Extra's Descent

"You alright, Rein?"

"Huu… Yeah, sorry about that."

The rest of the group gathered just outside the training facility. Reinhard sat on the stairs, while Brandon stood right next to him.

It seems like there was something wrong with Reinhard. However, Brandon knew Reinhard was one to keep secrets.

For that reason, he didn't press further.

Brandon looked around.

At the moment, everyone had changed into cleaner clothes, and was probably waiting around for Claire's driver to pick her up.

Then, Claire asked.

"You need a ride, Brandon?"

"No."

Brandon shook his head.

"I got my own bike."

"Okay."

But now that they were on the topic, Brandon pulled Claire to the side after explaining he needed to talk to her privately. The others gave space and conversed with each other while waiting.

"What's this about?"

"How would you like to form a partnership with me?"

"Partnership?"

"A business partnership."

"Sorry, I don't think my Father's looking for partnerships at the moment. But business…. you have a startup?"

"Something like that."

Claire pinched her chin, seemingly pondering. Then, she opened her mouth.

"What's it about? Maybe I can convince my Father if your business is interesting."

It seemed like Claire was up for the idea. All it needed was Brandon's proposal.

"Well, it'd be much better if I were to propose this with your Father around. Can you set–up a meeting in advance?"

"I don't think it's possible. My Father is quite busy these days. You should do it now, he might catch interest in it."

Brandon knew this was the case. But he had a trump–card up his sleeve. It was for that reason why he consulted Bellion first.

"Tell him I have full funding support from the Imperial Army."

"Eh?"

Claire tilted her head.

"You're joking?"

"Nope."

"But how is that possible? For that to happen, you need approval from Field Marshal Van. He's known to be stern and would brush off anyone who tries to convince a partnership with the Imperial Army."

"Stern? That old…. Kuhum…"

He paused there.

"That's exactly the point. My business had caught his interest as well. That should be reason enough for your Father to meet me."

"Well, if you're telling the truth. Then I will inform him of this matter. But be sure to provide evidence of your partnership with the Imperial Army."

"Of course."

And their conversation ended there.

But just as Brandon was about to leave, he felt a light tug on the back of his clothes.

Turning around, Claire looked at him bashfully.

"Uh…?"

The hell?

The sight of Claire looking shy and all sent a shiver down his spine for some reason. He had never seen this side of her before.

Not in this timeline, and not in any other timeline as far as he could remember from the fragmented memories.

"No, nevermind."

Claire shook her head.

"I shouldn't trouble you with this matter."

"...."

"Weirdo."

Brandon walked away after that.

Claire stared at his departing back for a brief moment until she snapped out of her thoughts.

Right, it was none of his business. Nor was it hers.

Sure, Brandon was strong, and he could definitely help out. But strength could only amount to much.

Not even Bellion was able to do a thing about it.

Then, her gaze slowly landed on Reinhard, who was seated on the stairs with his hands clasped around his mouth, appearing to be lost in deep thought.

Right, it wasn't her problem.

'So why the fuck should I care?'

With such thoughts, Claire made her way towards them.

***

Several days passed after that.

It was currently Friday, the last school day of the week.

Currently, Brandon was inside the lecture hall. It was the final lecture for the morning, with more lectures planned for the afternoon.

However, they would have a two hour vacant after this lecture.

Brandon felt his body sore all over. He had never exerted his body this much before. For the past week, he had been diligently attending lectures and training, and after they were dismissed, the friend group would often spar in the training hall, or go out on ventures.

Brandon didn't want to waste any chances of spending time with his friends, for that reason, he had participated in every venture they had thus far.

At the same time, he had been waiting for the result of his team's project, while also waiting for the business proposal meeting with Claire's father.

However, it seems as if he was being ignored by the company at the moment. That, or Claire couldn't grab a hold of him.

After all, he had always followed–up with Claire every two days. Claire would often say, "I haven't had a chance to talk to my Father. He's still really busy, see? He isn't even accepting my calls."

That, and so on.

At this point, it sounded like excuses. But Brandon quickly pushed down such thoughts.

In the past, he was already quite close with Claire. And even now, it seemed like their relationship was progressing smoothly.

He could undoubtedly say they were close–friends.

However, on another topic, there was one person who was solely missing during their ventures.

Reinhard.

There were times when Reinhard would reject their invitation. He wasn't like that in the past, but now…. things were quite suspicious.

But Brandon didn't pry on his matters.

It was none of his business to begin with.

Maybe he had a secret girlfriend or something.

"Could be it."

Then, Brandon's attention hovered over the podium where the instructor stood.

It was the instructor assigned to their class.

Zeke Wesley.

His voice echoed shortly after.

"As you all know, we'll be having a labyrinth dive on the following Monday. Be sure you are all prepared and well rested. We'll be leaving at 8:00 AM, if any of you are late, we will leave you behind. It goes without saying that you will receive an F."

A labyrinth dive.

It quite piqued Brandon's interest.

While he had several experiences with the other races, but as what the human domain terms as monsters, he hadn't been in a labyrinth dive before.

But now that he thought about it, he could see a bit of memories about Raven inside a labyrinth in the form of fragments.

The memories were quite scattered in his mind, and it was hard to remember each memory.

For that, he would have to dive deep in his thoughts. Something that had no guarantees.

"That being said, you are all dismissed. Have a great weekend."

Right, as if they didn't have lectures in the afternoon.

The cadets emerged out of the lecture hall shortly after.

Their lively chatters began to resound around the hall, topics such as; 'Where should we eat today?' 'What should I get today?' And so on.

It was currently lunch time.

Brandon had an appointment with someone for lunch. He had already informed the friend–group beforehand.

For that reason, he went ahead.

***

"Where should we eat today?"

Rachel, who seemed to be in a joyful mood today, asked, taking in the sight of everyone present. In particular, Raven, Claire, Amy, Reinhard, and Cyrus.

Sarah had a bunch of extracurricular activities scheduled at the moment. For that reason, she seemed to be eating with other people.

Claire, who was peering down on her phone, responded.

"I heard there was a new coffee that opened just down the street. Want to give it a try?"

"Does anyone have any other suggestions?"

Rachel looked around, meeting everyone present's eyes.

"Nope."

"None."

"A new place? Sounds good."

"I wish Brandon was here."

While Cyrus was muttering a bunch of nonsense, the others happily accepted the idea.

"Alright, since there's no other ideas. Guess we're going there."

As they made their way to the exit, Claire stopped in her tracks and turned around.

"Don't forget. I'm not paying for any of the meals today. I repeat, don't forget. Especially you, Cyrus."

Cyrus looked around first before eventually meeting Claire's fierce gaze.

Then, he pointed at himself.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. There's no one else but you."

It was always him who relied on Claire's financial capabilities during their ventures.

But it had to be said that Claire would often treat them out. Cyrus seemed to have gotten a bad habit of ordering whatever he wanted on the idea that Claire was paying for it.

For that reason, Cyrus had mistakenly ordered something expensive in the past. Since he couldn't pay for it, Claire was the only choice.

"Okay, I'm sorry."

"Good."

Just like that, they left the academy's premises.

***

Brandon peered down on his phone after receiving a specific message from Matthew.

"Hm…"

Brandon scanned the contents of the message.

—I've tracked down the source, Boss. The site belongs to some guy called Nathan Ramsay.

Brandon had informed Matthew a few days ago that he wanted him to check something out.

In particular, the forum page that Raven sent him.

It took Matthew a while. It went to show just how good this 'Nathan' guy was.

Nodding his head, Brandon replied back.

—Good work.

As for their agreement, if Matthew were to succeed in this task, he would have a salary raise.

Since he did, Brandon had to keep his promise.

Putting his phone back in his pocket, Brandon looked around.

The cafe bustled with activity. It was filled with cadets and other academy students alike, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the cafe.

Brandon continued waiting for his order, clasping his hand around his mouth.

Though….

It wasn't just him.

"Hehe~ This boba tea is really good. Want to try it?"

Amelia was seated across from him.

The two were currently out for lunch.

A date, basically.

"Boba… tea?"

"It's new. Kind of like tea but with milk? There's this gooey pearl substance as well."

"Oh? Hold on, let me find a straw—"

"Here."

However, Amelia cut him off, urging him to try with the straw she had just used a second ago.

"Heh."

She's kind of clingy.

Brandon found it cute.

He had to tease her more.

With such thoughts, he stared at the straw and said,

"I don't want to use your straw."

"Oh—"

She seemed to have a dejected look on her face as she tried grabbing another straw for Brandon to use.

"Instead, I'd like to drink it from your mouth."

"Eh!?"

Amelia paused, her expressions faltered. At the moment, she looked completely frozen as her face gradually rose a deep red color.

Her eyes darted around, her hands paused on the straw she was just about to grab.

For a second, Brandon could hear her murmur, "I don't mind."

Thump!

Brandon slammed the table abruptly and sipped on the straw at that moment. He had only wanted to tease her. But it seemed like it backfired on him.

That attack took 10 years off his lifespan.

Amelia was good.

And she wasn't even trying.

Amelia stared at him wide eyed with a blush on her face.

Then, she looked away and murmured once again.

"I would've done it…."

"Kh…!"

Brandon felt his throat choke on something as he smacked his fist on his chest continuously.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

"What's wrong?"

"Wa–ter….."