Repetitive circulation + OMAKE

Sakura Zeimachi and Hylia opened their eyes.

The man who has grasped another weapon from his forgotten strength, has formed his next plan for the sake of placing another foundation within Hylia's and those ship girl's power. Implementing several existing templates into Astra Sphere, Sakura Zeimachi intends to test the actual effect when the real training began.

However unlike that man, the feasty haired girl isn't a morning person. Despite being an adventurer in the city of labyrinth, Hylia is not an early bird. This made me wonder about what Cera and Bell Cranel had taught her in that「world」.

That's why it took a little effort to wake her up.

Holding Sakura Zeimachi's hand, Hylia sleepily walked to the exit of the infirmary room. Luckily there's no mosquito in there which could disturb her peaceful moments when she let out a small yawn as she rubbed her eyes.

"Let's wash our face first." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Nnn..." (Hylia)

Like what Sakura Zeimachi had previously stated, that morning was the morning where their practice would begin.

With Anchorage and San Diego already gone somewhere by the time he finished doing their hair, Sakura Zeimachi thought that now would be a good time to leave and flee before those two return.

Because his intention wasn't only shackled to solve the tragedy that befell those ship girl, Sakura Zeimachi wanted to use this chance to test the progress of Hylia's mastery, along with keeping tabs on what gifts the ship girls had received from the persona bearing the mark of Amour.

"Zei where's the towel?" (Hylia)

"Hmm... Soft towel for children." (Sakura Zeimachi)

[Searching for the best items that match the keywords... Succeed : Soft towel for children x1]

"Here use this one." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Thank you Zei... Oooohh, its very good~" (Hylia)

The man who had already prepared his get up with the help of Astra Sphere then headed towards the training ground with the feasty haired girl.

Considering how much time he had spent in that「world」during the early chapters that're still in reparation, its not that strange for him to know the exact location.

Passing through the hallway that're still empty without any ship girl bumped to each other, the two of them could see their goal. Laid as a way in and out of the architecture, the door connecting to their exit.

"What should I say... very American?" (Sakura Zeimachi)

"I feel like Fuwa in her huge form could pass through." (Hylia)

The door looks quite big and tall, still made of wood however.

When Sakura Zeimachi and Hylia briefly glance at the entrance of the Eagle Union dorm, they both saw a pair of ship girls near the entrance who're wearing their tracksuits.

"That is... Baltimore and Bremerton huh. What an energetic bunch." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Ah wait Zei, can we visit Eldy's room before we left? And Lafy as well!" (Hylia)

But before they left the dormitory, Hylia pulled his hand and asked him to stop by a room belonged to her friend on the ground floor. Pointing her finger in the direction she wanted to go, Hylia motioned for Sakura Zeimachi to follow her.

Hearing her request, he himself didn't think it would be too much of a problem. After all, now that his existence is no longer a secret among the ship girls, what's wrong with him throwing a few surprises by knocking on their doors directly.

That would be fun, at least he thoughts so.

"Lafy is Laffey-kun right? Then who is Eldy?" (Sakura Zeimachi)

"It was the yellow one, Eldridge. Remember the one who zap you with lightning back then on the ship?" (Hylia)

"Ahhhh, Eldridge-kun. Seems like you've gained more friends while I'm not watching." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Yes yes, need me to introduce them to you? That way you could gain another friend as well beside me." (Hylia)

From her words, Sakura Zeimachi didn't feel any intention of taunting or insulting him.

"... Being friends with children like you is not my thing, let's go." (Sakura Zeimachi)

After that, the two of them headed to the mentioned ship girl's room.

They first went to knock on Laffey's room, Hylia excitedly opened the door but unfortunately Laffey was still sleeping hugging the golden cup/chalice that still with her ever since leaving「the Void」.

Not wanting to wake her, Sakura Zeimachi advised Hylia to come back later this afternoon. The golden gift was also left as it is, because it could be retrieved later when practice is over.

As they leave, one persona within him shriek "At least her belly! At least touch her belly my lord Z!" in regret.

No he didn't did any of the sort.

Despite his promise which has been forged with that lolicon, looks like Sakura Zeimachi is pretty good in handling his desire. Although this lolicon side of his is somehow disturbing, but still he didn't want to throw nor lock it away.

After that they arrived in front of Eldridge's room.

Unlike before, Sakura Zeimachi didn't come into the room and just waited in the hallway. He had noticed that the ship girl was awake, and intended to surprise her when she stepped out.

Hylia who was told to go in first, friendly greeted the yellow-haired ship girl.

And while the two little girls were chatting about trivial matters, Sakura Zeimachi surreptitiously read Eldridge's mind to find out how they met in the first place.

It all started when he accidentally darkened the entire island, continued when Eldridge was wandering alone, and ended when he saw Eldridge and Hylia fighting each other using their electricity and lightning.

"... You didn't give her Level 5 Esper ability right? ... Good. Then that Hylia-san red lightning, I thought it'll be blue one for sure, but looks like it's not as to what I expected." (Sakura Zeimachi)

Enjoying the view and collecting some data of their battle within Eldridge's memories, Sakura Zeimachi muttered as he continued to believe that Eldridge wouldn't be able to find him.

But how naive he is.

Sakura Zeimachi thought if the "gift" that Eldridge had received was an ability that could strengthen the electricity in her body, indeed he was somewhat right about that, but he didn't know how terrifying the ship girl's creativity was.

"Comm... mander? (Eldridge's shikikan radar : Turned on)"

As he was discussing some issue with his other persona, his whereabouts were discovered, he was also late in reading that ship girl mind as he's too focused in his thought.

Her bare footsteps began to approach him which snap him back to the reality. Sakura Zeimachi who came to realized if his presence has already discovered tried to disguise his presence with the「Feather」manifested from his hand, but yet again he failed because Eldridge's radar is no ordinary radar.

His「Feather」indeed could manipulate someone's consciousness and even more as it has been modified so many times, still, that couldn't prevent Eldridge from finding him since she had already memorized the patterns of the electric currents of her commander's body.

It was similar to an automatic radar, that could even detect the small differences between atoms in human bodies. Something like that.

Thus he got busted, and he had to deal with the ship girl who asked him to be picked up and hugged like a baby.

The ship girl also didn't want for her commander to leave before she's completely satisfied, therefore Sakura Zeimachi cradled that ship girl until she finally sleep again. It was hard to release her firm grip that still wants to latch with her commander's sleeve.

"Zei..." (Hylia)

"No, we've waste too much time. Let's go." (Sakura Zeimachi)

Hylia looked like she wanted to try to be cradled by Sakura Zeimachi's arms, but he clearly refused. Even though one of his personas was dying of pleasure, the fool who was still unable to accept pure feelings from others is being burdened of his sin again.

The two of them continued on their way to the exit, Hylia who has now fully recovered had removed her hand from the man. The feasty haired girl said that if she wasn't a child, thus Sakura Zeimachi didn't have to treat her like such despite her previous stare of wanting to be cradled.

Nevertheless after hearing those words, the man was even more convinced that Hylia was still a child.

Not long after, they arrived at the exit from the Eagle Union dormitory. It's the same exit/entrance that Baltimore as well as Bremerton previously used for their morning jogs.

As they get closer to the goal, the two race to the exit with the loser having to buy something for the winner. Floating in the air Hylia rushed over while the man sighed and pretending to play.

Unfortunately their race was stopped when they saw another ship girl waiting for the two of them to arrive.

"Commander! Why did you leave?!"「Vestal」

No, more precisely she's awaiting the arrival of her commander.

Vestal, a repair-type ship girl who acts as a nurse from Eagle Union faction, fiercely intercepts Sakura Zeimachi and Hylia from leaving the dormitory.

Back then she was tagging along with Hylia and Javelin to travel into that dorm due to the domain expansion used by the fool, and now she's safely reached her destination.

Putting her hands beside her beautiful waist, Vestal seemed veeery different compared to her usual gentle and caring figure with her patients. Her round and cute eyes gazed strongly to the two who stood before her.

"You're not even having breakfast yet so where do you think you're going?!"「Vestal」

Standing in front of the ship girl, Sakura Zeimachi and Hylia couldn't help but remain silent.

After all, Vestal's worries had a background of their own, and if traced further, the blame lies with Sakura Zeimachi who left before the nurse arrived, and didn't have breakfast before he wanted to do anything.

He was a patient, so he must wait for his nurse before he left. He was a sick person, so at least he should spoke with the nurse before he want to leave. Lastly he's not yet fully recovered, that's why whether he want to exercise or work in his office, breakfast is an important thing.

Vestal voiced her thoughts which made Sakura Zeimachi feel guilty for having casually run away even though he had been cared of by her.

If only he's more than just her commander, she would drag him to the bed immediately, covered him with a soft "blanket", feeds him with a healthy soup made of ginger and cinnamon, and baked him a fresh cookie for his snack

Such was the thought that crossed Vestal's mind.

"(Whisper) Hylia-san, say something to her." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"(Whisper) ... What should I say? And why Zei didn't say something to her?" (Hylia)

"Stop whispering!"「Vestal」

"Yes maam! Stop whispering maam!" (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Y-Yes maam... I'll stop whispering as well." (Hylia)

The atmosphere that was usually quiet had now changed thanks to the commotion they had caused. Even Hylia who was next to him was also dragged into the sermon.

The commotion that sounded from the exit door has become loud enough, loud enough to reach the floor above which finally caught the attention of several ship girls who had previously fallen asleep in their rooms.

With their sleepwear still attached to their bodies, the ship girls came out of the room and saw two people who were being lectured by Vestal near the exit.

"..."「Arizona」

The ship girl is named Arizona, one of those who had "fallen" and received a「Feather」from the persona bearing the mark of Amour while she's living her dream.

Who know what end her story was like when she was in a dream, but the tears that began to well up with feeling from her eyes, proved the emotion that was imprinted on the ship girl's.

Shock and confusion mixed with happiness, Arizona who doesn't seem to know if her commander was actually under the same roof as her is trying to hold back her tears.

"Thankfully... you're fine..."「Arizona」

...

....

.....

"Hooh... so you're saying, my presence was still keep being a secret at least until Gridley spread the news? Then there's this watching shift thingy where you girls take turns to watch over my bed, and then... some other faction who heard about this news are angered. So I guess I really am the center of this problem huh?" (Sakura Zeimachi)

"But finally the commander is awake now, I'm sure they'll hear commander more than girls from here. Then… what would the commander do about Gridley? Even though she had spread the commander's existence to many people, would you..."「Vestal」

"Look at my face, do I look that cruel. Well, she's just being told to do that by Saratoga ain't she? Knowing Saratoga's character who really love her big sis, condemning Gridley-kun just because she's the one who spread it will leave a bad taste." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Thank you very much, commander. You're unexpectedly kind."「Vestal」

"Don't need to Vestal, I'm just doing my job. So this mean my next job is to talk with each leader in each faction, and after that asking for their cooperation huh... Hopefully this joint training will work that out somehow." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Zeeei~ Do you want strawberry jam, peanut or chocolate?" (Hylia)

"Let's just eat right now, matters about job will do latter. Chocolate please." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"Then we're the same." (Hylia)

After the two of them were forced by Vestal to get into the simple cafeteria at the Eagle Union dormitory, in the end Sakura Zeimachi and Hylia ate their breakfast.

While Sakura Zeimachi and Vestal were talking about some of the incidents that happened while he was unconscious, Hylia who really liked chocolate kept adding jam to her bread.

The breakfast itself was simple with nothing more than bread & jam, coupled with boxed milk which is still good to drink.

Actually Vestal wanted to prepare something nutritionally balanced, but since she also didn't know if her commander would wake up that day she could only provide a few pieces of bread and jam that're stored on the shelves.

She got the milk as it was there when she opened the fridge so maybe it belonged to some other ship girl, but it doesn't taste bad so Vestal sure this is a good milk to drink.

Back to Hylia again.

"Hmm~ Hm~ Hnn~" (Hylia)

"..." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"..."「Vestal」

...

Without using a spoon or knife, Hylia immediately spilled the bottle of jam onto her bread, the bottle spun 180 degrees and landed at the top of that loaf of bread belonged to that feasty haired girl's, Sakura Zeimachi's and even for Vestal's as well.

The sweet jam spilled all over with that feasty haired girl grinning so lively on her chair which made Sakura Zeimachi have to stop Hylia from pouring another bottle.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Is it not enough?" (Hylia)

"More than bread and jam, this is something I could call Jambred, but I think the bread will cry if you add it more. This much is enough, Vestal I'm pretty hungry right now so can I ask for yours?" (Sakura Zeimachi)

"A-Are you sure commander? Won't this be too sweet for you? And I don't think this'll be good for your teeth Lia..."「Vestal」

"... Probably, but these bread remind me of South Dakota, Alabama and Massachusetts. That's why I'm gonna eat them. " (Sakura Zeimachi)

"... (That's your reason for eating them?)"「Vestal」

"Nooo! This is mine! Zei is that one!" (Hylia)

"... I'm the rule, and what yours is mine *Snatch* Vestal, please made a normal one for this lass." (Sakura Zeimachi)

...

....

.....

"Well then, thank you Vestal. For giving much care to this temporary commander. Hylia-san, say thankyou." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"... Thankyou, but I'm still angry at Zei!" (Hylia)

Breakfast was over, all the bread covered in chocolate jam had also disappeared into their stomachs. Moving from his seat, Sakura Zeimachi then said a few words to Vestal who was cleaning Hylia's face from the smudged chocolate jam.

"Its my work as a nurse after all, but please next time don't miss your breakfast. I heard this from Hood of Royal Navy, but to make sure. You didn't eat anything but a fruit right?"「Vestal」

"It's a banana. Yellow, and healthy banana." (Sakura Zeimachi)

"*Sigh*... Now listen."「Vestal」

It was a long sigh before Sakura Zeimachi had to hear another piece of advice from Vestal telling him to pay attention to his body's nutrition.

Then, Vestal asked what the two of them would do next.

"Don't worry, I'll eat twice the amount of banana next time." (Sakura Zeimachi)

Sakura Zeimachi who said that they would do some light training while pointing at Hylia reassured Vestal that he wouldn't do what Vestal had advised. He also explained if he'll invite some ship girls for a joint training, so Vestal should come if she want to.

"Commander!"「Vestal」

"Zei, now I'm ready. Let's go!" (Hylia)

"Good, now let's go before we met another encounter." (Sakura Zeimachi)

Letting out laughter, Sakura Zeimachi along with Hylia now completely left the dormitory. Vestal who could only hope that her commander was just joking about his diet, watched the two of them as they walked through the exit from that cafeteria.

Confirming that they're far away, Vestal's gaze returned to the table where she had just eaten with her commander. Vestal was overjoyed especially since she thought she's the first ship girl who managed to dine alone with her commander, if she put aside Hylia who was with them.

"Vestal, I heard commander is here."「Enterprise?」

"Wh-whoaaa!... Enterprise, you surprised me. If you're talking about commander he just left with that girl called Hylia, apparently they're going to exercise. They shouldn't have been far, so why not follow them?"「Vestal」

Suddenly, Enterprise(?) appeared from behind while asking her where that commander is. Although Vestal was surprised, she didn't forget to act normally when dealing with Enterprise(?).

Vestal who pointed out where her target is also didn't forget to give Enterprise(?) a piece of bread that was left by Sakura Zeimachi in purpose so Enterprise(?) wouldn't forget her breakfast as well.

"... (Wait...)"「Vestal」

Now that she think about it, did he predict Enterprise's arrival.

The flustered Enterprise(?) didn't refuse and accepted the bun.

"Thank you, I'm leaving."「Enterprise?」

"Be careful~"「Vestal」

Seeing Enterprise(?) going in the same direction as the two of them, Vestal waved her arm with a smile plastered on her face. As a nurse who aims to treat her patients, the ship girl is happy with the energetic condition of her current patients.

"Is this how it feel to have a family... If it is, please... let this time continue forever."「Vestal」

----------------

OMAKE

We're entering the next section, the section which was supposed to be filled with nothing but a trivial joke. Supposedly, this opening is something she need to say. However where is she right now, that Cera.

"Here here... I'm right here." (Cera)

In the studio that she usually uses for this section, Cera is nowhere to be seen. But when her voice was heard, it wasn't long before she appeared from behind her desk which she often used to place a lot of her belongings.

What are you doing.

"... Waiting." (Cera)

What are you waiting.

"Yeah dunno. Some miracle maybe? or something to finally happen? Who knows." (Cera)

Cera put the stacked sheets of paper into the paper shredder, ever since she started this section somehow she didn't look as weird as usual. There's no cameraman, there's no ancient producer, there's only her and the sound of each paper shredded into bits.

"Just like a cat, many human petted them for a few ounce of relaxations. Just like those 2D waifu, people want to get them just to attain another satisfaction... However, people or human in nature is full of boredom. When they become bored or find something more interesting, have you ever wondering ◼️◼️◼️◼️, what happens to those cat and girl..." (Cera)

One by one she put the papers into the machine, dimly shining lights made her presence the focus of the scene. Speaking with her slow and calm tone, there's something quite different in this "Cera".

"... You've gave me this, power... I've never for once regret receiving this because I'm nothing more than a fantasy. However you, the one who write are you the same as those people?" (Cera)

Putting aside what she actually meant to say Cera looked a little dejected, with her unwavering gaze Cera continued her words. The asterisk shining in her eyes was no longer there, who know when it had disappeared but that didn't mean her determination has also become nonexistent.

"I know you're lazy, indecisive and even dumb at some time, perhaps you're even worse than I thought." (Cera)

...

"I don't know what is your burden nor do I care as I can't do anything but yelp. Each person need to carry their own, and this is something even you can't escape." (Cera)

...

"◼️◼️◼️◼️, don't engulf yourself in that poison called honor, fame, or prestige. The more you got it'll only make you crave for more, there're many who didn't even know if those are just borrowed thing." (Cera)

...

"Maybe... its just a maybe, but if you're really looking for those thing then you should stop putting yourself as the one who write. Got it by what I really meant?" (Cera)

Who do you think is writing this sentences.

"*Sigh*... Please, ◼️◼️◼️◼️. I only begged you this one, don't fall into Venus trap or even Nepenthes. Each time you check what inside those, more closer you're going to fall as a pitiable victim." (Cera)

If I need to use his word, then it'll be... I'll be the last thing you're going to worry about.

"Are you him? I don't think so. You're similar, but that's all. I don't know the reason of why you're doing this, but I don't want it to end halfway or just in the middle." (Cera)

Then I guess its my turn right now.

Cera, I am nothing more than a writer. The one who stood between the border of fiction and reality, a fleeting being who hold the line between the imaginary and the tangible, the one who write and the one with responsibilities... to tell their stories.

"So?" (Cera)

While being popular is an ecstasy, those only applied for those who've gained how it taste, and I'm not one of them. That's why... indeed I did wonder what it's like to be famous. Perhaps you thought I'm trying that right now with this story. However, be not afraid Cera.

"How so?" (Cera)

I didn't think a story containing you would even be popular in the first place. So do not fret, I'm not going to be hungry for attention through this work.

"💢💢💢" (Cera)

You just don't want it to end here don't you. That's why you're wondering whether I really want to write this till the end, or just leave it to decay and forgot its existence. For this worries of yours, all I can say is... you're overreacting.

"Yeah so whatever, let's just begin this Omake section. That greeting of yours at the beginning is way too plain akin to your writing style anyway, Kuhum! Ya ya ya—" (Cera)

Unfortunately, this section ends here. We've past the word count enough for one chapter right now.

"Wait! I only appeared like a few paragraph!? And can't you add more limit cap for your word count?!" (Cera)

No can do, perhaps this should make you think of what you're going to say next time. Think well, every words have matters in here. Now then, look forward for the next act.

"H-Hey isn't it like a few weeks? Can't I gain more screen time—" (Cera)