(13) Uncharted Pursuits

The sky, once a serene blue, now shrouded in dark clouds, hinted at an imminent rainfall. Trees swayed gracefully in the cool breeze, beckoning a longing for exploration. Yet, a group of students found themselves confined to an English class. Uninterested in the lesson, their eyes wandered between the window and the steady rhythm of the wall clock. Each mind echoed the same sentiment: "When will this lecture finally conclude?"

"Whoa! He really wants to date me!" Lilly exclaimed, her surprise echoing through the classroom. In an instant, she realized her surroundings-the classroom-and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. A wave of silent chuckles rippled through the other students.

"What seems to be the issue, Liliana?" The teacher's stern tone hinted at her frustration as she inquired.

"I'm really sorry, ma'am," Lilly apologized, averting her gaze.

Resuming the lesson, the teacher continued while Lilly discreetly returned to the love letter she was reading.
"If asked to paint a picture of my perfect girl, it would start with you. I envision spending my entire life with you. You are my true love. Please stay by my side and promise to love me in return.
Yours always, Zac Damen."
A gentle smile adorned Lilly's face as she carefully folded the note and tucked it away in her bag.

"Zac Damen, explain the meaning of the idiom 'Each coin has two sides,' please," the teacher inquired.
Caught off guard, Zac hadn't been paying attention and found himself under the teacher's scrutiny. He stood up promptly.

"Where's your book?" the teacher asked.

Unprepared without his book, Zac turned to Max, seated beside him. Max offered his book, and with a nod from Max, Zac took a glance. The boy had striking black hair and deep ocean-blue eyes, an impressive appearance.

Zac presented the book to the teacher.

"Alright, now, what does the idiom mean?" the teacher reiterated.

Attempting to elucidate, he stated, "The yin and yang coexist in balanced harmony, forming a singular entity with two sides."

"Your grasp of the concept is commendable. Could you simplify your explanation?" asked the teacher.

"It means everything has both positives and negatives. You can't have one without the other. Instead of focusing on just one side, it's better to consider the whole picture," he clarified.

Levin was struck, "His way of speaking rings a bell."

"Please take a seat," the teacher instructed. Zac complied, settling into his chair. "Let's proceed, class."

A brief, high-pitched noise pierced the air, twice in succession. The teacher pressed on with the lesson, ignoring the interruption until the sound persisted.

"What's that?" The teacher's expression soured.

"Ma'am, it's them," Lilly pointed at Ayumi's group, met with an angered glare from the group.

Once more, an urgent, high-pitched alarm resounded. It emanated from Levin's watch-a security alarm activated in the event of an enemy attack.

"Apologies, ma'am. I forgot to disable my morning alarm," Levin explained.

"Leave the classroom," the teacher commanded, visibly upset.

Levin left the room content, waiting outside for Ayumi and the others, who soon joined him.

"How did you all manage to leave?" Levin inquired.

"Forget it. All I know is, she won't let us back in for the entire week," Ayumi replied.

"Who cares about these tedious lectures anyway? Let's go. Yuichiro will be furious otherwise," Levin shrugged, leading the group towards headquarters.

☆☆☆

In the arts club room, the ambiance buzzed with creative energy. The arts instructor, absorbed in her mobile phone, overlooked the diverse activities. Some students were skillfully sketching, their pencils gliding across the paper with focused intent, while others immersed themselves in lively conversation, filling the room with snippets of enthusiastic chatter. The walls adorned with vibrant artworks offered an inspiring backdrop, setting the stage for the artistic endeavors within the space.

"I'm terrible at drawing," sighed Max, stretching his arms.

Zac, engrossed in creating lines on paper, glanced at Max.

"What are you drawing? Can I see?" Max gestured towards the sketchboard.

Zac handed it over. Max studied the sketch for a moment.

"So, what exactly is this? A brain?" Max scratched the back of his head, questioning.

"Yes," replied Zac.

Max inspected it again. "Yes, it does resemble a brain. But why is a volcano erupting from the top?" he inquired.

"The volcano represents the brain bursting due to overthinking," Zac explained softly.

"It's a rather intense way to depict overthinking," Max chuckled. "So, is art your hobby?" he added.

The conversation sparked a memory for Zac.

"Darrin, hold the cat properly and sit still. Don't mess up my sketch," instructed Zac.

"How long do I have to stay like this?" Darrin stretched his arms. The cat leaped off his lap and and hurried out of the room, drawing Zac's notice.
"Cut me some slack," Darrin stood up.

"Fine!" Zac set his things aside and settled on the couch. Darrin joined him.

"This is exhausting. What's the point of the sketch anyway?" Darrin inquired.

"I'll sell it and earn some cash," Zac grinned widely.

"Haha! You can't be serious, Zac."

"Becoming an artist wouldn't be a bad choice. It seems practical to me," Zac remarked.

Darrin burst into laughter. "Just the other day, you were talking about your dream to become the most powerful warrior and surpass Simon Damen. You've got too many goals."

"I won't deny saying that. I believe I can do both," Zac sounded optimistic.

But now, he had abandoned both fighting and sketching. He had lost all interest in life.

"Creating a sketch of your own brain, huh?" Max's voice broke through Zac's thoughts.

"Sorry, did you say something?" Zac turned to Max.

"Forget it," Max shrugged and smiled.

"Art used to be my hobby," Zac replied, reflecting on the earlier conversation.

"Used to be? Can a hobby change over time?" Max questioned.

"Hobbies can change significantly as we grow, though sometimes they stay the same," Zac explained.

Max nodded in understanding. After a minute-long pause, he inquired, "Have you joined any clubs yet?"

"No," Zac replied.

"You should consider joining the arts club. You have a talent for it," Max suggested.

"I haven't really thought about it," Zac remarked.

"Hey, guys!" Lilly greeted them cheerfully.

"Hi," Max replied as Zac resumed sketching.

Lilly glanced at Zac and grinned. "Zac, you're quite the enigma."

Zac remained focused on his sketch.

"Remember that letter you wrote, asking me to stay with you and love you? And now..." Lilly began.

"What letter?" Zac raised an eyebrow.

Lilly handed him the letter. As he read it, he sighed.

"Do you honestly think I wrote this?"

"No." Lilly grinned. "Initially, I thought it was from you. I was thrilled, but then my friend mentioned she saw Dawn putting this in my locker. Bummer, right?" She sighed. Zac stayed silent.

"Many girls seem to have a crush on you. You're pretty famous," she grinned.

"What's next, Max?" Zac changed the subject.

"Physical Education."

"Seriously, Zac. I could talk to my dad," Lilly offered.

"About what?" Zac frowned.

"Ayumi and her friends. They should behave," Lilly replied, crossing her arms.

"It's none of your business. Don't stick your nose in," Zac retorted, exiting the room.

"How rude. I was just trying to help," Lilly pouted.

"I think he prefers handling things on his own," Max remarked to her.

"He's so odd! Hey Max, something's not right with him. Can you assist him?"

"Assist?"

"Yes, be a friend. He needs one," Lilly stated.

"How do you know he needs a friend?" Max inquired.

"I just think so," Lilly replied. "If you don't want to, I won't force you."

"Let me consider it," Max shrugged.

"Okay then. Take care," Lilly said, walking away.

"She really cares about him," Max thought, smiling. He grabbed his bag and headed to the field. The concern lingered in his mind as he left the room.

☆☆☆

As evening descended, Yuichiro occupied a chair, engrossed with his laptop, a half-empty cup of coffee resting on the table nearby. Setting the laptop aside, he picked up the device borrowed from Shinya, powering it on to conduct further investigation.
"Ah, the blue one," he murmured. His intrigue heightened as he zoomed in on the map, delving into its details. The unfolding scene sparked surprise within him. "At Lumina Crest boy's hostel? Does he truly reside there?" A glimmer of disbelief flickered in his eyes.
In the next instant, surprise morphed into seething anger. He swiftly pressed the red button, and after a few beeps, a connection was established.

"Yuichiro-san, what's the matter?" Levin's voice echoed through the line.

"Get to HQ immediately, all of you!" Yuichiro hung up, frustration evident in his tone.

He let out a heavy sigh, attempting to dissipate his anger. "Those kids... utterly useless."

☆☆☆

After thirty minutes, they found themselves facing Yuichiro.

"Where are Dawn and May? Didn't I say 'everyone'?" Yuichiro's gaze fixed on them sternly.

"Dawn was actually down with a severe fever. She went to the clinic with May," Takato responded.

"Oh," Yuichiro raised an eyebrow.

He picked up a remote, tapped a button, and a screen lit up. There were Dawn and May at the mall, discussing outfits.

"May, what do you think about this dress? It'd look good on me," Dawn said on-screen.

Yuichiro turned off the display, leaving everyone subdued.

"Tell them to meet me. And you," he addressed Takato, "don't try to outsmart me again. This time, I'll let it pass."

"So, how's your training?" Yuichiro asked, aware they hadn't been training at all.

"We've been swamped lately with assignments and homework. Time's been scarce," Levin explained, the others still downcast.

"It's not my concern. If you can't manage, step down," Yuichiro's tone was unwavering.

Surprised glances met his statement. Ayumi nudged Levin, who stepped up and bowed.
"Apologies for our behavior."

"You're all acting irresponsibly. This won't be tolerated. Consider this the final warning," Yuichiro cautioned. They listened silently.

"What have we done? Does he even know the word 'compassion'?" Ayumi pondered.

"Your squad requires one more member," stated Yuichiro.

"Why?" Levin's question was abrupt, met by silence from the others, who weren't thrilled about the idea.

"I don't owe you an explanation," Yuichiro remarked. "How many of you are familiar with Advin Damen?"

None of them confirmed recognition.

"Alright! Your new mission is to locate him," Yuichiro ordered.

They exchanged glances.

"Will he become our teammate?" Ayumi inquired.

"That's not the main concern, Ayumi," Levin whispered to her.

"Levin, you're the leader, aren't you?" Yuichiro completely ignored Ayumi's query. Levin nodded. "Be cautious. Leadership isn't eternal," Yuichiro's tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Where should we start looking for him?" Levin asked in a hushed tone.

"Everywhere. That's your task," Yuichiro replied.

"Can't you at least provide us with a photo or something?" Ayumi requested.

"I won't," came the firm response.

Ayumi couldn't help but think, "What on earth?"

A brief silence followed. All of them remained quiet.

"He's somewhere in Tokyo. That's your only hint. Fail, and I'll dismiss all of you. You may leave now!" Yuichiro concluded.

They departed, leaving Yuichiro to sigh.
"It's a consequence of their lack of alertness. Let's see how capable these youngsters are." He settled into his chair, eager to gauge the abilities of those under his supervision.

☆☆☆

"Yuichiro's orders are really getting on my nerves," Ayumi grumbled, her tone edged with frustration. "Finding Advin feels like hunting for a lost child."

"Perhaps he fled from home, and now his parents have enlisted Aurora Sentinels to locate him," Alice proposed.

"Or it could be a kidnapping case," Dan added.

"That's so lame," Takato remarked. "I'm worried they want to recruit him into the organization. Remember when Yuichiro mentioned needing a new team member?"

"I doubt it," Risa chimed in, speaking up for the first time. "When Ayumi asked him the same thing, Yuichiro-san didn't confirm it."

"Levin stated, "Yuichiro didn't reply, so we can't say anything."

"Mr. Leader, what's the plan now?" Takato smirked.

"We have to find him. Yuichiro left us with a final warning," Levin replied seriously.

"Come on, Levin! This isn't the first time," Ayumi shrugged, but Levin remained silent.

"We're not getting involved. If you want to, do it alone, leader," Takato emphasized the word 'leader.'

Levin's face twisted with anger. "He tasked all of us with finding him, didn't he?" he said angrily.

"So what?" Drew appeared unconcerned.

Levin gritted his teeth.

"Guys, let's stop bickering and tackle this together," Alice interjected. "Ayumi, please," she directed her attention towards Ayumi.

Ayumi sighed before speaking up, "Fine, we'll do this. Takato, Drew, we need to work as a team."

"Sure," they both replied, nonchalant.

"We need a plan. He's in Tokyo, that's our only lead. Finding him won't be a walk in the park," Ayumi remarked, her hand supporting her chin in thought.

"A little difficult?" Takato arched an eyebrow.

"Forget difficult, with our current information, it's impossible! We know next to nothing about Advin," Drew grimaced.

A heavy silence enveloped them as each pondered the dilemma.

""Let's make an announcement," Ayumi broke the silence.

"An announcement?" The others echoed in surprise.

"Yes. We'll make a bold move. If Advin Damen doesn't show up, we'll threaten to annihilate the whole city of Tokyo," she suggested, trying to sound serious.

Laughter erupted among the group.

"Are you feeling okay? Maybe you need some rest," Levin suggested.

"I'm serious!" Ayumi insisted, maintaining her solemnity.

"You can't be serious. That's too extreme. The Aurora Sentinels would dismiss us, and we'd face severe consequences," Takato pointed out.

"We could disguise ourselves, break into a news station, and make it a live broadcast. Advin might be compelled to appear," Ayumi explained, laying out her risky plan.

"It's too risky. If we're caught, the consequences..." Risa expressed her concern.

"Don't worry too much, Risa. This is our job. We'll do it one way or another," Ayumi interrupted. "Are you all on board?"

"YES!" They replied in unison.

"Alright, then. Get ready, everyone. Tomorrow's the day!" Ayumi declared.

The next day, the team prepared to execute their risky plan. However, the outcome of their unconventional approach remained uncertain, shrouded in the tension of what might unfold as they ventured into the unknown.

☆☆☆

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