In an undisclosed location, an important meeting was underway among the guild leaders.
"Good afternoon, everyone. My apologies for gathering you today, but we've made a very important discovery," a Professor announced, turning on a projector that displayed images of humans transformed into monsters. "As you can see, these are humans converted into monsters by the Cranium Cervidarum cult. I'm here to ask you all to raise your alert levels and gather as much information as possible. Inform us—"
"Excuse me for interrupting," someone interjected, "but I'd like to voice my opinion."
"What opinion would you like to share, Guild Master of the Library of Athena?" the Professor asked.
"If they've managed to create a mass army far stronger than their 'pawns,' then they must have a plan, right? For instance, are they ready to start a war with us?" asked the Guild Master of the Library of Athena.
"Hmm, you might be right, but we still don't know what their plan is. For now, I'm asking you all to be more vigilant than before and to gather as much information as you can," replied the Professor.
"Why don't we focus on finding their main headquarters or their mass production factory? We have intelligent guilds, don't we?" said the Guild Master of Hutzo, pointing towards the Guild Master of the Library of Athena.
"What do you mean, Guild Master of Hutzo?" the Guild Master of the Library of Athena asked, clearly displeased.
"You have the capability for things like this, but why aren't you able to find information about their headquarters now?" challenged the Guild Master of Hutzo.
"Do you think it's easy? I can't believe someone like you became a guild master. Your subordinates must be truly miserable having to deal with a leader who relies only on brawn without using their brain," retorted the Guild Master of the Library of Athena sarcastically.
"What did you say, old man?!" snapped the Guild Master of Hutzo, slamming his fist on the table.
"Owl Head and Eztli, enough! We are here to discuss, not to argue!" the Professor interceded, his voice rising.
Someone sighed. "Professor, calm down. My guild will find information about that cult to the best of our ability," said the Guild Master of Yatagarasu Compass.
"Thank you, Yatagarasu. We appreciate your cooperation, Guild Master of Yatagarasu Compass," the Professor said, standing up. "I have nothing further to add. This meeting is officially adjourned."
Slowly, the Guild Masters exited the room. Someone leaned against a wall, arms crossed, and greeted Owl Head. "Are you done with your meeting?"
"Oh, Dark Queen! What are you doing here?" Owl Head asked, surprised.
"We need to talk privately, Owl Head," Dark Queen said with a serious tone.
"Alright then, let's talk in my room," Owl Head replied, opening a portal with his hand and stepping through.
Dark Queen followed him.
"Have a seat. I'll prepare some food and tea for you," Owl Head said, speaking to someone through the intercom on his desk. He then took a sip of his tea. "What did you want to talk about, Dark Queen?"
"I just finished off some Cranium Cervidarum members who were based in an abandoned old city," Dark Queen replied.
"Hmm, which one? Many old cities have been deserted since the Corruption creatures appeared," Owl Head asked.
"Bekasi... There are still people trying to survive there, even though it's prone to attacks from Corruption creatures," Dark Queen explained.
"I see... Since the death of their leader, the Cranium Cervidarum's activities have increased and become more dangerous. But fortunately, those Corruption creatures aren't part of them. If they were, it would be extremely troublesome for us... and also, there's no way to prevent those Corruption creatures from forming," Owl Head murmured.
"Fighting those creatures is easy for me, but fighting the Cranium Cervidarum is truly troublesome. And after eliminating and destroying the Cranium Cervidarum's base there, I obtained some information that might be useful for both of us," Dark Queen said.
"What information do you want to tell me?" Owl Head asked.
"I found many of the creatures the Professor mentioned earlier, and it seems they've turned to stone," Dark Queen revealed.
"Turned to stone?" Owl Head asked, intrigued.
"Yes... They've petrified. I don't know what they're planning, but I'm sure they're doing that to prepare for a very big scheme. And, oh yes?" Dark Queen paused.
"Hmmmm?" Owl Head looked at Dark Queen while sipping his tea.
"What about your experiment to fight those creatures? They can't be detected by the Okuri-inu," Dark Queen asked.
"Don't worry, the Professor and I have already thought about that," Owl Head replied.
"Hmm? What are you planning? Don't think of any foolish plans," Dark Queen warned.
"Do you think I'm the Guild Master of Hutzo?" Owl Head countered, implying a jab.
"Huh..." Dark Queen sighed. "So what's your plan?"
"The Professor and I are developing robots called Luminates," Owl Head revealed.
"Hmmmm? Are you sure those machines will be useful to us?" Dark Queen asked skeptically.
"Are you underestimating the Professor and me?" Owl Head asked back.
"Of course not. If it weren't for the three of you, there's no way I could have gotten this far," Dark Queen replied.
"But this is all the Professor and I could think of... We can't sacrifice many living beings to fight those monsters, and we also can't turn those creatures back into humans," Owl Head explained.
"Yes, you're right. And also, are there any risks involved?" Dark Queen asked.
"Yes, there are... We need brains to operate those robots," Owl Head answered.
"Hmmmm, you're not using innocent people, are you?" Dark Queen asked cautiously.
"Of course not! Do you think I'm a monster?" Owl Head exclaimed.
"No," Dark Queen replied, shaking her head. "So what are you using?"
"What do you think? Of course, death row inmates and former Cranium Cervidarum members," Owl Head explained.
"But are you sure this method will work? I doubt it," Dark Queen said.
"I don't know, but at least we can reduce casualties, right?" Owl Head countered.
"Alright then... I agree with your plan this time," Dark Queen decided.
"Thank you... Is there anything else we need to discuss?" Owl Head asked.
"Oh yes... Don't forget there will be a large-scale attack on the Academy of Athena later," Dark Queen reminded him.
"Don't worry... I've already prepared a plan for that," Owl Head replied confidently.
"Even though much has changed from the original script, some things that were once in the script will always happen," Dark Queen murmured, as if talking to herself.
"But at least if I die in this current script, it won't affect the future, right?" she added.
"At least it can help us find the Cranium Cervidarum's main headquarters... I've gone through hundreds of thousands of scripts, and it's always the same... We can't find the Cranium Cervidarum's central base," Dark Queen replied.
"Yes, you're right... This cult is too strong for being formed only five years ago," Owl Head said.
"Then I'll leave the attack on the Academy of Athena to you," Dark Queen said, standing from the chair and putting on her cloak.
"Yes... Leave it to me, Dark Queen," Owl Head replied.
Dark Queen exited the room and closed the door.
Owl Head sighed. "Haaa, can this script finally end all of this? I'm tired of being stuck in this endless loop." Owl Head stood up and left the room.
Meanwhile, in an abandoned building in the old city, someone said, "Are we ready with our plan?"
"Don't worry, Commander. We've successfully infiltrated some of our troops and gained some new ones to help us. So, proceed. We will attack soon," his subordinate replied.
"Understood, Commander," his subordinate echoed.
At Aeji's house, she murmured, "Hmm, this cake Shu gave me is delicious... I wish I could eat it forever, but unfortunately, it's far too expensive for me... Oh right, I should be training with Haru. I'll call her first."
Aeji called Haru, and someone answered.
"Hello Aeji, why are you calling me?"
"Do you have some free time to train for a fight?" Aeji asked.
"Oh right, I forgot about that... I'm free today, actually. So? Do you want to do it today?" Haru replied.
"Yes, that sounds good. I'll head over right away then," Aeji said.
Upon arriving, Aeji greeted, "Hello Haru."
"Hello Aeji, how are you today?" Haru replied.
"I'm good, how about you?" Aeji asked.
"I'm good too—"
Someone greeted Aeji from behind Haru. "Hello Aeji..."
"Aiko? What are you doing here?" Aeji asked, surprised.
"Me? I'm helping Haru's mother cook; her mom asked me to come here to help her," Aiko explained.
"When will I be like you guys..." Aeji murmured to herself.
"Oh, isn't Vi—" Haru quickly muffled Aiko's mouth with her hand.
"Aiko, enough. Let Aeji figure it out on her own," Haru whispered.
"Oops, my bad, sweetheart, hehe," Aiko said.
"Hmmmm? What were you two talking about?" Aeji asked, a little suspicious.
"It's nothing," Haru and Aiko replied in unison.
"I wonder what you two have been wanting to tell me all this time..."
"I told you, it's nothing important, Aeji," Haru said.
"Ehh... alright then."
"Come in, Aeji, I'll take you to our training room."
Haru led me to the training room in her house.
"We're here."
"This is... amazing, Haru, your training room is so spacious!"
"It's nothing, really, not as big as Shu's."
"Don't be so humble, Haru," I said, playfully bowing.
"Uh, Aeji, what are you doing..."
"Hehe."
"You... (holding back anger)"
Suddenly, someone opened the door.
"Food and drinks are here!" (in a gentle voice)
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, Auntie, for bothering you."
"It's no trouble at all, relax, Aeji."
"I'm sorry, Aeji, if this isn't as luxurious as Shu's house."
"Oh... it's fine, Haru, I should be the one bringing you something."
"No need to go to any trouble, Aeji. I'm the host... I should be the one entertaining you."
"Oh, I feel like I'm bothering you too much. You also accompanied me during training with Shu's brother yesterday."
"It's nothing, besides, I also wanted to sharpen my reflexes and fighting instincts."
"Alright then, Auntie will go now... Don't forget to come to the dining table later, Haru. Auntie has cooked for you and Aiko too."
"Thank you, Auntie, sorry for the trouble."
"It's fine, really."
Haru's mother closed the door and left.
"Alright then, have you ever fought before, Aeji?"
"Fought, huh... I never have."
"Then I'll teach you the basics of martial arts."
"I'm listening, Sensei! (with a face full of curiosity)"
"Could you please act a little more normal..."
"Alright, I was just kidding... I'll be serious now."
".... Okay," Haru nodded, then took a stance in the middle of the room. She spread her feet shoulder-width apart and bent her knees slightly. "Okay, first, we'll start with Kihon Dachi (basic stance). This is like Heiko-dachi, a relaxed standing posture with your feet parallel. Feel both your feet firmly planted on the floor, like tree roots. Don't be stiff, but don't be too relaxed either."
I mimicked her movements, trying to maintain balance. It felt strange; the muscles in my thighs and calves immediately protested. "Ugh, my legs are already aching!"
Haru chuckled. "That means you're starting to feel it. Hold it a little longer. Keep your back straight, chest out, but relax your shoulders. Look straight ahead. This is the foundation of all movements, Aeji. Without a strong stance, your punches won't have power, and you'll fall easily."
After several minutes of holding the awkward position, Haru moved on to hand movements. "Now, Choku-zuki (straight punch). Both fists at your waist, thumbs on top. Inhale, then as you punch, exhale. Move your hips slightly, and rotate your fist at the end of the movement, like turning a key."
I tried to imitate her. My punches felt clumsy, powerless, and my fists didn't rotate perfectly. "Like this, Haru?"
Haru approached, gently holding my wrist. "This," she said, subtly twisting my hand. "Feel the power from your hips. Imagine you're driving your entire body into the punch, not just your arm." Her hand felt warm on my skin.
We practiced Choku-zuki repeatedly, then continued with Mae-geri (front kick). "For Mae-geri," Haru explained, "lift your knee as high as possible to your chest, then snap the sole or ball of your foot forward. Focus on one point in front of you as you kick."
Kicking was the most difficult part. I often lost my balance, my legs swaying like branches in the wind. Haru patiently supported my shoulder when I almost fell, her small smile reassuring me.
"It's nothing, everyone starts from zero. The important thing is your willingness to learn," Haru said. "Remember, martial arts isn't just about strength, but also precision and balance. And most importantly... about self-control."
"Alright, Haru, I'll remember that."
"Oh, Aeji, there's something I want to ask you..."
"Hmm? What do you want to ask me?"
"Can you use mana?"
"Why are you asking that?"
"I just want to know..."
"Since the disaster 5 years ago, almost all humans have gained mana."
"So you...?"
"Yes, I can. The proof is I was able to practice what Shu's brother taught yesterday, wasn't I?"
"Yes, I know, but can you truly utilize your mana to its fullest potential?"
"Not really... I don't use much mana. I mostly use my physical strength. I always exercise on holidays, so my physique is pretty well-trained."
"Okay, that's good."
"So, how was my training today?"
"It was good, but you still need to adapt more..."
"Alright then... shall we end it for today?"
"Yes, let's end it."
"Thank you, Haru, for teaching me how to fight."
"Relax, it's nothing... Oh, come on, let's eat. My mom has prepared food for both of us."
"I don't want to bother you."
"It's fine, besides, you're exhausted, aren't you?"
"I guess so... but if you insist, I'll come."
"Okay, let's go."
Haru and I walked to the dining room to eat together, and after that, I packed my things.
"Thank you very much, Haru, and also Auntie, and Aiko too."
"It's quite alright... don't be shy, dear Aeji. You can always eat here. Auntie knows you live alone."
"It's fine, Aeji, just relax with me."
"Oh dear, I've bothered you two so much."
"Oh yes, don't forget to take this, dear Aeji."
Haru's mother handed Aeji a package.
"What is this, Auntie?"
"That's for you to eat at home."
"Thank you, Auntie."
"You're welcome, dear Aeji."
"Well then, goodbye, Auntie, Haru, Aiko."
"Yes, goodbye, Aeji."
Somewhere, someone was observing the movements of the Cranium Cervidarum from a skyscraper in the old city area.
"Hmm, they're starting to get ready, huh... It seems I should prepare too." The person opened a portal with their hand and stepped into it, then disappeared. Someone else looked towards the skyscraper where the person had been observing the Cranium Cervidarum's movements. "Hmm... is it just my imagination, or was someone there just now?"