Chapter 303 (Patreon)

I usually trusted my instincts.

I can’t recall a time where they’ve steered me wrong. And after becoming a Campione, it seems like they’ve further enhanced.

That being said…..

This thing infront of me sent all of that into overdrive. The part of my brain that went into fight or flight was having an argument right now and I just stood here, motionlessly.

Whatever this thing was, it was fucking terrifying.

I would call it a similar feeling to when Ophis dropped in, but that’s at a high enough level where it’s hard to gauge the difference from where I’m standing.

It made a single sound, and I had to use all my self-control to not immediately pull out Ddraig and my Authority in a panic.

“You’re not involved with what’s going on, are you?” After staring at each other for several moments, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t hostile.

“Fou.” He squeaked out, and the adorableness really contrasted with the terror that lurked beneath the surface.

But….now that I took a better look without the perceived threat of impending doom hovering overhead, it felt more like whatever it was had been…..pushed down?

I don’t know how to describe it, a feeling of a large presence that was locked away inside a box and intentionally set aside.

“…you wouldn’t have an idea of what’s happening would you? I bare no ill will towards anyone here, simply trying to investigate the source of the anomaly that popped up.”

It didn’t answer me. Instead, it slowly started walking forward, taking little steps circling around me. And I felt like I was being circled by a shark.

Suddenly, it sprung up, and my head slowly turned to see it standing on my shoulder.

“…..please don’t eat me.”

“Fou, fou.” He squeaked again, raising its little paws up as it started swatting at the side of my head.

It was with about the amount of force you would assume if you merely saw the creature’s stature, however, I was having a mini panic attack as something on the same level of that Dragon was currently using my head as a tiny punching bag.

“Fou, there you are!”

I blinked, not even noticing the presence that crept up on us. Even the thing on my shoulder stopped doing what it was doing to see the young woman hurriedly coming down the hallway.

A young woman, probably no older than twenty. Lilac hair and lavender eyes. She ware a sweatshirt and glasses, making her look rather cute.

“Fou!” It jumped off my shoulder and right into her arms as she got closer.

It almost appeared affectionate at first glance.

Which was a far cry from the sheer terror that was lurking beneath.

….is this what it’s like to be on the opposite end of me and Meridia?

The girl sweetly hugged the monstrosity in her arms.

And the thing in the form of a small animal seemed to enjoy it.

I’m probably the last person who has any right to say anything about the current circumstance.

“So….the creature’s name is ‘Fou’?” I asked

The girl perked up, I guess she briefly forgot I was right there, finding her…pet after losing him.

“Sorry, he just suddenly ran off.” The girl’s head quickly fell down into an apologetic bow.

And the thing looked at me, as if trying to convey a certain message.

“It’s no problem.” I felt my eye twitch as it seemed to approve of what I said. “He’s an adorable little thing. What is he exactly?”

“Fou.” Its beedy red eyes flashed for a moment.

For some reason, I have the vaguest sense that it wants me to keep its true nature a secret.

“I….don’t know actually.” She smiled awkwardly. “I just found him one day and he’s been sticking with me ever since!” She followed up with a very warm smile. “It’s strange, he doesn’t usually like other people…”

“Did you make sure to get him fixed?”

“Fou!?” The animal made a surprised noise as it glared at me.

“Fixed?”

“You know it’s important to get pets fixed. I don’t quite know what his species is, but for Cats and Dogs, it’s to make sure they don’t spray or cause issues due to going into heat and such. Honestly, it’s the responsible thing to do as a pet owner.” I said with the straightest face I could, staring right at the terrifying monster.

I’m pretty sure it was doing what it was earlier because it was amused at my reactions.

Well, turnabout is fair play.

“Really?” She tilt he head.

“Fou, fou fou!!” The thing struggled in her arms.

“Believe me, he would thank you if he could.” I could feel the corners of my lips begin to rise up.

“Oh.” The young girl looked really thoughtful. “I’ll ask Roman later.” She smiled happily. “He’s more knowledgeable about stuff like this. Though……Fou-kun doesn’t really like him….so it might be hard.”

“I’d be more than happy to help put him to sleep, to make sure he can get a thorough check up. Don’t want him to be hyperactive if his dangly bits are going to get snipped~”

“Oh no, it’s alright. If Fou needs a check up or anything like that, I’m sure he’d behave.”

“Fou!” With that, he jumped out of her arms and bolted down the hallway, turning several corners before disappearing.

Heh.

Pay back is a bitch.

“What’s gotten into him today?” The girl let out a sigh before turning back to me.

“Who knows?” I shrugged.

Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the implication of getting the snip.

“Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve seen you around Chaldea before, are you new?” She turned to me and asked.

“Yup, just got here today, the name is –“ I had to catch myself, almost used the wrong name. “—Takao Shimoda. Probably the future leader of B-Team.”

“Amazing!” She said with an awe in her tone. “It’s nice to meet you, Senpai! I’m Mash Kyrielight.”

She seems like a sweet girl. I kind of wanted to pat her on the head, but I held myself back.

“Well, Mash, you seem to know this place pretty well. I’m a bit….lost. Do you think you could point me in the direction of the Cafeteria?”

“I can show you.” She perked up with a big smile. “It took me awhile to figure out where everything is too I can show you the tricks I learned.” She seemed eager to be of help.

“Wouldn’t say no to the help, this place is a maze and I think it won’t be the last time I get lost.” I thanked her for the assistance.

Olga Marie Animusphere POV

“Has anyone seen Shimoda!?” I raised my voice, gathering the attention of all the B-Team members who were conversing in the Cafeteria.

Where did he run off to!?

I explicitly told him thirty minutes.

Of course none of these people answer me. It makes me wonder if this B-Team idea is even feasible. The blank looks they’ve given me all day, I wonder if they have the processing ability to even comprehend the most basics of Magecraft.

It’s like night and day compared to the A-Team. They’re all proficient in their crafts, have the theoretical knowledge, and know how to operate efficiently.

Maybe if we had a few more years to prepare them, they would be a feasible substitution in an emergency. However, everyone suddenly decided it would be a good idea to have more in reserve. No warning, just an idea and they throw all the work on me!

As if they could do anything if A-Team failed.

We would be just throwing bodies at the problem, and I fail to see how this would solve any problem if the experienced team failed in the same process.

Ugh, so stupid.

If the investors weren’t backing this idea so vehemently, I would have never even considered this foolish waste of time.

They’re mundane people, they don’t have the slightest clue about what we do or how we do it.

Not only do I need to get them up to speed on what really goes on behind the curtains, but we also have to train them up to be some-what competent in a fight. Shoving decades worth of teachings into a few months, in addition to forcing the practical applications into their bodies when they’re not learning everything they need to.

What a ridiculous plan, and whoever thought it up needs to be flogged.

Even with the advance facilities we have available, this is going to be a trial in of itself. Hopefull Caster can provide some help here, I don’t trust many of our staff to handle this kind of daunting task. And I can’t pull away A-Team members to help out when their own training is so crucial.

No, in comparison, this is just a side project. I won’t even consider this a probable alternative, I’ll continue to do the logical thing and focus my attention on A-Team.

Unfortunately, I actually have to go along with this nonsense, since the investors are being so forceful with it. The idiots can’t seem to see beyond any resources they’ll gain.

Should I be thankful that there’s actually someone half-way competent that appeared for this idiocy?

Maybe I would be if he would actually show up!

“Sorry I’m late, Director. This place is a maze, got a little lost.”

Speak of the Devil.

“Finally.” I scoffed at his return. “You will be forgiven this once, do not make a habit of it.”

Hmm, perhaps we should put directions around since we’re going to be experiencing an influx soon. This is only the first batch of B-Team members that have come so far. I don’t want to have to put up with some nobody wandering somewhere they shouldn’t.

….and based on what Shimoda already told me, I need to consider their ignorance as a top priority. It would do no good if one of them did or said something that crossed a line they didn’t know about.

Thankfully, I had a chance to glance at the files of the upcoming batches. There were actually a handful more of real Magi coming along. For what definition one could use ‘real’ to describe them.

Spellcasters and outsiders. Barely better than the freelancers that go stalking about the halls of the association to make money. I would take Shimoda – an Asian – over the most of them. Atleast he had proper propriety when it comes to this kind of work.

“Now, we can continue.” I pushed away those annoying thoughts. I was already too busy dealing with actual problems, beyond this singular instance of my direct involvement, I wouldn’t be keeping an overt eye on B-Team. “We will begin a secondary discussion on the basics of your new position. This will include a very brief overlay of our history, our customs, and how to hold yourselves as members of Chaldea.”

I know that those vultures in the association would use any opportunity to peck at me if I allow them. So I will make sure this plebian lot atleast knows how to treat their betters.

I wouldn’t be surprise if this was a scheme to undermine my authority because I don’t posses the qualities of a Master nor to Rayshift.

So what if I can’t participate! I am the Director, I have more than enough work to deal with, my role is too important to go off galivanting in another Era.

“Since we’re on a strict time constraint, we will be handling several matters at once. You will be individually called upon by our lead Medical Chief to undergo a thorough medical evaluation and physical. This is not negotiable, and I will hear no complaints.” We need to know what we’re dealing with before opening their Magic Circuits.

Never before has anyone tried to do so on a batch of plebians in such large numbers. One of the reasons we were doing this B-Team in batches, to better streamline the process for each new group.

At least the data will be some-what valuable. Something we can toss to our investors to give them something to bide their time with.

“I have a question, director.” Shimoda raised his hand.

“Very well, ask.” I addressed him.

So far, he has not asked anything idiotic, and he has helped thus far. A question or two is not remiss.

“What about non-human heritage, will that be an issue?”

I blinked, until I realized where he came from. Of course he would have Phantasmal Ancestry, those Asian countries still have some demon-blooded cretins running around. “We have experience in dealing with such things, there will be no issue.”

Is it a wonder that the proper sort don’t go to those countries unless they have to?

“Am I interrupting?”

I turned to face the new voice, holding back the smile that would come about once he made an appearance. “Lev.” I greeted evenly.

“Director how –“ He stopped, his gaze turned towards Shimoda.

I furrowed my brow, why was he just staring at him?

And why was Shimoda staring right back.

Do they know each other?

Did he do something to make Lev of all people have a dislike for him? I can’t remember anyone that Lev disliked!

Instantly, I felt a feeling of anger swell up.

I clapped my hands, snapping them out of it. “We’re short on time, get moving back to the room you were in previously, I will join you in a moment.” I left no room for arguments as even Shimoda nodded and they all filed out.

“Olga.” Lev asked me as they left the Cafeteria. “Who was that young man?”

“The Red-Haired one is Takao Shimoda. Do you know him? I can kick him out if he’s someone you don’t like.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I was just…..surprised when I saw him and I don’t know why. Something about him is just painfully familiar and I can’t quite put my finger on it.” Lev looked to be thinking about something. “He’s a member of B-Team?”

“Yes, I was going to have him take over the position of Leader. He seemed decently competent, even if he’s from a backwards country. Do you want me to reconsider?”

“If he has the ability, then I have no complaints.” He had a strange look about him. “However…….keep an eye on him. And when you have a chance, please send me his file….I wish to look it over.”

Oh, it seems that Shimoda caught the eye of Lev. He should be honored, and if he plays his cards right, he may move up in the hierarchy here.

“For now, I may just take an opportunity to introduce myself to him properly.”

…..I don’t ever remember seeing Lev with that kind of smile on his face before.

I’m sure it’s nothing.