Work Text:
Hajime was working with Theresa Apocalypse in her office, sorting out the papers.
St. Freya recently finished the semester and every valkyrie attending were on a break.
Some have gone to their homes to spend their rest of the vacation with the families.
And the two heads wouldnt mind getting back to their families.
St. Freya are preparing the girls to fight honkai for the sake of their own people.
Letting them go back to their families is the least they could do for their nobility.
And many valkyries have been suggesting that they should visit the academy.
It originally started with a lone valkyrie as her mother came by to pick her up.
After that, someone else tried to do the same.
And it has becomme a trend where the feedback box near Theresa's office began to overflow with letters.
Understanding the value of family, Both Theresa and Hajime couldn't say no this idea.
Of course, not all of those letters are about family visit. It could also mean something else as well.
“Here are the forms, Theresa.” Hajime handed a pile of forms to the Overseer.
“Thanks.” As Theresa looked at the pile of papers and sighed.
“Something wrong?” As Hajime turned to her.
“Just a little frustrated, I guess.” Theresa crossed her arms after drinking a full can of bitter melon juice.
“About what?”
“About fixing the mess of my grandfather’s mistakes.”
“I mean…… You can't really blame him. He did his best to ‘save’ everyone.”
“Yeah…… I know.” Theresa took a frame of her grandfather's picture and made a pouting look.
“Setting the matters of ethics, morality and the law aside, He did try his best thinking what was right for him and for everyone else.” Theresa chuckled.
“You say that as if you agree with his methods.” The overseer placed the picture back on the table.
“I am just a third party, helping you understanding the perspective towards the person who loved and raised you.” Hajime raised both of his hands to his defense.
“Yeah…… “ Theresa handed him a can of bitter melon juice. “What would you do if you were in the same situation? Would you do the same?”
“Depends on the circumstance. But let the past be the past and focus on the present.” Theresa nodded as she grabbed the paper that was sticking out from the pile. She was also looking with a pensive look.
“Normally, It is a courtesy that you share what is in your mind as you are trying to think on something that hopefully benefits all of you.” Hajime broke her trance.
“There has been an increased number of valkyries' resignations, lately.” As Theresa sighed in dejection.
“Why are you upset about that? That happens when the newbie decides that fighting 9 foot tall monsters are way beyond their pay grade.”
“Majority of those who resigned are seasoned valkyries who joined during grandfather’s time.”
“Ah…..” Hajime scratched the back of his head. “Any reason why they left?” Theresa gave him all of the feedback forms.
‘I am leaving because I cannot trust you nor Schicksal anymore.’
‘Why would I trust you if you were his granddaughter?’
‘Why would I sacrifice my own life protecting a sinner’s legacy?’
‘How would I know that you are not going to send me to my own death, unlike Otto did?’
“Hmmmmm……. I can see why you are frustrated.” Hajime gave those papers another look-over.
“Uuuuuugggggghhhhhh………” Theresa placed her temple to show her despair.
“Well…… We can't exactly stop them from doing so. You know that.”
“I know.” As she cried on the table.
"Hmmmm......." As Hajime gave another read over. "Say....... Theresa, Is it just me or majority of them looks like they were coerced?" Theresa backed up his hypothesis by showing him multiple resignation forms. "Huh........ Good to know. How many has it been?” He returned them to Theresa.
“According to Fu Hua, there are so many of them. And their uneasiness backed by their own parents is not exactly helping us.” Hajime clicked his tongue.
“Yeah…… I heard about it from Ellie.” As he read their feedback again. “So apparently, the world government kept constantly reminding the world through social media about Otto’s……”
“Attempted genocide?”
“Strong words but yes.” He gave the paper back to Theresa. “And considering that they have been trying their ways on us, It wouldn't be a surprise that they are using the media to make the world including valkyries and their parents lose confidence in us. And adding the fact that Schicksal is still recovering from all of this, I am guessing they are using the people’s uneasiness to gain an upper hand.”
“Those people love giving us a major headache from time to time.” Hajime nodded.
“Well…… The best way to remedy the situation until this dies out is to gain their trust again.”
“Easier said than done. They have fanned the flames. So much so that it is getting messier by the minute.” Hajime clicked his tongue as he crossed his arms.
“Well……. We already made an open statement that you will be a different Overseer this time around and that got us a few back. And adding that Kolosten event, few people over there are giving us a few thumbs up.”
“Yeah….. But that political statement which was done through social media is not giving me an easy mind right now. And the community goes to them first before us.” Hajime gave a long thoughtful sigh.
“Well…….. We can't change the mind of the family of the valkyries but we can at least try to attempt the Valkyries to give us a reconsideration.”
“And how do we do that?” Theresa crossed her arms causing Hajime to smirk.
“With everlasting memories of course.” Hajime looked at the calendar.
“Oh good. Shenzhou's Spring Festival is coming.” Theresa raised an eyebrow.
“Where are you going with this?” She looked at the calendar with confusion.
“Eh…… I will explain on the way. But first…… Announce St. Freya and Schicksal that you will hold up a week-long humanitarian event in Mount Tai Xuan after all of us have made preparations. And those who want to join are welcomed to come aboard. They can use Hyperion as a means of transportation. Food and living quarters are covered until they have arrived at Mount Tai Xuan. And those who partipated in the end would get a recommendation from me and a red packet Homu Coins.”
“Awfully generous of you. What is the catch here?”
“Oh….. There is no catch. I just love giving these senators in the world government a huge kick on the backside. It feels more satisfying that way.” Theresa looked at him in confusion but smiled as she trusted him.
“Sweet. Let me give everyone a call so they can catch up to speed.” As he took out his phone and went straight to his speed dial.
“Hey Ellie.”
“..........”
“Could you gather everyone to the Hyperion a bit? This is about the upcoming Shenzhou Spring Festival.”
“............”
“No! I am not agreeing to that idea.”
“...........”
“I am not letting you persuade me about getting a honkai modified dragon chest tattoo!”
“............”
“No! Installing marked nanobots into me just so the dragon tattoo could make a roaring animation is still not convincing me!” As Hajime was heading to the door.
Theresa was bewildered from what she heard as she watched him leave the Overseer office.
Hajime sighed as he was standing in front of the mirror without his shirt on while Nagamitsu was wiping his chest with a tissue.
“I can't believe I let you talk me into this.” As Nagamitsu finished the process with a proud look.
Funny enough, there was a red Taixuan dragon tattoo that was covering from his right shoulder all the way to his right pectoral.
It looked like the dragon had its mouth opened and there was also a ball of flame at the center of his chest.
“Oh come on, Hajime. It looks cool. And it does make a cute roaring animation too.” Hajime both groaned and rolled his eyes to the absurdity of the situation. The tattoo, funny enough, reacted to his sudden honkai energy spike. True to what Elysia said, the red dragon tatoo made a roaring animation.
“I must say…… This is my best artistic work yet.” As Nagamitsu was looking smug.
“Oh shut it.” As he put on his shirt and coat. “Is everyone preparing everything in the village?” Elysia nodded with glee.
“They all even have their best outfit ready for the occasion.” Hajime looked at Elysia who was wearing a red dress. He even sweatdropped at the sight of her hair. It was so ridiculously long that it looked like it is being dragged along by the ground.
Deciding on whether he should tell her that she should need to have that hair tied or not, he sighed as it would be pointless and decided to tie her hair himself.
“Hehe~” As she watched her husband tie her ridiculously long hair into a big bun.
“There. One long ridiculously braided hair bun. That should prevent your hair getting dirty.” Elysia giggled.
“Didn't know that you were that concerned about the cleanliness of my hair.” Hajime rolled his eyes.
“I am not. But I don't want to be the poor sucker cleaning, moisturizing and conditioning it. It is way too long and I ain't got the time in the world to do that crap.” Hajime looked at her. “While we are on that topic, how on the ever-loving hell that your hair grew that long in the span of a few short days?!” Elysia giggled again.
“Wanted everyone to see how pretty my hair is. I will even let anyone get a feel of it too.” Elysia pointed at the top of her hair. “See? Even Felis is nestled into my hair because of that bun.” Hajime raised an eyebrow and there was Felis sleeping comfortably in her hair.
“What the?! Felis? When did you get there?”
As Hajime was about to drag their home cat away, Kiana came in with a white and black outfit with a very large cape.
“Captain? Have you seen…… Oh! There she is.” Kiana took Felis and went outside. “Girls! I finally found her!” Hajime facepalmed.
“Well…… Everyone should be ready by now.” As both Hajime and Elysia left the quarters and went to find Theresa.
When they arrived at the bridge, Theresa was with both Rita and Fu Hua. They were also dressed for the occasion.
Theresa was wearing a black and white outfit with red and gold ornaments. She even has a small fan with her and hair braided.
Rita was wearing a white gold outfit with a black rose embroidered below of her outfit. She also had her arms tied with red string.
Fu Hua looked embarassed as she was forced by Elysia, Theresa and Rita to wear the Blue Swallow outfit. Her dismay isnt from the fact that the dress looked unsightly on her. Far from that, the white and blue outfit with gold embroidery looked amazing on her. Her dismay is from the fact that the tradition enforced by Himeko is still ongoing.
Hajime chuckled. "This is a surprise. Who knew that both Grand Seeress of Emberya and her Maid of Celestia has graced us with their presence?" As Hajime playfully bowed, causing Theresa to roll her eyes while Rita and Elysia giggled. Fu Hua just adjusted her glasses causing the light to reflect on it.
"Every attending valkyrie are now awaiting for your orders." As Hajime took the holopad and analyzed it, giving them a silent answer
"Captain? Should we start on the preparations for the villagers?" Fu Hua widened her eyes and tapped his shoulder.
"Hmmm? Oh sure! Thanks a lot for reminding me Furia. Have KongMing and the Grand Duchess oversee the construction so there wouldnt be any complications." As Hajime mindlessly answered.
His response befuddled them and they all looked at each other including Ellie.
"Hajime?" Elysia gave a weird look as she tapped on his shoulder, causing Hajime to look.
"Yeah?"
"Her name is Fu Hua, Theresa and Rita." Hajime blinked his eyes many times.
"What did I say?"
"You kinda named them wrong, honey." Hajime rubbed his forehead.
"Oh, sorry about that. Guess i must have been stayed up all night reading Homu Kingdoms manga."
"Huh...... No wonder the KongMing name sounds familiar." As Theresa took out her phone and she saw it was part of Homu Kingdom Spring Special in the phone. "But the comparison is a stretch. How could you possibly mistake it from us?" Hajime gave a confused look.
".......... Wild reader's imagination?" Theresa gave a deadpanned look.
"While I havent read the manga before, I am well aware that the name popped up in Grandfather's library. You do realize that KongMing is believed to be respected Shenzhou male war consultant, right?" Theresa placed her hands on her hips.
"He was also believed to be tall." You could see that there is an imaginary bubble stabbed Theresa from Rita's recollection.
"He was also to be believed a bit more distinguished as well from what i can remember in records."
Poor girl took another hit but decided to tough it out.
"Shame that I never got to see if those records were a myth or not."Fu Hua held her chin. Elysia giggled as she gave Theresa a pat on her shoulder.
"Setting the thrown shade aside, you sure you are okay? That was the first time you made a mistake on the names despite working together for years now."
"I will be fine. Mind must have been way too occupied with that manga." Hajime took a drink from his thermos. Doesnt want to probe in a bit further, the valkyries decided to leave it at that.
“I am assuming every one who volunteered are dressed as you all are?” They all nodded.
“All but one.” Elysia commented with a smile as she raised an index finger.
“Oh? Which annoying rascal would that be?” Hajime put on his captain coat while raising his eyebrow.
They all looked at him with a smirk.
“...............”
Something clicked in his head.
“Oh……… No!” Hajime covered himself. As he was about to ran away, Rita blocked his exit.
“Captain~ Everyone must dressed for the occasion, right?” Rita held his right hand, Elysia on his left and Fu Hua held on to his collar.
Theresa was showing him both Tai Xuan-style vintage buttoned top, baggy stringed trousers, 4 rolls of bandage wraps and a pair of wooden slippers.
“Let’s see how good you will look in it it~” Hajime sighed to his defeat as he lets them choose his attire.
“Thank you so much for the food, Mister.” As Hajime smiled softly at the little child who just recently received a free bowl of soup from him.
Hajime was wearing a Taixuan style white-buttoned tunic with two left unbuttoned slightly showing his dragon tattoo. His hands were covered with handwraps, not fully obstructing the movements of his fingers.
Hajime was overlooking on how the celebration was going by being the stall cook that is giving away free steamed meat buns, sugar figures, soy milk and sugar cane juice. He was also preparing a chicken broth but that would for later on.
And the rest of the valkyries were helping the villagers of Taixuan on doing preparing making kites, paper boats with orange candle, paper lanterns and red street decorations. There were also multiple a lot of Homu figurines wearing red taixuan outfit being handed out.
“Do I have to pay for the food, mister?” Hajime looked at the innocence of the child.
“No…. Today is Mount Tai Xuan's Spring Festival. So you shouldnt be paying right now.” The little child looked at him adoration. “But……. Everybody should have the same treatment. Meaning you would get only one. Just to make it fair.” Hajime saw the child frowned.
“Oh……..” Hajime chuckled as he ruffled his hair.
“Come back later, okay?” He kneeled at his level.
“Well…… It is just that i wanted more for my sister.” Hajime raised an eyebrow.
“Where is she right now?” The little child pointed at the lone table who was on a wheelchair.
As he was about to ask, he could see the thousand-yard stare from her as if all hope was lost to her.
“I see…… Well….. Let me talk to my friends so they could help her out to eat.” The little child nodded with so much gratitudes on his eyes.
“Thank you so much, Mister. Sister recently got recovered from the mysterious illness but she has missed a lot of holidays being sick. It never bothered me because I kept taking care of her.” Hajime frowned.
“Where are your parents?”
“They…….. passed away from the last wave of monsters few months ago. The villagers said that the immortal Phoenix save all she could.” Hajime gave a soft frown while watching the kid hung his head low, crying.
“I am grateful that she saved our lives. I just wished she saved the rest of my family.” Hajime stood up and made a pair of homu sugar figures and steamed meat buns. The little boy widened his eyes as Hajime gave the steaming hot snack to him.
“Give this to your sister, yeah?” Hajime wiped the child’s tears. “We will try to work on something for her on our end.” The little child sniffed and ran towards got his sister.
Hajime sighed with melancholy and heard Ellie walked to his side.
“I am guessing you heard everything.” Elysia giggled.
“Having a pair of elf ears has its perks.” As she wiggled her ears. “I am guessing they have been two of the victims when Senti came.”
“Yeah……… Senti, who was occupying Fu Hua at the time, made her home in these mountains. She never caused trouble for the villagers. But you know how it is……… If there is a huge honkai spike found in the area, Ally or not, honkai beast will come running.”
“You think it is better for her to know about it?”
“Pretty sure she already knew. Why else should be fixated on doing everything on her own?” As he pointed that Fu Hua was doing everything she could to help the villagers.
“It wasnt her fault.” Elysia frowned.
“It wasnt but she felt responsible. Funny thing about the word ‘Responsibility’ is that……… If she had known that she could have changed a person’s life, she wouldn't be so guilt-ridden about it.” Both looked at Fu Hua's guilty expression as she was doing her best to make up the mistake she and Senti unintentionally made.
“Poor Fu Hua. She looks like she is taking everything hard. Kinda wished there is something we could do.” Hajime chuckled. “Well…… All of the valkyries and staff are under her command right now. So why not let her know that she can utilize that opportunity?” Hajime prepared a bowl of soup.
“We can’t fix the damages that were inflicted upon but we can help her heal those wounds.” He gave it to another person who was in line.
“We are here not just because we want to help everyone else. We are here because we want to give everyone a peace of mind. And that involves to those who were in this conflict.” Elysia smiled softly and kissed him on the cheek before leaving to help Fu Hua.
Hajime sighed in relief, seeing everyone enjoying the ambient atmosphere.
It would be a shame if someone destroys it……….
“Why are you all here?!” Hajime sighed as he knew that this was inevitable.
He turned as he saw multiple group of vans parked by the entrance
“And who might you all be?” Hajime only rose an eyebrow.
“We are ShenZhou’s Department of Tai Xuan Welfare and Development Division. We are here on the behalf of World Government and all services on the land of Mount Taixuan, including the humanitarian ones, are strictly under our jurisdiction. You are not authorized on these premises.” Hajime gave a side look to every men-in-black that just arrived.
He also noticed that everyone were carrying weapons.
“Awfully armed for a simple welfare group.” As Hajime stated his observations.
“With all due respect, sir. You are leading an army of superpowered soldiers. My men are just defending themselves in the event that one of your people has gone rogue.” Hajime really held himself from punching the man and just stirred the stew pot.
“Kinda late on helping the villagers with their humanitarian needs, don’t you think?” Hajime gave a bored and annoyed look.
“As I said, You are not authorized to do your illegal actions here in these lands, let alone docked your ship here. Please leave the premises or we will be forced to do drastic measures.” Hajime chuckled.
“Well…… As it happens, the ship is not docked on these lands and we are here for just humanitarian services. The paper was sent a while ago. Weeks before you have that paper processed.” One of the men clicked his tongue.
“You could do what you think is right on my ship but I kinda doubt she would let you considering that she is armed. And any unauthorized actions on my ship would trigger her anti-theft programming and would result in disintegration as self-defense.” Hyperion automatically targeted all of the men in black with laser sight, intimidating them.
“At ease, gentlemen. The world government only sponsored us to do our job on what is best for Shenzhou. We are not here to declare war.” All of them withdrew their weapons while Hajime just crossed his arms.
“As Captain, Please do remember that you dont represent the entirety of Taixuan village. We do.” Hajime just gave a cold look while watching them setting up for the TaiXuan Village.
He heard a giggle from his back.
“I am guessing that you heard all of that.”
“Yup~” Hajime scratched the back of his head. “How is Fu Hua holding up?”
“She is easing herself on delegating everyone’s duties. It might take a while for her to get used to it but I don't think she really minds.” Hajime chuckled.
“Well…… Here is hoping that she wouldn't shoulder those burdens alone and would start to rely on us from now on. Goodness knows that she has lived long enough for that crap.” Elysia giggled.
After a while, Elysia gave an odd look, causing him to ask.
“Something wrong?”
“Yeah…….. Does the name ‘Children or the Empyrean Flames’ ring any bells to you?” Hajime raised an eyebrow.
“I have but that is a children’s folk tale on these lands.”
“Oh? Can you tell me what they are about?”
“Sure…… It has been said that in ancient times of Shenzhou, few people can wield elements strong enough to rival those of the gods. One can summon flames that could incinerate an army just from its single slightest wisp while there are other stories that a man could harden his body as tough as bronze and as powerful as gold. I even heard that there was a legendary sage/smith that created a sword from the mountain's core that once protected the lands and people.”
“Oh….. That is cool.”
“Yeah……. Get this. It has been said that the children of Empyrean Flames are the selected individuals who have been granted with the divinity from the Immortal Phoenix.”
“Eh? That doesn't make sense. I don't recall Fu Hua telling a story of her granting powers to people. Or any Mantis for that matter.” Hajime chuckled.
“Which is why I said that it is a children’s folktale, Didn't I?” Elysia giggled.
“Thanks for telling me that story.” Elysia sat on the table besides Hajime.
“Happy to help out. Where did you encounter that name anyways?”
“Well…… I heard someone who somehow overheard while I was making snacks for the people at a distance.”
“Meaning you were eavesdropping with your elf ears.”
“You wounded me, darling~ He just overshared with someone while I was just there, minding my own business with the children.” Hajime rolled his eyes.
“In any case, Thanks for giving me an idea.” Elysia raised an eyebrow. “Oh you know. A way for me on how to get civil with them.” Elysia giggled.
“Always happy to help for my darling and sweet hubby~” Hajime rolled his eyes as he let Elysia hugged his side. "Alrighty. Time for me to get back to Fu Hua again. Have fun on your end, honey." Hajime shook his head with a sigh.
“Aillie? Could you hack into their communications and patch it through me?” As Hajime pressed his earpiece.
“ Alrighty then.” As Aillie popped out of nowhere and began to comply with his request.
All Hajime could hear was a static but after a while, the line was now bugged.
“............”
“........…..”
“............”
“.....……….”
Hajime nodded as he finally understood what was really going on when the transmission ended.
“Alright. Looks like this won't be just a normal holiday, Aillie.” Hajime returned his phone to his pocket.
“Leaving soon?” Hajime nodded causing Ellie to giggle. “Bring in some gift for the kids to enjoy, yeah?”
“Sure…… Let Theresa know that I will be back for a while.” Hajime gave a small wave to let her know that he will be busy attending to other matters.
“Okay~ Just make it back for the fireworks show, my spicy cinnamon bun!” Hajime facepalmed as few passerby gave an odd look upon hearing that.
“ These ‘valkyries’......... These pretenders………. They do not know the glory of our great Immortal Phoenix.”
A mysterious hooded and masked figure was leaning on the rocky tunnel, whilst crossing his arms. He was listening to the rally that was happening in a hidden area.
“ We have a sworn duty to protect the people of Shenzhou from these vile villains.” He can see that there were multiple pictures of Valkyries showing off destroying every bit of Shenzhou property.
Kiana unleashing an explosive Nuke.
Bronya summoned a giant mecha firing missile.
Mei riding a giant red dragon.
The person leading the rally was a Shenzoan politician and senator.
“They claimed that they will protect us from the monsters. But arent they monsters themselves? How do we trust these people if they keep leaving a trail of destruction in our home! On Our People! On Our Land blessed by Immortal Phoenix!”
There was multiple chattering, showing their evident paranoia towards the valkyries.
“ Fret not as we are the descendants of the Children of the Empyrean Flame. The Immortal Phoenix has blessed us with power. Power strong enough to rival the goddess herself. And we shall use this power to reclaim our land back from these pillagers!” There was a loud road and cheers.
“And to those who lack the blood, we can still fight our land back with weapons that could injure them. As long as we have the will..
…..”
“We….. Can…… Fight!” Everyone was gearing themselves with weapons as the hooded man leaned on the cavern tunnel.
“ Time to show them why we are called as the Children of the Empyrean Flame!” The hooded masked man sighed.
“ You got all of that, Aillie?” Aillie revealed herself to the man.
“ Sure did. Let me send this to Rita so she would make preparations.” The hooded masked man nodded.
“ Thanks. Time to make them scream in agony then.” Aillie giggled.
“ Good luck.” The man nodded as he turned on his stealth mask.
As he turned, he saw a Senti leaning on the cavern with her arms crossed.
"Hey, Senti."
"Yo." Senti raised her hand to acknowledge him.
"I am guessing that you are not here and the Senti I am seeing right now is one of your projections living in my head as you are letting Fu Hua doing all of the work back at the village." As the man tightened up his handwraps.
"That sounds about right." Senti placed her hands at her back.
"Thinking on stopping me from doing this?" Senti raised both of her hands with a chuckle.
"Not at all. Wanted to see how my disciple would apply what he learned from me." The hooded masked man nodded.
"Here I thought you are going to lay some proverbs on me."
"Ehhhh...... I was about to but considering that you are the only wisest student I have under me......No need for the greatest herscherr in the world to intervene."
"You are not going to tell others about this or call for backup? You sure about that?"
"If I never had any confidence in your abilities to begin with, I would have nagged old timer to come here to save your sorry ass. As for not telling them about this.... Like i said, I am just checking on my student." He chuckled as he watched Senti took out A Homu Kingdom Spring Special and started reading.
"Thanks."
"As I said, I am just checking on my student."As Senti turned a page over, letting Hajime go on his own.
He was heading to the exit of the cavern, giving a slow clap.
“ Nice speech.” The man stopped his clap as he arrived. "Really a shame that all of these is under the pretense of destroying the valkyries."
"WHO, IN THE NAME OF IMMORTAL PHOENIX, ARE YOU?!" As everyone aimed their guns at the strange individual.
"I gotta be honest. I really do not like how you all use her name like that. It's really annoying to hear it from your mouths."
"KILL HIM IN THE NAME OF IMMORTAL PHOENIX! MAKE OUR LATE FOUNDERS, MASTER LI, MASTER YAN AND MASTER CUI PROUD!" The man's eyes and fists glowed.
"Alright. Enough all of this bullshit." He slammed his fist on the ground, causing a cave-in on the only entrace/exit. Seeing this, everybody laughed at his mistake.
"YOU FOOL! YOU TRAPPED YOURSELF WITH US AND NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU ON THIS POINTLESS ENDEAVOR." He only chuckled as they were all shooting their guns at him.
"Good. Wouldnt want anyone to interupt me breaking all of you." He stretched out his arms and he was releasing off a flaming hot aura, causing the bullets to be melted upon contact. Seeing this, they all kept shooting him.
"But don't worry, I will keep all of you alive long enough to see the future. I won't guarantee that you all will walk out of this mountain uncrippled though."
Hearing the screams of agony from the enemy, Herscherr of Sentience chuckled. "I gotta say....... Kalpas would be very proud of you, Captain." As Senti turned the page over again.
"Has anyone seen Hajime?" Theresa turned to the valkyries, curious why the captain of the Hyperion is not there. "The Fireworks is about to start."
"Maybe he is occupied with something else right now?" Rita raised an eyebrow.
"Ah..... I kinda wished that he would be here for the kids." Theresa scratched the back of her head.
"Well......... you know how busy Hajime can get." Rita smiled.
"Yeah, you are right. I still need to call him to let him know though." Rita nodded to Theresa and let her called him. And what she got was a voicemail.
"Hello. You have reached........ " And then she heard someone else joined in the voicemail. "~Hi, This is Hajime and Elysia Stellar. Please leave a message after this kiss. Mwah~ Ughhhhh........" Theresa chuckled from hearing that.
"Hajime. You got a voicemail." As the man was fighting a giant flaming lion-like beast that recently came out of the portal.
"YOU SHALL SUFFER FROM THE WRATH OF THE BEAST OF YANG, HUODOU! ONE OF THE LEGENDARY BEAST THAT SERVED UNDER THE GREAT MASTER ZHUGE KONGMING!" The hooded masked man, knocked him out as the flaming beast revealed himself.
"In case you hadn't notice, I am occupied right now."The AI giggled in his earpiece.
"Hajime. I know you are busy right now but the fireworks is about to start." He clicked his tongue as he was thrown to the wall. His hood were burned off, revealing a very annoyed and angry red-haired man wearing a mask that only covered the lower part of his face.
Getting pissed from this, he sighed and internalized his qi.
"Alright. Aillie. Tell KongMing that i will be there but they can proceed as scheduled." Aillie gave a confused look.
"Don't you mean Theresa, Hajime?" As the man's pair of eyes glowed gold.
"Not a good time." As he blocked the beast's swipe and landed a hard fist on the jaw. "Huh...... So best counter for this monstrosity's attack is the Six Fist's dragon form.... Poetic." The beast, however not fully complete, flinched from his hard attack.
"Alright then. Time to throw you back into that hole." He ran towards to the pouncing beast while releasing a hotter aura.
Back to the village, everyone was waiting for the fireworks to show up. And seeing that Hajime still wasn't there yet. Theresa sighed.
Everyone has already set up the red street lanterns, paper boats and dinner.
As for what Tai Xuan Welfare and Development Division, they have set up multiple cuisines and different variety of foods like Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet And Sour Pork, Roasted Duck, Mapo Tofu, Hot pot and many more.
They have also called in the media, livestreaming the event.
"Where are they right now? They should be here, making a ruckus on this village." As the leader of the division was looking anxious.
Herscherr of Sentience and Rita Rossweisse smirked.
"Is there something wrong?" As Theresa gave look of suspicion.
Herscherr of Sentience snapped her fingers, broadcasting his thoughts to the overseer only.
*We shouldnt miss the opportunity to show the world how destructive these.......... monsters are. Right now the world is only seeing them as innocent girls! The World Government will have my head if this plan to expose them failed."* Theresa internally chuckled and mouthed Senti "Thank you.", causing the herscherr to give a proud look.
"All right! Time to start the fireworks!"
Everyone lit their fireworks and watched them flew to the sky.
One after another, everyone witnessed how beautiful the light show was.
The little girl, whose sibling was the same boy who approached Hajime earlier, moved her hands and firmly held her brother's hand.
"Brother? Are those fireworks?" The little boy nodded with a small smile.
"Yes...."
"I remember our promise with Mom and Dad about watching the fireworks. I just wished that they are here to see it." As the little boy was about to respond, there was a lone firework fired off from a far-off place.
Everyone was confused on who lighted the firework and watched as it was still going.
As soon it exploded in the sky, a figure of giant flower appeared in the sky.
"Brother? Can we do this again for the next holiday?" The little boy responded. To the boy's surprise, the little girl who have been a shut-in for a while, walked towards to him and gave him a tight hug, causing everyone to be heartwarmed at the sight, including the one who was livestreaming everything.
"Do you want the valkyries to join in for the next holiday too?" As Theresa approached the two kids with a gentle smile.
"Mmhmm.... You made this happen right? Not the scary men in suit?" Theresa nodded. "Then yes please." As everyone in the village agreed with the child.
The rest of the welfare division widened their eyes in fear as their plan failed.
For Schicksal and St. Freya, tonight has been a really good Spring Festival.
Hajime was seen leaving the cavern with his tattered and burned hood.
"Did it work, Aillie?"As he sat on the lone boulder with a sigh after removing his mask.
"It sure did. To those who watched the broadcast, I am receiving less and less resignation forms sent out through the system. And I am seeing a lot of people disagreeing with the World Government now beause of that broadcast. "
"Well...... That is a start. For now, try to check on that status from time to time." Aillie saluted.
"Aye-aye captain!" Hajime chuckled as she vanished from his sight.
Enjoying the ambient atmosphere, Hajime could not resist but to enjoy on how well things turned out.
One thing still bothers him.
"Why on earth do I keep referring Theresa as KongMing? It is not me to keep making the same mistake like that." Hajime scratched the back of his head because of his confusion.
"Hmmmmm..........."
"HA-JI-ME!" As a female shout heard from the distance, causing him to look.
Hajime sighed with a soft smile as he saw Elysia in her red dress waving him. She was running towards him with a big smile.
"Oh well........ Another time." As he stood off from the rock. "Hey E-OOF!" As Elysia tackled him to the ground.
"You weren't with us, earlier~" Hajime weakly chuckled.
"Well..... I was busy cleaning things up." As he let Elysia hugged him while on the grass.
"Hmmmm~ Not a good reason enough." Hajime rolled his eyes.
"Well. My darling wifey. How do I make it up to you for my abscence then?"
"Hmmm~ How about we stay like this for a while?" As he watched her head hovering over him as she removed the braids.
"Your hair is going to get dirty." As he caressed her long hair.
"I looked cuter when I let my hair down, right~" Hajime chuckled.
"That you do." As he smiled and placed his forehead towards hers.
"Happy Spring Festival, Ellie."
"Happy Spring Festival, Haji."
As they both smiled while still on the ground, celebrating the night with all of their heart.