The time was 7:02 a.m.
I woke up in a soft bed, realizing it was my room at the immigration base. It was heartbreaking to think I only had three days left in this house, and even more devastating that I wouldn't be staying for those three days. Today, we're leaving for Kyoto, and when we return, I'll be moving to the barracks.
Kyoto, one of the famous tourist spots in Japan, known for its natural views, hills, trees, and shrines. I often visited as a kid. My mom was religious, a Christian, but despite that, she still prayed in the shrines. It always struck me as odd—praying to different gods—but then again, I don't pray to any.
I got out of bed, recalling yesterday's events. It's become a routine, a sort of daily recap.
"That bitch!"
I remembered everything.
Being stranded on the way to Saiya's house, deciding to bring her here, and then coming across her sexy roommate, Sarada. Then that bitch Saiya told her I drugged her and was about to do something weird.
Not only does Sarada look at me like a creep, I can't ever show my face to her again.
"Haa, my life is a mess…"
I walked into the dining room, drank a mouthful of tasteless water, and set the cup on the table. Taking a few steps back, I locked my gaze on the cup. My hand dangled, stretched, then transformed into a blade. I swung, and the blade sliced through the cup like butter, cutting it in two.
"You're getting better at it," B spoke.
"Yeah, it's the least I can do for now, but I'd have loved to transform fully."
"But that would be risky, isn't that what you told me?"
After staying here for two months, I did a full check around the house—heat sensors, cameras, and more—but I found nothing. So, I was limited to this partial transformation. I've thought of giving it a name, maybe "matter manipulation."
The name doesn't quite fit, as the only thing I can really do is stretch and turn parts of my body into blades. I could use it for self-defense and close-range combat against lower-grade Nephilim, but I can't see myself using it against humans. At least, I hope I won't have to. The future is uncertain.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
I ran to the bedroom and answered the call.
"It's eleven minutes past ten, dude! Where the hell are you?!"
Haruchi's voice echoed from the phone. I looked at my wall clock again—still two minutes past seven.
"It's fucking broken…"
"Dude, are you there? Answer me! The captain isn't happy—"
"I'll be there now. Tell him I'm on my way."
I rushed my shower and everything else. I didn't bother to eat, since I couldn't taste the food. I made my way to the military base.
***
I arrived at the locker room twenty minutes later, breathing heavily. A lot of people were already there—cadets still in training, and us Rangers dressing up for the mission.
"Here!"
Haruchi threw a silver plate at my face, and I caught it.
"Change up fast, or we'll leave you behind."
I ran to my locker and flipped it open. It was empty. I removed my uniform and dropped it inside.
I placed the silver plate on my chest and pressed the button in the middle. Two belts strapped across my shoulders, and the plate glued itself to my chest. A fiber-like material emerged from the plate, covering my body.
"So, this is the official battle suit."
It was different from the one we wore during the exams.
After suiting up, we headed straight to the meeting room.
Saiya and the foreign captain were already waiting for us, but the sleeper guy was missing. The three of us who had just entered moved to sit down when Captain Leonard suddenly spoke.
"Ryuma, you're two hours late. As punishment, go and get Fox."
"But I…"
There was no excuse that could bail me out of this one. I just humbly made my way out of the room.
Though I had an address, I was sure I was lost. Yes, I was definitely lost.
Unlike us, Nagato—or as the captain called him by his code name, Fox—doesn't live in the barracks. He stays at the residence base with his twelve-year-old sister.
I think important people don't live in the barracks. Were they afraid of sharing stuff? Well, I won't lie, I'm also not keen on sharing things like rooms and showers—it's kind of creepy.
Following the address, I arrived in front of a red metal door. The number 'twenty-five' was written boldly on it.
I had passed this door several times now. I pressed the doorbell.
No response.
I pressed it again. Still no response.
Is this the correct address? I looked at the piece of paper in my hand. Suddenly, a banging sound came from inside the house, followed by clashing and scratching metal.
The door swung open, and loud music blasted out.
"Who are you?"
A little girl asked, her voice raised over the music. She matched the appearance of the picture Nagato had shown us the other day.
"My name is Ryuma. I'm looking for Lieutenant Nagato."