Outside, the convoy awaited.
Sleek black vehicles lined the driveway leading out of the campus.
Akane Ryuzoji stood near the lead car, her crimson hair catching the light, a new bottle of her alcohol in hand. Riku, Rei, Misaki, and President Serena were already present, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension.
President Momo approached, her gaze steady.
"I'll stay behind to manage Hano," she announced. "I have to ensure the university remains operational and secure. I feel prepared enough to deal with World Headquarters if they dare come close to here. Please stay safe."
With nods of understanding, the group boarded the vehicles.
Shin and Riku shared a limo with Akane, Yuna, Rei, Misaki, and Serena. They were in the center of the formation to give them the most protection. Additional cars carried the selected girls chosen to accompany them to the laboratory, while armored vehicles flanked the convoy for protection.
Before they knew it, they were driving to the laboratory.
The familiar cityscape soon turned into unfamiliar suburban territory.
This made both Riku and Shin slightly on edge. They were dealing with unknown forces and a new environment. Both of them had Reito on their minds. Especially Shin. He wondered if Reito even remembered him at all. He glanced at Akane, debating whether he should ask something.
Shin waited a few minutes before asking the question. "Will we get to see Reito?"
Akane took a sip from her bottle before responding. She didn't know the hidden meaning behind his question. "Most likely, but not immediately. Reito is tied up with business with World Headquarters. He is pretty busy with public appearances and speeches as well. That TV show slash documentary of his is so popular he can hardly take a break. However, they do give him free time to make him happy."
"Thanks for telling me," Shin replied back.
The journey continued in contemplative silence.
Eventually, the convoy halted near a dense forest. Under Akane's guidance, the group proceeded on foot, weaving through trees until they reached a concealed entrance. They were careful to walk quietly there and not make any loud noises. It took a while, but they made it to the back entrance. A biometric scanner verified Akane's identity, and the hidden door slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor.
"Let's go," Akane said, gesturing for everyone to follow her.
Inside, the facility felt empty and bare. It didn't seem like it was operational at all.
Maybe that was the purpose of it.
Akane led them through winding hallways until they entered a spacious, bright laboratory. Monitors displayed complex data, and the air was thick with the scent of antiseptics and ozone.
In here, the energy was full of life.
"Welcome," a soft voice greeted them.
Maria Kuroda stepped forward, her red eyes reflecting the glow of the screens. "I'm Maria Kuroda, virologist and researcher. Reito is currently preparing for a public address, but I'm continuing our work on the MK Virus."
Doctor Yuna's eyes lit up. "May I assist in your research?"
Shin was about to tell Yuna to introduce herself first, but Maria responded before he spoke.
Maria's demeanor brightened. "Absolutely. Collaborating could expedite our progress!"
Everyone chuckled at the excitement between the researchers. Even Rei and Misaki said they would like to join in the research when able. Akane then left the researchers to do their thing and guided the rest of the group to their quarters.
Formerly hospital rooms, they had been repurposed into comfortable living spaces, each personalized with modest decorations. It was an impressive sight to see.
"These will be your rooms," Akane explained. "Shin, Riku, and each of your attendants have separate accommodations. All the girls you brought will have their own private quarters as well. I doubt though they will be staying in there alone though, if you catch my drift."
She leaned closer to Shin, a playful smirk on her lips. "Try to keep the noise down during research hours."
"That might be a little hard to do if that's with you," Shin replied back with a grin.
He had no intention of doing it with Akane, but he didn't mind teasing her back.
Akane, who wasn't expecting that response, blushed slightly.
As the girls settled into their rooms, Akane beckoned Shin and Riku down another corridor farther away from all the lively activity. They came upon a room with a locked door. This time, Akane pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked the door.
The door swung wide open, revealing all of its contents.
Firearms, blades, and tactical gear filled the room. It was a room ready for war.
"While this facility is hidden, it doesn't mean we can't encounter any threats," Akane stated. "If danger arises, you'll need to defend yourselves. You can come here if there is an emergency to protect yourselves and others. I assume you both know how to handle these things?"
Shin and Riku nodded.
She handed each of them a pistol. "Keep these in your rooms. Just in case."
Shin examined the weapon, memories of his training sessions surfacing.
It may have only been for a moment in time. It may have been very recent, but he was happy he received the additional training. He was happy he had some practice with these things as well. Shin turned his pistol over in his hand. He couldn't deny he was nervous though about how he may use it in an actual combat situation.
He knew real life was very different from any practice environment.
They walked out of the room, and Akane shut the door behind them.
Once the door was locked, Akane said one more thing before they left to go to their rooms.
"Here are some keys that open up the weapons room."
"Thanks," Shin said as he took one of the keys and put it in his pocket. Riku said his thanks as well and had his key. It was good they each had a key in case one of them lost it. Akane then told them they were free to do what they want now. She left to go back into the main room to assist Maria and Yuna with their research.
Riku said he was going back to his room to rest.
Shin waved goodbye to Riku as he walked back to his own room.
He pulled out his holographic iPad from his bag.
He was a bit frustrated with everything and needed to get the energy out of his system.
Shin started to flip through the screen, which flickered images of the girls he brought to the lab rotary. He made careful choices on the women he brought. Models. Movie-stars. Olympic Athletes. Shin smirked.
He might as well enjoy himself if he has nothing better to do.