Chapter 269 - The Long-Awaited Move
The latter part of autumn had me feeling a bit nostalgic for the tournament. But just because a big event ended doesn't mean the Kikyo Society gets any less busy. With winter approaching, today I was finally going to hear the long-awaited report.
"Eighty percent of the plans are complete. It's safe to say we can consider it finished. It's in a state where we can use it as our new base, including the interior."
"Finally, we can move to the new headquarters. I guess this place will be a thing of the past."
"Yes, it will remain as a branch, but we won't be visiting it as often."
It took a considerable amount of time, but the new headquarters is finally complete. Well, mostly. Some of the underground structures are still in progress, but the essential parts, including the interior, are finished. We're ready to move.
I have many fond memories of this place, but it's time to move on to the new base. This is a new beginning.
"Enough wallowing in nostalgia. Now that everything is ready, let's get moving. Use these boxes for packing."
As I spoke, I created lightweight aluminum alloy boxes that filled the available space. We should have enough for everyone in the office.
Some members might already be packing, but I suspect most haven't started yet.
"Should we start packing now?"
"Not just packing, but moving as well. If I don't lead the way, we might keep putting it off due to our busy schedules."
I think many members are looking forward to this move, but some might hesitate if I stay behind. It's best for me to take the lead.
"Frederica, April, and the others will start preparing once they finish their current tasks!"
We don't need everyone to pack together. Each section has its own schedule, so it's more efficient for those who are ready to move first. With that, I headed to my private room.
Moving is always a big undertaking. We can divide the tasks and get help with communication, but the main job of moving the bulk of our belongings won't be easy. We could hire help, but many items are sensitive and shouldn't be seen or touched by outsiders. It's best to handle it ourselves.
We've lived here for a long time, so everyone has accumulated a lot of personal items. In my case, the clothes Torietta-san makes for each season are the most numerous, along with the accessories and books I've collected. The tea and alcohol add up, and there are piles of documents and mineral specimens for research. I also have a lot of experimental recovery potions, magic potions, and other items, but I can dispose of those during the move.
Incidentally, the new headquarters has been designed with spacious private rooms for each member, like a hotel. We've planned for future growth, ensuring each room is at least the size of an eight-mat room with a closet. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and I think everyone will find it a comfortable living space.
The Living Wing is already complete, and the interiors, including furniture, are nearly ready. Once we move our belongings, it will be ready for use.
The Administration Wing, with rooms for work and waiting, the Warehouse Wing for large supplies, and the parking lot and Training Grounds are all ready. The only parts not yet complete are the garden and the secret underground facilities.
"Yukari, can I have a word?"
Frederica came to check on me while I was packing.
"What is it? You should be preparing too."
"The move is fine, but don't forget about the afternoon plans."
"I haven't forgotten. It's an important day."
"Then it's settled. Are you planning to do it at the new headquarters?"
"Why not? We can start moving today, and it's better to set up the rooms there from the beginning."
"Agreed. I'll tell Fulaveneta to bring them to the new headquarters."
Today, we welcome a new member. It's a small ceremony, but a significant milestone for those who have completed their apprenticeship and are joining us as full members.
After three hours of packing, Valeria, Siegrune, and others returned and started packing as well. The members of the Intelligence Bureau also began preparing, eager to finish their tasks quickly.
I created a large number of boxes to help with the packing. After lunch at a nearby lady's café, I arranged for several trucks to transport everything from the headquarters.
The members who were ready loaded their belongings onto the trucks, and we quickly finished the preparations. It's a lot of heavy lifting, but we're all strong, so it went smoothly. We could probably find work as movers if we wanted to.
"All right, let's get the first group moving."
The atmosphere was hectic as more members returned to start packing. There was no need to rush, but it was happening quickly.
"Wait, Yukari. We're running out of boxes."
"Then I'll produce more in the underground training area. Use those."
The sudden influx of members needing boxes meant we needed more. I went to the underground training area with Gradena and produced a large number of boxes.
I also informed members without rooms at the old headquarters to move to the new base. Once this phase is complete, we'll help them move their belongings.
"All right, let's go!"
I have to move my bike as well, so I'll use the Bloomstar Galaxy. I'll have to come back later to move the Neutronstar Andromeda.
Riding my monster machine, I led the convoy of trucks to the new headquarters. The massive black wall of the new base, long and imposing, was already in sight. The compound is vast, large enough to fit an entire shopping mall.
The fifteen-meter-high, three-meter-thick composite armor provides formidable defense. The sight alone is enough to deter any enemies.
The fortress, nestled in a quiet, upscale residential area, is quite out of place. It's intentionally designed to be intimidating.
Passing the long black wall, I signaled to the guards at the main gate and entered. The road splits right after the gate.
One path leads directly up, while the other goes down to the underground parking lot. We headed down to the large underground parking area. There's a small parking lot above ground, but it's for guests.
The spacious underground corridor is wide enough for even the massive Delta to pass comfortably. The lighting is bright, and there are visible fire suppression and drainage systems. The air conditioning is also perfect, even with our outerwear.
I parked my bike in the president's designated spot. Yes, this new base is functional and impressive.
As the trucks and bikes parked, everyone seemed excited about the new headquarters. While they've visited here for various reasons, it feels different now that it's their new home. I feel it too.
It's a vast space. The underground parking lot, located on the first sub-level, takes up about half the area. It can accommodate a large number of vehicles, including personal ones.
The other half of the first sub-level houses some sections of the Intelligence Bureau and other work areas. There's a secure corridor with magic-activated doors and guards leading to these areas.
The second sub-level is mainly for training, with weapon storage and a pharmacy. It's much larger than our old training area, allowing for large-scale drills.
The third sub-level is still empty, but we can expand if needed. For now, it's not a priority.
"You can enter the Living Wing through that door. Everyone knows their room, right?"
"Those who don't should ask the Secretariat members. Each private room has a nameplate, so don't get lost."
From the underground parking lot, you can access the various buildings. The entrances are spacious, with both stairs and magical elevators. Each building has four large elevators, capable of carrying over twenty people at once.
Such a large facility with high-end magical devices is unique to Exembra, and even in the Royal Capital, it's rare. It's probably only found in the Royal Palace and a few other places.
We used the elevators and stairs to move our belongings. The first and second floors of the Living Wing are shared spaces, including a lobby, multi-purpose areas, a game room, a large bath, and a sauna. There's even a kitchen for cooking enthusiasts. It's designed to meet the needs of our members.
The third floor and above are private rooms. My room is on the third floor for convenience. The floors for regular members and executives are separated for mental well-being. My presence on the third floor makes it the executive floor, and the top floor is also for executives. The Secretariat handles the room assignments.
Using my strength and endurance, I carried my belongings up the stairs and started unpacking. It's important to start right away to avoid leaving everything in boxes.
As a leader, my room is larger. It's bigger than my previous one and designed for both work and meetings. The central area has a large desk, a sofa that seats sixteen, and a conference table. The private area is cozy and comfortable.
While I was unpacking, the trucks continued moving between the old and new headquarters. The Head of Operations, who claimed a sunny corner room on the top floor, came to my room.
"Yukari, Fulaveneta and the others will be here soon. Let's go to the Administration Wing."
"Sure. How's your packing coming?"
"The original room isn't fully packed yet. The magic devices I'm analyzing need careful handling, so it's taking longer. I've moved some items, but it might take a few more days."
Frederica is passionate about collecting and researching magic devices. Her room is like a lab, so packing is a challenge.
"The office move will take some time, so it's fine. Let's go."
We went down to the second floor and crossed the sky bridge to the Administration Wing. The buildings are connected both above and below ground. The Administration Wing is more elegant, with impressive hallways and reception areas.
In one of the conference rooms, the new members and their instructors from the Instruction Bureau were waiting, full of anticipation.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all, President. Head of Operations, thank you for joining us. Everyone is here."
Fulaveneta and the others greeted us formally.
I moved to the back of the room, where the new outerwear and badges were prepared. These will be given to the new members, symbolizing their transition from apprentices to full members.
Let's get started. I won't give a long speech.
"You've all done well to get this far. I'm Shinogami, the president. I welcome you as our new colleagues."
I spoke kindly, making eye contact with each person. Some might get emotional and cry, as usual.
It's a significant moment, and they deserve to feel proud after completing the challenging apprenticeship.
"Frederica."
"Yes, I'll call them up one by one to receive their new outerwear. Please step forward when your name is called."
I maintained a composed demeanor, while Frederica was gentle and reassuring. Fulaveneta and the others watched over the nervous new members.
As I handed out the black and moon-white outerwear with the Kikyo Society emblem and the amethyst badge, the new members showed their excitement and gratitude.
Yes, this is a good day. I look forward to their growth.
After the ceremony, everyone left the conference room except Fulaveneta. Frederica went to show the new members to their rooms.
It was just another day in the life.
With the move, we've started afresh with renewed enthusiasm.