"So, these three brats are the culprit?"

Alastair asked Senja, he nodded when the Mail-Hunters has apprehended the three girls in the Headquarters. When Dr. Chamberlain began the medical check, he noticed that their skins has scales and brown tints with insect-like sharp pupils on their eyes--identifying them as Hybrids. "They're Hybrids," he announced, making them shocked that this is the first time they saw Hybrids. "These three are responsible for this incident," Senja explained as the three of them was arrested by Claire and Gabriel in front of everyone, while the Armed Enforcement Squad were guarding the three Hybrids. "They're the ones who sneaked to the Headquarters last night, leaving trails of bloods and footprints--these are the evidences," one of the Mail-Hunters showed him the boots that similar to the footprints on the floor, there are stains of blood as well and it matched.

Lloyd was surprised when he witnessed this when he stood beside Vice Postmaster-General, he didn't expect these kids are Hybrids--and this incident is happening in the city of Welkin. "Their names?" he asked Alastair while looking at the three captured Hybrids, he was about to ask them where are they hiding since they have been here for so long. "They don't have surnames, but their names are Sonya, Serena and Irina," he answered, while Mathilda keeping an eye on them with Senja.

Dr. Chamberlain hummed, he found the match from the footprints and the blood from their boots. "It's them… how unfortunate they have caused such damage to the headquarters," he murmured, shaking his head. "I took their blood samples for further examination, turns out they were infused with the genes of the Husks--proving that they're Hybrids from the experiments in their young age," Dr. Chamberlain elaborated, his colleague nodded in approval.

"That explains how they can survive in underground," he muttered as he looked at the blood-stained carpet when Mathilda is listening as well. "It is quite troublesome though, because their bloods are still in a process of evolving, making their condition fragile at times," he stated. "Yet, they were sixteen-years old," he gave his answer to them, before he sighed. "They're also from the illegal experiments of Reverse... this is horrible."

Sonata listens to him when she scowled at her three ex-friends from the past when she was in there, she couldn't believe they joined Reverse and leaving her betrayed. Suona also glaring at them, they also betrayed her because of their 'promise' they made for her and Sonata. "That bastard…!" Suona spat in anger, she was boiling hot inside and wants to tear something apart. "Why did you guys join them?!" Sonata snapped, remembering how they become a spectators and let them suffer instead of them. More worse, they became Hybrids and that angers both of them even more.

The others around them gasped in shock and awe from the situation and the sudden outburst from Sonata. Mathilda was surprised, her hypothesis was right--it is true that Sonata has been in Reverse as a captive with Suona. It's no surprise why she was angry at the three Hybrids, they're her former friends. "Reverse had an underground facility where they're experimenting those children, and it wasn't just those kids," Suona stated with a low voice, while Sonata continued. "There are hundreds of other kids were being abused, raped and exploited in there too... they also being drugged before being... experimented to become Reverse's weapon, as Hybrids... their strength exceeds human level and... it was terrifying. I don't know how long I've been stuck there--maybe more than a month? Because, we got knocked out and our memories went blur, maybe before we got... auctioned..."

Sonata explained, looking down in fear before Suona added with a horrified expression--tearing up a little. "Some of them were forced to participate in illegal fights for profit, whether it is nonconsensual... or not..."

Sonya laughed insanely like a psychopath, while Serena was silent like a doll as she look away from them. Even Irina was stunned by what they had been told, she was shocked by what they said but choose to ignore that. She had no idea whatsoever that her "friends" had done that to others, even to Sonata she betrayed in the past and Suona who she backstabbed. "You know why the government is corrupt and never cared!" Sonya snapped, looking at them with hatred and rage. "You guys are a bunch of idiots who are too blind to see what is happening in this country!"

Irina looked down at her feet like she felt guilty of what happened, which made Sonata felt more angry at them. "We'll pay you back for that… Mail-Hunters... for selling your soul to the government!" Sonya grumbled, glaring at them. "We given our lives to the Husks! Our only hope is the Reverse! We've lost our families and friends--we can't live on without them! That's why we want to overthrow the government!" she snapped, as Sonata keeping her composure despite scowling at her ex-friend.

"We want to give a new life to them! We can help them evolve--to become the strongest creatures on this world!" she screeched out her words in desperation. "The Husks will grant us power and freedom from pain... and revenge against all the people who abandoned us, all those who betrayed us--"

"Enough."

Lloyd scolded Sonya calmly with serious but composed expression--hitting the tip of his cane onto the floor, before he continued. "We know your intention," he shook his head before sighing deeply, as a Postmaster-General--he must take action and can't make public statement about the matter. He needed to investigate everything carefully before taking any action.

"The three of you will be sent to the detention centers for further investigation, I need to speak with the higher authority," he stated while staring at Sonya's cold eyes with displeasure. "We're investigating this incident thoroughly, and we'll get all the answers we need. None of you kids will get away from what you've done, you'll be under watch of the facility soon," he announced with firm voice, everyone listened to him in silence.

Irina gritted her teeth at Alastair, but mostly to Sonata while Serena and Sonya did the same thing. They glared at Senja, Lloyd and Mathilda, even Alastair as if they want to kill them for what they done to them. "You're not getting away from this easily," Alastair warned them, since he's the Vice Postmaster-General he have the authority to scold them. "It is my duty to guarantee everyone here is in safety, I won't allow any harm done to this company. These officials are not scared of the Husks," Alastair said with a sharp glower, showing them how terrifying he is at such a young age. "Even though you're still a kid, doesn't mean you get to escape with nothing," Mathilda nodded, with her hands behind her back saying.

"I hope you'll learn this as a lesson."

Sonata felt a little relieved when Lloyd gave them orders, she knew that the Mail-Hunter had their own rules to follow for this kind of situation. "Dr. Chamberlain, what should we do with these three?" Alastair whispered at Dr. Chamberlain, asking for advice on what's best for their patients. Dr. Chamberlain hummed, before he whispered back to him. "Keep them in isolation until we're done with them... it will take time before they can start a proper treatment."

Lloyd nodded at him before he told Alastair in a whisper, he ordered his subordinates of Mail-Hunter Armed Enforcement Division (EAED) to keep an eye on them.

Few hours later...

Sonata was so exhausted from the festival and deliveries so she laid down on the lobby couch--her wolf ears drooped down a little that she yawned. She closed her eyes as she tried to rest her mind; she wanted to sleep but the stress and the traumatic past is keeping her awake. God, she couldn't stop thinking about Serena, Sonya and Irina and her head hurts just by thinking of them. 'They are so immature...' Sonata thought with annoyance, rubbing her forehead.

Suona sat down next to her before she took her hand with hers, the Winter Wolf Mail-Hunter was at a loss for words from meeting them again. She was trying to recover by the incidents and thought they were gone, and here they are now--coming here under orders from the Reverse Organization. Suona and Sonata were no longer have the old days anymore, even though they know what lies beneath their secrets.

"Suona... why are you doing here? Shouldn't you... doing your shift already?"

Sonata asked her with a tired gaze, Suona smiled like usual. "It's okay, I want to stay with my friend," she reassured her, before she sighed as she look back at her. "You know, after everything we went through... I was grateful that you and I were able to survive, because we're both special. Still, we're thankful of everyone helping us... and now we're in this phase now..."

Suona nodded in agreement, with a small smile. Despite the pain, Suona still remained by her side through the hardships after their escape from the underground--she was the only friend who never betrayed her ever since they were children. Back when they were in poverty and live in Sonnet, until they were allowed to stay in the house that the townspeople gave to them--although it's temporary but enough for the living thanks to them. "Do you think we can forgive them?" Suona asked, watching her childhood best friend look back at her. "I don't know, really... maybe we'll decide later."

Sonata answered, they already know each other quite well and how they will decide this--after a brief conversation Suona sighed. "I'll be heading back to my shift, inform me if there's something happening okay?" she asked, Sonata nodded as she watched her left to continue her shift.

"There you are."

Sonata heard a familiar voice as her wolf ears twitched, she sat up to see Claire was standing in front of her--folding her arms with concerned gaze. "I'm sorry, it's just that I've been worried since yesterday afternoon about the children, they're your ex-friends?" she asked, watching Sonata nodded, letting out a grumble. "Yeah... after they were infused with Husk genes and joining Reverse, they became my enemies... they betrayed my trust, and it hurts me," she explained, Claire understood what she meant and nodded. "I'm really hurt about it... they used to be close friends of mine until I found out that they were working with them."

Claire pursed her lips as her mood was sullen down as well. She stood there beside Sonata, lending an ear for the upset young teen--understanding her situation better than anyone else. The eighteen years old Mail-Hunter watched Sonata's wolf ears pinned down, making her sitting down beside her. "I see... no wonder you're feeling down from seeing them, and remembering your past too," Claire stated with a frown. "We heard everything and... we sympathize with both of you, we also want to avenge those people in Reverse Organization for what they did to the children."

Alastair went to the lobby after his conversation with Senja and Lloyd, he found his daughter Claire and his apprentice Sonata talking together while sitting on the red lobby couch. He narrowed his eyes at Claire because she was supposed to be on her shift--so she heard what Sonata was ranting out loud. "Since when I've allowed this... I'm a mess right now..."

Sonata rubbed her temple, Claire suddenly placed her arm around her to comfort her. "Take your time to recover from the trauma, Sonata, you shouldn't be alone when we're here for you," she advised kindly, Sonata felt a soft laugh coming out from her throat.

"Okay... I'll keep that in mind.”

Sonata nodded with a smile, before she saw her mentor Alastair and made her shrieked in fear—while hiding behind Claire. "NO MORE PAPERWORKS PLEASE! I JUST FINISHED IT EARLIER!" she screamed in dramatic horror (because she didn't want any paperwork given from him again), which shocked Alastair a little--she wasn't expect he was there. Alastair raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. "I'm not planning to do that, also please stop shouting like that." he retorted, staring at Sonata's turquoise-blue eyes for a moment while folding his arms. "Sorry..." she apologized, looking back at him.

"Can we speak, Sonata?"

Sonata realized he was asking her a question about their conflict and the history of her friends which made her sighed. Claire stared back at Alastair for awhile, before she nod in response. "Sure..." she murmured, still hiding behind Claire in attempt to intimidate him. Her eyes darted on her mentor's violet-blue eyes that showing some guilt and worry inside, he knew this was going to get complicated very soon and Sonata is still upset by the recent events.

"Sonata... I understand how it feels," Alastair stated, before taking a deep breath and exhaled. Claire is listening to him without saying anything, making sure Sonata was willing to talk.

"The incident with the Hybrid Children, these three had their family killed by the Husks, and the organization took them in while they have been conducting a project: The Husk Gene Project--to create the ultimate soldiers by infusing the humans with the Husk genes--making them Hybrids," he informed both his daughter and Sonata. "That is why we have an urgent task to investigate and neutralize the experiments in the underground facility, also we received some reports about their 'fathers' who created these experiments are the founders of the Reverse Organization."

Sonata froze by that fact, shuddering by hearing that alone. "W-Wait, what?" she stammered nervously, the fact that those people created the experiments and created by that underground facility... Sonata can't believe it and she didn't realize it until she discovered the true potential of the underground facility when she investigated a few hours ago. "It's fine to let go of the past because this is the reality now--you can't control the situation and you can't change what already happened," he continued as he patted her shoulder lightly, Sonata sighed. "I know it's not easy, Sonata," he murmured calmly, Claire looked up at him because he sounds confident.

"Do take care of yourself first before anything else," he concluded with his advice. Claire nodded before standing up to follow him along with Sonata who wiped her teary eyes. "Thank you, Vice Postmaster-General," Sonata bowed at him, before looking back at Claire with a nod.

"Let's go."

***

The Mail-Hunter Armed Enforcement Squad led by Alastair and Lloyd has arrived at the regions of Asterian Gorge, where the Husk creatures were roaming and hiding from the Artificial Light. They prepared the equipments that is target restraining weapon that developed in purpose to capture the Husk creatures. The design for the special target restraining weapon was derived from the developmental discoveries, associated with the hand cannon firearm. Each barrel has seven steel tubes, each of which has coiled wires with arrowheads at both ends--purposed to immobilize the Husk creatures for experiments, tests and trainings once they are hit by an arrow shot through the target restraining weapon.

Alastair has ordered his squad to surround the region so that it would be easier to catch the Husk creatures--it's almost morning now when he checked the time, he was the main forger of the target restraining weapon and also its inventor. His subordinates are here to support him in case something happens, but Alastair knows that it won't be an issue. The Husk has a slow metabolism compared to human beings so they can easily catch one, it's only a matter of time before they captured one. "We must capture Syrah, Sauternes and Sherry Husks--according to Dr. Chamberlain's request, be careful; these giant armored insects has some similarities to hornets with wings but much larger body size, and their venoms are more dangerous," Alastair instructed them before he stepped forward with two of his men in front of him; he held a target restraining weapon in his hand.

They waited silently when the three Husks were lurking in their nest filled with their victims; who were innocent civilians and it was purely disturbing and nightmare fuel. After they set the trap hidden on both sides which there were thirty-five barrels needed for the restrain, Alastair was holding the dark brown and black flare gun for the signal.

"Alright, Lloyd are you--" he went petrified when the Postmaster-General was relaxing with sitting on the edge, holding his cane like a sniper rifle as he scanned the region. He was impressed how calm Lloyd can handle a situation, considering he's also his superior--STILL HE FELT LIKE HE WAS BABYSITTING A KID IN THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD YOUNG MAN! (Maybe Lloyd have good experience of hunting Husks, unlike other guys back in the day).

"... Lloyd?! Are you using that walking stick?"

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

His ears perked up as he turned around to see Alastair was shocked for whatever Lloyd is doing, making Lloyd grinned--his frameless glasses flashed comically as he pointed out. "Nah, I was just demonstrating it--don't take it seriously," he said with a smile, making Alastair and the others froze in shock. "GODDAMNIT!" Alastair yelled, making one of the Mail-Hunters in the post whispered to each other. "Oh, dear god, he's being himself again..." the other Mail-Hunters said, shaking his head when he's on the edge.

Alastair was holding back from lashing out at his own superior, considering that Lloyd still have the guts to joke around even in a difficult situation. He aimed the gun upwards when Husk creature that has been seen by the squad and shot an arrow with the target restraining weapon, Lloyd gave the signal for his men to fire arrows at the three Husk creatures--using a vintage megaphone on his hand.

"FIRE!"

Alastair shot the flare gun in the air upwards, the AED Squad pressed the buttons of the triggers, the arrowed-hooks projectiles blasted with burning flames and smoke; the flame arrows penetrated through their armored wings and pierced their bodies from the back. The whole area was filled with huge smoke; two of the arrows missed the target when it tried to attack the armed enforcers--which Alastair didn't respond to it since he needed to maintain concentration--and let them handle it before he gave a command.

The three Husks were surrounded by the arrows and they were restrained by the target restraining weapon, the large armored insects were pinned down and couldn't fly when several squad soldiers has put pressure on the remaining targets. Alastair held the hilt of his sheath-cover that containing his Automotive Gear, the blade shimmers in the orange light as he took his gunlance out. "Good, keep them restrained, let them burn," he instructed his men before he ran away from them and jumped out of range; it was dangerous to be too close to the Husk creatures since they could attack them anytime and anywhere.

After that, they brought the three captured Husks into the National Postal Service's Research Department Center and Third Bioscience Laboratory for further research; after they successfully captured all three Husk creatures, they immediately took them to the center and saved the victims from the nests.

"Woah... so huge..."

Sonata whispered when Suona was observing it, Claire really hates wasps so she kept her distance and Gabriel felt like he wanted to touch the Husk--but he hold himself back because he didn't want to be scolded by either Dr. Chamberlain himself or more worse--Vice-Postmaster-General--he would be super mad if he found out that Gabriel touched one of the Husk creatures without permission. "Not sure what they actually wanted, but let's trust them, they might help us about how it works," Sonata's childhood friend replied, nodding to her. "This is why we shouldn't mess around with them, these giant wasps could kill us at any moment," Claire murmured.

Lloyd whistled when he saw the three captured Husk creatures who are still alive, he didn't expect it was huge compared to the other Husks. As he look back at Dr. Chamberlain who was taking some samples with his hands, he asked. "What do you think?" he asked curiously.

Dr. Chamberlain examined the giant armored insect carefully--he didn't want to injure the Husk but with his gloved hands to do an autopsy. "Hmm, so their bodies are fused into steel, no wonder their carapace was very sturdy," he commented, scratching the shell and feels something from the core. "This is the weak spot of each Husk creatures, depends on their type of insect, however," he muttered, tapping his chin when he squinted at the Husk creatures. "Cabernet and Spiritus Husk are the exception, the Cabernet is similar to dragonfly but the Spiritus is the exception, since we don't know what does this Husk looks like."

Alastair was looking at the laboratory's equipment room from outside, where Dr. Chamberlain was working in order to study the Husk creature even more than before--this will allow him to learn more about it. Dr. Chamberlain's assistant; Marie, was excited that she will be testing the theory to determine if the Hybrid Children's genes are actually inherited from their mothers.

Oh right, he has an assistant.

Marie Holscher is a twenty-five years old lab assistant researcher and Dr. Chamberlain's colleague was examining the three children's blood samples, after extracting out their DNA samples from the cells within their blood. She has a dark burgundy long hair with bangs almost covering her cheeks and her light violet eyes, she has alabaster complexion and wears glasses. Marie wears a black and purple collared formal long-sleeved dress reaching her knees under her white lab coat, she also wears black tights and black heeled Mary Jane shoes--her hair behind her ears are pulled back with two silver hairpins behind her head.

Marie was known for her energetic, freethinking researcher with a unique way of conducting herself through her observant and objective character--most of the times... experimenting captured Husk creatures and monitoring Hybrid Children. She also had a habit of collecting weird things such as skulls, bones or any kind of artifacts, which is quite rare in her field of science--even the scientists under her supervision got scared by her experiments. And some of them do not appreciate her jokes, what jokes? Well... things she does or used to do were considered "hilarious pranks," from collecting skulls and bones with weird smiles to wearing gloves inside her lab and picking up sharp glass-like shells. Like... how come Dr. Chamberlain able to tell her about the three Husk creatures without flinching?

"Look what I found!" Marie announced happily, showing a beating heart of the Husk that was exposed in front of them--causing the squad members having a grotesque faces (by the way how come she was brave enough to do something like this?). "Hey! Don't expose that yet!" Dr. Chamberlain warned, the scent was so bad that they need to open the window and neutralize the lab. "I'm out of here, not going back," Gabriel said in a growl and Claire really need to vomit after this, leaving the lab as Sonata's face went pale and immediately pull Suona's hand to follow both of their friends.

"By the way, Sonata... How did you learn about National Postal Service before joining?"

Sonata heard Claire asked when the trio along Suona were on their patrols after their breakfast, she hummed with her wolf ears twitched a little. "It all started when I saw one of the Mail-Hunters came to the city where Suona and I lived, I forgot what does he looks like... but he made Suona and I wanted to become one--from his dedication and how he helped us during our rough times," she explained, Suona agreed as she chewed her baked salmon sandwich. "Yeah, that guy is very kind to help us. But, we haven't heard of him since and... we kind of wonder where he is now, let's hope he's not gone. So, how about you guys?" she asked.

Claire tapped her fingers on her cheek, closing her eyes while crossing her legs. "You guys know that I'm born with noble ancestry, right? I was originally going to be enlisted to Lystheia Academy in Aria by my grandparents--it was a school for nobles and elites. But, I refuse because I don't like being constricted by their noble etiquettes and it annoys me so much. I don't like wearing dress, girly stuff and anything that stops me from expressing myself freely," she explained, before she continued. "Then, I heard my father just got promoted into a Vice Postmaster-General in National Postal Service. So, I had a thought of getting out from my comfort zone and sign up there--without his help."

Gabriel listened as he was fixing his black hat, looking forward as he tell them his experience. "As for me, I took two tests and I'm a noble like Claire. I took the one for Legal Affairs Bureau to become part of the Keepers and National Postal Service to become a Mail-Hunter. But, I learned that my younger step-brother is in Legal Affairs Bureau AND I don't want to be around Shintaro--knowing that it might bothers me. Instead, I choose National Postal Service--according to my father's suggestion and that's where I met Claire for the first time."

'Each Mail-Hunters have their own reasons to join them...' Sonata thought, she have heard of Legal Affairs Bureau and learned that it was a state-owned enterprise. Nobody have ever passed that enterprise and only fifteen out of hundred candidates to enroll the organization, she pondered on what if Gabriel enlisted there without Shintaro around--but she wouldn't have encountered him.

Few minutes later...

Sonata went to the Hill of Prayer under Lloyd's order, the region in the state of perpetual twilight--where the city in the center of Welkin that can feel closest to the "light" of the artificial sun--or the Artificial Light. It's also the region where the citizens of Welkin have made their homes in-and it's the place where cathedral that worshipped believe in a deity called the Empress--or the God of Music known as Aponia, the deity who apparently rules over all Canaria from Welkin and is also the head of the church. She is proclaimed as a wise and respected woman, but since she is associated with the government, many who are against the government despise her--prior to that; the Empress has fell into deep slumber until now.

Sonata shrieked when she saw the male Mail-Hunter who was riding a vintage motorbike coming and parked across her, she noticed that he was eighteen-years old Delivery Express Mail-Hunter--Vincent Winters.

He has dark brown messy short hair with bangs almost covering his blue eyes and he has alabaster complexion, with a scar going through his right eye--his gaze is cold but has 'cool' personality that depicted from his composed expression. His signature Emissary attributes is his dark Prussian blue trench coat with gold platinum trimmings, his black boots with golden trimming that wrapped around his calf, he wore a pair of leather gloves that covered his hand and forearm--while he has a gold platinum musical note pendant strapped and hanging on his belt. In his neck, he wears a gold chain necklace that was shaped like a music staff and gold platinum musical note pendant hanging on it.

'Wait, he's so cool though...'

Sonata thought, admiring his cool-like presence before she finally snapped out of her senses and informed him. "I-I came here under Postmaster-General Lloyd's order! He want to make sure if you obtained the information about Reverse Organization," she said to him, trying to sound like a grown up person.

"Of course, I have," Vincent answered with a calm but cool voice, he was so stoic and so mysterious that intrigued the others. Gabriel once said that he admired Vincent a lot, from his cool-like demeanor to even his talent to fight that the girls find them 'attractive'. Especially that he likes to rides that classic motorcycle, she wonders why is it so special that everyone around her had been talking about him lately.

Sonata saw a hawk flies towards them before Vincent held up his arm--allowing his hawk companion landed on his arm. Sonata can tell that he was taciturn and doesn't talk much, he has a strong and powerful presence that makes her felt a bit nervous about talking with him. "Master Lloyd sent you here?" Vincent asked calmly, letting his hawk go away from his arm and flying away--before he look back at Sonata. "Y-Yes... he sent me here," Sonata replied, it was difficult to talk to Vincent--knowing his mysterious vibe and reminded not to piss him off or he will leave without saying anything.

Oh right, Vincent was one of Lloyd's students, also it make sense why the hawk has been there with him because he often sent information through the bird; it is one of their communications for missions (and he also Vincent's pet).

Sonata then frowned deeply, she was asked a question about the information. It was supposed to be confidential, right? But somehow, this guy... made her felt bothered by his presence. This is dangerous because he's not allowed to give information, yet Lloyd managed to convince him to divulge about it; no wonder how his hawk was sent here and she just realized it.

"Fine," she finally blurted out her answer as she stood up, frowning at him.

Vincent nodded before placing his hands inside his pockets, waiting for Sonata's answer. . "Well, three days ago," she replied, making him nodded. "Alright, I'll give you the information that you needed," Vincent spoke, before he leaned back on his vintage motorbike with his arms crossed.

"This is the information I received from a source inside the government," he said with confidence, revealing what the source gave to him through his espionage. "They say that it might be true; there is something going on with the Reverse Organization, they're planning an operation somewhere in the region of Altalune. There's no details about where yet--so I can't be specific about the area but I guess it must be somewhere within the region itself. The information I have only tells about one of the targets of the operation and I haven't seen the other target. However, I think I have an idea about this operation." He told Sonata about their plan to capture one of the targets.

Sonata gasped softly in surprise, her heart thumped rapidly when she heard what Vincent said. "R-Really?" she asked, she recalled that Vincent is one of Lloyd's apprentices-that makes his word to be reliable and trustworthy. "I'm surprised you know about that..." she said, she stared at him curiously while feeling a little bit excited at this moment. "Do you know where they'll do their operation? Is it near here?" she asked with excitement in her voice.

Vincent hummed lightly. "No... I don't know anything else except from that," he admitted. He knows there are some information missing from him; which is why he wants to meet with his master Lloyd again. If they don't do anything now, they could be too late when they find out about the target-so they should act now before it's too late.

"Be careful of some Husk creatures around here, I heard one of them tried to attack a local courier here."

Sonata looked at Vincent carefully, wondering why he suddenly talked about this subject. "Wait, I thought this area is free from the Husk creatures?" she asked, before she heard a rumbling noise from the distance--causing her to step back a little. "Singani Husk!" Sonata pointed out, looking at the Husk creature from the distance.

Singani Husk took a similar form of praying mantis, its skin is black that's covered with thick plates and it has a spiked exoskeleton that's connected to its abdomen--making it appear like it has eight legs. Its head is small compared to its body-its head is round with a large mouth and mandible jaws with four sharp teeth on each side of the mouth. It has two long antennae that looks like horns attached to its head-the antennae can be used as weapons to impale foes on their armor or using its stinger like a harpoon to stab enemies; it also has three pairs of wings on both sides of its body. They live underground until they're ready to attack humans from below their feet. They're carnivorous that feeds on flesh of other living being, it's also an ambush predator that hides in the darkness until it attacks.

"Don't freak out," Vincent spoke as he grabbed the flintlock-rifle from his motorbike holster on the side, it was his Automotive Gear; L.4, CD.2; Première Rhapsodie--the weapon is capable of firing high-velocity bullets that could penetrate any armor with ease--it has three barrels that were lined up together with a bullet feed located at the front end of the barrel. "That's my main weapon, in case I encounter enemies that I cannot defeat easily," he said, making her stare at the weapon with awe--it has a color of sea blue ultramarine with the symbol of lapis lazuli flower that produce his Melodic Scores.

Vincent aimed the gunpoint at the Husk creature from the distance, he was well-aware of the Husk creature's weak spot-which is their head. He pulled the trigger once to release the sea blue ultramarine blast, causing a fiery explosion that hit the Husk directly and destroyed it with ease. The thunderous blast of the Melodic Scores hit the head of the Husk creature's head, creating a sound that similar to piano falling on a concrete surface that made Sonata cover her ears from hearing the loud sound and pain that pierced her eardrum. The impact made the head explode from inside and caused it to drop on the ground, its body was destroyed in no time.

"H-How did you... do that?"

Sonata asked him, the Postmaster-General trained Vincent well with marksmanship. She can tell that Vincent is skilled in guns; knowing how to handle them and how to use them properly.

That was probably why Lloyd has chosen him as one of his apprentices and why he has trusted his words. "You can ask Master Lloyd if you're wiling to train under him," Vincent spoke with a calm but cool tone-spinning his flintlock before putting it back on the motorbike holster, while hopping on his vintage motorbike. "You're going to return to report this to the others in Welkin, right?" he asked, Sonata nodded--which made him nodded back. "Then hop on behind me, let's ride off from here."

Sonata stepped on the back seat of Vincent's motorbike while making sure to be as low as possible to avoid being crushed by the bike itself if it falls down on the ground--and they rode off. Sonata could feel the breeze on her skin and hear the sound of wind passing through the trees. She looked down on their surroundings while listening to the sound of the motorbike moving forward, she could see that this region of Welkin City is beautiful. "So, uhm... Vincent, can I ask you something?" Sonata asked, turning back from her sight and faced him with curiosity.

"What do you want to ask?" he asked calmly when he slowed his motorbike a little due to the rough trails they passed by, she began to think of what should she ask him about. "Why you wanted to know more about the Reverse Organization? I mean, you didn't even mention that in your letter that you received from Postmaster-General," she said, making him shrugged his shoulder.

"Master Lloyd always cautious of them, he may hate the government like the rest of us--but he valued the innocents' lives so he never mentioned about them in our conversations," he muttered, making her stare at him curiously. "Is there something else?" he questioned, prompting her to speak her mind out loud. "Vincent, why are you being nicknamed as Delivery Express Mail-Hunter? And, where do you get this vintage motorbike?"

Sonata asked the rider, there was a short silence between them before Vincent answered calmly. "My family owns the largest delivery company in this region of Altalune, it was founded centuries ago by my ancestors, I'm the third generation now-they call me as Delivery Express Mail-Hunter because I'm one of the fastest riders here."

"Wow, that was awesome! So you're like a royalty from this part of Altalune, right?" she asked in surprise, causing her to became thrilled to visit his home--it has a huge impact on her, since he's famous in this region for delivering parcels and packages. Sonata wondered how his parents or his grandparents might look like, she was so curious to know about them.

But, Vincent shook his head a little. "No... I'm afraid not."

'Urgh, what a killjoy...' she thought to herself, feeling a little disappointed at his answer. Sonata was ready to accept the fact but she wanted to ask another question. "Then, why did you want to join the National Postal Service?"

"Because of Master Lloyd," Vincent replied simply, his response made her look at him confused. "He saved my life once when I was young, so I was indebted to him," he muttered, glancing back at her before turning away, making her blushed a little--still, his straight face is making her flustered. "And you're curious about this vintage motorbike... I bought this from a collector that I met in the capital," he continued.

HUH!? What a unique guy he is... Sonata thought to herself, still blushing a little. She can tell that Vincent is a cool, mysterious and stoic guy with a good posture, but with an intelligent and mature personality.

It was an antique looking black motorbike with the shape of an elongated box with three wheels on each side, its front end had a large front engine with a cylinder-like shape; the rear end is connected to a rear wheel that is slightly smaller compared to the front wheel, she could see some gears placed near the back of the bike where there were three levers on each side of it. It looked like a steampunk style that she had ever seen, she thought it was really expensive but surprisingly, she found out that it costs less than a thousand Dinars in the market and Vincent was willing to sell it to her for cheap... well, he isn't.