As Raika and Alice take a leisurely walk around the vibrant city of New Arc, they engage in conversation. Eventually, Alice gazes at Raika and inquires, "How are you feeling?"
Raika was puzzled and inquired, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"You knew about your power being awakened and stuff," said Alice while smiling. "I was surprised by the fact that you had discovered your power."
"I'm fine." Raika said. "It's taking me some time to adjust to the new situation, but I'm still getting used to it."
"That's wonderful," Alice said while putting her arm around her, expressing her joy."I'm glad that you have joined us today and we are excited to have you here."
Nozomi noticed Raika walking towards her, and was delighted to see her smiling and waving, prompting Nozomi to say "Hey Raika" in response.
Raika spoke softly, calling out her friend's name, "Nozomi."
"Who is she?" Alice inquired.
"Oh, this is Nozomi Kishimoto," Raika said while looking at Nozomi. "We are neighbors, living in the same apartment complex."
"OMG!" Nozomi cried out excitedly, her grin spreading from ear to ear. "You're Alice Kiryu."
"Do you happen to be a fan of mine?" asked Alice with a smirk on her face.
Nozomi nods her head in agreement and looks at Raika with a smile, saying "Guess what, Raika?"
"What is it?" asked Raika.
"The other day, a letter from Alphatrix Institute arrived in my mailbox." said Nozomi with a huge smile. "So, if I understand correctly, it means that I will become a member of the Anti-NightBeast Defense Enforcement."
Raika was full of joy for Nozomi and exclaimed "Wow, that's great Nozomi".
"So, it's the Alphatrix Institute," said Alice with a slight smirk on her face as she observed her surroundings. "At this rate, they are willing to send any letter to anyone who needs it."
Nozomi addressed Raika and Alice with a serious look on her face, saying "Hey!?" to get their attention. "If it's not too much trouble, could you please expand on the details regarding the Alphatrix Institute and the Anti-NightBeast Defense Enforcement?"
"I would like to tell you more about it over a cup of coffee at the nearby cafe," Alice suggested, and Raika and Nozomi both expressed their agreement with a nod. They decide to stretch their legs and make their way to the cafe that is conveniently located nearby.
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{Border HQ}
Kyosuke strolled down the hall, his thoughts focused on the NightBeast's relentless appearance day after day, causing him to sigh and realize that it was becoming out of control, prompting him to think quickly. Walking down the street, his gaze falls upon an older female. Her long red hair is tied up in a ponytail, and she is wearing a black coat with a white and black shirt underneath, along with black gloves, black shorts, grey thigh highs, and brown boots. Upon locking her orange eye onto Kyosuke, she smiled and cheerfully said, "Hey there, Kyosuke!"
"Isabelle," Kyosuke said softly, with a smile on his face. "It's a surprise to see you here today, I had no idea you were around."
"What can I see my drinking buddy?" Isabelle asked, her face lit up with a smile. "The reason for my visit is to have a conversation with you about my mission, and I came here specifically to see you."
"How did it go?" Kyosuke asked with curiosity.
While crossing her arms, Isabelle gave Kyosuke a serious look and spoke, "I completed my mission successfully, but I also gathered more information regarding 'Nightside'."
"Is that so?" Kyosuke asked as he looked intently at Isabelle, waiting for her response. "Could you please provide me with additional information?"
Isabelle let out a sigh as she expressed her concern, "I have learned that the 'Nightside' is becoming increasingly hostile."
Kyosuke, with a sigh, requested, "I would appreciate it if you could share with me something I'm not aware of."
"I stumbled upon a note," Isabelle explained, "and it had information about the 'Orochi Game'."
"The Orochi Game?" Kyosuke asked with a serious expression on his face, showing his curiosity. "This is the first time I am hearing about this matter."
Isabelle turned her gaze towards Kyosuke and after letting out a deep sigh, said "I feel the same way as you do. I am unable to comprehend what it could be, but I have a strong feeling that someone is attempting to obliterate humanity or bring forth something malevolent."
"In the event that this is the case, then it is necessary for us to conduct a more extensive analysis of this matter." said Kyosuke with serious tone in his voice.
Isabelle's smile grew as she mentioned to Kyosuke, "Word has it that we have a newcomer."
"Indeed, we do. Her name is Raika Narukami," Kyosuke uttered while gazing at Isabelle. "But I am unsure of the person who will guide and support her as a mentor."
"Oh, I've found the perfect person," exclaimed Isabelle as she extracted her phone and dialed a close friend.
"WHAT"
Isabelle chuckled, asking, "Is that the manner in which you address the individual who provided you shelter?"
"Ugh!, What do you want?"
"There is a newly added member and we require your guidance as her mentor," Isabelle conveyed via telephone. "Her name is Raika Narukami."
"Just to confirm, you are requesting that I take on the role of mentoring the novice."
"Yes~!" exclaimed Isabelle with a radiant smile.
"And what do I receive in return for my efforts?"
"You are provided with a duration of two weeks to exterminate the 'NightBeast' because of your profound detestation towards them," Isabelle mentioned, a smile adorning her face.
"Fine, I'll do it, but you better uphold your promise."
"Do not be anxious, Kagami," Isabelle assured, concluding the call.
Kyosuke's face was filled with worry as he looked at Isabelle, and deep in his thoughts, he couldn't help but think, "I will never be able to comprehend Isabelle."
Isabelle and Kyosuke were in the middle of a conversation when a loud boom interrupted them. They both turned to look outside and were surprised to see Julis and a blond-haired boy engaged in a fierce fight just outside the building. Kyosuke let out a heavy sigh while his eye twitched in frustration. "I swear, dealing with Julis and her team is always such a troublesome task."
With a small laugh and a smile on her face, Isabelle stated, "You know how they are."
Isabelle walked outside to have a serious conversation with Julis and her team, causing Kyosuke to sigh in response.
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{Vice & Virtue Cafe}
Raika, Alice and Nozomi make their way into the popular cafe known as Vice & Virtue Cafe. Upon entering the cafe, they were greeted by a seemingly ordinary interior, but upon further examination, the neon lights and humgears gave it a cyberpunk feel. As Raika, Alice and Nozomi were waiting in front of Vice & Virtue Cafe, a girl with black and white hair caught their attention as she walked up to them. She was wearing a maid outfit, had a smile on her face, and her green eyes were looking straight at them. "Hello and Welcome to Vice & Virtue Cafe, would you like a table for three?" she asked politely.
With a smile on her face, Alice enthusiastically said, "Yes!"
"Follow me," said the girl, who then showed them to their seats. "Before we begin, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Kira and I'll be your waitress for tonight. May I take your drink orders?"
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"Electric Tempest," Alice said with a smile on her face.
"I'll have a Rushed Smash," said Nozomi, expressing her drink choice.
"Lemonade Thunder please," Raika stated.
"Alright, I'll be right back with your drink," Kira said with a friendly smile before proceeding to walk towards the back.
Alice's face became serious as she addressed Nozomi, "I understand that you received a letter from Alphatrix Institute, is that correct?"
"That's correct," confirmed Nozomi with a nod.
"Allow me to share some information with you about the five factions of the Anti-NightBeast Defense Enforcement," Alice said confidently. "In the Anti-NightBeast Defense Enforcement or ANDE, there exist five factions, namely Border, Fafnir, Galaxian, Alphatrix Institute, and Orion Militia."
"Kyosuke didn't tell me about the other 4." said Raika.
"Of course he didn't," Alice said with a sigh, her disappointment palpable.
"May I know what exactly they are?" Nozomi inquired with curiosity.
"The threat of the NightBeast during World War III led to the formation of the Anti-NightBeast Defense Enforcement. ANDE's decision to create five factions was a strategic move that allowed them to better coordinate their efforts and ultimately defeat the NightBeast." said Alice while sighing. "Every faction has its unique qualities that distinguish it from the others."
"Do the individual factions each possess their own distinct qualities that make them different from one another?" asked Nozomi.
With a nod, Alice replied, "Yes," and then she reached into her bag to retrieve her tablet. She proceeded to show a hologram of the five factions. "The first faction, which is known as Border and is the place where both Raika and I work, is the faction that possesses the highest number of units. Additionally, it is renowned for its highly advanced technology."
"If I understand correctly," Nozomi noted, "Border is recognized for its exceptional units and technology."
"Yup," Alice replied, her voice filled with certainty. "Prior to Raika's arrival, I had already joined the Border faction, making it my first faction experience."
Raika questioned, "What about the remaining four?"
Alice swipes the hologram to Fafnir and relays their information: "The next faction is Fafnir, and let me tell you, they are incredibly egocentric."
Nozomi and Raika exchange a knowing glance before turning their focus to Alice, and curiously ask, "How self-absorbed do you think they are?"
Alice's eye involuntarily twitched and she delivered an angry smile while uttering, "ALL...THE...FREAKING...TIME!"
Raika and Nozomi let out a sigh as Alice composed herself and proceeded to elaborate, "Fafnir constitutes the second faction of ANDE. They are renowned for their arsenal of Anti-Beast weaponry, mechanized suits, and robotic mechs."
Nozomi's voice, filled with an immense amount of joy and excitement, exclaimed, "Wow!"
"Yeah Yeah," replied Alice, her face reflecting a hint of dissatisfaction. "Fafnir, the rival of Border, is determined to surpass them and will go to any lengths in order to achieve this."
"Judging by the expression on your face, Alice, it seems you're not fond of them," Raika remarked, her smile gentle.
"Absolutely not!" exclaimed Alice with a tone of anger. "Their egocentrism is unbearable to me."
With a sigh, Alice swiped the hologram over to Galaxian and their information, stating, "The next faction we will discuss is Galaxian, who are widely recognized as freelancers."
"What is the reason for Galaxian being the faction of freelancers?" asked Nozomi while thinking.
"Well, the reason for that is currently unknown," Alice stated as she swiped the hologram over to display information about Alphatrix Institute. "Next up is Alphatrix Institute, the one you're headed to, Nozomi."
"Yes," replied Nozomi, confirming her agreement.
Alice, while crossing her arms, mentioned, "Alphatrix Institute is famous for its educational programs and academy, specifically designed for power-users or counter-users." She further added, "Alphatrix Institute is also renowned for establishing a garden of education."
"Wait a minute! So, if I'm getting this right, it was actually the Alphatrix Institute that designed and established the garden of education." said Raika who was shock about it.
"Yup," Alice said, "They are the ones who made it."
Kira approached the group with their drinks, saying, "Okay, here are the drinks for you girls: Electric Tempest, Rushed Smash, and Lemonade Thunder. Enjoy!"
With a respectful bow, Kira makes her way towards the tables. As she drinks the Electric Tempest, Alice's face lights up with a smile and she exclaims, "Ahh, that is so good!"
"I would like to know if these drinks contain alcohol." asked Raika.
"No, these are drinks without any alcohol," Alice declared. "This cafe exclusively serves non-alcoholic beverages."
Nozomi and Raika lock eyes and commence the consumption of Rushed Smash and Lemonade Thunder. Nozmi's eyes widened in delight as she smiled and exclaimed, "Wow, this is absolutely amazing."
"Yeah, it truly is exceptional," Raika exclaimed with her eyes widened.
After they finish their beverages, Alice swipes the hologram in the direction of Orion Militia and transmits their information. "And the final faction is Orion Militia, and I must say, they are quite a formidable force within ANDE."
"Really!?" said Nozomi. "Are they really that strong?"
"Ohh~!" Alice exclaimed, her face beaming with a smirk. "The Orion Militia is renowned for their skilled military personnel and fearsome bands of mercenaries. They are a force that should not be trifled with."
"Wow!" Raika and Nozomi were mind-blowing.
"That concludes the faction," Alice said with a serious expression, "Nozomi, you're a human, correct?"
"Yes." Nozomi said.
Alice sighed and remarked, "So, you're actually going to participate in the Core Stigmata Rebirth Program, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am," Nozomi declared, her expression tinged with confusion..
Raika appeared concerned as she tapped Alice and asked, "Are you alright, Alice?"
Alice shook off her daze as she met Raika's gaze. "Oh, right, I'm fine. My apologies."
It occurred to Raika, as she reflected on her own thoughts, that there was something peculiar about Alice.
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As Alice, Raika, and Nozomi walk out of the cafe, Alice lets out a yawn and exclaims, "Wow, all that talking really exhausted me."
Nozomi and Raika exchanged smiles and laughter, their hearts filled with joy. However, their joy was short-lived as the siren abruptly interrupted their day. a light blue hologram appeared, displaying the words 'NightBeast Attack, Code: Orange.'
The Voice appear, 'Warning! Warning!, NightBeast Attacking I repeat NightBeat Attacking, Code: Orange, Location: District 9' .
"N..N..NIGHTBEAST ATTACK." yelled Nozomi.
"Nozomi, make your way to the Alphatrix Institute now," Alice declared, "and Raika, you are to join me."
Raika responded with a resounding "Right!" to show her agreement.
Alice and Raika urgently head towards District 9, while Nozomi waves, conveying her wish for their safety. As Alice and Raika hurriedly made their way to District 9, Alice urgently instructed everyone to clear the path. While in the midst of running, Raika collided with a young boy, causing her to instinctively rub her head in pain, exclaiming "Ouch."
"Are you alright?" inquired the boy as he grasped his hand. He had a cropped mane of silver hair, adorned in a crisp white dress shirt paired with a blue tie, complemented by black school pants and a brown sweater vest, all while fixing his red gaze upon Raika.
"Ah~!" exclaimed Raika as she grasped his hand. "I'm sorry, I was in a hurry."
"It is fine," the boy with white hair said, wearing a smile, "I assume you are headed towards the 'NightBeast'."
"Yes, I am," Raika affirmed, as she carefully removed the dust from her attire. "Are you a newcomer to New Arc City?"
"Certainly, I am," stated the boy with white hair, "Allow me to introduce myself as Arthur Eveland."
"Raika Narukami," murmured Raika, a faint blush adorning her cheeks.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Raika," Arthur stated.
"Raika, make haste and join us, we are in need!" Alice shouted.
"Apologies, but I must depart. In the event of our reunion, I shall gladly provide you with a tour," Raika stated as she swiftly approached Alice, and together they hastened towards District 9.
Arthur waved at them, his face transforming as he pondered to himself, "She is the one we seek."
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Raika and Alice make their way to District 9, where they are suddenly greeted by the sight of a Human-like NightBeast. When Raika saw the NightBeast, she was filled with shock and her body began to tremble, as she still carried the lingering fear from the previous NightBeast attack. Alice gently patted Raika on the head and flashed a reassuring smile, comforting her with the words, "There's no need to worry, Raika. You have become a power-user now."
Raika, showing her readiness, nods and directs her gaze towards the NightBeast, which bears a striking resemblance to a human. "Shoot them down: Wind Infinity," Alice declares as she summons her twin guns, ready for action.
"You can summon your weapon?" exclaimed Raika, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her heart raced as she tried to comprehend the magnitude of what she had just witnessed. She had always thought of weapons as physical objects, something tangible that had to be carried or wielded. But now, standing before her, was someone who possessed the extraordinary ability to summon their weapon seemingly out of thin air. It was a power that defied logic and challenged everything she thought she knew about combat. Raika's mind raced with questions, her curiosity piqued. How was this possible? How did one acquire such a remarkable skill? And most importantly, what kind of weapon could be conjured with a mere thought? The shock on her face was quickly replaced by a mixture of awe and intrigue, as she eagerly awaited an explanation from the wielder of this incredible power.
"Yeah," Alice affirmed, nodding in agreement, "I thought it was important to mention that you actually have the power to summon your weapon."
The air around Raika became charged with electricity as she focused her energy. With a surge of determination, she forcefully closed her eyes, blocking out the world around her. As thunder cracked overhead, the sound reverberated through her being, amplifying her resolve. The word "Rajinto" escaped her lips with a fervent intensity, carrying the weight of her unwavering determination. And then, in a dazzling display of power, her kanata materialized in her hand, its shimmering blade reflecting the lightning that danced across the darkened sky. Raika stood there, awe-struck, as she marveled at the physical manifestation of her inner strength. The sight of her kanata filled her with a sense of awe and purpose, igniting a fierce determination within her to embrace her destiny as a warrior.
With a smile directed at Raika, Alice spoke, "There you go. Now, are you ready?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Raika excitedly, expressing her readiness.
"Release!" Alice's voice echoed with urgency, as she and Raika swiftly moved forward to confront and engage in combat with the NightBeast, a creature that bore striking similarities to a human. Just as Alice and Raika were on the verge of attacking, a lightning-wind strike materialized right in front of them, halting their actions. A young male with short blonde hair wearing a sleek and futuristic blue and black battle suit catches Alice and Raika's attention. The suit fits him perfectly, accentuating his athletic build. His attire is completed by a pair of sturdy black boots, laced up tightly. As he locks his intense blue eyes onto Alice and Raika, a sense of determination and confidence emanates from him. His gaze holds a mix of curiosity and intrigue, as if he's sizing them up for an unknown purpose. The young man's presence is both intriguing and slightly unnerving, leaving Alice and Raika wondering what his intentions may be. "OH HELL! NOT YOU!"
"Well, hello to you too, Alice," the blonde-haired boy says with smirks.
"Jake King," said Alice with an angry look on her face, "why are you here?"
"What?" Jake exclaimed, smirking as he glanced at Alice and Raika. "I simply brought in the storm."