Shin and Riku got into their respective limos and started heading toward Koto Research University. Both of them were on edge as their limos followed each other to the southern edge of the Japanese UW-controlled zone. Shin sat in his usual seat, legs spread, eyes half-lidded but alert. His fingers drummed along the door's armrest as he thought over the poker game.
He glanced out the window. The deeper they drove, the more the landscape shifted. There was less devastation, which was good. They passed a stretch of a middle-class recovery zone, which was peppered with rebuilt commercial strips, functioning monorails, and cleaner sidewalks. It was a bridge between the extremes of UW power and the chaos left behind.
Anything not supported by the UW or their branches was practically fighting for survival.
Doctor Yuna tapped on her tablet beside him. "ETA: ten minutes. Koto Research University is situated near the edge of Sector 9, which was partially rebuilt using UW-backed funding. It is smaller than Hano Medical University."
"Half the size of Hano?" Shin asked.
"Yes. Less luxurious. However, the place is very well equipped for R&D for science."
The convoy finally turned down a long, tree-lined drive flanked by two older brick buildings restored with reinforced glass and smart-sensor doors. A large white sign bearing the UW logo and Koto's academic crest loomed above the gate:
KOTO RESEARCH UNIVERSITY – TECHNOLOGICAL BRANCH, JAPANESE UW.
Even as the limo rolled to a smooth halt, Shin could already feel eyes on him.
The gates opened.
Dozens of female students had already gathered in the central courtyard, whispers spreading like wildfire as the limos pulled in. Most wore black-and-silver student uniforms with tailored skirts, button-down blouses, UW armbands. All of them froze as Shin stepped out.
"Is that…?"
"A-Another Code Number…?"
"He's way more muscular than Riku…"
The whispers grew.
Some girls blushed. Some bit their lips. Some stared like they were seeing a god walk among mortals. Riku stepped out behind Shin and adjusted his collar, chuckling awkwardly at the reaction. He was slightly jealous of the attention Shin got just by existing.
"Welcome to my little kingdom," he said.
Mina Sutto, Riku's personal handler, got out of the limo. Short, maybe 5'1", with bubblegum-dyed pigtails, bright magenta eyes, and a white cropped UW coat over a short pleated skirt. Her expression was one of mixed professionalism as she turned around to address Shin.
"President Levine is expecting you," she said to Shin and his group. "Follow me."
They walked across the main plaza as more girls peered out of classroom windows or loitered in doorways, feigning distraction as their eyes traced Shin's every step. One girl dropped her coffee when he looked in her direction.
"This place is crawling with curiosity," Rei muttered.
"Good," Shin said. "Let them look. They'll know who owns this place soon enough."
Mina gave a quick breakdown as they moved:
"Koto University focuses on applied sciences and experimental tech, which includes robotics, bioweapon countermeasures, environmental restoration. Unlike Hano, which centers around general medicine and biology, Koto is more… cutting-edge when it comes to that. A little colder, but very efficient."
The group passed through data centers, robotics labs, and underground vaults. The infrastructure was solid—tight, clean, functional. No gold accents or spa-level polish like Hano, but it was still impressive.
Eventually, Riku led them toward a large executive building near the rear of campus. They reached the doors of the President's room. The door was made out of dark oak. There were big gold cursive letters on the door.
PRESIDENT SERENA LEVINE – KOTO RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
"She's inside," Riku said, brushing his bangs from his face. "I already explained the situation on call in my limo on my way here. She knows you're in charge now."
Shin didn't miss the faint tension behind his voice. A concession like that wasn't easy. Riku handled it with grace, which Shin gave him great credit for doing. Mina nodded.
"She's not happy about the arrangement, but she accepts the chain of command."
Shin gave a slow nod.
"I'll handle it."
Riku turned and left, Mina following behind after a polite bow. Doctor Yuna, Rei, and Misaki moved to wait outside the corridor. Shin turned to them.
"Please tour the facility and get to know the girls. They are now our family as well."
They nodded and moved out.
Shin pushed open the door.
Inside was a luxurious, sunlit office with wide windows, shelves filled with books, and a tall silver desk at the center. Framed patents lined the walls. Serena Levine stood behind the desk. She looked up as he entered.
Tall. Mid-40s. Green-dyed hair swept into a strict bun. Emerald green eyes behind rectangular glasses to match. Sharp cheekbones. A white button-up shirt tucked into a navy pencil skirt that hugged her mature curves perfectly. Despite her poised appearance, there was a crack in her usual composure the moment her eyes met his. She was a classy MILF like Aria Momo.
"So… you're Shin Kratos," she said.
"That's right."
She stared at him for a moment longer. Then sighed.
"I've read the approval from Director Tanaka and I heard the terms from Riku. This facility… and its assets… are yours. Riku can manage it still, but you have the ultimate authority over everything here, including all the girls."
Shin took a step forward, hands in his pockets.
"Any objections?"
Serena's expression didn't change, but her eyes did. She slowly walked over to the door, locking it with a deliberate click. Then turned back to face him.
"No objections…" she said quietly as she walked over to her desk.
Her fingers reached up to remove her glasses with slow precision. She set them down on the desk. Her eyes darkened. She began to unbutton her shirt, one slow clasp at a time, exposing pale, soft skin, the swell of her boobs beneath a pink silk bra.
"I've just never seen a man like you before. Riku is nice, but he isn't you."
She stepped forward, lips parted as she ran her finger down his shirt.
"Do you always look this dangerous, Mr. Kratos? Or am I just weak to men who conquer?"
Shin's smirk deepened.