The day began with bustling activity as I rose from the sofa and flipped open my laptop. "Good morning, Sensei," chimed a petite AI girl with a cheerful face that materialized on the Shittim Chest.
"Arona, waking up this early seems unusual for you," I mused while fixing a cup of coffee.
"Come on now, Sensei, I can be an early riser too."
"My apologies, Arona. My mistake," I chuckled. "Tell you what, if you manage to wake up early again tomorrow, I'll treat you to a delicious parfait."
"Really, Sensei?!" Arona's eyes glinted with excitement.
"Absolutely, I promise."
"Deal! Bring it on then!" Arona's halo lit up with motivation.
"So, what's on the agenda for today?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee as I settled into a chair, my laptop humming to life.
"Alright, here's the scoop. Okusora Ayane from Abydos High School has reached out, requesting an ammo resupply," Arona reported.
"When did her message come in?" I inquired, my fingers tapping on the keyboard as Arona filled me in.
"About 20 minutes ago."
I sighed, "Let me guess, the troublemakers from the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang again?" I surmised while grabbing my coat and the Shittim Chest, preparing to head out and hail a taxi.
"That's right. Apparently, the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang got envious of the monthly funds they receive and decided to make a grab for it," Arona explained.
"What a bunch of characters those students are."
"Hey, Sensei... I think you might've forgotten something," Arona's voice held a touch of concern.
"Oh no, I haven't. I've already dispatched a drone with the ammo to Abydos. By the time we arrive, it should be there," I replied confidently.
"Brilliant move, Sensei! You're always steps ahead."
As the taxi approached Abydos High School, a gust of wind carrying a blend of sand greeted my eyes.
Luckily, I had my glasses on. I used my trusty handkerchief to wipe them clean, then placed them back on and jogged down the path leading to the school.
Upon entering the school grounds, the sight that greeted me was the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang sprawled on the ground, seemingly incapacitated.
"Oyaa?~ Sensei, I nearly shot you there," a drowsy girl with a pink halo drawled as she strolled over.
"Hoshino, Busy in the morning, huh."
"Yep~ But, we would've been in a real pickle without the ammo you sent via drone."
"We better get these youngsters indoors," I said, lifting one of the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang members.
"Sounds good~ And maybe a bit of restraining too~" Hoshino added with a mischievous grin.
"Allow me to assist," a voice piped up from behind. Turning, I spotted a girl with wolf ears perched atop her head. "Shiroko, what brings you here?"
"I figured I'd wait for you along the route, just in case you got lost again," she explained in her soft-spoken manner.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I've got the way down now, so no worries," I assured her with gratitude.
Together, we transported the students indoors and Shiroko, who conveniently had a length of rope in her backpack, efficiently tied them up.
While the coincidence was a bit uncanny, I chose not to dwell on it and made my way to the clubroom, accompanied by the two girls.
Stepping into the clubroom, I was met by a familiar face.
"Sensei, welcome back!" Her pale blond tresses cascaded down her back, and her gentle smile radiated warmth. Emerald eyes shimmered with kindness, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the club and its members. A true embodiment of grace.
"Umm, Sensei, what's going on?" Nonomi questioned, tilting her head, clearly puzzled by my demeanor.
Realizing I'd become overly absorbed, I promptly recomposed myself and cleared my throat. "Anyhow, the word is that the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang is causing trouble again. Care to explain?"
Though I knew the reasons, I still wanted to hear their perspectives.
"Well, I guess they're just feeling envious," Serika proposed.
"Serika, 'jealous' might not be the right term," Ayane interjected, an awkward smile tugging at her lips.
Silence hung briefly in the room before Nonomi proposed, "Sensei, how about we ask the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang members themselves?"
A thoughtful suggestion, I considered.
"Sounds reasonable," I nodded, stepping out of the room and heading to the vacant classroom where the detainees were held. Gently tugging on one girl's arm, I led her back to the clubroom, my companions trailing behind.
"Hey there," I greeted the groggy girl.
"Huh? Aren't you the Sensei of Schale?"
No wonder they suddenly became super strong," she mumbled.
"Let's get straight to the point," Serika proposed. I nodded, shifting my attention her way.
"So, care to explain why you stormed the school out of nowhere?"
"Well, you know they deposit their monthly funds in the bank, right? It would be better if we steal that money and since it's the end of the month, we figured that it is the best to attack."
"Huh? Deposit?" Ayane asked in a confused tone.
"Don't play innocent! I'm onto you, hiding all that money!" she snapped, growing more agitated.
"I believe there's a misunderstanding," I intervened, a wry smile curving my lips.
"Huh?" she spluttered, baffled by my response.
Sighing, I delved into an explanation of the true purpose behind the foreclosure task force's monthly bank visits.
As I unveiled the rationale, the restrained Kata-Kata Helmet Gang members absorbed my words.
Slowly, comprehension dawned, and apologies tumbled from their lips for their misguided actions. With that resolved, we released them.
"That should wrap up this matter," I noticed the quartet huddled together, exuding remorse. "What's wrong?"
"Sorry, Sensei," Ayane bowed, in an apologetic tone.
"A-Ayane, it's not on you... I'm the one who should apologize," Serika admitted.
"What's going on?"
"Truth is, Sensei... The payment we made was an advance, and usually, the bank's armored vehicle comes to collect the debt at month's end. I reckon that's when the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang caught wind of it."
"Hmm, I see," My gaze shifted from one face to another, a soft smile forming as I recognized their sincerity.
"You're forgiven," I affirmed, my tone gentle but firm, "but next time, please make sure to contact me if you plan to pay in advance. That way, I can escort you. Understood?"
"Yes, Sensei," Serika said still tinged with remorse.
"No need to be too hard on yourself now."
"Haha! So, how about a trip to Shibaseki?"
"Good Idea."
"Hm?" I noticed someone was missing. "Wait, where's Hoshino?"
"Probably sleeping somewhere." Serika sighed.
"Before we head to Shibaseki, shall we find Hoshino first?"
Our laughter filled the room as we find Hoshino. Once we had her in tow, we all made our way to Shibaseki, looking forward to sharing a meal together.
After relishing my meal at Shibaseki, I returned to Schale. The moment I stepped back, I realized there was pending paperwork clamoring for attention.
Knowing that Rin, our paper trail enforcer, would have my hide if I missed the deadline, I promptly settled in and tackled the paperwork with fervor before the clock ran out.
Haahh... I'm tired.