HSBA Delta Branch: Where Paths Cross Again - CHAPTER 8

[HSBA Delta Training Camp Branch — Instructor Dormitories | 8:03 A.M.]

BZZZT.

A sharp synchronized vibration suddenly echoed across dozens of instructor bracelets simultaneously.

Blue emergency lights immediately pulsed around the sleek black metallic bands wrapped around every instructor’s wrist.

For one brief second—

The entire HSBA Delta Branch froze.

Then—

A special crimson insignia appeared across every bracelet screen.

[HIGH AUTHORITY VISIT DETECTED]

[PRIORITY LEVEL: EXECUTIVE]

[ALL INSTRUCTORS REPORT TO MAIN INSTRUCTORS MEETING OFFICE IMMEDIATELY]

Silence.

Then chaos erupted instantly.

“…WHAT.”

Instructor Bailey stared at her bracelet suspiciously.

Instructor Raphael immediately narrowed his eyes.

“…That’s the Executive Signal.”

Instructor Skyrish blinked once.

“…Grandpa’s actually here.”

Instructor Amethyst immediately straightened her uniform.

“…Move.”

Instructor Sapphire already began walking calmly toward the hallway.

Instructor Nexcialine nearly dropped her coffee.

“…WAIT HE’S REALLY HERE?”

Meanwhile—

Across the entire instructors dormitory—

Doors immediately flew open one after another.

BANG.

“…Why now…”

Instructor Faye looked half-dead while fixing her hair hurriedly.

Instructor Mark silently handed her another coffee.

“…Emergency executive summons.”

Instructor Landrieu looked spiritually exhausted already.

“…I haven’t even processed being alive yet.”

Instructor Azhette sighed while adjusting her coat.

“…And yet here we are.”

Instructor Jonathan immediately fixed his glasses properly.

“…If it’s an executive-level visit, punctuality is mandatory.”

Instructor Monique quietly nodded.

“…Especially if it’s Headmaster Gaius himself.”

Nearby—

Instructor William nearly tripped while wearing his coat.

Instructor Khione looked barely awake.

Instructor Zeirah immediately fixed her posture.

Instructor Hajime muttered tiredly—

“…I hate mornings.”

Instructor Deia quietly tied her hair back quickly.

Instructor Hazel rushed toward the elevators.

Instructor Abigail immediately grabbed her files.

Instructor Shade looked dead inside.

Instructor Maeve groaned softly.

Instructor Dave sighed.

“…Today’s already going to be terrible.”

Instructor Avery looked toward her bracelet.

“…Day Zero Test preparations and an executive visit on the same day…”

Instructor Lyana looked horrified.

“…We’re doomed.”

Meanwhile—

Inside another dormitory hallway—

Instructor Morixette nearly fell off her bed.

“…OH NO.”

Instructor Vanessa immediately sat upright.

“…We’re late.”

Instructor Karylle panicked instantly.

“…MOVE MOVE MOVE…”

Instructor Lauren and Instructor Shayne hurriedly fixed their uniform.

Instructor Maureen grabbed her ID bracelet.

Instructor Zhandrieu looked traumatized already.

“…If Headmaster Gaius personally came and we’re late, we’re finished.”

That alone forced all seven of them fully awake.

Especially after remembering—

Today was Day Zero Test.

The most important evaluation period for trainees.

Which meant—

The entire branch would already be under extreme pressure even without executive supervision.

And now—

Someone from the highest authority level had arrived.

Meanwhile—

Far ahead of everyone else—

Seven instructors already calmly walked through the hallways together.

Instructor Britney.

Instructor Sapphire.

Instructor Skyrish.

Instructor Amethyst.

Instructor Bailey.

Instructor Raphael.

Instructor Nexcialine.

All already fully dressed in their formal instructor uniforms.

And unlike everyone else—

None of them looked nervous.

Only suspicious.

Instructor Bailey narrowed her eyes again while rereading the earlier message from Headmaster Gaius.

[Prepare yourselves later.]

[I have a special surprise for all seven of you.]

[You will definitely love it.]

“…This still feels emotionally dangerous.”

Instructor Raphael nodded immediately.

“…Historically accurate.”

Instructor Skyrish crossed her arms.

“…If someone explodes emotionally today, I’m blaming Grandpa.”

Instructor Nexcialine blinked sleepily.

“…Maybe the surprise is food.”

Instructor Sapphire answered instantly—

“…No.”

Instructor Amethyst sighed softly.

“…Definitely no.”

Even Instructor Britney looked mildly curious now.

“…Whatever it is… Grandpa seems unusually excited.”

That alone made all six others even more suspicious.

[HSBA Delta Training Camp Branch — Main Instructor Office | 8:13 A.M.]

Inside the massive meeting office—

Ravielle sat quietly beside Headmaster Gaius.

Zachary stood silently nearby holding the secured black leather case.

The atmosphere remained calm.

But Ravielle’s anxiety quietly worsened every passing minute.

Because now—

She was truly inside the HSBA Delta Branch.

And very soon—

She would finally meet the instructors she would work alongside from now on.

Her hands rested neatly above her lap.

Composed externally.

Yet internally—

Her heartbeat remained restless.

Would they accept her?

Would she adapt properly?

Would she disappoint everyone immediately?

Then—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Ravielle immediately straightened slightly.

Outside—

Several muffled voices could suddenly be heard.

“…YOU open it.”

“…No, YOU open it.”

“…Skyrish pushed me.”

“…I DID NOT.”

“…Raphael stop hiding behind Bailey.”

“…I value my survival.”

Ravielle blinked slowly.

Headmaster Gaius immediately looked amused.

Then calmly answered—

“…Come in.”

The arguing outside instantly became louder.

“…YOU GO FIRST.”

“…No.”

“…Nexcialine stop laughing—”

“…I’m nervous—”

Finally—

The office doors slowly opened.

Instructor Britney stepped inside first calmly.

And behind her—

Instructor Sapphire.

Instructor Skyrish.

Instructor Amethyst.

Instructor Bailey.

Instructor Raphael.

Instructor Nexcialine.

Still quietly arguing among themselves.

But the exact moment—

Their eyes landed on Ravielle—

Everything stopped.

Complete silence.

Ravielle froze.

Because standing in front of her—

Wearing the exact same instructor uniform—

Were the former members of Phantom Crest Squad.

Instructor Britney.

Instructor Sapphire.

Instructor Skyrish.

Instructor Amethyst.

Instructor Bailey.

Instructor Raphael.

Instructor Nexcialine.

For several seconds—

Nobody moved.

Nobody breathed.

Then suddenly—

Instructor Britney’s eyes widened.

“…Squad…”

Before she could even finish—

Instructor Nexcialine nearly lost her balance backward from shock.

Which immediately triggered pure instinct from Instructor Britney.

“ATTENTION.”

SLAM.

Instructor Sapphire, Instructor Skyrish, Instructor Amethyst, Instructor Bailey, Instructor Raphael, and Instructor Nexcialine immediately straightened perfectly.

“ATTENTION.”

The synchronized repetition echoed sharply inside the office.

Even Ravielle blinked from reflex.

Then—

Instructor Britney stared directly at Ravielle again.

And for the first time since entering—

Emotion completely cracked across her composed expression.

“…Squad Leader…?”

Ravielle could only stare at them blankly.

Then slowly—

A smile finally appeared across her face.

Small.

Soft.

Disbelieving.

“…You gremlins…”

Headmaster Gaius immediately looked delighted.

Meanwhile—

Zachary quietly looked away to hide his amusement.

Then suddenly—

Instructor Nexcialine moved slightly again from emotional panic.

Which immediately triggered Instructor Britney once more.

“Already standing in attention but still moving.”

“…SORRY.”

Even Ravielle almost laughed unexpectedly.

Because nothing had changed.

Absolutely nothing.

The same chaos.

The same personalities.

The same squad.

And suddenly—

All the fear she carried since yesterday quietly began breaking apart.

Because the “grandchildren” Headmaster Gaius kept referring to—

Were her squad.

Her people.

Her family.

Ravielle quietly exhaled shakily.

Then finally spoke softly—

“At ease.”

The effect was immediate.

Instructor Sapphire relaxed first.

Then Instructor Skyrish.

Instructor Amethyst.

Instructor Bailey.

Instructor Raphael.

Instructor Nexcialine.

But before Ravielle could say anything else—

The six immediately began arguing again.

“I’m hugging her first.”

“No, me.”

“Move.”

“Skyrish stop elbowing people.”

“Nexcialine don’t launch yourself—”

“RAPHAEL CHEATED.”

Then—

Unexpectedly—

Instructor Britney quietly walked forward first.

Straight toward Ravielle.

And before Ravielle could react—

Instructor Britney suddenly wrapped her arms around her tightly.

Ravielle froze.

Completely caught off guard.

Then slowly—

She hugged her back.

And the moment Instructor Britney gently caressed the back of her uniform—

Ravielle broke.

“…Welcome back…”

Instructor Britney’s voice cracked heavily.

“…Squad Leader…”

“…We missed you so much…”

Ravielle’s eyes instantly watered.

Because she could already hear it.

The tears in Britney’s voice.

And seconds later—

She felt warm droplets soaking against her shoulder.

Instructor Britney was crying.

And before Ravielle realized it—

Her own tears had already fallen too.

Her fingers tightened against Britney’s back shakily.

“…Britney…”

Meanwhile—

The other six completely froze.

Because seeing Instructor Britney cry openly—

Was something almost nobody witnessed.

Instructor Nexcialine immediately pointed dramatically.

“THIS IS UNFAIR.”

Instructor Sapphire wiped her eyes quickly.

“We want hugs too.”

Instructor Skyrish nodded immediately.

“Agreed.”

Instructor Bailey already looked emotional.

Instructor Raphael quietly covered his face.

Instructor Amethyst smiled while crying softly.

Then—

All six immediately launched themselves toward Ravielle and Instructor Britney together.

WHUMP.

“GROUP HUG.”

Instructor Nexcialine intentionally positioned herself where Ravielle could see her face clearly while shouting it dramatically.

Which only made Ravielle cry harder while laughing helplessly at the same time.

“…We missed you so much, Squad Leader…”

Instructor Nexcialine’s voice cracked badly too.

Meanwhile—

Instructor Sapphire quietly hugged Ravielle tightly from one side.

Instructor Skyrish buried her face against Ravielle’s shoulder silently.

Instructor Bailey cried openly.

Instructor Raphael looked like he was trying not to sob.

Instructor Amethyst smiled through tears.

And for several long moments—

The office filled only with emotional laughter and crying.

Even Headmaster Gaius quietly wiped one eye discreetly.

Meanwhile—

Zachary silently looked toward the ceiling pretending absolutely nothing happened.

Then suddenly—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Everyone froze instantly.

Panic immediately activated.

Instructor Britney quickly wiped her face.

Instructor Sapphire fixed her uniform.

Instructor Skyrish fixed her hair rapidly.

Instructor Bailey nearly shoved Raphael accidentally.

Instructor Nexcialine aggressively wiped tears.

Meanwhile Ravielle hurriedly tried calming herself too.

Several seconds later—

Everyone finally sat properly again.

Composed.

Professional.

As if absolutely nothing emotional happened moments earlier.

Headmaster Gaius cleared his throat calmly.

Then finally said—

“…Come in.”

The office doors opened once more.

Instructor Faye entered first.

Followed by Instructor Mark.

Instructor Landrieu.

Instructor Azhette.

Instructor Syndie.

Instructor Arch Jude.

Instructor Monique.

Instructor Jonathan.

And the moment they saw the room—

All eight froze slightly.

Because seated beside Headmaster Gaius—

Was an unfamiliar woman wearing the same instructor uniform.

And somehow—

The pressure she emitted instinctively filled the entire office.

Calm.

Restrained.

Yet terrifyingly commanding.

Even Instructor Faye unconsciously straightened more.

Meanwhile—

Instructor Mark quietly swallowed.

Because the seven most dangerous grandchildren of Headmaster Gaius—

Instructor Britney, Instructor Sapphire, Instructor Skyrish, Instructor Amethyst, Instructor Bailey, Instructor Raphael, and Instructor Nexcialine—

All looked unusually serious around her.

Which alone already felt alarming.

The atmosphere immediately turned heavy.

Then—

Headmaster Gaius calmly spoke.

“…Seat.”

Instantly—

All eight obeyed.

Instructor Faye seated nearest beside Headmaster Gaius.

Instructor Mark beside her.

Then Instructor Landrieu.

Instructor Azhette.

Instructor Syndie.

Instructor Arch Jude.

Instructor Monique.

Instructor Jonathan.

After everyone settled—

Headmaster Gaius calmly folded his hands together.

“…Let’s wait for the others first before we begin.”

“…Understood.”

The eight answered immediately.

Meanwhile—

Ravielle and the seven former Phantom Crest members answered together automatically.

“At your command, Headmaster Gaius.”

Perfect synchronization.

Sharp.

Military-level.

The eight main instructors immediately felt goosebumps.

Especially Instructor Faye.

Because the unknown woman beside Headmaster Gaius—

Had a presence far more terrifying than most veteran instructors she had encountered.

Then—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

More instructors entered.

Then more.

And more.

Instructor William.

Instructor Khione.

Instructor Zeirah.

Instructor Hajime.

Instructor Renesmee.

Instructor Deia.

Instructor Hazel.

Instructor Abigail.

Instructor Shade.

Instructor Mikee.

Instructor Maeve.

Instructor Zhyriel.

Instructor Khezia.

Instructor Francine.

Instructor Dave.

Instructor Zhayne.

Instructor Felice.

Instructor Kaizer.

Instructor Cheshire.

Instructor Khylee.

Instructor Brylle.

Instructor Khyzelle.

Instructor Cyrus.

Instructor Sharmyst.

Instructor Ashryn.

Instructor Autumn.

Instructor Seven.

Instructor Euphy.

Instructor Zephyr.

Instructor Avery.

Instructor Lyana.

Instructor Lawrence.

Instructor Eunice.

Instructor Xavier.

Instructor Sophie.

Instructor Angel.

Instructor Jaspher Miracle.

Instructor Raffy Angel.

Instructor Zhameia.

Instructor Chelaine.

Instructor Kevin.

Instructor Lianne.

Instructor Sharmaine.

Every single one instinctively straightened upon sensing Ravielle’s restrained presence.

Meanwhile—

Instructor Britney and the others desperately tried not to laugh after seeing everyone unconsciously correcting their posture whenever Ravielle shifted slightly in her seat.

Then finally—

Instructor Morixette.

Instructor Vanessa.

Instructor Karylle.

Instructor Zhandrieu.

Instructor Lauren.

Instructor Maureen.

Instructor Shayne.

Arrived last among the first team instructors.

All seven immediately sensed the terrifyingly formal atmosphere too.

And especially—

The terrifying pressure from the unfamiliar instructor seated beside Headmaster Gaius.

Then finally—

Another knock echoed.

Instructor Yanzhi.

Instructor Flint.

Instructor Justin.

Together with Trainee Ysabelle.

Trainee Laurie.

Trainee Ashley.

Trainee Mirco.

Entered afterward calmly.

Which immediately confused the seven non-committee instructors further.

Because why were trainees attending this level of meeting?

But none of them dared ask.

Then finally—

Headmaster Gaius slowly stood.

Silence immediately settled across the entire office.

“…Good morning.”

“…Good morning, Headmaster.”

Everyone answered immediately.

Headmaster Gaius nodded once.

Then calmly continued—

“…Starting today…”

“…A special transfer from the Main HSBA International Headquarters will officially join the HSBA Delta Branch First Team instructors division.”

Several instructors immediately straightened further.

Then—

Headmaster Gaius extended one hand calmly toward Ravielle.

“…Allow me to introduce Instructor Ravielle.”

Ravielle slowly stood.

Then bowed respectfully.

“…Good morning.”

The moment she spoke—

The entire office felt the weight behind her voice instantly.

Disciplined.

Controlled.

Commanding.

Even the eight main instructors subconsciously straightened further again.

Meanwhile—

Only the seven former Phantom Crest members looked completely unaffected.

Which confused everyone even more.

Then—

Zachary calmly stepped forward carrying the secured black case.

CLICK.

The locks opened.

Headmaster Gaius retrieved the brown envelope personally.

Then handed it directly toward Instructor Faye.

“…These are Instructor Ravielle’s official transfer records from the Main HSBA International Headquarters.”

Instructor Faye immediately stood alongside Instructor Mark and the others respectfully before accepting it carefully.

“…We’ll take good care of her, Headmaster.”

Headmaster Gaius nodded once.

Then unexpectedly—

Offered his hand toward Ravielle formally.

“…Welcome to HSBA Delta Branch.”

Ravielle blinked slightly.

Then respectfully shook his hand.

“…Thank you for accepting me.”

Afterward—

Instructor Faye stepped forward next.

Then Instructor Mark.

Instructor Landrieu.

Instructor Azhette.

Instructor Syndie.

Instructor Arch Jude.

Instructor Monique.

Instructor Jonathan.

All welcoming Ravielle individually.

Then suddenly—

Instructor Britney stood up.

Followed by Instructor Sapphire.

Instructor Skyrish.

Instructor Amethyst.

Instructor Bailey.

Instructor Raphael.

Instructor Nexcialine.

And together—

All seven clapped three times simultaneously.

“Welcome to HSBA Delta Training Camp Branch First Team, Instructor Ravielle.”

The synchronized greeting immediately echoed across the room sharply.

Ravielle smiled softly.

“…Thank you.”

Then—

The rest of the instructors followed immediately with applause and greetings.

And for the first time since her discharge—

Ravielle truly felt welcomed somewhere again.

Meanwhile—

Headmaster Gaius quietly watched everything with satisfaction.

Then finally—

He excused himself alongside Zachary due to another executive meeting.

But before leaving—

He calmly added—

“…Good luck with today’s Day Zero Test.”

Instantly—

The entire room straightened again.

“…Understood.”

Only Ravielle looked slightly confused.

But still followed everyone else’s reaction instinctively.

Then—

After Headmaster Gaius and Zachary finally left—

Instructor Faye immediately exhaled deeply.

“…Alright everyone. Prepare everything necessary for Day Zero.”

“…Understood.”

The instructors immediately began standing one by one.

But before Instructor Faye could even figure out how to assist Ravielle—

Seven voices suddenly spoke together.

“We’ll take Instructor Ravielle with us.”

Instructor Faye nearly jumped slightly from the synchronization.

Then immediately looked relieved.

“…Understood.”

Moments later—

Everyone finally began leaving the office.

And the last ones remaining—

Were Instructor Britney, Instructor Sapphire, Instructor Skyrish, Instructor Amethyst, Instructor Bailey, Instructor Raphael, Instructor Nexcialine.

Walking together with Ravielle positioned safely between Instructor Britney and Instructor Raphael.

Only after the office doors fully closed—

Did the eight main instructors finally breathe properly again.

“…What…”

Instructor Landrieu looked traumatized.

Instructor Jonathan adjusted his glasses shakily.

“…That aura is abnormal.”

Instructor Monique slowly nodded.

“…Extremely abnormal.”

Then—

Instructor Faye finally opened the brown envelope carefully.

And the moment all eight saw the contents—

Silence filled the office again.

CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL FILE RECORDS

Name: RAVIELLE V. SANTOS

Experience — CLASSIFIED

Skills — CLASSIFIED

Graduation Rank — CLASSIFIED

Operational Records — CLASSIFIED

Mission History — CLASSIFIED

Combat Evaluation — CLASSIFIED

Field Leadership Records — CLASSIFIED

Everything sealed.

Everything restricted.

Everything hidden.

Only one line visible.

“Instructor Ravielle is authorized to serve as Instructor under HSBA Delta Training Camp Branch.”

Nobody spoke for several long seconds.

Then finally—

Instructor Mark quietly whispered—

“…Who exactly did Headquarters send us…?”

And somewhere far ahead in the hallway—

The seven former Phantom Crest members happily surrounded Ravielle once again like excited gremlins reunited with their long-lost commander.

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