Now for the part where Leeves is ready to be liberated. Oh, and there's saving Elise and Tio as well.

Way Of The Leeves

Dateline, August 24th, 1206.

We were on the bridge, ready to go over the next mission. With Tita on the airship, we now had an orbal shop, and Agate was watching over her. And with Alfin on board too, she was willing to do her part to help us. Although we all agreed that it would be better for her to dress up as a St. Astraria student.

"Looks like the staff problem's been taken care of." Rean said.

"Yes. But our situation hasn't changed." Laura added. "In fact, it's only gotten worse."

"Indeed. And it isn't just the military whose minds are being polluted. It's spreading among the civilians as well." Alfin replied. "As a result, more and more conscriptees are being deployed to the front lines. I expect my own disappearance won't be made public for the time being."

"At least the imperial army isn't going after us." I said. "Speaking of armies, how is Mille Mirage coming along?"

"Its arrangements have been progressing steadily with every mission we complete." Musse replied. "Securing the release of Tita and Her Highness was one of its key aims, in fact."

"Holding a Liberlian citizen hostage would make for a pretty effective check against the Kingdom." Alisa said.

"But what does that have to do with this counteroperation of yours?" Kurt asked.

"Enough with this putting on air!" Duvalie exclaimed. "Out with it already!"

"Now, now...all will be revealed in due time." Musse answered. "We have our objectives to prioritize at the moment."

"Yeah, we still need to find a way to get to Leeves." I reminded. "And if it's like the last two missions, I'm willing to bet that Elise and Tio are there as well."

"Well, it would be nice if it was that easy." Fie said.

"I can't say for certain, but we'll try to find a way in." Towa added.

"We're going to find her. No matter what it takes." Rean said. "And continuing our patrols is the way to do so."

We looked at the computer to check the requests for today, and there was one that stood out.

"Phantom Thief B?!" Machias asked in surprise.

"He did help us back in Crossbell, but..." Kurt paused.

"This is an enforcer we're talking about here." Rean said. "Still, it does feel a little odd."

"The other request is from Celestin." Jusis noticed. "Best we check them out sooner rather than later."

"By the way, Instructor. It's my turn to be your escort this time around." Musse said. "Don't worry, I made a promise to your love that I would bring you back exactly as you are."

"Yeah, you better." Alisa muttered, frowning at her.

Alfin sighed. "If only I'd brought my staff with me."

"Oh yeah, whatever happened to that staff?" I asked.

"Alas. I did not have it with me when the whole ordeal started. I could've done my part in bringing justice to the world."

I sighed. "Uhh, we're not comic book heroes."

"Aaaaanyway, I'll be on board for the time being, so feel free to give me a holler if you need a hand." Agate said.

"The same goes for me! I'll help however I can!" Tita added.

"As for me, it's time for the next elemental training." I said. "And I think I have an idea on how to make it interesting this time."

"Really? Then show it to us in the training room." Emma replied.

Whilst Rean and his chosen team left, I went to the training room with Emma and Celine.

This time, the elemental lesson was lightning and it took a while, due to a few shocking experiences...sorry.

"Just as before, Alex, when you're ready." Celine said.

I reached out my hand. "Lightning...Bow!" A bow appeared and it had jolts of white lightning around the arrow.

"There you go."

"Yes. That's now three elements mastered, five more to go." Emma said.

"But before that, let's have a look at those orbal cuffs." Celine added.

I picked up a few. "Yeah, I was wondering if there was a way for me to call for these whenever I get the chance to arrest them, and that they can be sent to an Imperial military prison."

"Hmm, it may be possible, but why go through with it?" Emma asked.

"There are some foes that I will not be able to sacrifice, because of close ties to those on our side. Like the Ironbloods for example. Jusis would never allow me to kill Rufus, the same is true with Claire and Lechter, Millium would not want me to take them away either. So putting him and those two under arrest and sent to a military prison would be the next option."

"I see...that may be effective, but by doing that, you run the risk of not having enough sacrifices to save your life." Celine said.

"I know, but our friends are all trying to cling on to any glimmer of hope, if there is any sign of it. Like with Alisa who desperately wishes for Sharon to come back, along with her mother. And then there's George...Crow, Angelica and Towa would never let me kill him, no matter how much I despise him."

"Alex." Emma said.

"But there are others who understand that they shouldn't be alive...like Rutger and Lianne, I get the feeling that they may be aware of what I need to do. So I'll need to prepare for that when the time comes. But that aside, is it possible?"

Celine nodded. "Very well, we'll help you train calling for those."

"Okay, then let's start from the top."

The next few hours were a stretch, but I was finally able to learn the spell.

'Here it goes...orbal cuffs!'

A pair of cuffs appeared on my hand, unlocked.

"There we go, another spell learned." Emma said.

'Attention! Please report to the bridge for a quick briefing.'

"And just in time, too." Celine added.

We left the training room and waited for Rean and his team to return to the bridge.

"How's it going, team?" I asked.

"Alex, you're not gonna believe what we saw on the ground." Juna said.

"Really? Then I'm all ears."

"During our exploration around Saint-Arkh, we found a giant soldat." Kurt said. "It was a Goliath Noa, and it appeared to be broken."

"However, I was able to inspect it, and used my combat shell to detect multiple bugs and other issues." Altina finished. "After performing a full detailed analysis, I was able to restore its functions to working efficiency."

"So in other words, the little Black Rabbit can finally pilot a soldat." Ash said.

"Hehe, if only for a little while." Musse added.

I grinned. "Ah sweet! Now we're playing with power."

"But with great power, comes great responsibility." Kurt said.

"Heh, I understood that reference." Crow smirked.

"However, during the quest involving Phantom Thief B, we ran into that strange woman you mentioned." Altina said.

I gasped. "Oh...so you met Mariabell, right?"

"Indeed, and she was just like you said she was." Musse replied.

"In that case, we'll need to watch out in case we're tricked like that again."

"Anyways, now that we're all here. What did you find?" Rean asked.

"I'm afraid Alex is spot on again. Elise and Tio have been found in Leeves." Towa replied. "But that isn't all. Professor Schmidt has also returned to the branch campus."

"Schmidt? I was wondering where he was in all of this." I clicked my tongue. "I bet he's on the Gnomes side just so he can gather more research data."

"G. Schmidt, one of the three disciples of Professor C. Epstein, the original inventor of orbment technology." Altina said. "He also served as the branch campus' technical advisor."

"I've known him for a while now through my grandfather." Alisa added. "Your grandfather was a fellow disciple as well, right, Tita?"

Tita nodded. "Yeah, that's what led to me coming to Erebonia in the first place. But if he's back at the branch campus, that must mean..."

"What I heard back at the short meeting then was true." I finished. "Major Michael and Class I are watching over Leeves."

"So he's defected to the Main Campus as well." Rean said.

"That's just how the old man is. Kinda doubt there's any bad blood behind it." Ash added.

"Yes. It's like Alex says." Musse nodded. "He was likely more drawn in by the research opportunity than anything else."

"But more important is who we'll be running into, beside the professor." Emma said.

"Yeah, which means we have our next mission ready." I added. "Now we just need to find a way to get to Leeves."

Fie nodded. "Yep, it's gonna be a lot harder to sneak through this time around. Still, there's gotta be a way in somewhere."

"We'll just have to find it ourselves, like we always do." Laura said.

"So in addition to Rean and me, who else will be coming along?" I asked.

"You bet your ass we're taggin' along." Ash replied.

"We can do this together, I know we can." Altina said.

Juna nodded. "Darn right we will."

"I want to help out, too. I have to find out what the professor's intentions are." Tita volunteered.

"Guess there ain't gonna be much for extras this round." Crow said.

"Maybe not, but I'm a part of the branch campus too." Towa reminded. "I have to back them up however possible. Oh, I know! I can try to get in contact with Randy!"

"Well, this main campus graduate ain't just sittin' around. I'll give 'em all the support I can too." Angelica said. "Rean's not the only one who wants to see Elise. Plus, I'd love to put a face to this Tio I keep hearing about."

Celine sighed. "Just business as usual around here."

"I'll start on figuring out our route right away." Rosine said. "Let me know when you've finished your preparations."

We broke off to make some final checks, and now I had a chance to talk to Rean alone.

"Say Rean, I didn't get to say it yesterday." I said. "But did something happen between you and Alisa before you got off the ship?"

"Oh, you saw through that, did you?" He responded. "You're right, Alisa's been trying so hard to cope, and I could see it on her face. So I suggested that we spend time apart for the missions to come, and it started yesterday."

I nodded. "Ah I see...at least it wasn't a break up."

"Yeah, I'm relieved about that too."

With my mind cleared on that, he and I called it a day, ready for tomorrow's mission.

Dateline, August 25th

The time to infiltrate Leeves had begun and with Rosine's help, we were able to find a small gap in the airspace security, allowing us to find a suitable drop point at Avon Hills. The plan was for us to get to Milsante and cross over to the north scenic route, passing Grenville and over the hillway before reaching Leeves.

With me, Rean, the new Class VII, and Tita, we got ready to be dropped off at Avon Hills. The airship landed and we got off.

"These are the Avon Hills, where we teleported before." Altina said.

"We should be far enough off the beaten track to avoid the IDF patrols." Ash added.

"Last time we were here, we got to Milsante, so let's use that as a starting point." I suggested.

Rean nodded. "Agreed, we shouldn't let our gaurd down until we get to Milsante."

We left the hills and walked along the byroad before taking a right turn and we arrived at Milsante.

"Hmm, it's as sleepy as usual here." Juna said.

"The Imperial Defense Force doesn't seem to have touched this place." Kurt added.

"It took us a lot quicker to get here this time." I nodded. "Anyways, let's see if can find a detour road that'll get us to Leeves."

"The north side of Lake Dala." Rean said. "I think we should ask one of the townsfolk for directions."

We made a stop at the White Birch Inn, and on our right by a table were four familair faces. It was Sidney, Louise, Tatiana and Josette.

"Hey! If it isn't Class VII and Instructor Rean!" Sidney said happily.

"And Tita! So you were safe all along." Louise added.

Josette giggled. "It looks like you managed to all find each other."

"Josette! It's been too long!" Tita replied.

"It's great to see you all again, but we're here to find out something important." I reminded.

We then joined in the discussion and exchanged information as well as finding out an infiltration route.

"So if we want to take the long way around, we have to go through the byroad." I said.

"According to the townsfolk, there is another route to Leeves beyond the roadblock on the byroad." Louise explained.

"We've already received permission to pass through, but there's also the risk of monsters." Tatiana added.

"Leave that to us, we'll clear a path for the rest of you." I declared, posing a little.

"You should meet up with the other branch campus students before heading on to Leeves." Rean said.

"Got it! We're counting on you, Class VII!" Sidney replied. "You too, Tita."

We then left the Inn and out of Milsante by going down the pathway where we saw the ruin shrine from before. We then took a left turn to walk onto a byroad we hadn't walked to before. We then entered the west side pathway of Leeves.

"Looks like we're on the right track." I said. "I see railway lines from here."

"Oh, there you are. Had me thinking you guys might never show." A voice spoke.

We turned to our left, and Randy was resting on a tree.

"Lookin' good, Class VII. I see you brought Tita along for the ride as well."

"Randy?!" Juna asked in surprise. "Where did you come from?"

"You should know you can't hide anything from Tio Tot. Towa gave us a call too, so I figured I'd book it over here before you left. I'll be tagging along from here on out. Gotta do my part as Class VIII's instructor."

"Heh, still tryin' to act cool." Ash said.

"We'd be glad to have you with us." Altina added.

"Anyways, should we get a move on?" I asked.

"Yeah, we better book it now." Randy replied. "The Merkabah's creating a diversion as we speak. The IDF is going to have its hands full for a while. If we're going in, we'll need to be prepared. You ready?"

"Yeah, let's go!" Rean responded.

It was a long run, but we eventually made it to Leeves through the west enterance.

"Our dorm." Kurt said.

"Yeah, we're finally back after so long." Juna added.

"This was our new home, the day we became Instructor and asisstant." I patted Rean on the shoulder. "We did it, old friend."

Rean did the same. "Yeah, even though it took a month and a half, we're back home."

"I think this feeling might be...nostalgia." Altina said. "Considering I don't have a hometown, I never expected to feel this way."

"We only lived here a few months at most, and yet..." Musse paused.

"To us branch campus students, it's like a second home." Kurt finished.

Tita nodded. "Yeah, I feel just the same."

"Eh, it's not bad, I'll give it that much." Ash said.

"Heh, right in the feels." Randolph muttered.

"But somehow, this town feels...deserted." I hummed. "Let's check the dorm first, we should leave the academy building last."

We went inside the building and explored all of the rooms and places to see if there were any changes. My room had somehow remained unchanged and untouched. I guess the main campus students didn't wanna poke their noses into my secrets, for fear of being attacked or something. After searching all the rooms, we regrouped on the top floor.

"Well, it looks like they haven't touched our rooms, after all." Juna said.

"They brought bags in, so it would be fair to assume they were staying overnight." Altina added.

Kurt nodded. "It looks like they did their best not to disturb our things."

"They even left our photos here." Tita said.

"Which is kinda shocking, I was expecting this place to be turned upside down." I added.

"Yeah, somethin' smells off if you ask me." Ash agreed. "It ain't like those guys to act all civil."

"Well, we've missed quite a lot since we were last here. Perhaps they've changed." Musse said.

"Or maybe it's because they still have to retain their maturity, since Michael is here." I added. "What about yours?"

"It looks like Elise stayed in my room for a bit. She left some of her things behind." Rean replied. "But she couldn't have stayed for long. A few days, maybe?"

"Shirley's been taking up my room." Randy sighed. "She's got her crap lying around all over the place."

"Damn, so we may be running into her as well." I muttered.

"Not only that, they must've cleaned the principal's room for Prince Cedric to stay in."

"No doubt about it, if the crests of Erebonia and knight sword hanging on the wall weren't clues enough." Rean said.

"Making himself at home in Aurelia's room, is he?" I asked. "Oh, I can just imagine the wrath he would face if she ever found out."

"Oh yeah. Doesn't matter how high up the totem pole you are when you piss off that force of nature." Ash laughed.

"It's good to know that they were considerate at least." Rean said. "But we're done searching here, let's move on."

We left the dorm building and explored inside the stores. The owners were able to recognize us, but they were glad to see us doing all right. We heard that things had gotten quiet, even Radio Trista was silent, which reminded me that we hadn't seen Munk for a long time, I wonder if he's okay somewhere. Next was the mayor's house and Franky was inside, shocked to see us, especially with Rean's changed hair colour. We got a lead on the exchange store and went over before we were let in by two students.

"Jessica! I knew it!" Juna exclaimed.

"And Wayne as well." Kurt said.

"Class VII...Instructor Randolph! Tita, too." Jessica replied.

"I see you made it out alive, Alex." Wayne added. "Wait...is that...Instructor Rean?!"

"Good to see you both, you were the only two we didn't hear about when all you students got seperated." I responded. "Anyways, we better talk about what's been happening."

We then got into a discussion about recent events. We learnt that Cedric and Shirley had departed from Leeves and they hadn't returned since. However, Michael and the rest of Class I had remained on campus. That was when we got a call on Kurt's arcus, it was a video call from Class I, Michael and Schmidt.

"Greetings, Class VII." Ada greeted.

"Well met, Vander." Fritz added. "It's been quite some time since our little altercation in the Osgiliath Basin."

"Schwarzer, Orlando...and you, Lionheart." Michael said. "I had a feeling you might come."

Huh, guess he doesn't know my real surname yet.

"Hmph. Consider me mildly impressed you've made it this far, Fourth Disciple." Schmidt praised with a slight sarcastic tone.

"Spare me your unwanted sarcasm, it does not impress me." I responded, mocking his voice.

"Bah!"

"You have Elise and Tio with you, right?" Rean asked.

"Correct. We have taken the liberty of preparing a secure location for their safekeeping." Michael replied. "As such, no harm has befallen them. Of that, you can be rest assured."

I smirked. "So what's with the phone call? You looking to play naughts and crosses?"

"It falls to us to preserve the main campus' honor in the princes's absence." Fritz answered. "You'll need to defeat us if you wish to see our guests released."

"I see, I'll get some blank paper, a few crayons and-"

"Alex, I think that's enough winding them up, don't you?" Randolph interupted.

"Okay, okay...but yeah, seriously, whatever you have to stand against us, we'll knock it down."

"How brash! But it isn't just us." Ada said. "Awaiting you are some of the main campus' finest students, numerous instructors, and a few archaisms as well."

"Your final destination is Einhel Keep." Schmidt added. "But bear in mind, you'll need a key card to get in. This will be the final trial, your most formidable yet. I look forward to seeing how you plan to survive it."

The video call ended.

"Heh...who do they think they are?" I sighed. "Are they not aware of how powerful I've become?"

"Woah there! You're not thinking of going too extreme, are you?" Randolph asked.

"Of course not! They're still students, and as far as I'm concerned, my issue is with Cedric, not the entire class."

"I guess we have to show these guys we've got backbone." Ash said.

"As soon as we're ready, we'll move out." Rean added. "Jessica, Wayne, can you contact the Merkabah?"

"Leave it to us, Instructor." Wayne replied.

We left the exchange store and made our way up the pathway to the branch campus building. At the main entrance were a trio of students and four small archiasms that we defeated, knocking the students out. Jessica and Wayne showed up, telling us that the other branch campus students were on thier way.

We then went inside the campus building through the left side and past the pool area where two more students and a pair of archiasms which we easily took care of. The pool area was empty, but we were nearly caughtb y a surprise attack from behind. The clubhouse floor was empty at first until we were ambushed more of the same, which we defeated quickly.

We reached the roofop, but it was clear and we passed through the cafeteria, which was also empty, we then went down to the ground floor and into the conference room, three students and an archaism was there. We handled them without going too far and then we dealt with two more in the music and art room.

That was when Rean noticed a keycard that was dropped.

"That must be the keycard we need, let's check out the platform." I suggested.

We left the campus building and rushed over to the platform next to the hanger and we used the keycard to unlock the door and went inside. The Defflinger was present in the station, which was odd since we thought the Arc Roayle was here, but maybe it was moved to somewhere else. We went though the bayload dock to enter the hanger.

"So...you've arrived." A voice spoke.

Rean and I gasped as standing on top of a soldat, was the one instructor I didn't think I would see again.

"No...Instructor Mary?!" I exclaimed.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Rean and you as well, Alex." She replied. "Though perhaps a little less so, considering the circumstances."

"Yeah, no kidding." Rean said.

"Wait, you know her?" Juna asked.

"She was the Instructor for the Music Club." I replied. "The club that me and Elliot attended at the Main Campus."

"So you were transferred here all the way from Trista?" Rean asked.

"Yes. There were a few new additions to the curriculum I couldn't bear to overlook." Mary replied. "Even so, I couldn't be happier seeing the fine, young men you've both become."

"Thanks, Mary...but even so, if you're going to be in our way, we'll just push you aside." I responded. "No hard feelings, all right?"

She nodded before going inside the soldat and it came online, along with the other one that suddenly moved.

"Wait, is that an automated Soldat?" I asked.

"There's no getting around it." Rean said. "We'll take her on with all we've got!"

"Right, it's time for us go big or go home!"

Valimar and my soldat were brought in and the battle began.

*Battle Skip*

Rean and I were able to neutralize Mary's soldat and the automated one was down. Giving me a chance to finish it off completely.

"They did it!" Randolph said.

Mary then came on out and she looked hurt. "Ngh..."

I rushed over to check on her. "You okay, Mary?"

"I'm fine...I managed to withstand its effects, somehow." She replied. "But Alex, why did you hold back when you said you were going all out?"

"So you noticed it, huh? That's because I'm saving most of it, I have a showdown that I need to stay intact for, I can't waste it all before then. Besides, I don't wanna seriously wound someone who helped me grow to become a good singer. Elliot wouldn't approve of me doing that, neither would Mint or Bridget."

She looked at me and laughed weakily. "Oh Alex, you really have grown into a strong, young man."

I helped her up and she gave me a keycard. "Is this for the Keep?"

"No. It's for the training hall. Please hurry, everyone."

"Will do, Instructor Mary." Rean replied.

Mary took a seat by one of the nearby benches to recover whilst we left the platform area and dashed over to the training hall. We used the keycard and inside were a pair of archaisms, and a very big one which gave us a challenge, but we still won. Rean then noticed a keycard, and it was the one that would get us into the hanger, we rushed over there and used the keycard.

But we then heard a voice and we had to get well back as the hanger doors opened, and out came a different looking soldat, along with an automated one behind it.

"Damn. Now we gotta deal with a souped up Hector, too!" Ash exclaimed.

"Who is it this time?" I asked.

"Instructor Makarov." Rean answered.

I blinked. "What?!"

"Heh..bingo." Marakov replied from inside. "Haven't seen you two since...graduation, I guess? Huh. Seems you've been doing pretty well for yourselves. As for the rest of you, I don't believe I've had the pleasure. I'm the go-to instructor for military orbal engineering over at the main campus. You can call me Makarov."

"Yeah, I've heard about you." Randolph said.

"You're the professor's second disciple! Mint's uncle!" Tita added.

"I'm just a regular old man, but don't forget. Schmidt was my teacher, too." Makarov replied. "I hear you've been keeping up with his demands pretty well. Sounds like you've got promise, kid."

"So then, do you have what we need?" I asked.

"Yeah, I got the last keycard. You want it, then come and beat me."

I hummed. "You know, Rean. Since this is gonna be outside, we can finally call for it."

Rean nodded. "That's right...Altina, you ready?"

"Yes, Instructor." She replied.

Rean raised his arm. "Heed my call, Valimar, The Ashen Knight!"

Valimar appeared.

"To me...Goliath Noa!" Altina called.

Suddenly, appearing from behind her, was the goliath soldat they mentioned.

"Woah, you weren't joking." I said. "In that case, I'll sit this one out. Give that automated soldat the what for, Altina!"

And the battle was underway.

*Battle Skip*

It was the first real soldat battle Altina had, but she was able to keep up and they won.

"Are you okay?" Rean asked as Makarov came out of the soldat, looking tired.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." He replied. "After seeing you and Alex graduate, it pleases me to see how far you've both come."

"Thanks." I said.

"The keycard is this way, follow me."

We went inside the hanger and there were rows of Zauber Soldats, Makarov handed the keycard to us, and he and Mary wished us well for the battles we had ahead. We left the hanger and made our way over to Einhel Keep. Once we arrived and unlocked the door, we had another call on the arcus.

"Rean, are you guys okay?!" It was Towa calling us.

"We're all right, how are things on your end?" Rean responded.

"We managed to make it to Leeves! Some of the branch campus students just met up with us! We can handle the main campus students and their achaisms. You guys focus on taking back the Keep!"

"That's the idea." I replied before the call ended. "Looks like it's all coming together, just like how it was when we liberated Trista."

"Let's go in!" Rean said.

We rushed inside the main enterance hall.

"Oh. So you made it after all. I suppose they've done a halfway decent job of holding you back." Schmidt spoke over the speakers.

"If you're calling us now, you must be in the small control room on the right, yeah?" I responded.

"Wrong. We have a second control room now. It was installed just the other day."

I rolled my eyes. "Oooh, listen to the big brain from Schmitty!"

Ash chuckled.

"Now that our preperations are complete, it is time we begin the final Keep trial."

"So, are we beginnng from level 5?" Tita asked.

"Wrong again. The Main Campus students completed that level long ago. Your final trial will take place...on Level X."

'So in other words, level ten.' I thought to myself.

"Using the entirety of the data collected thus far, I have succeeded in maximising both the Keep's performance and efficacy. I make no small exaggeration when I call this the very apex of difficulty."

"Wow, talk about dramatic..." I muttered. "...if you're expecting me to show what Alberich told you, you can dream on!"

"Hmph! As if I would expect you to go overboard. Nonetheless, I will allow you all to have a lifeline...here."

"Rean!"

"Randy! Juna! Alex!"

"Huh? Was that you, Tio?!" I asked.

"Elise!" Rean said.

"Been a while, Randy. Good to see the rest of you, too." Tio said. "And I'm glad you survived, Alex. I've heard so much about you meeting the SSS."

"Oh, Rean...I thought I might never see you again!" Elise added.

"Tio Tot, so you're okay?" Randolph asked.

"Sure am. Though it seems things have gotten a bit strange." Tio replied. "Regardless, Elise and I will be backing you up from our end."

"Right! We'll do whatever we can to provide you with support!" Elise said.

"Then bring it on! We'll show you how far we've come since the fourth trial!" I exclaimed.

We then made our way to the elevator and stepping inside, it took us to the tenth floor.

"It's been pretty annoying getting here, but this should be the last hurdle." Juna said.

"Yeah, but we're on the home stretch now." I added. "Michael, Ada and Fritz are waiting for us."

"Listen up, team. Before us lies the final trial of Einhel Keep: Level X." Rean said. "Let's show them we're ready for anything! Here, we put our perseverance to the ultimate test!"

We made our way across the floor of the Keep, and the mosnters we had to face were not fooling around. I was very close to considering using my Divine Aramament spell, but I held it off, because I didn't wanna burn myself out before we made it to the end. After fighting our way through the depths part of the floor, we reached the end where we had company.

"We finally reached you." I said. "You put a lot in our way, but we still came out on top."

Michael sighed. "To be honest, I'm surprised you managed to make it this far. Given how mercilessly the professor constructed this challenge, I hardly even expected you to survive."

"Heh. That crazy old coot almost tore us all a new one in there." Ash said.

"No challenge is impossible for us, no matter the difficulty." Rean added. "This was nothing compared to what each and every one of us has been through. Tita and Randy included."

"Though we do have our operators to thank for their assistance." Altina said.

"Hmph...perhaps no handicap was needed after all." Schmidt muttered.

"But if you think the trial ends here, you are sorely mistaken." Ada said.

"That's right, you still have one last challenge before you." Fritz added. "Us! The chosen members of Class I, courtesy of Prince Cedric himself!"

"Ada...Fritz." Kurt said quietly.

I had a different reaction, I suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahahahaha...you serious?"

"Umm, Alex? What's gotten you laughing all of a sudden?" Randolph asked.

"Pfft, sorry, sorry...when they said they were chosen by Cedric, I just had to laugh. That almost-murderer wouldn't know deploying the right people to stop us, even if a bunny came along and bit him on the ass."

"How dare you belittle our Prince!" Ada responded.

"We've grown stronger since then, we're not going to be pushed aside this time!" Fritz added.

"And this time, I'll be joining the battle." Michael said. "You like to run your mouth to those you despise, but you must understand that not everything is as simple as you claim it to be. So if I may ask, why do you act like you know everything about me?"

"It's not that I know everything about you, I don't. But what I do know is the look that you're showing. It reminds me of how Claire looked. The difference however, is that whilst her path of indecisiveness is making her life go in a downward spiral, your path is at a fork on the road. You wanna take that next turn, but you can't. Because your position and the obligations that go with it, they're stopping you from choosing which path to take next."

He looked away, as if he was unable to respond to that.

"I guess you take trust very seriously, huh?" Randolph asked.

"Yeah, he really does." Juna added. "It also leaves me with a question. Why are you doing this, Class I? Do you even understand what you are doing, even now?"

"Of course we do!" Ada reponded. "We realized since then that we've lost sight of what we were fighting for. Our rationale has begun to slip away from us, more and more with each passing day."

"At first, we were content simply serving as the prince's knights." Fritz said. "But before we knew it, the main campus...the prince had changed. Order had devolved into chaos, and we realized we needed to rethink our purpose. 'Become the foundation of the world'...So said the Lionheart Emperor himself long ago."

"I see...so main and branch campus alike, we're all students of Thors." Kurt said.

"Then it sounds like you need a chance to test that new resolve." Juna added.

"That's right. We've faced off on countless occasions, growing more each time than we ever could alone." Ada replied.

"I can think of no better opponents." Fritz added. "Fighting you is the only way for us to find ourselves. So, Vander...will you accept my challenge?"

"You already know my answer." Kurt answered.

"Hah. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get." Ash said. "Just remember, you asked for it!"

"We will answer in full force. From one Thors campus to another." Altina added.

I got ready to battle. "If you wanna prove I'm wrong, then come at me with full force, Michael!"

"Very well. I will do exactly that!" He replied. "Class I! Prepare to engage! Whatever you do, do not underestimate Schwarzer, Orlando or Lionheart!"

*Battle Skip*

Wow...I had to give Michael credit. He and Class I pushed us very hard, but we managed to pull out a victory when it counted.

"That...should just about...settle it." Musse said.

"Yeah...they really pushed us this time." I added.

"We gave it our all...and yet..." Fritz paused.

Ada nodded. "Yes. We've been...soundly defeated."

"Hey, don't sell yourselves short." Ash said.

"You put up a good fight. We struggled despite our numerical advantage." Altina added.

Juna nodded. "For real. You guys had us on the ropes a few times there."

Kurt and Juna walked up to Fritz and Ada and offered their hands out.

"This isn't about who won or lost, or who was right or wrong." Kurt said.

"Yeah." Juna added. "What's important is that we were able to give each other our all."

"Juna..." Ada responded. "...it has. That resolve of yours really is something to behold."

The two students accepted the gesture and they stood up.

"I can see now that our path is clear." Fritz said. "Now we can face the future, without anything holding us back. We owe it all to you, Class VII."

"Of course. The pleasure is ours." Kurt replied.

And shortly, both campus students started having little talks with each other.

"Well, would you look at that?" Randolph commented. "Our little fleglings are growing up before our own eyes."

"Yes. Even faster than I expected." Michael said.

"Rean!" Elise ran up to him and hugged him tight. "You're okay! I'm so relieved!"

"Elise...it's all right, I'm right here." Rean hugged her back. "You've gotten so thin. Have you been so worried about me, you haven't been eating? Though, I guess I'm in no position to say you look any different, given the way I look."

"I couldn't care less about that...you're still the same brother I've always known."

'Adoptive brother, let's not forget that.'

"Randy, Alex." Tio said as she came up to us. "You two deserve thanks of your own, Well done."

"You weren't too shabby yourself, Tio Tot." Randolph replied. "Couldn't have done it without our little eye in the sky."

They then did a high five.

"And Alex, thanks for saving us. It seems you've gotten stronger too." She said.

"Yeah, I've come a long way. And while I've changed a little on the outside, I'm still the same." I replied. "I hope I did well enough to impress the SSS again."

"Yup. You sure did."

We then did a high five, and she gave me a hug too. I guess I was becoming a good friend to her.

"This concludes the final trial. I don't care one whit for your reunions, but the data looks promising, at least." Schmidt said. "As for you, Fourth Disciple. Your Orbal Gear has met the bulk of its required qualifications. In other words...you pass. You are now one step to Albert's caliber, if only just."

"R-really?!" Tita gasped. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much, Professor!"

The mission was then declared a huge success. When we all left the Keep, Towa and all of the branch campus students met up with us and soon began a greeting dicussion between both of the campus students. The rest of the town was restored as well whilst the Zauber Soldats were put away in storage under Michael's orders. Me, Rean and the rest of us were in the tactical conference room, seeing Elise and Alfin looking happy, reuniting their friendship with each other.

"So then, what will you do now, Michael?" I asked.

"It won't take long for the Imperial Defense Force to notice, even in their current state." He replied. "Branch campus students and main campus students who wish to join them should report to the Derfflinger."

"Major Irving..." Towa said.

"I see, so you left the RMP, huh?" Randolph asked.

"Yes. It's only temporary, but I'm a part of Thors for now." Michael answered. "The students are ready to lay down their lives. As Chief Instructor, I can't help but respect their resolve."

"Thank you, Major." Ada said.

"I apologize, but we're going to have to rely on your kindness for now." Fritz added.

"Well, Michael, I hope you learned that I don't take kindly to traitors." I said. "But I am willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself, in your own way."

"Yes. You've shown me that you respect many kinds of friendship above all else, even in the line of duty." He replied. "That is why I believe it'll be more effective, if you all had someone who can keep command in non-military situations. For Rievaldt and the others."

"Okay, now that's what making a clear choice is about. In that case, I'm sorry I went too far."

He shook his head. "Don't apologize, I needed to hear all of what you said to refocus. I will not lose my way of command again."

"Thank you for looking after the branch campus students." Rean said.

"Are you going on the Derffligner, Professor?" Tita asked.

"Yes, I've finished my business here, and we're heading in the same direction anyway." Smchidt replied. "I have quite a lot to take care of, so I'll leave the...issue we discussed to you for now, Major Irving."

"Yes. I'm sure the branch campus students will be a great help." Michael responded.

"As for the rest of you. You have proven to me that you are ready to move ahead. That should make it clear to those foolish disciples of mine that you're serious."

'Foolish disciples...hmm, could he be talking about Alberich and George?'

Well, for now, we were content with calling it a day and that Leeves, the place where we called home, was back in our control.

Next time! The most important VIP meeting in history takes place on the Pantagruel.