Not much to say here except...oops, nearly spoiled that one.

Unexpected Encounters

We went onwards before turning right to where the old field camp was, but when we got there, it was all empty at first. Until we saw a small campfire set up.

"I have a strong feeling on who would set up camp in that corner of all places." I said.

"Oh, hey! It's you, guys!" Someone called to us.

We then saw a familiar student on the other side of the lake.

"Freddy!" Kurt replied.

"What are you doing over there?" Altina asked.

"Hahaha! Have I ever missed you! Wow! Class VII, in the flesh!" Freddy replied. "And speaking of flesh, I just caught something for dinner. Care to join me?"

"Oh, I have not missed that at all." I muttered. "Still up to your cooking experiments as always?"

"Yeah, you know it, Alex!"

He then somehow made a bold leap to our side of the lake and went over to the campfire before putting something...unsuual on the stove.

"There, that should do it. Prepare your taste buds for Char-Grilled Crossbell Lizard."

"Ugh, I'm not that hungry." I replied. "Anyways, how's it going with the Fisherman's Guild?"

"Just peachy, thanks. I've been checking in with Louise regularly while investigating the area outside of the city. Hearing about what you've all been through was a real shocker. Kudos on making it out of the Gral alive!"

"Yeah, thinking back on it now, it was a miracle that even I survived..."

Emma held my hand for comfort.

"At least we know everyone from the branch campus is doing all right." Juna said.

"We still have to meet up with Valerie and Stark, though." Altina reminded.

"Do you have any good intel for us?" Musse asked.

"You bet I do. Basically, what I know falls into three categories." Freddy replied. "The first is that there's something I need to show you. Follow me."

We then followed Freddy and we ended up at the forest area where nearby the tracks, was a green soldat.

"That's Musse's soldat." Alisa said.

"Oh, I've been looking for it everywhere!" Musse sighed in relief. "I didn't expect it would be here of all places. Thank you so much for finding it for us, Freddy!"

"Haha, I wasn't really looking for it." He replied. "I just happened to strumble across it while I was out looking for some grubs."

"Now we have four soldats with us." I said. "So it's only just mine we need to find, the silver one."

"Speaking of others, allow me to make a quick call."

Musse got out her ARCUS and called Roselia to do something for her, something to do with a unique spell. We then saw a spirit path being opened before the other three soldats appeared. Whatever they just did, it worked. We heard that the other team in Heimdallr are finding it hard, so we had to be careful too. Altina did the same thing in hiding the soldats, and then we went back to the field camp.

"Okay, the second thing I gotta tell you is some ruins I found." Freddy said.

"Ruins?" Juna responded.

"Yep. Remember the lakeside beach around here? I found out that there are some odd ruins in the place you guys fought that cryptid."

"Oh, the Unsurtr?" Kurt asked.

"Ah, I remember that now." I nodded. "That was when we had Sharon accompanying us. We were looking for that grass and then it showed up by surprise."

Alisa sighed with sadness.

"We'll need to look out for it as we go along the road." Altina said.

"And now, discovery number three." Freddy continued. "When I was fishing by the lake one night, I saw a faint blue light in the distance. And guess what I found? A whole bunch of Pleroma Grass."

"Blue? It wasn't the black that we've seen before?" Emma asked.

"Right. It was the regular ol' blue strain. Whether that's significant or not, well, your guess is as good as mine."

"Hmm, this sounds like it could be different from the black ones." I hummed. "We should look into that when we can."

"Even if it's the wrong kind, the fact that it's growing here could have some connection to the singularity." Alisa said. "It's also on the way to the hospital, so we might as well take a look."

I nodded. "Good idea, we should check the ruins along the way as well."

"Guess we gotta go, Freddy." Ash said. "Don't go poisoning yourself with that weird crap you eat."

"Hahaha! Don't worry about me." Freddy replied. "You guys take care now."

We left the field camp and carried on Ursala Road before we reached the beachside, we went on down to explore the area and when we got to the end, we saw a ruin building suddenly appear.

"Woah! Did you see that?!" I asked in surprise.

"Yes. It has to be some kind of distortion." Emma answered.

"Great. Another supernatural mystery to deal with." Ash sighed.

"The space here does feel a little different." Altina said.

Musse nodded. "Yes. Almost as if it's slightly out of phase, perhaps."

"Well, if it's like the other two, expect this one to be a challenge." I said. "Let's go inside."

We entered the ruins and making our way down to the bottom, it turned out to be more or less the same as the first one was. The second one had an altar only, but this one had a guantlet of sorts ready to stop us to our destination. Eventually, and with Emma guiding us, we reached the end where the altar was and a red-looking snake showed up, just like the previous two, forcing us into a battle.

*Battle Skip*

It was tougher than the last two, but we still won thanks to Emma who kept buffing me and keeping the snake focused on me as the others attacked it from both sides. We then braced ourselves for seeing another vision that we had seen twice before. A bright light covered our view and we saw a vision of Obsorne watching his house being burnt down.

...thank the goddess...you're okay...please...I beg of you...save...our child.

Our child? That must be the voice of Rean's real mother who died in the Hamel tragedy.

Aidios, please! Someone answer me! Goddess or fiend, I don't care! I'll do anything...take me instead, if you must! Just please...spare our son's life!

The vision then faded away.

"I'm sure you all saw that, right?" I asked. "That guy yelling had to be Osborne."

"He had a serious wound on his chest, right next to his heart." Ash said.

"And as for the child..." Musse paused.

"Rean..." Alisa sniffed.

"Alisa." Emma said quietly.

She rubbed her eyes, finding her confidence again. "Let's get going, guys. We're gonna find this singularity and bring my boyfriend back, no matter what!"

"Yes. He needs to hear about what we saw in the vision." Emma said.

Altina nodded. "Agreed."

"Yeah, let's get outta here." I replied.

'I can see it on Alisa's face...Rean, you better give her all the love and affection in the world, when we get you back!'

We left the ruins and catching our breaths, we left the beachside area and back onto Ursala Road, traveling past the second road, we heard a train going by, it had to be going past the Ursala railway line that goes to Mishelam. We had to stop along the way due to a giant monster blocking the path. We then carried along the roadpath until we reached our destination, a large building area.

"So this is the medical college, looks pretty sweet from here." I said.

"This hospital is way more impressive than I had imagined it." Kurt added.

Juna nodded. "Yeah, and it's not just the building. The doctors here are the best of the best. Patients with complicated illnesses and injuries come from all over for treatment."

"They're receiving funding from Remiferia, aren't they?" Alisa asked. "The doctors here took great care of Sharon last time."

"There doesn't seem to be that many people as far as I can see." Altina said.

"The security's a joke in this place." Ash added. "I thought that military and political types were supposed to be coming in 'n' out of here."

Musse hummed. "I magine they keep those paticular patients behind closed doors."

"Anyways, let's begin searching, but not too loud." I said.

"Yes. We should be careful as we walk around so we don't attract attention." Emma added.

We started exploring by going into the cafeteria part, we then went upstairs and to the outside to see a wonderful view of the lake and forest before going over to a pair of doors, ready to go inside.

"So, what's this place?" I asked.

"I'm pretty sure this is the medical college's research building." Juna replied. "I mean, I've never been inside before, but still."

"Hmm, could this be where Valerie is?" Musse asked.

We then heard a limo arriviving, we turned back to see an imperial general that look familiar and...Rufus!

"Well, well, looks like Rufus has decided to roll in for a visit." I muttered. "Wait...that old dude...he reminds me of someone."

"That's the Commander of the Imperial Army, General Vandyck." Alisa said. "Though, until two years ago, he was the principal of Thors Military Academy."

I gasped. "What the heck?! The former principal is back on military service?!"

"Wait, they're coming our way." Juna said.

"This isn't good. We need to hide." Kurt added.

Uh oh, this may get ugly in a hurry.

"There you are."

"This way, all of you."

Two people called to us and we saw who they were.

"Huh? Is that Grace and...Valerie?!" I asked in surprise, seeing that Valerie was in a nurse outfit.

"We can talk later. Come with us." She replied. "If you don't wanna be found that is."

We nodded and followed them both to an undisclosed part of the hospital to talk more easily.

"Whew! That was a close one, Valerie." I sighed with relief. "Good to see the band's vocalist is still sharp as ever."

"Meh, I always knew you'd come out on top." She replied, smiling a little. "But it's cool to see you again, Alex. The three of us haven't been the same, since we heard what happened to you."

"Oh believe me, I know I made a lot of students worry."

"So how were you able to hide here?" Juna asked.

"The staff here let me hide out with them the second I mentioned Linde." Valerie replied. "I figured I may as well fill in for her while she's still missing. That's all."

"I see. That makes sense." Kurt said.

"Well, in any case, Pablo and Gustaf will be glad to hear about you." I said. "So what brings you here, Grace?"

"Well, I heard of a very major scoop. One involving two very VIP people." She answered.

"They're here to visit a patient." Valerie said. "One who finally woke up a few days ago. Someone very important to them. But not just to them...to the entire Empire of Erebonia. And that's no exaggeration."

I gasped. "You don't mean Emperor Eugent III?!"

She nodded.

So the Emperor was able to pull through in the end...I couldn't help but feel relieved, I'm sure the Empress and Alfin are overjoyed to hear that, wherever they are. I hope to meet them again soon, so I can have my other question answered.

"Oh, you found them. Good work, Valerie." A voice said.

We turned around to see a nurse enter the room.

"This must be the Class VII I've heard so much about. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Cecile Neues, the chief nurse on staff here. I've heard all about you from Valerie and Lloyd."

"You know the Special Support Section, then?" Kurt asked.

"She does." Juna nodded. "She's kinda like Lloyd's big sister, in a way. The two of us are neighbors."

"And speaking of the SSS, I've been hearing your name a few times, Alex." Cecile said. "You must have helped them out, if you're in their good books."

"Yeah, I've kinda been hearing that from many others already." I replied. "It's a little embarassing, since I don't think I'm anywhere near thier level of awesomeness."

Juna laughed. "Come on, Alex. You're practically friends with Tio and Randy already."

"Anyways, I guess the rumors are true?" Grace asked. "The other paitent?"

"Yes, they are." Cecile replied. "As a matter of fact, he asked me to show you to him once you arrived. Which I'll be perfectly happy to do, after the supreme commander and governor general are gone. How does that sound?"

"Well..." Altina paused because we knew that Ash had a run in with the Emperor, but that was because of his curse.

Ash however, wasn't hesitant. "It sounds great to me. Lead the way, babe."

It took a while, but when we heard that Rufus and Vandyck were gone, Cecile excorted us to one of the VIP paitent rooms, and we went inside to greet ourselves to him. I was amazed, the Emperor was still kicking.

"My sincerest welcome to you, Class VII of Thors Military Academy." He said to us. "You'll have to forgive me for being underdressed given this is a reuinion of sorts."

"It's all right, your majesty." I replied as I bowed to him. "It brings me great relief to see you're recovering well. I'm sure the Empress and Princess Alfin are relieved to hear, I assume."

"Ah yes, the day I woke for the first time in weeks. They were at my side, I'm sure you can imagine the amount of tears that fell, once I saw their faces."

"Well, it's all well and good, your majesty." I sighed with sadness. "But it doesn't excuse me the way I screwed it up. I promised the Empress and Princess Alfin that I wanted to protect you and the royal family, and in the end, I failed...twice."

He raised his hand to stop me talking. "Alexander, there is no need to belittle yourself. The circumstances were beyond your control. I am aware of the limits that only you can reach. So please, try not to think more of it as a failure, but as a reason to try even harder."

"Your majesty..."

"It's still a great relief to see you awake again." Alisa said.

"Yes. I'm grateful that Aidios granted me the opportunity to meet with you again." The Emperor replied.

"I normally wouldn't allow visitors for a patient in his condiction." A doctor said. "But as this is a special case, you've got ten minutes. If anything happens, come see me, Nurse Neues."

"Yes, Doctor." Cecile replied.

The doctor left, I guess she's one of those mute-attitude types.

"It's wonderful to see how well you're recovered, Emperor Eugent." Kurt said.

"Yes. Although as you can see, it hasn't been an easy journey." He replied. "I've been breifed on the majority of what occurred while I was unconscious. About the start of the Great Twlight, about the death of my son...and as of what my wife has told me, your personal burden, Alexander. All of which leads to the same outcome...the coming of our very end."

"Yeah, that's the one thing I worry so much about. But what's frustrating, is that I can't fully commit to that, until we get Rean back." I said.

"I see. Even knowing of its approach, I regret that I must leave this mess to you young men and women to resolve. As the emperor of Erebonia, I formally apologize."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Juna asked.

"Did you mean to say, that you knew this was going to happen beforehand?" Altina added.

"Correct. So it is written in the Black Records passed down from one of the Imperial Family to the next." The Emperor answerd.

"That's what Thomas said to us before about the Black Records." I said. "Rean said he was gathering those up whenever he was on a journey."

"Yes. The records provide a rough chronicle of everything leading up to the Great Twilight. The Empire's dark history, stories of the Divine Knights, and the Dark Dragon...it also prophesized that a sacrifice would be made, and the path to the Gral would open."

"I'm sorry..." Ash said quietly. "If only I had been stronger, none of this would have happened."

"You are not to blame, Ash. The sin is not yours to bear. This has been brought about by the Empire's curse. By that measure, both you and I are the same. What matters now is what follows."

"Yeah, and that's where Revelio comes in." I said. "By the end of the year, I will become Revelio the Second, and the whole world, not just Erebonia, will be thrown into the dark ages for eternity."

"Yes. That was the one event that the Black Records seemed to gloss over. Perhaps the one who wrote them, did not feel that was as important as the other events were. Until now, everything has gone according to the Chancellor and the Gnomes' plan. But the Black Records stop where the Great Twilight begins. What happens next is a tale yet unwritten. There still remain paths that not even they could have foreseen. Including the path you've chosen, Lady Mildine."

"Oh..." Musse said.

"So you were aware of that." Alisa said.

"Please, take this with you." The Emperor handed out a document and Juna took it.

"What is this?" Juna asked.

"A document containing the whole truth as I am aware of it. The same truth I shared with your instructor." He then laid down in his bed. "I am giving it to you in the hopes that you may find the third path that Olivert sought."

"I'm sure it will be of great help to us." I said. "I wish I could say more, but I feel our ten minutes is up."

"There is no need, Alexander. I am aware that you wish to speak with me alone, so I will...impart what I can tell you."

I nodded as I walked over to him. "Please, your majesty."

"When you find my wife, please seek an audience with her. She has found a book from the palace archives, where generations of families come and go and are stored away in those books. My wife believes the book she has found, may find...the answer you have...been looking for."

The answer I've been looking for...hmm, whatever it is, I'll need to follow up on that if I ever get a chance.

"Now then...that will be all. When you find your Instructor, find a way through..."

He closed his eyes and started sleeping away.

"Looks like he's fallen asleep." I said to the group. "Let's go, team."

We left the room and then back to the undisclosed room to carry the conversation in regards to the letter we got from the Emperor. Cecile then got a call from another nurse before coming back in with someone we thought had left.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, new Class VII. I do hope you'll forgive me for barging in like this." It was General Vandyck. "Heh, and if it isn't some of the old Class VII! My, how you've grown."

"It's been too long, Principal Vandyck." Alisa replied.

"Yes. But I feel...uneasy about this." Emma said.

"Come now, there's no need to be so nervous." Vandyck assured. "In all honesty, I felt your presence the moment we arrived. I see you haven't lost your way with your powers, Alexander."

"Well, it's been kinda difficult to keep myself from going ballistic, considering the situation." I replied. "But I'm using that as a way to get even stronger and let it out when the time is right."

"Mm, you and the others have fires in your eyes. That's good. You remind me of young Schwarzer when he was a student. It's truly a shame he could not be here with us."

"We saw you with Rufus earlier, where was he going?"

"Unfortunately, I have no idea where he is. My role pertains solely to events on the surface. As per the orders...of Chancellor Giliath Osborne."

"The war with Calvard is now completely inevitable." Musse said. "And behind that is the thousand-year-old curse on the Empire. But despite all this, you're prepared to fufill your duty?"

He nodded. "I am. Such is what it means to be a soldier. Even if the coming consumes the entire continent...even if it consumes the entire world. A soldier puts everything on the line for his country. Generals Craig and Vander hold the same convictions."

"I see, that may be the drive to become a soldier. But we'll show you that we're different." I said. "It's just like the Emperor said, we need to find our own path, and we will find it. And right now, our path leads to finding Rean and bringing him back to us. As long as we have faith in our goals and faith in ourselves, we will find the path that may one day put an end to the curse. On our honor as Class VII, both as graduates and students of Thors!"

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Well, would you look at that." Cecile said.

Vandyck chuckled. "Alexander, from the stories I hear, you have indeed come a very long way. Your words remind me of the day when the prince came to me with an idea. A seed from which Class VII would grow. But for it to have grown so determined, resilient, and strong...it has exceeded all my expectations. Speaking to you today has reminded me of that, and I am truly grateful."

"Thank you, General." I replied. "Forgive me for being selfish, but please don't tell Rufus we were here."

"I assure you, this exchange will remain between us." His smile faded. "Members of Class VII, I implore you to find Schwarzer. I am sure you can save him, and together, find this new path."

"Right!" We all agreed together.

Vandyck and Grace then left the hospital. Cecile and Valerie assured us that they'll watch over the Emperor. We left the hospital, as our next destinaiton was Lake Elm. We made our way through the forest and took a left turn to enter the Lake Elm Wetlands where dozens of blue grass was present.

"Okay, we're here. Time to see if we can find that singularity." I said. "That said, this feels very different."

"Yes. The magical presence is strong here." Emma added. "Let's be careful."

We made our way through the forest, but the moment we turned a corner, there were gaurds that were part of the IDF, so we couldn't go any further. We left the wetlands where Juna then got a call on the ARCUS, she put up the video and we saw the last student we hadn't seen.

"Stark! You're okay." I said.

"Haha, hey there, Alex, and Class VII. Sorry for calling you out of the blue like this." He replied. "I just made it to St. Ursala Hospital right now. Can I get you to come back and meet me?"

We agreed to go back and we met up with Stark who had a boat docked behind him.

"An orbal boat?" Kurt asked.

"It would be impossible to break through the Imperial Defense Force head on." Stark said. "And riding up the shore in this thing's only going to attract more attention. But if you cross through Mishelam, then you might have a chance at breaking through the blockade."

"Dang, you really thought this one well through." I replied. "Rean would be impressed with that amount of detail."

"Nobody makes a plan like he does." Valerie said.

"Anyways, looks like we can head out on the boat." Alisa added. "Make sure we're all ready before we go."

We made quick preperations before getting on the boat, and Juna volunteered to drive as the rest of us sat close together. After the long boat trip, we finally arrived at the resort area of Mishelam where we docked the boat nearby.

"Ah Mishelam...it's been ten years..." I sighed.

"Ten years?" Ash repeated.

"Oh, I remember...the infamous funfair riot." Juna said. "This was where it took place, the news spread all over Crossbell in half a day."

"That day...was where my whole life changed in just a short space of time." I said as I smiled at them. "But it's okay now, I know that we have to go through here so we can get to the wetlands on the other side."

"Then where should we begin?" Altina asked.

But before Juna could answer, my mind shut off and it showed me a vision of an employee watching a mishy costume dancing in a square area, possibly a mishy show was happening of sorts. The vision then faded away and I was able to see normally.

"...so let's start with...huh?" Alisa said.

"Are you all right, Alex?" Emma asked.

I shook my head. "Yeah, sorry about that. My demon side was kicking in for a moment, it showed me a vision."

"A vision?" Kurt asked.

"Another sympton of your transformation?" Altina added.

"Probably, but it was a vision of a man with orange hair and he seemed to be watching over a mishy show that was happening around here." I replied. "Is there any suggestions on where that might happen?"

"Well, this is a place called Mishelam Wonderland. The only place I can think of is the Wonderland centre, where The Ferris Wheel, the Horror Coaster, and Castle of Mirrors are nearby." Juna answered. "All three of those rides are pretty popular. As for a guy with orange hair, that could be my Dad helping out somewhere."

"We'll need to be careful, with all those Imperial Soldiers walking about." Alisa advised.

"No problem, just leave it to your personal tour guide!"

Juna lead the way and we started with the area where the Ferris Wheel was, there was no sign of her Dad, but Juna wished to ride the wheel at least once, and she took Kurt with her to join in. This encouraged Musse to start teasing them, even though Juna and Kurt didn't hear her since they were already halfway up the wheel.

Next was the castle of mirrors which had a fortune-telling section inside, reminding us of when we bumped into Beryl. We went inside and got a chance to explore the place with giant mirrors, Emma seemed to like it so much, she held my hand with a smile, reminding me that I can always rely on her when I need her. When we got to the top, we entered a fortune teller room and on the table...was the very same girl.

After that interesting encouner with another fortune being told, last up was the Horror Coaster and no sooner did we wealk up to the top, someone came barging out of the exit door. He appeared to be someone we knew from before, so Juna asked him about her Dad, but he was somewhere else. As for the ride itself, Ash was wanting to put his brave face on, so he had a go, and Musse went with him. Because he knew she would be perfect for it.

Despite the fun, there was no lead on Juna's dad. We went back to the Wonderland centre and we saw a huge Mishy costume greeting many tourists. As the show went on, we then noticed a man with glasses. We had a look at the photo she had and it was the same person we were looking for. We took the conversation elsewhere, hoping to find a way into the wetlands.

"So, Matthew. Do you know of any routes we can take to get to the wetlands?" I asked.

"Ah yes, there's an area marked for development of the Mishelam Resort." He replied. "We received a memo from the governor general's office that the place was out of bounds. Even people who work in the resort aren't permitted to go near it."

"I see." Kurt said.

"This whole seems pretty fishy to me." Ash added.

"Are you still planning to go?" Matthew asked.

"Yes. we are." Juna replied confidently.

Matthew then gave her a keycard. "The door that takes you to the wetlands is located at the tip of Lakeside Beach. This should open the door."

"Thanks, Dad!"

Her dad then hugged her. "Oh, Juna. You've been stubborn as a mule ever since you were a little girl. You just go wherever your heart would take you, be it the police academy or Erebonia. But that's what makes you the wonderful young woman you are. The one your friends rely on. The one who won't let anything stop her. I only pay that Aidios will keep my darling daughter safe."

Juna hugged back. "Thanks..."

They pulled away and Matthew bowed at us. "Everyone, please look after Juna for me."

"We will." Kurt replied.

"All right, let's head to the beach and find that door." I declared.

Matthew said goodbye to us and we made our way to Lakeside Beach, the view was wonderful, but we didn't have much time to take it all in. We took a left turn and used the keycard to unlock the door. We went through and it lead us to a dark forest, this was the wetlands for sure.

"All right, we're finally in and there's more of that grass on this side." I said.

"Is there any reaction from the pendulum?" Altina asked.

Juna brought it out. "Yeah, it's glowing brighter now, we gotta be very close."

"We should be very careful." I hummed. "I can sense someone at the far end, but I have no idea who."

We battled our way across the wetlands before we reached a large area with something shining in the center.

"What in the world is that?!" I exclaimed.

"This must be the black Pleroma Gass." Altina said.

"No, not that, I mean the spiral tower thingy."

"It appears to be a pillar of light." Emma said. "However, the symbol on it is very familiar."

"Yeah, you're right, it's like the same one we saw in the Old Schoolhouse."

"I remember hearing about that from Instructor Rean." Kurt said. "Overcoming that trial allowed him to awaken Valimar."

"So there's another connection to all this, right?" I asked.

"You guys are pretty sharp, aren't you?"

Oh that voice...in the center...Campanella appeared.

"How curious, though, to run into you all the way out here."

"It's the Fool." Musse said.

Then, a second person joined alongside him.

"Lechter!" I responded.

"Hey, we meet again, Class VII." He said. "I'm glad to see you're all well, then again, I can't imagine you'd believe anything I'd tell you right now."

"Well, after what happened at the Gral, any reason for us to trust you has completely vanished without a trace."

Altina glared angrily at him.

"You asshole!" Ash exclaimed.

Suddenly, a third person entered the fray, she was familiar but the attire was different.

"Wait, is that..." Kurt paused.

"Sharon?!" Alisa asked in surprise.

"How lovely to see you again, my lady. Ah, pardon me, Lady Alisa Reinford." Sharon replied. "Or perhaps I should say, 'pleasure to meet you', as I am no longer the Sharon you knew. I am once more Ouroboros' Enforcer No. IX, The Severing Eclipse."

"Spare us the full title, will you?" I frowned. "Whether you are an enforcer or not doesn't matter. All that matters is that in our eyes, you turned your backs on us. And after all you did for us, surely you can't ignore how much it stung poor Alisa when you did that."

She remained silent.

"What? Not gonna say anything? Is it because you know that what you did, cannot be forgiven?"

"Damn, dude." Ash muttered.

"As for the pillar of light." Emma said. "I take it that someone is inside there?"

"Heehee, right on the mark. Honestly, that's why I was so surprised to see you here." Campanella replied. "The governor general made a deal with Heiyue to keep the SSS and bracers busy so he could finish his business here in peace."

So that's why the Heiyue was involved...quite a low blow to use Calvard's crime syndicate to keep us at bay.

"We know they'll betray us eventually, of course. But you can't play in the gutter if you're afraid to get dirty. And what harm's a betrayal if you know it's inevitable? Besides, someone might have seen to it that their group can wipe out Heiyue and the SSS all at once."

"No comment." Lechter said.

"Guess that Rufus guy's stopped givin' a shit about his reputation." Ash responded.

Musse nodded. "Clearly. And once the war with Calvard begins, he'll cast the syndicate aside, too."

"So this is how the governor general...no, how the Ironbloods choose to operate, is it?" Kurt asked.

"Major Arundel, I don't understand." Altina said. "After everything that's happened, after everything we've lost...why are you still siding with them? You and Major Rieveldt act like nothing's changed. Did she really mean that little to you?!"

"You've really grown up, Black Rabbit." Lechter replied. "You too, Ash. Looks like you found your feet, honestly, I'm kinda relieved."

"Answer the damn question." Ash responded. "I thought you stood for something. Or are you just another one of Osborne's pawns?!"

"Yeah, pretty much. Thing is, when Claire and I failed to save Millium, it messed us up pretty bad. I think we both looked to her as a replacement for the family we'd lost. Osborne, on the other hand, was the man who took that family from me. I joined the Ironbloods thinking I'd be able to outsmart him, and avenge my dad, but the man operates on a higher level. I mean, a thousand year-old curse, the Great Twilight. When those are the stakes, who the hell can compete?"

There was silence after all that, but he continued.

"But you need to understand, he unleashed the Great Twlight to end the curse afflicting the Empire. He's taken it upon himself to uproot and reset a power that was all but impossible to fight back against. So I made up my mind. If siding with Osborne lets us a create a world where Millium's sacrifice wasn't in vain, then so be it. And that's how Claire and I will put things right."

"Wow!" I smirked at him. "How much pile of crap did you swallow to spew all that out?"

Ash chuckled.

"Your idea of this world being 'reset' isn't going to happen! This world will be thrusted into the dark ages, once this world will meet its end, and that's different from whatever BS Osborne claims will happen!"

"Valid point." Lechter replied. "With you, I suppose it's a matter of which end will come first. But trying to stop both, well that depends on you."

"Tch...bastard..."

"Sharon...or whoever you say you are now. Let me just say this." Alisa said. "It doesn't matter to me what you and the rest of the society are planning here. Because you should know, we haven't come this far for you to stop us now. We're going to take back what's important to us. No matter what. Even if we have to go through you to do it. I won't hold back against you, I owe you that much."

"Heehee, I must applaud you for not asking me to return to your side." Sharon replied. "And though, I do not know all the details of your mission, I hope you can take back what you've lost. I will not hesitate either. I intend to use every underhanded trick to my disposal. I will return the love you've shown me, but so too, shall I stand in your way."

"Bring it on!"

"Oh Sharon...you really have fallen so far." I sighed. "You're just like George now..."

"Ah, to see old friends fighting against each other. Really gets you right in the heart. But maybe I should step in to really amp up the drama." Campanella said. "I could do with a little fun. Especially after I let Lady Bell have the SSS and the bracers last time."

"Shut up! Just shut the hell up!" Juna exclaimed. "I've known this since we met at Orchis Tower, but you...you're the worst! None of this involves you, and you still choose to make things worse for everyone with that crappy little grin on your face! Sharon and the major are both struggling to make choices they can stand by, but what about you? Do you think about a single thing you do?! Does anything even matter to you?! Then, you go on to mention the one who betrayed Crossbell. It's time someone knocked that grin off your stupid face."

I then got my gauntlets out. "We've talked enough! We'll beat the crap out of you three, have Rufus's plans exposed for what they really are, and get to the bottom behind all of it!"

"That's exactly right." Kurt agreed.

"I have to admit, that one kinda stung. You're getting a bit hot under the collar." Campanella replied. "My role as Enforcer No. 0 gives me much less freedom than my companions, you see. Personal stakes just aren't on the table for me. So to show I care, this time, I'll actually try. Just a little bit. You made some bold declarations just now. Show me you're not all talk, hm?"

"Oh we'll do just that, try not to blink!" I responded. "Let's go, team!"

*Battle Skip*

We were able to hold out against their combined strength despite it looking very tough.

"Not bad. Not bad at all." Campanella said.

"This ability of mine is pretty broken, but you really kept it up." Lechter added.

"Well what do you expect?" I responded. "I'm already showing signs, and that's just helping me getting stronger."

"Still, I have to wonder what you're trying to achieve with your little trek around the country." Campanella said.

"Or maybe, you're more interested in the Black Pleroma grass." Lechter guessed. "Could it be that you're hoping to find some clue as to where Rean is?"

"So what if we are?" I asked. "Your words isn't gonna change our minds."

"Ah, so that is it. No wonder you're all fighting so desperately." Sharon said. "But be warned, he is imprisoned far from here, in a place of pure darkness and despair. Consider it a mercy then, that I will crush you here and now."

Suddenly, a pair of new soldats showed up, and the whole situation got even worse. Altina called for the four soldats that appeared. Kurt, Juna, Ash and Musse got inside their soldats as their own battle began.

*Battle Skip*

Despite the new looking soldats showing their power, our side still won in the end.

"Heh, we had them outnumbered from the start." Ash said.

"Wait a moment, I'm sensing that same power from those two soldats." I warned. "Could it be to do with the mana that's going through them?"

"Hehe, you are close, but you are yet inexperienced." A voice answered.

Suddenly, the spiral symbol broke and in its place was a divine knight, a golden one.

"Rufus?!" I gasped. "So you're the seventh and final one?!"

"Ah, Class VII. How good to see you again." He greeted. "I had a feeling we'd meet soon. Those who seek opposing goals are bound to cross paths after all."

"I appreciate the slight sarcasm there. So, you have the last Divine Knight, I take it Osborne already knows about that?"

"Haha, why don't we take a step back for the moment? The trial grounds have little regard for the normal rules of time and space. They can appear anywhere throughout the empire. This became a potential site the moment that Crossbell became a province of Erebonia. It's as simple as that. This land has a storied magical history. The moment it was annexed, I began scouring it for a sign. And here, on the cliff overlooking Lake Ebel, this overflowing font of mana, I succeded in invoking the trial. El Prado, he who embodies eternity, has finally awakened! The final Divine Knight walks the earth once more!"

"Is this why you became governor general of Crossbell in the first place?" Alisa asked.

"Hehe, in part, yes. Now, I'm sure the Auric Knight could use some exercise after its long slumber. Care to join me for a little warm-up?"

"Considering that I'm still in training for a different purpose, I'll pass." I remarked. "But I'm sure these students will give you what you want!"

We stood well back and saw the next battle take place, our soldats agaisnt Rufus's Divine Knight.

*Battle Skip*

So far, our side was holding up well against his divine knight, but I knew they couldn't hold out forever. Suddenly, Rufus unleashed a powerful attack that threw them down, but the four of them were able to get back up.

"This is getting a little dicey!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, they have us surrounded." Emma agreed.

"Not so fast!"

Suddenly, a team of powerful people swooped in and they utterly destroyed the two latest soldats. There were four of them who came in to save us at the last second. Estelle, Elie, and two others I hadn't seen yet.

"Is everyone all right?" Elie asked.

"Sorry we're late...Juna!" A guy said.

"Elie and...Lloyd!" Juna replied.

Oh, so that's Lloyd Bannings. Then who's that other guy?

"We made it just in time." The other guy said.

"Yeah, but it was a little too close for comfort." Estelle added.

"Hahaha! Now those are faces I haven't seen in a while." Campanella said. "Joshua and Estelle Bright, good to see you! And you even brought along some friends from the SSS! I really didn't think you'd make it through Walter's forces."

Huh? Wait...did he say Walter? I guess he shares the same name as my father did.

Just then, another two showed up, one was a guy and the other was a girl with long purple hair.

"So, Lady Renne has appeared and..." Sharon paused.

"Hehehe, so you finally decided to show up, Bleublanc!"

I gasped. "Bleublanc?!"

Suddenly, the odd guy throw out a cape and now, it was indeed Bleublanc.

"Phantom Theif B! Now there's someone we haven't seen for a while." I said.

"Oho! It has indeed been a long while, Alexander!" He replied. "But I must introduce myself to the new Class VII. I am the one and only Phantom Theif Bleublanc. Beneath the facade of the hedonistic nobleman you knew as Alester lay Ouroboros' Enforcer No. X!"

"Yep, that's you all right, and who's the girl with you?"

"You're Thors Class VII, right?" She asked us. "Tita's told me all about you. My name's Renne, and we're here to help."

"Tita? Could you be the best friend she mentioned?" Altina asked.

"Which would make the rest of you..." Musse paused.

"Juna! We made it!" Someone called as Jona, Sully, the branch campus students and an unknown small girl showed up.

"KEA!" Juna exclaimed.

Huh, that little green-haired girl is called Kea?

"So, Governor General, what's the plan now?" Lechter asked.

"Heh heh, I believe our entertainment has come to an end." Rufus replied. "Today is a glorious day. After years of slumber, all seven Divine Knights are awake once more. Further bloodshed would ill suit such an occasion. Especially with Operation Jormungandr nearing its dawn."

His divine knight flew into the air.

"I don't know what your intentions are, and frankly, I don't care. But be aware, this is but a temporary repreive. I will be sending an extermination unit shortly, so I'd advise you to leave this place now."

"Oh yeah, go and have fun with your golden action figure." I remarked. "But be warned Rufus, the word 'karma' exists, so be ready for the day when you get what's coming to you!"

"Haha! Touche, Alexander. Farewell, all of you. I can hardly wait for our next meeting."

His divine knight flew away and the soldats then retreated. Campanella, Lechter and Sharon all got their last words in before retreating. We then saw an airship that Josette was on, we had our way out. Juna then got to work on driving the stake into the Pleroma grass, that was now seven in total. With the Bobcat and the spirit path, we retreated to where we were first dropped off near the fisherman boathouse. The SSS and the Bracers assured me that the Walter they heard from Campanella was a different one, so it was just a coincidence.

"I gotta say...I feel a little starstruck." I said. "The SSS and the bracers in one setting."

"I know, it's totally awesome." Juna replied. "Thank you guys so much for saving us."

"Aww, don't sweat it, we gotta help each other out, right?" Estelle responded.

"So we finally meet in person." Lloyd said to me. "You must be the Alex guy we've heard so much about."

"That's me, a pleasure to meet you, Lloyd." I replied. "And Bleublanc, I was amazed that you came to our aid. It's good to know that not everyone in the society is kissing Osborne's ass."

"Oho! I see your colorful words has not changed one bit." He responded. "It was the least I could do, as a memory gift for the Debaucherous Prince."

Then, the attention turned to Ash who seemed to knew Joshua from long ago, possibly another survivor of the Hamel incident?

"Well, take care of yourselves." Ash said. "We gotta go."

"Yeah, sorry that we have to leave already." I added. "But we gotta go back, we've got something more important to do at the moment."

"He makes a good point. There's a lot I like to talk about, but we're running out of time." Lloyd said. "That extermination unit will be here any minute. We'd better get moving."

"Lloyd, Elie...I haven't seen you in so long, but we have to leave so soon." Juna said sadly.

"Don't worry, Juna. I'm sure we'll meet again soon." Elie replied.

"So the SSS members will be staying in Crossbell for now." Kurt said. "And I take it you bracers will be returning to Erebonia proper?"

"That's the plan." Estelle replied. "We still need to find out where Tita, Agate, and Schera are, too."

"Well, as this group's number two, behind Rean." I said. "I wanna assure you that if we find out anything, including about Randy and Tio, we'll let you know as soon as we can."

"I appreciate it." Joshua replied.

"Class VII, it is time you returned to Eryn." Roselia said. "It may be quite a distance, but the path is stable, so you should be fine."

"Yeah, we're on our way back." I replied.

But before we could go, Kea wanted to come along as a way of being able to help us, as well as to help find out where the location of the Black Workshop is. Renne also volunteered to come along as further assistance, as well as to look after Kea. With the agreements in place, we made our way back to Eryn.

It was a long struggle, but we were back in one piece. With all the seven singularities marked, it was just a matter of time before we could find Rean's location. Just a little longer, and we'll be a whole team once again...

I gotta say, I'm starting to write so many words in one chapter, it's unheard of. xD

Next time! Operation: Rescue Rean is finally in full swing.