43 Kuros adventure (2/2)
Kuro had no idea where he was. The cat he caught stretched and yawned in his arms.
”Nya-.”
Kuro hugged the cat in his arms and gently pet it. Kuro turned on his data bracelet and checked his map.
”The ocean?”
On the map, it marked that he was not on land but water. It read that Kuro was simply floating on top of the ocean.
'I feel like I've come to a place I'm not supposed to.'
Kuro's eyes trembled. He enjoyed a brisk walk, but this was far from it. He looked back on the path he had come.
Boo-oom!
Kuro heard a heavy sound from behind himself.
”Who is it?”
Kuro looked back toward the thick voice.
”eeek!”
Kuro fell over from fear. A robot who looked like a human stood tall. The cold steel frame shined.
”Huh, isn't it Kuro? I couldn't recognize you because you've changed so much.”
This voice sounded familiar. Kuro who had scrunched up into a tiny ball lifted his head to peer up.
”Sergeant R-red?”
The two meter tall robot belonged to Sergeant Red. It had not been a robot but Sergeant Red had put on a bionic suit. Cigarette smoke puffed out from the opening of its face.
'I'm done for. I'll probably get harshly punished.'
Sergeant Red was well known for having a bad temper. Kuro had also been badly beaten by him before. His legs felt numb by reflex. The fear for Sergeant Red had been deeply ingrained into Kuro.
”Are you lost? You should have something to drink before you go. There is a development center just ahead of here.”
Sergeant Red didn't punish Kuro. Rather, he spoke in a smooth voice.
”Huh? What?”
Kuro confusingly asked. If it had been when he was a first year, Sergeant Red would have been howling with rage. However, Sergeant Red didn't say anything particular. Kuro blankly trailed behind Sergeant Red.
Gii, Gii.
Every one of Sergeant Red's movements created a metallic robotic sound.
-Sergeant Red! How many times have I told you not to smoke while wearing the Frame? Aren't you crazy?”
”You're noisy, old man.”
Sergeant Red turned off the communication function, ignoring the other completely.
”Wh-what is that? The one that sergeant is wearing?
”The second generation psycho frame. This is only a prototype, but we're in the middle of a test. This is the best gear that psykers could having while fighting against dragons. We noticed an intruder, but it was just you.”
”You don't seem mad.”
”I'm not your drill instructor anymore. If there is a person who lives everyday angry, that person must have a personality disorder. A psycho. Don't you think?”
'So you're aware.'
Kuro didn't say his thoughts out loud.
”Anyway, the second generation psycho frames would be showcased. It doesn't matter that students find out. This is especially the case for second years or higher. You guys can't leave Ark. You belong to Ark now.”
Kuro's shoulders trembled. Second years could not leave unless they die or become permanently disabled. He already knew, but hearing it verbally had hit a chilling nerve inside of him.
”Psycho frames are the bionic suits that only psykers are able to wear, right? They act as the user's second exoskeleton? This is my first time seeing one.”
”The first generation model was made in haste so it's low grade. Each nation has their own model as well. The second generation psychoframe doesn't even compare with that one. This gear has been prepared for only the best. The outer shell is made of dragon bone and leather, while the gloves are made of highly elastic alloy. This gear has been made especially for you. I'm barely able to move this myself.”
Sergeant Red calmly explained. This type of Sergeant Red felt unfamiliar to Kuro.
'He just might actually be a very friendly person….'
Every student severely abhorred Sergeant Red, but to Kuro, Sergeant Red now felt like nothing but kind.
”It's a second year. Give him a drink, then give him a ride back in the car.”
Sergeant Red arrived to the development center. He could only see an entrance that goes into an underground garage. There were only necessary equipment and staff on the surface. Sergent Red left Kuro to a soldier nearby.
The old man suddenly burst into a fit of anger toward Sergeant Red. Sergeant Red took out another cigar to smoke while confronting the old man.
”Would this be a successful model? It's very responsive toward psychic energies. But it's probably better to reduce some of the dragon materials required to build it. Power is important, but would anybody be able to control such a sensitive psychoframe? The person to control this must be able to manipulate psychic energy like their breathing.”
The old man was still angry, but made sure to make detailed memos of Sergeant Red's comments. The two looked very close.
”If a standard model is confirmed, this model would probably be destroyed.”
”This is only a prototype. Why don't we leave it as a commemoration? I feel it's a pity the suit I tested would be destroyed.”
”We're always short on dragon material. We don't need a suit that won't be used. We will take it apart and reuse the parts we can.”
Sergeant Red said nothing for a moment and blew out a puff of smoke.
”Who knows, maybe someone would end up using this,” he said indifferently.
Kuro watched the old man and Sergeant Red talk while drinking his orange juice. Soon, a soldier came with a military car. Kuro hopped into the car and returned to the second year complex.
Many students were returning after completing their training drills. Kuro watched all the youths he passed. Everyone's body looked burly but their faces remained childish. They would all fight against humanity's extinction. Kuro tried to imagine himself wearing the suit and fighting against dragons.
'The adults are truly preparing for the war against dragons….'
Reality suddenly fell down upon him. Kuro could only perceive that he had been receiving training for war. This isn't a joke or dream. War is nearing.