"A vacation trip?"
"Something like that..."
Outside the Arsenal of Shadow, Vektor begins his efforts to recruit Mitsuko to go with him to Lightning Island. But obviously, he can't simply say he wants to venture onto an island considered enemy territory for personal gain, no one would accompany him that way.
That's why both he and Sych are promoting the upcoming journey as a vacation trip, even though all the planning involved in things like that hasn't been thought through by the two of them yet.
This trick worked perfectly on their two childhood friends, because something like this makes sense within their context, not to mention the fact that they are not aware of all the recent events.
However, Mitsuko's situation is different. As one of those involved in Vektor's journey on Netern Island, and one of the victims of the Wind Hills kidnapping incident, she knows how disjointed it is to visit an island with its history, soon after such an unusual sequence of events.
"When did you start planning this trip?"
"A few days ago... I read about it on the internet and then I got the idea to go there."
"And why call me? We're not even that close. Don't you think it'd be better to call Yuko?"
"(Why Yuko in particular?)
W- Well, I'm also planning on asking her to come with us..."
"Wait, so it's a group trip? How many people are going in total?"
"Well, there's me, Sych, two more of our friends, and if possible the other 4 apprentices."
This sentence heightens Mitsuko's suspicions. The 5 Etykiran apprentices are mostly just normal teenagers, with their powers being the only aspect they have in common. The chances of these five specifically joining a traveling group for no reason at all are incredibly low.
Mitsuko's gaze doesn't hide her distrust, choosing her words carefully:
"And you... know what's on that island, right?"
"(Damn it, she found out!)
W- Well, I read about a legend on the internet, but I bet it's just a rumor..."
"A legend? Could you explain that a bit more clearly?"
"Ah, it's nothing, just one of those urban legends about a demon, you know..."
Mitsuko's expression instantly softens. She's unfamiliar with the legend of Lightning Island, so from her perspective, Vektor might be just curious about an urban legend and wants to witness it with his own eyes...
"And you're scared of that demon, aren't you?"
"N- No, I'm not! I don't believe everything I see on the internet!"
"Now that explains this whole idea of wanting to invite the apprentices...
(But either way, what he wants to do is definitely dangerous. He really needs some kind of escort to go to that island. I have no idea what they would do if they found a Drenn in their territory.)
Well, I don't have anything too important planned for this vacation. If you do go, I'm going with you."
"Wait, really?
(Somehow it really worked out? I swore she was going to refuse... I'm lucky lately or is it just me?)
Then, it would be a pleasure to have you with us! I forgot to say, but I'm still working out the details about the day of the trip and stuff."
"You really have no idea how to plan these things, do you? It's not like you went on a tour here last month."
"That was an emergency, and I couldn't do any of that alone."
"Well, when you have everything on its place, just let me know."
"Sure, but I have to call the other apprentices first."
"You don't need to worry about that part. I can call Yuko for you. Don't worry, I'll avoid talking about your... not-fear of superstitions."
"(She's still on this?! I told her I'm not scared!)
W- Well, if that's the case, thank you. All that's left for me to do is go to the castle and..."
"If you go, it'll be in vain, I'm warning you."
"Huh, what do you mean?"
"I don't think I need to remind you that apprentice Noogard broke his arm, do I?"
"Oh yeah, that thing..."
"Well, the princess is now helping him with his physiotherapy, it's not something that'll heal anytime soon. That's why I doubt either of them will want to leave the castle."
"(Oof, now I'm feeling a bit guilty, I was so insensitive to want to call them to take care of me, after all that happened because of me...)
Well, in that case get well soon, Hayato..."
Somewhere inside Drettonus Castle, a young man with a cast on his arm mysteriously feels one of his ears burning...
With Mitsuko Kageki's recruitment complete, Vektor returns home via the same route he used on his way there. The recruitment journey was much shorter than anticipated, but the important thing is that, even if partially, the plan was a success. With the issue of the assemblers also resolved, there are no further pending issues until the trip planning call.
"But still, there was someone else I'd like to recruit first..."
Morning of December 23rd.
With Christmas approaching, all the decorations are already in place in most homes, creating a distinct festive scenery in the streets, and obviously Netern Island also carries on this tradition.
However, some places are exceptions, such as the house in Wind Hills, whose residents are still moving. Another exception is Kder Island, which currently has only one inhabitant...
Katsuo wakes up early as usual. After completing his morning routine, he decides to observe the blue of dawn with his telescope, his most treasured possession, given to him as a birthday gift shortly after he began living on the island with his master.
Astronomy has always been one of his passions, and stargazing has been a hobby of his since childhood. However, in the morning, there's not much to see of the sky, even with a telescope.
The Sun, a few nearby planets, and a few very bright stars — this is the standard pattern of what can be observed in the daytime sky. However, a mysterious celestial body has recently been introduced since the kidnapping incident. A red star.
"It's even bigger than yesterday..."
Since its discovery, Katsuo has repeatedly peered through his telescope, trying to understand what this new celestial body truly is. The reason for his concern is the latest vision of the future revealed by Vektor's mother's power...
"In my vision, I remember watching from space. I saw what appeared to be a shooting star glowing red, flying toward Drettonus. This shooting star then collided with our planet. I can't say for sure what happened after that because my vision ended right at the time of the collision, but the only thing I saw clearly was that the exact point of collision was the top of the Sun Tower..."
There have been reports of forecasts being prevented by changes in the prediction's determining factors, but there's no changeable factor that can prevent the fall of an unknown celestial body. Therefore, all that can be done now is to observe and analyze the red star for information before taking the next step.
After getting properly dressed, Kder heads to Netern Island to fulfill his duty. With Hayato's activities on indefinite hiatus, the island's guardian work currently consists of simple tasks like helping people with everyday difficulties and patrolling the streets of Etykiran City.
With the end of the year approaching, these simple tasks are being asked for more than usual, and a day of hard work awaits. However, the only unusual thing happening today is who the swordsman encounters shortly after leaving the lighthouse in Haidora territory.
"Yo!"
"Vektor Drenn? What are you doing here? How did you know about this place?"
"Nice seeing you too. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something, so I asked Mitsuko how you got here. She said you came by the beach early in the morning, so I decided to stop by before dawn."
"You woke up so early for this?"
"Well, it's not like this is the first time I woke up before sunrise to go walking around the island. Besides, I'll probably get busy during the rest of the day and I didn't wanna waste time looking for you around town."
"Busy? Oh that's right, how could I forget it? Merry Christmas in advance."
"For you too, but that's not it. I'm planning on taking a trip soon and today I'm gonna spend the day focusing on the details."
"One more journey? Is it another special occasion?"
"(I could tell him the truth right away. But honestly, considering how much I made others believe it was just a common trip, the two versions of the story could end up colliding at any moment and I'll end up getting screwed in the end. That's why...)
Nah, it's just a regular vacation. But I still wanted you to come with us. You can never be too cautious, especially now."
"I see, a reasonable justification. And what will be the destination of your travel?"
"Lightning Island, it's not too far from here from what I saw on the internet."
"Interesting. Well, I wish I could assist you again, but this time I'll have to decline. Netern Island is currently in its most unstable state in years. With your absence and Hayato Noogard's condition, our defenses are even weaker than they were a few weeks ago."
"I get it now, the island can't be left unprotected..."
"Yes, and besides, I'm working on something else important on Kder Island to ensure our safety. Very soon, a big event will occur, and I need to be here to prepare the inhabitants of this island."
"I should've known they would be cooking something behind the scenes... Well, if that's the case, guess there's nothing I can do..."
"I'm sorry, but I guarantee you won't need my help this time. Whatever problem comes your way, I bet you now have the strength to handle it all by yourself..."
"(What a strange thing to say. Is that a genuine compliment? Overconfidence in my ancient power? Or is he holding some kind of grudge...?)
W- Well, thanks..."
"Now, I must head towards Etykiran City. It was nice talking to you, Vektor Drenn. If I learn any more information about the upcoming event, I'll be sure to let you know as soon as possible. Now if you'll excuse me..."
After saying goodbye with a simple wave of his right hand, Vektor sees the swordsman running at high speed towards the city.
"...Well, I guess I better get going too. I have a trip to plan."