SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 19) Battle Tactics.

In the back of a spacious and luxurious limousine, five students found themselves engaged in a spirited argument with one another. Their voices filled the air with disagreement, rendering the words they exchanged incomprehensible to anyone within earshot. The heated debate raged on, each student fervently expressing their viewpoints, creating a lively and somewhat chaotic scene within the confines of the elegant vehicle.

KDN: We can settle this outside if you want!
DMC: You may be ever-evolving, but damn you're dumb!
VCT: Guys, please don't scream.
SLV: Yo Sebastian! Wanna bet on who wins?!
SBT: I'm always down for some betting.
SLV: No using your technique tho! That's cheating!
SBT: And so is yours, cheat.
ORN: Silence!

Sir Orion, their imposing and authoritative director, raised his voice abruptly, a sudden and unexpected outburst that had the immediate effect of silencing the bickering students. His assistant, who was seated right beside him, visibly trembled, clearly affected by the force and volume of his voice. The students, previously engaged in a spirited exchange of words, were taken aback by this unexpected interruption, their voices hushed as they turned their attention to the source of the stern reprimand.

ORN: Finally some peace and quiet.
KDN: That says a lot coming from you.
SLV: Pff! Kaden, stop before you make him mad!
VCT: I'm getting a bad feeling about this.
DMC: Don't get it, he deserves being humbled.
SBT: Awh, I wanted to bet on a fight...
ASR: Please listen to him, Sir wants to tell you something.
ALL: (So cute!)

Every single one of the students promptly ceased their chatter and assumed attentive postures, fully prepared to absorb every word that would soon emanate from Sir Orion's lips. Astrid's plea, coupled with her endearing and charming expression, had proven to be a persuasive combination, swaying their collective resolve to lend their ears.

ORN: As I've told you before, this years' skirmish will be an open battle where the teams are randomized. That means you'll have to fight alongside other hunters from Tokyo.
KDN: Fight alongside them?! Ugh, so annoying!
SLV: Same reaction over here too.
ORN: But that's where you're wrong, because I'm not asking you to fight alongside them.
DMC: What do you mean, Sir?
ORN: The five of you will steal the spotlight and decimate your opponents solo!
SBT: Sounds like a plan.
SLV: (Hope I get the same team as Mori Kenzo, so I can show him how strong I am!)

Victor, his attention fully engaged, subtly redirects his gaze in the direction of Sylvia. At this particular moment, Sylvia appears to be quite noticeably flustered, her complexion having taken on a distinct and rather intense shade of crimson.

VCT: Sylvia, are you daydreaming again..?
SLV: What?! When have I done that?!
VCT: You've been very excited for the skirmish as of late.
SLV: No, I haven't!
VCT: So much so that last night I could hear you mumbling a guy's name through the wall.
SBT: Sounds like Sylvia's got a crush.
DMC: Bout' time she did.
KDN: Not surprised.
SLV: This can't be happening right now! I hate all of you!

Sylvia, overcome with a blend of embarrassment and emotion, swiftly raises her hands to conceal her expression and then pivots away from the group to shield her feelings from prying eyes. Meanwhile, the rest of the group persists in their ongoing conversation, seemingly oblivious to her need for a moment of privacy to collect herself.

DMC: I'll take it none of you got any plans for tomorrow?
KDN: To be honest, I can't think of anything I gotta be prepared for.
SBT: Is there even someone on Tokyos' roster that is a threat?
DMC: Can't think of anyone, then again, I haven't looked into them at all so who knows.
VCT: I've looked into them.
SBT: Victor! Our smart junior! Tell us what you know!
KDN: We're all ears, kid.
DMC: Quit calling him kid. He's just one year younger than you.
KDN: Whatever, continue Victor.
VCT: Right, so the first person we have to be careful of is their strongest second-year, Mori Kenzo.
SBT: What makes him special?
VCT: His technique allows him to use the chaos in the world to activate different casts.
KDN: Why does everybody has to have a complicated technique?!
DMC: Calm it, Kaden.
VCT: Next up is the two first-year prospects, Arthur Shizora and Ezra Hale.
KDN: I've heard about the Shizora kid. People say he's got potential!
SBT: We can't underestimate none of them, y'know?
VCT: And last but not least, the vessel of despair, Lucas Beckett. In the worst case scenario, whoever is close to him when the devil takes control is done for since I doubt any of our masters can arrive in time.
SBT: What about that one first-year who managed to cast a zone?
VCT: She's been hospitalized and won't attend the skirmish.
SBT: Tough, I was hoping I could face her and see if she lives up to the hype.
DMC: You can't cast your own zone, what makes you think you'd win?
SBT: I'm just lucky sometimes.
KDN: There he starts again with those corny one-liners.

The lively conversation that had been unfolding among the group of four was abruptly brought to a halt, replaced by a rather unexpected interruption in the form of persistent snoring. Startled by the sudden noise, all four of them instinctively turned their heads to investigate the source, only to discover the rather comical sight of Sir Orion, their esteemed mentor, reclined comfortably in Astrid's lap, completely engulfed in a deep and undisturbed slumber.

ASR: Please don't make too much noise.

With a captivatingly adorable expression on her face, Astrid earnestly pleads for a favor that tugs at the heartstrings of the young men, leaving them with no option but to agree. The entire group of five students settles comfortably into their seats, surrendering to the allure of a brief respite as they close their eyes and drift into a peaceful slumber, an effort to replenish their energy in preparation for the impending significant day that awaits them on the morrow.

End of Chapter 19
"Battle Tactics"

[ Osaka is ready for battle. ]