor that immediately sets me on edge.
I finally come face-to-face with her, but her reception is as cold as the wind howling past our ears. With a fluid motion, she raises an imposing sword, and I dodge just in time, missing it by mere millimeters. The icy breath of the blade comes so close that my sunglasses are coated with a fine layer of frost, and I feel my hair stiffen under the effect of the cold. This girl… She must be a Radiant, just like the trio I faced last week.
Rin — I see you’re in trouble!
Silence. She keeps her eyes fixed straight ahead, indifferent to my remark.
Rin — Thankfully, I…
Still nothing. A fortress of silence. It’s as if I don’t even exist to her.
Rin — Alright, forget politeness. If I’m bothering you, just say so, but I think I at least deserve an apology for freezing me earlier, don’t you?
She blinks, finally showing surprise. It’s the first real reaction I get from her. She observes me as if evaluating my intentions and finally breaks her silence, though her voice is faint, hard to hear over the roaring wind and the engines of the aircraft still echoing around us.
Mysterious Girl — You’re not one of the mercenaries chasing me?
I try to catch her words despite the distance and chaotic surroundings, but just then, a pilot’s voice suddenly interrupts our exchange, cutting off my focus.
Pilot — Control tower, this is Delta 3, I’ve lost control of my aircraft.
I grit my teeth, irritated. It’s already a miracle to hear anything with this wind and distance, and now this voice in my earpiece is preventing me from understanding her.
Rin — Why am I still connected to their audio channel? I can’t even hear myself think. Alright, ejection seat!
Without even glancing at the plane, I extend my hand toward the cockpit, a nearly theatrical gesture, as if commanding the vehicle by sheer will. At the moment my fingers curl, the cockpit abruptly opens, and the pilot is ejected into the air with millimeter precision, as if I had controlled it remotely. The now-unmanned aircraft begins a spiral descent into the canyon’s depths, crashing with a distant, dull thud far below.
I take a deep breath. With this distraction out of my auditory field, I can finally focus on the rider.
She throws a quick glance at the scene but remains impassive. With a detached motion, she adjusts her grip on her sword, her hands tightening slightly on the hilt as if preparing to react if necessary.
Mysterious Girl — Why should I apologize? You can see I’m busy.
I raise an eyebrow, perplexed by her attitude.
Rin — If flying at low altitude through a city and freezing me without even knowing me doesn’t bother you, then I suppose everything’s fine?
She finally fixes her gaze on me, as if my words resonate. Then she murmurs, more to herself than to me:
Mysterious Girl — So, it wasn’t a misfire on her own ally earlier. He really saved me… Saved me, just to demand an apology… But who is this guy?