The next morning--

Sonata finished taking a bath when she was dressed in her usual attributes and put on her delivery back over her shoulders, she was prepared to go on a delivery by heading to the express to see if there's any deliveries needed. As she gave a clock-in for her work attendance in the entrance, she saw many Mail-Hunters are busy with the delivery and wrapping the packages for clients as she was waiting for her call. "Looks like there's so many orders…"

Sonata was told by one of the Mail-Hunters that she'll be informed later for the package delivery soon, since there has been many orders received by the clients and they were stressed. "Could you wait for a moment? It might take some time though…" the receptionist informed which Sonata nodded, smiling at her. "It's alright, let me know if it's ready," she said before she decided to take a break, since other Mail-Hunters are awaiting for their calls by hunting Husks. "Claire and Gabriel are busy with taking care the rookie Mail-Hunters in the next cluster… I think I can use my spare time for breakfast first… Suona's not here too, she might be busy with the whole medics for the injured..."

Sonata felt her stomach growls that she need to eat and she went to the bakery, she likes pastry so she likes sweets and warm drinks. As she sprinted carefully that there's bakery nearby the headquarters, her strong sense of smell was enough to make her hungry and she found it there. "Ah… so tasty…" she almost drooled that she smiled at the place, before entering inside and wiping off the drools from her lips. As she look around for the pastries, she was craving for sweets and a sweet tooth--she bought strawberry shortcake, croissants, Challah bread and warm cocoa drink.

Sonata sat down on the stool near the window to see the view of the cityscape, in the second floor when she was enjoying the view. As she was chewing on her croissant, she was observing the view until her wolf ear twitched a little. "Huh?" she swallowed her bread on quarter, turning around to see the man was looking for a seat--he seems to be confused. The man's attention now went onto her by surprise from her features, before he asked her. "Excuse me, can I sit across you?" she blinked for a moment from his question, she nodded with a smile at him. "Sure! You can sit there!"

Sonata watched the tall fellow sat down in front of the table facing her, with the orders that he had on the table he bought earlier with a warm coffee.

The young fellow appears to be handsome and lean-muscular built despite older than Sonata--being thirty-seven years old and has a stern and uptight disposition, a sandy-blonde messy hair with bangs slicked back to the side, he has a crystal-blue eyes similar to Claire and fair complexion-his sharp gaze similar to hers under his frameless glasses. Wait, he looks familiar… and almost similar to Claire from his eyes. Wearing a Mail-Hunter uniform consists of a white collared formal shirt with long sleeves and the dark blue vest with a long tailcoat, black gloves and wears a black slacks tucked into his brown boots. He wears a bluish-black collared coat with gold platinum accents and lines draped over his shoulders, the coat's length reaching his knees and has musical note pendant that she also has between her strings of her coat--the musical note was strapped and hanging behind his back. The two of silver piercings are pierced on his left ear and three of them pierced on his right ear, for some reason he doesn't look a bit older from his appearance. "Are you… a Mail-Hunter too?" he stared at her when he chewed his bread, before he swallowed them and nodded at her in response.

"Yes, I am."

Sonata's wolf ears perked up a bit that her tails almost swayed under her coat, listening to him before he cleared his throat. "I should've introduce myself," he spoke in calm and polite tone like a noble, for some reason his attitude reminds her of Claire. "My name is Alastor Westenra Farron Jr and... address me as Master Alastair. I'm a Vice Postmaster-General of National Postal Service, and Director-General of Mail-Hunter Armed Enforcement Division," her eyes both wide by that introduction, the surname was no surprise that he was related to Claire when he stared at her. "I assume that you must be Sonata Nocturna, my daughter Claire talks about you and her friend Gabriel too."

Sonata almost spurted her drink to the side, she has known Claire but she didn't know Claire's father is the vice-directory of the National Postal Service. "Y-Yes! I didn't know you're here, apologies sir!" she bowed at him with apologetic manner, which surprising him and he was eating his bread. "Don't apologize, I'm not gonna scold you for that or anything," he told her, she sat up properly when he said that and she responded. "I see… then, why are you here?"

Alastair's stern face was soft and kind at least; as a father who is protective and caring at least he didn't hate her for approaching her first. "I'm free for a while because I had two hours of break today," she replied, she couldn't believe this man is actually her friend's father even though he has a somewhat different appearance except his eyes for Claire, she thought they just have different appearances. Sonata was like a child sometimes when she get excited over small stuff, it's normal for her as it happens when someone compliments her for being strong or having good qualities.

"Do you know how I can help you or what I can do for you?" Sonata asked curiously since he was staring at her. Alastair was thinking for a moment before he replied to Sonata. "If you don't mind me asking, would you be interested in becoming one of my apprentices?" he asked with serious expression on his face, making Sonata gulp down the rest of her cocoa. "An... apprentice?" she asked as she tilted her head, her wolf ears perked up. "I'm not sure if I'd be accepted by you or not... not that I don't want to, but... I don't want to disappoint your expectations."

Alastair nodded and sighed, before he spoke. "It's okay if you feel that way, I can give you a chance anyway."

He looked at her with concern in his eyes, then he added. "You're new after all, but Master Senja told me about you--that you managed to take down some Husks without problem during your delivery, that alone is already enough to prove that you're worthy to become my apprentice. I can train you with the art of combat if you desire," he assured her that he could help her in some ways if needed.

Sonata's wolf ears tilted up with surprise, curious at how much he's stronger than her the other Mail-Hunters are; Alastair's presence is intimidating enough to make Sonata tremble. "I see... what will be your method of training?" she asked him curiously about what's going to happen, since he seems to know how to handle his daughter and her servant. "It'll be simple, but it'll be a lot harder to explain since it involves Automotive Gear."

Alastair said, looking at her seriously because he's is not playing around. "I'm not saying this to scare you off, but this won't hurt at all. There has been fallen Mail-Hunters because of those Husks, and there are people who died for no reason at all," Alastair warned her as he stared at Sonata with concern on his face; his eyes were cold and dangerous for some reason. He wasn't joking or making fun of Sonata's fears for this might be real and not just a game.

Sonata was scared at first but when Alastair explained things in a more detailed manner, she felt better about herself as she nodded at him. "Okay, let's do that," she told him confidently. Alastair lifted his eyebrows in curiosity about her confident demeanor, making her wonder about that for a moment. "So you're willing to accept my offer?"

Sonata nodded, taking up Alastair's offer as she took up a deep breath and sat properly on the stool. "Yes, I am..."

Alastair nodded once, looking at her with satisfaction as he was glad that she's willing to take his offer. "Well then, when you're finished with your delivery here we can start our training," he informed her of what she was talking about earlier, before she nodded with agreement.

"We'll meet at the training grounds tomorrow morning before your delivery ends."

After their breakfast concluded, Alastair paid for her meal and gave the waitress a tip to pay for the bill. For some reason, Sonata was curious about Alastair's strength and how powerful he is in reality; the man who was able to destroy Husks by himself without any assistance from anyone. She wanted to become strong like him, but also wants to learn how to fight as well. 'No wonder Claire respected her father so much...' she thought, then she remembered that Alastair has been raising his daughter on his own after his wife's death--and Alastair only focused on taking care of Claire while he's working to support her financially.

Both of them heading to the Headquarters of National Postal Service, Alastair was walking beside Sonata as his cape-like coat swayed by the morning breeze; despite the sky remained dark with the Artificial Light that shines above with the stars. Alastair looked at her for a second before he smirked a bit in a way that makes Sonata shiver with fear. He stared at the girl with intense cold gaze--it makes Sonata's tail and ears stand straight out in fear. It made her uncomfortable to be in his presence for some reasons, making her uneasy since she doesn't want to get scolded for her actions or anything. 'I hope I didn't piss him off...' Sonata thought, gulping a bit. She wants to apologize for something bad that she did to make him angry, but she had no idea why is he angry at her anyway.

'No wonder Claire has similar gaze like her father... like this...' Sonata thought, it was sharp like a vulture's stare, but more dangerous and cold instead. 'I should apologize' she thought, trying hard not to look scared at him as she took deep breaths. Her tail stood-up in fear because of his intimidating gaze, but she tries not to show it to him since she knows that he's angry at her for no reason at all--Alastair is known for his scary and intimidating presence.

Alastair glared at Sonata with intense gaze that made her shiver with fear. "You're still very young, and you have potentials that are worth developing into a great Mail-Hunter, you're sixteen right?" Sonata nodded obediently at him, trying to calm herself down and not to show any sign of weakness towards the strong Vice Postmaster-General of National Postal Service. "I don't want you to compare yourself to others; you are your own person and you have your own potentials that can lead you to become stronger than anyone else, if you work hard," Alastair pointed out sternly, he disciplines any Mail-Hunters whenever necessary. He also has a soft side when it comes to children, but it doesn't last long. "I'm not kidding you, even though I said it's scary. Mail-Hunters aren't for little kids, only the strong ones who are determined to save Canaria and you are one of them, understand?"

Huh? Sonata thought, her expression changed quickly from fear into curiosity when he suddenly spoke words of encouragement and it made her feel warm in heart. It was strange how easily how Alastair's words affects her and she thought no one ever tells her such encouraging words. "And don't ever say that you're inexperienced! Your abilities are not weak!"

Sonata shrieked but not offended, just surprised because he never talked in that loud tone. "I'm not telling you that just because I don't want you comparing yourself to others. You need to know that even I have weaknesses, and that I still learn new things every single day," he informed her honestly, he also does that to his daughter Claire--and he know how to handle his own child in a way that doesn't hurt her feelings.

Sonata's eyes widened with surprise that Claire's father said that, it's like he has a fatherly figure to the Mail-Hunters; it made her think for some reason; she never thought of Alastair as someone's dad until now. She gulped again nervously, she didn't dare to look back at Alastair due to his sharp gaze. She wanted to thank him for that, but she knows that it'll be impossible due to how cold and scary he can be when angry or irritated--especially when someone failed to do a task that they were entrusted for.

"Don't worry, you are going to get stronger than me one day--and your power will be enough to defeat Husks with ease," Alastair assured her. "As long you remember the oath as a Mail-Hunter; to deliver all letters and packages safely."

Sonata gulped in fear, not daring to speak anymore because she knows that he's serious about his job. 'I-I will never forget about the oath as a Mail-Hunter...' she thought as she nodded to show her respect and understanding towards Alastair, now wonder why he was respected by the other Mail-Hunter--he's not only a powerful Vice Postmaster-General but also a kind Vice Postmaster-General who's strict towards his subordinates yet caring and loving when it comes to his family--especially to Claire.

***

The training grounds of National Postal Service is a large area covered with trees and grass fields where many Mail-Hunters train their skills in martial arts or using Automotive Gear weapons. The training grounds is surrounded by walls that can be used as barricades in case of attack by hostile forces--but there has been no such event happened yet. It was located near the outskirts of the Welkin city; the training ground itself was a field where several trees surrounded the area to protect the people of Welkin from the sun rays while they're inside the training grounds. Sonata was awed by the sight, as she carried her Automotive Gear strapped and cased behind her back.

Sonata noticed the Vice Postmaster-General was waiting for her after she finished her delivery works, he was standing there with his Automotive Gear cased by his side; Canon and Gigue in D Major, T. 377--a gunlance that was almost the same style as Claire's Pachelbel's Canon in Major. He removed the case from his Automotive Gear weapon equipment. Sonata gasped softly for a moment at the sight of Alastair opening his Automotive Gear case. The weapon was made from the finest materials available and it's crafted with great accuracy and precision for years--the design of its blade makes it unique compared to others in the same class--its blade is slightly curved so it can be used as a dagger and a sword.

He's a man of many secrets and hidden truths about his past, and how he's able to destroy Husks by himself while he was young. There's only two things that Sonata could think of right now, that he's a highly skilled fighter--or he is the strongest Mail-Hunter ever created in this world. Claire know her father quite well since he trained her until she became a full-fledged Mail-Hunter, and Sonata learned a lot of things about him through her, he was the strongest Mail-Hunter that ever lived--even though he didn't look as old as she thought he is.

His Automotive Gear weapon is the most dangerous to anyone who challenges him, that's why many Mail-Hunters look up to him whenever they face Husks or other threats that threatens Welkin City. Even his daughter might or might not be stand a chance against him because of his powerful strikes and skills. "You came right on time," Alastair greeted her coldly, still wearing his usual signature official Mail-Hunter uniform from yesterday as Vice Postmaster-General.

Sonata nodded at him, not daring to speak anything more due to how cold his stare makes her uncomfortable. She doesn't know why she always gets intimidated by the Vice Postmaster-General, but she knows that she has to keep calm around him and not piss him off; otherwise she'll be scolded by Alastair in any way possible. She doesn't know why she got scared and intimidated by him despite being told countless of times that Alastair isn't a bad person to talk to or work with, it must have something to do with the fact that his gaze is terrifyingly scary and intimidating.

"Remember, Mail-Hunters are not created to be reckless," he warned her with stern expression on his face, as he folded his arms to his chest. "I expect a lot from you; remember that you are expected to become the best of the best, and I'll teach you how to improve yourself." Alastair reminded her, trying not sound too harsh--it was only natural that the girl is frightened by the man who is much older and wiser than her. "Yes, Master Alastair..." Sonata whispered nervously, looking up at him.

"Good, now let's get to find the Husk and begin our lesson," he informed her sternly as she nodded in reply. "Follow me," he ordered her as she obeyed him immediately--she felt scared to disobey him and she followed him with hesitation as he continued walking towards the training grounds and leaving the area where the others are training. Sonata gulped softly as she saw Alastair looking at her like she's nothing but dirt--which made her nervous as hell. She knew that he's watching over her constantly; but she didn't expect that he'll do something like this--he looks like a monster with a terrifying gaze--it's similar when Claire get's angry or irritated.

She kept following him, feeling scared and nervous because of his piercing gaze that makes her feel like she's going to die anytime soon. Sonata gulped softly as she walked behind the Vice Postmaster-General as he continued walking towards the training grounds while keeping an eye on his surroundings, her wolf ears twitched when she could hear rumbling of the Husk nearby. "We will begin your lessons by using your Automotive Gear in combat with a Husk, but you need to understand that this won't be easy," he warned her once again as they arrived near the training grounds. "There are different kinds of Husks, we named them based off alcoholic beverages--so don't be surprised if they smells like alcohol when they're dead," he added as Sonata shivered at the words that were spoken. Alastair turned to look at her for a few seconds, before turning his attention forward.

"Are you prepared to face your enemies, Sonata Nocturna?"

Sonata gulped nervously when he mentioned her name and nodding, afraid to say anything because she knows that Alastair is intimidating towards young emissaries. "I'm ready to take on the Husks," Sonata responded without hesitation, as he nodded without saying another word. Alastair moved slightly toward the Husk while keeping an eye on her for a few seconds. "You have the potential to become my student, I can see that clearly; and I am willing to train you if you're interested in becoming my protégé."

Sonata sweats audibly upon hearing what he told her; she reminded herself that he doesn't want to harm her, although his gaze is frightening and terrifying at the same time; it's just his intimidating aura, he must just want her to learn how to fight against Husks in case there is ever a chance of being attacked by one of them. It has been obligations for new appointed or chosen Mail-Hunters from entrance exam to be under mentorship of an existing Masters of the National Postal Service for at least one year, before being given any kind of responsibilities from the post office.

"Now let's get started," Alastair stated, knowing that the Husk will be coming once they have arrived at the rocky hills with the cliff--where the training grounds are located. Sonata nodded once again when she remembered the steps that Alastair told her earlier, unlocking her Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 from her case--as she hold the railgun-blade on her hand with ease since her muscles are trained to do so.

"Copy," she stated with confidence and obedience, ready to face the Husk--even though she is still frightened by the fact that it might harm her in some way. While thanks to her enhanced senses of her wolf ears and tail, she would be able to avoid getting hit by an attack.

Alastair has arrived at the spot when he was carrying his Automotive Gear, he switched it to a gunlance weapon form. He was holding on his Automotive Gear in his right arm, aiming directly at the Husk in front of him while keeping an eye on it; making sure that it didn't make any sudden movements. "Let me demonstrate my abilities against this creature," Alastair declared as he heard her gulped audibly, seeing her tighten her grip on her gunblade.

The Husk that was approaching towards them has an armor made of thick steel plates with spiked on its body like its bodyguard; its skin was dark red and its head is similar to a fly's head, only bigger than normal. Its arms had long sharp claws protruding out from them that looked deadly enough to slice open anyone in one swipe of their hand. "Fire!" he shouted, shooting the Husk that was in his sights with enough force to break its armor and making it stumble forward.

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As the Husk is nearing them, Sonata used her Automotive Gear's blade as a spearhead and aimed towards its thigh and lower body, hoping that she can pierce it through--she was aiming for the weakest part of a Humanoid Husk's body to inflict maximum damage to it. She released her Automotive Gear's handle and slashed it with all her might towards the Husk's neck as she expected, her Automotive Gear's blades cut straight through its neck until it fell down onto the ground with a loud thump. "Automotive Gear, Reload!" she commanded, reloading the Melodic Scores in enough amount to the Automotive Gear weapon--which is to make the Automotive Gears able to perform multiple attacks in succession.

Alastair glanced at Sonata when he realized that she managed to execute a 'Perfect Aim', a special skill which is defined as the ability of performing perfect aim upon the enemy with limited number of bullets or a type of weapons that can reload to spare charges--all without using external assistance. The Husk screeched when the incoming blast coming against the shell on its back, eventually hitting the core and the creature exploded with shattering into pieces. Sonata landed on the ground swiftly with confidence, not exhausted after defeating the Husk with ease due to her high agility level.

Alastair walked towards Sonata with his Automotive Gears in both of his hands and gave her a nod as a sign of approval. "Very good, very good, you seem like you have some potential to be my apprentice--your skills are extraordinary," he complimented her, glad that she passed the trial. "But, it's not over yet. This is my turn to fight these Husks, so focus," Alastair murmured, his Melodic Amber of his Automotive Gear glowed slightly as they switch to a rifle mode for close and distance combat. This particular weapon is extremely powerful--and dangerous as well. The Canon's tip glowed with crimson color and it emits light of his Melodic Scores. And the Gigue's blade is sharp and jagged--his Automotive Gear weapon mainly took form of prototype gunlance; a combination of flintlock and lance. It's designed with great accuracy and precision, capable of firing projectiles of various sizes, ranging from small pellets to large-caliber slugs.

Sonata honestly scared of his Automotive Gear, for some reason the weapon has a design and look different from any other weapons she has seen so far and even her Automotive Gear--it looks terrifying compared to hers. The dangerous part of the weapon is, it requires a high Melodic Scores output in order to activate some of its functionality. Because of that reason, it makes it extremely dangerous to anyone who uses this Automotive Gear without adequate amount of Melodic Score or who doesn't know how to use it in a proper way.

"Each Automotive Gear weapons has three different dynamic types, and that applies to the user's choice of weapon. This Automotive Gear has an ability called 'Crescendo'--once activated, the Automotive Gear will release a barrage of Melodic Scores upon releasing its trigger, and the number of its shots are limited by your current amount of Melodic Scores in your Automotive Gear. It is known as Crescendo-type, a long and medium-range assault gear."

He explained, before he added. "Next, Decrescendo is an ability that posed as the opposite of Crescendo. After the moment when Melodic Score output of this Automotive Gear stops, that time the special core of this Automotive Gear releases a signal to launch itself onto its target, an explosive-type. It causes the less damage than Crescendo but causes the greater damage to the surrounding area, in terms of area and distance."

"Last but not least, Diminuendo is an ability that creates a large shockwave on impact and has high damage on nearby enemies, but the main disadvantage of this ability is that it wastes much more Melodic Scores than the others. So, it requires more practice to master this kind of dynamic type to a near impossible level, a close-ranged and medium-ranged ability." Alastair's words were factual and accurate when he describes these basic knowledge of the three abilities of his Automotive Gear.

Sonata gulped, not amazed by his weapon. "Your Automotive Gear is Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20, correct?" he asked, she nodded before he explained. "That weapon is Crescendo-based and in essence, it is also called the Rainstorm type--it is special because it allows its user to be extremely agile and fast at the same time, having the ability to withstand any kind of multiple attacks from melee and ranged weapons," Alastair added as he explained further how her Automotive Gear works. "It's quite rare to be seen by our eyes, and most of the Mail-Hunters use the Crescendo-type."

Alastair explained before he commanded his Automotive Gear calmly, the blast emitted from the Canon part of the weapon hit the Husk and the blast shattered the armor on its body like glass--its armor cracked open as fragments were flying everywhere and the impact was causing the explosion that destroyed the Husk's head entirely. The broken metal debris lay everywhere as their Melodic Score aura released was starting to recede upon the destruction of the Husk. He reloaded the first shots of his Automotive Gear before charging up more Melodic Scores into it; the Gigue part of the weapon started to glow with green color--he pressed the trigger once again and shot another round of Melodic Scores towards the Husk. As he commanded his Automotive Gear for the last time, it's already ready for firing.

"Fire!"

The thunderous blast was fired from the gunlance, it's a powerful one--Sonata felt a strong force that was hitting her body with tremendous speed when she saw the blast hit the Husk directly. The sound of the blast is almost similar to piano and strings falling together into a pile--the blast shook the surrounding area and caused a crater to appear on the ground where the explosion happened--she could see a trail of smoke rising up towards the sky and she could hear its roaring echoes throughout the rocky grounds. Sonata saw everything--from beginning to end as she witnessed what happens in front of her.

After seeing the explosion, she could tell that it was indeed a terrible sight. He is the strongest among all the Masters, they would all die if they will face him in a fair fight--even their own species died in the hands of the Vice Postmaster-General's Automotive Gear. She saw the wreckage that remains of the Husk on the ground; it's a horrible sight, it's like a massacre that killed many people; the Husk's head was completely smashed by the blast that happened before.

Alastair watched the dead Husk remorselessly--his face was calm and expressionless, he did not even bother to look at Sonata who is standing behind him after witnessing what happened earlier.

She is now afraid for what might happen... if she fails this test.

"Your skills have proven me wrong," he said coldly, looking at Sonata. "I thought you are going to fail in this test, turns out you made it," he commented, making her flinch when he mentioned her name. Sonata is now scared to be in his presence as she trembled when she remembered what happened in front of her, it was indeed a terrible scene.

"Your skill in using an Automotive Gear is extraordinary, I'm very impressed that you reached my expectation," Alastair complimented as he grinned triumphantly, he could already see himself in her--his younger self. Sonata was panting lightly before she nodded, still scared to face him even if she accomplished this. Alastair smirked arrogantly, adjusting his hold on his weapon. "Next, I will teach you how to use the Automotive Gear properly, I hope that you can handle it this time," he ordered her sternly.

***

"So, how's the training?"

Claire asked when she was entering the lobby of National Postal Service's Headquarters with Sonata and Gabriel, seeing Sonata whined at her--which made Suona stopped carrying her stack of mails on her hands. "It was terrifying!" she answered, making them froze before Gabriel arched an eyebrow. "Who was it? Your opponent?" Gabriel inquired as Sonata nodded, clearly terrified. "I almost fainted from fear during the training!" she added with fear in her voice, she was physically and mentally exhausted from the training that was so militaristic. "I can't believe he trained me like an actual Mail-Hunter already! His eyes are scary! And his Automotive Gear is terrifying!" she exclaimed as she recalled what happened in the training grounds, making Suona who listened got shocked after knowing one of the high-ranking officials in National Postal Service. "Claire, your father is intimidating," Sonata whined.

"That's Master Alastair for you," Gabriel said to Sonata, but then he noticed something different because nobody has EVER been trained by him. "Did he teach you something or--"

"Yes! He did teach me few things," Sonata interrupted him, panting heavily from running back to the lobby. "But, I think I couldn't even read his expressions... it's like... this is his first time teaching as student like me... does he have other protégés?" Sonata asked, seeing her best friend Claire sighed when she asked about her father. "Look, my father doesn't have students yet so this IS his first time having one. Many of them failed or gave up while they're still an apprentices in his service, well... I guess he's a perfectionist who has a lot of expectations towards his future apprentices," Claire said and she remembered the first time Sonata met her father. "At least, I know that he's gonna spare you unless you know his temper," she teased, making Sonata rolled her eyes.

"See? See?" Sonata whined, scratching the back of her head. "He makes it hard for me to get along with him... and I'm the only student that he has, he must be having a hard time searching for one," she grumbled, Claire sighed before she folded her arms. "Relax, he's not a person that would kill you on a whim or anything, he's just very strict when he's teaching his students."

"I'll probably starve tonight if I didn't do as what he reminded me about the weekly training earlier," Sonata groaned quietly, Suona went petrified to hear that from her best friend Sonata. "Wait, IS THAT TRUE?! THOSE RUMORS WERE TRUE?!" she asked, Sonata nodded as she kneel on four comically and sighed. "I think I did a mistake today, it's like I will always pissed him off," she murmured as Suona frowned, recalling what happened during her training. "Claire, if your father are to be my mentor, I'll pass."

Gabriel shook his head. "Give him a chance, Sonata," he told her kindly, patting her head as Sonata groaned. "You did the right thing, he's trying to build up your stamina and muscles; since he noticed that your body is weaker than your enemy's, he'll make sure that you can't be outwitted easily in the battlefield," Gabriel told Sonata with concern in his voice, making her whined. "I fainted afterwards, but then I became his apprentice afterwards and I can't cancel the contract so I gotta obey him whether I like it or not," she mumbled as Suona frowned, the Spring Serpent Mail-Hunter wondered how Sonata can endure that harsh training. "Man, if only I can be there... but I don't know if I can pass his expectations though..." Suona said with a sigh, knowing that she might not meet the qualification--however she was curious about it.

Sonata was traumatized by that event, she didn't understand why she felt that way even though Alastair did not do anything bad to her--he only taught her the basics of his weapon and the demonstration. "And he even making schedule for weekly trainings every week, and it was recent," she grumbled as she glanced at Claire with frustration, she didn't look scared but instead--she looked... baffled by her own father's methods of training a potential student for him as his subordinate. "But, he has potential to make you strong," Claire said to herself quietly, feeling complicated now.

"Oh well, I haven't got a mentor yet but please wish me luck because I don't want to get Master Alastair too... also, there has been an urban legend in NPS that he defeated several Husks without a help... isn't that true?" Suona grumbled, she have heard of his rumors for able to defeat Husk creatures without much help from others and it has become an urban legend or myth within the organization. Sonata and Claire looked at the Spring Serpent Mail-Hunter shocked as soon as they heard what Suona was about to say, while Gabriel himself wanted to skip the apprentice class (because most of his masters so far have never lasted a month) Gabriel himself are nervous to confront the feared Vice Postmaster-General of their organization because his name isn't easy to forget.

As long as you work under the command of Alastair, you better be ready for another kind of scoldings, huge tasks and weekly trainings that you'll face if he realized that you did a mistake. Despite being the strongest in Welkin City and a master in his work, Alastair always got feared by his fellow colleagues and Mail-Hunters due to how his training methods are too difficult for beginners to handle, yet the reason why most of the apprentice failed is because of the qualification that does not meet his criteria.

The elevator door opened at their floor and they exited the building as they saw many employees working at their desks and doing their deliveries and shippings--most of them are Mail-Hunters. Sonata wondered why did her mentor summoned her here, she prayed he won't be scolding her and reprimanding her--she knows that her mentor Alastair would not hurt his apprentices because they are like his children, he treats them like family to him (even though he can be an ass sometimes). "I'll see you two later, see ya!" Sonata waved at both Claire and Gabriel who had to finish their shippings and deliveries with mails, before she goes to visit Alastair's office.

Sonata entered his office and much to her surprise--it was antique and looks very old--it has an air of mystery as she entered his office and sat on the chair as she waited for him to come out. She looked around the room curiously as she tried to find something familiar about it--there was a small desk inside the room where a typewriter was placed, several books were scattered on top of it and a few files were also stored at the table--including a chandelier above. There are also pictures hanging on the wall along with a vase full of dried roses--the walls have old wooden panels which look antique. There's a picture figurine with the photo of her mentor Alastair and his daughter Claire--there was a woman who resembled Claire--assumed to be Claire's late-mother, he was a single-father when he raised Claire as a child until now. There was also a framed painting hung on the wall with a picture of Alastair when he was young, he looked handsome in those pictures when he was young.

Sonata cringed a little, it feels weird that she never seen him this young--and until now he retains his youth despite being thirty-seven years old. It's strange to see a photos of her mentor's youthful days, more worse the way he smiles and looks at his daughter (in the picture, not now) was too familiar for Sonata's liking. The memories of her from past came into mind as she remembered when they went through the training.

Sonata sighed deeply and stared at the antique clock hanging above the door--how long have been waiting for him? She glanced at the grandfather clock and it read 11:00 AM as she gulped nervously--what if he scolds her for being late? She didn't know what will happen if he will reprimand her harshly--she doesn't want to experience it. The lights of the chandelier was enough to illuminate the entire room, but there were still shadows under the tables that made her worried that her mentor might be mad at her--but she couldn't move from the chair--for now she will wait patiently for him to appear.

The young Mail-Hunter didn't know what will happen if he will reprimand her harshly--she doesn't want to experience it. The lights of the chandelier was enough to illuminate the entire room, but there were still shadows under the tables that made her worried that her mentor might be mad at her--but she couldn't move from the chair--for now she will wait patiently for him to appear.

Sonata heard the door opened behind her and she turn around, almost shrieked to see her mentor Alastair entered inside and he closed the door behind him--still retaining his cold and intimidating presence.

Sonata swallowed nervously and took deep breaths to calm herself down as she stood up from her chair--it feels strange seeing him like this as he looked intimidating as ever--and his Automotive Gear weapon was strapped by the holster behind his back. "Good morning, Master Alastair," she greeted him, Alastair turned towards her with an intense glare in his crystal blue eyes.

"Do you know why I summoned you in here today?" Alastair asked Sonata, he leaned on his desk and gazed with his icy-cold eyes.

Sonata gulped nervously and tried to look away from his intimidating gaze, but it seems that he wants to talk to her directly without being distracted by other things around her--like the photos hanging on the wall. "It's not about that, Sonata Nocturna. I'm going to speak to you," he explained, making Sonata confused. "There is something you will do for me, do you know the reason?" Alastair asked, as he glanced at her when he looked into the eyes of the newly-appointed Winter Wolf Mail-Hunter.

"N-No, Master Alastair.”

Sonata replied, her face went pale at the papers that has to be delivered right on time--she know the actual pressures--but Alastair made it hard to pass through it. "You will send a package to another post office in North Toccata City," he commanded Sonata. "Your first mail shipment was one of the most difficult ones to pass, and the mail must be successfully transferred from the original destination point to the original destination point."

"Yes, sir..."

Sonata murmured, before she look up at him with her hands behind her back and cleared her throat. "I am sorry, Master Alastair. I did not mean to complain about becoming your apprentice--but I just wanted to know why'd you chose me for being your apprentice?" she asked him humbly as she looked at him in the eye with a respectful expression.

Alastair folded his arms to his chest and stared at her straight in the eye, making her slightly uncomfortable before he answered her question. "I didn't think you were the kind who does that kind of thing, it's not that I'm against it. I just find it odd since you never acted like someone who needed the attention all the time. But yes, you indeed have some potential for becoming an Emissary," he confirmed, as he looked away from Sonata with a serious expression. "I chose you as my apprentice because I believe in you, Sonata Nocturna," he replied coldly.

"You have potentials to be like me and there's more to come, you should continue improving your skills as a future Emissary. We will talk again next week, you are free to go now."

"But--"

Sonata protested, but Alastair held up his hand to silence her. "I know that you're scared of me and I understand why--but fear will always be there, and it won't disappear--even after time passes by," he assured Sonata sternly, folding his arms over his chest. "You're the first apprentice that I had, no Mail-Hunters able to pass the tests to be under my mentorship because none of them passed my expectations and standards; others gave up on the trail or they failed miserably during the trials," he revealed as he stared directly at her face, it is true that none of the other students had any hope of becoming apprentices.

And, the latter was TRUE due to his expectations that are too high.

Sonata knew how difficult it is to become an apprentice, especially for a young girl like her--it would be hard to pass all the tests. But she did not give up, she worked harder like anyone else who wants to be a Mail-Hunter apprentice--she did not know how it feels to become one, but now that she is one, she has high hopes for the future--to serve her mentor, the rest of the Mail-Hunters and the National Postal Service. "Thank you very much," she bowed before him as an apology. "I will try my best to live up to your expectations as your apprentice, Master Alastair."

"Don't thank me yet," he replied sharply as he stood up from his chair with a firm grip on the edge of his desk. "I will be watching every move you make as you continue with your duties as my apprentice. Now take your leave, I got a lot of work to do."

'URGH, WHY IS HE ALWAYS BE SO RELENTLESS?!'

Sonata cursed mentally, though she couldn't help herself but remember her interaction with her mentor-to-be. He gestured her to go away so she left his office and walked towards the exit door with a nervous pace until he opened the door for her and let her pass through it.

Sonata turned back and saw that Alastair was busy at his desk, typing on his typewriter as he glanced up and glanced at her from time to time. He look down to his typewriter as she left his office, closing the door behind her after she exited his office and she couldn’t believe she had to deal with her mentor like this. She breathed in deeply and exhaled deeply as she regained control of her emotions; which made her screeched comically in fear and ran to the lobby in the first floor-she wanted to disappear from sight of her mentor. Claire, Suona and Gabriel were waiting for her, seeing Sonata run towards them with horrified look as she wanted to tell them what she has been thinking--whether if this was the truth.

"What's wrong?"

Claire asked with concern after seeing Sonata approached her friend from training earlier, Suona tilted her head as she shrieked to see Sonata laid down on the floor with a confused and shocked expression, gasping for air--even Gabriel began to get curious. "You were right, Claire. Your father has high standards so that's why none of the Mail-Hunters passed to be his apprentices, I feel bad for them--whoever became your father's student got beaten down and probably traumatized by his endless trainings or something" Sonata concluded.

"Oh well, his standards are crazy..." Claire replied to her in a low tone, making the three of them look back at her.

"I think I remember what my father said about his standards to be part of his apprenticeship... he said something like... most of them would likely be skilled enough for apprenticeship, but the ones who are destined to become a Mail-Hunter has special traits, like their eyes are the most unique and extraordinary thing about them. His standards and expectations for all apprentices are very rigorous and demanding; so that when a student can't match up to them, a great many of the students usually ended up quitting the apprenticeships."

Sonata nodded gratefully and calmed down a bit, while Suona helped her stand. "Claire... are you part of your father's apprenticeship? I mean... Master Alastair is your father too you know..." she asked, Claire grumbled--before she scowled to the side.

"Actually I passed the test, but I refuse to be his apprentice because one: I'm his daughter and two: It would be weird to have my own father teach me about being a Mail-Hunter--ever since I enlisted without his help, and three: I don't wanna be under his foot like an actual subordinate or whatever you call it. Although he's my father, he still has to be the boss to everyone including his fellow Masters. And, in National Postal Service, no special privileges are allowed to apply to the highest leaders here, also it would be bad for his image and the organization if I accept his offer to be his apprentice."

Sonata nodded, tilting her head. "Are you and your father very close?"

Gabriel asked her, seeing Claire nodded. "We are very close, not when we're on work though. He's a single-dad after my mother passed away when I was twelve. But, there was a moment he was being a 'dad' to me and taking care of me, like he always does--especially now that I am here... with him," she confessed, thinking about her father. Claire sighed, feeling remorseful for her father for acting like the way she did—but still all of her traits are inherited from him.

"He's still trying to move on and continue with his work, trying to forget the horrible past. When we were doing our training, he told me the details, even if it was painful for him to remember about that incident. Basically, if he had something personal to talk to--it was me he'll talk to, including others who are close to him, to anyone who knows him, he never revealed any feelings. And that's why he's known as a monster because he doesn't show anything in his face."

Sonata was surprised, no wonder why her mentor was a monster in her eyes--he's hiding his true emotions, a stoic and cold man who is isolated and very distant to anyone he meets and knows. Sonata almost got shot by his own Canon that could destroy everything--so now she understands him perfectly.