"Arihara, the cargo helicopter will be here in 10 minutes!" Shin called out, his voice filled with urgency.
I nodded, my mind focused on the task at hand. Slowly, I walked toward the rest of the team, joining them as we started to tidy up our belongings and prepare for the arrival of the cargo helicopter.
Suddenly, Hoshiko hugs me from behind. "Rei, Can I suck your blood now...?" She says licking my neck.
I stayed silent for a moment, contemplating my decision. "Y-Yeah... Just for a bit... I need the energy to tidy up the things."
Hoshiko's eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned closer, sinking her fangs into my neck, drawing blood. I stood still, enduring the slight pain and allowing her to feed.
"A-Are you done?" I asked, my voice slightly strained.
For a minute, Hoshiko withdrew her fangs from my neck and smiled. "Yeah~ Thank you for the food~"
"Ahhh, There goes my energy," I said, slowly sitting down on the ground.
"Now now~ I'll help with the things~" Hoshiko offered with a playful smile.
"Yeah, please do..."
After a while, the sound of a helicopter reached our ears from a distance.
"There's our exit," Atsuko said, yawning.
We both descended to the ground level and headed outside as the cargo helicopter landed, it's back opening to welcome us.
Everyone boarded the helicopter, relieved to finally have a chance to rest.
"Ahh, Finally... we can rest!~" Saori exclaimed.
"You can say that again," Alice chuckled.
Just then, hordes of demons emerged from the nearby building, threatening our escape. I quickly turned to Shin and Atsuko, a silent understanding passing between us.
They nodded in response, knowing exactly what I wanted them to do. Shin and Atsuko swiftly retrieved their signature weapons from their inventories and unleashed a barrage of bullets upon the oncoming demons, covering our retreat as the cargo helicopter ascended into the sky.
As the last of the demons fell, Shin and Atsuko returned to their seats, catching their breath.
"Thank you, both of you," I said gratefully.
"You're welcome, Arihara," Atsuko replied with a smile and playful wink.
Alice turned to me, her curiosity evident in her eyes. "So, who's going to report the expedition and the encounter with Ryujin?"
"I'll take care of the report," I responded, offering her a reassuring smile.
"Really? Hehe! Thank you, Arihara!"
"You're welcome, Alice."
The twin sighed and spoke up. "Leader... so lazy."
Quickly, Alice turned to address the twins. "I-I'm not lazy! I'm just tired!
After a considerable amount of time, we finally arrived back in the city as the cargo helicopter touched down on the military base. One by one, we disembarked from the helicopter.
Saori turned to me and said, "Well, I'm going back home now." She waved goodbye and turned around.
Alice looked at me and nodded. "Squad 04 will also return to the dorms. Once again, thank you, Arihara, for your leadership on today's mission." The entire squad bowed in appreciation.
"N-No, I didn't really help that much."
Shin smirked. "You know, you should really stop saying that to yourself."
Hoshiko nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you did great, Arihara."
I chuckled. "Haha... Sorry."
The members of Squad 04 laughed and walked away, heading towards the dorms.
"Rei," Hoshiko patted my shoulder. "I'm going back to the apartment now. What do you want to eat?"
"...Hmmm, Miso Soup."
"I see. Alright," she winked and headed back to the apartment.
It was just Shin and me now.
I turned to Shin. "So, you're gonna help me with the report?"
Shin took a step back. "Hell nah, I'll only stick around just in case you faint."
I sighed. "Sure... Sure..." I started walking towards the agency building, with Shin following me.
I entered the agency building with the intention of filing my report, but Shin stopped me by grabbing my shoulders. "Isn't that Squad 01?" he remarked, directing my attention to three unfamiliar individuals standing outside Director Hoshino's office.
"Hmm?" I turned slowly to observe the trio. "I don't recognize them at all."
Shin let out a sigh. "You know what, just go inside and file your report."
I nodded and approached the door, sensing the piercing gaze of the three individuals nearby.
I knocked on the door and entered Director Hoshino's office.
But my eyes widened as I noticed a familiar figure sitting on the sofa. Her velvet-colored eyes and long black hair immediately caught my attention. It was her... She then turned to me, her expression filled with a piercing glare.
"Hello... Brother."
"Airi."
"