[The morning sunlight filtered softly through the windows of the house as bags zipped, bottles clinked, and footsteps echoed through the hall.]
[Mio slung her duffel bag over her shoulder with a grin.]
Mio: Alright, let's get this show on the road!
[Shizuka adjusted the strap of her gloves, her expression calm but focused.]
Shizuka: Don't forget your ID card this time. You know how Captain Reina gets.
Kei: carrying a towel around her neck Ugh, why does she have to be scarier than Shin when she's just watching?
[Shirou chuckled as he finished tying his shoes.]
Shirou: Because she knows we're sloppy when no one's breathing down our necks.
[On the couch, Ryokou turned slightly in her sleep, a blanket half-tangled around her legs. She murmured something unintelligible and rolled over, clearly not planning to move any time soon.]
Kei: looking back She's seriously skipping out again?
Shirou: She never signed up in the first place. Besides she still has work, she can't left that out.
Mio: She's got the energy of a cat on a Sunday. Let her be.
[Without further delay, the four stepped outside, walking through the quiet streets until the towering gates of the Metropolitan Police Grounds came into view. The facility looked more like a modern military base than a public institution—tall reinforced fencing, watchtowers, and a large clearing where the day's training would take place.]
[Waiting by the center of the training field were three familiar figures:
Captain Reina, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning them with silent judgment.
Officer Sera, casual but alert, sipping coffee with a faint smirk.
Officer Shin, in uniform despite technically being off-duty, standing with her hands behind her back.]
Reina: You're late.
Kei: raising both hands innocently Technically not even a full minute!
Reina: Then you're already a minute behind your enemies.
[Shirou stepped forward and gave a polite nod.]
Shirou: Reporting for training, ma'am.
[Reina eyed him for a moment before gesturing to the field.]
Reina: Today's focus is real-time combat coordination and pressure drills. No simulations. No do-overs. You either move like a team, or you fall apart.
[Sera added from the side, smiling lightly:]
Sera: Also, we might have a few surprises thrown in. Don't say I didn't warn you.
[Shin gave them a quiet nod, her usual calm presence somehow more intense than usual.]
Mio: leaning toward Kei, whispering What kind of surprises?
Kei: whispering back I'm guessing not balloons and cake.
[They stood at attention now, the morning breeze brushing over the concrete grounds as if even the wind was waiting to see how they'd perform.]
[Captain Reina raised a whistle to her lips.]
Reina: Begin.
[As the whistle blew, the group scattered across the field, each taking their position for the first training exercise.]
[Shizuka, however, hesitated for a moment—her eyes scanning the edges of the grounds.]
Shizuka: softly ...Where's Officer Ryou?
[She turned slightly toward Shin, who was monitoring the lineup from a short distance, clipboard in hand.]
Shizuka: Is he not joining us today?
[Shin looked up, her calm expression unreadable as always.]
Shin: He won't be attending this session.
Shizuka: Why? Is something wrong?
[A slight pause. Then, Shin lowered her voice just enough so the others wouldn't overhear.]
Shin: He's currently reviewing linked crime files... mostly tied to what happened last night at the club. Captain Reina gave him clearance to dig deeper. There's more to that turf war than it looked.
[Shizuka's eyes narrowed slightly.]
Shizuka: ...She suspects a larger organization?
Shin: Possibly. And if she's right, we'll be hearing about it soon enough.
[The sharp clap of Captain Reina's voice snapped their attention back to the field.]
Reina: Hey! No talking during drill time unless it's coded team comms!
[Shizuka blinked and gave a brief nod, turning back toward her station.]
[As she joined the others in formation, her mind buzzed with curiosity.]
[Ryou investigating alone meant there was something dangerous buried underneath that club incident. Something that might connect... to all of them.]
[And that worried her more than she was willing to admit.]
[The precinct's dim-lit investigative room was filled with the quiet hum of old processors and the sharp shuffle of papers. Officer Ryou stood over a table littered with open files, photos, and scribbled notes. His eyes darted between each document—connecting turf war reports, partial gang rosters, and archived smuggling data.]
[He frowned, gripping one sheet tightly.]
Ryou: low voice Same pattern. Same exit wounds. But the supplier's trail is wiped... they're hiding something.
[A chill crept down his spine as he noticed a familiar name buried in a logistics manifest—SoveCle. He leaned closer, scanning timestamps and cargo logs. The club from the gunfight wasn't a random hotspot—it had been tagged months ago as a silent cargo handoff point.]
Ryou: ...This wasn't just a turf war. They're laundering through civilian fronts now.
[He stuffed the relevant papers into a folder, locked his screen, and rushed out of the room. His boots echoed down the corridor, breath sharp as adrenaline kicked in. He didn't stop until he reached the police training grounds.]
[He skidded to a halt.]
Ryou: panting Captain Reina!
[Reina, standing at the field's edge with arms crossed as she observed the drills, turned sharply.]
Reina: You're interrupting a live session, Officer.
Ryou: I wouldn't if it wasn't important. I need five minutes. It's about last night.
[She gave a slight nod, stepping aside with him. Ryou opened the folder, flipping it to key sections as he caught his breath.]
Ryou: I went through the files again—compared old smuggling intel with last night's chaos. One of the gangs... they're a front. The location? It wasn't just a gang hideout. It's part of a shipment route tied to SoveCle. They've masked it behind turf violence.
[Reina narrowed her eyes and examined the pages.]
Reina: So what are they moving?
[Ryou shook his head.]
Ryou: That's the problem. I don't know yet. But they're careful... too careful. Whatever it is, it's big. And we've only seen the edge of it.
[Reina looked out toward the ongoing drills, then back to him.]
Reina: ...All right. Keep digging. I want a confirmed thread before the end of the week. If this blows wide, I want us ahead of it—not scrambling behind it.
Ryou: Understood, Captain.
[As he turned away, his jaw tightened. The truth was close.]
[But not close enough.]
[As Ryou finished briefing Captain Reina, Shirou stood a little ways off, arms crossed, eyes distant. The weight of the conversation settled over him like a thick fog.]
Shirou: So this goes deeper than just a gang fight. he thought, jaw tightening If what Ryou says is true… then the city's undercurrents are darker than I imagined.
[He glanced toward the training ground, where the others moved with determination, unaware of the hidden dangers lurking beneath their routine.]
Shirou: How long before this reaches us? he wondered silently And will we be ready when it does?
[The question hung in the air, unanswered, as the afternoon sun dipped lower.]
[The day sped by in a blur of movement and effort.]
[Shizuka executed flawless hand-to-hand combat drills, her focus sharp as a blade cutting through air. Nearby, Kei sprinted through obstacle courses with relentless determination, sweat glistening on his brow. Mio demonstrated precise marksmanship, hitting every target with practiced ease, while Shirou coordinated the group, calling out tactics and adjustments with steady confidence.]
[Midway through, Officer Shin joined them briefly, guiding their formation shifts and pushing them harder. Captain Reina observed silently from the sidelines, nodding occasionally at their progress.]
[In a rare moment of camaraderie, the four shared quick, breathless smiles during a break, a silent acknowledgment of their growing strength as a team.]
[As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple, the final whistle blew.]
[Captain Reina stepped forward, voice clear.]
Reina: Good work today. Rest up—we're just getting started.
[The group gathered their gear, muscles aching but spirits lifted. With the fading light casting long shadows across the training grounds, they headed back to the base, ready to face whatever lay ahead.]
[As they packed up their gear, the sun dipping low behind them, Kei let out a long breath.]
Kei: Man, that was tougher than I thought. I'm wiped.
[Shirou wiped sweat from his brow and nodded in agreement.]
Shirou: Yeah... but every day like this gets us closer. We need to be ready for whatever comes next.
[Mio stretched her arms, a tired smile on her face.]
Mio: I keep telling myself that, but sometimes it feels like we're running on empty. How do you all keep going?
[Shizuka glanced at the fading sky, voice soft but determined.]
Shizuka: Because if we don't, no one else will. We're not just training to get stronger—we're training to protect each other.
[A quiet moment passed as the weight of her words settled over them.]
[Kei cracked a small grin.]
Kei: Guess that means no slacking off tomorrow, huh?
[Shirou smiled back.]
Shirou: No way. We're in this together.
[They shared a tired but genuine laugh, the bonds between them growing stronger as the evening shadows lengthened.]
[Sovereign Circle's Central Hideout — Night]
[Before midnight, the quiet hum of the night was broken only by the soft clinking of metal.]
[Ifrit sat alone in his dimly lit room, methodically cleaning his signature weapon—a modified rocket launcher, sleek and deadly, with faint scorch marks along its barrel. His movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as if the act itself grounded him.]
[The door creaked open slightly, and Leviathan stepped inside, his presence calm but purposeful.]
Leviathan: Ifrit, we need to talk.
[Without looking up, Ifrit nodded slowly.]
Ifrit: I was expecting you. Levi-cchi. What's on your mind?
[Leviathan closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite the weapon, his gaze steady.]
Leviathan: The Four Fiends… we're slowly falling apart.
[Ifrit paused, setting the rocket launcher down carefully.]
Ifrit: I've noticed. The fractures have been growing for some time.
Leviathan: It's not just small disagreements anymore. Trust is eroding. And if we don't address it, we risk losing everything we've built.
[Ifrit leaned back, his eyes darkening.]
Ifrit: So what do you suggest? We fix this, or let the pieces fall where they may?
Leviathan: We need to be united. Especially now. The stakes are higher than ever.
[Ifrit sighed, picking up the launcher again.]
Ifrit: Then it's time to face whatever's coming… together or not.
[A tense silence fell between them as the weight of their fractured alliance hung heavy in the room.]
[Leviathan looked at him, brow furrowed.]
Leviathan: You don't seem surprised. Almost like… you've already given up on the squad.
[Ifrit gave a dry chuckle, resting the launcher against his shoulder as he leaned back.]
Ifrit: Maybe I have. You ever think we were never built to last?
Leviathan: You don't mean that.
Ifrit: No? Then how about this—Behemoth? The one we knew? He's dead. Rebuilt from the ground up by the higher-ups. The thing walking around now—it's a weapon with his face, not the beast we called brother.
[Leviathan stiffened, silent.]
Ifrit: And Yggdrasil? Gone too. Turned their back on the syndicate. Joined the good side now, apparently. Guess she found her conscience.
Leviathan: …
Ifrit: So yeah. You're right, we're falling apart. But not because we're weak. Because we were built for destruction. Eventually, the pieces just stop fitting together.
[Leviathan looked away, jaw tight.]
Leviathan: Then what now?
Ifrit: We wait. And when the time comes—we choose. Just like they did.
[The silence stretched, heavy with tension and unspoken thoughts. Ifrit leaned forward again, resting his elbows on his knees, his voice quieter now—almost thoughtful.]
Ifrit: You know... lately, I've been bored out of my damn mind in this place.
[Leviathan glanced at him, surprised.]
Leviathan: Bored?
[Ifrit smirked faintly, eyes distant.]
Ifrit: Yeah. I keep cleaning this thing— he tapped the side of his launcher —because it gives me something to do. But truth is, my heart's not in it anymore.
[He paused, fingers drumming on the weapon.]
Ifrit: I've been wanting to get out, do something different. Just disappear, maybe start fresh somewhere else.
Leviathan: Then why don't you?
Ifrit: Because I still got one thing left to do.
His voice darkened slightly, the smirk fading from his lips.
Ifrit: One last debt I owe. After that… maybe I'll finally be free to be bored somewhere else.
[Leviathan stayed silent, watching him carefully.]
Leviathan: Then let's hope you settle it before this whole damn world burns down around us.
[Ifrit gave a tired laugh, slumping back against the wall.]
Ifrit: Yeah. Let's hope.
[A sharp knock echoed against the metal door, followed by a familiar voice—firm and cold.]
Vlad: You two. Office. Now.
[The door opened without waiting for permission. Vlad stepped in, tall and imposing as ever, clad in a long, dark coat that trailed like a shadow behind him. His gaze swept the room, lingering briefly on the rocket launcher beside Ifrit.]
Ifrit: Tch. Right when the conversation was getting good.
[He stood up, lazily slinging the launcher over his back.]
Leviathan: Is this about the recent shift in SoveCle's movement?
Vlad: Among other things.
Ifrit: Let me guess. Another mess to clean up?
Vlad: No. A storm's coming—and we're not the ones who'll be holding the mop this time. But I'll discuss it some other time. For now, the usual cleanup.
[He turned without another word and walked off, his footsteps echoing through the corridor.]
[Leviathan exchanged a look with Ifrit.]
Leviathan: Guess playtime's over.
Ifrit: Was never fun to begin with.
[They both followed Vlad, the quiet weight of something bigger settling over them.]
[Vlad's Office was as unwelcoming as ever—dimly lit, walls lined with hard drives, old documents, and weapons that looked more ceremonial than functional. The only light came from the holographic screen pulsing over his desk.]
[Ifrit and Leviathan stepped in, the air thick with tension.]
[Vlad stood behind his desk, hands clasped behind his back as he stared at a digital map projected in front of him.]
Vlad: I'll keep this brief.
[He turned, eyes sharp like daggers.]
Vlad: There's a turf in Sector 7G, one of our satellite branches. Lately, they've failed three successive requests. Resources vanished, reports falsified, and worst of all—our name was dragged into local investigations.
Leviathan: You want us to clean it up?
Vlad: No. I want you to burn it down.
[He tapped the map, highlighting a red-marked zone blinking erratically.]
Vlad: Every asset, every file, and every face tied to us—gone. If they're too incompetent to serve our name, then they're not worth keeping alive.
[Ifrit raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but curious.]
Ifrit: You're sure you want to make that much noise? The turf's still got ties to SoveCle.
Vlad: Ties don't matter when the leash is broken. They're already a liability.
Leviathan: Understood. Timeline?
Vlad: Tomorrow night. In and out. Leave nothing behind.
[He narrowed his gaze.]
Vlad: This isn't just cleanup. This is a message. If the rest of our branches are growing too comfortable, it's time they remembered who commands from the top.
[Ifrit glanced at Leviathan, a slow grin forming.]
Ifrit: Heh. Guess I won't be bored tomorrow after all.
Vlad: Dismissed. I expect confirmation on the next two days.
[As the two turned to leave, the door slid shut behind them with a soft but ominous hiss.]
[The hallway outside Vlad's office was colder than usual, but not from the air—it was the weight of the order just given.]
[As they walked side by side down the metal corridor, Leviathan's brows furrowed, his voice low.]
Leviathan: There's a village near Sector 7G…
Ifrit: Yeah, I remember. About half a klick east. Quiet place. Farmers, mostly.
Leviathan: They're too close. If we follow Vlad's orders to the letter, there's a real chance they'll get caught in the crossfire.
[Ifrit sighed, cracking his neck.]
Ifrit: Collateral's not our problem. You heard him. 'Leave nothing behind.'
[Leviathan stopped walking for a moment.]
Leviathan: They're not involved. They don't even know who we are. Burning down that place without a plan will make us monsters.
[Ifrit paused too, turning slightly to glance back.]
Ifrit: Levi-cchi... we've always been monsters. Don't pretend our hands were ever clean.
Leviathan: I'm not pretending. But that doesn't mean I want to drown deeper in blood I didn't ask to spill.
Ifrit: ...So what, we go soft? Let the turf slide again? Vlad won't like hesitation.
Leviathan: No. We do the job. But we make sure the village isn't touched. We plan it right.
[Ifrit gave a low grunt, considering it.]
Ifrit: ...Fine. You figure out the path that keeps the sheep safe. But if one of them gets in the way—
Leviathan: "They won't."
[The two kept walking, the tension between orders and conscience quietly simmering beneath their steps.]
[As they continued walking, Leviathan's gaze drifted ahead—but his mind slipped backward, to a moment burned into his memory.]
[A quiet evening on a rooftop bathed in moonlight. The city lights below flickered like fireflies. Beside him stood Yggdrasil, her coat fluttering gently in the breeze, her golden eyes filled with a strange calm.]
Yggdrasil: You know, Levi... people like us don't get redemption handed to us.
Leviathan: Yeah, no kidding. Our hands are soaked. The stains don't wash out.
[Yggdrasil smiled faintly, but there was sadness behind it.]
Yggdrasil: Even so... just because we're monsters doesn't mean we have to keep digging deeper. We can choose where we stop.
Leviathan: Stop and do what? Sit back and watch the world fall apart? You and I know that's not how this ends.
[She looked at him, firm but not cold.]
Yggdrasil: Then be the kind of monster that protects something—anything—before there's nothing left to protect.
[The flash of a lighter clicked in the distance, pulling Leviathan back to the present.]
[He blinked slowly, expression unreadable.]
[Ifrit glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.]
Ifrit: Hey, you spacing out?burning out a cigarette
[Leviathan shook his head slightly, voice quiet.]
Leviathan: Just remembering something someone once told me.
Ifrit: Hope it was useful.
Leviathan: Yeah… it was.
[Reina's Apartment — Night]
[Night had fallen over the city, its hum quieter now, like the world was catching its breath.]
[The door to a modest apartment clicked open.]
[Reina stepped inside, her arms full with plastic bags from the nearby convenience store. The scent of warm taiyaki and canned coffee mingled in the air.]
Reina: I'm back... hope you're still alive in there.
[From the dimly lit living room, a groggy groan answered her.]
[Sera, still in her uniform but now sprawled across the sofa, barely moved. Her arm hung off the edge, a pillow half-squished beneath her head.]
Sera: Barely... Do you know how brutal today was?
[Reina chuckled softly, kicking off her shoes and heading toward the kitchen.]
Reina: You say that every day. And yet, you always survive. I envy you.
[Sera peeked an eye open, sniffing the air.]
Sera: Wait—is that melon bread?
Reina: Three kinds of snacks. I even got those weird cheese fish crackers you pretend not to like.
[Sera sat up slowly, clearly trying to look composed despite the blanket half-draped over her head.]
Sera: I've been craving these for days! Thanks, Sis. smiles
[Reina placed the bags on the table, then flopped down beside her with a soft sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing for the first time that day.]
Reina: It's quiet nights like this that I appreciate. Even if it's only for a moment.
Sera: You think it'll stay quiet for long?
Reina: ...No. But we take what peace we can get, right?
[They both sat in silence for a few seconds, the glow of the television casting soft light across the room as a rerun news report played with the volume low.]
Sera: ...Thanks again, by the way. For the snacks.
Reina: Don't mention it. You'll be buying next time.
Sera: Tch. That's what I get for showing weakness...
[As the two munched lightly on snacks, the mellow silence stretched between them—comfortable, familiar.]
[Sera shifted slightly, lowering the can of coffee she'd just cracked open. Her voice was softer now, thoughtful.]
Sera: Hey... Reina.
[Reina glanced at her with a raised brow, already sensing something behind the tone.]
Sera: Tomorrow... during the training with those four. I'm not saying go easy on them, but maybe... just a bit softer?
[Reina gave her a long look, expression unreadable.]
Reina: ...Soft?
Sera: They've been through a lot. Especially those two—Shirou and Shizuka. They're pushing themselves hard, even if they don't always show it. Just thought… as your sister… I'd ask you to keep that in mind.
[There was a beat of silence. The low hum of the fridge and the muted TV filled the space between words.]
[Reina leaned back, letting her head rest against the back of the sofa, eyes drifting to the ceiling.]
Reina: ...I hear you. I'll think about it.
[Sera smiled faintly, knowing that was as much as she could ask for.]
Sera: You always act tough, but I know you've got a soft side buried somewhere under all that 'Captain' energy.
Reina: I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
[Sera chuckled, sipping her coffee.]
Sera: As expected.
[The warmth between them lingered like the scent of taiyaki and late-night coffee. No more words were needed. Tomorrow would come with its own weight—but for now, they let the night be still.]
[The morning sun broke through the clouds, casting golden streaks across the training grounds. A brisk wind swept across the field as if trying to stir the tired muscles of those who dared show up early.]
[Shirou, Shizuka, Kei, and Mio stood in line, already geared up and stretching quietly. The scent of grass mixed with the faint ozone of early dew.]
[From the distance, heavy boots crunched on gravel.]
[Captain Reina approached, hands behind her back, with Officer Shin and Sera flanking her. Her eyes were sharp as ever, but there was a strange softness just underneath—barely noticeable, but it was there.]
Reina: You're all here early. Good. Means your bodies haven't caught up with your laziness yet.
[Mio muttered under her breath.]
Mio: Here we go again...
Kei: That's her way of saying 'Good job,' I think.
[Shizuka glanced subtly toward Sera, who gave her a tiny wink—like she knew.]
Reina: Today's session is going to focus on adaptability and coordination. You've been learning techniques on your own, but that's nothing without teamwork.
Shirou: Yes, ma'am.
[Reina paused for a second longer than usual, then added—less sharply:]
Reina: ...If you struggle, ask for help. That's what comrades are for. Understand?
[That made them all blink. They didn't expect sympathy from Captain Reina in this situation at all.]
[Mio whispered again.]
Mio: Is she okay?
Kei: Don't jinx it.
[Sera, arms crossed and clearly pleased, stepped forward to assist as Reina gave her a subtle nod.]
[And with that, training began.]
[As the sun dipped low into the horizon, casting long shadows across the training field, the four stood in a loose circle—sweaty, winded, but alive with the burn of effort. The scent of dust, sweat, and fresh-cut grass hung heavy in the air.]
[Reina stood before them once more, clipboard in hand, her expression unreadable.]
Reina: You've all made progress... more than expected. Which is why there's a change in schedule.
[The four looked up, curious—and a bit wary.]
Reina: You're staying overnight.
[A beat passed.]
Kei: Wait—overnight as in, like... camping?
Reina: No tents, no marshmallows. You'll be given quarters inside here, at the facility. There's an additional program starting tomorrow at dawn. Consider this extended training.
Mio: Are you serious?! My muscles are literally crying...
[Shirou wiped sweat from his brow, processing it calmly.]
Shirou: Is it related to what Ryou reported yesterday?
Reina: ...Possibly.
[Shizuka, slightly caught off guard, tried to speak up.]
Shizuka: Do we have time to prepare? Clothes? Gear?
[Sera, stepping in with a kinder tone:]
Sera: We've already arranged what you'll need. You'll be issued temporary training uniforms and essentials. This wasn't sudden for us.
Kei: So we got ambushed, huh...
Mio: Should've known something was off when Reina didn't yell earlier...
[Reina raised a brow.]
Reina: Would you like me to correct that mistake?
Mio: Nope! I'm good. Totally grateful. Let's go!
[The four exchanged tired glances and sighs, but there was a spark of anticipation underneath. Something was coming—and it wasn't just a simple overnight exercise.]
[As they were led toward the dormitory wing of the facility, the sky turned indigo, stars beginning to peek out one by one. The night had only begun.]
[Night blanketed the facility in quiet calm, the usual buzz of city life replaced by the gentle hum of crickets and rustling trees. The facility's lights dimmed slightly, casting a serene glow across the corridors.]
[After escorting them to their assigned rooms, Captain Reina stood at the doorway, arms crossed.]
Reina: That's it for today. You've earned your rest. Be ready before sunrise. You'll need your strength.
[Shirou gave a respectful nod.]
Shirou: Understood, ma'am.
[Kei stretched with a groan.]
Kei: Man, this is brutal. Can't remember the last time I was this wiped out...
[Mio, flopping onto her assigned bunk, face buried in the pillow:]
Mio: I'm not getting up 'til someone physically drags me.
[Shizuka, sitting neatly on her bed with a towel draped over her shoulders, glanced around their temporary quarters.]
Shizuka: It's surprisingly comfortable. Guess they knew we'd be stuck here eventually.
Kei: Still smells like a gym, though.
Reina: Complaints noted. If you have energy to talk, you have energy for more drills.
[Everyone immediately shut up.]
[Reina smirked faintly before stepping back.]
Reina: Lights out by 22:00. No wandering. Good night.
[With that, the door clicked shut, leaving the four in peace.]
[A short silence passed before Kei broke it with a yawn.]
Kei: So... who's betting tomorrow is gonna be hell?
Mio: Hell with extra cardio.
[Shirou leaned back, arms behind his head, watching the ceiling.]
Shirou: Whatever it is, it's probably connected to everything that's been happening lately...
Shizuka: Yeah... It feels like something's building up.
[Their words faded into soft, tired breaths as they each slowly settled. One by one, their eyes drifted shut, the weight of the day dragging them into sleep.]
[Beyond the walls, the moon rose high—watching, silent and silver—over a city hiding secrets in every shadow.]
[The moon hung high, veiled behind faint wisps of clouds, casting a silvery glow across the empty campus grounds. Most of the lights inside the facility were off, save for a soft one glowing near the security post. The air was calm, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees.]
[Near the parking lot, Captain Reina stood beside her motorcycle, arms crossed, helmet in one hand. Officer Sera approached her quietly, sipping from a canned coffee she got from the vending machine.]
Sera: They're finally asleep. Even Kei shut up for once.
[Reina let out a soft chuckle.]
Reina: Good. They're going to need the rest. Tomorrow's not going to be easier.
[Sera leaned against the nearby railing, her eyes looking up at the stars.]
Sera: You planning to keep pushing them like this?
Reina: You said it yourself, didn't you? They're involved in something bigger. We can't afford to let them stay soft.
[A brief silence followed. The sound of wind rustling through leaves filled the gap.]
Sera: ...Still, I just wish there was a way to protect them from what's coming. They're still young. Especially Shirou and Shizuka.
Reina: They're stronger than you think. And maybe... stronger than they think.
[Sera took a slow sip, thoughtful.]
Sera: Do you ever get tired of this?
Reina: sighing Sometimes. But I'd rather be the one tired than have blood on their hands because I didn't train them well enough.
[Sera looked down, then gave a slow nod.]
Sera: You sound like a proper captain now.
Reina: half-smiling Maybe I'm finally getting used to the title.
Sera: Let's just hope it's not too late for all of us.
[As Reina and Sera stepped out and gently closed the office door behind them, the sudden shrill ring of the dialer cut through the quiet night air, echoing sharply in the empty room.]
[The sound was jarring—too urgent to ignore.]
[Inside, the receiver vibrated insistently, waiting for someone to answer.]
[The piercing ring echoed through the empty office, relentless and urgent.]
[Without hesitation, Officer Sera stepped back inside and snatched up the receiver.]
Sera: This is Officer Sera from the Investigation Office Unit, speaking. Go ahead.
[Her voice was steady but alert, sensing the gravity behind the call.]
[A tense voice crackled through the receiver, hurried and urgent.]
Deputy: Deputy Gotou from Katöf Village under Katöf Bridge. We've got a gunfight breaking out in Sector 7G. Situation's escalating fast. We're requesting immediate backup. Need reinforcements ASAP.
[Sera's eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on the receiver.]
Sera: Copy that, Deputy Gotou. Sending support right away. Hold your position and keep your team safe.
Sera: Captain, we have an emergency call from Katöf Village. Gunfight in Sector 7G. They're requesting immediate backup.
[Reina's eyes widened, a flicker of alarm flashing across her face.]
Reina: It's already too late... Everyone else has already left the office except us.
[She quickly glanced at the clock, then back at Sera.]
Reina: We don't have time to mobilize either, tell him to call other stations to assist. We'll also help.
[Without hesitation, Reina grabbed her jacket and reached for her radio.]
[Reina paused for a moment, her mind racing. Then, a determined look settled on her face.]
Reina: Wait—!
[Before Sera could reply to the Deputy, she stops at Reina's command.]
Reina: I have an idea. We might not have enough officers here, but we can call the trainees. They're ready and nearby.
Sera: softly No... Maybe it's exactly what we need.
[She glanced at Reina, trusting her judgment.]
[Sera tightened her grip on the receiver and spoke firmly into it.]
Sera: Deputy Gotou, we're mobilizing now. Backup is on the way—expect our arrival ASAP. Hold your position and stay safe. And call other stations while you can.
[She ended the call and turned to Reina.]
Sera: Let's get the others ready. Time's not on our side.