Chapter 8 – The Unreachable Beyond

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“The Supernatural Phenomenon Task Force, huh…”

A sudden invitation from Himari.

As soon as I got home, I started seriously considering the club membership I’d been putting off. We’d talked about a lot in the park—mostly about the club, my hero activities, and her own curiosity about me.

But in the end, it all came down to one thing: 

Join us.

“It’s definitely an appealing option.”

Given Millennium’s nature, there were plenty of clubs to choose from. But right now, only two had directly invited me—the Engineering Club and the Supernatural Phenomenon Task Force.

It wasn’t that I hadn’t thought about others.

Clubs like Seminar, Veritas, or C&C all had their appeal.

But—

“For my current situation, only the Engineering Club and the Supernatural Phenomenon Research Club make sense.”

A club that wouldn’t interfere with my hero work. That was the best choice for me right now.

Both had clear pros and cons.

The former, as Hibiki said, would let me design, build, and improve my own gear. Working directly with Utaha and Hibiki would speed up development.

The problem? 

I had zero engineering knowledge. And balancing hero work with club activities would be tough.

‘They’d probably cut me some slack since they know the truth. But still…’

Was joining the Engineering Club worth sacrificing my hero work?

That would defeat the whole purpose.

On the other hand, the Supernatural Phenomenon Research Club was small—just Himari and Eimi—and secretive, minimizing leaks. I could focus more on hero work.

Plus, I’d have direct access to Himari’s ‘Omniscient’ intellect and Eimi’s field expertise. A definite advantage.

The downsides? 

Being a subsidiary of Seminar and the lack of intel on the club itself.

‘Though that’s not really a downside.’

Himari, who clashed with Seminar’s president, Rio, would handle any issues there. And the club’s missions overlapped with my hero work. 

Decagrammaton, Gematria, supernatural phenomena—anything threatening Kivotos and its citizens.

For me, investigating these was hero work.

And… I had another reason to be interested.

Myself.

Why was I dropped into Blue Archive?
Why is my name censored?
Why did I possess a Millennium mob’s body?
What’s the source of my abilities?

Questions I’d ignored until now. 

Maybe joining this club would help me find answers someday. That thought lingered in my mind.

“…Guess that settles it.”

After weighing everything, the scales tipped decisively. I’d have to apologize to Hibiki—joining the Engineering Club wasn’t an option.

It was late, but I sent her a MomoTalk message.

She’s probably awake. She was last time.

[Me – Hibiki, are you up?]

[Nekozuka Hibiki – Yeah. What’s up?]

A near-instant reply.

After hesitating, I sent my apology.

[Me – About the club. I got a better offer, so I’m joining a different one. Sorry for turning you down after you went out of your way to invite me.]

[Nekozuka Hibiki – It’s fine.]

[Nekozuka Hibiki – It’s a bummer, but what can you do? Just visit us sometimes. I like talking with you.]

What’s with this embarrassing honesty?

I smiled wryly and typed back.

[Me – I’ll bring snacks next time as an apology.]

[Nekozuka Hibiki – Yeah. You better.]

Seriously, she’s too nice.

Despite her blunt tone, her affection was as obvious as a puppy’s.

She didn’t even ask which club I was joining.

I’ll definitely bring her good snacks next time.

Then, I messaged Himari.

[Me – I accept. I’ll join.]

[Akeboshi Himari – I was waiting for that answer. ^^]

***

The next morning, Eimi guided me to the clubroom.

“This is the Supernatural Phenomenon Research Club’s headquarters.”

“…Hoh.”

“Thoughts? How does it feel to step into Millennium’s most secure, secretive location?”

“Impressive. And… a pain to get to. Why’s the path so complicated?”

“Hehe~ That’s good. If you felt that way, then the design worked.”

“I see.”

In the game, the path was maze-like and heavily secured—but reality was worse.

It felt like being trapped in Mysterio’s illusions. Why is it so convoluted?

…And I’m supposed to memorize this route?

How?

Himari giggled at my expression.

“Well then, shall we begin?”

She tapped a hologram, then casually tossed her jacket aside as Eimi—already stripping down—and I stood there awkwardly.

A single, succinct phrase appeared on the hologram. Not at all what I expected.

[New Member Welcome Party]

“?”

What? Seriously, what?

I stared at Himari, baffled, but she was too busy piloting drones to notice.

She pulled out food, when did she prepare this?, and started arranging it on the table at lightning speed.

Meanwhile, Eimi wordlessly helped set the table. You knew about this too?

What is happening?

I thought we’d discuss club activities or hero work—something serious.

Was I too uptight?

…Then again, how many serious moments were there in Blue Archive? 

Most were like this.

Finally noticing my confusion, Himari cleared her throat and placed a hand on her chest.

“Ahem! Today… is the day we welcome a new member! Naturally, we must celebrate!”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Hehe~ You could stand to look happier. The most delicate, beautiful, and brilliant hacker in Millennium is throwing this party for you. You’re quite lucky—”

“Boss. Can we turn on the AC? It’s hot.”

“Eimi…! I’m in the middle of something important! And the food will get cold!”

“It’s only hot because you’re worked up.”

“You’re just overheating! Right, newbie?”

“……”

Ah.

It hit me then.

I’ve been on guard this whole time.

Was it because they uncovered my identity?

Or because they were too sharp for comfort?

Either way, I’d subconsciously seen them as tools, not allies.

That’s wrong.

A club isn’t about using or being used.

I told myself I could trust them, yet here I am, being an idiot.

As my tangled thoughts unraveled, the situation felt different.

This wasn’t just two people throwing a random party. They were genuinely trying to welcome me.

…I guess I’m not as “grown-up” as I thought.

For the first time, I truly understood Sensei’s role.

The moment I realized that, I laughed.

“Haha!”

My sudden outburst startled them. But from that moment, the atmosphere shifted—for the better.

Himari happily rambled with her usual confidence, while Eimi—in her own way—fed me as a gesture of welcome.

And me?

I laughed and joked along with them.

All in all, it was a successful welcome party.

***

[This is D.U. Lostway West to Valkyrie HQ. Requesting immediate backup! I repeat, this is D.U. Lostway West! We need emergency reinforcements! Send as many units as— Damn it, they’re here! Stop th—!]

Click.

Bzzzt—…

“…So she’s really out there now. Kosaka Wakamo.”

“What do we do, Yukino?”

“……”

Yukino didn’t answer, staring at the stormy sky instead.

The dark clouds mirrored their bleak future. With the General Student Council President missing, SRT was on the verge of disbandment. If nothing changed, FOX Squad would lose its name—and its members would be scattered.

Yukino wasn’t the only one who sensed this. The others wore similarly grim expressions.

What do we do now?

A difficult question.

If this were a mission, the answer would’ve been simple. But this wasn’t a mission. This was reality. A cruel, hopeless reality.

Even Yukino—the flawless leader praised by SRT and her comrades—was powerless against it.

She had no answer for her squad.

“…I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.”

“Yukino…”

“This wasn’t in the manuals. No protocol tells us what choice to make here.”

She didn’t know. She was helpless.

As rain began to fall, masking her despairing tears—

a voice called out.

“I’ll give you the answer.”

Familiar, yet unsettling.

Like a serpent’s hiss.

Yukino turned.

There stood—

“…Shiranui Kaya.”

The Chief of the General Student Council’s Defense Office, Shiranui Kaya. 

“Pleasure to meet you, FOX Squad.”

“What are you doing here? SRT’s fate was already decided.”

“Not quite. The debate is still ongoing. Really—”

She touched her cheek, her thin smile widening.

“…How foolish.”

The sudden shift stunned the entire squad.

Kaya didn’t hide her true intentions.

“FOX Squad. Let me make you an offer.”

“One you can’t refuse.”

At that moment,

Yukino knew something was wrong—but Kaya’s next words erased all doubt.

“I’ll bring SRT back to life for you.”