Enna stood up, arranged her clothes and picked up a piece of paper, which was filled just halfway through.

“Ah, we’re done. We’ll call for you. Oh, and there’s food on the table.” She said, pointing to the end table just beside her.

“Eat well.”

The boy nodded as she slammed the door shut, leaving him with no company, and only the warm, lit lamp as his source of light…

“Seriously, Enna?!” Everyone exclaimed as she walked out of the door.

“Like I said, physical contact is strictly prohibited. You could’ve just used normal methods of interrogation, not… that! He’s still recovering, as a matter of fact.” Fein pointed out. Enna stood still in front of the now-closed door. Meanwhile, Wiz was on the side, covering her face.

“Enna… why?” She squirmed.

“I can’t… Six minutes…” Enna said.

“What?” The others questioned.

“He lasted six fucking minutes and I still did not put him into submission! Ooh, that boy’s resilient!” she enthusiastically exclaimed, much to her colleagues’ confusion. She quickly took hold of Gen by the shoulders and went on rambling.

“How, Gen, how?! Six minutes!”

“...” Gen muted himself as Enna shook him.

As she flailed on, Sora inched closer to Fein to whisper.

“Captain, I think her mental break busted her gears.”

“No, this is Enna being Enna.” He simply responded.

“Still, six minutes is too long for her ability.”

“Hm?”

“Normally, using her ability against people usually has a duration of mere seconds. Well, as she’s implying… Sora, do you know that her effectiveness varies?”

“Now that you mention it…”

“When she uses her ability against Vassals, it heavily diminishes the potency.” Sora’s thoughts clicked into place. He nodded, and wanting to share their insight, turned to Wiz. As he explains, Fein turned around. Both Gen and Enna were now wrestling against each other, for actual unknown reasons.

“Cap, they’re being noisy.” Gris, who was focused on driving the vehicle just in front of the two, complained.

Clearing his throat, he said, “Attention, you two!”

Both quickly regained composure and stood tall. In the presence of their superior, even their energetic tendencies must be willingly paused.

‘Let’s confirm this nonsense.’ He thought. “Enna. Did you acquire information using your… methods?”

Unsurprisingly, both immediately turned to a more well-mannered and serious tone.

With a click of her heel, Enna replied. “Subject reported no valuable information. Possibly, he might have a case of amnesia, but I cannot deduce what type.”

This is nothing special: Group officers must report to their captain when promptly asked, whatever their prior situation was.

“Amnesia, hmm… True, seeing a town you possibly lived in all your life wiped out in a single day can have extreme negative effects.” Fein pondered.

“Tell me about your ability. Why the exaggeration in delay?”

“Subject suppressed my efforts to subdue his mental awareness in an extended period of time. Therefore, I had to resort to pushing harder—” She was interrupted by Wiz blowing raspberry behind Fein. She probably tried to hold back her snickering but did so to no avail.

“Oi, princess. Learn a thing or two!” She said to Wiz, which made the latter’s cue to stop.

“Wiz, please try to be more professional.” Fein turned back on her. She timidly nodded.

“Continue.”

“As I was saying, subject was indeed pushed into talking, but he only said the causes during and after. Says ‘people burned the town to the ground.’ That confirms that an outside force must be the cause. But details before that were not remembered by the subject. So even from possibly our only witness’ testimony, we cannot solve this case by itself…”

Fein placed a finger to his chin, thinking.

“And if I may, captain? The reason for the delay might be because he’s a Vassal. People with high tonal affinity usually diminish my submissive ability greatly. There are no exceptions. That might be the case for the boy.”

This reveal did not arouse anyone’s interest, sadly. Everyone had a huge hunch that the boy is a Vassal. It was just that there were no definite factors by then. Until now.

“Thank you for your efforts, Enna. At ease.” Both rested their bodies and soon calmed down. Taking centerstage, Fein announced.

“Right. All of us might just assume by now, though that man behind the door must be a Vassal. Enna’s reaction to him is enough fact: no non-Vassal can hold back against her ability for that long, as all of you might know.”

“We just don’t know what kind of an ability is in him.”

“If it’s something sketchy, apprehend him immediately.” Gen suggested.

“Wait, didn’t we establish that he might be a mimic? A plunderer, even?” Wiz countered. Not long after, everyone fell jumping into conclusions again.

“Just stay calm. At this point, I’ll report everything to command, and, hopefully, they’ll give the answers we want.” Fein tried to reason to everyone with calm.

“He’s giving bad vibes at the hospital, don’t you think, Wiz?” Sora said.

“At least give him a chance to prove he’s not bad…” Wiz softly answered. Sora smiled.

“You’re really a priestess. You always give just in people, no matter how suspicious they are.”

“I wish. I only want to justify that what I did for him was right, and he’s not one of the causes.”

“Rest easy. We’ll get the answers soon enough.”

It was a while before everyone gathered their energy and calmed down. Fein stood up from his seat and Approached Gris, wanting to look outside. They were driving on an established pavement, passing by trees on both sides that were tinted a light orange because of the sunset. The road was somewhat winding, but not far away, dead center and elevated, he could make out a mountain. If one looks hard at the distance, you can see that it somewhat glittered amidst the reflected light of the setting sun, aligned to make it look like towers of copper and gold were in there. But if you look hard enough, however, you would realize that these lights are not mere glitters, but actual windows of buildings that were built around the mountain. Some even jut out of the natural cone, making artificial platforms.

People might say that building a whole city surrounding the body of a literal mountain is a crazed idea, but the Henwales like to flaunt their nobility dominance through architectural marvels like this. As one of the uncommon Vassal noble families, it is rumored that they have the authority to shape the earth to their liking, using the tones as their medium.

Such feat is deserving for a family that single-handedly subjugated a region once rife of bandits.

Others noticed the orange hue from the front window that contrasted the subtle cold and metallic ambience of the Beaver, and slowly, they gathered at its front.

“Ahh, there it is…” All together, they marveled at the sight.

“We’re still a few klicks away, but it sure brings you home.” Fein expressed. Every end of their investigation trips brings them back to this view. More than a year has passed since D-7’s formation, but it sure was a long time for them. Silence took over them.

Before they are thoroughly taken by the scenery, Wiz exclaimed.

“Guys? Could you please help him first?” It was in a certain distance that it slightly echoed. Everyone turned (with the exception of Gris, of course, as he was driving), and saw her clutching the Mido survivor in one arm. They finally saw his physique: He gained a lot of weight in a matter of days but was still noticeably not healthy enough. He was wearing a white button-up shirt and khaki cotton pants, procured from one of D-7’s apparels. His dark hair was ungroomed, and he bore the look of someone who had just woken up from a long slumber. His amber eyes were quite contradictory to his physical state, both of which seemingly bore energy inside. It was especially visible to Wiz.

“Wiz. Didn’t just Fein say--!” Gen rushed to her, from the drivers to the door of the med bay, which was quite a walk.

“He’s okay! He’s okay, Gen!” She shouted, but let Gen stop in front of them. The boy did not respond.

“Are you sure?” He asked. Wiz fairly nodded to him. “I mean, he did not scorch me to death…”

Oddly, her response was enough to let him calm down.

“…Take a seat. You’re now capable of standing, so captain will talk to you.” He quickly directed to the boy, who just looked at Wiz.

“Go on. I’ll help you.” She said, assisting his still-weak body into the dinner area.

“Right.” He just said a word.

Everyone gathered around him (because they actually came from both sides of the vehicle, it was a semi-circular form from Fein’s side, and Wiz and Gen escorted the boy from behind.) The room slowly fell into an atmosphere of pressure. They all anticipated the words that were to come out of his mouth.

“You had a lapse in time. I trust that you will have questions.” Fein started.

“Who… are you people?” He said. It was a calm manner of speaking, but traces of nervousness clung to it, though it was to be expected.

“We are an Apprehension Group of The Vassal United. Designation 7. D-7 for short. But you are not familiar with us, I take it.”

“Familiarity, huh…” He said in a monotonous manner.

“I have no memory… only that day… I see figures of my past life behind me, but at the same time, they were like the memories of someone else.” He sighed heavily.

“I am a clean slate. Why save me?”

Wiz visibly reacted.

“Because…” She wanted to say something, but hesitated.

“You are the only survivor. That’s enough reason to save someone, right?” She gave him a warm smile.

“Information.”

Gen interrupted. “Information is what we need from you. You are the only witness of that tragedy, shit, you might be even the cause, and just blocked that from your head to avoid interrogation.” He was blunt, but he made his point. His sudden behavior did not faze the boy however.

“Miss Enna saw fire. To say, those flames burned my town…” He said. Enna looked intrigued.

“You think I caused the fire because of that. And I’m the only survivor. It might be true. But I am not a Vassal, the others in the town were, as I can remember--”

“So, you do remember...” Fein was fascinated as he leaned on the table. The boy gestured a no.

“I know I lived a life. But I feel nothing of it now. I know I walked the streets as a kid, but those memories are broken. I know I walked beneath the snowfall, but my vision is fogged.”

He took a deep breath and clenched his fists.

“I despise them. Those bandits, terrorists, Vassals, whoever they are. Those were my last thoughts. But I can’t put it all together. All I know is that I need to make them pay…” His mind was clearly starting to strain just by thinking. Wiz gave him a cup of water and he drank it, albeit judging the liquid offered to him first before Wiz offered him a warm smile.

“…Now I’m confused. You’re speaking in broken terms. You’re a Vassal. You fought against Enna’s ability. A normal person cannot do that.”

“Really? I thought she was just being weird, trying to do something to me.” He innocently said and stared at Enna. She was shocked.

“W-What? You remembered? I tried to clear it out—”

“Yes. I was willing to speak, but you jumped me and—”

“Alright, I get it! Now stop!” She said, embarrassingly. Meanwhile, Gen slowly inched his way into Enna’s side.

“I’ll be damned, even your brainwash ability was not enough?” He whispered.

“Shut up! He remembered what I did to him, and he’ll think funny from now on!” Whisper-yelled Enna.

Looking at the boy, however, he just sat there, sitting straight with Wiz on his side. Despite not remembering his memories, which could derail a person’s mind into unease; he was unnervingly composed. Firstly, the captain gave him thorough exposition as to how he came to be with their group. He then asked him more questions to verify if he was truly innocent.

Turns out, asking a blind man to say what color is in a palette will yield no results, and so does apply for this boy. A young man who had just recently lost a home to the fire, and hated the ones who caused it, despite the fact that even he does not know who they are, and why the act was done.

Fein sighed. “Well, we cannot conclude this investigation without any plausible information about the culprits. Not even you could answer it.”

“I’m sorry, sir. If you could just drop me to a town, I’ll be obliged.”

Gen scoffed. “Drop you off? Do you even know where we are?”

The boy slowly shrugged, albeit reluctantly. “I never journeyed outside town as I remember. But I can fend for myself. I promise. I will not be a burden to you anymore.” He strained with his speaking and coughed, surprising the people around him. He needs more time to heal.

“Don’t. We still haven’t solved your case. Please hold with us a bit longer.” Wiz softly said to him at his side. Surprisingly for him, hearing her voice makes him struggle to speak.

Was it unease that held him back? Unsureness? Nervousness?

“Wizbette is right. You are a valuable asset for this investigation. In truth…” Fein stood up.

“You want to take revenge?”

He nodded.

“You want to solve your mind’s puzzle?”

He nodded.

Fein let out a heavy sigh. “You have nothing now. You cannot possibly take all responsibilities as your own. Tell me: you want company for you to cling to, to friends with, and to serve?”

The boy paused a little, and said:

“Yes.”

“If you want to help us help you, your first step is to be an Ability Apprehension Officer.” The way he put it, Fein was starting to look like a recruiter. Needless to say, however, this offer shocked everyone.

“…Yes?” He was confused.

“You will be accommodated food, money, and a place to live in. You’ll just be stuck with me, like these people.” He pointed to all the members.

“Captain? A new recruit?” Sora said.

“Are you serious? What would command do to this? He’s not even cleared of suspicion!” Gen complained.

“You were not listening, glutton…” Enna moaned. Wiz was hiding her expression, but from the looks of it, she was rather excited.

“Are… you sure?” He said. “I cannot even trust myself. I cannot possibly think of you trusting me.”

“True, we all harbor some distrust in you, but it’s also a matter of proving, not mere talking.” Fein assured him.

“We can stop at a town and drop you off. You can then start a new life as an anonymous Vassal with no name and no place, finding scraps of his former self and clues of the ones he hates. Adding to the fact that an Apprehension Group tossed you out, I have to say: eyebrows will surely raise. We will investigate in our own terms. However, should you join us, we can work together with this burden. You said it yourself: You’re a clean slate. You can write your new life with us, the Vassal United.”

The boy nodded gently, as if to assert his understanding to Fein.

“Then prove to us you are worthy of trust, starting with this.”

The boy pondered for a while. What the captain said is true. He’ll most likely lose the will to go on when left to live in a place he has no idea of. But it is a benefit for both parties if he decides to join under Fein. Besides…

“A girl saved me.” He turned to Wiz. “I take it was you?”

She looked at him. Embarrassed, she blushed and nodded.

“Yes… it was me…”

“Thank you. I guess I have no choice, out of kindness. You clearly put your heart out. I felt it.” That put a smile to both faces.

Out of her character, Wiz quickly blurted out a question, face red. She had downgraded into the attitude of angsty teenager.

“Y-your name?”

It was quite the confusion, as Wizbette was the one member to propose to the captain that the Mido survivor will be given a designation.

“Sorry. I don’t even know my name.”

“Oh… I see, I see…” She chuckled soon after. It might be out of nervousness or sheer awkwardness, one does not know.

“*sigh* Princess’ getting lively.” Enna commented.

“You think? Wiz completely lost her guard. That guy…” Gen annoyingly said.

“Wiz…” Sora slouched down where he stood.

All the while, Fein laughed. “You two. Looks like you already got the hang of one member. Now, what will it be?”

“Your name?” He added.

No one seemed to suggest.

…

…

“Mido.” A low voice permeated their ears. It was Gris.

“Sorry, I was busy driving, so I didn’t have the chance to talk. By the way, while you were all blabbering on, Beaver’s now parked, waiting only for the reclamation team to tow it.”

Everyone looked outside. The engine was really turned off. They were parked, and on the outside, faint lights came from all sides. They were so absorbed on their discussion that the passing of time became fast.

“Why Mido though?” Everyone asked him, even the boy.

“An amnesiac boy wanting to get his revenge to a town he just lost. The sole survivor of a named town, now destroyed to ashes. What better way to start a new life by sharing names with your late home? To carry that avenging soul through name?”

He did eavesdrop a little.

“How poetic. But weird.” Sora commented. Gris just gave him a thumb up.

“…I like it.” The boy enthusiastically said.

“It gives me a reason to remember.”

The others sighed. If he likes it, then they’ll agree to it. They had to admit, some of them were on terms with the name’s likeness to the boy. He will carry this name as a new slate, all the while searching for his past.

“Well, I’ll arrange an application, then, since we are at Henwales.” He looked out of the window. The sun has now hidden itself and the stars were starting to twinkle. The vehicle was now parked inside a district just after the main entrance of the city. Outside, the streets were bustling, even the night life of the city relieved them of the dangers still inside their intuition.

Exhaling and smiling, Fein turned again to face his colleagues and the boy, who now agreed to be called, ‘Mido.’

“I have to hear it from you though. Do you accept my offer?” Everyone anticipated his answer. With a slight pause, Mido said,

“Yes. For repaying her, and for your help, I will.”

D-7 released their pent-up anticipation in bouts of celebration. Sure, they were stern to him, but deep inside, they were waiting for a fresh member in their ranks. It was hard to imagine that just a day before, they were pegging him to be a culprit, but today, they now celebrate his arrival.

“Make no mistake, we still need to process on many accounts, and we still need to wait for the report in order to clear any doubts,”

“But personally, I humbly acknowledge you as part of D-7, Mido.”

Being called a new name drew a smile to Mido’s face.

“Ahh, I was tired of calling you ‘boy’. No matter, I might do it anyways.” Called out Enna.

“You’re really weird, Miss Enna.” Mido chuckled. For a few moments, he got out to be acquainted with the other members. They were finally warming up to him.

With the exception of one.

Although there might be complications with the new member, Mido, in action, his newfound acquaintances were really trying to cast their doubt against him.

Designation 7 had six members; now they have seven.

D-7 got out of the Beaver, with Mido now tagging along with them. Everyone was hungry and decided to eat together at a known restaurant. While walking, Wizbette saw Gen being complacent at the side. Hopping to his side, she nudged her. They were at the back of the others who were entertaining Mido.

“You’re pretty jolly, Wiz.”

“Right!” They walked with the others a few more meters before she finally asked.

“You still don’t trust him, do you?”

“Damn right, I don’t. Look at him, all smitten with the others after a little pep talk. Even Fein!” He cursed.

“Try to be open once in a while, Gen. Just like your sister!” She gleefully remarked. Gen was disgusted and scoffed.

“I told you that story to calm you down… But please. Forget it.” He said sternly.

“You like him, don’t you?” He asked her. Wiz blushed, but was only visible on her right cheek, lit by the different building lights they walk beside.

“You’re so soft-hearted Wiz. I won’t complain, ‘cause you’re a priestess, but try to be more vigilant. Who knows when he’ll snap and turn on us?” Worry was blended within his words.

“I just don’t want us to trust the wrong person.”

Wiz hopped a few steps ahead of him, and walked backwards, her front facing Gen.

“Well, I’ll prove your silly thoughts wrong…” She giggled and went with the others, unintentionally leaving Gen at the back.

He chuckled and smiled.

“How cute. You’re just like her.”