Chapter 25: Respective Training Sessions

"Hmm, to think we've searched this much of the world and still can't find a single Lucrecia."

"I tracked her movements using the records from that time, but all traces completely vanish halfway through. It is highly likely she regained her sanity while on the run and deliberately erased her tracks as she fled. She was a brilliant scientist who originally loved fieldwork; if she is genuinely trying to hide, even the Turks would have a hard time finding her."

Through Vincent, who occasionally sneaks back, I've been having him track Lucrecia's footsteps, but we just can't seem to pin down her location.

I'm pretty sure she's sitting enshrined as a crystal in some cave, but I don't know which cave.

"The shrine behind the waterfall, which was brought up as the first prime candidate, was a very good guess. If she were to hide herself, it would likely be in a place related to the ruins of the Ancients, and that cave is almost certainly one of those sites."

"I was so convinced she'd be there that I didn't even consider other candidates. I did pull Professor Gast's data from the Shinra Manor and had you comb through it, though."

"I am conducting this search alone; you cannot expect immediate results. If you are in a hurry, it would be faster to deploy personnel on a much grander scale, but..."

"No way, no way. To keep this hidden from Hojo and the Company, a free agent like you is the only one I can make a move."

To think she actually wasn't behind the waterfall located on the border of the Nibel and Gold Saucer areas.

That's why we're trying to track her from the old documents and searching based on the data regarding the ruins from Professor Gast's research on the Ancients, but it's just not going well.

"I mean, if you could just use the unmanned recon drones I built, we could search way more efficiently!"

"Hmph. Machines cannot detect Lucrecia's traces. Besides, their operation is far too complex. Can you not make them simpler?"

"I even custom-made your mobile terminal so you could use it with ease, didn't I?!"

"Even so, anything too complicated is..."

This outdated technophobe. He handles guns and vehicles perfectly fine, but he's hopeless with everything else.

"Well, fine. Panicking won't help, so let's take our time. The other jobs are proceeding smoothly, at least."

"Monitoring the movements of Avalanche across various regions, tracking the destination of weapons leaked from Shinra, and tracing their smuggling routes. If it weren't for these tasks, I could dedicate more time to the search."

As expected of a former Turk, his investigative skills are top-notch, and there are many things he can do exactly because he works alone and travels light.

That's why I'm piling him up with jobs Cloud can't do, and that side of things is going great.

For now, any corrupt employees I catch embezzling weapons for pocket change will be made test subjects for my experimental mechs using my authority.

"Don't complain. You and Cloud are the only personnel I can move freely."

"To think a Director with so many subordinates only has two people she can trust..."

"Oh, we recently got someone who might become our third. She'll be your junior, so go take a look at her later."

Elena was originally supposed to join the Turks anyway, so naturally, she has the aptitude for it.

I want to train her abilities in that direction, and Vincent, as a former Turk, is the perfect man for the job.

He's already making Cloud wheeze from their training, but I need him to work even harder for the sake of my bright future.

I'm definitely not just bullying the youth.

I took Vincent with me and headed to the new weapon testing lab where the training was taking place.

Right on cue, it looked like Elena was fighting solo against a Sweeper I had prepared.

"Malicious as always. I assume that Sweeper is no standard model either."

"Of course not. Half-baked enemies don't make for good training. It's a one-off, high-mobility custom model with the limiters on its joints and energy systems intentionally loosened."

Because I ended up reincarnating into the body of an older woman named Scarlet, I spend my daily life almost entirely as a woman.

I've already given up on that front, but when I'm building mechs, it's like the soul of my past life ignites. I can build actual robots here, and it really sets my boyish heart on fire.

Elena is facing what looks like a normal Sweeper, but I tweaked the parts a bit to make it a much more troublesome opponent than usual.

I've also lined up things strapped with prototype parts, or custom builds inspired by the field modifications Avalanche makes, ensuring nothing can be defeated through straightforward means.

Honestly, tinkering with machines is just so much fun.

Ideas keep pouring out like I'm doing arts and crafts; it's a great way to relieve daily stress.

I have unlimited access to parts, making this the best hobby ever.

Of course, this is all just playtime using the spare energy I have precisely because I'm delivering solid results in my actual job.

"I-I'm done... Cloud-senpai! I turned it all into scrap metal!"

"Good work. Perfect timing. Let me introduce you to your other instructor."

When I ran over to Cloud-senpai, there was a man in a suit and sunglasses standing right next to him.

It wasn't just a regular suit—it was the special kind issued to the Turks, totally different from what the average employee wears.

"What does someone from the Turks want?"

"Sorry to mislead you, but I am a former Turk. For certain reasons, I am working as a free agent hired personally by Scarlet."

Ugh, this guy seems bossy, dropping the Director's title like that.

Also, if he's a former Turk, he might have been a colleague of my sister's.

"I am Vincent Valentine. Cloud there asked me to train you."

"I'm Elena, nice to meet... Wait, someone other than you is training me, Cloud-senpai?!"

Cloud-senpai has been my training partner this whole time, so I completely assumed it would stay that way.

This guy seems a little scary... Well, Cloud-senpai isn't exactly scary, but he's super Spartan, which is terrifying in its own way.

"If you only ever spar with me, it'll be a problem if you develop weird habits in combat. Plus, Vincent is better with a gun than I am."

After trying out various things, it turns out I have the same aptitude for firearms as my sister, so I'm using a gun as my sub-weapon.

I have mixed feelings about it, but it can't be helped.

My fighting style was way too focused on close quarters, which left me struggling against mid-to-long-range opponents, so expanding what I can do is an absolute must.

"For now, Elena and Vincent, you two pair up for a bit..."

"Unnecessary. I assume you can coordinate with Cloud to some extent. In that case, I will take both of you on at once."

Excuse me? I don't care if he's a former Turk, isn't he underestimating Cloud and me a bit too much?

"But..."

"Cloud, you have a tendency to match your movements too closely to others. You need to learn just how difficult it is to fight while escorting or protecting a wounded ally."

Dammit, let him talk.

"Fine by me! We'll show you just how good our combination is!"

"It is good to be spirited."

I survived hellish special training that made my academy days look like a joke! I'll show this former Turk what I'm made of!

"Haa, haa, I'm... exhausted."

"Yeah, training with Vincent is educational. I was so focused on covering you that my movements were restricted. Sorry."

"N-No, I'm the one who dragged you down. I'm so sorry."

I can't believe he was that strong...

I mean, his bullets kept slipping through exactly where I was about to move, almost like he could predict the future. How can anyone move like that?

Even my sister probably couldn't pull that off.

"How is your stamina?"

"No problem. I train as I wander from place to place."

How are they both already breathing normally after moving around that much?

They were fighting so fiercely just a second ago. I can hardly believe they're the same species as me.

"Here, can you drink a Potion?"

"Ah, thank you."

Cloud-senpai shared one of his Potions with me.

I had used up my entire stash during the training just now, so I really appreciated it.

『Good work. Cloud, you usually only team up with equals or superiors, so this was good experience for you, right? Sorry for the trouble, Vincent, asking you to do something so tedious.』

"It is no trouble at all. It serves as my own training as well."

『Good job to you too, Elena. You could easily take down an average SOLDIER as you are now, but as Cloud's lieutenant, I need you aiming even higher. It'll be tough, but keep at it.』

Director Scarlet's voice echoed from the speakers.

She often calls out during our breaks, but this is the first time I've heard her over the intercom.

After every grueling session, she always brings us Potions or delicious pastries and stays to chat about equipment. It's kind of refreshing.

"Elena, additional training. Can you stand?"

"Huh?"

"Right, this is your first time. When Scarlet joins over the speaker during training, it usually means a new product unveiling."

Before I knew it, Cloud-senpai had his weapon drawn and was standing in front of me protectively, while Vincent was reloading his gun a short distance away.

Suddenly, towering over the training ground was a massive...

"House?"

『The grand prize winner of this year's Advanced Weaponry Division competition! The Building-Mimicry Suppression Weapon: Hell House!!!』

The moment I thought the detached house in front of us had grown legs, it suddenly started walking, closing the distance toward us.

"W-Why a house?!"

"It's one of Lady Scarlet's new models that pops up occasionally. I don't know its move set, but she always loads them with bizarre weapons."

"Tch. Bullets are barely passing through. It seems to be equipped with armor specialized for physical defense."

『It's my masterpiece, fully loaded with a new barrier system and even a flight unit, so struggle all you want!』

There's that extreme sadism that occasionally peeks out from Director Scarlet.

"Don't just stand there, Elena! Try hitting it with elemental attacks using your Materia!"

"Yes! I'll definitely be of use to you this time, Cloud-senpai!"

After that, the Hell House started flying through the air, firing missiles everywhere, while Vincent transformed into a giant beast and tackled it.

It turned into something straight out of a giant monster movie. I had to briefly dissociate from reality, wondering if this was really what the Advanced Weaponry Division did.

"Alright, that's enough! Today's training is over."

""Thank you very much!""

Zack had asked me to observe the training of the motivated members in his squad—which, in reality, meant all of them.

In the past, I exclusively trained with Genesis and Angeal, but before I knew it, I was increasingly sparring with Zack.

That very same man has grown into a full-fledged SOLDIER, leading his own squad and earning the deep admiration of many subordinates.

"How were they? The guys in my squad?"

"Indeed. Every single one of them is doing the best they can with what they have, and their situational awareness is good."

"Right, right?! They're all working so hard, it's amazing. Having Sephiroth spar with them is a great stimulus; they're going to get even stronger."

"You've become quite the squad leader. The puppy has certainly moved up in the world."

The young SOLDIERs in Zack's squad are almost entirely composed of guys who look up to him.

There was a time when mass desertions jeopardized the very operation of SOLDIER, but Zack stepped into the center of it all and has done a magnificent job unifying everyone.

"Alright, then you're fighting me next!"

"Heh. Very well."

Naturally, I hold back during training, but it's a different story when Zack is my opponent.

At first, I had to restrain myself, but he gradually built up his strength.

Now, even if I swing my sword with some degree of seriousness, he can properly keep up with the fight.

It's nostalgic. When Genesis and Angeal were still here, we used to fight one-on-one like this all the time.

And after Genesis and Angeal returned to the Planet...

Training with Zack's squad is fulfilling, but as expected, it still leaves me feeling slightly unsatisfied.

"I'm definitely winning today!"

Right now, the person who entertains me the most in training is likely Zack.

Angeal, the junior you looked after is trying to surpass you.

"Dammit, I really thought I had it today!"

"True. You kept up better today than ever before."

I really thought I could beat Sephiroth today, but right when I was one step away, it felt like I hit a wall I just couldn't break through.

"However, you are improving with every bout, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I've been training a lot with Cloud too, so I'm getting steadily stronger."

"Cloud, hm..."

"I bet you'd like him too if you fought him once, Sephiroth."

"Yes, I would very much like to, but mock battles with other departments cannot be conducted without the Vice President's permission."

Truth be told, I'd love to fight him, but Rufus has put a stop to it.

It seems my title as a "Hero" makes things slightly difficult to manage.

Ideally, if Elfé—who is currently infiltrating Avalanche—were to return, I wouldn't have a shortage of sparring partners. That future likely isn't too far off.

"Oho, Sephiroth, you were just thinking about a woman, weren't you? It's written all over your face."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yep, yep. I probably shouldn't be the one to say this, but you looked kind of happy."

"Comrades you can compete with are precious. But enough about me. What about you?"

Any SOLDIER worth their salt knows that Zack is romantically involved with a flower girl who lives in the slums.

I honestly don't understand what love is supposed to be, but looking at Zack, it's clearly having a positive influence on him.

"Oh right, actually... I promised to show her around the Shinra building soon. Would you mind tagging along if you're free?"

"Hold on, are you really dragging an outsider like me into your date?"

"Actually, her late father was a higher-up in Shinra's Science and Research Division, and she says she wants to know more about him. Director Rufus gave me permission, but he said I had to bring you along if we go."

The Science Department?

Even with Rufus's permission and Zack by her side, they're heading into that man's territory.

In that case, it would be best if I were present.

"Understood. I won't pry into her motives, but I'll lend her a hand, for your sake."

"Sorry about this. Aerith insists on seeing and hearing things for herself before she's satisfied."

It seems Zack's girlfriend isn't just an ordinary civilian either.

I haven't been informed of the details, but Rufus seems concerned about her, and apparently, the Turks occasionally act as her bodyguard.

It's possible Hojo has some involvement in this as well.

We don't cross paths, but his research seems to be going smoothly, and he's stopped aggressively snooping around me and the SOLDIER division.

Instead, I hear he's frequently sending experiment requests to the Advanced Weaponry Division, though I haven't heard of any problems occurring there.

"Apparently, Dr. Hojo has taken a liking to Cloud, but I'm not interested in science at all, so I never know what to talk about with him."

"If he takes a strange liking to you, you'll inevitably end up as a test subject. Staying away is the correct answer."

"Ugh, harsh. You really don't like Dr. Hojo, do you, Sephiroth? You always drop his title even though he's a Director."

It's true that I show a certain degree of respect to the other Directors, but I feel no such need for that man.

However, now that it's pointed out, I do wonder why I can harbor such intense dislike for a single individual.

It might simply be because he used me as a test subject during my childhood, and we've known each other since then.

If Professor Gast were still alive today, a man of that caliber would never have become a Director.

Author's Glossary:

Hell House:

A moving house. Upgraded to a boss in the Remake, it’s a boss that looks like a house on the outside but is entirely mechanical on the inside. It makes for a highly entertaining battle scene, and since I personally find the design delightful, I highly recommend watching a gameplay video of it.

Elfé:

The current leader of Avalanche. Her real name is Felicia, and she is the daughter of Verdot, the former leader of the Turks. She was taken in by Avalanche after losing her memories. Through her determination to overthrow the Shinra Company, her swordsmanship, and her charisma, she beat out numerous candidates to rise to the position of leader.

However, in this specific story timeline, due to Rufus's maneuvering, she reunited with Verdot and regained her memories. After crossing swords with Sephiroth multiple times and being persuaded by Verdot, she was given a new identity as a member of the Turks and is currently infiltrating Avalanche as a spy.

This truth is known only to Rufus, Sephiroth, Verdot, Vincent, and Scarlet. (Scarlet was briefed because it would be a hassle if she stumbled onto the truth herself, and Vincent knows because, as a highly mobile former Turk, he acts as the secret liaison between both sides).