[AN: I just noticed I didn't describe sub-races at all lol!]

[Mersa: Haaaaaaaah!]

Strike made by white M-Armor connected and made a dent in the opponent's armor.

Every single M-Armor is custom made. It is carefully crafted to reflect the image of the user. When one operates M-Armor his mind controls the Photon Core and distributes out the photons. The bigger resemblance to the original the higher affinity and control pilot will receive.

One's body is accustomed to it's shape, therefore for a proper photon circulation will only need a man shaped shape. But it is still possible to make a bit of 'improvements'. For example there are ones with weapons built directly into their body, laser holes on the palm and other similar modifications.

Rarely, there is a pilot who requests a bigger modification and that is additional limb, but one or two was a limit for most of them, because just that requires incredible amount of concentration and training, imagine yourself suddenly growing an arm. Now move it... Now move it with enough proficiency to fight.

There are special models with more limbs, but they are operated by special sub-races such as Arachnids and like who have additional subconscious help from their lineage.

Mersa opted for a normal one, no gimmicks. Just a sword and her claws were her weapons. Right now a group of engineers were swarming around it making minor repairs and performing usual check ups. Similarity between her and her M-Armor was outstanding...

[Celina: Seems like you are in a perfect form.]

Celina was a 16 years old chief engineer of a team responsible for several M-Armors, Mersa's included. A Tiger Mid sub-race wouldn't immediately blow you away, but she was plainly cute. Just as all other sub-races the only thing she was different from her ancestors (humans) were ears and presence of a tail. In other words tiger-type nekomimi!

[Mersa: Ehehe~]

[Celina: Let me guess~ Is it because of your lover?]

One of the characteristics of the sub-races is their ability to make a partial transformation, usually a limb, the most gifted are capable of changing all four at once!

[Mersa: *blush* L-l-lover? *blush level 99*]

[Celina: Haha, you don't even deny it. I heard that that boy saved your live huh? He must value you a lot.]

While Mersa was still overheating tiger girl thought back to the events from a day before.

***

The 'powerless' came to the workshop. At that moment several groups were working on one of the Colloses.

[???: Hey! This area is only for registered group members only.]

A voice called out to him. In elite school such as Athena's there is a possibility of a sabotage, therefore several Mechs already surrounded Vorst.

[Vorst: I see...]

[???: Please leave.]

[Vorst: Actually I came here looking for someone.]

[???: I'm sorry to inform you that Wolf Princess is not here.]

Even on his first day of transfer Vorst was already known by all of the girls in school. The only boy, powerless, what's more his image was broadcasted for the past three days with an announcement that prohibited bullying him.

[Vorst: I know. I'm actually looking for a girl named Celina Za]

[???: Za-chan? What do you need her for?]

[Vorst: I'm interested in her invention.]

[???: Oh? Controlled Bots? *After a little thought.* Za-chan! Powerless is here to meet you!]

[#1: Powerless?!]

[#2: Oh the rumored boy?]

[#3: He is here?]

[#4: Hmm.. "He is less skinny than I thought he would be"]

A crowd gathered around immediately, most of the eyes were looking at him with contempt but there were a few that looked at him with interest. From the crowd a tiger girl appeared.

[Celina: What do you need me for? I'm quite busy unlike some powerless.]

Her attitude was quite harsh, in her eyes Vorst was only leeching off the Wolf Princess.

[Vorst: Name's Vorst. I wanted to see your Controlled Bot.]

Celina squinted..

[Celina: My Controlled Bot? What do you need it for? Even if you wanted it as a toy you won't be able to use it.]

That was the truth, the control over her invention was incredibly difficult, and so far only she was capable of using it with enough proficiency to be actually useful.

[Vorst: Can you let me see it?]

[Celina: Heh, do you think you can really use it? Ok come here.]

With a mocking smile she led him away from the hangar to stop disrupting others, and with a gesture a metallic object flew over arrived next to Vorst. It was, round, twice of size of a basket ball, there were all kinds of tools attached to it. Thanks to this bot Celina's pace of work increased tremendously, while others had to input commands to their Engineering Bots, she could instruct it to do everything in her mind, what's more it completed the work with higher accuracy.

Boy made a step towards the ball and touched it with his hand...

[Vorst: Hmm.. As I thought... Close... definitely...]

As he was mumbling away she giggled, She had no idea what the 'powerless' wanted to do she just thought that he was trying to move it, but failed. After several seconds boy lifted his head and his green eyes looked straight at the tiger girl.

[Vorst: Thank you. You saved me years of time.]

[Celina: Wh-wha?]

That answer was totally unexpected.

[Vorst: Still, it is a bit incomplete.]

[Celina: I-Incomplete?!]

Mechanic was totally shocked. Her bot was called hard to control or even unwieldy, but never incomplete!

[Celina: W-WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT TO CA-..]

Her shout was cut off as the sphere suddenly started spinning in high speed then abruptly stopped.

[Vorst: Anyone exerting control over it can manipulate it. Plus...]

Bot suddenly dropped to the ground.

[Vorst: With a disruption of the control it fails. That is a major mistake, what if it causes accident when you suddenly pass out?]

Silence.

[Vorst: As a thanks I can provide you with a bit of help. The control problem can be solved by adding a slight modification to it. Most efficient method will be a dual core. Add a supplementary core that will be mainly responsible for help with flight system, it will lessen a burden on the user and secure the bot when user forgets about it. As to how to limit others from using the bot... I don't have any suitable method for you, you will need to research it by yourself. Now that I finished what I came here for please excuse me.]

Silence remained as he turned around... Her eyes were on the silhouette of the boy until he disappeared behind the closing doors... Then the bubble busted, his control was definitely higher than hers...

***

[Celina: Anyway, unlike yesterday your concentration today was top notch. Keep up with the good work.]

[Mersa: Hehe~ Thank you.]

Mersa recalled the conversation with Vorst this morning.

***

On one of the lawns inside the Athena's main headquarters there were two beings. This time it was Vorst's turn to lay on the lap of the wolf girl.

[Mersa: ... I see...]

[Vorst: Yes...]

[Mersa: Well... Since you already decided then It's alright...]

[Vorst: ... Something is bothering you?]

[Mersa: Um... *blush* I-I-I just thought that I will miss looking at Vor-chan holding sword...]

[Vorst: Oh. I never said I'll give up the sword!]

[Mersa: Eh?]

[Vorst: Heh, besides if you slack off I might become a Swordsman before you.]

[Mersa: E-eh?!]

Officially the gap between her and Vorst became even bigger, but as she gazed upon those emerald eyes she felt that overflowing confidence. It reminded her of the old days when he timidly confided her about his goal. With a shy voice grey eyed Vorst said "I-I-I want to become a Swordsman!". The green eyed Vorst on the other hand confidently put it "I will become a Swordsman. That's set in stone." She admitted that the latter looked more manly. He even threatened that he will surpass her. That was cute.

[Vorst: I just thought that I will focus a bit on Engineering for now, it caught my attention.]

[Mersa: Okay, I'll ask Headmistress-sensei to provide support for you.]

[Vorst: Thank you. Just a workshop will be fine.]

[Mersa: Mhm, do you need anything else? A team?]

[Vorst: No, I just wanted to try something out, no need to involve anyone else.]

[Mersa: Okay~~]

[Vorst: When I get good at it I'll build you something!]

[Mersa: Hehe, I'll be waiting~]

Time peacefully passed as she played with his black hair.

***

[Classmate 1: Kyaaa~~ It's Silver Knight-sama.]

[Classmate 2: So handsome~]

[Classmate 3: Are you married sensei?]

[Classmate (all): Kyaaa~ Kyaaa~]

[Non-classmate 1: So unfair!! Why class D has Silver Liger as a homeroom teacher?]

[Non-classmate 2: I want my aptitude to drop...]

...

Mistglan was staring at the horizon while trying to escape reality.

[Vorst: It's no use Mistglan-sensei, when it comes to this you just have to take responsibility. Hold your head high with dignity and take them.]

11 years old child who was standing next to him was nodding as if he was immensely experienced.

[Mistglan: What are you talking about you brat!]

A lightning-like punch descended on the head of the 'powerless', it wasn't too hard nor too weak, it had exactly right amount of force to hurt.

...

Every morning (from 6:00 to 10:00) there was an Instruction time. Teachers would hold sparring sessions, and on their basis point out simple mistakes, correct postures and give some pointers.

After several sparring matches...

[Mistglan: How about it Vorst? Do you want to try anyone?]

[Vorst: ... No.]

Liger nodded. In his eyes the 'powerless' was back to 1st LST, Mistglan thought that the boy didn't wanted to fight a losing battle.

[Mistglan: Don't be discouraged. Just watch and learn in the meantime. But remember, the easiest way is to let your body learn it, just tell me when you are ready for a match.]

[Vorst: ... Got it.]

In Vorst's eyes he had every single classmate on one, at most two moves. There was nothing to learn when there was such enormous difference between them, namely he would rather spend this time focusing on gathering pure nano-photons.

On his side, one person was glancing at him from time to time.

***

[--Marc--: She is too perceptive.]

[--Calla--: That much?]

[--Marc--: Yes, her insight is one of the highest that I ever saw.]

Insight refers to the intuition. There are several types of intuitions but in the end they all point down to what generally is known as Insight. A person with good insight is capable of noticing what others easily overlooked.

In terms of intuition about other person character Claire's level was comparable to Marc's! She lost the first round only because her experience was inferior to 40,000 years old Adamantine Dragon.

[--Marc--: Therefore Lily, I'll be counting on you.]

[--Lily--: As you wish.]

To counter the insight one has to possess incredible talent in acting. And that's where Lily came in. Not only she was naturally gifted with natural-born actress ability and playful personality, but she also possessed the 'Omen of Deceit', and when she used it even Marc wasn't capable of figuring out the truth from the lies.

***

[Claire: Engineering huh?]

[Vorst: Yes.]

Young boy answered with sincere expression. Headmistress in return nodded knowingly.

[Claire: May I know why?]

[Vorst: I want to become Mer-chan's strength.]

A straightforward answer with a strong gaze. That of course made Headmistress warm inside.

[Claire: Then are you giving up on Soldier's way because it's too difficult?]

[Vorst: I'm not giving up. I will become a Swordsman... But it will take too long, so I thought that I should do something in the meantime to not to become completely useless to Mer-chan.]

Elf woman nodded approvingly. Though right now something inside her was telling her that something was wrong because it was perfectly right, but after questioning him a little longer that doubt melt away. The boy in front of her still showed that feeling of great confidence after all.

[Claire: I see. Then let me give you an advice. Challenge Alchemy too.]

[Vorst: Alchemy?]

[Claire: Fufu, yes. Engineering is mainly about scripting the Crystals and repairing them. Alchemy is all about fusing crystals and other materials to make Alchemical Metals. Normally a person mainly focuses on one of them while learning only a little of the other. But if you become master in those two it will make you capable not only to repair but also to create nearly anything. Though you will still be limited by your poor photon pool it won't be as bad as being a soldier.]

[Vorst: Then if I master Engineering and Alchemy I can become Mer-chan's strength right?]

[Claire: Yes, I guarantee it.]

A brilliant smile appeared on the child's face.

[Vorst: Thank you! Thank you very much Headmistress-sensei!]

[Claire: Fufu.]

Elf was definitely very proud of him.

[--Lily--: Hehe, piece of cake. *V sign*]

[--Calla--: ... "Those lies on the spot... With straight face... No matter how many times I see it, It's just too much..."]

[--Marc--: That was terrific, as always.]

[--Lily--: Hehe~~ I want a reward later at night~]

***

Later that day he was brought to a large modern three story house that was located in the privileged area of the Institute.

[Mistglan: Since you are the only male on campus plus you requested a private workshop, Headmistress decided to grant you a special lodging. Normally one of those is only given to extremely gifted student. It has all facilities you would think of. Warehouse, hangar, workshop, alchemy lab, everything.]

On campus there were only 12 of those and before they arrived only 8 of them were occupied. His relationship with Mersa was also one of the factors.. actually the largest factor.

[Vorst: That's nice.]

[Mistglan: Normally it can house ten students, and usually you would invite your teammates... however until you reach adulthood (15) you are not allowed to have roommates.

[Vorst: I see...]

[Mistglan: Until that time for your teammates we will provide the housing that is just two five minutes away. That building.]

Liger pointed at a nearby skyscraper.

[Mistglan: It is one of many dormitories. You are not allowed to be enter those.]

[Vorst: Not even after adulthood?]

*Hit*

[Mistglan: Even AFTER and especially AFTER adulthood you still need to have a SPECIAL permission!]

[Vorst: Got it. *massaging sore place*]

***

[--Lily--: That one?]

[--Marc--: Hmm... Yes it seems quite nice. But isn't 5th LST cave too weak?]

If any other 4th Low Step Tier heard him they would definitely cry.

[--Calla--: That one. No other parties even close to it, and 7th LST is just right.]

[--Lily--: Hmm. I guess a bit of challenge is always more welcome than an easy ride.]

[--Marc--: It's decided then.]

Special housing was equipped with 5 personal collection bots and 3 storage bots that were for its exclusive use. After he donned on his Armor, Marc thoroughly checked that his Emergency Signal was cut off, then boarded a private shuttle and gave shuttle-bot coordinates...

Welcome Vorst. Measurement of your core indicate 4th LST. No change. Try harder!

Map updated. Please register party members. When finished please issue command End.

[Vorst: End.]

Your party has one party member: Vorst. Enjoy the Hunt.

[Vorst: That's right. It's time to hunt.]

A predatory smile appeared on the face of the 11 years old child.

***

Later that night...

Redhead bit her lower lip as she came inside the throne room.

[--Lily--: Marc, you promised me a reward...]

A young boy immediately appeared on the throne. With a smile he nodded and closed his eyes.

[--Marc--: Come here Lily.]

As golden violet aura gathered around him boy's appearance changed. His body transformed, his face aged, and hair grew and changed to blond. If only one word was used to describe him right now it would be: God. In Earth terms he looked in mid twenties. From his completely symmetrical face power and authority was simply pouring out. Although he was wearing simple black clothes, he was overflowing with elegance and dignity. As he opened his eyes, violet irises with vertical pupils immediately fixed on the woman before him. It was a gaze of a predator that spotted his next victim.

[--Marc--: Come here Lily.]

This time command came with adult voice and it was accompanied by absolute force that made demoness weak in her knees.

[--Lily--: Y-yes my Emperor.]

She answered with entranced voice as she was drawn closer, and then Lilith Lily Loki received her reward.