act10d5

You care, Doctor? Heh heh. You really worry about your operators.

But rest assured, if there was something really important, I wouldn't hold my tongue.

A girl has her secrets, you know?

Doctor, don't be so full of yourself that you think you have to take care of everyone.

We can look after each other too.

It's time I went back to the office.

If you ever find yourself tired, Doctor, you can always come sit with me.

Hello, Doctor.

Afternoon, Istina.;......;How's the food today, Istina?

I've never seen you in the canteen before, Doctor.

You look like you have something on your mind, Doctor. I suggest you find a better place to stand and think than the cafeteria doorway.

Hm... the rice is a little firm today, and the soup is too sweet. But I'm enjoying the vegetables.

If there's nothing more, Doctor, I'll be going.

I have class in the afternoon.

Class?

Yes, Hypatia's history class.

After auditing for a while, I found Hypatia's take on history very helpful for me.

Can I help you?;......;I'm great at history too!

Hm. No.

Oh, I don't mean to refuse you. I'm having trouble explaining, because I'm not very clear either.

Hypatia's lectures are very interesting. I think you should take a listen yourself, when you have time.

Um, Doctor, did I not hear that you suffer from amnesia?

But I appreciate the offer.

I'll say, I could use some guidance.

In fact, I'm not certain the study of history will help me that much.

However, thinking on the experiences of our forebears could provide me some inspiration.

I'm off to class then.

Do you know where Natalya is?

Natalya...? You're looking for her?

Gummy told me she wants to become a front line operator. I haven't heard if her application has been approved, but from what I know of her, she is likely already preparing for the transfer.

Your aim sucks, Natalya.

Don't be so sure, Rosalind. I'm going to hit you.

Hehe, no way in hell~

And you gotta call me Leto now! Operator Rosa~

Okay, Operator Leto. Let us wait and see.

And who got you using such a big sucker?

You found it in Chernobog, right? Why not throw it away and get something new?

Hup... sentimental value.

Okay. More work for you.

It kinda looks like you can't move anymore. Why not take a little break?

I can still...

Agh!

You lack stamina, Natalya.

Being Ursus gives you a nice base to build on, but you're a long way from combat ready.

Pshh... whew... Sorry. I'll keep trying.

But your willpower is a lot stronger than I thought. Not bad.

If you can push through this round of training, it'll be good for you, even if you don't become an operator.

Thanks for that.

Hm... hm?

Take five.

Yes, sir!

Leto, you get out there and train yourself.

Yes, sir~

Grace, keep an eye on her.

Got it.

Doctor, it's lunchtime. You should be resting. We don't need you here.

Afternoon, Dobermann.;......;I can't be here?

Afternoon, Doctor.

If you're just here to say hello to me, I've got plenty to get back to.

You're slowly but surely becoming a leader. That's no bad thing, I have to say.

You can, but I have to take time to deal with you. I hope it won't be a lot.

But I guess Amiya told you we have another girl from Zima's group who wants to be an operator, and you wanted to check her out?

Don't look so surprised.

Everyone knows Amiya is very concerned about the survivors we rescued from Ursus.

You must remember Zima, Gummy, Istina, Leto——

Well, Leto is an exception. Nothing to worry about in the combat department.

When those four girls applied, Amiya was dead-set against it. She wanted to veto their applications. I don't know why, but she changed her mind at some point in the process.

And so now that there's another one, it would be out of character for her not to care...

Phew, that's enough rest. Rosalind, practice with me a while.

Wow, you're really committed.

Don't underestimate my determination to become an operator.

Alright alright.

Natalya, you still need to rest. The most important part of exercise is recovery. If you keep grinding away at it, you're just going to break your body.

Thank you, Instructor Grace, but I think I still have some strength left in me...

Hey, don't worry about Dobermann, I know she looks scary...

Grace, I can hear you.

Oh, well, you get it.

Yes, but don't worry.

Okay...

What do you think of her?

She's resolute.;......;She's a fighter.

Is she now? I don't think so.

I've seen her type. They grit their teeth, fighting hard not to think.

Doesn't it remind you of those three?

They don't know where courage comes from, so they bite down and take on society, no matter their age.

But they do seem to be ready.

Yes she is. Honestly, she exceeds my expectations.

An aristocratic young lady who can actually work hard for herself... hah.

I do understand Amiya's instinct to keep them off the battlefield.

Doctor, no one would be happy to send young people to war. Isn't the point of a soldier like me to protect kids like that?

I always blame myself for them having to go fight.

But I've come to terms with the fact that I can't save everyone.

All I can do is teach them to fight, to protect themselves, and to get home in one piece.

Think about it, Doctor, what can you do for them?

Welcome back, Doctor.

So what do you think?

Did you see something in Zima and her girls, Amiya?

...Yes. That's why I've been paying more attention to them.

Sorry, Doctor, I... wasn't sure if I should tell anyone about this.

You know about my ability to sense a person's most powerful emotions, and to even feel them when they're directed at me.