Kazuki spent the rest of the morning familiarizing himself with the 8th Brigade's headquarters. The building had a unique charm, a blend of modern functionality and traditional aesthetics. He wandered through the corridors, occasionally stopping to greet passing brigade members. Each interaction helped him feel more connected to this world, despite the lingering sense of displacement that came with his otherworldly origins—a fact he kept carefully hidden.
The system had provided him with a convincing identity in this world, even giving him a background as a Third Generation pyrokinetic with a history of training in combat. His identification card, similar to the one Shinra had shown to Captain Obi when he first joined, was tucked securely in his pocket.
After exploring the headquarters, Kazuki found himself in the lounge, where the brigade members often gathered during their downtime. The room was cozy, with comfortable chairs and a large table in the center, usually laden with snacks and drinks. Kazuki poured himself a cup of tea and sat down, letting his mind wander.
As he sipped the tea, his thoughts turned to the fight against the Infernal. The power he wielded felt immense, almost overwhelming at times, yet it was only a fraction of what he could potentially unlock. The Asauchi by his side, the basic Zanjutsu and Hakuda techniques, and the Hado spell Kongōbaku were just the beginning. The system had hinted that with time and experience, he could acquire even more powerful abilities, including the elusive Hohō techniques.
His reflection was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Kazuki looked up to see Iris, the brigade's nun, entering the lounge. She offered him a warm smile, which he returned.
"Good afternoon, Kazuki. I hope you're settling in well," Iris said as she took a seat across from him.
"Yeah, I am. Everyone's been really welcoming," Kazuki replied, setting his cup down. "It's a bit overwhelming, but in a good way."
Iris nodded, her expression gentle. "It's natural to feel that way, especially with everything that's happened. But you're part of our family now, and we're here to support each other. If you ever need to talk or if something's on your mind, don't hesitate to reach out."
Kazuki appreciated her kindness. Iris had a calming presence that made him feel at ease, even in the midst of the chaos that seemed to follow the brigade. "Thank you, Iris. That means a lot."
As they continued their conversation, Kazuki learned more about the brigade's daily routines and how they balanced their duties with their personal lives. Iris spoke of the importance of faith and how it gave her the strength to face the dangers that came with their work. Her words resonated with Kazuki, reminding him that power alone wasn't enough—one also needed a strong sense of purpose.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden blaring of the emergency alarm. The peaceful atmosphere of the lounge was shattered as the loud siren echoed through the halls. Kazuki and Iris exchanged a glance before quickly rising to their feet.
Kazuki followed Iris out of the lounge, his heart pounding in his chest. As they made their way to the briefing room, he could already sense the tension in the air. The other brigade members were also rushing to the room, their expressions serious.
When they arrived, Captain Obi was already there, standing by a large monitor that displayed a map of the city. The rest of the brigade gathered around, and Obi wasted no time in explaining the situation.
"An Infernal has appeared in the industrial district," Obi said, his voice firm. "It's already caused significant damage, and the fire is spreading quickly. We need to move out immediately and contain the situation before it gets any worse."
Kazuki listened intently, the gravity of the situation sinking in. This would be his second encounter with an Infernal, but this time, the stakes felt even higher. The industrial district was densely populated, and any delay could result in catastrophic losses.
Obi turned to Kazuki, his expression serious. "Kazuki, you'll be coming with us. This will be another test of your abilities, but remember, your priority is to support the team and ensure the safety of civilians."
Kazuki nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Understood, Captain."
With the orders given, the brigade quickly prepared to depart. Kazuki felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation as he suited up, the weight of his Asauchi at his side reminding him of the power he carried. This was a chance to prove himself, not just as a member of the brigade, but as someone capable of wielding the immense power that had been bestowed upon him.
As the team assembled in the garage, ready to deploy, Kazuki took a deep breath. The sirens wailed as the fire truck roared to life, and the brigade sped towards the industrial district. Kazuki could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as they neared the site of the disaster.
The real battle was about to begin.