Bab 3: Partners from different worlds

Ritsuka's perspective

Me, March 7 and Stelle started moving towards the elevator with the aim of meeting Asta. The three of us eliminated legion members who got in our way.

Arriving at the elevator door, March tried to open the door, but she couldn't.

March 7:I knew it. - March said in a frustrated tone.

Stelle:Is the elevator broken? - Stella asks.

Ritsuka: It's not broken. It's just disabled. Even if I use my authority as assistant director, I won't be able to activate it. We have to go to the control room to resolve this. - I say this to the girls and we hear Dan Hang's voice behind us.

Dan Hang: Lucky for us security leader Arlan is there too. - Said Dan Hang, taking March 7 by surprise.

March 7:How are you here?! How did you get here before us? - Said March 7.

Dan Hang: I took another route that took me upstairs and I saw you guys up there. As I said, Arlan is in the control room, he was injured, but not fatally. - Dan Hang said.

Ritsuka: So what are we waiting for? - I say this by going ahead to the control room.

Arriving in the control room and I see Arlan sitting in a chair with his right arm injured along with his left leg.

Arlan: Mr. Fujimaru. Glad you're okay. - Arlan said, being relieved to see me.

Ritsuka:I'm glad to see you're safe Arlan. These two are members of astral express and they met me and my partner. - I say this by giving a brief summary of what happened to Arlan.

Arlan:Oh....Madam Herta brought you to help? - Arlan asks

I let out a slight sigh when I imagine Herta asking someone for help.

Ritsuka: The day she asks someone for help will be the day I become an Aeon. - I say this being mocking.

HooH:You can become one of us if you try hard enough.

"I lose my humanity in the process? No thanks." I say mentally to Aeon.

March 7:Wow. It seems that you and Madame Herta don't get along very well.....hahaha. - March said with an uncomfortable laugh.

Ritsuka: You have no idea. Anyway. Arlan, can you talk about what happened when the legion invaded? - I ask Arlan.

Arlan: Their invasion happened shortly after our security system failed. Because of this, Research Leader Asta gave the evacuation order to all researchers. I was supposed to help everyone evacuate and be able to get you, but it looks like I failed. - Arlan said, being disappointed with himself.

March 7: Hey, no need to feel guilty. Everyone has been evacuated and the assistant director is safe. Now our priority is to get together with everyone else and plan a counterattack.

Dan Hang: Now that we're all here we can go to the master control zone. - Dan Hang said.

I go to the monitor and activate the elevator, making it work again, but I make it go up another floor.

Ritsuka: I put the elevator on the top floor, we will have to go there to get on the elevator. - I say this informing the group.

Stella: Why did you do that? - Stella asks.

Arlan:To avoid giving the legion a chance to enter the elevator and attack the researchers. I'll stay here in the control room while you go to the master control zone. - Arlan responds.

Ritsuka:And make Asta worry? No sir. You come with us. - I say this looking at Arlan who is surprised.

March 7:That's right! We have enough people to protect you and reach others without any problems. - March said being confident.

Arlan is embarrassed to see that everyone won't leave him alone and ends up agreeing to go with us.

On the way to the top floor we defeated some legion soldiers who didn't stand a chance against us.

Dan Hang: How did the Legion attack the station first instead of going to the nearby planet? - Dan Hang asks.

Ritsuka: It must be because of the stellaron that Herta decided to keep. Normally I thought this was a bad idea, but Herta didn't care about my opinion. - I say this explaining to the group without mentioning that the stellaron is inside Stelle.

March 7: Now it makes sense that the legion attacked. - Said March 7.

Dan Hang: How long was the stellaron on station? - Dan Hang asks me.

Ritsuka:A good time. - I say this being vague about the exact time.

Dan Hang: And just now that the legion attacked? That's very strange coming from them. - Dan Hang said thoughtfully.

Stelle stands next to me and starts talking to me in a low tone.

Stella: Does this have to do with me? - Stella asks me.

Ritsuka: In a way, yes. - I'll answer right away.

After a while of walking we arrive on the top floor and the elevator is visible. Just as we are about to cross the bridge I see an arrow of light heading towards Stelle.

Ritsuka:Careful! - I shout calling and quickly put Stelle behind me and reflect the attack away.

Soon after, the person responsible for the attack appears and attacks me, but I defend myself at the same time.

Ritsuka:A centaur.....I haven't faced one of those in a while.... - I comment having a slight trip to the past.

The centaur roars loudly, waking the others a little and I notice that we don't have much space to fight.

"Fighting on a bridge limits a lot of what you can do. Better to finish it off with a strong attack." - I say this mentally, making my staff charged with energy.

Ritsuka:The bigger the enemy is, the bigger the fall! - I say this by hitting the enemy squarely with my stick.

The impact was strong enough to throw the centaur away and hit the wall and even make a small crater.

"Shit! This is going to cost a lot of money to fix" - I think about this feeling an internal pain inside.

March 7, Dan Hang and Stelle look at me, surprised by my show of strength.

Stelle: You finished him off with one blow.... - Stelle said, shocked.

March 7:That was amazing! That big guy didn't stand a chance against you! - March said, jumping with joy.

Dan Hang:So this is the power of the Assistant Director. - Dan Hang said.

Arlan: Everyone knows that Mr. Fujimaru has incredible strength. I have experienced this first hand. - Arlan said.

Ritsuka:Come on! It's likely that the big guy must have attracted more of them. - I say that and at the same time more enemies appear behind the group.

Immediately everyone gets into the elevator and we escape the enemy just in time. Arriving at the master control zone I see a beautiful woman with red hair and yellow eyes.

"This must be the express navigator, Himeko" - I think this recognizing the woman in front of us.

Himeko:Dan Hang, March 7. I'm relieved to see that you arrived safely.

March 7:Himeko! Glad you came. We almost got into trouble if we hadn't gotten into the elevator in time! - Said March 7.

Himeko:I realized that, I was going to send my drone to help you, but I see that that wasn't necessary. - Himeko said, looking at me for a moment and then looking at Arlan.

Himeko:Are you okay, Arlan? Asta was very worried about you. - Himeko said.

Arlan:I'm fine. I just need quick treatment. Thanks for asking. I will report what happened to the research leader immediately. Goodbye. -Arlan said, leaving at the same time she had the opportunity.

"Hmm....he still needs to work on his socialization...." I think about this looking at Arlan.

Himeko: It's a pleasure to meet the assistant director in person. Ritsuka Fujimaru, right? I would love for our first date to be under better circumstances. - Himeko said in a polite tone like a noble lady.

Ritsuka:That's my name. Most station staff use my title or surname to speak to me. I can spend a lot of time in my office, but even for me it's impossible not to hear about the astral express navigator. The rumors about her elegance and beauty are what caught my attention the most. - I say this with a natural smile and I praise her using the chivalry lessons I took from Lancelot and Gawain.

Himeko lets out a light laugh upon hearing my polite compliment, but I feel a strange look coming from Stelle behind me.

Himeko:Hehehe I'm happy to hear that. - Himeko replies that she starts talking to Stelle. - Nice to meet you too. As he said, I am the navigator of the astral express. My name is Himeko. - She said introducing herself to Stelle.

March 7: In other words she is in charge of where the espresso goes. - March said to Stelle.

Himeko: I hope on March 7, she didn't give you too much trouble. - Himeko said to me and Stelle.

March 7: You better think about your answer very carefully. - March said, looking at both of us.

Ritsuka: I will use my authority not to answer that question. - I answer.

Stelle: And I will use my right to remain silent. - Stelle said, imitating a similar response to mine.

March 7:Hey! Help me here, Dan Hang! - Said March 7, asking for help from her partner who just remained silent, not looking at her. - Ahh! Come on! - March responds by getting upset.

Himeko laughs when she sees our interaction and says to talk to Asta and find out the situation at the station.

Asta is happy to see that I'm okay and thanks me for bringing Arlan along. She informs us that the damage to the station was not serious and that the situation has already been fixed.

However, she said that we still have more waves of legion attacks to deal with and that the mood of the researchers is not good, especially since they have a lot of faith that Herta will resolve the situation.

Himeko: Have you tried contacting Herta? - Himeko asks Asta.

Ritsuka: She won't answer. The legion is not something Herta will worry about. The only way that grandma will show up is if they get deeper into the station. Something that is not happening. - I respond, keeping my arms crossed.

Asta: Unfortunately, Ritsuka is right. Herta doesn't care much about the state of the station, this place is nothing more than a warehouse for her. - Asta responds, letting out a sigh.

Ritsuka:If you really want to get her attention. Send a letter saying I want to resign and leave the station. - I say this taking Himeko by surprise.

Himeko:Will this really work? - Himeko asks, doubting my idea.

Asta: Of course. Herta considers Ritsuka a person of "interest" so she won't want to lose him without a good reason. - Asta said.

After that, Stelle went to talk to the other researchers and Himeko sent the letter to Herta following my idea.

Minutes later

HooH: Get ready.....

The moment I hear HooH's voice, the station's alarms start to ring.

March 7:What's going on? - March 7 question.

Using a camera screen that records a Doomday Beast penetrating the station's barrier. Asta tells Himeko to go to the express and leave here while there is time.

Himeko immediately did so and took with her Dan Hang, March and Stelle. Asta looks at me seriously.

Asta:Can you handle him? Without having to go all out? - Asta asks me.

Ritsuka: I could summon a dragon hunter to help, but I don't think it will work much. Even more so considering that it is a planet destroyer and not a dragon created in human territory. But don't worry, Asta. Even if my secret ends up being exposed, at least you'll be okay. - I say this with a calming smile, Asta.

Asta: Finish him, Mr. "Emanator". - Asta said, looking sideways at me.

Ritsuka:Yes ma'am. - I respond, starting to run, taking a different path that will take me to where the dragon is.

I quickly arrive at the platform where the quartet is and see them facing the beast. Stelle and Dan Hang are on the front lines while March 7 and Himeko provide support.

Ritsuka:Hey! Stupid dragon! - I scream, throwing Gandr where the creature's head should be.

This spell wouldn't do anything against such a powerful beast, but due to who I am at the moment all my abilities have been improved.

The dragon felt the attack leaving him stunned, giving the rest of the group time to regroup.

Stella: Ritsuka! - Stelle said, being surprised to see me joining the fight.

Ritsuka: I'd say you guys could use a little help. - I say this with a confident smile.

March 7: An extra hand is always welcome! - Said March 7.

With this we can pressure the dragon to the point of defeating it, however I notice that it is not disappearing.

"He's not disappearing...." I think about this seeing that we haven't eliminated him yet.

HooH:You need to use your sword to deliver the killing blow.

"No! I refuse to use it here." I think about it not wanting to use my other weapon.

The dragon begins to shoot a deadly ray in March 7's direction, but Stelle stands in front of her, protecting her from the attack.

At the same time, the stellaron inside her begins to lose control and causes an explosion that decimates the beast.

Dan Hang caught March 7 taking her away from Stelle.

HooH:The stellaron needs to be resealed.

Ritsuka: You think I don't know that! - I say this out loud. - And how am I going to do that?! - I say this by asking HooH.

HooH:Use my authority that you have in your eyes.

I approach Stelle, managing to resist the wave of power coming out of the stellaron and manage to overcome the barrier around her.

Ritsuka: Tch! I hope this works. - I say this by making my eyes change color, one side is light yellow and the other is light blue.

The moment I touch Stelle's head I manage to make her lose consciousness and stop the stellaron from getting out of control.

I hold Stelle's body as it falls on top of me and I breathe a sigh of relief to see that the situation has returned to normal.

???: It appears that the situation is under control. - I say this seeing an adult man with brown hair and glasses.

Looking at him I feel a power similar to an Aeon, but different at the same time.

???:Hmm...you are... - Said the man looking at me in surprise.

Before I could say anything, March 7 interrupts by appearing behind me.

March 7: Mister Yang! You came! - Said March 7, saying the man's name.

Welt Yang: Let's talk somewhere else. - He said with a neutral expression.

King Crimson!

After the incident of the stellaron going out of control, the legion's attacks were ended, restoring tranquility to the station.

Astral Express members are in the master control zone preparing for departure while Stelle is recovering.

I'm now in my office dealing with the paperwork for researchers' safety claims and experiment damage, as well as the repairs I have to deal with.

Ritsuka: So it's this tiredness that Gilgamesh felt in Babylon. - I say this letting out a tired sigh.

At that moment the door to my office opens and one of Herta's puppets appears and she is not happy at all. But it's not just her who entered, Himeko and Stelle appeared.

Herta: What is this story that you are resigning. Who gave you this authority? - Herta said, keeping her arms crossed.

Ritsuka: Technically I can quit if I want at any time. - I say this in a natural tone.

Herta:And I disapprove of this request. - Herta said.

Ritsuka:As you can see. My idea worked. - I say this talking to Himeko and dealing with the documents at the same time.

Himeko:And I'm grateful for that. But I'm here to make you an offer. Ritsuka Fujimaru. I offered Stelle a spot on the astral express, but she also wants a spot for you too. - Himeko said, catching my attention.

Himeko:I agreed to the request, however.... - Himeko was going to continue, but Herta finishes it for her.

Herta:I don't agree with that idea. - Said Herta, not hiding her intentions.

Himeko: He doesn't need your permission if he wants to join us. - Himeko said with a slight serious tone.

Herta:My assistant still has work and he is still needed here. - Herta said.

"I'm needed to babysit this place to tell the truth." I think about it, letting out a sigh, seeing that the two of them won't give in until I give the final word.

HooH:Accept the position. It will be beneficial for both of us. Furthermore, this corresponds with our contract.

Seeing that my "boss" has made her decision, I inform both of them of my choice.

Ritsuka:It's okay, Himeko. I accept the position. I'll prepare things for me to leave. - I say this by giving my answer.

Himeko and Stelle have a smile on their faces while Herta is irritated upon hearing my decision.

Herta:Okay. You won this one. But if there is a situation where I need you to assist me, I want your presence immediately. - Said Herta and I let out a sigh.

Ritsuka:Yes ma'am. - I respond and Herta leaves my office.

Himeko:Well that turned out better than I expected. - Himeko comments.

Ritsuka:That's because I know Herta. She can be stubborn, but she respects the decisions of those who work with her. - I say this finishing my work.

Himeko:I'll let the others know that we're going to have two new members. - Himeko said, leaving me and Stelle alone.

Ritsuka:How are you? Even more so with the stellaron inside you. - I say this looking at her.

Stella: I'm fine. I just had some strange visions when the incident happened. Other than that, nothing much happened. - Stella said.

Ritsuka: Herta did something to you, after all, not everyone can keep a stellaron under control inside their body. - I say that.

Stelle:She made me enter her simulated universe to receive a response from an Aeon and I had to help some researchers who needed help. - Stella said.

Ritsuka: I have to admit I didn't expect to know that you wanted me to go with you on that train. Why did you do that? - I say this, being curious about her reason.

Stella: You're my partner, aren't you? Besides that woman....who brought me here she said I should trust you. - Stelle said, mentioning Kafka.

"So she has a hand in this...." I think about it, letting out a sigh.

Ritsuka:Okay. If we're going to be together, we better get to know each other better. - I say this by standing in front of her and extending my right hand to her. - Nice to meet you, Stelle. My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. I am a simple Assistant Director and at the moment I am your partner on your journey. I am at your service. - I finish saying this with a smile.

Stella:My name is Stella. And it's a pleasure to meet you partner. - Stelle said, shaking my hand.