Dakari's skin felt like it was on fire with each step, a residual sting from the burns and the medication that now seemed to pulse through her veins. Her body ached, and her mind was a jumbled mess, a foggy haze between reality and the fragments of the memory that had surfaced earlier. Her limbs felt heavy, and each step sent a jolt of pain up her arm. She desperately needed rest, but rest had been elusive.
She followed Lira down yet another corridor, her footsteps dragging, her focus slipping in and out. The halls of the Veridian Institute seemed to blur, stretching endlessly before her, the sounds around her fading in and out. It was hard to believe that only a few hours had passed since the chaos began. She'd fought a slime creature, triggered some kind of strange memory, and been refused synchronization by the standard mechs—each event more confusing and exhausting than the last.
"Hey, we're almost there," Lira's voice broke through the haze, cutting through the noise in her head. "Just a little further, okay?"
Dakari nodded weakly, though she barely registered the words. Her mind was occupied with a single, desperate thought: I just need a place to rest… She felt so lost, so utterly displaced, like she didn't belong anywhere within these walls.
When they finally reached the administrative office, Dakari's patience was wearing thin. Her legs wobbled slightly, her head spinning. Lira guided her to a chair, but even sitting was uncomfortable. Every muscle in her body seemed to protest. The harsh fluorescent lights overhead made her wince, the glare piercing through the remnants of her headache.
The secretary at the front desk barely looked up. "Name?" she asked, her tone flat and uninterested.
Lira spoke up for her, keeping her voice steady and clear. "Dakari Wasureta. She's been here for hours and still hasn't been assigned a room or classes. Her Index Level hasn't been communicated either."
The secretary frowned slightly, glancing down at her screen and typing something. "Wasureta… Hmm, seems like there's a missing file here. Nothing's been updated for her status. I'll have to check with the Index Admins."
Dakari felt a surge of frustration rising in her chest. A missing file? She clenched her teeth, trying to maintain her composure, but every word felt like an added weight on her exhausted mind. "Can you… fix it?" she asked, her voice strained, her patience thinning.
The secretary glanced at her, finally seeming to register the urgency. "I'll see what I can do," she replied, standing up. "Please wait here." Dakari nodded, though she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment to steady herself, but the sounds around her seemed to grow louder, clashing together in a chaotic hum. She felt Lira's hand on her shoulder, a comforting presence, but it did little to ease her frayed nerves.
Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity, before the secretary returned with the head administrator, Mr. Shirogane. His stern face showed mild irritation as he glanced at Dakari, then back at his assistant. "What's the issue here?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.
Lira stepped forward, trying to keep her tone polite but firm. "Dakari has been waiting for hours without any information. She hasn't been assigned a room or classes, and we still don't know her Index Level."
Mr. Shirogane looked at Dakari, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, yes, the misplaced student," he said, as if remembering something. "It seems there was an administrative error due to your missing Index Level."
Dakari's frustration flared. "And…? Can you give me my room assignment? My Index Level?" she asked, her voice rough, her exhaustion making it harder to stay calm.
Mr. Shirogane tapped on his tablet, pulling up her information. "Your Index Level has been calculated," he replied slowly, "but it's… complicated. You've been assigned a Level 3, but it's marked as 'unclassified.'"
"Unclassified?" Dakari repeated, feeling her heart sink. Her confusion was only growing deeper. "What does that even mean?"
"It means your synchronization capabilities don't align with the standard parameters," he explained, his tone almost dismissive. "You're not compatible with standard-issued mechs. You'll need specialized equipment… which we don't have available right now."
Dakari felt a surge of anger and despair. She had been tossed around the Institute all day, treated like an anomaly, and now they were telling her she didn't even fit in with the basic system. "So… what am I supposed to do?" she asked, her voice low but trembling with frustration.
Mr. Shirogane sighed, clearly tired of the conversation. "For now, you'll be assigned a room and will start attending classes. We'll determine where your potential lies. Just… don't expect things to be straightforward."
Lira shot him a glare, but he ignored it, returning to his screen. "Your room assignment is on Level 2, Block C. Room 217. Report there immediately," he added before waving them off. Dakari stood up slowly, feeling a mix of relief and resentment. At least she had a place to go, a small corner of this sprawling, confusing Institute to call her own, but the lack of clarity still gnawed at her.
As they walked away from the office, Lira turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. "At least we know where you'll be staying now," she said. "And hey, if you need anything, I'm just a few doors down." Dakari managed a weak smile in return, still feeling drained. "Thanks, Lira," she murmured. "I just… I need to rest." Lira nodded understandingly. "Of course. Let's get you to your room."
Lira guided Dakari through the winding halls of the Veridian Institute, finally reaching Level 2, Block C. The corridors here were quieter, the occasional sounds of students echoing in the distance. Dakari felt the throbbing in her arm intensify, but she gritted her teeth and kept moving. She needed to reach her room, to have a moment of peace and clarity amid the chaos of the day.
When they arrived at Room 217, Lira knocked lightly on the door. A few seconds later, the door swung open, and a young girl with short, fluffy lavender hair and bright, curious eyes appeared. She was small, with an energetic presence that seemed to light up the dim hallway.
"Oh! Hello!" the girl greeted, her eyes immediately zeroing in on Dakari's bandaged arm. "Are you my new roommate? I'm Fuyuki!" She practically bounced with enthusiasm, her wide smile nearly infectious.
Dakari blinked, slightly taken aback by the sheer brightness radiating from Fuyuki. She nodded slowly. "Yeah… I'm Dakari," she replied, her voice still hoarse from exhaustion.
Fuyuki's smile grew even wider, if that was possible. "Oh wow, Dakari! That's a cool name! Come in, come in!" She stepped aside, waving them both in with an excited flourish. The room was small but cozy, with two single beds against opposite walls, a shared desk in the center, and a narrow window that let in a sliver of light from outside. Lira gave Dakari a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I'll leave you here to settle in," she said, glancing around the room. "Get some rest, okay? And if you need anything, just let me know."
Dakari nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude despite her confusion and fatigue. "Thanks, Lira," she said quietly.
Lira smiled and gave a small wave before leaving, closing the door behind her.
Fuyuki watched her leave, then turned back to Dakari, her expression eager. "So, Dakari, tell me about yourself! Where are you from? What Index Level are you? Do you have any hobbies?" she fired off, barely pausing to breathe. Dakari sat down on the edge of her bed, feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of questions. "Uh… I'm… from a small colony," she started, keeping her answers vague. "And my Index Level… it's… complicated."
Fuyuki tilted her head, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Complicated? Ooh, that sounds mysterious! Are you, like, a secret agent or something?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine wonder. Dakari couldn't help but chuckle a little, despite herself. "No… nothing like that," she said softly.
Dakari looked at Fuyuki, surprised by the sincerity in her words. She had a habit of fiddling with a small mechanical gadget, turning it over and over in her hands as she talked. Dakari wondered if it was a nervous tic or just something to keep her hands busy. Either way, it was oddly endearing. Fuyuki's energy was like a burst of color in the otherwise gray fog that surrounded Dakari's thoughts. "I'm just… trying to figure things out." she half-whispered.
Fuyuki nodded quickly, her face lighting up with understanding. "Oh, I totally get it! I mean, I'm at the bottom of the class standings, so I'm always trying to figure things out too! But hey, you know what? It's okay! We're all on our own paths, right?"
Dakari looked at Fuyuki, surprised by the sincerity in her words. Her natural warmth was a stark contrast to the cold, confusing world Dakari had been thrust into. Part of her wanted to trust this bubbly girl, to see her as an ally in this overwhelming place. But another part, the part shaped by years of survival and guarded instincts, warned her against letting her guard down. She didn't know Fuyuki—not really—and trust was a luxury she couldn't afford.
"Yeah… I guess so," Dakari agreed quietly.
Fuyuki plopped down on her own bed, facing Dakari with a bright smile. "So, what classes are you taking? I can help you catch up if you're behind! I'm not the best student, but I try!" She grinned sheepishly, her cheeks turning a light pink. Dakari hesitated. "I… don't have any classes assigned yet," she admitted, feeling a bit awkward. "I'm still waiting for them to sort that out."
Fuyuki's eyes widened. "Whoa, really? That's so weird! Everyone else got their assignments ages ago. You must be super special or something!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "Or maybe they're saving you for something big?" Dakari couldn't help but smile faintly. "Or maybe they just forgot about me," she muttered, half to herself.
Fuyuki laughed. "Oh, I doubt that! Someone like you is hard to forget!" She reached under her bed and pulled out a small, outdated synchronization meter. "Hey, check this out! I found this old thing in the corner when I first got here. It's supposed to measure Index Levels, but it's so ancient, I doubt it still works."
Dakari eyed the device curiously. As her gaze settled on the worn metal and faintly glowing display, a vague, unsettling sensation stirred in the back of her mind—a whisper of recognition, like an echo from somewhere deep within her memory. Her heart gave an involuntary lurch, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something… a brief flash, perhaps, or a soft hum. But then it was gone.
"Why do you have that?" Dakari asked, a touch of wariness in her voice. Fuyuki shrugged. "It was just here when I moved in. I think it's kinda cool! But I don't know how to use it." She paused, then looked at Dakari with a mischievous grin. "Wanna try it out?"
Dakari considered the device again, her fingers twitching slightly with the urge to touch it, to understand. "Maybe later," she replied cautiously, still feeling that strange pull of curiosity. "Right now, I just… I need to rest." Fuyuki nodded understandingly. "Of course! You look super tired. Rest up, okay? I'll be right here if you need anything!"
Dakari managed a grateful nod and lay back on her bed, closing her eyes. The pain in her arm still throbbed, and her mind continued to swirl with questions, but for the first time today, she felt a small sense of relief. She had a place to rest, even if only for a moment. And maybe, just maybe, she'd find some answers soon.
As she drifted off, her last thoughts lingered on the strange synchronization meter. Something about it felt… important. She'd have to investigate it later, when her head was clearer, and the fog of the day's events had lifted.
A Couple Hours Later…
Dakari awoke to the sound of Fuyuki humming softly to herself. The room was dimmer now, with the sun dipping below the horizon and casting a soft, twilight glow through the narrow window. For a moment, Dakari felt disoriented, unsure of how long she had been asleep. Her arm still throbbed, but the pain had dulled to a manageable ache.
Fuyuki sat cross-legged on her bed, flipping through a digital textbook on her tablet. She glanced up when she saw Dakari stir, her face lighting up with a cheerful smile. "Hey, sleepyhead! Feeling any better?" she asked.
Dakari nodded slowly, rubbing her eyes. "A little," she admitted. "How long was I out?"
"Only a couple of hours," Fuyuki replied. "You must've been really tired, huh?"
Dakari nodded again, glancing around the small room. "Yeah… it's been a long day."
Fuyuki's expression softened. "I bet. Hey, you hungry? I was just about to head to the dining hall. Want to come with me?"
Dakari considered for a moment. Her stomach growled softly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since breakfast. "Sure," she said, pushing herself up from the bed. "I could use something to eat."
As they walked through the winding corridors of VIMI, Fuyuki's voice bubbled with enthusiasm. "So, the dining hall we're headed to? It's actually the second-best on campus. The main one, the Grand Mess, is way over in the eastern wing, but it's always packed with upperclassmen who hog all the good seats. Plus, the instructors like to hover there, so it's not great if you want to eat in peace."
Dakari nodded, making a mental note of the information. "And this one? What's it like?" she asked quietly.
Fuyuki grinned. "Ah, the Grotto. That's what we call it. It's tucked away, not many people know about it, and the food's actually decent! Well, as decent as VIMI food gets. But they make this killer rice dish with just the right amount of spices. It's my favorite. Oh, and if you're ever craving sweets, there's this little vendor cart near the mechanics' lab that sells these amazing red bean buns—best on campus!"
Dakari couldn't help but smile at Fuyuki's energy. "Red bean buns, huh? I'll keep that in mind."
Fuyuki nodded eagerly. "Definitely do! And, oh, you should also avoid the cafeteria on Thursdays. They have this weird fish stew that nobody ever touches. I'm pretty sure it's some kind of punishment food."
Dakari raised an eyebrow. "Punishment food?"
Fuyuki giggled. "Yeah! One of the instructors—Professor Iker? He's got this vendetta against students who fall asleep in his class. Rumor has it, he bribes the cafeteria staff to serve extra portions of that fish stew whenever someone nods off."
Dakari chuckled softly. "Sounds like a character."
"Oh, he is! And speaking of characters," Fuyuki continued, "you should definitely steer clear of Instructor Talan. She's the one with the glasses who looks like she's about to explode at any second. She teaches Advanced Synchronization Theory and is notorious for turning her lectures into two-hour rants about 'youth these days.' And trust me, you do not want to be on the receiving end of one of her monologues."
Dakari nodded, trying to keep track of the names and faces. "Got it. Avoid Instructor Talan."
"Exactly!" Fuyuki agreed. "But, on the flip side, you'll love Professor Kaito. He's super laid-back, and he doesn't care if you're late—as long as you bring him a cup of that dark roast coffee from the stand near the west gate. He's addicted to it!" Dakari couldn't help but feel a little amused at the unconventional tips. "I see. So, coffee bribes for Professor Kaito, and keep awake in Professor Iker's class."
Fuyuki laughed, a light, carefree sound. "You're getting it! See, you're already blending in. And don't worry, I'll show you all the secret spots. There's this hidden garden behind the library that's perfect if you ever need a quiet place to think or just get away from the chaos. Most people don't know it exists because it's behind this super old door that looks like it leads to a storage room, but it's actually really beautiful."
Dakari felt a warm sensation at Fuyuki's kindness and willingness to share these small secrets. "That… sounds nice," she replied. "I think I'd like to see it sometime."
"Oh, definitely! We'll make it a plan," Fuyuki chirped. "And while we're at it, I can show you the rooftop observatory. It's off-limits technically, but the view is worth it, especially at night when the stars are out. You can see all the way to the outer rings of the academy. Perfect place if you're ever feeling contemplative or… just want to escape."
Dakari nodded appreciatively, feeling a small connection forming. "Thank you, Fuyuki. I appreciate it."
Fuyuki waved a hand dismissively, but her smile was genuine. "Oh, don't mention it! I've been here a while, so I know how overwhelming it can be at first. But you'll get the hang of it soon enough. And hey, if you ever need a guide or just a friend to talk to, I'm here." Fuyuki pointed discreetly at a passing student.
"You see that blue band on his arm?" Fuyuki continued, "That means he's in the engineering track. They get to mess with the mechs way more than we do. Lucky, huh? But it also means they're basically sleep-deprived zombies all the time. No thanks! Oh, and if you see anyone with a red pin, avoid them—they're on disciplinary duty."
Dakari felt a strange warmth in her chest, a sensation she hadn't experienced in a while. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice softer.
They continued down the corridor, Fuyuki pointing out little details here and there—like the hallway where a student once tried to pilot a mech indoors ("It didn't go well!") or the shortcut to the engineering wing through an old maintenance shaft. As they rounded a corner, Fuyuki's face lit up, and she gestured toward a door ahead. "And here we are—the Grotto! Told you it was out of the way. Almost no one comes here, so it's perfect if you want some quiet time."
They reached the dining hall, a large, bustling space filled with students of all kinds—humans, demi-humans, and others. Dakari noticed groups clustered around tables, some deep in conversation, others studying or laughing over shared jokes. The air buzzed with activity, a lively energy that seemed to permeate every corner.
Fuyuki led them toward a quieter section of the hall, her voice still animated with enthusiasm. "See? I told you, the Grotto's got a nice vibe, right? Not too crowded, and the noise levels are manageable. Plus, the food here isn't half bad."
Dakari's eyes scanned the room, her mind flickering between the lively faces and Fuyuki's continued chatter. Part of her was drawn to the energy of the place, the sense of belonging that seemed to radiate from every corner. But another part—the part that had been alone for so long—felt uneasy. Did she really belong here? Could she afford to find comfort in this chaos?
She cast a sidelong glance at Fuyuki, who was pointing out a female student with glowing blue circuitry running along her arms. She wore a bright smile while she was showing off a holographic display to a group of fascinated onlookers. She seems genuine, Dakari thought, but so did a lot of people… at first. "This place feels… different," Dakari murmured, half to herself.
Fuyuki nodded, sensing her thoughts. "Yeah, I guess it does. Everyone's trying to find their place, you know? Some of us are here to become the best pilots or engineers, others… well, just trying to survive the classes without losing our minds," she joked lightly, nudging Dakari with her elbow. Dakari gave a small smile, her tension easing slightly. "It's… lively," she admitted. "I haven't been around so many people in a long time."
Fuyuki's grin widened. "Then welcome to the chaos! Trust me, it grows on you. And hey, at least you have a friend now to help you navigate through it." Dakari nodded, her guarded demeanor softening just a bit. "Thank you," she said sincerely.
They settled down at a table near the back, where the noise was softer but the warmth of the room still reached them. Fuyuki immediately started filling her plate with various dishes, pointing out what was good and what to avoid. "And whatever you do, don't touch the green pudding," she whispered conspiratorially. "It's… not what it looks like."
Dakari chuckled, feeling an unfamiliar lightness in her chest. Then, to Fuyuki's astonishment, Dakari began piling her plate high with food—one helping after another, until her tray was overflowing with a mountain of dishes. Rice, vegetables, meats, breads, desserts—she took it all, her expression calm and focused.
Fuyuki blinked, her mouth slightly agape. "Whoa, are you planning to feed a whole squad?" she blurted out, half-laughing. "I mean, I know the portions here can be a bit small, but…"
Dakari looked at Fuyuki with a hint of amusement. "I'm just… hungry," she replied simply, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. A nearby student, a boy with cat-like ears and a playful grin, leaned over. "Seriously? Did you miss breakfast or something? That's a lot of food!" he teased.
Another student, a girl with pink hair, snickered. "Maybe she's preparing for the winter," she joked, nudging her friend. Fuyuki laughed, joining in on the fun. "Hey, I think she's just breaking the record for 'Most Food Stacked on a Single Tray.' What do you think, everyone? Should we start a betting pool?"
A ripple of laughter spread through the nearby tables, and a few students started to cheer. "Go for it!" someone called out. "Let's see how much she can eat!"
Dakari, unfazed, returned to the table with her mountain of food and began eating with focused determination. Fuyuki watched, wide-eyed, as Dakari devoured her food, moving swiftly from one dish to the next with methodical precision. It was almost mesmerizing.
"Wow," Fuyuki said, a grin spreading across her face. "You weren't kidding about being hungry. You're like… some kind of eating machine!" Dakari paused, looking slightly embarrassed but still focused on her meal. "I've always had a big appetite," she admitted. "I guess I burn a lot of energy."
Fuyuki giggled, finding Dakari's honesty refreshing. "Well, no judgment here! Honestly, it's kind of impressive. I think you just set a new record for most food piled onto a single tray." More students started to notice, whispering among themselves and stealing glances at Dakari's impressive feast. A few even chuckled, amused by the unexpected sight of the quiet new girl with such a voracious appetite.
As they ate, the noise in the dining hall softened into a low, comforting hum. Despite the initial surprise, Dakari's focus on her food seemed to lighten the mood around them. Fuyuki continued chatting, her voice a comforting background as Dakari let herself enjoy the meal.
For the first time since arriving at VIMI, Dakari allowed herself a moment to breathe, to feel something other than confusion or frustration. Fuyuki was right—this place was chaotic, unpredictable… but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. Maybe, amidst all the noise, she could find a rhythm of her own.
As she finished her meal, Dakari looked around at the lively, chattering hall. She felt a strange sense of peace—a whisper of something she hadn't felt in years. Belonging? Maybe not yet. But something close. A start. She glanced at Fuyuki, who was still chattering away, and for the first time, she felt like maybe… just maybe, she could fit into this chaotic world.