Few days after the Fall of Beacon... In the Land of Darkness
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness of Ignorance)
In the Evermore Castle of the Conference Hall. Salem, Cinder, Emerald, Mercury, and Tyrian were all gather there. The door to the Conference Room was opened and arrive is Watts and Hazel.
"We have return Your Grace." Watts greeted Salem as he bow first and then begin to sit down on his chair as well as Hazel.
"Now, your report?" Salem said.
"Yes. Although there isn't much to tell. We learn a few things about Ouroboros. We learn that Ouroboros, also known as the "Society" is a mysterious organization that works in the shadows of that continent Zumeria. But now that crime syndicate decided to operate Remnant and other nations that appeared as well."
"An organization that operate from the shadows hmmm? Sounds like they're just like us." Tyrian smirked before he chuckled.
"Yes. It's reported they are a very powerful group. But they also possess a large amount of cutting edge technology that surpasses the current technology of Zumeria."
"A very powerful organization with highly advance technology?" Salem asked in amusement
"There's more. Apparently this organization is being lead by a mysterious individual who is called the Grandmaster." Hazel replied. "No one knows who they are."
"And whoever this Grandmaster is had big plans too. And that also remains a mystery. The Grandmaster plan is supported by their echelons called an Anguis. An Anguis is the Grandmaster's strategist. They are responsible for strategic planning and carrying out their Grandmasters will. And the plans drafted by the Grandmaster and overseen by the Anguis are executed by the powerful agents known as Enforcers, in addition to the Anguis themselves. Ouroboros also capable of producing ancient orbal machines called Archaisms." Watts added.
Salem hummed as she hears Watts reports. "What a interesting organization indeed. Is that all you can find?"
Watts nodded "Yes. There are no records about this Enforcer name Noel either. Even with the description Cinder has told us. He's untraceable. This society truly lives up to it's reputation when it comes to mystery. I couldn't find even a hint of the locations of their base. And they already accomplish their goal from that nation in Zemeria called Liberl."
"I see. Then it seems we are also dealing with a mysterious yet powerful organization."
"Indeed. I'm quite curious about their technology as well. If they are able to produce the device that took away the maiden's power from Cinder, just like the beetle that transfer the Fall Maiden's power to Cinder, then it's possible they might go after the next maiden of their choosing."
"And if the child who is an Enforcer who bested Cinder, it possible there are more like him among their ranks." Hazel added.
"Oooh! They sound like they'll be fun to play with!" Tyrian smirked.
Cinder reach out for Emerald who lean in her ear to speak for her. "Cinder asked what should we do?"
"We will continue with the plan as usual. But we must also be cautious of Ouroboros and any other outside organizations who are aware of the Maiden's existence." Salem answered "Dr. Watts, you are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral. "
"Very good." Watts nodded as he got up and left
"Tyrian, I want you to continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden."
Tyrian made a sinister smirked as he laugh. "Gladly."
"And Hazel, Have you located Adam Taurus yet?"
"No ma'am." Hazel shake his head. "Ever since the peace treaty Sienna Khan sign with the Mushroom Kingdom and Erebonia, the White Fang no longer answer our calls. In addiction, we need to be aware of the Bracer Guild."
"It's just one thing after another." Salem sighed in frustration. "Still, with these new lands now appearing, it would be best to take all the time we need and learn about them. Who knows. We might find the answers we seek. Even new allies."
(BGM ended)
Meanwhile in Haven Academy...
(Trails in the Sky SC ost - Conspiracy)
In the Grand Hall of the academy. No one is there. Until two figures appeared. One was Noel Ryker and Minerva.
"So this is Haven Academy?" Minerva eyebrow. "I'm not impressed."
"Considering that a lot is going on. It should be expected." Noel shrug. "Anyway, let's go find that vault. It should be somewhere around here. And if I were to guess... There's usual an elevator to take us there... but where exactly...? The Headmaster's name Leonardo Lionheart would have the answer... But we can't use him, since the assignment was to be discreetly."
"This would be Bleublanc specialty. So why am I here?" Minver cross her arm.
"Don't ask me. But also keep your voice down. It's midnight so everyone is asleep." Noel said and then he swirl his finger and form several water fishes. "Scout the area. Let me know if anyone is away. And find the Headmaster's room and the headmaster."
The Water fishes scattered.
"Any ideas where the elevator would be?" Minerva asked.
"Considering it would be different from Beacon, I could say... perhaps in the office? Or..." Noel turn to the statue. "Perhaps the statue. Statues, bookcases, and hidden hallways always have secret entrances." He said as he and Minerva approach the statue and then examine it.
"Do you think this statue may reveal the secret way to the vault?"
"Considering I read too many stories and some houses, mansions and bookshelves contain secret entrances... I would say so." Noel answered and notice the statue's chain. "Hmm... this chain here looks like a locket... I think that might be the keyhole."
"You're the Professor's prize pupil, can you thinker with it?" Minerva asked.
"I'm a swordsman, not an engineer."
"Said the swordsman that works with the Professor creating countless projects, along with possessing great intelligence." Minerva shot back.
"Tochue." Noel giggled. Then he received contact. "Hmm?" In his eyes with his water fish, he found Leonardo sleep in his room. "Found the headmaster asleep. Not surprise since it's midnight. Hmm?" Then in the eyes of the water fish, there was a locket on the table. "Minerva, can you get that locket?"
"Give me the info of his room." Minverva said as Noel use his Archive Magic and then Download Leonardo's bedroom and locket in his bedroom. Once download is complete. Minerva use her magic and then the locket appeared in her hand.
"Nice work." Noel praised and took the locket. Then place the locket in the statue's chain. They heard a click and then step back as the statue begin to sink down into a elevator position. "Looks like I was right~"
"Good for you with your intuitive." Minerva said as she and Noel enter as made their way to the vault.
Soon they arrived at a large platform resting over a deep chasm. In other words. The Vault of Haven.
"Wow... So this is the Vault of Haven." Noel amused.
"And in front of us is the safe." Minerva said as she and Noel approached the door to the Relic Chamber.
"I never expected the vault would this beautiful, especially with the circles on the ground glowing. But what's with the symbols?"
"How should I know? It's probably one of those other world symbols or something. Anyway, do your thing and see if we can get the relic. I'll return this locket to it's place so the cowardly lion doesn't know we were here." Minerva said as she use her magic and return the locket back to where it was.
Noel pulled out a probe and it begin to scan the vault and the Relic door. Noel pulled out an Orbal terminal, turn it on, and use the Astral Code, and then begin to collect the data. Few minutes later as Noel was typing.
"My... Incredible! This Vault is not created by the technology of this world. In order words... It wasn't built on Atlas technology. Perhaps it was built with ancient technology? No that doesn't seem right... According to the data and history. Atlas didn't have that kind of technology 80 years ago... Some other force must have been responsible for creating the vault." Noel exclaimed.
"Is that so? In that case, what force created the vaults before these huntsman academies were built?" Minerva asked.
Noel rub his chin as he was close in thought. "According to data from the Professor on Remnant. It's related to the topic of the Relics of Remnant. The Relic of knowledge, creation, destruction and choice. My guess someone from the pass use the Relic of Creations to create this state-of-the-art vault."
"And how exactly did that old geezer manage to get the data about Remnant?"
"I infiltrated Beacon Tower, download the Astral Code onto it, and then he begin researching on Remnant technology."
"Hmph, look at you, being his little lapdog." Minerva said with a grin on her face.
"You know I can kill you, right?" Noel shot back with a smug. "Joking aside, I'm an Enforcer. I chose to accept this assignment. Besides, I'm curious about Remnant and the other worlds that were merged since the Subspace Emissary Incident."
"And how exactly does the Anguis know about these?"
"From the Grandmaster, I think. The Grandmaster knows everything. The Grandmaster bestows them with knowledge. And if I had to guess, The Grandmaster must have investigated the events of the Subspace Emissary Incident, following the worlds that was merged with it, and the legends, fairy tales, and all that. The Grandmaster is so amazing~"
"I can't deny the Grandmaster is... something else." Minerva said. "If you're doing being the fanboy, then hurry up and get on with it."
"Sorry." Noel playful wink with his tongue stick out. "Anyway, according to the professor, the Grandmaster order Campanella to investigate while she investigate as well. Campanella returned and told them about the worlds that were merge with ours. Later on in time, the Grandmaster told Campanella and the Anguis about each world's legends, fairy tales and threats. However, there are some knowledge that the Grandmaster is still investigating and to fully understand."
"Not the Grandmaster, I mean the vault."
"Oh, right, sorry. Hey, wait of minute! You're the one who ask!" Noel pouted. "Anyway, Someone from the past use the Relic of Creation to create the vault and the Relic Chamber with a unique security system. And the Maidens are the keys to unlock the Relic Chamber, so that nobody can access them. It's a clever design."
"Can you overwrite it?" Minerva asked.
Noel shake his head. "Unfortunately no. I don't see any other way to overwrite it. And the Probe is telling me that the Relic door is designed with a special material that's indestructible to attacks. The only way to access it is the Maiden. And according to the professor, each vault is specifically designed for the chosen maiden. Haven is for the Spring Maiden."
"Wonderful. So assessing it is impossible." Minerva muttered.
"Maybe." Noel sighed. "If only Letty was here. Maybe she can rip a hole and out of the door to the relic chamber."
"So is the inside of the Relic Chamber is different, correct?"
"According to the data, it is. Inside the Relic Chamber is another dimension."
"Do you have any idea what does the relic look like?" Minerva asked.
Noel shake his head. "No. The Grandmaster might have but... Minerva, can you get in with your magic?"
"My magic can manipulate the area space. Not actually space, nor dimension. But..." Minerva turn to the Relic Chamber door. "I'll give it a shot." She approaches the door and then begin to use her magic to see if she can create a hole. Minerva concentrates her magic through the Relic door to breach in. After constration. She begin to enter the portal to see where it takes her. To her surprise, inside was vast desert and three circular stone platforms leading to a stone pedestal above which the Relic of Knowledge formerly levitated. "Oh my... It seems I can get into the vault." She smirked as she appoached the Relic of Knowledge and then she takes the relic. Then she use her magic and return to Noel with the relic.
"Oh my... you got in?!" Noel exclaimed.
"I was quite surprised as well. I suppose it makes no difference from entering the door." Minerva smirked looking at the Relic of Knowledge. "A Lamp relic, hmm? I can sense powerful magic within them."
"I can too. So this is the relic... Most interesting. Guess we can bring in the good news." Noel smirked as he got up, put away his Terminal and the Probe, and head to the exit the vault with Minerva by going back to the elevator. Then once return to Haven Grand Hall, Noel activate his teleportation as he and Minerva teleported out of Vault. Leaving as they were never involved.
(BGM ended)
In an unknown location...
Noel and Minerva arrived at a location somewhere in Zemuria. It was somewhere ancient. They approached the ruins and then headed somewhere in the hallway. Then found a door. Noel knocked.
"Come in." The voice said inside as he and Minerva entered. Inside was the Professor. "Ah, Noel, Minerva. You're back. How was your trip to the vault?" he asked Minerva show him the Relic of Knowledge as the Professor gasped. "Is that?"
"The Relic of Knowledge. Turns out Minerva here was able to access by using her magic to break through the door." Noel said as he brought out his terminal. "I have the data you want to see."
"I see..." The Professor smirked. "The Grandmaster will be most pleased! I shall take the relic and report. You both deserve a good night sleep." He said as Minerva handed over the relic to him and Both Noel and Minerva left. The Professor sit back down and activate the mechanism and gain access to the Celestial Globe.
(Trails in the Sky 3rd ost - The Way of the Heart)
"Oh Grandmaster! I have brought wonderful news!" The Professor said as the only one here is the Grandmaster. He brought out the Relic of Knowledge. "The Relic of Knowledge!"
"I see... That is indeed the Relic of Knowledge." The Grandmaster said as the Relic floated to her.
"It was all thanks to Noel and Minerva. According to Noel, Minerva was able to break in the Relic Chamber with her magic. Noel also send me some data detailing about the relic door and the vault. I have yet to see it for myself."
"I see. Noel has accomplished much for me. And Minerva is making her name well."
"If I may add Grandmaster, Noel is almost done on his project he's been working on for the society. Not even I know the details, but it will serve the society well. I believe this project of his will be one of the greatest benefit."
"I'll await to see what his project is." The Grandmaster said. "I have an idea on the fitting reward for his accomplishment."
Oh dear... the Relic of Knowledge fells into Ouroboros's hand. That reminds me. I been thinking very hard on Minerva's magic since it can manipulate space area and thought it might be possible to get in. So I thought it through and it let to this. In any event, what project if Noel working on? Guess we'll find out soon.