4 April, Shinku 19—otherwise, AD 2072.
0922.
Aboard the Kazuiu racing across the Shin-Sannomiya Tokyo Line.
The scenery outside the window slowly began to focus within Sonoka’s vision. She could tell that the Kazuiu was pulling into the Sannomiya Station as she closed her eyes to focus her mind. She waited patiently for the train to stop vibrating and when it did, immediately straightened her black military-style school uniform—modified to accommodate a black hakama—and extricated herself from her seat. Moving to exit the lavishly decorated car, a voice from behind her drawled in a relaxed manner, “Would it hurt not to relax yourself for a bit longer? You didn’t have to get up right away.”
“Surely you jest, Ayato. As student representatives, we should always strive to be punctual—nay, earlier than punctual. This much is expected from me.”
“Yes, yes, of course, it is as you say, oh great Saintess.” At that, Sonoka shot him a disapproving glare (well, as much of a disapproving glare as her expressionless visage could convey) and Ayato held up his hands in surrender; however, his expression did not imply that he was sorry for the verbal jab. She sighed under her breath as she held her prized katana at her side before exiting the train. Of course, as expected of a student of her station, the accompanying couriers had already gotten to work, escorting both Sonoka and Ayato down the train’s steps and onto the platform. Sonoka thanked the workers who all bowed before returning to attention and saluting. “No matter how many times I see it, you really do command such majesty. Should I start calling you ‘Princess Imperial?’”
Sonoka adjusted her uniform’s collar, a habit she gained displaying her internal turmoil. “Stop it. They’re merely showing their respect to us. Besides, it would hardly be respectful for me to assume such a title. I am not the Lady Kanayoshi, the actual princess imperial.”
“Right, right, that is the cover story, isn’t it?”
“Ayato, you should know better than anyone that there is a reason for this.”
“Of course, of course.”
“Besides, they are saluting to you as well—isn’t that right, Substitute Head Student Representative of Tokyo-san?”
“Ugh, stop it, you know I hate being referred to by the full title.”
“Get used to it. After all, we’re here to attend the Defense Liaison Conference.”
“What a slag of a meeting…” Ayato mumbled as he pocketed his hands into his military-grade black pants. He glanced at the decorated blade resting at Sonoka’s waist, asking, “Don’t you get tired from having your Second Substantiation active at all times?”
“It makes for excellent training for my Qualidea if I could be biased to my own experience,” Sonoka replied. “You should try it too.”
“Nah, I’m good. I’m pretty proud of my Psion reserves so I could probably manage somewhat but yours is on a different planet entirely. Where exactly do you store these ludicrous amounts?” He shrugged affectedly before his gaze settled on Sonoka’s chest. To say there was nothing there… was a lie but there certainly wasn’t much.
“I’m going to kill you.”
“I didn’t even say anything!” Ayato laughed as he looked away. Yeah, definitely not in there (lol).
“That’s enough clowning around, Ayato-dono.” A cold voice from behind threatened to slice through the offending young man and Ayato exaggeratedly threw up his hands in surrender. The girl, whose face was hidden from view by a black veil yet had unmistakably blonde locks peeking through the fabric, approached the pair, hoisting a decorated parasol.
“Aaaaaand here comes another serious one.”
“The fact that you aren’t is an embarrassment, Ayato-san,” the fourth representative—that is, Sonoka’s twin, Chidori—interjected. “We have the school’s honor and title as the strongest Academy to defend.”
“Yeah, yeah, I just have to invoke my Second Substantiation?” What a drag. While it was indeed a pain in the ass, Ayato found no good reason not to follow his friends as he too was proud of the fact that he was attending Tokyo Preparatory Academy, the undisputed mightiest of the three Academies. As such, he muttered, “Second Substantiation—Binary Phase: Nigen’isou.” Quietly clapping his hands together, he opened them up, and in between, grew two blades. Grasping them before they fell to the ground, he mounted them to his waist where a set of fittings that weren’t there before had appeared in conjunction with his blades.
It was at this point that the four students arrived at a security checkpoint in front of a pair of escalators that would bring them to Hotel Renascentia, an extravagant five-star post-modern-apocalypse establishment that both serves as a luxury hotel as well as the main office headquarters of the South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference. For most of the year, the hotel was empty; it was only during the biannual meetings of the Defense Liaison Conference that there is activity. This checkpoint the four students were standing in front of was the only way in and out of the Greater Sannomiya Complex—there is no other entrance as there was nothing in the plans for such when this construction project was naught but schematics and blueprints (there are, of course, multiple emergency exits but they are designed to be impossible to access from outside).
The officer manning the checkpoint saluted Ayato and Sonoka—the leading pair—before the two stepped into a glass box where they were then subsequently scanned. Sonoka moved excess hair away from her neck to give the scanner access to her Code, implanted on her nape—Ayato, meanwhile, simply stood up straight as his impeccable cut left no loose strands to interfere with his (except for his school uniform’s high collar but that is a non-issue). After the scan was completed, the two’s profiles were displayed on the screen—personal data recorded on their Codes, including identification numbers and photographs, their names, their registered epithets, their current rankings—both internal and overall—their Qualideas, their Qualidea Suppression Percentages, contact information—both personal information and emergency contacts—and short detailed assessments of the identified persons. After checking that everything was correct, the officer saluted. “Thanks again for your service, Ayato-kun, Lady Sonoka. I hear you two took care of another case on your way here.”
“But of course, Sir. It is only through your grueling efforts that we students in the combat curriculum can focus solely on the eradication of those accursed Honkai.”
“It is as Ayato says. We are always reassured to have such dependable adults managing the background.”
“Yet, regardless of that, you never manage to be late. Your meeting is at 0930 and despite spending the time to deal with a disturbance, you’ve made it here five minutes prior.”
“If anything, I am more than a little disappointed that we’ve made it that close.”
“Look on the bright side—at least, we’re not late.”
“As always, you two are harmonious. Well, Ayato-kun, have you made any progress?”
As the security officer grinned cheekily, Ayato responded with his own smug smirk. “Oh, yes, her lips are qui—”
“That’s enough,” Sonoka cut Ayato off with a sharp stab with the pommel of her blade into his side before she huffed away, her gait slightly faster than usual. “Gossip is a fine way to destress but please don’t use me as your material.”
The officer said nothing further but internally smiled as he spied a healthy light flushing across Sonoka’s cheeks. As always, there is no one more fit for Lady Sonoka than Ayato-kun. I’m glad that she has found an ideal partner.
The proceedings for the pair behind them finished smoothly and all four began ascending the escalator together. The young lady with the parasol inquired, “You don’t suppose you know what’s on the itinerary for this meeting’s discourse, President?”
“Hmm. If memory serves, the first point of discussion is a review of the current overall rankings.”
Ayato chortled, “Pfft, as if there would be any changes. If there were, it’d be all over Eclipser by now. The Round Table changing seats is big enough to be historic.”
“If you mean the upper half, then yes,” the parasol girl replied. “The lower half has a higher tendency to switch hands. After all, the power gap between us and them widens, albeit not by that much. I, the Seventh Seat, and you, the Eighth Seat, are the closest to reaching President and Vice-President in the upper ranks.”
“Let us not discount the Ninth Seat—while she still requires further refinement, she possesses the talent to rise and become a higher Seatholder,” Chidori, the named holder of the Eighth Seat, suggested.
“Ho? Who do you suggest give up their Seat?”
“Why, it would be you, of course.”
“Oh, please, you have yet to best me once in a sanctioned duel. Why do you think I am the Seventh Seat while you are the Eighth Seat?”
“Alright, alright, that’s enough, you two. My head hurts already without you two being at each other’s throats.”
“I will serve as referee in a mock duel once we finish today’s meeting—please, do leave your differences at the foot of this escalator. Besides, for you to enter the first half of the Round Table, you’d have to defeat Sir Seraphiel or Saori the Adjudicator.”
The two girls glared at each other but conceded to Ayato and Sonoka’s requests. The timing was rather perfect, as they now approached the sliding glass entrance. Hotel Renascentia’s lobby was impeccably decorated with the most priceless of commodities, including antiques that have survived the Fall, “antiques” of items created in the fifty-some years since, and contemporary decorations—all of which combined to paint an ambiance that made even those with no interest in art enthralled. Of course, outliers still exist, usually in the form of Ayato Yamaki who does appreciate the installations but has relatively little attraction past that. Said nonappreciating student quipped, “As always, I kinda feel sorry for the staff who have to run around like crazy to accommodate us.”
The blonde girl shrugged. “Well, they’re excited to greet us? I mean, this establishment is more or less a ghost town for most of the year—the only ‘work’ they get to do is when we’re here for our biannual meetings.”
“The entire top floor is rearranged completely too. Did they include that overly excessive ‘mode switch’ in the plans, Aneue?”
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“Chairman Amatsuki has told me that it was. While it is indeed unnecessarily large, it was to accommodate all of us and all those massive computer monitors. Truly a luxury high-rise penthouse apartment exclusively for us.”
“My favorite part has got to be that rooftop garden. It’s the only part of the top floor to actually be open to the outside in both modes—if memory serves, the garden is connected to the Tsukuyomi Suite?”
“I agree. Can you believe all that room on the top floor is just for two suites?” Ayato replied to his blonde classmate, approving of her tastes. He then approached the retinal scanner where the system registered him as someone with permission to use the express elevator before the doors opened and he stepped inside. Everyone after him followed suit as despite the doors being open, there was a Psion barrier that would stop anyone from attempting to enter without having had their biometrics thoroughly checked beforehand. “This elevator too. It’s high-tech—crazy awesome.”
“It’s thanks to us that this was built quickly in so little time. We get some pretty big bonuses for our help too. After all, this view is spectacular no matter how many times I see it.” Outside the now-transparent elevator shaft as indicated by the parasol-hoisting girl, a panoramic scene of the crystal clear water of the Tokyo Bay showed itself to the four students. The four sighed in unison as they all unanimously agreed to enjoy the view, with the calming music playing further enhancing the experience. The idyllic trip up the skyscraper slowed to a stop as a ping announced their arrival on the top floor. When the steel doors opened, a glass canopy greeted them while slightly further down the open corridor, were the three seating areas for the conference meeting.
“Would you look at that, the others are here already.”
“About time~! I thought you weren’t going to come today!” A peppy voice shouted at them from one of the three seating areas. The bearer of the voice then proceeded to leave their seat and merrily make their way over. The speaker was dressed smartly, in a chokingly formal-wear modified version of the standard school uniform of Chiba Preparatory Academy. Gold buttons decorated the front with other gold embellishments enhancing the uniform elsewhere, physical proof of their many merits. Their usually-closed eyes opened to reveal a piercing serpentine gold; despite knowing that he could cancel out the power of those eyes, Ayato still instinctively felt himself tensing up as the student made a beeline for him. “Ya-ho, Ayato-kun! Whoa, did you pack on more muscle over the last six months!?”
“Erm, I wouldn’t think so,” Ayato replied, barely stopping himself from stammering. The smartly dressed girl—or well, person—in front of him was Kaoruko Himeno, incumbent student body president and Head Student Representative of Chiba Prefecture. While Kaoruko’s data in the system lists their gender as “male,” they speak and act like a woman, their feminine body shape further accentuating that image. Kaoruko is quite talkative and has told everyone about their strange physiology—“intersex” is the best way to describe them as they developed atypical sexual organs and personality traits due to a certain genetic anomaly at birth. Despite their unique bodily traits, Kaoruko has no problem fitting in. Case in point—now.
“You sure? You seem bulkier...” Kaoruko started feeling up Ayato’s arm, trying to gauge his muscle mass. “Hmm... Yeah, you seem to have a bit more muscle! Man, you’re so hot! Please take me!” Kaoruko threw their arms around Ayato’s neck and moved to kiss him but—
“I would appreciate it if you would keep away from my partner.” Sonoka’s sharp voice cut through the romantic air as she jabbed the pommel of her blade into Kaoruko’s chin, knocking their head back.
Of course, Kaoruko was quick to let go, backflipping before they were struck by the pommel and cackling, after closing their eyes, “Aha, good to see you too, Sword Saintess-sama. What’s wrong—you seem extra grouchy today.”
“Realize that this is all your fault, Chiba Head Representative Kaoruko-dono.”
“Ouch, so prickly! Loosen up, Sono-chii!”
“If y’all are done with flirting over there, then get over here already!” hollered a spirited voice. “Meeting’s not gonna start if you nutjobs aren’t in place~”
“Shut it, Seraphiel,” Ayato retorted. “Don’t deny that you enjoy being in the peanut gallery.”
“Mmn, that’s true… It takes a nutjob to know one~”
“Dude, you wanna go!?”
“Sure, why not? A little exercise never hurt anyone~” The egging student stood up from his seat and began stretching, his Psionic output elevating. In response, Ayato too began emitting his own as he stormed over to the conference table, hand on his blade ready to draw at a moment’s notice.
“Alright, you two, settle down or I’ll tack on one thousand demerits each to your tabs.” A severe voice cut into the room, the force of which had Ayato and the student he was arguing with return to a resting state. Wordlessly, everyone present seated themselves and turned their attention to the three massive floating air windows above them as they relaxed themselves. Immediately, they were waited on by three maids, who brought work implements such as pen and paper, and refreshments. “Right on schedule. In that case, let’s begin the one hundred and thirteenth South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference.”
Here, at this meeting, assembled the twelve knights who hold seats in the Round Table Conference Commission.
The venerable First Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Arthur—the Saintess of Clockworks, Sonoka Tenkawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Time.
The all-shaking Second Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Galahad—Apollyon, Saiki Tokiyo, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Annihilation.
The inquisitive Third Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Lancelot—Mockingbird, Ayato Yamaki, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Imitation.
The coiling Fourth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Gaheris—Essence of Serpent, Kaoruko Himeno, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Corruption.
The untameable Fifth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Agravain—Adjudicator, Saori Furukawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Binding.
The luminescent Sixth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Palamades—Seraphiel, Kagemori Kirigiri, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Light.
The gravitating Seventh Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Gawain—Pressure Tempest, Mirabelle Trezequet, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Force.
The shapeshifting Eighth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Ywain—Medium of Celestials, Chidori Tenkawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of the Zodiac.
The elementalist Ninth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Percival—Nuclear Blademaster, Azumi Higashikuni, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Elements.
The storming Tenth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Tristan—Atmospheric Spiral, Hajime Wakaizumi, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Winds.
The freezing Eleventh Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Gaheris—Icicle Lancer, Banri Yuizaki, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Ice.
The fiery Twelfth Seat—who goes by the alias of Sir Dynadan—Heat Haze, Kazunari Zaizen, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Flame.
───── ??☆?? ─────
“While we have yet only a single example to choose from, should we change the format of the Star Warrior Festivals as suggested by our constituents?”
“I’ll go ahead and display it on the screen—the results of the poll taken over the course of the last week. As you can see—” All those present laid their eyes upon a pie chart titled ‘General Opinions of the Star Warrior Festival, Its Management, and Future Events.’ An overwhelming majority—97% of those who took the survey—were satisfied with the Star Warrior Festival and were eager to see more. “There are some opinions on how to better manage the festival proper but many are immensely satisfied with the event itself and would like to see more.”
Chairman Amatsuki nodded at his deputy’s analysis, adding, “In that case, we should keep it as is. This year will mark the second season and the second Binary Star Festival—speaking of such, the survey also wants to make the Festival a semiannual event.”
Sonoka crossed her arms as she quickly perused the data shown to her at this current time and internally reviewed the meeting’s progress since the beginning.
The conference started as normal with updates on the seatholders of the Round Table Conference Commission (there weren’t any, of course, although Atmospheric Spiral and Icicle Lancer had swapped seats once again) and an overview on the number of merits held by the Round Table. As its head, Sonoka ranked first within her own school and the overall rankings while possessing a truly unrivaled amount of merits, totalling 12,070,000. Far and away were the second and third in line with Saiki Tokiyo having 986,865 and Ayato Yamaki having 985,500 followed by Kaoruko Himeno’s 966,669, Saori Furukawa’s 960,800, Kagemori Kirigiri’s 948,480, Mirabelle Trezequet’s 945,070, Chidori Tenkawa’s 944,900, Azumi Higashikuni’s 942,600, Hajime Wakaizumi’s 930,050, Banri Yuizaki’s 923,200, and Kazunari Zaizen’s 919,750.
After the merit count review, the overall standings of the three schools of the Academy superproject were revealed with no changes as Tokyo has always pulled ahead. Forecasts of future Honkai invasions based on careful pattern analysis of previous invasion frequency were discussed before moving on to the most important item on the menu, the evaluation of the Star Warrior Festival’s performance and whether or not to continue the “experiment"—as it was considered when the idea was first suggested. Uncrossing her arms, Sonoka gave her opinion. “I oppose the suggestion. The Star Warrior Festival is an event where one demonstrates their martial prowess. Rather than change the format to something our students are unfamiliar with, it should be kept as fixed as possible to keep the event’s goal unchanged—that is, the showcase of individual students’ martial prowesses.”
“I concur,” Kaoruko added. “‘Sides, there’s the cultural festival if you miss out or don’t qualify. It holds smaller events for those people. Of course, there’s still some regulations to prevent unsolicited duels but they should behave until the next Star Warrior Festival. Holding such festivities too often would detract from our main goal of annihilating the Honkai.”
“Hmm, what do you say, Chairman?”
“If both Saintess of Clockworks and Essence of Serpent object, then I see no problem but... Tsuguko, can’t you call me ‘Dear’ as you always do?”
“Chairman, as I’ve told you multiple times, we are on record. Such affectionate language has no place in this conference.”
“Ah, there they go again,” Ayato muttered under his breath. It was a well-known fact that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairwoman are husband and wife and that Chairman Suenaga Amatsuki is exceedingly affectionate towards his spouse—by contrast, Deputy Chairwoman Tsuguko Amatsuki was rarely seen being affectionate towards her spouse in public (of course, it’s an open secret that she is affectionate behind closed doors). Before it got worse, Ayato cut in, “Chairman, what of this issue here?” He created a small shadow of a finger and manipulated it to circle a section of the survey that interested him.
“Ah, the concern about how the competition would be uninteresting if the Round Table participates? Hmm. That cannot be addressed so simply.”
“Mm, that’s just how things are~ As much fun as it’d be to join in alongside our juniors, it’d be more akin to us trampling upon them as if mere gravel and pebble, no?”
“‘Mere gravel to tread upon,’ you say? In that case, do me the honor of being my path... Oh wait, you’re hardly one at all, Sixth Seat.”
“Bold words for a mere copycat~ Perhaps I should take that Third Seat for myself after all…”
Once again, Ayato and the head Kanagawa representative raised their hackles, the pressure from their respective Psionic reserves rattling the teacups on the tables. Both reached for their signature weapons—Ayato for his katana at his waist and the head Kanagawa representative for the intricate golden halberd laying at his side—and were about to leave their seats when a sudden blast from the middle of their assembly stayed their hands. The maids quickly retrieved the disturbed teacups before they shattered against the floor and the clear glass canopy above them creaked under the pressure of the Round Table’s strongest—the First Seat, Sonoka Tenkawa. “You two... I am sure I do not need to remind you about what would happen if you draw blades here, yes?”
Having been interrupted from her reverie to give her opinion concerning the immense gap in power levels in those participating in the Star Warrior Festivals, Sonoka opened her eyes, revealing that both of her irides had morphed into clockfaces—one ticking forward, one ticking backward. She had also raised her sword from where she was resting it in her lap and thumbed the tsuba, indicating her intent to draw if necessary.
“—Be glad that you’ll keep your place, Sixth Seat.”
“Mmm, alright. Just remember; your days are numbered, Third Seat~”
“Hah, then come! You have yet to defeat me in an official duel.”
“Simply because I felt it was too early to hand you a thrashing~.”
With those verbal jabs, both boys settled down—seeing this, Sonoka too closed her eyes, returning them to normal. The pressure emanating from the strongest Arbiter also passed with the maids returning to their waiting duties. This earned a whistle of appreciation from Chairman Amatsuki. “Well, well, to think I would bear witness to Chronos Lock: Continuance Inversion outside of battle. I see that this conference will never fail to amuse. Now, moving on—judging from your reactions, I will assume we will do nothing concerning the leveling of the playing field between contestants in the Star Warrior Festivals, correct?”
Sonoka gave voice to her proposal. “If I may, Chairman Amatsuki, should we consider the application of Qualidea Suppression measures?”
“Hmm.”
Kaoruko chimed in, “I second that suggestion. We could also consider banning the use of Second Substantiations—barring Illumina—and above.”
Nodding, Sonoka added, “A reasonable measure would be half-strength—50% suppression for those in the Round Table. Perhaps 25% suppression for Round Table Candidates, although I will leave it to the discretion of the planning committee as some candidates do not require such measures, relatively speaking.”
Sonoka’s secretary, the blonde parasol-toting classmate Mirabelle Trezequet, added, “Although in your case specifically, Sonoka-san, we would likely have to implement a 75% suppression.”
Kagemori shrugged, choosing to ignore the additional suppression conditions for Sonoka (although he personally agreed with it), before saying his piece. “75%... Yeah, that should be enough for her~ Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ve got a successor in line yet; it’s hard finding a worthy candidate in this day and age, y’see. Whole lotta potential… perhaps, but I’ve yet to find anyone who blooms quite as magnificently as Nacht and I~”
Ayato snickered, “I would be interested in whoever would claim your Sixth Seat after our graduation—after all, I’m sure no one wants it.”
“Kagemori, Ayato, restrain yourselves. This isn’t the time or place to—hmm?” Sonoka cut herself off as she whirled around to glare at her left (as much as she could with her closed eyes).
“What seems to be the mat—?”
The imposing cacophony of emergency sirens interrupted the Chairman. “Emergency alert. The appearance of an Upper Construct has been detected above the southern waters, five kilometers east of the Tokyo Bay Gate. The three schools of the defense cities, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba, are to intercept at once. Repeat: the appearance of an Upper Construct has been detected above the southern waters, five kilometers east of the Tokyo Bay Gate. The three schools—”
“As expected. I felt a vibration from the prison around the Gate. It must have been set off.”
“To think you’d detect an incursion before the emergency alert system does... As expected of the Saintess of Clockworks. In that case, we have discussed the majority of the important items on the itinerary. Let us adjourn for the day. Head Student Representatives Sonoka Tenkawa, Kaoruko Himeno, and Kagemori Kirigiri—in my capacity as Chairman of the South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference, I order an emergency deployment. I allow you to act as the vanguard, however, I will have you arrange for a deployment of your forces from your respective schools. Disobedience will lead to a mountain of demerits. Is that understood, Ayato?”
“Me? Why’d you single me out?”
Kaoruko laughed, “You’re a repeat offender, Ayato-kun! I mean, I guess it’s Sono-chii’s fault too for listening to you but still!”
“I merely felt like ordering an unnecessary deployment was a waste of time—albeit, this time, I must concede with the directive. An Upper Construct is difficult enough to defeat on our own and we do not yet know if it is acting alone or in a group. Chairman, allow me to spearhead the vanguard.” Sonoka did not wait for a reply as she drew her sword and deployed it in Real Form before approaching the edge of the building and jumping off. Almost immediately, she vanished as she bounded through the air toward the direction of the detected invasion.
“—And off she goes!” Kaoruko drawled, their hand on their forehead as they stared at her shrinking back. “Sono-chii’s too diligent—she’s already deployed her Illumina’s Real Form! She got too much of a head start!”
“That’s the Uncrowned Undefeated Empress for you~ Well, guess I shouldn’t fall behind—Nacht! Hold the fort for me; I shan’t be but a moment~” Addressing Tokiyo, Kagemori casually rushed to the building’s edge and vaulted off the railings—fading into light and rushing forth as a single streamlined flash illuminating the morning.
“Damn showoff.”
“Now, now, depending on how many came through, we’d have some fun too. Stop moping, Ayato-kun, and get going!”
“Sure, I guess.”