Chapter 38 — The Calm Before the Storm

As the military car moved forward, Yuki looked out the window.

The car was crossing a bridge that extended several kilometers over the sea. From a distance, Yuki could see her destination.

It was Military Base Delta 55, a gigantic complex built near the coast of Nova City, surrounded by the sea on almost every side.

Base Delta 55 was constantly on alert. Dozens of armored boats patrolled its perimeter, accompanied by several helicopters watching the skies. Hundreds of soldiers were also stationed throughout the base, keeping watch from dozens of guard towers.

It was one of the two major bases selected for the mass production of the new Stellar Energy weapons, so the military had to remain extremely vigilant.

Yuki continued watching the sea until she turned toward one of the soldiers sitting nearby.

"...Have there been any new developments regarding the Witches of Sin?"

At her question, the soldier immediately answered.

"...Nothing yet. During the last three days, there haven't been any more attacks... not from the Witches, nor from the monsters they control."

Yuki narrowed her eyes.

Three weeks had passed since the failed assault at the mall.

During those weeks, many cities had been under constant attack by swarms of black goblins and lethal humanoid wooden puppets.

Throughout these attacks, both Endou and Yuki had been prohibited from engaging the enemy. As a result, they had been forced to remain on the sidelines while countless brave soldiers defended the cities.

At first, there had been numerous casualties. However, that had quickly changed.

Thanks to Gero Sullivan, the military had managed to mass-produce numerous prototype Stellar Energy rifles, which had helped suppress the enemy forces.

With this new technology, the military was finally able to defend the cities with minimal casualties, as Stellar Energy weapons proved extremely effective against the monsters.

For almost two weeks, the military had been defending the cities while swarms of black goblins and wooden puppets continued their relentless attacks.

That was until three days ago, when the attacks suddenly stopped without explanation.

And throughout that entire period, there had been no sign of any of the four Witches of Sin.

Yuki then took out her phone and placed a call. It rang only once before the person on the other end answered.

"...Yuki... Is everything all right?"

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Endou's calm voice came through the phone.

Yuki quickly answered with a faint smile.

"...Everything is running on schedule here. I just called to see how things were going on your end."

Endou let out a small sigh before answering.

"...I'd like to say things are going well. However... panic still seems to be spreading throughout the country."

Endou muttered with a tired expression.

Aside from overseeing the production of Stellar Energy weapons in Starlight City, he had been tasked by the government with using his public image to help calm the situation across the country.

Unfortunately, much of what had happened during the assault at the mall had been leaked to the public.

News had spread that the newly introduced Next Generation Bravers had died, and that Saki Nidou, another of the original Bravers, had gone missing.

Afterward, riots had erupted throughout the country, with protesters taking to the streets and even launching violent assaults against several government facilities.

Fortunately, the government had managed to keep the truth hidden from the public.

The missing Bravers—Taichi Konoha, Roland Stronoff, Sakura Tendo, and Saki Nidou—were the four Witches of Sin responsible for the attacks on humanity.

If that information ever got out, there was no doubt it could potentially lead to the collapse of the country.

The thought of civilians learning that the very heroes who had once saved the world were now the Witches responsible for thousands of casualties across the country was almost unimaginable.

As things stood, Endou had been giving numerous interviews and addressing the public at various events.

Surprisingly, his calm demeanor during interviews and public appearances seemed to be helping keep the situation somewhat under control.

Thankfully, it seemed that people had not completely lost faith in the remaining Bravers.

"...Have you heard anything about Ryuen?"

Endou answered almost immediately.

"...Nothing yet."

"...I see..."

Yuki replied quietly, a slight sense of worry creeping into her voice despite her attempt to remain composed.

After the events at the mall, Ryuen had gone completely silent. He had canceled all his movies and public appearances, effectively withdrawing from his acting career and cutting off all communication with both the public and the military.

"...Don't worry about Ryuen. He's not the kind of person to just sit around and do nothing."

Endou spoke as though he could sense Yuki's worried thoughts.

"...Right..."

Yuki answered.

Just then, she noticed people approaching Endou, apparently preparing for his next meeting.

"...Sorry, Yuki... The meeting I'm heading to is about to start."

"...Understood. Take care."

However, before Endou could hang up, he spoke again.

"...And Yuki... don't lower your guard."

Yuki immediately understood what Endou meant.

The fact that the Witches' attacks had stopped did not mean they couldn't strike again at any moment.

It was merely the calm before the storm.

"...Don't worry... I'm always on alert."

With those words, the two ended the call.

As the car approached the base, Yuki found herself wondering what Ryuen was doing at that very moment.

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In District E of Starlight City stood a gigantic building bearing the logo of Nova Corp, the publicly known company owned by the famous Gero Sullivan.

"Liars! You said you would protect us!"

"Next Generation Bravers, my ass!"

Hundreds of people were currently rioting outside the Nova Corp building.

Many of them were furious over the deaths of the Next Generation Bravers and were blaming both Gero Sullivan and Nova Corp for the thousands of casualties across the country.

"...My son is dead because of you!"

"...Gero! Come out, you damn coward!"

The crowd continued shouting as dozens of security personnel struggled to keep them at bay.

"...!?"

Suddenly, everyone fell silent as a gigantic black limousine came to a stop nearby.

A man stepped out of the limousine in front of the rioting crowd and the Nova Corp building.

He was a handsome man with long purple hair, wearing an extravagant purple jacket and black glasses.

With a cold expression, he looked toward the building.

It was Ryuen Shimada, the Purple Braver.