Encore 19 — The Prophecy (III)

After that little incident, Gunma was sent to a nearby hospital and Morisa-san told no one to speak of me hurting him.

Yuichi was asking me lots of questions, clearly worried about me, but I ignored him. I felt bad for not answering him but I didn't want to answer any questions that may endanger our friendship and make it even worse.

"So, now that the entertainment has ended,"

I glared at the woman and she smiled as if she meant to provoke me.

Morisa-san continued speaking.

"I'll get to the real point."

She said, turning to her daughter, right beside her.

"M-mother?"

Seemed like even Isla didn't know what was to come.

"Isla. After the first semester ends, you'll join the Secret Force. You'll be joining my squad, the Ironhide Squad."

"Hah?"

"Morisa-san, what do you mean?!"

Yuichi stood up, shocked.

"Mother, this is the first I've heard from this!"

Isla stood up and protested.

If she had known, I doubt she would have come here. It seems like Morisa-san doesn't plan on giving her any leeway.

The Secret Force. I know a bit because I remember asking my sister about what she does. Well, to be accurate, the question I asked was:

'Sis, is your job good?'

'Well, I guess you could say that. Though, it's not very pleasant.'

'What is it?'

'I have to order around subordinates and be strict with them to make sure that they're in shape and have the right attitude. Though, with missions, it's brutal...'

I remember my sister's sad face and melancholic tone.

This was when I was 11. At that time, I had progressed with learning languages and stereotypes very well. The doctors said that it would take me at least 8 years for me to have a proper mindset. However, with my sister teaching me, it only took me until the age of 13, so 5 years.

She told me a bit about the Secret Force when I asked her again when I had attended middle school for the first time:

'Me? I never told you what I work as have I?'

'No, but from what you said last time, I thought you were a boss in the JSB or something.'

'JSB? No, I'm a Commander of the Secret Force.'

'Secret Force?'

'It's like an army organisation designed to put a stop to any rampant Ronin. We also deal with Imperi from time to time.'

'A Commander rank in the army is high, right?'

'Yup.'

'Then how come you got up there? They must not promote people proper—ow, ow, ow, OW! S-stop, please don't pull my ear!'

'Respect your elders. Hmph! ...But seriously...'

'What?'

'Never join the Secret Force. It's something I would never want my little brother to be involved in.'

Both times, she had a sad face. It doesn't seem like a bad organisation like the Divine Church, but its system and policies are probably strict and agonising for the soldiers working there.

"You're already enlisted."

"But you said I could attend Interblade before forcing me to go on an internship to the Secret Force!"

Isla shouted.

She was going to be forced anyway but after school. Morisa-san looks like someone who would attempt to respect their child's opinion, so, what's with this sudden change?

"Please, Morisa-san! Don't put Isla in there if she doesn't want it."

Yuichi said.

The mother shot a piercing glare at Yuichi. He shook.

"Yuichi. I might have agreed to let you two date, but that doesn't mean that she suddenly belongs to you. It's not marriage yet."

Slightly emphasising the word, 'yet,' both Isla and Yuichi blushed.

Innocent teenaged love.

I have to admit, seeing more and more love before my eyes is starting to make me jealous of people with relationships.

"B-but, Mother, you promised that you wouldn't force me as long as I was still in Interblade."

"Circumstances have changed."

Someone else said.

It was that brown-haired woman, Rika.

"What do you mean circumstances have changed?"

I asked, curious.

Though this wasn't my problem, and I didn't want to intervene, the fact that she suddenly decided to enlist Isla is most likely because something will happen.

To the entire school.

"We—"

"It's classified information, Rika."

Aran interrupted with a stern glare.

"Oh, right."

"No, it's fine."

Morisa-san confirmed.

"It may be classified but no one here is dumb enough to spill the beans. Well, the only one who is, is in the hospital right now."

Ah, that Gunma guy. He did seem like the type who could not keep a secret.

"A prophecy has been made."

"Prophecy?"

Isla repeated.

"'A grand disaster shall befall the floating island of the blade. The July summer sun is hot.'"

That last line seems so random.

"Credibility?"

"The Archangel, Uriel."

My eyes widened at her words.

I nervously chuckled at my thoughts.

Who would've thought that the Secret Force would have connections to Heaven's Garden, the home of angels? What's even more surprising is that they're associated with the Archangel of Wisdom, Uriel.

Heaven's Garden.

The home of angels, in other words, Heaven.

Well, not really.

When someone dies, their soul does not disappear, their soul is either transferred to Heaven or temporarily brought to purgatory.

That's the only way someone can visit or see angels. Well, they're dead, so...

"You made a Binding Contract with Uriel?!"

I exclaimed.

"Is that surprising?"

Isla asked.

"Yes! Those of Heaven's Garden aren't supposed to come into contact with humans. Seeing as you received a prophecy from Uriel, you must have some sort of contract with him."

"Yeah, we do. I'd rather you not ask for the details of the contract."

I wasn't dumb and insensitive enough to ask for trade secrets.

"Anyway, for that reason, I wanted to tell Yuichi since he's dating Isla but if I knew there was such a boy with an interesting background, I would've visited sooner."

She looked at me with a smirk.

"How would you—"

"I'll pass,"

I said.

"Did this Uriel say anything about what the grand disaster was?"

Yuichi asked.

He didn't know who Uriel was. I think he'd talk more carefully if he knew about Uriel's status.

"No, that's why I want Isla out of here as fast as possible. You'll be leaving in June."

Isla wanted to argue but she didn't. She bit her lip, utterly frustrated.

"Why don't they just evacuate the entire school?"

"Only those affiliated with Heaven's Gate know about it. The school isn't. Besides, not everyone believes in angels and gods even in this day and age."

I believe in gods and angels but I don't believe in their position over humanity. I detest them.

Should I leave or should I stay for the grand disaster?