[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 97

001.

Today, our forces continue their centuries-old mission to defend the academy from imminent threats. Yet, we stand at a critical turning point, compelled to achieve transformative innovation to effectively counter a rapidly evolving security environment.

Traditional threats have been compounded by non-traditional ones. The Abydos region’s conflicts have become routine amidst relentless competition, and the security landscape grows increasingly complex and severe. The intensifying strategic rivalry between Trinity and Gehenna, Kaiser Corporation’s invasion of the Abydos region, and the growing fluidity of the Federation’s order have fueled an arms race among major academies. The Federation’s strategic involvement in the Odysseia region is also increasing. Meanwhile, Gehenna Academy continues to enhance its infantry and artillery capabilities, unhesitatingly engaging in strategic and tactical provocations through various means.

Non-traditional security threats—disasters, terrorism, and emerging infectious diseases—are rising in importance. Competition for dominance in new domains like the Abydos unmanned zone, cyberspace, and electromagnetic warfare is intensifying. Notably, advancements in cutting-edge science and technology, led by Millennium Science Academy, are reshaping the flow of security. Domestically, club memberships are shrinking, securing adequate defense budgets is increasingly difficult, and pan-academy expectations of the military are growing.

In this security environment, our forces are intensifying efforts to maximize opportunities and overcome challenges through strategic prioritization and focus.

First, we are establishing an omnidirectional defense posture capable of integrated, proactive defense against multifaceted security threats. Under the belief that sustainable peace is achieved not through the goodwill of adversaries but through superior strength, our forces will further strengthen military preparedness against Gehenna’s evolving threats, ensuring timely and effective responses.

Second, we are vigorously advancing Defense Innovation 1.1 to build a technology-driven, elite force with a competitive edge. We will develop forward-looking military strategies and operational concepts tailored to future security environments and secure core advanced capabilities centered on artillery. To optimize for these changes, we will evolve club structures and training systems while redesigning defense R&D and force enhancement systems to foster an innovative defense environment.

Third, we are actively supporting the academy’s defense industries to strengthen their competitiveness within the Federation. By fostering a bold defense R&D environment and leading pan-student council defense export initiatives, we will establish a virtuous cycle of advanced force development and expanded defense exports.

Fourth, we are strengthening alliances and partnerships to proactively shape a favorable external environment for the academy’s security. We will advance the Scotia Alliance, deepen defense cooperation with like-minded allies, and enhance participation in Federation peacekeeping activities and efforts to protect students abroad.

Fifth, as a student-led military, we are further strengthening safe, transparent, and mutually beneficial civil-military operations. We will actively participate in student council efforts to enhance student safety, ease regulations, and increase transparency in defense operations to foster healthy civil-military relations.

Finally, to create a defense culture suited to future generations, we are radically improving living conditions, medical support, and human rights systems to meet student expectations. By enhancing respect and compensation for students who sacrifice and serve, we will foster a proud defense culture.

Through robust defense and the construction of a technology-driven force, our military’s efforts to achieve peace through strength are detailed in this Defense White Paper to ensure students can easily understand defense policies and issues. We hope this White Paper broadens understanding and support for defense policies, serving as a foundation for active communication. We ask for your unwavering support for our forces.

Justice Task Force Leader, Kenzaki Tsurugi

(Omitted)

066.

Order No. 66: Immediate Execution

The purpose of this order is to fulfill the duties of Trinity General School’s Border Checkpoint in defending the academy’s administrative boundaries and to prepare for the current situation, which carries significant risk of rebellion during the process of concluding the “Trinity-Gehenna Non-Aggression Pact.”

The Checkpoint Headquarters shall implement the following directives: Documents are to be destroyed 117 days after issuance. If discovered externally, destroy immediately.

• Expand martial law academy-wide
• Declare martial law at the Tea Party hall
• Suppress radical forces with the Acting Commander’s authorization
• Uphold the constitutional system
• Obtain Total Student Council approval/response measures

This order is issued as an emergency directive and publicly posted to the Trinity General School Student Council Tea Party.

Detailed instructions are outlined in the subsections.

***

It was the Hour of the Tiger (3–5 a.m.). The moon hung midway on the horizon, catching my eye.

The heavens were indifferent, and tonight, the full moon illuminated the great forest’s cabins as if it were midday. Unaware of the turmoil below, it cast light on the city’s glowing streets and the smoke-filled frontlines beyond. Not a single cloud marred the sky—a strange sight.

Leading a mere company—some sixty students—what could I do? I was heading to the Tea Party hall at Arisa’s call, but I couldn’t help but worry. Still, I trusted the sturdy Hippo truck.

More pressing were the feelings of anger and betrayal. I understood the Pater Faction’s ideals, but they should’ve shown restraint.

What did they hope to gain by causing this chaos? Did they think they could dominate the Federation with fleeting power? Everyone knows the High Cathedral and the Pandemonium Society’s council aren’t the same, so how could they be so blind?

Faith in the political system had crumbled. Civilian control is as crucial as suppressing reckless government policies.

…They’ll have to pay for their actions.

The two-and-a-half-ton truck rattled along the unpaved road. I pressed the accelerator mindlessly, and the internal combustion engine, years old, roared with all its might.

The clattering echoed through the truck. The city, once filling half my view, grew larger.

“—Gehenna must pay for their actions! They’ve crossed the line, and we must act to protect our democratic order. As the Grand Treasurer, I propose a declaration of war against them—”

***

Trinity’s Student Council President: Tea Party Host. A symbol of the academy’s authority, yet the Host rarely enters the Tea Party hall’s meeting room.

It was a deliberate effort to create a paradoxical authority. By avoiding the daily disputes in the meeting room and making only overarching decisions, the Host maintained a semblance of democratic legitimacy in an oligarchic system.

The critical question is what happens when she enters the meeting room. Predicting the outcome of breaking a centuries-old tradition isn’t hard.

Dissolution.

Unlike the Pandemonium Society’s council with its term limits, the Tea Party’s permanent appointees can only be checked through dissolution—a choice rarely worth the political cost unless the situation is dire.

But such a decision cannot lightly tarnish the one who makes it. That’s the weight of the Tea Party Host’s title.

As a member of a generation rigorously trained in elite education, Mineyuki Setsune held a neutral view on dissolution. As a Pater Faction officer, she never imagined facing such a thing.

And so—Setsune could only regret. The student who entered after seven knocks was unexpected.

With silver hair billowing against a white uniform, Yamatsu Hikari smirked confidently. Who could’ve imagined the “honorable commoner of Trinity General School” stepping into the Tea Party hall?

She became the protagonist of a precedent-setting arbitrary dissolution by the Acting Commander. If you’d asked the Hikari who raised the thirteenth banner at the Checkpoint months ago, she’d have wondered what she’d done to end up in such a mess.

I’d probably retort, smirking, How would I know?

“…Acting Commander? H-How… you…?”

“Pfft—there’s always a way. I rushed over after hearing your story, Setsune-chan. It’s dawn, so what would’ve taken hours was cut in half. Pretty good, right? Surprised?”

I casually countered the flustered faction leader’s question, scanning the meeting room. It wasn’t the Tea Party I knew. Filius and Sanctus were gone—Arisa’s absence was expected—but only Pater remained.

What did this mean? Their coup, in collusion with the Host’s Guard, had succeeded.

The final obstacle to their Tea Party, which had purged all opposition—those supporting even moderate policies—was, ironically, me, the Acting Commander.

“As Acting Commander, I ask you, Setsune-chan, what are you doing?”

“I already told you. Declaring war on the Gehenna scum who attacked Host Nagisa—”

“Exactly!”

—BAM!

I slammed the podium.

“Why the hell are you doing this insane crap?!”

“W-What… what did you say?”

What cursed fate tied us to Gehenna Academy?

The Tea Party hall, sluggish in mobilizing for war, showed little interest in rallying forces to obstruct it. They didn’t even try to understand my struggles, so—ugh.

To put my feelings simply… Did you think I wouldn’t be pissed?

“Remember that Trinity General School is in a state of war. The radio blares the High Cathedral’s chimes all day, so how many enemies does the Pater Faction need to be satisfied?”

“You know it too. Now’s the time to fight. Every moment we delay, we’re closer to the High Cathedral’s ashes.”

“Even so, all-out war must be avoided. The Tea Party hall would be overrun by endless ghost swarms faster than that. Nothing’s more foolish than fighting a two-front war.”

“I hope it’s just a difference of opinion between the Acting Commander and the Pater Faction.”

She’s lost it.

“Fine, let’s say you’re saving Trinity—without even waging total war. Who lives in the Trinity you’re saving? Can Sanctus, Filius, or Nagisa-sama reside there?”

“…That’s a question for after everything settles. If you cooperate, we can hand over that choice.”

“Choice! The honorable faction leader doesn’t seem to know what freedom means. No student is barred from this academy. Not me, not you—not even those who betrayed us once.”

“This is essential for the academy’s defense. Are you planning to let Gehenna’s horned freaks in?”

No matter how much I reasoned, Setsune wouldn’t budge. Unfortunately, I didn’t consider this kind of coup tolerable under any circumstances.

—Bweee!

I blew a shrill whistle, and the members waiting outside stormed in. Students armed with spare magazines and—still plagued by jamming—L85 rifles.

“The constitution is suspended. The Tea Party is temporarily dissolved.”

The Pater Faction’s reactions were mixed. Most, in their berets, froze in shock, but the sharper ones were already loading clips into their Garands. Sayuri-san stood beside me, announcing:

“As of now, martial law is declared nationwide, including the Tea Party hall.”

“…What? The scope of martial law was agreed upon with us—”

“The expansion of martial law is entirely the Tea Party’s fault. Who was it that purged the opposition in the Tea Party hall just two hours ago? Setsune-chan, significant political chaos leaves me no choice but to act.”

It’s hard to say personal feelings didn’t play a part. I’d rather die than see the Pater Faction turn this into a one-faction dictatorship.

Whether she knew it or not, the faction leader pursed her lips, then drew her weapon. No Garand in sight—probably sold off. Instead, the white slide of a custom M1911 caught my eye.

“We—we’ll resist. This is rebellion, a coup!”

“Yeah, I’m staging a counter-coup to stop you. Everyone, what are you waiting for? Arrest them!”

As my members moved to detain the nearest students, the expected resistance followed. A Garand’s shot from a corner sparked fierce firefights across the room.

—Bang! Tat-tat-tat!

“Damn it, I’m out of ammo—”

“Shoot, Borui, shoot!”

—Tatatatatat!

The Tea Party hall, with no ties to Gehenna, was naturally dominated by the Checkpoint.

In less than five minutes, most faction members were down or dragged out. It was Setsune’s turn next. As she threw her empty pistol and was about to be hauled off by two members, Sayuri-san stopped them.

“Well, Setsune? How’s it feel to see your dreams shattered?”

Blatant provocation from Sayuri-san. Her glare was a far cry from the girl who claimed to have shed all attachments when joining the Checkpoint. To protect her honor, I swallowed the words rising in my throat.

“…Pater won’t forget this day.”

“Of course not. I’m part of Pater, after all.”

Realizing her warning fell flat, Setsune left the meeting room in despair. The dozen or so remaining members, seeing their leader surrender, followed her lead.

The gunfire that had rocked the Tea Party hall minutes ago faded quickly. Good—stopping Pater was a success.

“Boss, there’s a firefight in a corner of the hall. The Host’s Guard must’ve caught on.”

“Got it. Time to face Senpai directly. Any other news?”

“Well… some Filius students fled to the Tea Party office, and Mika-sama and Sensei are with them. The Pater Faction news hasn’t spread yet, so you might need to explain…”

“Enough, enough. Got it. Ugh… Sensei, huh? This is gonna be a hassle. Filius won’t look kindly on me either.”

…Plenty of obstacles remain. As Acting Commander, I started this, so I need to set everything right by dawn. One way or another.

Let’s move.