Simulated Lanes

Chapter 4 - After the First Simulation

After returning to the base, the shipgirls finally taken a rest after a hectic battle against the Sirens. Hood meanwhile is currently walking with Belfast to the office.

"I must say Milady, that Snipe fellow... he's a bit too cocky in the battlefield." Belfast chimed,

"I know, but his skills are remarkable. I really wish I could show him my gratitude for not only for this battle, but for saving me back then." Hood sighs,

"I understand your highness, let's just hope that we can encounter him in the future." Belfast said, while opening the door to the office. Inside was (Y/n), who is still sitting on the couch.

"O-oh, miss Hood, you're back!" (Y/n) said while being surprised by her entry,

"Ah, Mr. (L/n). I'm sorry that you have to wait here for so long."

"No, it's alright. But I'm a bit hungry though." And then, a growl from his stomach is heard, earning a chuckle from Belfast.

"I shall prepare your dinner then." Belfast said before leaving the room. Hood then sits at the same seat as before,

"So, about the Sirens... what's the big deal about them?" (Y/n) asked, making Hood closed her eyes and sighs,

"The Sirens are extraterrestrial beings who came to this world to destroy it. Their technologies caused our former allies, the Sakura Empire and Ironblood, betrayed us and form their own alliance, the Crimson Axis." Hood explains,

"So... does that mean you have to fight against your former allies then?"

"Yes. We've recently fought the Sakura Empire, which could've annihilate us if Enterprise didn't intervene."

"Enterprise? Wait, she's the one who carried me here, right?" He asked, remembering Hood's words from before,

"Yes. But even with her skills, we barely won that battle. And the one who took the most damage is Enterprise herself." Hood looks down in regret. Realizing that continuing the topic would damper the mood, he decided to ask something important to not letting her sulking in sadness.

"Oookay... moving to an important topic, what am I suppose to do now?" He asked,

"Considering your unknown origins for now, you can stay here until we can determine your home and take you there."

"A-are you sure? I really don't want to be a freeloader here. I can try repaying you for that."

"That won't be necessary. Your safety is our priority as well."

"But... I'm still feeling a bit guilty..."

"Then you can meet the other members instead. They're eager to meet you too, you know." Hood smiled,

"I can do that. But still..."

"Oh just shut it. Belfast is waiting for you at your room. Go have your dinner and meet me at the lobby tomorrow morning. Then I can discuss what you can do tomorrow."

All he can do now is just leave the room while start carrying the briefcase, but he was stopped by Hood.

"Wait, about that briefcase you're carrying." She pointed at the said briefcase, which made him a bit nervous. "About its contents. Please tell me what it is."

"Uhh..." He frantically thinking for an answer, but a simple yet overlooked answer has popped out.

"It's just... my sister's toys! Yeah, it's just that." He said while patting the briefcase. Hood just stares at him,

"I see. But why a briefcase?" She asked,

"It's just I want people to see me as a top secret agent, because it's cool to do that." He said while doing a finger gun motion, hoping that his answer would fool her, which thankfully did,