A Vengeful Retribution

Chapter 21: End of Summer Vacation

3rd POV

Later at the beach while everyone has fun, Yap talks with Ichika and Houki.

"I'm not here to rub it in your faces on how better you both could be. Granted, a small part of it, but that's not nearly as important. Ichika. Your skills as an IS pilot are improving. Just that Gospel's a bigger prey- I mean a tougher adversary to take down." Yap started.

He turned to Houki, his tone steady but softer. "And Houki... you've got raw talent and one hell of a machine in Akatsubaki. But talent and power alone won't carry you through every fight. That confidence you've started building? That's good. But it can also get you into trouble if it blinds you to the bigger picture."

Houki frowned slightly, crossing her arms. "So, what are you saying? That I'm reckless?"

Yap shook his head. "Not exactly. I'm saying there's a balance. You've got all this potential, but you've got to stay sharp and think beyond the immediate fight. Gospel's not the last challenge you'll face, and next time, your opponent might not retreat just because it's damaged."

Ichika nodded, stepping in. "He's right, Houki. We all have a lot to learn. I know I'm not the strongest or the smartest when it comes to IS piloting, but that's why we train—to keep improving."

Yap smirked, tilting his head toward Ichika. "And that's what I like about you, Ichika. You're humble enough to admit your weaknesses, which means you're always working to overcome them. That's a quality a lot of pilots lack, even the experienced ones."

Houki sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "I get it. I do. I just... I guess I wanted to prove myself. Akatsubaki is a big deal, and it's my responsibility now. I wanted to show I was ready."

Yap gave her a rare, genuine smile. "And you did. Taking down Gospel's shield wasn't an easy feat, but you did it. Just don't let the thrill of victory overshadow the need to stay grounded. You've got what it takes, Houki. You just need to keep refining it."

Houki glanced at him, her expression softening. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Ichika grinned. "Look at us, having a serious conversation for once. Should we go back to the others before they start wondering what's going on?"

Yap chuckled, stepping away from the shaded spot they'd been talking under. "Yeah, let's not give them any ideas. Rin's probably already cooked up some wild theory about what we're plotting over here."

They meet up with everyone else, sharing some laughs here and there before answering an incoming call.

"Ah, a moment please, everyone."

They nodded, allowing him to go away to answer said call.

"Yes, Mr Haruka? Is this about the Gospel incident? Yes, I know it has been in your interest of me taking it out. But let's just say I made a small gamble."

"Of letting the Akatsubaki deliver the killing blow, yes?" Haruka asked, his voice calm but carried an undercurrent of curiosity. "Indeed, Mr. Yap. A calculated gamble, perhaps? Or one influenced by... other factors?"

Yap smirked slightly, glancing back toward the others enjoying themselves on the beach. "Let's just say I was testing a theory. Gospel's withdrawal wasn't entirely its decision. And letting Akatsubaki get the final strike? Call it a gesture of goodwill, both to a teammate and to gauge its limits."

"Fascinating," Haruka replied. "And what did your experiment yield? Any concerns with Akatsubaki's performance?"

"Houki's strong. She's got the drive, and Akatsubaki's impressive, no doubt," Yap said, leaning against a nearby tree. "But its pilot needs time to truly master it. As for Gospel... I'd say the match exposed more about its programming than you might think."