The millennium era exams were over.
Efficiency followed Rio's usual style. Altogether, everything was finished in just one morning.
So, after lunch, with my own work completed, Momoi who had finished her exams, Midori and Yuzu who had saved their game data, and Aris, everyone gathered in the club activity room.
"How did the exams go? Smoothly?"
After exchanging greetings, I asked.
Momoi's face instantly collapsed into a sulky kitten expression. "Sensei, are you trying to put pressure on us?"
"...Weren't you full of confidence before the exam?"
"That was before, this is now. Of course I'm still confident I can pass, but we're about to head to the ruins, so Sensei, don't ask questions that make people uneasy!"
At this moment, Midori added without any mercy, "Yuzu and I should be able to pass without any problems."
"I-I mean... you never know until the results come out..."
Even though she said that, if Yuzu really had no confidence at all, she would probably already be trembling.
Momoi was startled. "Doesn't that make it sound like I'm the only one who might not pass!?"
Isn't that the case?
I steered the conversation back on track. "Anyway, everyone is ready, right?"
Aris nodded with a smile. "Yes. The announcement Momoi requested to recruit teammates for the dungeon run has already been scheduled for release."
Who asked about that... no, this is entirely someone's fault.
The corner of my mouth twitched as I glanced at Momoi, who was laughing awkwardly. "Weapons, ammunition, supplies, you've all checked everything, right?"
"Don't worry, Sensei. Everything is fully prepared."
Momoi answered eagerly, but only after receiving the same response from the others did I finally feel at ease.
I scanned the room and said solemnly, "Listen carefully. You've all been to the ruins before, you know how dangerous it is, with an enormous number of robots of unknown origin.
"Our destination is deep within the ruins. Although we managed to sneak all the way there last time without incident, because we were discovered during the return, the robots' alert level may be far higher than before.
"You must be mentally prepared for combat, and if the situation becomes too severe, you must not linger in battle. If it's time to retreat, then retreat. Understood?"
Just as everyone responded seriously, an out of place voice spoke up.
"I'm still really worried. Do we really have to go back to the ruins and fight those terrifying robots again?" Midori said anxiously. "And there's also Kei... do we really have to take Aris to meet Kei?"
In truth, I shared Midori's concern.
After all, thinking back on it now, Kei was simply far too suspicious, with motives that were completely unclear.
"There's no other way, right?" Momoi said heavily. "The sooner we obtain the G.Bible, the higher our chances of winning an award in the club competition. Besides, although we don't know why Kei wants us to bring Aris, Kei should know about Aris's background, right?"
At this, Momoi looked at Aris. "So let's leave the choice to the person herself. Aris, what do you think?"
"Aris's... background..."
The robot girl murmured, thinking. Soon, her expression became firm. "The answer is yes. Aris wants to know."
I was not surprised by Aris's answer.
As someone who had also lost their memories and forgotten their past, if I had the chance, I would want to know where I came from and what kind of person I used to be.
However, this mystery might only be answered by the missing GSC President.
Before finding further clues, all I could do was bury this longing deep in my heart and live each day properly in Kivotos.
And while I was at it, capture the hearts of a few more students.
Hearing Aris's answer, Midori sighed. "Alright. Since Aris herself says so, we can only go all in."
The small pre departure hiccup was resolved just like that.
Yuzu took a deep breath. "Uu... I'm still so nervous..."
Aris pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke with enthusiasm.
"Aris understands now. To uncover the hero's background, do we need to clear a high difficulty dungeon? It's okay. Aris has rich combat experience and has defeated countless powerful enemies using light attribute weapons. No matter how harsh the environment is, Aris can handle it. Everyone can rely on Aris!"
The girl's innocent words eased the atmosphere in the room considerably.
I smiled and gently patted her head. "Yes, I know. Aris, I'll be counting on you."
"Yes! Because Aris is a hero, Aris will definitely use the Sword of Light to protect Sensei and everyone!"
Setting aside the childish innocence in her words, judging from Aris's performance in the Engineering Club trials and the power of the Sword of Light, she really could greatly increase the overall combat strength of the Game Development Department.
But that alone was still not enough to be reassuring.
"Then, without delay, let's head out!" Momoi said.
"Not so fast." I checked the time. "For this operation, I specifically invited a helper. Judging by the time, she should be arriving soon."
Aris asked curiously, "Is a new companion joining us?"
I thought for a moment. "It's more like a temporary teammate."
Midori followed up, "Who is it?"
"Well, let me keep it a secret for now."
We did not have to wait long before a knock sounded at the door of the Game Development Department.
After I said "Please come in," a girl pushed the door open, panting.
"Sorry. After the exam, I was dragged by friends to drink coffee, so I couldn't arrive earlier."
I was about to say it was fine when my expression suddenly changed.
Behind me, everyone in the Game Development Department let out simultaneous cries of surprise.
After closing the door, the girl began to take off her clothes as if no one else were there, revealing glossy pale skin covered in fine beads of sweat.
Before I could look my fill, Midori panicked and lunged over to cover my eyes, while Momoi scolded her loudly.
"Y-you, what are you doing!? Put your clothes back on!"
"I ran all the way here, it's really hot."
"That still doesn't mean you can just strip like that!?"
"So that's how it works. When affected by the 'Heat' debuff, can you remove equipment to deal with it?"
"Aris, don't learn random things! Sensei, you're not allowed to look!"
"Waaahhh..."
After the chaos finally settled, the pink haired girl with braided pigtails did not completely remove her clothes in the end.
However, her half covered attire, her well developed figure, combined with her serious and pure face, made my heart restless and left my eyes unsure of where to look.
The girl then began her self introduction.
"Super Phenomenon Task Force, Izumimoto Eimi. I have received the Sensei's request and have come to assist in combat. Please take care of me."