Six years ago, the sprawling, luminous cityscape of Midchilda unfolded before Fuji, Renjou, and Kai like a dream. Coming from the comparatively muted Earth, the sheer vibrancy and technological sophistication of this world were overwhelming. Lindy Harlaown, with her gentle guidance, led them through the gleaming avenues and verdant parks, patiently explaining the intricacies of Midchildan life. The three Earthlings were awestruck, their initial apprehension melting into a sense of wonder.
The tour culminated at the TSAB training camp, a sprawling complex buzzing with cadets honing their magical skills. They were assigned to dorm 207, a modest room with a single spare bed. This cramped space would become the crucible of their early days in Midchilda, forging bonds that would be tested and ultimately shattered.
"Um, excuse me. Is this dorm 207?" A voice, tinged with uncertainty, broke the silence.
Fuji, ever the affable one, turned to greet the newcomer. "Yes, are you a new guy too?"
"My name is Renton Fisker. I'm a new member joining here. Are you my roommates?" Renton introduced himself, his eyes darting around the room with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Yes, we are. Are you from Earth too?" Fuji asked, extending a hand.
"No, I'm from Midchilda. Wait, are you three from Earth?" Renton's eyes widened slightly.
"Yes, we are. I'm Yoshitaka Fuji, he's Hakone Renjou, and that guy is Izumi Kai," Fuji said, gesturing towards his companions.
"What's up!" Renjou offered a casual greeting.
"Hey," Kai murmured, his gaze distant.
"I hope we can be good roommates, Renton," Fuji said, his handshake firm.
"Me too. I never expected to have friends from Earth," Renton replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
The following years were a blur of intense training, both physical and magical. They endured grueling drills, mastered complex spell formulas, and pushed their bodies and minds to the limit. The awakening of their latent magical abilities was a painful yet exhilarating process. Fuji's magic manifested as a serene light green, embodying his calm nature. Renjou's was a vibrant yellow, reflecting his energetic spirit. Kai's was a deep maroon, hinting at the hidden depths within him. Renton's, a bronze hue, was more erratic, mirroring his unpredictable personality.
Fuji quickly gained popularity, his gentle demeanor and culinary skills earning him the moniker "father figure." Renjou's sharp wit and humor made him the life of the party. Kai, reserved and enigmatic, attracted the attention of male cadets, but remained aloof from romantic entanglements. Renton, however, was a source of constant amusement and occasional exasperation, his childish antics and grandiose pronouncements often veering into the realm of the absurd.
After years of rigorous training, they were promoted to Sergeant and prepared for their transfer to Battalion 621. A small celebration was held in their dorm room, a bittersweet moment of camaraderie before they were thrust into the realities of active duty.
"I've been wondering," Renton began, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Why did you three move to Midchilda?"
A chorus of "Nothing" echoed through the room.
"Come on, there must be a reason," Renton persisted.
"It's better than Earth, actually," Kai offered, his voice low.
"Yeah, what Kai said," Renjou agreed.
"The food, of course," Fuji added, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips.
"Are you a food enthusiast, Fuji?" Renton asked, intrigued.
"His parents own a Chinese restaurant on Earth. He started learning to cook when he was five," Renjou explained.
"I see. What about you, Renjou and Kai?" Renton asked.
"No reason. I was bored," Renjou shrugged.
"Your mom told you to go here, you dumb-ass. Well, my dad told me to join," Fuji retorted.
"And you, Kai?" Renton asked, his gaze fixed on the quiet figure.
"...I want to find the girl in white, the one who saved my life," Kai said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"The girl in white?" Renton questioned.
"There was an incident on Earth, a monster attack. Kai was there, and he was saved by a girl in white," Fuji elaborated.
"Oooooh, that makes sense. But there are a lot of girls with white barrier jackets. You'll have to look carefully," Renton advised.
"What about you, Renton?" Fuji asked, turning the tables.
"I want to be a hero, of course!" Renton declared, striking a dramatic pose. "A main character hero!"
A moment of stunned silence followed.
"Ha?" Renjou finally managed.
"Foolish mortals! You dare question my pursuit? Within the hallowed halls of the TSAB, celestial beings of unparalleled beauty reside! I, Renton, the harbinger of the 'Crimson Nova' shall ascend to heroism, shielding these ethereal maidens from the encroaching abyss! A harem, a symphony of divine unions, shall be forged, echoing the legends of heroes from forgotten games and anime! For I possess the 'Eye of the Chaotic Nexus', a forbidden power, a testament to my destined supremacy, that shall ensnare their very souls!" Renton continued, his voice filled with delusional enthusiasm.
"He's a Chuunibyou," Fuji whispered to Kai and Renjou.
"Totally," Kai agreed.
"Indeed," Renjou nodded.
The next day, they moved to Battalion 621, their new quarters more spacious and comfortable than their previous dorm. They received their intelligence devices: Greyturkin for Fuji, Ripple Beat for Renjou, and generic models for Kai and Renton. Their cadet uniforms were replaced with brown ground force attire.
Their first mission was to capture a suspect hiding in an abandoned building. It was during this mission that Kai made a fateful contract with Soul Edge, a monstrous living buster sword. Renton acquired G-Lauda, a device similar to Bardiche, capable of transforming into a great axe. Kai's barrier jacket changed to a black long coat with blue pants, and his magic shifted to a dark, ominous black, though the effects remained elusive. Renton, remembering the creature summoned by Rito Rivian, kept a wary eye on Kai and his unusual weapon.
The team, comprising Fuji, Renjou, Kai, and Renton, became a well-oiled machine, their skills complementing each other.
"All done, everyone ready?" Fuji asked.
"We're done," Renjou replied, arriving with Kai and Renton.
"By the way, Kai," Renton began, his curiosity piqued. "Don't you find that buster sword heavy?"
"No, it's light," Kai replied, casually slinging Soul Edge over his shoulder.
"It is indeed big," Renjou added.
"It's light, I tell you. I can swing it with one hand," Kai insisted.
"Why don't you drop it, then? To prove it," Fuji suggested.
"Suit yourself," Kai said, stabbing Soul Edge into the floor.
The impact caused the floor to crack, the sheer weight of the weapon evident.
"Kai," Fuji began, his tone measured.
"Yeah?" Kai replied.
"You said it was light, right?" Fuji asked.
"Yes," Kai affirmed.
"Then why is the floor cracking?" Fuji questioned.
"Maybe it's a fat buster sword—" Kai was cut short by a simultaneous punch from Renton and Renjou.
"It's light, you ass! That's not light, you bastard!" Renjou exclaimed.
"How the hell is that light? It's like a thousand kilos, you dumb-ass!" Renton added.
"What the fuck, man! It's light when I wield it!" Kai protested.
"That's bullshit!" the others chorused.
Their argument was cut short by their commander's summons. That night, Renton, unable to sleep, approached Soul Edge, its eye stone glowing ominously. He tried to touch it, but a sudden spike ball formation deterred him. He retreated, his obsession growing.
Day by day, Renton's fascination with Soul Edge intensified. He even attempted to use his "Liar Mask" spell to impersonate Kai and take control of the weapon. His desire to wield its power, to resurrect his sister, consumed him.
"I must have that Soul Edge, no matter the cost," he muttered, his hands trembling. "I won't let anyone take the main spot. I'm a hero, a main character, everyone must know me."
Four years later, they were promoted to Lieutenant. Yagami Hayate formed Riot Force 6, but Renton was not chosen. He watched as his friends joined her elite unit, his jealousy festering. He began to delve into forbidden research, seeking a way to steal Soul Edge and resurrect his sister.
He secretly collected shards of Soul Edge, his obsession growing. He learned of "Project Fate," seeking to adapt its principles to his own dark purposes.
Fuji, Renjou, and Kai began a new chapter in their lives at Riot Force 6, encountering legendary figures like Takamachi Nanoha, Fate T. Harlaown, and Yagami Hayate herself. This encounter became a turning point for Kai, where Yagami Hayate finally broke the "scandal" curse that had burdened him, profoundly changing him.
However, the shadows of the past continued to haunt them. On the final day at Saint Cradle, Regan, disguised as Kai, appeared and seized Soul Edge. He viciously attacked Kai, leaving permanent burn scars on his face, and escaped, using Kai's "shadow dive" technique to vanish.
Regan returned home, his hand injured from the forced contract with Soul Edge. With dark determination, he prepared a resurrection ritual using the Book of the End Times and Soul Edge. He went to the Rivian family cemetery, standing before Rito's grave.
"Awaken, Book of the End Times... I COMMAND YOU TO RESURRECT MY SISTER!" Regan shouted, plunging Soul Edge into Rito's grave.
The Book of the End Times reacted, its pages swirling around him. Soul Edge's heart beat rapidly, and chaotic energy filled the air. Then, a black magic explosion occurred, signaling the ritual's success. Rito Rivian rose from the dead.
"Re...gan?" Rito whispered.
"Sis...Sister! Sister!" Regan ran and embraced Rito tightly.
Rito, though confused, was grateful for her brother's actions. She began to investigate what had happened during her absence, and her grudge against Jail Scaglietti reignited.
Rito founded an organization called Adamatron, securing financial backing from those interested in her "device jumper" invention. Miata Azda and others who felt lost and worthless joined Adamatron.
Regan, wielding Soul Edge, paid the price for Rito's resurrection by becoming a scapegoat, attacking various locations and causing chaos. He faced Vita and Renjou, and later Kai, disguised as Arc. A fierce battle ensued, and Regan was ultimately defeated by Kai's Raging Brando attack. Miata took him back to their hideout.
Rito used her research and Soul Edge's power to resurrect Regan, transforming him into a "soul reaper." Regan, bloodthirsty and uncontrollable, was incited by Glaza to attack Midchilda, particularly the President's office. After Glaza's departure, Rito spoke with Miata.
"Miata, I want you to find the real Kai," Rito said.
"Huh? Why all of a sudden?" Miata asked.
"Look at him. He won't last long. He's too obsessed with becoming Izumi Kai, the true owner of Soul Edge. I want him to end Regan," Rito explained.
"But isn't this just asking him to kill your brother, Rito? You're his sister, surely you know how to prevent it!" Miata protested.
"There's no choice. He'll be a problem if he rampages here. His body won't hold out much longer. Give him this bullet," Rito said, handing Miata a bullet.
"Are you sure, Rito?" Miata asked.
"Yes. That masked person who fought Regan must be the real Izumi Kai. The way he fought and faced Regan was very similar to him," Rito replied.
Glaza and Regan arrived at Midchilda. Glaza created a diversion, while Regan, disguised as Izumi Kai, headed to the President's residence, his target Yagami Hayate. Regan attacked all TSAB members, including Nanoha and Fate. He incapacitated Hayate and took her to an abandoned dock as a hostage. He revealed his identity to Hayate, explaining his resentment for not being chosen for Riot Force 6.
Signum and Kai arrived, and a fierce battle erupted. Regan's Soul Reaper power far exceeded Kai's Raging Brando, even in berserk mode. Regan nearly won, but Kai, in a berserk state, launched a devastating counterattack.
"What is he?! How can he be this strong?! Even in berserk mode, I'm still being defeated by him?!" Regan thought.
Kai slammed Regan into the ground, then attacked Signum and Renjou. Regan rose and attacked Kai again, causing his Soul Reaper to crack.
"DIE, IZUMI KAI!" Regan screamed, unleashing the "soul rend" spell.
His Soul Reaper shattered before the spell could complete, but it managed to wound Kai. Kai seized Regan's face and slammed him into the ground, absorbing all his mana and Soul Reaper. Regan was thrown into a nearby building, too weak to move.
He watched as Nanoha restrained Kai and shot him with Divine Buster. His jealousy grew as Nanoha and Signum approached Kai. Renjou approached him.
"Kai, Renton is the culprit," Renjou said, throwing Regan's body towards Kai.
"He's not Renton... his name is Regan Rivian... Rito Rivian's younger brother," Kai said.
"...Yo...long time no see..." Regan whispered weakly.
"He's still breathing?!" Nanoha exclaimed.
"...Pathetic, isn't it... I envied you, Kai... not just your device... but now... the girls around you..." Regan said.
Kai moved and pulled Regan's cloak collar, stared at him for a moment, then headbutted him. Everyone was shocked.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, REGAN?! DO YOU KNOW HOW DANGEROUS SOUL EDGE IS?! IT'S NOT A TOY! ONLY THE CHOSEN CAN WIELD IT! SOUL EDGE IS MY PARTNER, A PART OF ME! ME AND SOUL EDGE MADE A CONTRACT WHEN WE FIRST MET! BUT YOU TOOK IT AT SAINT CRADLE TO IMPERSONATE ME! I SUFFERED BECAUSE MY VISION WAS NEGATIVE AND MY RIGHT FACE WAS BURNED BECAUSE OF YOU! I COULDN'T LOOK AT COMMANDER YAGAMI WHEN MY EYES TURNED WHITE AND BURNED BECAUSE OF YOU! IF THIS HADN'T HAPPENED, I WOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO IMPERSONATE SOMEONE ELSE! OF COURSE COMMANDER YAGAMI WOULDN'T HAVE WORRIED SO MUCH ABOUT ME IF YOU HADN'T TAKEN MY SOUL EDGE!" Kai unleashed his anger.
"Haha...forgive me, Kai... I was blinded... I envied you... you... Renjou... Fuji... were chosen by Commander Yagami... but I... wasn't at all... I envied... your Soul Edge... being chosen by Commander Yagami... So I pretended... to be you... with my liar mask... To resurrect... my sister... Forgive me..." Regan said, his body slowly turning to ash.
"...Dickhead..." Kai said in a flat, exhausted tone.
The word "dickhead" was the last thing Regan heard. He died a traitor, leaving only his cloak behind. The mystery of who the fake Kai was and why he took Soul Edge was solved.
"It was Renton after all... Well, he deserved it," Renjou said, deactivating his barrier jacket, followed by the others.
"What a fool he was... obsessed with my Soul Edge... taking Commander Yagami hostage..." Kai said, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.
"Izumi! Are you okay?!" Signum held Kai's shoulder.
"...I'm fine... just tired..." Kai replied, as the sun rose.
"...It's morning already, we should head back to Chrono. We finally managed to rescue Hayate," Nanoha said.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Vice arrived with a helicopter.
Everyone boarded the helicopter. Kai entered last, holding Regan's cloak as evidence. He sat near the hatch door, while the others sat near the pilot, accompanying the shaken Hayate. This was the end of Regan Rivian, who pretended to be Izumi Kai.
(To be continued)