Arc I.5: “The Cosmic Guard”
Chapter II: “Next Steps”
Episode I: “New Beginnings”
[The next day]
Despite the UFA’s infirmary being packed, Akira was given a private room.
Inside, Asuka sat by his bedside, drifting off to sleep.
The sun began to rise as a new day presented itself.
With the blinds open, light slowly poured into the dark room. When it met Akira’s face, he squirmed before opening his eyes and squinting.
He sat up in his bed, trying to get a grasp of what had happened. He looked to his side, seeing the sun’s radiance bounce off the sleeping beauty sitting next to him.
He smiled faintly before moving his covers and climbing out of bed. He lifted her, laying her down so she could rest.
She must’ve been up all night watching over me.
His chest warmed as he smiled faintly.
As he was pulling the covers over her, she opened her eyes groggily.
“A-Akira…” she moaned as she tugged on his arm.
“Hey… just get some sleep, Asuka. Knowing you, you’ve probably been running on fumes all night.”
He pulled his arm away and wrapped her in the bed sheets.
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“Mmm…” she murmured, half asleep.
She squirmed as she continued mumbling incoherently, drifting back to sleep.
I’ll let her rest for now… he thought as he stopped at the door before leaving.
I’ll come back and check on her later.
He stepped out into the hallway, dodging the doctors and nurses who were running up and down the hall.
For now, I should go see the headmaster.
[A few minutes later – The headmaster’s office]
Akira knocked on the open door, entering the room to see the headmaster discussing something with a small group of people.
Who are these people…? I’ve never seen them around the Academy before…
He looked at the three people talking with the headmaster.
No one in the UFA wears militaristic uniforms… not even the Elite Task Force.
There were two tall men fitted out with armor-like uniforms and gadgets.
Between them was a small girl. Blue skin and long purple hair; it was clear that she wasn’t an Earthling.
She turned around when she noticed Akira’s presence. Everyone else turned to glance at him as well.
“Y-yo… I’m not interrupting, am I?”
He glanced at the headmaster’s body.
Did I do that?!
The headmaster sat wrapped in bandages from head to toe, looking more mummy than man.
Noticing Akira’s anxiety, he raised his hand and said, “Oh, this. Don’t worry, this wasn’t your doing. My own recklessness is to blame… I should have known better than to push this old body so hard.”
Akira’s head slumped down as he clenched his fists tightly.
If I’d taken the mission more seriously… none of this would have happened! The headmaster had to push himself… Darc, Rayon, and all the other officers… Asuka…
His eyes stung with salt. He was ready to fall to the ground and lose all composure.
“Oh, so this is the kid you wanted me to look after?” the blue-skinned girl said.
Akira flinched for a moment, then perked up.
Kid? She looks younger than me…
“This is the great ‘hero?’”
Riella tilted her head, unamused.
“The one who beat Apocalypse? Hah—doesn’t look like much to me. I thought you said he was an impressive fighter.”
Without much effort, his helplessness was replaced by rage as his eyes dried up and his cheeks swelled with fire.
Who the hell does she think she’s talking to!? I’m standing right here!
“Now, now,” The headmaster cut her off.
“Akira, this is Riella and two of her subordinates. She may not look it, but despite her young age, Riella is actually a Captain in the Cosmic Guard.”
“A… captain?”
“Yeah, that’s right,” She put her hands on her hips and leaned towards Akira.
“And I’m only thirteen, which makes me the youngest member of the Cosmic Guard to reach the rank of Captain, ever! Understand? I’m pretty great!” she cheesed.
Akira stepped back.
“R-right…” He muttered, glancing at the headmaster. “So, what did you mean by having her look after me?”
“Ah… yes. I judged this a good opportunity for you. After all, there aren’t many who can still contest you on this planet. Without challenge, discipline slips. And discipline, Akira, is the only thing preventing power from devouring its wielder.”
What’s he getting at?
“So, how about it, Akira? Would you be interested in joining the Cosmic Guard?”
[Next time on Lyte of Utopia]: “Fall”
[Yield Levels]:
Akira: 1b
- Suppressed: 1
Asuka: 5m
Headmaster: 10m
- Recovering: 2m
Cosmic Guards: 50-60m
Riella: ???
- Suppressed: 5