In a secluded, undisclosed location, Rito meticulously worked to revive Imposter Kai from his death, simultaneously reconstructing the new Soul Edge within a specially designed chamber. Miata arrived, observing Rito's efforts to resurrect the Imposter using her scientific expertise.
"Rito, are you certain about this?" Miata inquired, her voice laced with concern.
"Yes," Rito affirmed, her gaze fixed on the regenerating Imposter. "He holds a crucial key for our plans. I cannot allow this opportunity to go to waste. The Soul Edge's power is immense, a relic of a high-level beast from the Saint King Unification War in Ancient Belka."
"I hope you know what you're doing, Rito," Miata cautioned. "Even if you resurrect him with the Soul Edge's power and intend to humiliate your rival, Jail, you mustn't repeat past mistakes."
"Don't worry," Rito retorted, a hint of arrogance in his tone. "I have more operatives ready to deploy and attack Midchilda. He can remain dormant until his Soul Edge is complete. I'm also pleased that funding continues to flow smoothly, much like it did for Scaglietti. Our trump card will be played in the final act."
Meanwhile, at Battalion 108 headquarters, Ginga Nakajima, as Investigator, meticulously reviewed data from a recent operation. She found herself increasingly curious about Archibald Enzo, whom she had encountered at TSAB HQ and during a previous mission. As Ginga worked, her adopted sisters, Wendi, Nove, Dieci, and Cinque, joined her.
"What are you doing, Nee-san?" Wendi asked.
"Ah, everyone," Ginga greeted them. "I'm just reviewing the data from our last deployment."
"Oh, you mean that mission?" Wendi remarked. "Too bad we didn't see much action."
"Cinque? What's wrong?" Ginga asked, noticing Cinque's focused expression as she examined the data.
"This person," Cinque said, pointing to Arc's file. "Is he one of us?"
"Yes, he's Archibald Enzo, or Arc," Ginga explained. "A Specialist Lieutenant and Investigator, like me. He wears a mask due to an injury sustained during a mission."
"He seems to harbor deep hatred for that Imposter," Dieci observed, recalling Arc's intense fight with Imposter Kai. "His fighting style is…unconventional."
"I suspect the Imposter Kai inflicted his injury, hence the mask," Ginga speculated. "But it's fortunate he's on our side. I'm just curious about his face before he wore the mask."
"Have you checked his records?" Cinque inquired.
"His data and ID are mostly classified," Ginga explained. "His profile, battalion records, name – everything is redacted. It's as if he erased his past before adopting the identity we know."
"But he's one of us, so it's alright, isn't it?" Nove questioned, though a hint of unease lingered. "His fighting style is…brutal."
"Yeah, but something feels strange," Cinque added. "During combat, he doesn't use his magic system."
"Ah, you're right," Ginga realized. "I noticed that too. I wonder why?"
"Perhaps it's related to his injury?" Wendi suggested. "Or maybe he's hiding something?"
"I'm increasingly curious about him," Ginga admitted. "I'll try to talk to him when I get the chance."
At Battalion 255, Nanoha and Vita observed Renjou's unorthodox training methods with his new cadets. As Supreme Air Force Aggressor instructors, they were tasked with evaluating the cadets' aerial capabilities, but Renjou's bizarre and comedic approach left them speechless.
"This is how he trains his cadets," Vita sighed. "It's…unconventional, to say the least. But he seems to enjoy it."
"Ahaha…" Nanoha chuckled nervously. "I can hear the cadets' groans and complaints."
"Despite his comedic nature and rank as Captain," Vita continued, "I question his suitability as an instructor. I'm at a loss for words."
The grueling training session finally concluded, leaving the cadets exhausted and disheveled. Nanoha and Vita approached Renjou, eager to catch up since the disbanding of Riot Force 6. However, Renjou's penchant for teasing Vita quickly resurfaced, resulting in another swift smackdown.
"Renjou-kun, can I have a word with you?" Nanoha asked.
"Hm, sure. What do you want to ask?" Renjou replied.
"I was just wondering," Nanoha began. "Do you ever miss your teammates from Forward Phantom?"
"I can't say, Nanoha-san," Renjou answered, his tone turning serious. "Fuji and I decided to part ways. I couldn't bear to see Kai in that condition. Kai is our comrade, our friend, just like you, Fate, and Commander Hayate. But after Kai was injured and went into a coma, and his Imposter emerged, we agreed not to see each other until the Imposter is defeated."
"I understand," Nanoha said. "Kai is still in a coma. It's been almost six months."
"I know how you feel, Renjou," Vita sympathized. "High school best friends, teammates at training camp, elite members… I can imagine what you're going through."
"Vita-chaaaaan~" Renjou wailed dramatically, throwing his arms around Vita in a tight embrace.
"Gah! Get off me, Renjou! Get off!" Vita struggled to break free.
Nanoha sighed at the familiar scene, but she had gleaned the information she sought. Renjou, like Fuji, carried the weight of their shared past and had chosen to distance himself until the Imposter was dealt with. Unbeknownst to them, Izumi Kai was already awake, living under the guise of Archibald Enzo, or Arc.
At TSAB HQ, concern grew regarding Arc's recent behavior. He had been pushing himself relentlessly, investigating the Device Jumper incidents, Adamatron, and the elusive Soul Edge. His tireless efforts, even when visibly exhausted, had become alarming. The staff finally intervened, ordering him to take a few days of rest and promising to update him on any developments, particularly regarding the Soul Edge and the source of the Device Jumper funding.
Arc stood on the rooftop, overlooking the cityscape, his mind replaying a conversation with Hayate from the previous day. Her words, "You remind me of him," she had admitted. "The way you fight, the way you…are. It's uncanny," echoed in his thoughts. He knew his carefully constructed facade would eventually crumble, revealing the truth of his identity. But he would only allow that revelation to happen after he had achieved his objectives with the Imposter Kai.
"I know you're here," a voice said.
Arc turned to see Fate approaching, her expression concerned.
"Fate-san," Arc acknowledged.
"What's wrong? You seem troubled," Fate asked, standing beside him.
"…Commander Yagami spoke with me yesterday," Arc revealed. "I didn't expect her to approach me personally."
"Well, unexpected things happen," Fate replied. "Signum, Vita, and Hayate-san are all curious about you. Even my brother helped create a false medical history for you, explaining your absence. But don't worry, your secret is safe with Nanoha-chan and me."
"Yeah…thank you, Fate-san," Arc murmured.
"By the way," Fate changed the subject. "During our missions and sparring sessions, how do you manage to conceal your magic system?"
"Oh, that," Arc explained. "I asked Raging Brando to suppress it after my spar with Nanoha-san. Revealing it would only complicate matters."
"I see," Fate said. "You know, black magic systems are incredibly rare. It was Reinforce and you who possessed that color."
"Commander Assistant Rein? Isn't her magic system white?" Arc asked, surprised.
"No," Fate corrected him. "Her original form was Reinforce Eins. The Reinforce you know from Riot Force 6 is Reinforce Zwei, who was born from the Book of Darkness. The Reinforce I knew when I first met Hayate had a purplish-black magic system, while yours is a dark, ominous black. Perhaps that's why Hayate feels drawn to you – maybe you remind her of Reinforce Eins." Fate recalled the past, the battles against Reinforce Eins alongside Nanoha, Hayate, and others, including Reinforce's self-destruction.
"Actually…" Arc confessed, revealing his magic system in his hand. It glowed a deep, unsettling black. "My magic system was maroon before it turned black. It changed after I made a contract with the Soul Edge. But now, after defeating my Imposter and the Soul Edge, I feel no regret. Though I know he'll return."
"But you know," Fate countered, revealing her own magic system, a warm gold, and placing her hand next to his. "Black is a versatile color that complements anything."
"Black and gold…Midchilda's colors," Arc observed. "A striking combination." Both of them dismissed their magic systems, and Fate took Arc's hand in hers.
"Arc, don't worry," Fate reassured him, her voice gentle. "You don't have to push yourself so hard. We're friends, just like we were in Riot Force 6."
"Yes, thank you, Fate," Arc responded, a hint of warmth in his voice.
"I should get going," Fate said, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Take care."
"Fate-san," Arc called out as she turned to leave.
"Yes?" Fate paused, glancing back at him.
"Once I've completed my task," Arc stated, his gaze determined, "I should meet your brother, Chrono."
"Of course," Fate replied, her smile widening. "I'll be waiting." With that, she turned and walked away.
Arc looked down at his hand, the warmth of Fate's touch still lingering. He recalled the memories of meeting the girl in white, the one who had saved him back in Japan before he joined the TSAB. But the fire had been too intense, obscuring his vision, making it impossible to discern her identity. Could it have been Nanoha? Fate? Hayate? Or someone else entirely? The question remained unanswered, a lingering mystery in his mind.
Suddenly, Yuuno Scrya's voice echoed in his mind, contacting him telepathically from the Infinity Library. As the Chief Librarian, Yuuno had been assisting the investigation team, and he had uncovered a crucial piece of information about the Soul Edge. According to his research, the Soul Edge shared a connection with a creature known as "The Beast Without a Name," a terrifying entity from the Ancient Belkan War. It appeared that the Soul Edge was, in fact, this very beast, resurrected in modern times by an unknown force. The circumstances surrounding its revival remained shrouded in mystery, but Yuuno speculated that it could be linked to the Jewel Seeds, the Lost Logia, or even the forbidden Book of Darkness.
The Beast Without a Name was a creature of immense power and destruction, summoned by Belkan king mages to conquer neighboring nations. It was said to have emerged from the depths of Judecca, a hellish realm. The beast was impervious to conventional weapons and possessed the ability to infect, drain, and control the minds of its victims. Under the reign of the king and his mages, the Belkan people were forced to obey the beast's every whim, lest they face execution or torture. The king wielded a sword forged from the beast's bones, blood, and soul, using it to control the creature's destructive impulses. However, one day, a powerful mage known as "The Beast Tamer" appeared, wielding an authority that surpassed even the king's. This mysterious mage, cloaked and enigmatic, commanded the beast to return to Judecca, sealing it away once more. The sword of control was transformed into a stone, and the king and his mages were executed for their transgression. The Beast Tamer vanished without a trace, leaving behind only the legend of their power.
Yuuno further explained that the historical records provided no description of the beast's appearance, nor did they reveal the Beast Tamer's gender or identity. The only clue was that the mage was a hooded figure, shrouded in mystery. He concluded by suggesting that perhaps Izumi Kai's unique connection to the Soul Edge, his ability to wield its power without being consumed by its malevolent influence, was due to a similar affinity, a resonance with the Beast Tamer's power. With this revelation, the mystery of the Soul Edge was finally solved, leaving only the Device Jumpers, Adamatron, and the Imposter to be dealt with.
The following day, Arc found himself engaged in a two-on-one sparring match against Nanoha and Vita. Star 01 and Star 02 versus Phantom 03. Vita took the lead as the front striker, while Nanoha provided backup as a shooter. Arc, now equipped with his upgraded device, Raging Brando, effortlessly countered their combined attacks. Raging Brando's versatility allowed him to unleash a wider range of offensive and defensive maneuvers compared to his previous device, the Soul Edge, which was primarily designed for close-quarters combat. From a distance, Signum, Alto, and Vice observed the sparring match, their eyes fixed on Arc's every move.
"Signum Nee-san," Vice inquired, "is this the person who has piqued your curiosity?"
"Yes," Signum confirmed, her gaze unwavering. "He bears a striking resemblance to Lieutenant Izumi Kai. But he vehemently denies any connection. Even with his disguise, I can sense that he is Kai."
"I also encountered him during the HQ siren alert," Alto added. "He's incredibly quiet and mysterious. So quiet that Nanoha-san and Vita-san had to initiate conversation. However, I never witnessed Forward Phantom sparring back in Riot Force 6. So I can't be certain if he's truly Izumi Kai or not."
"Forward Phantom was a covert unit, wasn't it?" Vice speculated. "They operated under Commander Yagami's direct orders, carrying out clandestine missions as her secret weapon."
"By the way, Signum-san," Alto asked, "have you ever visited Izumi Kai in the hospital?"
"When Commander Hayate, Vita, and I went to visit him," Signum recounted, "the doctor informed us that he had been moved to an isolation room. He wasn't allowed any visitors. I suspect it might have been related to the Soul Edge's influence."
As the trio watched, the sparring match reached its time limit. Nanoha, Vita, and Arc deactivated their Barrier Jackets, returning to their standard uniforms. Vita was impressed by Arc's speed and agility, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his movements were eerily familiar, reminiscent of Izumi Kai. However, she chose to remain silent, not wanting to burden him with her suspicions. Just then, a familiar figure arrived at the training grounds, accompanied by Schach. It was Fuji, come to TSAB headquarters to speak with Commander Yagami.
Fuji and Schach relayed the details of their encounter with Adamatron operatives the previous day near the Saint Church. The Adamatron members had recklessly attacked, but Fuji, Schach, and the knights swiftly subdued them. However, the Adamatron members had activated Device Jumpers, turning to dust upon defeat, unlike the DSAA athletes who had survived the Device Jumper's effects.
"So, Brother Fuji and Sister Schach," Hayate inquired, "did you sense anything unusual when the suspects activated the Device Jumpers?"
"Brother Fuji detected something," Schach replied, "a malevolent energy emanating from the Adamatron members."
"I sensed it too, Commander Yagami," Fuji confirmed. "It was a familiar sensation, akin to Kai's Soul Edge, but amplified. When the DSAA athletes used the Device Jumpers, I didn't detect anything. But during our encounter, it was unmistakable. It felt like they were channeling the Soul Edge's power."
"So it was Adamatron who created the Device Jumpers," Hayate mused. "I'll need Arc's expertise on this."
Hayate summoned Arc to her office, unaware of the delicate situation he was in. She instructed her investigation team to re-examine Izumi Kai's medical records, requesting a report confirming that the Device Jumpers were indeed manufactured by Adamatron, utilizing the Soul Edge's power. As Fuji and Schach continued their discussion with Hayate, Arc found himself in a precarious position. He had to quickly fabricate a false report about his own condition, maintaining the illusion of Izumi Kai's continued hospitalization. He couldn't afford to arouse Hayate's suspicions any further.
"This is bad," Arc muttered to himself, his mind racing. "I need to act fast. I can't let Commander Yagami become suspicious."
Meanwhile, at Rito Rivian's hideout, she observed the regenerating Imposter Kai and the newly reconstructed Soul Edge. The process was slow, but the Imposter's revival was inevitable. Rito had also utilized fragments of the Soul Edge to create Device Jumpers for her minions, intending to sell them on the black market.
(To be continued)