-11th Floor, Oryza HQ-
Zephyr: Now then, sorry for the late introduction. Argo and Sylvana was it? My name is Medusa Zephyr, welcome to Hakumai.
Argo: (The leader of Hakumai, she sure has a distinct aura emanating from her. According to the info from earlier, she's World Class.)
Sylvana waves at Zephyr with a bright smile on her face.
Sylvana: Heya, nice to meetcha Medu- Mesa-? Zef-? How do you pronounce it again?
Majiki let out a sigh while adjusting her glasses.
Majiki: It's Me-du-sa Ze-phyr.
Sylvana: That's pretty hard to say.. Hmm what about- Mmm I can't think of anything to make it easier to remember..
Majiki: Normally I'd tell you to be mindful of how you talk to our leader but I'm already tired as it is with everything that's going on today. Commander Ren, she's all yours.
Ren: You're pushing it to me-? Well I mean I just call her Zephyr..
Argo: Pleased to meet you, Lady Medusa.
Zephyr: Haha, just Zephyr will do. If that's too hard, Z is fine too.
Sylvana: Z!! Now that's easy peasy to remember! Z it is!
Argo: Is that really fine? Aren't you the leader of Hakumai?
Zephyr: Yes I am indeed but I don't really like formalities. Besides, prior to stepping in for our former leader Kuki Kyoko, I was just a member in the 2nd division. My name without honorifics feels more natural to me.
Argo: (She seems quite friendly, I'm not sure what I was expecting of the leader of Hakumai itself but this is very much a warm welcome.)
Kouji: Just a member in the 2nd division she says, real humble of you Zephyr.
Argo and Sylvana looked at Kouji in confusion.
Majiki: She's the former 2nd division commander, in case you're wondering.
Sylvana: That's awesome!
Argo: Woah, that's an amazing record, from commander to leader.
Zephyr: Haha, it's nothing too special. If anything it's more like no one else wanted to be the leader. Well then, shall we get right into the orientation?
Ren raises her hand before Zephyr could continue.
Ren: We'll be heading back to Springleaf Island first then. Majiki, stay behind with Sylvana so that you can bring her over later.
Kouji: See you later Sylvana.
Ren, Kouji, Yudai and Koto start walking to the elevator doors. Behind them, Filio began to follow.
Filio: I'll be heading back to Winterfrost Island as well. Who's staying with Argo?
Volt & Rosary: Me!
Rosary: Nuh uh, I'm the one staying with him.
Volt: Oh come on, I thought we agreed that I'd give lil bro a tour..
Rosary: I never agreed on anything. Besides, it doesn't mean that I can't tag along.
Volt: You heard her Filio big bro. It looks like we're both staying. See ya back at base.
Filio: Alright, I'll be waiting for you at Winterfrost Island Argo.
Filio waved before catching up to Ren and the others. Argo turns to Rosary and Volt, asking them about the base.
Argo: So what exactly is Winterfrost Island? And I believe I heard commander Ren mentioning Springleaf.
Sylvana: Ohh yeah I heard the word Springleaf back on the ship too. Is that like a forest?
Before Volt, Rosary or even Majiki could say anything, Zephyr who was right beside the circular table beckoned them to come closer.
Zephyr: I've been the leader for around 5 years now. Overseeing Hakumai has been my duty and I plan to keep it that way for as long as I'm around. I'm sure you've had a vague idea of Hakumai prior to coming here but let me give you more info on what we do here. More specifically, what our organisation is as a whole. But before that, let's begin your orientation starting with a layout of Hakumai itself.
She tapped the surface of the table, revealing a holographic image of a map.
Zephyr: These are the areas that fall under Hakumai's control. There are a total of 5 Islands including the one we're in now.
Zephyr used her fingers to pinch the hologram, zooming in on the map to show a closeup of an island.
Zephyr: This is the island we're currently on right now, Oryza. Better known as Oryza HQ. It's the main base of operations as well as being in the centre of all the other islands. It's also home to the 5th and 6th divisions. All missions are being given directly from here. The assault cruisers are parked behind the main HQ building, each belonging to a division. There are a total of 7 ships that Hakumai own, all of which came directly from Tetra City.
Argo: Tetra City as in the one about the stolen files?
Majiki: Yes, that Tetra City. It's the place where the famed inventor Astraea lives. She comes up with all sorts of tech and sells them to major organisations, ours being one of them.
Sylvana: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Hmm? That doesn't add up..
Rosary: Is something wrong?
Sylvana: Didn't Z say that each division gets a ship? So how come there's 7?
Zephyr: Ahh, well you see all divisions do have one ship of their own with the exception of the 1st division. I will get more into that later on. Since I brought up the 1st division, here's the next island.
Zephyr: This is Autumnfall Island, home to the 1st division. As the name suggests, Autumnfall Island's season is autumn.
Argo: That looks like a really nice place.
Zephyr: It is, isn't it? Hakumai's islands each follow a season. There is a large barrier that has unique properties in which only Hakumai members and ships can pass through. The barrier's diameter extends several miles long, covering all 5 islands. Due to the barrier, the weather patterns within are rather peculiar, resulting in the islands each having their own never changing season.
Sylvana: I wanna go there! It's so pretty!
Majiki: Maybe some other time..
Zephyr: Next up is Summerblaze Island, home to the 2nd division.
Argo: Are those buildings?
Zephyr: Yes they are. The 2nd division's island is a mix of forests and urban landscapes. A green city if you will.
Argo: That sounds interesting, a mix of city and greenery hmm? I'd very much like to visit this island if I get the chance to.
Rosary: You do? Well then let's go there together sometime! I have a bestie from the 2nd division who can show us around!
Volt: Hey no fair, I wanna go with lil bro..
Sylvana: It looks too greeny for me.. I think I'll pass..
Majiki adjusts her glasses, a smug look on her face while doing so.
Majiki: Ours is next.
Zephyr: Right you are Majiki. This is Springleaf Island, home to the 3rd division.
Sylvana: Woahhh, are those trees pink?
Argo: Are those cherry blossom trees?
Majiki: Sure are, it's the reason why our island is considered to be the most beautiful island all year round.
Rosary: I admit, that's cool but our island is cooler!
Volt: Yeah I dunno about that one..
Argo: You don't like yours Volt?
Volt: You'll see..
Zephyr: And lastly, this is Winterfrost Island, home to the 4th division.
Rosary: Pretty cool right? Literally!
Argo: It's all snow everywhere. Are those mountains too?
Volt: Yeah, I do train up in the mountains sometimes but oh man the weather there is really unbearable. Trust me lil bro, you'll be freezing up there but it is a good way to train.
Sylvana: This reminds me of when I used to live with mommy back in Scandinavia City!
Argo: I assume that that castle-like structure is our base?
Rosary: Yep! I can't wait to show you around the insides! Ohh but i'll have to introduce you to commander Morgana first.
Volt: Hey! Quit stealing my chance to give lil bro a tour-
Argo: Haha, we can all go together Volt. I'd also very much like to meet our commander.
Rosary: Ohh wait, commander Morgana is out isn't she? Well you can always meet her when she comes back.
Zephyr: Now then, I guess it's time for me to elaborate on Hakumai itself. You've seen the islands but you still do not know what the divisions are for do you?
Sylvana: Oh oh let me guess! Is it to separate the strong ones and the weak ones?
Argo: Not everything is about fighting Sylvana.. Hmm, maybe to divide manpower?
Zephyr: Good answers. The both of you are quite right.
Argo: What- She is-?
Sylvana: Hehe, told ya i'm right.
Zephyr: You're both right but it's not just that, there's more. The divisions are divided based on what they do best. That way we can know where to allocate which member should the need arise. As you know, new members can be personally recruited by a commander or even a vice commander's approval. That allows a division to recruit people they feel should join without the need for my approval. Each division is given missions according to what their division itself does, rarely ever deviating from that aspect. Here's a rough summary of the things the divisions are known for.
Zephyr changes the hologram to a different image.
Zephyr: Earlier I mentioned that the 1st division is an exception to having 1 ship, they have 2. The reason for that is they're the division that handles large scale battles and high threat level magical beasts. A couple of their members including their commander, Hanamori Ikki as well as their vice commander, Durandal, are veterans of the Arcana War that took place 15 years ago. On top of them both being Arcana Class, their division have the skills to back it up by having a 100% mission completion rate without any forfeits or major casualties.
Argo: The division Lady Yanling is in, they sound like a force to be reckoned with.
Zephyr: You've met Yanling I take it. Yes she's just as remarkable to be in that division. She's a dragon as you know and she uses lava magi-
Rosary & Majiki: Moving on!
Zephyr: Right- Next is the 2nd division who are our scouts. They gather info on anything we need. Be it magical beast activity, trouble in cities, ancient ruins and even Yggdrasil.
Argo: There's that name again, Yggdrasil. What is it exactly?
Majiki: They're our enemy, remnants of evil that survived the Arcana War.
Zephyr: That's right. They call themselves Yggdrasil, named after the world tree. We believe that the person who orchestrated the Arcana War all those years ago is the same person as the leader of Yggdrasil.
Sylvana: Hmm I think mommy has said that word when I was younger..
Argo: Yggdrasil, the world tree.
Zephyr: They may be our enemy but they're just one of the many things Hakumai has as far as missions go. We collaborate with adventurer's guilds all over Aspheria and we're given free rein by Dragonea to act. This is partly the reason Hakumai is well known all across Aspheria and even on Tellus. Up next is-
Majiki: Allow me, Zephyr.
Zephyr: By all means, go ahead.
Majiki adjusts her glasses and crosses her arms.
Majiki: The 3rd division, we're responsible for all sorts of general tasks. From meeting with different astral leaders to investigating strange sightings and even confronting magical beasts. We have a multitude of skilled magic users that excel in combat so we're more than capable with any kind of mission.
Sylvana: I can't wait for the battle missions!
Argo: Yeah I don't think general tasks and you go well together..
Rosary: Me next! Me next! Our 4th division is a division that backs up all other 5 divisions, a reserve division if you will. We're capable of a number of roles, from combat to support depending on the member.
Argo: So like a jack of all trades kinda division?
Volt: Yep, that's right lil bro. For the record, I'm suited more to combat while Rosary is a supporter.
Argo: Ahh I see. Next is the 5th division right? The one with the Null Class commander and the unknown vice commander?
Zephyr: Indeed. They're an assassination division, headhunters. If we need someone to be erased for any reason, they're the division to do it.
Argo: Is such a division really necessary-
Zephyr: Morally? No. But they're willing to do what others are not. At times, we need them for certain missions regardless of the details. Of course when there's no such missions, their division acts as Hakumai's security. They patrol all our islands to ensure our safety as an added countermeasure aside from our barrier.
Majiki: I can't say that their division leaves a good taste in my mouth. If Zephyr feels that we need them then I'm not in any place to judge.
Zephyr: I appreciate it, Majiki. Last but not least, the 6th division.
Argo: We met their vice commander down at the lobby, her name was Jeanne I believe.
Zephyr: Yes, along with their commander Kira who's currently overseeing a medical exam, the 6th division is a support division composed of fully non-combatants. As you can see, some of the members here in this room are wearing orange armbands. The 6th division is divided further into 2 subgroups, healers and administration. Healers handle any injuries and are overseen by Kira if they pass the medical exams. Administration on the other hand are those that handle the administrative work such as giving out missions or handling our treasury and even logistics. Jeanne oversees them, reporting to Kira when needed.
Argo: So that's why she was in the lobby.
Sylvana's eyes began twitching as she yawned.
Sylvana: All this info talk is making me tired.
Zephyr: I guess this is a good stopping point, I'm sure you both have had a long day. Majiki, Rosary, Volt. You're all free to head back to your bases. Should there be a mission, I'll get Jeanne to contact your divisions.
Majiki: Will do. Let's get going Sylvana, I'm sure the commander has a welcome feast prepared for you.
Sylvana: Feast!? Now we're talking!
Rosary: Let's head home!
Argo: I don't suppose we have a feast too?
Volt: Nope, but hey we can chill in Filio's game room! We'll grab some food as well.
Rosary: Don't you usually train in the evenings?
Volt: I can't miss the 1st day with lil bro Argo now can I? Work hard, play hard!
The 5 of them left in the elevator and headed down to the lobby while Zephyr headed up to her own room on the 50th floor.
-One of Yggdrasil's hideouts-
??: Ahhh my creations, soon you shall roam free!
A brown haired woman stared at a glass tank, through it was a humanoid shape submerged in transparent yellow-like liquid.
Aria: Your time limit is one week, I hope it'll be ready by then Dr Hoshi.
Dr Hoshi: Of course, in fact I'll have it ready in a matter of days.
Aria: Good, it's about time we make a move on Hakumai.
A sound came from Aria's cloak. A transmission is being received.
Aria: Speak of the devil. If you'll excuse me Dr Hoshi.
Aria walks out of the lab, activating the communication device.
Aria: Is everything going according to plan?
??: Yes it is, my lord.
Aria: Excellent. What of the Hakumai members?
??: They suspect a traitor but without any evidence, they will not find out..
Aria: Keep it up. Soon enough, they will crumble from the inside.