Watching Lei Ji's departing figure, Zhang Fan found himself momentarily baffled. Had she agreed so readily, without further contemplation? It struck him that he hadn't even mentioned his name.
Regardless, Lei Ji had accepted the team mission. According to the mission brief, they needed to head to Rome within three days to meet the mission provider. Preparation was essential.
Loop Mission 1: Investigate a notorious criminal group, identify the real mastermind, and under specific conditions, eliminate the group's leader and their underlings. Reward: 4,000 game points.
Loop missions seemed unique to the Hidan no Aria world. The reward of 4,000 game points was alluring for just a B-rank mission. How much more could A or even S-rank missions offer?
Two days later, Zhang Fan and Lei Ji boarded a flight to Rome. The journey was monotonous, with Lei Ji silent, engrossed in her headphones, immobile, almost like a statue.
In the two days since meeting Lei Ji, Zhang Fan understood they needed to deepen their mutual understanding to successfully complete their mission. Cooperation was key, and without knowing each other well, it was impossible to synchronize effectively.
Lei Ji's responses to Zhang Fan's questions were brief, often no more than ten words. Mostly, she remained silent, contributing only occasionally. On the plane, Zhang Fan decided to initiate a conversation.
"What music are you listening to in those headphones?"
"The sound of the wind," Lei Ji replied before falling silent again.
"The sound of the wind?" Zhang Fan was puzzled. Lei Ji was indeed an enigmatic girl. His knowledge of her from the anime was limited to her being a 'three-no girl' and an exceptional sniper. Wishing he had delved into the light novels for more insight, he tried to engage her further.
"It's a recording of the wind from my hometown. It helps me maintain the tranquility of growing with the wind," Lei Ji elaborated, providing a glimpse into her world.
The rest of the flight passed with Zhang Fan attempting conversation, but Lei Ji mostly just listened, a dynamic that found Zhang Fan talking more than he usually would, especially to a girl as enigmatic as Lei Ji.
Upon landing in Rome, they headed to Roman Butei High School to meet the mission provider. Zhang Fan was surprised to find that the provider was a student.
"Hello, are you Zhang Fan and Lei Ji from Tokyo Butei High School?" a sweet, soothing voice asked. Zhang Fan turned to see a nun clad in a white robe embroidered with golden threads. Her presence was unexpected, and her beauty was striking.
"Yes, we are. And you are?" Zhang Fan inquired.
"My name is Mea Romano, a fourth-year student in the Exorcism Department of Roman Butei High School, and responsible for this mission," Mea introduced herself, her blue eyes gleaming with warmth and kindness.
Mea led them to the Exorcism Department, explaining the mission in detail. On the surface, it seemed simple: eliminate a criminal group. But the hefty reward suggested otherwise.
Zhang Fan questioned why the mission hadn't been assigned to a Roman Butei High S-rank instead of seeking external help. Mea explained the situation involved a hidden mastermind requiring S-rank skills. With most Roman S-ranks already occupied, external aid was necessary.
Mea revealed her familiarity with Zhang Fan's sister, Kanade, and expressed confidence in Zhang Fan's abilities, as Kanade had spoken highly of him. She detailed the deeper complexities of the mission, indicating that this was no ordinary task.
As Mea concluded, she declared her intention to join the mission. Zhang Fan felt a mix of surprise and anticipation. The task ahead was daunting, but with Mea's help, they stood a better chance of success.