"How long has it been, I wonder…?" I murmured to myself, gazing out through the transparent window of the exclusive bus. The scenery outside seemed to blur, flying in and out of focus as the bus glided along. The landscape was dotted with familiar greens and rolling hills, a fleeting mix of towns and forests beneath the wide blue sky. Today, I was out of Saint Ilse with the rest of the Student Council. An excursion, they said—destination? Europe, or more precisely, the Vatican City.
"Sitting on a bus, really—in this day and age?" I muttered. "But… it's not bad."
It felt strange. Buses weren't exactly common for long-distance travel these days. Modernization had swept over the transportation industry, but there was something charming about this slower pace. It had been years since I last rode one, and I allowed myself to relax a bit, taking in the hum of the engine, the gentle sway as we turned. Modernization had come a long way, despite the setbacks caused by the "Dreadful Messiah" incident fifteen years back. In those first few years, it had seemed impossible to rebuild. But somehow, here we were, traveling through a world patched back together. I was amazed at how they'd managed to bring everything back. The devastation had been so severe that parts of the world seemed beyond restoration.
And yet, they did it. Or rather, she did it—Saint Stella. The woman who had dedicated herself to healing the scars left on every city, every town. I still didn't understand why she'd gone so far. If it were me, I would've kept my abilities quiet and lived out a post-apocalyptic life without bothering with all this reconstruction. Maybe I'd watched one too many anime series with that premise, but really—people like her were almost hard to believe.
A voice broke through my musings. "Why so gloomy? Hate the idea of leaving your sister behind?" It was Reina. Of course.
She plopped into the seat next to me without even asking. As the president of the Student Council, she usually sat at the front of the bus. Why was she here? I sighed, knowing she'd probably come back just to tease me.
"Nah. Leaving her behind puts me at ease," I replied, staring at the flickering reflections in the window.
Truth was, this mission could be dangerous. Sofy was strong, yes—but something about this trip made me uneasy. We'd failed a mission once before, and my confidence had taken a hit. Training with my master had helped, but even so, a seed of doubt had crept in, gnawing at my poise. How long had it been since I'd felt so uncertain? I couldn't even remember. Maybe too long.
Reina's scrutinizing gaze settled on me. "You don't look particularly excited about this trip."
"I'm not some kid who gets all giddy over a field trip," I said, leaning back in my seat. "Besides, this isn't exactly a vacation. Even I know how to appreciate a good break, but this? Not quite my idea of 'relaxation.'"
She chuckled, brushing it off with a slight nod. "Hmm. I suppose. Well, if you say so."
If only she knew. The cheerful "excursion" that had been advertised to the rest of the Council was nothing more than a cover for a dangerous mission.
Five Hours Earlier
We'd gathered in a dimly lit room. The only light was a large monitor in front of us, its glow casting long shadows on the walls. A map flickered across the screen, an intricate web of lines and landmarks, zooming in on a specific location. Miss Kyouka stood at the head of the room, her usual calm demeanor as cool and collected as ever. The glare from the monitor reflected off her glasses, giving her an almost eerie look.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," she began, her tone brisk. "Chief Jin couldn't be here—he's at a conference with the other chiefs. That began yesterday, but as of this morning, it's still ongoing. So I'll be leading this briefing."
She turned to the side, nodding at the woman beside her. Kim Hei-ran—our division's tech specialist. She stepped forward, eyes intent as she tapped at the controls.
"Yes, Miss Kyouka," Hei-ran responded. The screen changed, zooming in on a specific area as she continued. "We've narrowed down our target's general location."
I leaned forward, my eyes glued to the monitor. The map zeroed in further, showing us an aerial view of an ancient-looking cityscape that took on sharper and sharper details until it was almost like we were flying right above it. Was this real-time?
"What you see is a live feed of Vatican City," Hei-ran said, her voice almost smug as she caught my eye. "That's right. We're going to the very heart—the Basilica of Saint Peter."
With a light swipe of her hand, Hei-ran continued showing us various angles, almost as if she were our personal tour guide. No one asked why, but I could tell from the tension in the room that everyone had the same question in mind. Hei-ran seemed to sense our doubts.
"The city's activity has been strange lately," she explained. "The inhabitants seem tense, on edge, almost like they're looking out for something."
I frowned, trying to process the significance. Hundreds of cities around the world had seen spikes in suspicious activity, so what made Vatican City so special? Before I could voice my thoughts, Hei-ran gave me a knowing smile.
"Yes. Just as you thought, Sir Gleren," she said, smirking slightly.
I suppressed a groan. "Hey, now... Could you not read my mind?"
Hwi-ran laughed softly, unbothered. "Our intel comes from a variety of sources—public records, rumor mills, critical news stories, all gathered from every corner of the world. Physical and virtual data. All of it analyzed."
I let out a quiet whistle. It was an impressive feat. Trying to monitor the whole world's information, no matter how trivial or serious, was… daunting. But for Hei-ran who could tap into the virtual world as easily as breathing, it was just another task on her to-do list.
Miss Kyouka's voice interrupted. "We have enough intel this time. We've analyzed the ability that disrupted ours previously. We'll be on equal ground now. Relax, but remain vigilant."
She handed out clipped packets with detailed information: maps, mission routes, key points, and enemy profiles. Three names stood out to me—Krueger, Malcov, and Saint Matthias. Just seeing their names there sent a shiver down my spine. I owed them a debt—one I intended to repay. No way I could forget them.
I scanned through the document, trying to absorb as much as possible. Strangely, though, I felt like there was something missing, some detail that eluded me, something…
Miss Kyouka's voice cut through my thoughts again. "We leave in 45 minutes. Time is critical. Meet in the underground facility when you're ready. Further details will be shared on the bus."
My brows shot up at the mention of the bus, and I almost laughed. "We're really taking a bus?"
"We'd draw too much attention if we teleported directly into Vatican City," she explained with a slight smile. "Using a bus from a safe teleportation portal is more discreet."
She seemed amused at my surprise, and I glanced around, seeing some of the others smirk.
***
Forty-five minutes later, we'd gathered in the underground facility. The vast, high-ceilinged space was dimly lit, a few pools of light illuminating a surprisingly modern bus parked at the center. There were no visible entryways wide enough for it, and I could only assume it had somehow appeared here by the magic circle etched beneath it, its faintly glowing lines interwoven with runic symbols.
At the bus entrance stood Miss Kyouka, clipboard in hand, looking every bit like a teacher overseeing a field trip. I watched her check her notes, occasionally glancing up to survey us with the air of someone accustomed to managing all sorts of people.
"She really looks the part," I muttered, barely suppressing a smirk.
After a theatrical farewell from Sofy, I'd made it here just in time. Or almost, anyway. The rest of the Council was already on board, settled into their seats as I made my way toward the door.
"Sir Gleren, this way," Miss Kyouka gestured, ushering me in.
As I climbed on with my single bag, she followed behind, scanning the bus to ensure everyone was ready.
I saw Varvara already settled at the back. Almost feeling restless just until she saw me ride as well.
Once we were all seated, she addressed us. "There's a teleportation circle under this vehicle. It's been set to transport us to our designated coordinates in Europe. Miss Kim will be operating the spell from here."
I glanced out the window, spotting Hei-ran standing outside with an enthusiastic wave. "Wait, so she's not coming with us?" I asked.
Alexandra raised her hand as well, voice laced with curiosity. "Miss Kyouka, why are you coming with us, then? As vice chief, won't this cause issues if something comes up? Knowing about the HARMONIA's situation and all?"
"Ah, I'm joining as an advisor to the Student Council on this mission." She smiled, then leaned in slightly, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I'm also a Humanities teacher, you know."
Alexandra's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth hanging open. She looked almost hurt, as though something had betrayed her. "Wait… you're really a teacher? Like, a real one?"
Miss Kyouka chuckled softly, clearly amused. "Indeed, Miss Alexandra. And I'll be accompanying you not just as an advisor, but also to ensure things go smoothly on the field trip. Besides…" She leaned in closer with a slight grin. "You skipping my classes might make you miss out on some interesting things. You wouldn't want to risk that, would you?"
A few chuckles rose around the bus, and Alexandra turned pink, sinking back into her seat. I stifled my own laugh. This might have been an odd crew for a mission, but there was something oddly comforting in the way we could banter, even now.
Miss Kyouka turned back toward the front, addressing Hei-ran through the intercom. "All right, Kim, we're ready."
Hei-ran gave us a thumbs-up through the bus window, visibly excited to initiate the spell. A moment later, a soft blue light started radiating from the circle beneath the bus. I felt a faint hum as the entire vehicle began to glow, the light growing brighter until the surroundings outside melted away, replaced by a shimmery, abstract blur. It felt like we were moving, but at the same time, perfectly still.
In a few moments, the light began to fade. I blinked, my eyes adjusting as the world outside reshaped itself into something new.
The ancient stone buildings, towering spires, and intricate frescoes greeted us. The air was different here—thicker, tinged with the scent of age and sanctity. It was unmistakably Europe, and the Vatican City sprawled before us with all its grandeur.
I glanced at my watch. It read 2 p.m., though just moments ago, it had been around 5 a.m. We'd crossed time zones instantly. "Well, that was fast," I murmured, adjusting my bag and taking in the awe-inspiring sight.
Miss Kyouka stood up, gesturing for everyone to gather their things and exit. "Welcome to Vatican City. Remember, this is a mission, but don't let the tension steal away the experience. This place is unique, and every second of observation could aid us."
As we descended from the bus, the atmosphere became more palpable. The city exuded an intense, almost mystical calm, but there was something underlying—a pulse of energy, or maybe unease. The Basilica loomed in the distance, its dome cutting an impressive silhouette against the afternoon sky.
Reina stepped beside me, her usually composed expression softened by wonder. "I've read about it, but seeing it… it's surreal, isn't it?"
"Surreal is right," I muttered, stuffing my hands into my pockets, trying to stay cool. But even I couldn't deny the strange mix of reverence and tension the place brought out.
Miss Kyouka led us through a maze of narrow, winding alleys, her every step purposeful. The student council followed closely, alert yet distracted by the unfamiliar sights. Around us, groups of tourists passed, snapping photos and chattering in multiple languages. We must have looked strange to them, our focus inward, almost tense.
"Alright," Miss Kyouka said, stopping near a quieter courtyard, framed by stone statues and empty benches. "From here, we'll move in small groups. I'll stay in contact with each of you via comms. Alexandra, you'll take the first team to secure a position near the eastern entrance of the Basilica. Reina, you're with Gleren on the western side. The rest of you will split into observation and support roles. Questions?"
There was a brief silence, everyone running through their checklist mentally. The air grew colder as a slight breeze swept through the courtyard. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what was to come.
"Reina, let's go," I said, nodding toward her.
She nodded back, adjusting her bag. "You seem a bit more excited than you let on, you know."
"It's a mission, not a sightseeing tour," I replied, though a small thrill buzzed in my veins. There was something exhilarating about working in the field, especially in a place as charged as this.
As we walked toward our designated post, we moved past the ornate statues and intricate architecture that seemed to echo with the weight of history. I found myself caught between the details of the mission and an odd sense of gratitude to be here—to be alive, in this moment, doing something meaningful. Amid the uncertainty and tension, a strange peace settled over me.
"Stay sharp, but try not to look too stiff," Reina whispered, as we neared the entrance. "We don't want to attract attention."
I nodded, relaxing my shoulders and taking a more casual stance. The entrance was wide, flanked by towering marble columns and detailed engravings depicting scenes from ancient stories. It was impressive, but my focus sharpened on the task at hand.
Moments passed as we took in our surroundings. The light cast intricate shadows against the worn stone, and the murmur of tourists echoed around us. Then, a voice crackled through our comms—it was Miss Kyouka.
"Positions secure?" she asked, her voice calm yet laced with authority.
"Affirmative," I replied, scanning the area once more. Reina's eyes were trained on a distant figure moving toward the Basilica, her gaze as keen as ever. "We're in place."
"Good. Team one, prepare for movement. We've just received intel on a possible entry point to the Basilica's lower levels. We'll proceed once all teams confirm their positions."
A sense of urgency buzzed through the line. The gravity of our task became even more pronounced, and my heartbeat quickened. I glanced at Reina, who gave me a quick nod, her eyes focused yet calm.
Seconds later, Miss Kyouka's voice returned. "All right, team one is moving in. Reina and Gleren, stay vigilant for any unusual activity around the western side. And remember, if anything happens, regroup at the main square."
Reina acknowledged, and we stayed close to the shadows, watching as the first team slipped into the Basilica's eastern entrance. They moved swiftly, their figures melding with the dim light near the doors.
We waited, the minutes stretching into an almost unbearable silence. My gaze roamed the plaza, noting every figure, every shift in the crowd's movement. The tension was thick, yet somehow, the thrill of the mission held me steady.
Suddenly, Reina's hand shot out, gripping my arm. "Gleren—look, near the fountain."
I followed her line of sight, my eyes narrowing. Near the edge of the fountain, a man stood, his face obscured by a hood. He was watching the Basilica, his stance tense, hands buried in his pockets. Something about him felt off—too still, too focused.
I brought my hand to the comm. "Miss Kyouka, we have an unusual figure near the western fountain. Seems to be watching the Basilica."
There was a pause, then her voice came through, sharp and alert. "Stay on him. If he moves toward the Basilica, follow. But do not engage unless necessary."
Reina and I exchanged a glance, then subtly shifted our position, keeping the man within our sights. He remained by the fountain, but every so often, his gaze flicked toward the Basilica. The crowd around him seemed oblivious, unaware of the undercurrent of tension that connected us to him.
Minutes ticked by, each one dragging longer than the last. My senses were heightened, every detail seeming sharper, more vibrant. The world had narrowed down to this place, this moment.
Then, without warning, the man turned and began walking—directly toward the Basilica. Reina and I fell into step behind him, keeping a safe distance. My heart pounded as we matched his pace, slipping in and out of the crowd like shadows.
"Reina, stay close. Keep an eye on his hands," I whispered, watching as the man reached the Basilica steps, hesitating before moving toward a smaller, side entrance.
Our comms buzzed, and Miss Kyouka's voice came through. "Confirmed visual on the suspect. All teams, be ready for potential confrontation. Reina and Gleren, continue surveillance but do not break cover."
Reina and I exchanged a tense nod, staying just out of the man's peripheral vision as he slipped inside. We followed, moving as quietly as possible down a narrow corridor lined with flickering sconces. The interior was as grand as the exterior, but in that moment, every stone seemed heavy with something ominous.
The man moved quickly, his footsteps echoing through the silent halls. I focused on his movements, noting every shift, every pause, waiting for any sign that he was aware of our presence.
Finally, he stopped before a large wooden door, glancing around before reaching into his cloak and pulling out a small, glinting object—a key, perhaps, or a device. Reina tensed beside me, her hand drifting to the hilt of her concealed weapon.
But just as he raised his hand, there was a sound—a faint click from the other side of the door. The man froze, and in that split second, I saw his expression falter. It was enough.
I glanced at Reina. "Now."
In unison, we stepped forward, closing the distance in silence. The man turned, his eyes widening in surprise as Reina's blade glinted in the dim light, pressed firmly against his side.
"Don't move," she hissed, her voice cold and unyielding.
The man's gaze shifted between us, a strange glint of defiance in his eyes, but he made no move to resist. I could feel the tension radiating off him—a coiled spring, ready to snap at any second.
I pressed my own blade against his other side, keeping my voice low but firm. "What are you doing here, and what's your objective?"
He hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his face. "You're too late," he muttered, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "It's already begun."
Before we could react, he twisted sharply, dropping a small metallic object at his feet—a flash grenade. In an instant, a blinding light exploded in the narrow corridor, forcing both Reina and me to shield our eyes.
The momentary blindness threw me off balance, and I stumbled back, blinking away the residual white spots dancing in my vision. When I finally regained focus, the man was gone, the hallway empty except for the echo of his retreating footsteps.
Reina cursed under her breath, quickly regaining her stance. "Damn it! He's getting away!"
I activated my comm, speaking into it urgently. "Miss Kyouka, the target escaped. He's heading deeper into the Basilica—he said something's already begun."
There was a pause, then Miss Kyouka's voice came through, tense but controlled. "Understood. Pursue with caution. Teams two and three, converge on Gleren and Reina's position. All personnel, be advised: we may be dealing with multiple hostiles. Proceed with heightened caution."
Reina and I shared a quick nod, then sprinted down the corridor in pursuit, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The Basilica's twisting passageways created a labyrinthine maze, each turn revealing more intricately carved stonework but no sign of our target.
Just as I began to fear we'd lost him, a distant door slammed shut, the sound reverberating through the corridor. We followed the noise, pushing forward until we reached an open chamber lined with towering columns. In the center of the room, several figures stood waiting.
Among them, I recognized familiar faces—Krueger, Malcov, and, most unsettlingly, St. Matthias. Their expressions were cold, calculating, and they watched us with a predatory intensity.
"Welcome," St. Matthias said, his voice smooth and mocking. "I must say, you've made this quite entertaining. But I'm afraid the game ends here."
I clenched my fists, glancing at Reina, who was already in a combat stance. "You don't get to decide when this ends," I shot back, my voice steady. "We're here to finish what you started."
Malcov stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Oh, we've only just begun. You're standing in the heart of something far greater than you realize."
His words were layered with a sinister undertone, and as he spoke, I felt an almost imperceptible shift in the air—a vibration, or maybe a pulse, like the Basilica itself was responding to his presence.
"Be careful, Gleren," Reina whispered, her eyes never leaving our opponents. "This isn't going to be a straightforward fight."
I nodded, steeling myself for whatever was about to unfold. St. Matthias raised a hand, and the air around us grew thick, tingling with an unfamiliar energy. Then, with a snap of his fingers, the chamber plunged into darkness.
For a moment, I couldn't see anything. But then my eyes adjusted, revealing faint outlines illuminated by an eerie, ghostly glow that seemed to emanate from the stone itself.
"This is our domain now," St. Matthias's voice echoed from somewhere in the darkness. "And in this place, you are nothing but shadows."
A chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself to focus. Shadows or not, we couldn't back down. "Reina, stay close. We'll take them down together."
She nodded, her determination clear despite the oppressive atmosphere. "Right behind you."
In that moment, the silence shattered as Malcov lunged from the darkness, his fists swinging with brutal force. I dodged, narrowly avoiding his attack, and retaliated with a strike of my own, but he slipped back into the shadows, his laughter echoing through the chamber.
Reina engaged Krueger, her movements swift and precise. Their clash of blades filled the air with a metallic ring, each strike pushing her closer to the edge of the room. I tried to move toward her, but St. Matthias appeared in my path, his presence somehow more menacing in the faint light.
"You have no idea what you're up against," he taunted, a cruel smile on his face. "This isn't just about power. This is about transcending the limits of mortality itself."
With a sudden burst of energy, he unleashed a wave of force that sent me sprawling backward. I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of me. For a split second, I felt the weight of despair pressing down, but then I remembered the others—the Student Council members who trusted me, the mission we'd sworn to complete.
Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself back up, meeting St. Matthias's gaze with renewed resolve. "Power or no power, you're not invincible."
He laughed, a hollow, mocking sound. "Brave words. Let's see if you can back them up."
We clashed, his movements fast and deadly, each strike coming close enough to graze but not injure. He was toying with me, I realized, testing my limits. But I wasn't about to let him win. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, I countered his next move, catching him off guard and landing a hit that sent him staggering back.
Meanwhile, Reina's fight with Krueger was intensifying. She moved with lethal grace, her blade a blur as it clashed against Krueger's. She was outmatched in brute strength, but her speed and precision kept her one step ahead.
"Gleren! Focus!" Reina called out as Krueger lunged toward her again. I could hear the strain in her voice, but she didn't falter.
Taking advantage of St. Matthias's momentary distraction, I pressed forward, determined to break his defenses. The fight became a dance of strikes, dodges, and counters, each move more desperate than the last.
Then, as if sensing our resolve, the chamber seemed to shudder. The faint light grew brighter, casting sharp shadows across the stone walls. The oppressive energy that had filled the air began to wane, replaced by something… warmer. It was subtle, but I could feel it—a shift in the tide of battle.
St. Matthias's expression darkened, his confidence flickering for the first time. "This… this isn't possible."
Reina and I exchanged a look, both of us realizing the same thing: whatever power he'd been using to control the environment was weakening. And that meant we had a chance.
"Together," I said, raising my weapon. "Let's end this."
Reina nodded, and in perfect synchronization, we advanced. St. Matthias and Krueger, realizing their advantage was slipping, fought with renewed ferocity, but this time, we had the upper hand. Step by step, we pushed them back, our movements fueled by the quiet strength of purpose.
Finally, with one last surge of energy, we broke through their defenses. St. Matthias fell back, his expression twisted with frustration and disbelief.
"This… this isn't over," he spat, his voice filled with venom. "You may have won this battle, but the war is far from finished."
Before we could respond, he and Krueger dissolved into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness. Their retreat left the chamber silent, the oppressive energy dissipating like mist under the morning sun.
Reina and I stood there, breathing heavily, the weight of the fight settling over us. It wasn't a victory in the traditional sense, but we had survived—and, for now, that was enough.
Miss Kyouka's voice crackled through the comm, bringing us back to the present. "Report. Status update."
I took a deep breath, steadying my voice. "The hostiles have retreated. Mission objective partially complete, but they mentioned something about this only being the beginning."
There was a pause, then Miss Kyouka's calm reply. "Understood. All teams, regroup at the extraction point. We'll debrief once we're back at headquarters."
As we made our way back through the quiet corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling that we'd only scratched the surface of something far larger than any of us could imagine. But one thing was clear: whatever awaited us next, we wouldn't be facing it alone.
For now, we had each other—and for all the unknowns, that was enough to keep going.