11:11 AM - (August 23rd, 2026 (2126) • Schelvia City • City's Heart • ALPHAO CRESCENT UNITY (A.C.U) • HQ • Arming Room)
The room was filled with the sound of rustling fabric and clinking metal as all the Top 9 hurried to put on their tech armory. Their expres itsions were intense, focused-each preparing for the upcoming mission with unwavering determination.
Some opted for leg armor, enhancing their speed and agility, favoring a combat style reliant on swift movement. Others chose torso armor, reinforcing their core strength and defensive capabilities. Each of their bodies was protected by a technology barrier, an advanced enhancement that doubled the strength of their Ring Mech-a system designed to triple human capabilities.
But with the addition of their armory tech, their physical limits were pushed even further-enhanced to a staggering sixfold of human capabilities. However, such immense power came with severe consequences. The more they relied on the technology, the greater the risk to their bodies. If their physical endurance couldn't withstand the strain... the results could be catastrophic.
However, such power comes at a price. Their bodies bear the burden of the armor's strain. If they can't handle it... the consequences could be severe.
It's done.
Despite the reports from the meeting-and ASTRA's hypnosis session with Solaria-one thing remains uncertain:
The phantom.
It doesn't attack humans. It doesn't seem to bring harm. But that doesn't mean they can trust it.
It came from outside. From the place they haven't set foot in for years. Ever since they began their lives in Schelvia City.
Until further notice-this phantom is still considered a threat.
-.-..-....-.-.-.-.-.-. -.-..-....-.-.-..-.-.-
MEANWHILE, AT THE SAME TIME, IN ANOTHER SECTION OF THE BUILDING...
11:13 AM - (AURUM Room - VIP Armoring Chamber)
Listen, Shadow..."
Artoria's voice was calm but firm as she rose from the bench in AURUM, her personal armoring room. Every piece of her tech gear was meticulously organized-custom-made to her exact specifications.
"Just as you promised me... don't use HËQÂ this time. Or in any other case. Regardless of how hard it gets-unless we're in a situation where we have no other choice. We face it together. That's the only reason you're allowed to use HËQÂ."
Her gray eyes locked onto Yoshi's figure. He was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his dull purple eyes staring back at her with a quiet, unreadable expression. His gaze softened slightly, narrowing in mild irritation.
He didn't like being ordered around.
Not by anyone.
Well-except, perhaps, for Artoria.
It was different with her. She was the only one who had earned the right to command his attention, not just because of her rank, but because of the reputation they both carried.
Yoshi had risen through the ranks of the Student High Council with terrifying speed. The rumors surrounding him had spread like wildfire-whispers of a shadow-wielding 'golden child'
(student high council) who wield a shadow version of Artoria's legendary Excalibur.people looked at him differently.
It wasn't just talk. It was fact.
The name HËQÂ had taken on a life of its own.
Yet, what most didn't realize was that Yoshi was more than just a wielder of shadows. Unlike most Vitreous users, he could materialize more than one weapons -an ability so rare that even among the elite, few possessed such power.
That alone made him an anomaly.
And Artoria knew that better than anyone.
---
Yoshi exhaled through his nose, pushing himself off the wall.
"...You seriously like to order me around, don't you, Artoria?" His voice was laced with amusement, but beneath it was a quiet challenge.
He rolled his shoulders before adding, "Fine. I'll only summon HËQÂ if we're in a serious situation. But I'm making no promises if things get out of hand..."
His tone was half-hearted, but Artoria didn't argue.
Yoshi's gaze dropped to her armor, and his expression shifted from mild irritation to something more incredulous.
"...And isn't that a bit excessive, Artoria?"
He cocked an eyebrow, his dull purple eyes scanning her from head to toe.
Most of her body was encased in customized armor, specifically designed for her, a blend of elegance and impenetrable defense.
"...And don't get me started on how heavy this armor is."
Yoshi crossed his arms again, tilting his head slightly. "You really don't need all that weight slowing you down."
He stepped forward, circling her with a scrutinizing gaze. "Let me guess... 'maximum efficiency,' right?"
"This armor's way too heavy. The weight burden alone is going to slow you down, you know?"
Then his eyes landed on something that made him pause. His lips curled slightly.
"And what's with this golden star badge embedded on your chest?" he questioned, raising a brow. "Looks kinda childish... like something a kid would draw on paper for their 'hero costume'-"
Artoria's patience snapped.
"Enough, Shadow!"
Artoria's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.
She turned to face him fully, her expression hardening. The disapproval in his eyes only made her feel more humiliated... and embarrassed.
She felt humiliated, as if his disapproving look was stripping away the pride she held in her gear.
"It's better this way," she snapped.
"We're not going out there to lounge around-we have to be prepared. A single moment of carelessness could cost us everything."
Her gray eyes burned with frustration as she held his gaze.
Her gray eyes blazed as she added, "So stop looking at me like you're better than me-"
She cut herself off, realizing she was out of character.
The words escaped her lips before she could catch them.only to catch herself.
Her expression faltered.
She wasn't acting like herself.
Her gray eyes met his.
Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something more-but she held it back.
Yoshi's expression didn't change, but there was something unreadable in the way he stared back at her.
Artoria clenched her fists. She had let her frustration slip-and he caught it.
A brief silence settled between them before she exhaled, her hand absently moving to her empty scabbard at her side.
As if the touch grounded her.
She took a deep breath before speaking again, her voice returning to its usual commanding tone.
A deep sigh escaped her.
"We'll depart using Sky Network as soon as the others finish gearing up," she said, voice quieter this time. "We're heading straight for Mirage District. Once we arrive-we move as one."
Her eyes softened slightly as she looked at him.
"You listening, Shadow?"
---
Yoshi studied her for a moment before letting out a small, amused exhale.
"...Yeah, yeah, I hear you," he said lazily. Then, his lips curled into a smirk as he added, "But in case you haven't noticed-we're the only ones in this room."
Artoria blinked
His voice carried an unmistakable hint of mockery.
"Shouldn't you tell the others too?"
Artoria narrowed her eyes at his sarcasm, but before she could respond, Yoshi was already walking past her.
He reached for the AURUM Room door, gripping the handle before pulling it open.
As he stepped out, he glanced over his shoulder.
"...Let's go."
He tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening.
"And tell them your plan... Queen."