With Caution

Bronya efficiently briefed Himeko-sensei on the recent events while I listened, still somewhat in awe of their competence and unity.

"I understand the situation. Bronya, please take care of Kiana," Himeko instructed.

"Da, Major Himeko. Kiana is carrying Mei. Physio readings are stable. The Bronya shall handle all hostiles."

Kiana, ever inquisitive, asked, "Hey, Himeko, what did Mei mean by 'restriction protocols'? And what about the countdown?"

Himeko's response was cryptic. "..now that's a long story. I'll give you a detailed rundown once this is all over."

A long story? What did she mean by that?

As the others sorted out their roles and responsibilities, I couldn't shake the feeling of being somewhat useless and unwilling to become a burden to the rest of the team.

Bronya turned her attention to me, her gray eyes scrutinizing my expression. "Shin, how are you feeling?"

I met her gaze and, with a slight smile, replied, "Bronya... I'm fine."

Bronya observed me for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "We'll proceed with the mission as Himeko-sensei advised."

"Roger," I confirmed.

Bronya then addressed Kiana, who was still tending to Mei. "Idiot Kiana, we'll proceed with caution, so please take care of Mei-senpai." Kiana nodded solemnly.

Determined not to be a hindrance to the team, I chimed in. "Leave the rear to me... I can still fight."

"The Bronya will lead the way."

"Yeah, thanks, you two," Kiana expressed her gratitude.

With a shared understanding, we continued with our mission. Kiana carried Mei while Bronya and I focused on dispatching the various enemies inside the ship.

The security systems seemed no match for Bronya's hacking skills as she smoothly unlocked paths leading deeper into the vessel.

The challenges we faced were formidable, battling robots, Houkai beasts, and zombies all at once.

Despite her stoic demeanor, I couldn't help but feel concerned for Bronya. She was impressive, but she must be exhausted by now.

As a horde of mechas descended from above and surrounded us, Bronya quickly alerted me to their presence.

"Shin, more mechs," she informed.

"I can see them, alright," I acknowledged with a resigned sigh, assuming a defensive stance.

"Shin, your sword is going to break," Bronya pointed out.

"It's better than using my fists," I replied.

"The Bronya will hack into one of the mechs, so I want you to get inside and take control once the systems are open," Bronya instructed as she deftly manipulated holographic screens in front of her.

"Roger."

One of the mechas powered down briefly before reactivating and slowly advancing toward us.

"It's coming!" Kiana warned us.

"No, Idiot Kiana, I already hacked it," Bronya retorted as she is still focused on the hologram

"Wait, already?!" That was surprisingly fast!?

"It's easy," Bronya remarked casually, the sound of her fingers tapping on a virtual keyboard resonating in the air. "Controls are open, Shin, get to the controls."

"Roger." I sheathed my katana and swiftly maneuvered to the front of the mech, leaping inside to take control.

"How is it, Shin?" Bronya inquired.

"It feels really weird. How do I control this?" I asked, struggling to navigate the unfamiliar interface.

"That's for you to figure out now."

"So you're going to leave me hanging here?!"

"Here they come, Shin," Bronya warned, her tone urgent.

I braced myself as the mechas began to charge toward us as a group.

"Arrghh, I don't know what to do, but here goes nothing!" I muttered, trying to operate the mech as best as I could, clicking any buttons within reach in the hope of finding a way to fend them off.

For some inexplicable reason, the controls I had been randomly clicking began to work. The mech I was in started shooting lasers in front while also delivering powerful punches and agile leaps.

However, as I continued to press buttons and experiment with the controls, I noticed a hologram display in front of me.

Warning: Self-Destructing in 3...

WOAH WHAT!?

With only seconds to spare, I hastily leaped out of the mech, landing safely beside Bronya just before it detonated.

"That was a nice jump," Bronya remarked casually.

"I almost died," I admitted, my heart still racing from the close call.

That was really close.

"More importantly, let's proceed now... with caution," Bronya directed, shifting her attention to the mission.

I turned to Kiana, who was still tending to Mei. "Is Mei-senpai still out?"

"Yeah..." Kiana replied with her expression slightly downcast.

"Kiana, I know you're curious about Mei-senpai, but hang in there..." 

Kiana nodded, then shook her head and gazed up at me with a determined smile. "Yeah! Let's complete this!"

My eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush colored my cheeks. 

"Hm? What's wrong, Shin? Your face is red, you know?" Kiana stared at me.

I averted my gaze, attempting to conceal my face. "No, nothing."

Kiana, seemingly unfazed, looked at me with a perplexed expression before deciding to shrug it off. "If you say so."

I sighed to myself, musing over the unexpected display of Kiana's determination and warmth. "What was that cuteness just now..."