Leave a comment

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

The following Monday, as scheduled, the aptitude tests for the Mecha Soldiers were conducted. For Class F, settings were prepared for two units: the standard Legion and my Arkecius, which was permitted as a special exception.

The testing process involved connecting a specialized measurement device to a control circuit known as the Sphere, located inside the cockpit of the mecha. Each class was assigned one Legion fitted with the device, and to ensure transparency, the cockpit’s interior was projected onto an external display via projection magic. My Arkecius was similarly equipped with the device and display setup.

“Arkecius—I was expecting some antique, but this is amazing,” Romeo said in wonder.
“When I found it at the bazaar, it was an antique. It was labeled as scrap at the time.”
“And yet, you have raised it to this level, Miss Leafa! I might just awaken to a love for Subordinate Units like this!” Isaac said excitedly.

The two, who prided themselves on being mecha enthusiasts, were equally captivated. They examined my Arkecius with reverence.

“Seeing the Legion up close and actually getting to board one is thrilling enough. But encountering Arkecius on the same day—this feels like fate,” Romeo mused, his expression sincere.
“Well, it’s undoubtedly rare as a working unit,” I noted.
“Rare? No, this is nothing short of a miracle!” Isaac declared, his voice trembling with emotion. He seemed on the verge of tears.

His reaction reminded me of my father’s words when we found Arkecius at the market. He had said that its mere existence was akin to a miracle. If that’s true, seeing it repaired, modified, and operational must be a moving experience for enthusiasts like Isaac and Romeo.

I gazed up at Arkecius, my faithful machine. Its cylindrical head and torso were distinct features. Having been active during my days as Glass, it carried a unique sentimental weight.

“Hey, is everyone ready? We’re about to start,” Mr. Tanutanu called out, signaling that the Professor had completed the preparations.

At the sound of his voice, Isaac suddenly snapped to attention, saluting Romeo with a determined expression.

“Sir Romeo, I shall experience the Legion’s cockpit on your behalf!”
“Do your best, Isaac!” Romeo cheered him on.

As a member of the Halflings, Romeo couldn’t participate in the tests. However, it seemed likely he would get a chance to board later. Rather than sulk about his inability to participate, Romeo had spent the time expressing envy over my decision to bring Arkecius.

“I’m sure Romeo will create his own machine while he’s still in school,” I said, watching Isaac and Romeo head toward the Legion with bright enthusiasm.
“Nyaha. Even if he can’t ride it, it looks like he’s having fun,” Farah responded with a chuckle, nodding in agreement.

Next to her, Alfe also seemed excited, though there was a hint of unease in her demeanor. She looked a little fidgety, likely nervous.

“Hm? What’s wrong, Alfe?”

Noticing the change, Farah asked on my behalf. Alfe let out a long exhale and brushed her bangs away from her eyes.

“Well, this is my first time riding a Mecha Soldier, so I’m a little nervous… What about you, Farah? Aren’t you?”
“Not me. I inherited my Mecha Soldier from my dad,” Farah replied nonchalantly, glancing toward Class A. “If I’d known exceptions were allowed, I would’ve brought mine too,” she added with a hint of regret.

The special exceptions didn’t necessarily require physical limitations like mine, so some Class A students had brought their own mechs. I noticed that most of their machines appeared to be based on the Löwe design, just like my father’s mecha. It wasn’t clear whether they were privately acquired or followed certain school guidelines.

“That’s so cool—you’ve got a hand-me-down from your dad,” Alfe said, her nervousness easing as her expression softened.

As the two chatted, Vannabelle, with her long rabbit ears, perked up, clearly having overheard them.

“Huh? But Mecha Soldiers aren’t the kind of thing you can just buy on a whim, right? They’re crazy expensive, aren’t they?”
“Nya…”

Farah winced, scratching at her cat-like ears, her expression betraying her discomfort.

“Ah… I really slipped up there. I wasn’t gonna bring it up since it’s such a downer, but my dad’s no longer with us. He… passed away in the line of duty.”
“…Oh. That’s what you meant…”

Vannabelle’s face turned sheepish, realizing she had stepped into a sensitive subject. It was clear her curiosity had been innocent, but her drooping rabbit ears made her feelings of guilt painfully obvious.

“Nyaha, it’s all in the past now. Don’t make that face!” Farah said brightly, laughing as she gave Vannabelle a hearty slap on the back.
“ “That is right! Cheer up, o Bunny Class Rep!” ”

The voice of agreement came from none other than Lili-Lulu.

“Lili-Lulu, what’s up?”
“ “We sensed Alfe’s nervousness and came to her aid. We do not abandon our own,” ” they replied with their usual dramatic flair.

Though their words were grandiose, it was clear Lili-Lulu had come out of genuine concern for Alfe. Though they didn’t have Pure Eyes, as dark elves with significant magical power, Lili-Lulu might have some ability to sense aether —or perhaps it was some subtle connection shared between elves. I doubted I would understand it even if it was explained, since it must be something intuitive.

“Should we dance then?”
“ “We came for that.” ”

Hand in hand, Alfe and Lili-Lulu began to twirl in a playful dance, their movements light and joyful.

“Let me join in!”
“Me too~!”

Vannabelle and Numelin eagerly stepped into the circle, joining the impromptu dance.

“Come on, you guys, get in here!” Vannabelle called out, motioning toward me and Hom.

I never expected to be invited by Vannabelle like this.

“You’re pretty into it, Vannabelle,” I asked, offering my left hand to Vannabelle while I took Hom’s hand and joined the circle.

She laughed sheepishly, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment, as she reached out and took my hand.

“At first, I thought it was some weird ritual. But now, it feels more like a good-luck charm. I kinda like it.”
“Nyaha, I get what you mean,” Farah chimed in, her usual bright smile firmly in place.

As our group kept dancing, it was clear Alfe’s nervousness had finally melted away.

“ “This dance has the power to bestow the blessing of the Dark Elves,” ” Lili-Lulu said with a serious face.
“For real?!” Vannabelle exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief.
“ “We just made that up¹.” ”
“Nyahaha! Of course you did,” Farah burst out laughing at their hard-to-understand joke, which gradually infected the rest.

Even if the so-called Dark Elf blessing wasn’t real, the ritual Lili-Lulu had initiated did wonders to lighten the mood.

Thanks to them, the air around the F-Class remained cheerful and relaxed, even as we approached the measurement test.

1. Robinxen: I want to be blessed by the twins!

Support Us

Unlock Early Access ------- Select Project ------- Project Gender Bender Project Necro ∴ Support your favorite series and unlock chapters before the public release.