It had been a week since that disastrous first mission of ours. We naturally passed the test, but Plue was still recovering from her burn injuries. We heard she woke up yesterday, so we went to visit her in the hospital. Machua came bearing a basket full of fruits, and I was carrying a flower bouquet for her.

  Machua slowly turned the doorknob and pushed it open, careful not to make any loud noises in case Plue was sleeping.

  “Machu,” Plue said, not sounding quite as weak as we had thought.

  Machua allowed herself to open the door at normal speeds and rushed to Plue’s side. Plue was sitting up straight, looking out the window, with a butterfly on her finger.

  “Do you feel okay, Plu?” She asked with concern.

  “Mm. I’m feeling better and better,” Plue answered.

  “That’s good. I brought you some fruits to help you recover. I’ll cut some apples for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Here are some flowers for you, Plue. Hope you enjoy them,” I said, as I placed the flowers down on her bedside table.

  “Ooh, I’m sure this little guy would like them. Thank you, Machi.”

  Plue softly moved the butterfly over to the bouquet, and it promptly began sucking out its nectar. The butterfly looked quite beautiful.

  “So, when are you getting discharged?”

  “The doctors said a few more days, even though I feel fine. I guess they wanna get rid of all the burn scars on me.”

  Plue rolled up her sleeve to show some burn scars on her. The last time we saw her, she was burnt all over, so to see the burn scars reduced so little was a great thing.

  “Once you’re out, Machi and I will take you to the best dessert places in town. I promise, you’ll have the time of your life,” Machua clasped Plue’s hands and promised.

  “I’m looking forward to it. Though… I wouldn’t mind if you brought me some ice cream next time you came.”

  “Haha, you know I can’t do that, Plu.”

  “Heehee.”

  After the little laughter died down, Machua moved to cutting some little apple pieces in the shape of bunnies for Plue. I frowned at the shape. Plue would occasionally eat some of the slices, but she was clearly lost in thought.

  “Machi. How do I become strong like you?” She suddenly asked me.

  “Plu…” Machua softly said.

  “I don’t want this thing to happen again.”

  I looked at Plue’s resolute face. In her face, I could only see the face of her father. That day, when he had sacrificed himself to protect the City from a monster horde, he had that very same face. Full of resolve and the belief that this was what must be done. I was one of the people he protected, and now, I was the only one who remembered.

  “You have to keep giving it your all. Keep going on missions like this one and come out alive. Keep a solid goal in mind and throw everything you have behind it.”

  I gave her my honest thoughts, but Plue seemed dissatisfied. Machua, who was earnestly listening, smiled wryly and continued peeling.

  “Hah…” I sighed. “The first step is to set a certain goal for yourself and work towards that. Evaluate yourself and understand what you need to do to improve. Understanding yourself and what you need to work on is key. For Machua, it’s mastering Mana Burst.”

  “It’s preeeetty hard,” she commented.

  “For me, I think it’s dealing with fire. It’s too easy for all my bugs to burn up. But I also want to work on fighting personally, for when my bugs won’t work.”

  “There you go.”

  Plue went silent again, clearly dissatisfied. “Machi. Could you… train me?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “You have your papa, don’t you?”

  “He’s always busy, and I think I can learn a lot from you I can’t learn from him. He uses tonfas to defend people, but I want to use my scythe to take out the people who attack him. I can tell Machu’s grown a lot since a week ago, so I wanna grow strong too.”

  Machua stayed silent, probably feeling like it wasn’t her place to say anything.

  I scratched the back of my head. I didn’t bother with making excuses, it was true that Machua did grow stronger under my tutelage. And to be honest, now that she was using tonfas, a scythe wielder probably fitted my fighting style a lot more than her. But, I had to ask a question first.

  “Where did you learn how to use a scythe? Like you said, Lemuel uses tonfas to defend people. As his daughter, that’s the natural path to follow, so it’s surprising to hear you don’t fight defensively like he does,” I asked.

  “Oh, I learned from my uncle Rollo. He’s one of papa’s best friends at the EPG,” Plue’s voice took a happier tone. “You might have seen him around before. He has long red hair and uses a huge sword. But he also knows how to use a scythe, and he said I was more fitting for it than tonfas.”

  “Is your uncle Rollo busy? All I can teach you is general battle sense. I can’t even teach you magic, since I have a Trait. I also don’t have experience with a scythe.”

  ‘A scythe isn’t quite the farthest thing away from me though…‘

  “Everyone at the EPG’s always busy,” Plue lamented with a bit of ire, but that quickly disappeared. “So, I would really appreciate it if you could teach me. Please?”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  I was a bit apprehensive, but to be honest, there really was no reason to refuse.

  “…Okay. You can join our training sessions once you’re discharged. But I want you to pester your dad to spend some time training you.”

  “Got it! I’ll make him skip all his work!” Plue exclaimed.

  “Ooh, a Lem that skips all his work. I’d love to see that~”

  I felt a chill run up my spine. That smooth and silky voice was irritatingly familiar. I didn’t want to meet him like this, but it was destined to happen anyway. I couldn’t do anything about it.

  “Heyo! It’s Uncle Galas!” The bunny man who always wore shades burst through the door with a handful of paper cranes.

  I could audibly hear sweat drops from Plue and Machua.

  “Here, Plu. Reina says folding a hundred paper cranes is a guarantee for recovery, and looking at you, it looks like it worked! Even though I only finished the last one today! It seems its effects are immediate.”

  Galas then dumped a hundred paper cranes onto Plue’s bed. What an inconsiderate man. Bet he didn’t even fold them himself.

  “Thank you…” Plue began but was interrupted.

  “Ignore the dumbass.”

  The door busted open again, revealing two new people that Machua had never seen before.

  The first one was a beautiful woman with straight black hair that flowed down her shoulders. Her eyes were a deep blood-red and were as shiny as jewels. She wore a confident smirk, showing off her fangs, and was the one to call Galas a dumbass.

  “We apologise for our captain’s behaviour,” the second person said.

  The second person was a taciturn brown-haired man with short dog ears. He had a tired look on his face, likely from having to deal with both members of his squad. Despite that, his tail moved rhythmically, always to a certain beat.

  ‘Probably Festival of Lances.‘

  “When did I do that?” The woman asked.

  “Hah… I apologise for our captain’s behaviour.”

  “Oh, right, I should introduce you to my squad!” Galas suddenly rushed over to show us his Hunters. “Introduce yourselves.”

  I could tell the dogkin was just resisting the urge to facepalm. I let out a small grin at the familiar scene. It was nice not being part of the joke.

  “My name is-“ The man began.

  “Carmine. That’s all you get.”

  “My name is-“

  “He’s Rasa. Loves music. He also plays the violin and he’s really good. Rasa, why don’t you play them a tune?”

  I could feel great fury emanating from Rasa. Poor, poor Rasa. You didn’t have me there to take the heat off of you.

  “Before that. We haven’t introduced ourselves. I’m Machia Purin. This one’s my twin little sister, Machua.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you…” Machua trailed off, only barely being able to stay composed. She wanted to laugh, she wanted to laugh so bad.

  “You’re all here to visit me, but I’m Plue Salas, papa Lemuel’s daughter.”

  “You got burnt alive by that Hellfire Devil Panther, right? Wish I was you right now,” Carmine so tactlessly said.

  The entire room decided to collectively ignore her comment. The implications were too weird to confront.

  “Machi?” Machua whispered in my ear.

  “Yes?” I whispered back.

  “I’m scared.”

  “She’s harmless.” I waved away the issue.

  “Harmless? You want to check if that’s true?” Carmine walked up and asked to my face.

  “I think I’ll take you up on that another day, Carmine,” I said.

  “Hoh… I like that confidence. How about we do it-“

  “Hold up!” Galas suddenly interjected. “This isn’t a simple hospital visit. We have bigger things to talk about.”

  The entire hospital room stood to attention. Other than Plue, who laid back down on her bed and began nomming on apples.

  “Today, we’re gonna do a Hunter tradition. We’re visiting the local Lancet History Museum!” Galas announced, instilling as much energy as he could into those words.

  The room went mild. As in, only Machua was clapping, but when she saw no one else was, she stopped.

  “Y’all are a bunch of killjoys. Erelier’s Lancet History Museum is one of the best ones around, you know? It’s customary for Erelier Hunters to visit to remind themselves of their vows as a Hunter. I’m sure all of you will find something worthy of note there.”

  “Um…” Machua raised up her hand.

  “Yes! You, the little sister.”

  “What about Plue?”

  “I’m fine, Machu. They already told me about it and I said I was fine not going. Besides, I’ve been there loads of times with papa and Uncle Galas,” Plue said as she ate an apple.

  “Okay then, Plu. If you’re sure.”

  “Mmhm. Just make sure to bring me souvenirs.”

  “Of course.”

  “Oh, I have a question too,” I raised my hand as well.

  “Yes, Mr Older Brother.”

  “Please call us by our names.”

  “Yes, Mr Machia.”

  “Where’s your 3rd squad member?” I asked pointedly.

  Galas fidgeted around, looking for a way to change the topic. Rasa sighed upon hearing that question.

  “We don’t have one. It’s been a few years since this guy picked us up and he hasn’t been able to get a 3rd one all this time,” Carmine explained, while folding her arms.

  “I’ll get our 3rd party member soon, I swear. So, please, wait until then, you two,” Galas almost begged his squad members.

  “I don’t believe you, but okay,” Rasa retorted.

  “Not like I have a choice,” Carmine grumbled. “Can’t go on any big missions without another flunky around.”

  So it is what I thought. Galas hadn’t been able to recruit a 3rd party- squad member. This bade serious problems for Galas Squad. A squad was typically led by a captain and 3 Hunters beneath them. Without at least 4, a squad was not allowed to undertake any missions above a certain level. All Rasa and Carmine could do was menial activities like fight sewer monsters. Carmine must have hated that, and Rasa was sure to be frustrated as well.

  Galas suddenly spoke, “I’ve got an id-“

  “No, you’re not separating us from each other,” I cut him off.

  “… Fine. I’ll go find a new squad member during my vacation, I guess.”

  He did this last time too. Sent us all on an examination in a ruined City, and then right after, he went on a vacation. Taking a vacation when he just found a 3rd squad member. What a shitty guy.

  “Stay there forever,” Carmine retorted.

  “Weren’t we supposed to visit the museum?” Rasa asked.

  “Yeah, that’s right, actually. Alright, kiddos, follow me. You’ll all be riding in my car.”

  The 4 kiddos followed the designated ‘adult’ of the group into his shady looking car. Okay, I couldn’t lie. It was a sports car and very high class. He had good taste, and was a very fashionable person, no one could deny that. He was even featured in various fashion magazines on the cover. Now, if only he could shut his mouth.

  Galas got into the car, but the rest of us didn’t get in immediately. We stood outside and stared at the passenger seat. No one wanted to ride shotgun next to Galas. Just as Machua was about to volunteer though, Rasa stepped forward and got in.

  “Hurry up! We don’t have all day!” Galas shouted.

  I took a seat next to the window, wanting to look out of it while reminiscing the many times we had all gone together. Machua made a move to sit next to me, but then Carmine came over and stole her spot in the middle. Machua was a little sad, so she slowly got into the other side and closed the door. Galas started up the car, and we were off.

  I took a look out the window and thought back to our rides here. Usually, Rasa would be sitting in the back with us, and I would be in the middle. Carmine made it a point she could never accept being in the middle, so it was strange she chose to do so today. I remembered a few times when Galas took me out joyriding, it was fun sitting on shotgun with the windows down. I really missed those days.

  “…”

  I tried to reminisce further, but it was impossible to ignore Carmine pressing against me. It was like she was trying to squish me into the car door. I turned to look at her and she stopped giving me pressure.

  “How did you take down that Hellfire Devil Panther?” She eagerly asked.

  Rasa’s ears perked up a bit, and even Machua turned to listen to me. Galas’ smile remained unchanged. I could tell he wanted to see what would happen.

  According to Elize, the report for that incident was already written up, but it was still under consideration whether they would be censored or even released at all. Considering they were dealing with a criminal organisation, it behoved them not to release the report lest they caught on. As a result, only the higher ups knew the state of the monster’s body or how I defeated that monster tamer. Considering no one came to me to confront me, I recognised that my strength was being kept secret.

  ‘Elize will be mad at me if I say something too honest,’ I thought. ‘Meh.’

  “I cut its head off with a Severance-Dimension technique,” I answered.

  Machua silently exclaimed in shock. Galas chuckled a bit and Rasa nodded along. Carmine, however, her eyes were sparkling. Her smirk grew bigger.

  “What weapon do you use?”

  “My hands.”

  Galas suddenly turned back to look at me. When I glanced at him back, he turned forward again.

  ‘You’re cruising down the highway. Keep your eyes forward,’ I berated him in my mind.

  “How did you fight it?”

  “I dashed around before ending it with a few slashes. The two of them were pretty slow honestly, I could have ended it in one go.” I emphasised by making a slashing motion with my hand.

  Galas turned to look at me again. I glanced at him again and he turned to look forward. Again.

  ‘Captain. Please. Rasa is looking angrier by the second.’

  “How’d you deal with the flames? You didn’t take any burns from them.”

  “Like they could hit me.”

  Galas took another look back.

  “Keep your eyes on the damn road!” Rasa yelled at him.

  Galas stopped looking back afterwards. Geez, way to make it obvious you’re interested in me. Though, the same could be said of Carmine. With every answer, the closer she was getting to me. I could see Machua’s concerned look behind her.

  “Galas, I need to fight him right now.”

  “I’ll kill you if you stain my car with your blood,” Galas said cheerfully.

  “Rrgh!” Carmine shook in place.

  With the vibrating Carmine still shaking in the back seat, we finally arrived in the Lancet History Museum. The moment she got out, she stared at me with those blood-red eyes, before turning away and clicking her tongue.

  “Alright, folks. Feel free to go wherever ya like. I recommend the bigass statues in the middle, maybe do a little admiring of the Lancets. Then, we’ll meet up at the gift shop 3 PM sharp. Oh, but before that, get in the group chat.”

  Galas quickly sent us all an invite to it. Plue was already a part of it, for the record. After that, we all made our way inside. Carmine was quick to go off on her own, and Rasa as well. He was a bit of a loner, so he simply walked where he wanted to. He wouldn’t mind company though.

  “So, Machu, shall we go look at those statues Galas told us about?”

  I turned to Machua, who seemed to be distracted.

  “Hm? Oh, yeah, I’d like that. Sorry, I’m still feeling whiplash. To think Galas would be… like that.”

  “I get you. First time I saw him off the screen, I was shocked as hell too.”

  I couldn’t fathom how he became Erebus Squad with that attitude, nor how he was best friends with Lemuel. But that’s how it was. His attitude certainly didn’t detract from his skills though, I could at least say that.

  “Ha, that’s an understatement. I feel bad for his students.” Machua lightly grinned.

  “Their 3rd squad member will round them out. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to accept them as a team. Let’s have faith in his status as member of Erebus Squad.”