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Phantom Samsara: Path of Yaksha
Chapter XXXXII: Destiny's Farewell

Chapter XXXXII: Destiny's Farewell

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Crescent Palace; the Roman-style large palace where the Tiryags staying after they received invitations during their works, now they became guests and participants of the game—even as the hosts. The main building is the center of the palace, where there are monitor screen to observe the arena. The living room, main hall, and dining hall were among the many rooms in this edifice that were utilised. The building's main restroom is enormous, it resembles a pool in many ways. A sauna area is featured in this bathroom. A swimming pool and floral garden may also be found in the main structure. There are several busts of numerous notable people dotted around the grounds of the estate, and all of them are designed based on the consuls’ desire to satisfy them.

Kohaku was laying on the red fancy couch inside the palace, with the platform of waterfall falling into the river beneath the marble floors behind him. He is dressed in knee-pad-equipped slacks and a black leather jacket over a black formal shirt with a white cravat. His belt is white studded, along a white banner around his left arm. He wears black boots, with a straps similar when he was in his Tiryag form and wears a light red-green ombre cape that attached on his shoulder--in addition of his black fingerless gloves and insignia medal of OUTLAW on his chest pocket. His dark auburn wolf’s cut hair remained similar from the beginning, his usual long bangs almost covering his magenta-red eyes and he retained his usual porcelain complexion.

Byakuya approached his best friend who was laying on the red fancy couch, he has been worried sick of him because Kohaku gotten a bad fever due to the pandemic of backbone fever. He is dressed in a black formal shirt with a purple tie underneath his white vest, jacket, and slacks, as well as black shoes and matching gloves. He wears a dark purple handkerchief on his white blazer's breast pocket, in addition of insignia medal of OUTLAW on his blazer's chest part. He still wears his frameless spectacles like Kohaku, his purplish-black short messy hair became longer and bunched up into a ponytail on his left shoulder--with bangs swept messily to the side, almost framing his forehead falling almost to his cheeks, a light violet sharp eyes and fair complexion as his dragon companion was slung around his shoulders.

“Kohaku, how’s your condition?”

Kohaku nodded as he coughed a little, sitting up on the couch while he rubbed his eyes—he didn’t wear his glasses since it was hanged with the chains around his neck like a necklace. “Not bad as before…” he said as he cleared his hoarse throat, folding his arms carefully because his movements are a bit limited. He has been getting a fever from the sunny weather, which made him a bit weak. “Urgh… those fucking consuls… I swear, they always messes up shit--good thing we already get rid of them since they're from World Government,” he grumbled, looking at the screen of the arena as he stand up from the couch.

Byakuya nodded, but he couldn’t help but worried at the same time since he’d been staying on bed and taking his medicine properly from the fever. Not gonna lie, they hated the weather change and it made them having different moods than ever. “Our boss already warned them, with the backup of Indonesian shadow government so they will be intimidated,” he informed, making Kohaku relieved.

“That’s good to hear then…”

Kyouka has grown up as well, she also grown taller and reached Nadya’s height. Her purplish-black long hair now extended below her waist, with her bangs fell upon her light violet eyes and cheeks as her bangs fell beneath her chest. Her white headband remained on her head, except her white lily flower pins clipped on both sides of her head--her hair is styled into loose half ponytail with a red ribbon bowtie and light violet beads on them. She wears a crimson kimono with long extended furisode that has embroidery of snowflakes, a yellow obi with large bowtie on the front and a white haori with red borders and five-petaled flowers on the sleeves and the end--she wears a black thigh-length socks, white banner around her left arm and a pair of dark brown knee-length boots; she would tie her long hair into topknot and leaving her bangs loose. There's an insignia medal of OUTLAW pinned on her haori, revealing her identity to be one of them.

Her height matched Kohaku’s so she was able to reach her older brother’s and it made her confident, though Byakuya was already intimidated. “Nii-sama, where did you put my stuffed rabbit again?” she asked, making Byakuya sighed when she asked him about that. “Sorry about that, I accidentally brought it with me,” he handed her stuffed white rabbit doll, making her grinned as she hugged the doll. “You already nineteen years old and you still keep this? I can’t comment on that though.”

Kyouka scowled at him which she slapped his back lightly, making him rolled his eyes as Kohaku yawned. “Oh, Kyouka… you returned already?” he asked, she nodded as she turned to look at her older brother’s best friend. “I did, I already toured around the area and there’s so many shopping and culinary districts. I was thinking if we could get a lot of food.”

Sherry walked into the palace as she stood next to Kiryu, yawning after exploring around the palace. She retained her style of her light burgundy hair like usual, even her eyes and complexion--especially her sunglasses. She wears a black strapped sleeveless long dress with black choker, white blazer coat draped over her shoulders with purple color underneath and black long gloves. With a thigh-high black strapped heeled boots, she has a white spider lapel pinned on her blazer and insignia medal of OUTLAW on the other side of her blazer coat. "Oh dear, are you still sick Kayana?" she teased, making Kohaku groaned. "Leave me alone, Sher..." he grumbled.

Kiryu yawned as he wears a black shirt with embroidery of gold-yellow Batik patterns underneath his light gray blazer and wears a light gray pants, he kept his sandy blonde hair slightly messier and almost covering his golden-colored eyes. He has insignia medal of OUTLAW that pinned on his blazer, wearing a black fingerless gloves as his katana slung behind his back with a strap. "Nya... do you guys want to eat omakase or something after this? I'm hungry..." he whined, while Byakuya folded his arms. "Yes, we'll be taking our lunch after this--be patient Kiryu."

Radjasa was present as well, retaining his hairstyle but his fashion changed. He wears a white collared formal shirt with rolled sleeves to his elbows--along black sleeveless turtleneck underneath his black and red high-collared cape over his shoulders--his cape has oriental brown and silver batik patterns of a Phoenix and dragon that beautifully knitted and printed. He wears a light gradient sunglasses with similar chains, while he wears a black pants tucked into his black boots with red back heels. He also wears a long black and red vest coat with light platinum belt around his waist and two wallet chains on his hips, he wears a long black fingerless gloves--in addition of his black-red fan on his hand and red parasol on his left hip. He has a black choker-like accessory under his collars like the rest of them.

And lastly, Rayna has grown as well with her hair extended longer to her knees--with a light pink fancy hat on her head with a hot pink ribbon and white rose flower on it. She wears a black sleeveless dress with white strapped upper top with a pink five-petaled flower ornament on the right sight, with a long frilled sleeves and long shawl with hot pink to light gradient pink color and three white-pink rose ornaments at the end with red ribbons. With her black dress slightly slitted on the side with light gold platinum brooch on the right side of her dress--she wears a black tights and wears a black thigh-high heeled boots. Her fashion was made by Radjasa since he made for all of them, especially during their formal occasions.

Nadya stretched her arms as she entered the main living room where the other members gathered around, she also returned with Kyouka after taking a detour around the city. Her slightly-wavy long black hair remained loose is tied back with bangs hanging over her forehead and some fell over her pure ruby rose round eyes and cheeks--and a golden earrings. She wears a black cropped tank top underneath her unbuttoned white formal shirt and red semi-formal crimson blazer, she wears a high-waisted crimson pants and black heeled boots—she has a white banner around her left arm.

Kyoran wears his dark blue formal shirt with rolled sleeves underneath his dark gray trench coat, a black pants and polished dark brown shoes

On the other side, with Trilaksana Organization...

Kaname wears the similar uniform and cape, the dark Prussian blue scheme of his uniform is replaced with a black that has hot pink borders. All of the Executives’ color of their uniforms were completely black with the similar style of their uniforms. Except for their leaders, which they gave out a distinctive ones. Some members retained their trademark features of their outfits. Hifumi, for example--retaining his red cravat and scarf even a black hat. Luca worn his black service cap and sunglasses which is pink-colored, Kayla also wearing her service cap and Aliyah did the same. Hokuri keep wearing his white lab coat, and his spectacles that has strings around his neck. The same goes for the Disciplinary Officers, but they didn’t wear capes since it’s only mandatory for the Executives.

Alda wears a black Chinese-style sleeveless qipao dress with open cleavage, a white Mandarin-collared cape with long sleeves. With a yellow-gold embroidery of a Phoenix bird, she wears a dark brown tights with black heeled shoes. She wears a golden hairpin with ray-like headdress of her hair that styled in Chinese bun, her bangs fell loose like usual and wears a Trilaksana cape. Lastier's trench coat is long enough to reach their ankles, is its primary feature. The interior of the trench coat is dark purple, while the trench coat itself is black. A broad, black stripe is patterned across the central front of the trench coat. The storm patches are triangular in shape, black with a white outline, and have a gold button towards the bottom ends on both fronts. Some labels of the trench coat have a gold button on each end and on both sides, with the Batik patterns and yellow-gold embroidery of dragon. He wears his Trilaksana cape as well, even wearing his black gloves and retained his usual style of his hair.

“Looks like we’re waiting for the preparation then.”

Lastier stated, observing the view of the city below the floating abode beside his beloved wife. Hokuri stood with his three Dharma-class Phantom Beasts, as the Triumvirs were prepared for the next shot.

It was a dream.

Kohaku yelped as he woke up from his strange dream, he realized that it was what Erfan told him about the upcoming future events that will be happening--just like when he went to Hyang Seram with his friends before. He glanced at the clock, it was early in the morning as he USUALLY doesn't woke up that earlier; now that he was a lecturer. "Great... it should be the last week for Kamila in Indonesia... looks like it's time for our farewell huh...?" he muttered, even though it's not a permanent goodbye--he always prayed that everything is okay in her nation because of her fate to become a Queen.

***

'So, this is farewell... huh?'

Kohaku thought, looking at Kamila who was preparing her departure back in Sandyakala--making him glad that the nation went back to its prosperity again. With the help of Nirvana and Trilaksana Organization, the existence of Phantom Samsara truly there and they REALLY defied the gods who were trying to bring humanity to its end. He was in Ngurah Rai International Airport of Bali, waiting for her but he can't tell... what if something happened in Sandyakala in his absence.

He was not fully informed, but he respected the new queen. At least, she promised him to tell about what happened to him and his friends because no one dared to go to Sandyakala for countless centuries, so at least he could make sure he maintained relationship with her government and some diplomatic reasons with his so-called real identity. But, he recalled that Sandyakala is Kamila's responsibility--so he decided to keep going there as long as he maintains his cover. So his colleagues know the truth. His expression remained coolheaded, but deep down he's sad to see her go. They got closer and closer... but soon this could mark a bitter reminder in his mind, that they can't be together for some reason that's too far from their control.

"Kayana."

Kamila started, gaining his attention as he turned his head to meet with hers--reflected from his glasses. "Hmm?" he muttered, since there's still much time because the flight hasn't arrived yet. 'I think it won't take more than four hours for the crown princess... no, it's queen now,' he thought to himself, trying to bring his stoic mask out when he had to say goodbye. She fiddled her fingers, looking directly in his eyes as they kept staring before she opened her mouth. "I... I've noticed that we... and not me, still... keep our feelings in secret."

Wait, KEEP WHAT!?

Kohaku's composed demeanor broke into two pieces, he blinked twice when she continued. "Kayana? Can't you open up to me...?" Kamila pressed, and oh boy his guts were freaking screaming on the top of its lungs as he really didn't thought that moment would be like THIS! He never expected... this will ever be something that keeps them curious to test the water. But their forbidden affections and feelings towards each other have lasted for years--up to the point they never realized it until recently. "Huh? Well... where should I start..." Kohaku trailed off, smiling at her without a filter on it.

"Ever since, the first day I saw you... I've been wishing to prove something."

"Something, you've been denied for far too long. If you were--to put it to test the boundaries, you have your will power to overcame all adversaries," he added.

Kamila looked up into his calm gaze, intrigued as she remembered his gentle embrace when he rescued her in the past. "So, how is it going?" she asked, blushing faintly as she stared at him--with an alluring tone on her face. He kept smiling, softening his gaze. "For me, you're... more than a friend," he said, brushing his bangs a bit. Kamila looked away with an amused giggle, trying not to laugh. "Of course, but not only that you know!" she remarked, hiding her blushes in her face as she adjusted her visor.

Kohaku was puzzled as fuck, before Kamila rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around his body--while the latter felt touched that she tried to embraced him fully. He realized that her hugs are not only warm and gentle, but he did something else--he returned the embrace; like trying to seal their deal that they've been through thick and thin, side by side. Until, she felt her heart thumping a bit faster and nervous. "I remember this feeling... is it real?"

"Kamila, you're confusing me, I won't know about it if you can't spell it out for me..."

"Err... sorry about that," she shook her head, releasing him while she smiled shyly at him. "To be honest, you're the only one that I can rely on as my allies--and the only man I've fallen in love."

"Huh?"

Kohaku didn't believe it, they were so close it made their hearts pounded rapidly at this. WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?! "Mmkay... I can promise you to keep in contact and keep helping me with Sandyakala," she patted his shoulder as her soft brown eyes stared at his magenta-red eyes in earnest. "If we ever going to meet, don't you worry about the other side of the wall... I know you might be far away from the nation, but..."

"Actually, I'm curious and if only there's some place near that region that made me less busy but I need to..."

"Wait, is there something you want to know?"

He shook his head. He had put that aside, and the queen herself sent him an encrypted letter for him and only him. When her servants were distracted, he caught her whispers that the queen is in need of his service regarding to the crisis in her nation but couldn't reveal it at the moment. Kohaku was aware of that, but due to his secret job as an assassin (plus contract) to Secret Garden as his allegiance to shadow government--this will be difficult. He thought about how much he gave his gratitude and friendship towards the Queen of Sandyakala. Also... their relationship.

Only they knew their affections for each other. But all this time, Kohaku wanted to protect her (his friend) even if he'll get any injuries... there will be things he can't do, such as returning a certain someone's affections (Kamila, Nadya, and others). His father approached them, Kahayana also surprised to see his son and the soon-to-be Queen is still here. "Mr. Tirta..." Kamila muttered, his presence is so fatherly that made her missed her late-father--which is why she feels more attached to her friend's father Kahayana. "Kamila, we'll be watching your coronation online since I have some busywork to attend. But, we'll make sure that we'll be with you until the end."

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Kohaku heard his father stated, watching Kahayana hug her before he gave his gratitude, again. 'I wonder... when will she get crowned?' he thought in his mind, which Kahayana smirked knowing it as he elbowed his son's side. "What the hell did you read on my mind?!" he muttered under his breath, having his father chuckled at him. "Hehe, aren't you suppose to celebrate?" Kahayana teased, as his son rolled his eyes behind his glasses.

Kamila had to arrive in the airport for just a while because she must be checking everything is still in order with her officials and attendants, her duty as a queen is very tough and Kohaku certainly hoped he could help her with her personal affairs, either as an adviser of some sort and he absolutely can. Even so, he will make sure he can, and there's still some questions of his life swirling inside his head. But, his important duty is still his country; Indonesia--by being an assassin in Secret Garden. From time to time he felt sad that he must bid his farewell to her for the next day, for an indefinite period.

As Kohaku closed his eyes, he smelled a familiar scent of Kamila's hair so he hugged her to ease her nerves down--watching a clear night sky from the view, as the clouds started to gather from the distance. A big plane soon appeared, with a crest of Sandyakala on the side. 'I really hope, our feelings could be answered someday. No matter what...' Kohaku thought, sighing in relief when his father Kahayana told him something. "Maharani Paramitha Kamila... thank you for your payment, as our client of Secret Garden--our service will be available anytime you need," Kahayana muttered.

Few weeks later...

Kohaku was looking at the television in lecturer's room, watching the coronation live in island-nation of Sandyakala with the other lecturers like his best friend Byakuya and Professor Hokuri--making everyone wanted to see how it goes. "Damn, you really missed her huh?" Professor Hokuri teased him, playing with Brahmana, Vishnuda and Shivada in their small forms on his desk. He scrunched his eyebrows, he always get teased by the professor himself as he groaned. "Stop..." he whined, before eating his sushi from the platter that Professor Surya bought for them (he's rich as fuck, no wonder).

Byakuya watched the television as well, eating the ebi tempura from the bento box from the huge ass platter full with assortment of Japanese delicacies that the lecturer put on the table. Surya sighed happily, rubbing his neck as he watches them munching their foods while watching their televisions. "Man, she's quite young to become a queen--she's twenty-two right? Anyways, in Sandyakala becoming a Queen means something equal to a monarch--or uh like what..." Mario pondered, before he turned to the lecturer beside him for him to give an explanation.

It was Professor Hokuri who explained to the Indonesian lecturers--even the Japanese lecturer like Byakuya, while his beloved three serpent companions eating the dead Phantom Beast meats on the box for them. "Actually, the Queen was holding the absolute power but also responsible for her role of governing the country as she'd be doing her duties after spending her official period of mourning, the former king passed away after the war of Southern Rebels. Then, she elected the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers who'd be running the affairs as her right-hand and to help run a democratic government," Kohaku translated from his words as Mario's jaw dropped, almost eating his katsudon. "Woah... she has a whole bunch of people to lead."

Kohaku nodded, to be honest it would've been the hardest time of her life with governing the country--while everyone said she still has some responsibilities along the side. "Let alone being a queen, there's a lot of traditions or etiquettes that she needs to follow on her royal duties... seriously, it might drained her social life, might be hard to find a partner, political stress is so unbearable that you have to work until you've reached it... you have to find someone of status quo. If they're not royals, then they need to start training until they officially deemed 'ready' to the point they can handle the real shit in real life outside the palace, that you need to be a royal and follow many orders of any relatives if not the King or Queen, including the foreign delegations..."

"So... the queen cannot travel around the world?"

"She still can, but only limited day per day--because she had way too many stuff to do with different parts with her 'job' she needed to perform, Mario."

Professor Hokuri explained, before he heard Shivada screeching something to the Japanese-American whose mouth hanging open while the TV was showing the coronation ceremony happens (it will be streamed live for a long time so everyone can watch internationally). "What is it this time, Shivada?" Hokuri asked as the golden colored small serpent hisses, they waved to something and used their coil gesture. "I got it, thanks..."

Professor Hokuri responded by nodding at Shivada and telling them that he understood, the other lecturers still watching the ceremony live and turns out it's still the fucking beginning. "Oh Jesus, it's gonna take so fucking long to show the legit crowned queen ascending to the throne..." Kohaku muttered in annoyance, while Surya laughing softly at his complaint before returning their attention to the coronation. "Take a look at that, everyone. Our Queen Kamila's attire is a kind of Sandyakalan high society's traditional garb is similar to our Indonesian kebaya! Well, their culture and arts are similar to ours anyways..."

Kohaku watched intently, trying not to focus on her face. Of course she wear a kebaya! "Well, some people said Sandyakala adapted the Dutch uniform for their formal dress code in certain events--almost just like us," Surya pointed out, eating his teriyaki chicken with a rice that was from the platter.

"... but our kebaya has totally different accent from Sandyakala's kebaya," Kohaku made a statement, seeing the patterns of the veil's headdress that covering the new crown's princess's head from the bottom of the throne's stairs, she was wearing an almost silk white kebaya and navy-blue traditional pants on the feet (kinda like Peranakan wears) as she standing in front of the audience with the king and ministers waiting on the throne's sides while her family watched from the audience. When she wearing a pair of gorgeous golden-colored heels, which is made from finest metal on her feet.

Then, she made a speech for the first time as a Queen--the important words to say and oaths she had to say for the rest of the world. The entire lecturers were holding their breath, it made Byakuya shushed at them for not distracting their focus; as she speaking fluently in Sandyakalan dialect. 'The new queen's eyes, it shown a hint of sadness in her attitude... or is that just me? Usually, there will be a parade or celebration when a crowned ruler is officially performing their duty... something must have happened when the king have fallen.'

Professor Hokuri's thought as everyone felt so solemn, trying not to imagine a scene of Queen Kamila lost someone because of what they've did in the past and also leaving a kingdom into such condition--especially when Sandyakala is next to Indonesia's archipelago, where it used to be occupied by the Dutch to take over as part of the colonial empire. It's still a royal tradition without break the rules of ceremonies that'd been formed since the time of kingdom-building as several historical sources or even the oldest scriptures known by the scholars that written in ancient language no longer existed in today's generation can tells, ever since Sandyakalan gained their independence that they developed a strong yet beautiful and modern country.

"I wanted to say thank you to all of you for accepting me as your new queen, I promise you that I will fulfill all of my roles and duties I will have to fulfill," the young queen said, her calm tone clearly fits as the lecturer himself have no choice but shut up as they're busy watching her. "I also want to thank my entire family, my late-parents, and all of the people in this country--because I want to be a great leader. Starting from this day forward, I am finally the Queen of this country and I will protect my country with pride, honor and courage. Let the best days begun, for all the generations of Sandyakala..."

Everyone have finally erupted into celebration, cheering from joy and respect in their own country's language and other languages as she also able to spread her message towards her subjects outside her nation despite her lack of direct experiences, the cameramen are definitely thrilled and impressed by her beauty and her charisma. "And, for the person who helped me through my roughest times..." she added, making Kohaku want to look away because HE CAN DEFINITELY TELL what was coming for him. God, his co-workers and friends will definitely mock him because of this.

"I should be the one who expressing my gratitude to him for saving me, because if he didn't saved me--I should've died already. He promised me that we will meet someday, and I should tell him that I want to get to know him personally and meeting him is way too precious to me. So when we finally met again, after those painful years being separated from each other, I want to grant him a new life of happiness. The sacrifice is understandable... it couldn't have had any more perfect. And I got him to know if it is something that he'd be willing to do so, it's okay."

Kohaku quickly shut his eyes, he was flustered so hard when the others are talking about this and even wanting to tease him and all. 'I knew she's going to mention that indirectly...!' he thought, burying his face onto the table and embarrassed in the end by blushing all the fucking time. When he slowly opened his eyes--he saw his co-workers staring at him, especially Surya patted his shoulder. "Are you okay, Kayana?" he asked, what a relief that they (except Byakuya and Professor Hokuri) didn't know about this!

'Good thing Professor Surya doesn't suspect anything,' Kohaku thought, shaking his head and let out an innocent grin. "I'm alright, I should pay some attention to her words..." he grumbled, his fingers twirled a strand of hair beside his ear as he watching the television again. "Sorry, you seems flustered when she speak to an army of the masses through the world wide web, Kayana," Mario said, making him groaned while Byakuya tried to be quiet--but Professor Hokuri snorted on the television as he spoke again.

"Seriously guys! That's rude!" Surya yelled, almost laughed in the end while Kohaku made a childishly angry face.

When the process and ceremony finished, another speech has been said to the newly-crowned Queen of Sandyakala, as she was smiling to herself after she's done while everyone bowed in her presence. Her family also proud of her, the ones she trust to the fullest--the duchies with their families are standing together and the dukes of the city districts of each Sandyakalan big or small city on each part, right under the royal family. The city has been improved well, even the technology advanced like all of the countries even Indonesia. "Who's the Prime Minister, by the way?" Professor Hokuri asked.

"Maharasthra Anjasmara, his Deputy Prime Minister is Maharasthra Anjana as he also the right-hand man who run the affairs with the help of his minister cabinet in the parliament and the royals, who in this case--also running the affairs and sometimes dealings of Sandyakala as well. They used to be part of Southern Rebels, but now already pardoned as the new Prime Minister and his siblings become new royal family members who now ruling the Duchy of Maharashtra Kingdom," Kohaku explained, it was unexpected to have a pardoned royal family to join the royal court as noble officials. "Please tell me it's not political dynasty because it sounded just like one, especially in that country's governance," Professor Surya muttered.

The other just shrugged, it didn't really matter--the government always get overruled each parliament year because politics are shit and always, always become complicated. "Thank goodness their political system has a democratic practice in it, maybe they're doing well-enough... in their system," Mario offered, everyone went silent, thinking of the current situations of the world being torn apart as Kohaku felt his fingers twitched. "If you're talking about politics, be careful--not everything is clean and not everyone is friend, enemies, or friendly enough when everything is about their personal motives..."

Everyone nodded, when the lecturer himself agreed--like seriously agreed with his words. "It is no place for them, but at least for the kingdom that now ruled by the rightful people. She and her dynasty will fix everything, I'm sure--let's hope for the best," Kohaku exhaled softly, wishing the new queen luck--yet she had to sacrifice of her own precious time spent and might have felt lonely with spending her days until her work's done. Then, the party at the palace, continued to the coronation in the world is becoming live and celebrated--now that the Sandyakalan is on the news with the new crowned queen.

"Oh wait, our thesis supervision students are here!"

Fuck, they almost forgot they're supposed to supervise the graduates' and bachelor's theses that was on their desk. "You guys can come in! Have a seat and eat the platter if you're hungry!" Professor Surya yelled with a smile, waving at them as they're walking towards them. Professor Hokuri was faced with Indonesian student named Alvian as he greeted him and sat down on the chair before his desk, handing him the draft. "Prof, here's the final draft of my thesis."

Professor Hokuri nodded as he checked the files that he received with his fingers, grinning happily. "Ah, finally... you fucking made it FOR MAKING ME WAIT FOR FOUR MONTHS! I can't believe you only required to made yourself think and gather the needs, also read the instructions and a mere two rewrites of your theses!" he thanked, immediately scanning the pages and nodding with satisfaction. "Okay... scientific reason is here... yep, that's quite detailed..." Professor Hokuri mumbling to himself and nodded, before he sighed. "Well then, are you ready for the thesis' defense, Mr. Erlangga?"

Alvian nodded with a smile, he was confident that he want to present his thesis in front of the three lecturers--he answered confidently. "I'm ready Prof, to defend my thesis."

The latter nodded, before he grabbed his black pen and signed his signature on the cover page with the date and closed the thesis. "Print two copies of them, no need for me since I already saw everything in your contents. I may not be able to help you that much, but I will try to make it as safe as possible..." he stated, before he added. "Since you're presenting it in English, then use English because you're good at it--attitude is important, remember what I told you to teach students what is expected from them, show respect to all people especially your listeners. Be firm, even if you're nervous, it's normal... don't forget to treat your listeners with respect and not treating them like shit!"

"Thank you, professor!"

Alvian thanked him again, as Hokuri quickly reminded him by joking with his sense of humor. As his three serpents were coiling on his desk, they were sleeping soundly after their lunch. Professor Surya was the fun one when it comes to supervising the other graduate students who were in English language stream, while Byakuya is very careful and want it clear and precise when his students gave him their drafts. "(How's your dissertation going, Mark Anthony? Almost done on the references and how are you on your secondary materials collecting? Also about your statistics?)" Surya asked the Indonesian senior lecturer in his Indonesian language, some of his friends really teased him. "(It got accepted, now I had to wait for the doctoral session's schedule to deliver my dissertation and I had to repeat the supervision too! Seriously, after three freaking years of delayed writing)," the latter huffed.

"(Welcome back to hell, hahaha!)

Kohaku knew his friends are devils, before he jokingly threatened at them. "(I can kick your asses if I wanted to...)," Kohaku said, snickering before he faced one of his female students in internship supervision--Sabrina. "(Here's the internship report, Professor Kayana)," she said with a smile, placing the final draft of her internship report. "Alright, let's see... wow, seems pretty legit..." he said. "(Hmmm... okay, it seems okay, no need to change a lot of things as it's really completed... signatures are here too," he muttered, before he nodded and signed a signature and the date near his signature on the approval page. "Okay, don't forget to ask for Head of Study Program's signature, your internship is done now)."

He stated firmly, while being nice with a smile that won't betray her dreams. "(Alright, Professor Kayana. Let me handle it then)," she grinned, winked and fist bumping at her mentor who clenched his fist and she bumped it back, before she left the room. Kohaku also deal with another thesis student of his and already finished her draft. He read the contents carefully before he nodded at everything that has been fixed, signing the signature and the date of the approval. "By the way, tomorrow is thesis' defense right? Who's the examiners for tomorrow?" Professor Mario asked, before Byakuya answered. "Professor Hokuri, Professor Linda and Professor Surya will be the examiners by tomorrow, they already sent the schedule to our emails."

"Ah fuck, here we go again! Because one of us will be examined by Hokuri too," he groaned, crossing his arms and rubbing his face with his palms. Well, considering Professor Hokuri just have to judge and write the other one's exam papers. "Of course not! Mind your business with testing the thesis from the student, I'm just a supervisor!" Professor Hokuri snapped, Kohaku felt his nose about to be itchy like its gonna spread something viral because of such infectious laugh. "Since you're the examiners for tomorrow, I suggest you do whatever you want and do it now while the schedule are still free until June," Byakuya cooly stated, finishing his last thesis draft and signing before he passed it to the graduate students waiting for their examination papers and read all the theses to complete their tasks.

Kohaku sighed, before he checked the notification from his phone--which is from Damien regarding the assassination mission that will be held tonight; he glanced up at Byakuya as they were nodding in sync together.

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