Pilot and Angels

Chapter 29: Spelunkers

By the time you returned to Schale's office, it was a late afternoon. After reaching a consensus with the two, the dungeon (read: ruins) diving will be held tomorrow. Together with the other Pilots. 

Discreetly.

Turns out, the Millennium also barred access to the ruins, not just the General Student Council. However, with her gone, the security forces she posted there were withdrawn from the scene. Or so Veritas, a group of... uh... unique students based in Millennium, said. You acquainted yourself with them briefly, but you can't help but feel a tad bit uneasy with one of them.

Himari, the ex-leader of Veritas. Although she was assigned to another department now, she was still quite close with Veritas' members. She was in a wheelchair, though she was anything but frail. As you locked eyes with her, it felt as if she could... peer through you.

At any rate, you shook away the thoughts in an instant. To them, you might as well be someone with a blank canvas, someone with no prior history here. But... rather than a blank one, you were more of a... fully blotted canvas. Not that they would know.

You opened the door to your office. "I'm back..." You muttered as it slowly became a habit of yours.

"Oh, welcome back, Sensei." A familiar voice rang out, causing you to look toward the source. Your eyes widened but quickly relaxed as you saw who was present. There she was, her silvery-white hair adorned with the black ribbons you gave her. A silent delight spread through your face as you gazed upon her.

Though what she was doing was concerning in itself. She was placing a few stacks of documents on your table. Dread, knowing what was happening. She faced toward you, her visage laced with a tinge of irritation. "Hello, Iori. May I ask what are you doing?"

"Tsk, Arona said you were slacking off again." She clicked her tongue in annoyance as she crossed her arms. "No... I was doing some on-site work." You said, a partial truth to your statement. Yes, you were doing some on-site work. But the work involved strolling around in the Millennium Academy and taking in the sight- ahem, studying the details of their precise works.

An important work, that was for sure.

"Hey, you're making excuses again! Quickly do your work, already!" She berated you, while at the same time urging you to finish your unfinished business. Despite her harsh tone, her words still brought relief and stillness to you as you let out a chuckle. "As you wish, Milady."

"S-Sensei!" She stuttered as she turned crimson at the simple nickname. You softly smiled as you took a seat and began your work, signing off on the papers and inspecting the details written there. You could hear her grumble, before sighing as she took a seat beside you. "I told you to not slack off."

"Yes... you also told me that you would always watch me."

"Y-You! Stupid! I told you to forget that!" She elbowed you roughly, causing you to flinch as you laughed. You wondered where did she get all the energy to be that excitable. You returned your focus to your work as she sighed exasperatedly.