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To be honest, I would never have thought we'd get a request like that.

But if that's what you want, and Closure is willing to vouch for the things you make, who am I to say no?

So, does that mean... I...

You're a regular operator now.

Thank you...

Eh? What's going on? You want to go out into the field, Weedy?

Do you have a problem with that?

Oh, no, of course not! I look forward to fighting with you. I'd never look down on you.

It's only that... well... Are you sure you can keep up?

I, too, want some change once in a while.

I may be weak, but I have certain areas I excel at. Though I may trail everyone else when it comes to physical capabilities, don't underestimate what my water cannons can do. They might just have more thrust than you do, Blaze.

Sounds reliable enough to me! If we ever go out on a mission together, I'm counting on you to have my back!

I'll think about it...

Ahem, so do you still need me to help you with those questions? If so, bring them over tonight, and I'll take a look.

I should get going now.

Hm? What? Is she... shy?

You should try not to say that in front of her.

Of course I won't. I've got manners.

Hm... I should go back to get my mission logs in order. I had to use my new technique when things got desperate, but it feels like something was still missing.

The feel? No, it's probably a numbers problem...

So that's why you checked out these advanced textbooks? I know you're not fond of formulas and numbers.

Of course I don't like them, and I've been tearing my hair out over them!

But I don't have a choice! My Arts aren't the kind you can just throw all over the place without thinking. If I want to do my job well, I have to work harder.

Haha, oh yeah? That's great. A load off my shoulders.

Right, Mechanist is working on improvements too. Be sure to talk to him. He'll take a look.

No problem. I'll go check on him right away! And even if he keeps me knocking on his door for hours again, I'm not going to complain.

I doubt he'll put you through that. You'll get to see him pretty soon.

Hm?

Has Dr. Kal'tsit talked to you about that yet?

Oh... That?

Dr. Kal'tsit, I heard you needed me.

What's the matter? You seem pretty solemn. Is it something important?

Yes, I think this is very important indeed, both for you and Rhodes Island.

Well, crap. You talking like that is making me a little nervous.

Blaze, how long has it been since you came on board?

Hm... Let me see... Almost a year.

Time flies.

Time leaves us all behind.

Your growth in the past year has been apparent to all of us. Even if it wasn't your intention to prove anything with your actions, you have indeed shown us what you are capable of.

Ace and many other operators all think very highly of you.

Why are we talking about this all of a sudden? I'm starting to blush...

Your body temperature is normal.

I'm doing what I can to hold it back here!

I suppose you already know what I summoned you for.

I have my guesses...

Very well. I'll get to the point.

Ever since Rhodes Island was established, we've had many members come and go. I won't say much about that.

We welcome those who share our ideology, but, of course, ideologies are not to be imposed on anyone.

That said... We need members who can walk this journey with us.

Blaze, it's natural if you aren't ready, and none of us will force you to do anything.

But if you are ready...

Come to the lower deck of the bridge and open the door to the left of the stairs. We will be waiting for you there.

That's what she said...

Ace, do you know what Dr. Kal'tsit was talking about?

You really need me to tell you? I thought you said you had your guesses?

I do, but... I don't know for sure.

There are only so many things that Dr. Kal'tsit would talk to me about, especially all formally like that.

So I guess maybe she's giving me a chance to do what you do?

More or less. Looks like you know the score.

I'm not stupid.

Well, how should I put this? It's like a dream. It doesn't feel real.

Hm?

Like, I've never thought of myself as stronger than anyone else here. I still have a ways to go to match any of you.

Blaze, you—

Oh, Blaze, there you are!

I've been looking for you!

Hm? Oh, it's the little rabbit!

You're looking for me? Hey, careful. Don't trip... Look how bouncy you are! You're just a delight!

Eh? B-Blaze, stahp squishing mah face!

Come on. What's the harm?

(Looks like I needn't say anything then...)

(Amiya, I'm leaving her to you.)

Well then, I'll see you later.

Huh? Wait, Ace...

He's gone. Where's the fire?

Ace probably still has work to finish.

R-Right, Blaze! Have you eaten yet? The cafeteria made your favorite stir-fry today. Would you like to go together?

Also, I borrowed the CD you said you liked from Operator Elysium... Want to listen to it together?

Whoa, you mean his favorite? Of course!

But... What's the matter, little rabbit? You seem way too enthusiastic today.

Hmm... Is it obvious?

Super obvious!

Um, sorry, Blaze... I overheard your conversation with Ace...

Hm? Oh...

Don't worry so much about that. Smile. Yep, that's right. Turn the frown upside down. There's no need to apologize. I wasn't trying to hide anything anyway.

Well, you heard it yourself. I have a good idea why Dr. Kal'tsit wants to see me.

If my hunch is correct, you probably know what this is about, right, Amiya?

Yeah...

I knew it.

Were you trying to cheer me up because you were worried it was giving me too much stress? You're so cute, Amiya!

Please stop saying that...

Okay, I'll knock it off. Let's get serious.

I'm really not that confident in myself, and I really think I have a ways to go, too.

Look, the thing is... if I didn't have the weapon that Mechanist designed, I don't think I could've been any help to my team at all.

*Sigh*...

I mean it, Amiya. Can I really do it?

When I heard you ask Ace just now, I thought I had to tell you how I feel...

I'm listening, Amiya. I always listen to what you have to say.

Are you working hard because you're trying to earn some kind of title, Blaze?

Of course not.