tackler5rb: Well done! I see the younger sister relationship with Fie taking form with Relon, I imagine it will cause Rean serious trouble later in the series.
Oh boy, it's definitely gonna be interesting! Thanks for the review!
A/N: THE ONLY REASON THIS IS GOING OUT IS BECAUSE ANDREW SAID I WOULDN'T UPLOAD SO I HAD TO PROVE HIM WRONG. CHEW ON IT, ANDREW!
Giving a battle cry, the creature charges for the group to disperse, Relon and Laura to one side with Rean and Fie to the other.
"If it wants to get close then we'll just slow it down!" Relon exclaims unleashing a stream of fire.
Turning in his direction, the fiend opens its jaw unleashing a purple smog. Upon contact, an explosion erupts forcing Relon to get in front of Laura absorbing the blast.
Taking the initiative, Rean rushes forward attempting to slice the monster only for it to turn blocking his attack with its hand. Before it can counter, Fie unloads into the now open monster forcing it to let go as it goes on the defensive.
"Thanks, Fie!" Rean says, the girl only nodding.
"Hey!" A shout is heard gaining all's attention.
Turning back to the first group, the monster is his with a solid punch at its abdomen before it is shot with a stream of fire past the second group crashing through a pillar.
Giving a growl as it recovers, it senses two presences to look up seeing Laura and Rean. Opening its jaw, it unleashes more smog.
"Don't breathe it in, it's just poison smoke!" Relon warns.
Acknowledging, they hold their breaths coming though and slashing the fiend's chest. Screeching in pain, it sends them off their feet for Relon to jump catching them both.
"It certainly does not want to go down." Laura notes.
"Yeah, but from the looks of things, it's on its last legs." Relon notes.
"Let's finish this, guys!"
"Roger."
Giving a screech once more, the creature arises to its feet before charging. Rushing forth, the creature unleashes another smog for Relon to meet it with fire resulting in another explosion.
"Go!" He exclaims absorbing the residue while the three take off side-by-side through the smoke.
Firing through the smoke, the creature is all but blind and helpless to the barrage of bullets before it guards itself. Rushing faster, Rean and Laura appear out of the smoke drawing their weapons. Growling, the creature drops its guard about to counter for Fie to reveal herself having jumped above the smoke.
"Gotcha." She mutters firing more into the monster crying out in pain forcing it back on the defensive.
"Switch links!" Relon shouts as he throws Pippin, the others nodding for their ARCUS units to glow showing a link now between Rean and Laura.
Seeing what Relon is about to do, Laura warns her new link partner.
"Rean, back away!" Laura shouts which both do.
Falling back to the ground, Fie puts away one of her gun swords as she lands on Pippin holding on the cloth as they sail forward. Coming out of the smoke, she fires before jumping up and over the monster while Pippin sails forward stabbing though both the monster's hands and into its chest.
"Ablaze!" Obeying, Pippin and the creature become alit in flames.
Landing on a pillar, Fie withdraws her other gunsword bouncing off towards the creatures blind spot.
"Now!" Rean exclaims, the trio in unison sliding to a halt past it while Pippin pierces through.
As the smoke settles, Relon catches up just as Fie lands, all watching as the monster falls to its knees before exploding in a dust of particles.
"Well that was easy." Relon comments walking to the group, Pippin returning to his side.
"Yeah, good work you guys." Rean compliments.
"Meh, it was pretty easy."
"With the five of us, that is only reasonable."
"It feels like the ARCUS unit has practically synchronized with our breathing. It's still amazing that we just have to think of who we want to link with in the heat of things."
"One of the few things I'm grateful for Instructor Sara teaching us." Relon jokes.
"Yeah, when she said we just had to think it after fixing our settings, I thought she was joking." Rean laughs.
"Seeming as this is the end, shall we head back?" Laura suggests to gain nods all around.
Heading out, they stop.
"Hey, that weird thing is glowing now." Relon says for the group to get closer.
Mister- I mean Dad and Aunt Cecily never mentioned the Old Schoolhouse now that I think about it. I wonder why.
The dome at the top is glowing. maybe we should touch it?" Laura inquires.
"Let's do it."
Doing so, the group is encased in a light as their vision is obstructed for a few seconds before it ceases.
"What the? Hey, we're back at the entrance!" Rean says in shock.
"Did we just teleport?!" Relon exclaims. "Hold up!" He places his hand on the top of the odd machine for a light to encompass him before he disappears to return seconds later. "Yo, we can teleport with this!" He exclaims excitedly. "I've only read in fictional novels about teleportation but this is so cool!" He grins.
"This place is weird." Fie simply states.
"You're right about that. Let's get going." Rean advises.
"Wait, can a few more times?" Relon pleads.
"Relon, I'm sure you'll have another chance to come back."
"How are you not excited by this, Rean? Aren't you, girls?"
"Meh, I've seen similar stuff." Fie shrugs.
"It is quite interesting but Father has told of similar machines having done the same thing when he was our age."
"And I honestly just want out of here. We still have to report to the principal after all."
"Really?! Pippin, you're excited about this aren't you?" The sword nods. "At least someone agrees with me." Relon sighs as they exit the building to stop gazing at the sky.
"I hadn't realized how long we were inside for." Laura says.
"The sun's already going down. Let's hurry." Nodding at Rean's advices, they make their way back on the school grounds and towards Principal Vandyck's office.
Upon entering, they're surprised to see Sara there but disregard it giving their report.
"Hm, so the layout has changed since last time, huh? I knew something was up but I didn't expect it to progress to such an extent."
"Do you know anything about the origin of the Old Schoolhouse?" Relon asks.
"I'm afraid we have no concrete knowledge of who constructed them nor how long it has been standing. Though we know it has been here for at least several hundred years before the academy was founded." Vandyck informs. "All signs point to their construction occurring during the Dark Ages.
"The chaotic period that began after the Great Collapse 1200 years ago..." Relon mutters.
"That's my intellectual student. Most of the ruins archaeologists have uncovered during that time are full of strange things. Some of which were made with technology we don't quite understand. Such as magic and alchemy. But changing an entire layout? That's new."
"Indeed. Seems we have a mystery on our hands." The principal acknowledges.
"When I get the chance, I'll have a looksee myself. I've been more than a little curious about the place since I started working here."
"Much appreciated. Lucinance. Pippin, Schwarzer, Arseid, Clausell. Thank you for all your hard work."
"Anytime, sir. Happy to be of assistance." Rean says.
"It was a fun tour. We even got to teleport."
"It helped pass the time." Fie shrugs.
"It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
"if you'll excuse then." Rean says politely, the group and Sara leaving standing outside the building.
"You four did pretty well. You too, Pippin. Seems you're getting the hang of using your ARCUS too."
"Combat links helped. Though we have your teaching to thank." Relon states matter of factly.
"Awe, does that mean you've forgiven your dear instructor~?"
"Not a chance." Both boys deadpan.
"Dang it. I'm surprised you decided to join them, Fie."
"Hm?"
"What, felt like helping out your dear friends~?"
"Yeah, so?" She responds with her stoic look.
"Oh, nothing~. Lalalalala~."
"Instructor, are you drunk again?" Relon asks.
"Not everything I do relates to being a little tipsy! Jeez, I'll see you all later! Hmpf!" The group can only watch as she heads into town.
"She's so going to the bar."
"Yup."
"Definitely."
"Indeed."
Feeling a yawn come, Relon stifles it before Fie lets out her own.
"You two seem exhausted."
"Kinda, it's getting late so I wanna get back, make some tea, and relax."
"I want more night tea." Fie voices.
"I could go for some as well." Laura adds.
"Looks like you have some orders to deliver, Chef Relon." Rean jokes.
"Yup, I must satisfy my faithful customers.." He stretches, the group heading back to enjoy their relaxation.
That Night
Sipping on the last of his tea, Relon sits at his desk. ARCUS unit to his left and schoolwork along with study notes to his right. Leaning back in his seat, he stares at the ceiling in thought.
It's still weird how Mist- I mean Dad. He sighs. That's gonna take some getting used to still. It's still weird how Dad and Aunt Cecily didn't mention the Old Schoolhouse.
Stretching, he gets up.
"I think that's enough studying for tonight. It was nice that Elliot joined us for some tea and studying. He seemed more comfortable with the material at least. I didn't think Fie would be struggling but at least Rean and I helped her out."
Glancing to the radio given by George, Relon walks to it.
Might as well listen to the radio. The last time I listened to one was back at the orphanage with Norowareta and the others. Hmm, I should see how they're doing sometime. Now which one was Radio Trista?
After some tinkering, he finds it.
"It's 9 p.m. I'm Misty and you're listening to Radio Trista." A woman's voice greets. "Welcome, welcome. Don't touch that dial, listeners; you've found the right place to be tonight! It's time for the start of a new program here at Radio Trista, coming at you every Sunday! I call it 'Abend Time,' after the word for 'evening.' A little cliché but hey, simple is best. Clichés are clichés for a reason, after all! Hopefully, I'll get to feature some famous guests at some point, so be sure to tune in every week or you might miss 'em!"
Hm, she has a nice voice.
Flashback
His mother's voice.
"Live so that one day we can be reunited as mother and son."
End Flashback
Mom... Mom's voice was lovely as well now that I think about it...
Shaking his head, he slaps his cheeks lightly.
Come on, Relon. No getting bummed out. Time for some R and R.
Turning off the lights and opening his blinds to allow the moonlight inside, he falls onto his bed as he listens to Misty's voice. Before long, he is fast asleep.
April 21st - Practical Exam
"Okay! Who's ready for their practical exam? To be completely clear, this is more than just testing your strength and stamina. It's designed to hone in on how capable you are at making strategic combat decisions on the fly. Defeating your opponent quickly is good but... it won't be enough to score high marks here~."
So much for Plan A. Relon thinks, Pippin floating next to him.
"Anyway, let's get this month's exam started, shall we? Rean. Fie. You two are up first. Please step forward." Sara asks, both seeming surprised but do as told. "Are you both ready?"
"Yes ma'am/yup."
"Alright, here we go!" She gives a snap of her fingers for an odd machine doll to appear out of thin air.
"What is that?!"
"A m-monster?!"
"No, I sense no life from it." Aurelia notes.
"That's right. Think of it like a scarecrow. Only, it's a moving scarecrow... I guess. Either way, it's not alive."
Why not just say it's simply a machine? Is she referring to it being here the whole time?
"I've set its parameters fairly high, though, so it is somewhat formidable. But if you use what you've learned and the power of teamwork, I'm confident you two will be fine. Probably."
"Wait, did she just say 'probably?!'" Machias says baffled.
"Indeed she did." Laura sighs.
"Make good use of your ARCUS' combat links and it'll be a piece of cake. Hint, hint."
"I get it."
"Same." Fie agrees, both heading to the middle of the field readying themselves.
"Begin!" Sara announces, the two about to take off for the combat shell to zoom towards them.
Using its body, it reels back slamming at their position for the two to jump away.
BAM!
Everyone covers their faces from the impact to look in awe at a small crater with the combat shell rising once more.
"Oh no... you have got to be kidding!" Machias exclaims.
"Instructor, don't you think that is a bit much?!" Alisa questions with clear worry.
"You think? I only set it to level three." Sara shrugs.
"Um, how many levels does it have?" Emma asks.
"10~. I so wanted to put it at five but I think that's too much for now~."
Aways from the spectators, Rean finally dismisses his look of awe and horror regrouping with Fie.
"She's a masochist." He breathes twitching an eye.
"Yup. You're just figuring that out?"
Sighing, he readies himself.
"Sadly, no. Ready?" She nods, the combat shell zooming forth.
Dispersing, Fie begins firing slowly pushing back its approach to shift out of the way zooming directly towards the girl.
"I won't let you!" Rean exclaims getting in front and blocking the shell as it swings its body like a baseball bat knocking the boy off his feet and far away.
With the boy out of the way, the shell's vision reveals Fie dashing forth slashing at it passing by before firing another load of bullets. The combat shell flying high into the sky directly in front of the sun to Fie's annoyance.
Recovering, Rean gets back shaking away the last of his daze getting to his feet to see the girl as well as their target descending.
"Fie!" He shouts, their ARCUS units glowing as her eyes widen.
Understanding, she immediately turns on her heels and dashes towards Rean, the boy rushing towards her. Hunching his body as he runs, the two meet for Fie to jump onto his back and into the air turning around taking aim at the shell. Looking up to the machine, he sheathes his tachi.
"Fourth Form: Autumn Leaf Cutter!" He exclaims jumping up to meet the shell withdrawing his blade.
Passing by, several cuts hit the shell knocking it off balance and to the ground though Rean doesn't bother looking as the still airborne Fie unloads her clips into the shell as it crashes into the ground. After a moment, it hovers projecting a check mark.
"Huh? What's that?" Rean wonders turning around with his blade at the ready and Fie her gunswords.
"It means you two passed." Sara voices gaining all's attention.
"But I thought we were being graded on more than just winning?" Emma wonders.
"You are, but from the combat shell's point of view, it determined that these two have satisfied the allotted requirements. Though I'm still the one that gives you the specified grade." She winks. "Nice job, you two."
Walking over as Rean sheathes his tachi, Fie gives the boy a slightly worried look.
"You okay?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm not the one who got whacked to the edge of the treeline." She deadpans.
"You got me there. But seriously, I'm fine. It only makes sense that I be the on to protect you." His words causes the girl to widen everso slightly.
"Huh?" A tint of pink appearing on her cheeks.
"I mean I'm the offense and you're my cover after all." He chuckles rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh..." Her eyes drop back to her bored expression as she and her partner walk back.
(Wow.) Relon breathes as they all watch the two approach.
(What is it?) Laura asks, the rest of the class looking to Relon.
(He is so damn dense it physically hurts to see.) Relon facepalms.
(You and me both.) Sara chimes in shaking her head.
"What are you guys talking about?" Rean asks rejoining the group.
"Nothing." Both Relon and Sara say in unison looking away with bored expressions of their own.
"Huh?"
"Anyway!" Sara disregards. "Next team! Alisa and Elliot! Let's get this show on the road!" Sara claps.
"O-Okay!"
"Roger." Both walk over to the combat shell for it to cast an art seeming to cleanse itself of its prior damage.
"Alright, you two ready?"
"Yes ma'am!" Both withdrawing their weapons.
"Go!"
Immediately, both back away, the shell remaining still.
"Elliot, you focus on casting! I'll keep it at bay!" Alisa says circling to the shell's right side, Elliot already at work on casting.
"Right!"
Winding back an arrow, she releases it for the shell to effortlessly move forward it. Furrowing her brows, Alisa fires one after another for the machine to dodge each with ease.
"I'm ready! Aqua Bleed!" Elliot announces for a blob of water to shoot at the machine.
Sensing the imminent threat, it shoots up like a bullet into the sky avoiding the attack. Stopping just in front of the sun once more, both shield their eyes as they try to remain locked on the scarecrow.
"Is it going to crash towards them like before?" Gaius wonders.
Squinting his eyes, Relon makes out symbols around the machine to widen glancing back at a winking Sara.
This woman...!
The shell's eyes glowing as it finishes its casting.
"What is it doing?" Alisa questions. "It's too high for me to fire at."
"I can't tell either but I don't like it." Elliot says as he channels his focus on his orbal staff, music sounding off to both Alisa's and the rest's surprise. "Resounding Beat!" He exclaims slamming the bottom of the staff against the ground, an odd energy overflowing both he and Alisa.
Hearing a sound, both look to see a ginormous boulder dropping on them.
"Run!" Alisa exclaims, both taking off to turn bracing themselves at the meteor-like boulder crashes, bits of rocks going in all directions pelting the duo as a large dust cloud covers most of the field.
Coughing, Alisa winces swatting away the dust as she gets to her feet. "Elliot, are you okay?" She asks looking around.
"Y-Yeah." He answers coming from her side patting himself. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm surprised I'm not that hurt. Huh?" She watches as the few scratches she has begin to fade away as does Elliot's.
"Well I'm glad I used that move when I did." He smiles in relief, both looking up as the dust settles to see the silhouette of the combat shell descending down scanning the area.
"I owe you one." She smiles. "But first..." She winds back an arrow as Elliot begins to cast once more.
In a moment, her arrow comes ablaze as the symbols around Elliot ceases.
"Ready?"
"Yeah!" He nods, both looking to the machine.
"Flamberge/Needle Shoot!" The flame arrow releases along with a small boulder as both crash resulting in a cloud of flames and dust, the machine falling from sky to the ground.
As the dust clears, it slowly rises projecting a check mark.
"W-we did it?"
"Awesome work, Elliot!" Alisa cheers raising her hand which the boy hi-fives bewildered.
"Good work you two. Rough start but clean finish." Sara says as they walk back.
"Hey Elliot, where did you get that move from?" Rean asks.
"Believe it or not, I kinda made it while tinkering with my orbal staff. I got the idea from my club and I looked up what I could do with the manual." He reveals.
"Whoa. Nice one, man." Relon grins.
"Okay, four down, seven to go. Gaius, Emma. You two are next."
"Got it."
"Yes, ma'am."
Walking to the center of the field. both watch as the machine one again repairs itself.
"I shall focus on keeping its attention while you provide support. Is that fine with you, Emma?"
"Yes, I shall do everything I can to help." She readies her orbal staff as Gaius withdraws his spear.
"On the count of three, we'll start. Three!" Sara shouts, the shell zooming forward rearing back its body.
Intercepting, Gaius pierces forward colliding with the metal, both battling for dominance.
Pushing off, the shell attempts to make a beeline for Emma already at work casting but Gaius moves in front colliding once more.
"It's finished! Go, Detector!" Emma announces raises her rod up for the 'arms' to become highlighted before ceasing.
"Alright! He pushes off, Emma running to the side behind him to unleash small purple fireballs at the shell which knocks through each charging.
"I'll block and you counter!" Gaius advises already dueling with the machine.
Using great footwork, he pivots twirling his spear to jump slamming the side down on the shell's rising body.
"Now!" He shouts, Emma nodding having gotten into position to unleash more fireballs. This time, they hit their mark colliding with the 'arms' as the machine pushes away isolating itself away from the duo. After a moment, it falls to the ground to rise back up revealing a check mark.
"Wonderful, we did it." Emma cheers clasping her hands together.
"Indeed. Thank you for the help as well."
"So far so good." Rean says as they rejoin the group.
"The only ones who haven't gone are Relon, Laura, Aurelia, Machias, and Jusis." Elliot notes.
"So the question is who's next?"
"You're about to find out~. Machias, Jusis, get in there!" Sara roots for dead silence to follow.
"Oh Instructor, you were going good until then." Relon sighs.
"You must be kidding." Machias states.
"Obviously, she is. Why else would she put me with the like of you?"
"What are you implying, Albarea?"
"Relon." Fie simply calls, both boys shutting up immediately though they continue to glare at one another.
"You heard me, boys. Both of you are up. Chop, chop!" Sara claps.
"Oh my Aidios, she's serious." Aurelia widens.
Unresponsive, both point to themselves and then each other, Sara happily nodding giving them a shooing gesture.
"This is... I don't even know what this is?" Relon mutters as the two begrudgingly walk to the center of the field.
"Insane?" Rean inquires.
"Dumb?" Fie wonders.
"An bomb waiting to go off?" Elliot surmises.
"Interesting on a slightly bad degree?" Gaius thinks aloud.
"Simply a terrible idea?" Alisa voices.
"Not the best of choices?" Laura questions.
"Foolish?" Aurelia notes with an eyebrow raised.
"Kind of... unwise?" Emma guesses.
"I was thinking more so along the side of something a dunk person would do but all of those work too. Instructor, you didn't by chance drink anything when you woke up, did you?" Relon asks.
"Three cups of beer, why?"
"Oh, okay. See? There's our cause."
"But don't worry, I'm completely sober."
"You hear that guys? She's sober- wait a sec. You're actually thinking right?!" He widens at the smiling woman.
"Of course! What kind of instructor would I be if I was drunk during your exam~?"
"... I'm actually scared." He steps back as does everyone.
"No need considering they're done." She smiles for everyone to snap their heads to see both be sent to the ground, the combat shell projecting an 'X.'
"Damn it, Albarea! What the hell was that?!"
"If you plan to pass your poor performance off on me, then you're sadly mistaken! You couldn't hit the broadside of a barn if you were in the barn! What were with those poor accuracy?!"
"What was that?! At least I'm not some hubristic high-born that passes all of their mistakes onto the less fortunate!"
Everyone can only look in dismay before turning back to Sara.
"You're trying to have them to get along but do you know exactly how do that?"
"Yup. I'm just choosing the more difficult way. Machias, Jusis, get on back here you two." She waves over, the two trudging back to separate.
"Instructor-
"Machias, Jusis, don't bother. She won't say squat." Relon dismissed for both to glare at the other and then to Sara before sighing giving up.
"Okidoki, Laura and Aurelia, you two are up."
"Wait, what me?!"
"What do you mean?" Sara tilts her head.
"Uh, it's just Laura, Aurelia, and I left. Shouldn't we be a group of three?"
"Nope, because we have one more group of two left once they're done."
"One..." He mutters to look to Pippin. "Really?" All he gets in response is a smile to sigh. "I should have known you'd do something like this." Both Arseid students already walking onto the field.
Stepping before the doll, both ready their blades.
"Instructor." Aurelia calls over.
"Yes? What's up?"
"Is it possible for you to raise the difficulty by a stage or so?" Laura asks, neither students' eyes leaving the machine.
"Seriously?"
"Yes, if we wish to better ourselves, then we must participate in what we believe to be a challenge for ourselves." Laura explains.
"And placing Laura and I on the same team will no doubt lead to a quick victory otherwise."
"Hmm, okay! Initiate stage four!" She announces snapping her fingers, the machines shacking for a second before it ceases.
"Uh... should we back up?" Elliot asks to look around seeing everyone already at the edge of the field as he quickly rejoins them.
"How long do you think they'll take?" Sara asks Relon.
"If stage four is a big jump from three then, a few minutes or so."
"Hm, interesting. Alright, go!"
At her words, the machine blitzes forth slamming into Aurelia and Laura sending them into into the forest.
"Is that a big enough jump?" She smirks.
"If only." Relon shakes his head for the teacher to quirk an eyebrow.
With a loud boom, all eyes go to see the two girls zooming forth engaging the machine. Parrying attack after attack, both deliver horizontal strikes sending the machine off crashing into the cliff on the other side of the field.
"Told you." Relon says, the group watching as it slowly hovers to project a check mark. "I'll give it to you instructor, it only took two minutes, he grins walking over to the field hi-fiving both girls as they pass one another.
Stopping before the machine, he watches as it restores its body.
"Ready Relon, Pippin?"
"No. Instructor, raise the stage to five." He grins.
"Leave it to the Arseid trio to one-up the rest of us." Machias grumbles.
"Alright. Initiate stage five!" She commands, the machine shaking before halting.
"Ready, Pippin?" He voices putting on his gloves, the sword nodding.
"Begin!"
Bursting forth towards the shell, both Relon and Pippin halt as a light surrounds the shell before it fades revealing to shells.
"Oh... so this is what we're doing." He simple states to block as one shell slams into him.
Sliding to a halt, he takes note of Pippin and another shell fighting it out in the sky.
Returning back to his own shell, He cartwheels out of the way before rolling again.
It's faster. Backflipping, he reers his fist back.
"That's it!" He shouts with clear annoyance slamming his fist into the zooming shell sending it away. "Pippin!" Relon calls jumping for Pippin to swat the other shell away zooming to Relon.
Landing on him, both shells come zooming at the pair.
"They want speed? Let's show them!" Gripping the cloth, Pippin takes off towards the sky with the two trailing close behind. "A little more..." He says, the combat shells flying closer.
"I can barely see a thing!" Alisa exclaims as all look to the seemingly dots in the sky.
"Now!" He exclaims, Pippin flipping over as Relon jumps towards the shells grabbing both. "Next stop, the ground!" He shouts plummeting.
"He's insane!" Machias exclaims.
Nearing the ground, Relon throws both shells at the other to grip Pippin.
"Crescent... Strike!" Crashing to the ground, neither shell is able to respond in time before the attack hits its mark resulting in a small explosion.
Gripping Pippin by its handle, Relon gently descends to the ground. Out of the smoke reveals the singular combat shell hovering in the air. Wobbling, it reveals a check mark before collapsing to the ground.
"Alright, we did it!" He cheers fist bumping Pippin's handle.
"How do we react to that?" Machias breathes.
"Quite simple. He passed." Sara states.
"Thanks to Pippin." Relon notes rejoining the fray.
"Anyway, that brings this month's practical exam to an end. But as you might recall, I told you all I had a big announcement for you today, too! Ready to hear it? Here's a hint; it's about a special part of Class VII's curriculum." Everyone remains silent. "Give up? Alright, it's a... field study!" More silence.
"A field study?" Emma voices.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Machias groans.
"Nothing to be worried about, I assure you. You'll be split ino two groups, A and B, each sent to a different location. And while you're there, you'll be given a number of tasks to complete. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
Fun? Seems like I'll be doing some more wandering. Hm... I wonder how Mi- He sighs. How dad is doing without me?
"Will you not be coming with us, Instructor?" Rean asks.
"Heck no! It'd be too easy if I were to bail you out every time the waters of life came seeping in. You've got to be cruel to be kind, and all that!"
"Well, I am not opposed to the idea of advancing my training through such a thing." Laura voices thinking aloud.
"Nor I." Aurelia agrees.
"So the questions become where will we be going? And when?" Jusis comments.
"Teehee, come up and take these papers to find out wo's with who, when you're leaving and where to." She says pulling out papers for each to take.
Grabbing his, Relon begins reading to widen to snap up to Sara winking at him.
No way...
He looks back rereading the paper.
[Field Study: April]
Group A: Relon, Rean, Alisa, Laura, Elliot, Aurelia
(Study Location: Celdic, the Market Town)
Group B: Emma, Machias, Jusis, Fie, Gaius
(Study Location: Parm: the Spinning Town)
Both Laura and Rean glance to Relon.
I'm going home...