"What?! Two weeks have passed?!"
Alchio's ear-splitting, bewildered cry tore through the usual silence of the Guardian base. Team Lumine had finally returned from their first – and far more complicated than expected – mission in TechnoTokyo. They were now gathered in Stella's office, ready to deliver their mission report and catch their breath.
Hyogaki, maintaining his usual calm and analytical demeanor, slowly adjusted his glasses, seemingly unaffected by Alchio's shock. "Yes, Alchio. According to my precise measurements, due to the energy fluctuations of the Universe Train and the unique structure of TechnoTokyo's 'AC' coded universe, the few hours we spent there equate to approximately two weeks in our home universe."
Berwick leaned back in his chair, a faint, wry smile playing on his lips; he seemed accustomed to this phenomenon. "Didn't we tell you, Alchio? The concept of time can get a little... flexible during inter-universal travel. Anyway, at least we should get some overtime pay-"
Stella cut him off sharply. "No, there's absolutely no extra pay."
Berwick sighed with mild disappointment. "Right. Well, worth a shot."
Akemi tilted her head. "So, the things in the universe names... Are they just codes?"
Stella finally put down her tablet, giving them her full attention. Despite the fatigue in her eyes, her voice was clear and explanatory. "Good question, Akemi. Yes, they are codes, but these codes are classifications we use to define the fundamental structures and operational modes of universes. 'SC,' or 'Standard Creation,' refers to universes like our home universe, where the laws of physics as we know them largely apply, and time flows linearly and constantly. You maintain your biological clocks, but time differences can occur relative to your home universe when traveling between universes with different codes. Like TechnoTokyo, an 'AC' or 'Accelerated Creation' universe, where creative or technological energy is extremely dense, and this density accelerates the flow of time. The few hours you spent there resulted in two weeks passing here for us."
Stella continued, "There are more complex and dangerous codes as well. 'BC,' 'Bounded Chaos' universes are, as the name suggests, unpredictable and chaotic places where the laws of physics are constantly shifting. Predicting what will happen when is nearly impossible there. 'ZC,' 'Temporal Zone,' and 'ZS,' 'Spatial Zone' universes are regions where time and space are warped, paradoxes can occur, and navigation and movement are extremely difficult. And finally, there are the 'WC,' 'Wasteland Wish Creation' universes, which we haven't fully explored and believe exist only theoretically. It's said that in these universes, a wish can be granted in exchange for a very steep price, but this wish disrupts the fundamental balance of the universe, turning it into an uninhabitable wasteland. WC universes are extremely unstable, complex, and dangerous. Fortunately, the 'AC' universe of your first mission was quite stable compared to these."
Hana, who had been listening quietly, interjected, "So, each universe has its own unique 'structure,' and this structure affects time and other things?"
"Exactly, Hana," Stella confirmed. "And as Guardians, operating in these different universes requires understanding the rules and dangers of each one." Stella looked at the group and stood up. "You can go for now. Oh, by the way, Berwick, before you leave, your masters want to see you. They're in the training area..."
Berwick sighed inwardly. He could guess what the conversation with his masters would be about. The broken sword...
After the mission report and universe briefing, Team Lumine met at their usual spot – a small, cozy café near the base. Over tea and coffee, they discussed the few hours they'd spent in TechnoTokyo.
Alchio took a sip from his cup. "It was truly incredible, seriously! Especially Ren just BAM! BOOM! Decaying those guys instantly! Awesome!" Ren, still maintaining his cool demeanor, sipped his espresso.
Hana took a deep breath. "Ah... I'm just so glad we survived. For a moment there, among those robots, I thought we were goners. But thanks to Hyogaki's directives, it felt like we handled it as easily as playing a game."
Kiko turned to Hyogaki curiously. "Yeah, Hyogaki! You were really amazing back there. Thanks to you, we couldn't even tell if those robots were actually that tough."
Berwick stirred his drink, smirking at Hyogaki. "So, Hyogaki's directives, huh?"
Hana nodded quickly. "His analysis helped us find their weak points immediately, making our job easier. We would have attacked even without him, but none of us are used to working coordinatedly yet, so I doubt it would have been that easy." Hyogaki adjusted his glasses.
Ren listened silently. "The time difference... An interesting situation. We must be prepared for this in future missions." After a while, Berwick got up and headed towards the training area.
When he reached the training grounds, Kane, Takeshi, and Tomo were waiting for him. Takeshi greeted him by dangling the two pieces of his broken steel sword, which had already found its way back to its master.
"Well, well, well! Look who decided to grace us with his presence! Our star pupil, Guardian candidate Berwick! What happened, champ? Did the tin cans in TechnoTokyo break this 'Ether-cutter' of yours? We spent all that time training you, told you to 'master the steel,' not break the steel!" Takeshi's face held a mix of mockery and concealed concern.
Berwick shrugged. "Master Takeshi, the situation... was a bit complicated."
Takeshi burst out laughing. "What could possibly be so complicated? Did a dragon bite your sword?" When his laughter subsided, Takeshi's expression turned serious. "Okay, jokes aside... You need to be more careful next time. A warrior's weapon is their closest partner."
Kane stepped forward. "We got the report from Stella. It's true the sword saved your lives, but be careful next time."
Tomo came to Berwick's side and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Every end is a new beginning, Berwick. However... something good awaits you soon." Berwick nodded slightly, a hint of disappointment lingering. After talking with his masters, he headed home, his mind still on the broken sword and wondering what his masters were planning.
As soon as he walked through the door at home, that familiar warmth greeted him. Lisandra was holding a baking tray. Seeing Berwick, she immediately dropped the tray and ran to him, hugging him tightly.
"Berwick! You're finally back! Are you really okay? When I called the base... they just said 'on a mission'..." Lisandra's voice was a mix of anxiety and relief.
Berwick wrapped his arms around her, burying his nose in her hair and taking a deep breath. Her scent seemed to wash away all the stress he'd endured. "I'm fine, Lisa. Don't worry. The mission just took longer, and there was the time difference. But I'm here now."
They moved to the living room and sat on the couches. Berwick recounted the TechnoTokyo mission in detail – the flying cars, the cyberpunk enemies, his fight with the masked man Kage on the skyscraper... Lisa listened intently, occasionally flinching in fear, sometimes laughing at Berwick's descriptions.
"So they were really that fast and strong?" Lisa asked, her eyes wide.
"They were. Especially Kage... He was unlike anything I've ever faced before. Of course, that changed after I landed a few punches on his face. Also, we did a good job as a team."
Lisa took Berwick's hand. "It must have been exhausting..."
Berwick smiled, stroking her fingers. "Well, yeah, I was tired... But thinking about you... I can't give up. You, Illya, my family, Touga... I can't let them down."
That night, their conversation stretched on. The pain of their losses, the hope of the new life they were building together, their support for each other... The bond between them grew stronger with each passing minute. As the night deepened, words faded into silence, replaced by touches. Listening to her heart, Lisa went to Berwick's room. He was lying in bed, reading a comic book. When Lisandra entered, he sat up.
Berwick looked at Lisa with a slight smirk. "Is someone having trouble slee-" Before he could finish, Lisa pushed him back onto the bed and climbed on top of him. Berwick's heart started racing. Lisa looked deep into his eyes. "This time..." Her face drew closer to Berwick's. "I don't want to hold back."
It was a moment where two lonely souls found solace in each other, where all walls crumbled. That night, it wasn't just two bodies, but two broken hearts that became whole in each other.
The next morning, Berwick woke up with a lightness he had never felt before. An indescribable happiness filled him. Though his body was still tired, he felt energized from within. He hadn't experienced anything like this in his reincarnated life, not even in his previous life as an assassin. Pure devotion, unconditional love... This positive influence permeated his entire being. Looking in the mirror, he saw that the deep pain in his eyes had been replaced by a brighter, more hopeful sparkle.
Just as he was about to make breakfast, his phone rang. It was Master Takeshi again.
"Yes, Master?"
"Berwick! Get ready and come to the training area immediately! All three of us are waiting for you this time. But hurry, we don't have time to waste!" Takeshi's voice sounded more serious and excited than usual.
"But breakf-"
Takeshi interjected, "We said hurry, kid! Is this really the time for breakfast?!"
Berwick quickly got ready, said goodbye to Lisandra, and headed to the training area. When he arrived, his masters were waiting for him in a place he'd never seen before – a vast area stretching for miles, covered in lush green meadows. The sky was clear, and birdsong echoed around them.
"Welcome, Berwick," Kane said, a rare excitement on his face. "Today is a new beginning for you."
The sun was blinding. Berwick looked at his masters, confused. "Why did we come here?"
Tomo held a metallic bar that shimmered like a nebula. "This is a Universe Material Bar. An extremely rare substance containing the pure energy of the universe. It can only be shaped by the user's unwavering will and Ether power. This is the last bar we have. But be careful. If you demand more from this bar than your will can handle, if you pour too much Ether into it, it will turn to dust."
Berwick approached the bar in awe. Tomo handed it to him. It was heavier than expected, and a vibrant, powerful energy flowed from within. Following his masters' guidance, he closed his eyes and focused all his attention on the bar. In his mind, he pictured a sword. But it wasn't just a shape. With his eyes closed, everything he had experienced flashed through his mind like a film reel: missions from his old life, his partner's death, the shock of reincarnation, losing his family, Touga's farewell, meeting Lisa, his promise to Illya, Guardian training, Team Lumine, the TechnoTokyo mission, his fight with Kage... Every memory, every emotion – his anger, sorrow, determination, love, hope... All flowed into the bar.
The bar began to glow, first a faint shimmer, then a blinding green brilliance... It changed shape, elongated, thinned... And a stunningly beautiful sword emerged, glowing vibrant green as if alive. Lines like tree branches adorned its surface, and energy pulsed from within.
Takeshi smiled. "So, what name will you give this new companion, son?"
Berwick opened his eyes and looked at the green light emanating from the sword. With a feeling of hope and a new beginning swelling inside him, he spoke without hesitation. "Its name... shall be 'Verdant Dawn'."
Berwick gripped the sword. He felt a power in his hand unlike any weapon he'd held before, but it was utterly uncontrolled. The sword flared randomly, sometimes emitting violent energy waves, sometimes fading completely. He tried swinging it a few times, but the energy released was erratic, unpredictable.
Kane smiled. "Its power is immense, but wild. You will need to tame it, Berwick. It seems 'Verdant Dawn's' true potential will remain shelved for now. Therefore, this will be the focus of our new training."
When he returned home with his new sword forged from Universe Material, Lisa greeted him with admiration. The sword's beauty and the energy it radiated fascinated her. Berwick explained that the sword was still uncontrolled and he hadn't yet fully understood its power.
"Berwick, I'm going to make some snacks, want some?" Lisa called out, busy with something in the kitchen.
"Yes! I'd love some!"
Berwick was rummaging through belongings he'd brought from his old home. There were lots of old boxes and albums.
Lisa added, "What kind would you like? Something sweet or savory?"
"I'd eat poison if you made it!" Berwick continued searching the storage-like room. "Ugh, it should be around here somewhere, but where." Suddenly, several boxes tumbled down onto him, and Berwick fell to the floor. Lisa heard the noise from inside. "Berwick! Are you okay? Need help?"
Berwick rubbed his head and got up, tossing the boxes aside. "I'm fine! I'll handle it, you just focus on those delicious sweets, okay?" Lisa giggled. "Ooh, so you want sweets, huh? Alright, I'll make them!"
Berwick stood up and started putting the boxes back in place. But his attention was suddenly caught by a strange, technological-looking metal box he hadn't noticed before among them. Ancient, unintelligible symbols were engraved on its surface. Curious, he opened it. What lay inside made his heart pound. It was a broken piece of a crimson sword, adorned with incredibly detailed inscriptions in ancient languages, looking magnificent. Only the hilt and a very small part of the blade remained; the rest of the sword looked as if it had been snapped off. The sword seemed to stir the ancient blood within Berwick, calling to him. He tried to lift it but couldn't budge it even slightly. Its weight was unbelievable. The aura emanating from the sword was different from Verdant Dawn – older, denser, more oppressive.
"What is this..." Berwick whispered. Lisa called from the kitchen, "Berwick! The sweets are ready! I made something really nice, come on!" Even this broken fragment possessed overwhelming energy. Realizing he couldn't deal with it now, he closed the box. "Ah, whatever! I'll look at this later," he muttered, putting it aside among his belongings.
The next day, Team Lumine gathered at the Guardian base for a debriefing of their first mission. As they listened to the report, Berwick, Alchio, Akemi, Hana, Kiko, and Ren once again talked about how easily they had dealt with the robots in TechnoTokyo. They particularly emphasized how Hyogaki's quick analysis of the battlefield and his instructions on which robot weak points to target allowed them to overcome the threat with minimal losses.
"You know that moment when Hyogaki's glasses gleam," Alchio said laughing, nudging Hyogaki. "You immediately know, right Hyogaki? Like he's saying, 'Okay, we got this!'"
Akemi nodded in agreement. "Seriously, he figured out the robots' movement patterns and energy flows so quickly... It felt like the battle was over before it even started."
Hyogaki blushed slightly and adjusted his glasses. "I just... stated my observations."
Ren added in his cool but appreciative tone, "Your analysis turned the tide of the battle in our favor."
Just then, Stella entered the room, holding a new tablet. "Team Lumine, you did well. The first mission was a success. Now, are you ready for the next step?"
The team members looked at Stella expectantly.
"The Guardian organization is undergoing restructuring. And based on your performance in the first mission, it looks like you will play a significant role in this restructuring. However, for that to happen, you need to select a leader from within the team. Because your next mission might be longer, or shorter, than you think."
The team members looked at each other. Who would be the leader?
"I-" Berwick started, but Hyogaki quickly stepped forward. "I... nominate Berwick to be the leader. He led us during the exam and the first mission, and he was always at the forefront."
Berwick shook his head. "Thank you, Hyogaki, but I'm not the most suitable person for this role."
Alchio was surprised. "What do you mean, Berwick? Who could be better than you in this situation? Shouldn't a leader be the strongest among us?"
Berwick smiled. "In terms of power, perhaps... But a leader isn't just the one with physical strength. The leader should be the team's brain, the strategist, the one who can make the right decisions in any situation. And that person..." Berwick pointed at the slightly unassuming Hyogaki among them. "...is you, Hyogaki." Berwick turned to him. "During the fight with the robots, your analytical mind, quick thinking, and ability to read the situation brought the team together when none of us knew how to work coordinatedly, securing an easy victory... These are the most important qualities a leader should possess. While we fought, you guided the team. You are undoubtedly the true leader of this team, Hyogaki."
After hearing Berwick's words, Akemi, Alchio, Hana, Kiko, and Ren smiled and nodded towards Hyogaki. Moved by his teammates' trust, Hyogaki put aside his shyness and took a deep breath. "If you all trust me... I will accept this responsibility."
Stella smiled. "Excellent. Hyogaki is the new leader of Team Lumine. Congratulations. Now, let me brief you on your new mission." Stella opened a map on her tablet. What they saw was a complex network that looked like warped time and space. "This is a 'ZC' coded universe. It's called 'Kronos.' It's a dangerous place where time flows extremely erratically, and spatial distortions occur. A moment there could be a day here, or vice versa. It's very easy to get lost. Your mission... is to find an experienced Guardian team that went missing in this universe and bring them back. According to the latest intel, they seem to be trapped on a planet within it. The planet has its own civilization, but we don't yet know if they are hostile or friendly, so be prepared for anything."
The team members looked at each other. Their first mission was tough, but this... This seemed far more dangerous.
After listening to Stella's briefing, Berwick returned home. He told Lisandra about the new mission, explaining the dangers of the universe they were headed to. Seeing the worry on Lisa's face, he took her hand.
"But that's so dangerous! What will you do there?! Besides, you hate extreme heat!"
Berwick smiled. "Don't worry, Lisa. I'm not a little kid anymore. Plus, I have a great team, and I'm much stronger than before to protect myself. I'll come back, okay? Actually, my mind will be stuck here worrying about you. Visit Aunt Yui sometimes, you know Aunt Yui and Illya both love you very much. I don't want you to be alone during this time. Alright?"
Lisa rested her head on Berwick's shoulder. She was worried. "Okay... Please be very careful..."
After a brief farewell, Berwick slung the sword onto his back and headed towards the Guardian building. His mind raced with thoughts of the new mission, the perilous universe awaiting them, and what challenges lay ahead.
As he stepped through the massive doors of the Guardian building, he knew he was on the threshold of a new adventure. "Kronos"... The universe where time bent, space danced, and danger lurked around every corner...
Stella was already gathered with the rest of Team Lumine in front of the wormhole generator, talking. As soon as Alchio saw Berwick, he grinned and waved. "Ooh! The star of the show has arrived! Welcome!"
Berwick looked at Alchio. "Is that coming from the guy who spent an hour in the bathroom, forgot about the briefing, and showed up at the very end?" Alchio stared back, looking busted. "I have bathroom problems! Besides, a nobleman never rushes his business!"
Berwick gave Alchio a sarcastic look. "Pff... Noble, my ass." The team burst into laughter. Ren maintained his cool composure, looking at them. "Shall we get going now?"
Stella nodded and gave the order to activate the generator. Compared to the previous portal, this one looked more unstable, swirling with different colors.
Stella looked at the team. "If you're ready, go ahead, Team Lumine!" After glancing at each other, they began stepping through one by one. After Berwick entered, the portal began to fluctuate violently, and red alarms started flashing in the command room above. Stella was frightened. A warning came from inside: "Sergeant Stella! Situation critical! This... This isn't an ordinary ZC universe! This is..."
Suddenly, Hyogaki's head popped out of the portal. It seemed to be pulling him back in, but he resisted. "Master Stella! This place!... It's a W..." Before he could finish, the portal sucked Hyogaki back inside. Immediately after, the generator overheated, sparked, and died. Stella was stunned. Seeing the new classification of the universe on her tablet, she dropped it.
"This isn't possible... It was only supposed to exist in theory..." On the screen of the cracked tablet on the floor, only these words remained:
'DANGER! UNKNOWN UNIVERSE DETECTED! PLEASE CONTACT NEAREST MULTIVERSE COUNCIL COMMANDER! UNIVERSE ID: WC-003...'