Hello everyone! Long time no see, hope you have all been doing well!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read through my story!

Without further ado, lets get right into it!

Chapter 6 - Feelings of Attachment

"If you choose to go back, there will be no more opportunities to return here in the future."

An image of his current daily routine flashed before his eyes at the older man's words. With the promised sum of money, there was no need for Satoru to work again…that meant no more school needed…no more students talking behind his back…no more scolding from his teacher…freedom….

Instead, he could…he could…stay at home for the rest of his life and play games. Thanks to the nutritionally balanced bento boxes that the local convenience store offered, food was not a problem. Heck, he could even go further by ordering expensive meals from restaurants should such a craving arise. Sure, Yggdrasil was now over…but he could always bury himself in something new right? He only needed to repeat the same process and find new guildies!

"I could literally do whatever I wanted!"

Such a future was certainly one desired by many; a simple survey of the current workforce would more than likely back up this statement. However for Satoru, it was not a prospect he was really thrilled about. For starters gaming had never been a passion of his, rather an obsession built on the fundamental notion of escaping reality. Don't get him wrong, there was no denying the fun, his hours online was more than proof of this. Yet it didn't take more than a day's reflection for him to realize that it wasn't something that he could dedicate his life to…not alone anyway. In other words, the real reason behind his immense playtime was due to the relationships he formed within. To put all of this into simpler terms, Satoru had always wanted to be an active part of society, to possess an identity and to fit in where he belonged. But his personality coupled with his circumstances made it doubly difficult ever since his mother's passing, now too far out of the loop to rejoin.

Now he was offered a choice, a chance to start afresh even if it involved setting foot into uncharted territory.

"Are there any risks in choosing to stay?"

"Definitely more than the average human would encounter in their lifetime…possibly even all in one day here." The commander was frank because there was simply no point sugar coating anything. He was a member of the army, not a salesman. "You need to understand that people here have…very special gifts that can alter the very fabric of reality. Many of these powers are created and nurtured for combat and not mere party tricks, which means simply saying yes to our program literally puts your life on the line. Needless to say, there are individuals that are more suited to other aspects of the community that doesn't involve a weapon in hand."

But this growing feeling…

"Rewinding to an earlier topic, about that weird feeling of attachment I've been getting…is it normal?"

"Hmmmm…how would you describe the feeling exactly? Could you possibly give me a clearer picture?"

"As strange as it sounds, I feel as though there is a part of me here somewhere. I just can't help but shake the feeling that there's something I need to find no matter what."

"Ever get that feeling like someone is always by your side but just out of reach?"

"Exactly, and it makes me oddly comfortable and reassuring in a way I haven't experienced before. Maybe that's why I want to find the source even if that means dropping everything back at home."

"I knew it…." The older man responded in a voice that was inaudible to the boy.

"So…erm do you perhaps have an inkling of what it might be that I'm going through?" Returning to the original topic at hand, Satoru turned to the older man with a hint of hope in his eyes.

"Well…"Kawakami scratched his unshaven chin in contemplation, as though asked an extremely difficult question. Then with a wide grin, he answered with a vague answer yet conveyed in a firm tone. "I have some notion yes but the full explanation would eat way too much time though. Besides it is something that you should discover for yourself. Depending on what exactly the feeling is, it could even be the very reason as to why you are here."

"What about…" Satoru began before a loud rumble erupted from his stomach, causing the poor boy to clear his throat loudly.

"Hahaha, yes we should get you some food!" The commander let out a hearty laugh.

With impeccable timing, several firm knocks echoed from the door, shocking only the young boy whilst the older man replied completely unfazed. "Please come in!"

"Pardon my intrusion." A clear feminine voice could be heard from the other side before opening to reveal an individual who Satoru was not familiar with. Boasting long wavy black hair flowing freely down to her waist, pale yet healthy looking skin, a perfect hourglass figure and an elegant face that would put even the prettiest models to shame, Satoru found himself at a loss for words.

'Does she like…work here? Or is she some model?'

It wasn't until she spoke again did he realize his lack of response.

"Suzuki-kun?"

"Ahhhhhh hahaha, errrr…..wonderful weather today huh!" Mentally cursing his behavior, Satoru casually made an excuse before tearing his gaze away in hopes of salvaging whatever positive impression he may have left.

"It is indeed." Naturally she saw through the obvious topic-changer but rather than letting the awkwardness continue, she instead wore a genuinely warm smile. After all, she had been the one to request this job in the first place, and getting to see the boy was more than enough of a reward. "You must be famished by now no?"

Placing the large tray down gently in front of Satoru, the beautiful girl lifted the cover off each and every plate to reveal dishes of various kinds. His eyes must have glittered at the assortment for a laugh was elicited from the other 2 present. Needless to say, it had been a long time since he had gotten such a diverse breakfast menu, usually resorting to cup noodles at home.

"Please, help yourself as the appointed time is quickly approaching."

"Have you two already eaten though?" Despite his eagerness to dive straight into the meal, the boy would feel bad if they watched on an empty stomach. If anything, he was more than happy to share especially considering this wasn't his to begin with.

"No need to concern yourself, we have already partaken in out breakfast prior Suzuki-Kun." The commander responded.

"Itadakimasu!"

"Phew that was so good!"

Not going to lie, that was easily the best meal he had had in the past 3 years, nothing even coming close to the level of quality or quantity for that matter. While the exact cuisine eluded him, perhaps because it was native to this place and therefore didn't exist on Earth, but the taste definitely rivaled if not exceeded the looks. Naturally, the presentation was nothing short of immaculate; Satoru even going as far as thinking it was a waste to eat such a work of art. The quantity was also spot-on, having enough to satisfy his craving whilst all combining to an amount that didn't make him overly full. All in all, there was nothing to fault; everything was simply to his liking.

"Man, I underestimated the food they provide at the cafeteria, never would have thought the cooks were on this level." The boy praised as he rubbed his now filled belly, failing to notice the pair's exchanged glance.

"Actually….OOF!" Kawakami began when a wave of pain flowed through his left leg. "What…?"

"Oops sorry Kawakami-sama, it would appear I slipped accidentally. Anyway, I'm sure the cook will be pleased to hear your compliment Suzuki-Kun." The girl reassured him.

"Still, I really appreciate you going to all that trouble just to bring me a meal. Thank you…..errr miss?" Satoru trailed off, only just realizing he had yet to catch her name despite the latter knowing his.

"Well she is…OOF!" Again, the grey-haired was interrupted mid-sentence, this time rubbing his fresh wound in hopes of alleviating some pain.

"My name is Alice, forgive me for not introducing myself earlier." She apologized curtly and lowered her head.

"No need, no need!" Flustered at the sight of someone bowing to him, the boy frantically blurted out, extending his hand to convey his gratitude. "In any case, pleasure to meet you Alice and thank you again."

"Likewise Suzuki-Kun." Accepting the gesture, the girl beamed in kind.

Satoru's eyes widened as their hands came into contact, but the expression was quick in hiding itself.

"Although…" Satoru shifted uncomfortably on the spot, his eyes darting around to look at anything but the pair in front. "What's with the special treatment?"

"Kawakami-sama didn't tell you yet?"

"Tell me what?"

Having finally recovered from his previous injuries, the older man lifted his head to dissolve the growing confusion.

"Alice is errrr….my personal assistant which is why I requested her presence today."

"To bring breakfast?" Shooting the girl a sympathetic look, the boy couldn't imagine what other minor tasks the commander must have issued her.

"On the contrary, that was something she volunteered to do."

"Really?"

"Mhmm hmm."

"Anyway, the real reason why she's here today is to watch over you in my steed." The older man heaved an exhausted sigh before continuing his monologue. "Unfortunately along with the title of a commander also entails an abundance of chores…I mean missions, most of which are mandatory yet mundane in nature. Additionally, they are to be completely upon notification which leads us to our current predicament. As much as I'd like to help you progress and come to terms with your choice, such a task is proving out to be impossible considering the number of jobs I've been given. For that reason, I've enlisted Alice's help in order to provide you with the appropriate supervision, which will invaluable during the several days to come."

"…" Silence filled the room with the commander quickly breaking the ice.

"That is, of course, if you choose to stay Suzuki-kun."

"I errrr…."

"Don't worry we understand how difficult it must be. Regardless, Alice will tend to your needs regardless if that means to see you off home or to offer advice during your stay."

"If I accepted hypothetically, why do you make it sound like I will be fighting like tomorrow haha." Satoru laughed casually, waving off the gathering tension.

"Actually…if you decided to join us…fighting will indeed be involved…and not tomorrow but tonight." You could tell from Kawakami's hesitant tone that he didn't want to burst the boy's bubble. But now was not the time to mask the truth.

"You mean…actually physical combat?"

"Together with magical combat yes, although not amongst yourselves so you can at least rejoice in that fact."

"Hmmmm…." Acting tough now wasn't going to do him any good, therefore it was best to be as transparent as possible. "I've never actually done training of any kind before…not even sports so to be suddenly thrown into such a circumstance is troubling to say the least."

"Fair point but not worth fretting over because only a select few in the entire bunch have such experience. For the most part, fresh recruits don't, yet most have performed quite well. Besides…"

"You have me as well!" Alice gave the boy a wink and thumbs up, finishing off the commander's sentence for him.

"Isn't Alice supposed to be your personal assistant though? Doesn't that equate to helping you on your missions too?"

"Normally yes, but my next few missions are more tedious than anything, nothing I can't handle easily on my own. Besides even if I wanted her to help me on my adventures, she would just say stuff like…OW! OWW!"

"Kawakami-sama, I would like to aid Suzuki-Kun for the next week, surely you wouldn't mind right?"

"O-O-Of course not, please do as you wish!"

30 minutes had barely passed and the commander already received his third injury, a number that seemed like it would elevate indefinitely if given the opportunity. Judging by their interactions however, such a routine didn't seem out of the ordinary and much more an everyday occurrence. At this point, Satoru was almost tempted to ask whether or not personal assistant meant being the boss in this world. Maybe commanders worked for their personal assistants here? Then again, considering the number of recruits originating from Earth, why go out of their way to confuse the heck out of everyone?

'Nah surely not, these two just have good chemistry is all.' Letting out a small smile, Satoru couldn't help but stare at the pair with jealous eyes. 'If only I had someone close too.'

"Now that the introductions are all done and dusted, I recall you have some important matters to attend to no?"

"Ouch! Yes I do!"

"Well then Kawakami-sama, seeing as both of you are expected somewhere soon and that Susuzki-Kun's destination is along the way, would you be so kind as to escort him or shall I?" It's one thing to possess a smile sweet enough to melt the hearts of all those that set their sight upon it, and another to exude an aura strong enough to cause the bravest of men to tremble in fear, but to accomplish both simultaneously was something that only Alice could pull off.

"No, I got this! I would hate to bother you while you're on duty after all!" Successfully catching the drift, a rather flustered commander responded before spinning around to face Satoru. "Well then, shall we?"

'If you're not going to request assistance from your own personal assistant during her duty, then when the heck will you….?' Was the single question that tangled so dangerously on the tip of his tongue but ultimately decided against it.

"Sure thanks for going out of your way to do so!" The young boy expressed with genuine gratitude, fully relieved that he wouldn't have to trek into uncharted territory alone. "See you around Alice!"

"Bye bye Susuzki-Kun!" The beautiful girl responded with a bow.

"I'll miss you during my missions Alice-chan!" Following in suit, a grey-haired man offered his own farewell.

"Hehe…" A familiar menacing aura so thick it could practically endure the slash of a chainsaw once again flooded the room, drawing more than a chill to the person in focus. "My my Kawakami-sama, my hearing must be growing bad with age. Care to repeat what you just called me?"

"Nothing! I just said t-to enjoy yourself is all." Leaning to whisper directly into Satoru's ear, the commander frantically conveyed a concise and clear message.

"Suzuki-Kun, let's run!"

"Roger that!"

And just like that, the two scrambled out into the hallway, sprinting away like a pair of prisoners that had made a miraculous escape.

Left alone in the room, Alice's gaze, remained transfixed at the door, the exact position they had been before leaving. It wasn't until their footsteps completely left earshot was she able to tear her eyes away, spinning around to change her visual trajectory out the crystal clear window instead. She was…exhausted, but not physically.

Was this really the right decision?

But no answer came, it never did. Frowning ever so slightly, the girl soon found herself lamenting the exact same things, a dilemma that thrived whenever she had a moment to herself. Thankfully an attention catching sound broke her chain of thoughts.

The sound of a door creaking slowly open behind her to be exact.

"He really liked your cooking you know?" Slowly turning around to face the expected guest, Alice continued hoping that her words would finally reach the ears of her longtime acquaintance. "I know you blame yourself for what happened, but choosing to keep your distance isn't a decision you should make alone especially considering the remaining time."

But she received nothing but a bitter glare in return.

"Besides, he deserves to know the truth about you and her."

A/N - First off, I would like to sincerely apologize for my lack of upload over the past months. To be blunt, several incidents recently occurred that made me lose interest and motivation in doing anything, causing me to take a while to recover mentally. Again I am terribly sorry about my absence but I am eager to jump back into the routine.

This story has and always will mean a lot to me due to a number of personal reasons so I will be continuing it regardless of what happens from now on (something I contemplated very seriously during my break), and I hope you all will stick with me for the ride!

Thanks again for taking the time to read my story, I truly appreciate each and everyone of you ! If you have any thoughts or questions to share or ask, feel free to leave a review!

Take care everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day ^^

-Lynn