[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 66 - Reality

[Someone's Point of View]

The serene rhythm of the sea was abruptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on the sand. A voice broke the tranquility.

"Hm... interesting," she murmured, approaching the figure lying motionless on the shore.

She crouched down, gently shaking his shoulder.

"Not good... he's not responding..." She pressed her fingers to his neck, searching for a pulse. "He's not dead yet his pulse is weak."

"He is also surrounded by Honkai energy... Who is he..?" she mused aloud, studying the boy lying on the shore.

Just then, a few Honkai beasts emerged from the shadows, one by one.

"Hm... I could leave him here, but then again... he's interesting," she muttered to herself, casting a glance at the unconscious figure before turning her attention to the approaching beasts. "I'll finish this... in one cut."

With a determined grip on the handle of her katana, she assessed the enemies before her. "There are 5 Seraph-Class and 3 Chariot-Class," she noted calmly.

Taking a deep breath, she assumed a ready stance. In the blink of an eye, she moved with a blinking speed, her blade slicing through the air.

As she stood up straight, she glanced back at the man on the shore. Behind her, the eight Honkai beasts fell to the ground, reduced to ashes.

"Now then... where was I...? Ahh yes..." She glanced down at the boy and gently lifted him, letting his arm drape over her shoulder for support. "For now... Maybe it's best to give him shelter."

[Switching to his point of view.]

"Where am I?" I blinked, slowly lifting my head. "Classroom?" I rubbed my eyes and scanned the familiar surroundings. "This is... St. Freya."

Standing up, I made my way to the window, the cool breeze brushing against my skin as I watched the sun setting in the distance.

"What time is it?"

"Shin? You're finally awake." Kiana's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her in her St. Freya uniform.

"I ... Kiana...?"

"Huh? What's wrong, Shin? Mei-senpai and Bronya are already back at the house, you know?"

Tears welled up in my eyes, and they spilled down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"Huh?! Why are you crying!? What's wrong!?"

"Oh... Uh...! Nothing!" I hastily wiped away the tears, forcing a grin.

"Are you sure? You were sleeping soundly, but since Aunt Himeko wasn't teaching today, you got lucky."

"Haha... I see..."

Kiana... and everyone... that means everything is back to normal... right?

"Huh– Wait a minute? Back at the house? Aren't we staying at the dormitory?"

"What are you talking about? We're staying at a boarding house, remember?"

"Oh... Huh?!"

Boarding house?! D-Does that mean... We're all staying in one place!? EVERYONE!?

Following Kiana's lead, I trailed behind her as we made our way back to our boarding house.

As soon as Kiana entered the front door, she called out, "Mei-senpai...! I'm hungry!"

Mei's head popped out from the kitchen. "Just hold on a second." Then her gaze landed on me. "Oh? Shin, there you are. Bronya is waiting for you."

"A-Alright..." I stepped further into the house, taking in the familiar interiors and decorations.