Arriving at the Zero's headquarters, Izuki couldn't stop talking about his exploits. "You should have seen my inferno technique. It's crazy how unrivaled it is," he boasted, as they walked through the pathway that connected to another base.
"Huh? Keep it down, idiot. Minions are nothing compared to higher hollows," Katsumi replied, ready to argue. Saske, as usual, was cheering them on, enjoying the banter between his two students.
Aaron sighed in disappointment. "They sure are alive, aren't they?" Rylan asked, struggling to walk as they had all been injured during the battle.
Noelle gave no response, her long crimson hair gently swaying as she kept walking with a stern look on her face.
"You're not quite the talker, are you?" Rylan asked, turning to see her reaction.
"I don't talk to insects," she replied coldly.
"Huh, I never liked you anyways," Rylan thought to himself as he backed down.
"You should let her be for now," Aaron said.
"You bet I will," Rylan replied.
"Hmm, Nana should probably be back. I wonder how she's doing," Rylan thought.
"Hey, hairy bastard!" Izuki called out.
"Huh?" Rylan answered.
"Let's have a good duel after this," Izuki challenged.
Rylan smiled in agreement. "Yeah, it would be bad if I don't mash up your face to the right quantity," he said, his tone lightening despite the fatigue.
They continued down the corridor, the atmosphere a mix of camaraderie and tension. The battle had taken a toll on all of them, but their spirits were high, especially Izuki's. As they approached the main base, the massive steel doors slid open with a hiss, revealing the bustling heart of the Elite Squad Zero's operations.
The headquarters was a labyrinth of high-tech equipment, bustling personnel, and strategic planning rooms. Screens displayed various real-time data, and holographic maps highlighted areas of interest. The team made their way to the debriefing room, where they would be briefed and assessed after their latest encounter.
As they walked, Rylan's thoughts drifted to Nana. He hadn't seen her since before the battle, and he hoped she was safe. He felt a pang of worry mixed with anticipation. Their connection was complicated, but he couldn't deny that she was on his mind constantly.
Upon entering the debriefing room, they were greeted by Captain Elias, a seasoned veteran with a stern demeanor. His eyes swept over the group, taking in their injuries and weariness.
"Good work out there, all of you," Elias said, his voice steady. "But there's no time to rest. We have intel on more hollow activity. For now, get patched up and rest. We'll need you back in top shape soon."
"Huh? Gimme a break already," Saske grumbled.
"Kids, this is Elias Sternberg, the head of the operational unit," Saske introduced.
"Y'all are welcome to hell," Elias said with a smile on his face.
"Alright, let's get going. Mimi has some patients to tend to," Saske said, leading them to another room.
As Elias watched them go, his gaze lingered on Rylan. "This kid is bad news," he thought to himself.
"Captain!" one of the workers called, jolting him out of his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Rylan found a quiet corner to check his status board. Notifications flooded the screen, confirming his new abilities.
"Blood Arts Unlocked, Hollow Transformation Unlocked, God of Thunder Unlocked," a voice announced, listing the newly acquired skills.
Rylan felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. These powers were incredible, but they came with a heavy burden. He had tasted the darkness within himself, and he knew he had to control it.
Lost in thought, he barely noticed when Nana approached him. Her presence was comforting, and he looked up to see her standing there, her expression unreadable.
"You look like you've been through hell," she said softly.
"I have," Rylan replied, his voice tinged with fatigue. "But I'm still standing."
Nana's eyes softened slightly. "I heard about what happened. I'm glad you're okay."
Rylan managed a weak smile. "Thanks. It's good to see you."
Nana nodded, a brief smile flickering across her face. "Get some rest. You'll need it."
"Yeah, thank you," Rylan replied.
Sitting beside Rylan, Nana stared up at the ceiling. "Rylan," she called out softly, "I know a lot has been going through your mind, but you're not alone."
Rylan smiled softly, reaching out to take Nana's hand, which took her by surprise. She turned to face him.
"Don't worry, Nana. I may not look it, but I'm super strong," Rylan assured.
Nana smiled softly. "Idiot, you need to stop saying that, you know," they both laughed.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Rylan cried as Nana accidentally touched his injured abdomen.
"Sorry!" Nana quickly retracted her hand, looking concerned.
"It's okay," Rylan reassured her, still smiling despite the pain. "Just a reminder that I'm not invincible."
Nana's expression softened further. "You're tough, Rylan. But remember, it's okay to lean on others sometimes."
"Thanks, Nana," Rylan said, his voice sincere.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the recent battle and their shared experiences creating an unspoken bond between them.
Eventually, Mimi, the squad's medic, entered the room. "Alright, let's get those wounds patched up," she said briskly, motioning for Rylan to sit on a nearby bed.
As Mimi worked on his injuries, Rylan winced but remained silent. Nana stayed by his side, her presence a calming influence.
"You took quite a beating out there," Mimi remarked as she cleaned a particularly deep cut. "But you're healing fast!" She sounded surprised by Rylan's rapid recovery.
"Yeah, something like that," Rylan replied, trying to downplay the significance of his transformations.
Once Mimi finished, Rylan felt a bit more like himself. The pain had subsided, and his thoughts were clearer. He glanced at Nana, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Alright, you're good to go," Mimi said, stepping back. "Just take it easy for a while."
Rylan stood up, testing his mobility. "Thanks, Mimi."
"Anytime," she replied with a smile.
It was Katsumi's turn to enter the room. Without properly looking around, he muttered to himself, "Alright, I'm coming in. Jeez, that fool thinks he's up to the task. Dumbass, dumbass, dumbass! It's only my first day, but I feel like I could die any moment. My ribs are all broken; it's a miracle I'm still alive. No, no, no, I'm dead already!"
An aura of depression seemed to emanate from Katsumi, making Mimi, Rylan, and Nana feel uneasy.
"Huh, Mimi?" Rylan asked.
"Yes, Rylan?" Mimi replied.
"Can you heal madness?" Rylan asked, glancing at Katsumi.
"Not one like this," Mimi said with a sigh.
Finally, Katsumi lifted his head slowly and looked at Rylan, his saggy eyes and runny nose showing that he had cried his eyes out. "Oh, Rylan, you're here?"
"Uhmm, can I heal you now?" Mimi asked, clearly sick of his creepy nature.
"Who's talk—" Katsumi started, but when he opened his eyes to see Mimi, his words caught in his throat. Never had he seen someone so beautiful, and those big boobs—hell yeah, that was his weakness.
Katsumi's sudden depression vanished, replaced by a burst of new energy. Like a flash, he appeared before Mimi, smiling sheepishly.
"Whoa, you're an angel sent from heaven!" Katsumi exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
Mimi, Rylan, and Nana watched in disbelief as Katsumi's demeanor shifted from despair to over-the-top enthusiasm.
"Can you heal my broken heart too?" Katsumi asked dramatically, clutching his chest.
Mimi blinked, taken aback by the sudden change. "Uh, sure, let's start with the physical injuries first."
Rylan couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, that was fast."
Nana laughed as well. "I think he just found his motivation to live."
Katsumi, now beaming, held out his arm to Mimi. "Heal away, my goddess!"
Mimi sighed but couldn't help smiling at the absurdity of the situation. "Alright, let's get you patched up."
As Mimi worked on Katsumi, he continued to chatter excitedly, making exaggerated expressions of pain and relief. Rylan and Nana exchanged amused glances, the tension from earlier dissipating in the lighthearted atmosphere.
"You're a miracle worker, Mimi!" Katsumi declared, flexing his arm dramatically as Mimi finished bandaging him.
"Just doing my job," Mimi replied, rolling her eyes at the same time sick of him.
Katsumi turned to Rylan with a huge grin. "I'm feeling better already! Let's go take on some more hollows!"
Rylan laughed. "Maybe after a little more rest, Katsumi."
Katsumi nodded enthusiastically. "Right, right. Rest first, then back to the action!"
As Katsumi bounded out of the room with newfound energy, Mimi shook her head in disbelief. "That guy is something else."
Rylan smiled. "Yeah, but he's our something else."
FEW HOURS LATER ..
"Alright, you morons will be staying in here," Aaron said as they arrived at the dorm. Nana had already departed towards her squad.
The dorm was an impressive structure, a blend of modern architecture and traditional elements. The building's exterior was clad in dark stone, giving it a formidable appearance. Large, arched windows allowed plenty of natural light to flood in during the day, and lanterns hanging from the eaves provided a warm glow at night. The path leading to the entrance was lined with neatly trimmed bushes and flowering plants, creating a welcoming environment.
Inside, the lobby was spacious, with polished wooden floors and high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings. Plush sofas and chairs were arranged in cozy seating areas, inviting students to relax and socialize. A large fireplace dominated one wall, its mantle decorated with various awards and trophies.
"Wow, amazing," they all chorused, except for Noelle. Aaron watched her closely but soon looked away.
"Alright, hairy bastard and..." Izuki yelled, turning to Katsumi and struggling to remember his name. After a futile attempt, he threw up his hands. "Damn it, you bastards, let's have fun!"
"Yeah!" they all yelled in excitement as they dashed inside.
Noelle sighed. "Why am I paired up with jerks?"
"I could say the same," Aaron replied as they walked into the dorm. Each was shown their rooms, but Rylan's room was closer to Noelle's. Aaron's room was right next to Izuki's.
The dorm rooms were well-furnished and comfortable. Each room had a large bed with fresh linens, a desk and chair for studying, and a wardrobe for clothes. A small window offered a view of the serene courtyard below, complete with a fountain and benches. The walls were painted in soothing colors, creating a calming atmosphere.
Later that night, after everyone had settled in and unpacked their bags—except for Aaron, who was a fourth-year student—they all met in the common room dressed casually. The common room was a large, open space with more seating areas, a big screen for entertainment, and a kitchenette in one corner. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books and games.
Shortly after, Saske joined them, sneaking in beer to celebrate their first year's victories over the hollows.
"Saske-senpai! Alcohol is prohibited!" Aaron protested.
"Relax, Aaron, they are all men," Saske replied.
"Damn right we are!" Izuki answered, raising his beer in a toast.
Noelle watched the ongoing drama between the squad and heaved a deep sigh. "Menh, did I make a mistake?" she thought to herself. But somehow, she found herself enjoying the camaraderie, a slow smile curving across her face.
"Ooh, you just smiled," Katsumi pointed out.
"Idiot, I didn't," Noelle protested, trying to maintain her stoic demeanor.
Saske and Aaron watched from a corner.
"Seems they are having fun," Saske said softly, smiling.
"Yeah, reminds me of old times," Aaron added, nodding in agreement.
The night continued with laughter and stories, the new recruits bonding over their shared experiences. Despite the initial tension, the atmosphere had become one of camaraderie and mutual respect. They were no longer just a group of individuals—they were becoming a team.
As the evening wore on, they shared more about their lives, their hopes, and their fears. Even Noelle, who had been so distant, began to open up, revealing glimpses of her true self.