Making his way down the hallway of the Imperial Base with Daisy reluctantly acting as his guide, Hiro couldn't help but admire the architecture.
The entire structure carried a refined Japanese aesthetic, but blended with modern military design.
Polished wooden floors reflected the soft ceiling lights.
Traditional paper-paneled sliding doors lined the corridor, yet subtle metallic reinforcements framed each one.
Wall scrolls bearing Imperial insignias, a chained phoenix encircling a crimson sun, hung between decorative lanterns, and the faint scent of incense lingered in the air.
It felt less like a military base… and more like a high-class academy for elite warriors.
This place has an awesome Japanese theme going on…
"So you said Yurei isn't coming back anytime soon?" Hiro asked, attempting to start a normal conversation.
"Yeah. I already told you," Daisy replied flatly. "Are you slow or something?"
Hiro immediately shut his mouth.
How do such toxic words come from such an angel-looking girl?
She reminded him painfully of Kimberly back at school.
Both rude. Both dangerous.
After a few seconds of silence, Daisy sighed — almost as if annoyed at herself for not elaborating.
"She's registering you into the unit officially. Documentation, authority clearance, slave contract filing. That kind of stuff, idiot."
"Was the idiot part really necessary?" Hiro muttered.
"Are you going to keep asking dumb questions?"
"…Most likely."
"Then yes. It's necessary."
"Oh. How long is it going to take her to come back?"
Daisy stopped walking and slowly turned her head toward him.
"Do I look like a prophet?"
"…Fair enough."
They turned a corner and arrived at what appeared to be the unit's living area.
The space was spacious and surprisingly cozy. A large low-set sectional couch wrapped around a sleek wooden table.
A massive flat-screen television hung against the wall, currently playing some variety show.
Tall windows allowed natural light to filter through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Decorative plants sat in ceramic pots at the corners, softening the militaristic feel.
Two girls were lounging in front of the TV.
Sensing their presence, both turned their heads.
"Ahhh, he's awake!" said the first girl cheerfully.
She had sun-kissed, tanned skin that contrasted beautifully with her shoulder-length blonde hair. Her pink eyes sparkled with energy. She wore loose athletic shorts and a pastel pink oversized jacket that hung open over a fitted white top.
When she stood up, Hiro noticed her physique immediately.
She had a near-perfect hourglass figure — strong, defined thighs and toned arms that hinted at intense physical training.
Her posture was confident, almost athletic. She radiated physical power and boundless enthusiasm.
All the girls here are stacked…
Hiro forced his eyes upward.
She quickly stepped forward and extended her hand with a bright smile.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Marian Urahame!"
Her grip looked strong.
Her aura screamed Genki tomboy.
And from experience, those types were usually chaotic.
Hiro hesitated for half a second before reaching out.
"Hiro Yukishima."
The moment their hands met—
She yanked him forward.
In one smooth motion, Marian twisted behind him and locked him into a chokehold. Both of them tumbled to the floor.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Hiro wheezed as her arm tightened around his neck.
"Hahaha! Why are you so weak?!" Marian laughed loudly, tightening her grip just slightly.
"Help—! Oxygen—!"
He flailed dramatically, legs kicking uselessly against the polished wood floor.
"Let him go," a calm voice said from the couch.
Hiro's fading vision focused on the second girl.
Black hair. One visible golden eye. The other hidden beneath a sleek black eyepatch. She wore a loose, oversized sweater with the hood pulled over her head. Her posture was relaxed, almost lazy — but there was something sharp and dangerous about her gaze.
Elira.
He'd recognize her anywhere.
"He just woke up from Aether Deficit State, you idiot," Elira continued without even looking fully away from the television.
"Oh. You're right," Marian said casually — as if she hadn't almost strangled him.
She released him.
Hiro collapsed onto the floor, coughing dramatically.
So how did he recover that fast? Marian wondered, glancing at him curiously.
"My bad," she said, offering him a hand to pull him up.
"I guess… it's okay…" Hiro replied weakly.
"I live with idiots," Elira muttered as she switched the TV channel, clearly annoyed.
"I guess you've met Elira already," Daisy said dryly.
Before Hiro could respond—
"So you're the Captain's slave?"
A new voice entered the room, Hiro turned his head.
Standing near the staircase was a tall girl with bright blue hair that cascaded down her back like flowing water.
Her eyes were unlike anything he had ever seen — irises shimmering with faint rainbow hues that shifted subtly depending on the angle of light.
Her presence felt… light.
Almost ethereal.
Her figure was soft yet elegant, with gentle curves that gave her a mature aura. She stood straight, composed, exuding quiet authority.
Unlike Marian's explosive energy or Daisy's sharp hostility, this girl felt controlled — balanced.
For a split second, her rainbow eyes met his.
And Hiro froze.
His thoughts dulled.
The world felt distant.
"You already charmed him, Bailey-chan," Marian teased.
Hiro blinked hard, snapping back to reality.
"What was that?" he asked, slightly shaken.
"Just a side effect of my blessing," the girl replied calmly. Her voice was smooth and measured. "Bailey Brook. Vice Captain of this unit."
Vice Captain?!
Hiro instinctively straightened his posture.
Just standing in the same room, he could sense it.
She was strong.
On par with Yurei… maybe even close.
"Nice to meet you," Hiro said, trying to steady his voice.
"I look forward to working with you," Bailey replied coolly.
She walked past them with graceful steps, heading upstairs without another word.
Her presence lingered even after she disappeared.
"Don't worry about her," Marian said, patting Hiro's shoulder. "She's always like that."
"Oh… I thought she hated me for a second," Hiro admitted awkwardly.
Daisy suddenly kicked him lightly in the leg.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"I'm supposed to give you a tour, idiot," she snapped. "Stop staring into space."
"I wasn't staring!"
"Then you were definitely having perverted thoughts about Bailey-san." Marian teasing him.
"I was not!"
Daisy turned and began walking down the hallway again.
"Hey! Wait!"
"Let me join you guys!" Marian said excitedly, jogging after them.
The hallway soon echoed with Daisy's insults, Marian's laughter, and Hiro's defensive shouting.
Finally.
Silence returned to the living room.
Elira picked up the remote and switched back to her original channel.
"Peace at last," she muttered, pulling her hood slightly lower as she settled into the couch.
For now… the base was quiet again.