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Two months have passed since that fateful incident. To my surprise, Veritas didn't send anyone after me. Yet, that is. I can't be complacent with these things. I know just how violent Veritas can be if it's about something they own. That's why for now…

"!!"

I hurriedly dodged to the left holding my sheathed katana tightly. I keep forgetting Mela is skilled at sneak attacking.

"Good, if you were any second longer, then you would have lost your arm."

"I know, I know."

Unsheathing my katana, I began taking deep breaths. 'Remember what she taught you.' Then, in a single moment, I put all of my strength to my legs as I dashed towards her.

"Marigold Technique, Luna Type: Crescent."

Surrounding my blade in Celest, I performed a singular vertical slash. She dodged it, letting the force created by the blade to cleave through the ground. 'Not yet.'

"Marigold Technique, Flow Type: Wave."

Appearing beside her, I performed five strikes in quick succession, each stronger than the last.

"Not bad, Hikari. However…"

"!?"

She blocked it all with ease!? Wait, I shouldn't be too shocked, this is her family's technique after all.

"Marigold Technique, Solar Type: Halo."

She swung her sword on a horizontal axis towards me, but I dodged it in time by jumping back a few feet. Well, that was what I had thought, but…

"Don't be relieved yet!"

She used the force of her swing to spin around, making her swing more powerful once more. Then, as she faced me again, launched straight at me with incredible force. I felt my whole body tense up as her smile grew wider and her golden eyes started to glow.

At that moment, my instincts told me to let go. To release what I was holding back. To become something I would eventually despise. And I almost did it. For just a second, the energy on my katana changed from red to black.

I could tell that Mela saw this change as well, as she ever so slightly increased her strength. It was of no use though, as "I" successfully parried her blow. And then right after that, I reverberted back to my real self.

*Crack*

I felt it. I felt my heart crack just the tiniest bit with that small release of power. I'm far too weak to handle any of that. This vessel of mine is too brittle in a sense. It's all fine for now though. As it was just a small damage, I was able to recover from it quickly.

"Almost lost control?"

"Yep."

This was pretty normal for Mela. After all, we've been living on the same roof for months now. As for my lover though…

"Are you alright, Hikari?" She asked in a concerned tone. It may not sound affectionate to others, but for me it was. And by others, I mean Viola and Aster. They were here too, as well as all of my other classmates, in the private training area that Mela owned. She wanted to see how powerful we really are.

To be honest, it was just an excuse to fight me. As expected though, she's still way stronger than me.

"I'm fine, just a bit of a hiccup."

"Bit" my ass. My heart literally just cracked. But, I can't tell Ame that right now since there's still a lot of people present. Maybe later.

"What was that technique you used just now!? It looked really similar to Ms.Marigold's technique!"

"Ahaha… I guess you could say that I was inspired by her!"

Nope, I wasn't inspired at all. It's the exact same technique that she uses, that's why it's similar. Glad that they didn't hear me saying the moves earlier though. If they did, another set of questions will arise.

After that, Melania continued to spar with everyone else. Suffice to say, they didn't last any much longer than I did. I applaud the effort though. Go team!

-x-X-x-

"Finally, home at last!"

I slumped on the couch, not even bothering to change my clothes. It was already 11PM and I couldn't help but feel tired. Damn you, Melania. Why did you have your training area built so far away from the city!?

*Ring ring*

"Geh…"

Taking out my phone from my pocket, I lazily checked who was calling me. I immediately perked up when I saw the caller's name.

//Hai~!// Ah, I know it's just been a few hours, but hearing her voice again is so refreshing~

//Hi love, why'd you call at this time? I don't mind it though.// I could already feel the smile creeping up my face.

//Eh~ Couldn't it be just because I missed you?//

//Alright, that's acceptable.//

//…How are you?//

//Knew it. I'm okay, Ame. You know just how ridiculous my body is, right?// I could hear her giggle from this.

//Of course I do~ You wouldn't let me sleep after all~//

This time, it was my turn to giggle. Really now, my relationship with her was an unprecedented event, but I don't mind it at all. I'm happy to have her in my life and I'll do everything to keep it that way.

-x-X-x-

(3rd POV)

Explosions can be heard from the hallway as insane laughter resounded with it. A tremendous amount of Celest can be felt from those laughter as the belonger hit a barrier once again.

"Come on, Stella! Stop hiding behind those shields of yours and attack me!" the crazed white haired teen yelled.

"I told you! I can't use that many attacks, Suzuya!" The girl named Stella tried her best to fend off the literal explosive punches he was delivering, but to no avail. Each punch is stronger than the last, and at this rate, she might get seriously injured.

"You're no fun! You're telling me that you were the one who's supposed to be partnered with Hikari!?"

'His fascination with him really hasn't changed even with Hikari being gone for a long time now.'

This battle crazed maniac was Suzuya Viator, also known as PR 1001. He was what is known as a Berserker Type. He boasts great offense but poor defense. In another note, these typings and specifically for the PR subjects only. As his name suggests, he has some sort of relation with Hikari Viator, who is also known as PR 1002. More on Hikari later, the PR are beings created as a bioweapon against the Rift Beasts.

Each PR excels at a certain field. Hikari, for example, excels in adaptability and limitless growth. However, that doesn't mean that his adaptability is all powerful. If his power grows faster than his body can adapt to it, then he'll be in severe pain and might even faint.

For this reason, the Offensive Type PR's, Viator class, was assigned with a Support Type. Stella Viatrix, PR 1004, is an example. She's a Defensive Type, meant to cover for Hikari if he were to suffer the effects of his ability.

Due to this pairing, they are only able to perform at their fullest when they are both together, as one covers the other's weakness. That's how it's supposed to be at least…

—

"That maniac, I told him I can't fight." Stella grumbled as she went back to her room. Could it still be called a room though? It only had the bare necessities a living being would need. Even the bed wasn't that soft. It felt more like she was a prisoner really.

"Still-" Stella's thoughts were cut as she heard movement in her closet.

Quickly opening her closet, she saw the transparent container that held her belo- Ehem, I mean her partner's supposed to be weapon. What's more, the weapon was moving. It looked like it was alive really.

"Don't tell me…!"

This could only mean one thing. If the weapon were to respond to anything at all, it would only be Hikari. After all, he was the only one to ever lift this "thing". Now that it's responding again, that means Hikari released just enough Celest for the weapon to detect him. Really, just how incredible is this "thing"?

*Crack*

The container started cracking with just how violent the weapon was moving… but then it stopped.

"Haah… he's still holding back, huh?"

Stella was disappointed, but it was understandable. If Hikari goes berserk because of his power, he would probably reach Singularity. At that point, not even Relics can kill him. He'll truly be immortal. Sounds nice of a concept, but if you were to suddenly learn that a god-like being with no humanity left were to roam the planet, and he's unkillable at that, you would be scared too, right?

"I want to see you soon… Darling~"

Oh… right, she's obsessed with him.

-x-X-x-

(Hikari POV)

The next day.

Today was a weekend, so I decided to do a little shopping for some ingredients. I cook a lot after all.

While on my way to the store, I felt something was wrong. Lots of energy was converging in a nearby alley. For some reason, I could feel a smile creeping up my face.

"Finally, some action."

Little did I know, a huge change was occurring to me that would change me forever.