Chronicles of the Astral Express: First Steps

"Didn't we just have a heartfelt reunion? Why are we doing this again?" Noah's cheek twitched , eyeing Koutaro who was now suited up in an overly flashy high-tech blue knight armor. And Two swords hanging on his waist. One silver and one gold.

"That was that. This is this," Koutaro replied with a suspiciously innocent smile. "We built this machine to 'spar' with you. And since we got the real you, why not test ourselves against you. Totally peaceful. Totally not about revenge."

"Oi…"Noah deadpanned. "You totally mean 'beat me up,' don't you?"

After threatening... Ehem....giving a gentle warning to the higher-ups of Asterisk, Noah now found himself standing in the middle of the simulation room surrounded by the same people Noah called as friends, who according to Koutaro and company, it was time for a 'friendly' spar.

Athena was bouncing on her heels, fists clenched. "Finally! Time to put this blockhead in his place!"

Hayate, in his sharp butler attire, was stretching like someone about to fight in a boxing match.

Yuuya inspected his gear one last time, flashing a bright grin. "Try not to go easy on us, Noah. We want the full Noah experience."

"Crush him, Kou!!!" Minami shouted from the sidelines, already filming with stars in her eyes.

"Everyone just take it easy, okay?" Kaori called out cheerfully.

"If anyone gets injured, please come see me right away," Masha reminded gently, already preparing healing supplies.

"…Minami aside, I'm just glad Kaori and Masha still care about my well-being," Noah muttered under his breath.

"Big brother, have fun!" Nahida chimed in sweetly from beside Masha, waving with both hands.

Nahida!!!!! You're such a precious radish… Noah thought, determination fills him. Alright. Time to crush them all for Nahida~

Meanwhile, across the room, Mahiru, Alya, and Touya's friends were getting ready as well. Originally, they had planned to test themselves against a simulated version of Noah never expecting to face the real one.

"...Is it too late to back out?" Eishirou crouched in the corner, clutching his head. Regret was written all over his face.

"How cowardly, Yabuki," Saya said, checking her cannons and blasters with a judgmental side-eye.

"Easy for you to say!!" Eishirou shot back, jabbing a finger in Noah's direction. "I signed up to challenge a younger, simulated Alden-senpai! Not this one with that look on his face and that aura that says he could crush me while smiling!"

"...That you said aside, I kind of agree with you. But it's not every day we get to test ourselves against the famous Noah Alden," Julis said with a nod.

"Ahaha… to be honest, even I'm a little nervous about facing Alden-senpai," Ayato admitted, scratching his cheek.

"Fue? Even Ayato-senpai?" Kirin gasped. The others all turned to look at Ayato in surprise.

Ayato smiled wryly. "When I activated Shiki earlier, even though it was just a split second… the amount of prana I sensed from him was more than what Mahiru gave off."

"What?" Amane blinked in shock.

In their group, Mahiru's prana levels were the largest. Even if they combine their prana together, it still wouldn't come close to matching hers. Well even Touya who is an Alden and Mahiru's twin brother also has a vast amount of prana. But it is still nothing compared to Mahiru's. 

"...I feel sick…" Itsuki groaned, holding his stomach like he was about to throw up.

"There, there, Ikkun. Just survive for, hmm, ten seconds—no, five seconds. Then you can brag to everyone," Chitose said brightly as she patted his back, though it sounded more like a death sentence than comfort.

"... I only saw Alden-senpai fight once. Back during the Gryps," Claudia shared. "He led a four-man team against a full five, and they won effortlessly. Completely one-sided."

"I saw that too," Saya added, her gaze shifting toward Touya, who was calmly stretching beside Mahiru. "If you think Touya fights like he's already reached the peak, then just wait until you see Senpai in action."

"...Saya," Amane called, glancing at her. "That Gryps you mentioned... that was years ago, right? When Alden-senpai was around our age?"

Saya nodded. "Yeah. And from what Mahiru told me, they entered the Festa to help Ayasaki-senpai. And even then… Alden-senpai was holding back. A lot."

There was a long silence.

"…Can we still back out?" Itsuki and Eishirou asked in perfect unison.

"Maa maa, relax, my dear kouhais~" Minami's voice interrupted cheerfully as she suddenly appeared behind them, holding her ever-ready camera.

"Akatsuki-senpai!!" they all shouted, nearly jumping out of their shoes.

"Senpai!! Please don't sneak up like that! I thought my heart was going to fly into the sun!" Eishirou clutched his chest.

"Ahahaha, sorry sorry!" Minami laughed, pressing her hands together with a playful wink and tongue-out grin.

"Is something wrong, Senpai? Did you come to talk to us about something?" Amane asked, still calming his nerves.

Alya, who had been chatting nearby with Touya and Mahiru, noticed the commotion and came over. "Mina-nee? What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing too serious," Minami said with a bright smile. "I just came to check on our favorite kouhais~ Wanted to see if you were all ready… because it's time to start the Everyone vs Noah-kun Survival Challenge!"

At her announcement, Eishirou and Itsuki visibly tensed.

Julis, Saya, Ayato, Claudia, and Amane all let out long breaths to calm themselves. Kirin, equally nervous and excited, started doing deep breathing exercises. Meanwhile, Mahiru and Touya remained calm and collected, centering their thoughts and breathing to prepare their bodies for the spar.

Alya and Chisato, being non-combatants, stayed behind to observe. Once everyone had regrouped, they walked toward Koutaro and the rest to finalize their battle strategy.

----------------

"Alright everyone, listen up! Today, we face our greatest and most terrifying foe yet!" Koutaro declared, standing confidently at the front as he swept his gaze over the assembled group ready to challenge the so-called 'Demon King' Noah Alden.

"Ooohhh!!!" Athena, Yuuya, Hayate, Minami, Sanae, Shizuka, Theia, and Chisato all cheered in dramatic unison, fists pumping into the air.

The rest Maki, Yurika, Clan, Ruth, Harumi, Kiriha, Julis, Saya, Ayato, Amane, Eishirou, and Itsuki offered a more subdued, nervous round of applause.

Off to the side, Alya, Touya, and Mahiru exchanged exasperated looks.

"It's already chaotic and we haven't even started," Touya muttered, massaging his temple.

"At least they're motivated?" Mahiru tried to defend the others, though her voice carried doubt.

"…And this is all while Nii-san is casually playing cards with Nahida-chan, Masha and Kaori-nee," Alya added dryly, pointing across the room.

Sure enough, seated peacefully on the floor were Noah, Nahida, Masha and Kaori completely absorbed in a friendly card game. The contrast was absurd.

"Ehehe, Sister Masha feels really warm, like Sister Elysia," Nahida giggled, nestled comfortably on Masha's lap.

"Really? Ehehe, I also like hugging Nahida-chan like this," Masha replied with a soft smile. "But… Can you tell me more about this 'Sister Elysia' of yours?"

"...Ah." Noah visibly paled.

"M-Machan? Maybe I should explain that part—"

"Ehh? Why are you turning pale, Noah-kun?" Masha asked sweetly… too sweetly. That it sent shivers down Noah's spine.

Nahida tilted her head innocently. "Is this what they call… shuraba?"

"…Onii-chan is doomed, isn't he," Mahiru said, watching from a distance with arms crossed.

"Would it count as a win if we let Masha-nee use her killer pout on him?" Touya asked, half-serious.

"That's not even a fight anymore!" Alya snapped. "Also, stop trying to weaponize my sister's pout!"

"But it'd be very effective," Touya added with a smirk.

"…Let's not rely on that, please," Mahiru sighed, face in her palm.

"Alright team! We've got a stacked lineup today, and with our trump cards Touya and Mahiru I'm positive we can at least- no! definitely land a hit on Noah!" Koutaro declared with dramatic flair, finger pointed like a commander before a war.

"Land a hit? My knight, aren't you aiming a bit low?" Theia frowned, arms crossed. "With our numbers, wouldn't this be considered bullying Noah Alden?"

"Bullying him? Don't you mean him, bullying us?" Yuuya shuddered as old sparring memories resurfaced like ghosts.

"Theiamillis-san," Harumi said, smiling slightly at her. "if we actually land a hit on Noah-san, I think people might start calling us legends."

"Huh?" Theia blinked. That single syllable of confusion was echoed by almost everyone except Noah's old acquaintances: Saya, Claudia, and Shizuka, who said nothing. They knew better.

"It's fine, Theia," Koutaro said with a used smile. "Once the match starts… you'll get it. Explaining won't help. Experiencing it will."

Theia and the girls gathered around Koutaro exchanged curious glances, intrigued by all the buildup. Meanwhile, Touya's and Mahiru's friends, the younger crowd either paled or stiffened as they felt the pressure..

"Don't worry, guys. Nii-chan will go easy on you," Touya offered, before patting Amane on the shoulder.

"...Touya?" Amane looked at him, puzzled.

Touya leaned in with a grin. "Just make sure Nii-chan doesn't find out about your not so secret relationship with Mahiru. He'll finish you in under five seconds."

"H-huh?!" Amane froze.

SMACK!

"Ow! What was that for?!" Touya yelped, rubbing the back of his head.

"I should be the one asking that!" Mahiru snapped, cheeks burning as she glared at her twin. "What are you telling him?!"

Their classmates burst out laughing. Even Koutaro and the rest cracked smiles as the mood lightened.

"Alright, alright, focus up," Koutaro called out, raising his hand. He looked over the entire group, letting the moment hang before continuing. "Let's get back on track."

"Forward team will be composed of me, Touya, Hayate, Yuuya, Ooya-san, Amagiri-san, Toudou-chan, and Enfield-san," Koutaro announced, pointing at each of them in turn, Touya, Hayate, Yuuya, Shizuka, Ayato, Kirin, and Claudia. "Our objective is simple: overwhelm Noah. Don't give him time to breathe. Don't let him change the tempo. The Orga Lux users will take point, using your weapons' abilities to keep him occupied."

"Please leave it to me, Senpai," Ayato said, gripping Ser-Veresta's handle, determination filled his eyes.

"I'll do my best as well, Satomi-senpai," Claudia added, revealing the twin blades, Pan-Dora with a smile.

Koutaro turned to Touya next. "You'll be our key player, Touya. You're the only one here who can move on the same level as Noah and you're wielding his old partner, Wole-Zain."

"Leave it to me, Kou-nii," Touya replied with a confident grin. At his words, Wole-Zain's manadyte shone faintly, as if answering his resolve. Koutaro couldn't help but smile back.

"Middle guard will be Athena, Theia, Ruth-san, Sanae, Yurika, Aika-san, Riessfeld-san, Akazawa-san, Sasamiya-san, and Yabuki-san." Koutaro looked at each of them with a firm nod. "Your job is to stop Noah from changing the flow of the battle. That guy's specialty is turning subtle movements into a complete reversal. If you feel the rhythm changing to his advantage, cut it off. Don't let him take control."

He paused, then added, "Also, watch out when using ranged attacks. Noah's got a habit of doing crazy things like… catching them. Or worse."

"Huh? I can understand spells since I saw Touya do that Alden Magic Breaker thing… but even bullets, Senpai?" Eishiro asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yep~ especially bullets," Minami grinned, popping into frame with her camera. "Noah-kun treats them like confetti. Cuts them, swats lasers, even throws them back like party favors."

Eishiro stared at her. "...Why does that sound so casually terrifying?!"

"Because it is casually terrifying," Yuuya muttered.

"Hey, look at the bright side," Sanae chimed in. "If we all die, we'll die looking good!"

"That's… not really helping," Ruth said with a flat look.

Seeing no more questions, Koutaro exhaled and turned toward the final group: Mahiru, Harumi, Clan, Kiriha, and Amane.

"Rear guard will be Sakuraba-senpai, Clan, Kiriha-san, Mahiru-chan, and Fujimiya-san." Koutaro took a deep breath before continuing. "Your main job is to provide support for the forward team and back up the middle guard when needed."

He turned to Mahiru. "Mahiru-chan, you're our trump card. With your prana reserves and mastery of Alden family magic, you're the only one who can match Noah's spells. More importantly, you've got the firepower to actually break through his defenses."

"Leave it to me, Kou-nii," Mahiru replied with a confident smile. "I've been waiting for a reason to show Onii-chan how much I've grown." She turned to her twin. "Touya, you'll know what to do when I break through, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," Touya replied, lazily waving his hand. "As soon as you crack his shield, I'll bust through the opening like a proper brother."

"Then finally, Fujimiya-san." Koutaro looked toward Amane. "Your priority is to guard Mahiru. You've got the strongest shield here. Protect her no matter what. She's our key to victory."

"I understand," Amane said firmly. "As long as I stand, no harm will come to Mahiru."

His declaration earned him a round of whistles and teasing looks.

Mahiru flushed, but a grin tugged at her lips. "Geez... you really didn't have to say it like that in front of everyone."

Touya snorted. "Smooth. Real smooth, Amane."

Alya nudged Mahiru from the side, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "Should we start calling him your knight in shining armor now?"

Mahiru shot her a glare, though it was more cute than threatening. "Alya!!"

"Alright everyone!" Koutaro raised his voice to rally them one last time. "Let's go out there and finally land a hit on Noah! This time, we're getting through!"

"Ohhh!!" came the united cheer.

Now that everyone isready and set for the big match, they turned to get into position but… the sight that greeted them in the middle of the simulation room made all of them stumble.

There, seated in the most casual formation imaginable, were Noah, Nahida, Masha, and Kaori playing cards like it was a lazy afternoon tea party.

"Then I will take this," Nahida announced with a victorious smile, pulling a card from Masha's hand. "Yes! Nahida wins!"

"Uwahhh!! The joker again?! Are you kidding me?!" Masha threw her cards down, despair flooding her voice.

Kaori giggled. "Masha-chan… maybe luck-based games aren't your strong point."

"Machan, you're just easy to read," Noah added, leaning his chin lazily against his palm with a half-sympathetic look. "Your cheeks twitch every time you have a bad hand."

"Ugh! One more round! I'm not going down like this!" Masha flailed, pointing dramatically.

"Let's save it for next time, Sister Maria," Nahida said sweetly, patting her hand. "Everyone's ready now."

"Noooo~!" Masha cried, defeated.

Kaori gently tugged on her arm. "Come on, let's move to the side. They're about to start."

As the others moved into formation, Noah stretched his arms behind his head and looked over at Koutaro.

"Finally done with your war council?" he asked, voice low and eyes half-lidded in amusement.

Koutaro's brow twitched. "You're awfully laid back. Ready to get smacked around, Mr. Prodigy?"

Noah raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Guess we'll find out. Try not to cry when you miss."

The two locked eyes for a brief, tense rivalry before breaking away to take their places on the battlefield.

—-

[Welcome everyone tuning in live from Asterisk City and from the other world where our dear friend Noah currently resides!] Minami greeted cheerfully, facing her camera with practiced energy.

[This is the most anticipated showdown, Noah Alden versus the elites of Seidoukan Academy!]

The camera panned across the simulation arena, capturing the tense atmosphere and every participant in position.

[I'm your host, Akatsuki Minami, and joining me for commentary are Kaori Houjou, Chisato Shirakawa, Alya Kujou, and Masha Ald—Ahem—Kujo!]

[Minami-chan!!] Masha protested, cheeks flushed red as she shot the girl a glare. Alya and Kaori immediately burst into giggles.

Seated beside them, Nahida tilted her head in confusion. "Is 'Ald' some kind of nickname?"

[Ahaha, sorry sorry~] Minami waved her hand, clearly not sorry at all. [Moving on! We have a special guest joining us from another world. Please welcome Nahida-chan!]

The camera zoomed in as Nahida gave a bright wave. [Hello everyone, Nahida's name is Nahida. I've been under Big Brother Noah's care. Nahida is excited to share her thoughts on today's match!]

[Ahaha~ It seems our adorable Nahida-chan can't wait anymore!] Minami chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm. [Oya? Looks like everyone is ready now! We're about to begin the first Asterisk Cross-World Exhibition Match in 3… 2…]

On one side of the field stood Noah, his Lux Lightsaber drawn and blade glowing in blue light.

"Let's see how much you've improved during the six months I was gone," he said with his voice carrying across the arena.

On the opposing side, Koutaro stepped forward with Signaltin in hand. Touya, Yuuya, Hayate, and Ayato stood at his flanks, the first wave ready to engage.

"You damn idiot," Koutaro muttered with a smirk. "We're going to knock that smug look off your face."

[...1!!! BATTLE START!!!!]