Investigation

After calming down Kiana, they went to the restaurant they used to go to eat.

It's his treat since he needs to compensate her she said

Whatever, Daniel thought.

This time, Kiana didn't hold back and ordered the same amount of food she got on their first time here.

As they were eating, they heard the TV of the restaurant reporting another case of murder.

Kiana listened intently which made Daniel raise his eyebrow in curiosity.

"Are you interested in that case?" He asks casually while taking a bite of his meal.

Contrary to his expectations, Kiana answered with a rare serious expression, "Daniel, if you meet the killer, make sure to run at all cost and don't fight back." 

Daniel is surprised to hear that. Does she know what's happening?

"What do you mean by that?"

Kiana didn't say anything further and continued eating.

In truth, aside from searching for a certain someone, she also came to this city due to the cases of murder.

When she found out that there are no clues despite the numerous cases relating to it, she started to suspect that something supernatural is involved.

The Honkai.

At first, she was also doubtful. From what she knows, the murder couldn't be done by a Honkai Beast. After all, Honkai Beast aren't that intelligent to commit a crime without getting caught and if it's indeed by such a thing, organizations specializing on exterminating the Honkai would've handled the situation and there would be no further crimes following it.

However, that isn't the case. The murders are still happening which only means one thing. 

It wasn't done by a Honkai Beast.

'Hmm, if it's not a beast then what is it?'

Daniel would be surprised if he found out that Kiana is thinking deeply like this.

"Hey!" Kiana looked at Daniel who was snapping his fingers in front of her.

He had that rare worried look on his face.

"What?"

"What do you mean? You've been spacing out for a while now." He answered with annoyance.

"There's no problem." Kiana shook her head uncharacteristically. Usually, she would rebut with the same annoying tone.

"I see.." Seeing that she didn't want to say anything, Daniel stopped prying and continued eating his meal.

The murder cases huh? It seems that he also needs to investigate it.

"Daniel… What were you talking about with Mei-senpai?" Kiana asked with narrowed eyes. Even with the murder cases around the corner, she wouldn't forget this important information.

"Seriously?" Daniel said with exasperation.

"What? This is of utmost importance!" Kiana declared with a serious expression, more serious than when she's talking about the murderer.

"She just apologized. Nothing more." Daniel said helplessly. 

"Really?"

"Really."

"You don't like her right?" 

"I mean…"

"Daniel!" 

—

After having their meal, Kiana left in a hurry. Daniel didn't stop her since he has more or less an idea of what she wants to do.

'Kiana's anxiousness must be because of the murder cases.' It's not that hard to guess. What bugs him though is why is Kiana involved with it.

"Could it be.. Honkai?" Daniel muttered in realization. This is just a guess. He didn't remember reading anything about the murder case in Nagazora.

Although it's probably in the original story and he is just ignorant because he did not read the source material.

Another likely possibility.

"Hey, no medicine for regrets." Daniel shook his head and ran back to Senba Academy.

Since this murder case may be related to Honkai, then he's gonna get involved as well.

He needs to see that with his training, he can fight those being corroded by Honkai.

As he was deep in thought, he didn't notice a figure in his way and accidentally bumped into it.

*THUD*

"Ouch…" Falling to the ground, Daniel muttered while holding his head

Just what did he hit? A boulder?

"I'm sorry. Were you hurt?" He heard a feminine voice and looked up to see an outstretched hand in front of him.

Holding it, he pulled up to see a gorgeous looking girl with purple hair and white dress.

'Damn, and I just thought she's a boulder for a sec.' Daniel immediately scolded himself for his rude thoughts.

"No, I'm fine. Sorry for bumping into you." He shook his head and apologized. It was his fault since he's the one running.

Giving a bow, Daniel was about to continue running again before he heard her voice, "Do you like the sea?" 

'Huh?' Although confused, Daniel nodded,, "Yes, I do like the sea."

He wasn't lying, his course in college is Marine Transportation, he picked it because he wants to explore the sea while enjoying the solitude it brings.

"Hehe, that's good." The girl giggled before saying.

"I guess? Anyway, sorry and goodbye." Replying with an unsure tone, he waved his hand and started running again.

The girl looked at Daniel's leaving figure and said

"Pretty." 

—

"Well, that was weird." Daniel said as he stood in front of the police station.

That girl felt weird… for some reason.

"No point in dwelling on it." Shaking his head, he opened the door to see Kazuya holding a little girl in his hand.

Surprised, Daniel said without thinking, "Kazuya-san…. This is a police station. Hand over yourself immediately."

Hearing the familiar voice, Kazuya turned to see Daniel at the entrance.

He was happy at first before popping a vein and saying angrily, "Brat, this is my daughter!".

Daniel looked at him and the said daughter before looking at him with doubtful eyes, "Are you sure? You don't look alike."

Kazuya's eyes twitched after hearing that. 

As he was about to explain, his daughter who was sitting on his lap, jumped and made her way to Daniel.

"Are you dad's friend? I'm Sora." She held her little hand.

Seeing this, Daniel couldn't help but think,

'Cute.' 

He patted her little head and replied, "Yes, yes. I'm your dad's friend." 

"Unfortunately, your dad has never introduced you to me." Daniel looked at Kazuya with contempt.

"Dad, is that true?" Sora looked at her dad with wonder.

"Don't listen to that guy." After saying it, Kazuya gave him a glare.

Daniel chuckled seeing this but immediately put on a serious expression and said, "Kazuya-san. I want to ask you about something." 

Kazuya's eyes widened before excusing himself from his daughter and taking Daniel into a vacant room.

"So what is it kid? I rarely see your serious face." Kazuya asked with curiosity.

"The recent murders… Do you have any records of it?" Daniel didn't waste time anymore and started his purpose.

"Kid… I advise you to not get involved." Kazuya warned him.

"I would if I wasn't working in a school inhabited by teens." Daniel spread his hand helplessly.

"So what? Trying to be a hero?."

"Hero? No way, I just want to be prepared in case I meet the killer." Daniel shook his head and replied.

Hearing his answer, Kazuya contemplated for a moment before opening a drawer with a bunch of folders on.

Skimming through it, he took a folder before handing it towards him.

"This is a copy of the file kid. This contains the information related to the past murders these few weeks." Kazuya said solemnly.

"That's it?" Daniel answered with doubt. That's easier than he thought.

Snorting, Kazuya seems to guess what he's thinking, "Kid, this is a bizarre case that even with our technology, can't solve. In truth, I highly doubt you can do it but since you are fairly new in the city, this should at least give you an idea about the danger of what you're doing."

"Whether you still want to continue pursuing it or not is up to you." 

"Thanks." Nodding, Daniel took the folder with a serious expression. He already has some guesses that it might be related to Honkai but Kazuya is right. He doesn't know just how dangerous this case is.

"As long as you know, kid." Kazuya patted his shoulder, "Anyways, is there something you want to do?"

"No thanks, I still have work on campus." Daniel politely refuses.

Leaving the room with Kazuya, they saw Sora waving at them when they returned back.

"By the way kid, Christmas is coming. Do you have any plans?" Kazuya asked.

"Christmas? I didn't notice that." Daniel slapped his forehead. After some time, he found out that the month of his transmigration is December.

Specifically, December 6, 2013. 10 years earlier compared to his original world.

He was so busy with how he'll survive that he forgot that Christmas is coming.

'Well, I still have a few days left.' 

"I don't know. I'll think about it when the time comes." Daniel gave Kazuya a wry smile.

Hearing this, Kazuya sighed before saying, "If you want, kid, you could come with us on Christmas. Sora wouldn't mind your company." 

"Alright, I'll see you on that old man." Daniel gave him a smile before walking to the exit.

"Goodbye Sora, and nice to meet you." Waving goodbye to the little girl, he gave Kazuya a one last nod before leaving.

"Bye Daniel." Sora waved her hand in return.

After Daniel left, Kazuya and Sora returned to their own things.

Turns out, Kazuya is helping his daughter with her assignments.

—

When entering the school, Daniel observed the empty campus in wonder.

From the looks of it, except for the guard, he's the only one left.

"This is creepy not gonna lie." Scanning the area, Daniel shuddered.

Although he's a superhuman now, this type of atmosphere isn't exactly to his liking.

The dark appearance of the school looks like it came out straight of a horror movie.

Walking through the empty corridors, Daniel frantically looks around before reaching his own dorm.

Opening it, he hurriedly entered and closed the door, leaving nothing but the quiet night outside.