Here's the next chapter. I decided that I'm not going to share the Zero Scythe just yet. I'll do that in the next chapter instead.

Inside the main offices of the I.S. Academy the next day, Chifuyu sat by her desk. Everyone else left for lunch, leaving her the only one in the room. Before class ended, she insisted Yuuki in finishing his meal as quickly as possible so that he could meet Ms. Yamada and obtain his "I.S." in the Maintenance Hangar. She was communicating with Commander Straus on the screen regarding the recent incident.

"So he's about to use his "I.S." against one of the students?"

"Mmhm," Chifuyu nodded.

"I knew that Yuuki would behave erratically due to his residence in the I.S. Academy, but to think he'd do something like this…"

"Are you sure that the unit is safe?"

"Dr. Ciero states the unit was made to imitate all the features of the I.S. He went as far as sealing the unit tightly to prevent the leak of SD Particles. Thus, it'll only be used to power the machine. He even monitors the unit directly should anything go wrong."

Chifuyu let out a sigh along with Straus, who could still see her concerns.

"Believe me, Chifuyu. Even I have no idea what the Board of Directors thought, why they assigned him to the Academy, but orders are orders."

"You're talking about that goal."

"Ensign Yuuki has only wielded the Zero Scythe for a week. With that in mind, I believe you can use this in your favor."

"To train Yuuki?"

"To train the other I.S. pilots. If we lose Yuuki and the Zero Scythe, then they'll have to learn to fight the Death Scythes on their own."

"This Academy is not going use its students as soldiers!"

"And when Yuuki goes out on the battlefield, confronting I.S. units will be an inevitability. And we both know the reason why."

That reason was what provided all the nations in the world to obtain the I.S. units. The Alaska Treaty was made, so the I.S. cores that made up the units were distributed to maintain the balance of power and all research outside the Academy was supposed to be shared publicly. That same treaty was also used to prevent the I.S. from being used in actual combat, though allowed to be used as a deterrent. However, due to recent catastrophes beyond conventional means, there was recently one major exception to that rule.

Straus let out another sigh as Chifuyu remained silent.

"Yuuki enlisted into our organization willingly. Even if not publicly addressed and he's now in your school, the I.S. Academy no longer has the political leverage it used to have."

"You say that like I have no other choice."

"I'm afraid not."

Behind her stoic face, Straus she could see the frustration within Chifuyu as she sighed. As the strongest of all the I.S. pilots and head of the Academy, she was someone not to be ordered around, not even by the highest of political and military leaders. The only one who could convince her to do anything was Straus herself, and that was because of their relationship during the Death Scythe attacks, an issue of which only she knew the details.

"This isn't like what happened in Rio, Chifuyu. Back then, nobody understood what was going on or how those machines operated. The I.S. units have improved since their attacks, and we have one such machine right in our hands. UN-EOS will no longer sideline themselves in this war. We are just currently not in shape to do so. Nonetheless, I expect your cooperation."

"Very well…"

"That said, I want to know how the Ensign is doing. Did you assign a proper room for him?"

"I did. He'll be staying in dorms along with the other students. I assigned a location that fit with your demands."

"I see, and where's the Ensign right now?"

Chifuyu then went on to explain the details.

Inside the I.S. Maintenance Hangar, Maya Yamada was sitting in the observation room above. She was busy entering the specifications of Yuuki's "I.S." that the analysis program identified as the "Zero Scythe."

The machine is odd ever since Yuuki deployed it on the table. Usually, there would be sets of wings and shoulder binders that went along with the frame. This unit didn't have any of those, only having the arms and legs. The unique feature it had was the person's body entirely, including a horned helmet, taking the shape of a medieval armored knight.

The other weird part was the equipment found using the program. The analysis separated all of his equipment into three different folders. One folder belonged to the unit's equipment, named after its primary weapon. It was a curved single-edged sword called "Enkidu," made of a solid clear-colored material never seen before. The grip was black, and the hilt had a single round gemstone of the same color. The back of the blade was metal gray with several seams, indicating that the sword could transform or grow in size for new forms or abilities. Unfortunately, she could not access those part.

She couldn't even access the second of the folders. All it said was "RESTRICTED" as if the info was locked from everyone but the user.

That came to little when she found the last folder called "Scythian Drive," followed by a schematic of the named component. The name startled her for the moment as it blatantly pointed out that this was not supposed to be an Infinite Stratos.

Besides that, the folder displayed two of its functions labeled "Optical Distortion Field" and "Con-Field Generator." Both of those intrigued her as Yuuki called from below.

"Yamada-sensei, are you okay up there?"

"I-I'm almost done. Just a little longer."

As she finished inputting the remaining specs, thoughts were racing through Ms. Yamada's mind. Chifuyu already warned her that Yuuki's "I.S." was not ordinary, but she wasn't expecting this. The first thing that came to mind was a Death Scythe, something feared even among veteran I.S. pilots. That made her wonder how the boy obtained this unit, let alone convert it into an I.S. Especially when she and Chifuyu knew Death Scythes and Infinite Stratos units were supposedly antithetical to one another.

'Maybe I should ask Orimura-sensei about this later…'

Once she shut down her computer, Maya returned to the first floor where Yuuki was waiting.

"Is anything wrong?"

"N-No, nothing is wrong."

Maya answered before putting on a smile.

"Your 'I.S.' is in good condition, so you're free to carry it around with you. Oh, and make sure to read this when you have time…"

After transforming the Zero Scythe unit back into its pendant form, Yamada handed over a thick book, which he carried with his hands.

"This book contains all instructions and regulations regarding the I.S. It'll help you learn the rules during your stay at this Academy."

"Thank you, Yamada-sensei."

"Here's this, too."

Maya handed him another book on top. The weight was starting to take a toll on his arms.

"Infinite Stratos Practice Book..."

"This will teach you the basics of piloting an I.S, including how to calibrate the settings and weapons. If you want to train to get used to your IS more, feel free to use the arena after the study session is over."

"T-Thank you, Yamada-sensei."

Even if he wouldn't use it for missions, Yuuki found this an opportunity to improve his skills. The comparisons between the controls of both machines should make it easy for him to practice. It will at least give him a breather when didn't have to learn on the fly when fighting on the battlefield.

As Yamada adjusted her glasses, she checked the watch on her arm. Her eyes widened at the time as she ran.

"Sorry, Yu...I mean, Mr. Ki, I have to take care of some paperwork quickly! See you later!"

As the teacher stumbled her way out of the hangar, Yuuki only stared at the door closing in front of him. After a minute or two, he walked out himself.

Back in Class 1-1, Yuuki went back to his seat. Most of the students talked to each other about gossip around him. Those who didn't gossip were those he knew. Ichika played around with his pencil, Houki who stared out the window, and Cecilia glared at the two boys from the corner.

Maya and Chifuyu entered the room, gaining the attention of the class. Except for Ichika, who was still distracted until she startled him by coming to his desk.

"Orimura, I'm afraid that it will be a while before your 'I.S.' is ready for you."

"Huh?"

"The school doesn't have any spare units for you to use. However, due to circumstances, the school will provide you a personal I.S."

As the students murmured to each other, Ichika was left in confusion.

"Really? A personal IS for a first-year freshman?"

"That means, the government is supporting this?"

"Awesome! I wanna get my own I.S, too!"

Yuuki stood up from his seat to ask.

"Excuse me, Orimura-sensei, but what exactly is a personal I.S?"

"That what I want to know? Is it that much of a big deal?"

Cecilia bolted from her seat as closed the gap with Ichika and Yuuki. She crossed her arms as she boasted.

"I'm actually relieved to hear you say that for as a noble, I must tell lowly commoners like you!"

The noble girl cleared her throat.

"I, Cecilia Alcott, am a glorious representative contender from Great Britain. In other words, I currently possess my own personal I.S. There are only 467 IS units worldwide. Obviously, those who have their own Personal I.S. units are the most elite among this world's dying population!"

She emphasized the sentence as she pointed her finger at the two boys. As Ichika sweated a little, however, Yuuki took a step forward.

"Then let me ask. Do you mean 467 units ever produced? Or 467 units currently? In case you've forgotten, all of Korea lost their I.S. units no so long ago. And that was not from being traded in or stolen."

"Why you…"

Cecilia's face of pride turned into one of anger over his remark. Chifuyu went to Ichika's desk as she clarified.

"That is correct, Mr. Ki. When the I.S. were distributed amongst the world's nations, 467 machines were produced. But when Death Scythes made their strikes around the globe, a large unknown number of I.S. units were either destroyed or lost. This and the damage to the global infrastructure caused massive shifts in the political climate, and only a few were recovered or replaced. That's because the core, the central component of all IS technology, has never been released. Doctor Tabane Shinonono has personally produced every one of those cores."

Doctor Shinonono…

Yuuki turned his attention to Houki, who was still staring out at the window. If he remembered, her last name was also Shinonono.

Could that mean they're sisters?

The other girls spoke to him as they give other details.

"Supposedly, the IS core's like a self-contained black box. No one other than Doctor Shinonono can create one."

"But the thing is, so far, she's refused to manufacture more than a certain number of cores. Even with the incidents, countries, corporations, and organizations were forced to conduct their research, development, and training, using the current number of IS units."

Chifuyu finished the lesson as she circled Ichika.

"Personal I.S. units were supposedly for those sponsored by governments or corporations. On the other hand, you're an exceptional case and will be provided one for data collection purposes. Is that clear?"

"Uh… I guess so."

Ichika was unsure of his own answer. Yuuki, however, had one insisting question for his teacher.

"Orimura-sensei. May I ask. Isn't Houki-san related to Doctor Shinonono by any chance?"

"Yes. In fact, your classmate is her younger sister."

Yuuki gazed at the girl as she turned her head. Both gave stoic expressions, but Yuukk could sense anger within her.

I guess being the sister of the world's most known scientist must put a lot of stress on her.

"She has nothing to do with me! I am not my sister, and there's nothing I can tell you about her!"

Houki nearly shouted to the class. Even Yuuki didn't expect to be boating like this.

So much hatred in her words. But why?

After most of the students groaned in disappointment at her answer, Chifuyu returned to the front of the class as Maya continued. In the process, she displayed an image of the I.S. on the board.

"Now then, let's open our textbooks and continue from where we left off yesterday. The Infinite Stratos deploys a special energy barrier that operates as protection for its pilot. The unit's system has something similar to a conscience."

The image ironically displayed a man and an I.S. beside each other with multi-colored lines connecting the two.

"The more time you spend with your I.S, the more the two of you will get to know each other. Depending on how much time a pilot spends controlling an I.S, it begins to understand the user's characteristics."

"I...do not understand this…"

Ichika lowered his head as he looked at Houki writing in her notebook. He turned to Yuuki, who was also writing notes in his book.

Yuuki was having similar thoughts in his mind. The closest relationship he could think of was his own Zero Scythe. He would treat the Scythe, with its Drive composed of an A.I. "Terminal" and its "Reactor," to be like another person. Maya confirmed this as she went on.

"So your I.S. isn't just a tool. Think of it as your big mechanical partner. Now, any questions so far?"

One student raised her hand up high.

"Yes, ma'am! By partner, do you mean a boyfriend or a girlfriend?"

"Oh, I'm not sure! That is...I'm not experienced in that way, so I don't know. But I do wonder…"

The green-haired teacher closed her eyes, cupped her red cheeks, and swayed side to side with a dreamy expression. Her lovestruck pose caused all the girls to laugh in the room, in which the chatter shifted to their dreams with the other two boys in the room.

While Ichika sighed over how the study session turned into a girls' chat, Yuuki only smirked over the funny aspect. Back in Korea, when he was just an average student, his male classmates continued to harass him about hooking up with other girls when he wasn't interested. They blamed him for making everything awkward when he knew they pushed him into situations he blatantly didn't want. However, a series of coincidences that eventually got him buried underground was what lead him to the Zero Scythe.

But that brought another concern he had in mind. If the I.S. had a mind of its own, that could lead to some possible consequences with his "I.S." being no exception.

Perhaps I should talk to Commander...no; I won't worry about it until later.

It was the same as yesterday and the day before at the cafeteria. Yuuki sat alongside Ichika and Houki, each having a bowl of rice, soup, and a baked fish. At first, everyone just enjoyed the meal until Ichika broke the silence and got the other male student's attention.

"Say Ki-san."

"Hmm?"

"Could you teach me more about the I.S? Honestly, I didn't understand a bit of what Yamada-sensei said in class."

"Huh?"

Ichika scratched the back of his head sheepishly with his free hand. Yuuki was unsure of what to say, but he could see Houki glaring at Ichika with her face red with jealousy. She grabbed Ichika by the collar while he waved his hands in defense.

"What!? Why don't you ask me instead? I'm your roommate and your childhood friend! Of all people, you could have just asked me all you want!"

"W-wait Houki! Don't get me wrong. It's just that I'm more comfortable if I-"

"But he has to fight that royal brat, doesn't he? Stop wasting your time chasing after someone you know won't be able to help you at all! Am I right, Mr. Ki?"

As Houki turned her glare against Yuuki, which made him hesitate. Unlike Ichika, Yuuki had an idea over what Houki wanted, being as bossy as she was. However, she was right for another reason, for he'd like to have every second he can practice with the Zero Scythe.

Yuuki swallowed before unfortunately answering for Ichika.

"She's right, Ichika. I'll be busy over the next few days. Perhaps after the fight, I'll help you."

"It's decided then. From now on, you'll have private lessons with me for two hours. Understood?"

"I guess it can't be helped…"

Ichika sighed in defeat. With their weekly schedule set in stone, Houki was about to let go until something else happened.

CLICK!

The trio got distracted by the side when they found a girl with a camera turned to its side. She had dark pink hair with glasses and an outfit fit for a newspaper club. She checked out the picture, but a mixture of happiness and disappointment.

"Finally! A good picture for the headlines!"

As Houki let go in the midst of the confusion, Ichika

"If only this was more than just bait for the yaoi fans."

"Huh?"

"Y-yaoi?"

W-What are you getting at!?"

Ignoring the surprised remarks from everyone, the reporter eyed on Ichika and Yuuki sitting together. The girl put on a deviously excited smile as viewed the two. Ichika was the first talk back.

"W-who are you anyway?"

"Kaoruko Mayuzumi. She's part of the Academy's Newspaper Club."

Yuuki made a mental note as Houki introduced her to the boys. Before Houki could glare at her, Mayuzumi turned her eye towards Yuuki, almost causing him to jump. She took a little mike with a recorder from her pocket before pointing it at him. The girl began a sudden interview.

"So, you're the rumored second male student in this academy, aren't you?"

"I...yes, I am…"

"I heard from the first year students that you're the new representative of Korea who will challenge England's representative. Kim Ki, is that you?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"Could you tell me more about yourself?"

"Well…"

Houki and Ichika rose from their seats, both of whom respectively interjected in the sudden interview.

"Hold on here, can't we get we ourselves a little privacy first!?"

"At least wait until we're done!"

Yuuki agreed more assertively with both of them.

"Yes, now is not the time to give interviews. Maybe when I have some free time, I can share what I have to say."

The vice-president of the newspaper club sighed in disappointment. She just blew what thought would be a spectacular way to interview the second male who pilot an "I.S." She put away the mike and the recorder before taking out her picture.

It can't be helped then. But can you stand still for me for a moment?"

"Okay?"

As he paused for the moment, Mayuzumi took a snapshot of Yuuki. Looking at the preview of the photo on the camera, Mayuzumi sighed again.

"Was that for…"

"Yes, it'll be your picture for the next school newspaper. Maybe I'll get a better photo some other time."

Mayuzumi put her camera away before waving her hand.

"By the way, thanks for your time. I hope to see your performance next Monday."

"You, too."

As Mayuzumi walked away in disappointment, Ichika sat back down and sighed in relief.

"Thanks, I thought she wasn't going to leave us alone."

"Did she give you an interview as well?"

"She did until Houki rescued me out it."

The ponytailed girl then responded by snapping at Yuuki.

"But you could've handled that better!"

"M-Me?"

"Yeah, you! Don't you think you were too hard!?"

"But I…"

"The match is not until next Monday. Unlike this dummy here, you're supposed to be smarter to care about other people's feelings!"

"H-Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?"

"I..."

As Ichika and Houki argued in front of him, Yuuki pandered over what he had done. What Houki said was mostly correct, he unconsciously turned down an opportunity to establish a relationship instead of being forced into one. But with everything else in his mind, he didn't have much time to talk.

Perhaps once some of the issues were settled, could he hope to start over.

It was long after the last class of the day, Yuuki was now in his assigned room. Given the number 0096, he was in one of the lower floors of the building. The room had a balcony suspiciously close a sakura tree, where one could merely climb up or down just to get to his room. Although happy to acquire a place to sneak out, something he believed his UN-EOS superiors had a hand in, he was uncomfortably concerned if he'll be swamped with many girls trying to "get at him" from time to time.

The whole room was more than fitting for that hobby. Unlike the rundown dormitory he was lived back in Daegu, this looked more like a luxury suite. Inside were two single king-sized beds, meaning it was made for more than one occupant. Each bed had a desk, a computer on top, and a bookshelf. There was even a small kitchen set and bathroom for the occupants to share.

Yuuki was on the bed furthest from the windows. All the lights were out, which he hoped would allow him to sleep. Actually, the only other light in the room was a phone with a large screen. This was supposedly a military-quality type of phone, designed by UN-EOS to communicate with even classified military satellites like the Kitty Hawk.

On that said screen was his Commander, who had a stern look.

"So how was your first day?"

"As you'd expect. Things are far different than they were back in Daegu. Even the rooms here, not just the students. Of course, I got to meet with Ichika in this Academy. That'll be relieving."

But Straus wasn't in the mood to hear about his current school life. She had something else in mind, and Yuuki could feel it.

"I heard that you got into trouble with one of your classmates. You're going to duel one of the students of the Academy?"

"Yeah about that…"

Yuuki sounded like she was going to make an excuse for the operation, which Straus immediately responded.

"I know that training with the Zero Scythe is part of the goal here at this Academy. But that's no excuse to provoke conflicts among the students. If the world finds out that you're that machine's pilot, it'll put a wrench into everything we've worked for before it even starts. Do I make myself clear?"

"I understand."

"Do you have anything else to report?"

"No, but there was one thing I wanted to ask."

"Oh?"

"The girl I'll be fighting. Do you have anything about her?"

"Cecilia Alcott. The Representative of England and head of the Alcott noble family."

"So you do know about her…"

"I was tasked with investigating the crash involving her family back in my days at Interpol."

"A crash?"

"A colossal mess it was, and both of her parents were killed in the crash. Since then, she has become the only active member of her family left."

The information Straus gave caught Yuuki's attention. He never thought the girl would have that kind of development. In fact, he could relate to her in that regard. So why did she have that kind of personality?

Perhaps that was a good question to ask Straus considering her past career at Interpol.

"Do you know anything about her family?"

"I had looked into the matter years ago. Cecilia's parents were...polar to put it lightly. Her father had an over-privileged upbringing and caused a lot of grief for her mother. While she more than capable, he was weak-willed as the records claim. It would be no doubt their daughter would be well affected by this."

"Do you know what happened?"

"Unfortunately, I could not. The media reported the train crash to be an accident, but I had my suspicions. After all, the United Kingdom had always been a deadly ring of games when nobility is involved. Unfortunately, the case was closed, and all my efforts to further investigate got revoked."

I see...so she could be the same as me...

Yuuki thought over Cecilia's ordeal. His upbringing may be different, not just in social status, but having parents who he admired since they supported him in different ways. However, both of them were suddenly lost to them thanks to an unforeseen event. Now, he was alone, completely on his own with no idea what happened or how he got there.

That was how he could relate to her. For that fact, he felt pitiful over the likely ordeal set before him. Perhaps he should figure out what really happened. After all, that was precisely why he joined UN-EOS, to find the Death Scythe that destroyed his livelihood. No, more specifically, it was to see the truth.

"Don't let this heavy information bother you, Ensign. Focus on training for now, and make sure you can fight well tomorrow."

"I know, but….

"This is no time to start turning back. Chifuyu knows that, too, you made this choice yourself."

"I wouldn't say it like that. It's just...after what you said, that got me thinking. The Death Scythes won't giving any mercy, I know, but Cecilia isn't one of them. I cannot just confront her."

"You wish to talk her down?"

"You know my past, Commander. We both want to know the nature and cause of these Death Scythes. Why the killed my parents, why everyone who died since their attacks did so this way. If only I can find some way to tame her."

"Perhaps you can start by defeating her...No; you can start by showing that you're not a weak person."

"Straus?"

"Cecilia is possibly going over the idea that all men are weak who tremble before her. Her father's death and the I.S. compatibility only for women must've very much solidified that. If you can defeat her, or at least come to a close second, then maybe she'll change her opinion. About you and about Ichika."

Yuuki wanted to give a smile.

"For a strict commander, you can give some useful advice."

"It was an officer's duty to provide care for victims. A soldier's duty is no different."

"Thank you, Commander Straus."

"Now get some rest, Ensign."

The screen returned to the phone's main menu, and the remaining light in the room dimmed to something more comfortable for his eyes. He still had to rub them after putting his phone down.

The upcoming battle was already putting stress on his mind. His experience back in Korea helped, along with that with the Zero Scythe so far. But other than that, he had other worries that might cause everything to go wrong.

The previous class reminded him of one thing he hasn't told anyone else, the real reason he managed to survive his experience in Korea. When he found himself cornered, something activated within the system that caused him to lose consciousness. When he came to, he was on the ground, rescued by Dr. Ciero and an American soldier he could call brother during those four years. The next thing he knew, he found the enemy army in pieces. Soldiers were surrendering or attacked by angry dissidents of the regime. Most of the Scythes and armored vehicles he fought were reduced to scrap. But the most notable feature was the blazing trail on the ground that led up to the Presidential Palace, incinerating the body of PUROK's dictator...who he himself decapitated.

That was his biggest worry, perhaps the only one he had. He asked Dr. Ciero to restrain the Zero Scythe's power in its "I.S." form for that very reason, but will against...that? If only he'd be sure what it was, and that it didn't happen again.

In replacement of the Zero Scythe, I'll be giving info about Yuuki's Commander in the 4th Security Platoon, Commander Straus.

Full name: Willow Straus

Gender: Female

Age: 32

Birthday: June 21

Height: 69 inches

Hair: Short, dark red

Eye color: Brown

Skin color: White

Personality: Calm, professional, ruthless

Likes: Green Tea

Favorite food: Ratatouille

Occupation: Chief Inspector, Commander of the 4th Black Ops Security Platoon

Affiliations: Germany, INTERPOL, UN-EOS

Vessels commanded: NAV.S.O.C.S. Nemesis, Classified Military Satellite Kitty Hawk

Education: German Police University, Interpol Training Program

Willow Straus was born in Germany, where she trained to be in the police force. After achieving the rank of Chief Inspector, she was recruited into Interpol to deal with more severe cases. After Interpol was destroyed, she was recruited into the short-lived international coalition due to the lack of senior military officers. She participated in both battles against the Death Scythes in Rio and Eastern Australia before the coalition's defeat.

She later returned to Europe and was eventually picked up by UN-EOS for her talents. Because of her experience and intelligence about the Death Scythes, she was promoted militarily to Commander of the 4th Black Ops Security Platoon. Also known as the "Farmers Platoon," this was one of many small groups hidden from the public for anti-DS operations including monitoring their activities, minimizing destruction, and eventually their complete annihilation. During the four years, progress was limited as were assigned tasks due to the Death Scythes laying low. Straus continued to work with her Tactical Officer and nearby troops to improve her capability as a military officer until Yuuki's recruitment.

Besides her intelligence, her most defining feature in the military and police was her precision and ruthlessness against her enemies. However, she has an understandable distinction between civilians and criminals, combatants and noncombatants, soldiers and terrorists, etc. She accepts responsibility when her actions have ramifications, including the destruction unconsciously caused by Yuuki.

Canonically, Straus investigated war crimes in the Eastern European border conflict and Carolina (Seceded states in the U.S. Southeast similar to the real-life Confederate States and American Empire from Ghost in the Shell). In the fic, her investigations include the British government, the abuses within the Dunois Corporation, Germany's military programs, and some of Phantom Task's activities. She was also Chifuyu's commanding officer during their time in the failed international coalition, although the Mondo Grosso champion treats her more like a friend than a superior. Of everyone in the world, Straus knows the most what happened in Rio, the only battle Chifuyu participated. While she's more open to giving information and the only one who can discuss this topic with Chifuyu, even she doesn't know all of the details.

The next info dump will be about the Zero Scythe.

Hope you enjoyed the read.