Broken Peace

"…and so, I want to ask you again, Chronia-san…"

"…"

"Please, come back to school… everyone needs you."

Before I continue where I left off, let me narrate everything that happened before all of this.

My name is Ephraim Seliah Chronia. Perhaps, a name that none would expect to belong to a story that happens in the country of Japan. To skim through the unimportant details, I am an immigrant who was supposed to be here to become a worker but was forced for a few years to take high school classes in order to be properly hired according to a law that was suspiciously passed as soon as Japan developed a "locals-first" policy in hiring employees.

I wasn't really against it. I get it, they don't want to leave their own country's workforce idle and unusable, and it might be an internal security issue for them especially because of the past world war that caused almost all alliances with equal footings between countries broken or invalid. I also get that there would always be prejudices and such between locals and foreigners, that is nothing new to me and will always be.

Now, to the important details. About a few months ago, I got involved in a kidnapping case between a female underclassman and a deranged upperclassman who has been taking narcotics that ended up giving him delusions about the younger girl. Thinking that I was a threat to his pursuit for her love and body, he almost killed me.

That's the keyword… "Almost".

Once I got to get back on my feet, fought him off and allowed the girl run away, he woke up again and stabbed me to death. But before I can die, someone… no, not just a someone… a being who broke all of the logic and idea of reality in my mind possessed my body and as later told to me by the ones who brought me under their protection, killed that upperclassman in my stead.

That was the day when I awakened my powers and became someone called a "Psychic".

After that, I became an agent of the Special Security Services Agency or S.S.S for short. And with the help of the Sumeragi syndicate, who is allied to our organization, honed my ability to manipulate blood and learn the ins and outs of being a Psychic who has to fight against the amalgamations of abnormal human emotions and the Psychics who have lost their minds after the awakening of their powers.

There is also the Psychics that belong to our enemy… The Miyazono Corporation's Seed Psychics and Gardeners.

For now, we don't have any concrete ideas about why they are amassing so many Psychics under them or what their end goal is that we have to stop them from getting, but one thing is for sure… they cannot be allowed to just do as they wish.

That is everything that is important… at least for now.

And all of that leads to this quaint morning in my house's kitchen where I am sitting in front of the table which has two cups of instant coffee on its surface.

"I refuse."

"But-!"

"I will not listen to any more words… I am glad that you came by, but I am not coming back to school."

Today, I was visited by my class's representative named Amakano Sayaka, who wanted to convince me to come back to school after my long time of absence. Although I am glad that someone even remembers my existence in a way where they would want me to come back there, I no longer have any reason to do such now.

"B-but… why?"

"I don't have any reason to go there anymore. I already found a job that pays properly and does not fall under the Foreign Worker Initiative Law which requires me to have a local diploma…"

"H-Huh?"

"Oh, I suppose I haven't told anyone else before, huh? Well, to put it simply, I've already finished my schooling in my own country before I even came here. It was only because of that law that I needed to attend school in order to work, but now, I don't need that anymore."

Amakano-san was speechless after what I said. Perhaps, she haven't learned about this before she came here.

"I've been busy with my work since I was hired. I am yet to fully exit the school's academic batch, but I have already arranged for it and given my infamy with the school's administrators and staff members, I don't think they will take long in handling it."

"…"

"That is just how things work for someone like me, Amakano-san. You don't need to be so surprised about it or feel sorry for me."

"I don't get it…"

"…"

"I don't get it, Chronia-san!"

What is her deal now? Why is she being so stubborn?

"What did you not get about everything I just said?"

"I don't understand how easily you just accept that this is how things should go! Aren't you even a little bit sad that you can't meet us again?! I mean, we were your classmates since the first year of high school! You were a part of our class, and everyone knows and remembers you well! We have made a lot of memories and shared experiences! Aren't you even a little bit sad that you are leaving us?!"

"…No."

"-!"

"Not at all."

I gave my honest reply to her honest question. And I did so without even any faltering in my voice.

"I don't know what kind of eyes you have or how you interpreted what you just said to me inside of your mind, but I don't remember sharing with them those so called "memories" and "experiences" that you just said."

"W-What are you saying…?"

"Alright… let me say this straight even if it may hurt you…"

"?"

"None of our classmates wanted me to stay there. Not even one."

"-!"

"Every time I get a rank in the grading quarter, their blood boils as they shoot hateful gazes on me. Every time there is a class gathering, none of them would even approach to invite or even inform me. Every time we are forced to form groups for class activities, I would be the last in their lists to invite into and if you haven't noticed, some of those group activities end up having me form a group of my own that only has me in it."

"I didn't-"

"But the worst of all… is that every time they look at me, they don't see a fellow human, or a student like them."

"You mean-"

"I am their enemy. I am an unwanted creature. And how one should treat or even think about that unwanted creature, should not be at the same level as how they treat others."

Even if it was piping hot, I took my cup of coffee and drank it all to show her that my inner anger from their actions is more painful than what I just did to myself.

"I say that we just forget that all of this happened, and we move on with our own lives. You as a student and the class representative of Class 2-A, and I, a worker who has to provide for his families."

"Chronia-san…"

"…"

"Is there really no way for me to convince you to come back?"

Faced with her naïve insistence that seems to be caused by her own childish desire to not lose an acquaintance, I gave her a condition that I know will not be fulfilled.

"I will visit once if all, and I say this in a complete form, all of them in our class, asks to see me on their own accord."

"-!"

"I know that you know why I gave such a condition…"

Amakano-san's expression turned from hopeful into gloom in just a moment after I said those words and she understood what it meant.

"I already told you. They hate me because of several circumstances that shouldn't really be a problem. If they have no place for me in that classroom, I have no room for them in my life."

I looked sideward where from behind a wall, my three children peered towards us curiously.

"My heart is already too wounded and full to take in more burdens like chasing after their attention or respect. And trust me, I already know of someone who lost his life, trying to appease selfish people such as them."

"…"

"I'll lead you to the door, Amakano-san. You should leave now while it's still not too late for you to get to school."

Defeated and left with no more ways to insist her point, she slowly stood up and walked slowly toward the door without even raising her face to look at any of us.

"…"

"Take care on your way to school. Sunogahara-cho isn't too populated or travelled by, but it still is somewhat unsafe here since this is already near the city outskirts."

"…"

She didn't even respond to me. She just bowed and left with a slow gait, perhaps feeling unwell after she failed in convincing me.

"Rai-san?"

"Yes, Mio?"

"Why were you… cold to that girl?"

"…I'm sorry that you guys have to see that. I just didn't like to look happy with what she came here for."

"Was it bad that they asked you to go back to school even if you are already busy now?"

"Not at all, Mio. My problem isn't really the place or the act of going there… it's more like… what would happen if I went there again."

Mio, my eldest adoptive daughter, seem to have caught on to what I meant and held my left hand tightly with her tiny hands.

"It's alright, Rai-san. We will not be mean to you like they do."

"Yep! Mio-nee and Yukari will love Rai-nii lots and lots! We won't be mean at all!"

"Ugaa!"

Hearing the thoughtful words of my children, I can't help but let a smile trace on my face as I gave them warm hugs that I wasn't able to give earlier because of our visitor.

"Come on, you two. Go and prepare for your own school day too."

It has been a few days since the end of our collaborative mission in Chiba where we were made aware of the large gulf that divides the skill level between us and the Miyazono Psychics.

Although I won in the end because of Law's sudden appearance through me, I was also made aware that if I want to stay alive in this dog-eats-dog supernatural war between Psychics, I have to acquire more power and be used to it to the extent that using my powers are as instinctual to me as breathing.

"I think you already know, right? Your school got into an accident and are being rebuilt now. So, you will be studying in another building for the next two months. I know that you may be new to it, but try not to make a fuss and be an inconvenience to your teachers, okay?"

"Okay."

"Roger that, Rai-nii!"

"Alrighty. I'm happy that you two are being understanding."

After I got the information that my children's schools was destroyed by a Miyazono Psychic, I transmitted that information to Yurippe and she handled it properly by letting Tamaki-sensei and her staff to use a building owned by the S.S.S for a while as the school is being rebuilt.

Although it might be quite the act, it sure allowed Yurippe to get some evidence of the Miyazono corporation's actions that may harm the public.

"Agent Chronia, Agent Fujikawa, you may take your seats."

""Affirmative, Director.""

Today, as our three-day vacation was finished, I picked up Mana at the train station after I brought my children to their school and daycare so we can attend our deliberation and report meeting with Yurippe in the S.S.S bunker below Shibuya.

"We were able to prove our worth to the Cabinet this time. Unlike before when we are nothing but a record and catalog service for Psychic activities, the involvement of you two and the evidence gathered by Ephraim about the recent activity of the Miyazono corporation to undermine their competitors has allowed us to claim something to our name."

"Operatives, please receive these as a sign of our thanks."

"Thank you, Operator Yusa."

"Thank you, Yusa-san."

Because Yusa-san is my own Operator who handles my communications with the base and gives me my missions, I am legally made to address her as Operator unlike Mana who can call her as simply Ms. Yusa.

Back to the point, she gave us two envelopes and after we opened it, Mana found hers' full of cash while I had mine with the same amount of money and a couple of grocery coupons.

"H-huh? What is this about?"

"Ahem!"

As I was wondering why I was also given coupons, Yurippe suddenly cleared her throat which seems to mean that she wanted something.

"I heard from Iwasawa that after their performance in the concert, she commissioned you to prepare the food for their fan meet-and-greet at their house. I was made aware that your sweet & sour pork is a very special meal… so naturally, I wanted to-"

"You don't have to make it so formal, Yurippe. Just tell me straight that you are hungry, and I will do it."

"H-Hey! I am trying to at least make it sound cool, y'know?"

"Ahaha… Alright, I'll call once I have enough time to treat you for a dinner. You can call some other acquaintances over if you like."

After we were given our reward for the recent successful mission, Yurippe asked Yusa-san to lock in her office and set up the blinds and noise makers to make sure that the contents of our meeting will be kept highly confidential.

"Our recent communications with the Sumeragi organization turned out to become pretty good after they heard about the recent success of the joint mission in Chiba. Because of that, we have enough prestige to join in at inter-city missions."

"Inter-city… you mean that-"

"Yes. For your next assignment, your team will go to Fukushima to meet up with the Sumeragi organization's men in there who has been recently under attack by Miyazono corporation-backed Anarchists who has used the recent civil unrest to try and isolate the area from government control."

"Can we have specific details about the event?"

"This was requested by your teacher, Imamura Kirin-san, who handles the Sumeragi organization's branches in northern Honshu. She said that she can't leave their estate in Old Tokyo yet, but she knows that your team can handle it after what happened earlier this week."

"I see…"

"There is an S.S.S outpost in Motomiya where you can pick up supplies and address your reports to us. We already informed them that you will use it as your base of operations until things settle down there. Also, your ID cards will be temporarily raised to Access Level 4 so you can use all possible resources and communicate all kinds of information directly to us in here without the need of any middle channels."

I and Mana took out our ID cards which Yusa-san pointed her scanner gun at to give it a temporary upgrade from Level 2 to Level 4. With that, we won't need intermediary request for clearance to get our hands on weapons or vehicles and even after leaving Old Tokyo, we won't need to request a special video meeting to talk to Yurippe and other higher officers.

"Now then, you have a day before operation commences. As consideration for your family, I already asked Iwasawa-san to take care of your children during your mission's duration, Ephraim."

"Thank you, Yurippe."

"No problem. Now then, you are dismissed!"

""Affirmative, Director!""

After leaving her office, Mana asked me if I can join her in the gun range so she can practice on it again since it was the part of the Aptitude exam that she didn't get satisfactory scores at.

"How did you get good scores with this? It's so new to me that I hurt my wrist during the test."

"I just have experience. I grew up in a place which needs me to have some knowledge on how to fight back after all."

"Still… these handguns are pretty heavy that I expected."

I prepared a pistol for her and after we wore our protective equipment, gave it to her so she can start on it.

"Hands up… Go!"

*Bip!*

Unlike the shooting range that aims to test one's accuracy, the gun range is a wide room in the bunker building where what is tested is one's efficiency in shooting and how quickly one can get through a battle area.

"Reload!"

"On it!"

Mana got acceptable scores in the accuracy part, but she failed in the actual practice where she was said to have missed a lot of the targets and took a long while to get through the range course.

"Hah… Hah!"

"…Two minutes and seventeen seconds. A minute earlier than your previous record."

"That's still not good enough!"

"It sure is…"

As I said that, I took off my ballistic vest that had two bullet holes at the abdomen area while grunting lightly.

"If I didn't wore one, I could've died there."

"Oh, shut it… Psychics like us have heightened regenerative abilities. Handgun bullets can't easily kill us."

"Yeah. But it still hurts like hell."

I looked at my abdomen and sure enough, there are bluish bruises there that my body is slowly dissipating away.

"Argh! I am no good in this! If I wasn't a Psychic, Yurippe wouldn't have taken me in!"

"Don't sell yourself short like that. Everyone has something they're not that good at."

"Don't console me like that. I don't need your pity."

"…"

"I'll train and train and train until I get good at it. Because I know that it's not wrong to be weak but staying weak is!"

"…Sure, sure. Just let me recover a bit before we go around again."

Before noon, Mana managed to shave another minute off her record and was able to hit every target with only three misses.

"Want a lift to the station again?"

"Nah… I have somewhere to go today."

"And that is?"

"That restaurant in Sagami called Ars Classica."

That name takes me back… It's been a while since I left it.

"Well, I'm also heading there because of my kids. Go hop in."

"Well, I guess I'll take you up on that offer."

We headed to Sagami bay where that restaurant is and after dropping her near the restaurant so I can avoid bumping into my former workmates, Mana gave me her thanks and entered the place.

"Now… To take my kids home and tell them about what will happen for a while."

I drove to the temporary school building of theirs and after picking them up, went home with them.

"Rai-san… do you have something to tell us?"

"Well… yes, actually."

I gathered them at the living room after dinner and told them that my job will need me to leave them to Iwasawa-nee for a while as I go outside of Old Tokyo.

"How long… will you be away, Rai-nii?"

"I think it will only be for two weeks. Maybe a bit more if things become complicated. But one thing I can assure you two is that I will definitely be back."

"…"

"Mio-nee…"

It is quite unusual for Mio to be emotional enough to approach and hug me tightly. But given her place as the eldest of the three kids, she was the one who is the most worried with me leaving for a while.

"It's alright. I understand your worry."

"Mm… Just… Just promise to come back, Rai-san."

"I definitely would."

As a kind of calming thing to do before we split ways tomorrow, I stayed with the two until they were sleeping soundly before I went to the living room and laid down to rest as well.

"Today is the day…"

I spoke those words with a sigh after I brought the kids to Iwasawa-nee's band house and handed to her their belongings for the next two weeks.

"Don't worry about it, Rai-kun. We'll all keep a good eye on them."

"Ahaha… With them around, I guess Hisako-san would refrain on drinking for a while, right?"

"She has to or I'll give her a beating she won't forget. Speaking of which, you look like tougher than before, don't you?"

"Huh? Oh… I've been keeping a training regimen for a while. I suppose it did help in making me look a bit more fit."

"You sure do. Well, I won't hold you up any longer. Come on, kids. Bid your papa a take care."

"Take care, Rai-san."

"Stay safe, Rai-nii!"

"Awa-wa!"

"Thank you, you three. I'll be away now."

Having received their well wishes, I rode my motorcycle and went to Shibuya bunker where our contingent is staying at before our deployment.

"Agent Chronia… You're just in time."

"I'm sorry, Operator Yusa. I was stopped by the police who took their time in validating my ID as a license."

"It's alright. Just head to the garage and meet up with your team. Yurippe and Lady Imamura are about to give their speeches in the vans."

I hurriedly headed to the garage and joined in the line where I saw Kai was in.

"Oh, Rai! Been a while since I last saw you, buddy!"

"Sure, has been a while… I see that you got to recover well."

"Yep. I had to lie down for two days after that and get a new Augmenter core since the last one is just barely holding up."

He opened a button on his shirt and showed his left chest that has a new artificial heart. It looked better than his past one.

"Well, it's good that all of us are safe. Because of that, we get to help out at another mission."

"Sure is. I'm ready to kick more ass this time! Hyahaha!"

Still with his usual lively and confident attitude, Kai boasted a little before climbing into the van where Mana and Furuta-sensei are already at.

"You two brats didn't forget anything else you may want to take with you?"

"I have none, Sensei."

"Nothing on me too, boss."

"Good. Now shut up and listen to Director Nakamura and Kanbu Kirin's words. They won't be playing again after we leave the bunker so make sure to remember all that they are about to say."

From the driver's seat, Furuta-sensei opened the computer screen at the van's roof and played the recorded speeches of both Yurippe and Kirin-sensei.

"Operators and Operatives, it is my pleasure to inform all of you that we have made a breakthrough as a state agency that aims to protect the common people against enemies wielding these new and unnatural powers. With that, I have arranged for us to join in the relief force that will go to the city of Fukushima that is now under attack by anarchists who wishes to undermine the safety and unity of our nation. For the mission briefing, I will hand the reins to Lady Imamura Kirin of the Sumeragi organization."

After her opening remarks for us S.S.S agents, came the part of Kirin-sensei where she gave out the specifics of our mission.

"The siege on Fukushima city has started a week ago when vital government buildings were attacked by mobs of anarchists backed by the Miyazono corporation. Although they have allowed normal citizens to evacuate the area, anyone who is believed to be part of the government, no matter how low their job is, has been lynched and sometimes even murdered outright in cold blood. Of course, being the low lives that they are, some Miyazono Psychics have used the events of violence to target our men and their families and now, we received a distress call asking for reinforcements to both quell the anarchic groups in the city and squash the Miyazono corporation's attempt to take the area away from our control and protection…"

"…"

"I know that you we are sending you to a potentially hazardous area, but rest assured that whatever blood you will spill, or what sacrifice you will be asked to make… all of it… will be for something."

"Sensei sure knows how to inspire others."

"That's the mother that I know well…"

Before the video was cut, she gave one last statement.

"Make all of us proud, both Agents and siblings."

With that, Furuta-sensei started to drive the van backwards to follow the other vehicles and we left Shibuya bunker with prepared minds and bodies.

"Everyone. We will stop by Motomiya city before heading to Fukushima city itself. As soon as we get there, follow the procedures and prepare your combat kit before we deploy to the target city."

"Yes, sir!"

"You three, we're not following the combat teams into the city itself. At least not today."

We were surprised after Furuta-sensei said that since we expected to immediately be deployed on the ground as soon as we arrived.

"You were told to be kept back until our scouts find strongholds or traces of Astra energy in the area that belongs to the Miyazono Psychics. Only then can we go there and fight. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Sensei!"

"Good. Now, rest up if you want. The trip to Fukushima would take a while so get as much energy as you can."

As we left Old Tokyo's northern isolation gate, I peered out of the window to see the wide expanse of plain fields that lie just outside of the walls that keeps everyone inside the city's premises.

Unlike how it was described back at its glory days, the roads and the area around it was dark and ragged looking. A reminder that this place once became a warzone in the last world war.

"Seen something interesting, Rai?"

"Not really. I'm just peering out since I'm not that tired."

"Huh… Unlike you, I have seen something interesting."

"Like what?"

"A young woman named Amakano Sayaka who was talking about you earlier."

Hearing her words, I turned to Mana who had a neutral expression on her face.

"…So that's why you went to Ars Classica earlier?"

"She's a friend of mine before I left school. We still meet sometimes, and she has been consistently talking about you and your recent absences."

"I see."

"She told me earlier that you and her finally talked and you made it clear that you have some kind of hatred against your classmates and you didn't want to come back to school anymore."

"Well, it's quite counterintuitive since I have a stable work now and I have families to provide for. Besides, even you have quit school as well."

"I know. But I at least didn't become too honest and told her my ill-feelings about everyone else. I have dealt with just about as many asses of people as you did and I managed to keep it in so she won't have to worry about it."

"This is just my own style… I am honest with what I have to be truthful for and I have no reason to not say it out if needed. Besides, Amakano-san quite deserved that one in my opinion."

"How so? Are you really that rough with women, Rai?"

"Don't say it like that… When I said that she deserved to know my reason for not wanting to see them anymore, what I meant is how unlike her, the others in there would've taken my absence and eventual quitting as good riddance."

"…"

"And besides, I have heard from both Furuta-sensei and Maeda-sensei about what happened after I left the school…"

Mana looked at Furuta-sensei who looked back at us from the rear-view mirror and waited for my words.

"…Now that I am gone, everyone finally lost their sense of unity against a common foe and each famous person or group in the class has been passive-aggressively trying to assert their dominance against each other."

"-!"

"Isn't it as expected? Once ugly duckling is out of the flock, every duckling now sees each other's beauties and wants to be known as the most beautiful of them all…"

I heard some of the people behind out seat sighing after hearing what I just said and understanding what it meant.

"It doesn't really matter now though. I have my life and they have theirs. I'll do as I should do to live quietly, and they can do whatever mischief they want to do."

That was how I processed and accepted how it all ended up as. I have a life and they have theirs. It is not my business, and I don't really care if it will not concern me or those around me.

"He has a point, Mana."

"Sensei?"

"No matter how nonchalant and cruel it may have sounded, Ephraim has a point. It is not his responsibility to care for what the people who didn't think highly of him from the start, think of him now. I myself have seen how they kicked him to the curb several times before… I even think that his lack of bitter words for them is already merciful of him."

"…"

"And as for Amakano… she is just being selfish."

"S-Sensei?"

"From how I see it, Sayaka is trying to have the most perfect high school experience which isn't actually realistic at all. She is super friendly, approachable by everyone and doesn't want to have anyone in the class left behind and unhappy… But she has to accept the truth that life isn't all about sunshine and daisies… and everyone are dealt different things in their day to day life."

"…"

Because of this exchange about what happened yesterday, I found it hard to rest during the trip.

It do is a shame that I have to turn her away like that and break her idea that everyone in the classroom was happy and friendly, but as I said, my life has already been changed again and again. I don't have a reason to go there, and I no longer intend to do so again.

"…Wake up. We're here."

"Finally…"

"I think my feet fell asleep…"

"Does anyone have to go to the toilet?"

Whatever it is, I have other things to do for now.

"Agent Chronia. We were told of your group's arrival."

"Director Yuri said that she is pleased with your outpost's readiness to receive us."

An adult woman walked up to out direction and greeted our group who just exited our vehicles. He had an S.S.S uniform and was followed by workers who helped us unload the equipment we have on us.

"Well then, I believe identities are to be given. I am Branch Manager Otonashi of Northern Honshu command. My base has been instructed to facilitate your group's lodgings and center of operations. Don't hesitate to ask us about anything you may need during your mission."

"That's greatly appreciated, sir."

I… No, we… have to prepare for this battle.