Grey: Monsters

Lieutenant Kotomine Issei, a name familiar to everyone in the military base and the entirety of Shibuya, was once again the subject of conversation.

"Sarada, what is this?" I asked, barely able to breathe.

"It's the real deal, my friend! I chatted with him last night and spilled the beans. Told him how you loved him and dreamed of being his girlfriend—"

"I never said that!"

Indeed, I never did. In fact, I have no emotional attraction to anyone, including Issei. But according to what I hear every day, and from most of the girls around, he kind of likes me.

"You don't need to say something to feel something, my friend!"

"Ehh?"

"You know what I'm talking about. For now, let's head to the training ground. You've got a lot to teach me, Saiya."

"Hmm… sure."

This is the worst. I'm definitely going to see him there. How am I supposed to approach him after what Sarada just did to me?

Haaa…

I'm just going to act normal, as always. Yes, that's what I'm going to do.

With determination in my eyes, I headed to the training ground with Sarada.

As soon as I entered the training ground, I covered my nose—the stench of combined sweat hit me like a wave. It was almost unbearable, but I had to cope with it every day. My nose has been overly sensitive for as long as I can remember. That's one reason my parents started baking sweets; I love the smell of sweets. It's said that the scent of Nephilim is that of a decayed corpse, and I've found that to be true. The stronger the Nephilim, the worse the smell.

The training ground was divided into three sections: the shooting practice ground for those who use weapons, the melee practice ground, and the combat ground. All of these were located inside a massive building.

Unlike the shooting and melee areas, the combat ground was used for both training and exams for aspiring rangers.

We made our way to the melee practice ground. I've always had a strong affinity for close combat and, admittedly, I'm pretty flashy at it. I noticed this early on when I first enrolled. As for Sarada... well, I still think she became a ranger because of me. She lacks skills in close combat, can't shoot, and has no technical abilities to work behind the scenes as a strategist.

The melee practice ground was a vast auditorium with three training areas. Along the sides of these grounds were wooden weapons: daggers, swords, spears, hammers, axes, and more—all made of wood.

"Good morning, Lieutenant Saiya!"

"Good morning, everyone," I replied, still smiling.

We walked up to a man clad in a standard training kit—the training director.

"Good morning, Captain Oka," I greeted him.

"Morning, Cap'n Oka!" Sarada echoed.

"Oh, good morning, Lieutenant Saiya, Cadet Sarada. I see you two are here again, as usual," he said.

"Yes, it's important to stay fit," I replied.

"That's certainly true, but while it's important to stay fit, you also need to watch your health…" He leaned closer to me and whispered, "…It's important to take breaks, you know. You're a fine woman. Watch your body—it's a great asset. You don't want to get all dried up and have your, you know, 'boobies' get saggy. Hahaha!" He laughed afterward.

"Gosh, Cap'n, you're such a pervert!" Sarada whines

That's just who he is, though. And nobody hates him for it. He adds a bit of fun to the training ground when things are gloomy. He's a good man.

"Sarada, let's go get ready."

"Hm! Yeah," she replied.

We grabbed our weapons. As usual, I spent more time teaching Sarada than training myself, although I always make time for my own practice.

Sarada picked up a wooden sword, while I opted for two katanas.

As we stood facing each other, a crowd began to gather around to watch. This had become a regular occurrence, so it didn't bother me anymore. As for Sarada… well…

"Sarada, focus," I said.

"Y-Yes!" she stammered, gripping her sword tightly and staring at my feet. She was focused, indeed.

"Here I come!" I announced.

I kicked forward and sidestepped to the right, appearing at her side. I swung my blade, and though she managed to block it, the force sent her stumbling back.

"Ohh??!" the crowd exclaimed.

"You've gotten better," I noted.

"Y-Yeah," she replied.

"Then how about blocking this one—"

I began running in a slow circle around her. She tracked my movements keenly, until I suddenly shot forward, appearing in front of her.

Nnh...

She followed my movement, raising her sword to block. But I sidestepped again, this time appearing behind her and striking her back with my katana.

"Ohhh, awesome!!" the crowd cheered.

"Awww... I made sure to pay attention this time!" Sarada whined, as usual.

"It's alright, Sarada. You did well," I said, helping her to her feet.

"As excellent as always, Saiya," a familiar voice called out. Calm and low-pitched, it was the kind of voice that could charm any average girl. It belonged to Kotomine Issei.

"It's nothing. It's Sarada I fought with, after all. I wouldn't stand a chance against you," I laughed.

"Hey, don't badmouth me in front of Issei!" Sarada protested.

"Haha... but really, you looked amazing, as always," Issei said, walking closer and locking eyes with me, those piercing blue eyes of his. But I didn't feel anything—nothing at all. I feel nothing for anyone, and it leaves me wondering, will I ever find the right person? Well I didn't care about that.

Everything was fine until I remembered what Sarada showed me. My face flushed red, and I quickly averted my gaze.

For the first time in my life, I broke eye contact with a man.

Curse you, Sarada!

"Lieutenant Saiya, I'm looking for Lieutenant Saiya!" someone called out, entering the training ground.

"I'm over here," I replied.

"Oh, there you are. You've been summoned by Captain Leonard. He's in the office," the soldier said.

"Hm? Is it for a mission outside?" I asked.

"No, I don't think so."

"Then what happened? He only calls me for missions."

"Well, news hasn't reached here yet, but someone was found outside the walls…"

The crowd gathered closer, listening.

"...and after a thorough check, we discovered some strange things. He's scheduled for interrogation in an hour, and they need someone from Squad Seven to serve as a guard."

"And I'm the representative, right?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Alright, I'm off then. Sarada, I'll catch up with you later."

***

I was now in my battle suit, with two daggers at my sides. I stood outside the interrogation room, looking through the glass at a young man with wavy hair, a well-built physique, and dull, blue eyes. His eyes were truly unsettling, almost lifeless.

"You're here, Lieutenant Saiya," an older man in a lab coat approached me.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted him.

"Morning. Here," he handed me an X-ray of the man's chest. To me, someone unfamiliar with the human body, he seemed fine.

"Although he has a heart, it's not beating. It's just… there. And here, look at these strange markings all over his body."

The scars and marks were certainly unusual. They didn't look natural at all.

"I needed a guard to accompany me while I ask him some questions," the old man said.

"Alright, let's go," I agreed, taking one last glance through the window. I thought about Sarada and Kotomine.

What a day this had been, and it was only a few hours in.

As I wrapped my thoughts around it, I found myself wondering...as I got drawn to him, could this strange man be my ideal? No, no. He doesn't even look human. That pale skin, those terrifying eyes. If there's anything I should admire, it's his hair.

I followed the old man as the iron door swung open.

As soon as I stepped into the room, a powerful smell hit me, overwhelming my senses. Without thinking, I drew one of my daggers, ready to strike.

My mind was racing with a single question

"What kind of being is this?!"